Patents by Inventor Edward K. Saunders

Edward K. Saunders has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9644378
    Abstract: A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Ancra International LLC
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20150008072
    Abstract: A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8757947
    Abstract: A safety net assembly for selectively blocking and exposing an opening in a cargo container having a wall assembly bounding a storage space. A flexible net is selectively placed in: i) a first state wherein the net spans a substantial height and width of an access opening; and ii) a second state wherein the opening is further exposed. In the first state, the net has a first length between spaced first and second locations that spans a width portion of the opening along a horizontal line at a first height. The net is extensible to allow the first location on the net to be lowered while maintaining the second location on the net at the first height so that the line between the first and second locations is angled from horizontal and has a second length between the first and second locations that is greater than the first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ancra International, LLC
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders, Jerry Squyres
  • Patent number: 8544391
    Abstract: A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ancra International LLC
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20130145972
    Abstract: A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has an actuator that is repositionable to change the control assembly into a second state wherein the platform can be lowered over the range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20130064620
    Abstract: A safety net assembly for selectively blocking and exposing an opening in a cargo container having a wall assembly bounding a storage space. A flexible net is selectively placed in: i) a first state wherein the net spans a substantial height and width of an access opening; and ii) a second state wherein the opening is further exposed. In the first state, the net has a first length between spaced first and second locations that spans a width portion of the opening along a horizontal line at a first height. The net is extensible to allow the first location on the net to be lowered while maintaining the second location on the net at the first height so that the line between the first and second locations is angled from horizontal and has a second length between the first and second locations that is greater than the first length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Edward K. Saunders, Jerry Squyres