Detachable Step, Single Ladder Patents (Class 182/120)
  • Patent number: 12116842
    Abstract: An auxiliary platform for a ladder step. The auxiliary platform may include a substantially rectangular and horizontally oriented platform with a platform front negative edge and a platform rear edge hem. The auxiliary platform may further include a substantially flat front surface with a front surface flanged rearward-extending edge, the front surface flanged from the platform front negative edge. Additionally, the auxiliary platform a bracing surface flanged from and extended downward from the platform rear edge hem and oriented substantially parallel to the front surface, and a biasing member removably connected to the bracing surface. When the platform is placed on the ladder step and the biasing member biased against the ladder step and the bracing surface to secure the auxiliary platform to the ladder step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Inventor: Casey Swier
  • Patent number: 11891857
    Abstract: An assembled ladder includes two supporting leg assemblies, at least one rung and a bridging part, wherein each supporting leg assembly of the two supporting leg assemblies includes a front supporting leg and a rear supporting leg rotatably connected to the front supporting leg, and the at least one rung and the bridging part are detachably connected between the two supporting leg assemblies. During logistics transportation, the at least one rung is detached from the two supporting leg assemblies, the bridging part is also detached from the two supporting leg assemblies, and the two supporting leg assemblies are stacked. In use, two ends of the bridging part are fixedly connected to the two supporting leg assemblies, and two ends of the at least one rung are also fixedly connected to the two supporting leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: JIANGSU ZHOU JIJIE INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chen Hui Zhu, Baisong Yao
  • Patent number: 11828107
    Abstract: A ladder platform system for attachment to an extension ladder is provided. The system includes a ladder platform assembly having a first tubular leg, a second tubular leg, a platform, and a tubular board support sleeve. The first tubular leg defines a first interior space that is sized and shaped to receive a top portion of a first ladder side rail therein. The second tubular leg defines a second interior space that is sized and shaped to receive a top portion of the second ladder side rail therein. The tubular board support sleeve is coupled to a bottom surface of the platform and is sized and shaped to receive a board therethrough. The system includes a first standoff member sized and shaped to receive the board therethrough, and a second standoff member sized and shaped to receive the board therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Robert P. Warunek
  • Patent number: 11692395
    Abstract: The invention presented is a ladder blocking device attached to a ladder to prevent unauthorized use of the ladder. In one embodiment, the device includes a plurality of prongs that extends from a support system that holds the device onto the ladder. In one alternate embodiment, a shield rests over and is supported by the prongs. In second alternate embodiment, the shield is attached directly to the support system without the presence of the prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Wade Bullock
  • Patent number: 11525305
    Abstract: A ladder safety stabilizer is a telescopically adjustable device that attaches to the rung of a ladder on one end and to the building that the ladder is leaning against at the other end to prevent the feet of the ladder from sliding while a user is climbing, and to provide a second stabilization point in addition to the feet of the ladder to provide greater ladder stability, increased safety, and reduced accident risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Loucks
  • Patent number: 11274495
    Abstract: A ladder step attachment. The ladder step attachment includes a base having a pair of arms extending away from an upper surface thereof. The pair of arms extend at an angle such that a distal end of the pair of arms is closer to a rear side of the base than to a front side of the base. A fastener is located on the distal end, wherein the fastener can removably secure to a rung of a ladder. The base further includes a cutout along the front side, wherein a platform is secured to the base at a lateral side of the cutout via a hinge. The platform can move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the platform is coplanar with the base when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Felipe Garay
  • Patent number: 11215010
    Abstract: A ceiling ladder having a plurality of sections that can be climbed by a user when in an unfolded position into an attic and that can be folded together into a retracted position to be stored above the ceiling. The ladder has a deep step, which has a width greater than the width of other steps of the ladder, in which is located between about 2-5 feet from the floor when the ladder is in the unfolded position so user can stand on the deep step in place objects into the attic without having to climb into the attic. A deep step for a ceiling ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Steve Woodward, Shannon Lessner, Thomas Parker
  • Patent number: 11187000
    Abstract: A scaffolding system is defined by a first primary platform connected to a first cantilevered ladder, a second primary platform connected to a second cantilevered ladder, and a work platform extending between and connected to the first and second primary platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Blue Moon Designs, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Martin Neubauer
  • Patent number: 11187038
    Abstract: A ladder foot support apparatus for creating a larger area to support a user's feet includes a base having a base outer side with a pair of parallel slots extending from a base top side through a base bottom side. The pair of slots is configured to receive a rail of a ladder. An upper face of a platform is coupled to the base bottom side and perpendicularly extends away from a base inner side. A lip is coupled to the platform and has a perpendicular portion extending down from a back edge and a return portion curving back up towards a lower face of the platform. The return portion is configured to selectively receive a rung bottom edge of a rung of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: David Textor, Jennifer Textor
  • Patent number: 11142950
    Abstract: A removably attachable platform device for use with a ladder includes a base plate, a coupler, and a pair of fasteners. The coupler is coupled to a lower face of the base plate and is configured to removably couple to a respective rung of a ladder to couple the base plate to the rung. Each fastener is coupled to a respective opposing side edge of the base plate and is configured to removably couple to a respective siderail of the ladder to couple the base plate to the siderails of the ladder. The base plate is positioned substantially parallel to a substantially horizontal surface, upon which the ladder is positioned, and thus is configured to support a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Steven Miller
  • Patent number: 10844661
    Abstract: A portable step platform fits onto the hollow rungs of an extension or step ladder, providing support, security and comfort for the user performing work related tasks on the ladder. A user can easily move the device up or down on the ladder, or swing the platform out of the way when ascending or descending. Tilt adjustment is facilitated for the foot platform, to accommodate different ladder inclinations. In addition, the portable step platform is configured to allow support of a scaffold plank on the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Alex Lan
  • Patent number: 10753150
    Abstract: A ladder attachment that secures a container to a ladder while keeping the ladder rungs free from obstruction, allowing the user to safely climb the ladder while the ladder attachment is in use. The ladder attachment comprises a rigid supporting arm and a container holder that is capable of securing a container to the ladder via the container's handle. In embodiments, the rigid supporting arm is configured to fit within the hollow rung of a ladder and rest gravitationally therein. Embodiments allow for easy installation and removal of the ladder attachment and may be inserted into either the left or right-hand side of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey Harkins
  • Patent number: 10662718
    Abstract: A stair tower for a drilling rig is disclosed, the stair tower including a frame, one or more stair flights and platforms positioned within and mechanically coupled to the frame, and a cable tray pivotably coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Ashish Gupta, Derek Patterson, Ryan Hause, Padira Reddy
  • Patent number: 10538966
    Abstract: A ceiling ladder having a plurality of sections that can be climbed by a user when in an unfolded position into an attic and that can be folded together into a retracted position to be stored above the ceiling. The ladder has a deep step, which has a width greater than the width of other steps of the ladder, in which is located between about 2-5 feet from the floor when the ladder is in the unfolded position so user can stand on the deep step in place objects into the attic without having to climb into the attic. A method. A deep step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Steve Woodward, Shannon Lessner, Thomas Parker
  • Patent number: 10006248
    Abstract: Step adapters for a rung ladder to provide increased support surface or area is described. In one embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform, lock and safety bar sections. The lock, safety bar and platform sections structurally engage a rung of a ladder, and the brace section supports the adapter against rails of a ladder so that the step adapter provides an extended step structure to ease standing on the ladder. In another embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform and lock sections, where the platform section side edges are configured to lock the step adapter in place on a rung of a ladder. A tray overlay can be used in combination with the step adapter (which serves as support) to provide an area for holding work-related items. The step adapter can also include a securing element as an additional safety feature to anchor the adapter to a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Willow Step, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Goodnow, John C. Godfrey, Albert L. Chase
  • Patent number: 9890589
    Abstract: Step adapters for a rung ladder to provide an increased support surface or area is described. In one embodiment, the step adapter includes a brace, a platform, a lock and a safety bar. The lock, safety bar and platform are provided to structurally engage or embrace a rung of a ladder, and the brace supports the adapter against the rails of a ladder so that in total the step adapter provides an extended step structure to ease standing on the ladder, especially for an extended period of time. In another embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform and lock sections, where the platform section side edges are configured to lock the step adapter in place on a rung of a ladder. A tray overlay is also described which when used in combination with the step adapter (which serves as a support) provides a service area for holding work-related items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Willow Step, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Goodnow, John C. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 9878930
    Abstract: An enhanced apparatus system and method may be used to facilitate the construction of a processing tank such as an anaerobic digester. The kit may include a cover assembly that can be assembled to form a cover for the processing tank, a side wall assembly that can be assembled to form a side wall for the processing tank, and a plurality of ballast support assemblies. Each ballast support assembly may have a retracted configuration in which the ballast support assembly avoids significantly impeding vertical motion of the ballast block from an initial ballast location to a final ballast location, and a deployed configuration in which the ballast block can be supported by the ballast support assembly in the final ballast location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: WesTech Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler D. Garr, Chad T. Allen
  • Patent number: 9834988
    Abstract: A portable ladder platform attachment, for increasing a person's safety when standing on a ladder, includes a platform having a surface, a forward edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges, and a rod having a serpentine shape confined within a vertical plane above a centerline extending between the forward and rear edges of the platform. The rod has a first end coupled to the platform closer to the forward edge than to the rear edge, a midsection that extends above and substantially parallel to the surface of the platform along the centerline, and a second end shaped as a hook sized to fit closely about an upper rung of the ladder while the platform sits on a lower rung of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Arthur A. Arduna
  • Patent number: 9777535
    Abstract: The problem of traversing the offset area between the fly section and the base section of an extension ladder is solved by a step adaptor of the subject invention. A step adaptor can have two or more steps which can be progressively narrower in depth. The step adaptor can be placed on the first available rung just below the fly section. The progressively narrower depth of the steps of a step adaptor create a transition zone in the offset area that reduces the abrupt change in distance between the rungs in the fly section and the rungs in the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: STENTIFORD SAFETY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Stentiford, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9689205
    Abstract: A ladder accessory device for insertion into an opening in a prior art ladder rung, wherein the ladder accessory device provides an elevated work environment that is out of the path of an individual ascending/descending the ladder. The accessory device is preferably comprised of a rung insert, a rung insert locking device, a support arm, a platform arm, and a platform arm locking device. The rung insert locking device permits the support arm to be rotated about the rung insert locking device, and the platform arm is likewise rotatable about the support arm. A wide arrange of accessories may also be removably attached to the platform to increase the overall usefulness of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Kayenta Saucier, Andrew M. Visinski, Josef F. Visinski, Adam Goldberg
  • Patent number: 9657456
    Abstract: A wheel loader is provided with a cab, a ladder, a vehicle body cover, an engine, an air cleaner, and an expansion member. The ladder has first to third steps. The air cleaner is disposed to the outside of the vehicle body cover and above and to the rear of the ladder. The expansion member is able to assume an expanded posture and a retracted posture. The expansion member abuts at least one step in the expanded posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8925684
    Abstract: The present invention features a ladder shelf system for adding a generally planar rectangular shelf close to the top of a step ladder. The system has the generally planar rectangular shelf that is rigid with a step engagement member located on a shelf top surface. The step engagement member is adapted to fit inside an interior cavity of a top step of a step ladder. The system has a generally planar rectangular non-slip pad centrally located on the shelf top surface. The system has a locking lever located close to the shelf posterior end. In a first unlocked position, a first clamping member and a second clamping member lie on a plane perpendicular to the shelf top surface. In a second locked position, the first clamping member and the second clamping member lie on a plane parallel with the shelf top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Frank Medina
  • Patent number: 8869938
    Abstract: A tree-mountable hunting stand having a support frame for attachment to a tree and including a horizontal support member, a hanger plate for suspended engagement with the horizontal support member, and a dual axis pivoting seat assembly attached to the hanger plate and including a saddle for supporting a hunter. The saddle includes a seat surface and a pommel extending upwardly from the seat surface. While the support frame is attached to a tree, the hanger plate can be selectively attached to and removed from the support frame to locate the dual axis pivoting seat assembly at a selected height along the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Irwin Jay Bassett
  • Patent number: 8727074
    Abstract: A platform assembly includes a ladder that comprises a plurality of steps coupled to and extending between a pair of legs. A platform is provided that may be coupled to a selected one of the steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Heeralall Bhajan
  • Patent number: 8657070
    Abstract: A ladder step attachment made of a single, unitary piece of extruded aluminum having no moving parts. The attachment has a horizontal standing surface improved with a gripping surface, the standing surface having two notches for engaging the rails of a ladder and extending partially between the ladder rails. A lip connected to the standing surface presents a resilient member to abut the back side of the rung. A substantially tube-shaped support has a tube wall. One part of the tube wall shares a portion of the standing surface and another part of the tube wall engages the ladder's rails. A bend at the top of the rail engaging tube wall separates that portion of the tube wall from a substantially vertical portion of tube wall above the bend to facilitate removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Richard O'Brien, Holly O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8631904
    Abstract: A step for use in association with a tree stand ladder. The step includes a frame that includes a plurality of elongated members that are formed into a rectangular or square form; a first pair of said elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends; two holding pieces secured at the end of respective free ends of the pair elongated members; a planar platform secured within the frame to enable a person to stand on the platform and a pair side braces that extend from respective elongated members to respective ladder rails to provide support for said frame and planar platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: William F. Wilds
  • Patent number: 8201661
    Abstract: A platform for an extension ladder comprises a plate member adapted to engage a pair of rails on each of a first stage and a second stage of the extension ladder and become wedged therebetween and to remain parallel to the ground when the plate member rests on a rung of the extension ladder. The plate member has at least six sides, a bottom cutout, a middle cutout and a top cutout; each cutout oppositely disposed on at least six sides; and each cutout relating to various positions along a length of the extension ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Denis J. O'Connell, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8104576
    Abstract: The invention relates to scaffold steps, with two separate side pieces (11) and a plurality of separate step elements (13, 13?, 13?), which can be detachably coupled to each other and to the side pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Peri GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Schwoerer
  • Patent number: 7861826
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to platforms for ladders. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a platform configured to be coupled to rungs of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Meyers, Paul F. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20080251317
    Abstract: A step stool kit includes a base unit and a step unit. The step unit rests on the base unit and includes an upper step. The base unit includes a lower step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7017713
    Abstract: A mast in a conventional stacker crane is configured to extend in a vertical direction. Accordingly, the mast is not sufficiently rigid, and may swing in a running direction during running or when the running operation is stopped. An attempt to increase the rigidity results in a thicker mast, thus increasing the size of the stacker crane. In order to solve this problem, a mast is extended vertically from a lower frame and a platform that elevates and lowers along the mast wherein a ladder is extended vertically at a position opposite to the mast across the platform in a direction in which the lower frame runs, and a top of the mast and a top of the ladder is connected together via an upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akito Tai
  • Patent number: 6966406
    Abstract: A ladder step platform can be mounted on any ladder having hollow rungs extending between ladder rails. This ladder step platform is especially intended for use with conventional extension ladders. The ladder step platform includes a tread or step plate extending between opposite side plates. The spacing between side plates can be adjusted so the ladder step platform will fit ladders of different width. A support rod insertable though hollow ladder rungs pivotally supports the ladder step platform with the side plates positioned on the outside of the ladder rails. A lower adjustable rod abuts the ladder rails to hold the tread or step plate in a horizontal orientation extending beyond the sloping ladder for easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Edward Lee Nash, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6786300
    Abstract: A unitary step unit has a generally rectangular main body portion with opposed transverse ends and laterally opposed sides. One end is bent downward and angularly outward with respect to the main body portion and terminates in a short upturned lip that extends angularly upward and inward. The step unit is removably installed on the existing step of a conventional ladder having channel-shaped steps by engaging the upturned lip against the bottom edge of the down-turned longitudinal side of the step and then pivoting the unit downwardly such that the upturned lip of the unit is captured on the bottom edge of the down-turned longitudinal side of the step and its main body portion is supported on top of the step and extends a distance rearwardly beyond the width of the step in cantilever fashion to provide a relatively wide flat foot-supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Perez Bonifacini
  • Patent number: 6637548
    Abstract: A personal stand incorporating a ladder, a user supporting platform and a load sensitive pliant suspender that is easily adapted for use with an extension ladder. The personal stand improves the user's footing as well as the user's comfort. Pliancy of the suspender allows the user to move the platform, without requiring the user to dismount the ladder. When sufficient load is applied to the platform, the pliant suspender is transiently transformed into a rigid suspender yoking an upper rung of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Edward L. Pass
  • Publication number: 20030085074
    Abstract: A step and platform for use with a ladder which will allow a user to climb the ladder, using the ladder rungs, and, upon reaching a desired height at which the unit has been placed, swing the same into platform position. When in aligned position with the other rungs and stiles of the ladder, the rung thereof is available for normal climbing use and after ascending, the user may release the unit from aligned position to its support position and stand or place articles thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Terry Harmston
  • Patent number: 6412601
    Abstract: A suspendible container for holding items that is capable of being attached to holes on a horizontal surface. The container is particularly adaptable to being attached to the top cap of a ladder. The container includes at least one prong which attaches to the container and is removably insertable into a hole in the horizontal surface. The container is particularly suited for holding items such as tools and paint cans that would be needed by the user of a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Paul G. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20020079413
    Abstract: A ladder tool holder for holding hand tools and paint cans on an extension ladder having hollow rungs. The holder comprises a custom metal extrusion that is registerable within a selected ladder rung. Multiple tool engagement and holding attachments are adjustably keyed into the portion of the extrusion extending from the registration ladder rung.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: John Hileman, Budd R. Brothers
  • Patent number: 6401862
    Abstract: A stepladder organizing assembly for increasing a surface area of a head step of a stepladder includes a base portion with a top surface and a bottom surface. A peripheral shoulder is integral to and extends away from each of a plurality of sides. A lip is integral to and extends away from an edge of the shoulder in a direction opposite of the top surface. The shoulder has a plurality of channels therethrough. Straps removably secure the base portion to the head step. At least one tray extension, comprising a block, extends a surface area of the head step. The block has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A flange extends away from the first wall. A plurality of protruding members extends away from the flange. The protruding members may be removably placed in the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Jean Caron
  • Patent number: 6352135
    Abstract: An accessory for installation on a ladder having hollow rungs comprises a holding arm which is shaped to fit within a hollow rung of a ladder. The accessory includes a ratchet assembly mounted within one end of the holding arm. A paint supply holding assembly includes a shaft having an engagement member for engaging the ratchet assembly. As the shaft is rotated in the ratchet assembly, the holding assembly is incrementally pivoted about an axis defined by the shaft. An elongate shaft of a second holding assembly may be inserted into the holding arm from the end opposite the ratchet assembly. The elongate shaft is slidably receivable into an open end of the shaft of the first holding assembly such that a rotation of either shaft causes a simultaneous pivotal movement of both the first and second holding assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Myra L. Jones
  • Patent number: 6272413
    Abstract: While a crawler body 110 is traveling, infrared sensors 144 and an elevational difference calculator 132 incorporated in a controller 130 detects the magnitude of a step present ahead of the crawler body 110. A safety speed calculator 134 calculates a safety speed based on the magnitude of the step detected and on the position of the platform 116 relative to the crawler body 110, which position is detected by various detectors 141˜143 and by a position calculator 133. A comparator 135 compares this safety speed with the traveling speed of the crawler body 110, and if the current speed of the crawler body 110 is greater than the safety speed, then the comparator 135 outputs a warning signal. Upon receiving this signal, a restrictor 136 controls a valve controller 131 to reduce the speed of the crawler body 110 such that the crawler body 110 can travel over the step safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Aichi Corporation
    Inventors: Norihisa Takahashi, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Akihiko Ohira
  • Patent number: 6142255
    Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: David E. Plotner, Edward E. Heald, Richard P. Sulecki, Frederick J. Bartnicki, Mitchell H. Hetrich
  • Patent number: 5975240
    Abstract: A safety platform foldable structure for a ladder for a worker to stand on. The platform structure has a platform flooring in the shape of the letter H which is removably mountable to one rung of an upstanding ladder to an open horizontal or vertical closed position. Spaced apart hook mechanisms extending from the flooring, are releasably secured to the rung to assist holding the platform in the horizontal position and to hold the platform in the vertical closed position. Downwardly extending front side walls from the flooring engage rails on the ladder to secure the platform in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Sean O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5779208
    Abstract: An adjustably positionable support platform for use in combination with an extension ladder which includes a generally planar deck having a load supporting assembly to accommodate a person standing thereon. The load bearing assembly comprises a plate with a foot supporting upper surface and a ladder rung engaging lower surface. A first pair of support pins is provided for slidable engagement within brackets attached to the lower rung engaging surface, the first pair of pins being arranged to capture a ladder rung between the pin and the lower rung engaging surface. A second pair of pins is provided with a distally positioned ladder rail engaging plate to control the angular disposition of the deck so as to provide a horizontal standing surface for the user. Additionally, the plate of the load bearing assembly is provided with angularly downwardly extending flanges, with the included angle between the front flange and the plate preferably being about 75 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond V. McGraw
  • Patent number: 5337857
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a platform for an aluminum extension ladder which platform is adjustable upwardly and downwardly, and is pivotable between a pair of side frames, to permit a user's foot a comfortable support, in addition to the ladder rung to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventors: Taylor E. Spalt, Gregory P. Spalt
  • Patent number: 5158023
    Abstract: A scaffold table for sheet rock finishers includes a horizontal planar base with subtending walls and a spaced apart U-shaped border wall that together define a U-shaped elongate slot sized to cradle wide-bladed masonry tools therein. The table includes a pair of pivotally mounted adjustable length legs having channels on one end to rest against a horizontal scaffold bar. The forward portion of the table includes an elongate hook member to fit over a higher scaffold bar for removably attaching a table thereto. The table base is reinforced from below and includes at least one vertical hole therethrough for cradling of a nail gun or similar power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Tony L. Allen
  • Patent number: 5148891
    Abstract: A ladder extension member is arranged for securement to an associated ladder step of an associated ladder, wherein the organization is dismounted relative to the ladder step for resecurement thereto to provide an extension step. The extension step includes a plurality of "J" shaped support members mounting a planar support web fixedly therebetween, wherein the spaced "J" shaped support members permit capturing of an associated ladder step between the support web and a cavity defined by the "J" shaped support members. A plurality of spaced bottom plates are arranged with slots to effect selective capturing of the associated ladder step therewithin, or reciprocatable to a rear position to permit removal of the organization relative to the ladder step for reorientation of the ladder step thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Karen R. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5111908
    Abstract: A pipe step for providing a flat supporting surface on the top side of a horizontal pipe. The step includes a pair of channel members each having arcs cut in the flange portions thereof to meet with the pipe. U-bolts are provided for clamping the channel members to the pipe. A flat-supporting surface form from square mesh grating is bolted to and extends between the upper web portions of the channel members and provides a non-slip flat supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: John T. Reiter, David M. Ellis, Rick D. Smith, Roger D. Leach
  • Patent number: 5072808
    Abstract: A ladder adaptable platform for attachment to a typical extension ladder which has a pair of parallel side rails and spaced rungs. The ladder adaptable platform has a platform surface which is engageable at the backside of a desired rung, the platform surface having side frames which each articulably support rail engaging channels. The ladder adaptable platform may be moved up or down the ladder by lifting the platform from engagement with its rung, sliding the channels up or down the ladder rails to a new desired rung to which the platform surface may be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventors: Gregory P. Spalt, Taylor E. Spalt
  • Patent number: 5058707
    Abstract: A work shelf for removable installation and use on a stepladder to provide an enlarged, sturdy area for holding tools and material. The work shelf includes a platform area of a width greater than the distance between the ladder rear legs, a neck extending from one edge of the platform area and having a width less than the distance between the ladder rear legs, and a brace extending from the neck and having a width less than the distance between the ladder front legs. A retaining edge extends up from the platform area. In use, the platform area overlies and is supported on the stepladder shelf, while the neck extends between the ladder rear legs, and the brace is positioned between the ladder front legs and beneath one of the ladder steps. A clamp is movably fastened to the neck. With the work shelf in position on a stepladder the clamp is secured in a position abutting the ladder rear legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Calvin R. Waid
  • Patent number: 5056620
    Abstract: A stepladder platform which can be installed onto the steps of a stepladder to provide an enlarged standing area. A restraining means at the rear engages the stepladder step to prevent forward movement and tilting. A restraining means at the front prevents rearward movement. Also a latch device can be used to prevent tilting from the front. The platform is constructed to support the weight of a person standing on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventors: Donald A. Zumwalt, Jean M. Zumwalt