Ladder And Platform Patents (Class 182/115)
  • Publication number: 20030079941
    Abstract: A molded plastic pool ladder of A-frame shape having first and second sides consisting of assembled frame channel rail structures with a ladder slidable between lower and higher positions in one of the frame channel rail structures and movable feet on the bottom of the frame channel rail structures and a platform connected to the frame channel rail structures by a button connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick M. Pettit
  • Publication number: 20030079942
    Abstract: A molded plastic pool ladder of A-frame shape having first and second sides consisting of assembled frame channel rail structures with a ladder slidable between lower and higher positions in one of the frame channel rail structures and movable feet on the bottom of the frame channel rail structures and a platform connected to the frame channel rail structures by a button connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick M. Pettit
  • Patent number: 6543579
    Abstract: A length-adjustable ladder functioning as a telescopic lean-to ladder, a free-standing stepladder, and as a platform is described. The ladder includes stringers, ladder rungs fastened between the stringers, and supports connected to the stringers. The supports can be length-adjusted in a stepless manner. The supports can be swung in and arrested on the outer longitudinal sides of the stringers. A floor board assembly formed of two panel halves corresponding to a length of the ladder and has hinges is disposed on the two panel halves. The two panel halves each have a longitudinal side fastened, in an articulated manner on the ladder rungs by the hinges. Arresting elements are provided. Each of the arresting elements run through one of the two panel halves. The two panel halves are movable into a swung-up panel position wherein the two panel halves are arrested by the arresting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Horst Laug
  • Patent number: 6540301
    Abstract: A mechanic's body support including first and second horizontally-oriented and spaced-apart base rails and first and second spaced-apart support rails. Each of the support rails has one end connected to a respective one of the first and second base rails and diverging upwardly from and along the length of the base rails for supporting a mechanic in an elevated position over the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. A chest pad and a knee pad are mounted in spaced-apart relation between the support rails for securing the support rails in a fixed, spaced-apart relation, and for supporting the chest and knees of the mechanic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Auto Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. Bottoms
  • Publication number: 20030042075
    Abstract: A portable hunting and fishing stand assembled from lightweight components. The legs of the stand are connected to a central-bracing mechanism. The bracing mechanism provides strong support for persons using the stand. The central-bracing mechanism includes braces interconnected between the legs of the stand and a central slide. The slide travels along a portion of a slide shaft that is connected to the bottom-side of the stand platform, thus allowing the stand legs to move in concert with one another. Additionally, the stand features a unique foot pad for use in sand, with fluid passages drilled through the outer surface of the foot pad and a concave bottom cavity for use in water with a sandy bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas M. Bench
  • Patent number: 6526706
    Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Homebuilding Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20030010568
    Abstract: Scaffolding (10) having safety features for coupling scaffolding structural members so as to prevent equipment damage and worker injury from inadvertent disassembly, while permitting quick assembly and disassembly when desired. The scaffolding (10) incorporating the safety features broadly comprises legs (12); beams (14); a platform (16); coupling braces (18); platform pins (20); and platform clips (22). The first safety feature is a rounded, spring-biased, rotation-limited G-pin for adjustably coupling the beams (14) with the legs (12). The G-pin's rounded shape and a perpendicularly projecting stop (51) minimize risks of inadvertent removal. The second feature is a lockable pin (44) operable to independently couple structural members (12,14) in the event the G-pin is inadvertently removed. The third and fourth features are platform pins (20) and spring-biased platform clips (22) operable to prevent, respectively, undesirable horizontal and vertical movement of the platform (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Steven J. Wyse
  • Publication number: 20030010569
    Abstract: Scaffolding (10) having safety features for coupling scaffolding structural members so as to prevent equipment damage and worker injury from inadvertent disassembly, while permitting quick assembly and disassembly when desired. The scaffolding (10) incorporating the safety features broadly comprises legs (12); beams (14); a platform (16); coupling braces (18); platform pins (20); and platform clips (22). The first safety feature is a rounded, spring-biased, rotation-limited G-pin for adjustably coupling the beams (14) with the legs (12). The G-pin's rounded shape and a perpendicularly projecting stop (51) minimize risks of inadvertent removal. The second feature is a lockable pin (44) operable to independently couple structural members (12, 14) in the event the G-pin is inadvertently removed. The third and fourth features are platform pins (20) and spring-biased platform clips (22) operable to prevent, respectively, undesirable horizontal and vertical movement of the platform (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Steven J. Wyse
  • Publication number: 20020153201
    Abstract: An adjustable stair and platform system. The apparatus includes a set of stairs which is affixable to a platform at a first height or alternately at a second height. Both the platform unit and the stair unit include vertically adjustable legs above ground engaging feet. The stairs includes a stair rail frame which is releasably affixable to a side hand rail frame provided for the platform unit. The hand rail frame provided for the platform unit includes an end rail which is pivotally mounted to the side hand rail frame. The end rail frame is changeable to support a right hand or a left hand configuration of the side hand rail frame provided on the platform unit. The combination of vertical adjustability, and left and right hand adjustability, make the unit adaptable for various installation configurations, and avoids the need for multiple stair system units for portable buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: INTEGRATED STAIR SYSTEM, INC.
    Inventor: Larry Warford
  • Publication number: 20020112919
    Abstract: A tree stand is described that enables the user to pivot a seat to multiple positions for improved visibility and shooting. The stand is constructed of a frame that includes a rear section with a seat mount, and a front section with a platform; a multi-section ladder having an upper end attachable to a lower part of the frame; a swivel seat; and a connector arm having a first end pivotally attached to the frame and a second end pivotally attached to the seat, whereby the seat can be pivoted to various seating positions relative to the frame. The stand also includes toothed tree engagement arms with stops to align hooks from a tree-girdling cinch longitudinally behind the teeth of the arms for improved clamping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. Graham
  • Patent number: 6405831
    Abstract: A mobile human life unit includes an elevatable platform supported by a ladder mounted on a wheeled vehicle. A first embodiment of the mobile human lift unit utilizes a winch with a winch cable reeved over a pulley carried by a support having at least three legs which are held in fixed positions on the platform. A second embodiment of the mobile human lift unit has an overhead crane with a track which swings about a vertical pivot axis and carries a trolley with a winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventor: James P. Daniel, III
  • Patent number: 6390152
    Abstract: A bulk unloading station is formed by two elongated modules stacked one on top of the other. Each module has a frame with pillars and when the upper module is stacked on the lower module the pillars on the upper module align with the pillars on the lower module. The modules are sized for shipment by truck or railroad car to the bulk unloading site. The lower module contains fluid transfer equipment. Unloading arms, with fluid conduits connectable to a fluid containing vehicle at one lateral side of the station, are mounted on the upper module. Conduits extending between the lower module and the upper module include removable segments at the juncture of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventors: John K. Donovan, Eugene R. Brown, Ronald W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6272413
    Abstract: While a crawler body 110 is traveling, infrared sensors 144 and an elevational difference calculator 132 incorporated in a controller 130 detects the magnitude of a step present ahead of the crawler body 110. A safety speed calculator 134 calculates a safety speed based on the magnitude of the step detected and on the position of the platform 116 relative to the crawler body 110, which position is detected by various detectors 141˜143 and by a position calculator 133. A comparator 135 compares this safety speed with the traveling speed of the crawler body 110, and if the current speed of the crawler body 110 is greater than the safety speed, then the comparator 135 outputs a warning signal. Upon receiving this signal, a restrictor 136 controls a valve controller 131 to reduce the speed of the crawler body 110 such that the crawler body 110 can travel over the step safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Aichi Corporation
    Inventors: Norihisa Takahashi, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Akihiko Ohira
  • Patent number: 6234272
    Abstract: A portable stairway for use with standard airport boarding bridges is disclosed. The stairway is easily portable as a standalone unit. The stairway also easily connects to and disconnects from the boarding bridge. The type of releasable connection provided between the stairway and the boarding bridge is secure but allows the stairway and the boarding bridge to pivot vertically with respect to one another. Such a connection allows the stairway to be used when the boarding bridge and stairway are not aligned at exactly the same height. When properly connected to the boarding bridge, the stairway provides a smooth transition between the boarding bridge and the stairway and leads from the outer doorway of the boarding bridge to the airplane parking level. Also, while connected to the boarding bridge, the stairway moves freely with the boarding bridge as it is moved about the airplane parking level to service various airplane parking positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: New Hanover Airport Authority
    Inventor: Willard G. Plentl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6102156
    Abstract: A gate hingedly connected to a staircase. The gate hinge is blow-molded integrally with the gate body. A mounting post has on one portion a hinge pin for receiving the gate hinge, and the other portion has a pair of parallel resilient sheets for receiving an edge portion of the staircase. Two staircases are attached back-to-back by vertical flanges each of which is offset from a vertical center plane of the respective back wall portion and has a vertical surface which is co-planar with the vertical center plane. The corners of the staircase are individually height adjustable by internally threaded portions which receive threaded rods. The internal threads are formed as part of the blow-molding process. A hole to the interior of the staircase or other article is formed as part of the blow-molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 6085867
    Abstract: A modular platform system comprising at least one platform unit of a predetermined length, the platform unit having predrilled holes at predetermined intervals; at least one stair unit of a predetermined length connectable with at least one platform unit, the stair unit further comprising a number of steps connectable by a pair of side rails, the side rails causing the steps to slant in a downward direction at a predetermined angle; at least one end unit of a predetermined height connectable with at least one platform unit; at least one stair railing unit of a predetermined length connectable to at least one platform unit and to at least one stair unit; and, at least one platform railing unit of a predetermined length connectable to at least one platform unit, wherein a platform system of varying dimensions can be customized by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventors: James P. Daniel, III, Robert A. Cooksey
  • Patent number: 6053282
    Abstract: A lightweight portable deer stand which is hand transportable by a single hunter is provided. The deer stand has a platform member to which are attached three pivotally mounted foldable legs. The platform member also carries a fixed stable axis of rotation to which a chair having a back and a seat and a gun rail/rest member may be detachably mounted upon. A separate sun/rain cover member may be detachably mounted to the chair. The platform itself is formed of a very lightweight open rod design. The entire deer stand apparatus may easily be taken apart or put together without the use of any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Gary L. Morisak
  • Patent number: 5996735
    Abstract: A docking station is comprised of a body member having one or more steps leading to a platform. A protective wall is positioned on one side of the steps and around the platform, save for a single opening. A guide rail is positioned on the device on the same side as the opening. The guide rail receives a shopping cart such that the seating portion of the shopping cart is aligned with the opening. A safety rail extends from the guide rail to the platform protective wall opposite the stairs protective wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Joyce Claress Perritt, Ruth Ann Johnson
  • Patent number: 5881839
    Abstract: A hunter's stand which may be easily secured to the bed of a pick up truck. In the collapsed position, the stand is lower than the cab of the truck and may be readily driven to any desired destination at highway speeds. Upon arrival at the hunting area the truck may be driven off road to the desired position. The hunter's stand may be erected by one person and is immediately ready for use. It is a simple matter for one person to collapse the stand for transportation to a different hunting site or to drive to overnight accommodations. At the end of the hunting season, the collapsed hunter's stand may be quickly and easily removed from the pick up truck and stored in a small space until further needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Eagle Ventures
    Inventor: Cecil A. Stanley
  • Patent number: 5857748
    Abstract: A surf stand which can be used for surf fishing, life guard stands, and other marine functions. The lightweight stand can be easily manufactured and assembled from common, inexpensive materials. The surf stand features a unique construction which permits the application of suction forces within the legs to help set the stand firmly in the bottom soil or sand for stability and safety. The unique construction also permits pressurization of the legs to help dislodge them from the bottom when relocation or removal is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kurtney G. Knight
    Inventor: Kurtney G. Knight
  • Patent number: 5715907
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for giving access, more particularly for use in an above-ground swimming pool. The device comprises a stair and a ladder, together with two hand rails. The stair is mainly constituted by a hollow body having steps incorporated in the walls thereof. The ladder is mainly constituted by a hollow body with steps incorporated in the walls thereof. Each of the hand rails is fixed to each of the hollow bodies via at least two points. The technical field of the invention is that of manufacturing access devices for swimming pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventors: Sandra Andret, Pascale Andrei-Necco
  • Patent number: 5669463
    Abstract: A workstand for use when servicing heavy tracks or the like, the workstand including opposing curved first and second sides spaced apart from each other and a top support platform extending therebetween. Upper and lower steps extend between the front portions of the curved first and second sides to provide access to the top support platform. The curved first and second sides combine with the top support platform and the steps form a structure having a wheel receiving area therein and having an open backside that provides access to the wheel receiving area. The workstand is constructed to be positioned around a tire of the truck's wheel assembly with the first and second sides immediately adjacent to the frame of the vehicle and the top support platform above the wheel receiving area so as to support a mechanic or the like above the wheel assembly adjacent to the vehicle's engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc.
    Inventor: Dale A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5588500
    Abstract: A scaffolding floor is provided on the upper ends of four expandable and contractible struts. A support frame protrudes downward from the scaffolding floor. An end of a line is connected to the lower end of the support frame and the other end of the line is connected to the fixed part of a hydraulic jack which is provided in the lower part of the struts, so that the scaffolding floor can be elevated or lowered through the line in accordance with the raising or lowering of the hydraulic jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Japan Steels International Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yonahara
  • Patent number: 5582268
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety platform having a large platform with a high friction surface. Surrounding and supporting the platform are four legs. Located at the upper ends of the legs are two lateral guard rails and a front guard rail. The rear of the platform is open for user entry. The rear legs have longitudinal slots to accommodate a linkage extending from each rear corner of the platform to the rear of each lateral guard rail. The user may fully fold the safety platform by lifting the rear of the platform, thereby causing the invention to fold to a relatively narrow configuration for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Richard M. Heberlein
  • Patent number: 5480002
    Abstract: The ladder system is located adjacent the front face of a storage rack. The ladder is carried by a cantilever supported carriage assembly. The ladder may move longitudinally along the front face of the storage rack and may also be moved laterally in a direction extending perpendicular to the front face of the storage rack. The carriage assembly includes a horizontal ladder support track upon which the ladder is mounted by means of two sets of rollers. With such a construction, the ladder may pivot about the support track to avoid obstructions in the aisle or projecting from the storage rack. In this way, a user can quickly and easily position the ladder at any position along the storage rack for accessing items stored on the shelves. This ladder system is particularly useful in crowded warehouse-type retail outlets which are now in popular use across the United States of America.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: James F. Kerr
    Inventor: James F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5423396
    Abstract: A dock for carrying out work on an aircraft has a plurality of support frameworks disposed on either side of the aircraft fuselage. The dock also includes a plurality of support work platforms supported to the frameworks. The support frameworks are movable sideways to allow the aircraft to be docked and undocked therebetween. The frameworks include longitudinal beams which are disposable so that a wing of the aircraft may extend freely between other adjacently placed port framework elements. Support frameworks have horizontal guide means for guiding vertical guide frames along which movable support slides may be disposed and each carry a work platform. In this manner, workers have free access to the exterior skin portion of the aircraft with great facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Otmar Fahrion
  • Patent number: 5392878
    Abstract: An upstanding support structure is provided defining an elevated horizontally elongated stationery platform extending along one side of the support structure and a horizontally elongated second platform is mounted, in cantilever fashion, from the one side of the support structure for vertical shifting relative thereto so as to be downwardly displacable over the upper portion of an elongated bulk material receiving vehicle disposed along side the one side of the support structure adjacent the lower end thereof. The second platform includes a first side fence extending along the side thereof adjacent the support structure as well as end fences extending across the ends of the second platform and appreciably outwardly beyond the outer side of the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventors: Ronald W. Bennett, Bruce A. Pech
  • Patent number: 5363940
    Abstract: In a dock for carrying out work on an aircraft (18), support slides (34) which are carried by support frameworks (20-24, 28) are provided and are adjustable in a horizontal and a vertical direction. The support slides (34) each have guide rails (36, 38), running in which is a bottom section (40) to which a work platform (30) is fastened via two scissor-type linkages. The support slides (34) may be moved into an aligned position so that a work platform support section (40) is movable from one support slide to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Otmar Fahrion
  • Patent number: 5148889
    Abstract: A new and improved overhead package retrieval system, including a series of C-shaped tracks which are mounted onto storage shelf units, a platform that has rollers that fit within these C-shaped tracks and allow the platform to move, a special jointed retractable axle system which allows the platform to move along the tracks even if they are not completely parallel, a fold-up ladder for a user to get from ground to platform level, a special brake that operates when fold-up ladder is down to prevent movement of the platform, a package platform that allows a user to easily move packages from the platform to the ground, and a series of guard rails and hand rails to make the overhead package retrieval system safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Joyce/Streater Inc.
    Inventors: Jay G. Fenwick, Jay R. Stemler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5042612
    Abstract: An upstanding support structure is provided defining an elevated horizontally elongated stationary platform extending along one side of the support structure and a horizontally elongated second platform is mounted, in cantilever fashion, from the one side of the support structure for vertical shifting relative thereto so as to be downwardly displaceable over the upper portion of an elongated bulk material receiving vehicle disposed along side the one side of the support structure adjacent the lower end thereof. The second platform includes a first side fence extending along the side thereof adjacent the support structure as well as end fences extending across the ends of the second platform and appreciably outwardly beyond the outer side of the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventors: Ronald W. Bennett, Bruce A. Pech
  • Patent number: 4848517
    Abstract: A safety ladder particularly suited for permitting access to the top of a tank having a convex exterior surface is provided. The ladder is designed to provide a safe vertical path between the ground and a flat work platform attached to the ladder at the top of the tank. The safety of the tank ladder is enhanced by providing a pair of smooth, continuous, unbroken vertical handrails spaced outwardly of the ladder along which the tank operator can slide his hands without removing them from the rails from the top to the bottom of the ladder. Safety steps include spaced rung sections secured to vertical supports to define a central opening through which spilled liquids, rain or snow may drop instead of accumulating on the surface of the step as in prior art ladder steps. A central reinforcing bar extends between the rung sections to strengthen the steps. A flat platform is attached to the top of the ladder to form the top step of the ladder and to provide a safe work space at the curved top of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Luda E. Broyles, III
  • Patent number: 4727959
    Abstract: Assembly equipment for rocket stages or other large structures includes three towers arranged on a circle and being circumscribed by a plurality of platforms; another platform ring is held in different levels on an inside circle, and a spiral structure is coaxially mounted for rotation on a circular track to permit access to every part of the centrally positioned structure to be assembled. An arch shaped bridge may span the top part; multiple equipment may be axially superimposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Erno Raumfahrttechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Kummer
  • Patent number: 4707957
    Abstract: A preassembled platform stairway for installation between an upper floor and an adjacent lower floor. The stairway includes a bulkhead, an upper run of stairs, a lower run of stairs, and a landing. The top of the upper run of stairs is pivotally connected to the bulkhead, the bottom of the upper run of stairs is pivotally connected to the landing and the top of the lower run of stairs is pivotally connected to the landing side-by-side with the upper run of stairs. The pivotal connections permit the stairway to collapse in a compact configuration for transport and storage. The stairway may be lifted and then lowered into place for installation. When lifted, the stairway assumes an expanded position with the runs of stairs extending angularly from the landing and bulkhead, and hangers suspend the landing below the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: John D. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 4666147
    Abstract: An invert diving platform affixed to the structure of a common pool ladder anchored to the deck of a pool for providing an elevated platform above the water level for diving. The platform is rigidly attached to the parallel railings of the ladder in a generally horizontal position. The platform is rigidly attached to the curved rungs by two pair of opposed clamps attached to opposed ends of the platform. The clamps are vertically adjustable on the railings of the ladder to allow adjustment of the height of the platform. The clamps attach to railings having various shapes, dimensions and angles to provide rigid support for the platform. An incline plane may be attached to the platform at an angle descending into the pool to provide a slide. A bracing member is connectable to the steps of the pool ladder to provide horizontal stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Richard B. Warman
  • Patent number: 4579198
    Abstract: A readily transportable, foldable tree stand for hunters. The stand preferably comprises a first, lower frame member adapted to be unfolded for deployment as a foot rest, and a second, cooperating frame member pivotally coupled in offset relation to said first frame member. The stand may be suspended upon the trunk of a tree or similar vertical support by suitable brackets adapted to grasp an adjustable-length support chain which circumferentially, frictionally surrounds the tree trunk. The second frame member is adapted to assume a generally vertical position after unfolding to function as a back rest for the hunter when deployed. A pair of rigid, cooperating, lateral support struts extend diagonally at the sides of the tree stand between the first and second frame members. Each support strut is articulated, consisting of first upper portions pivotally connected to second lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Roy M. Lee
  • Patent number: 4560031
    Abstract: Height adjustable apparatus (2) for supporting goods for a person at a desired height, which apparatus (2) comprises a base (4), a single elongate support member (6) which upstands from the base, a platform member (8) which is provided on the support member at the end of the support member remote from the base, and a ladder (10) which is secured to the support member and which affords access to the platform member, the support member being adjustable in length so that the height of the platform member above the base can be varied to that required by a person for a particular task being undertaken, the ladder being so secured to the support member that the support member is adjustable in length while the ladder is secured to the support member, the ladder being so secured to the support member that the ladder is rotatable through 360.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventors: Paul L. Dixon, Seymour C. Daniels
  • Patent number: 4473977
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for drilling deep boreholes in the earth, comprising a subbase structure, a drawworks platform supported on four legs hinged both to the subbase structure and to the drawworks platform and when in lowered position extends away from a first end of the subbase: A mast hinged to the sub-base structure by two legs and in the lowered position extends away from the second end of the sub-base; a pulling means has a sheave through which a slingline cable is passed, and the two ends of the cable are separately connected between the mast at a selected point, and a pulley mounted on the drawworks platform so that in one continuous pulling motion of the pulling means, the drawworks platform is first raised into vertical position, and then the mast is lifted until both parts are fully erected on the subbase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Parker Drilling Company
    Inventor: Lowell M. Reed
  • Patent number: 4442919
    Abstract: A portable tower or derrick which may be easily towed to a selected location and then erected by a single operator. While in the transporting position, the lower portion of the portable tower is supported by wheel assemblies mounted on at least two of the tower support legs. A pivoting tongue assembly is affixed to the tower at one end and may be coupled to a vehicle at the other end. The tongue assembly serves to support the upper portion of the tower during horizontal transport. A winch or other mechanical means is utilized to erect the tower by controlling the pivotal motion of the tower about the end of the tongue assembly. Once erected, horizontal sections of the tongue assembly may be utilized to ascend the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventor: Rodney D. Fulcher
  • Patent number: 4401184
    Abstract: A roof skid including a floor supported above the ridge of a roof and resting thereon, with edge support devices extending from the frame and interlocking at chosen positions on a foot member resting on the surface of the roof, with ladder roof jacks depending from rails of the skid on which scaffold carriages are slidably attached along the ladder length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Howard W. Sherry
  • Patent number: 4391347
    Abstract: A safety device for that portion of an elevated platform, including a horizontal guard railing, to which an open access ladder is attached. The safety device comprises an elongated, rigid member adapted to form an extension of the horizontal portion of the guard railing; and means for securely connecting the elongated member to the guard railing on both sides of the ladder access opening to the platform, thereby providing an extension of the horizontal portion of the guard railing which includes the portion of the platform above the platform access opening of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: John M. Cronan, Joseph M. Haynes, Darrell D. Jones
  • Patent number: 4390080
    Abstract: A multi-stage extensible tower on a wheeled base with a platform at the top has an extensible multi-sectioned ladder which slopes downwardly uniformly from the platform when the tower and ladder are in extended position. When the tower and ladder are in lowered, retracted position, the ladder sections have different slopes from one another. Outriggers are provided on the base which have a retracted position preventing extension of the tower. The platform has a fence which can be swung down level with the platform for conditions of reduced overhead clearance while the unit is being moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Inventor: Sherman W. Bushnell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4388982
    Abstract: A scaffold having a number of platform plates connected through independent chains. Independent chains are also provided above the uppermost platform and below the lowermost platform for connection to upper fitting members and lower fitting members, respectively integral with a wall. The latter chains are provided with tensioning means enabling the scaffold to be firmly and rigidly secured to the wall. The platforms are also adjustable horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yonahara
  • Patent number: 4359793
    Abstract: A guard and staircase unit for a drop-side crib, with vertical rods supporting the drop-side thereof, comprises a supporting framework consisting of a plurality of supporting members arranged in a rectangular support. A plurality of supporting members extend vertically from said rectangular support and support a plurality of steps with the top step being at the level of the crib mattress. A guard barrier wall is supported on said vertically extending support members for positioning along the open side of the crib with the drop-side opened or removed. An opening is provided in the guard barrier wall at the level of the top step. A railing is provided along the side of the steps opposite the wall and around the top step. The unit is provided with eyelets or other suitable fastening means for securing the same to the vertical rods of the crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Inventor: Tsugimori Hosono
  • Patent number: 4347638
    Abstract: A retractable porch and stair apparatus suitable for use with trailers and the like has a pair of parallel elongate channel members for attachment to the underside of a trailer. A floor member having preferably iron grating therein for strength and cleanliness is disposed on a pair of parallel runner members slidingly mounted on the channel members so that the floor member can be slidingly moved from the underside of the trailer to a position adjacent thereto. A stair combination having parallel side support members in the form of channel members is connected at one end to a corresponding pair of second channel members mounted on the underside of the floor member and extending to the side of the floor member so that the stair combination can be raised to horizontal position and slidingly moved underneath the floor member, and the floor member and stair members can then be slidingly moved under the trailer for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: Murland L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 4315389
    Abstract: The outer metallic stairway, particularly made of aluminium, for multistage buildings or buildings of a rather important height, to be used for allowing the occupants of a multistage building to evacuate this one is essentially fixed and supported by means of four uprights forming a column of support that are mounted vertically in a square or rectangular arrangement, the flights of stairs being fixed to at least two of the sides of the support column, the uprights being connected to one another at different levels and at least on the level of the landings by means of four horizontal tie-bars, one of which on a level with a story landing being extended beyond a second upright for supporting said landing on a whole side or to be fixed to an existing landing and to support the flight of stairs fixed to it that descends from said landing, and two of the four tie-bars that are provided on the level of an intermediate landing being extended beyond one of the uprights in order to form a part of the supporting frame
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Inventor: Gilbert L. Loix
  • Patent number: 4264084
    Abstract: A fold-up step assembly adapted to be attached to the rear of a mobile vehicle having a rear door, such as a camper, including a preferably rectangular platform which may be pivotally mounted at one edge to the rear of a camper at the foot of the camper rear door, a rigid step structure pivotally mounted to another edge of the platform, the platform being foldable against the rear door of the camper and the steps foldable against the underside of the platform for storage. A latch assembly for holding the platform in a folded up position includes means for releasing the platform from inside the camper. Mounted beneath the steps is a second latch assembly which holds the step structure against the underside of the platform during storage and includes a release lever mechanism which may be pivoted to release the step structure so it may be swung free from the platform for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Inventor: Ambrosio V. Telles
  • Patent number: 4262771
    Abstract: An hydraulically operated bucket for lifting persons over railroad cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Inventor: John K. Langsdon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4253547
    Abstract: A portable personnel platform and ladder for use with elevated piers and ating decks has one end of a compression framework pivotally attached to a rope ladder supporting platform which extends over the pier's edge; adjustable wire backstays which provide cantilever strength connect the opposite end of the compression framework to the upper end of railings on the ladder supporting platform. The opposite end of the compression framework is adapted to have weight added thereto or to be secured to the pier deck. The length of the compression framework is such that considerable leverage is provided to support the weight of several people climbing on the rope ladder attached to the supporting platform while using much less counter-balancing force on the opposite end of the compression framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Clifford I. Skaalen, Arthur B. Rausch
  • Patent number: 4244154
    Abstract: A staircase for use particularly in buildings with two or more floors. The method of construction includes the step of first suspending a landing frame between floors. The landing frame has at least one straight side for connection to the flight assemblies. The flight assemblies are identical in design, with the steps welded between two stringers. The flight assemblies include bars mounted to the inside of each stringer at the top and bottom to locate the flight assemblies. These bars locate and structurally support the flight assemblies between the floor and the landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Inventor: Richard H. Weaver
  • Patent number: 4236601
    Abstract: A turning type emergency escape is constituted by a rotary stowage box defining an evacuation passage therein, upper and lower covers pivoted to upper and lower portions of the inner side of the evacuation passage, a cover interlocking mechanism interlocking the upper and lower covers for simultaneously opening and closing movements, and a turning mechanism for rotating the stowage box between retracted and protruded positions. An extensible escape means is connected to the stowage box at the evacuation passage and is normally received in the evacuation way for extending out of the stowage box for escape. The extensible escape means has a plurality of telescopically connected pipe sections of different cross-sectional areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Naka