Stile Or Prop-guided Carriage Patents (Class 182/103)
  • Patent number: 11920397
    Abstract: A hatch actuating device can include a housing; a sliding portion received within the housing; a gear assembly at least partially received within the housing and movably coupled to the sliding portion; and a flexible drive element coupled to the gear assembly; wherein the gear assembly is configured to open a hatch lid of a hatch through rotation of a portion of the gear assembly by pulling of the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Tie Down, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. MacKarvich, Mohammed Aamir, Troy Daniel Hayden
  • Patent number: 11529907
    Abstract: An access ladder assembly for a work vehicle to enable an operator to move from a ground position to a walkway of the work vehicle. A support rail includes a rail first end connected to a crossbar and a rail second end spaced from the rail first end. A slider is movably connected to the support rail to move from the rail second end toward the rail first end. An actuator includes an actuator first end connected to the crossbar and an actuator second end spaced from the actuator first end, wherein the actuator includes an extended position and a retracted position. A step is operatively connected to the actuator second end and is operatively connected to the slider, wherein the step includes a lowered position when the actuator is at the extended position and a raised position when the actuator is at the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Monish Aswani, Mahmed Yasir Shaikh, Anil Bhakuni
  • Patent number: 11280097
    Abstract: A plank scaffold system and, more particularly, to a ladder-based vertically-adjustable plank scaffold system. The system may have a pair of ladders, a wall standoff mounted at the top of each of the ladders, a crane support mounted at the top of each of the ladders, a vertical guide bar and roller system to keep it from swinging on the cables, and a horizontal platform suspended on cables below the crane supports, the platform having a pair of cable winches mounted thereon for varying the elevation of the platform. Instead of ladders, tower scaffolds or stage towers may be used on each side to support the vertically-adjustable plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Kenyon
  • Patent number: 11034420
    Abstract: An attachment for a ladder includes a pair of spaced rails secured together by at least one rung and a removable pin at an end for securing the attachment to a standard ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Ross Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10900282
    Abstract: A safety ladder for accessing the rooftop of a building structure is disclosed. In a version, the safety ladder comprises a first and second side rail extending between a lower free end and an upper free end; a plurality of horizontal rungs vertically disposed between the side rails; and a hinged roof portion operably positioned between the first and second side rails near the upper free end terminating at a top end, wherein the hinged roof portion rotates about a hinge axis between a default position and a forward rooftop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: James B. Ford
  • Patent number: 10774521
    Abstract: An object is to provide an air conditioner-incorporating panel for a prefabricated house which can be safely moved so as to enhance the efficiency of operating of a step of assembling the prefabricated house. An outdoor unit P for an air conditioner is fixed to the outer surface of a wall panel 1 that is fitted to a prefabricated house. An indoor unit Q is fixed to the inner surface of the wall panel 1. A support base 2 is provided below the outdoor unit P on the side of a lower end portion of the outer surface of the wall panel 1. The wall panel 1, supported by the support base 2, is inclined so as to stand on its own at such an angle that loads on the inner and outer surfaces are equalized. Casters 3 are fitted to the lower surface of the support base 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SANKYO FRONTIER CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Yabushita, Masaki Matsui, Kazunori Kamata
  • Patent number: 10717548
    Abstract: A deployable multi-section boom comprising a first hinge assembly including a base section adapted to be attached to a structure, a movable section that is pivotably attached to the base section and a first boom attached to the movable section. The first hinge assembly is configured to allow the first boom to pivot in a first direction to a first predetermined maximum angle with respect to the base section. A first constant torque assembly constantly urges the first boom to pivot in the first direction and includes a component attached to the base section of the first hinge assembly. The multi-section boom includes a second hinge assembly that includes a first section attached to the first boom and a second section that is pivotably attached to the first section. A second boom is attached to the second section of the second hinge assembly wherein the second hinge assembly allows the second boom to pivot in a second direction to a second predetermined maximum angle with respect to the first boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventor: Luis H. Santos Soto
  • Patent number: 10669777
    Abstract: A materials handling system (10) comprising a first (60) and second ladder (70) section connectable together to form a longer ladder, a tensioning system (100) attached to each section for tensioning the connected ladder sections, and a trolley (110) arranged to travel along the connected ladder sections, wherein the system includes a cable (158) and pulley for moving the trolley along the connected ladder sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Bright Structures Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen Bright
  • Patent number: 10435895
    Abstract: An adjustable platform extension bracket for work platform systems comprises a post member having two posts joined by a plurality of positional structures. A first connection portion forms a first channel such that the first connection portion is symmetrical along an axis parallel with and passing through the channel. The post member is slidingly engaged in the first channel such that at least one of the positional structures is positionable in the channel. The bracket does not require any diagonal support. The dimensions of work platforms, particularly suspended work platform systems, may be extended using the adjustable platform extension bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: BRANDSAFWAY SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Mathieu Grumberg, Roy Scrafford, Frederick W. Meade
  • Patent number: 10294077
    Abstract: A device and system for transporting items up and down a folding attic stairway in a building, such as a residential structure, and into an attic space finally resting securely on the floor of the attic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventors: Tena MacDonald, John MacDonald
  • Patent number: 10155480
    Abstract: Provided herein is a novel vehicle mounted ladder rack which advantageously combines the ability to carry a short ladder vertically and/or to support one end of a long ladder horizontally. The novel ladder rack of the invention allows workers to select the appropriate ladder length for a particular job and transport it using only a single rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Philip Ammirati
  • Patent number: 10024491
    Abstract: A lean-to rigging apparatus is described for installation in a shaft, such as an elevator shaft, having a wall and including at least one sill opposite the wall. The rigging apparatus includes a spanning beam, a sill support structure, a wall support member, and a hoist connector. The sill support structure on a first end of the spanning beam is designed to seat against a sill in the in the shaft while the wall support member on a second end of the spanning beam abuts against the opposite shaft wall. The sill support structure is rigidly connected to the spanning beam in a hingeless configuration and can seat against a sill in a plurality of seating positions. These seating positions allow the rigging apparatus to be positioned in a plurality of angles and therefore to be installed in shafts of different dimensions. The hoist connector is configured to allow a connection to a hoist device for hoisting various materials from one level to another within the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Safewworks, LLC
    Inventor: Morgan Knickrehm
  • Patent number: 9856697
    Abstract: An elevator climbs and lifts loads along the length of a double ladder. The double ladder comprises a first ladder and a second ladder that join together to form an overlap portion. The overlap portion is wider and generally less stable than the individual ladders. The elevator helps overcome the physical barriers imposed at the overlap portion. The elevator utilizes guiding mechanisms having different orientations and designs to smoothly cross over misalignments and instable structures in the double ladder. The elevator includes a housing. The underside of the housing includes guide units that ride the side rails to align a first ladder and a second ladder. Rollers press the housing in contact to the ladders. Notched rollers suppress vibrations on the housing. The guide mechanisms selectively engage the ladders and the overlap portion based on the position of the elevator. A motorized platform extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Eutimio Reyes
  • Patent number: 9822586
    Abstract: A device (1) for assisting a person in climbing up and/or down, includes: a box (2); a link (3) suitable for passing through the box (2), the link (3) preferably being equipped at or in the vicinity of each of its ends with at least one member (4) for securing to a support, along which the box (2) is to be moved; drive elements equipped with variable speed drive and configured to drive the box (2) so as to move it at an adjustable speed along the link (3); attachment elements (6) for attaching the box (2) to an operator (13); force measurement elements suitable for measuring the traction force exerted by the operator (13) on the attachment elements (6); and control elements for controlling operation of the drive elements so that they operate at a speed regulated as a function at least of the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: FIXATOR
    Inventors: Bruno Patron, Myrtil Ouvrard, Olivier Coutable, Mickael Rivette, Jean-Marie Beaumont
  • Patent number: 9797382
    Abstract: A contribution is made to the assembly of a wind turbine intended to comprise, in a final assembly condition, a tower (2) surmounted by a nacelle (4) cooperating with a rotor (5) receiving a plurality of blades (3a-3c). To this end, a temporary association is made between at least some blades from said plurality of blades and the tower, so that said blades extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Soletanche Freyssinet
    Inventors: Jean-Daniel Lebon, Charles-Emmanuel Ferrand De La Conte, Erik Mellier
  • Patent number: 9757601
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a ladder to which a recovery winch is operably mounted so that the winch can be used to move, upright, lift or otherwise manipulate target objects at an emergency location. The ladder can include a pulley detachably mounted to the ladder distal from the winch, the pulley adapted to suspend a cable extending from the winch at an upper end. In operation, the winch moves along with the ladder as the ladder moves, so that the winch and pulley can be strategically located over a target object for movement thereof. The apparatus can include a remote control connected to the winch for operation of the winch by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HME, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., Richard R. Lagerquist
  • Patent number: 9717933
    Abstract: Rescue elevator system, comprising a rescue ladder and an elevator running on rails on a top side of the rescue ladder up to an end position at one end of the rescue ladder, and an elevator drive comprising a rope, a rope winch for pulling the rope and a deflection roller over which the rope is guided from the rope winch to a suspension point at the elevator, wherein the deflection roller is disposed below the rails at or near the one end of the rescue ladder, characterized in that the suspension point is displaced towards a trailing end of the elevator averted from the one end of the rescue ladder such that in the end position of the elevator, the suspension point is located in a distance from the deflection roller in the extension direction of the rails, and the elevator comprises a passage ladder to bridge the distance between the suspension point and the deflection roller in the end position of the elevator, said passage ladder lying on top of the rope and being mounted between the rails at a hinge axis p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: IVECO MAGIRUS AG
    Inventors: Alexander Huehn, Heiner Hoersch
  • Patent number: 9664337
    Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a device along a tower, which comprises a rail susceptible of being fixed to a tower and extended according to a substantially rectilinear guide direction, and a trolley slidably constrained to the rail and adapted to support a device to be transported provided with at least one power cable. The rail comprises at least one hollow shaped profile with elongated form, which is longitudinally extended according to the guide direction between a lower edge thereof and an upper edge thereof, and is provided with an internal surface which defines a guide seat in which the trolley is slidably housed and in which the power cable of the device is susceptible to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: COMBUSTION AND ENERGY S.R.L.
    Inventor: Vincenzo Di Giovine
  • Patent number: 9527712
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for an electrically operated shooting house for attachment to the tree which includes a motorized winch which moves the hunting stand up or down the tree using a cable system which also incorporates a sectioned ladder which is connected to the tree using a plurality of tree encircling members. The ladder includes tracks for connection of a winch and safety mechanism thereto wherein the safety mechanism prevents the shooting house from falling down the ladder when attached to a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: John R. Pigg, Thomas R. Love, J. Robert Pigg, Thomas G. Pigg
  • Patent number: 9499282
    Abstract: A seat platform is driven up and down a foldable track by a trolley connected to electro-mechanical means to allow passengers to embark and to disembark from an aircraft. No stairs are used. The seat platform can be rotated to enable easy access onto and exiting by a person. The seat platform is adapted to fit a person, with or without disabilities, or accommodate a relatively large or heavy package, or luggage for transfer of the person or package from the tarmac of an airfield to the inside a plane and vice versa. The seat platform is adapted to ride on a set of tracks of sufficient strength to prevent twisting and inadvertent removal of the trolley from the track. The invention further includes positive break apparatus to prevent a runaway seating platform from occurring. After the embarking is completed, the lift apparatus can be dissembled, the track folded upon itself and all of the disassembled components can be securely stored on the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Leslie D Weaver
  • Patent number: 9500028
    Abstract: A ladder that employs an existing custom mold press frame to support itself thereon is provided along with a method of installation. A clamping engagement system employed by such a ladder is also provided along with a kit for installing the ladder with a mold press frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Andrew Stephan Cale
  • Patent number: 9487380
    Abstract: A hoist assembly includes a mount. A plurality of hooks is coupled to the mount. The plurality of hooks engages a ladder. The mount may be coupled to the ladder. A plate is provided. The plate engages the mount. The plate may be positioned above a roof access hatch. A winch is coupled to the plate. A cable is wrapped around the winch. The winch may extend or retract the cable. A hook is coupled to the cable. The hook engages an object. The assembly may lift the object upwardly through the roof access hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Jeff Hanley
  • Patent number: 9464449
    Abstract: This invention is an electric ladder. It is like no other ladder you have ever seen. It has no rungs or steps but instead has a spacious work platform which traverses up or down at the command of the operator. It is powered by a rechargeable battery feeding an electric motor. The direction of rotation of the motor acting through a series of pulleys and cables moves the platform up or down. Fabricated from high strength graphite composites and utilizing the latest technology in batteries and small high output motors it is lightweight and easily portable for home or professional use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Frank August Barcatta
  • Patent number: 9447639
    Abstract: A ladder safety device, systems and methods of arresting falls from ladders are provided. The ladder safety device includes a safety guide that extends along the length of an extension ladder. The length of the guide along the length of the ladder extends and contracts in unison with the extension and retraction of the extension ladder, and a tension is maintained on the guide to maintain a load during use of the ladder for climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: Daco LLC, Wildcat Capital LLC
    Inventors: David A. Cohen, John P. McCarthy, IV
  • Patent number: 9388024
    Abstract: A vehicle hoist device couples a hoist to a vehicle hitch for lifting heavy objects. The device includes a hitch mount and a cavity extending into a bottom end of the hitch mount wherein the bottom end of the hitch mount is configured for being seated on a ball hitch extending from a vehicle. A bottom end of a boom arm is coupled to the hitch mount. A pulley is coupled to the boom arm and positioned proximate the top end of the boom arm. A hoist is coupled to the boom arm proximate the bottom end of the boom arm. A line is coupled to the hoist such that the line is selectively extendable and retractable from the hoist. The line extends through the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Michael E. McCully
  • Patent number: 9382759
    Abstract: A fixed strand grabber and a removable strand grabber are presented for use on a conventional ladder. The strand grabber includes a hook member connected to a top support and a bottom lever. The bottom lever has a portion that extends past and encloses the open interior of the hook that protrudes from the forward side of the ladder. As the ladder is lowered over a cable, the hooks move upward which in turn causes the bottom lever to rotate upward. A portion of the bottom lever encloses the open interior of the hook thereby locking the cable therein. In this way improved safety is provided as the cable is prevented from accidently slipping out of the open interior of the hook which improves user safety. The system also provides an attachment point for a safety lock. In addition, the removable strand grabber provides a V-brace for using against utility poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Eric C. Bolinski
  • Patent number: 9261072
    Abstract: A method for assembling a wind turbine includes: unloading a nacelle and hub from a truck; connecting the nacelle and hub to a carriage of an elevator in a vertical position; connecting blades to the hub, thereby forming a rotor; raising the carriage, nacelle, and rotor along a tower to a top of the tower; and pivoting the carriage, nacelle, and rotor to a horizontal position at the top of the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel E. Davis
  • Patent number: 9119489
    Abstract: The seasonal feature displayer of the present disclosure and related inventions is configured to highlight and provide semi-permanent placement for a small selection of seasonal or special collection greeting cards among various other greeting cards displayed on a standard tiered greeting card fixture. The displayer utilizes two pivoting attachment support arms for attachment of the displayer to a tiered greeting card fixture. Integrated channels on the inside edges of the display are capable of holding product signage or marketing messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Megan Buettner, Anthony Santarelli, Emory Brozak
  • Publication number: 20150060200
    Abstract: A ladder lift is provided. The ladder lift may include a foldable platform, a frame, a motorized gear mechanism, a gear channel and a toggle switch. The gear channel may extend upwardly from a supporting surface along the length of the frame. The gear channel may house a belt track extending along the length of the gear channel. The foldable platform may be rigidly connected to the motorized gear mechanism. The motorized gear mechanism may selectively engage the belt track for causing the foldable platform to move in a specified direction along the length of the gear channel. The toggle switch may be used to engage and disengage the motorized gear mechanism. The frame may support the gear channel, the foldable platform, the motorized gear mechanism and a user. The user may be accommodated on the foldable platform. Then the user may activate the toggle switch so that the foldable platform moves in a specified direction along the length of the gear channel for a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Horton SHANKS
  • Publication number: 20140246271
    Abstract: A conventional extension ladder modified to incorporate a foldable-platform-equipped trolley that can be raised and lowered with an electrically-powered winch. An open-channel guide rail is secured to each side of each section of the extension ladder, the guide rails extending the entire length of each section. Each side of the trolley is equipped with upper and lower sets of rotatable guide wheels. Each set comprises three guide wheels in stacked alignment. The trolley always runs on at least one pair of guide rails on opposite sides of the ladder, and may be running on both pairs of guide rails when it is positioned in the region of ladder section overlap. The trolley is equipped with upright posts to which a hand rail is secured. Extendable standards on the ladder base provide additional stability, and a pair of large wheels enhance ladder mobility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Morris Davies, Michael David Cook
  • Patent number: 8763757
    Abstract: A ladder climbing apparatus is provided for use with a ladder having a plurality of rungs. The ladder climbing apparatus includes a frame, a prime mover mounted to the frame and a power supply electrically connected to the prime mover. A pulley system is mounted to the frame, and is mechanically connected to the prime mover. At least two drive belts are configured so that each of the drive belts pass around the pulley system, and the drive belts are connected to the prime mover by the pulley system. A plurality of gripper elements are attached to each of the drive belts. The ladder climbing apparatus is configured so that a portion of the plurality of gripper elements are in contact with at least four rungs of the ladder during an ascent or descent, so that weight is distributed over the at least four rungs of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Dustin Cory Zwirn
  • Publication number: 20140124293
    Abstract: A lift system comprising an elongated rack and a roller pinion drive system. A preferred version has two parallel rack with plurality of rungs extending horizontally between the racks to form a ladder. A plurality of spaced apart mounting brackets are configured for affixing the ladder vertically to a stationary member, the stationary member not forming part of the invention. In this version, a drive unit retained within a carriage is mounted in proximity to the racks. The drive unit interacts with the racks to move the carriage upwardly and downwardly along the racks. A speed limiter is also disclosed that can be retained within the carriage below the drive unit and mounted in proximity to one of the racks. The speed limiter interacts with the rack to produce a breaking action if the drive unit fails, preventing the carriage to drop down quickly. Single rack and inclined rack versions are disclosed as alternatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: MODERN CONCEPTS OUTDOORS, LLC
    Inventors: NATHAN R. EVERSOLE, JOHN R. LOYET, BRADLEY K. EVERSOLE
  • Patent number: 8689937
    Abstract: A cargo lifting apparatus for use with a ladder includes a lift track coupled to each ladder side rail. Each lift track includes first and second adjacent channels, the first channel defining a longitudinal slot. The apparatus includes a carrier assembly having a back portion, a pair of support members extending perpendicularly and forwardly from the back portion, opposed mounting members configured to be received in a respective first channel slot, and rollers attached to the back portion configured to bear against respective ladder side rails. A motor/brake combination is coupled to a lower rung of the ladder. A pulley assembly includes a lower sprocket operatively coupled to the motor, an upper sprocket, and a cord extending between the sprockets and coupled to the carrier assembly for selectively raising and lowering the carrier assembly when the motor is activated or deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Gilberto M. Grado
  • Patent number: 8596416
    Abstract: A system configured for lifting or lowering a tool carriage device via a ladder climbing structure is described. The tool carriage device may be adapted to enclose and transport a payload and include a fall arrest grab with an overspeed brake to stop an uncontrolled descent of the carriage device. The tool carriage device may include obstruction sensors to detect an obstruction along the path of the carriage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Safeworks, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Crew, John Haigh, Morgan Knickrehm
  • Patent number: 8322489
    Abstract: An aerial rescue device is a powered platform that quickly elevates the fireman to height, or powers the secure descent of a rescued person. A powered carriage rides between two extensible booms. Two rungs secured to the carriage enable a fireman to stand on one and hold onto the other. The two booms have rails within. The rails guide trolleys secured to the ends of the two rungs. The carriage is moved by two cables. Each cable is connected at one end to the carriage and at the other end to two winches. These winches are computer controlled to enable the carriage to ride up and down while the booms are being extended. Preferably, there are also rotatable boom segments at the top of the booms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Orville Douglas Denison
  • Patent number: 8074769
    Abstract: A device is provided for aiding a user in transporting a load up and down a ladder assembly. The ladder assembly includes a fly ladder having slidably connected to a base ladder. Each ladder includes first and second spaced rails interconnected by a plurality of spaced rungs. The device has a frame assembly including a first subframe positionable adjacent the first rail of the base ladder and a second subframe positionable adjacent the second rail of the base ladder. First and second base ladder guides are operatively connected to each subframe and define tracks for receiving the rails of the base ladder therebetween. First and second fly ladder guides are operatively connected to the subframes and defines tracks for receiving the rails of the fly ladder therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael W. Sracic, Daniel J. Goesch, Logan J. Hamel, Elliot J. Haag, David J. Tengler
  • Patent number: 8002512
    Abstract: A material transport system and method of use is disclosed herein. The system includes a base assembly having an adjustable width, a material support platform hingedly attached to the base assembly, the platform supported angularly above the base assembly by at least two support tubes hingedly attached to the base assembly, a left pair and a right pair of rail guides aligned along the length of the base assembly, the rails removably attached to the underside of the base assembly, and a left pair and a right pair of wheels axially mounted between each rail guide pair, the bottom edges of the rail guides extending past the edges of the wheels, the system characterized in that the rail guides and wheels enable the transport system to be pulled along the rails of a ladder by wire, rope, or like component attached to the transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Berle G. Blehm
  • Patent number: 7942243
    Abstract: An intermediate cable fairlead is comprised of a frame assembly, a left and right wheel assembly affixed to the frame assembly, and a pulley wheel attached to the wheel assembly. The intermediate cable fairlead can be attached to a ladder and utilized to move material from the ground up to or over the intermediate cable fairlead. The device can also be utilized as a stop to hold a load in position on a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Berle G. Blehm
  • Patent number: 7909139
    Abstract: The present invention is a powered lift platform including a platform, at least one guide rail section in operative contact with the platform, each of the at least one guide rail sections comprising at least one guide rail and in which a first end of each of the guide rail sections is configured to removably attach to a second end of a second guide rail section. The invention also includes a lift mechanism supported by the platform, a lift guide in operative contact with the lift mechanism and attached to the upper portion of the upper guide rail, a power supply to operate the lift mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, at least one wheel is operatively attached to the powered lift platform. Also presented is a method for securing the powered lift platform to a columnar-like support. Also presented is an extendable standoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Lewis J. Blue, William E. Meier
  • Patent number: 7900745
    Abstract: A motor driven lifting assembly includes a ladder, a plurality of fastening members removably and pivotally attached to an upper end of the ladder, and a plurality of wheels attached to a lower end of the ladder. A platform supports the air-conditioning unit and is located at an anterior face of the ladder. A mechanism raises and lowers the platform such that the platform is linearly adjustable along an entire longitudinal length of the ladder. The raising and lowering mechanism is anchored in close proximity to the lower portion of the ladder such that the raising and lowering mechanism is easily operable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Tindal
  • Patent number: 7686566
    Abstract: A hoisting device and method for hoisting material up an extension ladder. The device includes a load-carrying carriage having a wheel and roller axle assembly that also serves as rollers for engagement with the rails of the ladder. The wheel and roller axle assembly allows the cart to transition from the ladder rails to the roof surface. Also provided is a dual braking means that serves to prevent the carriage from rolling back down the ladder or off of the roof in cases of cable malfunction. The method employs a hoisting mechanism having a removable winch used in conjunction with a releasable coupled pull cable that is brought to the roof surface on the carriage, detached from the carriage, mounted on the roof and used to return the carriage to and from the roof during hoisting operations. An adjustable ladder support is provided to support the ladder during a hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Arthur Murphy
  • Patent number: 7546902
    Abstract: Accordingly, embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein comprise a personnel lift apparatus for raising or lowering a standing person between two or more elevations or from a base elevation to a raised elevation. A moveable lift platform rides within a track provided on a pair of substantially upright side rails. The platform is connected by a flexible metallic cable to an electrically operated winch. The personnel lift eliminates steps and ladders on recreational items or any equipment requiring climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Larry Victor Schwertner
  • Patent number: 7424932
    Abstract: A hoisting device and method for hoisting material up an extension ladder. The device includes a load-carrying carriage having a wheel and roller axle assembly that also serves as rollers for engagement with the rails of the ladder. The wheel and roller axle assembly allows the cart to transition from the ladder rails to the roof surface. Also provided is a dual braking means that serves to prevent the carriage from rolling back down the ladder or off of the roof in cases of cable malfunction. The method employs a hoisting mechanism having a removable winch used in conjunction with a releasable coupled pull cable that is brought to the roof surface on the carriage, detached from the carriage, mounted on the roof and used to return the carriage to and from the roof during hoisting operations. An infinitely adjustable ladder support is provided to support the ladder during a hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick Arthur Murphy
  • Publication number: 20070267250
    Abstract: A portable free-standing electric human lift apparatus is provided for electrically raising or lowering a human or materials on a three legged ladder-like frame. The ladder-like frame having the general form of a three legged orchard ladder with a fixed top platform sitting atop of two opposing substantially parallel distally spaced elongated front legs. The front legs having an extruded ā€˜Uā€™ shaped channel cross section. A stabilizing back leg is pivotally connected at the top end of the leg to the platform member, to swing out and form a tripod-like or third leg support to stabilize the lift to stand freely in a vertical position. A leveling means provided on the bottom portion front legs serves to level the lift apparatus when resting upon an uneven surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Richard J. Wolff
  • Patent number: 7004288
    Abstract: The invention provides a lift apparatus for use with a ladder having two spaced upright stringers and a plurality of horizontal rungs bridging the stringers and spaced at a distance vertically from one another. The lift apparatus comprises a frame, a prime mover mounted on the frame and having a rotatable output shaft, at least one pair of sprocket systems space apart vertically from each other. At least one of the sprocket systems is operatively coupled with the output shaft of the prime mover. Endless driving force transmitting mechanism can pass around the pair of the sprocket systems. Controller is provided for controlling the prime mover in such a manner as to selectively rotate the output shaft thereof in forward or reverse direction, or stop it. Operating mechanism is provided for causing a plurality of gripper elements to be engaged with the corresponding rungs of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ryo Keiso Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Araki, Junichi Morishita, Tsuyoshi Kawazoe
  • Patent number: 6533070
    Abstract: Raisable and lowerable platforms for use with ladders that are laid against exterior and interior walls, and against other inclined surfaces such as pitched roof surfaces. Two or more ladders can each include the platforms which are controlled by motors to raise and lower in unison. The platforms can be attached by rollers about exterior sides of the ladders or on the interior sides of the ladders, as needed. Single, two, or more ladder applications can include platforms being expandable to have enlarged surfaces. A longitudinal member such as a board, deck, etc., can also be positioned on the platform(s) so it can be used as a raisable and lowerable scaffolding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard L. Elrod
  • Patent number: 6505785
    Abstract: The apparatus of this invention is utilized for mounting a wind turbine on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. The invention also relates to the method of erecting the same. The tower is provided with a pair of guide rails positioned on opposite sides thereof which extend from the lower end to the upper end of the tower. A sled is movably mounted on the guide rails and has a platform mounted thereon which is adapted to support the wind turbine thereon. In one form of the invention, the sled is self-contained in that it has an engine and a winch mounted thereon. In another form of the invention, the winch and engine are mounted on a self-propelled vehicle which is designed to transport the sled from one tower location to another. In another form of the invention, the winch is detachable from the self-propelled vehicle so that the winch may be anchored to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey O. Willis, Anthony J. Hansen, Mark J. Perina
  • Patent number: 6422341
    Abstract: A lift up rail extension assembly is to be mounted onto an existing ladder which has a first rail and an opposite second rail. The first and second rails are connected by at least one step. The lift up rail extension assembly includes a first rail extension which is slidably mounted to the first rail of the existing ladder, a second rail extension which is slidably mounted to the second rail of the existing ladder, and first and second devices for latching which are pivotally mounted to the first and second rail extensions. The first and second devices for latching are movable between an unlatched position and a latched position. In addition, the first and second devices for latching each have a weighted portion so that when the respective rail extension is extended in a first direction, the weighted portion moves the devices for latching to the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Royalite Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack T. Engdahl
  • Publication number: 20020043426
    Abstract: The kit is used for the assembly of a modular ladder assembly in an ascending mine raise having a peripheral wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Marcelin Bruneau, Louis-Georges Lemire
  • Patent number: 6357549
    Abstract: A guide rail system is used to erect towers, to place equipment on towers and for maintenance of towers. The guide rail may be added to existing towers, a climbing lifting platform is attached to the guide rails and is used to transport items up and down the tower. The platform may also be used to carry up tower sections during erection of the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignees: D. H. Blattner & Sons, Inc., Elgood Mayo Corp.
    Inventors: Donald D. Brennan, Brent R. Leisening, Carl W. Diedrich, George M. Burkhart, Ralph Douglas Fredrickson