Plural Articulation Axes Patents (Class 280/492)
  • Patent number: 6902182
    Abstract: A hitch device for use with a pulling vehicle and a trailer, including a first hitch arm and a second upwardly directed hitch arm. At a second end of the second upwardly directed hitch arm is a joint allowing rotation about at least two axes. The hitch device positions the joint a preselected vertical and horizontal distance from the pulling vehicle and a hitch receiving structure connected thereto. The hitch device may be used with a trailer having first and second diverters encouraging the trailer to move about a tree or other shrub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Mark R. Kamunen
  • Patent number: 6889784
    Abstract: A vehicle incorporating a power unit having a front portion, a rear portion and a power source. A drive wheel, disposed in the front of the power unit, is connected to the power source. A brake pad is connected to the power unit beneath the power source and a handle bar extends back from the power unit. The vehicle includes a trailer unit, disposed behind the power unit, having two trailer wheels, disposed on opposite sides of the trailer unit. A connecting joint, connecting the power unit to the trailer unit, allows the power unit and trailer unit to move with respect to one another about the horizontal pitch axis and/or vertical yaw axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Donald E. Troll
  • Patent number: 6877758
    Abstract: A hitch extension apparatus for attaching an implement with a pto driven drive shaft having front and rear universal joints to a tractor drawbar. The apparatus comprises a first member adapted for attachment to the tractor drawbar by insertion of a drawbar pin through the drawbar such that the first member is fixed with respect to the drawbar. An extension member is pivotally attached to the first member about a horizontal pitch axis oriented perpendicular to the travel direction, and about a horizontal roll axis oriented parallel to the operating travel direction. The extension member defines a pivotal attachment location rearward of the draw pin hole adapted for pivotal attachment of the implement about a vertical yaw axis located equidistant from the front and rear universal joints when the drive shaft is connected to the tractor power take off. The pitch axis can be located forward of the yaw axis, and forward of the draw pin hole in order to reduce bending forces on the drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Schulte Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Vincent Colistro
  • Publication number: 20040124600
    Abstract: A spit-frame, heavy truck, suspension system for trucks that haul trailers made of three moveably interlocked rigid frames referred to as the front frame, rear frame, and interconnecting frame. The front frame supports the cab, engine, and transmission. The rear primary frame supports the drive axle and fifth wheel. The rear end of the interconnecting frame is pivotally mounted to the rear frame whereby the rear frame may rotate about a transverse axis. The front end of the interconnecting frame is mounted to the front frame in a manner that permits the interconnecting frame to rotate and pivot along its longitudinal axis relative to the front frame. Hydraulic cylinders are used to dampen vibrations and oscillations within this spit-frame structure. An alternative embodiment allows the front frame to connect directly to the rear frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Clower E. Maloy
  • Patent number: 6722685
    Abstract: The joint between two vehicles or vehicle parts, such as an articulated bus or a railcar for example, comprises at least two joint members (11, 12; 11a, 21a; 111a, 112a) that are held apart from a central longitudinal axis (50) of the vehicle (2, 3; 102, 103) and with at least one, preferably two joint arms (12a, 12, 22; 113, 114) that is/are carried so as to be capable of rotating about the two joint members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hubner GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Koch, Jens Karasek, Horst Joachim Gumpert
  • Patent number: 6712381
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a hitch to a vehicle. The apparatus may include a base connected to the vehicle. A mount, having a fastening portion and a main portion, may also be included. The fastening portion may receive a plurality of hitches thereon. The main portion may pivotably engage the base to provide a pivoting motion of the mount with respect to the base between a stowed position and a towing position distinct from the stowed position. A pivot may connect the main portion to the fastening portion to provide rotation therebetween. The apparatus may also include a hitch system having a first ball hitch monolithically formed to have a shank. A second hitch may be monolithically formed to have an aperture therein. The aperture of the second ball hitch may be shaped to axially receive and engage the shank of the first ball hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Newell Ryan Moss
  • Patent number: 6625964
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus for powering mechanical components of a pull-type implement, such as a crop harvesting unit, having an elongated extending hitching arm for pivotal attachment to a powered vehicle provided with a power take-off shaft. The drive apparatus includes a hydraulic pump for attachment to the hitching arm, a mechanical drive shaft for operation of the hydraulic pump upon attachment of the drive shaft to the power take-off shaft of the powered vehicle, and connections for hydraulic fluid lines for delivery and return of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic motor for operation of the mechanical components of the pull-type crop harvester. The apparatus may include an articulation assembly to isolate the drive for the pump from movements between the hitching arm and the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: McLeod Harvest Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. McLeod, Brent Evashenko, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 6626449
    Abstract: A double-castered wheel trailer having a pair of lockable caster wheels. The lockable caster wheels are adapted to be locked for a trailing mode of operation and a backing mode of operation. The double-castered wheel trailer further includes a multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer coupler. The multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer includes a horizontal pivot member adapted to be secured to a pair of hitch balls and pivot in a horizontal plane about the towing vehicle. Further included is a vertical swivel member coupled to the horizontal pivot member and the trailer frame to independently rotate the trailer frame about said horizontal pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Donald B. Hazen
  • Patent number: 6601665
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a bogey beam on which are mounted the steering axle at the forward end of the bogey beam and the middle axle on the rearward end of the bogey beam. A rear drive axle is supported by the frame of the utility vehicle. The bogey beam is connected to the frame by a pivot assembly defining a transverse pivot axis about which the bogey beam can oscillate. The weight transferred to the bogey beam is proportionately distributed between the front steering axle and middle axle. As a result, the steering characteristics of the steering axle are not impaired by the imposition of a load in the load bed of the utility vehicle, as the middle axle cannot be loaded sufficiently to overpower the front steering axle. The middle axle is rotatably driven by the rear drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Publication number: 20030127828
    Abstract: Articulated pendulum steering for construction vehicles, in particular, for wheeled loaders which connects the front vehicle section (6) to the back vehicle section (7) in such a way that both the operator controlled steering motion and a pendulum motion between both vehicle sections (6, 7) occur. Basically, the articulated pendulum steering consists of a vertical bearing pin (2) and an almost horizontally arranged movable joint pin (8). On the vertical pin (2) a bearing ring (3′, 3″) sits both in the upper and in the lower area that is held in place by cup shaped supports (4′, 4″) which each are fitted onto one of two arms (5′, 5″) on the front vehicle section (6). Both arms (5′, 5″) extend into fork-like structural openings of the articulated pendulum joint (1). On the rearward front side of the movable joint pin (8) an extension pin (16) is fitted on which another bearing ring (9) sits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Werner Seebohm, Paul Kohn
  • Patent number: 6571893
    Abstract: A vehicle for sporting and off-road driving includes a front and a rear component assembly and a joint arrangement. Each component assembly includes a plate mounted on a single flexible track and that is actuated by the single flexible track. The joint arrangement connects the plate of the front assembly to the plate of the rear assembly, and has two degrees of freedom that permits the front and rear component assemblies to be displaced with respect to each other around a horizontal, transverse axis and around a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Yozmot Gfanot Initiative Center
    Inventors: Yoram De-Noor, Yoram Uziel
  • Patent number: 6502847
    Abstract: A tow bar apparatus, that allows a towing vehicle to tow a towed vehicle, has a hitch member, a pair of tow bars, and a pair of socket members. The hitch member is adapted to engage a tow bar receiver of the towing vehicle. The pair of socket members are adapted to be attached to the towed vehicle. Each of the pair of tow bars includes a plate ball member at a first end for pivotally engaging one of the pair of socket members. Each of the pair of tow bars further includes a second end, the second ends of the pair of tow bars being joined to form a hitch ball member that pivotably and rotatably engages the hitch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: John Greaves
  • Publication number: 20020195795
    Abstract: A connecting section (3) is connected to the tractor (1) and trailer (2) so as to allow pivoting about a transverse axis (26), and the rearward end part (33) of the connecting section (3) is connected to the forward end part (13) so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis (38). The rearward end part (33) is additionally pivotable about a longitudinal axis (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: David John Bowes Brown
  • Patent number: 6497422
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a sulky includes a removable, adjustable foot platform, replaceable axles, and a hitch including stops that limit the extent of pitch, roll, and yaw motions between the sulky and the towing vehicle. The foot platform preferably projects downwardly from the frame on which the axles are mounted. The foot platform is mounted on a frame, and the frame preferably is structurally stronger than the foot platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: William B. Bellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6488291
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a sulky includes a removable, adjustable foot platform, replaceable axles, and a hitch including stops that limit the extent of pitch, roll, and yaw motions between the sulky and the towing vehicle. A preferred embodiment also includes damping of motion in the yaw direction to reduce jerkiness in the ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: William B. Bellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6481739
    Abstract: A docking assembly configured to allow a first medical device to move with a second medical device includes a hitch, a base, and a connector. The hitch is configured to be coupled to the first medical device. The base is spaced apart from the hitch and is configured to be coupled to the second medical device. The connector interconnects the hitch and the base and permits movement of the hitch relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 6435535
    Abstract: A trailer for a dynamically balanced transporter that allows leaning of the transporter such as for control of the combination of transporter and trailer. The trailer has a platform and an arm with two ends, one of which ends is coupled to the platform and the other of which is pivotally coupled about a horizontal axis to the transporter. The trailer has a ground-contacting member that may be a wheel, or a ski or a skid. A locking mechanism may lock the pivot in response to a fault condition. The platform of the trailer may support a rider in a seated or standing position and may have a characteristic transverse linear dimension comparable to the shoulder width of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6357548
    Abstract: A ladder support device attaches to a towing hitch of a vehicle, such that the ladder can be transported in an essentially horizontal position and deployed in an essentially vertical position. The ladder support device includes safety brackets that limit the range of motion of the extended ladder, a platform that provides a user with secure footing before alighting to and upon descending from the ladder, and a rotatable mount that allows the ladder support device to be moved into the proper work position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Don Boyd
  • Patent number: 6328327
    Abstract: An adapter device comprising an adapter bar equipped with a hitching pin extending vertically when the device is mounted on the hitching bar, and a connecting pin for the hitching bar. The adapter device allows the mechanical play between the hitching bar and the adapter bar to be reduced or cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Ligouy
  • Patent number: 6250663
    Abstract: A spit-frame, heavy truck, suspension system for trucks that haul trailers made of three moveably interlocked rigid frames referred to as the front frame, rear frame, and interconnecting frame. The front frame supports the cab, engine, and transmission. The rear primary frame supports the drive axle and fifth wheel. The rear end of the interconnecting frame is pivotally mounted to the rear frame whereby the rear frame may rotate about a transverse axis. The front end of the interconnecting frame is mounted to the front frame in a manner that permits the interconnecting frame to rotate and pivot along its longitudinal axis relative to the front frame. Hydraulic cylinders are used to dampen vibrations and oscillations within this spit-frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Clower E. Maloy
  • Patent number: 6241270
    Abstract: According to the invention, the connection between the truck (1) and the trailer (2) consists of a pivoting linkage (13, 19, 37) pivoting about an axle (43) or (26) generally perpendicular to it, forming part of a pivot center (18) attached in overlapping arrangement to the front part of the tailer chassis, and of at least one oblique connecting rod (20, 39, 40) of constant length, extending obliquely in relation to the straight line direction between the truck (1) and the trailer (2). The invention is of interest to vehicle manufacturers, especially trailer manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Lohr Industrie
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Andre
  • Patent number: 6234495
    Abstract: A stand-on sulky device to be attached to the rear of a self-propelled power mower or other self-propelled vehicle. The sulky includes first, second, and third pivots to provide improved maneuverability of the two-wheeled sulky platform during operation. The first and third pivots are arranged substantially parallel to the ground during sulky operation and are vertically spaced from one another thereby resulting in improved sulky performance. According to certain embodiments, the sulky includes a design allowing for a more compact storage position wherein the platform is hung from the mower handle bars with the upper or foot receiving surface of the platform facing away from the mower and the first arm being received in an optional recess defined in the bottom of the platform so as to restrict swinging movement of the platform while in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Velke
  • Patent number: 6213490
    Abstract: An agricultural tractor with four ground contacting suspensions, two front and two rear disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle can be steered such that its front suspension lies behind its rear suspension. The front suspension can pivot about an articulation joint in the vehicle and also about a wheel-end steering joint such that when it is in an extreme left or right turn position, the front suspension cannot be turned about the wheel-end steering joint while holding the articulation joint in an extreme left or right turn position without causing the front suspension to interfere with and contact the rear suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Lykken, Brian D. Vik, Timothy J. Bock
  • Patent number: 6206118
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first section having a first set of ground engaging motive members, a second section having an operator station, and a third section having a second set of ground engaging motive members. The first section is pivotally coupled to the second section about the first pivot axis, while the second section is pivotally coupled to the third section about a second pivot axis. Preferably, the operator station has an arcuate front contour with a radius centered proximate the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Adam R. Menze, Thomas G. Lykken, Bryan J. Garberg
  • Patent number: 6145855
    Abstract: A sulky for transportation of an operator, attachable to a self-propelled vehicle, defines pivot axes, one of which is selectively lockable in order to preclude yaw motion. The sulky also includes caster wheels which are selectively lockable to permit or preclude free castering of said wheels. It also provides stops at the pivot axes for limiting the amount of pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Trimmer Trap, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Bellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6050580
    Abstract: A tow bar for towing a trailing bicycle by a leading bicycle. The tow bar includes a leading portion for extending rearwardly from the leading bicycle, a trailing portion for extending forwardly from the trailing bicycle, and first apparatus for connecting the leading portion to the trailing portion. The leading portion includes a U-shaped bar for straddling the rear wheel of the leading bicycle and has a pair of free ends for replaceably attaching to the rear fork of the leading bicycle and second apparatus for replaceably attaching the leading portion to the rear fork of the leading bicycle. The trailing portion includes a U-shaped bar for straddling the front wheel of the trailing bicycle and has a pair of free ends for replaceably attaching to the front fork of the trailing bicycle and third apparatus for replaceably attaching the trailing portion to the front fork of the trailing bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Andrzej B. Pawelek
  • Patent number: 6042138
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer apparatus includes an elongated frame having first and second end portions, the first end portion carrying a detachable hitch for attaching the frame to the rear of a motorcycle. An arm assembly is pivotally attached to the frame at the second end portion. A single wheel is carried by the arm assembly. A shock absorber extends between the frame and the arm assembly at an inclined portion of the arm assembly. The shock absorber is inclined with its rear end portion being higher than the front end portion to provide an improved geometry for the combination of frame, arm assembly, shock absorber and wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Richard D. Shreck
  • Patent number: 5984342
    Abstract: A towing apparatus for motorcycles and recreational vehicles having a single-wheel design. A storage box is supported by the single wheel through a swing arm and dampening assembly arrangement which dampens and absorbs shock and vibration from the ground surface. The swing arm provides movement of the single wheel along a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the vehicle wheels. The towing apparatus couples to the trailer hitch of the motorcycle or recreational vehicle through a universal type mounting hitch which maintains the trailer in rotational alignment with the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Thunderbolt Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Ysker
  • Patent number: 5882020
    Abstract: This invention relates to a stand-on sulky device to be attached to the rear of a self-propelled power mower or other self-propelled vehicle. The sulky includes first, second, and third pivots to provide improved maneuverability of the two-wheeled sulky platform during operation. The first and third pivots are arranged substantially parallel to the ground during sulky operation and are vertically spaced from one another thereby resulting in improved sulky performance. According to certain embodiments, the sulky includes a design allowing for a more compact storage position wherein the platform is hung from the mower handle bars with the upper or foot receiving surface of the platform facing away from the mower and the first arm being received in an optional recess defined in the bottom of the mower so as to restrict swinging movement of the platform while in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Wright Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Velke
  • Patent number: 5873229
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement includes an inverted u-shaped frame having opposite legs joined by a transverse bight portion. The lower draft links of a tractor three-point hitch are connected to lower ends of the legs of the frame for pivoting about a horizontal transverse axis. Located centrally between the frame legs along the bight portion of the frame is an angle member having a horizontal limb defining a first link and being joined to a vertical limb defined in part by an upwardly projecting bearing axle. An implement draft tongue includes a forward extension to which upwardly and downwardly projecting bearing axles are fixed along a vertical axis. The coupling arrangement includes a second link spaced vertically above the first link and having ball joints in its opposite ends respectively mounted to the bearing axle of the angle member and the upwardly projecting bearing axle of the draft tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Roger Franet
  • Patent number: 5810371
    Abstract: A stand-on sulky device to be attached to the rear of a self-propelled power mower or other self-propelled vehicle. The sulky includes first, second, and third pivots to provide improved maneuverability of the two-wheeled sulky platform during operation. The first and third pivots are arranged substantially parallel to the ground during sulky operation and are vertically spaced from one another thereby resulting in improved sulky performance. According to certain embodiments, the sulky includes a design allowing for a more compact storage position wherein the platform is hung from the mower handle bars with the upper or foot receiving surface of the platform facing away from the mower and the first arm being received in an optional recess defined in the bottom of the mower so as to restrict swinging movement of the platform while in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Wright Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Velke
  • Patent number: 5785335
    Abstract: A trailer cycle (10) includes a trailer cycle frame (52) having a main tube (54) which extends toward the lead cycle (12). A hitch mechanism (14) is located between the lead cycle and the trailer cycle. A lead-cycle hitch portion (34) is joined to the lead cycle substantially vertically above the hub of the lead-cycle rear wheel (26). A flexible hitch portion (82) is interposed between the trailer cycle frame and the lead cycle hitch portion and is housed in an orthogonal member (84) which contains an adjustable vertical, or pitch, pivot mechanism and a similarly adjustable yaw pivot mechanism. The orthogonal member is constructed and arranged to prevent motion about the roll axis of the trailer cycle relative to the lead cycle. A lead-cycle-hitch engaging member is located at the lower end of the yaw pivot mechanism and selectively engages and releases the lead-cycle hitch portion. A locking mechanism is provided which secures the trailer cycle to the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Burley Design Cooperative
    Inventor: Donald A. George
  • Patent number: 5711541
    Abstract: A stabilization apparatus for stabilizing articulated vehicles includes a damping device connected between a prime mover and its trailer and is arranged about the articulation pivot. The damping device provides resistance to movement of the trailer relative to the prime mover substantially reducing undesirable loping motion of the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignees: Hastings Deering (Australia) Limited, Vipac Engineers & Scientists Limited
    Inventors: Andrew John Middlin, Keith Larsen
  • Patent number: 5660409
    Abstract: An anti-sway trailer hitch for connecting a trailer to a tow vehicle. The hitch includes a first pivotal element attached to the tow vehicle and a second pivotal element attached to the trailer with a set of a converging link assembly on the first element connecting it to the second element. The converging link assembly projects the effective pivot point forward adjacent the rear axle of the tow vehicle and prevents lateral sway while allowing changes in the angular relationship between the two elements as the tow vehicle and trailer negotiate turns. The second pivotal element includes a yoke attached to the trailer frame. The yoke includes Spaced apart side members with a hitch ball mount in sliding engagement with the side members. The trailer is attached to the hitch ball. A pivotally attached strut extends between the first pivotal element and the-hitch ball mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: James C. Hensley
  • Patent number: 5647604
    Abstract: An improved trailer hitch which can be used to more easily attach a trailer to a towing vehicle by simply engaging a horizontal coupling shaft in a latch assembly, and closing the latch. The trailer hitch comprises six main components: a yoke assembly, a latch assembly, a transverse horizontal coupling shaft, a connector bar, a trailer yoke and a pivot bolt. The yoke assembly provides for rotation about the vertical axis, the latch assembly provides for rotation about the transverse horizontal axis, and the pivot bolt for rotation around the longitudinal horizontal axis. A trailer can be easily attached to a towing vehicle by placing the transverse horizontal shaft in the latch assembly, and closing and fastening the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Gregory A. Russell
  • Patent number: 5632350
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle made of a front and of a rear vehicle body of which the chassis are connected by an articulated joint. The articulated joint comprises a steering axis, a first longitudinal roll axis on the front chassis, and a second longitudinal roll axis on the rear chassis. In a structural sense, the articulated joint of the present invention comprises a first swivel member and a first shaft mounting this first swivel member on the front chassis for relative oscillation of the first swivel member and of the front chassis about the first longitudinal roll axis. Likewise, a second swivel member and a second shaft mounting this second swivel member on the rear chassis allow relative oscillation of the second swivel member and of the rear chassis about the second longitudinal roll axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Donald Gauvin
  • Patent number: 5559420
    Abstract: A power pack of batteries are enclosed in an encasement for protection and air-cooling. The encased batteries ride on wheels, and keep supplying power to an electric vehicle while attached to it. The unit can even generate additional electricity extending the driving range. When power is spent, run-down batteries are replaced by the wheeled unit with recharged ones, and the vehicle drivability is renewed on the spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Institute For Home Economics Of Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Kohchi
  • Patent number: 5536032
    Abstract: A tow-behind implement and a hitch therefor are provided. The hitch is for securing the implement to a pulling vehicle such as a tractor. The hitch attaches a farm or industrial implement to the drawbar of a pulling vehicle. The hitch mechanism includes a clevis swingingly and rotatably mounted to an offset hitch component which is secured to the tongue or the like of the pull-behind implement. This swinging attachment is at a location forward of the hitch pin. The clevis remains parallel to the drawbar regardless of the attitude of the implement in order to increase contact surface area. In addition, the weight of the implement is ahead of the hitch pin in order to reduce stress on the drawbar. Angular movement which is provided by the hitch is greater than that provided by standard implement hitch devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Allied Products Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Golson, Jr., George E. Britton
  • Patent number: 5522208
    Abstract: A farm machine, and a connecting and transmission device for a farm machine are provided in which the farm machine possesses various degrees of freedom with respect to a tractor vehicle. The connecting assembly includes a tow-bar having a primary tow-bar connected to two lower bars of a tractor hitching device, and a secondary tow-bar connected to a body which is equipped with work elements. A connecting and transmission device links the primary tow-bar to the secondary tow-bar. The assembly and connecting arrangements of the assembly provide a great range of mobility with respect to an axis extending approximately in the direction of advance, with the connecting and transmission device improved from a standpoint of the transmission of forces, with the primary tow-bar connected to the front and to the back of the connecting and transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Wattron
  • Patent number: 5470088
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer comprises a frame having at its one end a hitch assembly for connecting the bicycle trailer to a towing bicycle and at its other end a ground-engagable wheel. The hitch assembly comprises a clamp part for clamping non-rotatably to a seat supporting part, for example the seat post, of the towing bicycle, a universal joint portion fixedly attached to the trailer frame and a releasable fastening attaching the clamp part to the universal joint portion. The universal joint portion permits pivoting of the trailer, in use, about generally vertical and horizontal axes which are spaced apart, preferably with the second pivot axis between the first pivot axis and the trailer frame. The clamp part may comprise a generally U-shaped member having a cylindrical bight portion and a bolt member extending through aligned holes in end portions of the U-shaped member to urge them together and clamp the seat supporting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Delbert J. Adams
  • Patent number: 5468007
    Abstract: A towing hitch for attaching a towing vehicle to a towed object includes an arcuate guide attached around the back of the towing vehicle. A traveller, which moves freely along the guide, is hinged to a coupling which is, in turn, rotatably attached to the towed object. Steering the towing vehicle in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction causes the traveller to move along the guide in the opposite direction, and the steering of the towing vehicle is facilitated. If the hitch includes a drive to power the traveller along the guide, the hitch alone can steer the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: The Shop Industrial 510851 Ontario Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Kanerva
  • Patent number: 5423565
    Abstract: A hitch attaches to a lawn tractor and draws two lawn mowers therebehind. The hitch includes a draw bar solidly mounted to the tractor, and a link for each towed mower, which mowers each include a bracket to the deck thereof. The links include plumbing tees perpendicularly arranged, so that universal joints are formed between the draw bar and the mowers. A third tee is provided at each bracket so that each mower may be individually tilted, as for enabling access to the underside while still ganged to the hitch. The draw bar, links, and third tee are made from readily available plumbing components. The resultant hitch is thus fabricated from readily available components, is durable, uncomplicated, and has wide flexibility in allowing for various attitudes of the mowers. This enables individual mowers to follow the contour of uneven terrain, turn in tight quarters while being towed, and to be temporarily tilted for access to the cutting blade and oil drain cock without requiring disassembly from the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Frederick Smith
  • Patent number: 5381647
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a front mower driven by a self propelled all terrain vehicle to the rear of the mower and connected by an articulating hitch. The hitch includes a pair of spaced pivot mechanisms to allow the mower to pivot from front to rear relative to the all terrain vehicle and a third pivot mechanism to allow the mower to rotate about a horizontal axis from side to side such that the mower is driven by the all terrain vehicle, but is free to follow the contour of the ground being traversed by the apparatus independent of the all terrain vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Trail-Buster Dozer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Eberle
  • Patent number: 5356167
    Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a support structure having spaced end mounting brackets and a U-shaped cross member pivotally mounted to, and suspended between, the mounting brackets. The U-shaped cross member pivots about a first axis. The trailer hitch also includes a coupling subassembly pivotally mounted to a mid-section of the U-shaped cross member to pivot about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Arthur E. Hall, Arthur T. Hall
  • Patent number: 5350186
    Abstract: A towline apparatus adapted to be used with a square tubular receiver mounted to a frame of a towing vehicle consisting of a housing which contains a flat coiled spring surrounding a rotatable shaft with the shaft also supporting a flexible, extendable strap which is always in a tensioned position and which can be pulled out of the housing and be attached to an object to be towed. Also, automatic stop means are provided and a locking pin if desired and may also include a hinge in the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Dick Hammer, C. Park Bechdolt
  • Patent number: 5280940
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adapter for modifying a hitch connection between two vehis wherein one vehicle has a hook and another vehicle has a hitch lunette configured to receive the hook. The adapter includes a beam having an adapter lunette on one end swingably engaging the hook and chains to limit the beam's swing about the hook outboard of the one vehicle. At the other end of the beam is a plate to which are fixed flat parallel jaw members, which closely receive the vehicle lunette. The plate bears against the other end of the beam and pivots about a stud on the other end of the beam that extends through the plate. A nut on the stud presses the plate against the other end of the beam with a selected force to achieve controlled resistance to pivoting of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Donald H. Kendall
  • Patent number: 5245771
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a road transportable, adjustable or non-adjusta width trailable plow which is adapted to be pulled by a tow vehicle, a four bar linkage interconnects the plow with the tow vehicle allowing the plow to yaw with respect to the vehicle while limiting motion in the pitch plane to parallel displacement, the horizontal links in the four bar linkage are telescopic and spring biased to allow for surge between the tow vehicle and the load and a frame portion securable to the tow vehicle is gimballed with the hitch on an axis parallel to the links for allowing the plow to roll with respect to the tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Michael R. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5240266
    Abstract: A hitch to be used with a one-wheeled trailer to be towed by a bicycle, motorcycle, moped, or other cycle or two-wheeled vehicle. The hitch is mounted relatively permanently to the seat post of the towing cycle but is free to swivel around said seat post as the trailer tracks around curves. The frame of the trailer to be towed has a frame the front reach of which consists of transversely disposed rounded bar or tubing. The essential universal-joint connection that makes a one-wheeled trailer feasible is completed by this rounded front reach of the frame captured rotatably within a horizontally disposed, rearward-facing slot in the hitch block. The capture is completed by means of a vertical, quickly removable pin preferably containing a spring-ball plunger. The pin is inserted behind said bar or tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventors: Reginald W. Kelley, S. Richard Hazelett, Bernhard Bender, Thomas Mulert
  • Patent number: 5186483
    Abstract: A towing coupling to connect a towing vehicle to a trailer, the coupling comprising: a vehicle bar connected to the vehicle; a trailer bar connected to the trailer; an intermediate member adapted to be pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the vehicle bar; and, a releasable member adapted to be releasably and pivotally connected at a first end thereof to a second end of the intermediate member, and to be connected to the trailer bar at a second end thereof; wherein: a first pivot axis is defined by a first coupling arrangement connecting the first end of the intermediate member to the vehicle bar; a second pivot axis is defined by a second coupling arrangement between the intermediate member and the releasable member, the second pivot axis being in a substantially normal direction to the first pivot axis; and a third pivot axis is defined by a third coupling arrangement formed by first and second pivotally connected parts of either the intermediate member or the releasable member, the third pivot axis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Lynline Pty Limited
    Inventor: Michael J. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 5180028
    Abstract: This self-propelled articulation-steered tractor has a positive adjustment system for controlling the orientation (both elevation and lateral tilt) of a transverse implement mounted on either the front or rear assembly of the tractor, and a reactive adjustment system for allowing terrain-responsive orientation of the axle of the other assembly (front or rear) not carrying the transverse implement. The positive adjustment system is operator controlled. The reactive system may comprise a mounting of the axle for the non-implement-carrying assembly so it freely pivots with respect to the frame of that assembly. An articulation joint transverse swivel pivot system is provided for lateral tilt movement between the front and rear assemblies of the articulation-steered tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Stephen A. Perrenoud, Jr.