Patents by Inventor Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe 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).

  • Publication number: 20080142768
    Abstract: A leveling system for use with recreational vehicles having one or more leveling mechanisms to level the vehicle in the side-to-side and front-to-back directions. The invention comprises a level unit that is placed on a generally horizontal surface inside the vehicle and a control unit which is in spaced apart relation to the level unit. Both units have a controller and transceiver for wireless communication with the other unit and one or more batteries as the power supply. The level unit has one or more level sensing mechanisms to determine the pitch and roll of the vehicle. Preferably, a single dual-axis tilt measuring mechanism is utilized. The control unit has one or more control buttons to allow the operator to activate and operate the system and a display panel that displays the amount of pitch and roll correction necessary to place the recreational vehicle in its level condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Jim Thorpe, Craig A. von Ilten
  • Patent number: 7299902
    Abstract: A wheel chock, for use with tandem wheeled vehicles, having a pair of generally wedged shaped block members in spaced apart relation that are interconnected by a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is operatively connected to a handle so as to horizontally displace the block members relative to each other. The first end of each block member has an angled contact panel configured for frictional engagement with the wheels so as to prevent movement of the vehicle. The handle is operatively connected to a link member configured for over-center displacement and the link member is pivotally connected to a drive member. In the preferred embodiment, the wheel chock comprises a locking member configured to maintain the linkage assembly in the engaged condition. The first ends of the block members has a vertical panel and is configured at an angle that will not become easily stuck under the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jim Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20070089941
    Abstract: A wheel chock, for use with tandem wheeled vehicles, having a pair of generally wedged shaped block members in spaced apart relation that are interconnected by a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is operatively connected to a handle so as to horizontally displace the block members relative to each other. The first end of each block member has an angled contact panel configured for frictional engagement with the wheels so as to prevent movement of the vehicle. The handle is operatively connected to a link member configured for over-center displacement and the link member is pivotally connected to a drive member. In the preferred embodiment, the wheel chock comprises a locking member configured to maintain the linkage assembly in the engaged condition. The first ends of the block members has a vertical panel and is configured at an angle that will not become easily stuck under the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventor: Jim Thorpe
  • Patent number: 7188842
    Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus and system for use with recreational vehicles to reduce or eliminate side-to-side swaying and front-to-back shifting. The invention comprises one or more stabilizer components having a frame connector attached to the vehicle's frame, a jack connector attached to the leveling jack and a telescoping stabilizer bar interconnecting the frame and jack connectors. An engaging element, such as a T-bolt, locks the stabilizer bar. The frame and jack connectors utilize a universally configured connector having a base portion, a support bar mount to connect to a clevis on the stabilizer bar and a threaded end to connect to the frame or jack. The invention is configured to automatically raise and lower with the raising and lowering of the vehicle's jack system. The invention can be provided as an easily installed bolt-on kit that is adaptable to a variety of different recreational vehicles and jack systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jim Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20060081755
    Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus and system for use with recreational vehicles to reduce or eliminate side-to-side swaying and front-to-back shifting. The invention comprises one or more stabilizer components having a frame connector attached to the vehicle's frame, a jack connector attached to the leveling jack and a telescoping stabilizer bar interconnecting the frame and jack connectors. An engaging element, such as a T-bolt, locks the stabilizer bar. The frame and jack connectors utilize a universally configured connector having a base portion, a support bar mount to connect to a clevis on the stabilizer bar and a threaded end to connect to the frame or jack. The invention is configured to automatically raise and lower with the raising and lowering of the vehicle's jack system. The invention can be provided as an easily installed bolt-on kit that is adaptable to a variety of different recreational vehicles and jack systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Jim Thorpe