Folding Patents (Class 280/20)
  • Patent number: 5174591
    Abstract: An extendable nesting ski support structure as for supporting cargo including collapsed shelter devices for towing or pulling over ice, snow, and terrain. The skis are pivoted on brackets attached to the supported base and the brackets are atttached to the upper surface of flexible and resilient skis. By longitudinal shifting of the skis they are extendable and retractable as between sill supports beneath the supported base. The resilience and the flexibility improves the support system by providing shock absorption while in the extended position. A single lock serves both the extended and retracted skis, and on extension and locking, the skis are shaped by the flexural characteristics of the material of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Shappell Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Shappell
  • Patent number: 5028059
    Abstract: A bicycle seat is supported on a vertical member which is supported by, and connected to, leg members that form a Y configuration. The legs of the seat mount into spring loaded hinges which anchor to the runners of a dog sled or base of a wheeled cart. The seat is pivoted in a backwards direction to a predetermined position for use. The seat is supported by way of the hinges and a rope which connect the seat device to the vehicle of choice. When use of the seat is complete, the seat will spring forward by itself, and out of the way of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Denis L. Baker
  • Patent number: 4871101
    Abstract: A back-pack frame (1) intended for moving loads has longitudinal beams (3, 4) and cross beams (10, 13), carrying straps, load-securing elements, and coupling elements (17, 18) that make it possible to arrange two such back-pack frames (1) end-to-end, so as to form a platform that can be either carried or pulled along the ground. Four longitudinal beams (3, 4) are arranged so as to correspond approximately to the edges of a prism having a trapezoidal base, the longitudinal beams (3) being arranged at a greater distance from each other on the carrier side. The two load-side longitudinal beams (4) define a sliding plane, and on the two narrow sides of the back-pack frame (1) there is at least one holding element (6) for a shackle (7) that protrudes beyond the load-side longitudinal beams (4). On each carrier-side longitudinal beam (3) above the lowest element (6), there is at least one side-wall element (9) that is of flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Maschinenvertrieb Kohlbrat & Bunz Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Rosa Bunz, Christine Dzionara, Karl Tompe
  • Patent number: 4718684
    Abstract: A foldable sled having two frame members pivotally connected to each other and swinging relative to each other from a sled operative position to a folded position. Handle means are provided on the part used for pushing and holding and a piece of fabric is attached to the handle means for providing a backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Djordje Rabatic
  • Patent number: 4648611
    Abstract: A foldable sled is composed of essentially four operative components, two symmetrically closed loop members having two opposite sides extended and being relatively parallel to each other, each of the loops configured to lie in their own respective plane, pivot pins for pivoting the symmetrical loops to be relatively positioned so that the straight portions of each loop may be positioned relatively close or relatively far away, a fabric seat extending between two adjacent straight pieces of opposite closed loops, and a clasp for locking and constraining the closed loops into an open and a closed position, whereby in the open position, the sled is in its operative condition and in the closed, it is in a condition for convenient carriage or stowage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Ivica J. Kekich
  • Patent number: 4609201
    Abstract: A vehicle for sliding on the ice or snow having a bottom section for contact with the ice or snow, and a seat portion, the bottom being foldable and a handle provided on each section for use during riding and carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Flachsmann
  • Patent number: 4573695
    Abstract: Sled apparatus including a body supporting portion, a runner portion, a runner supporting portion and a steering portion; the body supporting portion including an elongated frame section with rigid longitudinal edges and front and rear ends, the frame section including two generally quadrangular members disposed in an end to end relationship and pivotally connected to one another; the runner portion including a runner disposed below and spaced from each longitudinal edge of the frame section, each runner including forward and rear runner sections selectively connectable in an end to end relationship when the quadrangular members are disposed in a single plane; the runner supporting portion including a plurality of spacer sections each having one end pivotally connected to a longitudinal edge and an opposite end rigidly affixed to a runner section, the spacer sections affixed to each forward runner section being disposed remote from the front end of the frame section, pivotal cross members joining spacer secti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Gordon H. Kennel
  • Patent number: 4561665
    Abstract: A collapsible sled useful for carrying game comprises a pair of box-like sections within which there is pivotally mounted pairs of runners. The runners can be placed completely within the box-like sections for transport, and the latter sections closed upon each other to form a complete box with the runners within the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Joseph A. Ulicne
    Inventor: Samuel J. McFrisby
  • Patent number: 4561666
    Abstract: A sleigh for travel over a snow covered surface adapted to be disassembled or knocked down into a storage or transport position, from an operating position, is shown. Runners of the sleigh are pivotally connected to a floorboard along side edges thereof. The runners are locked into an operating position and may be unlocked to fold against a bottom surface of the floorboard in a stored position. An upper body including a seat is formed of multiple planar pieces which are dependently interlocked with each other for assembly and later disassembly. Means are provided for interlocking the runners to a hitching assembly to which a horse is conventionally harnessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Inventor: James P. Aumann
  • Patent number: 4552371
    Abstract: A collapsible sled for transporting articles comprising a pair of box-like sections within each of which there is pivotably mounted a pair of runners. The runners can be pivoted so as to be completely received within the box-like sections for transport, and the box-like sections can be closed upon each other to form a complete box with the runners disposed therein. Fasteners including a plurality of keepers for slidably receiving a plurality of locking members, respectively, are provided for securing the runners and the box-like sections in their operable positions. The fasteners eliminate any need for conventional threaded fasteners, are very convenient to use, and provide a strong and effective fastening arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Joseph A. Ulicne
    Inventor: Samuel J. McFrisby
  • Patent number: 4533151
    Abstract: A combination carrier, chair, and lounge/table assembly is disclosed formed from two frames having portions thereof that extend out of the planes of the frames. The frames are pivotable through 180.degree. from a collapsed position to a fully opened position. The frames may be maintained in an intermediate approximately 120.degree. spaced position by a strut joining the two frames. The strut is releasable with respect to one of the frames to serve as a pulling handle for the carrier, which includes wheels and skids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Inventor: Robert L. Maitland
  • Patent number: 4526391
    Abstract: A portable ice fishing shelter includes an integral, molded shell having a bottom wall, side and rear walls which extend upwardly from the peripheral edges of the bottom wall, and a top wall which extends between the upper edges of the side and rear walls. The shell is adapted to stand on the bottom wall in an upright position of use and has sliding surfaces on outward projections on the rear wall which can slidably support the shell on ice and snow to facilitate transport thereof. A seat is provided within the shell and compartments are provided between the seat and bottom wall for holding items such as fishing tackle, a lantern, and fish which have been caught. An optional snow blind includes two vertical panels, each having an edge pivotally supported on a front edge of a respective side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventors: Robert A. Winkelman, Roland E. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 4448433
    Abstract: The Toboggan Platform consists of a platform which may be connected to a snow toboggan on one side by means of a brace and two hinges. Opposite said hinges is a snow ski connected to said platform by bolts through said platform, two blocks and said ski. Atop said platform are: two knee braces connected to said platform by screws, an adjustable kicker plate communicating with said platform by two bolts through said plate having wing nuts on their top end and large washers on their opposite end, said kicker plate being adjustable by means of sliding said bolts through two slots in said platform, and a vertical support operably connected to said platform by means of a brace on one side, and two hinges having a common pin on the opposite side, enabling the removal of said vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventors: Chris Zeller, Jeff Ohmstedt
  • Patent number: 4363495
    Abstract: A sloping terrain recreational vehicle having a pair of ski-like terrain engaging elements with coupling means between them. The coupling means provides three limited degrees of freedom so that the elements can simulate skiing movements. The coupling means permits the skiis to be folded bottom-to-bottom for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Henson
  • Patent number: 4294457
    Abstract: A collapsible support structure for a folding sled. The support structure, in an erect position, has two vertical members interconnected at their bottoms by a collapsible, preferably horizontal, member. Each end of the horizontal member is also pivotally connected to the other vertical member by a diagonal support member that extends between each end of the horizontal member and an upper portion of the opposite vertical member. When the structure is erect, the diagonal support members form an "X". Stiffening members, which are preferably generally vertical, are spaced from the vertical members and extend between the horizontal member and the diagonal support members. Both the horizontal member and the diagonal support members are formed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, at least one of which is modified to maintain the links in a desired angular position when the support structure is erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Les Entreprises Rotot Ltee
    Inventor: Robert Thiboutot
  • Patent number: 4254964
    Abstract: A simple and inexpensive to manufacture two piece sled which can be folded for storage and which has a single front steerable runner is disclosed. According to this invention, readily available steel tubing is bent and welded to form a back unit having two runners secured by support members. A deck for sitting or carrying a load is secured to the support members. In a similar manner, steel tubing is also bent and welded to form a single runner front unit which also has a deck. The single runner can be steered by handles also formed of the steel tubing. The front unit and the back unit are then joined at two pivotpoints such that the two units will fold together into a compact unit for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventor: Larry N. Gibson
  • Patent number: 4245849
    Abstract: A collapsible support structure for supporting items, such as chair backs. The support structure, in an erect position, has two vertical members interconnected at their bottoms by a collapsible, preferably horizontal, member. Each end of the horizontal member is also pivotally connected to the other vertical member by a diagonal support member that extends between each end of the horizontal member and an upper portion of the opposite vertical member. When the structure is erect, the diagonal support members form an "X". Stiffening members, which are preferably generally vertical, are spaced from the vertical members and extend between the horizontal member and the diagonal support members. Both the horizontal member and the diagonal support members are formed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, at least one of which is modified to maintain the links in a desired angular position when the support structure is erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Les Entreprises Rotot Ltee
    Inventor: Robert Thiboutot
  • Patent number: 4243238
    Abstract: A bobsled having a load supporting forward steerable member hingably connected to a load supporting trailing member is disclosed wherein the trailing member is spaced behind the forward member. The hinge connected members are adapted to turn and tilt relative to one another for changing the direction of movement of the sled and for folding the members upon one another for ease of handling, transportion and storage. Hand grips located on a front end portion of the forward member permit a rider lying prone on the sled to turn or tilt the same while in motion to alter the direction of motion of the sled or brake the forward momentum thereof. The members each contain a pair of runners having lower surfaces tapered away from a weight-bearing surface of the members as the runners extend from the front to the back of each member. Elongated, flat, rectangular reinforcing strips formed of durable material such as metal are attached to rear portions of the lengths of the sled runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Inventor: Marvin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4170367
    Abstract: The disclosed device is for transporting a person or other load down a snow slope. The frame is made up of upper and lower outer layers with structural foam sandwiched between them. A handle is provided at the front. A transverse hinge permits folding of a rear portion of the frame into a bottom pocket extending from the front to about half the length. Guide runners can be provided as profiling in the bottom or by separate attachment members. Snap fasteners can be provided for maintaining the folded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Inventor: Thomas Rickenbacher
  • Patent number: 4079953
    Abstract: An elongated, narrow, buoyant, ice rescue craft having a flat, planar, hard bottom, upwardly inclined forward and rearward end walls, upstanding side walls and a full length, flat, planar, top deck of hard material is formed of two identical half sections piano hinge pivoted to each other transversely of the center of the top deck and having releasable latches to retain it in extended position or in over folded condition for storage in the trunk of an automobile. A recess is provided in each opposite end of the top deck, each containing a coil of recovery line having an end affixed to the adjacent end wall. Outriggers may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Inventor: William F. Howarth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4063746
    Abstract: A sledge comprises a seat portion supported via stays on a pair of main runners and a steering runner assembly rotatably mounted in a forward part of the seat portion. At a rear position of the sledge, the stays are connected pivotably about lateral axes to the seat portion and the pair of main runners respectively, and at a forward part of the sledge the main runners are connected pivotably about a longitudinal axis to the seat portion via a joined upwardly curved front portion of the main runners. The pivotable connections between the sledge seat portion and main runners provides for smooth stable sledging and steady steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: Plast & Form A/S
    Inventor: Odd Hansen
  • Patent number: 3982748
    Abstract: A foldable toboggan, preferably formed of four rigid sections hinged together, in which the hinges are specially designed so as to provide spaces between the sections when folded for example to accommodate transverse reinforcements of the sections, and also preferably to accommodate a cushion which can remain on the sections when the toboggan is folded. The hinges are duplex type hinges having a central plate with its forward and rearward edges each hinged to a hinge plate secured to the respective section, the hinge plates being movable through at least 90.degree. relative to the central plate so that the sections can be folded into parallel side-by-side relationship. Where four sections are used, two of the hinges will be such as to allow the sections connected thereby to be folded with the tops facing each other, and the central plate of the hinge means provides sufficient space both for the transverse reinforcement of sections and for the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1976
    Inventors: Burrell Francis Hooper, Ronald Francis Hooper