Patents Examined by Minnah L Seoh
  • Apparatus and method for an improved trailer hitch
    Patent number: 11571937
    Abstract: An improved trailer hitch is presented. The tractor trailer has a main trailer frame, the main trailer for hauling cargo. To help couple a trailer cab to the trailer frame a swivel box having a spring-loaded locking pin and a permanent hinge pin is coupled to a tongue that is used to couple the trailer cab and the trailer frame. The swivel box swivels or swings the tongue to a position to accommodate a misaligned trailer cab easing the coupling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventor: James Wade
  • Tow bar assembly
    Patent number: 11511579
    Abstract: A tow bar assembly for mounting to a vehicle, the tow bar assembly including a main beam configured to support a hitch receiver, the main beam comprising a bracket engaging portion at or near each end, a pair of brackets configured to securely mount to the vehicle, each bracket including a beam engaging portion, and a pair of fastening means for securing respective brackets at or near respective ends of the main beam, wherein each bracket and its respective beam bar engaging portion is configured to cooperatively interengage with a respective bracket engaging portion so as to locate and orient the bracket with respect to the main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: REES OPERATIONS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Greg Spooner, Huey Lam, Matthew Reimers
  • Method and apparatus for nesting a suspension bicycle frame
    Patent number: 11492064
    Abstract: The present invention is a swingarm suspension bicycle frame that is designed to allow nesting of the swingarm within the main frame of the bicycle frame, thereby allowing the bicycle frame to be packed and shipped in a smaller package than prior art bicycles of similar frame and wheel size, and a method for nesting such a suspension bicycle frame. In one or more embodiments, the pivot bearing to which the pivot point of the swingarm is attached is positioned along the seat support member of the main frame at a distance from the bottom of the bracket mount of the seat support member that is at least as great as the distance from the pivot point of the swingarm to the shock absorber mounting point of the swingarm. Such a location allows the swingarm to be nested within the main frame of the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Frank Michael Weyer
  • Torque compensating apparatus and method for motor driven power steering system
    Patent number: 11479292
    Abstract: A torque compensation apparatus for a Motor Driven Power Steering (“MDPS”) system including: a column torque sensor configured to detect column torque applied to a steering shaft; a steering angle sensor configured to detect a steering angle of a steering wheel; and a controller configured to calculate a compensation ratio by sudden steering, based at least one of the column torque detected by the column torque sensor and a steering angular velocity calculated from the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor. The basic assist torque outputted from the MDPS system is then compensated for according to the compensation ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Hong Bae, Kyoung Soo Lim, Lyoung Tae Kim
  • Trailer assembly
    Patent number: 11459032
    Abstract: A trailer assembly with improved lateral support structure and steering system control of the axial wheels on a front elongated trailer and a rear elongated trailer to remain in a collinear following configuration to carry elongated loads extending over the extended lengths of the combination of the front elongated trailer and the rear elongated trailer and allow ready turning control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Slingshot Haulage Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Leigh Dehne, Kevin McDonnell
  • Apparatus for measuring a torque in a force-feedback actuator for a steer-by-wire steering system
    Patent number: 11459030
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring a torque in a force-feedback actuator for a steer-by-wire steering system has a housing element, a control unit, a drive apparatus, and a transmission apparatus to be coupled to a steering device. At least one motion sensor detects a motion of the transmission apparatus relative to the housing element and provide a motion signal resulting from the motion to the control unit. The transmission apparatus is coupled to the housing element by way of at least one reset-reversible adjusting device which has at least one mechanical property. A torque of the transmission apparatus, and thus of a connectable steering device, may be ascertained by the control unit using the at least one mechanical property, which has at least one changing state value during the movement of the transmission apparatus, in combination with the motion signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christopher Kreis, Thomas Knopp, Peter Marx, Mirko Przybylski, Ernst Wilske
  • Microtransporters
    Patent number: 11459044
    Abstract: A microtransporter system includes a plurality of microtransporters and a housing. The microtransporters each include a rigid base structure, three wheels rotatably mounted in the base structure, an electric motor drivingly connected to one of the wheels, and a load support surface connected to the base structure. The housing includes a storage chamber sized to store a plurality of microtransporters, and a passageway connecting the chamber to an outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eike Schmidt, Maximilian Julius Engelke
  • Vehicle frame
    Patent number: 11447205
    Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a frame body that includes a front wheel connecting member, a rear wheel connecting member, and a backbone member interconnecting the front and rear wheel connecting members and having a plurality of backbone sections interconnected to each other, and a coupling device that includes a plurality of first coupling members, each of which is mounted to a corresponding one of the backbone sections and is operable to switch between a mobile state and a stationary state. Each of the first coupling members is movable along the corresponding one of the backbone sections in the mobile state, and is immobilized relative to the corresponding one of the backbone sections in the stationary state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Yueh-Han Li
  • Fifth-wheel receiver cover
    Patent number: 11433723
    Abstract: A fifth wheel cover is disclosed herein. The fifth-wheel hitch cover includes a magnetically attachable support with an integrated reel apparatus. Additionally, the reel supports a cover that is retractable, and the cover has a magnetic anchor bar on the end opposite the reel. The fifth wheel cover may come in the form of a storage box containing the cover therein. The storage box is then mounted onto a frame of a truck. A user may then retract the cover to provide protection to the fifth wheel from weather and debris. Additionally, a heated underplate may be included beneath the fifth wheel to provide protection from debris that may come in contact with the fifth wheel. Another embodiment includes a fifth wheel cover having a frame including foldable arms which extend a cover over the fifth wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Jammie Guy
  • Bicycle drive unit
    Patent number: 11433970
    Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a housing, a crankshaft and a propulsion assist motor. The housing is configured to be mounted on a frame of a bicycle. The crankshaft is provided to the housing. The assist propulsion motor is provided to the housing to assist propulsion of a bicycle. The propulsion assist motor includes a rotational axis extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which crankshaft extends. The bicycle drive unit is configured such that a distance from a rotational axis of the crankshaft to a part of the bicycle drive unit that is the farthest from the rotational axis of the crankshaft in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the propulsion assist motor is smaller than or equal to 210 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Yoshinori Iino, Takuya Edamura, Kento Mitsuyasu, Takaaki Fujiwara
  • Steering group of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle thereof
    Patent number: 11420704
    Abstract: Steering group of a motor vehicle including a front frame provided with a steering tube that rotatably houses a steering shaft or pin, which rotates about a steering axis, the front frame being provided with an upright integral with the steering tube, the front frame having a steering bracket (36), integral in rotation with the steering shaft where, the steering group includes elastic return means which elastically influence the steering shaft to position itself symmetrically with respect to the front frame, the elastic return means being interposed between the upright and the steering bracket so as to be compressed when the steering shaft rotates with respect to the central symmetrical position, wherein the elastic return means have a regressive trend elastic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Marchetta, Luca Balduino, Daniele Torriani
  • Mirror assembly for a handlebar of a vehicle
    Patent number: 11420701
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a handlebar of a vehicle has a stem assembly and a mirror connect to the stem assembly. The stem assembly includes a base, a stem connected to the base, and a clamp connected to and extending from the base. The clamp is adapted for being disposed inside a handle of the handlebar. The base, the stem and the clamp are integral. The clamp defines a ramp. A threaded fastener inserted through the base and extends in part in the clamp. A nut engages the threaded fastener, and at least a portion of the nut abuts the clamp. Translating the nut toward the base by rotating the fastener causes the nut to move over the ramp thereby deflecting the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Driant, Kevin Cyrenne
  • Semi-autonomous trailer hauler
    Patent number: 11420695
    Abstract: An unmanned and self-powered vehicle or Towable Autonomous Dray (TOAD) may follow a vehicle and tow a trailer, haul a load, and/or recharge a pilot vehicle. The TOAD may be semi-autonomous and may attach to a pilot vehicle by an electronic identification. Further, wireless charging of the pilot vehicle may be provided by the TOAD. Smart trailer brakes, electric trailer axles, and a mechanically coupled tow vehicle may be provided by the TOAD in combination with additional units. A smart trailer controller may include a smart head unit and a smart tail unit in a trailer that may offer trailer security and increased safety. A smart trailer brake controller on the pilot vehicle and a smart module on the trailer may be applied where no unmanned vehicle is employed, such as, in a classic pick-up/trailer combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Vieletech Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Viele, David Glass
  • Straddle type electric vehicle
    Patent number: 11420709
    Abstract: A straddle type electric vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame, a motor unit including an electric motor, a battery that supplies power to the motor unit, and a control unit that executes drive control of the motor unit. The vehicle body frame includes a main frame extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The motor unit, the battery, and the control unit are supported by the main frame between the front wheel and the rear wheel, and in a vehicle side view. The motor unit and the control unit are disposed overlapping one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takamori Shirasuna, Makoto Fujikubo, Kazuya Atsumi, Yoshihiro Nomura
  • Swivel trailer
    Patent number: 11407263
    Abstract: A swivel trailer is described that can include a swivel hitch and swivel axle configuration which prevents a vehicle and trailer from jackknifing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Donald B. Hazen
  • Skateboard assembly
    Patent number: 11406890
    Abstract: A motorized or non-motorized multi-wheeled skateboard assembly including a board deck to support the user, a board having a top side, a bottom side, a flat and a rounded end, linkages, hinges, a steered wheel assembly, an input device and a drive assembly. The steered wheel assembly improves maneuverability, turn radius, and stability. The user steers the skateboard assembly by altering pressure between the top side first end and the top side second end causing the steered wheel to turn, thus manually steering the board. This change in pressure is also altered between the first linkage and second linkage in direct or inverse relation to altering pressure between the top side first end and the top side second end of the board deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: David Jackson
  • Shock absorbing pin box system
    Patent number: 11407457
    Abstract: A shock absorbing pin box system includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an upper wall, a lower wall, and a kingpin. The first sidewall defines at least a first plurality of apertures arranged in first column, and the second sidewall defines at least a second plurality of apertures arranged in a second column. A plurality of tubes extend from each of the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. A plurality of flexible and resilient tubular bushings are received in a corresponding one of the plurality of tubes. A plurality of bolts are received within corresponding ones of the pluralities of apertures of the pin box and the plurality of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Schultz, Brandon Burdine
  • Electromechanical motor vehicle steering system
    Patent number: 11407444
    Abstract: An electromechanical motor vehicle steering system includes a steering column, a steering rack, a steering pinion that couples the steering column to the steering rack, and an electric drive device with an electric motor and a worm wheel arranged on the steering pinion. The steering rack is arranged between the worm wheel of the electric drive device and the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Knopp, Joachim Thies, Klaas-Simon Jenke
  • Wheelbarrow with multiple wheels on a front axle
    Patent number: 11400967
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow with multiple wheels on a front axle is provided. The wheelbarrow includes a cargo carrying portion, two load carrying members supporting the cargo carrying portion, and a motor providing an output torque. The wheelbarrow further includes the front axle attached to the two load carrying members, a middle wheel attached to the axle and receiving the output torque from the motor, and two side wheels attached to the axle, one on either side of the middle wheel wherein the two side wheels each have a smaller diameter than the middle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Roger Larry Simons
  • Mobility device
    Patent number: 11399995
    Abstract: A powered balancing mobility device that can provide the user the ability to safely navigate expected environments of daily living including the ability to maneuver in confined spaces and to climb curbs, stairs, and other obstacles, and to travel safely and comfortably in vehicles. The mobility device can provide elevated, balanced travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Stewart M. Coulter, Brian G. Gray, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Bob Peret, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane, Dave Doherty, Matthew A. Norris, Alexander D. Streeter, David J. Couture, Matthew J. Myers, Matthew B. Kinberger, Constance D. Pitenis, Allison E. Key-Wallace, David E. Collins, Erik N. Sabin, Katie A. DeLaurentis, Catharine N. Flynn, Elizabeth Rousseau, Thomas A. Doyon, Dale B. McGrath, Ryan Adams, Prashant Bhat, Trevor A. Conway, David J. Meehan, Tania M. F. Zirn, Paul R. Curtin, Zachary E. Cranfield, James J. Dattolo, Atlant G. Schmidt, III, Steven B. Meuse, George W. Marchant, Jr., Jeffrey C. Marrion