Raising Or Lowering Of Load Or Load Holder Includes Curvilinear Movement Patents (Class 414/546)
  • Patent number: 12060014
    Abstract: A movable modular truck toolbox mounting lift system for lifting and repositioning a modular accessory (e.g., toolbox, container, cooler, platform) of a vehicle (e.g., truck, UTV) to enable access to the modular accessory without requiring an entry into the vehicle, a vehicle storage area, or a truck bed. The system has driver side and passenger side support plates pivotably connected to a pair of arms, which are in turn pivotably connected to each other to and upon movement (extension) of one arm pair, the modular assembly transits up and backward within the storage area. The system may be operated via actuators and/or motors to rotate the arms and lift/reposition the modular accessory. The modular accessory may be a toolbox, cabinetry toolbox, or a tray for receiving a plurality of modular accessories. A method of installing and using the system to lift and reposition a modular accessory in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Inventor: Brandon Wall
  • Patent number: 11523949
    Abstract: A lift for transferring a user to and from a vehicle, the lift including a lift platform and a pump unit to adjust the position of the lifting platform. The pump unit includes: i) a first cover having a plurality of first cover apertures to receive a plurality of connectors, ii) a pump, iii) a pump block operatively connected to the pump. The pump block includes a first side with first side block apertures and a second side with second side block apertures, wherein the first side block apertures are arranged to be collocated with the plurality of first cover apertures and the second side block apertures are arranged to be collocated with the plurality of first cover apertures. A manual pump actuator extends from one side of the pump assembly, wherein the manual pump actuator is oriented in once a first direction or a second direction with respect to the pump cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Anderson
  • Patent number: 11504285
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle having a base for securing to a vehicle; a platform for accommodating a wheelchair; a lifting arm connected to the base and moveable between a raised position and a lowered position; a support arm connected between the lifting arm and the platform; a bridge plate connected to the platform and pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position; a platform folding linkage connected to the platform and arranged to contact the lifting arm during movement of the lifting arm between the raised position and the stowed position to raise the platform from a deployed position to a stowed position; a bridge plate control link connected between the bridge plate and the platform folding linkage; and a latch mounted on the bridge plate control link and arranged to latch the bridge plate in a raised condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: ROXANA DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Adam Beck
  • Patent number: 11311432
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift for mounting to a vehicle includes a platform assembly configured to support a wheelchair. The wheelchair lift includes a roll stop to be moved between an entry position to allow a wheelchair to be loaded to or unloaded from the platform assembly, and a barrier position to prevent the wheelchair from falling off the platform assembly. The wheelchair lift includes a mechanical actuator mechanism for moving the roll stop between the entry position and the barrier position. The mechanical actuator mechanism is configured to keep the roll stop in the entry position, when the platform assembly is in a ground level position, and to block the roll stop from moving from the barrier position to the entry level position, when the platform assembly is in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Autolift S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marco Gallingani
  • Patent number: 11142269
    Abstract: A replacement floor assembly may include a base member having a top side, a bottom side, a front end, a rear end, a left side, and a right side. The front end and forward portions of the left and right sides define a forward section of the base member, whereas the rear end and rear portions of the left and right sides define a rear section of the base member. A first outboard flange member is mounted to at least a portion of the left side of the base member and a second outboard flange member is mounted to at least a portion of the right side of said base member. A front flange member is mounted to at least a portion of the front end of said base member so that at least portions of the forward section of the base member, the first and second outboard flange members, and the front flange member define a battery well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Vantage Mobility International, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lindfors Perez, Mark Charles Miller, Kirsten Nichole Mangum, Steven Paul Ungetheim
  • Patent number: 11052000
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a car, camper or van including a seat, is mounted in the vehicle, with a seat surface; and a carrier arranged close to the seat and mounted in the vehicle, and provided with a drive for adjusting the carrier between a first position, in which an edge of the carrier runs parallel to the main direction of travel of the vehicle and lies in line with and adjoins the seat surface of the seat, and a second position in which, relative to the first position, this edge of the carrier is arranged at a distance from the seat surface in a direction transversely of the seat surface. The invention further relates to a carrier with a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Rene Tarcisius Wiro Weersink
  • Patent number: 11039966
    Abstract: A mobility handling vehicle mechanism includes a tubular frame having a battery and winch secured within the frame. A telescoping lift arm is movably secured to the outside top surface of the frame. A hook and cable are secured to the end of the telescoping lift arm and winch. When secured within a transporting vehicle, the device enables a user to utilize the winch to lift a mobility handling vehicle into the transporting vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Robert D. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10994974
    Abstract: A tower elevating assembly generally includes a platform assembly configured to move between a first elevation position and a second elevation position, a tower having a track assembly, wherein the track assembly includes first and second track portions, each being a single continuous structure, and a carriage assembly for providing support to the platform and moving within the track. A kit for a tower elevating assembly includes a platform assembly, a tower having a track assembly, and a carriage assembly configured for coupling with the platform assembly and the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Homecare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Busuttil, David A. Bailie, Charles Klyn
  • Patent number: 10898395
    Abstract: A barrier configured to be located at a door a vehicle having a lift platform to enable an individual using a mobility device to exit and to enter an interior of the vehicle. The barrier includes a support base configured to be fixedly coupled to the vehicle. A first side and a second side each extend from the support base are spaced apart to define an access location for the individual using the mobility device. A barrier gate or a barrier plate include an entry position and a blocking position wherein, in at least one embodiment, movement of the lift platform moves the barrier plate from the entry position to the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: THE BRAUN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Justin Kline, Robert E. Bettcher, III, Alfred Lewis Budd, II, Jeff Ackerman, Chih-Wei Li, Sashank Allu
  • Patent number: 10625652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (1, 2, 3) for accommodating objects, comprising a guide assembly (1), which can be arranged in a stationary manner, a first motion assembly (2), which is connected to the guide assembly (1) and which can be moved horizontally in the direction of a longitudinal axis (X) in relation to the guide assembly (1), and a second motion assembly (3), which is connected to the first motion assembly (2) and which can be moved vertically in the direction of a vertical axis (Z) in relation to the first motion assembly (2) and can accommodate objects, wherein the first motion assembly (2) can be moved out in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X) so far over the guide assembly (1) that the second motion assembly (3) can be moved in relation to the first motion assembly (2) past the guide assembly (1) in the direction of the vertical axis (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: PRO4INNOVATION UG
    Inventors: Thomas Ludewigt, André Delventhal, Lennart Will
  • Patent number: 10239435
    Abstract: The present invention provides a locking assembly for a ramp of a lift gate. The locking assembly comprises an elongated locking arm and a spring for spring loading the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably disposed on a pivot point relative to the ramp. A biasing tension in the spring urges a proximal end of the locking arm to engage with a cam portion of the ramp to maintain the ramp in a selected position. The cam portion has multiple engagement surfaces for individually engaging with the locking arm, wherein selectively engaging the locking arm with each engagement surface of the cam portion maintains the ramp in a corresponding selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MAXON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Levon Hambardzumyan
  • Patent number: 10117795
    Abstract: A transfer device for loading/unloading of a cargo such as wheelchair from a structure such as a vehicle the device having a platform movable from a deposit position at the level of the ground level to an access position at the floor level keeping the platform substantially horizontal. The platform is provided with a front safety barrier rotatable to serve as a ramp when the platform is at ground level, and with side safety barriers each substantially constituted by an articulated quadrilateral, such that when the platform is at the ground level, the side safety barriers fold down by kinematic mechanisms while preferably corresponding side ramps are made available. This arrangement allows transition of the wheelchair from/to the ground from any side of the platform, by virtue of the automatic folding of both the front and side barriers and the simultaneous presentation of the corresponding ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Gabriele De Rossi
  • Patent number: 9955627
    Abstract: An electric working machine including: a motor; a control unit configured to control rotation of the motor; a fixed part provided with a handle having a grip portion; a movable part held by the fixed part and is configured to be extendible by sliding relative to the fixed part; and a cutting blade provided to a end portion of the movable pipe and is configured to be driven by the motor; characterized in that the electric working machine further includes a detection unit which is connected to the control unit and is configured to detect whether or not the movable part is positioned at a predetermined extended position relative to the fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakano, Yuki Horie, Kazuhiko Funabashi, Yuuichi Toyoshima, Hiromi Ozawa, Hirohisa Tomita
  • Patent number: 9415703
    Abstract: An articulated seating system supports a user seat using a mounting assembly, a fore-aft slide assembly, a swivel assembly and an extension assembly driven by a drive packet having one or more motors or the like. The seat is moved from a secured drive position (e.g., a standard interior vehicle seat position) to an extension position (wherein the seat faces out of a vehicle doorway) and finally to an access position outside the vehicle, facilitating access for a user having limited mobility, strength, etc. Extendible supporting arms engage and enclose guide rollers to allow stable and precise control of lateral and vertical seat movement. Moving between the drive and extension positions, the seat can move through a narrow transition corridor in the motor vehicle. The motors can operate manually to allow securing the seat in the drive position despite power or other failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Bertil Slungare, Joakim Lars Bergstrand
  • Patent number: 9371723
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Novotny, Scott Richie, Reza Talabi
  • Publication number: 20140377047
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift (1) includes a platform assembly (10) to receive a wheelchair, the platform assembly (10) being made from aluminum, a supporting assembly (20) to moveably hold the platform assembly (10), the supporting assembly (20) being made from aluminum, and a coupling device (30) to pivotably couple the platform assembly (10) to the supporting assembly (20), the coupling device (30) being made from one of steel or high strength aluminum or titanium or magnesium or combinations thereof. The platform assembly (10) includes a number of profiles (101, . . . , 107) of aluminum. The coupling device (30) is fixed to a first one of the plurality of profiles (101) of the platform assembly (10), and is pivotably coupled to the supporting assembly (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: AUTOLIFT S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco GALLINGANI
  • Patent number: 8851823
    Abstract: A hoist assembly having a winch with a motor, a boom that rotates upward and downward, and a boom support cable which prevents the boom from rotating downwards below a desired level. The boom support cable is connected to an adjustment bar which adjusts the length of the boom support cable to fix the boom position at a desired angle. Alternatively, a boom hook can be used to fix the boom position at a desired angle. The winch and boom are attached at a front end of a cargo receiving area of a vehicle and are constructed to retrieve a load to the vehicle, lift the load, and place the load into the cargo receiving area. The winch is constructed to lift both the load and the boom simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: James H. Hallmon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140286740
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a self-supporting platform style lift system operating from a transport position to a lifting position for assisting in egress and ingress from a vehicle. In a lifting position, a platform member extends from a rotating frame capable of axial rotation about a vehicle frame. A ground frame, lifting frame, and platform frame system allow the platform member to be raised and lowered to the vehicle. The point at which the platform frame and lifting frame make contact with the ground provides support for applied loads on the platform member, thereby reducing stress and strain on the frame of a vehicle. In a transport position, the platform member extends parallel with the face of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Roy M. Akin, Randall A. Gressett
  • Patent number: 8839968
    Abstract: A crane for mounting on a truck includes a base. The base includes a cargo bed welded or fastened to a frame and the frame for fastening to a chassis of a truck. The crane further includes a boom rotatable relative to the base between a vertical position and a horizontal position; a boom hoist operable to raise and lower the boom between the positions; and a load hoist operable to hoist cargo located proximate to a rear end of the truck when the boom is in the vertical position and operable to carry the cargo toward a cab of the truck as the boom is lowered to the horizontal position, thereby loading the cargo onto the cargo bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Impac Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Seales
  • Patent number: 8816225
    Abstract: A method for detecting weight on a platform lift having a platform, a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit including the steps of measuring a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and comparing the measured static pressure to a baseline pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The baseline pressure is a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit without external weight positioned on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Dante V. Deleo, Steven Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140161575
    Abstract: A lift for attachment to a vehicle is described. The lift includes a hitch assembly with a hitch receiver insert, a first support member, and a second support member. Each of the two support members may include an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion oriented at an angle with respect to the associated lower portion. The support members may be mounted to the hitch assembly, at locations separated by a first offset, and may be mounted to a platform assembly, at locations separated by an equivalent second offset. As a lifting mechanism mounted to the hitch assembly provides a lifting force to one of the support members, the platform assembly is raised from a lowered position to a raised position, with a platform included in the platform assembly being maintained, by way of the two equivalent offsets, in a substantially horizontal orientation over the course of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Peter M. Parker
  • Publication number: 20140105711
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift includes a platform assembly to receive a wheelchair and a power control assembly to control a movement of the platform assembly between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The platform assembly includes an inner plate and an outer plate, wherein the inner plate is pivotably coupled to a holding arm by a hinge element and the outer plate is pivotably coupled to the inner plate. The wheelchair lift further includes a linkage assembly having a first end coupled to the outer plate and a second end (52), and a fixing element being coupled to the inner plate such that the fixing element is moved with a rotational movement of the inner plate around the hinge element, when the inner plate is moved between the folded and the unfolded configuration, wherein the second end of the linkage assembly is coupled to the fixing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Autolift S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco GALLINGANI, Gabriele OVI
  • Publication number: 20140079517
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lift gate system. In one embodiment, the lift gate system comprises a lift platform, a lifting mechanism, and at least one stop member. The lifting mechanism moves the lift platform between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift platform is substantially aligned with an extension plate when the lift platform is in the raised position. The stop members are positioned between the extension plate and the lift platform. The stop members provide a gap between the extension plate and the lift platform when the lift platform is in the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MAXON INDUSTRIES, INC., dba Maxon Lift Corp.
    Inventor: Karapet Ablabutyan
  • Publication number: 20140056674
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a trailer for lifting and transporting cable reels. The trailer has a base, a pair of substantially perpendicular cantilevers, and a latch assembly. The cantilevers lift a cable reel off of the ground, and the latch assembly transfers at least a portion of the weight of the reel from the cantilevers to the base. The base is mounted on wheels and can be pulled or pushed by a vehicle connected to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Reelstrong, LLC
    Inventors: Noel C. Smith, John Zitkus, John Ferguson, Dean Wenger, Lloyd Glick, Brian F. Forde
  • Publication number: 20140003897
    Abstract: The present invention provides folding assisting arm assembly for lift gates. In one embodiment, the folding assisting arm assembly comprises a folding assisting apparatus for a lift gate having a platform with a foldable section. The apparatus comprises an elongated arm, and a pivot axle, wherein a proximal end of the elongated arm is pivotably mounted on the pivot axle. The apparatus further comprises a spring for spring loading the elongated arm. When the folding assisting apparatus is mounted on the lift gate proximate the platform, a biasing tension in the spring urges a distal end of the elongated arm on the foldable section of the lift platform during a portion of movement of the lift platform to maintain the foldable section folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: MAXON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Karapet Ablabutyan
  • Patent number: 8591164
    Abstract: The present combination ladder rack and loader device is designed for use with pickup trucks. This device can function as a typical ladder rack, but also has the ability to lift large and heavy objects both into and out of the truck's bed. In one embodiment, the combination ladder rack and loader device can connect to the pick-up truck primarily through a receiver hitch allowing it to be easily disconnected from the truck when desired. This device can also comprise either a mechanical or an electrical winch to assist in the loading and unloading of large or heavy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: James Prosser
  • Patent number: 8562279
    Abstract: A lift system for mounting on a vehicle comprising a platform, the platform comprising a main platform and a platform extension slidable relative to the main platform. A handrail is pivotably mounted on the platform and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lift system also comprises handrail deployment means arranged to be actuated by movement of the platform extension to raise the handrail from the stowed position to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Passenger Lift Services Limited
    Inventors: Adam Beck, Paul Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130251489
    Abstract: A vehicle lift for a load, such as a wheelchair. The whole lift is movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position comprising a support pillar, a platform, a lifting device, and a biasing element. The platform is connected pivotably to the support pillar and has a horizontal pivot axis such that the platform is pivotable about the horizontal axis. The lifting device is hingedly connected to the support pillar and is configured for lifting and lowering the support pillar with the platform between the retracted position and the extended position. The biasing device biases the platform in to the second extended position and acts upon the region of the hinged connection between the platform and the support pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Gustav Bruns Maschinenbau und Forderanlagen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerit Bruns
  • Publication number: 20130251488
    Abstract: A vehicle lift for a load, such as a wheelchair. The whole lift is movable between a retracted position and an extended position that comprises a support pillar, a platform, and a lifting device. The platform is connected pivotably to the support pillar and has a horizontal pivot axis such that the platform is pivotable about the horizontal axis. The lifting device is hingedly connected to the support pillar and is configured for lifting and lowering the support pillar with the platform between the retracted position and the extended position. The support pillar is one piece and has a curved configuration along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Gustav Bruns Maschinenbau und Forderanlagen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerit Bruns
  • Publication number: 20130243555
    Abstract: There is provided a lifting assembly for selectively loading a container onto a chassis of a vehicle and unloading the container from the chassis, the lifting assembly comprising: a frame connected to the chassis; an arm having a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end releasably connectable to the container; and a pivoting actuator having a first actuator portion pivotably connected to the frame and a second actuator portion pivotably connected to the arm between the first and second ends thereof, the second actuator portion being linearly movable relative to the first actuator portion for pivoting the arm relative to the frame to selectively move the container towards the frame and away from the frame. There is further provided a cargo-carrying vehicle comprising the lifting assembly and a method for unloading a container mounted on a chassis of a vehicle from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Groupe Environnemental Labrie Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Boivin, Bruno Lechance, Martial Guyot
  • Patent number: 8534981
    Abstract: An auxiliary assembly for attachment to a truck bed, the truck bed having pivoting bale lift arms, and the truck bed further having a hydraulic ram powered bale arm actuator, the assembly including a cargo carrying frame, left and right releasably attachable and pivoting mounts for interconnecting the cargo carrier and distal ends of the bale lift arms, and a pair of cargo leveling arms pivotally mounted to span between and interconnect the truck bed and with the cargo carrier for simultaneous and substantially parallel leveling arm motion, the leveling arm motion stabilizing the cargo carrier during pivoting motions of the bale lift arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Berry K. Bortz
  • Patent number: 8517659
    Abstract: A mechanism for deploying and aligning a ramp relative to a platform includes a main bearing operatively associated with the platform and rotatable about a main pivot axis; a drive member disposed on the main bearing, the drive member being adapted to drive the main bearing to rotate about the main pivot axis; a rotating member disposed on the main bearing and rotatable about the main pivot axis with the main bearing; and a ramp member rotatably connected to the rotating member at a pivot point eccentric to the main pivot axis. Rotation of the rotating member causes the ramp member to move between a stowed position and a deployed position in an arcuate path about the main pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Dmitry Koretsky, Christopher Wyszkowski, Steven Fisher
  • Publication number: 20130142601
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel transportable silo systems for storage of materials. The invention relates to self-erecting silo storage systems for use in the oil and natural gas mining and drilling industries. The silo storage systems of embodiments of the instant invention are uniquely designed to improve storage capabilities and mobility while at the same time reducing space requirements at well sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Huntland Properties, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terry McIver, John Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20130142604
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair into a vehicle and automatically storing the wheelchair within an enclosure that protects the wheelchair and the mechanisms of the apparatus from exposure to weather during transportation is disclosed. The Wheelchair Transportation Loading and Storage Apparatus would primarily be used to automatically load into and store a wheelchair within an enclosure, which protects the wheelchair and the apparatus' mechanisms from exposure to weather during transportation, which is mounted in a portion of a pick-up truck bed as to allow for substantial use of the pickup bed for other purposes such as the transportation and storage of tools and materials, and which appears as an ordinary pick-up-truck-bed tool box when it is in the stowed position. The Wheelchair Transportation Loading and Storage Apparatus comprises a wheelchair hoist, a weather-resistant enclosure and a control module which may be operated remotely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Miguel Esparza
  • Patent number: 8398357
    Abstract: A method of and system for delivering parcels or packages utilizing a parcel delivery truck. The method allows both lighter and heavier packages to be delivered by a single driver or operator. The method includes positioning a specially designed lift or hoist unit within a rear compartment of a parcel delivery truck. The left and right portions of the lift unit are mounted to left and right side walls of the rear compartment to provide maximum lifting efficiency and maximum space for heavier parcels carried in the rear compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Alexander
  • Patent number: 8382419
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is designed to provide an apparatus for placement and removal of gas containing tanks in various locations for usage or transport. The apparatus includes a transport carriage assembly with wheels for moving thereof and a generally vertical beam with an angularly positioned reinforcing member for strengthening thereof. A parallel swing brace is pivotally connected to the vertical beam and extends outwardly therefrom. A tank retaining bracket assembly is secured to the outermost end of the parallel swing brace. Holding brackets and a foot plate are secured to the parallel swing braces and define a tank holding zone. A strap secures the tank to the retaining bracket. A drive is connected to the parallel swing brace to power movement thereof in a vertical direction either upwardly or downwardly as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Cielito B. Agoncillo, W. Brian McGinty, Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Publication number: 20130034416
    Abstract: First and second connection terminals that are connection places of manipulation remote control units are installed at the front and rear of a vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to manipulate the manipulation remote control units at positions (ahead of and behind the vehicle) according to the amount of sunlight by changing the connection position. In this case, the rotation direction of the loading/unloading apparatus is reversed in accordance with the connection place of the manipulation remote control unit, such that it is possible to prevent miss-manipulation of the manipulation remote control unit by an operator who manipulates ahead of and behind the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: NIPPON SHARYO, LTD., CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Noriyuki OGITA, Kazunari SAKURAI, Ryou MAEDA, Kazuki KOBAYASHI, Koshu YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20130034413
    Abstract: When the load factor of a loading/unloading apparatus reaches a second reference value that is smaller in load factor than the first reference value, the operation speed of the loading/unloading apparatus becomes a reduction state. It is possible to make load vibration difficult to be generated in a load. Further, fine adjustment of the manipulation becomes easy, such that it is possible to prevent the load factor from reaching the first reference value due to careless manipulation of the operator. Even if the load factor reaches the first reference value, the operation speed of the loading/unloading apparatus has been reduced, such that it is possible to prevent load vibration of the load W when stopping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: NIPPON SHARYO, LTD., CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Noriyuki OGITA, Kazunari SAKURAI, Ryou MAEDA, Kazuki KOBAYASHI, Koshu YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20130034415
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle that controls operation of a loading/unloading apparatus based on a manipulation instruction from a manipulation remote control unit and can ensure safety when loading/unloading a load. An opening window is formed to be open on the rear side of an operator cab and an LCD displaying the operation state of a loading/unloading apparatus is installed, with the display surface facing the opening window, in the operator cab. Therefore, it is possible to check the display of the LCD from the outside of the operator cab through the opening window. Therefore, an operator can perform manipulation while acquiring the information on the operation state of the loading/unloading apparatus from the LCD, such that it is possible to ensure safety when loading/unloading a load by manipulating the manipulation remote control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: NIPPON SHARYO, LTD., CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Noriyuki OGITA, Kazunari SAKURAI, Ryou MAEDA, Kazuki KOBAYASHI, Koshu YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20130034414
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle that elevates a working beam installed between a pair of booms with a working beam elevating unit and can ensure the area of a load receiving surface where a load is loaded. The working beam elevating unit is received in a working beam and one end of a chain is fixed to a boom. Therefore, the working beam is moved up/down by loosening and retracting the chain. Therefore, as the working beam elevating unit is installed at the working beam, it is not necessary to ensure a space for installing the working beam on a vehicle body. Therefore, it is correspondingly possible to enlarge the space (area of the load receiving surface) on the vehicle for loading a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: NIPPON SHARYO, LTD., CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Noriyuki OGITA, Kazunari SAKURAI, Ryou MAEDA, Kazuki KOBAYASHI, Koshu YAMASHITA, Akihiko GO, Toshihiko NISHIO, Yoshio MASUDA
  • Publication number: 20130034417
    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: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: NIPPON SHARYO, LTD., CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Noriyuki OGITA, Kazunari SAKURAI, Ryou MAEDA, Kazuki KOBAYASHI, Koshu YAMASHITA, Akihiko GO, Toshihiko NISHIO, Yoshio MASUDA
  • Patent number: 8282335
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of installing a liftgate under a vehicle bed. In one implementation, the system includes a liftgate and a mounting device. The mounting device comprises at least one mounting bracket having a group of multiple substantially horizontal slots vertically stacked relative to one another so as to be at different heights relative to ground when the bracket is installed under a vehicle bed essentially parallel to ground. The slots are vertically spaced on the bracket relative to one another to accommodate different vehicle bed heights so as to maintain the liftgate within a desired vertical ground clearance when mounted in a slot on said bracket under a vehicle bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: RS Drawings, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Bark
  • Publication number: 20120195725
    Abstract: A rotating lift system and method for transporting oversized agricultural implements. The rotating lift system includes a rotator arm, a rotator arm guide, an arcuate rotation track all mounted on a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the rotator arm and is movable between lowered and raised positions and is adapted for connecting to a load. The rotator arm is pivotally connected to the trailer frame and rotates about a vertical axis. The rotator arm guide is connected to the opposing end of the rotator arm and engages the rotation track. The rotating lift system and method are adapted for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement and moving the implement between perpendicularly opposed field use and transport positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Don Patrick Meenen, David C. Benson, Michael A. Brainard
  • Patent number: 8226343
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for loading, transporting and dumping a plurality of containers on a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a frame pivotally attachable a vehicle bed, an upper container engaging means and a lower container engaging means, both coupled to the frame. The upper container engaging means is moveable between a first height and a second height, the first height and the second height differing by greater than at least the height of a container. The lower container engaging means may be stowed and deployed. The upper container engaging means is moveable to the first height for loading a first container when the lower container engaging means is stowed. The lower container engaging means is deployed at the first height for loading the second container when the upper container engaging means is at the second height. The first container and second container may thereby be sequentially loaded and simultaneously transported on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Weeks, Darius Lyons
  • Patent number: 8221048
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus has a support structure, a frame pivotally connected to the support structure, an actuator connected to the frame so as to move the frame between a retracted position and an extended position, a lifting bar pivotally connected to the frame, and a linkage having one end pivotally connected to the support structure and an opposite end connected to the lifting bar. The lifting bar has a first strut with one end pivotally connected to the frame, a second strut with the one end pivotally affixed to the frame, and a cross member affixed adjacent to opposite ends of the first and second struts and extending thereacross. The linkage includes a first link and a second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Helmut Grollitsch
  • Publication number: 20120093623
    Abstract: A power lift system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the mobility device in and out of a vehicle from a position adjacent to a user or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
  • Patent number: 8061955
    Abstract: A container carrier having a support frame pivotally connected at its bottom end to a truck chassis and a carrying frame pivotally connected at its top to the top of the support frame. The carrying frame has support arms for holding a container. The support frame is generally upright with the carrying frame folded adjacent the support frame when the carrier is in a container carrying position on the truck chassis, the center of gravity of a carried container located forwardly of the rear wheels of the truck. The support frame extends rearwardly with the carrying frame unfolded when the carrier is in a container pick-up position. In the pick-up position, the support arms on the carrying frame are located past the rear end of the truck chassis and extend rearwardly therefrom to engage a container on the ground. Moving means move the support and carrying frames between the carrying position and the pick-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Donald McIntosh
  • Patent number: 8057152
    Abstract: A wheelchair lifting apparatus attachable beneath an undercarriage of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame positionable directly beneath and attachable to the undercarriage, a carriage slidably carried for horizontal movement on the frame lateral to the vehicle, and a lifting platform slidably carried on the frame in end-to-end proximity to the carriage for horizontal movement dependent upon movement of the carriage. An actuator is connected between the frame and the carriage and being operably arranged to effect movement of the carriage and the platform between the retracted and extended position of the platform. The frame and the actuator are cooperatively configured with the platform to lower and raise the platform while in the extended position with the wheelchair and user thereatop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: William D. White
  • Patent number: 8042655
    Abstract: A roll stop system for a lift includes a roll stop member that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, a driving mechanism for moving the roll stop member between the raised position and the lowered position, and a spring member acting as a buffer between the driving mechanism and the roll stop member, and preferably the spring member protects the driving mechanism from damage due to abnormal operations of the roll stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Maxon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Levon Hambardzumyan
  • Publication number: 20110255944
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus has a support structure, a frame pivotally connected to the support structure, an actuating means connected to the frame so as to move the frame between a retracted position and an extended position, a lifting bar pivotally connected to the frame, and a linkage having one end pivotally connected to the support structure and an opposite end connected to the lifting bar. The lifting bar has a first strut with one end pivotally to the frame, a second strut with the one end pivotally affixed to the frame, and a cross member affixed adjacent to opposite ends of the first and second struts and extending thereacross. The linkage includes a first link and a second link each having fixed lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Helmut GROLLITSCH