Ladder Patents (Class 182/93)
  • Patent number: 11905759
    Abstract: A pole step apparatus for fiberglass utility poles can have a supporting body is disclosed, having a bended portion with a brace on the supporting body; a grip surface distal to the bended portion; a nut on a threaded portion of the supporting body to tighten the brace toward the bended portion via the threaded portion of the supporting body; a passthrough in the brace formed can accommodate a supporting body and resists rotation; the bended portion is formed on the supporting body at a 90-degree angle; an arc is formed on the brace adjacent to the bended portion; and the brace resists rotation via a non-cylindrical, anti-rotational portion of the supporting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Oldcastle Infrastructure, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Morris
  • Patent number: 11091957
    Abstract: A modular ladder system has a rung section having two elongate lateral stile extrusions and elongate rung extrusions spanning therebetween. Each stile extrusion may define an attachment side having an attachment face which has two attachment channels which are adjacent, parallel and longitudinally arranged along the attachment face. Each attachment channel may have inward facing rails which define an elongate insertion space therebetween and a relatively wider connector head accommodation void thereunderneath. Furthermore, each rail may define a connector head engaging under edge. Each stile extrusion may further define a connection side adjacent to the attachment side which may define a splice joint extrusion accommodating void therein. In this way, the present modular ladder system may be quickly and easily constructed and various accessories quickly and easily attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SAYFA R&D PTY LTD
    Inventors: Barry Voss, Murray Voss
  • Patent number: 11085237
    Abstract: A rung which can be installed in a ladder is disclosed which comprises a first plate having first and second ends, each of the first and second ends having a relief tab and an opening, and a second plate, the second plate being identical to the first plate, the first and second plates being nestable such that the relief tabs of the first plate insert through the openings of the second plate to form the rungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Meyen
  • Patent number: 11073277
    Abstract: Stands for supporting a plurality of candles or decorations around a celebratory item, including a stringer and a platform supported on the stringer, the platform being complementarity configured with the celebratory item and including a plurality of support points configured to support the plurality of candles or decorations. In some examples, the stand includes a first stringer and a second stringer horizontally spaced from the first stringer, a first platform supported by the first stringer and the second stringer, and a second platform supported by the first stringer and by the second stringer in a position vertically spaced from the first platform, wherein the first platform and the second platform each include a plurality of support points configured to support the plurality of candles or decorations and are complementarity configured with the celebratory item to support the plurality of candles or decorations in a position adjacent to the celebratory item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: William Merritt, Carey Ide
  • Patent number: 10604078
    Abstract: A retractable access device (1) adapted to be moved between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. The access device (1) includes a landing (2), at least one tread step (3), and a pair of linkage assemblies (4). Each linkage assembly (4) is pivotally attached to a respective side edge of each step (3), and includes a plurality of pivotally connected links to support and effect upward and downward movement of each tread step (3) relative to said landing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Justoy Pty Limited
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin
  • Patent number: 10071700
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and a bumper pivotally connected to the frame. A step is attached to the bumper so that the step is pivotal between a storage position and a step position. An actuator is mounted to the frame and coupled to the bumper, and is operable to pivot the bumper relative to the frame between a substantially vertical position and an angled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Swadad A. Carremm, Clara Bennie
  • Patent number: 10030350
    Abstract: A design for manhole frames is provided which provide one or more handholds near the entrance to the manhole so that the ladder rungs can be made lower and the access space at the entrance to the manhole thereby increased. The handhold can be cast into the cover-supporting lip, a detachable horizontal handle or can be a movable handle which is below the level of the manhole when not in use or extended above ground level when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald Armstrong
  • Patent number: 10030351
    Abstract: A design for manhole frames is provided which provide one or more handholds near the entrance to the manhole so that the ladder rungs can be made lower and the access space at the entrance to the manhole thereby increased. The handhold can be cast into the cover-supporting lip, a detachable vertical handle or can be a movable handle which is below the level of the manhole when not in use or extended above ground level when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald Armstrong
  • Patent number: 10030352
    Abstract: A manhole frame having one or more handholds near the entrance to the manhole so that the ladder rungs can be made lower and the access space at the entrance to the manhole thereby increased. The handhold can be cast into the cover-supporting lip, or can be a movable handle which is below the level of the manhole when not in use or extended above ground level when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9797049
    Abstract: A system configured to provide cathodic protection to buried and/or submerged metal components and/or structures, such as pipes is disclosed. The system includes a cathodic protection apparatus having at least one upright support and a plurality of sacrificial anodes secured to the at least one upright support in a vertical orientation to provide variable cathodic protection to the metallic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Neal Scott Murray, Tiebin Zhao
  • Publication number: 20150090530
    Abstract: A ladder is designed for a tank having a vertically extending side wall and a top of a convex curved profile, with an access point near the top center of the convex curved top, the ladder having a pair of parallel side rails, each side rail having a straight section at one end and a curved section at the other end, the curved section extending over the top of the tank and toward the access point, with plurality of rungs extending between and secured to the side rails, with at least one rung positioned in the straight section of the side rails and at least one rung positioned in the curved section of the side rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Richard Ambriz
  • Publication number: 20150078914
    Abstract: An access system for a hub of a wind turbine, wherein the hub comprises a first flange for mounting a first rotor blade, a second flange for mounting a second rotor blade and a third flange for mounting a third rotor blade is provided. The hub comprises a first opening, a second opening and at least a third opening, each of the openings being suitable for accessing an interior of the hub from outside of the hub. The access system comprises a first ladder with a plurality of first rungs, the first ladder extending inward from the first opening, a second ladder with a plurality of second rungs, the second ladder extending inward from the second opening, and a third ladder with a plurality of third rungs, the third ladder extending inward from the third opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: HENNING EBBESEN
  • Patent number: 8925686
    Abstract: A collapsible staircase is provided with a set of flat parts, with each of the parts intended to function as steps. Each flat part can be moved between a first position and a second position. All of the flat parts are substantially coplanar when the parts are in the first position, and the parts are disposed above each other and at a distance from each other when the parts are in the second position. A retractable holding handle is also provided and driven together with the flat parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Bruno Saint-Jalmes, Jason Zaneboni, Bernard Rumeau
  • Patent number: 8827038
    Abstract: A ladder assembly for a work vehicle is disclosed. The ladder assembly may generally include a ladder having a first side rail, a second side rail and first and second rungs extending between the first and second side rails. The ladder may be supported on the work vehicle at a first pivot point and a second pivot point. The ladder may also include a first linkage and a second linkage. The first linkage may be coupled between the first rung and the first pivot point and the second linkage may be coupled between the second rung and the second pivot point. In addition, the ladder may be configured to pivot about the first and second pivot points between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Eran Salzman
  • Patent number: 8794383
    Abstract: A ladder stand configured to attach to a post to provide an elevated platform. The ladder stand includes a ladder and a platform assembly coupled to the ladder. A pair of lateral support members include proximal ends pivotally attached to opposite sides of the platform and distal ends configured to be positioned toward an opposite side of the post. The distal ends of the support members are configured to be secured to the post. A stabilizer member pivotally connects to an intermediate portion of the ladder and extends toward with the support post. The stabilizing member includes a stabilizing plate configured to engage the support post. At least one support straps connects the distal ends of lateral support members to the post and the distal ends of the lateral support members to the stabilizing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Rivers Edge Tree Stands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Furseth, Randy L. Schamberger, Scott R. Nickell, Ben T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140190766
    Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 8720643
    Abstract: The aquatic ladder has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings to make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Ray Adair
  • Patent number: 8607930
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extendable/retractable ladder mounted to a boat trailer to allow access to a boat carried on the trailer. The ladder includes a pair of first vertically oriented bars and a pair of second bars. The vertically oriented bars have an inner cavity and a slot in one of its sides. The second bars have an inner cavity and a slot in one of its sides. The first end of the first bars and the second end of the second bars are connected such that the second end of the second bars can move along the length of the first bars between an extended position in which the first end of the second bars is a distance away from the first bars and a retracted position in which the first end and the second end of the second bars are adjacent to the first bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Gail Stewart
  • Patent number: 8596212
    Abstract: A boat boarding apparatus for boarding animals onto a boat and methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus has a set of boat boarding steps, a first mounting assembly attached to said boarding steps for connecting said boarding steps to said boat ladder and a second mounting assembly for connecting said boarding steps to said boat ladder. The mounting assemblies provide resistance forces for securing the ladder, with the resistance forces being opposing forces to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: WAG Products, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Perkins
  • Patent number: 8556032
    Abstract: A fence ladder includes a front section and a rear section for straddling a wire fence. Each section is formed of a pair of risers with a plurality of ladder rungs perpendicularly disposed therebetween. The upper ends of the two sections are joined with a hinge having a post receiver depending therefrom. The receiver includes a cylindrical shell having a plurality of peripheral notches that are each positioned, spaced and dimensioned to receive the outwardly-extending flanges found on a typical T-post. A pair of releasable locks fix the two sections about a fence to prevent separation and shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Jose A. Cuellar, Margaret Cuellar
  • Patent number: 8511430
    Abstract: An improved ladder containment and lock device, comprising a left component, a right component, and a two piece bushing. There is a locking subassembly and a pair of coupling bolts, for coupling the components of the device. The two piece bushing has a passageway formed there through, with the passageway being angled relative to the right and left components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Mark F. Pelini
  • Publication number: 20130140109
    Abstract: A ladder is designed for a tank having a vertically extending side wall and a top of a convex curved profile, with an access point near the top center of the convex curved top, the ladder having a pair of parallel side rails, each side rail having a straight section at one end and a curved section at the other end, the curved section extending over the top of the tank and toward the access point, with plurality of rungs extending between and secured to the side rails, with at least one rung positioned in the straight section of the side rails and at least one rung positioned in the curved section of the side rails. A separate hand grip may be mounted on the tank between the ladder and the access point of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Richard Ambriz
  • Patent number: 8430205
    Abstract: A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventor: Chi Yin Alan Leung
  • Patent number: 8371077
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a staircase that can roll to an upright position when not in use and considers safety standards. More particularly, the invention is directed to a staircase that can be used where space is limited as the staircase's footprint can be minimized when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Danielle Delhomme
  • Patent number: 8322490
    Abstract: The trailer and flatbed ladder apparatus provides ladder access to a trailer and to a flatbed. The apparatus is highly portable by way of being hinged between the upper and lower sections and due to the tubular construction. The apparatus may therefore be easily and space efficiently stored on and within a truck, bed, or trailer. The apparatus is removably positionable in a plurality of locations around a flatbed and trailer, wherever a stake pocket exists. The stake provides positive non-slip fit to a trailer and flatbed that negates unintentional movement and removal, thereby ensuring safety. Full pivot is provided between the stake and sleeve and the upper section. The apparatus removably fits snugly within the existing stake pockets of a flatbed and trailer due to the stake square outer corners and rounded inner corners that match existing stake pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Neil Loemker
  • Publication number: 20120228057
    Abstract: Apparatus for escaping from a building through a window, comprises a plurality of rungs having first and second ends. A first side support is coupled to the first ends of the rungs. The first side support has an upper end. A second side support is coupled to the second ends of the rungs. The first side support has an upper end. A securement assembly is coupled to the wall of a building adjacent a window for providing egress. A first securement secures the upper end of the first side support to the securement member. A second securement secures the upper end of the second side support to the securement member. A plurality of first arms are each positioned proximate the first ends of a respective one of the rungs and are each moveably mounted to go from a retracted position to an extended position. A plurality of first arms are each positioned proximate the first ends of a respective one of the rungs and are each moveably mounted to go from a retracted position to an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: James Barbara
  • Patent number: 8261880
    Abstract: A step ladder apparatus for retention within a stake pocket comprising a frame assembly a plurality of step assemblies and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a frame flange and a wedge member. The frame assembly is positioned within the stake pocket so that the frame flange overhangs one end of the stake pocket. The base of the wedge member is inserted into the stake pocket opposite the frame flange so that the wedge flange overhangs the stake pocket on a side opposite the frame flange. As a result, the flanges cooperate to substantially preclude downward movement of the frame assembly, and, in turn, removal of the frame assembly in a downward direction from the stake pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Daryl J. Hop
  • Patent number: 8235174
    Abstract: A jack plate ladder comprises a jack plate mount having a ladder groove, a pair of threaded ladder mount bolt holes, and a pair of threaded plate mounting holes. A ladder containment piece is coupled by a plurality of ladder mount bolts to the jack plate mount and forms a generally rectilinear ladder aperture there through the jack plate mount. A ladder has a central shaft and a pair of steps, the ladder being contained with the ladder aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Mark F. Pelini
  • Publication number: 20120160606
    Abstract: Apparatus for escaping from a building through a window, comprises a plurality of rungs having first and second ends. A first side support is coupled to the first ends of the rungs. The first side support has an upper end. A second side support is coupled to the second ends of the rungs. The first side support has an upper end. A securement assembly is coupled to the wall of a building adjacent a window for providing egress. A first securement secures the upper end of the first side support to the securement member. A second securement secures the upper end of the second side support to the securement member. A plurality of first arms are each positioned proximate the first ends of a respective one of the rungs and are each moveably mounted to go from a retracted position to an extended position. A plurality of first arms are each positioned proximate the first ends of a respective one of the rungs and are each moveably mounted to go from a retracted position to an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: James Barbara
  • Patent number: 8191682
    Abstract: An A-frame ladder has a first ladder and a second ladder. The first ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a first set of grooves that receive a gate/barrier device to inhibit a person from using the first ladder's steps. The second ladder also has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a second set of grooves, interconnected to the first set of grooves, that receive the gate/barrier device so the first ladder and the second ladder can be used and inhibits a person from entering the area between the first ladder and the second ladder through the second ladder's steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daid J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 8191681
    Abstract: An A-frame ladder has a first ladder and a second ladder. The first ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a first set of grooves that receive a tambour device that inhibits a person from using the first ladder's steps. The second ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a second set of grooves, interconnected to the first set of grooves, that receive the tambour device so the first ladder and the second ladder can be used and inhibits a person from entering the area between the first ladder and the second ladder through the second ladder's steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daid J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 8157054
    Abstract: The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted “U” shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The vertical portions of the ladder are short, relative to the overall height of the ladder whereby less material is used to manufacture the ladder, while making its shipment and storage easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Ray Adair
  • Patent number: 8141682
    Abstract: A first embodiment of the security apparatus comprises a retaining collar; a plurality of segments forming a generally frusta-conical enclosure, with one or more of the segments having an access opening therein; and a lockable access door covering the opening. The retaining collar is separable into portions that conforms to the shape of the periphery and are coupled together around the structure. The segments have an upper portion that attaches to the collar; and have a bottom portion that extends radically downwardly from the collar at an angle of about 30 degree; with the radial edges interconnected forming the enclosure. A second embodiment of the apparatus secures a ladder supported on a wall and a retaining bar; a plurality of segments forming a generally semi-frusta-conical enclosure, with one or more of the segments having an access opening therein; and a lockable access door covering the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald E. White
  • Patent number: 8074768
    Abstract: An access ladder configurable from an extended position for providing access to a structure and a stowed position. The access ladder comprises an elongated first member having a first step extending laterally therefrom. An elongated second member is associated with the first member and configured for translational movement relative thereto and has a second step extending laterally therefrom. A link extends between the second member and the structure such that rotation of the first member moves the second member translationally relative to the first member, thereby moving said at least one second step towards said at least one first step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Rund
  • Patent number: 8006803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ladder comprising a single post (1) provided with a fixing means (4) on the upper end (1S) thereof, said ladder comprising an anchoring means (9, 10) which is especially adapted to said fixing means (4) and is attached to the wall (7), and foldable supporting arms (3) which are connected to either side of the single post (1) in an articulated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Bernard Guering
  • Patent number: 7845468
    Abstract: A ladder bracket for hanging a ladder in a trench box is disclosed. The bracket includes a frame, a first arm and a second arm, and a lip. The first arm and second arm each have a first end attached to the frame and a second end extending in a direction away from the frame. The lip is attached to the second end of the first arm and to the second end of the second arm. A distance between the frame and the lip accommodates the bracket being removably hung from a top edge of the trench box. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Independence Excavating, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas John Steblinski
  • Publication number: 20100193293
    Abstract: A safety system, attached to the underside of an access (lid, cover, grill, grate, or hatch) that allows the user to mount and dismount an access ladder below in an ergonomic and safe manner. The system comprises of a locking device and two handrails attached to the underside of the access cover. The handrails are attached in line with the access ladder handrails. When the access cover is in a vertical open position the locking device slides down into a hollow receiver sleeve that is in a fixed position below the surface of the access cover. This secures the access cover in a vertical open position, allowing the user to utilize the handrails on the underside of the access cover as an extension of the ladder handrails that are affixed below the surface of the access cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Terence Michael Murray, Robert W. Duench, Brad R. Bender, Tim O. Collins
  • Patent number: 7637350
    Abstract: The portable barge access ladder has a pair of coaming frame members positioned outside of a barge coaming with a plurality of safety treads there-between forming a coaming ladder portion. The ladder includes transverse frame members extending across the barge coaming with a decking tread member there-between forming a walkway for the operator to easily traverse the coaming. Angled hold frame members extend into the barge hold with conventional safety treads there-between at least partially forming a hold access ladder portion. The ladder includes adjustable legs slidably received in the hold frame members with one or more auxiliary treads attachable to the legs forming optional additional treads for the ladder as the legs are extended. The removable auxiliary treads will be used where the legs are extended beyond standard tread spacing. A combing securing mechanism is provided to prevent ladder lateral slippage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Interstate Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Conroy
  • Publication number: 20090229915
    Abstract: A ladderway system for an underground raise includes an elongate tube adapted to generally conform to the shape of the raise. The tube is of circular cross-section to generally conform to the shape of a round bored raise. The tube is formed with a longitudinal slit along its entire length, whereby the diameter of the tube can be adjusted to generally conform to the shape of the raise. The ladderway system further includes a ladder adapted to be mechanically coupled to an interior of the tube. The tube manufactured of a sufficiently rigid and strong plastics material, such as polyurethane, so that it acts as a surface membrane or liner within the raise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: BORTANA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Steven Peter Durkin
  • Patent number: 7549256
    Abstract: A window well assembly includes U-shaped walls that have smooth interior and corrugated exterior surfaces, and are formed from polyvinyl material. The walls have coextensive ribs juxtaposed along an exterior surface thereof that are compressible. Each wall has an end wall with an opening formed therein, allowing the ribs to compress and expand. The openings are spaced at opposed ends of selected ribs. A mechanism is included for stacking the walls wherein a top edge of one wall receives a bottom edge of another wall. Ladders are seated against the interior surfaces of the walls. A mechanism is included for snapping the ladders onto the wall interior surface. A safety grill is mounted on top of the second wall, having an outer edge extending along a top edge of the second wall, for prohibiting the user from stepping into a cavity defined between the walls and the foundation window wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Donald J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 7464792
    Abstract: The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted “U” shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The vertical portions of the ladder are short, relative to the overall height of the ladder whereby less material is used to manufacture the ladder, while making its shipment and storage easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Ray Adair
  • Patent number: 7437857
    Abstract: A compression anchor for holding a support member, such as a cylindrical handrail, is disclosed. The anchor includes a body having a cavity and a wedge portion that connects to the body using thick threads, such as 2-4 ACME 2-G threads. The wedge is substantially cylindrical and encircles a support member received in the cavity. A compression ring is in contact with the body and the wedge portion. As the wedge portion turns relative to the body using the threads, the compression ring expands and contracts to loosen or tighten the connection between the received support member and the anchor. The wedge portion and the body are corrosion resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: John P. Maguire, Paul H. Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20080169153
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for helping an animal, primarily a four-legged animal (such as a pet dog or cat), also possibly a human child, escape from a body of water onto a water-adjacent elevated surface. The apparatus is deployed facing the water at an edge of the elevated surface. The apparatus comprises a deck anchor component, fillable with liquid for weight, and, preferably, a friction means to reduce slipping on the elevated surface. The apparatus also comprises a stair component hingedly connected to the anchor component for rotation between lowered, raised, and folded positions. The stair component comprises at least one stair step to be submerged while the stair component is in the lowered position with the anchor component resting on the elevated surface. The animal can escape to the elevated surface by placing its feet (preferably, rear paws) on the step and thrusting upwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: April M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7367425
    Abstract: The graduated pole strap apparatus can be wrapped around a pole, tree or the like and secured on each end to the rails of a ladder. Further, it contains markings calibrated in proportion to the length of the ladder to show whether the ladder is secured at a safe inclination. For an extension ladder, the markings are calibrated based on the rung on which the fly-lock mechanism is locked on the face of the ladder of a particular length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Rivers, Frederick Diggle, III
  • Publication number: 20080087496
    Abstract: A retractable ladder for a motorhome or trailer includes pivoting mounting apparatus providing total support for a ladder and climber in an open position. The apparatus includes brackets which mount on the side of the motorhome or trailer and arms which pivot in the brackets. The brackets mount to the sides of the motorhome or trailer only and therefore do not compromise the roof of the motorhome or trailer. The ladder attaches to the ends of the arms. The brackets include flanges which the arms rest against in the open position and pins for retaining the arms in the open position, thereby eliminating any need for the ladder to be supported by the ground. The pins may further be inserted through the brackets to retain the ladder in a closed position. Backing plates or the like may be provided behind the motorhome or trailer body to securely attach the brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Graffy, Stepan Gevorkyan
  • Patent number: 7341126
    Abstract: A ladder support system that may be mounted on a ladder rung or other securing structures and may further be shaped to provide lateral support to the ladder when a pole or other supporting structure is positioned on the ladder support. The ladder support may also be configured for convenient mounting and removal from the securing structure to which it may be mounted. The ladder support may be resilient and may have a slit along the length of the support to provide releasable mounting on the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick James Diggle, III, Paul Brent Rivers, Robert Clint Hogeland
  • Patent number: 7237649
    Abstract: A ladder for climbing trees and other vertical elements having a pair of spaced stiles, a plurality of rungs between such stiles and stand off elements on the stiles or rungs for spacing the ladder from the object to be climbed which will maintain the ladder in generally parallel relation to the object. Adjustable straps secure the ladder to the object. The ladder is provided in joinable sections to permit the same to be erected against the object without scaling the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Terry Harmston
  • Patent number: 7163082
    Abstract: A climbing stick apparatus includes a plurality of stick members, each of which includes a fastener reception portion at each stick member end and a plurality of foot-support-reception channels. A plurality of member-to-member couplers and fasteners are provided for erecting a plurality of stick members in a longitudinal arrangement. A plurality of foot support members are received in the foot-support-reception channels. The climbing stick apparatus of the invention permits rapid assembly of a climbing stick next to a tree for hunters and other outdoorsmen. When erected next to a tree the climbing stick apparatus permits the hunter to remain above ground level so that he is not noticed or smelled by game on the ft floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: John H. Bigard
  • Patent number: 7117820
    Abstract: A bird cage ladder equipped with a locking connection mechanism that is biased toward a closed position and is easy to install and remove from a bird cage. Particular embodiments of the present invention have the flexibility to connect with various shaped bird cages. Other embodiments provide additional ladder stability by limiting the range of movement of the ladder from side-to-side. Utilization of a locking connection mechanism as disclosed makes it very difficult for the ladder to disengage from the bird cage due to rocking cause by a bird. The locking connection mechanisms are releasably connected to the bird cage and bird cage ladder, allowing the bird cage ladder to be easily installed and removed from the bird cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Aspen Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Kirch
  • Patent number: 7017709
    Abstract: A buoyant marine safety ladder apparatus includes a ladder that is pivotably mounted to a seawall or other support platform and is alternatable between a retracted condition, wherein the ladder is floating above the water, and a deployed or extended condition, wherein the lower end of the ladder extends into the water. A stop component restricts pivoting of the ladder such that it extends upwardly from the body of water at an angle of approximately 45° when in the extended condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Raymond N. Laymance