Patents Examined by Kristine Florio
  • Patent number: 9057202
    Abstract: A cable-securement member secured to a platform includes a longitudinal passage extending through open first and second longitudinal ends and is sized and shaped for allowing the cable to move through the longitudinal passage from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end. The longitudinal passage has a curved portion adjacent the second longitudinal end configured to resiliently bend a cable body of a cable as the cable enters the curved portion. The cable is configured to automatically rebound toward its unloaded state in the curved portion as a stop of the cable moves past the slot and exits the passage through the second longitudinal end so that the cable body exits the curved portion through a longitudinal slot and the stop is engageable with the cable-securement member to releasably lock the cable relative to the cable securement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald L. Berkbuegler
  • Patent number: 9016434
    Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including various embodiments of a combination ladder. In some embodiments, a platform is provided that is fixedly coupled with a rail assembly of a combination ladder. The platform may pivot between a useable position or state and a stowed or stored position or state. The platform may maintain a position relative to certain rungs of the rail assembly while being displaceable relative to other rungs of the rail assembly. A hand rail may be coupled to the rail assembly and a tray may be coupled with the hand rail. The tray and the platform may be configured to maintain a constant distance between one another while the rail assembly is adjusted for height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Sean Peterson, Brian Russell
  • Patent number: 8997926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fall protection systems to which a scaffolder can tie off during scaffold construction by adjusting the height of the lifeline and to move along the entire length of a scaffold level without having to disengage the lifeline. In one embodiment the fall protection system includes two vertical support members adapted to be affixed to a scaffold frame wherein the two vertical members have attachment means for attachment of a lifeline, and wherein the attachment means are located at each respective vertical member and configured for movable attachment at a plurality of positions along the vertical axis of each support members. In addition the present invention relates to methods to use the fall protection system during scaffold construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Robert O'Reilly, Chris John Chetti
  • Patent number: 8985276
    Abstract: A portable pathway apparatus for providing a path over an earthen surface that includes a pliable frame member comprising one or more layers; a row of mating holes disposed on each side of the pliable frame member; a set of independently adjustable steps coupled to the pliable frame member in a first orientation direction; wherein each independently adjustable step comprises an adjustment mechanism, and wherein each independently adjustable step is coupled to the pliable frame member with a mount that aligns with the row of mating holes on each of the corresponding sides of the pliable frame member, whereby each of the independently adjustable steps is also movable along a length of the pliable frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Stanaland
  • Patent number: 8973708
    Abstract: A tree stand includes an upper support ring formed of a pair of separable, semicircular sections, each having a plurality of brackets depending therefrom. Each bracket includes a slot for receiving an adjustable strap, and a tooth on an inner surface for penetrating a tree trunk. The stand further includes a lower platform likewise formed of a pair of separable, semicircular sections that are fastened to a tree trunk, beneath the support ring. A chair includes pulleys that roll on both the upper ring and the platform to allow a hunter to move the chair a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Steven G. Fenner
  • Patent number: 8960368
    Abstract: A tank farm system with improved ingress and egress that includes a tank configured to hold a volume of fluid; a barrier constructed at least partially around the tank, the barrier comprising a first surface contour and a second surface contour; and a portable pathway configured to conform to the first surface contour and the second surface contour. The pathway further having a frame member; at least one step; and a mount for movingly coupling the at least one step to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Stanaland
  • Patent number: 8950551
    Abstract: A safety device for use in a fall arrest system, has a safety line drum mounted for rotation and a speed responsive engagement mechanism responsive to the speed of rotation of the drum, which is activated above a predetermined rotational speed of the drum to deploy an energy absorber. A rotational transmission member (which may be in the form of a shaft) is coupled, via the speed responsive engagement mechanism, when activated, to rotate with the drum. The energy absorber is deployed in response to operation of the rotational transmission member. The speed responsive engagement mechanism may be mounted intermediate the drum and the energy absorber for ease of replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Latchways PLC
    Inventors: Karl Jones, Owain Jones
  • Patent number: 8887866
    Abstract: A fall prevention assembly to prevent injuries when a user climbing a pole and falls, is provided. The fall prevention assembly includes a pole strap, a first connector, a floating back plate, a second connector and a lanyard. The pole strap has a first end, a second end and a mid portion between the first end and the second end. The first connector has a first end that is slidably coupled proximate the first end of the pole strap. The floating back plate is engaged between a portion of the first connector and the pole strap and is configured and arranged to selectively bind the pole strap to the first connector. The second connector is coupled a select distance from the second end of the pole strap. The lanyard has a first end, a second end and mid portion between the first and second ends. A second end of the first connector is slidably coupled to the lanyard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford D. Petty, Judd J. Perner, David A. Schlangen
  • Patent number: 8881865
    Abstract: A portable belay anchor system is disclosed that provides a coupling location for safety rope attached to a climber, such as a roof inspector. The portable belay anchor system includes a base having a mast coupled thereto. The mast has a shaft portion and a flange portion. A plurality of removable weights are positioned on the shaft, coupled to the flange portion. The flange portion supports the weights so that the weight is carried by the shaft itself. A retaining member is coupled to the mast to hold the weights on the mast. A shackle is also coupled to the mast. A rope is coupled to the shackle to act a the belay rope which the user positions through a belay brake device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Pilot Catastrophe Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Todd Pierce, Charles E. Jones, Keith Barnette
  • Patent number: 8881867
    Abstract: A movable type ladder device for a work vehicle includes a ladder main body, a drive mechanism, and an up-and-down lock mechanism. The ladder main body has first and second end portions in a longitudinal direction thereof with the first end portion being rotatably supported with respect to the vehicle body. The drive mechanism is configured to move the ladder main body between a boarding posture and a retracted posture by rotating the ladder main body at an angle of 90 degrees. The up-and-down lock mechanism is configured to restrict the ladder main body set in the retracted posture from moving in an up-and-down direction. The rotational center axis is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the ladder main body set in the boarding posture in a front view, and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the ladder main body set in the retracted posture in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Takenawa, Hisaaki Furuya, Takashi Moriuchi
  • Patent number: 8875840
    Abstract: A collapsible stool with foldable legs as well as a foldable seat is disclosed herein. The stool collapses to greatly reduce its size thereby enabling it to fit within many common carrying articles, such as purses. The legs and support members fold flat against the seat of the stool, which itself is in two pieces and folds in half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Erin Marie Chancler
  • Patent number: 8869936
    Abstract: This implement attaches to the hydraulic system of a front-end loader for a tractor or similar vehicle. It has two planar surfaces, a deck and a back, that are fastened together at an approximately 90 degree angle. The deck is constructed primarily of wooden or synthetic boards or sheets, supported below or above by two or more steel angle irons or channel irons bolted to the boards or sheets. The back consists of a similar combination of boards or sheets, irons, and bolts, with a grill or strips possibly replacing some boards or sheets in the upper part. Each deck support is fastened to a back support using one or two steel braces or gussets, bolted or welded to the supports. Two steel yokes are fastened to the back, suitable for attaching the carrier to the front-end loader hydraulics. The carrier can be lifted and tilted by the front-end loader system, just as the system would do with its normal bucket attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: William Edward Wright
  • Patent number: 8863900
    Abstract: A tree climbing system, the system comprising a tree climbing apparatus, the tree climbing apparatus including a handle portion, the handle portion including a first end portion, a second end portion and a ring portion including a top member, a bottom member, a first side member and a second side member, the ring portion defining an open interior portion, a threaded support member secured adjacent the first side member and the top member and a step member secured adjacent the second side member and the bottom member an installation tool, the installation tool including a first end, a second end and a handle near the first end and a carrier, the carrier including a carrier body sized to correspond with the open interior portion of the tree climbing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Billy Joe Bolinger
  • Patent number: 8857568
    Abstract: A ladder, system, and methods are disclosed. The ladder is used on a steep-pitched roof and has a first section with rungs, a second section connected to the first section, a third section connected to the second section, and a paw pivotally connected to the third section. The third section has a length less than or equal to a length of the second section, and the third section also has a length less than a distance between a first rung of the rungs and an end of the first section. The ladder can be used in a system that utilizes the ladder and a roof-anchor apparatus, where the roof-anchor apparatus has two portions and two shoes interconnected to the portions. A method includes positioning the ladder and then positioning the roof-anchor apparatus, on and over a steep-pitched roof, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Odes Foster, Sr., Odes Foster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8857567
    Abstract: A powered rotating and articulating self-contained jib boom of both swing jib and non-swing jib design that attaches to mobile cranes and functions as an aerial lift when fitted with an optional work platform. Since it pins onto any existing crane by attachment to a standard swing-jib mounting system using the four pinning holes and pins located on the crane's outer most boom tip sheave head, it achieves powered leveling and rotation of a platform without having to modify or add components to the existing crane. Also, with the crane jib boom hydraulically powered for rotation in the horizontal plane up to 360-degrees and articulation in a 90-degree vertical plane, an attached work platform can be kept level during up/down articulation of the crane boom in its vertical plane. Furthermore, with dielectric insulation, the jib boom, crane boom, and attached work platform are usable on live electrical line work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy James Raymond
  • Patent number: 8839906
    Abstract: An adjustable span ladder stabilizer has upper, middle and lower elongated tubes fixed in a height-wise stack with rearmost portions of the stack aligned on a planar contact surface for abutment against the ladder side rails. The upper and lower tubes telescope to vary the width of the stabilizer. Left and right elongated tubes extend in a depth-wise direction from the extending ends of their respective sliding tubes. The left and right tubes telescope to vary the depth of the stabilizer. A channel of C-shaped cross-section fixed to the rear face of the stack receives one of the ladder rungs between its flanges and a ratchet tie-down fixed to the front face of the stack tautly secures the stabilizer stack against the ladder side rails. The left and right sliding tubes can be inverted to permit the stabilizer to be rested against flat or corner walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Ricky Jason Furr
  • Patent number: 8813909
    Abstract: A control system for a machine having an elevating operator cage, includes a control device (102), an input for activation signals (106), an input for control signals (108), an input for load signals (112) and an output for drive control signals (114), wherein the control device (102) is constructed and arranged to issue a stop drive control signal upon receiving a load signal, and to issue an override signal that overrides the stop drive control signal upon receiving an override input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: NiftyLift Limited
    Inventor: Roger Bowden
  • Patent number: 8807281
    Abstract: A ladder rung plug is provided for preventing insect infestation of open ended ladder rungs, providing additional storage space, and selectively supporting items from the ladder. The plug assembly includes a ladder having a rung with an open end. A plug is provided having a first end, a second end, and a peripheral edge extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is insertable into the open end of the rung. Thus, the open end may be sealed by the plug. In an embodiment, a wall extends from the first end of the plug forming a storage compartment with an opening through the plug. A cap is selectively couplable to the plug to close the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Lowell F. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8757320
    Abstract: A suspending and moving device has a longitudinal rail, a sliding bracket, at least one vertical rail bracket, a vertical rail positioning device and a movable basket. The longitudinal rail is mounted on a wallboard. The sliding bracket is mounted slidably on the longitudinal rail. The vertical rail is suspended downward from the sliding bracket. The vertical rail positioning device keeps the vertical rail at a distance from the wallboard. The movable basket is mounted slidably on the vertical rail, whereby the movable basket is capable of moving vertically or transversely so that maintenance workers are carried by the movable basket to move or a brush mechanism is mounted on the movable basket to clean the wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Fu-Chang Liao
  • Patent number: 8752668
    Abstract: A track having a stopping means that can stop a puck member from descending an undesired distance. After stopping of the puck member, the user can relocate the puck member within a channel for continued downward movement within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: James Liggett, Tim Powers, Troy Garland