Hoist Having Traversing (i.e., Horizontal) Movement Patents (Class 414/542)
  • Patent number: 11938903
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo lift includes a stationary slide adapted to be mounted on a roof of a vehicle. The cargo lift is automatically extended to a position for easily loading cargo onto the lift and is automatically retractable to a position on top of the vehicle roof. A rolling slide is slidably mounted to the stationary slide and a rear tray is movably supported by the rolling slide. A front tray is supported by the rear tray via a pair of elbow arm assemblies that are extendable below the rear tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Daniel Knapper
  • Patent number: 11408236
    Abstract: An equipment handling system that can include a bridge disposed above a horizontal storage area and coupled to a guide rail, an equipment basket, a crane configured to transport the equipment basket to an elevated location, and a pipe handler coupled to the bridge and configured to move along the bridge. A catwalk system can include a guide rail, a portion of a bridge disposed over a horizontal storage area and coupled to the guide rail, with the bridge configured to move with the rig floor when the rig floor moves relative to the horizontal storage area, and a pipe handler coupled to the bridge and configured to move along the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CANRIG ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 11174140
    Abstract: A hoist mounting apparatus includes a pair of vertical supports. Each of the vertical supports has an upper end and a lower end. Each of the lower ends comprises a mount configured to releasably engage a roof hatch frame. A horizontal support is positioned on and extends between the vertical supports. The horizontal support is freely movable with respect to the vertical supports. The horizontal support has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. The horizontal support is elongated and has a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second end ends. The horizontal support has an elongated opening therein extending along the longitudinal axis. The electric hoist is positionable on the horizontal support such that a cable attached to the electric hoist extends downwardly through the elongated opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Ignatius Giltug
  • Patent number: 11111648
    Abstract: The present invention provides a boom system 1 for breaking and manoeuvring oversize material. The boom system 1 is mounted or attached to a vehicle. The boom system 1 comprises a base 2, a column 5 protruding upwardly from the base 2 and a boom arm 3 moveably connectable to the upright column 5 at connection point 16. A moving arrangement 4 is provided to move all or part of the upright column 5 towards and away from the base 2 so that the connection 16 between the boom arm 3 and the upright column is moveable towards and away from the base 2. A mobile crusher comprising a boom system 1 for breaking and manoeuvring oversize material is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: McQuaid Engineering Ltd
    Inventor: Paul McQuaid
  • Patent number: 11096843
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift includes a base, and an arm slideably supported by the base. A chair support is rotatably supported by the arm. A linkage is supported by the arm and is extendable relative to the chair support from a coiled position to a straightened position. A motor is supported by the arm and is connected to the linkage. The linkage is coiled about the motor in the coiled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Emily Mascarenas, David Johnston, Philip Bigos, Michael Antonio Ciavaglia
  • Patent number: 10996100
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a rail scale is described. The apparatus is attached to a first trailer and a second trailer and the move from a first site to a rail scale site over highways and roads. The apparatus includes a calibration vehicle, bins of weights, and a crane. The crane positions the calibration vehicle, that is self-propelled, on rails and loads weights on the calibration vehicle. The combined weight of the calibration vehicle and weights has qualifying values that ensures a scale is in compliance rail scale calibration standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Rail Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mayer, Dennis C. Meyers, Trace Mayer
  • Patent number: 10894497
    Abstract: Utility Task Vehicles comprise a chassis, a truck body mounted to the chassis, a truck bed for holding material, and a hydraulic and/or electrical system. What is presented is a lifting unit for a Utility Task Vehicle that is factory built into the Utility Task Vehicle or an after-market add-on to the Utility Task Vehicle. The lifting unit comprises a cross-bracket mounted to the underside of the chassis and a side rail along one side of the truck body. A rotatable horseshoe hinge is mounted to the side rail. The horseshoe hinge is configured to pivot between a lower position and an upper position. An interchangeable attachment is configured to be installed on the horseshoe hinge. The interchangeable attachment could be, for example, a rock picker, a material lifting bucket, a log and bag loader, a deer skinning pole, or a hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventors: John Urbanick, Joe Urbanick, Trevor Urbanick
  • Patent number: 10822891
    Abstract: A tubular handling system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a first tubular handling system and a second tubular handling system. The first tubular handling system can include a bridge disposed within a tubular storage area, an arm pivotally coupled to the bridge, and a gripper coupled to the arm and adapted to engage with a tubular in the tubular storage area. The second tubular handling system can include a support structure, a first tubular handler coupled to the support structure, and a second tubular handler coupled to the support structure and distinct from the first tubular handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 10808465
    Abstract: A tubular handling system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a bridge disposed within a tubular storage area and coupled to a guide rail. The bridge is configured to translate from a first bridge position to a second bridge position along the guide rail and over the tubular storage area. The tubular handling system can further include an arm coupled to the bridge and a gripper coupled to the arm. The gripper can be adapted to engage a first tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Canrig Robotic Technologies AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Kjetil Naesgaard
  • Patent number: 10384590
    Abstract: Embodiments of a modular cargo system for use with a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may include side rails and stanchions securing the side rails to the vehicle. At least one hoop may be provided for connection to either the stanchions or the side rails. Each hoop may include a plurality of legs, a clamp connected to each leg, an elbow connected to each leg opposite the clamp, and a lateral cross bar connected between the elbows. Bed dividers and storage lockers or boxes are disclosed for use with embodiments of a cargo system as applied to a pickup truck. Elevated rails may be attached to the hoops. A cargo loading device for moving cargo into and out of the vehicle is also provided. A cover may enclose a portion of the vehicle, such as the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Jerome Puchkoff
  • Patent number: 10046711
    Abstract: An arrangement of five supporting elements together with appropriate T-connectors and a four-way connector are employed to provide a device for loading one or more watercraft onto the top of a vehicle. The device is employable with conventional roof rack and kayak cradling structures. The arrangement includes a rotatable mast and boom which may be swung from one side of the vehicle to the other so that hoisting capabilities are available on either side of the vehicle so that multiple watercraft may be easily loaded onto the vehicle with minimal effort by one person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Fred Zimmer
  • Patent number: 9908451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport vehicle with an extended longitudinal structure for a motor-driven handling device. Loads are loaded/unloaded in a loading space by a motor-driven handling device which moves along longitudinal guide rails supported by the vehicle. The transport vehicle is closed at the rear by two hinged doors, each door including a guide rail section located at the same height as the guide rails. When the hinged doors are open to 90 degrees, each guide rail section extends one of the guide rails, allowing the motor-driven handling device to move simultaneously on both the guide rails and the guide rail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: LOHR ELECTROMECANIQUE
    Inventor: Daniel Scheer
  • Patent number: 9629769
    Abstract: One embodiment of a support system for a lift motor unit comprises a first frame comprising left and right first stanchions and a first beam extending laterally between and connected to the stanchions. The support system also includes a similar second frame. A first connector is connected to the first beam and a second connector is connected to the second beam. A rail is connected to the connectors. Another embodiment of the lift motor support system includes similar third and fourth frames and third and fourth connectors. A first rail is connected to the third and fourth connectors, and the rail between the first and second connectors is a second rail. A traverse rail is engaged with and longitudinally translatable along the first and second primary rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 9139141
    Abstract: A bearing skate system for an extendable cargo bed frame assembly is provided to improve the performance of the cargo bed frame assembly. The bearing skate system has a plurality of pivotable bearing skates and each bearing skate has a pivotable skate plate having a plurality of rotating main bearings distributed along the skate plate between each side of a pivot axis of said skate plate to allow a plurality of said rotating main bearings of each skate plate to participate in supporting the cargo bed frame assembly and a cargo load on the cargo bed frame assembly when the assembly is in a closed position, in an open position, and in all intermediate positions between the closed position and the open position during extension or retraction of the cargo bed frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: M&M EXTENDO, LLC
    Inventors: Nate H. Calvin, Thomas Var Reeve, Patrick C. Beyers
  • Patent number: 9120657
    Abstract: The present invention features a powered hand truck including a flat base, a first frame and a second frame, a first back brace, a first handle and a second handle, a drive axis, an electric motor, a battery, a shift box, a power switch, a first wheel and a second wheel. The drive axle may optionally include a differential allowing easy turning of the hand truck. The battery is replaceable and rechargeable to provide power to the hand truck. A power switch control the ON/OFF of the motor. The shift control box has a Forward, Reverse and Neutral gears section for controlling the motor. The motor further provides regenerative braking to charge battery when the shift is set as Neutral. The powered hand truck may include a recharger port for battery recharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Victor L. Turner
  • Patent number: 9085259
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle which can stably load or unload a long heavy load and lower a height of a working space necessary for loading or unloading the weight body. The loading/unloading apparatus suspends and maintains a load in a working beam installed between a pair of booms and rotates the pair of booms toward the left or right direction of a vehicle body, such that the load is unloaded from the vehicle body in a construction field or loaded from the construction field onto the vehicle body. Thus, the height of the working space necessary when the load is loaded or unloaded can be reduced as compared with a crane structure for loading and unloading the load by the fluctuation of a boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY NIPPON SHARYO, LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Ogita, Kazunari Sakurai, Ryou Maeda, Kazuki Kobayashi, Koshu Yamashita, Akihiko Go, Toshihiko Nishio, Yoshio Masuda
  • Patent number: 9061626
    Abstract: A lifting system for lifting a person into a construction vehicle for operation thereof, including a wheelchair compatible seat which detaches from a wheelchair; and a lifting mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism, mounted to a top portion of the construction vehicle, a rack portion of the rack and pinion mechanism being movable outwardly and inwardly with respect to a side of the construction vehicle, a crane assembly disposed on the rack portion and having a lifting cable with a clip mounted on the end, and a lifting harness connected to the wheelchair compatible seat and connected to the clip, wherein when the clip is connected to the harness, the crane assembly of the lifting mechanism is activated and the wheelchair compatible seat is lifted up from the wheelchair, moved inwardly by the rack portion to a seat position of the construction vehicle, and lowered into the seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: John Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20150078869
    Abstract: A mobile service trailer having structural support columns extending vertically from a trailer platform and roof support members which are supported by the support columns and span the width of the trailer platform. A first guide track is suspended underneath and extends between the roof support members. A first crane is positioned on an elongated trolley which travels along the first guide track between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the trolley extends past the rear end of the trailer platform in a cantilever fashion to enable the first crane to reach and lift an object positioned behind the trailer platform. In the retracted positioned, the trolley is retracted to enable the first crane to deposit the object onto the trailer platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Edwin PLEWES
  • Patent number: 8905702
    Abstract: A cable-driven liner loading system for loading of an invertible liner onto a trailer bed and unloading the invertible liner from the trailer bed. A movable trolley is supported between a pair of tracks defined by C-shaped members. The movable trolley is actuated by a cable system that is driven by a winch and a set of pulleys, permitting the movable trolley to move along an axis of the trailer bed to facilitate loading of the invertible liner in a serpentine-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Inland Pipe Rehabilitation, LLC
    Inventor: Allan Ray Jedneak
  • Publication number: 20140341687
    Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to wheelchair systems for transporting a mobility-challenged passenger onto an aircraft and transfer that passenger into an aircraft seat. The implementations include systems with lift systems, belt systems, and/or transfer ramps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Johnson, Andrew Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20140314532
    Abstract: A system and method for loading and unloading a large or small van. The method includes providing two or three support units in the form of a generally upsidedown U-shape. The top of each support includes a tube with a slot in the bottom thereof. Inside this tube is another tube which carries a hoist. The second tube is pushed out via an electric actuator so that a load may be picked up by the hoist and loaded into a van.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Larry Alexander
  • Publication number: 20140314533
    Abstract: A crane includes: a base for being disposed in or on a cargo box of a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and for fastening to a bed of the cargo box; a boom rotatable relative to the base between a deployed position and a stowed position; a boom hoist operable to swing the boom between the positions; and a load hoist operable to lift cargo located adjacent to a rear end of the UTV when the boom is in the deployed position and operable to carry the cargo toward the UTV as the boom is swung to the stowed position, thereby loading the cargo into the cargo box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Impac Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Seales
  • Patent number: 8616354
    Abstract: A configurable briefcase desktop having two generally planar support columns, each support column having a fixed length section and an extendable section. The extendable section of each support column is comprised of a scissors linkage and an elongated foot member. The elongated foot member provides improved load distribution across the surface supporting the invention. Embodiments typically include a fold lock mechanism to releasably lock each support column in its folded configuration. Other embodiments have a support stiffening mechanism adapted to yieldably resist movement of its respective support member from its support configuration. Further embodiments comprise at least one load sensor system to provide a warning signal when the extendable section of a support column is in extended configuration and subjected to a compression force in excess of a predetermined amount. In some embodiments the fold lock mechanism and support stiffening mechanism of a particular support column may be mechanically ganged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Vatche Azirian
  • Patent number: 8534980
    Abstract: Disclosed is system configured to place a load in a motor vehicle. The system includes a beam defining a first end configured to receive the load, and a second end configured to receive a counter force to the load; and a base defining a fulcrum for the beam, such that the second end of the beam receives a constraining force from a ceiling of the vehicle, the constraining force thereby acting as the counter force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Yoshisuke Kuramoto
  • Publication number: 20130183126
    Abstract: A specially designed crane, lift or hoist is utilized in converting a pickup truck into a flatbed type of vehicle. The crane is specially built in that it may fold down into a horizontal position wherein the drive and driven portions of the crane are parallel to each other in the rest position. A first crane WL1 is fastened to the pickup truck bed. A flatbed-type of plate 40 is attached to the top of the first crane. The plate 40 is of sufficient elongation to provide cover and protection for cargo units on the pickup truck bed. On top of the plate 40, a second crane WL2 may be mounted and utilized to move a second group of cargo units. Thus, the cranes are in a novel stacked configuration to load and unload more and more varied types of cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Alexander
  • Patent number: 8434991
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading a container (e.g., a 16-foot container or other storage box) onto a truck, trailer, or other vehicle, includes first and second container-engaging beams (e.g. 20-foot long steel tubes) mounted on the vehicle in longitudinally extending, laterally spaced-apart, horizontal positions so that an operator can deploy the beams rearwardly of the vehicle, engage the container with them, and then lift and withdraw the beams with the container onto the vehicle. Beam-holding components on the vehicle hold the proximal end portions of the beams forward of the vehicle's rearward end for hydraulically powered, operator-controlled movement vertically, laterally, and longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: William Shawn Hacker
  • Publication number: 20130078067
    Abstract: Embodiments include a loading rack apparatus mountable on a vehicle having a hoist motor, an extendable horizontal trolley to permit a load to be lifted with the hoist, moved horizontally into a vehicle, and lowered. A variety of embodiment trolley drive mechanisms are disclosed including but not limited to a rack-and-pinion means, belt drive means, and a lead screw means. A control means prevents trolley and hoist motor overcurrent. The control means includes a plurality of safety features including a tilt detection means to avoid loading under unsafe conditions and a pressure sensitive switch to halt trolley movement if the trolley contacts an object or person. A DC motor control means provides button control for trolley and hoist motors and emergency cut off. The top surface is shaped to define a surface for items. An arcuate embodiment crossbar member permits more stable positioning of items on the apparatus's topmost surface. A method for safely moving a load is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Edward P. Owens, Jeffery S. Fine, Joseph P. Barrus, David Neal Mulligan
  • Patent number: 8376479
    Abstract: A load balancing method and incorporated frame assembly is provided for a computer frame having side walls. The frame can have at least one reinforced side, and/or a top or bottom surface comprising of a skin base plate and a counterweight plate secured to one another by side stiffener plates. In an alternate embodiment, an integral extender can also be secured to a top portion of the frame. The extender has moveable sides and a hoist for raising and lowering components into and away from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. Furey, Robert K. Mullady, Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
  • Patent number: 8322967
    Abstract: Embodiments include a loading rack apparatus mountable on a vehicle having a hoist motor, an extendable horizontal trolley to permit a load to be lifted with the hoist, moved horizontally into a vehicle, and lowered. A variety of embodiment trolley drive mechanisms are disclosed including but not limited to a lead screw trolley drive. An arcuate embodiment crossbar member permits more stable positioning of items on the apparatus's topmost surface. A method for safely moving a load is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Clearline Distribution Inc.
    Inventors: Edward P. Owens, Jeffery S. Fine, Joseph P. Barrus, David Neal Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20120288349
    Abstract: The invention concerns a container handling device for the temporary storage of containers in unloading and loading. The container handling device is arranged to be able to receive at least one pair of container units with one unit in the pair being situated above the other one. The device has a support structure having a loading platform and a transfer device connected with support structure. The transfer device has a grip frame to surround the container unit, which grip frame has inside dimensions so that a movement of a container unit through the same is possible. The invention also concerns a use of the container handling device as well as a method for unloading and loading by the invented container handling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Karl Bohman
  • Publication number: 20120275890
    Abstract: A sling for lifting pallet-mounted cargo includes: an upper pair of telescopic beams; a yoke connecting the upper beams; a lower pair of telescopic beams; and load lines connecting each of the upper beams to a respective lower beam. The sling may further include adjustable hangers connecting the load lines to the upper beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Seales
  • Patent number: 8277164
    Abstract: A removable frame for detachable mounting onto a trailer flatbed chassis for suspending a carrier beam extending transversely to and beyond the lateral edges of the chassis, the carrier beam having a pair of movable trolley hoists suspended therefrom whereby cargo can be loaded onto and off from both sides of the bed of the trailer chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Paceco Corp.
    Inventors: Sun Huang, Philip Tam, Hans Vosskamp
  • Patent number: 7992732
    Abstract: A multi-use truck bed apparatus, comprising a first rack assembly, a second rack assembly, a base assembly coupled to the truck, wherein the first rack assembly and second rack assembly are coupled to the base assembly, and a lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a winch coupled to the second rack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Demiany & Beggs Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Erwin Cornel Demiany, Robert Dale Beggs
  • Publication number: 20110170996
    Abstract: A universal lift for transporting a load into and out of a vehicle (100) comprises: a) a first tubular member (101) attachable to roof rails (121, 122) on the vehicle (100); b) a second tubular member (102), telescopically movable in and out of the first tubular member (101); c) a carrying arm (106), displaceable along the second tubular member (102); and d) a hinging support (103, 104, 105), telescopically movable in and out of the second tubular member (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Gert Albert Louis Vrijens
  • Patent number: 7938612
    Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Multi-Shifter, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Springston, John R. Pratt, Dale A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100183413
    Abstract: Embodiments include a loading rack apparatus mountable on a vehicle having a hoist motor, an extendable horizontal trolley to permit a load to be lifted with the hoist, moved horizontally into a vehicle, and lowered. A variety of embodiment trolley drive mechanisms are disclosed including but not limited to a rack-and-pinion means, belt drive means, and a lead screw means. A control means prevents trolley and hoist motor overcurrent. The control means includes a plurality of safety features including a tilt detection means to avoid loading under unsafe conditions and a pressure sensitive switch to halt trolley movement if the trolley contacts an object or person. A DC motor control means provides button control for trolley and hoist motors and emergency cut off. The top surface is shaped to define a surface for items. An arcuate embodiment crossbar member permits more stable positioning of items on the apparatus's topmost surface. A method for safely moving a load is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Edward P. Owens, Jeffery S. Fine, Joseph P. Barrus, David Neal Mulligan
  • Patent number: 7748943
    Abstract: Provided is a lifting system for a vehicle comprising a first track mounted within said vehicle, a second track mounted within said vehicle, a first lifting arm extendable from said first track, a second lifting arm extendable from said second track, a first windable support extendable from said first lifting arm, and a second windable support extendable from said second lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald M. Studer
  • Patent number: 7744333
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle that is employed in retrieving, transporting and delivering portable storage units (“PSUs”). The vehicle can achieve retrieval and/or delivery within tight spaces via telescopic frame and hoist assemblies. A rearward support assembly is included for stabilizing the entire apparatus during both retrieval and delivery. The vehicle can take the form of either a trailer or an integrated vehicle. The various components of the present invention, and the associated method will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Portable Storage Units, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott T. Chaddock
  • Patent number: 7621410
    Abstract: An X-Y bridge crane can be assembled and erected by workmen to lift and move loads at the end of a shipping and stowage container having block-shaped corner fittings at top corners and bottom corners. Rotatable top securing brackets engage the top block-shaped corner fittings and rotatable bottom securing brackets engage the bottom block-shaped corner fittings. Inner end portions of brace members are rotatably connected to the rotatable bottom securing brackets. A framework having inner extensions, outer projecting parts and a laterally extending hoist-traveling beam has inner extensions connected to the top securing brackets and outer projecting parts connected to the outer end portions of the brace members. A hoist is mounted on the hoist-traveling beam to lift and move loads on the framework, and first and second chainfalls connected to the hoist linearly displace the hoist in orthogonal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Darryl Updegrove, Garrett W. Leavitt, James Ellington Sovel
  • Patent number: 7604450
    Abstract: A portable hoist for attachment to a trailer hitch drawbar includes a mast that comprises a plurality of mast segments assembled end to end in axial alignment at ground level and then rotated on a pivot bar inserted in the hitch drawbar from its horizontal assembly position to its vertical operational position. Similarly, to disassemble the hoist it is lowered from its vertical position to its horizontal position within easy reach of the user standing on the ground. The hoist boom is also installed with the mast horizontal in assembly position with the boom coaxial with the mast. The boom is then rotated to its operational position orthogonal to the mast when the mast is vertical. A friction bearing is installed on the mast so the mast above the friction bearing can rotate about the mast longitudinal axis. A winch is installed on the mast typically between the friction bearing and the boom so the winch rotates with the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Calvery
  • Patent number: 7513731
    Abstract: A cargo loading and unloading system for a vehicle comprising a rail pivotally connected to the vehicle, a raising apparatus for raising the rail from a rest position to an elevated position, a lifting attachment that projects from the rail and which is moveable along a portion of the rail, and a lifting attachment driving mechanism for moving the lifting attachment along the portion of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald M. Studer
  • Publication number: 20090067967
    Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Eric D. Springston, John R. Pratt, Dale A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7465144
    Abstract: Provided is a lifting system. The lifting system consists of pulleys mounted to moveable, perpendicular shafts that allow the pulleys to be adjustably positioned in horizontal plane. In this way the pulleys can be properly positioned to lift a variety of loads. The system may be powered either manually or by a motor. Further provided is a lifting system, comprising a track and a lifting carriage movable along said track, said lifting carriage including a pulley, a drive shaft for turning said pulley, a support shaft, and a slide assembly connecting said drive shaft to said support shaft, wherein said slide assembly is movable along said drive shaft and the support shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald M. Studer
  • Publication number: 20080279665
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the placement and transport of heavy equipment into the cargo area of a cargo-bearing vehicle wherein a collapsible cargo cart designed to hold heavy equipment up to 1000 pounds that has a frame portion, a releasable cargo-holding planar base portion, a removable handle, a first set of legs attached to the frame portion, a second set of legs attached frame portion and a means for allowing the frame to slide into the cargo area of a cargo-bearing vehicle. A crane support can optionally be attached the frame to allow a crane to lift heavy equipment situated beneath the frame portion when the base portion is released creating a space therebetween. One or more braking mechanisms can be added to the frame to prevent the cart from moving once put in place in the cargo area of the cargo-bearing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Goorgen Stepanians
  • Patent number: 7413394
    Abstract: A telescoping bridge crane system arranged to be mounted over a floor of a structure, e.g., a vehicle trailer, and including a pair of enclosed mounting tracks for slidably supporting a runway frame. Trucks are located within the tracks. Each truck includes a hanger. The runway frame also includes two enclosed tracks which are directly supported by the hangers and located beside and parallel to the mounting tracks. A bridge section is mounted between the enclosed tracks of the runway frame by another pair of trucks. The a bridge section supports an extremely low headroom hoist assembly including an actuator, a cable, plural rotatable sheaves and a hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Transol Corporation
    Inventor: Philip E. Risser
  • Patent number: 7396202
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a deck frame, a platform, and a trolley assembly mounted on the deck frame. The trolley assembly includes a drive nut, a motor for rotating the drive nut, and a drive screw threadably coupled to the drive nut so that rotation of the drive nut causes the platform and the drive motor to translate linearly in relation to the deck frame. The lift and carrier assembly also includes an arm assembly mounted on the trolley system and comprising a first and a second arm member, and an actuator pivotally coupled to the first and second arm members for moving the first and second arm members so that first and second arm members move the platform between an upper and a lower position in relation to the deck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cook Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Panzarella, James B. Eldon, III, David D. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 7377740
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lifting device includes a mounting column having a first major portion extending in a first direction, and a second major portion fixedly coupled to the first major portion and extending in a second direction. The lifting device also comprises a lifting arm rotatably mounted on the second major portion of the mounting column and having a first hole formed therein for receiving a pin, a bracket fixedly coupled to the second portion of the mounting column and having a second hole formed therein for receiving the pin so that the pin restrains the lifting arm from substantial rotation about the second major portion of the mounting column, and a retaining member secured to the second major portion of the mounting column so that the bracket and the retaining member restrain the lifting arm from substantial movement in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cook Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Panzarella, David D. McClanahan
  • Publication number: 20080038106
    Abstract: A mobile lift device having a load moving device capable of engaging a load is provided. The mobile lift device includes one or more systems for stabilizing the mobile lift device during operation of the load moving device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the mobile lift device is a heavy duty wrecker having a rotatable boom assembly. The heavy duty wrecker comprises a front outrigger system for stabilizing the wrecker during operation of the boom assembly. The front outrigger system comprises a pair of outriggers that form a generally criss-cross configuration when in an extended or stabilizing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley Robert Spain
  • Publication number: 20080019815
    Abstract: A mobile lift device having a load moving device capable of engaging a load is provided. The mobile lift device includes one or more systems for stabilizing the mobile lift device during operation of the load moving device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the mobile lift device is a heavy duty wrecker having a rotatable boom assembly. The heavy duty wrecker comprises a monitoring system for stabilizing the wrecker during operation of the boom assembly. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors and a monitoring circuit coupled to the sensors to generate a force signal representative of at least one force being applied to the wrecker based upon the transmitted signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Steven C. Harris, Stanley R. Spain, Jeffrey L. Addleman
  • Patent number: 7293952
    Abstract: The lift apparatus includes a forward and rearward moving rail member mounted to a roof panel within a vehicle body to extend rearward from a position of a driver's seat by a predetermined distance. A leftward and rightward moving rail member is mounted to the roof panel to extend sideward from a rear end of the forward and rearward moving rail member by a preselected distance. A lifter is movable along the forward and rearward moving rail member and the leftward and rightward moving rail member and capable of lifting and holding the seat and lowering and releasing the seat. A rotating device is installed at an intersection of the forward and rearward moving rail member and the leftward and rightward moving rail member, for rotating the lifter by a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kwan Hum Park