US 9321386

Here is a concise summary of US patent 9321386:

US Patent 9321386

• Title: Low profile compact tool carriers
• Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co
• Inventors: Brad THOMAS, Louis Hartke, Greg Langenfeld, Matt Hutchinson
• Filing Date: 2015-04-21
• Issue Date (Publication Date): 2016-04-26
• Abstract: Compact tool carriers having a loader mounted to a low-profile mainframe are disclosed. In some embodiments, the pivot points of the mainframe about which the loader is pivoted are low relative to the mainframe to reduce the mainframe size and to lower the center of gravity to improve the stability of the compact tool carrier during use.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This independent claim describes a compact tool carrier designed for standing or walk-behind operation, weighing less than about 1500 kg. It includes a loader with an arm to carry a tool, a mainframe supporting the loader, and an engine bracket extending across the mainframe for engine mounting, distinct from the rear end. A linkage and an actuator are pivotally attached to the first side of the mainframe and the loader arm. A control station, located at the rear, provides controls for propelling the carrier and operating the loader, enabling standing or walk-behind use. Notably, the loader arm is not directly attached to the mainframe.

• Claim 15: This independent claim also describes a compact tool carrier with a loader for carrying a tool, and a mainframe that supports the loader. Similar to Claim 1, the mainframe has an engine bracket spaced from the rear end and the loader is not directly attached. This claim further specifies that the mainframe's first side has at least two pivot points relative to the loader. A linkage and an actuator are pivotally attached to the first side of the mainframe at respective pivot points. The carrier includes a drive mechanism (tracks or wheels) attached to the mainframe, rotating about a rotational axis (R). A key feature is that the vertical distance between the rotational axis (R) and each pivot point is less than 1.5 times the vertical distance (D1) between the rotational axis (R) and the bottom of the compact tool carrier (where the drive mechanism contacts the surface). A control station, at the rear, allows for standing or walk-behind operation to control movement and loader functions.

Litigation Status (as of 2026-07-01):

The patent family associated with US9321386B1 is currently involved in litigation.

• Three PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) cases, IPR2025-00168, IPR2025-00167, and IPR2025-00169, were filed and have been instituted (Pending - Instituted). The petitioner for these cases is Unified Patents.
• A US case was filed in the Texas Northern District Court (case/4:24-cv-00799).
• Another US case was filed in the Iowa Southern District Court (case/4:17-cv-00076).
• The first worldwide family litigation has also been filed.