Patents Examined by Maurice Williams
-
Patent number: 9493205Abstract: A tricycle with foldable double wheel assembly comprises: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a double-wheel assembly respectively disposed at front end and rear end of the frame, and a handlebar assembly matching with the single-wheel assembly to control steering, the double-wheel assembly comprising a supporting beam and two wheels disposed on the supporting beam, wherein the supporting beam comprises two branches of same structures, the two wheels being respectively disposed on the two branches, the supporting beam having a first stable state where the two branches are open, and a second stable state where the two branches are put together side by side. The supporting beam in the double-wheel assembly of the present utility model is foldable so that it is not necessary to occupy a relatively large space to carry/store the tricycle and the usage convenience of the tricycle is thus improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTD.Inventor: Ilan Ben Meir
-
Patent number: 9475534Abstract: The set of bicycle headsets that are threadless and/or have pressed frame cups/races can be locked to prohibit the nominal rotation of the headset and bicycle handlebars about the bicycle's steer tube by this invention. This invention uses standard threadless headset components in addition to three newly invented components: The upper head tube race with spin-lock grooves, the external ring lock, and the headset spacer with spin-lock grooves. The locking configuration is achieved by mating male pins on the interior surface of the external ring lock with female spin-lock grooves that are on the exterior surfaces of the upper head tube race with spin-lock grooves and headset spacer with spin-lock grooves. There are a sets of spin-lock grooves that, when the male pins are mated accordingly, provide the locked and unlocked configurations of the headset.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventors: Corrina Ladakis Gibson, Brandon Mark Benjamin
-
Patent number: 9475388Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle comprises a torque module and a drag request evaluation module. The torque module controls torque output of an engine based on a driver torque request and increases the torque output based on a wheel drag torque request generated based on a driven wheel speed. The drag request evaluation module disables the increase of the torque output when the driven wheel speed is greater than an undriven wheel speed by more than a predetermined speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Richard B. Jess, Michael L. Kociba, Joseph M. Stempnik, James L. Worthing, Katie C. Bonasse
-
Patent number: 9457850Abstract: A farm implement includes an undercarriage including at least a front crossbeam and a rear crossbeam and first and second dual track propulsion systems. Each dual track propulsion system includes a first track assembly and a second track assembly. Each track assembly includes at least a track frame, at least two wheels and a track belt looped around the wheels. Each track assembly also includes a track support beam coupled to the track frames of the first and second track assemblies. The track support beam is pivotably coupled to the front and rear crossbeams such that said track support beam can pivot about a first axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track support beam, thereby allowing the first track assembly to move generally upwardly and downwardly in the opposite direction of the second track assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Van Mill
-
Patent number: 9457869Abstract: In an electric scooter, a swing arm is swingably supported on a vehicle body frame having a lower frame extending to the rear from a rear end of a down frame extending downwardly to the rear from a head pipe, and a pair of left and right rear frames provided to be connected to a rear end part of the lower frame and inclined upwardly to the rear at least beneath a riding seat, a power unit employing an electric motor is provided on the swing arm, a rear wheel is axially supported on a rear part of the swing arm, and a battery box housing a battery is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames beneath the riding seat, wherein a single support shaft swingably supporting the front end part of the swing arm on the vehicle body frame is disposed beneath the battery box.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Kashiwai, Hideki Inaizumi, Takato Watanabe
-
Patent number: 9457867Abstract: Various bicycle brake assemblies are described. In some embodiments, a bicycle brake assembly for applying a braking force to a wheel comprises a brake arm comprising a frame pivot joint and a brake pad pivot joint, the frame pivot joint configured to pivotally connect the brake arm to a bicycle frame to enable pivoting of the brake arm about a first axis of rotation; and a brake pad pivotally coupled to the brake arm at the brake pad pivot joint to enable pivoting of the brake pad about a second axis of rotation, the brake pad comprising a braking surface for engaging a wheel rim to apply a frictional force to the wheel rim, the frictional force having a frictional direction, wherein the first axis of rotation is not parallel to the frictional direction of the frictional force.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, David Tyson Buckenberger
-
Patent number: 9441696Abstract: A trailer drawbar has a housing with a cylindrical outer chamber and a cylindrical inner chamber separated from one another by a stop. First and second compressible bushings respectively fit in the outer and inner chambers. The bushings have aligned bores. A rod extends through the bores in the bushings. One rod end contains an annular base, which abuts the first bushing, and a drawbar eye. The other rod end is threaded. An annular seal is positioned on the rod adjacent to the second bushing. The first bushing has a length and compressibility such that the seal remains entirely within the inner chamber when the first bushing is compressed to a pre-determined level. The second bushing has a length and compressibility such that the first seal is not located completely inside of the inner chamber when the second bushing is compressed up to a second pre-determined level.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Premier Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Zachery McCurter
-
Patent number: 9434446Abstract: An electric bicycle is provided that can increase the diameter of the joining section between a crankshaft and a crank arm, suppress an increase in manufacturing cost, and minimize a size increase of a hanger with a torque sensor disposed in the hanger. A crankshaft 17 is divided into a crankshaft body 17A on the periphery of which a torque sensor 23 is disposed, and an auxiliary crankshaft 17B connected to one side of the crankshaft body 17A. A diameter D1 of the joining section between the auxiliary crankshaft 17B and a crank arm 18B and a diameter D3 of the joining section between the crankshaft body 17A and a crank arm 18A are larger than a diameter D2 of the connecting section between the crankshaft body 17A and the auxiliary crankshaft 17B.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Masafumi Kawakami
-
Patent number: 9428244Abstract: A manually-powered vehicle propelled by muscular force, whose user maintains a standing position, and whose drive is hand-held. The vehicle according to the invention includes two drive wheels, with independent mechanisms installed inside them, which transform the swinging motion of the levers into unidirectional gyration of the drive wheels axis thus driving the vehicle forward, at least one neutral wheel mounted in a way allowing rotation around the vertical axis, and where a low-slung platform is attached directly to the casing of the mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: TORQWAY Sp. z o.o.Inventor: Andrzej Sobolewski
-
Patent number: 9403471Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed herein. The vehicle system includes first and second shell members, each extending along respective first and second axes between respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member also includes respective hull walls extending along the respective axes, interconnecting the respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member defines respective volumes of space accessible through respective perimeters. The vehicle system also includes a first hinge assembly interconnecting the first shell member and the second shell member. The first hinge assembly is mounted to the first junction end and to the second junction end.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Inventors: Allan R. Delorme, Jonathan M. Dusterhoft
-
Patent number: 9394017Abstract: A cart may comprise a body, an axle having an axis of rotation, at least one wheel, a forward support, and a rear support. The forward support may include a forward support hinged end, and a forward support free end, the forward support hingedly connected to the body at the forward support hinged end to pivot about a forward support axis. The rear support may include a rear support hinged end, and a rear support free end, the rear support hingedly connected to the body at the rear support hinged end to pivot about a rear support axis. The forward support free end may be configured to selectively connect to the rear support at the rear support free end by the axle to rotatably support the wheel, and the axis of rotation of the axle may be parallel to each of the forward support axis and the rear support axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Tractor Supply CompanyInventors: Brian Kennemer, Ty Rager
-
Patent number: 9381810Abstract: An electronic throttle control (ETC) system is disclosed for use on a recreational or a utility vehicle. The ETC system includes a drive mode selection device for selecting between a plurality of drive modes. The ETC system provides an adjustable engine idle speed and an engine power limiting feature.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Stephen L Nelson, Karl J Grajkowski, Scott P Sandstrom
-
Patent number: 9381124Abstract: A wheeled vehicle, wherein at least one ground-engaging wheel is connected to a pivotable hub, the pivotable hub being attached to the body of the vehicle by a fixed pivot member and a laterally-adjustable pivot member, the position of the laterally-adjustable pivot member being adjustable to cause the hub to pivot and thereby adjust the camber of the said wheel, and wherein the pivotable hub is provided with one or more lugs arranged to engage the laterally-adjustable pivot member when the wheels are in a minimum or maximum camber position.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Inventor: Michael Jeffrey Spindle
-
Patent number: 9359038Abstract: A rear-wheel suspension system for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a pair of right- and left-side center frames; a swing arm; and a shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber includes a tubular buffer and a spring, wherein the intake system part is a curved tubular member, wherein a position of the spring is shifted downwardly so that the intake system part are moved toward an interior of the vehicle body by a dimension corresponding to the spring, wherein a lower end of the intake system part is above the upper end of the spring, wherein a part of the intake system part is closer than an outer end of the spring to the center of the tubular buffer, and wherein the shock absorber and the intake system part are disposed between a pair of right- and left-side center frames.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Gogo, Tomohiro Fuse, Mikio Uchiyama, Eiji Adachi, Taichi Honda
-
Patent number: 9341246Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C Miller, Robert A Smithson, Brad P Pohl, Charles B Lohr, Jon M Nichols
-
Patent number: 9340248Abstract: A restraint is configured to restrain a rider's footwear to a motorcycle footpeg along at least a nearly vertical first axis. The footpeg extends away from the motorcycle along a second axis. The restraint is based upon a combination of a hook and a clasp. The restraint can be engaged by linearly moving the footwear alternatively along either of two axes including the first axis, and a third axis that is mutually perpendicular to the first and second axes. The restraint may also be disengaged by linearly moving the footwear along the third axis. The third axis generally passes from the heel to toe of the footwear. Moving the footwear in a backward direction (toe to heel direction) engages the restraint; moving the footwear in a forward direction (heel to toe direction) disengages the restraint.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: EVOLUTION RACING PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Steven G. Zoumaras, John J. Emerson, Ryan Ragland
-
Patent number: 9327567Abstract: A trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus includes a main frame, a first pin assembly, a second pin assembly, a locking mechanism, and an automatically engaging safety mechanism. The first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are engaged in between the main frame and the locking mechanism in such way that the first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are operated in between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by the locking mechanism. The main frame is connected with the hitch receiver so that the trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus is able to secure different hitch devices with the hitch receiver through operation of the automatically engaging safety mechanism, the locking mechanism, the first pin assembly, and the second pin assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Inventor: Gary D. Edwards
-
Patent number: 9321346Abstract: A revised location for the fuel system and fuel tanks to improve crashworthiness and reduce the occurrence of tank failure, fuel spillage, fire and/or explosion while still providing a sufficient range for the vehicle. The fuel tank system includes at least one fuel tank and a support structure. The at least one fuel tank is provided proximate frame rail members of the truck. At least a portion of the at least one fuel tank extends between an extension of a vertical axis of each of the frame rail members. The support structure protects the at least one fuel tank during an event, such as, but not limited to a collision, crash or accident. The support structure includes at least one mounting member which attaches the at least one fuel tank to the frame rail members, rails which extend about the at least one fuel tank, and at least one bottom plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Inventor: Erin Marie Shipp
-
Patent number: 9302557Abstract: A fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. The fifth wheel is equipped with a locking mechanism including a jaw slidably connected to the top plate and slidable between a closed position where the jaw blocks passage of a kingpin out of the throat of the fifth wheel and an open position where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat of the fifth wheel. The jaw has an edge adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat of the fifth wheel when the jaw is in the closed position. A release arm is pivotally attached to the top plate and the jaw. A trigger member is pivotally attached to the release arm and has a locking head. A main spring urges the jaw towards the closed position. A locking protrusion is attached to the top plate and is engaged by the locking head of the trigger member when the jaw is in the open position so as to prevent the jaw from moving into the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Fontaine Fifth WheelInventors: Steven Alldredge, Tim Johnson, Todd Shelton, Charles Rosato
-
Patent number: 9283974Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mobile cart which can be utilized as a cart for transporting beach supplies including toys, games, sporting goods, umbrellas, blankets, towels and food. Advantageously, the subject invention can be folded into a small suitcase like container and then opened to provide a cart as set forth herein. The cart according to the present invention may also include a self-propulsion system including a motor or motors for driving a tread, track or wheels along with a low friction skid surface or skis for directing the cart to a desired location. There may also be included a power source, for example batteries or solar panels, may be utilized to supply the power needed for self-propulsion and for powering or charging portable electronic devices, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Inventor: Robert Cates