Patents by Inventor Harlan John Bartel

Harlan John Bartel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11247627
    Abstract: A operator protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The operator protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Publication number: 20210237790
    Abstract: A steering lever mechanism for a mower vehicle includes a lever assembly and a base which is fixed to the mower vehicle for mounting the lever assembly to the mower. The lever assembly includes a pivot assembly and a lever portion. The lever portion is pivotably mounted to the pivot assembly for rotation about a longitudinal axis between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pivot assembly is also pivotably mounted to the base for rotation of the pivot bracket portion and the lever portion about a transverse axis between a rear position, an intermediate neutral position and a forward position. A rotation-measuring device is associated with the base and the pivot assembly for measuring the forward and rear rotation of the lever assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Roy Funk
  • Patent number: 10981589
    Abstract: A steering lever mechanism for a mower vehicle includes a lever assembly and a base which is fixed to the mower vehicle for mounting the lever assembly to the mower. The lever assembly includes a pivot assembly and a lever portion. The lever portion is pivotably mounted to the pivot assembly for rotation about a longitudinal axis between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pivot assembly is also pivotably mounted to the base for rotation of the pivot bracket portion and the lever portion about a transverse axis between a rear position, an intermediate neutral position and a forward position. A rotation-measuring device is associated with the base and the pivot assembly for measuring the forward and rear rotation of the lever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Roy Funk
  • Patent number: 10939616
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a mower having a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion to adjust a cutting height of the mower. The adjustment of the second portion may be facilitated, for example, by a height adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian R. Funk, Brian Lee Nebel, Robert C. Esau
  • Patent number: 10640030
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a translating cargo assembly for a vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may include a translation mechanism, which may be affixed to a cargo frame of the vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may also include a carrier frame that is coupled with the translation mechanism and configured to mate with cargo implements. A drive mechanism, such as a rotary actuator, may be coupled with the translation mechanism. The rotary actuator may be effective to translate the carrier frame through a range of positions including a transport position, in which the carrier frame may be adjacent to the cargo frame, and a loading position, in which the carrier frame may be proximate ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Royce A. Steinert, Brian R. Funk, David L. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20200062205
    Abstract: A operator protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The operator protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 10562479
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus having at least one over-center linkage. In some aspects, an operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may automatically lock in the operator protection apparatus in a raised position. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required to overcome the lock, and allow the operator protection apparatus to return to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian L. Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 10493939
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a lever-actuated operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian L. Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 10442385
    Abstract: A rollover protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The rollover protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel
  • Patent number: 10414374
    Abstract: A lockable device is arranged for blocking the control lever slot of a zero turn radius (ZTR) vehicle. In one embodiment, the lockable device includes a first portion and a second portion which adjust between a contracted position and an expanded position. The lockable device presents first and second projecting members which can be placed under the edges of a control lever slot of a ZTR vehicle. The lockable device may be contracted to be received by a ZTR control lever slot and then may be expanded so that the first and second projecting members of the lockable device are received under the edges of the control lever slot. The lockable device may also be integral within the vehicle. An integral lock or a padlock may be used to secure the lockable device in the expanded position in a control lever slot to prevent movement of a control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Harlan John Bartel
  • Patent number: 10377333
    Abstract: A operator protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The operator protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 10334780
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame that is able to articulate between a rear frame portion and a forward frame portion. In one embodiment, the rear frame portion is supported by two main drive wheels and carries an engine and controls for operating the mower. The forward frame portion carries a mowing deck which is suitable for cutting grass. The frame may be latched in a lowered mowing position by a releasable frame latch, but, when frame latch is released, the rear frame portion and the forward frame portion may be folded with respect to each other to provide access to the underside of the raised portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Roy Funk
  • Publication number: 20180132418
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a mower having a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion to adjust a cutting height of the mower. The adjustment of the second portion may be facilitated, for example, by a height adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Bryan R. Funk, Brian Lee Nebel, Robert C. Esau
  • Publication number: 20180043812
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a translating cargo assembly for a vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may include a translation mechanism, which may be affixed to a cargo frame of the vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may also include a carrier frame that is coupled with the translation mechanism and configured to mate with cargo implements. A drive mechanism, such as a rotary actuator, may be coupled with the translation mechanism. The rotary actuator may be effective to translate the carrier frame through a range of positions including a transport position, in which the carrier frame may be adjacent to the cargo frame, and a loading position, in which the carrier frame may be proximate ground level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Royce A. Steinert, Brian R. Funk
  • Publication number: 20180037183
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a lever-actuated operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian L. Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Publication number: 20170136974
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus having at least one over-center linkage. In some aspects, an operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may automatically lock in the operator protection apparatus in a raised position. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required to overcome the lock, and allow the operator protection apparatus to return to a lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian L. Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Publication number: 20170129438
    Abstract: A operator protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The operator protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 9616837
    Abstract: A roll bar assembly includes an upper portion which is movably mounted at least indirectly to a vehicle frame. The upper portion is able to be secured in a raised position and is also able to fold forward to a folded-forward position for shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel
  • Publication number: 20170050600
    Abstract: A rollover protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The rollover protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel
  • Patent number: 9573548
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus having at least one over-center linkage. In some aspects, an operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may automatically lock in the operator protection apparatus in a raised position. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required to overcome the lock, and allow the operator protection apparatus to return to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian L. Nebel, Royce A. Steinert