Patents Examined by Candace L. Bradford
  • Patent number: 11261665
    Abstract: A fall arrest system includes a ladder configured to provide access to an elevated structure and a fall arrest device configured to be secured to the elevated structure, the fall arrest device including an upper anchor, the upper anchor including a first end configured to be secured to the elevated structure and a second end distal from the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • 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: 11198026
    Abstract: A fall restraint system comprises a webbing and a restraint mechanism. The restraint mechanism comprises a first end and a second end. A cam is located at the first end. A plurality of washers is positioned in series from the second end with at least one of the washers located adjacent to the cam. The webbing is inserted into the restraint mechanism from the second end and wrapped in a serpentine path around the plurality of washers, around the cam, and out of the restraint mechanism through the first end such that the webbing is interposed between the cam and the washer located adjacent the cam. When the webbing is pulled through the restraint mechanism, the cam is rotated and presses the webbing against the washer located adjacent to the cam creating drag friction on the webbing and slowing the rate of movement of the webbing through the restraint mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Black Ash Outdoor Products, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne E. Bogardus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11191325
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for use with a wearable body harness has a first connector having a body with a first portion of a locking mechanism and a second connector having a body with a second portion of the locking mechanism. The first portion of the locking mechanism has a tab connected to the body of the first connector and a slot having a first portion extending through the body of the first connector and a second portion extending through the tab. The second portion of the locking mechanism has a tongue configured for being received through the first portion of the slot, and an intermediate connecting element having a first end connected to the body of the second connector and a second end connected to the tongue. The second end of the intermediate connecting element is offset from the body of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Mitchell H. Hetrich
  • Patent number: 11192764
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include pan assemblies for aerial work platforms, methods of attaching a pan assembly to an aerial work platform, and methods of fabricating a pan assembly for an aerial work platform. In an illustrative embodiment given by way of non-limiting example, a non-limiting, illustrative pan assembly for an aerial work platform includes a pan configured to be disposed about a lower portion of a basket of an aerial work platform. A plurality of attachment mechanisms are disposed about an exterior of the pan, the plurality of attachment mechanisms being configured to removably attach the pan to a lower portion of a basket of an aerial work platform. A tensioning system is disposed within an interior of the pan, the tensioning system being configured to cooperate with the plurality of attachment mechanisms to hold the pan onto a lower portion of a basket of an aerial work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MCF Distributing, LLC
    Inventor: Mark S. Mueller
  • Patent number: 11180222
    Abstract: Attachments for a collapsible marine ladder including a rung attachment for attaching to the ladder rungs. Each rung attachment includes an upper part having a first channel defined along a downward facing side of the upper part. The first channel receives an upward facing side of the rung. A downwardly angled section of the upper part extends below the rung when the upper part is attached to the rung. A pad is received on top of an upward facing side of the upper part and interfaces with a user's foot. A second channel on an upward facing side of a lower part receives a downward facing side of the rung such that the upper part attaches to the lower part. A rail attachment attaches to a rail of the ladder and receives a rail extension for extending the length of the rail. The rail extension has a handgrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Robin Sabow
  • Patent number: 11180956
    Abstract: A ladder docking device including a ladder securement device and a pair of handrails is provided. The ladder securement device secures a ladder in an assigned location so that using the ladder while carrying tools and equipment up the ladder becomes safer and more secure. Specifically, the ladder securement device captures one of the ladder rungs to help avoid the ladder bottom from slipping on unstable or slippery surfaces and from sliding off sideways. Handrails of the ladder docking device provide a safe transition when stepping off the ladder or stepping down from the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Robert G Gaines
  • Patent number: 11174678
    Abstract: Embodiments include a telescoping ladder with a plurality of columns and rungs. The ladder can have a plurality of locking assemblies for locking adjacent columns to a rung thereby restricting relative sliding motion between adjacent columns. The locking assembly can have a locking button positionable against the rung front surface and rotatable with respect thereto between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking assembly can have a locking pin positioned within the rung and slidable between an extended position and a retracted position along a locking pin axis generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. The locking assembly can have a connector pin extending in a direction parallel to the rotational axis, for connecting the locking button to the locking pin such that rotation of the locking button about the rotational axis slides the locking pin about the locking pin axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter
  • Patent number: 11136824
    Abstract: A ladder safety device configured to be secured to the edge of roof to prevent a ladder leaned against it from sliding sideways or falling away from the roof edge. The ladder safety device comprises a generally flat, planar inner body portion comprising a first inner horizontal rail and vertical rails spaced from one another to define a plurality of large hand-grip openings between them. The ladder safety device further includes an outer body portion comprising a second horizontal rail spaced vertically from the first horizontal rail and connected thereto by outer portions of the vertical rails. Fastener holes formed along inner ends of the vertical rails can be used to secure the device to a roof, and projecting outer fingers define a ladder recess on an outer edge of the outer body portion. The ladder safety device is installed with the outer horizontal rail and portions of the vertical rails and the hand-grip openings spaced outwardly from the roof edge to provide a hand grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Harley D. James, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11130009
    Abstract: The present invention includes a safety apparatus and method for protecting users during maintenance operations for a rotorcraft comprising: at least one permanent, semi-permanent, or detachable safety bar, strap, fastener, hook, or loop that is attached or attachable to a rotorcraft, wherein the safety bar, strap, fastener, hook, or loop is positioned in an area or surface between a windshield of the rotorcraft and a tail boom of the rotorcraft and is connectable to a user safety device to provide fall protection from the area or surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Bob Thornton, Chyau Tzeng, Brian Mesing, Kevin Knott, Mark Wiinikka, Edith Richard, David Platz, Joshua Edler, Sarah Villanueva, Thomas Mast, Joseph Leachman, Daniel John Burns
  • Patent number: 11131103
    Abstract: An assembly upon which a user stands includes a platform. The assembly includes a first work stand and a second work stand. Each work stand has a front frame and a rear frame. The assembly includes a first plank adapter engaged with the first work stand. The first plank adapter has an attachment portion and a bar. The assembly includes a second plank adapter engaged with the second work stand. The platform rests on is supported by the first and second plank adapters. The present invention pertains to a work stand for holding a platform upon which a user stands. A plank adapter that is engaged with a front frame of a work stand to hold a platform. A method for a user to stand above ground. A method for forming a work stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Steve Woodward, Shannon Lessner, Thomas Parker
  • Patent number: 11131142
    Abstract: A ladder having a first rail having a bottom and a web, a first flange attached to a first end of the web and a second flange attached to a second end of the web. The ladder having a second rail. The ladder having rungs attached to the first rail and second rail upon which a user steps to climb the ladder. The ladder having a foot having a plastic body with a recess which receives the end of the first rail and is positioned about and conforms to the web and the first and second flanges of the first rail. The foot has a plastic base having a top side from which the body extends. The base has an edge positioned about the body with perforations, and a rubber tread disposed along a underside of the base and extending through the perforations and along the edge on the top side of the base to form an overmolded portion of the tread that attaches the tread to the base without any mechanical or other types of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Steve Dings
  • Patent number: 11125016
    Abstract: A ladder support attachment for spacing a ladder from a structure having a support member configured to mount to the structure and stabilizing the ladder; a spacing member integrally coupled to and extending outwardly from an upper edge of the support member; and a trough member integrally coupled to a distal edge of the spacing member and configured to receive a rung of the ladder. The trough member having a first planar member coupled to a distal edge of the spacing member at an acute angle relative to the support member, a second planar member coupled to a portion of a distal edge of the first planar member and extending transverse to the first planar member, and a third planar member being coupled to a distal edge of the second planar member and extending transverse to the first planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Formetco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Christopher Adams, Robert L. Franklin
  • Patent number: 11065482
    Abstract: A tip resistant system for use with a belay tether includes a user tether having a first length and configured to be connectable between a user and the belay tether. The user tether has a belay tether connector adjacent one end of the user tether, and a user connector adjacent an opposite end of the user tether. An auxiliary tether having a second length less than the first length of the user tether and configured to be connectable between the user and the user tether includes a user tether connector located adjacent a first end of the auxiliary tether, and an auxiliary user connector located adjacent a second end of the auxiliary tether opposite the user tether connector. The tip resistant system operates to maintain a user in a desired static attitude. A quick disconnect for use with a belay tether is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Cory Cooper, Darren Craig Tidwell, Garrett Fritzsche, Christopher Yooshin Jang, Brock M. Flieger, Alan James Vaillencourt, Jr., Miranda Leigh Bray, Shane Michael Riley, Nathanael J. Szuch, Philip T. Strunk
  • Patent number: 11066838
    Abstract: A mover system that moves a work platform relative to a target object. The mover system includes a drive vehicle configured to be attached to the work platform. Sensors are attached to the work platform that detect a distance between the sensors and the target object. Signals from the sensors are used to determine an alignment angle used for the operation of the drive vehicle to move the work platform into alignment and spacing relative to the work object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles M. Richards, James J. Troy, Stephen G. Moore, Kurt F. Webster
  • Patent number: 11058905
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment suspension trauma relief strap assembly for use with a full body harness includes a pair of straps connectable in two configurations. The first configuration is formed by engaging a hook of one strap with one of a plurality of closed loop arrangements of the other strap to form a sling upon which a person donning the full body harness may stand. The second configuration is formed by engaging the hook of the one strap with one of the plurality of closed loop arrangements of the one strap and engaging the hook of the other strap with one of the plurality of closed loop arrangements of the other strap to form two slings upon which a person donning the full body harness may stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Patent number: 11053699
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a climbing shoe for a climbing safety screen, comprising: a support member for engaging a climbing rail of the climbing safety screen; a fork member with a first flange and a second flange; an outer member pivotally connected to the first flange and second flange about a transverse axis; an inner member mounted to the outer member and pivotable about a longitudinal axis with respect to the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: DOKA GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Puchner, Stefan Daubner
  • Patent number: 11040228
    Abstract: A safety harness comprises at least one strap, at least one attachment member for connecting the safety harness and a system for closing and adjusting the strap provided with a stationary fastening buckle secured to a first strand of the strap and a movable fastening buckle secured in such a way as to be adjustable along a second strand of the strap. The movable fastening buckle can cooperate with the stationary fastening buckle in an interlocking configuration in which the strap is closed on itself so as to form a closed loop having a perimeter that can be adjusted by adjusting the position occupied by the movable fastening buckle along the second stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: BLUE ICE Europe
    Inventor: Juan-Manuel Ibarra
  • Patent number: 11020633
    Abstract: A personal climbing apparatus formed of a hanger having a blade extended from a shank and forming a gap therebetween; a foot-support platform that is oriented transversely to the shank of the hanger and coupled thereto and having a foot retainer; and a brace coupled between the foot-support platform and the shank of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Grant Jonathan Sanford
  • Patent number: 11015390
    Abstract: Control center for an aerial device, said aerial device comprising a main boom part mounted on a turret, the main boom part being inclinable around a horizontal axis in a first inclination movement, rotatable around a vertical axis in a rotation movement, and extendable and retractable in a first telescopic movement, wherein the control center comprises a first control device configured for controlling the first inclination movement and the rotation movement of the main boom part, and a second control device comprising at least a first control lever for controlling the first telescopic movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: IVECO MAGIRUS AG
    Inventors: Thomas Maier, Markus Schmid, Roland Mandel, Kristian Karlovic, Philipp Pomiersky, Jens Kraemer