Attached Discrete Guard Patents (Class 52/147)
  • Patent number: 11684027
    Abstract: A method of restricting the growth of vines along a guy wire includes possessing a member defining a tapered chamber having first and second openings. The chamber is tapered such that the chamber is widest at the first opening. The method further includes positioning the member such that the guy wire extends through the first opening, the second opening, and the tapered chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Dale Keith Hatmaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11085506
    Abstract: A method of restricting the growth of vines along a guy wire includes possessing a member defining a tapered chamber having first and second openings. The chamber is tapered such that the chamber is widest at the first opening. The method further includes positioning the member such that the guy wire extends through the first opening, the second opening, and the tapered chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Dale Keith Hatmaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8898965
    Abstract: An integrated railroad signal bungalow assembly where a railroad signal bungalow is surrounded by an external frame, which supports a walkway structure assembly. The walkway structure assembly, in turn, supports one or more solar panels and a wind turbine. The solar panels and wind turbine supply power to equipment in the railroad signal bungalow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Railroad Signal International, LLC
    Inventor: Eddie Burns
  • Patent number: 8336262
    Abstract: A method for protecting cables and posts from damage by providing at least one first sleeve cut to a desired length, positioning each first sleeve over the cable, inserting a screw through an aperture on a last first sleeve positioned on the cable until the screw contacts the cable, providing a second sleeve having an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the first sleeve, positioning the second sleeve over the first sleeves, tensioning the cable, securing an end of the cable, sliding the second sleeve over the end, positioning a removable collar assembly between the first and second sleeves, maintaining the first and second sleeves from overlapping the removable collar and each other, maintaining the first and second sleeves from connection with each other, removing the holding screws from the last first sleeve, and rotating the sleeves and the removable collar assembly independently from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Russel Cox, Nien-Yin Chang
  • Patent number: 8225558
    Abstract: A conventional grounded steel tower, or other structure, supports multiple wires (e.g., 6) carrying multi-phase high voltage electricity (e.g., >100 kV). Each wire is supported by a ceramic insulator connected to a horizontal arm of the structure, where an angled strut helps support the arm. There are usually three tiers of wires. The closest distance between a wire and ground is typically between the wire and an angled strut below the wire, where the angled strut helps support a lower-tier wire. A guard formed of a dielectric is affixed to and covers the lower portion of the steel strut as well as any steel that outward extends beyond the strut. The guard prevents flashover between a wire and the underlying grounded strut if a large bird perches on the guard, since the bird will not be grounded by the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eco Electrical Systems
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 8132790
    Abstract: A guard system for protecting cables or posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces is provided. The guard assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably positionable about one of the cables or the posts and a second sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable or the post. A removable collar assembly is positioned between the first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve with the removable collar assembly comprising a first removable collar and a second removable collar. The first removable collar has a first slot for receiving the cable or post and the second removable collar has a second slot for receiving the cable or post with the first slot extending from a perimeter of the first removable collar to a point past a center point of the first removable collar and the second slot extending from a perimeter of the second removable collar to a point past a center point of the second removable collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Russel Cox, Nien-Yin Chang
  • Patent number: 8015759
    Abstract: A structural support for supporting equipment on a rooftop, which is connected to a frame and to equipment to be supported, comprises a mechanism connecting a base cap and a base connector of the structural support. One of the base cap and the base connector includes at least one plate and the other of the base cap and the base connector includes a pair of plates that receives the at least one plate allowing for pivoting adjustments of the base connector about the base cap when the at least one plate is received within an opening between the pair of plates to achieve desired positioning of the base connector. In one example, a pair of base cap plates is received by a pair of inwardly biased base connector plates. Once a desired position is achieved, a fastening assembly secures the position of the base connector. The structural mounting may also include, for example, a base support, a base flashing, and a rubber base gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Roofscreen Mfg.
    Inventor: Ryan W. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20110138704
    Abstract: A tower, which may be used for a wind turbine, is provided. The tower includes at least one concrete tower section having a plurality of tensioning cables. The tensioning cables are configured to induce a compressive force on the concrete tower section. The tensioning cables are spaced from an exterior surface of the concrete tower section by a substantially uniform distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Bharat Sampathkumaran Bagepalli, Colwyn Mark Oscar Sayers
  • Patent number: 7530202
    Abstract: A guy guard assembly for use with a guy wire is disclosed. The assembly comprises a tubular guy guard and a clamp. The tube wall has an aperture. The clamp includes a bolt, a first plastic portion and a second plastic portion. The bolt has a head outside the tube and a threaded shaft extending from the head through the aperture. The first portion is inside the tube against the tube wall; has the bolt extending therethrough; and defines a first jaw. The second portion defines a second jaw and is threaded to the bolt. The portions have a first configuration, wherein the jaws are relatively distal to and spaced from one another to define a slot for said wire and, from the first configuration, are configurable by rotating the bolt to a second configuration, wherein the jaws are relatively proximal to one another to grip said wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert T. Ritchie, John Robert Davies
  • Patent number: 6998960
    Abstract: A method for signaling an escape route in a building with emergency warning units arranged in a distributed way can be realized such that the emergency warning units are equipped with luminous means that in the event of an emergency can be activated by a central emergency warning system sequentially in the manner of a running light that designates the direction of the escape route leading away from a hazard site. An emergency warning unit suitable for this purpose may include two LEDs configured as arrows facing in opposite directions, of which either can be switched into a blinking mode by the central emergency warning system in accordance with the emergency conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Novar GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Buschmann, Frank Herstix, Thomas Goulet, Waldemar Ollik
  • Patent number: 6782668
    Abstract: A roof-screen system for supporting a roof screen on a roof, comprises a plurality of frame elements of round galvanized steel tubing configured as separate frames. The frames have a front element, a bottom element, and a diagonal brace element. A plurality of base supports are secured to the frame elements and sleeve connectors, including a base connector, an end connector, and a field connector which secure the frame elements together and to the base. A plurality of support elements are used for supporting the face panels to the front element of the separate frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Ryan W. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6758015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular screening assembly for a piece of equipment on the roof of a building. The assembly includes two perpendicular sets of channels that are rigidly secured to and cantilevered from a base of the equipment. Each channel set has one or two sets of common ends. A vertically oriented framework formed by a number of frame sections is secured to the common ends. Each frame section is secured to one set of common ends and spaced a uniform distance from the equipment. Each frame section is formed by one or more like-shaped frame segments. Each frame segment holds one like-shaped panel. Two or more modular screening assemblies can be combined to form an integrated screening assembly around several pieces of equipment. Two or more tiers of framework and panels can be stacked vertically to attain a desired screening height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Daryl D. Clasen, Jared Clasen
  • Patent number: 6684578
    Abstract: A method for controlling the spread of kudzu utilizes vertical, or near vertical, smooth surfaces which do not provide a horizontal step for continued vertical growth of kudzu. Accordingly, a clear zone may be established mechanically or otherwise and guards placed intermediate the kudzu and an area to be protected wherein when the vines contact the guards, they are unable to unsupportedly span the guard to continue upward growth and then into the protected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Newell Callahan
  • Publication number: 20030136438
    Abstract: A stake assembly includes a spike having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis of the stake assembly. A flange is connected at the second end of the spike and extends laterally therefrom and defines the upper end of the substantially inflexible portion of the stake assembly. A resilient fastening member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly therefrom and is resilient in both lateral and longitudinal directions. A controlling member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly and is connected to the second end of the resilient fastening member. A tether or leash may be fastened to the second end of the resilient fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Gary R. Kindell, Sharon D. Kindell
  • Patent number: 6410856
    Abstract: A guy-wire guard support apparatus prevents personal injury or damage resulting from climbing or playing on guy wires by causing the guard to spin freely upon contact. The apparatus consists of a collar-like component and a cup-like component both of which contain a free-wheeling element such as ball bearings. By mounting or seating a guard upon or within at least one of each component, the guard can easily spin about its axis, thereby hindering attempts to grasp or stand on it. Another embodiment consists of multiple collars attached to the wire and circular shoulders inside the guard resting on rollers in the top of each collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen E. Kimble
  • Patent number: 6205719
    Abstract: A roof screen system comprises a number of triangular frames assembled from aluminum beams held together with pivotable clamps. Such clamps also bolt down onto roof footers with flashing boots that prevent roof leaks. A number of clips are attached to the upright triangular frames. Horizontal rails are then attached with the clips to the triangular frames, and screen panels are hung and attached to the rails. The pivotable clamps allow a slip-connection anywhere along the aluminum beams that can be locked down with ordinary wrenches. As such, the screen panels can be tilted back or forward to accommodate painted signs, electric signs, advertising, and even solar photovoltaic panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Roofing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan W. Bruce
  • Patent number: 5862637
    Abstract: A roof screen system for securing a roof screen to a roof is provided. The system includes a plurality of mounting units that are secured to the roof by means of cylindrical supports. A weatherproofing assembly is disposed about each support and its base to prevent the roof from leaking, due to mounting of the supports on the roof. The weatherproofing assembly includes a collar that extends around the support to prevent water from flowing down the support and to a base cover that inhibits water from collecting on the base to prevent the roof from leaking. The cylindrical configuration of the support and weatherproofing assembly coact to prevent water and debris from collecting about the support and its base, to aid with maintaining roof integrity and to prevent the roof from leaking. Each mounting unit comprises a plurality of braces affixed in a triangular relationship. The triangular relationship of the braces aids with supporting the roof screen in the presence of extreme natural forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Roofing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan W. Bruce
  • Patent number: 5517792
    Abstract: A guard assembly for use on a guy-wire of the type having an end terminating in a loop comprises an elongated tubular member of a relatively rigid plastic having a hollow interior throughout its length. The tubular member has a single split extending longitudinally thereof between the opposite ends thereof to allow the tubular member to be installed in surrounding relationship to a guy-wire by being moved laterally thereover with the guy-wire entering the hollow interior through the split. First and second generally diametrically opposed aligned apertures are located adjacent the first end of the tubular member so that they can be aligned with the loop on the guy-wire. An elongated pin-like fastener extends through the first aperture and has head portions at opposite ends with a first head portion located within the hollow interior of the tubular member and being radially compressible to a size to allow the head to be selectfully passed through the second aligned opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Raymond J. Champa, William G. Vlahos
  • Patent number: 5515656
    Abstract: A portable anchorage and fastener device for securing movable articles or structures to a land mass comprising a lightweight yet rigid plate having an entry face, a ground face, a fastener end and a plurality of picket holes, each of said holes being surrounded by a guide ring affixed to the entry face of the plate at an angle for directing tubular hollow pickets inserted therewithin angularly into the ground. The invention is further comprised of a safety breakage cord removably attached to the fastener end of the plate for securing the guyline in the event of breakage of the guyline at a looped end thereof, and a fastener hook also removably attached to the fastener end of the plate for guyline attachment thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: George M. Mihalich
  • Patent number: 5321922
    Abstract: A steel cable eyelet construction for a looped steel cable end is protected against corrosion by a tubular member of synthetic material that extends all the way around the loop and partially into the ground when the steel cable end is formed as an anchor that is cemented into the ground. The synthetic material tubular member in turn is protected against mechanical wear and tear by a tubular metal jacket such as a stainless steel jacket. This construction is especially suitable for anchors that are used to secure protection nettings against falling rocks and avalanches. Providing the corrosion protection and the mechanical wear and tear resistance by different elements assures a prolonged serviceability of such steel cable eyelets forming anchors cemented into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Fatzer AG
    Inventors: Xaver Popp, Theo Loepfe
  • Patent number: 5119607
    Abstract: An improved cover assembly for an object disposed therein, such as a guy wire, is disclosed and includes a tube having inner and outer surfaces. Also, the tube is constructed with a tube hole formed adjacent an end thereof. Disposed within the tube is means for clamping the guy wire. The clamping means includes an actuating means. Coupled to the clamping means and extending outwardly through the hole in the tube, is means for maintaining the clamping means in a preselected position until it is desired to rotate the bolt to tighten or loosen the clamp. Also disclosed is a cover assembly including a plurality of clamping means and maintaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Epic Corp. dba Radar Engineers
    Inventors: Frederick A. Horning, Jerome F. Moshofsky, David L. Prevost, David M. Gray
  • Patent number: 5038705
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, to prevent accidental tripping on a stay, the warning stay-guard as an open-ended hollow tubular casing has its outer surface visibly exhibiting multiple bright colors randomly heterogeneously distributed in the nature of string and/or drippings of various paints, and the casing surface including outer ringed-construction around it longitudinal axis to the casing's construction sufficiently to diffuse light and having a linearly extending slit axially extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal length axis of the tubular casing enabling pressing upon a stay through the slit when held open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventors: Louise M. Shapiro, Brian S. Gunn
  • Patent number: 4972864
    Abstract: A cylindrical tube opened at one end and closed at the other is placed over a roughened upper of a stake such as a tent or canopy anchoring stake to prevent injury to passers by who move into contact with the roughened stake edge. The device is preferably made of a molded plastic, and brightly colored to provide a visual warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Milton D. Almond
  • Patent number: 4962620
    Abstract: A guy marker assembly consists of a mounting fixture for securement to the guy cable, and a marker sleeve which is rotatably mounted thereupon in an axially fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Florida Wire and Cable Company
    Inventor: Henry Mastalski
  • Patent number: 4638611
    Abstract: A guard assembly for a guy-wire connected to a ground anchor rod. The assembly includes at least one elongate generally tubular body of weather-and-impact-resistant, generally rigid plastic, having a 180.degree. arcuate portion and at each end thereof a straight extension portion, the extension portions being generally parallel to each other. Preferably, two such bodies are assembled together with the extension portions of one body touching and overlapping those of the other. The overlapping extension portions are diametrically opposite each other, and the two arcuate portions are diametrically opposite each other. This assembly encloses the guy-wire and/or its ground anchor rod, preferably from about ground level to a height well thereabove. Bolts extend diametrically across this assembly to hold it together, preferably from one pair of overlapping portions to the other or across the centers of the arcs. Each bolt preferably has a vandal-resistant nut threaded on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Charles R. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 4462141
    Abstract: A flexible locking clamp (10) particularly designed for use with a tubular guard (50) for a linear body (58) such as a guy wire, cable, conductor, or the like. The locking clamp includes a relatively rigid body portion from which integrally extends a flexible, serrated strap (20). A substantially rigid, arcuate portion (26) connects the strap to the body and is designed to bias the strap at an angle away from the plane of the body. The body also includes means (28) for receiving the free end of the strap after it encircles the desired linear body. The guard wall is provided with aperture means for mounting the clamp, for example, along one edge of a slit that extends longitudinally in the guard. The biased strap provides automatic centering of the linear body in the clamp and guard and permits easy termination of the clamp despite the relative inaccessibility to the interior of the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Virginia Plastics Company
    Inventor: Charles E. Bogese
  • Patent number: 4453353
    Abstract: A guy wire protector comprises an elongated tube having a pair of registering free edges to receive a guy wire. A generally tubular clip is integral with and extends from the tube interior wall snugly receives and retainingly engages the guy wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Robin Products Company
    Inventors: Bradley V. Killop, Robert R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4435931
    Abstract: A guy wire protector device is provided including a pair of semi-conical shaped body members each having a side surface of mating contour, a channel formed in at least one of the side surfaces and extending the length thereof for accommodating a length of guy wire positioned therein, the channel having a contour to grippingly engage the guy wire and prevent relative movement therebetween, and means to attach the body members and to hold them together with the guy wire extending along the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventor: James A. Newbanks
  • Patent number: 4407600
    Abstract: A boot cover for turnbuckles and the like has an upper cap portion that fits around a stay, and fits snugly over an elongated central portion that covers the entire turnbuckle. Both the upper cap portion and the elongated central portion are made of resilient material and are slotted, or openable, and may be stretched apart to permit both portions to be fitted around the stay and turnbuckle assembly to cover the assembly to reduce abrasion of the sails or any cordage that must pass by the turnbuckle area. The lower portion of the turnbuckle and chain plate may also be covered by a lower cap portion that also fits snugly over the elongated central portion, and is also slotted to fit over the lower portion of the turnbuckle and chain plate without removing them or disconnecting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4246937
    Abstract: A cable structure comprising a cable provided with a cable sheath in the form of a flexible corrugated or undulated tube. Between the cable and the sheath there are arranged guide bodies at predetermined locations. The guide bodies are fixed at the inside of the sheath and are provided with domed or arched guide surfaces at the side of the cable, in order to guide the cable both in a straight and bent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Bureau BBR Ltd.
    Inventor: Hans R. Muller
  • Patent number: 4231208
    Abstract: There is provided an improved guy guard for a guy wire of a utility pole and the like and formed of an elongated tubular plastic guard member having a longitudinally frangible web and differentially stressed to bias the guard member to curl around itself when the web is fractured. The guard member is installed on a guy wire by progressively forcing the guy wire through the frangible web thereby releasing the wrapping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventor: J. Hebden Willox
  • Patent number: 4223491
    Abstract: A guard for protective use over a guy wire of a utility pole or the like is provided as a long tubular body of weather and impact resistant plastic material formed with oppositely disposed longitudinal edge portions that protrude and converge laterally along a slit through which a guy wire can enter the body. The body is secured on the wire by bolts which pass transversely through holes in the body between the wire and the slit and hold the edge portions pressed together. The guard will cushion impacts, and it is difficult to vandalize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventor: Wilbur C. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 4135336
    Abstract: A plastic guy wire guard which is comprised of a pair of substantially cylindrical tubular portions which are integrally joined to one another by a rapidly tapering neck portion. The design achieves substantial material savings and features a universal single sized guard for installation over any of a plurality of differently sized guy wires and associated anchor assemblies. The plastic guard may be manufactured in a continuous process which features imparting a memory characteristic to the smaller diameter portion of the guard. Upon installation, the larger diameter portion is caused to contract as a means for securing the guard to the anchor. Contraction may be caused by application of heat, either via the sun or a portable source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Virginia Plastics Company
    Inventor: Stephen B. Bogese, II
  • Patent number: 3999340
    Abstract: An insulating protective cover sleeve assembly for a guy wire consisting of a longitudinally slit sleeve of insulating material having an enlarged bottom end portion. In the lower end portion of the sleeve is secured a clamp, likewise of insulating material. The clamp consists of two opposing jaws integrally connected by a flexible band. The jaws are formed with two sets of different-sized opposing arcuate recesses to receive different sizes of guy wires therebetween. One of the jaws has a counterbore hole to receive a clamping screw which is threadedly engageable in the other jaw to tighten the clamp. The wall of the enlarged sleeve portion has a hole registering with the counterbored hole so that a screwdriver or Allen wrench may be drivingly engaged with the clamping screw. A channel-shaped clip engages over the top corner portions of the sleeve segments adjacent the top of the sleeve slit and is secured to one segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1976
    Assignee: Virginia Plastics Company
    Inventors: Stephen B. Bogese, Charles E. Bogese, Stephen B. Bogese, II
  • Patent number: D280500
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventors: Leonard J. Brooks, Jr., Richard C. Sawyer, Jr.