Retractable Prop, Support, Or Stabilizer Patents (Class 280/763.1)
  • Patent number: 6971465
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that raises the rear of a snowmobile while it is parked for purposes of storage, repair, and/or warming up. The apparatus is attached to the snowmobile and forms an integral part that goes everywhere with the snowmobile. An integral support rack slides out of the rear bumper of the snowmobile. Once fully extended, the user can lift the rear bumper and drop the support stand down to support the rear of the snowmobile in the air, in much the same manner as a kick stand on a bicycle works. The stand also has a supporting structure that folds out to provide a multipoint support system that prevents the snowmobile from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Jason Veara
  • Patent number: 6951184
    Abstract: A school bus has a front bumper equipped with a crossing control arm assembly. The assembly includes an actuator that is attached behind the bumper and a control arm that is moved by the actuator from a stored position atop the bumper to a deployed position generally perpendicular to the bumper. The control arm is attached to the actuator by a hinge bracket that includes a cross-over link that extends across the top of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Transpec, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Haigh, Richard J. Iminski, Kevin L. Wolf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6926305
    Abstract: A trailer landing gear drive system in which pneumatic, hydraulic and electric motors, as well as the traditional hand crank, are easily interchangeable. The landing gear jack mechanism is disposed to easily connect to any one of these drive motors. The system can utilize any one of the three motor combinations without making any change to the jack itself. Each drive motor output shaft is keyed to connect to the input shaft driving the worm gear of the jack. The output shaft of each type of motor is keyed the same so that the motors are swappable with respect to the input shaft of the landing gear. The hand crank shaft is also keyed to be the same as the keyed motor output shafts. Each motor may include a flange to permit it to be secured to the landing gear. The system eliminates the gear reduction box and replaced it with a worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey Daniel
  • Patent number: 6913287
    Abstract: An elevation mechanism is disclosed for lifting the rear end of a snowmobile, the elevation mechanism comprising: a stabilizer brace pivotally mounted on the snowmobile at a point spaced forwardly of the rear end of the snowmobile for pivotal movement between transport and use positions; a ground-engaging edge on the stabilizer brace; and an extensible lifting mechanism for connecting at an upper end to the rear end of the snowmobile and connected at a lower end to the stabilizer brace for selective movement between an extended position and a compressed position; the parts being arranged such that in the use position the extensible lifting mechanism is in the extended position and the ground-engaging edge thereby engages the ground surface, while in the transport position the extensible lifting mechanism is in the compressed position and the ground-engaging edge thereby clears the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth Leitner
  • Patent number: 6877773
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine is beneficial for the operator (not shown). Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control levers continuously in a retract position, the operator (not shown) may simply move the control levers to an auto-retract position. The movement of the control levers in such a manner activates a control switch in connection with each of the control levers. The control switches, in turn, activate a timer relay that activates a solenoid detent operative with each control lever. Once the solenoid detents are in an activated state, the operator (not shown) may relinquish contact with the control levers. The solenoid detents will retain the control levers in the auto-retract position via electro-magnetic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: John S. Bibb, Shane W. Kiger, Kenneth J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6848522
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and related methods for mounting a ground-engaging motive device, such as a crawler track assembly, to a vehicle, such as a crane or the like, in either an extended or a retracted position. The systems and methods are adapted to ensure that proper alignment is reliably achieved between the mounting structures on the motive device and the corresponding mounting structures on the vehicle in both the extended and retracted positions. In one embodiment, the system and method are especially adapted for use in extending the crawler track assemblies on certain types of existing cranes without the need for extensive retrofitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignees: Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co. L.P. , LLLP, Sumitomo Construction Machinery
    Inventors: Donald E. Moore, Steven F. Wilms, Yukitsugu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6846016
    Abstract: A landing gear assembly for a semitrailer includes a pair of legs that may be simultaneously raised or lowered by turning a single crank. Each of the legs is configured to be able to be mounted in either an inboard or outboard configuration. This is achieved by providing both sides of each leg with no protrusions that extend beyond the space provided in the mounting bracket and the mounting hole used to connect the landing gear to the semitrailer. The gear assembly of the landing gear includes a unique floor base that receives and supports the input shaft. A cover is used to support the input ends of the input shaft and the output shaft. The cover is connected to the input side of the upper tube of the leg and allows the gear assembly to be easily assembled within the perimeter of the upper leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ervin VanDenberg, Josè Manuel Algüerá Gallego, Gerald Müller, Steffen Pfister
  • Patent number: 6843625
    Abstract: A mobile base assembly wherein a plurality of wheels 12 are attached to a frame 14 for movably supporting the frame 14 on a support surface 16 and an anchor mechanism 10 lifts the wheels 12 from the support surface 16 and anchors the frame 14 to the support surface 16. A pair of spaced plates (20 or 22) are attached to the frame 14 and an anchor member 34 is pivotally mounted between the plates (20 or 22) for pivotal movement between an anchor position (FIG. 4) and a retracted position (FIG. 3). A lever 70 is pivotally mounted between the plates (20 or 22) and presents a cam 72 for engaging and pivoting the anchor member 34 against the biasing reaction of a spring 60 from the retracted position to the anchor position. A foot 40 is attached to a foot flange extending from the anchor member 34 and has a base 42 for engaging the support surface 16 in the anchor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: HTC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Hewitt
  • Patent number: 6840541
    Abstract: A trailer tongue arrangement is provided having a power jack. The power jack is removably engaged with the tongue and includes a circular level unit thereon which indicates a level condition in the front-to-back and side-to-side directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Barker Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Duane Walters
  • Patent number: 6840540
    Abstract: A support strut for mobile working machines, especially for mobile concrete pumps. The support strut (20) has a strut body (38) that can be pivoted around a vertical pivoting axis (32) on a chassis (10), a telescopic part (40), a dual-acting hydraulic cylinder (42) (38) and the telescopic part (40), in addition to a foot part (26) that. Both ends of the telescopic hydraulic cylinder (42) are fixed on fixing points (46, 50) in the area of the opposite ends of the body of the strut (39/8) and the telescopic part (40). The vertical pivoting axis (32) is defined by a divided bearing or journal location arranged at an axial distance (S) from the inboard fixing point (46) in the direction of the foot part on the body of the boom (38), said location being positioned in such a way that it transects the displacement axis (52) of the hydraulic cylinder (42) transversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dietmar Fügel
  • Patent number: 6820377
    Abstract: A one piece assembly of a small production unit (23) for panels intended for building comprises an upper tray (2) a bottom tray of longer length (1) a collapsible crane (7) situated on the upper tray (2) supporting the crane structure (7) is horizontally mobile with rollers (11) supported on rail (12) positioned on the bottom tray (1) without requiring an external support lying on the ground. The vertical movement of the upper tray (2) is assured by an assembly of screw jacks (4), plates (18), guides (14) and runners (13). The compact assembly (23) of the production unit can be moved from site to site without heavy handling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Groupe P.A.D.F., Inc.
    Inventor: Didier Fumez
  • Patent number: 6802535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for semi-trailers comprising a leg which has a receiving device, on its lower end. The support leg has a base element with a base plate, which is mounted by means of two vertical plates on the base receiving device so that it can move vertically and can pivot. Between the base plate and the base receiving device there is a damping element. To achieve an improved pivoting capability of the support base, whereby the damping element is subjected to a small deformation, the damping element is located on the underside of the base receiving device so that cannot pivot, and is supported on a curved plate which is fixed to the base plate and the contour of which is adapted to the pivoting movement of the base plate in relation to the supporting leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: José Manuel Alguera Gallego, Gerald Muller, Steffen Pfister
  • Patent number: 6799778
    Abstract: In a vehicle with a superstructure having at least one swiveling mast on a slewing gear and a frame support with the aid of front and back movable telescopes disposed on each side of the long sides of the vehicle, their stationary telescopes being disposed at least partly in an arc tangentially to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extending in each case from one of the long sides of the vehicle profile inward substantially as far as the middle of the vehicle and then on to the same long side of the vehicle profile, it is provided according to the invention that the stationary telescopes of the front and back movable telescopes of each long side of the vehicle are realized with a common carrier and disposed one behind the other such that the movable telescopes emerge from the associated ends of the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Schwing GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Heckmann
  • Publication number: 20040178399
    Abstract: An improved RV lift mechanism according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the lift functions by way of an elongated, rotatably mounted acme screw. A bracket slides parallel to the acme screw, securing to an acme screw and an object to be lifted. The acme nut is threaded onto the acme screw and further held from rotation by the bracket. Thus, as the acme screw turns, it presses against the bracket, lifting or lowering both it and its payload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond W. Blodgett, Benjamin J. Fletes
  • Publication number: 20040178617
    Abstract: A stabilizer pad including a pair of plate members supported from a stabilizer arm; and a pad assembly that is adapted for mounting between the pair of plate members. The pad assembly has a resilient pad having opposite ground engageable work surfaces and opposite support surfaces, and a plurality of support members extending from the opposite support surfaces of the resilient pad. The support members are each adapted for engagement with a receiving slot of one of the plate members for mounting of the pad assembly to the plate members. At least one retaining member extends through the resilient pad and between the plate members for holding the pad assembly to the plate members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Andry Lagsdin
  • Patent number: 6773033
    Abstract: A mobile concrete pump including a chassis (10), a rotating gear (14) for a distributing boom which is mounted onto said chassis, a pump assembly and a supporting construction (20). The supporting construction comprises two arc-shaped telescopic guides (32) for arc-shaped support arms (22) that can be retracted into the chassis and extended obliquely outwards in front. The telescopic guides (32) cross each other on different horizontal planes. Their geometric centers of curvature (36) are mirror-symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis (38) of the chassis and lie at a lateral distance from the edges of the longitudinal sides outside said chassis (10), behind an imaginary connecting line drawn between the rear ends (42) of the telescopic guides (32). The inventive supporting construction (20) permits large construction stances to be achieved with simple means, said stances also being suitable for distributing booms in the 50 m class.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dietmar Fügel
  • Patent number: 6764065
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the operation of a conventional trailer jack. The jack assistance apparatus is attached to a conventional trailer jack having telescoping tubes with a coarse adjustment and a fine adjustment. The apparatus includes a lever arm that engages a locking pin handle on the jack, and a guide tube that contains a chain or other flexible member with one end attached to the jack base and the other attached to a handle. The lever arm and handle are located for convenient access by an operator for coarse vertical adjustment of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Randy A. Fox
  • Publication number: 20040108703
    Abstract: A manual cranking apparatus for the landing gear of a semi-trailer. The cranking apparatus includes a rotatable mechanism that is permanently connected to the cross-shaft of the landing gear. The rotatable mechanism is adapted to be folded such that, in storage position, the mechanism is positioned beneath the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: David L. McGrew
  • Publication number: 20040108702
    Abstract: A manual cranking apparatus for THE landing gear of a semi-trailer. THE cranking apparatus includes a spoked wheel which is permanently connected via an articulating shaft to THE operating cross-shaft of THE landing gear. THE articulated shaft is arranged to allow THE apparatus to be folded such that, in storage position, THE wheel is positioned beneath THE trailer. In use, THE apparatus is unfolded so that THE diametric plane of THE wheel is parallel to THE side of THE trailer. When unfolded, THE wheel is positioned at a height which enables THE operator to assume an erect posture, thereby reducing THE potential for back strain and increasing the amount of torque generated by THE same amount of muscular force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: David L. McGrew
  • Publication number: 20040105733
    Abstract: A mobile base assembly wherein a plurality of wheels 12 are attached to a frame 14 for movably supporting the frame 14 on a support surface 16 and an anchor mechanism 10 lifts the wheels 12 from the support surface 16 and anchors the frame 14 to the support surface 16. A pair of spaced plates (20 or 22) are attached to the frame 14 and an anchor member 34 is pivotally mounted between the plates (20 or 22) for pivotal movement between an anchor position (FIG. 4) and a retracted position (FIG. 3). A lever 70 is pivotally mounted between the plates (20 or 22) and presents a cam 72 for engaging and pivoting the anchor member 34 against the biasing reaction of a spring 60 from the retracted position to the anchor position. A foot 40 is attached to a foot flange extending from the anchor member 34 and has a base 42 for engaging the support surface 16 in the anchor position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Hewitt
  • Patent number: 6729595
    Abstract: An anti theft device for a trailer comprising a bracket attached to a side of the trailer, a pipe flattened at one end thereof such that the flattened end is adapted to be received in the bracket, the pipe when received in the bracket and disposed in a vertical relationship being adapted to lift the trailer slightly above the ground so that the bottom of the pipe is in contact with the ground and a lock for locking the pipe to the bracket while maintaining the vertical position of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Lonnell E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6726179
    Abstract: A fifth wheel helper is adapted to be inserted underneath a fifth wheel hitch plate to hold it in a horizontal position so that the truck can be pulled forward after the king pin of the trailer has been trapped behind the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel helper comprises a solid piece of material having a tapered first end and a flat second end and an indentation on an underside thereof for engaging a truck frame rail to hold the fifth wheel helper underneath the hitch plate. A safety bolt is provided for locking the fifth wheel helper on the truck frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: John Howard Ketchapaw, Clifford Ketchapaw
  • Patent number: 6726247
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retracting a support leg includes a telescoping inner leg member contained in an outer leg member. A spring-loaded pin engages the inner leg member. To lower the leg, the spring-loaded pin is removed allowing the inner leg member to extend to a desired position. When in the desired position, the spring-loaded pin is released and the pin reengages the inner leg member. To raise the inner leg member, the spring-loaded pin is removed until a slidable trip member falls. The slidable trip member then blocks the spring-loaded pin from reengaging the inner leg member. The inner leg member is raised, the trip member lifted, and the inner leg member secured in a proper position for travel. The inner leg member can be raised by a cable attached to the inner leg member to allow one-handed operation of the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Leon J. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6726236
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a jack stand and methods of making and using same. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a jack stand having (1) a targeting assembly for use in aligning the jack stand when attached to a trailer with an operating vehicle; and (2) means for automatically moving the foot assembly of the jack stand from a ground engaging configuration to an upright stored configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Archie Cofer
  • Patent number: 6726246
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to rotational stabilizer pads for stabilizer arms of vehicles. The stabilizer pads include first and second ground contact faces for contacting respectively a smooth ground surface and a rough or gravel ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer pads include a reversible resilient pad coupled to a first flange and a second flange. The first and second flanges may include grouser points for engaging the rough ground surface. Further features include a releaseable latch mechanism and offset pad construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Andry Lagsdin
  • Publication number: 20040056465
    Abstract: A stabilizer for a heavy equipment machine includes a pair of resilient pad assemblies each having opposed surfaces either of which can be positioned as a ground engaging surface, and a support pin that extends in opposed directions from a stabilizer arm of the machine. Each of the resilient pad assemblies has a respective passage for receiving the support pin for enabling rotational support of the resilient pad assemblies from the support pin. The support of the resilient pad assemblies enables the positioning of either of the opposed surfaces as the ground engaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Andry Lagsdin
  • Patent number: 6695348
    Abstract: An adaptation to coach landing legs of a recreational vehicle, trailer or the like improves vehicle stability through the use of crossed and clamped stabilizer rods attached by pins or by magnet attachment to the landing legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Holly
  • Publication number: 20040004346
    Abstract: A recovery spade that is adjustably coupled to a rescue vehicle to thereby maximize traction during rescue operations. The recovery spade includes an anchor blade and a hollow support member. The anchor blade includes a plurality of holes for selective connection to the support member at differing heights via a pin. The anchor blade further includes an anchor portion with teeth at one end for engaging the ground to effect the traction and coupling holes at the other end for selective connection to the anchor blade at differing angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: David F. Humphries
  • Publication number: 20040000778
    Abstract: A support stand for supporting the rear-end of a snowmobile above the ground. The apparatus may be fitted with rollers or wheels in order to improve the maneuverability of the snowmobile when it is being transported across a non-snow or non-ice surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Ouellette
  • Patent number: 6648357
    Abstract: A detent mechanism including a ball bearing is used in a motorcycle kickstand and motorcycle foot pegs. A spring is placed in a cavity of a leg of the kickstand or a leg of the foot peg. A ball bearing is placed in contact with the spring. A bracket with two depressions is placed in contact with ball bearing, with one depression surrounding the ball bearing. The bracket is rotatably secured to the leg. When a user kicks or otherwise rotates the leg with a sufficient force, the ball bearing can move from one depression to another depression. The leg of the kickstand can be moved to a down position to support the motorcycle against the ground. The legs of the foot pegs can be moved to an out position to provide support for a motorcycle rider's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Jon Hotch
  • Patent number: 6634672
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to rotational stabilizer pads (140) for stabilizer arms (14) of vehicles. The stabilizer pads (140) include first and second ground contact faces for contacting respectively a smooth ground surface and a rough or gravel ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer pads (140) include a reversible resilient pad (140) coupled to a first flange (124) and a second flange (126). The first (124) and second (126) flanges may include grouser points (130) and (131) for engaging the rough ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer pads (140) are rotated about 135 degrees to change the ground contact face of the stabilizer pad (140) from one of the first and second ground contact faces to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Andry Lagsdin
  • Patent number: 6623035
    Abstract: A landing gear leg adapted for mounting to a vehicle has an outer member, and a middle member telescoped slidably into the outer member. The middle member has a first end and a second end. The first end extends beyond the outer member. An inner member telescoped slidably into the middle member has a first end positioned within the outer member and a second end extending beyond the outer member. A locking mechanism locks the middle member in a fixed relationship with the inner member, and a drive mechanism slidably drives the inner member in relationship with the outer member from a retracted position to an extended position. A rack and pinion drive may be used to slidably move the leg between an extended and retracted position providing a simplified drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6619693
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically leveling a vehicle including four legs mounted to the vehicle adjacent corners of the vehicle, each leg being adjustable between a stowed position and an extended position wherein the leg engages the ground, a level sensor mounted to the vehicle for sensing the pitch and roll of the vehicle, the level sensor producing an orientation signal representing the vehicle pitch and roll, and a controller coupled to the legs and the level sensor including a memory for storing data representing a reference level plane, a microprocessor for interpreting the orientation signal to determine the present pitch and roll of the vehicle relative to the reference level plane, and outputs driven by the microprocessor for actuating the legs to reduce the difference between the present pitch and roll of the vehicle and the reference level plane, thereby leveling the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Days Corporation
    Inventors: James Sproatt, Alice Posley, Michael Seiy, Mark M. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 6517112
    Abstract: A combination trailer crank and locking mechanism. The device includes a crank portion having a handle portion separated from a coupler portion by a generally S-shaped body portion. When the coupler portion of the device is coupled with a rotatable shaft of a retractable leg assembly of a trailer, the crank portion facilitates the raising and lowering of the trailer's legs. The device also includes a locking portion which is connected to the crank portion in a transverse orientation. When the device is connected to the rotatable shaft of the trailer by the locking portion, the crank portion will abut an underneath side of the trailer and prevent rotation of the rotatable shaft, thereby preventing a person from being able to raise and lower the retractable legs of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald Watkins
  • Patent number: 6513783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support foot, which is equipped with a damping element and which exhibits an improved pivotability. The fixing element which is provided for pivotally fastening to a foot receiving device rests on the damping element or is fastened to the same, whereby the fixing element is held by a bracket which is fastened to the foot plate and which overlaps the fixing element. According to another embodiment, the fixing element is comprised of two vertical plates fastened to the foot plate at a distance from the damping element, whereby each plate comprises a vertically arranged, longitudinal hole or a round hole having a diameter larger than the diameter of the bearing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: José Manuel Alguera Gallego, Gerald Muller, Steffen Pfister
  • Publication number: 20030020270
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a jack stand and methods of making and using same. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a jack stand having (1) a targeting assembly for use in aligning the jack stand when attached to a trailer with an operating vehicle; and (2) means for automatically moving the foot assembly of the jack stand from a ground engaging configuration to an upright stored configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Archie Cofer
  • Patent number: 6511279
    Abstract: A transporter for use in transporting a harvesting machine having a laterally movable tongue is disclosed wherein the transporter has a jack on the forward end thereof to be deployed during the loading process for improved stability. The jack includes components that lock the jack in place when a load is applied to the jack and unlocks the jack when that load is removed, allowing it to pivot rearwardly to a transport position without manual intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Melanie W. Harkcom, Terry A. Young
  • Publication number: 20030011181
    Abstract: Pad assemblies configured to be used in conjunction with stabilizer pads mounted onto stabilizer arms used to stabilize earth moving and other construction equipment. The pad assemblies are formed from either a resilient laminate or solid piece mounted onto a bracket which in turn is mounted onto the stabilizer pad. The pad assemble includes a support bracket, and a pad having a base captured in the support bracket and formed of a resilient material that defines a base surface. The pad is being retained by said support bracket and has a ground engaging surface opposite to the base surface and defined as an uneven ground engaging surface formed of separate ground engaging pad surface areas that terminate at different distances from the base surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Andry Lagsdin
  • Publication number: 20030001373
    Abstract: The present invention stabilizer apparatus is used on a work machine and includes a stabilizer assembly removably connected with an axle of the work machine. Additionally, the stabilizer assembly is pivotally connected to a frame of the work machine at a distance from the axle so that the stabilizer assembly may move automatically in response to shifting of the axle during leveling of the frame. The present invention is a simple and efficient method of automatically moving of the stabilizer assembly correspondent with the movement of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Ken G. Slater, Steven Veitch, Craig Williams
  • Patent number: 6499258
    Abstract: A portable bleacher construction includes a wheeled framework for supporting a plurality of bleacher seats thereon in a mobile travel condition and a stationary seating condition. At least one pair of leveling jacks is located on opposite sides of the framework for stabilizing and leveling the framework upon a ground surface when the portable bleacher construction is in the stationary seating condition. The jacks are arranged to provide a four-point stance for the framework, and have a high sway load capacity to provide lateral stability. A control arrangement is associated with one of the jacks in each pair for separately controlling the leveling of both of the jacks. The control arrangement is located on one side of the bleacher construction, and enables operation of leveling jacks on both sides. The control arrangement includes a pair of transfer rods and a separate operating handle interconnected with each transfer rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Keith Borglum
  • Publication number: 20020180198
    Abstract: A vehicle leveling assembly is provided to assist in the support of the weight of a vehicle on a ground surface. The vehicle leveling assembly having a leg, a bracket, and a housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: RECREATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Brett W. Schubert, Jeffrey K. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6481749
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine 10 is beneficial for the operator when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, “one-touch” contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the “one-touch” contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time. The activation of the control switches actuates a pair of solenoid valves which control the movement of the stabilizer legs from any one of a plurality of extended positions to a fully retracted position within the preselected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kem D. Ahlers, Robert Q. Elliott, John E. Francis, Gerald L. Graf, Kenneth J. McGuire, Terry A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6471246
    Abstract: Pad assemblies configured to be used in conjunction with stabilizer pads mounted onto stabilizer arms used to stabilize earth moving and other construction equipment. The pad assemblies are formed from a resilient laminate mounted onto a bracket which in turn is mounted onto the stabilizer pad. In one embodiment, the bracket includes side flaps for capturing the laminate therebetween. Preferably, the bracket is formed of a single piece of metal. A bolt, pin, rivet or the like is used to secure the laminate to the side flaps. Methods of forming the pad assemblies are also disclosed. In particular, a reverse camber is provided to the top surface of the bracket so that when the side flaps are bent downwardly, the top surface does not bow upwardly. Reinforcing ribs are also provided for the same purpose. Bowing is also minimized by facilitating the bending operation by cutting out material along the fold lines, to decrease the resistance to bending of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Andry Lagsdin
  • Publication number: 20020145278
    Abstract: A wear pad for a stabilizer leg, the wear pad comprising a first part to provide a wear surface and a second part comprising engagement means, wherein the first part comprises a first, relatively soft material and the second part comprises a second, relatively hard material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Edward William Hulse, Roy William Allsopp
  • Publication number: 20020109344
    Abstract: In a vehicle (1) with a superstructure (2) having at least one swiveling mast (3) on a slewing gear (4) and a frame support (7) with the aid of front and back movable telescopes (14-17) disposed on each side of the long side of the vehicle, their stationary telescopes (23-26) being disposed at least partly in an arc tangentially to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extending in, each case from one of the long sides of the vehicle profile inward substantially as far as the middle of the vehicle and then on to the same long side of the vehicle profile, it is provided according to the invention that the stationary telescopes (23, 24; 25, 26) of the front and back movable telescopes (14, 15; 16, 17) of each long side of the vehicle are realized with a common carrier (27, 28) and disposed one behind the other such that the movable telescopes emerge from the associated ends (29, 30; 31, 32) of the carriers (27, 28) (FIG. 1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Horst Heckmann
  • Publication number: 20020105162
    Abstract: A trailer system is provided in which the trailer system can include a frame having a front end, a rear end, opposing sides between the front end and the rear end and a hitching mechanism coupled to the front end of the frame. The trailer system can also include a wheel assembly coupled to the frame in which the wheel assembly contains at least two wheels and a stabilizing mechanism coupled to the frame and the wheel assembly. The trailer system can also include a plurality of wheel assemblies and stabilizing mechanisms. Further, the frame of the trailer system can have at least one first support member extending from the front end section to said rear end section and at least one second support member extending from said first support member towards one of said side sections. Each stabilizing mechanism can be coupled to the rear end, front end or one of the opposing sides of the frame. In addition, each stabilizing mechanism can be coupled to one of the first or second support members of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph William Green
  • Patent number: 6425604
    Abstract: A vehicle leveling assembly for supporting the weight of a vehicle on a ground plane having a leg extendable to same. A housing is provided adjacent a bracket and the leg to support the weight of the vehicle. In addition, a gear in operable communication with the leg is configured to move along the edge of a side panel thereby moving the leg relative to the bracket between stowed and use positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Recreational Technologies International, LLC
    Inventors: Brett W. Schubert, Jeffrey K. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20020093164
    Abstract: A kickstand device for a skate cart attached to a skate cart frame allows a skate cart to stand up. The kickstand can be biased in closed position by springs. The kickstand can also be unfolded into open position where the same springs bias the kickstand in open position. A user rides the skate cart with the kickstand in closed position. When the user wants the skate cart to stand up, the user folds the skate cart kickstand into open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Dean Tai
  • Patent number: 6416069
    Abstract: A lift assembly for an axle of the trailer of a semi-trailer or of another vehicle such as a straight truck, is mounted generally adjacent to and beneath each suspension beam of the axle/suspension systems of the trailer or other vehicle. The manner of mounting the lift assembly generally adjacent to and beneath the beam provides sufficient clearance for concurrent disposition of a dual service/parking brake chamber adjacent to and beneath the beam. The location and orientation of the axle lift assembly, relative to radial lines emanating from the pivot point of the suspension beam, facilitates the application of efficient lift forces to the beam by the lift assembly, which in turn results in less wear to an air chamber of the lift assembly. The air chamber of the lift assembly can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled to allow for replacement of the dual brake chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventor: John E. Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20020084642
    Abstract: My invention is a simple, detachable stabilizing system that is used to stabilize stationary recreational vehicles or trailers that would otherwise be unstable due to their non rigid suspension systems. Although such stabilizing systems are already commercially available, my invention is unique in that it maximizes the leverage applied against the supporting legs, thus increasing its load bearing and stability characteristics over those of other systems. My invention represents a further improvement over permanently affixed systems in that it is simple to affix to the frame of any recreational vehicle or trailer—no tools required—and it is easy to remove and convenient to store when not in use. Thus, my invention is not susceptible to damage from road dirt, grime and/or obstructions to movement (e.g., speed bumps or curbs), as any permanently affixed system is.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Marc Dussault