Extensible Patents (Class 280/638)
  • Patent number: 11873623
    Abstract: A controller controls a first drive source and a second drive source based on a moving speed of a motor grader measured by a speed sensor and a turning angular velocity of the motor grader measured by an IMU, to thereby independently control a rotation speed of each of a right front wheel and a left front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Shintaro Kobayashi, Yuki Arai, Takeshi Kamimae
  • Patent number: 11355809
    Abstract: A vehicle substructure is capable of changing arrangement in a battery case depending on the type and/or size of batteries. The vehicle substructure includes: a battery case having a battery housed therein and including a bottomed case pan having an opening at a top thereof, and a case cover to close the opening of the case pan; a floor panel positioned above the battery case; a pair of right and left seat frames fixed to a top surface of the floor panel; and a battery cross member extending in a vehicle width direction in the battery case, fastened to the pair of right and left seat frames and fixed to the floor panel, wherein the pair of right and left seat frames extend in a vehicle front-rear direction and are provided with mounting holes in the vehicle front-rear direction for fastening the battery cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Matsushima, Chihiro Sakurada, Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11325651
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle body structure, including: a die-cast rear floor side member; and a metal rear floor side member rear, a joint section including: an inner joint section provided at a side of the rear floor side member, the inner joint section including at least three joining faces including an upper face provided at an upper portion, in a vehicle vertical direction, of the inner joint section and two faces positioned with orientations intersecting the upper face in a cross-section profile of the inner joint section sectioned along the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction, and an outer joint section provided at the side of the rear floor side member rear, the outer joint section abutted against and joined to the three joining faces of the inner joint section from an outer side of the inner joint section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Soshiro Murata, Takashi Sagisaka, Ayaka Kagami, Hidenori Tago
  • Patent number: 11267388
    Abstract: A mobile object according to the present invention includes: a moving base 1, 201, 301 which includes a front base 13, 213, 313 having front wheel 11 and a rear base 14, 214, 314 having rear wheel 12; and a seat 2, 302 which includes a seating part 21 having a seating surface 21a and leg part 22, 322 supporting the seating part 21. The front base 13, 213, 313 and the rear base 14, 214, 314 are movable relative to each other to expand and contract a wheel base H. The seating part 21 is movable backward and forward respectively by movement of the leg part 22, 322 in association with relative movement of the front base 13, 213, 313 and the rear base 14, 214, 314 for expansion and contraction of the wheel base H. Thus, the mobile object can be efficiently used in a folded state, and user-friendliness of the mobile object can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gopinath Raja, Masayoshi Wada, Atsushi Domeki
  • Patent number: 11167812
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods to implement sectional design (e.g., in quadrants) of an autonomous vehicle may include modular construction techniques to assemble an autonomous vehicle from multiple structural sections. The multiple structural sections may be configured to implement radial and bilateral symmetry. A structural section based configuration may include a power supply configuration (e.g., using rechargeable batteries) including a double-backed power supply system. The power supply system may include a kill switch disposed on a power supply (e.g., at an end of a rechargeable battery). The kill switch may be configured to disable the power supply system in the event of an emergency or after a collision, for example. The radial and bilateral symmetry may provide for bi-directional driving operations of the autonomous vehicle as the vehicle may not have a designated front end or a back end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy David Kentley-Klay
  • Patent number: 10993363
    Abstract: A trailer is provided for having a self-propelled swather mounted thereon. The trailer includes first and second caster wheel supports and first and second drive wheel supports. The caster wheel supports are selectively movable being stowed and support positions. The drive wheel supports are selectively movable between horizontally disposed and vertically disposed positions. Each of the caster wheel supports includes a caster wheel turning assembly to partially pivot the associated caster wheel as the swather is backed onto the trailer. The trailer also includes extenders for attachment to first and second ramps. The extenders may be stowed on the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: James A. Hellbusch
  • Patent number: 10870341
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a chassis and a seat assembly that includes a plurality of seats mounted to the chassis. The chassis includes a vehicle frame defining a mounting space, and a battery module disposed in the mounting space and including an outer battery unit that is mounted to the vehicle frame, and an inner battery unit that is coupled to the outer battery unit. The vehicle frame is operable to switch between an expanded state, where the inner battery unit is permitted to be coupled to the outer battery unit and the seats are spaced apart from each other, and a collapsed state, where the inner battery unit is prevented from being coupled to the outer battery unit and the seats are overlapped with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yi-Hsuan Hung, Hsueh-Chung Han, Shao-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 10843149
    Abstract: A moving system moves containers between stations of a production plant to produce fluids, such as paints. The system includes at least one input/output station, in which the container is introduced into/removed from the moving system. At least one gripping device grips the container arranged in a station. At least one first moving device moves the container between at least two stations. The first gripping device includes forks for engaging with the container. The first moving device includes at least one first actuator, for moving the forks at least along a longitudinal axis of the forks. The input/output station includes a second gripping device, for gripping the container arranged in the station, and a second moving device, for moving the second gripping device at least along a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventors: Luca Drocco, Mario Drocco
  • Patent number: 10603955
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an adjustment assembly for changing width of a vehicle including at least one pair of wheels, where the adjustment assembly is embedded in the vehicle and is connectable to a pair of front, middle or rear wheels thereof. The adjustment assembly includes, inter alia: a foldable unit connectable to the pair of wheels of the vehicle, configured for changing its overall length over a predefined axis “Y” connecting the centers of the pair of wheels, for adjusting a distance between the pair of wheels it connects to; and a tilting unit operatively associated with the pair of wheels of the vehicle to which the foldable unit connects. The tilting unit is configured for changing angular positioning of the pair of wheels in respect to the “Y” axis, during driving of the vehicle when folded or unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: CITY TRANSFORMER LTD.
    Inventors: Erez Abramov, Asaf Formoza, Gideon Goldwine
  • Patent number: 10518600
    Abstract: Wheel suspension comprising a frame suitable for connection to a body of a vehicle and comprising a first and second wheel which together define a track width, and wherein the first wheel is connected to the frame via a first set of actuators and wherein the second wheel is connected to the frame via a second set of actuators such that by means of operating the actuators the track width is adjustable between a narrow track, characterized in that the first set of actuators overlaps in the transverse direction of the vehicle with the second set of actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Reybrouck Consulting & Innovation BVBA
    Inventors: Koenraad Gerald Rijkaard Lode Reybrouck, Shi Yan
  • Patent number: 10464200
    Abstract: A drill assembly attachment having a handle, a drill mount, and a throttle. The throttle may have a first portion and a second portion rotationally engaged with the first portion such that the second portion is rotationally actuated in response to linear actuation of the first portion of the throttle. The throttle is positioned with respect to the drill mount and the handle such that the first portion may be linearly actuated by a user with a hand grasping the handle. The drill assembly attachment receives a drill assembly such that the throttle adjustably engages a trigger of the drill assembly. The drill assembly attachment or the drill assembly receives an auger or other tool and the drill assembly attachment with the drill assembly and auger or other tool is used in a method of rotating the auger or other tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Clam Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Walter, Steven Uscensky
  • Patent number: 10457342
    Abstract: Provided is a traveling apparatus including at least, with respect to a traveling direction, a front wheel and a rear wheel and on which a user rides when travelling. The traveling apparatus includes a front wheel supporting member configured to rotatably support the front wheel, a rear wheel supporting member configured to rotatably support the rear wheel, an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a wheel base length between the front wheel and the rear wheel by changing a relative position of the front wheel supporting member and the rear wheel supporting member, and a driving unit configured to drive at least one of the front wheel and rear wheel. The wheel base length adjusted by the adjusting mechanism is associated with a speed of the traveling apparatus achieved by driving the driving unit in such a way that the longer the wheel base length, the greater the speed becomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Kama, Makoto Kakuchi, Makoto Mori
  • Patent number: 9949436
    Abstract: A grass mower is provided with a plurality of rotating shafts passing through a ceiling wall of a mower deck and extending upward, disposed in a side-by-side state; cutting blades respectively linked to the rotating shafts in an internal space of the mower deck; an electric motor mounted at a location to the lateral outside relative to a rotation path of the cutting blades within the mower deck, and having an output shaft extending upward; and a power transmission mechanism positioned above the ceiling wall of the mower deck, and configured to transmit power from the output shaft to the rotating shafts of the cutting blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ito, Kazuo Koike
  • Patent number: 9499215
    Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Keith Albert Nagara, Tyler Gregory Rusnak, Elizabeth Kaye Steenwyk
  • Patent number: 9440687
    Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Christopher David Batty, Nicholas John Daiber, Aaron Matthew Hanson, Keith Albert Nagara, Gregory VanderVoord, Daniel John Kangas, Jacob Scott Lanyon
  • Patent number: 9440686
    Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, THEODORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Christopher David Batty, Aaron Matthew Hanson, Stephen Paul Leu, Keith Albert Nagara, Tyler Gregory Rusnak, Gregory VanderVoord
  • Patent number: 9394657
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Groeneweg, David Meyerink, Duane Meyerink, LeRoy Severson
  • Publication number: 20150136190
    Abstract: An adjustable walking frame design for walking aid device is provided. The adjustable walking frame has a pair of beam assemblies where the pair of beam assemblies is pivotally mounted to each other. The pivotal mounting provides flexible angle adjustment between the pair of beam assemblies. The height and width of the beam assemblies can be adjusted to meet individual's physical measurements. The adjustable walking frame can be collapsed to occupy minimal space when the adjustable walking frame is stored or transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: David Thomas
  • Publication number: 20150130166
    Abstract: The invention concerns a height adjustment device (1) for a handle (4) of a rollator, comprising:—an inner tube (2) telescopically received in an outer tube (3), the handle (4) of the rollator being connected at the upper end of said inner tube (2),—a locking assembly (10) adapted to lock the inner tube (2) in a fixed position with regard to the outer tube (3),—an unlocking assembly (20) adapted to unlock the inner tube (2) from said fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Jos Van Houtem, Tobias Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9027941
    Abstract: A portable child-carrying shopping cart having a collapsible cart basket. The cart has a seat for two small children and seat belts for keeping children safely seated side-by-side. An extendable snack tray provides children with access to their own snacks and beverages, so that a parent does not have to maintain constant control of these items. Below the seat is an interior cavity with a coat hook and a space for storing bags, purses, and garments. On the opposing side of the body of the device, a cart basket is secured. The cart basket is expandable and collapsible. The device can be easily stowed when the basket is collapsed against the body. It can also be quickly expanded for use as a shopping cart when a parent is running errands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Lisette Cimino
  • Patent number: 9010798
    Abstract: A dolly assembly including a plurality of hollow interior guide members and one or more rail members, cooperatively structured, configured and dimensioned to be selectively disposed in an operative, weight supporting orientation or a self-contained orientation of reduced dimension and configuration, which facilitates storage. The operative orientation comprises the one or more rail member removably interconnecting the two guide members in spaced relation to one another, wherein a plurality of castors are removably connected to and disposed in movable supporting relation with the interconnected guide and rail members, when in the operative orientation. The self-contained orientation comprises the guide members detached from the operative orientation and the guide members removably connected in confronting, predetermined facing relation to one another, such that the rail members and castors are enclosed within one or both of the hollow interiors of the confronting guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Luca Buttazzoni, Andres Bernal
  • Publication number: 20150102586
    Abstract: An axle assembly for an agricultural vehicle that includes an axle configured to be coupled to a wheel. The axle comprises a body and a first arm extending from the body. The body is configured to be disposed within a frame member of the agricultural vehicle and to contact an inner surface of the frame member. Also, the axle is configured to move within the frame member to adjust a distance between the wheel and the frame member, and the first arm is configured to contact a second arm disposed within the frame member to provide structural support to the axle assembly as the axle moves within the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Aaron R. Tollefsrud, Shawn N. Mortenson, Dane M. Kallevig
  • Patent number: 8998219
    Abstract: A collapsible cart comprising primary and multiple secondary storages spaces. The collapsible cart comprises a bottom on which wheels are mounted and a collapsing frame, which permits the adjustment of cart height. There is also a lid that doubles as a handle to move the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Beverly Sellers
  • Patent number: 8973940
    Abstract: The present invention is a wagon that can be folded along a middle plane that bisects the wagon between a front and rear portion. The folding wagon comprises of wheels, a folding frame, a support structure, a front panel a handle connected to the frame, wheels, and a bag hanger that are detailed herein. The folding frame includes a top rail formed of a top rail front portion and a top rail rear portion, a middle rail formed of a middle rail front portion and a middle rail rear portion, a bottom rail formed of a bottom rail front portion and a bottom rail rear portion. The top rail, the middle rail, and the bottom rail are connected by a hinge means. The top rail front portion is mounted to the top rail rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Zhaosheng Chen, Yishun Chen
  • Patent number: 8967651
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer that is foldable into a small storable position that expands to include a bicycle trailer that can be configured to convert into a lounge chair, a dolly, a baby bed with or without a canopy, a table or a wagon using an improved tow bar and trailer hitch that easily attaches and detaches to a bicycle as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Milorad Simic
  • Patent number: 8944456
    Abstract: A dimensionally adjustable vehicle, which comprises a platform of pivoting and non-pivoting plates arranged such that the spacing between a pair of the non-pivoting plates is changed to dimensionally adjust the vehicle upon application of an initiating force to a plurality of the pivoting plates which causes a pivoting motion. A section of the platform includes a pair of laterally adjacent and laterally pivoting plates which is interposed between a pair of the non-pivoting plates such that a lateral side of each of the laterally pivoting plates is pivotally connected to a lateral side of an adjacent non-pivoting plate. Application of the initiating force the pair of laterally adjacent and laterally pivoting plates causes a lateral dimension of the vehicle to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Boris Tsukerman, Arie Flumin, Nils Rabota
  • Publication number: 20140375022
    Abstract: The present invention is a wheelbase for a movable structure, comprising: a first frame unit connected to either a front wheels or a rear wheels; a second frame unit connected to the other of the front wheels or the rear wheels and located below or above the first frame and coupled to the first frame (an accommodation space being formed between the first frame unit and the second frame unit); a slider unit located within the accommodation space and coupled to either the first frame unit or the second frame unit; a driving unit located at a longitudinal cross sectional surface of the other of the first frame unit or the second frame unit so as to generate a driving force; and a driving-force-transmitting unit for interconnecting the driving unit and the slider unit to transmit the driving force to the slider unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yong Joo Kim, Jin Seok Jung, Seung Chul Baik
  • Patent number: 8888122
    Abstract: A pivoting axle system for an aerial lift vehicle includes a plurality of axles pivotally secured to the vehicle chassis at respective pivot points between a stowed position and a working position. Each axle is coupleable with a wheel assembly at distal ends thereof. Actuators are connected between the chassis and each of the plurality of axles, respectively, where the actuators are connected to the chassis at positions spaced from the pivot points, respectively. Additionally, each of the plurality of axles is independently controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dave Berry
  • Patent number: 8876145
    Abstract: A castor supported dolly assembly comprising a plurality of dolly members formed of a lightweight, disposable and/or severable material may be interconnected into interchangeable operative positions to define supporting orientations. Each dolly member includes and at least one connecting segment comprising a slot and a base. A connected orientation, of any two of the dolly members, comprises a confronting relation of the bases of engaging connecting segments and an aligned orientation of corresponding passages formed therein, so as to concurrently and removably receive and retain a castor in interconnecting relation to the confronting bases. Each dolly member may also include at least one supporting segment structured to receive a castor therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Andres Bernal, Luca Buttazoni
  • Patent number: 8876129
    Abstract: A field litter support (1) includes two side structures (2, 3), each supporting at least one wheel (4) in order to define a frame (40), connecting devices (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) for attaching a litter (100) to the frame (40), elements (5) adapted to reciprocally move the side structures (2, 3) and a mechanism (6) for blocking the elements (5), and therefore the structures (2, 3), in a predetermined position, attachable to the structures (2, 3). The structures (2, 3) are reciprocally moved close or away along the axis (60) of the wheels (4) without removing the frame (40). This characteristic, however, does not jeopardize the size, because, once the field litter support (1) has been packaged, it has a size equivalent to the one of the closed field litter supports of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Spencer Italia S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luigi Cesare Pizzi Spadoni
  • Patent number: 8869960
    Abstract: An expandable multi-compartment luggage having a second luggage bag hingeably attached to the first luggage bag. The second luggage bag having an upper portion and a collapsible lower portion. The collapsible lower portion being moveable between a collapsed position to an expanded position defining a lower interior compartment. The luggage also including a dividing wall disposed between the upper and lower portions of the second luggage bag, and which is movable from a closed position dividing the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag and the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag and an open position with the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag being in communication with the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ingenious Designs LLC
    Inventor: Joy Mangano
  • Patent number: 8840131
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle having an arrangement of wheels with two forward wheels and one back wheel and a profile adjustment feature is described. The back wheel may be configured as the steering wheel, and in some cases is the only steering wheel. The two forward wheels are configured essentially parallel with each other and the back wheel is configured essentially centered between and back from the two forward wheels. This arrangement of the wheels provides for a stability that does not require a person to maintain balance to keep the vehicle in an upright position. The profile adjustment feature may automatically adjust the height of the vehicle as a function of vehicle speed. As the vehicle speeds up, the height may be reduce to provide a more stable vehicle that is turned more by tilting the vehicle than by turning the back wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Planet Rider LLC
    Inventor: David Calley
  • Publication number: 20140265253
    Abstract: A mobile device for transporting items capable of hanging that includes a generally vertical member, a handle, and a base to which the vertical member is connected. The base includes at least three mobility apparatuses that permit the mobile device to be moved over a surface. The vertical member, which can be adjusted in height, includes at least one hook capable of catching and holding an item capable of hanging such as, for example, a shopping bag, a purse, or an umbrella. The handle can be gripped by a user to move the mobile device in a desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mariann Ingrasci
  • Publication number: 20140265254
    Abstract: A conveyance cart that can convey a loaded burden, includes: a body frame supported by a wheel; a deck provided liftably against the body frame to load a burden; an electric actuator electrically driven to expand or contract to lift or lower the deck; and a controller that is configured to supply an electric current to the electric actuator. The controller stops supply of an electric current to the electric actuator when a continuous driving time of the electric actuator is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sekine, Osamu Miyatani
  • Publication number: 20140265248
    Abstract: An expandable trailer that is easy to store and transport yet is still large enough for most applications. The expandable trailer is shiftable between a relatively compact, retracted configuration for easy storage and/or transport and a relatively larger, expanded configuration for use in hauling items. Improved structures and mechanisms for selectively shifting the trailer between the retracted and expanded configurations are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Lee Ravencroft, Todd Francis Dechant, Chad Belding
  • Patent number: 8827303
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cart having a metal tubular frame having a lift apparatus attached thereto, a hydraulic pump system which integrates into the back of the lift apparatus and which is enclosed in a slotted tube within a metal casing, a foot pedal, wherein the foot pedal is fastened to the hydraulic pump system via a hinge together with a lift platform. The lift apparatus is joined to flat panels and attached to the tubular metal frame forming the back and a single metal panel comprising the front. Side panels are hinged for the purpose of folding and held in place by screws, wheels which are attached with two axles, the axles go through the tubing frame, one axle anterior with a first set of two wheels and one axle posterior below a handle with a second set of two wheels optionally, larger than the first set of wheels. It will help people with picking up their packages with ease and comfortability. It is good with people with disabilities such as arthritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Florence Fridman
  • Patent number: 8820773
    Abstract: A convertible hand cart can be converted among a panel cart, a tray cart, a hotel cart, a utility cart, a mechanic's cart, a gardener's cart, and the like. The convertible hand cart can be used to transport items through doorways and through narrow halls. In addition to the ability to hall panels, the panel cart configuration has the ability to haul long lumber, doors, windows, mattresses and many other odd shaped items. The convertible hand cart has a removable, repositionable handle and a removable tongue to provide various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Edwin Howard Ferree, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140241849
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cart having a support surface with a selectively adjustable contour for providing essentially uniform support to a load (e.g., a stack of print media sheets) during receiving and storing modes and for facilitating transfer of the load to another support surface during a transferring mode. The cart can comprise a support surface with alternating fixed and movable sections. In the receiving and storage modes, the movable sections can be top aligned with the fixed sections so that the support surface has an essentially planar contour for providing essentially uniform support. In the transferring mode, the movable sections can be dropped lower so that the support surface has a corrugated contour for facilitating transfer of the load (e.g., using an interdigitation technique). Also disclosed is a printing system sheet stacker incorporating such a cart for receiving, storing and transferring of a sheet stack as well as associated methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas K. Herrmann, Derek A. Bryl
  • Publication number: 20140218282
    Abstract: A medical cart includes a cart body, a top platform, and an elevating device. The elevating device is mounted on the cart body for supporting the top platform above the cart body and is for moving the top platform upwardly and downwardly. The elevating device includes a sleeve, a screw rod, a motor and a motor driving module. The screw rod extends through the sleeve and engages threadedly a threaded inner surface of the sleeve. The motor is connected to the screw rod and is for driving the screw rod to rotate and move with respect to the sleeve, such that the top platform is driven by the screw rod to move upwardly and downwardly with respect to the cart body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Modernsolid Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Jui Hung
  • Patent number: 8757639
    Abstract: A multi-functional lightweight hunting accessory that provides a chair with adjustable back rest, storage for hunting gear and a platform for use as a commode. The chair transforms to become a game cart for transporting a game carcass across various terrain. The cart utilizes the half pipes of the chair base to create a trough which cradles a game carcass between its sides in an inverted position. Two wheels and an axle, which store in the container, assemble through the axle housing. A handle and handle extension stored in the axle housing combine to provide the hunter's towing point. A compact design utilizing a broad handle, low center of gravity and few parts produces a light weight and easily maneuverable game cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Randall Lee Graffis
  • Patent number: 8740242
    Abstract: A posterior walker has an anteriorly open, wheeled frame having a transverse posterior structural member, a left and right forearm support member attached to the frame, and adapted to be aligned with the forearms of a user at an angle wherein the user's wrist is lower than the elbow, and left and right hand grips associated with the left and right forearm support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Biovar Corporation
    Inventor: Flo Slomp
  • Patent number: 8714594
    Abstract: A combine header transport trailer for transporting a combine header. The trailer includes electrically operated jacks or screw actuators for raising and lowering the header bar thereon and for moving the header bar inwardly and outwardly with respect to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Duo Lift Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hellbusch, Patrick K. Sokol
  • Patent number: 8714580
    Abstract: A kit for modifying a wheeled apparatus comprises a set of caster unit mounts, a set of caster units, a subframe mounting structure, and a subframe. Each caster unit mount has a caster unit mounting structure and a main frame engaging structure attached to the caster unit mounting structure. The main frame engaging structure is attachable to a main frame and/or a load support structure of the wheeled apparatus. Each caster unit has a mounting portion configured for being secured to the caster unit mounting structure of a respective caster unit mount such that a first-size wheel thereof can rotate about of a rotational axis thereof and pivot about a pivot axis thereof. The subframe mounting structure, which is attachable to the main frame, has a first end portion pivotably attached to the subframe mounting structure and a second end portion having a second size wheel mounting structure integral therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jefferson W. Raley, Philippe P. Nassaux
  • Patent number: 8696014
    Abstract: A push cart having an expansion unit for expanding load-carrying surface includes a movable cart frame, a load-carrying plate, an expansion unit and a coupling mechanism. The load-carrying plate is installed on the cart frame. The expansion unit includes at least one expansion plate. The coupling mechanism includes at least one coupling unit for detachably coupling the expansion plate to one side of the load-carrying plate. The coupling unit includes a female component disposed in one of the load-carrying plate and the expansion plate and a male component disposed on the other one of the load-carrying plate and the expansion plate for mating engagement with the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Patent number: 8696016
    Abstract: A stroller apparatus can collapse in a compact and convenient manner. In some embodiments, the stroller apparatus can be provided with a mounting fixture capable of detachably fastening a child support accessory thereon. The mounting fixture affixed on the stroller frame can lock with a connector affixed on the child support accessory. The connector can be inserted into the mounting fixture for locking the child support accessory in position on the stroller frame. The connector can lock with the mounting fixture in either of a rearward and forward facing configuration of the child support accessory. In other embodiments, the stroller apparatus can include a child support that has a connector portion through which it is assembled with the stroller frame. The construction of the stroller frame is such that it can be conveniently collapsed in a compact form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nuna International, B.V.
    Inventors: Maurits Homan, Thomas van de Schoor, Erik Baas, Jonathan K. Mountz
  • Patent number: 8690183
    Abstract: A shopping cart composed of biodegradable elements to allow for reusability and easy disposability. The frame of the cart is comprised of interconnected elements to create a sturdy and durable structure. The basket forms in the interior of the frame and is also composed of biodegradable material. The wheels are connected to the frame through a wheel bolt, and both the wheel and wheel bolt are also composed of biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Elan Kainen
  • Patent number: 8668208
    Abstract: Pallet truck for transporting goods that has a substantially horizontal frame on which the goods to be transported are placed. In one implementation the horizontal frame includes two substantially parallel arms with each arm having two parallel longitudinal extensions that define a space between them. Each of the two parallel longitudinal extensions has a wall that face each other and which are visible and accessible through the space. The longitudinal extensions being visible and accessible from above for their cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ulma Safe Handling Equipment
    Inventors: Igor Larringan Errasti, Aitor Telleria Echeverria, Benito Hurtado Mena, Jone Larranaga Mendibaso, Fernando Odriozola Arregui
  • Publication number: 20140035259
    Abstract: A suspension superstructure adapted to be mounted to a dune buggy space frame, the space frame having a base frame and configured to support right and left dune buggy wheels at a first track width, the superstructure comprising: right and left frame brackets adapted to be coupled to the base frame; a bridging plate adapted to be connected to the right and left frame brackets; a bumper panel; and right and left wheel control arm supports mounted between the bridging plate and the bumper panel that support control arms of right and left dune buggy wheels so that the wheels have a second track width greater than the first track width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Tal KOREN, Haim LEVI
  • Publication number: 20140008509
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a platform (10) for use in a logistic system in order to be placed onto the loading surface of a vehicle in a conveying direction A and/or to be taken from the loading surface of a vehicle in a conveying direction A. The platform (10) has dimensions that are substantially adapted to the loading surface of the vehicle. The platform (10) has at least one first platform element (10a) and one second platform element (10b), which can be locked to each other and released from each other. The first platform element (10a) has a locking element (13a) and the second platform element (10b) has a locking receptacle (13b) provided facing the locking element (13a) in such a way that the locking receptacle (13b) of the second platform element (10b) can engage with the locking element (13a) of the first platform element (10a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Heinz Buse
  • Patent number: RE45405
    Abstract: An activating portion on one section of an adjustable wheel assembly triggers a proximity switch on a vehicle such as a field sprayer to provide a signal indicative of wheel tread. The signal is sent to a controller which controls wheel tread adjustment. Two or more assemblies may be adjusted simultaneously reduce adjustment time. The operator control is located in the vehicle cab for entering wheel spacings, providing an indication of the actual spacing and individual wheel position, and providing error and warning messages. An interlock system prevents axle telescoping unless certain vehicle conditions are satisfied, such as the vehicle speed being below a preselected point and vehicle being in the field mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Allen Humpal, Jack Conan Anderson