Patents by Inventor Leonard F. Smallwood

Leonard F. Smallwood 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).

  • Combination articulated vehicle damping method
    Patent number: 5715917
    Abstract: A combination articulated vehicle damping method for absorbing the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle during a collision that includes crushing a damping material, positioned at a connection of the lead vehicle and the trail vehicle of a combination articulated vehicle, during the collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Leonard F. Smallwood
  • Combination articulated vehicle damping system
    Patent number: 5630605
    Abstract: A combination articulated vehicle damping system for absorbing the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle during a collision. Affixed to the trail vehicle is a damping material retainers that holds a damping material. The back of the damping material retainer engages the rear end of the damping material. A slider frame is slidably mounted in the damping material retainer and engages the forward end of the damping material. A shearable fastener prevents the slider frame from moving relative to the damping material retainer until subjected to a predetermined force. Secured to the slider frame is the connector for coupling the lead vehicle to the trail vehicle. Once the combination articulated vehicle is subjected to a predetermined force, the shearable fastener breaks allowing the slider frame to move and thereby deform the damping material. The deformation of the damping material absorbs the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Leonard F. Smallwood