Patents by Inventor James J. Rullo

James J. Rullo 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: 20230310941
    Abstract: A single and multiple body belt for use by linemen and others engaged in operations on poles or similar structures having at least a primary body belt, which can be disposed below and detachably connected to a secondary body belt in the multiple body belt configuration. The primary body belt and the secondary body belt each have at least one pair of D-rings. The D-rings, which may differ in size, are separated enough to allow a wearer to distinguish between devices that are normally solely attached to one pair of primary D-rings. The body belts (or other portions) may also have an adjustability section through which a belt strap is woven to either extend or shorten the length of the respective belt strap. The adjustability section allows a lineman to further adjust the tightness of the belt (or other portions) around his or her waist to provide improved support and safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, Kevin W. Truesdell
  • Patent number: 11679303
    Abstract: A single and multiple body belt for use by linemen and others engaged in operations on poles or similar structures having at least a primary body belt, which can be disposed below and detachably connected to a secondary body belt in the multiple body belt configuration. The primary body belt and the secondary body belt each have at least one pair of D-rings. The D-rings, which may differ in size, are separated enough to allow a wearer to distinguish between devices that are normally solely attached to one pair of primary D-rings. The body belts (or other portions) may also have an adjustability section through which a belt strap is woven to either extend or shorten the length of the respective belt strap. The adjustability section allows a lineman to further adjust the tightness of the belt (or other portions) around his or her waist to provide improved support and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J Rullo, Kevin W Truesdell
  • Patent number: 11136823
    Abstract: A fall arrest system for use on a ladder. The fall arrest system includes a primary rope line on which a fall arrester is slidably mounted, and a pair of anchor assemblies that securely extend and connect between the primary rope line and respective legs of the ladder. A body harness worn by a worker climbing the ladder is tethered to the fall arrester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: DeForest C. Canfield, James J. Rullo, Kevin W. Truesdell
  • Patent number: 10946248
    Abstract: A single and multiple body belt for use by linemen and others engaged in operations on poles or similar structures having at least a primary body belt, which can be disposed below and detachably connected to a secondary body belt in the multiple body belt configuration. The primary body belt and the secondary body belt each have at least one pair of D-rings. The D-rings, which may differ in size, are separated enough to allow a wearer to distinguish between devices that are normally solely attached to one pair of primary D-rings. The body belts (or other portions) may also have an adjustability section through which a belt strap is woven to either extend or shorten the length of the respective belt strap. The adjustability section allows a lineman to further adjust the tightness of the belt (or other portions) around his or her waist to provide improved support and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J Rullo, Kevin W Truesdell
  • Patent number: 10933261
    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: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, James Pennefeather
  • Patent number: 10648536
    Abstract: A length adjusting device includes: a body having sides extending in spaced relation to one another, the sides defining respective planes; a first cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a first proximal cam end positioned between the sides; a second cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a second proximal cam end positioned between the sides and adjacent to the first proximal cam end; an axle that rotatably attaches the second cam to the body; a channel formed by a space between the cam ends; a handle attached to the body and rotatable from a first position to a second position about a rotation point upon application of a first force; wherein the body is configured to rotate with respect to the second cam to expand the size of the channel upon the application of the first force exerted on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Truesdell, Timothy R. Batty, James J. Rullo
  • Publication number: 20190060683
    Abstract: A fall arrester used by utility linemen, communications and telecommunication workers that comprises a body defined by a pair of spaced apart frame members bridged by a floor, and a cam pivotally mounted to the body and sandwiched between the frame members. The cam includes teeth formed on its cam end and an eye formed at the end of the lever end. A carabiner or other connector is connected to the device through the eye and can be attached to the climber's full body harness. A rope passes between the frame members and between the cam and floor of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Truesdell, James J. Rullo
  • Patent number: 10207151
    Abstract: A fall restriction assembly for use by a pole climber/the assembly includes an elongated outer strap having first and second opposite ends, an inner strap/lanyard adjustably connected to the outer strap and that includes a connector for interconnecting it to a body belt worn by the pole climber; an adjustable connector assembly interconnecting the inner strap/lanyard to the outer strap; and a looped handle connected to the first end of the outer strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Truesdell, James J. Rullo
  • Publication number: 20190022465
    Abstract: In a pole climbing fall prevention assembly having a pole strap, lanyard, and cam assembly that permits adjustment of the pole strap, a lever is attached to the sidewall of a cam assembly to ease the task of a climber needing to adjust the pole strap. A second lever can be attached to the second sidewall of the cam assembly to provide easier access to the lever regardless of the orientation of the cam assembly relative to the climber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Truesdell, Timothy Batty, James J. Rullo, DeForest C. Canfield
  • Publication number: 20180340592
    Abstract: A length adjusting device includes: a body having sides extending in spaced relation to one another, the sides defining respective planes; a first cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a first proximal cam end positioned between the sides; a second cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a second proximal cam end positioned between the sides and adjacent to the first proximal cam end; an axle that rotatably attaches the second cam to the body; a channel formed by a space between the cam ends; a handle attached to the body and rotatable from a first position to a second position about a rotation point upon application of a first force; wherein the body is configured to rotate with respect to the second cam to expand the size of the channel upon the application of the first force exerted on the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Truesdell, Timothy R. Batty, James J. Rullo
  • Patent number: 10099087
    Abstract: In a pole climbing fall prevention assembly having a pole strap, lanyard, and cam assembly that permits adjustment of the pole strap, a lever is attached to the sidewall of a cam assembly to ease the task of a climber needing to adjust the pole strap. A second lever can be attached to the second sidewall of the cam assembly to provide easier access to the lever regardless of the orientation of the cam assembly relative to the climber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Truesdell, Timothy Batty, James J. Rullo, DeForest C. Canfield
  • Patent number: 10099073
    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: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, James Pennefeather
  • Patent number: 9821192
    Abstract: A climber for use by a user when climbing a tree or pole. The climber includes a stirrup in which the user's foot is to be positioned, a leg iron that extends along the interior side of the user's leg, and a gaff attached to the exterior of the leg iron and that includes a downwardly directed pointed end for biting into the tree or pole and assist the user in climbing or descending the tree or pole. The gaff extends in a plane that is angularly offset relative to the plane in which the stirrup and leg iron extend, thereby keeping the gaff pointed toward the heart of the pole or tree which aids in preventing cutout and promotes ease of climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, Deforest Canfield
  • Patent number: 9737737
    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: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BUCKINGHAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, James Pennefeather
  • Patent number: 9486654
    Abstract: A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user's body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: BUCKINGHAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Amanda Carpenter, Edgar P. Carpenter, Christopher A. de la Vera, Scott Hall, James J. Rullo
  • Publication number: 20160310793
    Abstract: In a pole climbing fall prevention assembly having a pole strap, lanyard, and cam assembly that permits adjustment of the pole strap, a lever is attached to the sidewall of a cam assembly to ease the task of a climber needing to adjust the pole strap. A second lever can be attached to the second sidewall of the cam assembly to provide easier access to the lever regardless of the orientation of the cam assembly relative to the climber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Truesdell, Timothy Batty, James J. Rullo, DeForest C. Canfield
  • Publication number: 20160310794
    Abstract: A fall restriction assembly for use by a pole climber/the assembly includes an elongated outer strap having first and second opposite ends, an inner strap/lanyard adjustably connected to the outer strap and that includes a connector for interconnecting it to a body belt worn by the pole climber; an adjustable connector assembly interconnecting the inner strap/lanyard to the outer strap; and a looped handle connected to the first end of the outer strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Truesdell, James J. Rullo
  • Patent number: 9382939
    Abstract: A linkless attachment for use with snap-hooks or similar devices. Snap-hooks typically include a locking mechanism and release mechanism requiring the simultaneous depression of interacting grips. The keeper grip member of the hook apparatus functions in a dual-purpose capacity. It forms the eye of the hook loop, and it functions as one of the grip members of the release mechanism. Further, the body member features an open attachment loop terminating in a slot, whereby various attachment devices may interchangeably be added to the novel linkless snap-hook at the time of its assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: BUCKINGHAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, DeForest C. Canfield
  • Publication number: 20160045788
    Abstract: A climber for use by a user when climbing a tree or pole. The climber includes a stirrup in which the user's foot is to be positioned, a leg iron that extends along the interior side of the user's leg, and a gaff attached to the exterior of the leg iron and that includes a downwardly directed pointed end for biting into the tree or pole and assist the user in climbing or descending the tree or pole. The gaff extends in a plane that is angularly offset relative to the plane in which the stirrup and leg iron extend, thereby keeping the gaff pointed toward the heart of the pole or tree which aids in preventing cutout and promotes ease of climbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: Buckingham Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rullo, Deforest Canfield
  • Patent number: 9220931
    Abstract: A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user's body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Carpenter, Edgar P. Carpenter, Christopher A. de la Vera, Scott Hall, James J. Rullo