Patents Examined by Alvin C. Chin-Shue
  • Patent number: 10808458
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ladder safety device for use with step ladders. The ladder safety device has an upper portion for projecting over the top case of a step ladder, a middle bend, and a lower section provided with (1) a securing clip to secure the ladder safety device to the top case, (2) a solid section blocking use of the top step, and (3) an at least one additional securing and tamper-detection device to secure the ladder safety device to the ladder while discouraging tampering by providing evidence of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Dale C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 10808460
    Abstract: A collapsible ladder (10) is disclosed having rungs secured to telescopically collapsible stile sections and at least one stabiliser bar secured to the foot of the ladder, the (or each) stabiliser bar (12a, 12b) being displaceable between a storage position in which the bar lies, at least predominantly, between the two stiles and a deployed position in which the bar widens the footprint of the ladder to improve the lateral stability of the ladder. A rod (20) is connected to extend downwardly from the uppermost stile section of the ladder and a catch mechanism (30) is provided at the foot of the ladder to engage the lower end of the rod to prevent the ladder from being extended. The catch mechanism (30) is operable by the (or a) stabiliser bar to release the rod and permit the ladder to be extended only when the stabiliser bar is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: TELETOWER.COM LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Weston
  • Patent number: 10800529
    Abstract: A passenger supply unit for an aircraft cabin, including an input device for detecting a control command from a passenger, and for outputting a control signal to a further device for controlling the further device according to the control command. A passenger supply unit can be controlled by a passenger independent of its height above the passenger seat. The unit can be independent from an in-flight entertainment system. The input device includes a contact free sensor to detect the control command without being contacted by a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Klose, Wolfgang Fischer, Matthias Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10799732
    Abstract: The roping harness comprises a pair of leg loops and a suspension point. The suspension point comprises: distinct first and second rings, a connecting part fixed continuously to the two distinct rings, the connecting part mechanically connecting the two distinct rings with the pair of leg loops, a closed metal connector provided with a rod. The two rings are separated from one another by a first distance in a first direction and define an empty space between a first lateral surface of the first ring and a second lateral surface of the second ring. The two rings are arranged so as to allow fitting of the rod of the connector in the two rings. The rod presents a longitudinal axis coinciding with the first direction. The rod is fitted movable in rotation in the two rings and the connector is mounted movable in rotation around the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: ZEDEL
    Inventors: Benoît Bouquier, Simon Emonin
  • Patent number: 10801219
    Abstract: A work scaffold having a platform and leg assemblies rotatably attached to each end of the platform. The platform may have a handle connected to free end that extends out the sides of the platform, which engage with links attached to the leg assemblies and the platform to lock the scaffold in an open or closed position. The platform may have hooks that extend out beyond the ends of the platform from under the platform so a second work scaffold can be situated on the hooks. The platform may be formed of boards with holes that receive cross members. A method for using a work scaffold. A method for forming a work scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 10792523
    Abstract: A centrifugal brake assembly comprises a pawl and a rotor. The rotor includes a receiving portion configured and arranged to receive a portion of the pawl. The pawl is movable relative to the rotor between an engaged position and a disengaged position. One of the pawl and the rotor has a curved slotted portion, and another of the pawl and the rotor has an elongated curved protrusion. The elongated curved protrusion at least partially extends within the curved slotted portion and moves generally along the curved slotted portion when the pawl moves between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 10794108
    Abstract: A bi-fold door pin brace braces the exposed shafts of bi-fold door pins against the force exerted on the pin assemblies by door movement out of alignment with the track. The bi-fold door pin brace has a header mounting plate generally defines a generally planar surface and is configured to mount into a door header, ceiling, or the like. A coupling plate extends from the header mounting plate in a plane angularly offset therefrom. A bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate defines a third generally planar surface that extends from the coupling plate in a plane generally parallel to the header mounting plate. The bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate is configured to engage with and provide support to a bi-fold pin shaft, and can be used in conjunction with or as part of an assembly with a bi-fold door stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Robert J. Dodds
  • Patent number: 10780831
    Abstract: A catwalk includes a mounting frame or other connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment, a floor, and at least one railing/railing-portion; an actuator system to move the catwalk enclosure between retracted and deployed positions; and a guide arm for guiding/controlling pivoting of the at least one railing/railing-portion relative to the floor. The actuator system and guide arm are preferably substantially or entirely outside of the catwalk walkway space, for easy movement along the walkway, easy access to the walkway at one or both ends, and obstacle/barrier-free passage from one catwalk to another on the same vehicle/equipment. The actuator system prevents the catwalk from collapsing/retracting when a person is on the catwalk, for example, by the lift capacity of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder being controlled/tuned so that the cylinder does not have the capacity/capability to lift and retract the catwalk when the catwalk is occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventors: Fred S. Oliver, Michael R. Bruett, Chase C. Oliver, Lee M. Ward
  • Patent number: 10780830
    Abstract: A catwalk includes a mounting frame or other connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment, a floor, and at least one railing; an actuator system for moving the catwalk enclosure between retracted and deployed positions; and a guide arm for guiding/controlling pivoting of the railing relative to the floor. The actuator system and guide arm are preferably substantially or entirely outside of the catwalk walkway space where a user walks or stands, thereby providing easy access to the walkway at one or both ends and obstacle- and barrier-free passage from one catwalk to another on the same vehicle/equipment. The actuator system prevents the catwalk from collapsing/retracting when a person is on the catwalk, for example, by the lift capacity of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder being controlled/tuned so that the cylinder does not have the capacity/capability to lift and retract the catwalk when the catwalk is occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventors: Fred S. Oliver, Michael R. Bruett, Chase C. Oliver, Lee M. Ward
  • Patent number: 10781636
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a ladder top for a stepladder. The top comprises a plane having a front and a rear. The plane has a bin with a curved front side adjacent the front of the plane for holding small electrical parts. The plane has at least one screwdriver hole for holding the screwdriver. The plane has a hammer/drill holster slot. The plane has a pliers slot. The plane has a wire strippers slot and a channel locks slots. A method for using a ladder top for a stepladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Kyle G. Astor, Marc V. Marini
  • Patent number: 10767685
    Abstract: A hanger (100) for a hanging item (1400) is provided. The hanger can define an aperture (102). The aperture can include a split rotated concave cardioid upper contour (104). The split rotated concave cardioid upper contour can include a first portion (105) and a second portion (106). The first portion and the second portion can be separated by an inverted convex cardioid (109). The inverted convex cardioid can be suspended into the aperture by two concave sidewalls (112,113). The aperture can include an intersecting concave lower contour (114) comprising a cusp (117).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Bauer, Brad Mills, David Noskowicz
  • Patent number: 10760337
    Abstract: A leveler for a ladder having side rails and a rung comprises a metal housing fixed to one of the side rails. The housing has an opening. The leveler comprises a metal leg with slides in the housing and is adjustable in the housing. The leg has a top end and a bottom end. The leg has two rows of holes which are set side by side and extend through the leg. The leveler comprises a holder for holding a leg to the housing. The holder extending through the opening and one of the holes to hold a leg in place. The leveler comprises a cap disposed on the top end which acts as a stop for the leg when the cap contacts the housing. A method for setting a ladder in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Dangrow, James J. Grebinoski, David A. Winslow
  • Patent number: 10745968
    Abstract: A caster assembly for use with varies structures, including ladders and elevated platforms is provided. In one embodiment, the caster assembly includes a first wheel coupled with a first bracket and configured to rotate about a first axis relative to the first bracket. A shaft is coupled to the first bracket as well as to a second bracket. The first bracket is rotatable relative to the second bracket about a second axis, which may be coincident with, or parallel to, an axis of the shaft. A third bracket is coupled with the shaft and is rotatable about the second axis, the third bracket being selectively locked in at least two positions relative to the second bracket. A second wheel is coupled with the third bracket, the second wheel being rotatable relative to the third bracket about a third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: WING ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Aaron B. Major
  • Patent number: 10736313
    Abstract: A hunting blind coupled to a tree or on the ground for supporting a user at a tree is disclosed. The hunting blind comprises a front base bar, a first side bar, a second side bar, and a rear base bar forming a support base for the hunting blind. The hunting blind comprises upstanding bars coupled to the rear base bar. The hunting blind comprises a top bar coupled the upstanding bars. The hunting blind comprises a first rail bar and a second rail bar, the first rail bar is coupled to the top bar and the first side bar, and the second rail bar is coupled to the top bar and the second rail bar. The hunting blind comprises a frame provided in a L-shape, coupled to the rear base bar, a short end of the frame is provided towards the front base bar. The hunting blind comprises a plurality of straps to couple the frame, the top bar and the rear base bar to the tree. The hunting blind comprises a cover sheet spread on top of the hunting blind to conceal a user inside the hunting blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Patrick Sandel
  • Patent number: 10737919
    Abstract: A device, system and method are used for hoisting and lowering a load. The device has a front plate that may be displaced to reveal a sheave. The device also has a friction accessory. The friction accessory is arranged to create friction between a rope and the device when a load is suspended from the device using the rope and where the device is secured to a support structure. The system may be prepared by an operator, having ascended to an elevated location, and further allows the operator to lower the load from the elevated location prior to descending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Grid Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Groves
  • Patent number: 10738531
    Abstract: A ladder is provided having a base section and a fly section slidably coupled with the base section. The base section includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a first plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The fly section includes a second pair of spaced apart rails and a second plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the second pair of spaced apart rails. The various rungs may be coupled with their associated rails in an offset relationship such that they are not centered along a longitudinal center axis line of the rails. A rung lock device may be used which includes an arm pivotally coupled with the base section and configured to selectively engage various rungs of the second plurality of rungs to maintain the fly section in a desired position relative to the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: WING ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jay Ballard, Christian Smith, Gary Jonas, Sean Peterson, Brian Russell
  • Patent number: 10738534
    Abstract: It is disclosed a nivellation device making it possible to place ladders horizontally on sloping ground. Such a device comprises a foundation (1) onto which there is secured/placed an elevated area (2), said elevated area (2) functioning as a fulcrum/see-sawing point for a plate (3) onto which plate (3) there may be placed or secured a ladder (I), and said plate 3 being equipped with securing devices (4) that may stay the position of the plate (3) in relation to the foundation (1). Additionally it is disclosed a tightening device for a wire that may be used for securing the nivellation device in a correct horizontal orientation and a device for ensuring that the ladder is not displaced in relation to a house wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Inventu AS
    Inventor: Bendik Bø
  • Patent number: 10731362
    Abstract: A modified scaffold component for use in modular scaffold systems allows securement to vertical uprights in a conventional manner and allows a work surface to pass over supporting uprights (if desired) to form a continuous work surface where securement of the modified scaffold component is below and does not interrupt the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Atlantic Pacific Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Rogers
  • Patent number: 10722738
    Abstract: An improved safety system in accordance with the disclosed and claimed concept connects directly with the rail and advantageously provides both a fall resistance apparatus as well as a fall protection apparatus. The fall resistance apparatus provides a support that is movably situated on the rail and that can be manually grasped by the worker during the maintenance operation and which provides physical support in all directions to the worker. The fall resistance apparatus thus resists the likelihood that a fall will occur. In the unlikely event of a fall, the fall protection apparatus connects the worker directly to the rail and supports the worker from the rail at a location spaced above the floor, thus protecting the worker from injury in the event of a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Heinen
  • Patent number: 10723607
    Abstract: An electric personnel lift device that includes a base assembly having two columns that are laterally spaced apart. Each of the two columns has a lift cylinder device mounted in the respective column and extending upward. The electric personnel lift device further includes a height adjustable platform assembly having an operator platform and two laterally spaced apart handrail assemblies connected to the operator platform. The height adjustable platform assembly is connected to an upper end of a movable portion of each lift cylinder device and is slidably coupled to the columns, wherein the height adjustable platform assembly is movable between at least a lowered position and a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: BIG LIFT, LLC
    Inventors: Wu Wenjing, Weng Lijian, Wang Zheng, William John Pedriana