Draft Element Bodily Shiftable Patents (Class 280/478.1)
  • Patent number: 11399975
    Abstract: An oral appliance device that selectively engages upper teeth and lower teeth within a human mouth includes an upper appliance member, a lower appliance member, and a first vertical shim. The upper appliance member selectively engages the upper teeth. The lower appliance member selectively engages the lower teeth. The appliance members are movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The first vertical shim is removably secured to one of the appliance members. The first vertical shim has a first shim height so that a teeth spacing between the upper teeth and the lower teeth is maintained when the appliance members are in the closed position. The teeth spacing is at least as great as the first shim height. The oral appliance device can further include a second vertical shim that is alternatively, removably secured to one of the appliance members. The second vertical shim has a second shim height that is different than the first shim height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Diamond Orthotic Laboratory, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew M. Rago, Steven R. Olmos, Jacob William Smith
  • Patent number: 11167779
    Abstract: A folding dolly system, a base unit of a folding dolly system, and methods of forming and using a folding dolly system are presented. A folding dolly system comprises a plurality of interconnectable base units connected to form a substantially planar holding surface, each base unit comprising a first edge with a number of knuckles configured to form a joint, a second edge with a number of knuckles configured to form a joint, and a surface forming a portion of the holding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Rebecca L. Cook
  • Patent number: 10926592
    Abstract: A hitch assembly that is adapted for allowing the loading and unloading of cargo at the forward end of a trailer. The assembly may comprise a pivot axis, defined by a pivotable connection device, and a first plane, defined by a hitch frame, operably attached to a second plane, defined by a trailer frame of the trailer, by the pivotable connection device. The assembly can be selectively pivoted and secured between at least a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to the trailer frame, wherein the first plane and the second plane may be angularly offset from one another when the assembly is in a position other than the first position. Further, the front end of the trailer frame moves downwardly relative to the coupling means when the hitch assembly is in the second position and upwardly when the hitch assembly is in the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Alan G. VanNahmen
  • Patent number: 10703151
    Abstract: A system and method for securing the connection between carts that are configured to connect to each other to form a train of carts, as well as for securing the connection between a cart and a tugger that tows the carts. The system and method involves providing a spring biased blocking plate that is positioned above the boss of the drawbar when the drawbar is engaged with a hitch plate. The blocking plate limits vertical movement of the drawbar thereby preventing inadvertent disconnection of the drawbar from the hitch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Justin Newman
  • Patent number: 10611247
    Abstract: A system for coupling a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle and/or for controlling charging/braking by the towed vehicle. The system may include a coupler coupling to the towing vehicle; and first and second tow bars having first and second ends and a rotational joint situated between the first and second ends, the first and second tow bars coupled to the coupler at the first ends and being non-parallel in at least one plane with the second ends located further apart from each other than the first ends. The rotational joint providing for the first and second tow bars to be positioned in an open and a folded position. The second ends of the first and second tow bars are configured to be coupled to the towed vehicle. For charging, a trip distance and charge of a towed vehicle battery is utilized to determine a charging rate for the trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AK Motorcars Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Breen
  • Patent number: 10562362
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for securing the connection between drawbars of carts and hitches. The system and method involves limiting the drawbar's freedom to pivot once the drawbar is coupled to a hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Edward Floyd
  • Patent number: 10414437
    Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein. A human machine interface is configured to receive user-input for adjusting a pre-hitch position of a tow hitch of a vehicle. A controller is configured to generate commands for maneuvering the vehicle such that the tow hitch is moved to an adjusted pre-hitch position at which the tow hitch is aligned with a hitch coupler of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Luke Niewiadomski
  • Patent number: 10324486
    Abstract: A button assembly that couples and releases a hitch insert to and from a hitch is described. A button of the button assembly may be configured to be pressed to a degree that allows the hitch insert to be inserted into and removed from a hitch. However, the button assembly may be configured to prevent a user's finger (or other extremity) from entering an aperture of the hitch insert that accommodates the button. For example, in a pressed orientation, a surface of the button that a user contacts may remain flush (or substantially flush) with an outer surface of the hitch insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: The R.A. Allen Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Allen
  • Patent number: 9849741
    Abstract: In the case of a trailer coupling for motor vehicles, including a cross member, which is connectable to a motor vehicle body, and a bearing unit, which carries a ball neck that at a first end is connected to the bearing unit and at a second end carries a coupling ball, and a holding base, which carries the bearing unit and is connected to the cross member, it is proposed according to the invention that the holding base should have a flange unit, for receiving the bearing unit, and two holding elements that project from the flange unit and in so doing run at a spacing from one another and act on the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Scambia Holdings Cyprus Limited
    Inventors: Bernhard Rimmelspacher, Wolfgang Gentner, Aleksej Kadnikov
  • Patent number: 9844987
    Abstract: An articulated coupler permits vertical displacement of a towed vehicle relative to a towing vehicle while preventing lateral or horizontal displacement of the towed vehicle relative to the towing vehicle. Multiple linkage arms provide coupling for special configuration towed vehicles such as short wheel-mounted lifts that experience torsional forces due to the presence and absence of loads on the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Schwarz, Adam C. Hooper, Mark D. Dees
  • Patent number: 9744822
    Abstract: In order to solve the problem, in the case of a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck supporting a coupling ball, and also comprising a socket receptacle for a socket for the power supply of units acting on the coupling ball, the socket having a socket housing with a housing sleeve, which is provided with an insertion opening, and the insertion opening being closable by a cover that is mounted pivotably on the housing sleeve, of being able to mount the sockets as conveniently and easily as possible, it is proposed that the socket receptacle has a receiving channel, into which the housing sleeve extends starting from a first side of the socket receptacle, that the housing sleeve bears against the first side of the socket receptacle via a bearing surface, and that the housing sleeve is fixed to the socket receptacle by a retaining element, which is fitted starting from a second side of the socket receptacle and which is supported on the socket receptacle and is connected to the housing sleeve by a latched con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Scambia Holdings Cyprus Limited
    Inventors: Volker Burkhardt, Bernd Noatsch
  • Patent number: 9084387
    Abstract: A drawbar support assembly includes a rail member attached to a hitch frame, a slider member and a drawbar support. The slider member is slidable in the rail member. The drawbar support has rollers which rollingly engage the slider member so that the drawbar is swingable laterally. The rail member includes a forwardly facing curved slot which slidably receives the tabs which project from the slider member. A spring unit is coupled between the rail member and the slider member and operates to urge the slider member to a central position relative to the rail member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Digvijay Bhosale, Edwin R. Kreis, Benjamin J. Heimbuch
  • Patent number: 8925954
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing and a tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The housing includes spaced-apart first and second sections. The first section includes an elongated slot formed through a portion thereof. A tow bar guide is attached to an interior side of the first section and includes an elongated opening formed therethrough with opposite first and second portions. The tow bar includes a first guide member that extends outwardly from the tow bar at the proximal end thereof, and a second guide member that extends outwardly from a medial portion of the tow bar. The first guide member extends through the first portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide and is operably engaged with the slot in the first section. The second guide member is operably engaged with the second portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Williams, Jr., Gregory S. Hopper, David Allen DeKarske
  • Patent number: 8905425
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing and a tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The housing includes spaced-apart first and second sections. At least one of the sections includes an elongated slot. The tow bar includes a guide member that extends outwardly from the tow bar at the proximal end thereof and that is operably engaged with the slot. The housing may include a pair of tow bar guide doors pivotally secured between the first and second sections that limit the extent which the tow bar pivots and that guide the tow bar as it is retracted. The housing may include a pair of guide posts extending between the first and second sections and the tow bar may include a pair of guide wings that contact the guide posts to limit the extent to which the tow bar can pivot and guide the tow bar as it is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Williams, Jr., Gregory S. Hopper, Kamyar Kheradpir
  • Patent number: 8789842
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, and a weight distribution apparatus attached to a distal end of the tow bar. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. The weight distribution apparatus comprises a hitch member configured to receive a coupling apparatus of a towed vehicle, and at least one weight distributing member configured to extend rearwardly from the vehicle and be attached to the towed vehicle. The hitch member may be any type of coupling apparatus such as a ball coupler, a pintle hook, a cushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, and a clevis pin attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Williams, Jr., Gregory S. Hopper, David Allen Dekarske
  • Publication number: 20140125034
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a frame configured to be secured to a vehicle and that is pivotable about a first axis, a guide that is movably secured to the frame and pivotable about a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, and a tow bar movably secured to the guide and movable relative to the guide between retracted and extended positions. The hitch apparatus includes a user controlled positioning system with a user input device that is configured to allow a user to extend and retract the tow bar and to articulate the tow bar up-down and left-right so as to position the tow bar distal end at a desired position within a three-dimensional coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Williams, JR., William David Woolf
  • Patent number: 8696011
    Abstract: A trailer-hitch system comprises a hitch frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle and having a receiver for accommodating a foremost end of a mount unit. The mount unit has a member portion in mating engagement with the receiver of the hitch frame. A connector for connection with a trailer is provided at a rearmost end. The trailer-hitch system also comprises a mechanism actuated to press a portion of the member portion against the receiver for locking the mount unit into the mating engagement with the receiver. A method for locking a mount unit in a receiver of a hitch frame is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Jean Després
  • Publication number: 20140062062
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a connection assembly can engage a cart, such as a retail shopping cart, to facilitate pushing and/or pulling the cart or a number of carts that have been nested together. In some embodiments, the connection assembly includes an engagement member with a recess. In an open position of engagement member, the recess can be configured to receive a portion of a frame member of the cart. In a closed position of the engagement member, the portion of the frame member can be secured with the connection assembly, thereby providing a secure connection with the cart to facilitate movement of the cart to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandrashekhar Ekbote
  • Patent number: 8585072
    Abstract: An apparatus for towing a motorcycle has a support platform with torque arms joined by a cross bar. The front wheel of the motorcycle is secured to the support platform and the motorcycle frame is secured to the cross bar. The support platform, torque arms, and cross bar prevent the motorcycle from lying to either side or turning about its steering neck as a towing vehicle turns. Instead, the support platform rotates about a pivot post held by upper and lower pivot sleeves. The lower pivot sleeve is secured to a tongue that attaches to a trailer hitch. The pivot post may slide up and down while supported by a jack, raising and lowering the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: James Momaly
  • Patent number: 8485545
    Abstract: The invention refers to a trailer coupling (10) for a towing vehicle (26), comprising a base body (12), a coupling unit (14) with a coupling element (16), that works with a counter-coupling element (18) of a trailing towing vehicle (22), whereby the coupling unit (14) relative to the base body (12) is adjusted between a coupling position and a release position, and a securing device (40), with a securing element (42), that can be adjusted between a securing position and a release position, whereby, in its securing position, it secures the coupling unit (14) in its coupling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Szczepanek
  • Patent number: 8474852
    Abstract: A towing hitch includes a base having a first pivot member, a telescoping arm assembly having a second pivot member, and pivot locking mechanism. The telescoping arm assembly and the base are pivotally connected by their respective pivot members. The pivot locking mechanism is in operative engagement with the first and second pivot members and operates in one of a locking state and an unlocked state. In the unlocked state the pivot locking mechanism allows omnidirectional rotation of the first pivot member relative to the second pivot member, and when in the locking state allows only unidirectional rotation of the first pivot member relative to the second pivot member. The unidirectional rotation is in a direction that causes alignment of the first longitudinal axis of the base with the second longitudinal axis of the telescoping arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew David Granados
  • Patent number: 8469385
    Abstract: Generally, a hitch having a retractably extendable member reciprocally driven by a rotatable member having a first end configured for coupling to a hitchable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: F & S Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Mark Lee Wergin
  • Patent number: 8419039
    Abstract: A trailer tongue assembly includes a trailer tongue having trader tongue front and rear portions, the trailer tongue front portion being configured for releasable attachment to a trader hitch, and an attachment frame connected to the trailer tongue rear portion and configured for attachment to a trailer. The trailer tongue front portion is independently translatable and rotatable in a vertical plane relative to the attachment frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Osni Magalhaes, Ronald Diniz, Ricardo M. L. Amaral, Todd Kidd, Robson Diniz
  • Patent number: 8302987
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, a hitch member assembly, and a fastener configured to removably secure the hitch member assembly to the height adjustment member at any of a plurality of selected elevations. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. As such, a hitch member at the distal end of the tow bar has horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Williams Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Williams, Jr., Gregory S. Hopper, David Allen Dekarske
  • Patent number: 8256790
    Abstract: An adjustable receiver hitch system including a slide member that may be installed on a receiver tube attached to a vehicle, extending therethrough. Near the distal end of the slide member is disposed a rotationally pivotable bearing assembly. Interchangeable connection ends may be attached to the bearing assembly and are used to connect to a towed trailer. One interchangeable end may feature a height adjustment capability, while others may have fixed vertical heights. The system allows a user to adjust the attachment portion of the hitch in multiple ways to connect to a towed trailer to allow for attachment without an exact alignment between the primary vehicle and the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: William Olen Fortner
  • Patent number: 8201843
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a trailer hitch system, for attaching a trailer to a vehicle having a winch attached to the frame of a vehicle, a hollow receiver attached to the frame of a vehicle, where the receiver has a receiver opening, which is defined by a top guide, bottom guide and at least two side beams. The winch wire attaches to the winch, travels through the receiver, out of the receiver opening and attaches to a hitch bar at a tab. When the winch is activated the winch wire pulls hitch bar and thus, the attached trailer, into the receiver opening. A bearing located on the forward facing side of the hitch bar reduces friction between the hitch bar and the receiver as the hitch bar enters the receiver opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Neu, Millie Harrison
  • Patent number: 8181984
    Abstract: A trailer accessory featuring a first half base and a second half base slidably attached to the first half base via a sliding mechanism, the first half base can slide in a first or second direction with respect to the second half base; handles disposed on the top surface of the base near the side edges; a support platform disposed in between handles; wherein when the accessory is used, the accessory is placed under the jack stand of the trailer with the second half base contacting the ground surface, the tongue of the trailer is positioned atop the support platform, a truck is backed up such that the hitch of the truck is in close proximity to the tongue of the trailer, and when the truck is stopped, the first half base can be slid so to align the tongue of the trailer with the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: David Berkabile
  • Publication number: 20120119469
    Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: David McConnell
  • Publication number: 20110233897
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and related methods for connecting a vehicle with a trailer. The system includes, but is not limited to, embodiments featuring (a) a docking assembly for securing to the vehicle, the docking assembly being pivotable; and (b) a coupler assembly comprising a first part operationally configured to secure to a trailer, and a second part operationally configured for releasable securement to the docking assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: CLAUD T. MOORE, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110121540
    Abstract: An improved hitch actuator for a gooseneck trailer includes a cam assembly mounted on the hitch receiver, a pivotal lever on the trailer, and a cable extending between the cam assembly and the lever. When the lever is pivoted, the cam assembly is moved via the cable so as to control the movement of the hitch latch between latched and unlatched positions and controls movement of the hitch pin between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: JGW ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: HOWARD GRABER, CRAIG L. WITTING
  • Publication number: 20110101646
    Abstract: The vehicle operated on highways and streets of the present invention includes a front coupler and a rear coupler, at least one on-board computer, a lateral location sensor, at least one lateral location sensor guidance means, a lateral position control means, a longitudinal sensor, a longitudinal position control means, a GPS coordinates receiver, a display unit, and at least one communication means. The coupler includes a pair of retractable snubber assemblies and a pair of coupling means. The coupling means is affixed to the outer end of the coupler by springs, and movable in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Masami Sakita
  • Publication number: 20110089669
    Abstract: A trailer-hitch system comprises a hitch frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle and having a receiver for accommodating a foremost end of a mount unit. The mount unit has a member portion in mating engagement with the receiver of the hitch frame. A connector for connection with a trailer is provided at a rearmost end. The trailer-hitch system also comprises a mechanism actuated to press a portion of the member portion against the receiver for locking the mount unit into the mating engagement with the receiver. A method for locking a mount unit in a receiver of a hitch frame is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Jean DESPRÉS
  • Patent number: 7909349
    Abstract: An assembly for drawbar retention from a hanger bar on the rear of a tractor includes bottom and top capture plates spanning the intersection of the drawbar and hanger bar, front to back and side to side, and held together by four bolt and nut fasteners that are passed vertically through the four corners of the two plates such that there are two bolts on either lateral side of the drawbar and two on the front and back sides of the hanger bar. A pair of spacer blocks are provided across the front and back edges of the hanger bar releasably captured between the cover plates by the bolts. Cutouts in the spacer blocks can receive tongues on wear pads to permit pads to be captured between the top cover plate and hanger and/or the hanger and the drawbar by the bolts and spacers. The method is the arrangement of top and bottom cover plates with spacers and fasteners as stated, with or without wear pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John T. Rasset, Russell Victor Stoltman
  • Patent number: 7909350
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for an adjustable trailer hitch which allows the ball to be adjustable laterally and longitudinally so that the tongue of the trailer can be can be more easily attached to the ball of the towing vehicle. A body portion is mounted on a slide-tube for insertion in a receiver-tube wherein the body portion has an interior pocket or space which allows the draw bar having the ball mounting thereon to move laterally inside the pocket along with a plurality of apertures so that the draw bar can be laterally adjusted using the apertures and a first locking pin. The slide-tube also has a longitudinal adjustment slot in it which allows it to slide longitudinally inside the receiver-tube wherein a second locking pin holds the slide-tube in the receiver-tube allowing the entire trailer hitch to be longitudinally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: William M. Landry
  • Publication number: 20110057417
    Abstract: A removable wagon may be attached to a hitch insert for transportation by a vehicle. After transport the wagon may be rolled by the user to a desired location. Devices for hitching the wagon to the vehicle are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: C2it, LLC
    Inventors: Trish Crawford, Kent Crawford
  • Patent number: 7891690
    Abstract: A trailer hitch for a vehicle includes an attachment bar and post for attaching the hitch to a vehicle and a base suspended from the attachment post to allow limited lateral movement of the base with respect to the attachment. A universal pivot connector, such as a hitch ball, is mounted on the base to move with the base for mating connection to a tongue of a trailer to be connected to the vehicle. The trailer tongue is biased against rotational movement with respect to the pivot connector whereby the allowed lateral movement of the suspended base and the pivot connector and the resistance to rotational movement of the trailer tongue with respect to the pivot connector combine to move the effective pivot point of the tongue on the universal pivot connector approximately to the center of the rear axle of the towing vehicle to simulate the towing movement of a fifth wheel trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Norman K. Bryce
  • Publication number: 20100320739
    Abstract: A trailer with a pivoting and extendable tongue for use with all terrain vehicles (ATV) wherein the trailer tongue connects to a standard vehicle hitch receiver providing means for pivoting the trailer up in a raised transport or storage space saving configuration supported by the ATV or other vehicle receiver. The tongue is telescoping so that it can be shortened before raising the trailer to the space saving position. The ball mount pivot device on the ATV trailer tongue includes two plates, one attached to each side of the mount. The plates include holes for the attachment of the trailer's tongue in a vertical attitude for space saving transport. Two pins hold the tongue vertically in the plates. Removal of the pins allows the trailer to be rotated downward from a vertical position to a horizontal position for towing behind a vehicle such as an ATV. The tongue includes a ball receiving member mounted on the distal end of the tongue for engagement with a ball extending from the ball mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Floyd L. Kittrell
  • Patent number: 7850192
    Abstract: An adjustable ball-type hitch assembly, and a method for using it. The hitch assembly is connected to a hitch receiver of a towing vehicle on one end, and to a vehicle to be towed having a ball receiver, on the other end. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base attachable to the receiver, and a sliding element such as a tongue supporting the ball and pivotally attached to the base. The sliding element may include a slot or groove enabling the sliding element to move along its longitudinal axis relative to the base, and to also rotate about a vertical axis perpendicular to a horizontal plane containing at least a portion of the sliding element, enabling the ball to be moved in various directions in a substantially horizontal plane to facilitate connection of the ball to the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Inventive, LLC
    Inventors: Charles J Ceccarelli, Kevin B Haight
  • Patent number: 7744109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assisting a driver of a towing vehicle to reverse the vehicle into alignment and proximity with a trailer, so that the towing vehicle and the trailer can be easily hitched together. The invention includes a detachable alignment system with a signal device to show a stop point via side mirrors to the driver while he is reversing the vehicle toward the trailer. The invention includes two complementary units respectively releasably attached to the vehicle and trailer, each unit having equal-length transverse support beams that respectively extend beyond the sides of the vehicle and trailer and that have visible markers depending from their distal ends, whereby the markers are visible to the driver via the side view mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Ortwin W. Groh
  • Patent number: 7699335
    Abstract: In order for a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between an operating position and a rest position and has a coupling ball, also comprising a vehicle-mounted pivot-bearing unit, in which the pivot-bearing body is accommodated such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and further comprising a rotation-blocking device which can be driven by a drive, to be improved such that it can absorb, in constructional terms, the highest possible load moments, it is proposed that the rotation-blocking device has at least one rotation-blocking body, that the rotation-blocking body can be engaged with, and disengaged from, a holder by movement in a guide direction, that there is provided an actuating body which has a pressure-exerting surface and the movement of which allows the at least one rotation-blocking body to be moved and acted on, and that the drive is an actuating drive by means of which the actuating body can be moved between at least one rotation-blocking position and a freewheeling
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Riehle, Wolfgang Gentner, Juergen Still
  • Patent number: 7677588
    Abstract: A hitch assembly comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element suited to be latched to the first coupling element. A rod member has a first end connected to the first coupling element. An actuator has a movable output member that can move between a retracted and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bruce Alan Coers, Mark Michael Chaney
  • Patent number: 7631886
    Abstract: A trailer coupling for tractive vehicles, in particular agricultural tractors, consisting of two vertical guidance cheeks (7), fitted with lateral spacing to the rear of the vehicle, the guidance cheeks including vertical slots (7a) and a bearing member (11) held detachably at the lower end region of the guidance cheeks, on which a coupling member (12) is arranged for attaching an implement. In the case of a prior art trailer coupling, all forces transmitted from the attached implement to the coupling member used, a ball coupling (12) for example, are conducted via the bearing member (11) into the guidance cheeks (7). Thus this involves the undesirable necessity of having to dimension the guidance cheeks in a robust manner, which in turn leads to space problems within the tail end region of the vehicle. Therefore a trailer coupling is to be created which reduces the load on the guidance cheeks (7), when the forces of the attached implement are conducted into the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Kapfer, Gottlieb Wolfle
  • Patent number: 7621555
    Abstract: An assembly 10 which may be selectively and removably attached to a selectively movable assembly, such as a vehicle 90 and which provides the driver 94 of the selectively movable assembly 90 with an image of the trailer connection portion 99 of the selectively movable assembly 90 as the selectively movable assembly 90 is moved toward a trailer 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Reginald D. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20090267322
    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: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Paul D. Holtan, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20090267321
    Abstract: A connector bracket for a trailer vehicle of a tractor trailer is described, comprising a support frame which can swivel on a bearing about a coupling means and a connector arranged stationary on the support frame. The problem on which the invention is based was to provide a connector bracket on the trailer that lessens the risk of damage to the connector from components of the tractor. The problem is solved, among other things, with a connector bracket in which the connector is at least partly covered by the coupling means in the lengthwise axis of the vehicle and a guide ramp is formed in front of the connector and tilting toward the connector at least during the coupling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: JOST-WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Alguera, Michael Eiermann
  • Patent number: 7607678
    Abstract: A trailer hitching machine including a trailer hitch with a ratcheting pulley system, and support plates cooperating in mechanical linkage to provide a hitch ball with additional rearward extension and sideways sweep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Michael S Rebick, Ivan Lopes
  • Patent number: 7604249
    Abstract: In order to provide, as straightforwardly as possible, a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between an operating position and a rest position and has a pivot-bearing body disposed at a first end and a coupling ball disposed at a second end, also comprising a vehicle-mounted pivot-bearing unit in which the pivot-bearing body is accommodated such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis between the operating position and the rest position, and further comprising a rotation-blocking device having at least one rotation-blocking body, which can be moved in a guide direction with at least one component in the radial direction in relation to the pivot axis, it being possible for the rotation-blocking body to be engaged with, and disengaged from, a receiving space by movement in the guide direction, and having an actuating body which has a wedge surface running transversely to the guide direction, can be moved in an actuating direction and the movement of which in the actuating direction can
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gentner, Martin Dreher, Dieter Reisinger, Joerg Riehle, Bert Wegner
  • Patent number: 7584984
    Abstract: A hitch assembly for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle include a housing mounted on the towing tongue of the towed vehicle having a tow bar mounted in an internal cavity having a restricted throat. Tow bar can be extended and pivoted to position a hitching eyelet on a variably proximately located towed vehicle. The tow arm coacts with the walls of the cavity to provide a torque on the tongue upon forward or rearward movement of the towing vehicle. Upon rearward movement of the towed vehicle, the tow bar attains an aligned nested position in the cavity and a lock assembly is actuated for locking the tow arm to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Williams Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7490846
    Abstract: A hitch for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle includes a first coupling means for coupling with the trailer at a pivot point and a second coupling means for coupling with the trailer at a towing point. A displacing means is responsive to pivoting of the trailer with respect to the towing vehicle to move the hitch and the pivot point on the towing vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle when turning is effected and to move the hitch and the pivot point on the towing vehicle just forward of the vehicle's rear axle during normal longitudinal movement of the towing vehicle and trailer. The second coupling means is capable of transferring at least the majority of the towing force between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Petrokaun Oils Ltd.
    Inventor: Elden Kaun
  • Patent number: 7461855
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could comprise an interlocking device for the adjusting the length of at least one telescopic tow bar leg of a tow bar. The telescopic tow bar leg could comprise an inner bar and outer bar, the inner bar being generally movably received by the outer bar. Movement of an outer bar mounted pawl into engagement with inner bar may lock the inner bar in relationship to the outer bar. A pawl release mechanism may be used to either act directly upon the pawl or to rotate a cam that contacts the pawl. Either action generally causes the at least two surfaces of the pawl to move out of contact with the inner bar's pawl engagement area, thus substantially allowing the inner bar to move relative to the outer bar. This could allow a user to adjust the length of the telescopic leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Klar