Motorized lifting system for semi-trailer

{
  "publication_number": "US11981300B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Motorized lifting system for semi-trailer",
  "abstract": "A motorized lifting system for use on a semi-trailer. The lifting system may comprise a lifting unit capable of mounting to a jack on the semi-trailer, allowing the lifting unit to raise and lower the dolly legs of the jack. The lifting unit may comprise a motor and a series of sprockets and chains connecting the motor to a drive shaft that mounts to a rod of the jack, such that turning the rod raises or lowers the dolly legs.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method of using a lifting system to operate a jack, the method comprising: removing a handle from a rod of the jack; sliding a motorized lifting unit over a shaft of the jack; wherein the motorized lifting unit comprises: a motor; a worm drive gear assembly powered by the motor; a bracket capable of clamping to one of the dolly legs of the jack and to the lifting unit; and a coupling capable of connecting the worm drive gear assembly to the shaft of the jack, wherein the coupling is a dual-sided coupling comprising a first side and a second side, the first side comprising a love joy portion capable of connecting to the worm drive gear assembly and the second side comprising a clamp portion capable of connecting to the shaft; clamping the motorized lifting unit to the one or more dolly legs and to the motor via the bracket; connecting the worm drive gear assembly powered by the motor to the shaft via a coupling and connecting devices; and operating the lifting unit, which causes the one or more dolly legs of the jack to raise or lower.",
    "2. A method of using a lifting system to operate a jack, the method comprising: removing a handle from a rod of the jack; sliding a motorized lifting unit over a shaft of the jack; wherein the motorized lifting unit comprises: a motor; chains and sprockets; a gear assembly powered by the motor; a bracket capable of clamping to one of the dolly legs of the jack and to the lifting unit; and a coupling capable of connecting the gear assembly to the shaft of the jack, wherein the coupling is a dual-sided coupling comprising a first side and a second side, the first side comprising a love joy portion capable of connecting to the gear assembly and the second side comprising a clamp portion capable of connecting to the shaft; clamping the motorized lifting unit to the one or more dolly legs and to the motor via the bracket; connecting the gear assembly powered by the motor to the shaft via a coupling and connecting devices; and operating the lifting unit, which causes the one or more dolly legs of the jack to raise or lower."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This invention relates generally to a lifting system, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a motorized lifting system for use with a semi-trailer.\n\nJacks for semi-trailers typically require manual cranking. Given the fact that semi-trailers typically weigh tens of thousands of pounds, it is no surprise that manually cranking a semi-trailer jack is difficult work and can easily lead to injury.\n\nMotorized jacks exist for other applications, but typically are not capable of lifting the weight of a semi-trailer.\n\nBased on the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a semi-trailer lifting system that is motorized, yet capable of lifting a semi-trailer.\n\nIn general, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a lifting system comprising a lifting unit capable of mounting to a jack. The lifting unit may comprise: a motor; a worm drive gear assembly powered by the motor; and a coupling capable of connecting the worm drive gear assembly to a shaft of the jack. The coupling may comprise: a first half of the coupling extending from the worm drive gear assembly, where the first half of the coupling has a plurality of lateral projections extending therefrom; a second half of the coupling, where the second half of the coupling has a plurality of lateral projections extending therefrom and where the lateral projections of the second half of the coupling are capable of interlocking with the lateral projections of the first half of the coupling such that turning the first ...",
  "cpc": [
    "B60S 9/06",
    "B60D 1/66",
    "B60S 9/04",
    "B60S 9/08",
    "B66F 3/44"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B60D 1/66",
    "B60S 9/04",
    "B60S 9/06",
    "B60S 9/08",
    "B66F 3/44"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Ua Holdings Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Todd Carroll"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2021-02-17",
  "publication_date": "2024-05-14",
  "grant_date": "2024-05-14",
  "priority_date": "2020-02-18",
  "application_number": "US-202117177952-A",
  "family_id": "77273414",
  "cited_by_count": 1,
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}