Patents Examined by Alvin C. Chin-Shue
  • Patent number: 11311757
    Abstract: A post system for use in fall protection includes a connector to connect to a structure and a support in operative connection with a lifeline to maintain the lifeline at a first height above the structure. When a first threshold force is experienced on the lifeline, the support is operable to lower the lifeline to a second height which is lower than the first height. The ratio of a change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to a change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline (or the ?L/?H ratio) is less than 1. The ratio of the change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to the change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline may also be less than 0.5 or less than 0.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Montgomery, Justin Shane Patton, Preston L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11311755
    Abstract: The roping harness comprises a belt and leg loops. The belt is formed by a first strip and a second strip separated so as to define a housing cavity housing at least one foam comfort pad. The first strip is an inner strip designed to come into contact with the user's back whereas the second strip is an outer strip of the belt. The first strip and second strip are fixed to one another by at least one resistance strap mechanically fixed to a suspension point. The housing cavity comprises at least one opening so that the foam comfort pad is removable from the housing cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ZEDEL
    Inventor: Loïc Blondeau
  • Patent number: 11311779
    Abstract: A climbing apparatus includes a mast having a plurality of mast segments operable to vertically stack one after another. Each segment includes a stand-off to abut against a climbing object and form a space for receiving a strap to secure the mast to the climbing object. The apparatus includes a platform assembly having a (i) a platform, (ii) a seat spaced apart from the platform, and (iii) a frame connecting the seat to the platform. An upper trolley is provided for independent mobility up and down along the mast. The upper trolley includes a first brake connected to a handle operable to actuate movement of the trolley. A lower trolley is provided and is operable for independent mobility up and down along the mast relative to the upper trolley. The lower trolley includes a second brake and is connected to the frame of the platform assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Take It, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Russell Hines, Gabriel Andrew Kuschel
  • Patent number: 11299934
    Abstract: A step stool includes an expandable tray assembly. The expandable tray assembly has a fixed tray panel and a movable tray panel coupled to the fixed tray unit for movement relative to the fixed tray unit. The movable tray panel is illustratively movable between a collapsed position, arranged above the fixed tray panel, and an expanded position, arranged adjacent to the fixed tray panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Dorel Home Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan A. Brown, Kyle J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 11298572
    Abstract: A safety monitoring harness system for the protection of a climber comprising: said safety monitoring harness system comprising a base, a one or more tether assemblies, a retraction assembly, an alarm system, a strap length sensor assembly, and a power system. Said one or more tether assemblies comprising at least a first tether assembly and a second tether assembly. Said one or more tether assemblies each comprising a strap, and an anchoring hook. Said safety monitoring harness system is configured to selectively attach to said climber by: attaching a harness assembly to said climber, and securing said base to said harness assembly. A portion of said retraction assembly is enclosed within said base. Said retraction assembly are configured to selectively retract and release portions of said strap from within said base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventors: James David Dillon, Emily Anne Brown, Anthony Kornegay, Adam Laubach, Trevor Lubianski, Reynaldo Martinez, Richard Hayden Meeks, Jarrett Pawelek
  • Patent number: 11299282
    Abstract: An orientation valve, in accordance with various embodiments, is disclosed herein. The orientation valve may comprise a first coupling portion, an insert portion, a second coupling portion, an internal cavity, and a piston. The insert portion may have a first inlet aperture and a second inlet aperture. The second coupling portion may be disposed between the first coupling portion and the insert portion. The internal cavity may be coupled to the first inlet aperture and the second inlet aperture. The piston may be disposed within the internal cavity. The orientation valve may be configured to block fluid flow from a compressed fluid source when an evacuation system is in a stored position. The orientation valve may be configured to fluidly couple the compressed fluid source and the evacuation device when the evacuation system is in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Haynes, Drew Hartman
  • Patent number: 11293226
    Abstract: A system is provided for safe access to a roof through an opening in a roof of a structure having a fixed ladder leading upward to the opening. The system includes a mechanism to drive a set of pushrods to raise a hatch covering the opening. The system may include a section of ladder secured to the underside of the hatch. The system may have an extendable ladder driven by the drive mechanism to slide along the fixed ladder and extend through the opening in the roof when the hatch is raised. The system may include a safety pole driven by the drive mechanism to extend through the opening in the roof when the hatch is raised. The system allows someone who needs to access the roof for inspection or maintenance to safely open the hatch, climb up through the opening in the roof, and safely step onto the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph O. Rogers, III
  • Patent number: 11286716
    Abstract: An extension ladder including a base section having two side rails with rungs spanning horizontally between them. The extension ladder including an intermediate fly section having two side rails with rungs spanning horizontally between them. The intermediate fly section slidably attached to the base section. The extension ladder including a top fly section having two side rails with rungs spanning horizontally between them, the top fly section sliding attached to the intermediate fly section with the intermediate fly section disposed between the base and the top fly section. The extension ladder including a handle having a first strap portion attached to the base section having a first buckle portion, and a second strap portion attached to the top fly section having a second buckle portion that engages with the first buckle portion when the base section, intermediate fly section and top fly section are in a folded state. A method of moving an extension ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Preston L. Gealy, Kevin L. McIntire, Robert D. Beggs
  • Patent number: 11286143
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety system for at least one person positioned on a platform of a lifting equipment, including a lanyard attaching the person to the platform. The length of the lanyard is variable, and the safety system includes: a sensor for measuring the distance between one end of the lanyard attached to the person and one end of the lanyard attached to the platform, and a unit for processing the measurement from the sensor, suitable for transmitting information and/or warning signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: HAULOTTE GROUP
    Inventors: Laurent Lepoutre, Denis Pivot
  • Patent number: 11286678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temporary support structure and scaffolding system and components, and more particularly scaffolding beams and beam connectors, that are ultra-light weight, durable and exhibit high strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Sur-Loe Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Cerasi, Andrew Sneeringer
  • Patent number: 11268288
    Abstract: A horizontal scaffold member having a primary end connector and a secondary end connector. Each end connector is configured to couple to a cup or rosette on a vertical scaffold member. Each end connector includes a wedge assembly having a handle and a wedge, movable with respect to the connector to a latched and unlatched position. The primary wedge assembly has a primary and tertiary handles, with the tertiary handles connected to the secondary wedge assembly by a cable, and configured so that moving the primary and tertiary handles simultaneously to an unlatched position also moves the secondary wedge assembly to an unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: DELTAK MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Johnny Curtis
  • Patent number: 11260250
    Abstract: In an aspect, a crash bag is provided, which includes an impact structure and an outlet valve. The impact structure has a first bag wall partially defining a first bag air chamber having an inlet for receiving pressurized air, and having a first operating pressure, and a second bag wall partially defining the first bag air chamber and partially defining a second bag air chamber having an inlet for receiving pressurized air and that has a second bag air chamber operating pressure. The outlet valve discharges air from the second bag air chamber upon an impact on the impact structure. The second bag air chamber includes fluidically connected projections that are adjacent one another. The first bag wall is positioned atop the projections and extends across the projections such that the operating pressure in the first bag air chamber is applied to all the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Jason Gary Millar
  • Patent number: 11260252
    Abstract: A fall protection device comprises an energy harvester to generate electrical power in response to movement of an elongate member and a circuit powered by the generated electrical power; an impact indicator connected to an elongate member, a controller connected to the elongate member and/or the impact indicator to generate a message in response to impact, and a transmitter connected to the controller to transmit the message; and/or a sensor connected to an elongate member and a controller connected to the sensor to generate a message in response to movement of the elongate member. The fall protection device could include a generator to generate electrical power, an energy storage capacitor to store the generated electrical power, a controller powered by the energy storage capacitor to generate a message in response to action, and a wireless transmitter powered by the energy storage capacitor to transmit the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Blackford, Jia Hu, Jay A. Esch, Ronald D. Jesme, Orlin B. Knudson, Jonathan E. Reneberg, Jared C. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 11261664
    Abstract: A system includes a clamp that includes a first arm, a second arm, and a threaded rod coupled to the first arm and the second arm. The threaded rod is configured to be substantially vertical when the clamp is clamped to the static structure. The clamp is configured to, while the user on a ground surface and in response to the nut being rotated about the threaded rod, a first jaw is urged towards a second jaw such that the static structure is clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw. The system further includes a first bracket configured to be releasably affixed to an upper portion of a first side rail of a base station of an extension ladder, and a second bracket that is configured to be releasably affixed to a lower portion of the first side rail of the base station of the extension ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Ron Harris, Brad Bodenman
  • Patent number: 11255095
    Abstract: A scaffold ledger providing a raised support surface of the elongate structural member with the opposed ledger heads being downwardly and outwardly offset. Each ledger head includes cover flaps that extend the raised support surface above the ledger heads in a cover position. The scaffold ledger cooperates with scaffold posts and scaffold planks to allow for a continuous work platform above an intermediate scaffold support post and/or across supporting ledgers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: AT-PAC CHINA BUSINESS TRUST
    Inventor: Peter Rogers
  • Patent number: 11247885
    Abstract: A lift device includes a lift apparatus and a base assembly. The lift apparatus is configured to raise and lower an implement assembly. The base assembly is configured to support the lift apparatus. The base assembly includes a deployable operator station transitionable between a deployed position and a stowed position. In the deployed position, the deployable operator station is configured to provide a seating and control arrangement for an operator. In the stowed position, the deployable operator station is substantially sealed from an external environment to limit access to the deployable operator station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Wenton S. Miller, Matthew Gilbride, Shane Mastronardi, Eko Prasetiawan, Ignacy Puszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 11247886
    Abstract: A personnel basket that provides a partially enclosed work platform that may be readily attached or detached from the end of a crane boom and may be maintained level with the ground when suspended from a crane boom above ground and that is also capable of being collapsed from a work ready position into a stowed position of substantially smaller spatial volume when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Raymond Fritel, John Gibel, Chase Sobala
  • Patent number: 11248381
    Abstract: A rigging system comprising a plurality of members including: a first hexagonal support piece comprising six side members, a plurality of rod holes, a plurality of side holes, and a plurality of set screw holes, a first rod piece that has a diameter of size configured to fit closely within to the diameter of the rod holes, a first set screw that has a diameter of size configured to fit closely within the diameter of the set screw hole, a first connection bolt that that has a diameter of size configured to fit closely within the diameter of the side hole and the plurality of members having a plurality of configurations providing structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: FURIOUS PEOPLE
    Inventor: Hoyte van Hoytema
  • Patent number: 11234433
    Abstract: A tree stand is disclosed for use in supporting an occupant in an elevated position in a tree. The tree stand includes: a ladder assembly; a support structure secured to the ladder assembly; a jaw assembly; a strap assembly; and an anchor that is securable to the tree. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaws, and is pivotally secured to the support structure such that the jaws are inwardly movable to close the jaw assembly. The strap assembly includes a first strap that extends from the support structure into contact with the first jaw, and a second strap that extends from the support structure into contact with the second jaw. The strap assembly is connectable to the anchor such that the straps are arranged in overlapping, crosswise relation behind the tree, whereby a tensioning force applied to the strap assembly forces the jaws inwardly towards the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Ronald Berkbuegler
  • Patent number: 11236548
    Abstract: A ladder assembly having an integrated shoulder rest for facilitating moving of the ladder includes a stepladder that comprises a pair of front rails and a pair of rear rails. Each of a plurality of first cutouts extends arcuately into an inside face of a respective front rail. Each of a plurality of second cutouts extends arcuately into an inner face of a respective rear rail so that the second cutout is aligned with an associated first cutout when the front rails and the rear rails are in a collapsed configuration. The second cutout and the associated first cutout are configured to insert a shoulder of a user, positioning the user to carry the stepladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: John Morena