Patents Examined by Colleen M Chavchavadze
  • Patent number: 12290064
    Abstract: A securement mechanism for a ladder tree stand includes jaws pivotably attachable to a platform. When open, a tree can pass between the jaws. A strap assembly attaches to the jaws. A tension can be applied to the strap assembly from the ground before climbing the tree to pivot the jaws to close around the tree. The strap assembly can be anchored to the tree so that the jaws are pulled closed against the tree. A respective end portion of the strap assembly can attach to each of the jaws between its pivot axis and free end. The strap assembly can include a pivot strap secured to the jaws and a tensioning strap connected to the tree and secured to the pivot strap to slide along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Inventor: Ronald Berkbuegler
  • Patent number: 12286331
    Abstract: A crane includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body that is turnably provided on the lower traveling body, a counterweight that is mounted on the upper turning body, and a ladder for getting on and off the upper turning body. The ladder has an engagement member that is able to be engaged with and disengaged from an engaged portion provided at the upper turning body, a support portion that supports the engagement member, and a following mechanism that is interposed between the engagement member and the support portion. When the engaged portion in a state of being engaged with the engagement member is moved downward with work of mounting the counterweight, the following mechanism causes the engagement member to follow downward movement of the engaged portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES CONSTRUCTION CRANES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shingo Tanimoto, Jacinda Ng
  • Patent number: 12280277
    Abstract: A fall protection system includes an elevation mechanism including a base end and an elevated end, and that is configured to permit a user to scale the elevation mechanism. The first channel is disposed at a first side of the elevation mechanism and extends between the base end and the elevated end, and is configured to anchor a first shuttle to the elevation mechanism and permit the first shuttle to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the elevation mechanism. The second channel is disposed at a second side of the elevation mechanism and extends between the base end and the elevated end, and is configured to anchor a second shuttle to the elevation mechanism and permit the second shuttle to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the elevation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: John Whitty, Alan Shamblin
  • Patent number: 12280991
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for providing high electrical resistance for an upper control assembly (including control handles) of an aerial lift are provided through an isolation member that is integral to the upper control assembly and interposed between fluid lines in the control assembly and a set of fluid conduits that extend from the control assembly towards other portions of the aerial lift. The isolation member is a dielectric element that comprises a manifold that is made of material that is substantially electrically non-conductive, and that has a plurality of through-holes or hoses configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the isolation member into and out of the fluid lines and conduits. These methods, systems and apparatuses are preferably used in upper control assemblies of aerial platforms that can carry one or more operators in order to prevent such operators from electrocution when controlling the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Time Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James Randall Christian, Andrew Keith Palican
  • Patent number: 12274900
    Abstract: A body belt for use by linemen and others engaged in operations on poles or similar structures having a secondary set of D-rings, typically disposed slightly rearward of the primary D-rings on the belt or an auxiliary belt or attachment above or below the primary D-ring of the belt. The secondary D-rings which may differ in size from the primary D-rings, allow a wearer to separate devices that are normally attached to the primary D-rings. This allows less crowding of the primary D-rings, thereby making detachment and reattachment of one or more ancillary safety devices from the body belt as a lineman encounters an obstacle during his or her work on a pole or other elevated structure, thereby improving safety. An add-on D-ring assembly is provided for retrofitting body belts of the prior art. In another embodiment of the invention, an auxiliary body belt is detachably connected to the primary body belt, the auxiliary body belt having its own set of D-rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, James Pennefeather
  • Patent number: 12270253
    Abstract: A convertible ramp system facilitates transfer of personnel between spaced elevations. The ramp system includes a deck assembly, a convertible main ramp, and a convertible extension ramp. The convertible main ramp has a proximal end hinged to the deck assembly and a distal end adapted for being mechanically lifted and lowered relative to the deck assembly. Both the main ramp and the extension ramp incorporates an adjustable frame assembly and a series of simultaneously articulating foot treads carried by the frame assembly. The ramps are selectively convertible between a stairway configuration and a substantially flat and continuous runway configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Patriot3, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Louis Fuqua, Steven Scott Kahre
  • Patent number: 12264541
    Abstract: A support system for providing support to a ladder. The support system includes at least one support arm, at least one support leg, at least one support base, and at least one support bracket. The support leg is removably attached to a lower end of the at least one support arm. The support base is coupled to the at least one support leg and has a plurality of ridge on its lower surface. The support bracket is removably attached to the upper end of the at least one support arm. Altogether, the components of the support system are configured to provide support and relative stability to a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Inventor: John Georges
  • Patent number: 12252380
    Abstract: A work platform for use with an aerial work platform to accomplish a work activity at an elevated location. The work platform has a deck with a floor, an upwardly extending guardrail assembly around the floor and a work step pivotally attached to the guardrail assembly to move between a vertical storage position and a horizontal work position to allow a worker to reach higher than possible from the floor. A step support mechanism supports the work step in its work position. The step support mechanism can be support legs that contact the floor or cables which are connected to the guardrail assembly. The guardrail assembly has a movable upper assembly that is moved upward for safe use of the work step. The aerial work platform has a self-propelled chassis and a lift mechanism that move and elevate the work platform using operator controls on the work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Inventor: Gary Crook
  • Patent number: 12251586
    Abstract: A safety anchor apparatus is adapted for use in installation of a perimeter cable fall protection system at a construction site, e.g., involving concrete or masonry wall construction. The safety anchor apparatus may be mounted during construction of the masonry or cement block wall with relative ease and is capable of securing holding the support cable (e.g., steel cable) in a tensioned condition to meet all safety standards with regard to strength, load etc. The safety anchor apparatus is secured to embedded reinforcement bar extending through a column or rows of cement blocks. The safety anchor apparatus is selectively adjustable to accommodate masonry blocks of different sizes which may be used during construction of the support wall. Moreover, the safety anchor apparatus is adjustable to account for variations in wall design and readily deployable about the vertical reinforcement bar during application of the rows of cement blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Anchor Ring Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James R Walsh, Joseph A. Fugallo, John P. Marra
  • Patent number: 12246678
    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: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Inventors: Fred S. Oliver, Michael R. Bruett, Chase C. Oliver, Lee M. Ward
  • Patent number: 12241309
    Abstract: A stepladder includes a front section having a first front leg and a second front leg. The stepladder includes a step attached to the first front leg and the second front leg. The stepladder includes a latch engaged with the step. The stepladder includes a rear section having a first rear leg and a second rear leg and a cross bar attached to the first rear leg and the second rear leg. The rear section is pivotably attached to the front section. The rear section has a first stud which extends from the first rear leg toward the second rear leg and separate and apart and not in contact with the second rear leg and not in contact with the cross bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Parker, Brian Wong-Shui, Devin Lee Moore, Christian M. Otis, Erick E. Rios
  • Patent number: 12227244
    Abstract: A safety rail having an upright support with two substantially parallel vertical members separated by a space. The vertical members extend from a bottom end to a height, and cross members span the space and connect together the vertical members. A horizontal member connects to the bottom end of the vertical members. An attachment member is connected to at least one of the vertical members, where the attachment member is adapted to connect to a platform. A guard rail connects to at least one of the vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Safesmart LLC
    Inventors: Shane J. Wearmouth, Jeffrey K. Wearmouth
  • Patent number: 12221798
    Abstract: A scaffold anti-falling device including a base body. A mounting shaft and a limiting block are fixed in the base body, and an anti-falling retaining arm is movably installed on the mounting shaft. A tail end of the anti-falling retaining arm corresponds to the limiting block, and the anti-falling retaining arm is limited by the limiting block when the anti-falling retaining arm is placed flat. A counterweight block is installed on the tail end of the anti-falling retaining arm, and the counterweight block drives to the anti-falling retaining arm to swing upward to reset. A trigger swing arm is movably installed in the base body, and the trigger swing arm is placed under the anti-falling retaining arm and forms an angle with the anti-falling retaining arm. The scaffold anti-falling device is simple in structure and convenient in installation and can effectively prevent a scaffold from falling accidentally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: CHENGDU JUSTREACH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuai Zhang, Hong Qi, Dexue Chen
  • Patent number: 12209458
    Abstract: A ladder stabilizing apparatus comprises a rail mount attachable to a ladder side rail and an auto-retracting belt assembly. The belt assembly comprises a rail interface connectable to the rail mount, a belt housing rotatable relative to the rail interface about a belt housing rotation axis, and a stabilizing belt extending from a belt first end to a belt second end. The belt first end is connected to the belt housing. The stabilizing belt is movable between a belt retracted position, in which the stabilizing belt is substantially wound within the belt housing, and a belt extended position, in which the stabilizing belt is at least partially unwound from the belt housing. The stabilizing belt is biased to the belt retracted position. The belt second end includes an environment anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Ladder Spike Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan Spencer, Dale Edward Kean
  • Patent number: 12203280
    Abstract: A temporary step and support assembly includes two primary portions: an attachment member and a horizontal surface member. The attachment member preferably includes three sides for engaging a board or other fixed support, wherein the first side and the third side are disposed in parallel relation, and the second side is preferably angled upwardly from the first side to the third side. The horizontal support member, extends from the first side of the attachment member, and serves as a temporary step, so that a user may attach the temporary step and support assembly to a board or other fixed support for standing or climbing to reach a greater height in an upward direction. Optionally, the horizontal support member may be angularly adjustable with respect to the attachment member for use on angled fixed support studs, boards or framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Inventor: Matthew Burrow
  • Patent number: 12195986
    Abstract: A fall protection system includes a guardrail support frame comprising: a substantially vertical first guardrail post; a substantially vertical second guardrail post; and a substantially vertical reinforcement post disposed between the first and second guardrail posts; a first pillar attachment assembly configured to secure the first guardrail post to a first structural component and a second pillar attachment assembly configured to secure the second guardrail post to a second structural component; and a flexible lower guardrail strap and a flexible upper guardrail strap, each of the flexible lower and upper guardrail straps coupled to and extending laterally between the first guardrail post and the second guardrail post; wherein the reinforcement post engages each of the flexible lower and upper guardrail straps, and wherein the reinforcement post is configured to be freestanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Tie Down, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. MacKarvich, Justin Hikaru Alcober
  • Patent number: 12188299
    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: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Dorel Home Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan A. Brown, Kyle J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 12180729
    Abstract: A construction platform that is freely movable up and down is provided, which includes several curved platforms, several columns and a control panel. The curved platforms are connected with one after the other to form a ring-shaped platform that surrounds a cylindrical building and is movable along the columns. Each curved platform is provided with one or more mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket is provided with one or more movable brackets, one or more pressing mechanisms, one or more locking mechanisms, one or more movable rods, one or more suction cups, a pumping mechanism, and one or more emergency braking mechanisms. Each emergency braking mechanism includes a sprocket, a chain, a counterweight, an angle sensor, and a configuring assembly. Each configuring assembly includes a ring gear, a mounting sleeve, a configuring rod, a pawl, a torsion spring, an electromagnet and a magnetic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignees: Hainan University, China National Chemical Engineering No. 13 Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongwei Wang, Qinxi Dong, Qunwei Wang
  • Patent number: 12173519
    Abstract: A guardrail post includes a first post wall formed at a first post side of the guardrail post; a second post wall formed at a second post side of the guardrail post and arranged at an acute angle relative to the first post wall; and a substantially V-shaped notch defined between the first post wall and the second post wall, the substantially V-shaped notch configured to receive a pillar edge of a pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Tie Down, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. MacKarvich, Justin Hikaru Alcober
  • Patent number: 12163379
    Abstract: An extension ladder having a base section having a first box shaped base rail having a base side and a groove extending along the side. The extension ladder has a fly section having a first box shaped fly rail, and a follower bracket attached to the first box shaped fly rail and extending outward toward the first box shaped base rail. The groove is sized to engage the follower bracket which constrains the fly section to have limited motion relative to the base section and a left to right and front to rear directions while permitting the fly section to slide freely relative to the base section when the fly section is extended. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing an extension ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: David S. Pozgay, Thomas W. Parker, Slavisa Dacic, Daniel R. Stumpf