Patents by Inventor Karl Spears

Karl Spears 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: 20230089256
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for power machines, including a mini-loader that includes a frame, an operator station positioned toward a rear end of the frame and configured to be used by an operator who is behind or on the rear end of the frame, and a power source positioned toward a front end of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Karl Spears, Shaun Riveland, Thomas Tokach, Mitchell Pence, Andrew Kraft
  • Patent number: 10494041
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines, track frame assemblies, and apparatus for mounting a track frame assembly to a frame of a power machine. In various disclosed embodiments, mounting structures mount a track frame to the machine frame. In some exemplary embodiments, each mounting structure includes two torsional joints and at least three non-torsional joints between the machine frame and the corresponding track frame. The two torsional joints can be provided by torsion shafts and the corresponding attachments to front and rear arms. In exemplary embodiments, the at least three non-torsional joints are substantially free to rotate and can include a joint between a front axle and the track frame, a joint between a rear axle and a link, and a joint between a link pin and the track frame. In some exemplary embodiments, the front or rear arms are oriented relative to corresponding torsion shafts to improve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Karl Spears, Matthew J. Kaldor, Jason Muscha, Cameron C. Hansen, Justin Ringgenberg, Jeret L. Hoesel, Ronald S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160318565
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines, track frame assemblies, and apparatus for mounting a track frame assembly to a frame of a power machine. In various disclosed embodiments, mounting structures mount a track frame to the machine frame. In some exemplary embodiments, each mounting structure includes two torsional joints and at least three non-torsional joints between the machine frame and the corresponding track frame. The two torsional joints can be provided by torsion shafts and the corresponding attachments to front and rear arms. In exemplary embodiments, the at least three non-torsional joints are substantially free to rotate and can include a joint between a front axle and the track frame, a joint between a rear axle and a link, and a joint between a link pin and the track frame. In some exemplary embodiments, the front or rear arms are oriented relative to corresponding torsion shafts to improve performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Karl Spears, Matthew J. Kaldor, Jason Muscha, Cameron C. Hansen, Justin Ringgenberg, Jeret L. Hoesel, Ronald S. Hansen
  • Patent number: D982042
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Mitchell Pence, Karl Spears, Logan Worm