Safety Device For Ground-supported Ladder Patents (Class 182/107)
  • Publication number: 20140166397
    Abstract: A ladder stabilization clamp consisting of a structure attachment assembly having adjustable upper and lower jaws, a ladder attachment assembly having an adjustable ladder clamp and an adjustable base to change the overall length of the ladder stabilization clamp. The ladder stabilization clamp is used to secure any type of ladder to a structure by clamping the adjustable ladder clamp to a portion of the ladder, adjusting the overall length of the ladder stabilization clamp to the distance from the ladder to a support structure and adjusting the upper and lower jaws to clamp onto the support structure. The adjustability of the ladder stabilization clamp allows it to be used on all commercially available ladders and most support structures. The ladder stabilization clamp provides safety and security while using a ladder by keeping the ladder stable by firmly securing it to a support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Chad Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8752671
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible, free-standing device for use by a rider to access the saddle stirrup when mounting a horse. The device has a center support pole with a handle on one end and a base on the other. Two folding steps are each pivotally mounted to spaced-apart brackets attached to the pole, to assist the rider to reach the stirrup. Several folding legs are mounted to a collar attached to the center pole in order to stabilize the device. The legs can be configured with extensions so that the device can be leveled on uneven terrain. Pivoting foot pads can be attached onto the ends of the legs. A rope is attached to the handle so that the device can be pulled up after the rider has mounted the horse, whereupon the device can be folded and collapsed for storage on the horse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Henderson Holman
  • Patent number: 8752672
    Abstract: A standoff device and ladder designed for positioning with respect to a supporting structure, the standoff is temporarily and rigidly attached to the upper end of a ladder for the purpose of holding the ladder away from the structure against which the ladder is leaning to provide more stability and a comfortable distance between the user and the structure during tasks such as painting, power washing a house, working with gutters, carpentry, roofing, tree trimming and pruning. The standoff comprises a pivotal frame which is moveably and adjustably secured to a selected rung of the ladder with the pivotal movement limited by a chain, rope, strap, strut, telescoping member, or other holding element attached to a lower portion of the ladder such as a lower rung. The standoff device includes a frame having extendable legs with padded rollers journalled on the end in a “V-shape” for leaning against various shapes of vertical support structures such as walls of a building, columns or trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher D. Turner
  • Patent number: 8733503
    Abstract: An extension ladder stabilizer includes a ladder rung engagement rod having threads along at least a portion of its length and configured to be disposed in and project from each end of a hollow tubular rung of an extension ladder, a pair of internal supports having a substantially gear shaped hole in each, a pair of external supports having a substantially gear shaped boss with a through hole on a first face and an anchor channel on a second face opposite the first face on each, and a pair of ground engagement members. In a ladder stabilizing configuration, the extension ladder stabilizer is installed on a ladder and the ground engagement members are passed through the anchor channels and into the ground to secure the ladder from side slipping, kicking back, and kicking over when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Richard David Spencer
  • Publication number: 20140102827
    Abstract: A ladder is provided comprising a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. A pair of hooks are located such that each hook is positioned adjacent and upper end of an associated rail. A securing apparatus is coupled adjacent the upper end of the first pair of spaced apart rails. The securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engaging members and may include a cross-member coupled therebetween. Each of the engagement members is pivotal with respect to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails. In one embodiment, the securing apparatus lacks any biasing members (e.g., springs or actuators) or locking members. The engagement members and hooks cooperatively encircle and overhead, generally horizontal support member to support and secure the ladder in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Wing Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian B. Russell, N. Ryan Moss, Sean R. Peterson, Darius S. Penrod, Ryan Crawford, Gary Jonas
  • Publication number: 20140096367
    Abstract: A magnetic clamp attachment assembly for securing a ladder arrangement to a ferromagnetic surface is disclosed where the ladder arrangement comprises two spaced apart side members and at least one rung extending between the side members. The magnetic clamp attachment assembly includes a spacer member sized and configured to extend over the spaced apart side members of the ladder arrangement and magnetic attachment means for attaching the spacer member and securing the ladder arrangement to the ferromagnetic surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SERPENT AND DOVE - APPLIED MAGNETICS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ian Godfrey HEARD, Adrian Edward HEARD
  • Patent number: 8662252
    Abstract: A carriage assembly includes a carriage frame, a caster, and a first jack body coupled to the carriage frame and the caster. The first jack body has a longitudinal axis. The first jack body is configured to selectively move the caster with respect to the carriage frame along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: David Ogden
  • Publication number: 20140054111
    Abstract: A ladder balance adjusting apparatus installed on an n-shaped ladder leg includes an assembly, a base cover, a fixing element, a base cup, a stand rod, and a control element. The assembly has a first component and a second component, and the second component has a side and a bottom to form an L-shaped structure, and after the ladder leg is installed between the two components, the ladder leg is locked by a plurality of locking elements. The base cover is coupled to the assembly and the base cup, and the fixing element is built in the base cover, and the stand rod is provided for passing the aforementioned elements to support the ladder leg, and the control element is provided for controlling the fixing element to adjust the height of the ladder leg, and to simplify the manufacturing process of components, the installation and disassembly of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: WEN-HUA LU
  • Publication number: 20140041965
    Abstract: A ladder support system includes a support arrangement affixed to a ladder at a first end. The support arrangement includes a proximal link coupled between the ladder and a distal link. The distal link includes a distal end configured to engage an upper surface of a structure such as a building or house in a secure manner to thereby secure the ladder thereto. The ladder support system may include an actuator arrangement configured to move the support system between a retracted and extended orientation. In another construction, the support system is configured to be selectively removable from the ladder as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Industrial Safety Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Hess, Jonathan T. Krouth
  • Publication number: 20140027202
    Abstract: A safety device for a ladder and one or more support platforms disposed upon an underlying roof surface comprising a panel member having a top side, a bottom side, a back edge portion, a first side edge portion, a second side edge portion, and a front U-shaped edge portion with laterally spaced-apart forwardly extending arms for positioning a ladder there between to contain the ladder and prevent its lateral movement beyond the arms. The panel member and the support platform each has the means in cooperating relation to attach the panel member to the support platform in releasable engagement to enable the panel member and the support platform to easily disconnect and reconnect to further enable the adjustment of the positioning of the panel member relative to one or more adjacently or closely placed support platforms situated along or near the edge of said roof surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Russell N. Bancroft
  • Patent number: 8616335
    Abstract: An apparatus to secure a ladder to a ferromagnetic work surface, such as a metal storage tank, comprises a pair of brackets removably attached near the top of the ladder. The brackets are hinged to magnet mounts, which each hold a permanent magnet that releasably holds the ladder in place against the work surface. The apparatus prevents the ladder from slipping while a worker is climbing the ladder or while working from the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Mosier
  • Patent number: 8602163
    Abstract: A ladder safety apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example ladder safety apparatus includes a stabilizer bar for a top portion of a ladder, the stabilizer bar configured to rest on a roof top. The ladder safety apparatus also includes a balance rail for the top portion of the ladder to provide handles for a user climbing onto the roof top. The ladder safety apparatus also includes an attached strap to connect adjacent the roof top for securing the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Don M. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8602162
    Abstract: The safety ladder may be an extension ladder having two or more relatively sliding sections, and incorporates a number of safety devices. The lower end of the ladder incorporates two opposed lateral stabilizers and two outwardly extending stabilizers, i.e., extending from the opposite face of the ladder from the structure against which the ladder is placed. The upper end of the ladder includes a pair of articulating lateral arms that brace against the structure against which the ladder is deployed, and articulating clamps or straps for securing the ladder to the structure. The medial portion of the ladder includes a handrail extending from each ladder rail. All of these devices may be retracted, collapsed, and/or folded for compact storage and transport when not in use. The entire ladder, i.e., rails, rungs, as well as the various safety components attached thereto, is coated with an electrically non-conductive coating for additional safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mehmet Dondurur, Ahmet Z. Sahin
  • Publication number: 20130319794
    Abstract: The disclosed adjustable ladder support mechanism solves the problem of unstable extension ladders with a mobile base that can be moved by one man, the base then expanded in both length and width. With the stable base set up, the ladder can be extended, the angle adjusted, and the operator can safely climb the ladder. Worries of the ladder slipping sideways off the ledge against which it is leaned are eliminated. The adjustable ladder support mechanism has two main sections: the base, which provides stability, and the tower, which raises the ladder above the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Pablo Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8590671
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing a ladder including a first stabilizing member having a predetermined fixed first length, a second stabilizing member having a predetermined fixed second length, a support structure for being mounted to the ladder at a predetermined location, the support structure being mounted to an upper portion of the first and the second stabilizing member, respectively, the support structure for holding the upper portion of the first and the second stabilizing member in proximity of a first frame rail and a second frame rail of the ladder, respectively, such that the first and the second stabilizing members are rotatable around a first axis oriented substantially parallel to rungs of the ladder, and a connecting member having a predetermined length removable mounted to the first and second stabilizing member at a predetermined distance to the upper portion of the first and second stabilizing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Michael David Potter
  • Publication number: 20130270037
    Abstract: A portable ladder, advantageously of the folding type, comprising a structure having steps, further comprises at least one vertical telescopic support prop with top and bottom ends which have feet for wedging the support prop between a bottom surface supporting the ladder on the ground and a surface above the ladder, so as to form wedged fixing systems which prevent the ladder from tipping over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto Giuseppe Pensieri
  • Patent number: 8550422
    Abstract: A gutter guard device that includes an elongate, curved bracket having a hooked portion disposed at a first edge, a first piece disposed from the first edge, said first piece joining a second piece at an approximately 90 degree first bend, the second piece joined to a third piece at an oblique angle at a second bend, and a rubberlike outer portion disposed overlying an exterior side, whereby the gutter guard device releasably attaches to the lip of an extant gutter to cover a section of a gutter thereby so that the pressure of a ladder rested against the gutter is distributed across a section and the gutter is protected thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Thomas
  • Patent number: 8528695
    Abstract: A ladder apparatus and system relating to detachably securing a ladder to linear, or non-linear, structures such as, for example, a tree, a telephone pole, a building pillar, etc., thereby assisting preventing the ladder from lateral movement. The system provides for width, depth and angle adjustment to assist clasping to different structural support geometries being attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Franklin M. Orpia
  • Publication number: 20130199873
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ladder railing gutter clamp for securing the railing of an upstanding ladder against the outer flange of a roof gutter. The device comprises an angled clamp having a first railing accepting end and a second gutter insertion end. The first end includes a lateral arm secures around the exterior of a ladder railing and an inward tab to prevent lateral motion, while the second end includes a perpendicular turnscrew support arm. A turnscrew threadably mounts through the support arm and is directed toward the clamp first end. The turnscrew support arm is placed within a gutter for advancing the turnscrew towards the interior surface of a gutter outer flange. A pivotable contact pad having high friction surface is connected to the interior end of the turnscrew, which compresses the gutter flange and the ladder railing towards the clamp first end lateral arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Shawn Prentice
  • Publication number: 20130199874
    Abstract: A ladder safety apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example ladder safety apparatus includes a stabilizer bar for a top portion of a ladder, the stabilizer bar configured to rest on a roof top. The example ladder safety apparatus also includes a balance rail for the top portion of the ladder to provide substantially upright handles for a user to grasp when the ladder is positioned on the roof top. Further, the safety apparatus may be engaged to a ladder using one or more engagement rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Don M. Davis, JR.
  • Patent number: 8485316
    Abstract: A ladder system is disclosed which allows for stabilizing a ladder, on multiple surfaces, without the need for a second person or a great deal of setup time. The collapsible ladder system includes a larger ladder section and a smaller ladder strut section that is pivotally connected at a point which is at or below the midpoint of the larger ladder section. The larger ladder section and smaller ladder strut section are connected by a rigid adjustable linkage, or spreader, at a point that is below the pivotable connection. The ladder further includes a means for stability on a variety of surfaces. At the ground contacting point, the point where the ladder side rail ends and the ground meet, there are adjustable gripping feet, which can be independently or in combination vertically or angularly adjusted for maximum stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Lock N Climb, LLC
    Inventors: Floyd LaVern Vestal, Jeffrey A. Green
  • Patent number: 8464834
    Abstract: A convenient ladder stabilization device for holding a ladder in place on a support surface. The device may attach to a lower rung of a ladder and extend and contact the support surface behind the ladder. The device of the present invention acts to secure and stabilize the bottom of the ladder to prevent the base of the ladder from sliding, skidding, or otherwise moving while a user is on the ladder. The present invention further provides for a lightweight and easy to use device that may be removably attached to any conventional ladder. The ladder stabilization device does not require any material alteration to the ladder and thus will not void the warranty of a conventional ladder when used in combination. The present invention improves user safety and reduces the need for having a second individual support the base of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Glenda Blazin, Thomas Corley
  • Publication number: 20130118833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Wing Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventor: Wing Enterprises, Incorporated
  • Patent number: 8439163
    Abstract: Ladder safety devices including a gutter guard, a ladder extender, a ground spike and a ladder shoe, are described that improve the stability of a ladder placed against a structure with or without guttering. Embodiments of the gutter guard prevent the ladder from contacting the gutter, distribute the ladder's weight to minimize structural damage, avoid ladder-gutter contact resulting in and help to hold the ladder in place. The ladder extender offsets the ladder from the shingles of a roof when gutters are not present. The ground spike and ladder shoe stabilize a ladder placed on a soft or hard surfaces, respectfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Denver Inman
  • Publication number: 20130068560
    Abstract: An improved device for stabilizing and stiffening an extension ladder includes a telescoping member with proximal and distal ends, a base that is attached to the proximal end of the telescoping member and has a configuration which is adapted to allow it to be adjustably affixed between the rungs of the ladder so that the angle between the centerline of the telescoping member and the plane defined by the extension ladder's rungs can be adjustably set so that the distal end of the telescoping member extends approximately horizontal to contact the vertical surface against which the extension ladder is leaning, and a transverse member that is attached to the telescoping member's distal end and has a configuration which is adapted to enhance the ability of the ladder to resist twisting about the centerline of the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Charles E. Estep
  • Publication number: 20130037349
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a multi-sided ladder assembly and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a multi-sided ladder assembly with substantially improved stability, providing for a wide range of applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-faced ladder assembly comprises: a plurality of individual ladders, a top platform positioned over a top of each of the plurality of ladders, and a plurality of support platforms, each support platform positioned at a bottom end of each of the individual ladders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: RAMALINGAM VAIDYASELVAN
  • Publication number: 20130001014
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for stabilizing a portable ladder is provided by this invention. The use of through rung functionality of a portable ladder securing device reduces the probability of a person climbing the portable ladder falling from the portable ladder or a person on the ground from being struck by an object falling from a portable ladder. The apparatus and method include the use of stabilizing arms that are attached to the portable ladder either by a brace or a through-rung component. Furthermore, the apparatus and method include a second section for securing the stabilizing arms either to a nearby stable structure or to an integrated ground spike component. The stabilizing arms are adjustable in length allowing for the proper use of the portable ladder stabilizing apparatus in a greater amount of environmental conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Dan Halloran
  • Patent number: 8316993
    Abstract: A house clamp assembly having a fixed jaw and a slide bar mounted movable jaw, the fixed jaw opposing the movable jaw. A one-way drive means, by operation of a trigger handle grip, releasably engages the slide bar and advances the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw. The one-way drive means is incapable of moving the slide bar and movable jaw away from the fixed jaw. A return motion of the movable jaw (separating) is accomplished manually when the one-way drive means is disengaged. A braking lever, which is biased to bind the slide bar, prevents reverse motion of the slideable jaw away from the fixed jaw, except when the first lever is disengaged from the slide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: David Michael Rudd
  • Publication number: 20120234628
    Abstract: An extension ladder stabilizer includes a ladder rung engagement rod having threads along at least a portion of its length and configured to be disposed in and project from each end of a hollow tubular rung of an extension ladder, a pair of internal supports having a substantially gear shaped hole in each, a pair of external supports having a substantially gear shaped boss with a through hole on a first face and an anchor channel on a second face opposite the first face on each, and a pair of ground engagement members. In a ladder stabilizing configuration, the extension ladder stabilizer is installed on a ladder and the ground engagement members are passed through the anchor channels and into the ground to secure the ladder from side slipping, kicking back, and kicking over when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Richard David Spencer
  • Patent number: 8251180
    Abstract: The ladder stabilizer apparatus provides for removable attachment to two rungs of a ladder. The case provides pivoting sleeves that may be indirectly or directly controlled by the apparatus crank, whereby either the sleeves or the sleeves with arms with optional vertical rollers are moved toward and away from the ladder. Rollers are provided for a given surface contact with the apparatus. Movement of the sleeves and the sleeves with arms provides for the contact devices to be positioned partially around a structure or object corner, within a corner, or any position between. The contact devices may be positioned outside boundaries of a window, for example, to provide a user best access to a window or other area that is not designed to have a ladder rested against it. The apparatus may be adjusted while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. Paige
  • Publication number: 20120199416
    Abstract: A ladder stabilizer having a base plate that engages with a lower portion of the ladder and having a tire receiving portion at an end portion of the base plate. The weight of a vehicle tire on the tire receiving portion provides increased stability to the base plate of the ladder stabilizer. The tire receiving portion can be moved to either side of the base plate and can have a base plate-engaging mechanism on its bottom surface to couple with a mating surface of the base plate. The ladder can be retained by a leg retainer, rung retainer, or other retaining member that is coupled to a ladder retainer attachment portion of the base plate. Preferably, the ladder retainer mechanism includes some type of fastener or tensioning mechanism to secure the lower portion of the ladder to the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond HOPKINS, Peter Stapleton
  • Patent number: 8235175
    Abstract: A standoff arrangement for ladders and the like, comprising a ladder attachment portion and a ladder support portion. The attachment portion is releasably securable to ladder, and the support portion extends from the ladder attachment portion, having a pair of individually adjustable bearing arms which can be universally adjusted in relation to the structure against which the ladder standoff arrangement bears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel E. Feldhaus
  • Patent number: 8230971
    Abstract: A ladder support apparatus, the apparatus including a support body, one or more clamp mechanisms operatively mountable to the support body, for mounting the support body to a structure and a retention assembly operatively connected to the support body and, in use, being adapted to limit relative movement between the ladder and ladder support, the or each clamping mechanism including a clamp a?n mounted for movement relative to the support body in a clamping direction and a release direction, an actuator operable to control the operation of the clamp arm, the clamp mechanism being arranged so as to be able to adopt a preset mode in which the clamp arm is substantially freely moveable in both the clamping direction and the release direction, a set mode in which the clamp arm is inhibited from movement in either direction but can be moved incrementally by operation of the actuator and a pre-release mode in which the clamp arm is inhibited from movement in either direction but upon operation of the actuator when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Cecil Wiseman, Christopher Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20120186066
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a ladder access system. The ladder access system may include a base having a clamp disposed proximal an excavation end thereof. The clamp may be configured to secure the base to an excavation support structure. A first side rail may be disposed on a first side of the base and a second side rail may be disposed on a second side of the base. The ladder access system may also include a gate disposed at a surface end of the base and extending between the first and second side rails. The ladder access system may further include a ladder support disposed proximal the excavation end of the base and extending from the first or second side rail, the ladder support being configured to uphold an upper end of a ladder disposed in an excavation and leaning thereupon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL TRENCH SAFETY
    Inventor: Ronald W. Chilton
  • Patent number: 8229643
    Abstract: An acceleration control system stores a target acceleration calculation equation acquired by transforming an equation that expresses that a product of the differentiation of the square power of the speed and the environmental factor ?env represents a sensed value ? of acceleration. A surrounding environment monitor device detects surrounding bodies present in the forward periphery of the vehicle, and an environmental factor calculation unit calculates the environmental factor ?env by using the detected positions of the surrounding bodies. A target acceleration setting unit successively sets target accelerations aref in compliance with the target acceleration calculation equation by using the environmental factor ?env. The acceleration is executed to match the driver's feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Inou, Minoru Okada, Takehito Fujii, Seiji Totsuka
  • Publication number: 20120175188
    Abstract: An multi-function attachment for straight and extension ladder for enabling a ladder to stand upright upon an uneven or inclined surface, boosting ladder's stability on cable and wire rope, keeping ladder away from gutter, keeping ladder at roof peak, and providing a support for a work table or sawhorse. The attachment comprise one special device clamped over one rung and stile of the ladder, an extension with shoe that has slip-resistant rubber pad bottom can be vertically adjustable in the device or can be bolted onto device horizontally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Changliang Xu
  • Publication number: 20120160608
    Abstract: A ladder safety apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example ladder safety apparatus includes a stabilizer bar for a top portion of a ladder, the stabilizer bar configured to rest on a roof top. The example ladder safety apparatus also includes a balance rail for the top portion of the ladder to provide substantially upright handles for a user to grasp when the ladder is positioned on the roof top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Don M. Davis, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120160607
    Abstract: A ladder safety apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example ladder safety apparatus includes a stabilizer bar for a top portion of a ladder, the stabilizer bar configured to rest on a roof top. The ladder safety apparatus also includes a balance rail for the top portion of the ladder to provide handles for a user climbing onto the roof top. The ladder safety apparatus also includes an attached strap to connect adjacent the roof top for securing the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Don M. Davis, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120118668
    Abstract: Rescue training equipment includes a mock up structure with at least one platform and a base structure adapted to be detachably attached to a basement on ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Claus Lundgaard Ernstsen, Henning Lausen, Dan Buch Madsen
  • Publication number: 20120097481
    Abstract: A ladder attachment includes an elastomeric member having a rigid body including a concave recess created between first and second end legs. First and second gripper wings are connected to the elastomeric member and extend into the concave recess. Each gripper wing has multiple teeth oriented away from the body. The first and second gripper wings are separated from the body by first and second slots. The first and second gripper wings elastically deflect into the first and second slots and toward the body by a force acting on the body. The body has first and second apertures including first and second body angled surfaces oriented at an acute angle with respect to a line extending through the body and perpendicular to a planar body surface. The first and second gripper wings have a maximum thickness at the first and second connecting ends, and thinner first and second free ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: CAM-K LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Schienke, Dennis A. Asselin
  • Patent number: 8162273
    Abstract: An adjustable support device (10) for a structure, including an arcuate support bar (26) terminating in feet (28) for engagement with a ground surface. Two spaced apart locking mechanisms (30) are pivotally connected to the structure. The arcuate support bar (26) extends between engagement rods (36a, 36b) of the locking mechanisms (30). The locking mechanisms (30) are pivotally moveable between a first position, in which a stop member (38) prevents further pivotal movement in one direction such that the engagement rods (36a, 36b) are positioned to allow the arcuate support bar (26) to slide freely over the engagement rods (36a, 36b), and a second position, when weight is applied to the locking mechanisms (30). In the second position, the engagement rods (36a, 36b) lock against the arcuate support bar (26) to prevent sliding movement there through for supporting the structure in a required orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald Paul Jones
  • Patent number: 8157055
    Abstract: A ladder accessory or caddy that is connectible or removably mountable to the upper ends or rails of a ladder is adapted to position the ladder relative to a work structure and the ground and comprises an elongated rectangular shaped housing member and a resilient cushion member connected to the housing member. The housing has top and bottom walls, a pair of sidewalls, a forward and rearward end walls, and an interior wall. The walls cooperate to form a socket having an opening on the bottom, for receiving and closely fitting about the upper end portion of the ladder. The forward or cushioned end of the caddy is curvilinear and forms a “bull nose” for greater work surface contact area for stabilization. Also means for securing the caddy in position such as a biased latch may be provided to fix the caddy to the ladder while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Glen A. Stark, Glenn S. Tokoph
  • Patent number: 8157056
    Abstract: A coupler for a standoff arrangement for ladders and the like. The standoff arrangement comprises a ladder attachment portion and a ladder support portion, with the attachment portion formed to be releasably securable to a ladder and the support portion extending from the ladder attachment portion. The ladder support portion has a pair of individually adjustable bearing arms, and a coupler is installed in each bearing arm to make the bearing arm universally adjustable in relation to the structure against which the ladder standoff arrangement bears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel E. Feldhaus
  • Publication number: 20120080266
    Abstract: An MLP assembly and method for supporting and providing access to railroad signals. The MLP assembly may comprise a mast, one or more platform assemblies attached to the mast, and one or more ladders attachable to the mast and/or the platform assemblies. The MLP assembly may also comprise F-brackets and ladder supports for supporting the ladders relative to the mast. The MLP assembly may be placed in a folded configuration for transport thereof or an unfolded configuration for installation. The ladder supports and/or elements of the platform assemblies may rotate toward the mast into the folded configuration and may rotate away from the mast into the unfolded configuration. The MLP assembly may also comprise a plurality of stacking brackets configured for stacking a plurality of MLP assemblies on top of each other for transport to an installation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jack Brock
  • Patent number: 8136632
    Abstract: A collapsible platform assembly for an extension ladder is disclosed that can be used to support the top of an extension ladder with respect to a roof. The collapsible platform assembly includes a platform that is rotatably connected to a rung of an extension ladder near the top. In a storage or retracted position, the platform is generally co-planar with the ladder; i.e fits between the side rails of the extension ladder. In a use position, the platform can be extended and directly supported by the roof, either flat against a roof or alternatively at an acute angle relative to the roof. Since the platform is configured to be directly supported by the roof, the platform acts as a rigid support for the top of the ladder which does not deflect under load as there is an even weight transfer from the ladder to the platform in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Edward J. Gabriel
  • Publication number: 20120048647
    Abstract: A ladder system is disclosed which allows for stabilizing a ladder on multiple surfaces without the need for a second person or a great deal of setup time. The collapsible ladder system includes a larger ladder section and a smaller ladder strut section which are pivotally connected at a point which is at or below the midpoint of the larger ladder section. The larger ladder section and smaller ladder strut section are connected by a rigid adjustable linkage, or spreader, at a point that is below the pivotable connection. The ladder further includes a means for stability on a variety of surfaces. At the ground contact point, the point where the ladder side rail ends and the ground meet, there are adjustable gripping feet, which can be independently or in combination vertically or angularly adjusted for maximum stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: LOCK N CLIMB, LLC
    Inventors: JEFFREY GREEN, FLOYD LAVERN VESTAL
  • Publication number: 20120024628
    Abstract: A system of increased safety when performing work using a ladder is described. The system includes a ladder bracket for temporarily attachment of a ladder to a structure to stabilize or secure the ladder. The bracket is easy to install and acts to limit or prevent slippage of the ladder laterally or away from the structure and generally promotes a greater margin of safety. In addition, the system includes a bracket for temporarily, yet securely, attaching a safety railing to a ladder. A guardrail carriage for securing a person to a rail via a tether is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: John R. Svehlek
  • Publication number: 20110315476
    Abstract: A stabilising device for stabilising a ladder relative to a structure, the stabilising device comprising a main body having associated therewith a first mount which in use can be mounted to the ladder and a second mount which in use can be mounted to the structure wherein said main body comprises an elongated member said mountings being operatively secured thereto in spaced relation therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Ryan James Clarkson
  • Publication number: 20110290587
    Abstract: A convenient ladder stabilization device for holding a ladder in place on a support surface. The device may attach to a lower rung of a ladder and extend and contact the support surface behind the ladder. The device of the present invention acts to secure and stabilize the bottom of the ladder to prevent the base of the ladder from sliding, skidding, or otherwise moving while a user is on the ladder. The present invention further provides for a lightweight and easy to use device that may be removably attached to any conventional ladder. The ladder stabilization device does not require any material alteration to the ladder and thus will not void the warranty of a conventional ladder when used in combination. The present invention improves user safety and reduces the need for having a second individual support the base of the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Glenda Blazin, Thomas Corley
  • Publication number: 20110278093
    Abstract: A ladder stabilizing device having an arm and a hand. The arm is adapted to fit into the receiver of a vehicle. The hand pivotally mounts to the arm and may be securable in different angular orientations relative to the arm. A lateral member of the hand stabilizes the ladder and reduces the risk of the ladder sliding rearward and out from under the user while the user is climbing and/or standing on the ladder. Two extensions extend from the lateral member to limit lateral movement of the ladder while a user is climbing the ladder. The arm may include three or more offset sections that allow for vertical or horizontal adjustment of the hand. Rearward movement and/or flexing of the ladder may cause the ladder to wedge under the lateral member, providing additional stability to the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: James E. La Rock