Patents by Inventor Steven S. Miner

Steven S. Miner 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: 20240044206
    Abstract: Ladders have first and second assemblies with pairs of rails that form a pair of hinges rotatable about a pivot axis. The hinges include at least one retainer movable between axial positions along the pivot axis. The at least one retainer includes a body and a support arm coupled with the body. The arm can be pivotable relative to the body between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The support arm can support objects while a user is in an elevated position on the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: B. Scott Maxfield, N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20230383601
    Abstract: Ladders have first and second assemblies with pairs of rails that form a pair of hinges rotatable about a pivot axis. The hinges include at least one retainer movable between axial positions along the pivot axis. The at least one retainer includes a body and a support arm coupled with the body. The arm can be pivotable relative to the body between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The support arm can support objects while a user is in an elevated position on the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: B. Scott Maxfield, N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20230349235
    Abstract: Various embodiments of ladders and ladder components are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder includes a first rail, a second rail spaced apart from the first rail, and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first rail and the second rail. A walkthrough device may include a first component having a sleeve coupled to the first rail and a pole a pole slidably coupled to the sleeve between at least two positions including a retracted position and an extended position. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be fixedly coupled with the first rail and intended to remain attached (e.g., not intended for removal by a user). In another embodiment, the first component may be removably attached to the first rail so that a user may utilize and employ the device, and subsequently remove it, as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20230313612
    Abstract: Platform systems can support a user at an elevated position while being drivable or mobile via wheels and a drive system. Rail assemblies can be folded or collapsed so that the platform system can be carried by a user from one location to another. Hand controls are operable by the user from the elevated position to move the platform systems across a ground surface and can have automatic braking capability. Each side of the platform system can be independently driven, thereby allowing zero point turning and other fine control maneuvers. Structures at the base of the platform system can limit or prevent tipping or tilting. A cage system can help keep a user on the platform(s). Platforms can be collapsed or stowed with the rest of the platform system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Aaron Bruce Major, Brian B. Russell, N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner, Tallon C. Beckstrom, B. Scott Maxfield, Travis Mittanck
  • Patent number: 11732530
    Abstract: Various embodiments of ladders and ladder components are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder includes a first rail, a second rail spaced apart from the first rail, and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first rail and the second rail. A walkthrough device may include a first component having a sleeve coupled to the first rail and a pole a pole slidably coupled to the sleeve between at least two positions including a retracted position and an extended position. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be fixedly coupled with the first rail and intended to remain attached (e.g., not intended for removal by a user). In another embodiment, the first component may be removably attached to the first rail so that a user may utilize and employ the device, and subsequently remove it, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Little Giant Ladder Systems, LLC
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20220316276
    Abstract: Ladders and ladder components are described herein, including multipurpose and adjustable ladders. In one embodiment, a ladder includes a first assembly having rails and rungs, a second assembly having rails and rungs, and one or more hinges coupling the first and second assemblies together such that the first and second assembly may be positioned relative to one another in at least a position or state and at least a second position or state. A top cap is coupled to the rails of the first assembly, such that when the first and second assemblies are in the first position, the rails of the second assembly do not contact the top cap. When the first and second assemblies are in the second position, each rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested in one of a pair of channels formed in the top cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: LITTLE GIANT LADDER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Maxfield, N. Ryan Moss, Brian B. Russell, Benjamin Lynn Cook, Travis Mittanck, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20220243532
    Abstract: Ladders and ladder accessories for articulating ladders are mountable to an upper rung of the ladder and can remain attached to the upper rung while the ladder articulates between collapsed, straight, and step ladder configurations without binding or engaging other rungs. The accessories can be top caps configured to hold tools and parts while the user climbs and stands on the ladder. The accessories can be removed from the ladder without damage to the accessory or the ladder, thereby enabling retrofitting ladders with the accessory or moving the accessory to different rungs or positions on the same ladder. Some accessories can have more than one body portion, and a portion can therefore pivot relative to another portion to enlarge the working platform offered by the accessory and to provide additional surfaces for temporarily supporting the accessory parts on the ladder rungs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: LITTLE GIANT LADDER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Brian B. Russell, N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20220145700
    Abstract: Elevated work platform apparatuses, as well as associated methods, are provided. One elevated platform apparatus comprises a first assembly having a pair of rails coupled with a plurality of rungs, a second assembly hingedly coupled with the first assembly, a platform pivotally coupled with the first assembly and configured to extend to, and engage a portion of, the second assembly. The apparatus further includes a cage associated with the platform. The cage may include a guard structure including a pair of gates. A locking mechanism may be associated with the platform and include a latch member for engagement with a cross-member of the second assembly. Actuation of the locking member may include a “pulling” action by a user standing in front of the apparatus and reaching between the two rails of the first assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: LITTLE GIANT LADDER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron B. Major, Steven S. Miner, N. Ryan Moss, Darius S. Penrod
  • Publication number: 20220106836
    Abstract: Embodiments of ladders, top caps and ladder accessories are provided herein. In accordance with one embodiment, a ladder includes a first pair of spaced apart rails having one or more rungs extending between and coupled with the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder further includes a second pair of spaced apart rails. A top cap is coupled with either the first pair of spaced apart rails or the second pair of spaced apart rails. The top cap includes one or more retaining members that may include a lateral groove (e.g., a sidewall and a lip or abutment shoulder associated therewith) configured to hold a container such as a paint can. The retaining structure may be configured to hold the container in place even if the ladder is inadvertently tipped or jarred to the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: LITTLE GIANT LADDER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Steven S. Miner, N. Ryan Moss
  • Publication number: 20210222492
    Abstract: A ladder and ladder rungs are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder comprises a first assembly having a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. At least one rung of the plurality of rungs may include a first support surface portion, a second support surface portion, and a channel extending between the first support surface portion and the second support surface portion. In one embodiment, a rear surface of each of the first pair of spaced apart rails defines a plane and the first support surface portion is located on a first side of the plane and the second support surface portion is located on a second side of the plane. In one embodiment, at least one other rung is entirely positioned on the first side of the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: LITTLE GIANT LADDER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20200386050
    Abstract: Embodiments of ladders and adjustable trays are provided herein. In accordance with one embodiment, a ladder includes a first pair of spaced apart rails having one or more rungs extending between and coupled with the first pair of spaced apart rails. A top cap is coupled with the first pair of spaced apart rails. A second pair of spaced apart rails is coupled with the first pair of rails via a pair of hinges. A tray is hingedly coupled with the top cap and selectively positioned between a first deployed position and a stored position, wherein when the tray is in the stored position the tray extends downwards from the top cap towards the pair of hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicant: WING ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Travis Mittanck, B. Scott Maxfield, N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20200248507
    Abstract: Various embodiments of ladders and ladder components are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder includes a first rail, a second rail spaced apart from the first rail, and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first rail and the second rail. A walkthrough device may include a first component having a sleeve coupled to the first rail and a pole a pole slidably coupled to the sleeve between at least two positions including a retracted position and an extended position. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be fixedly coupled with the first rail and intended to remain attached (e.g., not intended for removal by a user). In another embodiment, the first component may be removably attached to the first rail so that a user may utilize and employ the device, and subsequently remove it, as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Wing Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Steven S. Miner
  • Publication number: 20190376341
    Abstract: Ladders and ladder components are described herein, including multipurpose and adjustable ladders. In one embodiment, a ladder includes a first assembly having rails and rungs, a second assembly having rails and rungs, and one or more hinges coupling the first and second assemblies together such that the first and second assembly may be positioned relative to one another in at least a position or state and at least a second position or state. A top cap is coupled to the rails of the first assembly, such that when the first and second assemblies are in the first position, the rails of the second assembly do not contact the top cap. When the first and second assemblies are in the second position, each rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested in one of a pair of channels formed in the top cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Maxfield, N. Ryan Moss, Brian B. Russell, Steven S. Miner
  • Patent number: D885607
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: WING ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven S. Miner, N. Ryan Moss