Readily Detachable Patents (Class 182/92)
  • Patent number: 11981252
    Abstract: A light bar assembly for a vehicle. The light bar assembly including a light bar and a first bracket assembly. The light bar configured to receive a light source. The first bracket assembly including a first light bar receiving portion and a first rocker attachment portion. The first light bar receiving portion being configured to receive a first portion of the light bar. The first rocker attachment portion being configured to receive a first portion of a vehicle rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Weber, Dale Butterworth
  • Patent number: 11603643
    Abstract: A combination tie down lug and step riser includes a foot support portion, a hold down loop and a mounting portion. The combination tie down lug and step riser is preferably fabricated from a single piece of material. The foot support portion includes a plurality of projections extending upward from a top edge thereof. The hold down loop extends from one end of the foot rest portion. The hold down loop includes a U-shaped opening with the U-shaped opening positioned along a horizontal axis. The mounting portion extends from an opposing end of the foot support portion. Opposing ends of the hold down loop and the mounting portion are attached to an excavator base with welding or any other suitable attachment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: ZOOMLION HEAVY INDUSTRY NA, INC.
    Inventors: Edgar Calago, Erik Goslawski, Hruturaj Vasant Vartak
  • Patent number: 11007943
    Abstract: Step apparatuses that removably couple to a door latch element (e.g., a U-shaped striker element) of a vehicle are described. A step apparatus may include a hook element that enables the step apparatus to hang from a door latch element in a vehicle door well. A step apparatus may also be able to extend through a door latch element such that the step apparatus may couple to the door latch element in an upright position. A step apparatus may include one or more than one step structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Moki Doorstep Corp.
    Inventor: Rodney Lewis
  • Patent number: 10822059
    Abstract: A watercraft is basically provided with a watercraft structure and a grab bar. The watercraft structure includes a platform with a recess at a rear edge of the platform. The grab bar is mounted to the watercraft structure in the recess of the platform. The grab bar has a bar portion with a front edge that is disposed forward of the rear edge of the platform with respect to a front to aft direction of the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Edgar D Miller
  • Patent number: 10815106
    Abstract: A step for an elevating platform, the step including a top flange, a bottom flange, and a transition; the step configured to insert into a cutout in the platform sidewall. The bottom flange is configured to contact an outer surface of the platform sidewall when the top flange contacts an inner surface of the sidewall, thereby placing all of the contact areas between the step and the platform under compression when force is applied to the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: ALTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan J. McKinney, Brad Harju, Kyle E. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10803644
    Abstract: A safety system having at least one safety module, which is associated with a system controlled by a controller. A portable augmented reality unit is provided. The augmented reality unit has a camera and a projection unit. The safety module has a connection module. The connection module is designed to provide a data connection with the augmented reality unit, and further, a data connection with the controller. By means of the augmented reality unit, a code identifying the system is captured and transmitted to the connection module. Depending on the code captured by the augmented reality unit, parameters of operating elements are supplied. Based on the parameters, the operating elements are made visible by means of the projection unit of the augmented reality unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Euchner GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Dominik Schmid
  • Patent number: 10703446
    Abstract: A watercraft is basically provided with a watercraft structure, a platform mount and a platform. The watercraft structure defines an outer top boat perimeter. The platform mount is provided on the watercraft structure. The platform includes a platform portion and a support portion coupled to the platform mount. The platform portion is disposed below the platform mount while the support portion is coupled to the platform mount in a first deployed position that is outside of the outer top boat perimeter. The platform portion is disposed above the platform mount while the support portion is coupled to the platform mount in a second deployed position that is outside of the outer top boat perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Michael J Ricciardi, Jon M Sutter, Edgar D Miller, Thomas L Stegall
  • Patent number: 10136633
    Abstract: A right angle support member configured to be affixable to a vertical-object; the right angle support member configured to form a substantially L-shape having a vertical angle member having a first end; a horizontal angle member having a second end configured to extend outwardly away from a right angle vertex; and a threaded anchor hingebly coupled to the right angle vertex configured to be affixable to the vertical-object; a stabilizing spike located at the first end of the vertical angle member extending opposite of the horizontal angle member; a hanger loop proximate the second end of the horizontal angle member, the hanger loop is configured to receive and interact with a pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Enrique Solis
  • Patent number: 9782626
    Abstract: A system for removably mounting tree steps and other equipment in tree stands. The system comprises a permanent universal bracket and a series of removable equipment mounts attachable to it. The bracket is attached to the tree by inserting a bolt through one or more apertures in the bracket. One or more cleats extends from the bracket into the tree to prevent the bracket from rotating around the bolt. A channel in the bracket is as adapted to receive one or more mated extensions that extend from each mount. The extensions are flexible and resilient such that they can be deformed to facilitate attaching and removing the mount from the bracket. In the preferred embodiment, the mount is a step having two extensions, each insertable into a mated channel on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Odin Hunting Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A Wakefield, Jr., Zachary L Dawson, Blake B Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9732556
    Abstract: A climbing stick connector system includes first and second climbing sticks releasably secured to one another with first and second posts extending parallel to one another. In one implementation, the first climbing stick has a stopper having a shelf and a projection received within an aperture in one of the posts, wherein a step is pivotally secured to the post above the shelf by a fastener extending through the stopper. The first climbing stick has a V-shaped claw having spaced ears receiving the post therebetween, and the step has opposite upwardly facing concave edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: John Brian Priest, Andrae T. D'Acquisto
  • Patent number: 9162854
    Abstract: A tree mounted hoist device for mounting a hoist to a tree facilitates lifting of a tree stand or the like. The device includes a bracket having a first section and a second section. The first section is configured for coupling to a tree wherein the second section defines a step extending from the tree. An elongated member has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the bracket wherein the elongated member extends from the bracket. A pulley is coupled to the elongated member in spaced relationship to the first end whereby the pulley is positioned in laterally spaced relationship to the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Danny Ridgeway
  • Patent number: 9114486
    Abstract: An adjustable working platform for a curved surface includes a support member configured to be inserted into a hole in the curved surface. An adjustable surface is configured for supporting a load, and the adjustable surface is configured to rotate and lock in multiple positions. An anti-rotation arm is connected to the support member, and the anti-rotation arm includes an adjustable section configured to engage an axial facing portion of the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Edward Huth, John William Herbold
  • 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: 8439162
    Abstract: A tree mounted ladder assembly provides adjustable spacing between steps to facilitate climbing into a tree. The assembly includes an elongated bar, an upper support coupled to the bar; and a lower support coupled to the bar. A connector is also coupled to the bar and a strap is coupled to the connector. The strap is configured for coupling around a tree to hold the upper support and the lower support against the tree. A plurality of steps is coupled to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin S. Galloway
  • Patent number: 8418808
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-destructive, ergonomic climbing aid for use in climbing a columnar structure. The climbing aid comprises a body portion and a tensioning member for affixing the body to the columnar structure. The body comprises a contact surface, a support surface and a projecting portion joining between the contact surface and the support surface. In use, the contact surface has a substantially vertical axis and contacts the columnar structure. In use, the support surface supports a foot or hand and the projecting portion is cantilevered so that the support surface has no direct contact with the columnar structure. The support surface has a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the substantially vertical axis of the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney Merritt
  • Patent number: 8371558
    Abstract: A screwable hoisting apparatus to aid in elevating objects is described. The apparatus is embedded into a tree with one hand while the tree climber is free to use his other hand to secure himself to the tree. A method for using the same is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph Scott Engleman, Wesley Darrel Engleman
  • Patent number: 8132647
    Abstract: A tree step system 100 having a tubing 110; and a step lag screw 130, whereby the tubing 110 may be used as a hammer to drive the step lag screw 130 into a tree 20 and the tubing 110 may further be used for leverage to turn the step lag screw 130 into the tree. The tree step system 100 may include a rod step 150, and an adjustable fastener 170 for adjusting the depth of the adjustable fastener 170 and preventing the tree step system 100 from rotating. The rod step centerline may be offset ninety degrees from the centerline of the step lag screw 130, whereby the offset provides for ease of climbing and entering a tree stand with the proper foot. The tubing 110 may comprise an upper tubing 114 and a lower tubing 124 for ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas Joseph Salerno
  • Patent number: 8042650
    Abstract: A removable step used to climb a vertical surface. The step has first and second structural members and at least two brace members spacing the structural members. A coupler is rigid with one of the structural members and is operable to secure the structural member to the vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Mike Becherer
  • Patent number: 7931121
    Abstract: A transfer platform for safely transferring a lineman from a helicopter to a utility pole includes a cylindrical hollow member dimensioned to closely fit over the top of the pole, the member having an open lower end and a top cap closing the upper end thereof, the top cap abutting the top of the pole when the member is positioned on the pole, a step extending sidewardly from the member, the step being substantially parallel to and lower than the top cap and an equipment support assembly extending sidewardly from the member. An aperture is formed in the member beneath the underside of the step and an adjustable shim assembly extends through the aperture into the hollow of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Haverfield International Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Graham
  • Patent number: 7849962
    Abstract: A rail vehicle step mounts to the sill step of a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the sill step. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Coug Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Barbara
  • Patent number: 7828118
    Abstract: A railcar step mounts to the stirrup of a rail vehicle. The railcar step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the stirrup. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Coug Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Barbara
  • Patent number: 7607626
    Abstract: An apparatus for use by a bow hunter using a tree stand to hunt. The apparatus comprises a rod member having a predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. A screw member is engageable intermediate each end of the rod member for attaching the rod member to a tree, and there is at least one holder attached to at least one end of the rod member for holding an arrow. The at least one holder is formed of a second predetermined material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Fred M. Whitmire
  • Publication number: 20090205906
    Abstract: The invention relates to scaffold steps, with two separate side pieces (11) and a plurality of separate step elements (13, 13?, 13?), which can be detachably coupled to each other and to the side pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: PERI GMBH
    Inventor: Artur Schwoerer
  • Publication number: 20090045012
    Abstract: A novel climbing device for use in combination with a climbing spike, the climbing spike includes an anchor portion capable of being driven into a wooden object and a horizontal portion capable of being used as a step by a climber. The climbing device includes a body, a tread surface formed on a top portion of the body, a receiver fixed to the body and operative to receive the horizontal portion of the climbing spike, and a stabilizer fixed to the body and operative to limit relative movement between the body and the horizontal portion of the climbing spike. In a particular embodiment, the climbing device includes the climbing spike. In a more particular embodiment, the climbing device can be in either one of a first position or a second position. In the first position, the rotation of the body about the horizontal portion of the climbing spike is prevented. In the second position, the body is rotatable about the horizontal portion of the climbing spike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Gary S. Mencl
  • Patent number: 7455307
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide access to some outside portions of a vehicle that is difficult to reach. The solution provided consist of two steps temporarily attached to a vehicle tire and supported with webbing material and pressure activated hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: John E. Seely, Tommy R. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080196972
    Abstract: A climbing apparatus includes a first stile, a second stile and a base member. The first stile has a base end and a second end. The base end has a slot. The base member is coupled to the base end of the first stile such that the base member can pivot about an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first stile. The second stile has a first end and a distal end. The first end is coupled to the second end of the first stile via a hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Jody Bell
  • Publication number: 20080084044
    Abstract: A portable step apparatus capable of supporting a predetermined weight and provide access to at least one of a windshield and an engine compartment of a predetermined vehicle includes an elongated step like member. An elongated strap like member is securable to the step like member adjacent a back portion thereof for encircling a portion of a tire disposed on such vehicle and to provide a first portion of support for the step like member. Lastly, there is a mechanism provided which engages the step like member adjacent a front portion thereof and a pre-selected member disposed in such engine compartment for providing a second portion of support for the step like member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick L. Dietelbach
  • Publication number: 20080073148
    Abstract: A prefabricated step for insertion in a pair of spaced holes formed in a solid material includes an elongated step member having a harden core, a pair of outwardly projecting support members rigidly attached substantially at right angles thereto, each of the ends of said support members being adapted for insertion into the corresponding holes and having individual substantially arcuate and continuous resilient projections integrally molded thereon, and each of the projections has a slanted face inclined toward the step member and is deformable under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Allan Leach
  • Publication number: 20070235256
    Abstract: A device for making starter hole for a tree step includes a weighted hammer head with a spike extending from a surface thereof and a handle extending from the head in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spike. A retaining strap is attached to the handle. A user will swing the handle to punch holes in a tree trunk into which the screw end of a tree step is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Richard M. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7264011
    Abstract: An assembly having an umbrella and a mounting bracket for mounting the umbrella to a vertical object. The mounting bracket engages the top of the umbrella, thereby suspending the umbrella from a position above the umbrella. The umbrella has a finial cap at the top of the umbrella. Part of the finial cap extends out above the canopy of the umbrella. This portion of the finial cap is selectively received by the shaped head of the mounting bracket. The finial cap is annular and defines a central opening through which the support post of the umbrella can pass. When the umbrella is opened, the support post extends out through the finial cap above the canopy. The result is a mounting umbrella with nothing protruding below the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Warren Cohen
  • Patent number: 7258045
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tool for inserting and removing rod-type steps includes a handle and a head. The head includes a first surface having a first hole and a second surface, parallel to the first surface, having a second hole. The first hole and the second hole define a centerline. The head also includes a tang having first and second scallops disposed on opposing edges. The tang is perpendicular to the first and second surfaces and offset from the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Cary Lester Smith
  • Publication number: 20070175700
    Abstract: A T-post stepping aid is disclosed. The T-post stepping aid includes a longitudinally extending main stepping body, having a recess extending into the sidewall of the main stepping body for receiving a T-post, and a retaining latch removeably attached to the main stepping body for attaching the main stepping body to said T-post. A method for traversing a T-post fence, such as a barbed wire fence, is additionally disclosed. The main stepping body is initially attached onto a T-post, matching the recess indentation with the T-posts form. The T-post stepping aid is then secured with the retaining latch. Finally the main stepping body is used as a step to traverse the fence and is then removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Dean Moeller
  • Patent number: 7134524
    Abstract: A tree-climbing assembly includes at least one tree step and a tool for rotating the tree step relative to a tree such that the tree step is threadingly coupled to the tree. The tree step includes a threaded first portion, a foot peg, and a second portion that extends between the first portion and the foot peg. The tool includes a retaining sub-assembly and a handle that extends outwardly from the retaining sub-assembly. The retaining sub-assembly includes a first retainer and a second retainer. The second retainer is for engaging the tree step second portion during rotation of the tree step, and the tool first retainer is for engaging the tree step threaded first portion during rotation of the tree step such that the tool handle is substantially concentrically aligned with respect to the tree step first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Theodore Sprague
  • Patent number: 7131516
    Abstract: A safety and accessibility assembly (10) having a pair of substantially identical hook portions (20, 26) which are coupled to a support frame having several pillar portions (12, 14, 16, 18), wherein the pillar portions (12, 14, 16, 18) are coupled to a platform portion (30). Particularly, the hook portions (20, 26) are adapted to removably and frictionally couple to a sea wall (100), thereby suspending the pillar portions (12, 14, 16, 18) and the platform (30) above a body of water (200), effective to allow accessibility into and out of the body of water (200) despite the level of the water (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Henry Krol
  • Patent number: 7108101
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming cast members. Steps are provided in the cast member by sliding mounting flanges of hollow plastic step inserts into slots provided in the inner mold shell. The cast material is then poured into the mold. Once the cast material has set, the cast member is withdrawn from the mold assembly. The step insert mounting flanges are broken away, leaving hollow step inserts into which manhole steps are force-fittingly mounted. The inserts are provided with integral cover tabs which cover larger slots provided to facilitate insertion of the step inserts, preventing leakage of the cast material into the mold assembly. Integral cover tabs are similarly provided on enforcement ring support members mounted in a similar fashion to insertion slots provided on one of the mold members to cover larger width slot portions to prevent seepage of cast material. Similar seals are provided by cylindrical-shaped inserts for use in wetcast and drycast fabrication methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Poly-Tec Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Westhoff, James A. Kelly, Craig B. Williams
  • Patent number: 7070021
    Abstract: A rack step tool for use, for example, in a warehouse which houses a plurality of storage racks which support equipment, merchandise, or other items which are stored on the shelves of the storage racks and from which the equipment, merchandise, or other items are periodically removed. The rack step tool generally includes a step member which is attached to a base plate. A pair of lugs is attached to the base plate for insertion into openings in a vertical support member of the storage rack. The rack step tool can be attached to the vertical support member at various heights and can be readily disengaged therefrom. The rack step tool may further have a securing element such as a hook for insertion into another hole in the support member for further securing the rack step tool thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Steven L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7066298
    Abstract: A bracket device for attachment to a thin walled section includes a main member having an operating member, and an attachment hook extending from a proximal end of the operating member which in use engages with the thin walled section, and a locking wedge associated with the attachment hook which slides in relation to the attachment hook to a locking position to create a reaction force between the attachment hook and the thin walled section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce Raymond Mackinnon
  • Patent number: 7017449
    Abstract: A tool is provided to aid in the insertion and removal of tree steps used with blinds in trees while hunting. The invention takes the form of a “Z”-shaped crank made of flat steel stock. The middle portion of the crank has a hole that is placed over the step on the step portion. The upper portion of the crank, has two slots on either side, one of which is used for installing a tree step, while the other is used to remove the tree step. Finally, the lower portion of the crank forms a handle, which can be padded with a cushion or handle grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Allen E. Ritchings
  • Patent number: 6959937
    Abstract: A running board support assembly (200) for fastening a running board step (104) to a vehicle includes a support bracket (204) for engagement with the running board step, and a mounting bracket (202) for coupling the support bracket (204) to the vehicle. The mounting bracket (202) includes a hooking end (212) and a pin (214). The support bracket (204) includes a hook (226) for engagement with the hooking end (212), and an aperture (218) for engagement with the pin (214). When assembled, the hook (226) and the aperture (218) cooperate to tension the mounting bracket (202) and thereby secure the support bracket (204) to the mounting bracket (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Schneider, Michael A. Quesenberry, Thomas M. Pilette, Leszek T. Derbis, Bruce E. McDougall
  • Patent number: 6957717
    Abstract: A support device may be used by a technician when performing elevated line work, for example. The support device may include a shaft having a first end and a second end and threads disposed at the first end of the shaft for use in securing the device to a pole. The support device further may include at least one rigid support member disposed on the second end of the shaft for supporting an object from the device and a pusher attached to the second end of the shaft and adapted to drive the support device into the pole. The pusher may include a driving end adapted to receive force applied from a piston of a powder driven tool, an extension portion extending from the driving end and contacting the support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corp.
    Inventors: Michael L. White, Frederick James Diggle, III
  • Patent number: 6957719
    Abstract: A step apparatus (10) is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly (12) which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly (18) includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members (28) are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies (30) are connected to the rear bracket portion. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Steve L. Ehnes
  • Patent number: 6896101
    Abstract: A climbing device is configured to have a locking mechanism operative to allow the handle and the footplate of the climbing device to pivot to and engage a portion of building structure in a position, in which further displacement of the footplate and handle relative to one another is arrested to lock the portion between the jaws of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Lou Done, LLC
    Inventor: Louis J. Cowin
  • Patent number: 6840186
    Abstract: A cleat is adjustably mountable on a support by an attachment strap and a clasp. Alternately, or in combination with the strap, the cleat has a full hand grip surface. Alternately, the cleat can function as an portable article carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Steele Development Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alin E. Steele
  • Patent number: 6830129
    Abstract: A bench step to aid in mounting a bench platform provided by the common drywall bench is provided having a support portion adapted to be fit over a step rail provided by the drywall bench, the support portion being held in place on the step rail by a flange that extends from the support portion. A spacer portion extends from the support portion to distance the support portion from a step portion that extends out from the spacer portion. The step portion is provided with structural support by a step support portion that angles downwardly from the step portion to contact the drywall bench and thereby support the step portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Mack Rose
  • Publication number: 20040129496
    Abstract: A Step Attachment is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that is strong enough to be used in the construction profession. The outside dimensions of the attachment are extremely compact, such that the device can be easily carried in conventional tool boxes and on tool belts. The attachment further provides additional slip-resistance for secure footing under a variety of conditions and use patterns. The device is further manufactured from standard stock components and is assembled extremely easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dale Clark
  • Patent number: 6752243
    Abstract: An easy to use device that attaches to a beam for use as a step and allowing a user to stand on and attain elevation. A plank can be used in combination with the tool to form a shelf, scaffold or platform. The upper surface of the tool comprises tapered ribs located on the back edge of the upper surface. A vertical member and collar are attached to the tool. When the tool is placed on a beam and downward force is applied to the tool, the ribs engage a first side of the beam and the collar engages the opposite side of the beam, forming a lever. The user is free to stand on the tool for support and elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Terzini
  • Patent number: 6729437
    Abstract: Mounting for portable, removable steps on tree trunks or other supports and particularly pertaining to a tool and method for easy, conveniently mounting conventional tree steps. The tool as described includes a handle axially aligned with a channel member containing an impact rod. A tree step is placed within the channel member and can then be rotated in a clockwise direction into the tree trunk or in a counter clockwise direction to remove the mounted step from the tree trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory L. Apple
  • Publication number: 20040035637
    Abstract: A ladder is composed of a vertical support structure and a set of rungs. In the present invention, the vertical support structure is formed by a sailboat mast or other vertical object to be climbed. A set of step housings are attached to the mast. Each step housing contains an inclined hole sized to receive a removable rung. A set of removable rungs are provided. Each such rung has an insertion cylinder and a step. The insertion cylinder is placed in the inclined hole on one of the step housings. Interlocking mechanical features lock the removable rung in the step housing. The user can thus install a number of removable rungs in order to easily climb the sailboat mast or other vertical object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Skipper
  • Patent number: 6688428
    Abstract: A universal ladder lock and method for locking a ladder to a vehicular rack utilizes a mounting frame that may be secured to existing vehicular racks. Affixed to the mounting frame is a lock housing which slidably and rotatably supports an elongate lock arm. A hook is provided on one end of the elongate lock arm for hooking around a portion of one or more ladders. One or more stop elements are secured to the elongate lock arm for limiting longitudinal movement of the elongate lock arm. The stop housing provides one or more lock member supports which may be utilized to receive a locking pin, or a padlock. The locking pin or padlock prevents movement of the stop element affixing the elongate lock arm in a position with the hook around the ladder to thereby lock the ladder with respect to the vehicular rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Elmer C. Carroll, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6668975
    Abstract: A ladder incorporating a vertical support structure and a set of removable rungs. The vertical support structure is formed by stacking a series of interlocking sticks. The sticks incorporate features allowing the removable installation of the rungs. The rungs are small and light, so that a set of such rungs may be easily carried by a user. The vertical sticks generally remain attached to the object to be climbed—such as a tree or pole. When the user wishes to climb the object, the user installs the rungs as he or she climbs. The rungs are then removed upon descent. In this manner, unauthorized climbing of the object is inhibited. Locking features are also included to prevent unauthorized access by another person having a set of removable rungs. Several different embodiments of the removable rungs are disclosed. The common feature of all these embodiments is the fact that the rungs cannot come loose from the vertical stick while they are under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Center Ridge Outdoors, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Skipper