Towing Attachments Patents (Class 280/292)
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Patent number: 6099011Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch is disclosed, for attaching a forward arm of a bicycle trailer to a rear frame of a bicycle. The bicycle trailer hitch comprises a base mounting plate having two discs provided with grooves to position respectively the chain stay and the seat stay of a bicycle rear frame. A side plate covers and squeezes the chain stay and the seat stay against the base mounting plate under the action of tightening means which comprise a releasable-adjustable fastener coupled between the base mounting plate and the side plate. The base mounting plate is provided with flexible connecting means to link the forward arm of the trailer. The bicycle trailer hitch is easy and quick to install and release, and allows a firm and secure attachment.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventors: Maurice Beaudoin, Richard Beaudoin
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Patent number: 6070679Abstract: The present inventive device generally allows a user to easily engage and push or pull heavy and unwieldy object(s), most notably a line of nested shopping carts, effectively and without undue strain. The cart is designed specifically with universal utility in mind. The power is supplied by either an electrically driven motor or internal combustion engine. Power is transmitted to a transaxle with belts or an electric motor electronically controlled. A simple forward/reverse control via throttle handles causes cart movement and steering is achieved through dual rear castors. The front of the cart contains a receiver that allows easy attachment for a multitude of attachments for a variety of uses. A square tube fitment with a quick release device lets the cart be configured for different markets and easy field change. One such attachment is a shopping cart adapter, which attaches to the cart through the receiver connection.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Lindbergh Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David W. Berg, Joseph D. Berg, Dennis R. Johnson
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Patent number: 6053518Abstract: A bicycle trailer includes a looped carrier frame and two pairs of vertical sleeves which extend upward from front and rear end portions of the carrier frame. The sleeves have surrounding walls of U-shaped horizontal cross-section, thereby forming vertical openings in the surrounding walls. Each surrounding wall is provided with two opposing horizontally aligned holes. A plurality of horizontal pivot members extend through the aligned holes substantially in parallel with a line that extends from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the carrier frame. Each of a pair of curved support rods has two end portions which are inserted respectively into one of the sleeves of the front end portion and one of the sleeves of the rear end portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Ping-Jan Chiu
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Patent number: 6050580Abstract: A tow bar for towing a trailing bicycle by a leading bicycle. The tow bar includes a leading portion for extending rearwardly from the leading bicycle, a trailing portion for extending forwardly from the trailing bicycle, and first apparatus for connecting the leading portion to the trailing portion. The leading portion includes a U-shaped bar for straddling the rear wheel of the leading bicycle and has a pair of free ends for replaceably attaching to the rear fork of the leading bicycle and second apparatus for replaceably attaching the leading portion to the rear fork of the leading bicycle. The trailing portion includes a U-shaped bar for straddling the front wheel of the trailing bicycle and has a pair of free ends for replaceably attaching to the front fork of the trailing bicycle and third apparatus for replaceably attaching the trailing portion to the front fork of the trailing bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Andrzej B. Pawelek
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Patent number: 6039338Abstract: A sound generating device for a spoked wheel utilizing a base member having a clamp. Base member is provided with a slot that extends outwardly from the clamp. A flange element may be anchored in the slot and extend from the slot in the form of a flap. The flap is intended to contact the spoked wheel when it turns.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventors: Larry Perea, Kim Perea
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Patent number: 6036215Abstract: An improved apparatus for linking two or more bicycles together in tandem by means of a light-weight tubular member, wherein said member is attached a leading bicycle in a location near or on the seat and to the head tube of the trailing bicycle by a quick-release fastener. A separation means insures that the apparatus will automatically separate from the trailing bicycle in the event of excessive force being applied. An alignment means is provided to cause the trailing bicycle to track in substantial alignment with the leading bicycle. Cushioning material is provided on each coupling means to absorb shock and to minimize abrasive wear and to prevent marring of the respective bicycles.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Ronald Frank Bruner
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Patent number: 5860662Abstract: A coupler for coupling two standard bicycles together to form a tandem tricycle. The coupler includes a clamp for clamping the coupler to one of the tines of the seat stays of the leading bicycle and further includes a quick release clamp for releasably gripping one of the tines of the front fork of the trailing bicycle. The quick release clamp is rotatable about a transverse axis relative to the clamp, so the trailing bicycle is likewise rotatable about a transverse axis relative to the leading bicycle. This permits the trailing bicycle to pitch independently of the leading bicycle, thereby allowing the two bicycles to smoothly traverse uneven terrain.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Inventors: Thomas A. Bartoshesky, Hollis E. Dayton
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Patent number: 5842710Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bicycle, both the bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on corresponding axles, both the bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of the bicycle frames including a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tube. The coupling device includes a linking bar, a first bicycle attachment component for pivotally attaching the linking bar to the first bicycle; a second bicycle attachment component for pivotally attaching the linking bar to the second bicycle. One of the main features of the device is a wheel supporting component for releasably supporting the front wheel of the second bicycle. Another main feature of the device is a stabilizing component for stabilizing the handlebar of the second bicycle when the linking bar is attached to the second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to the second bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: France CoutureInventor: France Couture
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Patent number: 5836600Abstract: A separable tandem bicycle includes a front bicycle frame, a rear bicycle frame, and a connecting member which interconnects a front seat tube of the front bicycle frame and a down tube of the rear bicycle frame. The connecting member is detachable from the front seat tube and is foldable over the down tube. A handle bar is detachably mounted to the connecting member. Due to the separable and foldable construction, the tandem bicycle can be put in a package with a reduced size and can be easily stored or transported conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventor: Ping-Jan Chiu
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Patent number: 5829771Abstract: A foldable bicycle carriage including a base frame, a support frame, two upper folders, two lower folders, a drag link, a wheel shaft, two wheels, a base board and a cover. Each of the upper and lower folders includes a frame seat for securing the upper and lower folders respectively under a rear edge of the support frame and on a rear edge of the base frame. The upper and lower folders can be inward folded to reduce the volume of the entire frame body of the carriage so as to facilitate the storage and transferring thereof. An insertion pin seat is disposed at the front end of the drag link and is directly tightened by a manually operable plum blossom-shaped thread sleeve. The insertion pin seat is further located by a safety pin. The bicycle carriage can be easily assembled and conveniently used.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Hsiu-Lu Hsu
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Patent number: 5810374Abstract: A carrier for transporting large game is provided having a bed formed from a smooth semi-circular cross-sectional shaped polymeric material which is mounted on a wheeled frame. A reversible handle allows the bed to be easily loaded and a rail is positioned beneath the bed for cooperatively engaging rail guides affixed to a vehicle support. The game carrier can be loaded, for example, in the woods and can then be pulled manually to a vehicle parking site. The wheels of the carrier can be removed and the carrier then urged along guides attached to the vehicle support which is retained by conventional vehicle trailer hitch apparatus. Locking pins maintain the carrier on the vehicle support, thus allowing a single hunter to easily transport and load heavy game without undue effort or inconvenience.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Inventor: Brian T. Small
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Patent number: 5785335Abstract: A trailer cycle (10) includes a trailer cycle frame (52) having a main tube (54) which extends toward the lead cycle (12). A hitch mechanism (14) is located between the lead cycle and the trailer cycle. A lead-cycle hitch portion (34) is joined to the lead cycle substantially vertically above the hub of the lead-cycle rear wheel (26). A flexible hitch portion (82) is interposed between the trailer cycle frame and the lead cycle hitch portion and is housed in an orthogonal member (84) which contains an adjustable vertical, or pitch, pivot mechanism and a similarly adjustable yaw pivot mechanism. The orthogonal member is constructed and arranged to prevent motion about the roll axis of the trailer cycle relative to the lead cycle. A lead-cycle-hitch engaging member is located at the lower end of the yaw pivot mechanism and selectively engages and releases the lead-cycle hitch portion. A locking mechanism is provided which secures the trailer cycle to the lead.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Burley Design CooperativeInventor: Donald A. George
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Patent number: 5749592Abstract: A bicycle towing device in which a plurality of aligned rigid bars are connected by means of a coupling so that one bar can rotate with respect to the other along the alignment axis of the bars. Hub and pin arrangements are connectable to the free ends of the bars and have axes of rotation perpendicular to the alignment axis of the rods. The hub and pin arrangements are connectable to the respective vehicles to allow one vehicle to move with respect to the other while being towed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Inventor: Carlo Marchetto
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Patent number: 5669618Abstract: A bicycle trailer includes a carrier frame, two wheels provided on two sides of the carrier frame, and a connecting device which is adapted to couple with a frame body of the bicycle. The carrier frame has two pairs of vertical stubs extending upward therefrom in such a manner that one pair of stubs are respectively located on two sides of the front end portion while the other pair of stubs are respectively located on two sides of the rear end portion, and a seat secured to a lower surface of the front end portion of the carrier frame. The connecting device includes a connecting rod pivoted to the seat and rotatable about a horizontal axis, and a coupler unit attached on a front end section of the connecting rod. The coupler unit includes a vertical inner plate adapted to be disposed on one side of the frame body and abutting against a seat stay and a chain stay of the frame body, and a vertical outer plate disposed on the other side of the frame body and abutting against the seat stay and the chain stay.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventor: Ping-Jan Chiu
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Patent number: 5641173Abstract: A light weight aerodynamically efficient cycling trailer having a single wheel is provided for towing behind a bicycle or motor cycle. The disclosed cycling trailer includes a body enclosure, an overlying lid, a light weight frame, the first end of the frame bending upwardly along the forward surface of the body enclosure to engage with a removable goose-neck tongue, the goose-neck tongue extending upwards along and attaching to the forward surface of the body enclosure, the forward end of the goose-neck tongue extending over the rear wheel of the bicycle and being coupled to a latching universal joint which couples the cycling trailer to the bicycle. The latching universal joint facilitates the easy connecting and disconnecting of the cycling trailer to a bicycle without the need of additional attachments. The cycling trailer is also provided with a removable child carrier, a hanging bar and a cargo shelf.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Inventor: William T. Cobb, Jr.
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Patent number: 5573259Abstract: A bicycle trailer comprising an elongate support member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end having a wheel depending therefrom and the proximal end being attachable, via a connector, to a conventional bicycle. In a preferred embodiment, the elongate support member is pivotally connected to the connector. The connector is mountable to a seat post of the bicycle and is further configured to allow the support member to rotate relative to the seat post. The support member includes at least one rack member attached thereto upon which objects may be placed and secured.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventors: Michael S. Castillo, Edward L. Castillo
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Patent number: 5470088Abstract: A bicycle trailer comprises a frame having at its one end a hitch assembly for connecting the bicycle trailer to a towing bicycle and at its other end a ground-engagable wheel. The hitch assembly comprises a clamp part for clamping non-rotatably to a seat supporting part, for example the seat post, of the towing bicycle, a universal joint portion fixedly attached to the trailer frame and a releasable fastening attaching the clamp part to the universal joint portion. The universal joint portion permits pivoting of the trailer, in use, about generally vertical and horizontal axes which are spaced apart, preferably with the second pivot axis between the first pivot axis and the trailer frame. The clamp part may comprise a generally U-shaped member having a cylindrical bight portion and a bolt member extending through aligned holes in end portions of the U-shaped member to urge them together and clamp the seat supporting part.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1993Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Inventor: Delbert J. Adams
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Patent number: 5454578Abstract: A bicycle towing apparatus (10) for towing a second bicycle (82) behind a first bicycle (90) comprising a frame structure (12,14) including a front connector (16) for securing the bicycle towing apparatus to the first bicycle, and a rear connector (68) for securing the bicycle towing apparatus to the front fork (80) of the second bicycle, a pair of outrigger wheels (20) rotatably attached to a lower portion of the frame structure (12,14) and spaced apart to provide lateral stability to the bicycle towing apparatus. The frame structure also includes a horizontal cross bar (22), a pair of parallel towing bars (30,32), and a pair of angled upright braces (40,42).Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Inventor: Lawrence E. Neack
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Patent number: 5401070Abstract: A strap for pulling a child's wheeled toy has a handle for enabling a user to better grip a first end of the strap and a slotted ring attached to a second end of the strap. Middle portions of the strap can be fitted through the ring and placed around a yoke of a tricycle or wagon or other wheeled child's toy to enable an adult to more easily pull a small child on the wheeled toy.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Inventor: Kelly L. LePelley
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Patent number: 5350184Abstract: Disclosed is a bicycle tow-bar which is adapted to be attached between a bicycle and a wheelchair with the attachment to the wheelchair being versatile enough to capture the front swivel wheels of most wheelchairs and easily attached and un-attached to a bicycle by a ball-hitch attached to the seat post. A mud-guard is also disclosed which is easily attached to the tow-bar to repel mud or small rocks, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Ronald D. Loftis, Carolyn I. Loftis
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Patent number: 5348327Abstract: A collapsible surf or sailboard dolly having the option to be manually towed behind one walking or be trailered behind a bicycle using a new and improved universal hitch attached to a bicycle. The bicycle hitch mounts generally horizontally to the bicycles accessory holes and clamped around frames chainstay holes. The dolly has a rear main wheeled support assembly strapped to a board. The main support assembly has wheels which are removable (in seconds) without the use of any tools. The wheels are held to the assembly with a Velcro and strap wrapping arrangement which positively hold the wheels to the main support tube. The dolly has a separate arm structure which straps to the nose of the board and is held onto the board by the wedging effect of the strapping arrangement. The rear support assembly is held to the board with the same wedging effect. A tightened center coupling strap causes the front arm structure and rear main support strapping to wedge over the board.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Inventor: Juergen W. Gieske
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Patent number: 5314202Abstract: A golf car towing hitch system for towing a three or four wheeled golf car behind a passenger vehicle or light truck with the rear two wheels of the golf car elevated off of the ground. A hoist mounted on a rotable mast for lifting the rear of the golf car is included. Receiver or bar hitches may be used.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Inventor: Guy Wilkins, Jr.
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Patent number: 5292142Abstract: A sidecar for a bicycle comprised of an accessory rear mounting frame, four elongated mounting members an attachment for sidecar wheel and a framework for supporting a load. The accessory rear mounting frame extends from the rear axle of the bicycle to the seat post or the seat tube of the bicycle. Two elongated mounting members extend from the load supporting frame to the accessory rear mounting frame. Two more elongated mounting members extend from the load supporting frame to the forward structural tubing of the bicycle frame. And an attachment member, on the opposite side of the load supporting frame, and located forward of a line formed by extending the rear axle of the bicycle, comprises a support for an axle for the sidecar wheel. In one preferred embodiment each elongated mounting member and the accessory rear mounting frame has adjustments which allow the sidecar to be attached to various sizes of bicycle frames.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1991Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Inventor: Art Vitarelli
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Patent number: 5288093Abstract: A coupler for an IV stand and a mobile patient transporter having a first coupling block mounted on the IV stand and a second coupling block mounted on the patient transporter. A connecting bar interconnects the coupling blocks with locking means formed in the coupling blocks to secure the connecting bar thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1993Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Inventor: Gary D. Gross
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Patent number: 5269548Abstract: An exercise trailer for a handicapped person comprising a two-wheel bicycle trailer for towing behind a bicycle with one of the bicycle wheels driving a crank with pedals and stirrups to which the user's feet are attached. The rotation of the bicycle drive wheel as the two-wheel bicycle trailer is towed behind a bicycle rotates the crank to thereby forcibly exercises the person's legs while he or she is riding in the bicycle trailer.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1992Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Inventor: Theresa J. Milligan
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Patent number: 5242178Abstract: A hitch for attaching a trailer to a bicycle comprises a mounting bracket adapted to be releasably attached to a chain stay of the bicycle frame and a resiliently flexible coupling member of an elastomeric material attached to the mounting bracket and adapted to be attached to a boom tube that is in turn attached to the trailer. The coupling member provides universal articulation between the mounting bracket and the boom tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1992Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: Cannondale CorporationInventors: Mario M. Galasso, Christopher D. Hageman, Timothy J. Fenton
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Patent number: 5215037Abstract: A bicycle-mounted exercising device includes a mounting assembly attachable to a bicycle frame, an elongated swingarm having an inner end and an outer end for coupling to a flexible elastic strap attachable to a dog's collar, a pivot assembly connecting the inner end of the swingarm to the mounting assembly for pivotal movement of the swingarm relative to the bicycle about a generally vertical axis defined by the pivot assembly, and a mounting attachment connected to the mounting assembly for pivotal movement about the vertical axis and, in turn, supporting the swingarm closer to its inner end than to its outer end for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis. The pivot assembly includes a spring which engages and biases the inner end of the swingarm in a downward direction and thereby biases the outer end thereof in an upward direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1991Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Inventor: Terry H. Allred
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Patent number: 5171034Abstract: A trailer for attachment to a two-wheeled vehicle. The trailer has a relatively low center of gravity and a single pivoting trailing wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Inventor: James R. Scott
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Patent number: 5149036Abstract: A device comprising a bracket having a clamp secured thereto, the bracket portion of the device being attached to a hospital bed or gurney. An IV pole is attached to the device by the clamp portion of the device in a manner such that it is supported above the surface of the hospital floor.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Inventor: Gerald F. Sheehan
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Patent number: 5097609Abstract: A portable draft bar is demountably attached to a horizontally disposed surface of an earth-working implement that is adjustably disposed on an earthmoving vehicle by providing an elongated draft bar that is adapted at its rear end to be driveably attached to the rear portion of a horizontally-disposable surface of an earth-working implement, such as a front end loader, and which is slidably disposed in a clamp adapted to be clamped to a forward portion of the work surface so as to provide three-dimensional stability and connection of the draft bar to the vehicle for use as, for example, in moving trailers and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Inventor: Patrick J. Swaggert
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Patent number: 5039120Abstract: Towing apparatus for towing a wheeled vehicle by another vehicle which includes a member attached to the towed vehicle which is detachably connected to an arm extending from a pivotedly mounted member which is engaged with a fixed member on the towing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Inventor: Alan A. Stowe
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Patent number: 5033409Abstract: A device for exercising a dog from a bicycle which includes a triangular framework secured to the bicycle. The device is conveniently attachable to the bicycle and adjustable to fit bicycles of various sizes and construction.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Inventor: Jay Sabot
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Patent number: 5011170Abstract: This invention relates to trailers and in particular to trailers for use with bicycles and motorcycles. This trailer will secure belongings inside, protecting them from the elements. The trailer is easily hooked and unhooked in a matter of seconds and is unmatched in its handling ability as it travels behind the cycle or motorcycle. The trailer may be removed 90 degrees relative to the bike when moving or parked. Locking it in such a position while parked prevents it from being wheeled away. The cyclist is a much more visible object on the road due to the added width the trailer provides and the trailer should contain reflectors or lights for added visibility. A pivot assembly allows up and down motion which will enable the trailer to follow undulations in the road or terrain; allows horizontal or sideways motion to enable the trailer to follow left or right turns by the cyclist and prevents rotation in the horizontal axis to enable the trailer to follow the cyclist's lean on corners.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1990Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Inventors: Alexander D. Forbes, Sheena C. Forbes
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Patent number: 4945592Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a patient care device comprises a vertically adjustable first horizontal flange secured to a patient transport device, a patient care apparatus having an elongate vertical member supporting a patient care device, and a second horizontal flange disposed on an upper portion of the vertical member of the patient care apparatus. The upper portion of the vertical member may be detachable from the base portion thereof. In order to secure the patient care device to the patient transport apparatus, a mating means on the first horizontal flange is aligned directly below a mating means on the second horizontal flange. The first horizontal flange is then elevated until it interlockingly engages the second horizontal flange. The first flange is further elevated until the upper portion of the vertical member detaches from the base portion and becomes freely supported by the patient transport device.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1988Date of Patent: August 7, 1990Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Nathaniel M. Sims, James P. Welch
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Patent number: 4928985Abstract: A bicycle buggy apparatus is set forth including a conventional bicycle provided with a seat and downwardly extending seat stud received within the framework of the bicycle. A sleeve is pivotally mounted about the seat stud and includes a rearwardly extending connecting shaft removably secured to an "S" shaped coupling shaft at an upper end of the coupling shaft with a lower end of the "S" shaped coupling shaft secured to a buggy formed with a seat, spaced parallel sides, an underlying floor, and a mount rigidly secured to a forwardmost edge of the floor connected to the aforenoted coupling shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1989Date of Patent: May 29, 1990Inventor: Bobby R. Nowlin
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Patent number: 4736963Abstract: This tow bar is designed for towing a three-wheeled automotive vehicle and is foldable for storage. Primarily, it consists of a main body receiving a ball hitch, and a sleeve is provided on each side of the main body and freely receives the threaded ends of a pair of rods provided with a hook at each end that is received on the fork of the front wheel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1986Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Inventor: Edward J. Bettencourt
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Patent number: 4729576Abstract: A towing device for connecting an IV-pole to a gurney when transporting a patient from one hospital area to another. The device includes an elongated body portion with a hook means attached on each end thereof. A spring-biased locking member associated with each of the hooks locks the hook into engagement with the respective gurney and IV-pole and prevents disengagement of the hooks therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1986Date of Patent: March 8, 1988Inventor: Keyton W. Roach
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Patent number: 4725067Abstract: A two-wheeled bicycle trailer has a frame with a double tongue having two arms that extend on either side of a rear of a bicycle. The arms each have flat hands that are pivotally connected to said arms at a forward end thereof. A free end of said bands is pivotally connected on either side of said bicycle frame in the vicinity of a rear axle. As the trailer is towed and, particularly, as the bicycle turns, the bands automatically adjust for variations in the vertical height of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1985Date of Patent: February 16, 1988Inventor: Thomas Lundy
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Patent number: 4721320Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch which attaches to the bicycle between the chain stay and the seat stay at the crotch formed at the convergence of the two stays, the method of attachment being by three attaching members affixed to and extending inward from a main hitch member to which the bicycle trailer is connected. The three attaching members include a cone-plate member, wherein the intersection of a cone and a plate form a notch which engages the crotch between the two stays; a fixed finger located beneath the chain stay, and a movable finger located above the seat stay. Movement of the movable finger towards the seat stay is accomplished a pivoting member and a threaded tightening member, each attached pivotally at one end to the main hitch member, wherein the non-attached, threaded end of the tightening member passes through an aperture in the pivoting member so that rotation of a threaded knob engaged to the tightening member past the pivoting member will cause the knob to press against the pivoting member.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1987Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Assignee: Burley Design Cooperative, Inc.Inventors: Bruce W. Creps, Donald A. George, Peter B. Berry, John E. Siekert, Robert C. Nyquist, Jeffrey B. Nyquist
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Patent number: 4592564Abstract: A towing device for directly towing an all terrain vehicle (ATV) or an all terrain cycle (ATC). The towing device is removably secured to the ATV/ATC and allows easy towing and transportation of such a vehicle by utilizing the vehicle's rear wheels thereby eliminating the need for a separate flat bed or wheeled trailer. The tow device is in the form of a bar having an attachment mechanism for removably securing the bar to the ATV/ATC frame and a hitch assembly for removably connecting the tow bar to a car or truck ball hitch or any other type of conventional towing hinge. In one embodiment for a three-wheel ATV/ATC, only one attachment mechanism is provided and the forward end of the towing bar, toward the hitch, includes a recess in which the single front wheel is received. The bar, which can be either one or two pieces, also includes a bend so that when hitched for towing, the front wheel is raised off the ground allowing the rear wheels to provide the rolling support required for towing.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1984Date of Patent: June 3, 1986Inventors: Rudolph M. Warnock, Thomas G. Alford, Sr., Thomas G. Alford, Jr.
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Patent number: 4548423Abstract: A connecting device is disclosed for joining a trailer to a towing vehicle for substantial horizontal and vertical pivotal movements, as well as longitudinal rotation, of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle. A shaft added to one yoke of a pair of yokes comprising a universal joint is journalled in a block for rotation through 360 degrees. A similar shaft having a stop at its outer end and secured to the other yoke of the universal joint is inserted into a split block which functions as a quick-release clamping device upon closing of the block to secure the shaft. The bearing block preferably is affixed to the tongue or tow bar of the trailer and the split block is secured to the towing vehicle, the connecting device may be reversed end-for-end.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1984Date of Patent: October 22, 1985Inventor: Trevor Craven
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Patent number: 4511158Abstract: A device for securely yet removably attaching a pole, for example, an intravenous pole of the type having wheels supporting it for movement across a surface, to a wheeled patient transport device, such as, a wheeled stretcher, wheelchair, or the like, so that the pole and the patient transport device can be moved as a contiguous unit across a surface, the device comprises a clamp member for removably clamping the intravenous pole and a member rigidly associated with a portion of the patient transport device for receiving the clamp thereby securing the intravenous pole thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1982Date of Patent: April 16, 1985Assignee: Mt. Sinai Medical Center of Greater MiamiInventors: Sandor I. Varga, Richard L. Dougherty, Donny C. Dandy, Willie J. Thomas
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Patent number: 4487284Abstract: This motorcycle towing device comprises a towing unit body adapted to be fastened detachably or permanently to the front fork of a motorcycle to be towed, a hitching member retained by a spring-loaded bolt responsive to a traction cable connected to a control lever, for example the clutch control lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1982Date of Patent: December 11, 1984Assignee: Lacoray S.A.Inventor: Walter Steiner
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Patent number: 4458908Abstract: A tandem tricycle is easily constructed from standard bicycles by removing the front wheel and fork of the rear bicycle, placing an adapter on the frame of the rear bicycle, and mounting the adapter to the rear of the leading bicycle. The adapter allows the rear bicycle to tilt, to articulate, and to bend with respect to the leading bicycle. Each function is independently achieved through suitable assemblies, and the combination allows simultaneous tilting, articulating, and bending. Although described with reference to an adapter suitable for converting standard bicycles to a tandem tricycle, the invention also contemplates the manufacture of an integral tandem bicycle or tricycle having an adapter which allows tilting, articulating, and bending of the trailing section of the tandem relative to the leading section. Multisectioned velocipedes are also contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1982Date of Patent: July 10, 1984Inventor: John R. Strong
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Patent number: 4445704Abstract: A control assembly is disclosed for attachment to a bicycle to enable an ambulant cyclist to propel and steer his vehicle while walking or running alongside, or to the rear, thereof. A preferred embodiment of the assembly comprises two components which attach to the vehicle, the first secured to the front end to limit lateral movement of the front wheel, and the second secured to the rear end to permit foward and directional momentum imparted thereto to be transmitted to the vehicle. A second embodiment of the assembly employs only the second component attached to the bicycle handlebars. This embodiment of the invention permits control of both direction and movement of an otherwise unstable vehicle at a single location on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1981Date of Patent: May 1, 1984Inventor: A. Ray Troxler
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Patent number: 4431205Abstract: An improved golf cart is provided which comprises a frame bearing a seat having a high back, a pair of rear wheels flanking the seat and a front wheel, a set of foot cranks, a drive chain interconnecting the foot cranks and rear wheels, a steering assembly and a golf bag rack behind the back seat. To the upper part of the back rest are attached rearwardly extending rollers so that the cart can be tilted up to rest and ride on the rear wheels and rollers for compact storage and transport of the cart. An L-shaped support bracket may be secured to a car bumper for supporting and transporting the cart in the tilted up position. The cart may include an arm depending from the frame and engageable with the bracket and connectors to aid in holding the cart on the bracket. The cart can also include gears, a gear shift mechanism, brakes and a brake lever.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1982Date of Patent: February 14, 1984Assignee: An-Penn, Inc.Inventors: John M. Speicher, Allan A. Voigt
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Patent number: 4261592Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for coupling two bicycles as a tandem by means of a coupling bar, wherein said coupling bar is fixed to each of the two bicycles by a universal joint constituted by a first fork fast with one of the two ends of the bar, a cross piece articulated in said first fork by one of its arms, and a second fork articulated on the other arm of the cross piece, means being provided to fix said second fork to one of the bicycles, one arm of a cross piece being parallel to an arm of a second cross piece and the other two arms of the two cross pieces being coplanar when the two bicycles are in the same vertical plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1979Date of Patent: April 14, 1981Inventor: Jacques Busseuil
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Patent number: 4193526Abstract: An improved two-wheeled vehicle carrier detachably connectable to a vehicle having a tow-bar is disclosed and comprises a carry-bar detachably connecting to the tow-bar in a substantially horizontal manner and connectors to detachably connect the carry-bar to the tow-bar. A pair of pivoting wheel cradles are adjustably mounted to the carry-bar to retain the wheels of the two-wheeled vehicle. Mountings adjustably connect the pair of pivoting wheel cradles to the carry-bar.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1977Date of Patent: March 18, 1980Inventor: Donald D. Rosmarinofski
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Patent number: 4114919Abstract: A towing apparatus for bicycles or the like, comprising a first member; means for attaching the first member to a towing bicycle; a hitch member attached to a towed bicycle; an intermediate member for connecting the hitch member to the first member, adapted to slideably rest on the first member; first means for pivotally and detachably connecting the first member and the intermediate member; and, second means for pivotally and detachably connecting the hitch member and the intermediate member, such that the towed bicycle is towed in an inverted position, with only its rear wheel resting on the ground and its front wheel pivoted and clamped in a rearward position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1977Date of Patent: September 19, 1978Inventor: Alan Andrews Stowe
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Patent number: 4111449Abstract: A quick detachable bumper hitch for towing a motorcycle employing manually operated means for raising and lowering the front wheel of the cycle to maintain a given relationship with the road surface on which the rear wheel of the motorcycle is being supported.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1977Date of Patent: September 5, 1978Inventor: Charles Lee Hancock