Patents Examined by Brian Cassidy
-
Patent number: 9663014Abstract: A platform apparatus for a vehicle including a first structure including a first surface and a first interlocking joint; a second structure including a second surface and a second interlocking joint to receive the first interlocking joint; and a linkage that connects the first structure and the second structure and articulates the apparatus from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position the first surface and the second surface are vertically stacked and in the open position the first structure and the second structure are interlocked through the first interlocking joint and the second interlocking joint and the first surface and the second surface are horizontally adjacent.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Aaron Welter, Eric Archambeau, Bradley Baskin
-
Patent number: 9630666Abstract: A portable lookout platform is provided with legs which can be moved between raised and lowered positions via a cable and winch system. Pulleys and rollers provide for controlled movement of the legs. A platform is mounted on top of the legs to support a person. The ladder provides access for a person to the platform when the legs are raised. The legs, platform and ladder are mounted on a trailer for transportation.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Inventors: David C. Keene, Brent C. Keene
-
Patent number: 9623551Abstract: An automotive creeper is disclosed herein. The automotive creeper includes a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal frame members extending in a lengthwise direction of the automotive creeper; a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse frame members connected to each of the plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal frame members, at least one of the plurality of spaced-apart, transverse frame members including an open end that is configured to receive a support member of an automotive creeper accessory device inserted therein; and a body pad supported on one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart, transverse frame members, the body pad configured to accommodate a torso of a user resting thereon. A mechanics chair assembly that includes a mechanics chair and the automotive creeper is also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Inventors: Craig Eugene Bowen, Richard Mark Spring
-
Patent number: 9623926Abstract: A walker device is disclosed including an overarching frame with an overarching top, and a sitting assembly coupled to the frame. The frame extends at least primarily in a first direction between a front side with at least two front wheels and a rear side with a first rear wheel. The frame includes a rear frame part and a middle frame part. The rear frame part includes a height allowing a user to walk over the rear frame part and take place on the sitting assembly. The middle frame part includes a width allowing a user to place his or her legs on either side of the middle frame part. The sitting assembly suitably includes a hinge with a saddle pad for a transition between a first state and a second state.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Inventor: Barbara Elisabeth Alink
-
Patent number: 9604527Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for powering a vehicle includes a micro turbine assembly with multi-fuel capabilities and a turbine drive shaft extending therefrom. The turbine drive shaft has a turbine engaged position where a turbine rotational output of the micro turbine assembly is transferred by the turbine drive shaft to wheels of the vehicle, and a turbine unengaged position where the turbine rotational output is independent from the wheels. A generator is selectively connected to the micro turbine assembly in parallel with a portion of the turbine drive shaft. A power storage device is chargeable by the generator and can drive an electric motor. A motor drive shaft has a motor engaged position where a motor rotational output of the electric motor is transferred by the motor drive shaft to the wheels, and a motor unengaged position where the motor rotational output is independent from the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Vittorio Manente
-
Patent number: 9604125Abstract: An accessory assembly for a skateboard includes a bracket configured to be mounted to a first surface of a base plate of a skateboard truck. The first surface is opposite a second surface of the base plate, where the second surface faces a deck of the skateboard when mounted to the skateboard. The bracket includes a mounting hole and a receiving element, and is configured to span only a portion of a perimeter of the base plate. An accessory component includes a housing having an engaging element, the engaging element being configured to be removably coupled with the receiving element. An accessory is mounted to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: ShredLife, Inc.Inventors: Andrew T. Page, Kyle Kitzmiller
-
Patent number: 9597951Abstract: A cooling system for a heavy road vehicle provided with a hybrid propulsion system includes a mechanical propulsion system and a hydraulic propulsion system. The cooling system includes a pump and a first cooling circuit including a gearbox cooling circuit a hydraulic propulsion system cooling circuit and a first radiator for cooling of a coolant flowing in the first cooling circuit. The radiator is connected in series with and located upstream of the gearbox cooling circuit and the hydraulic propulsion system cooling circuit. The cooling system is designed such that the hydraulic propulsion cooling circuit and the gearbox cooling circuit are connected in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventors: Filip Alm, Aleksandar Kovac
-
Patent number: 9592861Abstract: An axle mounted spare tire assembly is disclosed for use in replacing a damaged vehicle tire or tire support structure to permit a vehicle to then travel to a vehicle repair shop. The apparatus is comprised of a saddle which surrounds and bolts onto a vehicle's axle. A support tire is mounted below the saddle on a self-locking axle and will rotate as the vehicle is driven. The saddle is provided with a plurality of bolts to facilitate attachment to round, U-shaped, and square vehicle axles. The saddle is also equipped with a detachable handle to allow for ease of attachment and transfer of the assembly to and from the damage site.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventor: Gary Fontenot
-
Patent number: 9592864Abstract: An upper transition assembly is disclosed. The upper transition assembly may have an upper spacer plate extending from a first spacer end to a second spacer end. The upper spacer plate may have a base portion having a first width. The upper spacer plate may also have a projection extending from the base portion. The projection may have a second width smaller than the first width. The upper transition assembly may also have a lower spacer plate extending from adjacent the first spacer end to a first distal end disposed between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. The lower spacer plate may have a third width about equal to the second width.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining America, LLCInventor: Adalbert Zimmer
-
Patent number: 9579969Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis having an engine, a body assembly defining an internal volume and coupled to the chassis, a tailgate pivotally attached to the body assembly and movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively expose the internal volume of the body assembly, a CNG fuel system including a CNG fuel tank coupled to the tailgate and moveable therewith, the engine configured to be powered by the CNG fuel system, at least one of one a non-structural conduit, a non-structural raceway, and a non-structural channel configured to contain at least one of wiring and a hydraulic line, and an impact mitigation system coupled to the tailgate. The impact mitigation system provides a protected region within which the CNG fuel tank is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Oshkosh CorporationInventors: Lucas D. Crist, Grant D. Wildgrube, Jarud H. Hoefker, Leslie H. Schwartz
-
Patent number: 9580020Abstract: A step-up side rail system is designed to be attached to at least one (1) side frame of a pickup truck, or other similar large vehicle. The device provides a measure of protection from incidental contact while acting as step by which access to the cab, or other nearby portions of the vehicle, may be gained. The device is configured to accommodate a variety of vehicles and step widths.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Inventor: Mark E. Rees
-
Patent number: 9573043Abstract: Boot binding systems for riding a snow gliding board, including a pair of boot bindings, each member of the pair having a toe latch pedal mechanism at the toe end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests, the toe latch pedal having dual function to either a) attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface in ride mode configuration or to b) attach each boot binding to a ski touring mode interface in ski touring configuration. In a “release position” the toe latch pedal is disengaged so that the baseplate assembly may be detached or switched between the ski touring mode interface and the ride mode interface in alternation. In a “lock position”, the toe of the rider's boot depresses the toe latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. As co-planar with the baseplate, the latch pedal also supports the rider's boot when in the lock position.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Inventor: William J Ritter
-
Patent number: 9566851Abstract: A mounting structure of a high voltage unit for an electric vehicle includes a first high voltage unit that has vehicle body fixing parts to be fixed to a vehicle body at both ends in a width direction, and a second high voltage unit that is arranged on an upper side of the first high voltage unit in a vertical direction of the vehicle, in which, in the second high voltage unit, a high voltage heavy component included in the second high voltage unit is arranged closer to a lowermost surface in the vertical direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoki Kawamura, Hirofumi Shimizu, Nobuaki Yokoyama, Izuho Hirano
-
Patent number: 9550458Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
-
Patent number: 9540028Abstract: An infant stroller apparatus includes a first and a second leg segment, a handle segment and a backrest frame. The first and second leg segments are respectively affixed with a first and a second coupling member that are connected with each other. The handle segment is affixed with a third coupling member that is connected with the first coupling member. The backrest frame is connected with the second leg segment. A latch assembled with the second coupling member is movable to engage with the third coupling member to lock the handle segment and the first and second leg segments in an unfolded state. A release actuator operatively connected with the latch is pivotally connected with the second leg segment adjacent to the pivot axis of the backrest frame. The release actuator is rotatable to cause the latch to disengage from the third coupling member for allowing folding of the infant stroller apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Taylor, Curtis M. Hartenstine, Anthony V. Ruggiero
-
Patent number: 9539871Abstract: In a vehicle, a first left straight line, passing through a first left front connector and a first left rear connector connecting a left upper arm and a left auxiliary frame, inclines inward toward a widthwise center as the first left straight line extends rearward in a bottom view. A second left straight line, passing through a second left front connector and a second left rear connector connecting a left lower arm and a left main subframe, inclines inward toward the widthwise center as the second left straight line extends rearward in the bottom view. A central position between the first left front connector and first left rear connector in the front-rear direction is rearward relative to a central position between the second left front connector and second left rear connector in the front-rear direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Masayuki Kubo
-
Patent number: 9533565Abstract: An active grille shutter assembly includes a frame adapted to be connected to a portion of a vehicle and forming at least one opening therein and a plurality of shutters disposed in and extending across the at least one opening and being pivotally connected to the frame. The active grille shutter assembly also includes at least one linkage connected to the shutters and an actuator supported by the frame and being connected to one of the shutters to move the at least one linkage to open and close the shutters as a unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Montaplast of North America, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Elliott, Sascha Klausen, Andrew Kowalski
-
Patent number: 9526971Abstract: In one example, a ski binding control and release assembly includes a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, an actuator element disposed in the housing and connected to the motor, and an arm partly disposed in the housing, the arm being operably engaged with the actuator element, and the arm being selectively engageable with a toe piece. A cover is also provided that encloses a substantial portion of the housing. A binding plate is provided that is configured to be disposed on top of the cover, and the binding plate, cover and housing forming a stack that is mountable to a ski. Finally, a control system is provided that is remotely operable to move the arm, and the control system is configured for wireless communication with a remote control device.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: ROSSLAND BINDING COMPANYInventors: Rob C. Barden, Gautam Goodapati, Blair L. Fredricks, Gordon J. Wilson, Jeffrey Wayne Herr
-
Patent number: 9522634Abstract: A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
-
Patent number: 9510983Abstract: A basket assembly for a wheelchair is described herein. The basket assembly can include a basket and a mounting assembly coupled to the basket. The basket can include a base panel having at least one bracket coupling feature, a rear panel and a front panel coupled to the base panel, and a left side panel and a right side panel coupled to the base panel, the rear panel, and the front panel. The mounting assembly can include a main portion having a first end, a second end, and at least one basket coupling feature disposed between the first end and the second end. The mounting assembly can also include an elbow coupled to the first end of the main portion, and a wheelchair coupling feature coupled to the elbow, where the wheelchair coupling feature can be configured to couple to a portion of a wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: LAGWENBRE DESIGNER CORPORATIONInventor: Gwendolyn Sue Smith