Opposed Horizontally Reciprocable Engaging Elements Patents (Class 414/429)
  • Patent number: 12017478
    Abstract: A system for a tire caddy and jack device to help a user easily perform tire changes on various-sized vehicles is disclosed. The Tire Caddy Jack is built using a base box supported by a plurality of casters that permits the entire Tire Caddy Jack to be moved easily around an automobile repair facility or garage. A scissor lift assembly is mounted in the center of the top surface of the base box. A scissor lift crank attaches to the scissor lift assembly that when turned will cause the scissor lift assembly to extend upwards, raising the tire and wheel above the ground. The tire and wheel rest upon rollers that are coupled to a pair of twin half roller arms mounted on top of the scissor lift assembly, permitting the tire and wheel to smoothly be raised and lowered to mount and unmount the tire and wheel onto a vehicle. The Tire Caddy Jack supports the tire and wheel while the mechanic removes or replaces the lug nuts or lug bolts that hold the tire and wheel on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Inventor: Brian Basham
  • Patent number: 11292293
    Abstract: In the context of service and maintenance of heavy road vehicles, apparatus is provided that is configured to engage and support a rack and manoeuvre it into position relative to the vehicle to facilitate removal and installation of the wheels. The rack has a frame with a base and a pair of arms, each arm being pivotally attached to opposite sides of the base to pivot between an open configuration and a folded configuration. The apparatus may be expanded and contracted between an expanded configuration, where the rack engagement assembly is configured to engage the rack in the open configuration, and a contracted configuration where the rack engagement assembly is configured to engage the rack in the folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Workplace Maintenance Solutions Pty Ltd (ACN 626 363 095)
    Inventor: Allan Martin James
  • Patent number: 10780532
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame. A dolly device is able to be used to support and transport a motorcycle, including a motorcycle without wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Allen Cagle
  • Patent number: 8967939
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving parked aircraft with a tractor via an aircraft lift dolly which includes a hinged gate to entrap the aircraft nose gear. The aircraft lift dolly may be removably detachably coupled to the tractor through two attachment points to an intermediate connecting towbar. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that it repositioned longitudinally with respect to the forward chock and is hingedly coupled. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 8911194
    Abstract: This soft capture cradle is useful for moving an aircraft having a nose-wheel without contacting the strut, oleo or landing gear, only contacting the nose landing gear tire or wheel. The cradle comprises a front left capture gate; a front right capture gate; a forward motion safety bar; and a rear capture plate. A forward motion safety switch is connected to the forward motion safety bar. The switch is configured to disengage the throttle of an aircraft tug porter when the forward motion safety bar contacts the aircraft nose-wheel. The cradle also includes a means for moving the front left capture gate and front right capture gate between a cradle open position and a cradle closed position. The cradle further includes a means for moving the cradle between a cradle up position and a cradle down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tronair, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spinazze, Gregory A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8910957
    Abstract: A self-loading mini dolly includes a dolly frame; a front dolly arm carried by the dolly frame; a wheeled front axle carried by the front dolly arm; a front dolly platform carried by the front dolly arm, the front dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions; a rear dolly arm carried by the dolly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the front dolly arm; a wheeled rear axle carried by the rear dolly arm; and a rear dolly platform carried by the rear dolly arm, the rear dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Curtis C. Hassell
  • Patent number: 8899245
    Abstract: Machine (10) and method for treating containers (12) of liquids comprising in succession at least a loading station (15), into which the containers (12) to be treated are loaded, and all disposed according to a determinate first orientation, and a washing station (17), in which the containers (12) are subjected at least to washing and are disposed in a second orientation able to promote the fall due to gravity of the dirt and/or washing liquid present in the containers (12). The machine (10) comprises, downstream of the washing station (17) and outside it, a manipulator device (41) which automatically rotates the containers (12) exiting form the washing station (17) so as to reposition the containers (12) according to the first determinate orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Steelco SpA
    Inventor: Fabio Zardini
  • Patent number: 8870197
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving an inoperative vehicle is disclosed. The invention includes a horizontal rigid platform having a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top surface and a bottom surface. The apparatus includes a first tire roller supported on a left protruded portion extending from the front side and a second tire roller supported on a right protruded portion extending from an adjustable lower plate. The electric motor is operated using a controller to lift a vehicle wheel off the ground. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of casters attached to the horizontal rigid platform to move the vehicle in desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Sekora John
  • Patent number: 8636461
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving parked aircraft with an omni-directional tractor via an aircraft lift dolly that is revolvably coupled thereto which includes a hinged gate to entrap the aircraft nose gear. The aircraft lift dolly may be removably detachably coupled to the omni-directional tractor or may be integral to it through two attachment points via attachment members. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that it repositioned longitudinally with respect to the forward chock and is hingedly coupled. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 8459926
    Abstract: An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, David Peter White, Christopher Nash Whybin
  • Patent number: 8137044
    Abstract: A wheel handling apparatus includes a wheel engaging arrangement for holding a wheel assembly that is to be removed from a vehicle. The wheel engaging arrangement includes a first and a second wheel support arm, each of which is curved to follow the circumference of the wheel assembly to define a cradle in which the wheel assembly can rest as it is removed from the vehicle. The wheel handling apparatus further includes a wheel pivoting arrangement whereby the wheel engaging arrangement can be moved between a first orientation and a second orientation thus causing the wheel assembly held by the wheel engaging arrangement to be moved between a first and second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Prowse Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David Slee
  • Patent number: 8124010
    Abstract: A reusable container for the sterile transfer of pharmaceutical recipients, in particular of syringe bodies. The container comprises an outer case and a sterilizable interior, wherein the interior is microbially isolated from the environment of the container. The interior has at least one holder for accommodating at least one nest for storing a plurality of pharmaceutical recipients. The nest can be removably accommodated in the holder. The container further has at least one container door for removing or introducing the nest into the interior and at least one lock for coupling the container to a sterile space. The lock is configured in such a way that, after coupling to the sterile space, it is possible to open the container door without substantially suspending sterility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: F. Hoffman-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Gabel, Martin Knierim
  • Patent number: 8066467
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving parked aircraft with an omni-directional tractor via an aircraft lift dolly that is revolvably coupled thereto. The aircraft lift dolly may be removably coupled to the omni-directional tractor or may be integral to it. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that moves longitudinally and laterally with respect to the forward chock. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 7997848
    Abstract: Self-propelled carriage on wheels includes: one or two pairs of supporting elements for the wheels of either or both of the axles of the motor vehicle, these elements being movable symmetrically and perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the carriage and designed to center, immobilize and lift from beneath the wheels; elements for limiting the mass to be transferred; elements for sensing, continuously during the transfer, the translational position of the carriage; elements for sensing the presence of the motor vehicle on the carriage and measuring the front and rear lengths of the motor vehicle relative to its front axle; and elements for sensing excessive displacement of the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the carriage when the motor vehicle is being positioned by the user in the entrance bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sotefin S.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Valli
  • Publication number: 20100166531
    Abstract: A tire manipulator includes a base, first and second extensions coupled to the base and configured to support a tire, each of the first and second extensions including a first end coupled to the base and a second end configured to support the tire, and first and second supports movably coupled to the first and second extensions, respectively, the first and second supports being disposed between the first and second end of each of the first and second extensions. The first and second supports may be positionable to prevent the tire from rotating relative to the first and second extensions toward the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Karl James Bauer, Bradley Gayle Ethington
  • Patent number: 7677582
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a vehicular component, such as a wheel/tyre, a motor or the like, particularly for large mining and/or earthmoving equipment. The apparatus includes a carrier device (100) and a component handling device (200). The carrier device (100) enables the apparatus to be moved over a substrate surface, and is preferably a U-shaped chassis having a pair of outwardly extending arms (140), and at least three wheels (120,130). The component handling device (200) is removably coupled to the carrier device (100). The component handling device (200) includes a frame (270) of complementary shape to the chassis to support the lower portion of the vehicular component, and, a support element (210). At least one retaining arm (220) extends from the support element (210) to provide support to an upper end of the vehicular component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Justoy Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin
  • Patent number: 7648320
    Abstract: Self-propelled carriage on wheels comprises: one or two pairs of supporting elements for the wheels of either or both of the axles of the motor vehicle, these elements being movable symmetrically and perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the carriage and designed to center, immobilize and lift from beneath the wheels; elements for limiting the mass to be transferred; elements for sensing, continuously during the transfer, the translational position of the carriage; elements for sensing the presence of the motor vehicle on the carriage and measuring the front and rear lengths of the motor vehicle relative to its front axle; and elements for sensing excessive displacement of the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the carriage when the motor vehicle is being positioned by the user in the entrance bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Sotefin S.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Valli
  • Patent number: 7635134
    Abstract: A device for changing a vehicular component on a first vehicle. The device includes a frame for releasably receiving a vehicular component. The frame is configured to facilitate the frame being positioned in a component changing position with respect to the first vehicle. The device also includes a first actuator for moving the frame to a first position and a second position to thereby mount the vehicular component on the first vehicle or receive the vehicular component from the first vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Justoy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin
  • Publication number: 20090297307
    Abstract: Machine intended to hold the wheels of vehicles. It enables mounting and holding the wheels on vehicles that travel on the conveyor of the assembly line in a completely automated manner, without the intervention of human operators. It has a wheel supply bed (1) equipped with a positioning element (23) that centers the wheel and lifts it to be taken by a supporting arm (2) that moves it to a rotating plate (3) associated to a screw feeding device (4) that inserts them on the rim aided by an optical detector. The supporting arm (6) of a mobile bed (5) contiguous to the first element bears a multiple screw driver (7) that positions itself on the screws and tilts the whole set 90° to present the wheel in front of the vehicle's hub to be able to finally insert the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Marti Laffitte Figueras
  • Patent number: 7597524
    Abstract: A wheel dolly is disclosed that is suited to serve as both an automobile jack, capable of holding large loads aloft for extended periods, relying on only mechanical systems and eliminating hydraulic systems. In a further aspect, the wheel dolly of the present invention does not include extended arms, handles, or levers for pumping or rotating the lifting mechanisms. Each lifting element terminates in only a single nut exposed to the user. Preferably, each nut of each lifting system has the same plan dimensions as the other, thus providing the advantage of allowing the user to operate the dolly with a driver and only one socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Alltrade Tools LLC
    Inventor: Hector Ray Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7097406
    Abstract: A skate for a wheel assembly of a motor vehicle is used to maneuver the vehicle in confined spaces. The wheel skate has a U-shaped frame fitted to the wheel assembly by adjusting the width of the expandable/contractible frame until the unit is wide enough to position a plurality of rollers in engagement with opposing sides of the tire of the wheel assembly. A foot pedal lever is operated to contract the frame assembly and raise the tire clear of the garage floor. A locking knob drops into a hole in the frame assembly to lock the position of the frame assembly. A fork drives the frame assembly together. The locking knob does not move into the following hole until the fork is moved into another hole. The device is used in pairs which are attached to either the front or back wheels in order to swing one end of the vehicle around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Wang Gang
  • Patent number: 6945354
    Abstract: An aircraft handler (10) for use with an undercarriage of an aircraft, the handler being self-propelled and comprising a generally “U” shaped body (11) having arms (12 & 13) linked by a bridge (14) at one end thereof with a pair of drive wheels (16 & 17) located one at the free end of each arm, with at least one wheel(15) located adjacent the bridge(14). A pair of clamping jaws (51) are mounted on the body (11) between the drive wheels (16 & 17) and the bridge (14)and jaws (51) have a lower profile than the arms (12 & 17). The drive wheel (16 & 17) are driven by DC electric motors powered by batteries stored in the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Douglas Equipment, LTD
    Inventor: Barry Ian Goff
  • Patent number: 6863488
    Abstract: A foldable dolly for moving and positioning a vehicle tire assembly is formed with a rectangular base member mounted on a plurality of casters. Two wings are hinged to opposite ends of the rectangular member and have adjustable positioning members having one end attached to the base member and the other end attached to one of the wings. A plurality of bearings at least one bearing being mounted on each wing and one on the rectangular base member allow rotation of the tire assembly on the dolly and easy withdrawal of the dolly when the tire is mounted on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Kewal K. Chopra
  • Patent number: 6789994
    Abstract: The invention concerns a handling trolley for lifting and supporting at least one vehicle wheel The trolley comprises two support assemblies (1a, 1b), fitted on castor wheels and arrangements for altering the position of the two support assemblies relative to each other. Each of the support assemblies comprises a telescopic part (4a, 4b) and a crosspiece (5a, 5b) supporting at least one roller. In accordance with the invention each crosspiece comprises a straight central section (8a, 8b) having one primary free end and one secondary end from which extends a raised end section (11a, 11b). At least one castor wheel is fitted to the lower part of the raised end section. At least one freely rotating roller (12a, 12b) can be fitted to the straight central section. Each of the crosspieces is fitted to the free end of one of the telescopic parts at the primary free end of the straight central section. At least one castor wheel is fitted beneath the free end of each of the telescopic parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Tortellier
  • Patent number: 6739822
    Abstract: A traction vehicle for moving a nose wheel of an aircraft comprises a wheel-mounted chassis including an engagement and hoisting device that can be raised and lowered. The engagement and hoisting device has a nose-wheel holder and a U-shaped stand having an opening facing the aircraft. The nose-wheel holder and the stand are shaped as two separate units and have co-operating journaling members arranged in a circular arc to provide rotational movement between the holder and the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Kalmar Motor AB
    Inventor: Magnus Johansson
  • Patent number: 6733226
    Abstract: A vehicle moving apparatus comprises a U-shaped, horizontally oriented, rigid frame having a transverse base frame joined at opposing ends thereof with spaced-apart, longitudinally oriented side frames. Frame wheels are engaged with the rigid frame for support and movement over a surface. The base frame and the side frames, together, define a vehicle space for placement of a vehicle wherein the vehicle is supported on its wheels. Each one of the side frames provides a proximal roller arm and a spaced apart distal roller arm. The arms are able to pivotally rotate between a stowed position within one of the side frames and a deployed position normal to one of the side frames. The arms are facilitated for adjustment of spacing between them, thereby enabling contact between the roller arms and the vehicle's wheels for lifting the vehicle onto the roller arms so that the vehicle may be moved to a designated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Pete J. Bonin
  • Patent number: 6682292
    Abstract: A motorcycle tow rack (12) has a cradle (20) which is pivotally secured to a tow rack frame (50) for receiving a wheel (22) of a motorcycle (14). The cradle (20) and the tow rack frame (50) are pivotally secured to a receiver hitch (16) of a towing vehicle (18). Two clamping plates (30), two clamp arms (28) and a pivot plate (32) secure the motorcycle wheel (22) to the cradle (20). Stabilizer bars (62) are pivotally secured to the receiver hitch (16) and are slidably secured to the tow rack frame (50). Tie down members (34) extend from two stabilizer bars (62) to the motorcycle frame (40). Tie down members (35) extend from the tow rack frame (50) to the motorcycle frame (40). Yaw braces (44) secure handlebars (46) of the motorcycle (14) in fixed relation to the motorcycle frame (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: CODEV Corp.
    Inventor: David W. Estes
  • Publication number: 20030012630
    Abstract: An device designed to assist in changing a vehicle wheel is herein disclosed. The ergonomically-designed device is fabricated of a variety of strong, rigid materials (e.g. steel) to provide the durability required by the nature of its usage. The three main sub-assemblies of the present invention include a frame assembly, a seat assembly, and a wheel support assembly. The tubular frame assembly rides on casters and preferably includes a cross-member on which the elements of the wheel support assembly are mounted. A frame-mounted seat provides the user with an ergonomic means to position himself/herself for placing the wheel on, or removing it from, the axle hub. A tray attached to the tubular frame assembly provides an area where the user's tools or the wheel's lug nuts may be temporarily stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Carl Edward Brabson
  • Patent number: 6450756
    Abstract: An aircraft towbar apparatus comprises a pair of tubular members having proximal ends coupled to a hitch assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. Each tubular member includes a gripping member at a distal end for gripping an aircraft wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly intermediate proximal and distal ends which serves as a fulcrum for vertical positioning of the gripping members relative to an aircraft wheel assembly. A support handle extends from the distal end of one tubular member to enable a user to vertically position the gripping members. A scissor jack is connected to the tubular members and extends therebetween at a position spaced from the distal ends. An elongate handle bar is coupled to the scissor jack and extends to a crank handle adjacent the hitch assembly such that a user may rotatably actuate the scissor jack to vary the spacing between the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Jack L. Stahancyk, Timothy E. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20020098069
    Abstract: An aircraft towbar apparatus comprises a pair of tubular members having proximal ends coupled to a hitch assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. Each tubular member includes a gripping member at a distal end for gripping an aircraft wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly intermediate proximal and distal ends which serves as a fulcrum for vertical positioning of the gripping members relative to an aircraft wheel assembly. A support handle extends from the distal end of one tubular member to enable a user to vertically position the gripping members. A scissor jack is connected to the tubular members and extends therebetween at a position spaced from the distal ends. An elongate handle bar is coupled to the scissor jack and extends to a crank handle adjacent the hitch assembly such that a user may rotatably actuate the scissor jack to vary the spacing between the tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Jack L. Stahancyk, Timothy E. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20010038094
    Abstract: A portable, compact cart easily lifts and maneuvers heavy vehicle wheels for removal, repair, transportation, and the like. The cart includes a U-shaped bracket with opposing arms slidably interconnected along a straight center section. In addition to wheels beneath the cart, rollers are mounted atop the arms. For example, each arm may include a paired set of rollers forming a V-shape when viewed from the cart's top or end. When an upright wheel is cradled by opposing arms, the rollers help keep the wheel upright. A user-activated push/pull assembly is attached to both arms to slidably lengthen and shorten the center section, thereby drawing the arms together (lifting the wheel) or spreading the arms apart (releasing the wheel). The push/pull assembly may use a lever whose distal end is pivotally coupled to one of the arms along the straight center section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Execair Maintenance Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Eugene Lundy, Donald Eugene Lundy
  • Patent number: 6283696
    Abstract: An aircraft towing vehicle includes a lifting and locking device for the nose landing gear of the aircraft being towed. The device has two support elements which reach behind the nose wheels and can be displaced along straight-line guiding rails by a linear drive so as to pull the nose wheels of the aircraft onto a lifting platform and to lock it into place thereon. At the end of each guiding rail a guiding pin is provided which, in cooperation with a guiding track embodied in the support element, controls the rotation of the support element into a release position in which the nose landing gear is able to pass through. By a reverse movement, the rotation of the support elements are put into the operation position in which the support elements reach behind the nose landing gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: FMC International AG
    Inventors: Gregor Trummer, Hartmut Mann, Thomas Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6106214
    Abstract: A dolly assembly for lifting and supporting a single vehicle tire includes a wheel mounted support frame having a first support bar connected to a second support bar, a slidable member engaged with the second support bar, and a pair of tire lift paddles connected to the slidable member. The slidable member is movable along the second support bar by a lift spindle or a hydraulic lift, which serves to move the pair of tire lift paddles into contact with the vehicle tire, thereby lifting it. An upper housing is attached to the top of the second support bar. The upper housing carries an upper support pad which contacts an upper outside surface of the vehicle tire. An optional securing strap is also provided to further secure the vehicle tire on the dolly assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Paul Saffelle, Georg Seyrlehner, Paul Craze
  • Patent number: 5893571
    Abstract: A vehicle jack and dolly for quickly and easily raising the vehicle includes a support which is slipped around the bottom of the tire from the side of the vehicle, pivot bars and axles that are parallel to, spaced from and rotatable around the pivot bar. Short bars extending from the axles may be forced downward to rotate the axles and lift the vehicle to the point where a hook drops in place to lock it. The axles have small wheels so that two dollies may be used on two opposite wheels to move the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Joseph Fanucchi
    Inventor: Charles P. Nowell
  • Patent number: 5860785
    Abstract: In a towing vehicle (1) for manoeuvring aircraft (11) without a towbar, the chassis (5) of which vehicle has a fork-like receiving area (7) between the wheels (6) of a coaxial wheel suspension, in which receiving area there is arranged a retractable and extensible gripping and drawing-in device (9) which is fastened to a lifting blade (8) and by means of which the nosewheel (10) of an aircraft (11) can be gripped and drawn onto the lifting blade (8) which is pivotable relative to the chassis (5) both about a transverse axis and, for matching to oblique positions of a nosewheel (10) which has been received, about a longitudinal axis by means of two fluid piston-cylinder units (12) arranged symmetrically relative to one another between the chassis (5) and the lifting blade (8), the lifting blade (8) is coupled so as to be pivotable in all directions by means of a ball joint (25) which is fastened to the chassis (5) of the towing vehicle (1) and acts centrally on the back of the lifting blade (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Goldhofer Fahrzeugwerk GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Uwe Eberspacher
  • Patent number: 5806795
    Abstract: Apparatus for gripping, raising, orienting and transporting helicopters (2) in specially prepared areas or zones in particular on decks (1a) of ships (1), comprising a cross-piece (6) movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X--X) of the ship in engagement with said rail (4), wherein the transverse arm (6b) of said cross-piece (6) has joined to it a substantially L-shaped frame (7; 107) and smaller arm (7a) movable relative to the cross-piece (6) in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (X--X) itself through the action of associated actuating means (7c), the free end of said longitudinal arm (7a) of the frame (7) having rotationally attached to it a transverse member (9; 109) carrying at its opposite ends the devices (10) for gripping the main wheels of the helicopter (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Riva Calzoni S.P.A.
    Inventor: Aurelio Ortelli
  • Patent number: 5732960
    Abstract: A dolly for lifting and transporting an automobile. The dolly is provided with a generally U-shaped frame including a base member and a pair of arm assemblies pivotally attached thereto. Each of the arm assemblies includes a load-bearing arm extending at substantially right angles from the base member and a torsion arm secured to the load-bearing arm. A pry bar is removably attached to the torsion arm for pivoting the load-bearing arm, which engages the wheel assembly of the automobile, to lift and transport the automobile. Secured to each of the load-bearing arms are casters to facilitate pivoting of the load-bearing arm and to provide for movement of the dolly over the ground surface. Latching mechanisms secured to the base member selectively secure the arm assemblies in a fixed position in which the automobile is in an elevated position and the casters are in rolling engagement with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Eric Elam
  • Patent number: 5562388
    Abstract: A vehicle for transporting on the ground an aircraft that has front and rear undercarriage legs and wheels on at least the rear undercarriage legs. The vehicle comprises a rolling structure shaped and sized to support the aircraft with the front and rear undercarriage legs on corresponding cradles on the rolling structure. Structure (30, 34) is provided for raising and lowering the cradles. Mechanisms (44, 48, 58) are provided on only the cradles of the rear undercarriage legs, for encompassing and locking the wheels of the rear undercarriage legs without moving the plane horizontally. Each cradle (24) corresponding to a rear undercarriage leg comprises a base (44) against which the wheels on the rear undercarriage leg are applied. At least one mobile support bar (48) is adapted to be placed parallel to the base under the rear undercarriage wheels, this base (44) and bar (48) being disposed on opposite sides of a line (46) along which the rear undercarriage wheels bear on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Hydroland S.A.
    Inventors: Joel-Yves Le Gall, Bernard Rodier
  • Patent number: 5549436
    Abstract: Tractor (1) with driver's cab (2) at the rear, featuring a recess (3) in the front part of which the front steering wheels (4) of the aircraft are entering and are blocked by idle front rollers (28) which may be moved inwards or outwards and an idle rear roller (36) driven by hydraulic fluid powered pistons (31, 34). According to one solution, an apron (32) is mounted on the tractor framework (1) on which apron (32) the wheels (4) of the aircraft will rest. This apron is lifted and lowered by hydraulic fluid powered pistons (7) connected to the articulated upper arm (9) of each tractor wheel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Fresia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Fresia
  • Patent number: 5480274
    Abstract: An aircraft tug without draw tongue, with a chassis divided by means of an axially parallel buckling axle. The pickup device for the nose landing gear (nose wheels 27) of an aircraft is arranged within the fork-shaped recess of the chassis, which is formed by the lifting rockers. This pickup device includes a lifting platform, a pendulum tie-bar, telescopic arms with gripping arms, a push-out tie-bar, a crossbar, longitudinal swinging arms, and a pendulum pin. The pendulum tie-bar, the lifting platform with the telescopic arms, including the push-out tie-bar and the longitudinal swinging arms, are connected to the lifting rockers of the chassis rear part via coupling members. The pendulum tie-bar has a pendular mounting, and pendular movement of the lifting platform and of the pendulum tie-bar is guaranteed in conjunction with the pivotably mounted lifting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshutte
    Inventors: Wilhelm Franken, Gerhard Weigardt, Lars T. Michaelsen
  • Patent number: 5336037
    Abstract: A towing vehicle for maneuvering airplanes without draw tongue, has a chassis (5), which exhibits a fork-shaped receiver space between the wheels of one wheel axle, in which a gripping and retracting device (28, 68) is attached that can be retracted and extended and works together with a lifting device, by means of which the nose wheel (24) of the airplane can be grasped and pulled onto a scoop (14) that can be raised and lowered relative to the chassis. In it, only a single scoop (14) is present to support the nose wheel (24) in the area of the nose wheel load line of application to prevent clamping and deformation forces on the nose wheel (24) during the retraction procedure or during raising. The scoop can be tipped around a horizontal axle attached to the chassis and its tipped position relative to the chassis can be adjusted by control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Goldhofer Fahrzeugwerk GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Franz J. Curten, Michael Bammel
  • Patent number: 5308212
    Abstract: An aircraft towing vehicle including a chassis formed with a recess receiving a towing device for securing a nose wheel of an aircraft and including a transversely tiltable bearing frame, a vertically displaceable and longitudinally swingable lifting cradle provided with a pair of telescopic traction arms having respective gripping devices on respective rearward ends, the arms being longitudinally displaceable and adapted to swing about respective transverse axes, bringing thereby the gripping devices upwardly to engage the circumference of the nose wheel above an axle thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Krauss Maffei Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jurgen Pollner, Gregor Trummer
  • Patent number: 5259572
    Abstract: A vehicle with its own traveling gear for towing an aircraft without draw tongue, has a U-shaped chassis frame recess that is open in the forward direction with a clamping and lifting device arranged therein for the nose wheels of an aircraft. The clamping and lifting device, which is oscillatingly suspended on the chassis frame 1, includes a pivoting and lifting ramp 8, as well as two parallel telescoping arms 10 arranged rigidly on the pivoting and lifting ramp 8, with telescoping cylinders 11 and with gripping arms 14, which can be pivoted in and whose nose wheel contact surfaces 18 are rigidly attached to the gripping arms 14, and of telescopingly adjustable holddown devices 12, 13, which are hinged to the support 7.FIG. 3 shows the clamping and lifting devices with the nose wheels 17 lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshutte Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilhelm Franken, Ernest Kretschmann, Gerhard Weigardt, Heinrich Goris, Torsten L. Michaelsen, Dieter Pohe
  • Patent number: 5244331
    Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a rotary member such as a vehicle wheel at a balancing machine in such a way that the rotary member can be lifted into a position, at the level of the balancing machine measuring spindle, in which the longitudinal center lines of the measuring spindle and the rotary member are aligned with each other and the rotary member can be moved concentrically relative to the measuring spindle. The apparatus has two equal-length positioning arms which are pivotally connected at an apex point in a scissor-like arrangement and which are pivotable uniformly relative to each other about their connecting point in a plane which is perpendicular to the measuring spindle. The positioning arms connecting point is displaceable along a line which is perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the measuring spindle and which coincides with the line bisecting the angle formed by the positioning arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Ruhl
  • Patent number: 5161931
    Abstract: Improved wheel and tire handling apparatus or structure including a base member adapted for movement on relatively level surfaces by the use of rollers and casters. A vertically moveable second section is adapted for movement up and down on uprights of the base member and a jack is mounted in between the base member and the second section to raise and lower the second section relative to the base member. The second section is further provided with an elongated axle extending across the second section on which are axially slideably mounted two tines. The tines can be restricted as to axial movement by the use of manually fixable slideable collars on the axle to prevent the tines from moving away from each other when a wheel and tire are received thereon. Rollers are provided for the tire receiving surfaces of the tines to facilitate rotational movement of the wheel and tire to align the wheel with lug bolts when remounting the wheel and tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Orin R. Mayer
  • Patent number: 5112070
    Abstract: A dual wheel puller/dolly is provided and consists of a pair of mobile elongated frame members with an elongated rod extending transversely therebetween and a jack mechanism cooperative with the rod. An elongated roller is rotatively mounted onto the top of each frame member to engage with a pair of large heavy motor vehicle wheels. When the jack mechanism is operated the large heavy wheels will be lifted upwardly to be moved about. One of the elongated frame members can also be used with other components, such as a pair of chains and a socket, as a wheel hub puller so as to facilitate the removal of a wheel bearing therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Kevin C. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5110067
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a transfer device that will grip double wheels of very different size, which is intended to move an aircraft (1) or other device equipped with double wheels on a base, which transfer device includes a fork-shaped frame and pairs of rollers (3, 4) attached to both forks (2), compression devices for them and devices to rotate the rollers, both pairs of which rollers (3, 4) being placed from the side in front and behind the wheel (6) of the device (1) to be moved. According to the invention the forks (2) are attached to the frame part (7) that connects them by means of parallelogram arms (5), which are adapted to provide the rollers (3, 4) with the lateral movement required when being placed around double wheels (6) and which transfer device includes operating devices (18) to turn the parallelogram arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Tana-Jyra Ky
    Inventor: Matti Sinkkonen
  • Patent number: 5071151
    Abstract: A dolly particularly suitable for manipulation of tail wheel aircraft is disclosed as having a wheel and axle assembly with an elongated lever extending rearwardly from the axle. A wheel-holding assembly comprised of two arms forming an open rectangle extends from the lever. The wheel-holding assembly is fitted around the tail wheel of an aircraft without manipulation of the aircraft. A handle member is supplied at the end of the elongated lever to aid in manipulation and in lifting of the lever to remove the tail wheel of the aircraft from the ground so that the plane may be manipulated through the dolly. The dolly is also provided with a hitch assembly for use with tractor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Jack L. Irwin
  • Patent number: 5054714
    Abstract: The aircraft tractor arrangement maintains a uniform degree of reliability with which the nose wheel landing gear, which is standing on a lifting platform that is arranged on the front part and extends into a recess (26), is held down on the surface of the lifting platform which supports the nose wheel landing gear at different nose wheel diameters.Each telescoping rod (30) is hinged (40, 44, 46) to the front part (10.1) directly in the front. A connecting hydraulic cylinder (42) is provided in the rear. The hydraulic cylinder (46) for longitudinal adjustment, and also the hydraulic cylinder (36) for moving the holder (34) on the fixed part (30.1) of the telescoping rod (30) associated with it are arranged ridgedly.This arrangement allows an adjustability in height of the two rear tow arms and at the same time of the front holders, which can come into contact with the two desired zones of the wheel circumference, regardless of the nose wheel diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshutte Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilhelm Franken, Dieter Pohe, Lars T. Michaelsen
  • Patent number: 5051052
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an aircraft tractor without tow-bar. The arrangement avoids relative movement between the nose wheel of the aircraft and the tractor lifting platform by making the lifting platform (24) rotatable around a longitudinal axis (30) of the chassis, which axis is horizontal when the chassis is extended, and by making displaceable the transverse tow arms (38) and/or the holders (42) at right angles to this longitudinal axis (30). The tires of an oblique nose wheel landing gear of an aircraft being towed in a curve are handled very gently, because the tractor parts (24, 38, and 42) that are in contact with the nose wheel landing gear are able to follow the movements of the nose wheel landing gear and to adjust to its instantaneous position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshutte Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilhelm Franken, Dieter Pohe, Lars T. Michaelsen