Tongue Patents (Class 280/46)
  • Patent number: 11986095
    Abstract: A retractable furniture carriage is capable of supporting a piece of furniture off of a floor, and allowing the furniture to be rolled across the floor. The retractable furniture carriage includes wheels mounted by a frame to the furniture. The frame can be pivoted for moving the wheels between a deployed position in which they engage and support the furniture to a stowed position in which the wheels are off the floor. Actuation of the frame can be carried out from the side of the furniture through frame structure largely located underneath the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Foldcraft Co.
    Inventors: Dave Sartor, Eric Weis
  • Patent number: 11691818
    Abstract: A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and at least one cleat disposed on an outer surface of the belt and configured to receive and move an object along the conveyor frame. The system may also include a portable base having a base frame and at least one wheel secured to the base frame. The conveyor may also be pivotably coupled to the portable base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Multilift, Inc.
    Inventors: Job Bacon-Maldonado, III, Robert D. Drost, Chris K. Miller, Kenneth B. Drost, Job Maldonado, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11466390
    Abstract: A lifting device and a washing machine having same that resolves difficulty moving existing washing machines. The lifting device includes a driving device, a first lever, a second lever and support feet; the driving device is provided at the bottom of a washing machine body; the support feet are movably provided, in a vertical direction, at the bottom of the body; a first end of the first lever is pivotally connected to the driving device, a second end of the first lever is pivotally connected to one support foot, and a pivoting end of the first lever is pivotally connected to the body; a first end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the driving device, a second end of the second lever is pivotally connected to one support foot, and a pivoting end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: QINGDAO JIAONAN HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD., Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai Liu, Sheng Xu, Huacheng Song, Shiqiang Shan, Peishi Lv
  • Patent number: 11457767
    Abstract: A multi-directional movement countertop appliance rolling tray that includes a support surface, at least one high friction support, at least one first multi-directional low friction moving device and a movement lever. The support surface has a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge that extend there around. The at least one high friction support is proximate the front edge of the support surface. The movement lever is operably mounted with respect to the support surface. The at least one first multi-directional low friction moving device is rotatably mounted to the movement lever. The movement lever is movable between a first position and a second position. When the movement lever is in the second position, a lower surface of the first multi-directional low friction moving device extends further from the support surface than a lower surface of the at least one high friction support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Nifty Home Products Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Hertaus
  • Patent number: 9216750
    Abstract: A cart enabling a single person to pull a livestock chute across the ground. The cart includes a bar having a handle and wheels provided at opposing ends. The bar includes first and second members pivotally engaged together. A crossbar pivotally mounted on the bar includes first and second arms configured to engage handles on a lower front end of the chute. When the bar is in a collapsed position, where the first and second members are disposed at an angle to each other, the first and second arms are insertable into the chute handles. When the bar is moved to an erected position, where the first and second members are aligned along the same plane, a force is applied to a footrest on the bar. The arms lift the front end of the chute off the ground and the cart's wheels move under the front end of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Weaver Leather, LLC
    Inventor: Steven K. Sindlinger
  • Patent number: 8840129
    Abstract: A trailer adapted to be coupled to a tow vehicle and including a frame including a draw bar tube defining a longitudinal axis. The trailer includes a drawbar support pivotally coupled to the draw bar tube and rotatable relative to the drawbar tube about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The drawbar support is biased toward a substantially horizontal orientation. A sliding member is receivable in the drawbar tube and is configured for movement along the longitudinal axis in response to movement of the tow vehicle. A latch member is connected to the sliding member. The latch member is configured to move in response to movement of the sliding member from a first position wherein the drawbar support is retained in a substantially vertical orientation to a second position wherein the draw bar support is free to rotate toward the substantially horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Peter Edgeller, Craig Buxton
  • Patent number: 7431672
    Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. Van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 7044867
    Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 6999856
    Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated trailer yaw rate based on a corrected tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, vehicle speed and a vehicle yaw rate. The estimated trailer yaw rate is compared to a measured trailer yaw rate to generate a yaw rate error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yong Han Lee, Weiwen Deng
  • Patent number: 6955364
    Abstract: The invention provides a mechanism suitable for lifting an appliance, particularly a domestic appliance. The mechanism (2) comprises a generally cylindrical body (8) having a wall (50) and a longitudinal axis (16) which extends in an upward direction. At least one rolling support member (20) is rotatably mounted on an axle (100) beneath the body (8). A housing (6) having a generally cylindrical socket portion (200) with an inner surface (208) receives the body (8). The wall (50) and the inner surface (208) incorporate opposing camming surfaces (62) (210) such that when the body (8) is rotated about the axis (16) with respect to the socket portion (200), the camming surfaces (62) (210) co-operate. The housing (6) is moved axially with respect to the body (8) and away from the at least one rolling support member (20). The mechanism (2) lifts the appliance (400) from a resting position and into an elevated position ready for manoeuvring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Dyson Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Paul Richard Sandom
  • Patent number: 6916257
    Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 6863489
    Abstract: A barrel dolly (10) includes a main frame (12) that has members (16, 18, 20, 22) for supporting a barrel (42) and a roller frame (14) detachable from the main frame for loading the barrel through an open end (22) of the main frame. The main frame includes bridge hooks (30) that mate with receiver notches (34) on the roller frame for attaching the roller frame to the main frame. The roller frame includes a sliding handle (38) that a user grasps to rotate the roller frame for releasing and securing the roller frame and the main frame. An optional lifting handle (54) enables the user to safely and easily load heavy barrels on the barrel dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: E--Z Load Drum Dolly, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Grubbs, Michael S. Trask
  • Patent number: 5826893
    Abstract: An apparatus is used for manually moving heavy machinery having a rectangular base that rests on a floor. The apparatus contains two components, a rectangular frame and a handle. The frame is formed of four two-sided corner sections that telescope so that the size of the frame is variable. The corner sections contain a platform extending between the bottom surfaces of the two sides. The frame contains two wheels mounted along the exterior surface of one side of the frame and a hitch member mounted along the exterior surface of the opposite side of the frame. The handle has an elongated vertical pole portion, a hand grip at the top end, two wheels at the bottom end, and a projecting hook member extending from the bottom end in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Vega Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon E. Snoeyenbos
  • Patent number: 5628522
    Abstract: A cart includes a frame, a leg attached to the frame, and a wheel movable relative to the frame. A handle is operatively associated with the wheel and with the frame, whereby the work surface is in a normally stationary, inoperative position, and positive movement of the handle causes the wheels to engage the floor and place the work surface in an operative, movable mode. The work surface is engineered so that it is automatically returned to its stationary mode when no user is actively placing the work surface in its movable mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Donald M. Hall
  • Patent number: 5425547
    Abstract: A Christmas tree spotter for easily and safely moving a fully decorated erect Christmas tree to a display location, generally adjacent a room wall, after the tree has been decorated at a more convenient work location, generally the center of a room, the Christmas tree spotter comprising a hollow inverted frustum-shaped tree trunk receptacle having a plurality of equally spaced apart radial thumbscrews projecting inwardly through the rim thereof for clamping against the trunk of the tree held therein. The receptacle includes a pointed spike projecting upwardly from the bottom thereof for piercing engagement of the cut end of the tree trunk held therein to prevent lateral movement of the trunk end. The receptacle is water-tight so the tree trunk may be immersed in water for preserving tree freshness and reducing fire hazard. Three divergent support legs, two of which have wheels mounted on the lower ends thereof, extend downwardly from the receptacle in tripod form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Alphons C. Payan
  • Patent number: 5394836
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for treatment of large animals such as down cows, that is, cows which, due to physiological disorders, are unable to raise themselves. A drag mat, made from strong rubber, is placed next to the down animal, and the animal is rolled onto the drag mat. A treatment tank, having removable end door plate members is positioned in front of the down animal, and a ramp is placed nearest the head of the down animal. The drag mat, with the animal thereon, is pulled into the treatment tank by a tractor or a truck. The end door plate members are replaced and sealed to form a watertight sealed tank. Preferably, warm water is filled into the treatment tank for assisting the animal in raising itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Johan Lastein
  • Patent number: 5368319
    Abstract: An elevator cart is arranged to include a first tubular frame mounting a second tubular frame thereto in a reciprocating relationship relative to the first tubular frame to permit selective lifting of a workpiece on the second tubular frame relative to the first tubular frame. To this end, a handle is pivotally mounted to the first tubular frame simultaneously displacing an actuator link that in turn is arranged to rotate simultaneously a plurality of cam rods, with each cam rod having a plurality of cam members in abutment with the second tubular frame to effect a lifting and lowering of the second tubular frame upon pivoting of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Robert E. Hummer
  • Patent number: 5249908
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a movable pallet assembly with a swivel front wheel mechanism, and particularly to the type of pallet two of which can be bound together by C-shaped fixture clamps and be separated from the ground by supporting legs when used as a base in a warehouse, and be moved around as a transportation cart when the legs are lifted up. The swivel front wheel mechanism can be removably attached to the pallet, and an angle-adjustable pull stick is pivotably fixed to the swivel front wheel mount with an adjustable connecting rod pivotably secured to a slidable push block. By operation of the pull stick, the push block will be moved forward to lift the pallet assembly up or backward to lower the pallet assembly down with the supporting legs in contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Chin-Chin Tsai
  • Patent number: 5232055
    Abstract: Device for carrying a load behind a vehicle, comprising:a frame whereon the load is to be placed;one or more support wheels for supporting the frame; andone or more arms for causing one or more shafts of the support wheels to move between a first position wherein the frame rests on a ground and a second position wherein the frame (and the load) are at least partially supported by the support wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Johannes Van Vuuren
  • Patent number: 5010969
    Abstract: A drive device for driving and/or conveying, guiding and positioning an object in a desired direction by a wedge-type propulsion mechanism. The wedge-type propulsion mechanism represents a new design for a step-by-step conveyor system which can move substantially heavier loads than the systems already known and can perform other functions as well. The device includes a support platform for supporting a load, and an inclined ramp connected to the support platform, the inclined ramp facing in the desired conveying direction. A lifting device can be positioned under the ramp and moved upward to lift the ramp, and with it the support platform. A low coefficient of friction exists between the lifting device and the ramp, preferably provided by a roller, so that as soon as the lifting device lifts the ramp, the ramp slides or rolls along the lifting device in the desired conveying direction while the lifting device remains stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Georg Hirmann
  • Patent number: 4826388
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manhole cover lifter having a key to be located in the manhole keyhole and a lever arrangement to provide the mechanical advantage for lifting the manhole cover. The key may be directly attached to the lever, or indirectly attached thereto by a lifting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Simon S. Golding
  • Patent number: 4799698
    Abstract: An auxiliary support for moving car trailers or truck trailers is supported by wheels on an axle and has a drawbar at its front end. To facilitate connection to a trailer and prevent the auxiliary support from tilting, the auxiliary support is provided with a detachable outrigger that can be connected to the axle at the side opposite the drawbar and has a swivelling wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Inventor: Zdravko Markovic
  • Patent number: 4620603
    Abstract: A wheeled skid jack is pivotally and releasably connected to a wheeled electric power pack in which the skid jack is provided with a lever handle to manipulate the skid jack into engagement with the skid or pallet using the skid jack wheels as a fulcrum. The wheeled electric power pack supplies current to a gear motor mounted on the skid jack. Electrical controls are provided for controlling the direction of displacement of the skid jack and power pack by driving the gear motor in the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Blue Bell, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen R. Reeves, Charles F. Carson
  • Patent number: 4588204
    Abstract: A caddy for pulling a trailer. A wheel is rotatably mounted to an axle which in turn is fixedly secured to an upright post into which a downwardly extending member on the trailer hitch is positionable. A handle is pivotally mounted to the axle and may be pulled to pull the trailer forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: James R. Reed
  • Patent number: 4333617
    Abstract: A load is lifted and moved by a pin-turning transporter-and-lift-member combination. The transporter has a body, and wheels for permitting the body to move along a surface. The transporter body includes a lifting pin and a weight supporting plate fixed relative to the lifting pin, together with an assembly for turning the lifting pin around an axis parallel to the surface and perpendicular to the pin so that the pin and the pin-turning axis lie in a common geometric plane for substantial mechanical advantage. The lift member has an elongated section for slidable attachment to the load and further has a receptacle portion for pivotably and slidably receiving the lifting pin perpendicular to the elongated section. The receptacle also includes a second weight supporting plate to carry the load pivotably on the weight supporting plate of the transporter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Inventor: Martin B. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4248560
    Abstract: A bale carrier comprising a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having an open rearward end and a forward end. The U-shaped frame includes first and second side frame members having a front frame member secured thereto and extending between the forward ends thereof. A rocker shaft is rotatably supported by the front frame member and has a hitch secured thereto which extends forwardly therefrom for connection to a prime mover. Rearwardly extending elongated members are secured to opposite ends of the rocker shaft so that longitudinal movement of the elongated members causes the rocker shaft to be rotated. Wheel supports are pivotally secured to the side frame members adjacent the rearward ends thereof and are pivotally connected to the rearward ends of the elongated members. A ground-engaging wheel is mounted on each of the wheel supports whereby pivotal movement of the wheel supports, relative to the side frame members, causes the U-shaped frame to be raised and lowered with respect to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: Gerald L. Roose
  • Patent number: 4188164
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trailer for carrying a machine having a frame supported by a wheel, the trailer including a trailer frame having a forward frame end and a rearward frame end, and a ground engaging trailer wheel attached to the frame adjacent the rearward frame end for supporting the trailer frame for movement on the ground and supporting the trailer frame for movement between a generally vertical position wherein the machine can be attached to the trailer frame and a generally horizontal position wherein the machine can be supported on the trailer frame. The trailer also includes means for supporting the machine wheel connected to the trailer frame adjacent the trailer wheel, and a pivotable locking arm supported by the frame for releasably restraining the machine wheel on the wheel supporting means, the pivotable locking arm being movable between a first position wherein the machine wheel is restrained against the wheel supporting means and a second position spaced from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: Loren F. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4168078
    Abstract: A mobile storage and transport rectangular roller unit with a roller and drawbar device for use in a shelf storage system. Each unit is provided with four wheels, one adjacent each corner in a four sided frame. The roller bar is provided with pair of rollers and cooperates with a coupling member of substantially cubic shape which is pivotally mounted on the drawbar. Two transverse cross members are at the front and back of the frame and lie opposite to each other, each formed by an inverted U-section having limbs of unequal length. The coupling member is provided with a top groove to receive the shorter limb of the inverted U-section and is thereby coupled at the shorter limb of the cross member to the four sided frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Weelpal AG
    Inventor: Hans R. Haldimann
  • Patent number: 4128258
    Abstract: A utility wagon which is adjustable has a longitudinally extensible, frame with means for locking same in any of its three dimensions. Wheels are provided under the frame. A grid-like platform of floor boards in separate sections, corresponding to the three dimensions of the frame is removably fitted on the open upper side of the frame, and a plurality of spaced upright members are mounted on the frame to support a load thereon. A removable front wheel assembly with a handle or a hitch for attaching to a towing vehicle is mounted on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 4093251
    Abstract: A windshield carrier has a body frame in which each side thereof includes a spaced row of upright dowels. Each dowel has a sponge rubber sleeve and a medium hard rubber cap. The spacing between adjacent dowels is sufficient to supportively receive a windshield having the greatest curvature expected to be encountered. At least a portion of the lower edge of the windshield rests on the base and a portion of its side rests against one of the sleeves to prevent breaking, scratching and slipping of the windshield. A rotatable locking finger made from a medium hard rubber material is sleeved over each end cap and includes a pair of clamping surfaces. Each clamping surface of a locking finger is adapted to cooperate with an opposing clamping surface on an adjacent locking finger to hold and clamp a windshield therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: Ambroise O. Boyer
  • Patent number: 4033597
    Abstract: A windshield carrier for supporting and transporting glass panels such as curved windshields for automobiles and the like. The two elongated sides of a body frame are covered with a medium hard rubber base and each side includes a spaced row of upright dowels. Each dowel has a sponge rubber sleeve and a medium hard rubber cap. The spacing between adjacent dowels is sufficient to supportively receive a windshield having the greatest curvature expected to be encountered. At least a portion of the lower edge of the windshield rests on the base and a portion of its side rests against one of the sleeves to prevent breaking, scratching and slipping of the windshield. A sponge rubber pad may be inserted between the opposite side of the supported windshield and the adjacent dowel to further secure and protect the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Inventor: Ambroise O. Boyer
  • Patent number: 3963257
    Abstract: Elongated loads, such as rolls of materials, conveyor rollers or drums are movable by a five-wheel carrier apparatus comprising an elongated frame with rear wheels for carrying the load and a tow dolly which comprises a single front wheel and a pair of swivelling rear wheels which seat under the front end of the carrier frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1976
    Assignee: Brodie, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Harron
  • Patent number: 3945661
    Abstract: The trailer apparatus is adapted for loading and transporting a farm unit, such as a cattle squeeze chute, that has a rectangular shaped main frame. The trailer includes a U-shape frame with ground wheels outwardly mounted adjacent the rear or free ends of the leg sections. With the leg sections at opposite sides of the chute main frame the trailer is manually backed up and tilted upwardly and rearwardly about the wheel axes thereof to releasably engage the rear ends of the leg sections with corresponding laterally extended support members on the main frame of the farm unit. On then tilting the trailer downwardly and forwardly the main frame of the squeeze chute is releasably connected to forward portions of the leg sections after which the trailer is moved to a substantially horizontal position for connection of its front end with a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1976
    Inventor: Marvin J. Priefert