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).

  • Patent number: 8061481
    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: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Publication number: 20110084158
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Publication number: 20100242233
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: J. Thomas Wolner
  • Publication number: 20100242232
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: J. Thomas Wolner
  • Publication number: 20100224448
    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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Gabriel Grant Gamache, Matthew J. Blackford, Vincent G. Meillet, Joseph Robert Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20100226748
    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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Gabriel Grant Gamache, Matthew J. Blackford
  • Publication number: 20090114478
    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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Garry Ernest John Hamilton, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 7516591
    Abstract: A reusable concrete anchor strap includes a strap having a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end and the second end are proximate a connector end and the middle portion forms a first loop member proximate an anchor end. The intermediate portion is a first segment between the first end and the middle portion and a second segment between the second end and the middle portion. A securement member secures and interconnects the first segment and the second segment to form a second loop member thereby allowing for reuse of the strap when the first loop member is disconnected to create a second anchor end proximate the second loop member. The first loop member and the second loop member are configured and arranged to engage at least one anchor member of a concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Publication number: 20090032333
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Travis P. Betcher
  • Publication number: 20080271407
    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: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Philip K. Snider, Matthew J. Blackford, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Publication number: 20080156839
    Abstract: A pouch for use with a safety harness including a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness includes at least one panel, a first mating member, and a second mating member. The at least one panel is configured and arranged to form a cavity therein and has a front and a rear. The rear has a first side and a second side, and the front has a third side and a fourth side. The first mating member is operatively connected to the first side of the rear, and the second mating member is operatively connected to the second side of the rear. The first mating member is releasably connectable to the first portion of the connector and the second mating member is releasably connectable to the second portion of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Travis P. Betcher, William H. Lyle, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Publication number: 20080041661
    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: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20080035423
    Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum, a tension assembly, and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum, the lifeline wound about the base of the drum, and the tension assembly. 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 tension assembly is used to tension the lifeline and provide indication of the lifeline's tension, the lifeline moving the tension assembly with respect to the housing as the lifeline is being tensioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Damien De Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7281620
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment self-retracting lifeline (100) includes a centrifugal clutch assembly (121) having a pawl (128) and a spring (131). The pawl (128) and the spring (131), which do not require any fixed attachment to any other component of the device, are held in place and pivotable within a plate (143). The plate (143) is rotatable within a cavity (120) of a brake hub (118) including teeth (141) extending into the cavity (120). When a centrifugal force is applied, the pawl (128) compresses the spring (131) and moves away from the plate (143) to engage the teeth (141) thereby activating a brake assembly within the self-retracting lifeline (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 7178632
    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: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, J. Thomas Wolner
  • 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: 6971476
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps that are operatively connected at a juncture and a D-ring proximate the juncture. A retrofittable, removable back panel padding is configured and arranged to accommodate the straps and the D-ring to aid in the comfort in donning the safety harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 6253874
    Abstract: A connector is provided to connect criss-crossing shoulder straps on a body-engaging harness. The connector joins overlapping portions of the shoulder straps while maintaining discrete portions thereof spaced apart. A preferred embodiment of the connector is a unitary piece of rigid plastic having slots formed therein to receive portions of the shoulder straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: D454986
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, J. Thomas Wolner, Barry J. Austin, Weston L. Cutter
  • Patent number: D587410
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, James Theodore Tuck, Jr.