Patents Examined by Minnah L Seoh
  • Patent number: 12109857
    Abstract: A vehicle hitch assembly is provided. The receiver tube is connectable with a bumper structure and defines a longitudinally-extending opening. The hitch assembly includes a drawbar assembly with an elongated body and a rod. The elongated body is dimensioned to be received within the opening in the receiver tube and defines a longitudinally-extending passageway. The rod is rotatably received within the longitudinally-extending passageway between a first position and a second position. The rod includes a detent feature that couples together the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the second position and detaches the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Midway Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Kenneth R. Laskie, Randy Schott
  • Patent number: 12102574
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a wheelchair bumper wing. The wheelchair bumper wing may be installed on a manual or electric wheelchair. In embodiments, two wheelchair bumper wings are used, with one wheelchair bumper wing installed on each side of the wheelchair. The wheelchair bumper wings serve to protect the wheels and other components of the wheelchair. In particular, when navigating narrow areas such as doorways, it is possible for a wheelchair wheel to collide with an obstruction, such as a pole or wall, which can potentially cause damage to the wheelchair and/or cause injury to the person sitting in the chair. Some wheelchairs can be quite expensive. The wheelchair bumper wings of disclosed embodiments can help to protect wheels, axles, motors, and other components of a wheelchair in the event of side contact with a structure such as a pole, wall, door jam, or other object. Disclosed embodiments can be used with conventional manual wheelchairs and/or motorized wheelchairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Inventor: Kathleen J. Knott
  • Patent number: 12091119
    Abstract: A retaining system for retaining and releasing an element, in particular an electrical energy store. The retaining system includes a mounting that is configured to accommodate and fix the element, the mounting being configured to removably accommodate the element in the mounting, and an intermediate element that is situated between the element and the mounting and configured to allow a damped motion, in particular for gentle accommodation, of the element in the mounting. The mounting includes a locking bar that is configured to be accommodated in a receptacle in a locking position, or the mounting includes a receptacle that is configured to accommodate a locking bar in a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Trif
  • Patent number: 12077022
    Abstract: The apparatus is a grappling and coupler device that enables dynamic capture and transportation of wheeled devices, such as for example without limitation, multiple trash bins or material movers and the like, to be linked together so that all can be transported or moved together. The coupler or connector apparatus is a removable connector that is joined to a vehicle at one end and at the other includes retainer elements such as at least one hook that is/are configured to dynamically receive, capture, and/or engage an item, such as a handle of a bin or material mover. Additional material movers such as refuse/recycle bins can be linked into a train configuration to enable transport of multiple material movers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Inventor: C. Tyson Fisk
  • Patent number: 12071187
    Abstract: A spherical body drive type movement device 10 includes rotary bodies 14, 15, and 16 rotating n number of driving spherical bodies 11, 12, and 13 by being rotationally driven in a state of being in contact from two different directions with each of the driving spherical bodies 11, 12, and 13, and moves on a traveling surface G. The rotary bodies 14, 15, and 16 come into contact with the driving spherical bodies 11, 12, and 13 at positions higher than centers P1, P2, and P3 of the driving spherical bodies 11, 12, and 13 in contact and inside a virtual inverted n-gonal pyramid H or, at positions higher than the centers P1, P2, and P3 of the driving spherical bodies 11, 12, and 13 in contact and on lateral faces ?, ?, and ? of the virtual inverted n-gonal pyramid H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: KYUSHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyamoto, Yoshiki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 12071061
    Abstract: A modular cage trailer which includes a semi-trailer over which there is a structure designed to transport livestock. The trailer includes a reticular lower chassis, side walls, a roof, a front wall and a rear wall, formed by cross-sectional elongated ā€œLā€ profiles of different length, individually numbered, that are connected and assembled to each other through mounting plates and anchoring bolts that define the corresponding bridging knots, all of which are duly galvanized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: PERFASIL S.A.
    Inventor: Luis Alejandro Zanassi
  • Patent number: 12054219
    Abstract: A folding vehicle is adjustable between an unfolded position and a folded position. In the unfolded position, the wheels of the vehicle are in a leading and trailing relationship. In the folded position, the components of the folding vehicle have a minimal footprint allowing for compact storage. In the folded position, the wheels may be in a side-by-side relationship with the majority of the vehicle components positioned between the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: NewCycle Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Demond, Kain Galliver, Mark Sanders
  • Patent number: 12053794
    Abstract: Some implementations can include a zero turn radius utility vehicle that is operated in a standing position by an operator using foot controls provided on the utility vehicle. Accordingly, the operator's hands are free to operate handheld equipment (e.g., a line trimmer, edger, blower, etc.) while the operator controls the utility vehicle via the foot controls. Further, the utility vehicle may have a single third wheel (and no mower deck or other deck or protrusion) extending from the front of the vehicle frame so as to minimize any protrusions to the front of the vehicle, which can permit the operator to work on the ground in front of the utility vehicle using handheld equipment without interference from a mower deck, while remaining in a standing position on the utility vehicle and being able to simultaneously control the utility vehicle (via foot controls) and perform work with handheld equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Inventor: David Allan Reeves
  • Patent number: 12048259
    Abstract: An articulating tongue arrangement includes a vehicle attachment section enabling attachment of the articulating tongue arrangement to a tow vehicle, an implement attachment section enabling attachment of the articulating tongue arrangement to an agricultural implement, and an articulating beam assembly located between the vehicle attachment section and the implement attachment section. The articulating beam assembly includes, in turn, a leading end portion movably coupled to the vehicle attachment section at a leading pivoting joint, a trailing end portion movably coupled to the implement attachment section at a trailing pivoting joint, and a beam assembly actuator coupled between the leading end portion and the trailing end portion of the articulating beam assembly. The beam assembly actuator is controllable to adjust an effective tow length of the articulating beam assembly, as measured along a straight line extending from the leading pivoting joint to the trailing pivoting joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Austin J. Jones
  • Patent number: 12043307
    Abstract: A sensor system, for determining an angular change between a utility vehicle and a coupled vehicle trailer, includes a sensor unit having a wheel mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis, and a rotary encoder connected to the wheel and configured to detect a change in position of the wheel. The sensor system further includes a mount having at least one first fixed part configured to connect the sensor system to the utility vehicle or a part thereof, and at least one movable part connected to the sensor unit and mounted so as to be movable on the fixed part. In addition, the sensor system includes a positioning mechanism configured to provide sprung bearing of the movable part in an operating position such that the wheel of the sensor unit can be moved into contact with a vehicle trailer or a part of the vehicle trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: ZF CV SYSTEMS EUROPE BV
    Inventors: Oliver Wulf, Klaus Plaehn
  • Patent number: 12043327
    Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch and king pin assembly that may be moved longitudinally to adjust the position and weight distribution of a trailer relative to a truck. The disclosed assembly may allow a trailer to be utilized with various different sized and configured trucks while maximizing the cargo carrying capability and efficiency thereof. In one example, an adjustable trailer hitch is provided having a slidable king pin assembly that may be adjusted forwards or backwards to move the king pin to the desired location relative to the truck and trailer. In another example, a removable king pin may be provided that may be removed and moved to a different location according to the weight and desired weight distribution of a truck and trailer combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Scott A. Kibler, Allen Gordon
  • Patent number: 12043340
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a bicycle towing device, which comprises a folding connecting frame and a small bicycle connecting frame, wherein the front end of the folding connecting frame is clamped to the rear connecting shaft of a big bicycle and locked and positioned by a fastening component, the rear end of the folding connecting frame is connected with a hook at the front end of the small bicycle connecting frame, the rear end of the small bicycle connecting frame is clamped and connected to the small bicycle frame, the front wheel of the small bicycle is lapped on the folding connecting frame and positioned motionless without contacting with the ground during connection, the folding connecting frame is provided with a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is located between the rear wheel of the big bicycle and the front wheel of the small bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventor: Yuxuan Chen
  • Patent number: 12037068
    Abstract: An adjustable seat assembly for a motorcycle includes a seat pan having a base shell, an adjustable shell, and an adjustment mechanism between the base shell and the adjustable shell. The base shell has a fastening portion for non-adjustable fastening of the base shell on the motorcycle. The adjustable shell is placed on the base shell and are connected via the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the height and/or inclination of the adjustable shell in relation to the base shell. A motorcycle having the adjustable seat assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guido Beuting, Helmut Diehl, Miroslav Nikolic, Mathias Roesner, Raimund Schell, Joerg Seiler
  • Patent number: 12035645
    Abstract: A U-shaped support frame has a base beam and parallel side beams extending rearward from the base beam and defining an open implement area, which can be made adjustable. A hitch is attached to the front end of the support frame and frame wheels support the side beams, and rotate about a horizontal frame wheel axis that is fixed in an orientation perpendicular to the operating travel direction. Implements are configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position. The support frame is moved rearward to a loading position where each implement is movable to an operating position supported by the support frame. Each implement provides a beam lock connection between the side beams that resists twisting movement of the side beams to maintain the frame wheels and the side beams in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: SeedMaster Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot
  • Patent number: 12031298
    Abstract: The present invention provides a work machine including a steering device that is very responsive to switching operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takatoshi Ooki
  • Patent number: 12030422
    Abstract: A cluster transfer robot includes a body, two clamping arms arranged at the bottom of the body, and a first driving mechanism arranged at the bottom of the body. The first driving mechanism includes a driving wheel configured for driving the transfer robot to move. The clamping arm includes a second driving mechanism and a rotating assembly connected to the second driving mechanism, the rotating assembly includes a rotating arm rotatably connected to the body and a supporting wheel arranged on the rotating arm for supporting the transfer robot, the rotating arm is provided with a clamping portion for clamping automobile tire, and two clamping portions of two rotating arms are arranged facing to each other to define a clamping space for the automobile tire when the two clamping portions are close to each other. The cluster transfer robot can greatly reduce the construction cost of intelligent parking lots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU DABO INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian Fu, Jianquan Liu, Zhijun Liu, Yongjian Zhan
  • Patent number: 12030563
    Abstract: A winch assembly for moving a first fifth wheel outwardly from a first trailer and engaging a king pin on a second trailer. The winch assembly includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart rails mounted on the underside of the first trailer. A slide out frame is mounted between the rails and attached to a front axle and a real axle, with wheels. The slide out frame includes the first fifth wheel adapted for engaging the king pin on the front of a second trailer. The first fifth wheel is attached to a pair of first cables on winch drums, driven by winch motors. The winch motors are used for rotating cable drums for retracting the first fifth wheel along a length of the trailer. Also, a pair of second cables on winch drums, driven by winch motors, are attached to the slide out frame. The second cables are used to extend the first fifth wheel outwardly from the rear of the first trailer for engaging the fifth wheel to the second trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Inventor: Larry L. Wessels
  • Patent number: 12024251
    Abstract: A motorized personal transport utility vehicle comprises a frame, independent front and rear suspension and a plurality of wheel hubs. Each suspension arm is pivotally coupled to a central frame portion. A pair of front wheel hubs are coupled to the front suspension arms and a pair of rear wheel hubs are coupled to the rear suspension arms. Each of the wheel hubs includes an integrated electric hub motor. The front and rear suspension arms are configured such that the front wheel hub track width is greater than the rear wheel hub track width such that the inner width between the insides of the front wheel hubs is greater than the outer width between the rear wheel hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: LyteHorse Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley James Bonk, Allen William Bonk
  • Patent number: 12017708
    Abstract: A breakaway fifth wheel coupling may couple a semi-tractor to a semi-trailer. In one embodiment, a breakaway fifth wheel coupling may include a top plate, a bottom brace, and a release mechanism that releasably attaches the top plate to the bottom brace. When a rollover event is detected, the release mechanism may allow the top plate to release from the bottom brace, thereby allowing the semi-tractor to separate from the semi-trailer. The fifth wheel coupling may include a pair of pivot rails that promote consistent decoupling of the top plate from the bottom brace. The breakaway fifth wheel coupling may reduce the likelihood of the semi-tractor participating in a rollover accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Axicle, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Leo Krug
  • Patent number: 12017711
    Abstract: There is provided a singly steerable, serpentine steel track crawler. The single-track crawler can steer independently in a serpentine fashion. Two or more single crawler tracks side-by-side can be transformed into a multi-track crawler vehicle. The single-track crawler or multi-track crawler vehicle can be fitted with rubber tires for plying on paved roads. This makes it a versatile, multi-terrain vehicle for agriculture and earth-moving applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: KOKEROD HOLDINGS B.V.
    Inventor: Anil Tukaram Dhonde