US 11465891

US patent 11465891, titled "Loader apparatus configured for standing operator control," was issued to Vermeer Manufacturing Co. on October 11, 2022, from an application filed on August 9, 2021. The inventors are Brad Thomas, Louis Hartke, Greg Langenfeld, and Matt Hutchinson.

The patent describes a loader apparatus designed for operation by a standing operator or as a walk-behind unit. It includes a loader capable of carrying a tool, which can move between a down position and a vertically raised position. The apparatus features a control station with operator controls for propelling the loader and for raising and lowering the loader, along with an operator platform for standing operation. A key characteristic is the absence of an operator's seat.

Abstract:
Loader apparatus configured for standing operator control are disclosed. The loader apparatus may include a loader adapted to carry a tool that is moveable between a down position and a vertically raised position. One or more linkages are connected to the first side of the loader support and connected to the loader. The apparatus includes a control station having operator controls for propelling the loader apparatus forward and for raising and lowering the loader. The apparatus includes an operator platform for standing operation of the operator controls of the control station.

Independent Claim Overview:

Claim 1: This claim describes a loader apparatus for standing operator control, featuring:

• A loader with a first and second loader arm, and at least one cross-member connecting them, designed to carry a tool and move vertically between a down and raised position.
• A loader support (mainframe) with first and second sides, to which the loader is not directly attached.
• A first actuator that tilts the tool attached to the loader.
• First and second linkages, each connected to the first side of the loader support and to the loader, and pivotal relative to the loader support.
• A second actuator directly attached to the loader and connected to the loader support, pivotal relative to at least the first side of the loader support, specifically for raising the loader.
• A control station with operator controls for forward propulsion and for raising/lowering the loader.
• An operator platform for standing operation, with at least a portion of it located rearward of the drive mechanism (relative to the apparatus's longitudinal axis).
• The apparatus explicitly does not include an operator's seat.

Litigation Information:

• A PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case, IPR2025-00381, was filed by Kubota North America Corporation and Kubota Tractor Corporation, and it is currently pending and has been instituted. The effective date for this proceeding is January 7, 2025.
• A U.S. case, 4:24-cv-00799, has been filed in the Texas Northern District Court.
• There has been a first worldwide family litigation filed related to this patent family.
• As of the current date (April 26, 2026), no specific dockets for US11465891 in the CAFC (Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) for 2026 were found in the provided search results.