Patents by Inventor Tim R. Thorman

Tim R. Thorman 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: 5152545
    Abstract: A lift mechanism is provided for lifting the tow bar of a trailer to facilitate connection of the trailer tow bar to a truck's pintle. In the preferred embodiment the lift mechanism includes a bladder which may be connected to a pneumatic system on the trailer. The air bladder is inflated to raise the tow bar above the level of the pintle, facilitating connection of the tow bar to the pintle. Because the tow bar is independent of the lift mechanism, the tow bar has a free travel range greater than the powered travel range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Southwest Mobile Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen B. Hupperts, Tim R. Thorman, T. Paul Gleeson
  • Patent number: 5131673
    Abstract: An automatic, pneumatically operated flatrack lockdown device is provided for a palletized load system trailer. The lockdown device includes a manual release system which can override the pneumatic system when, for example, the pneumatic system fails. The release system includes a main handle, which when pivoted unlocks the flatrack. In one embodiment, the release system further includes a locking assembly which prevents the main handle from unlocking the flatrack , and a pair of release handles, each of which release the locking assembly to allow for operation of the main handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Southwest Mobile Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gleeson, Stephen B. Hupperts, Tim R. Thorman