Patents Examined by Hugh B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7073627
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps operatively connected to a D-ring, which is operatively connected to a biasing mechanism urging the D-ring to an upright position. The safety harness may also include an impact indicator for providing indication when the D-ring has been subjected to a force and a wear pad for reducing wear on the straps of the safety harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 7070023
    Abstract: A stilt assembly with interchangeable sections for varying the height thereof. A base assembly, middle assembly and foot support assembly include puzzle registries which allow for the stilt to be assembled with two assemblies (base and foot support assemblies only) for a shorter configuration, or with three assemblies (base, middle, and foot support assemblies) for a taller configuration. A foam spacer block provides height spacing in at least one assembly, and provide shock absorption and fail-safe height support, without failure-prone mechanical mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Denny Waxler
  • Patent number: 7069694
    Abstract: A latch mechanism, which is coupled to a window sash that travels within a window frame, is adapted for being coupled to a pocket brace, which extends across the channel opening of the jamb pocket of the side jamb. The latch mechanism includes a main housing, a bolt, and a tension device. The main housing has a sidewall, which includes one or more sidewall sections which extends around at least a portion of the housing and defines an interior space, and has an opening in said sidewall at one end of said housing. The sidewall forms a channel within the interior space of the main housing having an end that coincides with said opening. The bolt is substantially located within the housing and travels along the channel, and has a first end which is adapted for extending through the opening of the housing and extending into the side jamb of a window frame. A first end of the bolt has a protrusion, which projects in the direction of travel of the window sash within the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Ken Fullick
  • Patent number: 7069695
    Abstract: An automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle of rack-and-pinion type is reduced in size and weight. The automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle is automatically opened/closed, by transmitting rotation of an electric motor to a back door through a drive power transmitting mechanism comprising a pinion and a rack. The rack is supported linearly reciprocably by a slide mechanism comprising a slide block and a guide rail. The slide block is formed to be sufficiently short to the entire length of the rack and the guide rail is accordingly formed to be short. Further, the rack is provided with a groove portion, and a holding member contacting with a holding face is disposed in the groove portion. Then, an interval between the rack and the opinion is maintained by the holding member, whereby engagement of the pinion therewith is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Hattori, Tomofumi Ichinose, Yoshitomo Ihashi, Toshihisa Omori, Yasushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7070022
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting at least at least a portion of a leg and at least a portion of a foot. The apparatus has a shield with a vertical portion that is sized to receive and protect at least a portion of a leg. The shield also has a horizontal portion that is sized to receive and protect at least a portion of a foot. The shield is also removably positionable within at least a portion of a gaffed climbing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick James Diggle, III, Paul Brent Rivers
  • Patent number: 7066299
    Abstract: A ladder suspension bracket releasably receives and suspends a portable ladder for use, storage, and transportation if on a vehicle (FIG. 1, FIG. 7) comprising of a receiving bracket (FIG. 4, or FIG. 8) and a lower distance maintenance bracket (FIG. 5, or FIG. 9) optionally pivotable (45, 46) to hold step ladder substantially away from the ascension surface (49) or horizontal (5) as required for the ladder type. Bracket is configured such that ladder can easily be released of suspension mode (FIG. 7, FIG. 2) and used independent of this mounted position (FIG. 3). In addition to the claim of such a bracket a ladder having intentional configuration (2) to provide for suspension is also claimed, as is the combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey John Fleming
  • Patent number: 7066300
    Abstract: An climbing tree stand apparatus for use in conjunction with a tree stand that is mounted on a tree, the apparatus comprising: a load-bearing member adapted to be graspable by a user of the tree stand; and at least one point of attachment associated with the load-bearing member, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be attached to the tree stand at the at least one point of attachment such that at least a portion of the load-bearing member extends below an underside of the tree stand. The climbing tree stand apparatus is lightweight and compact and therefore, easy to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Sylvia
  • Patent number: 7065923
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a security gate is disclosed which may comprise a drive mechanism arm having a first end and a second end, and including a security gate attachment member connected to the first end of the drive mechanism arm; a drive mechanism actuator operatively connected directly or indirectly to the drive mechanism arm and adapted to move the drive mechanism arm along a predefined path in relation to the actuator in response to operation of the actuator; and a release mechanism adapted to release the connection of the security gate attachment member to the first end of the drive mechanism arm in response to the application of a force to the security gate attachment member in a direction other than the force applied to the security gate attachment member by the drive mechanism arm in response to the operation of the actuator to move the security gate drive mechanism arm along the predefined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Parsadayan, Wayne C. Hom
  • Patent number: 7063187
    Abstract: A ladder attachment system for supporting a plurality of items in an easy to access location. The ladder attachment system includes a tray positionable upon an upper platform of a ladder, and a pair of extended legs extending from the tray for engaging the support legs of the ladder. The extended legs each include a pair of tab members for catchably receiving the support legs. The tray includes a plurality of threaded inserts for allowing the attachment of various accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony G. Lavigne
  • Patent number: 7063218
    Abstract: A long handled tool storage device has a base panel with a top surface, a base perimeter that defines a base panel size and shape, and a bottom side arranged so that the base perimeter rests on a ground surface when the storage device is in use. Two sides of the base panel are joined together at first ends thereof to generally define a rear corner and a front side spanning between second ends of the two sides. A plurality of tool handle receptacles are provided in the base panel and at least recessed downward relative to a plane of the top surface. A plurality of risers extend upward from the base panel. An upper panel has a perimeter that defines an upper panel size and shape. The upper panel is supported by the risers above and spaced from the top surface of the base panel. A plurality of tool handle openings are formed through the upper panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Ralph Pleiman, David M. Stitchick
  • Patent number: 7063186
    Abstract: A portable modular safety rail (20) is taught for protecting workers during building construction and remodeling. The invention in the preferred embodiment consists of two upright stanchions (22) having a flat mounting plate (36) on the bottom which is removably attached with fasteners onto a building. A number of connection members, in the form of round rings (46), protrude from the sides of each stanchion. Two adjustable length rails (56) that are rigid and telescope together engage the connection members on each end with pivotal attachment means consisting of safety snap pins (68) that fasten the rails with the assembly forming the safety rail module. The safety rail module may be horizontal when the stanchions are attached to a level surface or may be angled to accommodate stairs. A second embodiment substitutes chains (64) instead of the adjustable telescoping rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Gary J. Granke
  • Patent number: 7059448
    Abstract: An accessory includes a handle-operated clamp and is mounted on a rail of a ladder, such as an extension ladder, to hold paper and tape in position to be easily accessed by a worker balancing on the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Beechler
  • Patent number: 7059449
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that attaches to a tire and supplies a step to enable access to the engine compartment or rooftop of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus is adjustable to better fit with a variety of different sized tires. The apparatus is also adjustable to allow the apparatus to rest at different height locations on the tire. Additionally, the tire step can be folded for easier storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Larin Corporation
    Inventor: Shouyun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7055650
    Abstract: A wall saw accessory is provided for an aerial work platform, where a wall saw is movably affixed on a track secured to a wall to be sawed. The accessory includes a saw/track manipulator fixable to the aerial work platform. The saw/track manipulator movably supports the track and saw and enables positioning of the saw and track to and from a working position. A hydraulic power source is coupled with a water supply to provide hydraulic power and coolant flow to the wall saw. In one arrangement, the accessory additionally incorporates an onboard pressure washer, which serves to streamline the process and maintain a clean work area. The accessory may be attached to a lift vehicle including a chassis supporting an onboard water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Korry D. Kobel
  • Patent number: 7055652
    Abstract: A holder for holding tools and other objects is releasably connected to a ladder by a securement strap. The holder includes holder front and side panels which are free to shift position under the influence of gravity relative to the ladder upon tilting of the ladder to prevent tools or other objects held by the holder front and side panels from falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: John Williams
  • Patent number: 7048092
    Abstract: The present Patent of invention “HELICAL RAMP LIFE-PRESERVER” refers to a model of helical ramp, aimed for collective use, for immediate rescue of lives subjected to a probable fire, to be used in buildings of any height, or in places that cannot be reached by the devices currently in use, such as “Magirus” stairs, or even in those where these devices can reach, but a probable delay to help would put in risk people's life in an eventual emergency state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Jason De Carvalho Gomes Junior
  • Patent number: 7048094
    Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignees: Core Distribution, Inc., Urban Sporting Goods
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Wang Kuo Hua, Craig S. Aizman
  • Patent number: 7048091
    Abstract: A portable chair is disclosed having a seat, a frame that supports the seat, a ladder that provides access to the seat; and a hollow tank that holds a liquid mass, connected to the frame. The frame includes first and second side supports each having a forward support and a rear support. Each of the forward and rear supports has an upper end and a lower end, and the seat is connected to the frame proximate the upper ends of the forward and rear supports. The frame also includes a lower frame that connects the forward supports to the rear supports near the lower ends of the forward and rear supports. The tank is connected to the lower frame to provide stability to the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Spectrum Products LLC
    Inventor: John P. Maguire
  • Patent number: 7048090
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for use by a worker on an elevated structure is disclosed. The purpose of the apparatus is to arrest the fall of the worker should they fall. Broadly the apparatus comprises at least two support posts having an upper end and a lower end supported on the structure and spaced apart from each other on the structure. Each support post has an I-shaped cross sectional configuration. The apparatus also includes a clamp on the lower end of each support post for clamping the post to the structure. The clamp itself comprises a base plate fast with the support post, a secondary plate or clamping plate spaced beneath the base plate, and fastening elements for drawing the two plates, towards each other with a member of the structure firmly clamped there between. The base plate projects laterally outwardly from the post on two opposed sides of the post, and defines at least one slot aperture on each said opposed side of the post through which the fastening elements are passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: MSPH Pty LTD
    Inventors: John Lawrence Dean, Troy Joseph Birnbrauer
  • Patent number: 7044268
    Abstract: The present invention is an all-terrain vehicle support bracket. The support bracket includes on or more frame assemblies that are removably attachable to a portion of an all-terrain vehicle. The frame assembly or assemblies include support surfaces thereon for supporting an object as positioned on the surface. A variety of objects may be positioned on and supported by the support surface of the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Charles M. Yaczkanich