Patents Examined by A. Chin-Shue
  • Patent number: 10328294
    Abstract: A load indicator for use with a fall protection apparatus having a line and a connector for connecting to a user includes a housing having a pass-through opening and a covered indicator region. At least a portion of the housing is configured for connecting to the line. The load indicator also includes a shear pin supported by the housing and extending across the pass-through opening, and a saddle extending across at least a portion of the pass-through opening and supported by at least a portion of the shear pin. The saddle is configured for connecting to at least a portion of the connector. The saddle is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold value is applied on the saddle causing the shear pin to shear or break. At least a portion of the indicator region is uncovered in the second position of the saddle when the shear pin shears or breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Hetrich, Mark Hall, Jeffrey Wu, David Bao, James Zhan, Jim Zhan
  • Patent number: 10323422
    Abstract: A hand railing system for attaching a scaffolding hand rail to a scaffolding pick includes a platform that is removably coupled between a pair of scaffolds. Thus, the platform may support a user thereby facilitating the user to walk between the pair of scaffolds. A plurality of mounts is provided and each of the mounts removably engages the platform. Each of the mounts is oriented to extend upwardly from the platform. Additionally, each of the mounts receives a pole of a handrail thereby facilitating the handrail to extend along an entire length of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Victor Eddy
  • Patent number: 10322306
    Abstract: A rotational energy absorber typically for use in a fall arrest system has a coiler, a length of plastically deformable strip and a deformer structure. The plastically deformable strip has a first end attached to the coiler and a second free end and extends past the deformer structure at a position between the first and second ends. Relative rotation of the coiler member and deformer structure causes the strip to be drawn past the deformer structure, plastically deforming the strip and winding the strip coil form about the coiler member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Latchways PLC
    Inventors: Karl Jones, Owain Jones
  • Patent number: 10322305
    Abstract: A retracting lifeline system, includes: a housing, a first connector attached to the housing, a lifeline, and a hub to which the lifeline is attached at a first end of the lifeline and around which the lifeline is coiled within the housing. The housing includes an opening through which the lifeline exits the housing. The hub is tensioned to rotate in a first direction to cause retracting of the lifeline and coiling of the lifeline around the hub. The retracting lifeline system further includes a second connector attached to a second end of the lifeline. At least a section of the lifeline has an initial ultimate tensile load of at least 8000 pounds and is abrasion resistant (that is, satisfying the abrasion test requirement set forth in the ANSI/ASSE Z359.13 2009 standard) such that the section of the lifeline is available for tie-back anchoring using the second connector. The section of the lifeline is at least partially retractable within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ross Balquist, Eric M. Manson, Steve J. Sharp, Hugh Smith
  • Patent number: 10322920
    Abstract: A scissor boom system including a scissor boom assembly having a telescopic boom section including a base-boom, a middle-boom, and a top-boom, a scissor links assembly, a chassis, and a power hoist. The chassis supports the power hoist, the power moves the telescopic boom section and the scissor links assembly between raised and lowered conditions when manipulated. The scissor boom assembly provides a stable work platform for workers. The telescopic boom section provides for horizontal-movement of a work platform, and the scissor links assembly is thus able to provide vertical-movement of the work platform, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: DongFeng Shi
  • Patent number: 10315902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of engineering mechanics and more particularly, relates to an engineering work vehicle, and most particularly, relates to a vehicle with a low gravity center and aerial work platform. The vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a power system, a fuel tank, and a hydraulic tank all of which are mounted at a side of the frame. Correspondingly, the embodiment of the invention also provides an aerial work platform which provides better off-road performance and grade-ability, can work in complicated environment, and owns a longer horizontal reach and larger working range. Moreover, maintenance and repair cost is decreased, lifetime is extended, integrity is higher and appearance looks better.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Zhejiang Dingli Machinery Co., LTD
    Inventor: Shugen Xu
  • Patent number: 10315056
    Abstract: A belay device may include a front plate with a first lobe and a back plate with a second lobe. The belay device may be engageable and disengageable such that the first lobe is separated from the second lobe at a first distance and a second distance, respectively. The belay device may maintain ability to operate when the belay device is disengaged. The belay device may include a handle and cam pin that cooperate to create a mechanical advantage for controlling separation distance between the first and second lobe. The handle may prevent rotation in a first direction via a lockout protrusion. The handle may prevent rotation in a second direction via a handle stop and/or a retaining rib. The belay device may include an ergonomic feature to accommodate a user's hand placement and/or shroud rotation of the front plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Great Trango Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Klinke, Seth GaleWyrick, Adam Sanders, Andrew Weiman
  • Patent number: 10307624
    Abstract: A trolley for use with a fall arrest system, the trolley providing active control of both downward movement of a body attached to a rope or cable and horizontal position along a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Strohman
  • Patent number: 10309120
    Abstract: An elevated platform assembly suitable for mounting over the cargo area of a vehicle such as a pickup truck is disclosed. The platform assembly is modular for easy storage and can be conveniently transported to a scene wherever an elevated vantage point is desired, such as for viewing of outdoor musical concert, watching a game, or just camping out and observing nature. Embodiments of the invention disclosed include a normal platform, a wide platform for larger cargo areas where the platform is assembled with floor sections clamped together and supported with floor-pillars for extra support, or a long platform assembled with extendable platform floor modules fastened along the vehicle's axial or the length dimension. Also disclosed are the embodiments that include an awning assembly for providing shade to the occupants of the platform, and detachable handrails for the safety of platform occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Phares Azarael Noel, II
  • Patent number: 10294720
    Abstract: A ladder includes a pair of generally curved side rails arranged in a spaced apart manner, a plurality of fixed rungs disposed between the side rails, a plurality of pairs of rung supports, and a plurality of hinged rungs. Each of the pairs of rung supports is horizontally aligned with each other and disposed on respective inner sides of the side rails. The rung supports are spaced apart from the fixed rungs along lengths of the side rails. Each rung support includes a flanged end portion having an aperture therein. Each hinged rung is associated with a respective pair of rung supports. Each hinged rung has a first end pivotally coupled to the flanged end portion of a first rung support in the respective pair of rung supports such that each hinged rung is pivotal between a secured position between the rung supports and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David G. Nguyen, Florante M. Halili, Benjamin Bowen Lee, Jesse A. Webb, John F. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10294721
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ladder assembly configured for being supported on narrow surfaces. The ladder assembly may include a receiving structure that is configured to receive a narrow structure such as a tree or pole, for safely leaning the ladder assembly against the narrow structure. The assembly may include an arm that is operable between an open and closed position for securing the narrow structure in the receiving structure. The assembly may include an anchor to secure the ladder to a proximal surface that supports the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Hossein Jafarmadar
  • Patent number: 10271655
    Abstract: The step stool includes a front frame member, a back frame member, a first side frame member, a top panel having a top front panel and a top back panel, and a support panel member. The top front panel is hinged to the top back panel at a top side middle hinge on the midline of the top panel. The support panel member reinforces the midline of the top panel in the assembled configuration. The base end of the support panel member is aligned with the base ends of the front frame member and back frame member to support the weight on the step stool. The top front panel and the top back panel fold around the support panel in the storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Patrick Gwen
  • Patent number: 10260285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated folding safety handrail and outdoor escape stairs for high-rise buildings and an emergency escape device which are applied to high-rise buildings such as safety handrails for preventing falling from a movable passage exposed to apartment houses such as apartments or office buildings, and the outside and is applied as a substitute for safety handrails in high-rise buildings or outdoor ground clearance 3 m or more which is usually used as a safety handrail for falling prevention and so that an escaping person in the high-rise building escapes outside or safely escapes to a lower floor in case of emergency such as fire, terror, and disaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: FINE DNC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chong Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 10253565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to at least a foldable step mounted within a cabinet or cupboard of varying heights and having a minimal folded profile. The foldable step has a pair of cross members secured in a horizontal orientation to the cupboard. The cross members are coupled to a pair of cupboard support members. The cupboard support members are rotatably coupled to two offset members that rotate vertical support members to reach the floor. The vertical support members hold a plurality of steps using other support members. The entire linkage structure pivotally or slidably folds into a minimal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: TNICO Technology Division Inc.
    Inventor: Don Cornthwaite
  • Patent number: 10246939
    Abstract: An extension module is provided for attachment to a folding or rigid ladder to extend the effective working height of the ladder. A ladder that is designed for use with an extension module according to the invention defines the base module to which the extension module is attached. Cooperatively constructed interconnecting structures on the ladder and the extension module operate to secure the extension module to the ladder and to stabilize the combination of the ladder with the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Blue Moon Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Martin Neubauer, Scott Charles Silver
  • Patent number: 10233693
    Abstract: Ladders, ladder components, adjustment mechanisms and related methods are provided herein. In one embodiment, a ladder may include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting, for example, a leveler, a stabilizer, or any two relatively displaceable components of the ladder. The adjustment mechanism may include an actuating mechanism having a first structure and a second structure slidably disposed adjacent the first structure, the second structure having a plurality of engagement surfaces. A body is coupled with the first structure. At least two engagement pins are slidably displaceable relative to the body, wherein the plurality of engagement surfaces and the at least two engagement pins are arranged such that only a single engagement pin of the at least two engagement pins is in abutting engagement with an engagement surface of the plurality of engagement surfaces at one time. At least one biasing member is configured to bias the at least two engagement pins towards engagement with the engagement surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Gary Jonas, Brian Russell, Sean R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10233065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method to repair the interior of a vertical structure. The invention includes a telescopic ladder and a knockdown platform that can be deployed and assembled on-site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Randy Jackson
  • Patent number: 10214961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: WING ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Gary M. Jonas, Chad Grotegut, Sean R. Peterson, Brian B. Russell, Stephen E. Boynton, Ryan Crawford, Darius S. Penrod
  • Patent number: 10213631
    Abstract: A lineman safety harness adapter system for use in association with a harness, having: a first harness adapter having a first strap having a first top end and a first bottom end loop configured to receive a first locking element at a first bottom end, a second strap having a second top end and a second bottom end loop configured to receive a second locking element at a second bottom end, a third strap having a third top end and a third bottom end loop configured to receive a third locking element at a third bottom end; the first strap, the second strap, and the third strap meeting at the first top end, the second top end, and the third top end into a first top loop configured to receive a fourth locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Nelson O. McKay
  • Patent number: 10207128
    Abstract: A fall protection device, including: a housing; a hub rotatable with respect to the housing; a line wrapped around the hub and configured to pay out from and retract into the housing, an engagement mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the hub and further payout of the line; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the line paid out from the housing, the adjustment mechanism comprising: (i) at least one gear attached to the housing; (ii) a pivot having a track configured to interact with the at least one gear and pivot as the at least one gear rotates; and (iii) an arm configured to urge at least a portion of the engagement mechanism causing it to move into an engagement position, to thereby prevent further rotation of the hub and payout of the line from the fall protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Mitchell H. Hetrich