Adjustable Or Collapsible Apex Patents (Class 37/273)
  • Patent number: 11413363
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for storing, charging, sterilizing, transporting and networking mobile computing devices, such as tablet computing devices, phones, virtual reality headsets and, more particularly to a kit for modifying an existing charging cabinet to provide ultraviolet light to sterilize the tablet computing devices, phones, virtual reality headsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Jesus Cruz
  • Patent number: 11248354
    Abstract: A snow plow having a wing that is rotatably coupled to a side of a primary plow, and configured to rotate about a first axis substantially parallel to the side of the primary plow. A portion of the wing is operable to rotate about a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis, where the portion is operable to rotate upward about the second axis relative to the ground in response to the wing encountering an obstruction. A snow plow having a receiver coupled to a surface of the primary plow and an actuator coupled to the receiver. The receiver allows the snow plow to move proximally and distally with respect to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Ricky A. Weihl
  • Patent number: 11066831
    Abstract: A snow rake for moving snow from a roof. The snow rake includes an elongated extension pole comprising a plurality of pole sections which may be connected together in an end-to-end manner. First and second rake members are secured to the upper end of the extension pole. The first and second rake members are hingedly connected together so as to be able to be positioned in a straight position or a V-shaped position. Pivot support arms extend from the rake members to a clamp which is longitudinally adjustably secured to the extension pole. The clamp may be adjustably moved on the extension pole to change the positions of the rake members. The components of the snow rake may be placed in a box for display, shipment or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Mark C. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 8955238
    Abstract: An adjustable plow blade which is adapted to be easily reconfigured between multiple configurations, including a straight-blade configuration and a V-shaped configuration. The adjustable plow blade generally includes a pair of blade portions which are adapted to be removably secured to each other in various configurations including a straight-edge blade configuration and a V-shaped blade configuration. The blade portions each include linkages which may be utilized in connection with fasteners to transition the present invention between the configurations. A mount bar is also provided to which the blade portions are secured to mount the present invention to a plowing object such as a handheld snow plow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: John R. Castruccio
  • Patent number: 8935862
    Abstract: A snow plow is provided with a first V-plow blade and a second V-plow blade each pivotably coupled to a plow tower with a horizontal pivot pin. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle by securing each of a chassis coupler to the vehicle chassis. The two V-plow blades are coupled to a plow tower configured to support each of the V-plow blades for movement about a blade vertical pivot pin disposed in each of the first and second V-plow blades and the plow tower. A tower adjustment assembly is coupled to the plow tower and a plow frame which is configured to couple to the hitch frame nose assembly. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame and couples to the hitch frame nose assembly wherein the snow plow is pivotably coupled to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Koch, Robert N. Gamble, II, Jacob R. Brehmer, Mark D. Buckbee
  • Publication number: 20140237865
    Abstract: For a V-plow having a pair of blades hinged together along inboard ends of the blades at a hinge, a gauge on a lower end of the hinge having a spacer, the spacer having a thickness in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the V-plow corresponding to a desired minimum spacing between inboard ends of a pair of cutting edge plates to be installed on the blades, a method of installing the cutting edge plates on the blades is provided. The method comprises positioning one of the cutting edge plates along a lower edge of one of the blades so that the inboard end of the one cutting edge plate abuts one side of the spacer, securing the one cutting edge plate to the one blade, positioning the other cutting edge plate along a lower edge of the other blade so that the inboard end of the other cutting edge plate abuts the other side of the spacer, and securing the other cutting edge plate to the other blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Tyler Jones, Matthew Kaminecki
  • Patent number: 8800175
    Abstract: An adjustable snow shovel system for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow has a generally tubular, three-way adjustable shovel frame. The system has a generally tubular, adjustable handle bar horizontally located on the shovel frame. The handle bar is adjustable for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow. The system has a pivotally adjustable shovel assembly having a first shovel member and a second shovel member. The shovel assembly is generally horizontally located on the shovel frame. The shovel assembly can be affixed into a position having the first shovel member and the second shovel member in-line with one another maximizing a shovel assembly width for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow. The shovel assembly can be affixed into a position having the first shovel member and the second shovel member located at an angle with respect to one another for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Faraci, Frank Faraci, Peter Masi
  • Patent number: 7934328
    Abstract: There is provided a v-plow including a first blade and a second blade. Each of the blades are pivotably connected about an axis and moveable through a range of movement. The v-plow includes a pair of wearstrips with one wearstrip coupled to each of the first and second blades. A wearstrip cylinder is coupled to at least one of the wearstrips, with the wearstrip cylinder aligned with the axis. The orientation of the first and second blades, the wearstrips, and the wearstrip cylinder minimize a gap defined between the two blades, throughout the range of movement. Each of the wearstrips include a flange coupled to each of the wearstrips and defining an angle between the flange and the wearstrip. In one embodiment one flange is coupled to the wearstrip cylinder and the other flange is closely adjacent to the wearstrip cylinder, throughout the range of movement of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert N. Gamble, II
  • Publication number: 20090307939
    Abstract: There is provided a v-plow including a first blade and a second blade. Each of the blades are pivotably connected about an axis and moveable through a range of movement. The v-plow includes a pair of wearstrips with one wearstrip coupled to each of the first and second blades. A wearstrip cylinder is coupled to at least one of the wearstrips, with the wearstrip cylinder aligned with the axis. The orientation of the first and second blades, the wearstrips, and the wearstrip cylinder minimize a gap defined between the two blades, throughout the range of movement. Each of the wearstrips include a flange coupled to each of the wearstrips and defining an angle between the flange and the wearstrip. In one embodiment one flange is coupled to the wearstrip cylinder and the other flange is closely adjacent to the wearstrip cylinder, throughout the range of movement of the blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Robert N. Gamble II
  • Publication number: 20090013564
    Abstract: A snow plow, including a left vertical surface, a right vertical surface, a cross assembly attached to the right vertical surface and to the left vertical surface, and a handle attached to the cross assembly, wherein the left vertical surface is attached to the right vertical surface at the right end of the left vertical surface and the left end of the right vertical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: John Mallaridas
  • Patent number: 7437839
    Abstract: A V-blade plow has adjustable first and second blades, each with an inner end that is rotatably connected to a pivot frame. The plow is provided with a cutting edge arrangement comprising first and second edge segments and a center edge segment there between. The first edge segment is removably attached to the first plow blade and projects downward below the bottom edge of the first plow blade. The second edge segment is removably attached to the second plow blade projecting below the bottom edge of the second plow blade. The center edge segment is mounted beneath the pivot frame and is attached to the first and second plow blades to prevent the material being plowed from passing beneath the pivot frame between the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Northern Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody M. Christy, Chris M. Kuzak, Tristan W. Summers, Mike K. Nylund, Steve Grunlund
  • Patent number: 6983558
    Abstract: A lightweight, adjustable snowplow, able to be lifted, carried, and manipulated by one person (adult or teenager) of normal strength, designed to remove new-fallen or otherwise soft snow or slush. It has a minimum number of parts. A plurality of struts attaches the plow to any kind of towing vehicle, providing horizontal stability. No brackets, hitches, or lifting devices are needed on the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Theodore Otto Haas
  • Patent number: 6813848
    Abstract: A method of plowing snow from a site using a snowplow with at least two plow blades (5) forming together a plowing angle and there being on the plowing site fixed objects, such as airport lamps (1), rising over the site surface. In the method, when the snowplow faces an object, the plow front end is opened and the area with the object on it is left unplowed by the open front end, with this unplowed area then being cleaned by brushes (6,7) in the rear of the plow front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Patria Vammas Oy
    Inventor: Tapio Heikki Ortamala
  • Patent number: 6467199
    Abstract: A hand-held control device for a V-blade plow in which left and right plow blade wings are pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot on a vehicle mounting frame and actuated about the vertical pivot by electric switch-controlled hydraulic actuators, there being an electric switch to control the extension of a hydraulic actuator, respectively, and an electrical switch for controlling retraction of the hydraulic actuator, respectively. Each electrical switch has an associated thumb actuator, the thumb actuators being in an array so that an operator's thumb or finger can actuate two thumb actuators simultaneously while gripping the hand-held control device with the same hand. The plow includes a third hydraulic actuator for raising and lowering the frame relative to ground and an electric switch pair for controlling extension and retraction, respectively, of the third hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: M. J. Electric, Inc.
    Inventor: Jody Christy
  • Patent number: 6269558
    Abstract: An adjustable snow plow shovel including a T-shaped handle comprised of a horizontal gripping member and an elongated vertical shaft member. The horizontal gripping member has opposed ends and a midpoint. The elongated vertical shaft member has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is secured to the midpoint of the horizontal gripping member. The lower end has a pair of support brackets extending outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. The support brackets each have an angularly disposed outer end having an aperture therethrough. A pair of plow blades are pivotally coupled with a plow blade support. The plow blade support is secured to the lower end of the elongated vertical shaft member of the T-shaped handle. Each of the plow blades has a plurality of linearly aligned apertures therethrough on a horizontal plane in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Dante A. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6134814
    Abstract: A plow having a frame attached to a vehicle and a pair of hinged plow blades pivotally mounted on the frame, a first single acting hydraulic actuator extending between the frame and a first one of the plow blades, a second single acting hydraulic actuator extending between the frame and a second of the plow blades, a first tension spring extending between the first one of the plow blades and the frame, a second extension spring extending between the second plow blade and the frame. Each of the single acting cylinders includes a piston on a cylinder, characterized by each single acting hydraulic actuator includes hydraulic valve elements for locking the blades in position to prevent loss of material mass behind the blades when the plow is being used to back blade. In one embodiment, the single acting hydraulic actuators include a counterbalance valve located in the position of the cylinder to provide hydraulic locking and overload protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: M. J. Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Christy, Gale Thelean
  • Patent number: 6108946
    Abstract: A V-blade plow having a pair of adjustable plow blades. Each plow blade has an inner end pivoted on a central pivot assembly. A plowed material catcher member is mounted below the central pivot assembly to prevent a trail of snow from passing through any space between the inner ends of the blades at any position of blade adjustment. The plowed material catcher member includes an arcuate ramp portion which projects forwardly of the central pivot assembly and directs snow to the blades respectively. The catcher member is made from a material selected from rubber, plastic or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: M.J. Electric, Inc.
    Inventor: Jody Christy
  • Patent number: 5960569
    Abstract: An articulated dozer blade system for vehicles for performing dozing operations using an articulated blade capable of a variety of blade configurations. The inventive device includes an articulated dozer blade portions pivotally mounted together and mounted to a central pivot member. The central pivot member is mounted to a support structure by a bifurcated pivot mounting comprised of spaced fork members having a pivot rod which passes through the outer walls of the central pivot member. Blade positioning members secure the blade portions at a user-selected setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Don Molstad
  • Patent number: 5791072
    Abstract: An adjustable snowplow designed to remove snow and other materials from various surfaces by pushing the snowplow along the surface. The adjustable snowplow has a handle attached to twin, mirror imaged, curved, blades which are adjustably joined to each other at their respective inner end to form a unitary plow blade. The width or footprint of the plow can be adjusted by angling the blades closer or further from each other to plow a narrower or wider path depending on the task at hand. The symmetry of the blades about the length of the attached handle causes snow and other materials pushed by the plow to be distributed equally to either side of the plow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Michel Schbot
  • Patent number: 5666747
    Abstract: A lightweight snowplow configured of a number of small components, each easily lifted, moved, assembled, disassembled and stored by an average individual. The snowplow is especially suitable for use with small vehicles such as small trucks, utility vehicles and cars. The snowplow features novel alternate arrangements for operational lifting, stopping and lowering of the snowplow and a quick-hitch/release mechanism for easy plow attachment purposes. The mounting structure to which the plow is attached and detached is designed so as to be able to fit most small utility vehicles with two fore and aft frame chassis members and a frame mounted metal bumper without need for welding or special custom fit-up. Finally, also featured is a novel approach for manual transport of and remote coupling and de-coupling of a snowplow to and from a vehicle, which may be utilized in Conjunction with almost any lightweight snowplow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: James Patrick MacQueen
  • Patent number: 5329708
    Abstract: A hinged snow plow for an off-road vehicle is provided wherein a cowling is pivotally secured to the free end of an adapter. The adapter attaches to a tubular mounting means of a universal nature. The tubular mounting means which is modified, depending upon the off-road vehicle to which the snow plow is to be mounted. The combination of the adapter and tubular frame make the snow plow mountable to almost any off-road vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventors: Michael J. Segorski, Arnold R. Sirtola
  • Patent number: 5251390
    Abstract: A snowplow consisting of two hinged plates is removably mountable on the front or back frame or bumper of an automobile. The mounting and the plates are adapted to slope the plates at 270.degree.-240.degree. of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Michael Wong
  • Patent number: 4907358
    Abstract: A snowblade assembly is disclosed which is mechanically mounted to a motor vehicle in substantially the same manner as the original bumper and which has a snowblade which is moveable between a forwardly extending pointed position and a generally planar position. The snowblade is attached to the vehicle by a four bar linkage assembly having tubular telescoping portions therein and which is partially contained within box housing members. A pair of springs are also used to normally bias the snowblade in a perpendicular position relative to the traversed ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Detroit Innovative Products
    Inventor: Thomas S. Moore
  • Patent number: 4802293
    Abstract: An earth-moving attachment for use with a vehicle includes a pair of earth-moving blade assemblies mounted on a main beam. The earth-moving blade assemblies are adapted to be independently movable in several planes with respect to each other and with respect to the main beam so that a plurality of earth-working operations can be performed, and the attachment is amenable for use in conjunction with a wide variety of terrains. The blade assemblies are mounted and designed to efficiently transfer forces with the main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Raymond H. Smith
  • Patent number: 4796367
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable, manual snowplow which includes a pair of elongated blades, a width adjustment capability, a plowhead, a drive handle attachment, a drive handle, blade edges and at least one carrying handle. The panels are basically vertical-type blades and have a leading end and a trailing end and have enhanced blade edges located at the bottom of each. The panels are hingedly connected to one another at their leading ends and the plowhead is attached to at least one of the panels so as to permit the panels to be folded into one another. The drive handle attachment means permits the removal and attachment of the drive handle for easy carrying and the hinged arrangement of the leading ends of the panels permit compact carrying of the device. Optional wheels toward the trailing end of each of the panels as well as ballast weights to increase cutting power may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Andrew C. Kulat
  • Patent number: 4658519
    Abstract: A hinged snowplow includes a T-shaped support frame for attachment to a vehicle, the support frame having a free end. A cowling having a pair of extending plow blades pivotally secured thereto, is pivotally secured to the free end so as to pivot in a generally vertical plane about the free end. The cowling has a first stop engageable with the support frame to limit pivotal movement of the cowling about the frame to a first or normal plowing position. A second stop on the cowling is engageable with the support frame to limit the pivotal movement of the cowling about the frame to a second or tipped position. A trip bias mechanism between the frame and the cowling biases the cowling and plow blades to the first position in which the blades are normally positioned for plowing. The cowling and blades are rotated against the trip bias mechanism toward the second, tipped position when the blades hit an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: W. Wally Niemela
    Inventor: Philip J. Quenzi
  • Patent number: RE37628
    Abstract: A hinged snow plow for an off-road vehicle is provided wherein a cowling is pivotally secured to the free end of an adapter. The adapter attaches to a tubular mounting means of a universal nature. The tubular mounting means which is modified, depending upon the off-road vehicle to which the snow plow is to be mounted. The combination of the adapter and tubular frame make the snow plow mountable to almost any off-road vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Segorski, Arnold R. Sirtola