Multiple Trailing Vehicles Patents (Class 280/411.1)
  • Patent number: 11948477
    Abstract: An emergency response barrier is shown and described, the barrier having a cab and engine for propelling the barrier; a frame with reinforcing bracing; two axles coupled to the frame with wheels attached thereto; wherein the frame is covered with a substantially planar skin that extends along the right and left sides of the frame, from a top of the frame down to a lower edge and covers a majority of the wheels on each side of the barrier; an impact attenuator coupling on the frame, having a vertical pin received in a bore disposed on an impact attenuator, and configured for rotation about the vertical axis of the pin; and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the frame and the impact attenuator, wherein retraction and extension of the hydraulic cylinder moves the impact attenuator through an arc of rotation about the vertical pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Groeneweg, Taylor Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 11597454
    Abstract: A vehicle for transporting cargo includes a front end unit having a front wheel, a rear end unit having a rear wheel, and a carrying unit on which the cargo is loaded and which is interposed between the front end unit and the rear end unit so that the front end unit and the rear end unit are coupled to each other via the carrying unit. The carrying unit is configured to be separated from the front end unit and the rear end unit in a direction intersecting a direction in which the vehicle travels and to be coupled to the front end unit and the rear end unit while the front end unit and the rear end unit are stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Kaneko, Masato Endo, Shinji Sassa, Takahiro Shiga, Yohei Tanigawa
  • Patent number: 10375891
    Abstract: An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and at least one mower module supported by the frame, the at least one mower module positionable to cut plant matter between adjacent crop rows in the field. The plant matter has penetrated a previously formed mat of at least partially crushed residual plant matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Charles H. Martin, Dominic R. Martin
  • Patent number: 9039029
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the arms of an over-sized trailer is described herein. In one embodiment, the system can comprise a center support, a plurality of swing arms, and a plurality of stabilizer rods. The swing arms can be mounted to the left side and the right side of the center support. The swing arms can each comprise an arm and an arm hinge. The swing arms can be capable of rotating about the arm hinge. Furthermore, a dolly can be capable of being mounted to each swing arms. Each of the stabilizer rods can comprise a first rod portion and a second rod portion. The first rod portion can be connected to the center support and the second rod portion connected to one of the swing arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Mammoet USA South, Inc.
    Inventor: Piet Nooren
  • Patent number: 8882131
    Abstract: A double articulated truck has a front vehicle module with a drive engine and having at least one wheeled axle driven by the drive engine through a transmission and having a load-bearing bin, the front vehicle module being interconnected in an articulated manner about a first vertical pin to the front of the load-bearing bin. A rear vehicle module is interconnected in an articulated manner about a second vertical pin to the rear of the load-bearing bin, the rear vehicle module having at least one wheeled axle whereby the bin is supported by the front and rear vehicle modules. The rear module only articulates about the second vertical pin when the articulation of the front module to the bin exceeds 30 degrees and then in a synchronous manner. Typically the maximum articulation of the front module is around 42 degrees and the rear module some 13 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Power Patent Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott McFarlane, James W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8740241
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Publication number: 20140008892
    Abstract: A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: DANE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Dane Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8613583
    Abstract: A towing system includes a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. The front portion is for removably interfacing with a towing vehicle. The rear portion is for adjustably and removably mounting to an axle and a frame of a towed vehicle and supporting the towed vehicle from underneath. The front portion and the rear portions are joined to the middle portion in a rigid configuration. The rear portion has a front axle connector configured to be attached to the axle of the towed vehicle and a single central beam with a frame connector at an end of the single central beam. The frame connector is configured to be attached to the frame of the towed vehicle. The rear portion is adjustable and slides forward and aft for hauling various lengths of the towed vehicle in a forward-facing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Wastow Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Doyle E. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20130330164
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an IV pole transportation device that enables a user to securely engage multiple IV poles into an integrated unit, allowing the IV poles to be transported simultaneously. The IV pole transportation device comprises a base plate having a plurality of slots and a plurality of ratchet assemblies. The ratchet assemblies are secured to the base plate and positioned such that the each ratchet assembly slot is aligned with a base plate slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: MARK T BUSHEY, EDGAR W VETRONE, JOHN P MCLAUGHLIN
  • Patent number: 8322945
    Abstract: Embodiments of a safety trailer are shown and described. The safety trailer includes a trailer body defining a protected workzone, and having a first end and a second end and king pins at both the first and second ends. Also provided is a removable caboose engageable with either of the king pins at the first and second ends of the trailer body, the caboose having a fixed king pin plate, a nose portion and at least one axle and wheels. The fixed king pin plate distributes at least a portion of the force of a vehicle colliding with the safety trailer. The caboose is also provided with a caboose receiving member, the caboose receiving member comprising an alignment device. The caboose further comprises at least one of: a vertical adjustment member adapted to maintain a level ride height, provide additional ground clearance and level the caboose; and an auxiliary mechanism adapted to engage a caboose brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Groeneweg, David Meyerink, Duane Meyerink, LeRoy Severson
  • Patent number: 8322965
    Abstract: A trailer combination and trailer components are designed to provide dual functionality in terms of hauling a very high tonnage piece of heavy equipment and the ability to continue to haul more typical pieces of heavy equipment. To accomplish this task, a trailer auxiliary is provided that is adapted to connect to a typical low boy trailer. The trailer auxiliary is equipped with mechanisms to provide a bed assembly that is designed to link to the low boy trailer so that the bed assembly and bed of the trailer auxiliary receive the high tonnage piece of equipment. The trailer auxiliary can be equipped with ramps to interface with the trailer and auxiliary to facilitate the loading of the heavy equipment. The trailer combination also includes a hauling vehicle for each of the low boy trailer and auxiliary, with a spacing bar assembly mounted to one of the vehicles to link the vehicles together when hauling the trailer and the auxiliary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Francis V. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120292884
    Abstract: A system including a low rider saddle mount for safe and legal transportation of multiple vehicles is provided. The system includes a low rider saddle mount having a first horizontal member selectively coupled to one of a towing vehicle and a second vehicle, and a second horizontal member selectively coupled to one of the second vehicle and a third vehicle. The second horizontal member is vertically spaced apart from the first horizontal member. The multiple vehicles are towed in a forward direction. The system may further include a universal folding boom trailer. A method for towing multiple vehicles is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Doyle E. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20120255797
    Abstract: The invention relates to circumferential movement field, including all circumferential movement devices such as transport vehicle, toy vehicle, space vehicle, blender etc, especially for energy-saving vehicles utilizing force of gravity. The energy-saving vehicle utilizes force of gravity as driving force, the vehicle body connects with the wheel by swing structure method or eccentric swing structure to utilize force of gravity more efficiently. The invention also provides solutions about two-wheel gravitational vehicle and multi-wheel vehicle and train connected by integrated vehicles or two-wheel vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Wen Lin REN
  • Patent number: 8100426
    Abstract: A system for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road is disclosed. The disclosed system not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: David Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 7949447
    Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Prairie Machine & Parts Mfg. (1978) Ltd.
    Inventors: Maurice DeMong, Ashley Debnam
  • Patent number: 7845668
    Abstract: A dual trailer has a first trailer with a king pin for a tractor and a rear fifth wheel for the king pin of a second trailer. The rear end of the first trailer and the front end of the second trailer is lifted into an empty transport position so that the first and second trailers are supported solely on the tractor and the rearmost axle of the second trailer. The remaining axles are held raised from the ground by the lifting of the trailers and by an individual lifting hook supporting the axle raised relative to the frame. In the empty transport position, the first and second trailers are maintained as a single integral trailer in a directly aligned position. Each axle includes an air bag so that the hook is engaged when the axle is raised relative to the frame by releasing the air from the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Guy Bergeron
  • Publication number: 20100172727
    Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer (30) includes a winch (44) for loading and unloading the towed vehicles (32, 34, 36) and can act alone as a crane (42) if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer (30) to a personal fifth wheel (36) and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Doyle E. Watkins
  • Patent number: 7722058
    Abstract: A child support carrier for detachable connection to a shopping cart, the child support carrier comprising a body having a space thereon for supporting a child; a plurality of wheels on the body for stably supporting the body for rolling movement on the ground; the body having an attachment mechanism for detachably coupling to a frame of a shopping cart to allow movement of the child support carrier and shopping cart as a unit, the child support carrier being capable of use independently of the shopping cart when not attached to the shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Giampavolo
  • Patent number: 7637512
    Abstract: A boom support vehicle for supporting elongated loads includes a front dolly which is pivotally connected to a rear dolly at an articulation point. The front dolly includes a front self steering castor axle, and a rear conventional axle. This combination of axles results in stability at high speeds, while also reducing the amount of scuffing which the boom support vehicle experiences as the transporting vehicle and the boom support vehicle negotiate a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robb I. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7625166
    Abstract: A trailer apparatus configured to be pulled behind a first vehicle includes a first or larger trailer and a second or smaller trailer. The first or larger trailer is configured to be pulled behind the first vehicle. The second or smaller trailer is configured to fit into the first trailer. The first or larger trailer can be used to haul a smaller vehicle, such as an ATV, snowmobile or other recreational vehicle, and the second trailer can be removed from the first trailer so that it can be towed behind the smaller vehicle as a stand-alone trailer. The second trailer can also be configured to form a ramp for the first trailer to aid in loading the first trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20090058041
    Abstract: There is provided a trailer 10 for hauling tyres 200 comprising a base frame 12 having a front end 14 and a rear end 16 and one or more wells 20 between the front end and the rear end configured to support the tyres in an upstanding position. Each well comprises a tyre stillage 30 against which one or more adjacent upstanding tyres are supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Brett Guy FENNELL
  • Patent number: 7484748
    Abstract: A steering connection assembly for a vehicle train having at least one implement towed behind a tow vehicle in a direction of travel is provided. The steering connection assembly includes an elongated tow bar interconnecting a first implement towed behind a second implement. A rearward end of the tow bar is includes an elongated opening to receive a steering rod member therethrough. A steering arm interconnects the steering rod member to a caster-type wheel assembly located at a forward of a first towed implement. With a first angle of rotation of the tow bar relative the longitudinal axis of the first implement, the vertical steering rod member slides along the opening of the tow bar such that the steering arm member and attached wheel assembly rotate a second angle of rotation less than the first angle of rotation of the tow bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terry A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 7374197
    Abstract: A cart for transporting objects is provided. The cart includes a base structure supported on a plurality of wheels. An elongated tongue is telescopically mounted to an underside of the base structure and is movable between an extended position, wherein the tongue extends in front of the cart, and a retracted position, wherein the tongue is disposed under the cart. A hitch apparatus is mounted to the base structure at the posterior end thereof. The hitch apparatus includes a hitch for receiving a tongue of another cart and a locking assembly for locking the tongue to the hitch. The locking assembly includes a pin movable between locking and release positions. A tongue actuator is connected to the tongue and is operable, upon manipulation by an operator, to move the tongue from the retracted position to the extended position, while a hitch actuator is connected to the pin of the locking assembly and is operable, upon manipulation by an operator, to move the pin from the locking position to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joel Leverett
  • Patent number: 7347036
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for towing first and second push-type lawn mowers behind a riding mower. A base plate attachable to the rear of the riding mower releasably holds a tow bar. First and second tow arms are releasably coupled to the tow bar and are each adapted for pivoting motion relative to and in an arc defined by the tow bar. The first and second tow arms are received in respective first and second couplers that are attachable to the first and second push-type mowers, respectively. The first and second couplers allow releasable attachment of the respective first and second tow arms. Each coupler is configured to allow rotational movement thereof relative to the tow arm such that respective first and second mowers to which the first and second couplers are attached can follow the contours of the terrain, thereby providing an even cut. The towing assembly is easily disassembled and re-connectable. Likewise, each push-type mower is easily removed from the towing assembly for quick use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: J. Alexander Easley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080063486
    Abstract: This invention describes a commuter car trailer. A commuter car is a significantly smaller vehicle compared to the average sized car in the United States. A commuter car trailer efficiently and safely transports commuter cars, and can do so with the driver still in the commuter car. The commuter car trailer may be attached and towed by a vehicle capable of pulling the weight of the commuter car trailer and commuter cars carried by the commuter car trailer. It is also possible to have a vehicle with a commuter car trailer permanently attached to its frame. In addition to many safety features, the commuter car trailer also offers a numerous conveniences for the operator of the commuter car trailer and for commuter car owners being carried by the commuter car trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Sudhamshu Reddy Beeravolu
  • Patent number: 7338061
    Abstract: The present invention provides a critical breakthrough in wheeled vehicle concepts, by enabling stable vehicle operations, where wheelbase configuration varies in relation to the need for roll preventing force. This enables a new form of automobile that is especially suited for electric adaptation. The invention is an articulated vehicle that includes a stabilizer part and a carriage part where the two parts are linked by a two axis joint that locks the parts together in regard to relative roll motion, but allows pitch attitude and yaw attitude of each part to be mutually independent. Such a joint allows wheels to maintain firm contact with road surfaces while liking to cause the carriage to follow the stabilizer, and enables roll stabiliztion effects. In a turn condition, the stabilizer extends a wheel toward the outside of the turn such that upward force on that wheel counters roll torque that occurs due to radial acceleration due to the turning radius and speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: James K. Bullis
  • Patent number: 7159888
    Abstract: A modular transport vehicle includes a plurality of dollies which are removably connected to a central spine. Because the components of the present invention may be disconnected, the transport vehicle may be readily disassembled and moved from location to location using conventional transportation means. The modularity also allows the width of the transport vehicle to be adjusted using different widths of connectors to accommodate road conditions and/or governmental regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving & Rigging, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7137641
    Abstract: A trailer train apparatus is disclosed that is comprised of a plurality of trailers connected end-to-end. At least some of the trailers are wheeled trailers with steerable wheels. The train includes opposing end trailers that each have tongues that enable the train to be towed from either end. Links join the steerable axle supports (or wheel supports) of some chassis with other chassis so that when an end chassis is steered with its tongue, the other chassis are also steered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: William Thomas Lipsey, III
  • Patent number: 7090237
    Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a trailer behind a trailer is disclosed, and includes a mounting bracket assembly for mounting on the rear of the trailer, and a main trailing member mounted on the mounting bracket assembly in a manner such that the main trailing member is swingable about a substantially vertical axis for permitting movement of the trailing member in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The main trailing member may be mounted on the mounting bracket assembly in a manner such that the trailing member is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis for permitting movement of the main trailing member in a substantially vertical direction. The apparatus may include at least one support configured for connecting to a boat carried on the trailer to provide support to the main trailing member from the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Tracy L. Lammers
  • Patent number: 6318746
    Abstract: A connector system for coupling a suspension frame device to the rear part of a transport trailer for use in distributing the weight of the load of the trailer to extra wheels and/or providing an effective attachment arrangement for connecting a second trailer behind the first trailer in tandem fashion. The connector system includes a part formed at the front of the suspension frame device which includes a rigid frame portion carried by an additional set or sets of wheels, and the connector system further includes a second part formed integrally at the rear of the frame of the first trailer, the two parts having mating guiding portions for properly aligning the suspension frame device with the trailer as the parts come to an initial hitching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ty-Crop Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Richard McCrory
  • Patent number: 6312003
    Abstract: The complex trailer can be coupled to a vehicle having a drawing rack and mainly comprises a first trailer and a second trailer, in which the first trailer includes a deck, a bogie wheel, and a landing; the second trailer includes a wagon bed, and a trailing wheel. The complex trailer also has three coupling devices for respectively coupling the drawing rack and the first trailer, and the first trailer and the second trailer. Moreover, the trailing wheels can take the place of the landing wheels and the wagon bed can be combined with and thereby carried by the first trailer in case the first trailer and the second trailer are combined together so as to save space and to provide stable travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Yun-Chun Liu
  • Publication number: 20010003393
    Abstract: The present invention is for a multi-combination vehicle including a prime mover having an engine and at least one powered trailer mechanically coupled to the prime mover. A control system measures the relative motion or force between the two, preferably by the use of a load cell and accordingly adjusts the operation of the engine on the power trailer so that the powered trailer and the prime mover are synchronized in their movement. This allows a multi-combination vehicle to carry a significant load, by providing sufficient motive power without the potential for damage to the transmission and differential system of the prime mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Applicant: James W. Cooper
    Inventor: JAMES W. COOPER
  • Patent number: 6170848
    Abstract: An articulated train such as a coal haulage system includes first, second, third and fourth vehicles pivotally pinned to one another in end-to-end relationship. In the improvement, the train includes a steering system having first mechanism for selectively securing the second and third vehicles in aligned relationship and second mechanism for selectively securing the third and fourth vehicles in aligned relationship. Turn control mechanism unlocks the first mechanism when the first vehicle turns through a predetermined angle. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second mechanism includes an actuator and a hydraulic valve which coacts with such actuator. The steering system locks those vehicles following the first vehicle in an aligned (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Wechner