Elevatable Type Patents (Class 414/471)
  • Patent number: 6752467
    Abstract: A truck debris collection container mounting apparatus comprising a truck frame, a support frame moveably mounted to the truck frame, a debris collection container pivotally mounted to the support frame, a lifting device to vertically and horizontally move the support frame relative to the truck frame, and a device to rearwardly tilt the debris collection container. The support frame is movably attached to the truck frame via a plurality of extendable lifts and support links, which allows the debris collection container to be lifted up and rearward from the truck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Vac-Con, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Oliver Palrose, Thomas W. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6733227
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elevating lift for raising and lowering a load (such as a sensor suite) onboard a vehicle, such as a Humvee, which can allow for the transport of the vehicle in a standard transport without removal of the sensor suite from the vehicle, and can provide for a more stable support for the load than is available from a traditional mast. The elevating lift may also able to maintain the load in a parallel position as it is raised, and may be able to lock in a intermediate position where the sensor suite can be used while the vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Fitzgerald, Edward V. Carter
  • Patent number: 6698996
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Up-N-Atom, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6648578
    Abstract: A trailer includes a tongue, an upper frame, a lower frame coupled to the upper frame via a plurality of arms, and a lift assembly. The lift assembly includes 1) a hydraulic ram and 2) a hydraulic pump that is operatively connected to the hydraulic ram. The hydraulic ram raises the upper frame to a raised position when the hydraulic ram is retracted, and lowers the upper frame to a lowered position when the hydraulic ram is extended. The lift assembly is configured to be removably attachable to a trailer for retrofit operations, lift assembly replacement, or lift assembly reuse upon trailer sale or disposal. Also included is a method of raising and lowering a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard W. Rouse
  • Patent number: 6607345
    Abstract: The invention is a lifting device for attachment to an ATV which can utilize a small motor or crank, such as a boat crank, in order to carry a belt over a pulley system between the ATV frame and a platform to lift an object from the platform resting on the ground to the platform raised above the luggage rack platform on the rear of the ATV. The lifting platform may have a lifting plate floor which carries the load over (or on top of) the ATV rear luggage rack. The platform may be equipped with a removable or an extendable wheel so that it may function as a cart when the wheel is attached or extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Grady L. McElhany
  • Patent number: 6402453
    Abstract: A side dump body including a plurality of side dump body units pivotally mounted on a truck or trailer frame. Each of the side dump body units may be individually pivotally moved from a transport position to a dumping position wherein the contents of the dump body units may be dumped from the side of a truck or trailer. A material compactor is provided at the upper end of each of the body units for compacting material within the body unit. The material compactor may be moved from its operative compaction position wherein it overlies the upper end of the body unit to an inoperative position at one side of the body unit so that the body unit may be moved to its dumping position without interference from the material compactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Thurston Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Layton W. Jensen, Ralph R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6129495
    Abstract: A tandem wheeled carriage of heavy, very strong steel construction capable of lifting 5 to 30 or more tons of load and transporting the same over difficult roadways, wherein a laterally spaced pair of lift devices is provided on the carriage and adapted to be connected to laterally spaced supporting beams of the load, wherein each lift device is operable independently of the other to selectively lift or lower either or both sides of the load to avoid obstacles, and wherein a steering mechanism is provided to synchronously pivot all wheels of the tandem thru a steering angle whereby the rear of the load can be steered straight ahead or also in lateral directions to avoid obstacles and to allow maneuvering of a long load around corners which are too sharp for conventional transport devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Jadde, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6125970
    Abstract: A hydraulic device for a forklift is disclosed. The forklift includes a tilting mast and a fork supported by the mast so that the fork is lifted and lowered. A tilt cylinder operates to tilt the mast by means of oil supplied by a tilt valve. A restricting valve is arranged in an oil passage connecting the tilt cylinder with the tilt valve. When the mast is tilted with the fork carrying an object and located higher than a predetermined reference position, the restricting valve closes the oil passage so that the angle of the tilting mast is limited. A check valve is arranged between the tilt cylinder and the restricting valve. The check valve blocks oil flow from the tilt cylinder to the restricting valve so that the position of the mast is maintained. This prevents unintentional movement of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Takeuchi, Yasuhiko Naruse, Takeharu Matsuzaki, Shigeto Nakajima, Makio Tsukada
  • Patent number: 6010296
    Abstract: A seat stowage cart enables loading, transporting, and stowing a removable vehicle seat of the type found in sport utility vehicles. The seat is drawn manually upon a pair of ramps which pivot on a frame. The seat passes over the pivot axis, urging the ramps toward a seat stowage position, therein supported by a pair of support members. The ramps are adjustable for seats of varying width. The frame is selectively variable in height, and includes wheels. A pawl is provided for releasably locking the ramps against pivoting, and for blocking the seat wheels from rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce G. Enders
  • Patent number: 5944471
    Abstract: A dragline bucket transporter for use in moving a dragline bucket with a hauling vehicle comprises a wheeled trailer having a U-shaped frame with tire-supported free ends, the free ends forming an open end. The frame is moved by a hauling vehicle to surround the sidewalls of a dragline bucket. Once the bucket is surrounded, a cross member of the frame engages and lifts a front end portion of the bucket by action of a hitching assembly attached to the hauling vehicle. With the front end of the bucket elevated, lifting assemblies located at the free ends of the frame lift up a rear portion of the bucket so that it is off the ground. The hauling vehicle can then transport the bucket to a desired location, the bucket then removed from the transporter for use with a dragline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Towhaul Corporation
    Inventors: Francis V. Smith, Harold W. Spielman
  • Patent number: 5678977
    Abstract: A U-frame wagon formed with two parallel longitudinal beams (2, 3) and a front transverse beam (4) interconnecting the two longitudinal beams. Two wheel units (6, 7, 8, 9) are attached to the rear ends of the longitudinal beams for supporting the rear parts of the beams, while the transverse beam (4) is coupled (20) to and supported by a trailing unit. Three connection devices (13, 16) cooperate with complementary shaped connection members of a container platform. Above the wheel units are mudguards, which also serve as lifting devices (10) and these are of rigid construction and extend parallel to the longitudinal frame members. The lifting devices are pivotable around shafts (12) positioned before the shafts of the wheel units, while the connection devices (13) are behind the shafts of the wheel units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Karl Signar Napoleon Nordlund
  • Patent number: 5662453
    Abstract: A truck bed lift system is provided that includes elements for positioning a truck bed at a predetermined height and angle. The system has means for sliding the truck bed relative to the truck frame, means for lifting the truck bed, and means for tilting the truck bed about a pivot point. In addition, elements are provided for retracting a bumper guard so that it does not impede a downward tilting movement of the truck bed. Methods are also provided for transferring an object between a loading platform and the truck bed when the truck frame and the loading platform are noncoplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventors: Steven R. Gerstner, Donald D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5653469
    Abstract: A mobile storage tank having a jack system on the front thereof and a rear wheel lift system to facilitate the draining of fluid from the tank and the towing of an empty tank from one job site to another. Recesses are provided in the walls of the storage tank for receiving manholes, fittings and a ladder so that a maximum volumetric dimension can be obtained for the storage tank while still conforming to highway laws regulating the size of trailers. The manholes are positioned at a predetermined height above the ground to allow a person standing on the ground to have access to the interior thereof for cleaning and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Sidney Allen Wade
  • Patent number: 5601393
    Abstract: A dual capacity hook-lift hoist mounted on a wheeled chassis for use in loading detached objects, such as containers, onto the chassis for transport to any location. The hook-lift hoist is also operable to tilt a loaded container to dump its contents. The hook-lift hoist includes at least one hydraulic cylinder that is sized to have a maximum loading capacity that is below the safe limit of the truck but which is capable of dumping a container that is at least equal to the carrying capacity of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Swaokiader U.S.A., Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Waldschmitt
  • Patent number: 5584639
    Abstract: A tow trailer assembly for towing a single pallet of material behind an automobile or truck and having a substantially rigid fork frame with apparatus for connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle at one end and forks for engaging and lifting the pallet at the other end. A wheel support frame is pivotally connected to the fork frame and a hydraulic lifting cylinder is provided for moving the wheels downward relative to the fork frame to raise the fork frame into a towing position with the load substantially centered over the trailer's wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Esler C. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5580211
    Abstract: A transportation system is adapted for transporting and removing roll on/roll off containers from a trailer surface. A tractor having a fifth wheel is used to tow the trailer. The tractor carries a supplemental platform, which is placed over the fifth wheel area to permit transfer of a container from the trailer onto the platform of the towing tractor for transportation of the container to a delivery site. The container and tractor also include mating members to permit raising one end of the container relative to the other to facilitate dumping of the contents from the container while it is carried on the supplemental platform on the tractor. A specific form of container, particularly suitable for use in the transportation system, is a double walled, insulated container for carrying hot mix asphalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: William F. Mengel
  • Patent number: 5580134
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-function dumping vehicle having standard chassis and bed. The bed is positioned on the chassis and is pivotably mounted to the chassis as is conventional. The bed is undergirded by longitudinal body rails. A deck is pivotably mounted to the bed by a cross body hinge. Accessory rails are installed to run parallel to the body rails and are affixed at one end to the forwardly placed, transverse cross body hinge. A front hoist having a first end pivotably mounted to the chassis and a second end pivotably mounted to the bed is used to raise the bed to a standard dumping configuration. A rear hoist having a first end pivotably mounted to the body rails and a second end pivotably mounted to the accessory rails is used to raise the deck to a reverse dumping configuration. When the front and rear hoists are used in combination, a high lift platform is obtained. The invention is also adaptable for use with flat bed trucks and high lift vehicles to provide a reverse dumping capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Park T. Allwine
  • Patent number: 5458451
    Abstract: A portable low-profile tipper for dumping the contents from a trailer containing a dumpable material, includes a towable elongated and angled frame having a portion resting on the ground during dumping for greater stability. A deck is pivotally attached at an elevated position to the frame back end. The deck has a backstop for positioning the trailer during dumping. Actuators raise and lower the deck to dump the trailer contents. The tipper has a chute with fixed and pivoting components cooperating to guide the dumpable material from the trailer past the frame back end. Front and back stabilizers extend outwardly from the frame. The front stabilizers lift and lower the frame front end between a low-profile dumping position and a raised towing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Columbia Trailer Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Bratlie, David J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5344271
    Abstract: A portable low-profile tipper for dumping the contents from a trailer containing a dumpable material, includes a towable elongated and angled frame having a portion resting on the ground during dumping for greater stability. A deck is pivotally attached at an elevated position to the frame back end. The deck has a backstop for positioning the trailer during dumping. Actuators raise and lower the deck to dump the trailer contents. The tipper has a chute with fixed and pivoting components cooperating to guide the dumpable material from the trailer past the frame back end. Front and back stabilizers extend outwardly from the frame. The front stabilizers lift and lower the frame front end between a low-profile dumping position and a raised towing position. A method of successively removing the contents from a plurality of trailers using the tipper is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Columbia Trailer Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Bratlie, David J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5288197
    Abstract: An equipment trailer particularly designed to transport as many as two forklifts at one time, having a trap door in the bed so that a forklift may be positioned on the trailer for maintenance to the lower portions of the forklift. The bed of the trailer is mounted within a U-shaped frame which has lifting mechanisms at the front and rear of the trailer to tilt the trailer bed as desired by the operator. The bed may be locked in a travel position to the arms of the U-shaped frame in such a way that excessive torque or longitudinal twisting couplings are not exerted upon the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Wendell N. Harris
  • Patent number: 5165838
    Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension control system that is especially applicable to an aircargo transport loader which is adapted for storage in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The suspension control system utilizes sensors to monitor the clearance between the vehicle and an underlying or overlying surface such as the ramp leading into a cargo hold or the roof of the cargo hold. The sensors relay information concerning clearance to a central control where the necessary suspension adjustments are made to allow the vehicle to avoid a clearance problem once travel is continued after stopping for the suspension adjustment. The system allows for suspension adjustments to be made either automatically or manually. The invention also includes an under deck support system which allows for limited pitch, yaw, roll and side to side adjustments to be made to the deck with respect to the underlying base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Kallansrude, William C. Aiken, Dan P. Deitz, William D. Powelson
  • Patent number: 5145307
    Abstract: There is disclosed a cargo vehicle which includes a cargo carrying surface which is elevatable between a ground engaging or loading position and an elevated or transporting position. Also disclosed is a releasable cargo retaining mechanism for use in conjunction with the cargo carrying surface for releasably retaining the cargo on such surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Airborne Express, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward P. Smethwick, James D. Smith, Joseph C. Martin, Thomas R. Ross
  • Patent number: 5113548
    Abstract: A street sweeper which includes a frame, a hopper, a cab and a centrifugal separator on opposite sides of the hopper, a mechanism for moving the hopper from a position behind the cab to a position above and forward of the cab for dumping debris from the hopper, the hopper moving mechanism including a pair of first and second relatively extendable and retractable members, each of the first members being connected to the hopper and each of the second members being connected to the frame, a rotator carrying a slider, and a mechanism for pivoting each rotator which through its associated slider elevates the extendable and retractable members to permit movement of the hopper above and along the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Tymco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Young, Albert L. Hanel, Kenneth R. Veselka
  • Patent number: 5096336
    Abstract: A trailer (10) constructed in conformance with European specification has three wheeled rear axles (56, 58, 60) and is adapted for the gravity unloading of a container (18) loaded with particulate lading. A container support frame (20) is pivotally connected about a horizontal axis (86) positioned between the rearmost axle (60) and intermediate axle (58) and is raised by hydraulic cylinder (92) at an unloading site as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 for the gravity unloading of the particulate lading into a hopper (100) positioned rearwardly of the rearmost axle (60) on a rear overhanging trailer portion (72). A rotary valve (116) in the hopper feeds the particulate lading into a high velocity air stream in a lower pneumatic hopper portion (120) for pneumatic discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Intermodal Container Systems, a partnership
    Inventors: Ronald G. Merrett, Oscar Eakin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5080548
    Abstract: A portable low-profile tipper for dumping the contents from a trailer containing a dumpable material, includes a towable elongated frame having a back end with a deck pivotally attached thereto. The deck has a backstop for positioning the trailer during dumping. Actuators raise and lower the deck between a lowered position adjacent the frame and a raised position for dumping the trailer contents. The tipper includes a chute having fixed and pivoting components which cooperate to guide the dumpable material from a back opening of the trailer past the frame back end. The tipper frame has outwardly extending front and back stabilizers. The front stabilizers lift and lower a front end of the frame between a low-profile dumping position for receiving the trailer and a raised towing position for hitching and towing the tipper between dumping locations. A method of successively removing the contents from a plurality of trailers using the tipper is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Columbia Trailer Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Bratlie, David J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5076515
    Abstract: A load handling device for transferring a load such as a stretchered patient to and from an aircraft, comprising an elongate pedestal pivotally connected at one end thereof for swinging movement about a horizontal axis located within the opening of an aircraft cabin door, a cantilevered horizontal platform securable to the pedestal and arranged to be driven by drive means for vertical up and down movement along the pedestal between an upper position where it is approximately level with the aircraft floor and the lower position where it is adjacent to the ground, wherein the pedestal is arranged to swing between a retracted stowed position wherein it is contained wholly within the aircraft cabin and an extended operating position wherein it projects approximately vertically downwards adjacent the aircraft cabin door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Goon
  • Patent number: 5069507
    Abstract: A dumping trailer wherein the cargo carrying surface of the trailer is movably mounted relative to the bed frame of the trailer. A cargo carrying surface is to be movable from the bed frame to an initially raised position while still being maintained substantially parallel to the bed frame. From this initially raised position, the cargo carrying surface is to be inclined to facilitate dumping of any cargo from the rear end of the trailer. When the cargo carrying surface is in the raised position, a locking mechanism is activated which holds the rear portion of the cargo carrying surface in this raised position as the cargo carrying surface is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Vurness T. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 5000645
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (10) for handling containers, load pallets or similar load units comprising an auxiliary body (12) on which the container or similar load object can be disposed to be movable, the auxiliary body being turnable relative to a body or chassis (11). The apparatus comprises a coupler connected to the auxiliary body (12), by the aid of which coupler the container or equivalent can be moved higher on the auxiliary body and off of the auxiliary body. The coupler comprises a tilting cylinder (17) between the body or chassis (11) and the auxiliary body (12) and a lifting cylinder (16) between the body or chassis (11) and the auxiliary body (12), and an intermediate lever (13). The intermediate lever (13) is at one end with a pivot (21) turnably connected to the auxiliary body (12) and at the other end with a pivot (20) to the body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Orion-Yhtyma Oy Normet
    Inventor: Raimo J. Polojarvi
  • Patent number: 4971544
    Abstract: An apparatus for charging an open mold with a plasticized material to produce molded plastic parts has a movable endless belt to define a surface upon which is received a plurality of masses of plastic material in a predetermined arrangement after the material has been plasticized. Each mass has a predetermined shape approximating the capacity of a mold cavity into which the mass is to be fed. The endless belt has a charge station position in which plasticized material is discharge onto the belt and the entire belt can be fed from the charge station position into such a position with respect to an open mold cavity that a mass of plastic material is fed from the belt surface into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AG
    Inventor: Erich Schneeberger
  • Patent number: 4907935
    Abstract: A cargo transporter having a cargo platform, mounted on a frame. The frame is supported by lift assemblies, which are mounted on wheel assemblies. Each lift assembly has a leg having an upper end which supports the frame and a lower end connected to the wheel assembly. Each lift assembly also has a support arm having an upper end pivotally connected to the frame and a lower end pivotally connected to the leg. Each lift assembly also has a hydraulic cylinder and piston rod, mounted between the leg and a bell crank of the support arm for changing the angle between the leg and the support arm, to cause the frame in the cargo platform to move vertically. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders and piston rods are mounted between the frame and the cargo platform for maneuvering the cargo platform relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Standard Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry S. Mankey
  • Patent number: 4795303
    Abstract: A vehicle transporting apparatus of the car carrier variety is provided with a platform that is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the transporting vehicle at a location forward of the centerline of the vehicle's rear wheels and above the chassis. A powered actuator is employed for pivotally moving the platform to either forwardly inclined or rearwardly inclined positions. A rearwardly projecting wheel lift boom is also pivotally mounted to the chassis below the platform and is capable of supporting a vehicle to be transported at least partially beneath the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Vulcan Equipment Company
    Inventor: Leslie Bubik
  • Patent number: 4778327
    Abstract: A truck-mounted lifting mechanism is provided for loading containers, such as waste bins, on a truck so that the container can be positioned where its weight will be reasonably distributed between the front and rear wheels. The lifting mechanism includes a track extending along the length of the truck bed, a tray which can be moved along the length of the track while being restrained by the track from any vertical displacement, and a jack-up assembly attached to and supported by the movable tray. A pair of hydraulic cylinders attached between the tray and the jack-up assembly permit the controlled forward tilting of the jack-up assembly toward the truck cab. In use, the jack-up assembly is utilized to securely grasp the container to be loaded, and lift it vertically until the container bottom is above the upper surface of the truck bed. In this elevated position, the tray can be pulled by another hydraulic ram toward the truck cab to position the container over the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Western Waste Industries
    Inventors: Ralph S. Tufenkian, Raul S. Caballero
  • Patent number: 4753313
    Abstract: A towing vehicle has a front axle carrying at least one wheel, and a rear axle, the wheels of which are steerable and drivably connected to an engine of the vehicle. A coupling mechanism is carried by the vehicle frame and provided to give substantially rigid interconnection of the vehicle frame and an object which is to be towed. A lifting mechanism is provided and is adapted to allow lifting of the front wheels from the ground when the coupling mechanism is in engagement with the object. The lifting mechanism acts between at least a part of the vehicle frame and the front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventor: Ake Froroth
  • Patent number: 4673328
    Abstract: A lift/tilt-bed trailer. Apparatus is described for either raising from or lowering to the ground a trailer bed in a single step while maintaining a substantially horizontal attitude relative thereto, or for tilting the trailer bed which is normally positioned parallel to the ground when the trailer is in its traveling mode for the purpose of loading or unloading the bed without substantial change in the orientation of the trailer "U"-frame in which the bed is located. Four pivotable tracks attached to the frame and corresponding roller wheels attached to the bed cooperate to achieve the desired motion. Since the trailer need not be detached from whatever device is used to move it about when it is to be loaded or unloaded, increased stability results with consequent reduction in risk to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Inventor: J. Michael Shiels
  • Patent number: 4573854
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle. When in a stored position, the apparatus and wheelchair are fully contained within said vehicle. A first embodiment illustrates use of the apparatus in a rear compartment of a station wagon, van or similar vehicle in which a pair of motor-driven drive links and a pair of drag links are utilized to lift and rotate a chair rack and wheelchair mounted thereon into said vehicle rear compartment. The drive and drag links connect the rack to a carriage which may then be rolled from a rearwardmost to a forwardmost position for final storage of the apparatus and chair in the vehicle. Latching means is provided to latch the carriage in either its forwardmost or rearwardmost positions. A remote control switch and limit switches are used to control power to the electric motor. A second embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use in the trunk of a typical passenger automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Robert E. McFarland
  • Patent number: 4568239
    Abstract: A portable frame having ground engageable wheels and a scale has an elongated linkage consisting of two pivotally actuated pairs of beams with reinforced cross members. A pivoted, hydraulic first motor is engageable with a hopper adapted to receive the dry mix ingredients. When the hydraulic motor is actuated, extendable movement of the piston causes the hopper to be swung upwardly and the hopper is simultaneously tilted to a vertical position. At maximum extension of the hydraulic motor, a pivoted hydraulic second motor acting at one end through one of the linkages and through the hopper at the other, effects further tilting movement of the hopper, to a substantially vertical position. The ingredients are then discharged through a chute section of the hopper into a self-transit concrete mixer truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Royal W. Sims
  • Patent number: 4523788
    Abstract: A lawn debris collection box is mounted, by a slide member, for movement along upwardly and rearwardly inclined guide rods. The box is also mounted so as to pivot upwardly and rearwardly about a connection with the slide member. Also mounted to the slide member for upward and rearward pivotal motion is a pair of drive arms which each have a lost motion connection with the box. A latch arm operative for releasably retaining a hinged lid of the box in a closed position is pivotally connected to the drive arms along with a pair of lift actuators which drive and latch arms to first release the lid, to raise the box until the slide members engage stops at the upper ends of the guide rods and to thus pivot the box to a dump position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Keni K. Prasad
  • Patent number: 4487007
    Abstract: A storage box for the clippings of a lawnmower consisting of a normally covered box adapted to be mounted on the mower vehicle and to receive grass cuttings and the like of the mower until it is full, and a power mechanism operable when actuated to first raise the box until its pouring lip is higher than the receiving box of a disposal vehicle, such as the bed of a pick-up truck, and transport it horizontally until its pouring lip is over the truck bed, and then to uncover the box and tilt it to pour its contents over its lip into the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Mullet, Raymond J. Rilling, Elmer D. Voth
  • Patent number: 4483650
    Abstract: A portable frame having ground engageable wheels and a scale has an elongated linkage consisting of two pivotally actuated pairs of beams with reinforced cross members. A pivoted, hydraulic first motor is engageable with a hopper adapted to receive the dry mix ingredients. When the hydraulic motor is actuated, extendable movement of the piston causes the hopper to be swung upwardly and the hopper is simultaneously tilted to a vertical position. At maximum extension of the hydraulic motor, a pivoted hydraulic second motor acting at one end through one of the linkages and through the hopper at the other, effects further tilting movement of the hopper, to a substantially vertical position. The ingredients are then discharged through a chute section of the hopper into a self-transit concrete mixer truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Inventor: Royal W. Sims
  • Patent number: 4458588
    Abstract: A dumping transport vehicle for harvested cotton bolls has the capacity to receive in its basket body two dumps from a large self-propelled harvester. An internal power-operated pivoted packer-divider panel of the vehicle enables compacting of the first dump received from the harvester against the dump-out side of the vehicle basket so that the second dump from the harvester can be adequately received in the vehicle basket. The packer-divider panel also enables a two-stage dumping of the contents of the fully loaded vehicle basket into a module builder which is unable to handle and pack the entire volume of harvested cotton in the vehicle basket in a single delivery or dump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: E. L. Caldwell & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Billy S. Steele
  • Patent number: 4430038
    Abstract: A chassis supports a main frame with one open side, and a dump box with an open upper side is situated within the main frame and pivoted to the other side of the main frame. An hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly can move the box from the vertical or normal position to a tilted or unloading position. The dump box is pivoted to the upper side of the main frame at a line spaced from the top side edge of the dump box so that the top side edge extends beyond the side of the wagon when tipped or tilted. A conveyor is situated on the side of the dump box which is pivoted to the main frame and driven by an hydraulic motor. Material is loaded in the open upper side of the dump box and when it is to be unloaded, the dump box is tilted whereupon the conveyor unloads the material from the open upper side of the dump box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Greenbelt Farm Systems Inc.
    Inventors: William Rempel, Henry Rempel
  • Patent number: 4417841
    Abstract: A loader and transporter for large loads such as cotton modules has a wheel-mounted main frame, which may be self-propelled or of tractor-drawn trailer type, a deck, incorporating a reversible longitudinal conveyor, being connected by a transverse pivotal connection to the main frame. Lifting means are provided for raising and lowering this pivotal connection and the deck and tilting means are provided for tilting the deck so that, when the deck is lowered, it can be tilted from a substantially horizontal low-load travelling position to a position for loading from ground level, and when the deck is raised, it can be tilted from a substantially horizontal high-load travelling position to a position for unloading onto a semi-trailer, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Hydraulics & Fabrications Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: James B. Chadwick
  • Patent number: 4400133
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for removing or replacing ships underwater parts such as a screw from the propulsion shaft or the rudder of a ship in a dry dock and transporting it from the ship to a work area. It has a mobile vehicular frame and a pair of spaced apart main cylinder ram lifts pivoted at their base to the vehicular frame, one lying to each side of the ships part either screw or rudder to be removed. The part receiving and cradling apparatus is mounted at the upper ends of said main cylinder ram lifts. Auxiliary tilt cylinders and rams each having one end pivoted to said vehicular frame and the other end pivotally connected to tilt the main cylinder and ram lifts toward and away from the ships part to be removed from or replaced on the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Inventor: Arthur J. Booker
  • Patent number: 4348054
    Abstract: An adjustable, tilting vehicle bed which is power actuated and is capable of having its position selectively altered between positions in which it is flat, raised, tilted for dumping a load and tilted to provide a loading ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventors: Gary L. Shonkwiler, Forest M. Shonkwiler
  • Patent number: 4344731
    Abstract: Equipment for loading an exchange platform onto a vehicle includes a rear frame pivotally mounted to the rear of the vehicle and a middle frame pivotally mounted on the rear frame. An angle piece has a horizontal portion pivotally mounted to the middle frame and a vertical portion with a grasping device at its upper end. A cylinder for operating the loading equipment is connected between the vehicle and the middle frame. In addition, a link arm and/or a second cylinder is provided between the vehicle and either the rear or middle frames to enable the exchange platform to be raised above the vehicle in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Oy Partek AB
    Inventors: Heikki Visa, Heikki Laitinen
  • Patent number: 4326830
    Abstract: A self-propelled, side loading vehicle comprises a chassis supported on front and rear pairs of wheels and having three box-shaped sections separated by two transversely elongate clear ways extending from one side of the chassis to a rigid frame along a side of the chassis opposite the one side. Three mast members are received on guide tracks mounted on the chassis and have means for independent transverse movement within the two clear ways and along one end of the chassis, each mast member comprising upper and lower telescopic sections and a fluid cylinder for raising and lowering the upper section. A load-bearing assembly is supported by the upper section of each mast member and comprises an outwardly extending bracket connected to a roller chain, the chain extending about a powered sprocket for raising and lowering the bracket connected to the chain. The bracket has a transversely extending, horizontal roller for supporting a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Cusack
  • Patent number: 4325666
    Abstract: A materials handling device suitable for mounting on a structure, such as a pickup truck, so that heavy materials, such as cylindrical bales of hay, can be selectively loaded and unloaded onto the pickup truck for transportation from one location to another. The materials handling device comprises a housing assembly pivotally connected to the support structure so that the housing assembly is substantially vertically disposed adjacent an edge of the support structure; a frame slideably positioned within the housing assembly; a material engaging assembly mounted on the lower end portion of the frame so as to extend in a direction away from the support structure; and a frame and housing actuator assembly disposed between and interconnecting the support structure and the upper end portion of the frame. The actuator assembly, which is pivotally connected to the frame and the support structure, selectively moves the frame between a vertically lowered position and the vertically raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventors: Franklin O. Chain, John P. Myers
  • Patent number: 4319862
    Abstract: The trailer has a main frame of generally U shape having stub axles on which ground-engaging wheels are journalled. A structurally rigid boat supporting frame is suspended from the main frame by a cable and pulley arrangement which enables the boat supporting frame to be raised and lowered horizontally and to be tilted lengthwise to a relatively steep angle relative to the main frame. The desired degree of tilt is facilitated by the fact that the front end of the boat supporting frame can be pivotally connected to the main frame at various heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Inventor: Leslie J. Cook
  • Patent number: 4318656
    Abstract: A trailer for transporting farm implements and the like is disclosed. The trailer bed is longitudinally shiftable from a horizontal load transporting position mounted on a wheeled chassis to a horizontal loading position on the ground adjacent the chassis by means of a slide assembly pivotable relative to the wheel axle. After loading, the trailer bed is urged up the inclined slide assembly by backing the pulling vehicle, such as a pickup truck. Shifting of the trailer bed on the slide assembly is facilitated by cooperating rollers mounted both on the trailer bed frame and on the slide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Inventor: Charles R. Ezell
  • Patent number: 4317593
    Abstract: A high lift dump box trailer for lifting, transporting and dumping a load of material at a high elevation. The trailer includes a pair of retractable members that stabilize the trailer to permit dumping of the contents of the dump box when the dump box is in an elevated condition. The trailer includes a hydraulic suspension system that provides for wheel adjustment when transporting a load on a side hill and a fluid accumulator shock absorber system that provides for smooth riding over rough roads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1982
    Inventor: Jussi Sarvela