With Vehicle For Supporting Drum Patents (Class 254/323)
  • Patent number: 11919755
    Abstract: The invention is directed to portable winch systems comprising a winch that is powered by a rechargeable first power source operably connected to the winch and a second power source operably connected to the rechargeable first power source and/or the winch. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a frame and/or housing to which one or more of the winch system components is mounted. In some embodiments, the portable winch system comprises a mechanism to mount the system to a hitch receiver of a vehicle or other object and/or mechanisms for transporting the system, such as casters and/or handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventor: James Serbin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11802448
    Abstract: A method of manipulating a drum of a drawworks assembly includes removing a first plurality of fasteners releasably coupling a drum with a coupling assembly, removing a second plurality of fasteners releasably coupling the drum with a cradle assembly, and lifting the drum vertically from the drawworks assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mike Netecke, Roy Cabrera
  • Patent number: 11794826
    Abstract: A cable hoist system for a spare tire carrier in a vehicle includes a housing; a drive cable; a reel assembly; and a drive mechanism. A first gear assembly of the drive mechanism includes a control plate member connected to a first gear using at least two frangible connectors. The at least two frangible connectors connecting the control plate member and the first gear provides a frangible connection in the first gear assembly such that, when the first gear assembly is subject to a force exceeding a predetermined value caused by momentum of a spare tire applied through the reel assembly and a second gear of a second gear assembly, the at least two frangible connectors break to allow the first gear to move relative to the control plate member such that the second gear and the reel assembly can rotate to allow for pay out of the drive cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: VENTRA GROUP CO.
    Inventors: Tim G. Rossi, Terry Hu
  • Patent number: 11772560
    Abstract: A boat trailer and a method of backing up a boat on a trailer. The boat trailer includes a trailer back-up system having a first image capture device, a second image capture device, and a transmitter. The first image capture device is mounted on a left guide pole of the trailer in a rear-facing direction, and the second image capture device is mounted on a right guide pole of the trailer in a rear-facing direction. The transmitter is in communication with each of the first image capture device and the second image capture device and configured to transmit live video images from the first image capture device and from the second image capture device to a display device. The method includes moving the trailer with a boat loaded on the trailer in a rearward direction and capturing, in real-time, a first view and a second view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Chad A. Lynema, Ryan D. Lake, Eric Wayne Stoner
  • Patent number: 11510830
    Abstract: A hoist mechanism for lifting articles, such as a mobility scooter, into and from an interior of an automobile has a boom arranged to be mounted on the vehicle. A length of webbing depends from the boom and can be attached to the article to be lifted in use. An electric motor is configured to retract the webbing to provide lifting of the article by winding the webbing onto a spool. The boom has a mounting bracket. The spool is mounted to one side of the mounting bracket and the electric motor is mounted on the other side of the mounting bracket. The boom may take the form of a pivoting and swiveling armature. The boom may be releasably latched in a raised condition for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Autochair Limited
    Inventors: Martin Peaker, Tom Cresswell, Pawel Cichy
  • Patent number: 11465271
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a hood of a vehicle open during e-coat application and painting. The apparatus includes a support incorporating first and second pairs of legs attached to spaced locations on right and left sides of an engine compartment. The two pairs of legs are connected at an upper portion of the legs. A hood support bar is connected to the upper portion of both the first and second pairs of legs and extends transversely across the engine compartment. A hood striker receiving bracket may be provided on the hood support bar. The apparatus is adjustable to position the hood striker receiving bracket in a range of vertical, transverse and longitudinal locations. The adjustability of the apparatus provides a flexible hood support that reduces thermal distortion or sag due to thermal load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shunmugam Baskar, Michael J. Gardynik, Christopher Pope, Christina Dung Nguyen, Venkatasamy Veluchamy
  • Patent number: 11001483
    Abstract: A winch including a motor, a first reel holder, a second reel holder, a connecting structure used for connecting the first reel holder and the second reel holder, a rotatable reel, and a deceleration unit. The motor is connected to the first reel holder. The deceleration unit is connected to second reel holder. The winch further includes a housing, which is connected to the first reel holder. The motor is located in the housing. The housing is provided with an in-and-out structure used for an electrical connection to a power supply structure of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NINGBO CHIMA WINCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mingkui Zheng
  • Patent number: 10899590
    Abstract: A winch and method for operating the winch includes a winch body having a first drum support, a second drum support and a drum rotatably coupled to the first drum support and the second drum support. The winch further comprises a plurality of gears coupled to the second drum support and the drum. A motor is coupled to the drum through the plurality of gears. A motor cover is coupled to the first drum support. A gear cover is coupled to the second drum support and houses the plurality of gears therein. A supplemental cover covers at least a portion of the motor cover or a portion of the gear cover or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Glen L. Kukula, Hitesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 10800348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automotive tray arrangement. The tray arrangement includes a load-bearing tray. At least one toolbox is located beneath a tail of the tray. Advantageously, tools located in the toolbox can be readily located during an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: PATRIOT CAMPERS HOLDINGS PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Jack Beet
  • Patent number: 10661916
    Abstract: An assembly for accomplishing package transfer to and from a drone. The assembly includes a base supporting at least one extendable member. A package receiving platform is secured atop the member and a control system interfaces the assembly with the drone for issuing a set of command instructions for guiding and positioning the drone relative to the platform and for accomplishing package transfer between the drone and the platform. The command instructions include at least an instruction to elevate the platform at any point prior to package exchange and a subsequent instruction to retract the platform at any point following package exchange. Additional command instructions provide for managing each of pre-exchange and post-exchange of the package, such as for providing secure retention and post-exchange access by the recipient in the instance of a drone delivered and securely retained package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Janssen
  • Patent number: 10640337
    Abstract: This invention relates to a crane comprising an undercarriage and a turntable rotatable with respect to the undercarriage with a counterweight and a mounting point for the attachment of a winch, wherein the counterweight includes at least one winch pick-up means for the temporary attachment of a winch to be mounted on the turntable, wherein the winch can be attached to the winch pick-up means such that the winch can be pivoted about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Eberhardt, Peter Scheffold
  • Patent number: 10640343
    Abstract: A winch assembly includes a base having first and second sides, a first shaft supported by the base and supporting a gear and a reel, and a second shaft supported by the base and supporting a ratchet gear. The ratchet gear meshes with the gear and a pawl, and a handle is attached to the second shaft for rotation thereof. The winch includes a cover having a top movable between first and second positions and first and second sides rotatably supporting the top. The first side may include a first arm extending toward and engaging a second arm extending from the second side. The top may include hooks for engaging a shaft extending between the sides of the cover. The sides of the cover may each include at least one retainer clip and the top includes corresponding lugs for engaging the at least one retainer clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: DUTTON-LAINSON COMPANY
    Inventors: Brad Nels Christensen, Brandon William Miller, Zane Alexander Norton, Todd J. Yost, Jeffrey L. Dobbins, Milan Norton, Bang Brian Tran
  • Patent number: 10399831
    Abstract: A cable winch having a base frame with at least two base plates, and at least two longitudinal beams for connecting the base plates to each other. One of the base plates is designed such that the longitudinal beams can be installed or removed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal beams through the base plate, with passage openings in the base plate for feeding the longitudinal beams there through, and with one beam end of each of the longitudinal beams inserted into one of the passage openings. A beam end of each of the longitudinal beams is fastened to the base plate in and against the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal beam by a retaining element that is fastened to an outer face of the base plate, wherein a separate retaining element is provided for each longitudinal beam in order to enable simple assembly, disassembly, or conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Konecranes Global Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Moll, Ahmet Uzun
  • Patent number: 10329128
    Abstract: A spare wheel assembly winch having a force dependent cable release mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sheave includes a series of breakaway features that can be torn if the tension on the spare tire cable exceeds the predetermined level, thus allowing the inner, gear-containing portion of the sheave to rotate independently of the outer, cable-holding portion. In another embodiment, the sheave includes a series of breakaway notches formed on the gear teeth of the internal gear. In a further embodiment, a frangible tab extends from torque plate into a depression formed in the cover plate. In yet another embodiment, a tear feature extends from the housing and is situated adjacent the torque plate arm. In an additional embodiment, frangible tabs extend from the body of the sheave into a geared insert. In still another embodiment, a frangible tab extends from a geared insert into the torque plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Clarke, Kyu Yearl Choe
  • Patent number: 10240691
    Abstract: A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 9777443
    Abstract: In a self-propelling road construction machine, particularly a road roller (1), comprising a travel drive, a steering device, a control device (30) for the travel drive and the steering device, and a driver's seat (5) rotatable by at least 180° and including an integrated operating element (8) for the vehicle speed, with the operating element (8) generating the control signals for the travel drive in dependence on the direction of the control movement of the operating element (8) or the direction of force application on the operating element (8), it is provided that, in response to a first switching command, the control device (30) will automatically perform a reversing process comprising deceleration, seat rotation, change of direction of travel, and acceleration to the set vehicle speed in opposite direction to the original direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Hamm AG
    Inventors: Detlef Bornemann, Axel Roemer, Gerhard Mahler, Andreas Baumann
  • Patent number: 9371216
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a pipeline pig provides a housing having an interior. A jacking mechanism is contained within the housing interior. A carriage is supported by the jacking mechanism for movement between an upper extended and a lower retracted position. The carriage has a concave surface that generally cradles a pipeline pig to be transported. A pulling device on the housing enables a pipeline pig to be pulled from a location that is not on the carriage to a position that is on the carriage. The position that is not on the carriage can be for example a pig trap. As part of the method of the present invention, the pulling device pulls the pig from the pig trap or other location to the carriage and then the carriage is retracted into the housing for transport to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: INTEGRIS RENTALS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Pierre L. Olivier
  • Patent number: 9315224
    Abstract: Unit for picking up a spare wheel of a vehicle. According to one implementation the unit includes a gear assembly configure to apply a torque on a drum supporting a cable, the gear assembly having a cam that wobbles as the gear assembly transmits the torque. A rotatable stop is situated adjacent a side edge of the cam and is configured to act on the edge of the cam to limit the travel of the cam during the wobbling movement. The stop has a first contact surface and a second contact surface with the edge of the cam configured to slide along the first contact surface as the drum is rotated in at least one direction by operation of the cam. A guide surface is provided to interact with the second contact surface to limit the rotation of the stop when the edge of the cam acts on the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Batz, S. Coop.
    Inventors: Pedro Corral Rodriguez, Ekaitz Urzelai Usaola
  • Patent number: 9296327
    Abstract: Embodiments provide trailer apparatus, and methods such trailer apparatus, for transporting an elongated utility pole from a loading location to an unloading location, the trailer apparatus including a major frame assembly, a carrying bay, at least one wheel for supporting the trailer apparatus for rolling movement, and lifting apparatus supported by the major frame assembly, the lifting apparatus being selectively operable for lifting the utility pole between a ground storage position and a transport position, and for lowering the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley J. Oliphant
  • Patent number: 9199104
    Abstract: A multi-functional lifting device, comprising a lifting device body; a power source; an electromagnetic DC motor; a decelerator connected to the DC motor; a main moving wheel positioned on an output axle of the decelerator; a rope element twined into the main moving wheel; a resilient wheel brake unit on one side of the main moving wheel locking the rope element into position; an intermediate wheel having a rope groove complementary to the rope groove of the main moving wheel; and a speed control module and a PCB board connected to the DC motor. The multi-functional lifting device is capable of providing controllable upward and downward movement when the power to the DC motor is connected or disconnected to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Dongguan Tiannan Optical Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Quan Nie, Youtao Hu, Yong Ge
  • Publication number: 20150137054
    Abstract: A line hauling device such as a windlass is disclosed for marine craft. The device has a support, a drum held on the support and rotatable with respect to the support, a motor for selectably driving rotation of the drum in a forward (hauling) direction and a reverse (paying out) direction, and a line laying mechanism for laying the line onto the drum. The drum is adapted to store the line on the drum. When operated in the forward direction, the line-laying mechanism lays the line onto the drum in a first series of turns. On completion of the first series of turns the line-laying mechanism lays the line in a second series of turns overlying the first series of turns. The line-laying mechanism includes a carriage which is driven reciprocally with respect to the drum by rotation of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Nigel Christopher SMITH, Philip David ROBERTS, Oliver FALCONER
  • Publication number: 20150083887
    Abstract: A set-up winch for a crane, in particular for a mobile crane is designed as a transportable, modular unit. Characteristically, the winch's mounting element for mounting the winch to the crane comprises a securable quick-acting mounting system. Embodiments have a hang-in mounting system with a hang-in bolt and a safety bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Waldemar Mohr
  • Publication number: 20150069311
    Abstract: A unit for picking up a spare wheel. According to one implementation the unit includes a drum which rotates for winding or unwinding a cable, the drum having a body with a side surface wherein which is formed a helical groove that receives the cable, one end of the cable being attached to a terminal, the terminal being pivotal with respect to the body of the drum. The pivotal movement of the terminal being blocked by at least one turn of the cable when the cable is at least partially wound on the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: BATZ, S.COOP.
    Inventors: Pedro CORRAL RODRIGUEZ, José Miguel MACHO SAN SEBASTIAN
  • Patent number: 8944413
    Abstract: A solar-powered boat winch suited for installation upon boat lifting structures such as those in a remote location. The solar powered boat winch includes an electric motorized winch, a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, a recharger, and mechanical mounts for attaching the solar powered boat winch to a boat lift structure. The solar cell collects sufficient solar energy and converts it into electricity that charges the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery acts as the power source for an electric motor of the winch. The winch assembly also includes remote controlled operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Gary L. Hatch, James Hatch
  • Patent number: 8936427
    Abstract: A spare tire handling device mounted on a vehicle and adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored and an accessible position relative to the vehicle, and including a winch and a flexible member attached to the winch at one end and the other end to the spare tire. The device includes a tire carrier with a housing and one extending portion pivotally connected to the housing. The extending portion being movable from a retracted to an extended position. Additionally a biasing member urges the extending portion to an extended position. A secondary lock assembly and a rim spacer are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Dura Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Reznar
  • Publication number: 20150016931
    Abstract: A mechanism for a winch assembly includes a link assembly and a bracket. The link assembly includes an actuator having an end configured to be coupled to a winch free spool device, a bushing coupled to the actuator, and a projection extending from the bushing. The bracket defines an aperture that receives the actuator, and the aperture includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the aperture is sized to receive the bushing therethrough and the upper portion of the aperture is sized to engage the projection such that the winch free spool device is selectively locked in an engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Sanjeev T. Kuriakose, Laura M. Carson
  • Publication number: 20140367624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame (1) which is to be mounted onto a ski slope maintenance vehicle (15) having a winch (17), and which supports a jib (3) for directing a cable (21) between a reeling drum (23) of the winch (17) and a point for attaching the cable (21) for pulling the vehicle (15), wherein said frame (1) includes a deformable quadrilateral structure (5) that makes it possible to vary the height of the jib (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: AZTEC
    Inventors: Xavier Jean, Frederic Cuilliere
  • Publication number: 20140346419
    Abstract: Provided is a working machine including a device to be maintained and a winch disposed thereover and enabling a maintenance operation. The working machine includes a base machine, at least one device to be maintained installed at the base machine, and a winch which is driven to wind an operation rope. The winch is attached to the base machine to be pivotable, about a winch support shaft, between a use position at which the winch is used while closing at least a part of a maintenance space over the device to be maintained and a maintenance position at which the winch opens the maintenance space upward to enable the maintenance operation to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Daisuke MURAOKA, Takanori YAMASAKI
  • Patent number: 8839533
    Abstract: A snow groomer, equipped with a winch assembly to aid handling of the snow groomer on steep slopes, has a frame; a user interface; a control unit; and the winch assembly, which has a support structure fixed or connected to the frame, a drum that rotates with respect to the support structure about an axis, a cable fixed or connected at one end to the drum and wound about the drum, an actuator assembly for rotating the drum about the axis, and a sensor for determining the position of the drum about the axis; the control unit being configured to control the cable as a function of the position of the drum and the geometry of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Snowgrolic S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Martin Runggaldier
  • Publication number: 20140246634
    Abstract: A power-assisted winch includes a rotatable drum for receiving a line thereabout. The power-assisted winch further includes a trigger mechanism configured to be releasably engaged upon a force exerted on the line. The trigger mechanism selectively activates a power source providing power to the winch to assist with hauling the line when engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony J. Kusian
  • Publication number: 20140199154
    Abstract: A lifting system (1) for lifting an item (2) with a vessel (4) comprising a first support (5) and a second support (6), wherein the lifting system comprises an elongate lifting structure (3) comprising a first end (7) and a second end (8), an item connector constructed and arranged to in use connect the lifting structure to the item near or at the first end, a weight (21) connected to a weight connector (10) provided on the lifting structure near or at the second end, a first connector (11) constructed and arranged to connect the lifting structure (31) in use to the first support, a second connector (12) constructed and arranged to connect the lifting structure in use to the second support, wherein the first connector is located at a distance from the item connector in a direction from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: HEEREMA MARINE CONTRACTORS NEDERLAND SE
    Inventors: Guido Johannes Maria Ammerlaan, Onno Ludolf De Waard
  • Patent number: 8777185
    Abstract: A bracket of a rotation device of the present invention has a guide mechanism that is configured to guide a first motor and a second motor so as to rotate the same about an axis of a cylindrical rotating body relative to each other. A first gear and a second gear can respectively be meshed with rotating body side gears corresponding thereto while the first motor or the second motor is deviated around the axis of the cylindrical rotating body from a normal attachment position with respect to the bracket. Further, the first motor or the second motor can be guided to the normal attachment position by the guide mechanism in the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryousuke Ariyoshi, Yukio Inaguma, Kenji Horiguchi, Hideki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8720864
    Abstract: A device is provided to install and remove a fifth wheel hitch from a vehicle. This device includes an attachment bar connected to the kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer. The attachment bar is in communication with an extension arm. The extension arm includes a hoist with a cable to be attached to the fifth wheel hitch. Operation of the hoist will lift or lower the fifth wheel hitch to its desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Cote
  • Patent number: 8684335
    Abstract: A portable hoist adapted for attachment to a hand truck nose plate is disclosed. The hoist comprises an adapter that sandwiches the nose plate and a hole or holes may be fabricated in the nose plate for securing hardware to be installed, such as a bolt, bolts, strap, etc. Receivers on the hoist hold removable, load supportive legs securely in place. Casters may be attached to legs to improve mobility. A jib assembly capable of several height settings remains reasonably level at all times when in use, making it ideal for tight spaces. The pivot point of the arm is at the end of the mast opposite the adapter assembly, the other end attaching to the handle of the hand truck and securing with a latch. A winch attached to the arm provides a cable extending to and about a sheave or sheaves, terminating beyond the sheave carried at the free end of the jib boom. A brace on the mast allows the arm latch to secure when the arm is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: William John Hayes
  • Publication number: 20140070153
    Abstract: Health and usage monitoring systems for aircraft hoist systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a health and usage monitoring system comprises a capacitive load cell and a processing unit for communication with the capacitive load cell, the capacitive load cell comprising a load receiving surface and a capacitive assembly coupled to the load receiving surface, the capacitive assembly comprising parallel electrically conductive plates separated by a reversibly deformable spacer construction wherein the parallel plates comprise aligned apertures providing a passageway through the capacitive assembly for the hoist system cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Chuang-Chia Lin, Alan Leingang, Dave Lopes, Dennis Robertson, Christopher M. Sanden, Odd Harald Steep Eriksen, Brian Snyder
  • Patent number: 8657260
    Abstract: Apparatus for an integrated winchhead winch are described herein. An integrated winchhead comprising a frame, a winch and a wedge. The frame may include a mounting base at a first end and a bow stop mounting area at a second end of the frame. The winch may be housed within the frame. The wedge may be attached to the mounting base and may also be mountable on a base stand, wherein the wedge may be adjustably mounted to the base stand and the mounting base. The winchhead may be mountable at two different angles and be vertically adjustable along the base stand. A bow stop may be secured to the bow stop mounting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Anderson, Kawa-She-Quoen Okerlund, Todd Walstrom, Victor Burmeister, Kyle Osimitz
  • Patent number: 8657261
    Abstract: A mobile ski towing system is a fixed or portable towing system used to pull a towee on a; ski, wakeboard, snowboard, longboard, surfboard, skateboard, mountainboard, or other similar ski or board, by reeling a towrope with a handle around a spool which is driven by a motor. There are three operating modes to control the towing independently or dependently of a dedicated-operator; a pull-to-start mode for independent towing, an on-board control mode for dependent towing, and a remote control mode for either independent or dependent towing. A mobile ski towing system comprises a mobile base with an outside frame and an internal pivoting frame, onto which the components of; motor, spool, spool shaft, spool shaft bearings, spider coulper and brake are mounted. The pivoting frame senses a load on the towrope to activate and deactivate the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Kyle John Mehrkens
  • Patent number: 8602394
    Abstract: A winching apparatus includes a fairlead mounted to a vehicle and a fifth roller mounted below the fairlead that is positioned and sized such that the cable does not contact any portion of the vehicle between the fairlead and the fifth roller when the cable passes from the winch and under the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas J. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 8602393
    Abstract: A tool for deploying and re-stowing a flip axle of a trailer comprises an upright post and an arm wherein the vertical post has one end fitted into a receiver disposed into a hole in a bed of the trailer. The arm may be removable from the top of the post. The top of the post has a pulley with a cable groove and the arm also has a pulley with a cable groove wherein the grooves receive a cable from an onboard winch of the trailer. A hook at a free end of the cable is attached to a rear channel of the flip axle and is used to deploy the flip axle behind the trailer or re-stow the flip axle on the bed of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Larry E. Huffman
  • Patent number: 8585021
    Abstract: A system for controlling slack in a winch rope associated with a vehicle can include a winch, a plow, and a support member pivotably coupled to the plow and carrying a pulley that receives the rope for raising and lowering the plow. A limit switch can be operatively associated with the winch and configured to selectively enable and disable lowering of the plow by the winch. A first member can be carried by the support member and operatively associated with the switch. A biasing member can bias the support member to a first position when a load on the winch rope is below a predetermined threshold. The first member can be in at least substantial alignment with the switch when in the first position. The switch can change an activation state upon the first member being in the first position to automatically disable lowering of the plow by the winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Elliott, Paul DeKoning, Jim Thorne, Joshua K. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 8579167
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure in which a spare tire is stored underneath a rear floor via a spare tire carrier. The vehicle body rear part structure includes a frame part and a tire cover. An embedding groove is formed in an external surface of the tire cover. The frame part is embedded in the embedding groove. Left and right front connecting parts of the frame part are rotatably connected to left and right front support parts. A rear connecting part of the frame part is vertically movably connected to rear support part. Vertical movements of the rear connecting part via the rear support part causes a spare tire to be disposed in a tire storage position and a tire accessing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Yamada, Kengo Ishibashi, Takayuki Takahashi, Hiroshi Ohkubo, Masayuki Ogawa, Kunihiko Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130292619
    Abstract: A winch for a ship and for hauling in or laying out chain (3) or wire and comprising a driving motor (18). A driving shaft (1), a driving wheel (2), and a turntable (5) for supporting the driving wheel are adapted so that the driving shaft (1) is essentially vertically and axially displaceable between a position in which the driving shaft (1) is positioned at one side of the top side of the turntable (5) and a position in which the driving shaft (1) is positioned at both sides of the top side of the turntable (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Maersk Supply Service A/S
    Inventor: Niels Peter Elmbo
  • Patent number: 8517346
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing a spare tire is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a hoisting device mountable to the underside of a vehicle. A tether is provided having a first portion and a second portion coupled to the hoisting device so that the first and second portions of the tether depend from the hosting device when it is mounted to the underside of a vehicle. A coupling member attached to the first portion of the tether permits an operator to attach the tether to the tire. A removable guard lays over at least part of the hub-facing wheel portion to cover one or more of the plurality of lug apertures such that the second portion of the tether cannot enter the plurality of lug apertures when the hosting device raises the spare tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Shiro Kugo
  • Patent number: 8496230
    Abstract: A mounting system for securing a winch to a hauling platform has a mounting base with a mounting base table. The mounting base has an anchoring attachment, a leg, and a mounting attachment. Upon installation, a bottom member bottom surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component expanded top lip top surface. A rear member front surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component outside surface. A vertical clamp component front surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component inside surface. An “L”-shaped screw clamping fastener clamps against a bottom surface of the hauling platform vertically projecting component expanded top lip. A screw clamping fastener is tightened to affix the mounting attachment into position. A leg second end rests against and is located on the hauling platform vertically projecting component inside surface. The system has a winch attached to the anchoring attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Richard A. Jiron
  • Patent number: 8479933
    Abstract: A truck-mounted crane is disclosed. The truck-mounted crane may include an elongated pole member, a pivoting arm pivotally attached to the elongated pole member, a support member secured to the elongated pole member, an extension member secured to the support member, an elongated securing member, and an anchoring member. When secured to a truck, the support member may rest on the rim of a truck bed with the secured extension member being positioned within a socket of the truck bed rim. In such configuration, one end of elongated pole member may be pivotally attached to the pivoting arm and the other end of the elongated pole member may be secured to a cargo loop of a truck using the elongated securing member and an anchoring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Moises C. Vaquera
  • Publication number: 20130119331
    Abstract: A self-tailing arrangement for a winch comprises a rope guide channel defined by upper and lower guide rings which are rotatable with a drum and adapted to grip rope therein. A feeder arm guides rope between the drum and the rope guide channel and is fixed with respect to a support. A spring-mounted retainer guide guides rope between the rope guide channel and an unloaded end of the rope. The drum is rotatable with respect to the retainer guide. The retainer guide has a retainer lip extending partially circumferentially around the self-tailing assembly to at least partially enclose a portion of the rope guide channel. The retainer guide further defines at least one side of an opening adjacent the retainer lip, the opening being sized to conduct rope through the opening during reverse winding of the winch, the rope thereby being retained in the rope guide channel by the retainer lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Lewmar Limited
    Inventors: Robert Graham Fields, Oliver Peter Gregory Falconer
  • Publication number: 20130119329
    Abstract: A winch for a sailboat comprises a support for mounting the winch with respect to a sailboat, a winch drum rotatable with respect to the support, a ring gear fixed with respect to the winch drum, a main drive gear meshing with the ring gear for driving rotation of the winch drum, a manual drive spindle 300 and a motor gear shaft 114. Forward winding of the winch drum in a first gearing ratio and in a second gearing ratio which are selected depending on the direction of rotation of the manual drive spindle. Gear trains provide the first and second gearing ratios. Manual and motorized operational arrangements are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Lewmar Limited
    Inventor: Lewmar Limited
  • Publication number: 20130119330
    Abstract: A winch for a sailboat comprises a support for mounting the winch with respect to a sailboat, a winch drum rotatable with respect to the support, a manual drive socket for receiving a crank handle for manual driving of the winch and a motor for powered driving of the winch. The winch provides at least two manual forward winding gearing ratios selectable according to the direction of rotation of the manual drive socket. Motor-operated forward and reverse winding can be provided. The winch can lock against reverse winding when the crank handle is located in the drive socket. Control means are provided for controlling the motor. The control means has two selectable on-off controls only, a forwards control being exclusively for controlling on-off motor-operated forward winding of the winch drum and a reverse control being exclusively for controlling on-off motor-operated reverse winding of the winch drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Lewmar Limited
    Inventors: Robert Graham Fields, Oliver Peter Gregory Falconer
  • Patent number: 8366373
    Abstract: A fully collapsible lightweight mount to support a cargo loading apparatus. The mount has releasably attached horizontal and vertical arms, with a bracket to adjustably attach a cargo loading device on the vertical arm. In one embodiment, the horizontal arms have brackets configured to attach to “stake holes” in the standard side walls of a pickup truck cargo bed. The vertical arm of the device may be further supported against for example, a cargo bed forward wall or floor by a floor brace. Alternatively horizontal arm may attach to a pickup truck trailer hitch by additional mounts and connecting arm components suitable for attachment to a class 3 trailer hitch. The component parts can be readily assembled and disassembled, are lightweight, and occupy little space. The disassembled device can be stored in a carrying bag in the cab or other compartment of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Wood
  • Publication number: 20120319064
    Abstract: A lift-assist apparatus, including an arm having a medial portion, a distal end, and a proximal end. One or more pulleys are attached to a surface of the medial portion. An upright support includes an upper horizontal bar and a lower horizontal bar, and a hinge point is formed medially on the upper horizontal bar. A turnbuckle has a fixed end and a connecting end, the fixed end attached to the lower horizontal bar, the connecting end adapted to attach to the medial portion. The hinge point is configured as a pair of opposing tabs defining a space in which the medial portion resides, wherein a pin can be inserted through each tab and through the medial portion to pivotally fix the arm on the upright support such that the arm can pivot in an upward and downward direction and be locked into a fixed position using the turnbuckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen L. Selkowitz