Patents Examined by Maurice Williams
  • Patent number: 8308178
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle (1) has a frame (2) collapsible in its plane. The frame (2) includes a head tube (3) having a collapsible bicycle front side end (10) in which a front wheel fork (12), which receives a front wheel (13), is mounted. A seat stay (5) has an end (38) receiving a seat tube (39). A lever (6) is articulated at a first articulation point (50) at a collapsible bicycle rear side end (37) of the head tube (3) and at a second articulation point (49) at the end (38) of the seat stay (5) receiving the seat tube (39). The lever (6) is arranged to the collapsible bicycle front side in a riding position of the collapsible bicycle (1). A down tube (4) is articulated at a third articulation point (18) at the collapsible bicycle front side end (10) of the head tube (3) and at a fourth articulation point (24) at an end (38a) of the seat stay (5), opposite the end (38) of the seat tube (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Topeak, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Hoerdum, Christian Bitsch
  • Patent number: 8302984
    Abstract: A side stand attaching structure for a motorcycle includes a stand attaching part of a body of the motorcycle, a stand bracket, and a connector. The stand bracket rotatably connects a base end part of a levelable side stand to the stand attaching part. The side stand is provided on one side at a lower part of the body. The connector connects the stand bracket to the stand attaching part. The connector is inclined to extend upward as the connector extends outwardly in a width direction of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kudo
  • Patent number: 8297384
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may augment the utility of an electrically powered vehicle. A first electric motor (110a or 111a) may be provided with a first effective gear ratio, a second electric motor (110b or 111b) may be provided with a second effective gear ratio, and additional electric motors may be provided additional effective gear ratios. An electrically powered vehicle may be differentially powered by said electric motors at said different effective gear ratios. A transdisciplinary electrical diagnostic processor (440) may process electrically recondite operation parameters of one or more electrical components to provide transdisciplinary diagnostic output to a user. A standardized modular interface (540) supported on a trailer chassis (510) may be configured to accept multipurposed modular interchangeable trailer tops (560) at an interchange position (550) of said trailer chassis (510). A hand actuated accessory mount may be provided with a quick release interface (322).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: EV-IP, LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Wanger, Mark A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8286983
    Abstract: A trailer chassis is described which includes a gooseneck structure at the forward end thereof to which a two-point beam hitch assembly may be secured or a front axle tongue hitch assembly may be secured. The trailer may also function as a fifth wheel hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: James A. Hellbusch
  • Patent number: 8276933
    Abstract: A self-latching trailer coupler has a fixed body, a displaceable slide and a biasing member. The body includes a slide slot in which the slide is displaceable in reciprocating first and second displacement directions. The biasing member biases the slide in one of the displacement directions. A biasing chamber and a retention chamber are formed within a side of the slide. The biasing chamber has at least two sides enclosing the biasing member. The coupler additionally has a retention member attached to the body which extends into the biasing chamber and engages an end of the biasing member. The retention member further extends into the retention chamber to define the displacement limits of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Bernhardt P. Goettker
  • Patent number: 8275517
    Abstract: The inventive control-assisting system for a motor vehicle comprises a power steering (1) associated with a steering wheel (2) and a power steering actuator (3) whose operation is controlled by a data processing unit (4) for applying power torque to the vehicle steering and is characterized in that said data processing unit (4) is connected to means (5) for controlling the power steering (1) return to at least one predetermined position by computing a return torque according to a disturbance rejection torque corresponding to a resistance torque applied to the steering system and to a reference torque corresponding to a torque required for controlling the steering wheel rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Marc Campo, Sebastien Lefranc
  • Patent number: 8267218
    Abstract: A power-operated steering assisting device is provided for a vehicle and includes a rotation detector, a motor assembly, and a reduction and driving mechanism coupled to a steering shaft of a steering wheel of the vehicle. Upon detecting the rotation of the steering shaft, the rotation detector activates the motor assembly to drive the operation of the reduction and driving mechanism, so that through the engagement between an internal-toothed output ring of the reduction and driving mechanism and a toothed section formed on an outer circumference of the steering shaft, the steering shaft is rotated and an assistance to the steering operation carried out by a driver of the vehicle is realized to provide an effort-saved operation of turning the steering wheel by the driver. No hydraulic system is included in the steering assisting device and thus maintenance of the hydraulic system can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Yuan-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 8267420
    Abstract: A hitch system includes a handle portion including a handle loop, a pin portion extending from the handle portion, a pair of opposite retainers and a trigger. The retainers are movable between a retracted position relative to the pin portion and an extended position relative to the pin portion. The trigger is coupled to the retainers to actuate the retainers between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: M Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin
  • Patent number: 8251391
    Abstract: Stem (12) is secured to fork (6). Head (27), bearing surface (28), recessed portions (29 and 21), and bearing surface (31) successively engage the interior of housing (13), comprising first bearing (14), laterally movable locking ring (18) and second bearing (15). Locking ring (18) is repelled to the left in diametral direction against spring means urging ring (18). When shoulder (20) has arrived at the height of rim portion (32) of ring (18) the spring means are released. Ring (18) displaces to the right and portion (32) engages groove (29) thus locking the stem in the axial direction. Due to the side location of the button 9, the device can easily be handled using the palm of a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Markus Kohler, Martin Primosig
  • Patent number: 8251392
    Abstract: A device for retaining a user's foot on a motorcycle footboard is disclosed, such as a footboard having an upper surface and a perimeter edge. The device comprises a frame configured to mount on the footboard. The frame forms a perimeter to extend about a portion of the upper surface of the footboard. The frame defines an aperture that is configured such that the portion of the upper surface of the footboard is exposed when the frame is mounted on the footboard. The frame comprises a main portion, the main portion having a front end for positioning toward a front of the footboard and a back for positioning toward a back end of the footboard. The frame also comprises an extension portion extending from the main portion. The extension portion extends forwardly from the main portion. The device includes a securing structure for removably securing the frame to the footboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Dean A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8246068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a trailer to transport materials or equipment, the front tongue assembly of which converts to a highway traffic arrow board, or other preferred display, and which locks the trailer securely in place. The tongue extension frame extends through and pivots on the trailer frame and is moved to vertical by rack and pinion, or other suitable means such as hydraulic cylinder. Its upper end pivotably supports a Y-shaped tongue assembly with sign affixed opposite the towbar and hitch means. Power is applied to a gear box mounted on upper end of said tongue extension frame which turns the pivot bar 180 degrees to place the sign at the top for display and the towbar with hitch means at the bottom. Flip-down legs with extended side supports give added stability in the setup positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth L. MacDougall
  • Patent number: 8234044
    Abstract: A steering control section has a first steering angle correction amount calculating section, a second steering angle correction amount calculating section, and a motor rotational angle calculating section. The first correction amount calculating section calculates a first correction amount based on a vehicle speed and an actual steering wheel angle. The second correction amount calculating section calculates a second correction amount through multiplying a control gain corresponding to the vehicle speed with a value calculated by low-pass filtering a differential value of steering wheel angle. The motor rotational angle calculating section calculates a motor rotational angle corresponding to the value adding the first and second steering angle correction amount, and outputs it to a motor driving section so as to drive an electric motor for correcting the steering angle. Thereby, an unstable vehicle behavior due to a resonance of a yaw motion caused in the steering operation can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Matsuno, Satoru Akiyama, Shinji Matsushita, Shiro Ezoe, Masaru Kogure, Hajime Oyama
  • Patent number: 8225897
    Abstract: A motorcycle where the rear wheel of the motorcycle is not only driven but the front wheel is also driven. Power from the motor of the motorcycle is transmitted to a power transmitting joint which includes an output shaft. The power transmitting joint is mounted directly below the steering stem and on the steering axis of the motorcycle. The power to the front wheel is supplied through a chain which connects between the steering assembly and the front wheel with the chain being movable in conjunction with the front wheel when the front wheel is steered and with suspension movement as when bumps are encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: James W. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 8196946
    Abstract: A suspension structure includes a pair of right and left cushion units. The right cushion unit is constituted of a compression coil spring and a right damper, and the left cushion unit is constituted of only a left damper having an outer diameter smaller than a diameter of the compression coil spring and larger than a diameter of the right damper. The left cushion unit is constituted of only the left damper and does not include the compression coil spring and hence, the suspension structure can be simplified. Further, in the left cushion unit, the left damper does not slide relative to the compression coil spring in performing a stroke and hence, no friction is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 8181734
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system includes a transmission ratio variable mechanism capable of changing a transmission ratio, and a steering-assist-force imparting mechanism. The transmission ratio variable mechanism is provided with an input member and an output member capable of rotation about a first axis, a first bearing ring for differentially rotatably coupling to each of the input and output member, a second bearing ring for rotatably supporting the first bearing ring via a rolling element, and an electric motor for rotation-driving the second bearing ring. A second axis that is a center line of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring is inclined relative to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Shiina, Masaki Nakaoka, Yasuaki Tsuji, Yasuhiro Saitou, Sunao Tsuchimochi, Hidetaka Otsuki, Tomonari Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8167330
    Abstract: The invention provides space saving, locking and support features for most single pole trailer tongue, having: a support leg, which has the coupler hitch on the opposite end, pivots on the tongue into a vertical position where it acts as a support for the tongue. This leg is secured vertically, using aligned brackets on both sections, by a hitch pin or locking device, so that it can be locked in place as a deterrent to theft. When in the horizontal position, the support leg is secured to the tongue by a hitch pin and may be connected to a towing vehicle. A flip-down leg, pivotally mounted on the tongue, which drops down when the securing hitch pin is removed part way, to provide temporary support for the tongue while the support leg is being moved to the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth L. MacDougall
  • Patent number: 8136622
    Abstract: Disclosed is a superimposition steering unit in which a steering angle set by the driver can have an additional angle superimposed thereon. The superimposition is caused by individually operable structural components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Johann Jungbecker, Steffen Linkenbach, Joachim Nell, Norman Muth
  • Patent number: 8128113
    Abstract: The frame (10) comprises a seat tube (11) to the top end (11a) of which a saddle (12) is to be connected, and a front structure (14) and a rear structure (15) which are identical and have, in side view, a generally V-shaped configuration with the ends (14a, 14b; 15a, 15b) connected to the seat tube (11) and the respective vertices (14c, 15c) facing in opposite directions relative to the seat tube (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fioravanti S.R.L.
    Inventors: Matteo Fioravanti, Diego Squillace
  • Patent number: 8122993
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and a power steering unit supported by the frame. The power steering unit has an output shaft which is held at its free end in an aperture, and rotates within a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D Ripley, Eric P Nault, Scott D Taylor
  • Patent number: RE43662
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a frame carried by a group of wheels. At least one of the wheels is steerably connected to the frame. A steering handle assembly is rotatably connected to the frame. A servo valve has an input shaft connected to the steering handle assembly and an output shaft connected to a pitman arm. A linkage extends from the pitman arm to the steerable wheel or wheels. A pump draws fluid from a reservoir and passes the fluid through the servo valve before the fluid is returned to the reservoir. The servo valve redirects at least a portion of the flow to a cylinder to drive a ram within the cylinder in response to steering movement of the steering handle assembly. The ram, in turn, provides a power assist to the steerable wheel or wheels. A variable speed, constant displacement pump can be used to vary the flow rate in a manner that reduces the flow rate as the vehicle speed increases. Alternatively, a bypass can be used to vary a flow rate through the servo valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: David T. Takamoto, Jack R. Auld, John C. Dunne, Jr., Harry Adam Dupre, III, Eric N. Anderfaas, Dean W. Banks, Gregory E. Mott