US 12098063

Here is a concise summary of US Patent 12098063:

Patent Number: US12098063B2

Title: Compact tool carrier and mainframes for a self-propelled machine

Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co [cite: The provided patent text]

Inventors: Brad THOMAS, Louis Hartke, Greg Langenfeld, Matt Hutchinson [cite: The provided patent text]

Filing Date: 2022-10-07 [cite: The provided patent text]

Issue Date: 2024-09-24 [cite: The provided patent text]

Abstract: Mainframes for a self-propelled machine are disclosed. The mainframe includes first and second pockets that extend from the front end to the rear end of the mainframe. A hydraulic reservoir housing extends from the first side to the second side of the mainframe. The hydraulic reservoir housing is disposed between the front end of the mainframe and first and second drive openings. [cite: The provided patent text]

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Mainframe): This claim describes a mainframe for a self-propelled machine. It features a first side with a bracket portion forming an upward-facing pocket extending from front to rear, and a first drive opening for a drive mechanism hub. It also includes multiple first pivot points (front, rear, and central) for attaching a loader. Similarly, there's a second side with a second bracket portion forming an upward-facing pocket, a second drive opening for a second drive mechanism hub, and corresponding second pivot points. Crucially, the mainframe incorporates a hydraulic reservoir housing connected to both sides, positioned between the front end and the drive openings. [cite: The provided patent text]

• Claim 4 (Compact Tool Carrier): This claim describes a compact tool carrier with a longitudinal axis, designed for standing or walk-behind operator control. It includes a loader with a loader arm adapted to carry a tool. A mainframe supports this loader, featuring a first side and a second side, and front and rear ends. The carrier has a first linkage and a second linkage, both pivotally attached to the first side of the mainframe and directly to the loader arm. An actuator is also pivotally and directly attached to the first side of the mainframe and the loader arm. Finally, it includes a control station with operator controls for propelling the carrier and raising/lowering the loader, with the control station mounted towards the rear end of the carrier. [cite: The provided patent text]

Uncertainty/Additional Information:
The patent text indicates that this patent family has active litigation. Specifically, a US case has been filed in the Texas Northern District Court, and a PTAB case (PGR2025-00016) has been filed and is pending, with institution. The petitioner for the PTAB case is Kubota North America Corporation and Kubota Tractor Corporation. [cite: The provided patent text]