Patents by Inventor J. Thomas Wolner

J. Thomas Wolner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230158346
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Patent number: 11577104
    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 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • 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: 10688323
    Abstract: A safety device with fall arrest and descending modes includes a housing, a drum, a lifeline, first and second brake assemblies, and a control. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the housing. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the drum. The first and second assemblies are operatively connected to the drum. The control is operatively connected to the first and second brake assemblies and has a first position and a second position. The first position selectively engages the first brake assembly in a descending mode and the second position selectively engages the second brake assembly in a fall arrest mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: D B INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Gabriel Grant Gamache, Matthew J. Blackford, Vincent G. Meillet, Joseph Robert Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20190083824
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Patent number: 9764172
    Abstract: A safety device with fall arrest and descending modes includes a housing, a drum, a lifeline, first and second brake assemblies, and a control. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the housing. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the drum. The first and second assemblies are operatively connected to the drum. The control is operatively connected to the first and second brake assemblies and has a first position and a second position. The first position selectively engages the first brake assembly in a descending mode and the second position selectively engages the second brake assembly in a fall arrest mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Gabriel Grant Gamache, Matthew J. Blackford
  • Patent number: 9707421
    Abstract: A cover for an energy absorber comprises front and rear sides having first and second legs extending downward forming an upside down V-shape. The front and rear sides define a cavity therebetween and an opening provides access to the cavity proximate a top portion of the front side and a top of the rear side. The top portion is configured and arranged to engage a connector. The top portion includes a first portion of a fastener, and the top includes a second portion of the fastener. The first and second portions releasably interconnect the top portion and the top. A first strap is operatively connected to the first leg and is configured and arranged to engage a first shoulder strap of the safety harness. A second strap is operatively connected to the second leg and is configured and arranged to engage a second shoulder strap of the safety harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 9388545
    Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a structure comprises a support, an adjustment mechanism, and a sensor mechanism. The support includes a first portion and a second portion configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the first portion. The structure is operatively connected to the second portion. The adjustment mechanism interconnects the first portion and the second portion and is configured and arranged to move the second portion relative to the first portion thereby moving the structure relative to the first portion. The sensor mechanism is operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism and is configured and arranged to activate the adjustment mechanism under predetermined conditions. The sensor mechanism activates the adjustment mechanism to raise the second portion under a first predetermined condition and lower the second portion under a second predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 9327147
    Abstract: A roof anchor comprises a pliable member including an interconnecting portion interconnecting a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion each include a securing portion with a plurality of apertures and a connecting portion with an aperture. A first notch and a second notch are proximate the junctures of each securing portion and connecting portion. The first notch and the second notch extend inward from opposing sides and toward proximate a middle of the respective first and second portions, and an aperture is between each first notch and second notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Philip K. Snider, Matthew J. Blackford, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Publication number: 20150060196
    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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Patent number: 8967332
    Abstract: An adjuster adjusts a length of at least one strap of a safety harness. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. The adjuster comprises a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in a first direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 8919496
    Abstract: A suspension trauma relief strap assembly comprises a sling and a housing. The sling includes an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is looped back and secured onto itself proximate the intermediate portion to form a connector portion. The housing is operatively connected to the first end proximate the intermediate portion, and the housing includes a cavity configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Publication number: 20140224581
    Abstract: A cover for an energy absorber comprises front and rear sides having first and second legs extending downward forming an upside down V-shape. The front and rear sides define a cavity therebetween and an opening provides access to the cavity proximate a top portion of the front side and a top of the rear side. The top portion is configured and arranged to engage a connector. The top portion includes a first portion of a fastener, and the top includes a second portion of the fastener. The first and second portions releasably interconnect the top portion and the top. A first strap is operatively connected to the first leg and is configured and arranged to engage a first shoulder strap of the safety harness. A second strap is operatively connected to the second leg and is configured and arranged to engage a second shoulder strap of the safety harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: D B INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 8794378
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a length of at least one safety harness strap with an adjuster comprises positioning the adjuster at a desired location along the at least one strap, winding the at least one strap about the shaft, and locking the shaft with the locking mechanism to prevent rotation in an unwinding direction. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. The adjuster includes a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in one direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventor: J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 8739929
    Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8528694
    Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20120298446
    Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20120298445
    Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8251176
    Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a replaceable lifeline and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, a lifeline, and a locking member operatively connected to the drum and moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position for locking the drum relative to the housing to assist in replacing the lifeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 8100228
    Abstract: A portable anchorage assembly comprises an extension member interconnecting a counterweight assembly and a base. The counterweight assembly has a cavity configured and arranged to receive at least one weight. The extension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the counterweight assembly. The base is connected to the second end of the extension member and includes a wheel and at least one anchorage point. The base is pivotable about the counterweight assembly on the wheel to position the at least one anchorage point in a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Ernest John Hamilton, J. Thomas Wolner