Seat On Seat Portion Movable To Alternate Positon Patents (Class 180/330)
  • Patent number: 10661844
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for a vehicle door or window are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a vehicle body and a cabin located within the body of the vehicle, wherein the cabin includes an interior that is configured to accommodate at least one person. The vehicle includes at least one seat located in the interior of the cabin that is configured for seating a user. The vehicle includes at least one door that provides ingress and egress to the interior of the cabin of the vehicle, and the at least one door is located with respect to the body such that the door opens to provide ingress and egress into the cabin from a backside of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Nikola Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor R. Milton, Steve Jennes, Markus Scholten
  • Patent number: 10438480
    Abstract: A system for automatically linking a radio remote control to an industrial truck comprises at least three transmitting and receiving units disposed in a predetermined spatial arrangement relative to each other in the industrial truck. The at least three transmitting and receiving units are configured to transmit search signals and receive response signals. A radio remote control is configured to receive and process the search signals transmitted by the transmitting and receiving units and to transmit corresponding response signals. The system further comprises an evaluation unit that is configured to determine signal propagation times of the transmitted search signals and the received corresponding response signals and to determine a position of the radio remote control. A control unit configured to link the radio remote control with the industrial truck when the relative position of the radio remote control lies within a predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Oliver Göpner
  • Patent number: 10000120
    Abstract: The present invention is a work vehicle having a first operation tool which is rockable or movable in a front/back direction arranged on a one side of a driver's seat. A second operation tool is rockable or movable in the front/back direction and is arranged forward of the first operation tool. A third operation tool is depressible and is arranged between the first operation tool and the second operation tool in the front/back direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Kobayashi, Akari Kakudate, Daisuke Fujii, Takuya Inamori, Muneomi Kikuchi, Ryuusuke Furukawa
  • Patent number: 9217240
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a first work machine and a second work machine, includes: a seat for which an orientation position toward the first work machine and an orientation position toward the second work machine can be switched; a seat position detection unit configured to detect the orientation position of the seat; a display unit configured to display information related to an operation state of the work vehicle; and a control unit configured to change information displayed by the display unit according to the orientation position of the seat detected by the seat position detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 9163383
    Abstract: A method, an electronic control unit, a vehicle control system and a working machine for controlling an power source adapted to drive at least one ground engaging element of the working machine are provided. The method includes receiving an operator control input indicative of the control of the power source, receiving a state input indicative of an operating state of the machine, determining an operation signal in the response to the operator control input and the operating state input, and sending the determined operation signal for controlling the power source accordingly. An accelerator signal converter adapted to perform any of the method steps is provided, as is an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) including the accelerator signal converter, a vehicle control system including the ECU, and a working machine including the vehicle control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Reno Filla
  • Patent number: 9004532
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a front boarding section, a rear boarding section having a rear seat unit, a ROPS delimiting space including a front boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the front boarding section and a rear boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the rear boarding section, and a loading platform mounted rearward of the vehicle body. The ROPS includes a plurality of posts and an upper frame supported to the posts and delimiting upper space of the front boarding space and the rear boarding space. The loading platform is switchable between a first position in which a front end of the loading platform is positioned rearward of the rear boarding space and a second position in which the front end of the loading platform enters the rear boarding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimi Hirooka
  • Patent number: 8694213
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling the regenerating condition by use of a construction machine having an upper revolving structure with a hybrid drive unit, and a lower traveling body, wherein when in a brake mode, the hydraulic motor is neutralized by the internal communication of an inlet port and an outlet port of the hydraulic motor via a communication valve, such that most of the kinetic (inertia) energy is efficiently transduced into electric energy by way of regenerative power generation for electric storage, and such that the switchover between driving and regenerative power generation is rendered in the optimal condition. The control unit determines the control mode of the control unit in accordance with the rotation direction of the hydraulic actuator, the operating direction of the hydraulic actuator controller, the actual rotational velocity of the hydraulic actuator, and the manipulated variable of the hydraulic actuator controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Nishitani, Masahiro Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8528684
    Abstract: A charge pressure reduction circuit for a loader backhoe in which a directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a system pressure high enough to adequately supply a clutch circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is operating in a loader or transport mode. The directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a lower pressure as, for example, required for a lubrication circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is in a backhoe operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan H. Laws, Jonathan R. Copeland, Jacob J. Foxen, Anthony W. Brandon
  • Patent number: 8346441
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body, a wheel rotatably supported and coaxially disposed on the body, and an occupant riding portion supported by the body. The motor vehicle is provided with a body attitude detector for detecting an attitude of the body and a body attitude controller for controlling the body attitude detected by the body attitude detector, wherein, in response to an inertial force or a centrifugal force generated by acceleration, deceleration or a turning motion of the motor vehicle, the occupant riding portion is moved so as to balance the inertial force or the centrifugal force. The motor vehicle further includes an occupant attitude controller for controlling an attitude of the occupant riding portion in accordance with a detection value detected by the body attitude detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: KabushikiKaisha Equos Research
    Inventors: Nobuaki Miki, Munehisa Horiguchi, Katsunori Doi
  • Patent number: 8079438
    Abstract: A seat for heavy equipment having a buffer in forward and backward directions, which can protect an operator by attenuating impact and vibration generated in a cab in forward and backward directions of an excavator in accordance with the driving of the buffer in a main working mode of the excavator. The seat includes a lower member mounted on a suspension plate, an upper member slidably mounted on the lower member in forward and backward directions of the equipment, a buffer unit for attenuating impact and vibration generated in the forward and backward directions of the equipment, a tilting unit, and a locking unit. In a main working mode, a buffer function is performed through forward and backward movement of the upper member against the lower member, and when the main working mode is released, the buffer function is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holdings Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hak Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 8041485
    Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine includes a body, an engine, a transmission, a seat assembly, an electronic control module, a first transmission controller, and a second transmission controller. The engine is mounted within the body and powers the machine. The transmission is coupled to the engine. The seat assembly is rotatably mounted to the body and moveable between a first position and a second position. The electronic control module is in electrical communication with the engine and the seat assembly. The first transmission controller is in electrical communication with the electronic control module and operable to control the transmission with a first transmission command. The second transmission controller is in electrical communication with the electronic control module and operable to control the transmission a second transmission command when the seat assembly is in the first position and the first transmission command is neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eko A. Prasetiawan, Satyaki Guha
  • Patent number: 7878288
    Abstract: An operator control assembly includes an operator manipulable control, and a first armrest movably coupling the operator manipulable control to a frame of a construction vehicle. The first armrest is movable from a first vertical orientation to a second vertical orientation and from a first horizontal orientation to a second horizontal orientation, such that when the armrest is in the second horizontal orientation, the armrest is positioned with in a footprint of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Ales Kostak, Jaroslav Fiser
  • Publication number: 20100288575
    Abstract: A personal mobility device comprising an open frame having a front structure, a rear structure, and a side structure. The side structure has an upper rail and a lower rail coupleable to the front structure and the rear structure. In one embodiment, a main mobility wheel is coupled to the side structure, and a knee rest is rotatably coupled to the front structure. The knee rest is adjustable from a first substantially-vertical position coupled to the front structure to a second rearwardly and downwardly-angled position from the front structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: James Graham Irvine
  • Patent number: 7721839
    Abstract: An operator's seat for heavy equipment having optimized switch arrangements for controlling the equipment is provided, in which arrangements of various kinds of switches and components of operating devices that are frequently used by an operator in the seat due to the characteristic of the equipment are integrated within a radius that an operator's hand reaches (i.e. in a hand arm operation zone), and thus physical inconvenience and fatigue that the operator who repeatedly operates working devices for a long time suffers can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hak Shin Kim
  • Publication number: 20100006364
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprises a base; a seat mounted to swivel relative to the base; and a console having first and second segments, the first segment mounted to swivel with the seat relative to the base and the second segment being mounted to remain in fixed position as the seat and first console segment swivel. The console's two segments lie in a generally common horizontal plane and are separated by an arcuate spacing so that the first segment is located proximate the operator and the second segment is located distally of the operator. This arrangement of the seat assembly components allows the seated operator to rotate in the seat through a substantial arc, with the first console segment rotating as well while the second console segment remains stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Sears Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: L. John Koutsky, Dale R. Ropp, Bradley T. Hebeler
  • Patent number: 7520567
    Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement is provided for a working vehicle comprising an operator's seat having an adjustable feature. A first control element is arranged such that a first work operative position is defined. A seat adjusting element is further provided for enabling the operator to set the adjustable feature of the operator's seat. The seat adjusting element is positioned relative to the first control element such that the operator may selectively control the adjustable feature of the seat without significantly interrupting the first work operative position or without significantly interrupting a transition from a first task to a second task and/or from a first work operative position to a second work operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Billger, Michael P. Gallagher, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Hanson, Leroy M. Kluver, Jay G. Pollack, Steven R. Pulskamp, Adam M. Ruppert, Gary L. Topp
  • Patent number: 7419029
    Abstract: There is provided a driver driving position adjusting device, comprising a movable floor panel adjusting mechanism operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a movable floor panel, an adjusting device operative to adjust at least one of a seat face position of a driver seat, an operating angle of the pedal operated by the leg portion of the driver and a position of a steering, and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate the movable floor panel adjusting mechanism and the adjusting device. Accordingly, the proper driving position and pedal operation can be provided regardless of the body size of driver, by adjusting at least the vertical position of the movable floor panel on which the leg portion of the driver operating the pedal is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Ohtsubo, Hiroki Uemura
  • Patent number: 7389846
    Abstract: A personal all-terrain vehicle is provided which is suitable for driving between rows of a vineyard for trimming vines. The vehicle includes a frame and an engine. A driver seat of the vehicle is positioned at an end of the frame beyond the wheels of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle facing perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Drive controls are foot and leg so that the operator's hands are free for performing work. A hitch member is supported at a rear end of the vehicle adjacent the seat for towing a cart including a tub for carrying trimmings therein. A chipper unit on the cart shreds the vine trimmings into smaller particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Stanley Lawrence Grywacheski, Rene Raymond Rosset, John Laurence Enns
  • Patent number: 7347299
    Abstract: An operator's compartment for an industrial vehicle comprises a platform floor, an operator's seat, at least one presence sensing device and a control module. The operator's seat has a base structure coupled to the platform floor and an operator support coupled to the base structure such that the operator support may be rotated with respect to the platform floor. Each provided presence sensing device is arranged to sense an operator's presence in a predetermined location in or about the operator's compartment and the control module is configured to control at least one operation of the vehicle based upon a rotational position of the operator's seat and a signal from at least one of the presence sensing device(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Billger, Michael P. Gallagher, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Kaiser, Leroy M. Kluver, Jay L. Kuck, Steven R. Pulskamp, Craig J. Rekow, Adam M. Ruppert, Gary L. Topp, George R. Wetterer
  • Patent number: 7283903
    Abstract: A system for reliably enabling an implement controller for a work vehicle having a swivel seat with at least two angular positions. The system includes an implement controller for controlling a work implement, seat position detector for determining the positions of the swivel seat, an ignition switch and an implement controller toggle switch. The system is capable of enabling the implement controller under ideal enablement conditions and non-ideal enablement conditions. Ideal enablement conditions exist when the implement controller toggle switch is toggled to an implement controller enabling state while the ignition switch is on and the seat is properly positioned. Non-ideal enablement conditions exit when the implement controller toggle switch is put in an implement controller enabling state in the absence of ideal enablement conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James Gerard Merten, Robert Joseph Hachmann, Bruce Allan Musmaker, Michael Gacioch
  • Patent number: 7234561
    Abstract: An industrial truck, such as a forward control fork-lift truck, has dual pedal control with one pedal (5) assigned to the operator's right leg for forward travel and another pedal (6) assigned to the operator's left leg for reverse travel. A driver's seat (2) can be swivelled about an approximately vertical axis of rotation (D). In order to decrease the expenditure and space required for the driver's seat (2) to swivel, the driver's seat (2) can be swivelled in a clockwise direction from a normal position associated with the forward travel direction by an amount of at most 15 to 25 degrees, such as 15 to 20 degrees, such as about 17 degrees, into an oblique position associated with the reverse travel direction. The axis of rotation (D) of the driver's seat (2) can be in the region of the seat front edge, within the seat contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hock, Heiko Sobolewski, Gerhard Zang
  • Patent number: 7083019
    Abstract: An electrical wheelchair includes a vertical rotating shaft connected fixedly to a seat member and journalled on a frame of a chair body, and a worm unit for transferring rotation of a motor shaft to the rotating shaft. A wheel-controlling switch is disposed on the seat member, and is operable to rotate a driving wheel unit. A rotation-controlling switch is also disposed on the seat member, and is operable to rotate the rotating shaft and the seat member by any desired angle smaller than and equal to 360°. When the seat member rotates from a frontward position by 180°, the rotational direction of the driving wheel unit is reversed under automatic control. As such, forward and rearward movement of the wheelchair can be conducted with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignees: National Chung-Hsing University, Chung Shan Medical University
    Inventors: Shean-Juinn Chiou, Jau-Liang Chen, Jong-Fang Ho
  • Patent number: 6991060
    Abstract: A vehicle has multiple movable driving positions resulting from a seat which is movable with respect to the vehicle chassis and has a driver's vehicle interface which moves with the seat. A wire bundle interconnects the driver's vehicle interface with controls for driving the vehicle. In one embodiment, a carousel rotates and a seat on the carousel revolves and rotates so that the seat continues to face forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Eugenio Pagliano
  • Patent number: 6971471
    Abstract: A vehicle is capable of being driven in a plurality of forward directions, the direction of travel being a function of the forward-facing orientation of a movable seat or movement of the driver to a different seat. The vehicle includes a frame, at least three wheels, a steering system, a braking system and an energy conversion system operable with respect to at least one of the wheels and controllable through non-mechanical control means. The vehicle has at least one movable seat connected to the frame and at least one operator interface operably connected to at least one of the steering system, braking system and energy conversion system that is usable to drive the vehicle in different directions when the seat is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Baker, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Vitale
  • Patent number: 6955239
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle having a seat placed in a driver's room provided in a vehicle body to be rotatable at a predetermined angle in at least one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction with respect to a forward facing position, wherein the driver's room includes a main accelerator pedal at a position corresponding to the seat in the forward facing position and an auxiliary accelerator pedal at a position corresponding to the seat in a position rotated at a predetermined angle from the forward facing position and the main accelerator pedal is interlockable with the auxiliary accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: TCM Corporation
    Inventors: Jyun Ueda, Norihiro Ohe, Eiichi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6916148
    Abstract: A load handling vehicle having an operator's position, a power operated load handler including a boom pivotally mounted at a front end of the vehicle and at least front and rear pairs of ground engaging wheels with one wheel of each pair on each side of the vehicle. At least one pair of wheels is power driven. The operator's position is offset to one side of the pivotal mount for the boom. The operator's position may include a seat which can be moved between a first position on a longitudinal center line of the vehicle and a second position to one side of the vehicle center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators Ltd.
    Inventors: David John Brown, Roy William Allsopp, David Burrage
  • Patent number: 6814174
    Abstract: A seat assembly is for a construction vehicle, preferably a compacting vehicle, and includes a base attached to the vehicle and having an axis and a rail movably connected with the base so as to be angularly displaceable about the base axis. The rail has a longitudinal centerline extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the base axis. A seat carriage is movably connected with the rail so as to be linearly displaceable along the rail centerline. A linkage is connected with the base and with the seat carriage and is configured to linearly displace the carriage along the rail centerline when the rail angularly displaces about the base axis, preferably between a most proximal position with respect to the base axis and a most distal position with respect to the axis. Preferably, the linkage includes a cam connected with the base and a follower connected with the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Chad L. Fluent, Richard E. Whitfield, Christopher L. Junga
  • Patent number: 6755270
    Abstract: A cabin structure for a working machine includes a substantially transparent cabin element equipped with a bottom part having a seat for the operator of the working machine, a display and a controller for controlling the operations of the working machine. The cabin structure also includes a control mechanism for tilting the cabin element in relation to the frame of the working machine in both XZ and YZ directions. The cabin element is arranged to be substantially stationary in relation to the frame of the working machine, and the seat and controller are placed on a working base placed above the bottom part of the cabin element. The control mechanism is pieced positioned between the working base and the bottom part of the cabin element. The control mechanism can also rotate the working base around the Z axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Timberjack Oy
    Inventor: Into Saarinen
  • Patent number: 6684969
    Abstract: An improved footrest system and an improved electrical switching device are disclosed for a personal mobility vehicle having a rotatable chair. The improved footrest system comprises a first and a second footrest plate pivotably mounted to a first and a second end of the personal mobility vehicle. A first and a second spring resiliently biases the first and a second footrest plate into an inoperative position. Each of the first and second footrest plates is pivotable into an operative position by the feet of an operator for providing a footrest for the operator for a first and a second rotational station of the chair. The improved electrical switching device comprises a first switch for providing a front wheel drive operation and a second switch for providing a rear wheel drive operation. In one embodiment the first and second switches are actuated by the rotation of a chair into the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Electric Mobility Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Flowers, Louis A. Madonia, Edward J. Hanker, Jr., Mark J. Hoskin, Jan Wilder
  • Patent number: 6652960
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic-coated metal plate prepared by sticking a plastic layer on one face or both faces of a metal plate via a coating film of a thermosetting adhesive comprising an amine-added epoxy resin (A) and a polyisocyanate compound (B), which is excellent in a corrosion resistance, an adhesive property and a finishing property and which is particularly useful for forming a car body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Watanabe, Tadayoshi Hiraki, Akira Tominaga, Takeshi Yawata
  • Patent number: 6578854
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle for use by disabled persons to perform certain tasks such as playing golf is described. The mobility vehicle which in one embodiment comprises a golf cart includes a seat assembly that can be (i) swiveled to permit the rider to face sideways of rearwardly and (ii) tilted to move the rider into a pseudo-standing stance. Accordingly, the rider can address and hit a golf ball in a similar manner as a person who is not disable while being supported by the vehicle's seat. In the preferred embodiment, a canopy is provided that automatically retracts as the seat is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Solorider Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredrick D. Wucherpfennig, David J. Boyer
  • Publication number: 20030019684
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle for use by disabled persons to perform certain tasks such as playing golf is described. The mobility vehicle which in one embodiment comprises a golf cart includes a seat assembly that can be (i) swiveled to permit the rider to face sideways of rearwardly and (ii) tilted to move the rider into a pseudo-standing stance. Accordingly, the rider can address and hit a golf ball in a similar manner as a person who is not disable while being supported by the vehicle's seat. In the preferred embodiment, a canopy is provided that automatically retracts as the seat is tilted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Fredrick D. Wucherpfennig, David J. Boyer
  • Patent number: 6071066
    Abstract: A backhoe elevator includes a front, loading arm supported on a frame forward of a driver cab midway between front and rear axles. The frame includes two spaced apart elongated members that define a space for retraction of the arm between the members. The controls for the loading arm are disposed along a central axis of the backhoe elevator. The engine is transversely mounted and includes two outputs, one for a hydraulic pump and one for a gear box that is below the support for the loading arm between the frame members. The support for the loading arm may include two parallel plates, one of which is a vertical extension of one of the elongated members and the other of which is mounted on an upper plate that is between and perpendicular to the elongated members. One of the elongated members may have a rear portion that is curved outwardly so that it is not parallel to the other of the elongated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Manitou BF
    Inventor: Marcel-Claude Braud
  • Patent number: 5788015
    Abstract: An industrial truck having a lift mast and a man-carrying platform with a driver's console and a load carrying device are mounted on the lift mast for vertical movement. Control elements and a folding driver's seat are located on the man-carrying platform in the vicinity of the driver's console. The seat portion and the backrest of the driver's seat are arranged so that when the seat is folded up they form a rest member against which the driver can lean when in the standing position. The control elements are located in the vicinity of the driver's seat for ready accessibility by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Wagner Fordertechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gert Seng, Burkhard Fritz
  • Patent number: 5377777
    Abstract: The disclosure involves an apparatus for detecting coincidence of (a) a vehicle transmission engaged in the power mode and (b) the operator's seat in a "first" position, i.e., a position other than that from which the vehicle is normally driven. Such apparatus has an annunciator, a first circuit providing a first conductive path when the seat is in the first position and a second circuit providing a second conductive path when the transmission is engaged in the power mode, forward or reverse. When, coincidently, the seat is in such position and the transmission is in the power mode, the first and second circuits coact to energize the annunciator and alert the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Byron R. Moore, Michael G. Nahorny
  • Patent number: 5275255
    Abstract: The present invention features an integrated control and seating system for a material handling vehicle. The system includes a pair of control handles integrated into the control arms within an operator's compartment. Additionally, the operator seat can be oriented in several ways. It is also vertically adjustable to achieve the greatest operator comfort. Adjustable arm rests are also provided. The result is that the operator can comfortably access the controls while seated, leaning or standing, to allow the vehicle to be used in a number of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Huntley, Isaac Avitan, Eugene Helmetsie
  • Patent number: 5127699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for reversibly supporting the seat of a vehicle. When a tractor or like vehicle is used for working with a backhoe or like work machine attached to the rear end of the vehicle, a forward operation seat and a rearward operation seat are conventionally needed and are therefore uneconomical. Furthermore, the work mahcine must be spaced from the vehicle body to avoid interference between the two sheets. This entails the problem of impairing the weight balance longitudinally of the vehicle. To overcome these problems, a support table is mounted on the vehicle body by a parallel link assembly which is pivotally movable longitudinally of the body, and a swivel table for supporting the seat thereon is mounted on the support table swivelably about a vertical shaft. Further provided is a lock for locking the swivel table against swiveling about the shaft, and unlocking device for unfastening the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Kubota Tekko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshige Maezawa, Eitaro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 4869337
    Abstract: An excavating vehicle includes an operator compartment, a front end loader, a backhoe and a hydrostatic drive having a hydraulic pump. An operator seat is mounted in the operator compartment and rotates between a drive position facing the front end loader, and a backhoe control position facing the backhoe. When the seat is in its drive position, the operator controls the hydrostatic drive and drives the vehicle by actuating a foot pedal mounted in the front of the operator compartment and coupled to the hydrostatic drive by a linkage. Backhoe control levers and a creep lever are pivotally mounted in the back of the operator compartment at a location accessible to the operator when the operator seat is in the backhoe control position. A bell crank is movably mounted adjacent the creep lever and is coupled to the foot pedal by a linkage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Oryn B. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4580650
    Abstract: A main body of an industrial truck is formed with mounting bracket sections to which an instrument assembly and counterweight for a tractor and a mast assembly and counterweight for a forklift truck are selectively mountable, so that the industrial truck serves as the tractor and the forklift truck. Additionally, a top panel having an operator's seat is mounted on the main body in a manner to be turnable end for end in accordance with the intended purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Matsuda
  • Patent number: 4520893
    Abstract: A motor vehicle of the van type having the conventional drivers seat removed, and having a powered wheelchair with a reversible seat at the rear of the wheelchair frame, the wheelchair being positioned at the drivers station and directed rearwardly with the seat directed forwardly, and means for releasably anchoring the wheelchair in that location, the wheelchair seat being located back of the frame thereof to permit the occupant's feet to hang free of the wheelchair frame to make them accessible to the pedals of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Rickey Keough
  • Patent number: 4516808
    Abstract: The specification discloses a pavement grinding apparatus for moving across and grinding a paved surface. The apparatus includes a main frame that is propelled across the surface and a subframe that is connected to the main frame by a sliding connector that allows free vertical motion of the subframe. A grinding unit is mounted on the subframe and is supported by at least one grinding unit roller which is operable to control the grinding depth of the grinding unit independently of the position of the main frame. A boom extends forwardly from the subframe and has at least one boom wheel mounted on the forward end of the boom. The boom in cooperation with the subframe stabilizes and creates a planing effect for the grinding unit. The subframe may be lifted vertically by a plurality of cables and a hoist mechanism with the sliding connector allowing and guiding such vertical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: MU, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Staab, Clayton E. Farley
  • Patent number: 4487445
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having an independent armrest positioned adjacent thereto. The vehicle seat and armrest are both pivotally mounted at a forward end and are independently pivotable from a first position wherein the vehicle seat is forwardly facing, and the armrest is positioned parallel to the vehicle center line, to an angled position wherein the vehicle seat is pivoted into a fixed predetermined angular relationship with the vehicle center line and the armrest is positioned parallel thereto. Suitable locking mechanisms are provided to position the armrest and vehicle seat in their respective predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Fiatallis North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Jonnston
  • Patent number: 4480867
    Abstract: A system is described for use in a truck cabin having a primary doorway (16, FIG. 2) at the rear of the cabin, which facilitates movement of the driver out of and into the driver's seat (20) when he leaves or enters by the rear doorway, by avoiding the restrictions of a steering wheel (26) that lies closely over the lap of the driver when he is driving. The system includes a mount (32) that supports the seat for rotation about a vertical axis, and an actuator (38, FIG. 4) connected to the mount to turn the seat between forward and sideward positions (20f, 20s) at which the seat respectively faces forwardly and largely sidewardly. A control coupled to the transmission (43, FIG. 2) of the vehicle, forcibly holds the seat in the forward position when the transmission is in a drive setting, to avoid unexpected turning of the seat while driving the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: A G Motor Corp.
    Inventors: James J. Ezell, Paul V. Garin, III
  • Patent number: 4450927
    Abstract: An agricultural tractor in which two sets of pedals are mounted on the tractor body forwardly and rearwardly with the rearward pedals at a higher position than the forward pedals. A seat can be selectively fixed at a rearward position opposed to the forward pedals or a forward position opposed to the rearward pedals, the forward position of the seat being higher than the rearward position. A steering wheel can be fixed to either a forward or rearward position corresponding to the position of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Kubota, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Hirata, Masao Takagi
  • Patent number: 4322052
    Abstract: Recurring problems associated with the manufacturing tolerances of the links, slides, rollers and other componentry forming the carriages for adjustable and reversible seats are such that, after assembly, an undesirable and annoying amount of movement or "play" is introduced in the seat. The present invention is an improved latch assembly (15) for locking a vehicle operator's seat assembly (10) in either a forward or a reverse operating position (12,13) and includes a cam (92) selectively positionable in response to movement of the seat assembly (10) and an arm assembly (108) and a pin (118) for releasably engaging the cam (92) and cooperating therewith in locking the seat assembly (10) in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Norman J. Hodge, John S. Logsdon
  • Patent number: 4278144
    Abstract: A tractor vehicle has a driving station including a driver's seat and steering console which is mounted on a base for swivelling movement about a vertical axis through 180.degree. between a tractor configuration and a pushing power unit configuration. In the latter configuration the driving station is supported on a higher tractor cab floor level to enable the driver to see over equipment being pushed. The driving station has a support which is connected to the tractor cab floor by at least one parallelogram linkage and weight compensating springs which lift the support off the cab floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Fiat Trattori S.p.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Perin