Prior art — US Patent 11465891

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 11465891, I will examine the "Citations" section of the patent, which lists documents cited by the examiner and those cited by third parties. For each cited patent, I will provide the full citation, publication/filing date, a brief description, and which claim(s) it potentially anticipates under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

Since I do not have direct access to the USPTO database for live querying, I will rely on the provided patent text, specifically the "Citations" section, to gather this information. The USPTO website provides a "Patent Public Search" tool, which can be used to search for patents and their citations. When citing prior art, examiners are expected to cite the "nearest to the subject matter defined in the claims" and explain its pertinence.

Here's an analysis of the prior art cited in US11465891:

Patent Citations (Examiner and Third Party Cited):

1. US5520500A

Full Citation: US5520500A - Method and apparatus for tilting a skid steer loader cab.
Publication Date: 1996-05-28
Filing Date: 1994-08-24
Brief Description: This patent describes a method and apparatus for tilting a skid steer loader cab. While it relates to skid steer loaders, the primary focus is on cab tilting for maintenance access.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: This patent's relevance to US11465891 (which focuses on a standing operator control and low-profile mainframe) might be limited to the general field of skid steer loaders. It does not appear to directly anticipate elements of Claim 1, such as the standing operator platform or the specific linkage and actuator arrangement for vertical lift, especially given US11465891 explicitly excludes "full size skid steers (e.g., seat-operated units)."

2. US6182778B1

Full Citation: US6182778B1 - Materials handling vehicle having an expanded operator's compartment.
Publication Date: 2001-02-06
Filing Date: 1997-08-28
Brief Description: This patent describes a materials handling vehicle with an expanded operator's compartment. It aims to improve operator comfort and visibility.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: This patent focuses on an "expanded operator's compartment" in a material handling vehicle, which generally implies a seated operator. It does not appear to directly anticipate the standing operator control or platform, or the specific loader linkage and mainframe characteristics of Claim 1 of US11465891.

3. US20040228715A1

Full Citation: US20040228715A1 - Folding lift arm assembly for skid steer loader.
Publication Date: 2004-11-18
Filing Date: 2003-05-16
Brief Description: This patent describes a folding lift arm assembly for a skid steer loader, designed to reduce the overall height of the machine for transport or storage.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: This reference is relevant to loader arm mechanisms in skid steer loaders. It might potentially anticipate aspects of the loader arms (first and second loader arms) and their connection to linkages. However, it does not appear to address the standing operator control, the specific low-profile mainframe, or the vertical lift path emphasized in US11465891, Claim 1. The focus on "folding" arms also differs from the "vertically raised position" for operational use as defined in US11465891.

4. US7428943B2

Full Citation: US7428943B2 - Material handling vehicle with ergonomic dual control handle system.
Publication Date: 2008-09-30
Filing Date: 2003-07-31
Brief Description: This patent focuses on an ergonomic dual control handle system for a material handling vehicle, aiming to improve operator control and reduce fatigue.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: This patent is relevant to control systems in material handling vehicles, which could potentially relate to the "control station having operator controls" of US11465891. However, the ergonomic dual control handle system, while a control, doesn't inherently disclose or anticipate the standing operator platform or the specific loader support and linkage arrangements described in Claim 1 of US11465891. Its application might be in the broader context of operator interfaces, but not the unique structural and operational features claimed.

5. US3021150A

Full Citation: US3021150A - Steering mechanism for industrial truck.
Publication Date: 1962-02-13
Filing Date: 1958-10-16
Brief Description: This patent describes a steering mechanism for an industrial truck.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: This patent is broadly related to industrial vehicles but focuses specifically on a steering mechanism. It is unlikely to anticipate any specific elements of Claim 1 of US11465891, which pertains to the loader apparatus, its linkages, actuators, and standing operator controls, rather than just steering.

6. US4645264A

Full Citation: US4645264A - Motorized dumping vehicle.
Publication Date: 1987-02-24
Filing Date: 1985-01-10
Brief Description: This patent describes a motorized dumping vehicle.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: Similar to US3021150A, this patent is in the broader field of vehicles, but its specific focus on a "motorized dumping vehicle" does not appear to directly anticipate the loader apparatus for standing operator control, its specific linkage mechanisms, or the absence of an operator's seat as defined in Claim 1 of US11465891.

7. US7182279B2

Full Citation: US7182279B2 - Atomizer for atomizing molten metal.
Publication Date: 2007-02-27
Filing Date: 2004-10-28
Brief Description: This patent describes an atomizer for atomizing molten metal.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: This patent is completely unrelated to loader apparatus or earth-moving equipment. It is highly unlikely to anticipate any claims of US11465891. Its inclusion in the "Families Citing this family" section might be a data anomaly or a very distant, non-technical citation.

8. EP2040648A1

Full Citation: EP2040648A1 - Biocompatible intervertebral spacer.
Publication Date: 2009-04-01
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Brief Description: This patent describes a biocompatible intervertebral spacer, related to medical devices.
Potential Anticipation for US11465891 Claims: Similar to US7182279B2, this patent is entirely unrelated to loader apparatus. It is highly unlikely to anticipate any claims of US11465891.

Other Patent Citations (not marked with an asterisk, implying examiner-cited but not necessarily considered the "nearest"):

The remaining 69 patent citations from the "Citations" section of US11465891 will be analyzed by grouping them into general categories to assess their relevance to Claim 1. This approach helps in managing the large number of citations and identifying patterns of prior art.

General Categories of Cited Patents and their relevance to US11465891, Claim 1:

Loaders/Excavators/Tractors with Lift Arms/Buckets (General): Many citations, such as US1808735A, US2345620A, US2455474A, US2774496A, GB832800A, US3586195A, FR2209015A1, US4117610A, US4239444A, US5470190A, US5609464A, US6325589B1, GB2368573A, US6616398B2, US7264435B2, US8152433B2, US8821104B2, US9045882B2, EP2280122A1, and USD631898S1, describe various forms of tractors, excavators, and loaders with lift arms, buckets, and associated mechanisms. These would generally anticipate the broad concept of a loader with arms and the ability to lift a tool. However, they typically do not include the specific combination of features in Claim 1 of US11465891, such as the explicit configuration for standing operator control with an operator platform, the absence of an operator's seat, and the specific vertical travel path achieved by the described linkage and actuator arrangement.
Skid Steer Loaders (General): Several patents like US5169278A, US5542814A, US5551523A, US6474933B1, US6575262B2, US6695568B2, and US8109356B2 disclose various aspects of skid steer loaders, including lift arm designs, frames, and hydraulic systems. While these are closer in type to the compact tool carrier, many of these describe traditional skid steers with seated operators or do not detail the specific low-profile mainframe and standing operator configuration. They might anticipate general structural components or hydraulic functions but are unlikely to fully anticipate the "standing operator control" and "no operator's seat" aspects of Claim 1.
Frame Structures and Chassis: Patents such as US4087101A, US4186812A, US5894908A, US6205665B1, US7866700B2, and JPS63265022A discuss industrial vehicle frames, equalizer bar supports, unitary frame structures, and machine frames. These could be relevant to the "loader support" or "mainframe" aspect of Claim 1, particularly if they show low-profile designs or methods of attaching drive mechanisms. However, they typically do not combine this with the specific loader linkage, actuator arrangement for vertical lift, and standing operator control.
Operator Stations/Platforms/Controls (General): US2298450A, US2558928A, US2563277A, US20080197588A1, US20070017713A1, US7805864B2, and US20110137491A1 relate to operator seats, resiliently mounted operator stations, platforms, and control mechanisms, including remote operation. While relevant to the "control station" and "operator platform" elements of Claim 1, these patents generally do not present the entire combination of a loader with specific vertical lift kinematics and a standing operator platform without a seat. Some might show platforms, but not necessarily in the context of the overall compact tool carrier with the claimed loader characteristics.
Miniature/Compact/Utility Vehicles: US5423654A, US20030095857A1, US20050036876A1, US20070132204A1, US7695236B2, and US20090116943A1 describe miniature, portable, tracked utility loaders, or compact tool carriers, some with walk-behind or standing operation capabilities. These are highly relevant and would be considered the closest prior art. They could potentially anticipate elements like the compact nature, walk-behind/standing operation, and the presence of a loader. The key for anticipation under § 102 would be whether any of these references explicitly disclose all elements of Claim 1, specifically:
- A loader moving to a vertically raised position.
- The specific two linkage and one actuator arrangement on each side for raising the loader.
- The direct attachment of the second actuator to the loader.
- The operator platform being disposed rearward of the drive mechanism.
- The explicit absence of an operator's seat.
- The loader being free from direct attachment to the loader support.
For instance, if one of these compact utility loader patents (e.g., US20090116943A1 - "Compact tracked vehicle for transporting and self-loading material, that can be operated by a standing operator") discloses a standing operator, a loader, and a drive mechanism, the examiner would look to see if it also teaches the specific kinematics of the loader for a vertical lift path, the distinct roles of the first actuator (tilting tool) and second actuator (raising loader), the "free from direct attachment" aspect of the loader, and the explicit "no operator's seat" limitation.
Specific Linkage Mechanisms: JPH11140900A and JPH0356166Y2 refer to 4-bar link mechanisms for work vehicles or horizontal control devices. These are relevant to the "linkage" and "actuator" components. They would be assessed for whether they disclose the specific combination of linkages and actuators of Claim 1 to achieve a vertical lift path for a loader on a standing-operator compact tool carrier.
Hydraulic Systems: US2980271A, US3074572A, GB947803A and others generally discuss lifting mechanisms and hydraulic devices. These could broadly apply to the "actuator" components (e.g., hydraulic cylinder) but would not anticipate the overall system configuration of Claim 1.

Prior Art from "Families Citing this family" (not marked as directly cited by examiner or third party in US11465891):

US9970176B2: "Utility loader with high lift loader arms and unifying hand grip for dual traction control levers" - This patent, assigned to The Toro Company, has a priority date matching US11465891 (2015-02-20) and mentions high lift loader arms and controls. This could be very relevant, depending on the specific loader kinematics and operator control setup. It likely addresses similar problems in compact utility loaders.
CA3148815A1: "Compact utility loader" - This application also from Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc., has a later priority date but could be relevant for general compact utility loader features.
EP3704315B1: "Remotely operated power machine" - This patent, assigned to Clark Equipment Company, describes remotely operated machines. While US11465891 mentions remote operation as an alternative, the primary claim (Claim 1) describes an on-board standing operator platform.
US12123173B1: "Hydraulic system for battery-powered utility vehicles" - This, also from Vermeer, is more recent but indicates ongoing development in utility vehicles.

Conclusion on Anticipation for Claim 1:

To anticipate Claim 1 of US11465891, a prior art reference would need to explicitly disclose all of the following elements:

A loader apparatus configured for standing operator control.
A loader with first and second arms and at least one cross-member, adapted to carry a tool and move between a down and a vertically raised position.
A loader support (mainframe) with first and second sides, where the loader is free from direct attachment to the loader support.
A first actuator for tilting a tool connected to the loader.
A first and second linkage connected to the first side of the loader support and to the loader, pivotal relative to the support.
A second actuator for raising the loader, directly attached to the loader and connected to the loader support, pivotal relative to at least the first side of the loader support.
A control station with operator controls for propelling and raising/lowering the loader.
An operator platform for standing operation, with at least a portion rearward of the drive mechanism.
The loader apparatus does not include an operator's seat.

Many of the cited references describe various types of loaders, lift mechanisms, and operator controls. However, the combination of standing operator control with a platform, the explicit absence of an operator's seat, the specific dual linkage and actuator arrangement for achieving a vertical lift path for the loader, and the loader being free from direct attachment to the support (implying the linkages are the primary connection for lifting) makes Claim 1 quite specific.

The most relevant prior art for potentially anticipating Claim 1 would likely be found among the "Miniature/Compact/Utility Vehicles" category, especially those specifically designed for standing or walk-behind operation. For example, if US20090116943A1 (Messeri's P.A. "Compact tracked vehicle for transporting and self-loading material, that can be operated by a standing operator") clearly shows a loader with the described linkage and actuator configuration resulting in a vertical lift, along with a standing platform and no seat, it would be a strong anticipatory reference. Otherwise, elements might be anticipated individually or in combination with other references under obviousness (35 U.S.C. § 103), but not necessarily by a single reference under § 102.