Plural Articulation Axes Patents (Class 280/492)
  • Patent number: 12087925
    Abstract: A power supply system (10) is used for supplying power to a power system of an electric tractor and comprises a bracket (100) that is provided above and below a frame of a transport trailer, first cases (200) that are provided on the bracket and first power battery packs that are suspended inside the first case. Each of the first cases is provided with a first ventilation structure and a second ventilation structure (211) so that while the transport trailer is moving, wind can enter the first case from the first ventilation structure and be discharged from the second ventilation structure, thus achieving further cooling and heat dissipation for the first power battery packs and avoiding service life being impacted due to the first power battery pack overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Hoi Tung Innotek (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Sun, Ping Lin, Zhiwen Xie, Anming Yang, Linmao Guo
  • Patent number: 11628696
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a three-point attachment trailer hitch. An example hitch includes a crossbar including a first end and a second end, the first end or the second end including at least one tab protruding from an edge of the first end or the second end, and a first endplate positioned on the first end or the second end of the crossbar using the at least one tab, the endplate including a first threaded hole and a second threaded hole, a diameter of the second threaded hole larger than a diameter of the first threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick McDonald, Steven Paul Sic, Zane Butterfield
  • Patent number: 11427269
    Abstract: An articulated/swivel joint for the articulated connection between a rear section and a front section of a construction machine includes a joint mechanism assigned to a swivel-stop arrangement for limiting the swivel movement of a front joint part in relation to a rear joint part. The swivel-stop arrangement includes a first swivel stop for predetermining a maximum amount of swivel deflection during deflection of the front joint part in relation to the rear joint part in a first swivel-movement direction and a second swivel stop for predetermining a second maximum amount of swivel deflection during deflection of the front joint part in relation to the rear joint part in a second swivel-movement direction. When an articulated movement is performed, the maximum swivel-deflection range decreases as the amount of articulated deflection increases, starting from a neutral position of articulation of the front joint part in relation to the rear joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Hamm AG
    Inventors: Gerd Köstler, Stefan Reber
  • Patent number: 10722769
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cart-attachable mobile golf bag, in which the golf bag is configured such that a head cover is detachably attached to an upper portion of a bag body storing golf clubs therein, and the golf bag is attached to a cart in a docking manner by engagement between a docking recess of the golf bag and a docking block of the cart inserted into the docking recess in a one-touch manner, thus making it possible that the golf bag is simply and firmly attached to the cart without requiring any separate tying process. In particular, the golf bag has a hard-shell structure, thus being safe even without requiring a separate wrapping cover when transported by air while being excellent in durability, and further the golf bag provides various storage spaces for storing various equipment other than golf clubs, thus being excellent in use efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Sung Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 10362734
    Abstract: A grain harvesting articulated combine includes a forward crop processing power unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint that connects the PPU with the rear grain cart. The articulation joint includes a grain auger assembly running from the PPU to the rear grain cart for transferring clean grain from the PPU to the rear grain cart and has a forward end at the PPU and a rear end adjacent to the rear grain cart. The grain auger assembly is housed within a tube with a rotating auger housed therein. A grain yield sensor is carried by the rear grain cart and is located adjacent and to and beside the grain auger assembly wherein the auger housed therewithin throws grain against the grain yield sensor. The auger is terminated by a rotating paddle assembly that throws the grain against the grain yield sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Tribine Industries LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Matousek, Dillon M. Thompson, Ray M. Price, Jr., Matthew A. Price
  • Patent number: 10214401
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving different movable loads. The apparatus includes channels that can be engaged by a fork lift, pallet jack, or other powered mover. The apparatus also includes a mounting plate disposed between the channels. The mounting plate includes a receiver channel. The apparatus includes a plurality of load support tools that can selectively engage the receiver channel. The load support tools include different respective end effectors. A load can be engaged with the end effector of a selected load support tool such that the apparatus can move the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Christian A. Brunckhorst, Nicholas J. Brimlow
  • Patent number: 10071608
    Abstract: A tow pin has a main body portion in a columnar shape and a first protrusion protruding outward from an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion. An upper bracket structure has a first through hole in which the main body portion is inserted and restricts passage of the first protrusion. A lower bracket is located under the upper bracket structure at a distance from the upper bracket structure and has a second through hole in which the tow pin can be inserted. The main body portion of the tow pin is inserted in at least the first through hole and the first protrusion is located under the upper bracket structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Yasutaka Numa
  • Patent number: 9878587
    Abstract: A robotic body includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first wheel, and the second section includes a second wheel. A coupling assembly couples the first section and the second section. The coupled first section and second section are movable together via operation of the wheels. The coupling assembly includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a spindle disposed in the interior chamber of the housing, and a bearing device disposed in the interior chamber and between the housing and the spindle. The bearing device allows the spindle to rotate inside the interior chamber and relative to the housing. The first section is coupled to the housing and the second section is coupled to the spindle. The first section rotates relative to the second section according to a rotation between the spindle and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 9708018
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, an articulated vehicle of the present disclosure comprises a first unit and a second unit articulated together by a joint, wherein the joint comprises a first slew ring arranged to permit the two units to pivot relative to one another about an axis lying substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the vehicle in use, and a second slew ring arranged to permit the two units to pivot relative to one another about an axis lying substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the vehicle in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Moorend Ltd
    Inventor: Andrew Cox
  • Patent number: 9499379
    Abstract: A towing attachment for a for a forklift is described. The towing attachment includes a main frame for locating the attachment on a fork assembly of a forklift, a towing hitch assembly on the main frame for connection to a towed article; and one or more connectors mounted on the main frame for connecting the main frame to a forklift body or forklift chassis wherein the one or more connectors are adapted to transfer towing forces on the towing attachment to the forklift body or forklift chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BRIONMADEL PTY LTD
    Inventor: Michael Fox
  • Patent number: 9016711
    Abstract: A trailer having a hitch assembly, intended to be used with a receiver on the towing vehicle, enables the vehicle/trailer pair to back up easily by locking the trailer's orientation relative to the towing vehicle. The vertical pivot axis (yaw) may be locked while the lateral (pitch) and longitudinal axes (roll) may remain free to rotate to allow for bumps and dips in the road. Furthermore a steerable suspension can be provided for many embodiments such as with an actuator receiving a signal from the back up wiring of the vehicle to change the mechanical constraints of the steering system upon receipt of the signal (such as to lock the position of a first tie rod connecting the wheels to the frame while freeing another, and possibly altering the angle of the wheels relative to the frame in the process). Meanwhile a toe-in effect of the wheels can be achieved by using multiple tie rods with a front tie rod bent rearwardly towards a rear tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Kendall Mathews, James Hieronymus, John J. Landree, Gene William Folsom
  • Publication number: 20150061260
    Abstract: A device is provided for temporarily attaching a wheelbarrow to a tractor. The device includes a bracket device configured to permit left and right rotation of the wheelbarrow in relation to the tractor and to permit a wheel of the wheelbarrow to move up and down in relation to the tractor while preventing the wheelbarrow from tipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Norman Lichtenberg
  • Patent number: 8950523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train (1; 52) between a power take-off shaft (27) of a tractor unit (26) and the gearbox (34) of a trailer vehicle (33), the drawbar of which is coupled in a bottom hitching arrangement to the hitch (28) of the tractor unit (26), wherein the drive train (1; 52) extends above the drawbar beam. Depending on the rotational speed and length of the propeller shaft, a long propeller shaft may result problems in revolution that is agitated and vibratory. The novel drive exhibits smooth running properties and allows for easy handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Stauvermann, Patrick Büth, Richard Kleine-Nieβe
  • Patent number: 8876141
    Abstract: A self-tracking trailer is disclosed for towing by a vehicle which tracks the movement of the vehicle for ease of maneuvering comprising a trailer frame having a front frame member extending generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of said trailer. A vehicle trailer hitch assembly includes a pivotal cross-bar carried by said front frame member; a trailer hitch tongue carried by the cross-bar insertable into a vehicle hitch receiver affixed to the vehicle. The cross-bar is pivotally carried by said front frame member for rotation about a pitch axis. A swivel connector is disposed between said pivotal cross-bar and said vehicle providing rotation about a trailer roll axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Richard D. Craft
  • Publication number: 20140319802
    Abstract: The present application describes a gooseneck coupler assembly that may include a gooseneck trailer pivot, an extension arm, and a pivot retention mechanism having a ball socket. The ball socket may engage with a hitch ball located on a towing vehicle. The gooseneck trailer pivot may be mounted on a towed vehicle or trailer and be capable of pivoting about a vertical axis relative to the trailer. During engagement, the ball socket and the extension arm may provide tilt capability but thereby prevent any rotational movement relative to the hitch ball. However, the gooseneck coupler assembly may still be able to tilt fore-and-aft or side-to-side relative to the hitch ball. Therefore, the only pivotal movement relative to a vertical axis would be permitted at the gooseneck trailer pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Richard McCoy, Paul Caruso, David Tallieu
  • Publication number: 20140300082
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is double pivot joint unit with running gear for road vehicles, which beneficially influences the turning ability and safety of the vehicle in a way that the turning lane is about half of the usual one, the swinging mass in the turn is significantly less, thereby the stability of the vehicle is significantly better. The joint unit (3) according to the invention is located between the front member (1) of the road vehicle and the rear member (2) of the vehicle, and the joint unit (3) has a structure consisting of rocker and linkages for preventing jack-knifing and for ensuring proportional turn, which is connected to the front member (1) of the vehicle and to the rear member (2) of the vehicle with rotating rings (4,5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: István Szabó
  • Patent number: 8827300
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a first vehicle to a second towed vehicle, the coupling device including a pillar (3) for mounting to a towbar attached to the first vehicle; a connector (30) for connection to the second towed vehicle; a sleeve (13) linked to the connector (30) and adapted for engagement with the pillar (3) by fitting over the pillar (3); and a collar (15) adapted to fit over and engage with a portion of the sleeve (13) for movement with respect to the sleeve (13); wherein the collar (15) is movable with respect to the sleeve (13) between a first unlocked position in which the sleeve (13) is removable from the pillar (3) and a second locked position in which the sleeve (13) is not removable from the pillar (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: John R. Allsop, Neville J. Withers
  • Patent number: 8746725
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a agricultural implement swivel hitch to a drawing hitch on a towing vehicle that enables relative pitch and roll movement between the implement and vehicle at a single, pinned joint. Elongated openings in a first portion of the hitch adapter receive a transversely aligned connection pin. The openings are sized to allow limited pin angular movement about a vehicular roll axis. A second portion of the hitch adapter is also connected to the connection pin and configured to allow limited relative angular movement about a transverse pitch axis. The connection between the first and second portions at the connector pin allows relative angular movement therebetween about generally co-planar pitch and roll axes. The connector pin is formed from a softer material than the surrounding first and second portions thereby providing an inexpensive and easily replaceable weak link in the hitch adapter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Melanie W. Harkcom, Roger Huggard
  • Patent number: 8726465
    Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a first machine part having a first axis, a second machine part having a second axis and a hinge part pivotably connecting the first machine part with the second machine part. The first machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one first hinge point configured to permit rotation of the first machine part around the first axis relative to the hinge part. The second machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one second hinge point configured to permit rotation of the second machine part around the third axis relative to the hinge part. The third axis is perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Peter Schmehr
  • Patent number: 8690181
    Abstract: A tow bar including a towing vehicle hitch; a towed vehicle hitch; a towing connector releasably connectable to the towing vehicle hitch; a swivel unit having a first portion fixedly secured to the towing connector, a second portion connected to the first portion to pivot about a transverse horizontal axis, a third portion connected to the second portion to pivot about a fore-to-aft horizontal axis; a pair of opposing tow bar legs connected to the third portion to pivot about a vertical axis; and rear leg connectors to releasably connect the aft ends of the tow bar legs to the towed vehicle hitch; wherein the first portion includes an upwardly-extending lobe enabling the tow bar legs to be pin-lessly stowed in a horizontal orientation at the rear of the towing vehicle; and a swivel device for such a tow bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Leslie Roeber
  • Patent number: 8646567
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a front frame, a rear frame, an oscillation frame, a slew bearing, and a rolling-element bearing. The slew bearing and the rolling-element bearing allow oscillation between the oscillation frame and the rear frame about a fore-aft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gregory K. Werner, David F. Rindfleisch, Francois Stander, Joseph M. Montocchio, David D. Latham
  • Patent number: 8636094
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer with a platform and a single pneumatic bicycle tire is herein disclosed. The front of the trailer's platform is supported by a gooseneck-shaped arm extending upward to connect with the seat post of a conventional bicycle, thereby providing clearance for the rear wheel of the bicycle. The connection is made with a quick-connect universal-type joint so that a user can easily hitch and unhitch the trailer. The platform is situated to have a low center of gravity which results in stability and less pedaling effort. The narrow width allows the trailer to traverse narrow paths making it ideal for transporting camping supplies, hunting supplies, school books, equipment to and from sports areas, or groceries from a store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas C. Conner, Richard C. Persinger
  • Patent number: 8454032
    Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower and sulky device. The self-propelled lawn mower comprises handle bars and an operator console that are positioned between the front end and rear end of the lawn mower. A securing bar and a placement bar are designed and situated an a angle to one another to appropriately position the handle bars and operator console. The sulky device comprises an operator platform, a pair of sulky arms, a pair of caster wheels, and a hitch bar. When the sulky device is mounted to the self-propelled lawn mower, a first hinge means is used for attaching the operator platform to the hitch bar, a second hinge means is used for attaching the hitch bar to the lawn mower, and a third hinge means is used for attaching the caster wheels to the sulky arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Havener Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Havener
  • Patent number: 8439388
    Abstract: A tow bar assembly for use in connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle wherein the tow bar assembly includes at least a cylindrical knuckle connected to a draw bar that is receivable within a receiver of the towing vehicle and wherein a pair of spaced flanges of a first end of a U-joint coupler are connected to the knuckle so as to pivot about a first pivot axis defined by an elongated central axis of the draw bar and a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis and relative to a horizontal plane and where a pair of spaced flanges of a second end of the U-joint coupler are adapted to permit relative motion of the U-joint coupler about a third pivot axis with respect to a hitch mechanism that is adapted to be connected to the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NSA RV Products Inc.
    Inventor: Tod Westervelt
  • Patent number: 8408576
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved all terrain vehicle (ATV) trailer hitch system, comprising a first and second pivotal joint connected by an elongated driveshaft for navigating uneven terrain and maneuvering through tight turns without joint binding or trailer tipping. The driveshaft comprises a length adjustable member having a first end connecting to a lead vehicle via a first pivotal joint that statically supports the joint and allows pitching of the driveshaft. The driveshaft second end attaches by way of a second pivotal and rotatable joint to a trailer attachment assembly. The trailer attachment assembly provides connection to the trailer and for receiving an elongated drive screw member that establishes a rotational joint. The second pivotal joint therefore provides yaw and roll capability for the trailer. The system provides a multiple joint connection separated by an elongated driveshaft between a vehicle and a trailer for reduced binding and off-road maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Don Volk
  • Publication number: 20130062860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated chassis system of large articulated vehicle, which comprises a front beam, a spherical hinge connecting structure, a front frame, a turnplate bearing, a rear frame, a rear beam and a turning angle sensing means, the front beam is connected with the front frame through the spherical hinge connecting structure, the turnplate bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, the front frame is connected fixedly with the outer ring/the inner ring, the rear frame is connected fixedly with the inner ring/the outer ring, the inner ring and the outer ring can rotate relatively, the rear frame is connected with the rear beam, the turning angle sensing means is arranged between the inner ring/the outer ring and the front frame/the rear frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Yun Hao
  • Publication number: 20130020785
    Abstract: The present application describes a gooseneck coupler assembly that may include a gooseneck trailer pivot, an extension arm, and a pivot retention mechanism having a ball socket. The ball socket may engage with a hitch ball located on a towing vehicle. The gooseneck trailer pivot may be mounted on a towed vehicle or trailer and be capable of pivoting about a vertical axis relative to the trailer. During engagement, the ball socket and the extension arm may provide tilt capability but thereby prevent any rotational movement relative to the hitch ball. However, the gooseneck coupler assembly may still be able to tilt fore-and-aft or side-to-side relative to the hitch ball. Therefore, the only pivotal movement relative to a vertical axis would be permitted at the gooseneck trailer pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8322500
    Abstract: A shock absorber housing for a shock absorber of a vehicle comprises a tube, which has a tubular wall, and an attaching element joined onto the tubular wall, the attaching element determining a critical force introduction area of an introduction of a force into the tubular wall, the tube in a longitudinal direction being built up from a first tube section having a first tubular wall and at least a second tube section having a second tubular wall, the first tube section and the second tube section being joined together by their ends facing one another. The first tube section and the second tube section are joined together with a tubular wall overlap of the first and second tubular wall, which overlap extends in a longitudinal direction, the tubular wall overlap being situated in the critical force introduction area of the attaching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG
    Inventor: Johannes Obrecht
  • Patent number: 8096571
    Abstract: A tractor hitch assembly comprises a drawbar with a hydraulic pump mounted to a pump mount extending below the drawbar and drawbar couplers formed thereon. A trailer tongue coupler is pivotally connected to the drawbar for pivoting about a roll axis and a yaw axis. The tongue of a trailer is removably securable to the trailer tongue coupler in a plurality of selected vertical alignments. The trailer tongue is formed integral with a main beam of the trailer frame extending the length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Dale Noe
  • Patent number: 8033552
    Abstract: A universal attachment device for attaching lawn care equipment including but not limited to leaf catchers, plug-core aerators, utility carts, and fertilizer spreaders to the sulky of a commercial walk-behind mower, the attachment device features a mounting shaft; a vertical pivot mount disposed on the first end of the mounting shaft for engaging a mounting plate disposed on the sulky; and a vertically oriented mounting channel disposed on the second end of the mounting shaft, the mounting channel functions to a base attachment shaft disposed on the piece of lawn care equipment or the lawn care equipment directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Sherman L. Jacobs, Sandra M. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20100307781
    Abstract: A device providing a connection between a heavy vehicle and towed machinery which are arranged in a working position on ground forming a horizontal plane, the device allowing the movement of relative pitching between the towed machinery and the heavy vehicle. The distance between the instantaneous centre of rotation of the relative pitching movement of the towed machinery with respect to the heavy vehicle and the orthogonal projection of the instantaneous centre of rotation onto the horizontal plane is less than 1/9 of the outside diameter of the largest mounted assembly of the heavy vehicle and/or than 25 centimetres. Also disclosed is a method for towing machinery using a heavy vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicants: Societe De Technologie Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Dominique Dessevre
  • Patent number: 7744111
    Abstract: A one wheeled trailer is disclosed for use with and for pulling behind a two wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or motorbike. The trailer is configured to track behind the motorcycle or motorbike and to lean with the cycle as a unit so as to respond in the same manner as the motorcycle or motorbike. The trailer is supported on a single tire aligned to track behind the motorcycle tires thereby eliminating the sideways torque when the trailer hits a pothole or a curb. The trailer is designed to perform on the road and in turns the same as the motorcycle and does not limit the motorcycle from performing the way it was intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Fred R Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100133785
    Abstract: A dual hitch ball assembly is described. The hitch ball assembly may couple a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The hitch ball assembly may include a hitch bar, a base member and at least one hitch ball. The hitch bar may be removably secured to a hitch receiver on the towing vehicle. The base member may be located on an end of the hitch bar. A first hitch ball may be located on a side of the base member and may be capable of being coupled with the towed vehicle. A second hitch ball may be located on an opposite side of the base member and may be capable of being coupled with the towed vehicle. The hitch balls may have different diameters. The hitch bar may also include at least one webbed area. The hitch bar and the hitch balls may be a one-piece integrally formed component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Richard McCoy
  • Publication number: 20100013190
    Abstract: The invention relates to a joint (1) between two vehicle components (2,3) joined to each other with a hinge, such as of an articulated vehicle, comprising an articulated joint (10), wherein the articulated joint (10) comprises two joint segments (11, 12) that are rotatably connected to each other by a tensioning device (20) acting as a vertical axis, the one, first joint segment (11) having a U-shaped, jaw-like opening (13) for seizing the other, second joint segment (12) in the region of the vertical axis, sliding devices (16) being provided between the joint segments (11, 12) and acting in at least the axial direction, the tensioning device (2) having means for generating pretension on the joint segments (11, 12), the one joint segment (11) having two joint segment elements (11a, 11b) that are each separately fastened with screws to the frame (40) of the vehicle frame (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Hübner GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Koch, Lothar Scharf
  • Publication number: 20090302573
    Abstract: A dump trailer coupling apparatus is described. The apparatus is joins a vehicle hitch to the push tongue of a trailer in a way that accounts for and permits all movements of the dump trailer when on a roadway and during the dump process, without translating that stress to the hitch. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a swivel coupler including a pair of swivel structures. The first swivel structure enables lateral movement of the trailer with respect to the vehicle. The second swivel structure enables complete dumping of the trailer without stress on the hitch. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a hinged coupler including a support plate, a ball mount and a ball coupler. The ball coupler retains a roller that moves along on the support plate and addresses lateral movement of the dump trailer. The ball coupler includes a hinge connector attached to the trailer push tongue and enables complete dumping of the trailer without stress on the hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Charles J. Nye, JR.
  • Patent number: 7562893
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved hitch coupling assembly which dampens the hunting movements of a road trailer being towed by a motor vehicle and which is intended for a vehicle combination comprising a motor vehicle and a trailer. More specifically, the inventive hitch coupling assembly (4) comprises: (i) a first pivot coupling (12) for the hunting movements, consisting of a pivoting device which dampens the hunting movements (40) of the trailer and which is housed in a closed space such that it is sheltered from the ingress of pollutant materials; and (ii) a second coupling (21) for the rolling and pitching movements, which is used for the play-free transmission of the hunting movements to the first coupling, the axis of the hunting movements being thus decoupled from the rolling and pitching movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Lohr Industrie
    Inventor: Réné Donnard
  • Patent number: 7547029
    Abstract: A child transport vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame; displacement means depending from the frame; a vehicle attachment connector mounted on the vehicle frame and including a vehicle attachment connection site, the connector and the connection site may be configured to facilitate convertibility and usefulness of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: 634182 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel William Britton, Graham Alexander Lemee, Barry Dean Wylant, Antony William Stephen Gellion
  • Patent number: 7540524
    Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jean Viaud
  • Patent number: 7527285
    Abstract: A sulky for attachment to a self-propelled machine, e.g., lawn mower. Sulkies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may attach to, and detach from, the lawn mower with operator-actuatable, spring-loaded pins. The sulky may further pivot, relative to the mower, from an operating position to a storage position. A spring-loaded latch may be used to operatively secure the sulky relative to the mower frame when the sulky is in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Exmark Manufacturing Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Tommy Joe Vachal
  • Patent number: 7510205
    Abstract: The semitrailer is joinable to a tractor provided with a vertical towing gudgeon, is supported at its back end by a wheeled structure, and comprises a chassis having longitudinal members and crosspieces, which define a horizontal loading platform, and further having uprights rising from its forward end. A towing bar is hinged on the uprights around a first horizontal and transversal hinging axis. A compensating hydraulic cylinder is articulated between the chassis and the towing bar. A coupling is articulated to the towing bar forwardly of the first axis, for hinging around a second horizontal and transversal hinging axis, and is provided with a bushing that is transversal to the second hinging axis and is rotatably engageable on the towing gudgeon of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: A.R.I.S. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Bellezza Quater, Paolo Bellezza Quater, Silvia Bellezza Quater
  • Patent number: 7407175
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 7380810
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable trailer hitch that provides a suspended connection between a tow vehicle and an attached trailer. The hitch includes a support member that is adapted to be attached to a tow vehicle and a frame having first and second pivots for pivotally support a hitch plate, which is operative to connect to a trailer (e.g., engage a trailer pin). A first air spring has a first end fixedly connected to the support member and a second end fixedly connected to the frame. The air spring permits relative movement between the support member and the frame as well as transmitting towing forces therebetween. The air spring provides a pliable connection that at least partially mechanically isolates the trailer and the vehicle from each other. Instead of acting as a single unit, the vehicle and the trailer act at least partially independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Air Hitch Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Wilkens, Tim Fisher
  • Patent number: 7261311
    Abstract: Typical fifth wheel hitch assemblies require the operator to leave the cab of the vehicle to put the fifth wheel hitch assembly into position to receive a king pin of a trailer. The present invention is a fifth wheel hitch assembly that comprises a base assembly, a head assembly pivotally connected to the base assembly about a generally horizontal axis, the head assembly being pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position, and at least one biasing member urging the head assembly into the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Lindenman, Richard W. McCoy, Anthony S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7159890
    Abstract: A trailer hitch for a motor vehicle includes a towbar (2) having an arm (1) and a ball cup (3) provided with an opening and with a ball pivot (6). The ball pivot (6) has a ball head (4) and a pivot (5) and is mounted with the ball head (4) rotatably and pivotably in the ball cup (3) and passes through an opening (7) and juts out of the ball cup (3). An angle-measuring device having a signal transmitter (17) and two sensors (40, 41) is arranged in the joint unit formed from the ball cup (3) and the ball head (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Scott C. Craig, Joachim Spratte
  • Patent number: 7040645
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly including a mounting frame including a tubular receiver readily attachable to a chassis of a towing vehicle and a hitch mount assembly detachably coupled to the tubular receiver for free 360° horizontal rotation therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: L. M. Skip Borneman, Steven W. Aronson
  • Patent number: 7032918
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing an articulated vehicle, which articulated vehicle comprises at least a front frame structure and a rear frame structure, and a frame joint structure, which is arranged to couple the frame structures to each other and to allow them to rotate both in relation to each other, away from the normal position, as well as at the same time around an axis, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the articulated vehicle. In the method a supporting force is maintained, which force affects between the frame structures and resists the rotation of the frame structures away from normal position, and the maximum of said supporting force is controlled in such a manner that it is dependent on the difference of rotations at least when said difference is increasing and at least when said difference is static.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: John Deere Forestry Oy
    Inventors: Into Saarinen, Veli-Matti Jortikka, Mikko Rahja
  • Patent number: 7000933
    Abstract: A method for attaching a carrier, such as a trailer, to a dynamically balanced transporter. The carrier is attached to the transporter with a pivot. The pivot axis of the carrier is coincident with the axis of rotation of the wheels of the transporter. This method of attachment minimizes the impact of the trailer on the ability of the transporter to maintain dynamic balance and control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: R. William Arling, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann, Jeffrey W. Hill, Michael Slate
  • Patent number: 6969079
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6959942
    Abstract: A ball hitch is disclosed for connecting a drawbar of an agricultural vehicle to a coupling pin of a trailer. The ball hitch comprises a ball element having a part-spherical outer surface and a cylindrical bore for receiving the coupling pin of the trailer. The socket element is constructed as a sleeve that is removably mountable in the drawbar and has a part-spherical inner surface within which the ball element is received to allow the coupling pin to swivel about mutually orthogonal axes relative to the drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Christiaan A. C. Lippons
  • Patent number: 6942236
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch includes a head assembly having a skid plate with an opening for receiving a king pin of a trailer and a locking jaw assembly for securing the king pin in proper position with the trailer over the skid plate. Additionally, the fifth wheel hitch includes a rocking platform having an arcuate rocking surface and upstanding wings at each end thereof. A pair of pivot pins are provided for mounting the head assembly to the wings of the rocking platform while allowing pivotal/tilting movement of the head assembly in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the rocking platform. A base is provided including a cradle for receiving the rocking platform. The cradle allows side-to-side rocking movement of the rocking platform and the head assembly relative to the base. The base includes first and second pairs of opposed mounting lugs. A pair of mounting pins are received in the first and second pairs of mounting lugs and serve to capture the rocking platform on the cradle of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Lindenman, Richard W. McCoy