Patents by Inventor Kip S. Vangsgard

Kip S. Vangsgard 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: 6364041
    Abstract: A 6×4 utility vehicle utilizes a middle axle (21) which is suspended to the frame of the vehicle by means of a suspension assembly (22). The suspension assembly (22) allows the vehicle (10) to have a better ride quality, ride predictability, increased traction and better maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Kip S. Vangsgard
  • Patent number: 6354615
    Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint (50), a single A-frame member (94). A lever arm (95) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Kip S. Vangsgard, Richard T. Cairns, Rodney W. Woock, Dennis J. Berndt
  • Publication number: 20010033067
    Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Kip S. Vangsgard
  • Patent number: 5009270
    Abstract: Various earthworking machines make use of an oscillatory blade, such as the herein referred to sod cutter. Instead of employing two handles, one of which raises and lowers the blade and the other of which handles, when tightened, maintains the blade at a selected depth, only a single handle is employed. When the handle is manually moved forwardly, the blade is lowered and when moved rearwardly the blade is raised, but when the single handle is moved to the left the blade is locked at the depth that has been determined by the forward movement of the handle, this handle movement to the left camming a shiftable gear rack into engagement with a fixed gear rack to maintain the adjusted blade depth. Handle movement to the right allows a coil spring to disengage the racks. A stop, when appropriately set, enables the selected depth to be re-established after each raising of the blade whenever no change in blade depth is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Turfco Manufacturing, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kip S. Vangsgard
  • Patent number: D445066
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Darrell W. Hinklin, Bart T. Ellson, Kip S. Vangsgard, Richard T. Cairns, Jonathan P. Van Dore, Kenneth R. Parker