One-wheel Patents (Class 280/78)
  • Patent number: 8814193
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a trailer for attachment to a bicycle. The trailer is designed such that when the trailer is decoupled from the bicycle, the trailer can stand without tipping over. Additionally, the coupling assembly used for coupling the trailer to the bicycle, together with the handle assembly, can collectively pivot about the trailer frame to permit the trailer to be easily maneuvered by the rider once the trailer has been decoupled from the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew John Barnes
  • Publication number: 20140205418
    Abstract: One variation may include a module may include a cargo cavity and at least one wheel. The module may be constructed and arranged to aid in the transportation and delivery of cargo or freight over terrain or rough surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Chet R. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8657309
    Abstract: The invention provides a wheeling device for a packaged article which may be directly attached to the packaging of the article and which comprises wheeling means. The invention also provides a wheelable package for an article comprising at least one wheeling device according to the present invention, the wheeling device being directly attached to the package. The invention further provides a method of improving the handlability of a packaged article comprising directly attaching to the packaging of the article one or more wheeling devices of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Items Products (NPD) Limited
    Inventors: Gerald Taylor, Paul Whiles, Stephen Whiles
  • Patent number: 8613455
    Abstract: Disclosed are motorized litter transport kits and methods and devices relating thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sage Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Berrett, Kim Smith, Nathan Berrett, Spencer Boyd Bradford
  • Publication number: 20120126499
    Abstract: Devices and methods for convertibly changing the means and carrying capacity of a pedestrian are provided. Specifically the present disclosure comprises a backpack capable of being converted into a wheelbarrow for the purpose of transporting increased loads in emergency or varying conditions. The device may include a frame and satchel whereby a series of components are fastened to the frame in order provide for implements such as handles and rolling wheels for transportation of increased loads. The components of the system may include, for example, a frame, a satchel, handles, a wheel, and an axle. When assembled to convert the pack to a wheelbarrow configuration, the device may increase the safe carrying capacity of a pedestrian from 50-100 lbs. to 200-300 lbs. or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy R. Nieman
  • Publication number: 20110274581
    Abstract: A mobile ultraviolet sterilization vehicle. A plurality of UV lamps are removably mounted to a wheeled vehicle. A plurality of tines and a brush are mounted to the vehicle extending across the width thereof and into the supporting surface to position the supporting surface to receive the UV light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Michael E. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110274582
    Abstract: A mobile ultraviolet sterilization vehicle. A plurality of UV lamps are removably mounted to a wheeled vehicle. A plurality of tines and a brush are mounted to the vehicle extending across the width thereof and into the supporting surface to position the supporting surface to receive the UV light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Michael E. Davis
  • Patent number: 7900939
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow configurable as a kit for a wheelbarrow having a first and second side frames defining two laterally spaced-apart longitudinal portions, to which an axle is mounted with a wheel rotatably mounted thereto, and to which a body, such as a tub or flat bed, is mounted for carrying a load. The side frames are capable of being connected to leg structures, each of which includes a straight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging the ground. Forward cross-braces are capable of being connected from a forward end of each base portion to a first point on the main frame, and rearward cross-braces are capable of being connected from a rearward end of each base portion to a second point on the main frame proximately adjacent to the first point. A lateral member is capable of extending from longitudinal portions of the side frames, and a lateral cross brace is capable of extending from each leg structure to the lateral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas Robinson
  • Patent number: 7871089
    Abstract: A trash container hand truck system includes a container that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. Wheels are attached to the peripheral wall and a cover is hingedly coupled to the container. A post has a bottom end, a top end and a front side. A plate is attached to the front side of the post adjacent to the bottom end. The plate is positionable under the bottom wall. A support is attached to the post and extends laterally away in opposite directions from the front side of the post. A pair of hooks is attached to the support and engage the handle. An arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly coupled to the post and extends rearward of the front side. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the second end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Hilton J. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20100201098
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spoked wheel comprising: a rim comprising a continuous series of circumferential sections each of which has opposed ends and is connected at each of its ends to an adjacent section by means of a hinge that allows the two adjacent sections to pivot with respect to each other substantially in the plane of the wheel; a hub that rotates with the rim; and a plurality of spokes extending between the hub and the rim and supporting the rim on the hub, each spoke having an end that is pivotally attached to the rim via a pivot. At least one of the spokes is movable with respect to the hub in the plane of the wheel to change the angular spacing between adjacent spokes and alter the shape of the rim between a circular shape and a non-circular shape, preferably a flattened shape. The wheel may also include a tubular tyre held on the rim and is primarily intended for use in connection with bicycles and wheelchairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Royal College of Art
    Inventor: Duncan Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: 7641204
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow for transporting materials includes an undercarriage, a wheel rotatably mounted to the undercarriage, a pan mounted to and supported by the undercarriage and a fastening mechanism having a head. The pan includes a base wall and an upright wall extending upwardly from the base wall. The base wall and upright wall define a carrying space and a carrying surface facing the carrying space. A depression is formed in the pan defining a depression plane that is generally continuous with the carrying surface. The fastening mechanism mounts the pan to the undercarriage such that the head is positioned within the depression between the undercarriage and the depression plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Brentwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Palle Rye, Erich Kaintz, Stephen Wickman
  • Publication number: 20090108551
    Abstract: A transport wheel device for a helicopter having a runner defining an axial direction. The transport wheel includes a holding frame, a wheel axle, a slide, a wheel and a lifting device. The holding frame is detachably securable to the runner. The wheel axle is attached the holding frame by the slide. The slide is continuously adjustable axially with respect to the holding frame and securable in an axial position. A wheel is disposed on the wheel axle. The lifting device is coupled to the holding frame and the wheel axle. The lifting device is configured to vertically move the transport wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Sahlstorfer
  • Patent number: 7506878
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow that incorporates a stand coupled to a tub, a handle at the distal end of the wheelbarrow, and a wheel mount at the proximal end of the wheelbarrow. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the wheel mount and comprises a rim surrounded by a non-pneumatic tire. The tire has a mounting region and an expanded region. The axial width of the expanded region is substantially greater than the axial width of the mounting region and the tire has a relatively flat tread surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: William Kurt Feick
  • Patent number: 7387308
    Abstract: The single wheel trailer and stabilizing hitch assembly includes a hitch which precludes lateral tilt or roll of a trailer about the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle and trailer, the trailer having only a single wheel for support. The hitch includes a pair of horizontal plates which bear against one another, with a vertical pivot pin securing the two plates together to allow the trailer to turn laterally relative to the towing vehicle. A separate horizontal pivot axis accommodates pitch of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle while negotiating bumps and dips. However, the trailer tongue is fixed relative to the roll axis of the assembly, and the trailer cannot tilt or lean to the side while being supported by its single wheel. This greatly reduces wheel bearing and tire wear, and reduces rolling resistance of the trailer as well. Different trailer configurations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Jimmy C. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7334803
    Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow featuring a retractable configuration that permits ready emptying of a wheelbarrow receptacle, with reduced need to tilt, lift or invert the wheelbarrow. A wheelbarrow is disclosed with a retractable configuration that is optionally operable by the user to create an egress for wheelbarrow cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7232135
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow has a main frame defining two laterally spaced-apart longitudinal portions, to which an axle is mounted with a wheel rotatably mounted thereto, and to which a body, such as a tub or flat bed, is mounted for carrying a load. Attached to the main frame are leg structures, each of which includes a straight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging the ground. Forward cross-braces are connected from a forward end of each base portion to a first point on the main frame, and rearward cross-braces are connected from a rearward end of each base portion to a second point on the main frame proximately adjacent to the first point. A lateral member extends from one longitudinal portion of the main frame to the other longitudinal portion, and a lateral cross brace extends from each leg structure to the lateral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas Robinson
  • Patent number: 7188848
    Abstract: A hitch assembly for mounting to a trailer to form an interface between the trailer and a towing vehicle, with the trailer having a trailer deck and at least one wheel for ground support, said hitch assembly including a generally horizontally oriented cross member; a first mount arrangement including a shaft projecting from the cross member for telescopic receipt in a corresponding hitch receiver associated with a towing vehicle to connect said hitch assembly to a towing vehicle; and a second mount arrangement including at least two bosses spaced a predetermined distance apart and fixed to the cross member, with the bosses being mountable to the trailer deck to connect said hitch assembly to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Charles D. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7159878
    Abstract: A mobile back-pack for sports or military use is disclosed. A back-pack is devised in the form of a cabinet having the shape of a trapezoid, the cabinet being rotatably secured to a disc. The disc is dimensioned so as to permit an operator to grasp a handgrip railing at the top of the cabinet and then propel the disc at the operator's side. The cabinet glides smoothly within the circumference of the disc, riding on a peripherally positioned track within the disc. A battery powered motor and drive wheel propelled version of the mobile back-pack is also disclosed. Built-in support legs provide stability for the mobile back-pack in an upright, stationary position. Door latch secured trays within the cabinet provide for storing items to be transported, and for easy access to the items when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew M. Mc Kenna
  • Patent number: 6955367
    Abstract: A wheeled mover for a picnic table and a method of use is disclosed. The mover includes two posts attached to opposite sides of a table. The lower ends of the posts terminate in wheels. The posts pivot between a first position wherein the picnic table rests upon the ground and a second position wherein the picnic table is raised for wheeled transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: R. J. Thomas Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Simonsen, Wayne W. Morris, Michael W. Reed, Richard R. England
  • Patent number: 6935643
    Abstract: The hiker's trail carrier may be used for transport of cargo while walking or hiking. The trail carrier may have a pair of lower longitudinal members having a wheel rotatably mounted therebetween at an axle end of each and a transverse member attached between the lower longitudinal members intermediate the axle ends and a forward end of each. A pair of upper longitudinal members may be spaced apart and attached to the transverse member and a pair of vertical members may be attached to the upper longitudinal members and to the axle end. A pair of handle members may be pivotally attached to the lower longitudinal members intermediate the axle end and the forward end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Donald V. Purpuro
  • Patent number: 6908089
    Abstract: A semi-enclosed pouring chute attachment for a wheelbarrow. The attachment sits on the front of the wheelbarrow and is secured by upper side channels and either rope of shock/bungee cords from the sides of the attachment to the handles of the wheelbarrow. In an alternate embodiment, the wheelbarrow container may have a funnel end as an integral part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventors: Timothy R. Stark, Allan B. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6902184
    Abstract: A foldable garden wagon includes a wheel frame, and two push racks. The wheel frame has two positioning tubes each formed with a locking hole and an arc-shaped guide slot. Each of the two push racks has an insertion portion inserted into a respective one of the two positioning tubes and provided with a spring-biased locking pin detachably locked in the locking hole, and a spring-biased limit pin movably mounted in the arc-shaped guide slot. Thus, the foldable garden wagon can be folded when not in use, so as to reduce of the volume thereof, thereby saving space of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Shih-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 6702050
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with an elliptical shaped housing, the housing having a circumferential track disposed about its midsection. The circumferential track is driven by a prime mover to rotate the housing and move it over a variety of different terrains. The vehicle is adapted to carry weapons systems for military application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Mohammad S. Mazhar
  • Patent number: 6692010
    Abstract: A safety sulky for a self-propelled mower. The safety sulky has a chamber adjacent a platform upon which a mowing operator stands. Two, spaced-apart pins that are biased downwardly by a spring can be made to rise above the chamber by two levers. The two, spaced-apart, spring-biased pins can project through the upper surface of the chamber by standing on the levers. The pins operatively engage with, and rise adjacent to, the elongated arm thus intersecting the swing path of the sulky about the connecting arm, limiting its arcuate movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn Johnson, John Pallay, Kevin Mak
  • Patent number: 6575481
    Abstract: A picnic table moving system having a wheeled attachment connected to a first end of a picnic table and a pair of handles attachable to a second end of a picnic table. The picnic table moving system has a wheeled attachment which attaches to the crossbar and upper support bar of a picnic table to position the wheel underneath the first end of the table. A jacking system may be incorporated into the attachment to lift the table onto the wheel. Handles provided at the other end lock onto the crossbar or similar surface of the picnic table to provide leverage and stability when lifting the table onto the wheel and when rolling the table around on the wheel during transportation of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Davis
  • Patent number: 6470981
    Abstract: In a power-associated hand carrier including a body frame on which a wheel and a motor for driving the wheel are mounted, a manually operated forward drive control member for enabling the motor to produce power assist for moving the hand carrier in the forward direction and a manually operated reverse drive control member for enabling the motor to produce power for driving the hand carrier in the backward direction are both provided on the distal end portion of one of two handlebars extending from a rear portion of the body frame obliquely upward in a rearward direction of the hand carrier. The hand carrier having such forward and reverse drive control members is easy to handle and can exhibit good mobility when used in a relatively narrow working area or when moving over rough or angulated ground surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sueshige, Kazuyoshi Miyahara
  • Patent number: 6173799
    Abstract: A motor-assisted single-wheel cart is provided with a motor for generating an assisting power in response to an operation force when operating an operation handle by a human hand, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting an output of the motor to an axle. The motor is arranged rearwardly upwardly of the axle so as to be positioned within a space surrounded by an upper horizontal member and a lower member positioned below the upper horizontal member constituting a vehicle body frame constituting the cart as viewing the vehicle body frame from a side surface thereof. The power transmission mechanism has a first speed reduction mechanism arranged near the motor, a second speed reduction mechanism arranged near the wheel and a transmission shaft for connecting them. The transmission shaft is inserted to the first and second speed reduction mechanisms so as to be capable of being drawn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Miyazaki, Naotoshi Ono, Hirohide Shimizu, Hiroshi Sueshige, Kazuyoshi Miyahara, Teruhiko Otsuki, Hiroo Kanke
  • Patent number: 6042138
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer apparatus includes an elongated frame having first and second end portions, the first end portion carrying a detachable hitch for attaching the frame to the rear of a motorcycle. An arm assembly is pivotally attached to the frame at the second end portion. A single wheel is carried by the arm assembly. A shock absorber extends between the frame and the arm assembly at an inclined portion of the arm assembly. The shock absorber is inclined with its rear end portion being higher than the front end portion to provide an improved geometry for the combination of frame, arm assembly, shock absorber and wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Richard D. Shreck
  • Patent number: 5984342
    Abstract: A towing apparatus for motorcycles and recreational vehicles having a single-wheel design. A storage box is supported by the single wheel through a swing arm and dampening assembly arrangement which dampens and absorbs shock and vibration from the ground surface. The swing arm provides movement of the single wheel along a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the vehicle wheels. The towing apparatus couples to the trailer hitch of the motorcycle or recreational vehicle through a universal type mounting hitch which maintains the trailer in rotational alignment with the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Thunderbolt Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Ysker
  • Patent number: 5884920
    Abstract: A vehicle for transporting loads over rough terrain having a seat mounted on a bracket which is mounted on a frame which rides on a single wheel carried within a fork. A handlebar with vertical handgrips provides control in a variety of positions in use, and a pair of normally retracted wheels which can be extended to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle is adjustable in length, wheel size, handlebar size and presentation, load size, angle, and center-of-gravity relative to the wheel, and the number of wheels in contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Peter A. Seto
  • Patent number: 5842707
    Abstract: A riding sulky attachment for use with a conventional self-propelled vehicle, the vehicle including a body with front and rear wheels, a self-propelling drive mechanism and a steering assembly including a pair of operating handles extending upwardly and rearwardly from the vehicle body. The riding sulky attachment includes an elongate frame constructed of a first member, a second elevated and parallel extending member and a third angularly disposed and interconnecting member. A forward end of the elongate frame is releasably secured to a rear of the vehicle in a pivotal manner about a first horizontal axis. A carriage assembly supporting a single wheel extends downwardly from a rear end of the elongate frame and is rotatably secured to the elongate frame about a second vertical axis. An elongate cantilever member is secured to an intermediate location along the elongate frame and extends upwardly and in angular fashion relative to the elongate frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hayes Smith
  • Patent number: 5782477
    Abstract: A material handling device for the easy movement of large sheets or other material by one person. A support bar has an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. A handle is mounted on the upper section and a wheel is mounted to be rotatable on the lower section and an L-shaped support is also mounted on the lower section opposite the wheel. The upper section is bent at an acute angle over the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Theodore Covert
  • Patent number: 5779247
    Abstract: A recreational device for use by a person to traverse a terrain surface. In one embodiment, the device comprises a wheel member and a track member engaged thereto. The track member comprises first and second bearing surfaces. The device further comprises a foot plate member adapted to carry and support the person. The device further comprises first and second bearing members extending from the foot plate member and engaged with the first and second bearing surface, respectively. In operation, as the wheel member traverses a terrain, the track member is caused to rotate within the first and second bearing members and about the foot plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony Gray Anselmo
  • Patent number: 5769449
    Abstract: A trailer having a main body which includes a flat bed assembly with front, sides, and tailgate flat panels which are hingedly and releasably connected to a central flat floor panel. The main body is releasably connected to an upper portion of an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism has a lower portion adapted to be received within a rear portion of a vehicle and releasably secured thereto. The main body is supported by an air shock wheel assembly which includes a cylindrical casing having an upper housing affixed to a flat plate and depending downwardly therefrom and a lower housing slidably received within the upper housing. An air shock piston is mounted within the cylindrical casing and connected to the upper and lower housings for telescoping movement therewith. A swivel mechanism is formed at a lower end of the lower housing. A wheel supporting frame is pivotally attached to the swivel mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Oliver F. Keesee
  • Patent number: 5727799
    Abstract: A dolly for supporting a ladder during movement of the ladder to a work site. The dolly has a frame which is adapted to be attached by clips to the rungs of the ladder. The dolly has a single relatively large wheel in terms of the width of the ladder pivotally mounted on the frame for providing a rolling support for the ladder and to enable a single individual to move a long heavy ladder conveniently into position for use at a work site. The dolly is especially useful when moving a ladder, especially a heavy ladder such as an extension ladder, over sloping or rough ground to a work site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Peter DiSario-RPM Painting
    Inventor: Peter DiSario
  • Patent number: 5511802
    Abstract: A single wheel running stroller for carrying a child which has a large front wheel with a U-shaped frame and foot supports for receiving the child's feet and has a curved main frame member which extends from the U-shaped frame to a handle at the upper end thereof. Cross-bars are attached to the frame member and a canvass seat is attached to the cross-members for receiving the child's body. A kick stand is attached to the main frame and can be moved into a support position when the stroller is stationary and can be moved to an upper position out of engagement with the ground when in use. A waist band bracket is attached with a universal joint to the main frame member of the stroller and the waist band fits around the user's waist to drive and stabilize the device. An upper extending handle is provided. The stroller may be folded and stored by use of a pivot in the main frame member which allows it to be folded over for storage purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Warwick Aitken
    Inventor: Warwick Aitken
  • Patent number: 5501500
    Abstract: An elongated plate, shaped to fit within a pick up truck bed, extends past the end of a opened tailgate on the truck. The plate serves to extend the usable length of the truck bed. The plate is supported at a front end by two stabilizer bars, telescoping adjustable tubular supports, which extend from the forward sides of the plate up to the inner lip of the truck bed. The rear of the plate is supported by an undercarriage which is attached to the bumper by a speed connection, which locks the undercarriage to the truck bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Paul W. Cannon
  • Patent number: 5385355
    Abstract: A travois assembly, comprises a load-carrying frame having a lower end and an upper end. A single wheel is rotatably mounted on said lower end of said load carrying frame. A user harness includes a single vertical frame member attached to a horizontal frame member at a lower end thereof, a back pad attached to the vertical frame member at an upper end thereof, a belt circumferentially attached to the horizontal frame member, a pair of shoulder straps each having a first end attached to the back pad and a second end attached to the horizontal frame member. The load carrying frame is attached to the user harness by a universal joint having a first end rigidly attached to the upper end of the load carrying frame and a second end attached to the vertical frame member of the user harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: James V. Hoffman
    Inventor: James V. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5368325
    Abstract: A trailer for towing by an automotive type vehicle includes a single longitudinal beam. A plurality of adjustable transverse cradle support members are mounted along the beam. A single castered wheel is mounted near the back end of the beam. A hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle at the front end of the beam maintains the beam aligned with a longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle. Various types of loads may be accommodated by attaching appropriate type cradles to the cradle support members, and the spacing of support members may be adjusted to accept the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Donald B. Hazen
  • Patent number: 5221100
    Abstract: A cargo trailer for towing behind another vehicle has a cargo container platform and a stabilized caster swivel assembly supporting the cargo container platform. The swivel assembly includes an elongated frame, a caster wheel on a swivel member being rotatably mounted about a vertical axis to a rear end of the frame, a cam member mounted on the swivel member for rotation therewith, a centering mechanism coupled to the cam member, a hydraulic stabilizing mechanism coupled to the swivel member, and a hydraulic control circuit mounted on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Darrell A. McNutt
  • Patent number: 5098113
    Abstract: A lightweight single wheel trailer is provided for towing behind a bicycle and including an upwardly opening wire mesh-type receptacle mounted forward of the rear wheel of the trailer. The trailer is collapsible. The receptacle is detachable from the trailer and is collapsible for economical shipping and storage. The rear portion of the trailer is detachable from the front portion and includes opposite side rearwardly projecting arms between whose rear ends the rear wheel of the trailer is journalled. The forward end of the trailer includes a hitch assembly for coupling the forward end of to the upstanding seat supporting shank of an associated bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Eugene E. Albitre
  • Patent number: 5005844
    Abstract: A rolling travois for carrying camping supplies and the like, the rolling travois comprising an elongated support frame mounted over an enlarged roller assembly having a spherically shaped profile. A pair of pushing handles extend rearward and upward from the travois, and a pair of pulling handles are mounted on the forward end. Attached to the pulling handles is a pulling harness which is connectable to an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Douglas & Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: George V. Douglas, Vivian T. Douglas
  • Patent number: 4883283
    Abstract: In conjunction with a cycle trailer having a frame the front reach of which consists of rounded tubing or bar, a universal-joint hitch consisting essentially of two diametrically opposed wafer-like sector bearings each of which contains on its face multiple diametrally disposed sector channels, in order to render easy the assembly of the trailer to one such sector channel in the bearings. The bearings include trunnions and integral annular thrust surfaces on their opposite faces. Through the thrust surfaces, the bearings are constrained to bear on the rounded tubing or bar of the frame from opposite directions by clamping and mounting arrangements which may include a hinge on one side of the bearings and a hand nut on the opposite side. This hand nut, when employed, is restrained from unwanted loosening by contrived interference or engagement, most conveniently through glancing interference of protrusions of its handle with the trunnion of one sector bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: S. Richard Hazelett
    Inventors: S. Richard Hazelett, Bernhard Bender, John V. Savage
  • Patent number: 4875672
    Abstract: A toy utilizing a platform having first and second sides. A post extends the platform from one side to another and connects to an arm linked to a wheel. The wheel bears on the underside of the platform. The user is supported on the top side of the platform and uses weight shifting techniques to swing the board from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventor: W. Ted Armstrong
  • Patent number: 4861053
    Abstract: A spherical element is disclosed having an external pivotably mounted bail counterbalance by an internal counterweight where the sphere is operable over plane surfaces and water supporting a variety of counterbalanced instrumentalities upon the bail and maintained upright by the counterweight when the spherical unit is moving, as well as when at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Arthur S. Yeomans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4838565
    Abstract: A rolling travois for pulling camping supplies and the like behind an individual, the rolling travois comprising an elongated support frame having one end mounted on a single enlarged roller made up of a plurality of individual cylindrical disks. The other end of the support frame has an outwardly extending tongue pivotally attachable to a backpack frame worn by the individual pulling the rolling travois.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Douglas & Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: George V. Douglas, Vivian T. Douglas
  • Patent number: 4756541
    Abstract: A lightweight single wheel trailer is provided for towing behind a bicycle and including an upwardly opening wire mesh-type receptacle mounted forward of the rear wheel of the trailer. The rear end of the trailer includes opposite side rearwardly projecting arms between whose rear ends the rear wheel of the trailer is journalled and an upright standard is disposed to the rear of the receptacle and includes opposite side inclined braces extending between the upper end of the standard and the rear ends of the wheel journalling arms. The forward end of the trailer includes an upstanding goose-neck tongue and the receptacle constitutes bracing between the upper end of the standard and at least a mid-height portion of the tongue. Further, the forward end of the tongue includes a hitch assembly for coupling the forward end of the tongue to the upstanding seat supporting shank of an associated bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Eugene E. Albitre
  • Patent number: 4685174
    Abstract: A shock absorbing caster wheel in which the wheel support bracket is pivotally mounted on a caster bracket and a spring engages the wheel support bracket and caster bracket to absorb shocks on the caster wheel. Vibration dampening pads on the caster bracket slidably engage wall surfaces on the wheel support bracket to dampen oscillation of the wheel support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: Clarence H. Hager
  • Patent number: 4664395
    Abstract: A user propelled wheeled mule assembly (10) comprising a harness unit (11) attached to a user worn frame unit (12) which is pivotally attached to an elongated load bearing frame unit (13) having a retractable support unit (14) and a wheel unit (15); wherein the retractable support unit (14) allows the assembly (10) to be deployed in a stand alone walk-into, or walk-out-of mode, and the assembly (10) is further provided with independent first and second brake (17) (18) and brake actuating (19) (20) units, wherein variable braking is applied to the assembly (10) while in motion, and positive braking is applied to the assembly (10) in the stand alone mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventor: Melvin McCoy
  • Patent number: 4645230
    Abstract: The collapsible trailer described herein has a top adapted to mate with the upper edges of removable end and side wall panels. When the trailer is collapsed, the top mates directly with the bed of the trailer, thus forming a storage container for the wall panels. In addition, a readily removable wheel assembly is provided. The wheel normally is pivotable, but can be locked against pivoting when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Robert E. Hammons