Patents Examined by Jeff Restifo
  • Patent number: 7017694
    Abstract: An electronically controlled compact motor and planetary transmission system including a compact control unit and wiring for an electrical vehicle or electric motorcycle. The compact motor and integrated transmission system enables the operator to enjoy a powerful, conveniently sized, lightweight vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Shirazawa
  • Patent number: 7017939
    Abstract: A multi-purpose, collapsible portable cart, for use in camping, hunting and other outdoors activities carries medical rescue carts, canoes, small boats, game, or hauled cargo by hand. The portable cart can be converted to a various uses and the portable cart can be folded down and transported within a backpack, hand carried bag, canoe or boat. It transports injured persons or cargo over long, rough terrain and it can broken down into a carrying position, by hand or by back. Its width can be varied to accommodate cargo of varying widths. Two or four wheeled versions can be assembled with axles and wheels. The cart has optional removable clamps for clamping a conventional transportable carrier, such as a stretcher or stokes-type rescue carrier bed, thereto. The objects being carried can be held by clamps, by fasteners, or through the use of insertions with longitudinally extending channels. An optional pivotable kickstand and/or tie rods can stabilize the cart in a position of rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Charles W. Darling, III
  • Patent number: 7017927
    Abstract: A running board assembly accommodates access to a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes a plurality of mounting brackets fixedly secured to the motor vehicle and extending therebelow. The running board assembly also includes a step movably secured to the plurality of brackets. The step defines a stepping surface and a peripheral edge extending around a portion of the stepping surface. The step is movable between a deployed position providing access to the stepping surface and a stowed position wherein the peripheral edge abuts the motor vehicle to cover the stepping surface during non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Jack V. Henderson, Gregory A. Brower
  • Patent number: 7011318
    Abstract: A stroller with a basket comprises a backrest, a seat, a frame assembly, a basket, and a plurality of wheels. The frame assembly includes an U-shaped handlebar, two first rods and two second rods, connected with each other. The frame assembly further includes two first blocks respectively fixed to both second rods. The basket has a basket frame, a basket body attached to the basket frame, and two second blocks respectively secured to both sides of the basket frame. The basket frame can be formed by two rod telescopically coupled with each other or alternatively by bending a flexible rod. When the second block is supported on the first block, the basket is spread out and the distance between the basket frame and the seat is smaller. When the second block is separated from the first block or located beneath the first block, the basket can be descended so that the distance between the basket frame and the seat is larger in favor of putting the articles into and taking the articles from the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 7007968
    Abstract: A casing (32) included in a baby carriage folding mechanism is mounted on a substantially middle part of the handle of a folding baby carriage. Hinged joints (33) each having a stationary member (34) and a movable member (35) are connected to the opposite ends of the casing (32), and pipes (18) forming the handle are connected to the hinged joints (33), respectively. The pipes (18) are connected to the movable members (35) of the joints (33). Actuating members (38a and 38b) capable of being operated by an operating mechanism included in the casing (32) are connected to the movable members (35) of the hinged joints (33). The actuating members (38a and 38b) turn the movable members (35) relative to the corresponding stationary members (34) for folding and developing the folding baby carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Kojiro Yamazaki, Yuichi Arai, Mikiya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7004494
    Abstract: Ski equipment that provides, preferably in combination, a toe release system for reducing the risk of knee injuries and a steering system for increasing turn performance. In the toe release system, the binding has a toe binding portion secured with a securing element at a forward position relative to a rear binding portion of the binding, and a release element that communicates with the securing element for releasing the toe binding portion in response to the application of pressure to the rear cuff of a boot secured with the binding, permitting movement of the toe binding portion away from the rear binding portion and thereby releasing a toe of the boot. In the steering system, the boot includes a tracking assembly that permits controlled flexing of the front and rear cuffs of the boot by applying forward and lateral pressure to the front cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Elmer B. Wulf, Mark E. Wulf
  • Patent number: 7004481
    Abstract: A wheeled utility bag that includes a customizable storage area for conveniently transporting a number of items and extendable axles for increased stability. The utility bag includes a rigid base incorporating an extendable handle, a fixed handle, extendable axles supporting at least one rotatable wheel and a container such as a flexible bag. A supply kit can be removably mounted to a first side of the rigid base while the flexible bag is permanently attached to a second side of the base. The flexible bag forms a main compartment area for transporting tools or implements. A customized insert can be included in the main compartment. The utility bag also including a number of secondary compartments, retainers, handles, attachments and pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Stanish
  • Patent number: 7004480
    Abstract: A metal wire rod shopping cart wherein a reinforced display frame is integrated in a wall of at least one of a front wall, opposed side walls or the backrest wall of a baby seat compartment. A metal panel sheet is secured substantially centrally in a U-shaped metal channel to divide the channel into opposed slots whereby to receive a promotional sheet having display material thereon. The reinforced display frame is welded to metal wire rods in the wall and lies in the plane of the wall to provide for non-obstruction when nesting said shopping cart with other like shopping carts and to reinforce the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cari-All Inc.
    Inventor: Antoine Trubiano
  • Patent number: 7000717
    Abstract: A power split hybrid wheel drive system of the present invention comprises a planetary gear train (16) coupled to the output shaft of a driving engine (12). A primary motor or generator (18) is coupled to an output shaft of the planetary gear train (16) for receiving power therefrom, and a secondary motor or generator (30, 32) is associated with each driven vehicle wheel (14) to provide an electrical power pathway. A mechanical differential gear train (20) is coupled between the output shaft of the planetary gear train (16) and each driven vehicle wheel; (14) to provide a mechanical power pathway, while a mechanical clutch (22) and brake system (24) is configured to regulate the mechanical power routed to the differential gear train (20). A control system (48) is included to regulate the flow of electrical power between the primary motor (18) and secondary motors or generators (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Xiaolan Ai, Terry W. Mohr
  • Patent number: 6994179
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle. The ride-on vehicle includes a frame adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on resembles a full-size motorcycle. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed travel of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a simulated shock absorber and/or a passenger sidecar. Finally, in some embodiments, the ride-on may include wheel assemblies that simulate inflatable wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, Jr., William R. Howell, Karl D. Lerch, Brian L. Bienz
  • Patent number: 6994178
    Abstract: A motor for driving an axle shaft of a vehicle, a fuel cell, and a power control unit are arranged in the same space of a vehicle body in an electric vehicle. The motor is mounted on a suspension frame. The fuel cell and power control unit are mounted on a FC frame provided on the suspension frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minobu Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6986526
    Abstract: A ski binding arrangement for cross-country or telemark binding, and a ski boot adapted thereto with a boot sole, such that the arrangement includes a first engagement element on the binding side and a second engagement element on the boot side in the region of the front end of the boot sole, which in the position for use are engaged with one another and keep the ski boot in linear or areal contact with a ski or a binding plate attached to the ski, wherein the underside of the boot sole in the front region is conversely curved in the long direction and the first and second engagement elements are adapted to one another such that, when the back end of the boot is raised or lowered, the boot sole makes a rolling motion associated with a longitudinal shift of the contact line or area on the ski or binding plate and, by a lowering or raising of the front end of the boot, e.g. movement in the direction opposite to that of the back end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Rottefella A/S
    Inventor: Bernt-Otto Haughlin
  • Patent number: 6983946
    Abstract: An easily assembled and disassembled combination apparatus is disclosed for the segregated storage and transport of articles. The apparatus comprises at least one vertically stackable and interlockable storage container removably mounted atop a wheeled base and fitted with an adjustable pulling handle. Constructed of reinforced plastic, the durable, fully-enclosed storage container forms the backbone of the invention's novel integrated frame. The container lid can be secured with an elastic band or locked with an inelastic, tamper-evident band. Connectable handle members and a shoulder strap enable the container to be individually moved or carried. Support members can be used to elevate one container above another when ready access to the contents of both containers is desired, or to elevate one container above the ground surface when a cabinet-style configuration is preferred. Other accessories include an insulated container liner, a container partition assembly, a parts caddy, and a wheeled support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Porta Plastic Products
    Inventors: Hugh C. Sullivan, Jeffrey M. Saarman
  • Patent number: 6981710
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a skateboard includes a positioning seat, a wheel set and an adjustment seat mounted respectively on bottom and top sides of the positioning seat, a positioning post, and a pair of opposite resilient plates, each having fixed and abutting ends. The adjustment seat includes first and second portions, and a receiving space. The first portion and the positioning seat are interconnected pivotally so as to permit relative movement between the positioning and adjustment seats. The positioning post extends into the receiving space. The resilient plates are disposed in the receiving space on opposite sides of the positioning post. The abutting ends of the resilient plates abut against the positioning post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Sheng-Huan Cheng
  • Patent number: 6978856
    Abstract: An inverter apparatus includes a liquid path in which cooling water flows, and in which the cooling water performs cooling at a cooling part located directly underneath the power circuit part of the inverter apparatus. The liquid path includes a first partial structure part formed between a feed pipe and the cooling part, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually reduced in the short-side direction of the cooling part and that is gradually enlarged in the long-side direction thereof; and a second partial structure part formed between the cooling part and a drain pipe, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually enlarged from the short-side of the cooling part and that is gradually reduced from the long-side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Nakamura, Akihiro Tamba, Ryuichi Saito, Atsuo Nishihara
  • Patent number: 6979005
    Abstract: Stackable dollies that each include a platform component having a plurality of indentations that is structured to receive wheel components of other dollies are provided. Stackable dolly systems and related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Chriscott Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve McLerran
  • Patent number: 6976686
    Abstract: A detachable front guider arrangement for incorporating with a stroller includes a front guider and a pair of coupling devices for detachably coupling two ends of the front guider with two front leg frames of a front frame of the stroller respectively. Each of the coupling devices includes a locking latch outwardly protruded from the respective front leg frame and a joint member mounted on the end of the front guider and detachably coupled with the front leg frame. A locking groove is formed on the joint member and arranged to engage with the locking latch so as to lock up the joint member on the front leg frame. Therefore, the front guider is capable of detachably attaching to the front frame of the stroller by securely mounting the joint members on the front leg frames respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Ben M. Hsia
  • Patent number: 6974155
    Abstract: A chair made of supports such as skis, poles such as ski poles, a base strap assembly, a seat portion assembly and optionally a cross retainer. The seat is formed by first attaching two supports together at the tips by a fastener, the upward facing support tips pointing downward. The upward facing support tails are then connected to the top handles of the poles, while a sling type seat constructed from a flexible material, such as nylon, is connected to the supports using web straps. The ski poles, being in an upright crossed position, support the chair and are held in place by a bottom triangular strap assembly connecting the bottom tips of the ski poles to the tips of the skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick Thomas Milan
  • Patent number: 6971652
    Abstract: Connecting mechanisms for pivotally coupling a shoe with a sporting device are described. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism can include a support element for supporting a shoe, a connecting element disposed on a sporting device, and a coupling element for coupling the support element to the connecting element. The support element can include a first end liftably disposable on the sporting device and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The coupling element can include a first end attachable via a first pivot to the second end of the support element and a second end attachable via a second pivot to the connecting element. The first and second pivots can be active successively with the progression of a bending movement of a foot in a shoe supported by the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Viking Schaatsenfabriek B.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Bobbert, Gerrit de Groot, Johannes Hendricus Petrus Houdjik, Jacobus Jozef de Koning, Hans Meester, Albert Wilhelm Schreurs
  • Patent number: 6971469
    Abstract: A self-propelled working vehicle comprises a front wheel unit, a rear wheel unit including a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel, and a drive transmission apparatus for transmitting drive from an engine to the rear wheel unit. The drive transmission apparatus includes a first drive transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive to the left rear wheel and a second drive transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive to the right rear wheel. The first transmission mechanism is arranged at the left side of the vehicle body, while the second transmission mechanism is arranged at the right side of the vehicle body. A brake assembly is arranged between the first drive transmission mechanism and the second drive transmission mechanism for acting on an output shaft of a first transmission unit and an output shaft of a second transmission unit. The first and second transmission units act as first and second change speed devices, respectively, which are operable independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hideya Umemoto, Takeshi Komorida, Shoso Ishimori, Takashi Fujii, Koji Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Tada