Attached Patents (Class 14/71.1)
  • Patent number: 11918522
    Abstract: The ramp assembly is integrated and flush in an area of the floor of the vehicle adjacent to a door and is capable of adopting two end positions, a resting position, wherein a platform is hidden inside the vehicle, and an operative ramp position, wherein the platform is arranged on an inclined plane from the floor of the vehicle to a surface located at a lower height level from which people gain access. The ramp assembly is provided with a lifting mechanism in order to minimise the height difference between the floor and the rear side of the platform in the operative ramp position and comprises at least one rocker piece arranged articulately between movement transmission means and the platform, and at least one wedge that is in contact with a lower bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MASATS, S.A.
    Inventors: Jordi Pujol Oller, Jose Bernabeu Viceo
  • Patent number: 11845373
    Abstract: A ramp assembly to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle having a conventional floor includes a frame, a ramp, and a side rail assembly. The ramp is slidably coupled to the frame for movement between a stowed position and an extended position. Once extended, the rear end of the ramp is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The side rail assembly is moveable from a collapsed position to a lifted position as the ramp moves from the lowered position to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Smith, Justin M. Kline
  • Patent number: 11753086
    Abstract: A cargo bed system of a vehicle includes a bed floor assembly of a cargo bed. The bed floor assembly is configured to transition back-and-forth between a standard bed position and an extended bed position. A ramp assembly moves together with the bed floor assembly back-and-forth between the standard bed position and the extended bed position. The ramp assembly is configured to move back-and-forth between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Ryan Mathew Sandor, Matthew B. Rutman
  • Patent number: 11738597
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a cabinet and a pair of retractable wheel assemblies mechanically coupled to the cabinet. Each retractable wheel assembly includes a first retractable wheel and a second retractable wheel. The first retractable wheel and the second retractable wheel of each retractable wheel assembly are movable, independently of one another, between a retracted position, in which the pair of retractable wheel assemblies allow the cabinet to contact an external surface, and an extended position, in which the pair of retractable wheel assemblies support the cabinet above the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Linn Anthony McKay, Dominic S. Biondo, James Joseph McNierney, Donald Wayne Bauer, Timothy Francis Barbour
  • Patent number: 11731313
    Abstract: An articulating mattress of blocks interconnected with tensiles seated therein, said blocks having opposing longitudinal and transverse sides and a top surface each of a smooth surface by contact with a mold surface during casting and a bottom surface having a rough surface by screeding the flowable casting material from an open side of a mold formwork. The mattress inverted with a rolling apparatus for installation with the rough surface in frictional contact on a ground surface for erosion control, said mattress rolling apparatus having base, front wheels, and steerable rear wheels, with a rolling mechanism for rolling the articulating mattress. An apparatus and a method of casting an articulable mattress with a rough bottom surface for erosion control are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: John M. Scales
  • Patent number: 11673629
    Abstract: A water vessel boarding ladder device and method of manufacture are described herein. The boarding ladder device may include one or more of a ladder portion, a handle portion, a coupling portion, and/or other components. The coupling portion may be configured to provide a variable rotational relationship between the handle portion and the ladder portion during simultaneous rotation of the handle portion and the ladder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: White Water Marine Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Rogachenko
  • Patent number: 11660239
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device for controlling an access ramp to a door of a vehicle, the ramp being able to move from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration. The electronic device includes: a detection module configured to detect, via at least one sensor, at least one element of interest located in an area near the door, each sensor being able to be connected to the detection module; a command module configured to command the passage of the ramp from one configuration to the other configuration as a function of the detection of an element of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: TRANSDEV GROUP INNOVATION
    Inventors: Thomas Darnaud, Nicolas Desmoineaux, Cem Karaoguz
  • Patent number: 11634080
    Abstract: This assembly firstly comprises a framework fastened on the body of a vehicle, a swiveling floor intended for the forward motion of travelers, in particular, persons with reduced mobility, and an intermediate device, located below the surface for forward motion. The intermediate device and the swiveling floor are able to swivel in relation to the framework in a mutually independent manner. This assembly moreover comprises a sliding system that is movable in translation in relation to the intermediate device between a stowed position and a deployed position, in which this sliding system forms, together with the surface for forward motion, a ramp extending through a lateral opening of the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT TOURS
    Inventors: Florian Brion, Yann Brunet, Fabien Vautier, Thierry Montanie, Aurélien Gohard, Yannick Saluden, Matthieu Lefort, Valérie Klein
  • Patent number: 11511676
    Abstract: A vehicle storage system is provided having closable storage container which is slidably and removably mounted in a vehicle tailgate, the cover portion of which can serve as a work surface extension of the tailgate, and the interior of which contains reconfigurable dividing walls for separation of contents into discrete locations during both use and storage. One or more of these containers can be mounted, stacked or side by side, within an interior cavity of the tailgate or of a tailgate segment, that tailgate being lockable and removable from the vehicle. Full extension of the storage container from the tailgate interior can be achieved by a double draw slide mechanism. The tailgate end cover is enlarged for both aesthetic and supplemental support surface purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Burke Lee Richter
  • Patent number: 11465865
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system that includes a carriage and a hook that is moveable relative to the carriage. The hook is moveable between an engaged or extended position wherein the hook interferes with translation of vehicle relative to the vehicle restraint system and a disengaged or retracted position wherein the vehicle can be associated with or removed from interaction with the vehicle restraint system. The hook is secured to the carriage via an eccentric pivot assembly such that translation of the hook relative to the carriage includes an least partially lateral translation of the hook relative to the carriage thereby improving the repeatability associated with operation of the restraint system to securely engage and disengage respective vehicles from the restraint system without independent manipulation of the position of the vehicle relative to the restraint system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jean Gadbois, John Schlintz
  • Patent number: 11311434
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a panel. The panel includes a first channel and a second channel spaced from and parallel to each other. The first and second channels are designed to engage wheels of a wheelchair. The assembly includes a latch supported by the panel. The latch is moveable between an unlatched position and a latched position. The latch is retracted from the first channel in the unlatched position and elongated across the first channel in the latched position. The panel includes releasable connections designed to releasably engage a vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Anil Kalra, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque
  • Patent number: 11254526
    Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle restraining hook. The hook includes a shank extending between an axle interface and a hook bend. The hook bend comprises an inner hook surface extending between the shank and a hook tip. The inner hook surface comprises at least a primary bend and a secondary bend, and in some cases a tertiary bend. Each of the primary bend and secondary bend comprises two planar surfaces, while the tertiary bend comprises a curved surface. These surfaces interact with a RIG bar to generate a force rotating the hook up and ensuring that it maintains contact with the RIG bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Multi-Fab Products, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Meichtry
  • Patent number: 11135108
    Abstract: A ramp apparatus of a door for a vehicle is provided. The ramp apparatus includes a door configured to open and close an interior of a vehicle, the door having an interior space, a guide unit installed in the interior space of the door, wherein the guide unit is configured to be slid to be extracted to an outside of the door or to be inserted into the door, and a ramp mechanism installed in the guide unit, wherein the ramp mechanism is configured to be rotatable, the ramp mechanism comprising a plurality of ramp panels connected to each other and rotatable with respect to each other, wherein the ramp panels are configured to be folded when being located in the interior of the door and to be unfolded when being extracted to the outside of the door by the guide unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Min Han Kim, Jae Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 11007918
    Abstract: A ramp apparatus for a vehicle includes a ramp retractable in the vehicle and drawable to an outside of the vehicle, a moving body movable in a drawing direction and a retracting direction together with the ramp, a support arm rotatably coupled with the ramp at a first rotatable coupling point and rotatably coupled with the moving body at a second rotatable coupling point, and a tension spring interposed between the ramp and the moving body. The ramp is arranged in a lifted-up position in which the ramp faces a door opening of the vehicle from a drawn position. The tension spring rotationally urges the first rotatable coupling point positioning above the tension spring in the drawn position of the ramp about the second rotatable coupling point and exerts an urging force on the ramp, the urging force moving the ramp from the drawn position toward the lifted-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Eisuke Sato, Yohei Kanatani
  • Patent number: 10988329
    Abstract: Vehicle restraints for use at loading docks are described herein. In some embodiments, a vehicle restraint includes a vertically-moving carriage that is operably coupled to a guide track by means of one or more sliding members instead of, or in conjunction with, rollers. The sliding members can have relatively large contact surfaces configured to react the majority of vehicle pull loads applied to the vehicle restraint in use. Because of the relatively large contact surfaces, the pull loads are spread out over a relatively large area of the guide track, thereby reducing the likelihood for the loads to deform or otherwise damage the guide track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventor: L. Blake Whitley
  • Patent number: 10894615
    Abstract: The innovation relates to a passenger boarding bridge which contains at least one stationary segment and at least one movable segment, in particular a plurality of segments movable relative to one another, wherein each segment has wall, floor and roof elements, and, in the transition region of individual segments, transition element, which are possibly extending at an angle, are provided on the floor side, characterized in that safely elements formed in the manner of railings are provided in wall-side sections of the wall elements of the segments and are positioned on the wall-side sections of the individual segments in such a way that a relative movement of the segments with respect to one another can be carried out unimpeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 10807814
    Abstract: A truck ramp including a first ramp element second ramp element and pivoting structure located between the first and second ramp elements. The first ramp element is coupled to the truck at one end and at the other end, a hinge. The second ramp element is hinged at one end and at the other end interlaces with the ground or other surface. Between the first and second ramp elements is a pivoting structure comprised of a first component that is mechanically coupled to the first ramp element at the first hinged end and a second component that is mechanically coupled to the second ramp element at the hinged end. The first component and the second component are rotatable about an axis, orthogonal to the first and second ramp element hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Lopez
  • Patent number: 10786425
    Abstract: A method for a mobile therapy provider to provide mobile therapy to a patient is disclosed. The mobile therapy provider receives an authorized prescription to provide therapy services, such as water therapy services, to the patient. The mobile therapy provider also verifies that medical insurance is available to the patient to cover the cost of the therapy. An appointment is scheduled with the patient to provide the mobile therapy services at an agreed upon location. A mobile therapy vehicle having therapy equipment is dispatched to the location agreed upon with the patient. An attending therapist provides the patient with the required type and scope of therapy in the mobile therapy vehicle. The results of therapy session are sent by the mobile provider to the insurance provider for payment and to the licensed health care professional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Lolita Richmond
  • Patent number: 10745220
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system and a control system configured to manipulate an orientation of a vehicle restraint relative to a carriage that supports the restraint such that the hook is moveable between an engaged or extended position wherein the hook interferes with translation of vehicle relative to the vehicle restraint system and a disengaged or retracted position wherein the vehicle can be associated with or removed from interaction with the vehicle restraint system. The control system includes a single indicia whose output is manipulated such that a characteristic of the output of the indicia, rather that strictly operation thereof, indicates a secured or less than secured condition associated with operation of the restraint relative to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John Schlintz, Brandon Keyser
  • Patent number: 10589944
    Abstract: Example vehicle restraints with a barrier having rotational and translational motion are described. An example vehicle restraint includes a carriage frame movable vertically relative to the dock. A drive shaft is supported by the carriage frame. A drive unit is to rotate the drive shaft about a shaft axis and relative to the carriage frame. A hub is connected to rotate with the drive shaft about the shaft axis, the hub having an outer diameter surface that is radially off center relative to the shaft axis. A barrier defines a bore that encircles the outer diameter surface of the hub. The barrier is movable selectively to an extended position and a retracted position. The barrier being connected to move selectively to the extended position and the retracted position in response to relative rotation between the outer diameter surface of the hub and the bore of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Mushynski, Bradley J. Stone, Leonard Kikstra, Matthew Sveum, Robert J. Harter
  • Patent number: 10563456
    Abstract: An apparatus controls the operation of multiple barriers at a common location. The apparatus includes a controller that determines which particular barrier operator among a group of several barrier operators should execute functionality based on certain operating conditions (e.g., location, speed, direction, orientation, etc.) relative to a controller or another component of the apparatus. In response to a user operating an interface in a manner intended to effect a barrier operator function, the apparatus causes the particular barrier operator to execute the function without affecting the other barrier operators among the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Bodurka, Casparus Cate, Mark L. Karasek
  • Patent number: 10507892
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a tool for assisting users while docking a boat. According to an embodiment herein, a boarding aid mechanism for a boat for assisting a passenger while docking a boat includes a clamp, a vertical slide arm and a dock arm. The clamp is secured to one side of the boat. The vertical slide arm is mechanically coupled to the clamp using a pin. The vertical slide arm comprises a rubber handgrip for supporting and balancing the passenger. The dock arm is an L shaped structure extending from the vertical slide arm. The dock arm is slid into the vertical slide arm and further the vertical slide arm is secured to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: George Carter
  • Patent number: 10501288
    Abstract: A seal member for sealing a gap between a car-side door sill and a landing-side door sill is slidable between a sealing position and a retracted position and is driven by a link mechanism. The seal member is connected to an actuation spring that receives a movement force toward the sealing position. The link mechanism releases engagement with the actuating member in synchronization with a start of a door open operation of the car door to permit sliding toward the sealing position caused by the actuation spring. The link mechanism is engaged with the actuating member of the car door side in synchronization with movement of the car door toward a door close end to move the seal member to the retracted position resisting to the actuation spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA ELEVATOR KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taku Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10493893
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a box-shaped base frame in which a battery is stored in an internal space, with a vehicle drive unit using an in-wheel motor attached to a side surface; and a floor panel that is separately arranged from the base frame at a position above the base frame in the vehicle. In the electric vehicle, a slope device that feeds out a slope board toward a sidewalk or a road is provided in a clearance between the base frame and the floor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohito Matsuoka, Seiichi Tsunoda, Jiro Goto, Masayuki Yamada, Yasutaka Eto, Keima Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 10459450
    Abstract: A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Autonomy Squared LLC
    Inventor: Gabriel T Sibley
  • Patent number: 10416340
    Abstract: A containerized system for vehicle scanning, includes a container; the container having a vertically movable top portion of the container, the top portion including an X-ray source and a collimator; the container having a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a first linear X-ray detector; an entry ramp that rotates to a vertical position in a transportable state and functions as a first wall of the container, the entry ramp being foldable so as not to exceed a height of the container in the transportable state; an exit ramp that rotates to a vertical position in the transportable state and functions as a second wall of the container, the entry ramp being foldable so as not to exceed a height of the container in the transportable state; a generator for autonomous operation; and an operator station for display of scan data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Adani Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Karas, Vladimir N. Linev
  • Patent number: 10308292
    Abstract: The truck tailgate table comprises a tailgate and an extendable table. The extendable table is stored within a hollow cavity inside of the tailgate when the extendable table is not in use. To deploy the extendable table, the tailgate is lowered to a horizontal position and a tailgate cap is opened. A tabletop is pulled from within the tailgate and moves over front and rear rollers within the tailgate. The rollers act as stops to prevent the tabletop from being pulled completely out of the tailgate. A left telescopic leg and a right telescopic leg are pivoted from horizontal positions beneath the tabletop to vertical positions at the rear corners of the tabletop. The length of each leg may be adjusted so that the leg touches the ground when the tabletop is horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: William Shedden
  • Patent number: 10286846
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism associated with a handrail assembly of a machine is provided. The handrail assembly is coupled to an operator platform. The handrail assembly includes a first handrail member coupled to the frame. The linkage mechanism connects the first handrail member to the frame such that the first handrail member can be pivotally moved between an extended position and a retracted position. The linkage mechanism includes a first bracket and a pair of linkage members. The first bracket is coupled to the frame. The pair of linkage members pivotally connect the first bracket with the first handrail member. The first bracket, the pair of linkage members and the first handrail member together form a four-bar linkage. Further, a spring biased latching mechanism is configured to retain the handrail assembly in a retracted or an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Lindholm, Ryan Bradley Fletcher
  • Patent number: 10196110
    Abstract: Contemplated herein is an adjustable positive restraint docking system, the system having a latching assembly, the latching assembly being configured to be affixed to a docking point on a dock so as to act as a mooring point for a watercraft to said docking point. The latching assembly can also include a latching head assembly, the latching head assembly wherein in the embodiments shown the latching head assembly can also be provided with a receiving channel having an open portion being configured to receive a secondary locking component provided about the watercraft. A linkage assembly can be provided which within or about the channel, which can selectively block or open the open portion of the receiving channel. In some embodiments, the linkage assembly can be configured to pass through a toggle point between an open state and a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Norton
  • Patent number: 10106069
    Abstract: A boarding system for a vehicle for transporting people includes a retractable step that has a lifting function and a ramp function. An extendable front edge of the retractable step and a rear edge of the retractable step are arranged behind in the direction of travel and are adjustable in terms of height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: GEBR. BODE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Abbas Rasekhi
  • Patent number: 10060135
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position to provide a sloped transition between upper and lower surfaces of an architectural setting. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel and a drive assembly coupled to a first end of the ramp panel so that the drive assembly reciprocates the operable ramp between the stowed position and the deployed position. The drive assembly defines a maximum elevation of the first end of the ramp panel when the operable ramp is in the deployed position and also defines a minimum elevation of the first end of the ramp panel when the operable ramp is in the stowed position. The maximum elevation is selectively adjustable relative to the minimum elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, George Franco
  • Patent number: 10046690
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes first, second and third living areas, each having a floor and a garage located below the third living area. A bed is located in the third living area. The bed includes a platform supported above the floor of the third living area by a support structure. The platform is movable from a first position adjacent the support structure to a second position spaced apart from the support structure. The platform defines at least in part the ceiling of the garage. The recreational vehicle further includes a chassis configured such that the section located below the third living area and the garage supports the garage floor in a position that is lower than the remainder of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Grand Design RV, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Goldenberg, Ryan B. Getz, Thomas R. Cramer
  • Patent number: 10040385
    Abstract: A vehicle access ramp system is provided. In various embodiments, methods, devices and systems are provided to facilitate the ingress and egress of various objects and beings to and from a vehicle. In some embodiments, a ramp system is provided that is arranged to integrate with an existing compartment of a vehicle and which maintains the utility of the existing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventors: Errol Keith Stevens, Rebette Stevens
  • Patent number: 10041296
    Abstract: This disclosure pertains to industrial trucks, and in particular to aerial-ladder trucks with bed extensions. An aerial-ladder truck consistent with the present disclosure includes a cab at a front thereof and a truck bed at a rear thereof. The back end portion of the truck bed includes bed extensions that are slidably coupled in a transverse direction to the back end portion of the truck bed. When the bed extensions are engaged, the width of the truck bed increases by a length that the bed extensions extend from the truck bed. The aerial-ladder truck further includes a ladder turret provided to the truck bed to pass there through. The aerial-ladder truck further includes an extensible post fixedly passing through the ladder turret, an extensible ladder connected to a top portion of the extensible post, and a carrier provided at the top thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Chang Ho Anh
  • Patent number: 10029598
    Abstract: A carrier system and method for assisting in handling cargo of a vehicle. A carrier container includes an interior storage space surrounded by a front side facing the rear of the vehicle, rear, left, right, and bottom sides, and an open top that allows access to the interior storage space with a lid that closes and opens the top. A carrier support structure mounted to the carrier container is inserted into the hitch of the vehicle and holds the top surface of the container flush with the cargo bed of the vehicle. The lid is opened to deploy a ramp stored inside which is anchored to the container so that it is flush with the top surface of the container and reaches the ground. The lid is closed and a bridge plate commonly hinged with the lid is deployed over any gap between the cargo bed and the container top, providing a continuous surface between the cargo bed and the ground for use by pets for ingress and egress of the vehicle and for handling cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Theodore J. Keck
  • Patent number: 10017092
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable-length, variable-tracked ramp loading system attachable to the bed of a pickup truck, utility truck, or a stationary loading dock. The ramp loading system serves to assist with the loading of assorted types of cargo, including wheeled vehicles, construction equipment, supplies, materials, and other objects of dimensions compatible with the size of the truck bed or dock. The system is constructed and operates with a minimum of two extendable ramps. Each ramp is horizontally stowed or nestled within an individual bridge, which bridge is further housed inside a bedrunner. Each bedrunner is attached to the bed/floor of the truck or loading dock. The ramps may be extended and angularly lowered at varying distances from the rear of the truck bed or dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventors: Robert M Chastain, Jr., Robert M Chastain, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9903121
    Abstract: A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: MORryde International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Tompkins, Anthony J. Granzotto
  • Patent number: 9873490
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bow ramp for a water vessel (boat) wherein the bow ramp is configured to rotate/pivot to an open position to allow passage from within a hull of the vessel to a shore. The bow ramp is operated in combination with shore penetrating spikes which penetrate a shore or seabed (riverbed, lakebed, etc.) and include a user-actuated spike rotation mechanism which allows a user to move the water vessel further up a shore or alternatively away from a shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas M Day
  • Patent number: 9827153
    Abstract: A motor vehicle for independent use by an individual in a wheelchair, comprising an open air vehicle body including a floor further comprising a front, a rear, and lateral sides, said floor sized and shaped to receive and retain a wheelchair; a motor; at least one front and at least one rear wheel supporting said vehicle body and floor, each of said front and rear wheels attached rotatably near an underside of a corner of the vehicle body; at least one actuator attaching said floor to said at least one rear wheel, wherein said floor can be lowered to a ground surface and raised to a level floor position; wherein a rear portion of said floor is structured to fold upward to form said rear side and fold downward to be in line with said floor; and a steering control assembly coupled to said at least one front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Douglas Clevenger
  • Patent number: 9797128
    Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus includes a mount to couple to a wall of a loading dock and a seal coupled to the mount. The seal includes an outer flexible sheet having a first end and a second end. The seal includes an inner flexible sheet having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the inner flexible sheet couples to the first end of the outer flexible sheet and the fourth end of the inner flexible sheet couples to the second end of the outer flexible sheet. The inner flexible sheet provides an edge seal and a surface seal. The edge seal engages a rearward facing edge of a vehicle and the surface seal engages surface panel of the vehicle when the vehicle is in engagement with the seal. A guide movably couples the outer flexible sheet and the inner flexible sheet. The guide is positioned between the respective ends of the inner and outer flexible sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles Digmann, Leif Kniese, Rudolf Bannasch
  • Patent number: 9745153
    Abstract: A truck bed extender and ramp assembly mounts to the hitch receiver of a pickup truck to allow four-wheeled vehicles to be driven into and out of the truck bed, with the rear wheels of the vehicle being supported by a crossbar spaced rearwardly from the open tailgate of the truck. The assembly includes ramps pivotally mounted to the crossbar for movement between a lowered use position for loading and unloading the vehicle and a raised transport position. The ramps automatically pivot on the crossbar when the rear wheels of the vehicle pass over the crossbar. The ramps include telescoping sections to adjust the length of the ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Pelzer, David M. Pelzer
  • Patent number: 9708815
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position to provide a sloped transition surface between upper and lower surfaces of an architectural setting. The operable ramp includes a housing disposed on the lower surface of the architectural setting and having a selectively adjustable height. A first ramp panel has a support element extending from a first end. The operable ramp also includes a drive assembly located within the housing. The drive assembly includes an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element to move the operable ramp between the stowed position and the deployed position. The endless loop has a linear portion located between first and second arcuate portions. The endless loop raises the end of the support element to deploy first ramp panel. The distance between the first and second arcuate portions is selectively adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: LIFT-U, DIVISION OF HOGAN MFG., INC.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, George Franco
  • Patent number: 9475529
    Abstract: A trailer that can transport an ATV being towed behind an automobile, and then be pulled behind an ATV, and provides a means to transport tools or gear protecting them from the elements. The trailer having rounded corners for brush deflection, also having a gap bed that accommodates a weather proof storage box that extends from below the deck level to above the deck level, wherein the wheels of an ATV straddle this gap utilizing the ground clearance of the vehicle. The decks may be hinged for access to additional storage area below them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffery Leland Leisner
  • Patent number: 9428350
    Abstract: A mobile loading dock including a planar ramp member having a lower end and an upper end including an upper edge having a lip, the lip resting on a trailer bed. A ramp underside including a wheel assembly thereupon, the wheel assembly having a hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside; a wheel attached to the leg at an axle and disposed to contact a ground surface beneath the mobile loading dock and a hydraulic velocity fuse. If the trailer bed moves while the lip is resting on the trailer bed the hydraulic velocity fuse engages and prevents free fall of the ramp member to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Grant Leum
  • Patent number: 9266458
    Abstract: The foldable truck bed extension deck and ramp assembly are mountable in a short-box pickup truck. The bed extension deck and ramp assembly have a comparable length to a full-size pickup truck box when deployed for use, and are jointly foldable to fit into a short-bed pickup truck with its tailgate closed when not used. The bed extension deck has a strong upper surface to resist deformation in rough use. The ramp member can be deployed with its front end matching the surface of the extension deck so that a vehicle can be driven along the ramp member and onto the deck surface without encountering any transition step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Michel Michaud
  • Patent number: 9193543
    Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses disclosed herein include vehicle-actuated mechanisms for forcibly pressing a seal member down against a roof of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, rather than relying on gravity alone, rearward movement of the vehicle mechanically expands a seal member to create sufficient reach and sealing pressure to press the expandable seal member firmly against vehicle roofs of various heights and positions. In some examples, an example vehicle-actuated mechanism disclosed herein forces a compressible seal down against the vehicle's roof and maintains a compressive sealing force over a range of roof heights and positions. Some example weather barrier apparatuses disclosed herein include example means for mitigating certain jam conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles Digmann
  • Patent number: 9150137
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a collapsible arched ramp includes an arched vertically extending middle ramp section, two arched vertically extending outer ramp sections, and two arched vertically extending connecting ramp sections. The connecting ramp sections connect the outer ramp sections to opposing vertical sides of the middle ramp section so that the outer ramp sections are substantially parallel and laterally spaced apart with the middle ramp section. The arches of the outer ramp sections arch in a same direction of the arch of the middle ramp section and arch in the opposite direction of the middle ramp section. When collapsing the ramp, the direction of the arched sections line up, allowing for a compact assembly that may be easily carried and stored. The method of extending and collapsing the ramp allows for a ramp that is rapidly and efficiently assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Bosski, Inc.
    Inventor: John Boguslawski
  • Patent number: 9132892
    Abstract: Herein a floating vessel is disclosed. The floating vessel comprises a body structure, a tank for at least temporarily storing a liquid, and at least one pipe connected to the tank. The floating vessel further comprises a tunnel having a first end portion and a second end portion extending through the body structure. The tunnel is arranged in open connection to an ambient environment of the floating vessel. There is least one pipe connected to the tank extending at least partially through the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GVA Consultants AB
    Inventors: Henning Lundin, David Christer André
  • Patent number: 9125778
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp movable between a deployed position, a stowed position, and an intermediate position and a drive mechanism comprising a motor configured to move the ramp between the deployed position and the stowed position. The motor has a shunted mode and a non-shunted mode. The assembly further includes a first detecting arrangement configured to detect a position of the ramp and a second detecting arrangement configured to detect a direction of movement of the ramp, with the motor being placed in one of the shunted mode and the non-shunted mode based on the position and the direction of movement of the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Steve Fisher, Lluno Cervera, Christopher Wyszkowski
  • Patent number: 9101519
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing wheelchair access to a vehicle, including a deployable wheelchair access assembly coupled to the vehicle and deployable to a position in which one end of the assembly is in contact with the ground. The wheelchair access assembly can include multiple panels. Some embodiments include a control system for adjusting the angular relationship of one panel relative to another panel. Yet other embodiments include a sensor for measuring the inclination of the deployed assembly relative to earth's gravity. In yet other embodiments the vehicle includes a sensor for measuring the inclination of the vehicle relative to earth's gravity, and a plurality of suspension actuators for changing the inclination of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Dallas Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett J. Smith, Darren K. Back, Stephen A. Asztalos, Judson Smith