Axle Connection Patents (Class 280/503)
  • Patent number: 11738824
    Abstract: Implementations of bicycle trailers may include a first end and a second end, the second end opposite the first end, a first plurality of latches coupled to the first end, and a second plurality of latches coupled to the second end. The first plurality of latches may be configured to secure a rear-facing child's car seat facing the first end. The second plurality of latches may be configured to secure the rear-facing child's car seat facing the second end. The second plurality of latches may be configured to secure a front-facing child's car seat facing the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Tyler Fricke
  • Patent number: 11203239
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a traction device and a traction method. The traction device includes: a support chassis; a swing arm, one end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the support chassis by a rotating shaft such that the swing arm can be switched in a retracted state and a deployed state, wherein the swing arm in the deployed state is adapted to drive the wheel of the vehicle to rotate and tow the vehicle; a driving mechanism, connected to the swing arm, wherein the driving mechanism is capable of driving the swing arm to horizontally rotate around the rotating shaft to switch the swing arm between the retracted state and the deployed state; and a rolling assembly, disposed on a side of the support chassis and being capable of preventing the wheel from contacting with the side of the support chassis when the vehicle is towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Shangmin Sun, Hongqi Li, Yuan He, Quanwei Song, Qiangqiang Wang, Weifeng Yu
  • Patent number: 10179659
    Abstract: A towing system comprises a bar, a first attachment device arranged at a first end of the bar, the first attachment device being able to attach the towing system to a towing vehicle, a second attachment device arranged at a second end of the bar, the second attachment device being able to attach the towing system to a travelling machine to be towed, the second attachment device comprising a fork able to hold at least one wheel of the travelling machine, the fork having two longitudinal members between which at least one wheel of the travelling machine is able to be received, a separation device able to modify the spacing between the two longitudinal members and a holding device able to hold the wheel between the two longitudinal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: ORTEC EXPANSION
    Inventor: Daniel Rivard
  • Patent number: 8939461
    Abstract: An aircraft tow head apparatus for use with aircraft tow pins of different diameters has a pair of side plates each having a first side plate and a second side plate both having a longitudinal axis and having a wall thickness sufficiently large to accommodate a plurality of apertures extending through the wall perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to permit the first and second plate to be mechanically fastened together in one of a plurality of relative positions, where in a first position, the space defined by the first and second plates for the tow pin has a first general nominal diameter and where in a second position, the space defined by the first and second plates for the tow pin has a second general nominal diameter, whereby a user may reposition the first plate relative to the second plate as needed to accommodate tow pins of differing diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Julius John Kalmanson
  • Patent number: 8678423
    Abstract: A towing hook assembly for a vehicle disposed in a bumper unit may include a stay connected to both distal rear sides of a bumper beam, a towing hook pipe provided at one inner side of the stay through the bumper beam, and a supporting member supporting an exterior circumference of the towing hook pipe, and connected to an interior circumference of the stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Changsup Hwang
  • Patent number: 8562014
    Abstract: Towing bars for joining towing vehicles to the front wheel axles of aircraft often include a pair of parallel bars having cylindrical bosses connected to the trailing ends of the bars and opposing one another. The bosses are intended to fit into sockets or bores in the opposing ends of the axle. With certain airplanes the bosses may not be long enough to clear the opposed sides of a nose wheel tire sufficiently so that their ends project into the axle openings. An adaptor to allow such towing bars to fit these aircraft includes a cylindrical rod of a diameter adapted to extend into the end bore of the axle joined at its opposite end to a coaxial, larger diameter cylindrical hub having a bore adapted to receive one of the tow bar bosses. The length of the adaptor hub is such that the tow bar arms clear the outer sides of the tire when the cylindrical rod ends are within the axle bores, allowing the nose wheel to freely rotate during towing and prevent damage to the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Michael D. Seidman, Steven Seidman
  • Patent number: 8480105
    Abstract: A receiver for towing is coupled to a vehicle that includes a frame, a rear axle, and a suspension system that couples the rear axle to the frame. The receiver including a body that defines a cavity sized to receive a towing attachment, and a suspension mount rigidly coupled to the body. At least a portion of the suspension system mounted to and supported by the suspension mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Club Car, LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Mansfield, Matthew J. Zaremba
  • Patent number: 8382141
    Abstract: An axle security fixture comprises one or more bracket portions configured to be secured about a rail of a truck frame, a receiving portion contiguous with the bracket portions for receiving a plurality of axles, and a cover situated atop the axles and secured to the receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ATC Transportation, LLC
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Publication number: 20130020145
    Abstract: A receiver for towing is coupled to a vehicle that includes a frame, a rear axle, and a suspension system that couples the rear axle to the frame. The receiver including a body that defines a cavity sized to receive a towing attachment, and a suspension mount rigidly coupled to the body. At least a portion of the suspension system mounted to and supported by the suspension mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Richard M. Mansfield, Matthew J. Zaremba
  • Publication number: 20120292885
    Abstract: A tow bar adapted to be coupled to a steerable nose wheel assembly of an aircraft. The tow bar includes an arm assembly having a handle at a first end thereof and an oppositely-disposed second end. First and second arms are pivotally coupled at first ends thereof to the arm assembly to enable oppositely-disposed second ends of the first and second arms to pivot toward and away from each other. Engagement members are disposed at the second ends of the first and second arms, and each engagement member is adapted to engage a portion of the steerable nose wheel assembly. A mechanism is provided for locking the first and second arms to prevent their pivoting relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Michael Matyszyk
  • Patent number: 8240695
    Abstract: A baby trailer towing connector formed of a first connector, a second connector, a buffer bar and a spring member for the connection of a baby trailer to a baby bicycle is disclosed. The second connector has a connection frame attached to the top wall and opposing sidewalls of the holder block of the first connector and secured thereto by a pin, assuring connection stability and avoiding breaking of the pin during a towing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Cheh-Kang Liu
  • Patent number: 8123244
    Abstract: A low profile saddle mount for use in the transportation of vehicles including a saddle body configuration capable of withstanding increased load capacity over conventional saddle mounts is disclosed. The saddle mount generally includes a pair of laterally spaced support plates and a substantially tubular cross member extending therebetween. Each of the support plates is at least partially disposed inside the cross member at opposing ends thereof and secured therein using at least one dampening or filler plate. The configuration of the support plates in combination with one or more filler plate provides limited yield/deflection of the saddle body during operation and provides a load dissipation function, thereby permitting the support plates to withstand an increased load capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: ATC Leasing Company LLC
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Publication number: 20110147107
    Abstract: A trailer hitch for a single rear wheeled vehicle having a single rear wheel mounted between left and right arms comprises left and right hitch arms having first and second ends. The first ends have first apertures. The second ends are connected together. Shock absorbing bushings are disposed inside the first apertures. Left and right mounting brackets have first and second ends. The first ends of the mounting brackets have first apertures and are fastened to the hitch arms, and the second ends connect to the arms. Fasteners pass through the shock absorbing bushings and through the first aperture of the first end of the mounting brackets to fasten the mounting brackets to the hitch arms. A trailer connector is connected to the second ends of the left and right hitch arms. A vehicle having a trailer hitch is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Thierry COTNOIR, Eric CHARLEBOIS, Pierre-Luc ROBILLARD
  • Publication number: 20100259030
    Abstract: A low profile saddle mount for use in the transportation of vehicles including a saddle body configuration capable of withstanding increased load capacity over conventional saddle mounts is disclosed. The saddle mount generally includes a pair of laterally spaced support plates and a substantially tubular cross member extending therebetween. Each of the support plates is at least partially disposed inside the cross member at opposing ends thereof and secured therein using at least one dampening or filler plate. The configuration of the support plates in combination with one or more filler plate provides limited yield/deflection of the saddle body during operation and provides a load dissipation function, thereby permitting the support plates to withstand an increased load capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Publication number: 20100171286
    Abstract: An axle security fixture comprises one or more bracket portions configured to be secured about a rail of a truck frame, a receiving portion contiguous with the bracket portions for receiving a plurality of axles, and a cover situated atop the axles and secured to the receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Patent number: 7744112
    Abstract: A low profile saddle mount for use in the transportation of vehicles including a saddle body configuration capable of withstanding increased load capacity over conventional saddle mounts is disclosed. The saddle mount generally includes a pair of laterally spaced support plates and a substantially tubular cross member extending therebetween. Each of the support plates is at least partially disposed inside the cross member at opposing ends thereof and secured therein using at least one dampening or filler plate. The configuration of the support plates in combination with one or more filler plate provides limited yield/deflection of the saddle body during operation and provides a load dissipation function, thereby permitting the support plates to withstand an increased load capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: ATC Leasing Company, LLC
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Patent number: 7726679
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maneuvering a trailer having jockey wheel assembly comprising a ground engaging wheel (33) rotatably mounted on an axle (34). The apparatus comprising a link member (20) which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the jockey wheel assembly adjacent the axle (34) and a lever assembly (10) removably securable to said link (20) and adapted to engage a peripheral surface (39) of said wheel (33), whereby movement of said lever (10) rotates said wheel (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Walter Bernard Albert Leuermann
  • 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: 6929274
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch for securing a trailer to a bicycle, the trailer including a hitch arm and the bicycle having a rear wheel including an axle with an axis of rotation and a frame, the bicycle trailer hitch comprising: a hitch ball including a base end connectable to the trailer hitch arm, an opposite end formed as a ball end and a intermediate portion extending therebetween; and a bicycle-mounted hitch portion mountable on the bicycle and including a socket formed to removably retain the ball end of the hitch ball, the socket including an open end, sized to permit the ball end of the hitch ball to pass therethrough and a retainer end formed to retain the ball end therein, the open end being positioned at the forward end of the socket and the retainer end positioned at the rear of the socket such that the ball end is retained in the retainer end when the hitch arm of the trailer is extending out from the hitch behind the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: 634182 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel William Britton, Imad Assaf
  • Patent number: 6796575
    Abstract: A hitch assembly for attaching a trailer to a bicycle includes a hitch unit mounted on a wheelstay assembly above the rear axle of a bicycle. The wheelstay assembly is pivotally connected at its lower ends to a skewer extending through the rear axle hub and a strut member is pivotally connected to the seat post of the bicycle and to the hitch unit. The hitch unit is rotatable about a substantially vertical first pivot axis and includes a mounting for attachment by a tongue of a trailer, such as a trailer cycle. The tongue is attached to the hitch unit so that it can swing about a substantially vertical first axis and pivot about a substantially horizontal second axis. When the hitch assembly is mounted on a suspension bicycle, it is able to move up and down, substantially vertically, as the rear wheel moves up and down relative to the frame and seat of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Watermark PaddleSports, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Humes
  • Patent number: 6729637
    Abstract: A side swing hitch for a rear end of an agricultural combine. The hitch includes a hitch support bracket having opposite end portions and an intermediate portion therebetween, a first of the end portions including at least one element for mounting to a rear chassis member of the combine with the other end portion suspended in a position rearward of the rear axle assembly connected to the chassis member. A draw bar is pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the hitch support bracket for pivotal movement between a rearwardly extending towing position generally perpendicular to the rear axle assembly and at least one generally transversely extending stored position at least generally perpendicular to the towing position and beside the rear axle assembly, the draw bar having an opposite end including a hitch element connectable to a tongue of a vehicle such as a trailer or cart to be towed by the combine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua J. Wolters, Robert A. Matousek, Dohn Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6663126
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch for securing a trailer to a bicycle, the trailer including a hitch arm and the bicycle having a rear wheel including an axle with an axis of rotation and a frame, the bicycle trailer hitch comprising: a hitch ball including a connector end connectable to the trailer hitch arm, an opposite end formed as a ball and a intermediate portion extending therebetween; and a bicycle-mounted hitch portion including a plate having an aperture extending therethrough, the plate being mountable on the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle with the axle extending through and rotatable within the aperture and a socket connected to the plate and formed to removably retain the ball of the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: 634182 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel William Britton, Imad Assaf
  • Patent number: 6543790
    Abstract: A towbar for the towing of aircraft which will enable the user to attach the same to, selectively, the front nose wheel or the front wheel strut of an aircraft. The towbar includes a longitudinally extending towing bar with a vehicle attachment on one end thereof to facilitate attachment to a towing vehicle with the other end thereof provided with a pair of arms to engage the nose wheel or strut. The arms are openable and closeable for attachment to the wheel or strut and the mechanics for opening and closing are arranged within the longitudinal towing bar. The mechanism for opening and closing includes a slide moveable on the bar in a longitudinal direction and a structure for converting this longitudinal motion to rotational motion for rotating an arm control rod which, through a threaded end and threaded bearing will move one arm with respect to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6540238
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided with one end secured to the front end of a skate board and the other end secured to the rear axle of a baby carriage. The coupling device includes a coupler, a belt, a buckle article and a mounting block. The coupler is divided into two halves. Both ends of each half are provided with screwing holes. Two halves of the coupler are screwed to the rear axle of a baby carriage, the mounting block is screwed to the front end of a skate board, and one end of the belt is connected with the buckle article. After being penetrated through the buckle ring of the mounting block and encircling the center of the coupler, the other end of the belt is penetrated through the buckle article and fastened by the pressing piece of the buckle article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Peng-Yao Yang
  • Patent number: 6494542
    Abstract: A milling apparatus for preparing concrete floor surfaces consists of rear wheel motorized cart connected in tandem to a traction milling machine having a frame mounted drum for milling engagement with the floor and forward and rearward means for vertically adjusting the frame attached forward wheel means and rearward wheel means with reference to the floor. The forward wheel means includes a ski element and the rearward wheel means includes a wheeled dolly arrangement. The tandem connection consists of a specialized horizontally articulated hitch which transfers a portion of the weight of the motorized cart to the rear axle of the traction milling machine. An operator sits on the motorized cart and operates and steers the traction milling machine which includes motor means for powering said cart and the traction machine and steering means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Agri-Trac Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Bruce Watt
  • Patent number: 6481735
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a load behind a bicycle. The apparatus includes a carriage adapted to carry a load, and at least one wheel rotatably connected to the carriage. A hitch assembly is coupled to the carriage and includes at least one latch mechanism removably connectable to a bicycle to couple the carriage to the bicycle. The latch mechanism is adapted to removably connect to a skewer assembly receivable in the hub of a rear wheel of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyle R. Hilk
  • Patent number: 6450756
    Abstract: An aircraft towbar apparatus comprises a pair of tubular members having proximal ends coupled to a hitch assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. Each tubular member includes a gripping member at a distal end for gripping an aircraft wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly intermediate proximal and distal ends which serves as a fulcrum for vertical positioning of the gripping members relative to an aircraft wheel assembly. A support handle extends from the distal end of one tubular member to enable a user to vertically position the gripping members. A scissor jack is connected to the tubular members and extends therebetween at a position spaced from the distal ends. An elongate handle bar is coupled to the scissor jack and extends to a crank handle adjacent the hitch assembly such that a user may rotatably actuate the scissor jack to vary the spacing between the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Jack L. Stahancyk, Timothy E. Trapp
  • Patent number: 6443472
    Abstract: A towing bracket for attachment to the rear frame of a bicycle, to be used for towing a trailer behind the bicycle. The towing bracket has a hanging member that attaches to the hub nut of the rear wheel of the bicycle, and may have a disk with an attached tab that mates with a slot in the rear frame, with the disk having a number of holes that mate with raised nubs in the hanging member, to prevent rotation of the hanging member about the nut. A collar on the hanging member attaches to a trailer linkage, which in turn attaches to a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: InSTEP, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Kahmann
  • Patent number: 6099008
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch for joining a trailer, having a trailer tongue, to a bicycle, having a bicycle frame and a rear wheel, including a rear-wheel axle having an axis-of-rotation therethrough, mounted on a rear wheel mounting structure of the bicycle frame, includes a hitch mount secured to the rear axle of the bicycle, including a frame-contacting member mounted on the bicycle frame; and a hitch mount body rotatably mounted on said frame-contacting member; a hitch-mount retainer mechanism for securing said hitch mount to the bicycle frame; and a hitch connector fixed to the trailer tongue and removably receivable on said hitch mount body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Burley Design Cooperative
    Inventor: Stephen Patrick Caffey
  • Patent number: 5746275
    Abstract: A three-point hitch for an all terrain vehicle (ATV) comprising a mounting frame which is attached to the axle housing of the ATV. The mounting frame is supported on the tongue hitch of the ATV and is attached to the body of the ATV so that the rear suspension of the ATV is locked-out. The multiple-point hitch is operatively secured to the mounting frame and is raised and lowered by means of an electromechanical screw actuator. The multiple-points of the hitch are free to float, in some situations, with respect to the mounting frame and the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Cycle Country Accessories Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Cross, Ken Sloan
  • Patent number: 5707072
    Abstract: A receiver hitch system for all-terrain sport vehicles includes a rigid mast assembly attaching to a two-point receiver hitch at the rear of the vehicle. A lower receiver hitch is attached to a non-suspended axle of the ATV, and an upper receiver hitch attaches to a suspended frame of the ATV, so that the rear suspension cannot operate, and loads on the mast assembly are borne directly by the axles and wheels. Lifting masts with booms, hunting platforms, and cargo boxes may be supported by the mast assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis D. Hopper
  • Patent number: 5538264
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle, such as the type commonly known as a tractor, includes a chassis (11), a front axle (18) and a rear axle (40) suspended from the chassis (11) by a rear axle suspension (42-45). The rear axle suspension is preferably non-reactive, and preferably self-leveling. Further, a towing assembly (60) is secured to the rear axle by which a plow may be towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: JCB Landpower Limited
    Inventors: David J. Brown, Raymond Clay
  • Patent number: 5501482
    Abstract: A wheel coupling for attaching a vehicular device to a vehicle wheel and having mounting brackets which are adapted for connection to selected lug bolts of a wheel to mount the coupling on the wheel and adjustable to permit mounting of the wheel coupling on wheels having different numbers of lug bolts and lug bolt spacings. A vehicular trailer hitch and snow/ice traction device embodying the wheel coupling, and a lug bolt gauge for aiding adjustment of the coupling to the proper configuation for different lug bolt numbers and spacings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: William J. McClive
  • Patent number: 5427396
    Abstract: A trailer connected to a vehicle to carry an extra load. The trailer has a bracket with flexible arms and a fixative. The flexible arms are adapted to form bearings together with a bicycle rear wheel axle. Because of the flexibility of the flexible arms the bracket can be pivotally connected to the axle of the rear wheel of a two-wheel vehicle without disassembling the vehicle while connecting and disconnecting it. That simplifies and accelerates the process of connecting the trailer to and disconnecting it from the vehicle. A passenger version of the trailer has rigid child chairs with safety belts mounted on the trailer base, and a safety frame, preventing children from getting hurt. The frame is pivotally mounted to the base and can be rotated about 180 degrees until it touches the ground, opening a space for loading and unloading the trailer and having more support points to prevent the trailer from falling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Gore
  • Patent number: 5370413
    Abstract: A towing device for front wheel drive vehicles in which support plates are attached to the two front axle hubs, the support plates are each connected to a strut of said vehicle whereby the respective axle of said vehicle is prevented from rotating, an ancillary axle depending from each said support plate has an axle hub adapted to receive a wheel for supporting said vehicle, and draw bars secured at one end to the support plates and converging at the other end to receive a coupler permit attachment to a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Leo Kulker
  • Patent number: 5299821
    Abstract: A tractor having a front axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the front axle is disclosed wherein an implement attachment mechanism is detachably connected directly to the front axle in a manner so as to be laterally movable relative to the chassis with the shiftable front axle. The implement attachment mechanism includes a hydraulically powered lift mechanism to power a vertical movement of any implement attached thereto relative to the chassis. An optional supplemental support strap detachably connects to the frame portion of the implement attachment mechanism and engages the pivot assembly supporting the front axle from the chassis to provide additional support for connecting said implement attachment mechanism to said front axle without interfering with the pivotal movement of the front axle relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Patent number: 5267747
    Abstract: An adapter for enabling a tractor having a three point hitch to pull an implement designed for connecting to a sleeve hitch. The adapter comprises a frame with two parts, one part attachable to a three point hitch and a second part having a hole for receiving a pin to connect the adapter to the bracket of an implement. Two bolts, one on either side of the hole for the connecting pin, can be turned to threadingly engage the bracket and thereby prevent rotation of the implement about the pin. The three points of the adapter to which the tractor attaches are two spaced apart, coaxial bars and a member with a throughhole in it, located above and between the two bars, all connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Howard R. Thorn
  • Patent number: 5167423
    Abstract: An improved hitch for connecting a trailer to the rear axle of a towing vehicle includes an elongated resilient steel drawbar having opposite end sections, an intermediate section offset from at least one of the opposite end sections and an inclined bend section integrally connecting the intermediate section to the at least one opposite end section. The drawbar is solid and rectangular in cross section. A clamp rigidly and removably clamps one end of the drawbar to the tongue of a trailer with the greatest cross sectional dimension of the drawbar substantially horizontal and with the lesser cross sectional dimension substantially vertical. A pivotal support for the other end of the drawbar is mounted on the rear axle of the towing vehicle with a pivot pin extending vertically through the drawbar behind and adjacent to the center of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: John E. Hall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5112075
    Abstract: A towing system for a vehicle comprises a coupling frame attachable to the rear end of a towing vehicle and to the front end of the vehicle to be towed. The coupling frame includes a rotatable coupling member which permits independent tilting movement of each fron wheel of the towed vehicle during towing operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: John A. Tomse
  • Patent number: 4761110
    Abstract: A vehicle lifting and towing apparatus is adapted to be mounted beneath the floor at the rear portion of a vehicle. The lifting frame (16) includes the intermediate portion (12) of a divided rear bumper and is pivotally mounted on bracket plates (20) attached to the rear of the vehicle main frame members (22). A sub-frame (42) is mounted to and is longitudinally slidable beneath the main frame members (22) and pivotally connects to the lifting frame (16) at a point spaced below the axis on which the lifting frame is mounted. Rearward movement of the sub-frame (42) by means of hydraulic actuators (48) causes the lifting frame (16) to pivot upwards into an operative load carrying position. The sub-frame members (44) are shaped to transfer load from the sub-frame (42) via a plate (72) to the rear axle of the towing vehicle when the sub-frame (42) is in a rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Tradex Limited
    Inventor: Roland A. Boutilier
  • Patent number: 4691934
    Abstract: A system for towing of vehicles having automatic or manual transmissions without causing damage to any part of the drive train and for providing enhanced steerability to a towed vehicle. The vehicle towing system includes a tow bearing device for isolating rotation of a wheel and attached tire from a wheel hub coupled to the automatic transmission and the drive train, thereby enabling the vehicle to be towed efficiently and safely on all wheels without damage to the automatic transmission or drive train, while still making use of the suspension/steering system of the vehicle being towed. The vehicle towing system also includes a steer bar device attachable with or without the tow bearing device to the wheel and attached tire, or to the wheel hub, to provide enhanced, affirmative steering to the towed vehicle, responsive to forces generated by a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: Jack Tomse
  • Patent number: 4640523
    Abstract: The hitch assembly has a rigid structural configuration for attachment to a vehicle having front and rear axle frame structures. The device is used for towing one vehicle with another and may be fitted to either one of the front or rear axle frame structures. The assembly comprises a boom portion including a coupling mechanism for attaching to another hitch mechanism. The coupling mechanism may be designed for the attachment to a standard ball or may be a standard ball depending on whether the assembly is being used for a tow bar or as a ball hitch assembly. Two leg members are mounted to the boom portion and are pivotal with respect to each other. Each leg member includes a contact end for abutting an axle frame structure of a vehicle. A flexible line such as a chain extends outwardly from each of the contact ends of the leg members to wrap around the axle frame structure against which the contact end abuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventor: Johann R. Wolmarans
  • Tug
    Patent number: 4470564
    Abstract: A lightweight hand-operated aircraft tug for small aircraft includes a main frame upon which a drive drum is movably mounted for engagement with the wheel of an aircraft. A reversible pawl and rachet or an equivalent device controls the direction of rotation of the drum. A lever arm controls the engagement and disengagement of the drum with the aircraft wheel. A pair of axle-engaging inserts are associated with the main frame of the tug so as to be engageable with the axle of the aircraft when the drum is driven into engagement with the wheel by the operation of the lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Phillip L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4423886
    Abstract: A pick-up hitch arrangement for a vehicle comprises a rigid support frame which is secured to a driven axle of the vehicle and has a pick-up hitch pivotally mounted thereon. The support frame is pivotally attached to the body part or chassis of the vehicle by means of pairs of upper and lower links. Each respective upper and lower link extend in directions which converge in vertical alignment with or forwardly of the center of gravity of the vehicle to reduce the tendency of a load applied to hook causing stretching of the vehicle rear springs and inclination of the chassis. The upper links converge above or rearwardly of the axle to give lateral stability to the hitch arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: W. S. H. Taylor Engineering Developments Ltd.
    Inventor: William S. H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4269429
    Abstract: A tow bar for aircraft having a telescoping collapsible tongue connected to a yoke having right and left arms rearwardly extending to right and left aircraft engaging units for engaging opposite sides of an aircraft steerable nose-wheel assembly in which one of the arms pivots with respect to a shoulder portion of the yoke so as to swing out to one side to release an aircraft, a holding assembly for holding the swinging arm rigidly in towing position comprising a pin removably positionable in an opening in the shoulder and swinging arm, the arms and shoulders being economically fabricatable primarily from inexpensive mass-produced members welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Inventor: Arvin B. Eichstadt
  • Patent number: 4194854
    Abstract: A paver attachment is illustrated for connecting a paver to a dump truck and the like having an elongated longitudinally disposed arm assembly carried on one end by the paver for raising and lowering the free end thereof to which is attached securement means for engagement with the dump truck adjacent the transmission to provide a fixed distance therebetween and to permit independent maneuvering of the paver as around curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Inventor: Herbert N. Mauldin
  • Patent number: 3995878
    Abstract: An aircraft towbar includes a forward section, which may be attached to a towing vehicle, and a pivotally connected rearward section which may be attached to an aircraft nosewheel. A C-shaped yoke connected to the forward section engages a compression spring connected to the rearward section. When the forward section is pivoted relative to the rearward section, the yoke compresses the spring urging the sections into a colinear relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1976
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne A. Geraci, William C. Stoneman