Alternate Grasping Patents (Class 182/136)
  • Patent number: 12146612
    Abstract: A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Mounting brackets for utility mounts have spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracket include mount elements that are movable between stored conditions and deployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the device to make it more convenient to pack. A climbing stick uses the storable mount elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Fourth Arrow, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Wynalda, Jr., David Wynalda
  • Patent number: 11808250
    Abstract: Method and equipment for replacing wind turbine components, by means of a telescopic structure which is attached, in a vertical and retracted position, to the base of the wind turbine tower and which can be extended and moved upwards until it reaches the tower head, by means of collars and webbings mounted around the tower and being fixed thereto. The components to be replaced are raised and lowered by means of the telescopic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: LEUNAMME ENGINEERING S.L.U.
    Inventor: Emmanuel Garcia De La Pena
  • Patent number: 11459777
    Abstract: A roller system including a top roller, a middle roller, a split lower roller and a split workbench roller configured for a pump jack arranged for travelling up and down a pole, wherein the top roller includes flanges at both ends of the roller; wherein the split lower roller includes a pair of facing lower rollers, each of the pair of facing lower rollers having an outward tapered flange; and wherein the split workbench roller includes a pair of facing workbench rollers, each of the pair of facing workbench rollers having an outward tapered flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: ALUM-A-POLE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin Jablonski
  • Patent number: 11020633
    Abstract: A personal climbing apparatus formed of a hanger having a blade extended from a shank and forming a gap therebetween; a foot-support platform that is oriented transversely to the shank of the hanger and coupled thereto and having a foot retainer; and a brace coupled between the foot-support platform and the shank of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Grant Jonathan Sanford
  • Patent number: 10456906
    Abstract: A mechanical tower climber system for performing operations on a cell tower includes a body; a plurality of members disposed or connected to the body and each comprising one or more robotic hands; and a wireless interface and a processing device configured to receive commands from a remote operator; climb the cell tower based on the commands; and perform one or more operations on cell site components associated with the cell tower based on the commands and manipulation of the plurality of members and associated one or more robotic hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ETAK Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Lee Priest, Charlie Terry, Joshua Godwin, Richard Murphy, Jordan Bates
  • Patent number: 10391356
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described to effectively improve posture. The devices include a bar that is mounted vertically to a floor. The devices may also include resistance bands and/or straps, such that a person may exercise their postural musculature while stabilizing their back. Devices for mounting the bar to the ground and to a wall are discussed. The mounting devices may also include portions for receiving resistance bands. The bars may also be arranged in front a mirror to provide a studio setting for group exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: The Vertical Method LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer Marie Davis
  • Patent number: 10004944
    Abstract: A mandatory hooking/locking device for an elevating footboard of a pull-up exercise machine includes a touch-pressing rod disposed at stepping positions with respect to an exerciser's two soles separately and acted by a rotary plate and a torsion spring to achieve a lifting effect to freely penetrate and slightly elevate from an end surface of the elevating footboard, and a hooking portion disposed at the bottom end of the rotary plate being provided for hooking to a corresponsive latch column of an inwardly extending section in the floor affixing front stand, so that the hooking portion of the rotary plate can be separated from the latch column only if the two touch-pressing rods are stepped and pressed down simultaneously, so that the elevating footboard performs the expected ascending and descending motions to ensure the safety of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 9549545
    Abstract: Firearm rests for hunting stands are provided. A firearm rest includes a first arm and a second arm. The second arm is spaced apart from the first arm along a lateral direction. The first arm and second arm each include a body extending between a first end and a second end, the body including a fixed portion and a rotational portion that is rotational between an extended position and a retracted position. The firearm rest further includes a cross-beam extending generally along the lateral direction between the first arm and the second arm. The cross-beam is coupled to the first arm at the first end and coupled to the second arm at the first end. The cross-beam has a position along a vertical direction in the extended position that is above a position of the cross-beam along the vertical direction in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Garrett
  • Patent number: 9539447
    Abstract: A safety system for a two piece tree climbing stand includes a safety cable that is secured to the climbing cable of the tree stand so as not to interfere with the two pieces of the stand as the tree stand is maneuvered up a tree. An elongated resilient sleeve is adapted to surround both the climbing cable and the safety cable so that the safety cable is secured to the tree climbing cable until the sleeve is removed. The safety cable is adapted to be secured to the safety harness worn by the tree climber and to the climbing cable of the tree stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: BNR Technology Development, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Norris
  • Patent number: 9205554
    Abstract: A device for allowing work to be carried out on or about an object includes at least one gripping arrangement. The at least one gripping arrangement is configured to grip and traverse the object so as to reach a desired location on the object and to anchor the device thereto for allowing the work to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: White Puma Pty Limited
    Inventor: Gary James Hayden
  • Patent number: 8919498
    Abstract: An arrangement allowing a person to climb up and/or down an object, such as a high-voltage mast, the arrangement including an elongate, rail-type profiled element that is provided with at least one guiding part extending along the profiled element, and a part for absorbing force transmission. A climbing aid is also provided, comprising two climbing consoles with one respective foot supporting area and a guiding section that embraces or grips the guiding part and a holding section which at least partly rests against or on the profiled element opposite the guiding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: M & F Ingenieur Beratungs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Maurer, Pascal Mosetti, Dejan Trajkovic
  • Patent number: 8707656
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower for a wind power installation. The tower comprises a wall extending from a foundation in an upwards direction towards a nacelle and defines an enclosed space. Furthermore, the tower comprises a safety blanket which is distended across the tower interior along an inner surface of the wall to thereby split the enclosed space into an upper compartment above the blanket and a lower compartment below the blanket. The safety blanket is flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Vestas Wing Systems A/S
    Inventor: Borge Ollgaard
  • Patent number: 8708104
    Abstract: The present invention is a 180° rotatable tree stand that has an embodiment that allows the tree stand to be manually manipulated to control the rotation. Another embodiment has the rotation operated and controlled by electric motors and controls in the seat. Another embodiment allows the user to use a remote control to manipulate the seat. The seat will rotate 360° . The tree stand is secure to the tree by a hanger and a cable and pulley system manipulate the rotation and leveling both forward and back ward. It also allows for adjustment from side to side to perfectly level the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Harry R. Sponsler
  • Patent number: 8701829
    Abstract: A portable tree stand step providing assistance to hunters when entering and exiting hunting tree stands includes a rope fastened to a lower frame of the tree stand. The rope forms a pair of flexible stepping loops that hang downwardly and into which the hunter can step, thereby allowing the hunter to enter the tree stand. Additionally, each stepping loop of the portable tree stand step is supplied with a foot pad and a length adjustment mechanism, allowing the hunter to position and securely step upon the foot pad when entering the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Brian K. Wyne
  • Patent number: 8631906
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand for enabling a user to climb a tree or other substantially vertical object to be climbed adaptable for use in a plurality of different utilization modes including a tree stand mode, a backpack mode, and a chair mode, the tree stand including a seat platform assembly having a pair of tree engaging members associated therewith movable between a first storage position and a second operative position for selectively engaging the object to be climbed, a footbed assembly having a pair of tree engaging members associated therewith movable between a first storage position and a second operative position for likewise selectively engaging the object to be climbed, and a pair of cable members, each cable member being respectively adjustably attachable to the seat platform assembly and the footbed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Robert A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8579085
    Abstract: A suspended access chair with a rescue system that may be utilized to access a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower for purposes such as inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of the blade is provided. The suspended access chair generally includes a chair frame assembly. Upper frame and lower frame assembly rollers are secured to the chair frame assembly and are configured for rolling contact along an edge of the blade. The suspended access chair further includes primary dextral and primary sinistral gripping arms. The gripping arms may be adjusted to conform to the shape of the blade and include rollers configured for rolling contact along a portion of the blade. A hoist is provided to raise and lower the chair along a suspension rope. The rescue system is used to lower the suspended access chair from an elevated position to the ground during emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sky Climber LLC
    Inventor: Joost Bogaert
  • Patent number: 8381876
    Abstract: A tree climbing tree stand comprising, in combination a lower foot portion. The lower foot portion has a lower flexible tree strap coupled there to. There is also provided an upper portion. The upper portion has an upper flexible tree strap coupled there to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Rick R. Darden
  • Publication number: 20130043094
    Abstract: A self-propelled elevating work platform comprises a first workbench, a second workbench and a third workbench enclosed and connected on a conical column from the bottom to the top sequentially. Each workbench comprises at least two supporting frames which can be connected to form a circular shape. Retractable elements are disposed between any two of the adjacent workbenches. An anti-slip element is disposed on an inner side of each of the supporting frames, and each of the anti-slip elements can move radially relative to the conical column. Thereby, when any two of the workbenches are fixed by the anti-slip elements, the other workbench can be driven by the retractable elements to move up and down. Each of the workbenches can be pulled or pushed in order to move up or down gradually, so that the worker on the third workbench can work on the surface of the conical column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Chun-Liang LEE
  • Patent number: 8286753
    Abstract: An upper shackle assembly for a steel pump jack for a wood pole includes a u-shaped shackle component to receive the wood pole. The assembly includes a crank handle that extends through the shackle component and engages the pole to lower the pump jack down the pole. The assembly includes a brake attached to the shackle component to engage with the pole if the crank handle fails. A method for installing a steel pump jack to a wood pole includes the steps of placing a u-shaped shackle component about the wood pole. There is the step of closing a brake with the shackle component to engage with the pole if a crank handle fails. There is the step of extending the crank handle through the shackle component to engage the pole. A steel pump jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Brett A. Latimer, Robert D. Beggs
  • Patent number: 8240432
    Abstract: A tree stand is provided, the tree stand including a platform support, first and second clamps rotatably attached to the platform support, and a platform attached to an upper portion of the platform support. Also provided is a climbing portion adapted to allow a user to enter and leave the tree stand. In some aspects of the invention, the various components of the tree stand can be easily assembled and disassembled for transporting and setting up the tree stand. The first and second clamps include openings for fasteners, which are used to secure the clamps to a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jimmie D Call
  • Patent number: 8201787
    Abstract: There is disclosed a clamp, a self-advancing climbing device including two such clamps, and a method of coupling such a clamp to a tubular. In one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a clamp (1) for a tubular, in particular a thin-walled tubular such as the tower (3) of a wind-turbine. The clamp (1) comprises at least one clamp member in the form of a friction pad (9) adapted to grip the tower (3), and at least one flexible elongate energising element in the form of a tendon (16) adapted to exert a force on the friction pad (9) to urge the pad (9) to grip the tower (3), whereby the pad (9) and the tendon (16) are adapted to exert a substantially uniform radial clamp load on the tower (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: ITI Scotland Limited
    Inventors: James Ingram, Stewart Kenyon Willis
  • Patent number: 8181742
    Abstract: A safety jack plate, which is a plate assembly that can be used in conjunction with standard pump jacks with standard scaffolding is used by contractors. Each safety jack plate includes a flat plate, a pair of end pieces attached to the flat plate, a pair of cutouts on each end piece so that each end piece can be mounted over the rails of a jack, and ridged surface on the flat plate and each of the end pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas F. Ranese, Jack Leahy
  • Publication number: 20120080268
    Abstract: A treestand apparatus has a frame having a first end configured to engage a tree and a second end configured to support a user's weight, a double locking cinch including a first toothed belt attached to the frame at first and second points, with a portion of the first toothed belt between the first and second points being configured to extend around the tree and a second toothed belt attached to the frame at first and second points, with a portion of the second toothed belt between the first and second points being configured to extend around the tree opposite the first toothed belt. At least one of the points of the frame includes a mechanism configured to selectively adjust the length of a portion of the double locking cinch, with mechanisms located ideally proximal to the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond L. Bedell
  • Patent number: 8132648
    Abstract: An adjustable tree stand includes a support unit that includes a support platform having two lateral parts, and that further includes first and second mounting structures, each mounted to a corresponding one of the lateral parts of the support platform. The adjustable tree stand further includes a cable unit that includes a cable, a first attachment member connected to one end of the cable, and a second attachment member connected to the other end of the cable for releasably coupling with the second mounting structure. The adjustable tree stand also includes a control unit including a threaded rod mounted non-rotatably to the first mounting structure, and a slide seat connected to the first attachment member of the cable unit and coupled movably to the first mounting structure for sliding movement therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Pai Tong
  • Patent number: 8083029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for enabling access to a structure above ground level by lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, the device comprising a first endless frame structure defining an opening, wherein at least part of the first endless frame structure forms a track portion, the track portion being adapted to guide an, in relation to the track portion, movable object, such as a gondola, along the track portion. The device may further comprise a second endless frame structure defining an opening, the second endless frame structure being aligned with the first endless frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: PP Energy ApS
    Inventor: Paul Teichert
  • Patent number: 7971685
    Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a pump jack tree stand including a platform and a seat engaging a pump jack. The pump jack cooperates with a pole that is supported by an adjacent tree. The user actuates a foot lever on the pump jack to climb the pole. The pump jack's release is hand actuated as opposed to the commonly used foot-actuated release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony Simone, Frank Garcea
  • Patent number: 7891465
    Abstract: A tree climber's stand has at least one pin securing a tree encircling strand when the strand is being shortened or lengthened by a climber in order to level the tree stand. An anchoring block on an end of the strand has an elongated slot spanning more than one hole in the tree stand frame for receiving a pair of pins, one of which always extends through the slot to anchor the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Donald L. Paul
  • Patent number: 7857097
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame scaffold with a mechanically operated sliding support, as well as methods of assembling, using and disassembling a frame scaffold using the sliding support are disclosed. The apparatus provides for at least one individual to vertically ascend and/or descend along the perimeter of frame scaffold by mechanical operation. The operator of the apparatus is in close proximity to the scaffold. The apparatus does not require the support of an additional structure (i.e., it is self-supporting). The apparatus provides improved safety and efficiency in the assembly and disassembly of frame scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Evinger, Chris Long
  • Patent number: 7857096
    Abstract: An upper shackle assembly for a steel pump jack for a wood pole includes a u-shaped shackle component to receive the wood pole. The assembly includes a crank handle that extends through the shackle component and engages the pole to lower the pump jack down the pole. The assembly includes a brake attached to the shackle component to engage with the pole if the crank handle fails. A method for installing a steel pump jack to a wood pole includes the steps of placing a u-shaped shackle component about the wood pole. There is the step of closing a brake with the shackle component to engage with the pole if a crank handle fails. There is the step of extending the crank handle through the shackle component to engage the pole. A steel pump jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Brett A. Latimer, Robert D. Beggs
  • Patent number: 7849964
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tree stands which grasp upright columnar members for example, trees, poles, which are arranged to facilitate climbing and adjusting the height of the tree stand to a desired level and angle. When assembled as a cart, the invention consists of an upper climbing member or frame, lower climbing member or frame, a mechanical-interlocking system, an axle, wheels and a wheel attachment device. The two-climbing-member tree stand may be of a manually adjusting type or of a self-adjusting type which permit adjustment of the spacing of the grasping members so as to effect adjustment of the angle of each tree climber relative to the upright columnar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Amacker, Thomas Lord
  • Patent number: 7802654
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand platform includes a platform member having a back member and a front member separated by a first side member and a second side member, a first arm and a second arm that each extend angularly upward from the platform toward the back member, and a securing member connected between the first arm and the second arm. A first elasticized member having a first end is connected to the platform member toward the first side member and a second elasticized member having a first end is connected to the platform member toward the second side member. The back member of the platform member may selectively engage an upright support or tree while the securing member selectively surrounds it, thereby providing cantilevered support for the platform member. The first elasticized member and the second elasticized member are operatively attachable to a second platform member. A climbing tree stand system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventors: Randy Tolliver, Robert Tolliver
  • Patent number: 7780130
    Abstract: A shackle for supporting a platform support on an upright comprising a first side member and a second side member, an inner load bearing jaw and an outer load bearing jaw mounted on the first and second side members with the inner load bearing jaw for engaging a first surface of the upright and the outer load bearing jaw for engaging a second surface of the upright, and a locking jaw mounted on the side members and movable between an upright engaging condition to prevent the lowering of the shackle on the upright and an upright non-engaging condition to allow for the lowering of the shackle on the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Henry J. Riblet
  • Publication number: 20100181144
    Abstract: An upper shackle assembly for a steel pump jack for a wood pole includes a u-shaped shackle component to receive the wood pole. The assembly includes a crank handle that extends through the shackle component and engages the pole to lower the pump jack down the pole. The assembly includes a brake attached to the shackle component to engage with the pole if the crank handle fails. A method for installing a steel pump jack to a wood pole includes the steps of placing a u-shaped shackle component about the wood pole. There is the step of closing a brake with the shackle component to engage with the pole if a crank handle fails. There is the step of extending the crank handle through the shackle component to engage the pole. A steel pump jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Brett A. Latimer, Robert D. Beggs
  • Patent number: 7748497
    Abstract: A foldable climbing tree stand platform includes a first section having a first arm rotatably coupled to the first section and a second section having a second arm rotatably coupled to the second section. A hinge rotatably couples the first section to the second section, wherein a platform position is obtained when the first section and the second section are substantially coplanar, and a packed position is obtained when the first section and the second section are rotationally folded onto each other and the first arm and the second arm are contained therein. A securing member is connected between the arms, wherein the sections may selectively engage an upright support and the securing member selectively surrounds the upright support for providing cantilevered support when folded into the platform position. A foldable climbing tree stand system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Randy Tolliver, Robert Tolliver
  • Publication number: 20100155178
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-destructive, ergonomic climbing aid for use in climbing a columnar structure. The climbing aid comprises a body portion and a tensioning member for affixing the body to the columnar structure. The body comprises a contact surface, a support surface and a projecting portion joining between the contact surface and the support surface. In use, the contact surface has a substantially vertical axis and contacts the columnar structure. In use, the support surface supports a foot or hand and the projecting portion is cantilevered so that the support surface has no direct contact with the columnar structure. The support surface has a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the substantially vertical axis of the contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Merritt
  • Patent number: 7661512
    Abstract: A pump jack for a scaffold in a system to support a work platform and move the platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface. The pump jack includes an L-shaped framework having a horizontal frame member which supports the work platform and a vertical frame member. The vertical frame member having laterally opposing Z-shaped channels, each having a leg that bends about the pole and extends inward toward the pole. The pump jack includes an upper shackle supported by the framework. The pump jack includes a lower shackle supported by the framework, which with the upper shackle applies a coupling force for gripping the pole. The pump jack includes a pump arm lever pivotably coupled to the vertical frame member to step upwardly the pump jack relative to the pole. The pump jack includes a crank mechanism coupled to the vertical frame member. A method for supporting and moving a work platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Feldmiller, Jr., Robert D. Beggs
  • Publication number: 20100032238
    Abstract: A climbing device having a main support member with a pair of ancillary support members connected to and extending outwardly at an angle from the main support member. The main support member has a brace at one end and a stop at the opposite end. A pair of cable supports are pivotally attached to the ancillary supports. The cable supports have slots that receive stops on a cable to releasably attach the cable to the climbing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Bradley L. Northburg, Gordon L. Northburg
  • Patent number: 7588123
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand includes a platform, a pair of support arms attached to the platform, and a pair of stirrup-like devices attached to the platform or the support arms and extending generally over the platform. The pair of stirrup-like devices are substantially rigid, and each comprises a molded plastic body. In one embodiment, the substantially rigid stirrup-like devices are attached to the support arms of the climbing tree stand and generally are curved downwardly towards the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Summit Treestands, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald R. Woller, Keith Wilson, Scott Echols
  • Patent number: 7585197
    Abstract: A crew overboard self rescue device including a tether and an ascension device. The tether has attachment loops for the ascension device disposed along its length. The ascension device includes a flexible strap with attached footholds and an attachment to the tether. The tether is attached between a hard point on a watercraft and a harness worn by the crew. The ascension device is stowed in a container such as a fanny pack worn by the crew. In a crew overboard situation, the crew retrieves the ascension device from the container, attaches the ascension device to one of the attachment loops disposed on the tether, and using the footholds, climbs the ascension device while stabilizing his upper torso by grasping the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: C. William Merten
  • Publication number: 20090205905
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tree stands which grasp upright columnar members for example, trees, poles, which are arranged to facilitate climbing and adjusting the height of the tree stand to a desired level and angle. When assembled as a cart, the invention consists of an upper climbing member or frame, lower climbing member or frame, a mechanical-interlocking system, an axle, wheels and a wheel attachment device. The two-climbing-member tree stand may be of a manually adjusting type or of a self-adjusting type which permit adjustment of the spacing of the grasping members so as to effect adjustment of the angle of each tree climber relative to the upright columnar member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: AMACKER LLC
    Inventors: Joseph AMACKER, Thomas LORD
  • Patent number: 7556052
    Abstract: A tree mounted blind that includes a plurality of articulated arcuate arm members forming a suspension frame which is attached at each end to a mounting bracket, which in turn is affixed to a tree trunk without any cords, cables, or bands surrounding the tree. A fabric blind is hung from the framework to provide a hunting blind, a military blind for observers and the like, or a privacy blind for campers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton P. Wright, Holly L. Huelskamp, William M. Reavis
  • Patent number: 7533761
    Abstract: A tree stand includes a planar load supporting platform having an inner end for abutting a tree trunk, a pair of two-section arms pivotally connected to sides of the platform for rotation between positions against such platform sides and erect positions in which they define armrests, a belt having a pair of ends slidable in said arms for forming a loop around a tree trunk to hold the stand on the tree, and a latch on the arms for locking the belt in the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Lewis Forrest
  • Patent number: 7497302
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand having a continuous length adjustment for the tensile member passing around the tree. FIG. 1 shows the stand, incorporating a foot platform and a seat platform. Each platform is bound to the tree by a flexible tensile member. Each tensile member is removably connected to a first and second slider. Each slider rides along a bar. The slider is ordinarily clamped firmly to the bar. It can only be moved by the user pressing a lock plate and sliding it along. Thus, the tensile member can be adjusted without ever releasing it from the platform. In addition, if the user should accidentally release his or her grip on the slider, the slider will lock itself in position and prevent the platform dislodging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Curtis Jason Boice, Timothy Scott Skipper
  • Patent number: 7475856
    Abstract: A shackle for supporting a platform support on an upright comprising a first side member and a second side member, an inner load bearing jaw and an outer load bearing jaw mounted on the first and second side members with the inner load bearing jaw for engaging a first surface of the upright and the outer load bearing jaw for engaging a second surface of the upright, and a locking jaw mounted on the side members and movable between an upright engaging condition to prevent the lowering of the shackle on the upright and an upright non-engaging condition to allow for the lowering of the shackle on the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Henry J. Riblet
  • Publication number: 20080314683
    Abstract: A treestand apparatus has a frame having a first end configured to engage a tree and a second end configured to support a user's weight, a toothed belt attached to the frame at first and second points, with a portion of the toothed belt between the first and second points being configured to extend around the tree. At least one of the points of the frame includes a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust the length of the portion of the toothed belt, with ratchet mechanism located ideally proximal to the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond L. Bedell
  • Publication number: 20080196972
    Abstract: A climbing apparatus includes a first stile, a second stile and a base member. The first stile has a base end and a second end. The base end has a slot. The base member is coupled to the base end of the first stile such that the base member can pivot about an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first stile. The second stile has a first end and a distal end. The first end is coupled to the second end of the first stile via a hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Jody Bell
  • Publication number: 20080156586
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand according to the invention comprises a seat support assembly and a standing platform assembly. Each of the respective support assemblies has a pair of arms which are attached to a standing frame member and a main frame member. The arms are pivotally movable relative to the foot and main frame member, respectively. A flexible attachment is used to affix the arms to the platforms allowing the climbing tree stand to more easily climb trees that may not have ideal surface features or relatively consistent diameters. This allows the user of the climbing tree stand to have more options with respect to the type and size of tree used to climb and secure the tree stand. The flexible arms permit the tree stand to adjust slightly around obstacles on the trunk of the tree, such as limb stumps while alternately moving each assembly up the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: EASTMAN OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Pestrue
  • Patent number: 7306074
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand includes upper and lower support assemblies for aiding an operator in climbing a tree and for supporting the operator in the tree. The upper and lower assemblies are attached to the trunk of the tree by straps that wrap around the trunk, and by cleats that are pressed into the trunk by the cantilevered weight of the assemblies. The upper assembly provides upper and lower seating positions for the operator. In both seating positions, the operator's weight is suspended below where the cleat engages the trunk of the tree. The upper seating position, which positions the operator's seat well above a railing provided by the upper assembly, is most advantageous for bow hunting. The lower seating position puts the operator's seat below the railing, allowing the operator to rest a gun on the railing when gun hunting. The stand has wheels attached to the lower assembly, and may be converted into a game cart by attaching the upper and lower assemblies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Barry Kent Voorhies
  • Patent number: 7287623
    Abstract: A tree stand with a seating section and a standing section, at least one of the sections having a frame with first and second sides, inner and outer ends, a first cable attachment arm with inner and outer ends along the first side, and a second cable attachment arm with inner and outer ends along the second side; a rotatable threaded rod mounted parallel to the first attachment arm; a releasable cable retainer including a channel for receiving the attachment arm and a threaded bore for receiving the threaded rod, the retainer being moveable along the first attachment arm upon rotation of the threaded rod; drive means for rotating the threaded rod; and a cable having a first end releasibly attachable to the connector and a second end attachable to the second attachment arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas E. Graham, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20070227818
    Abstract: A treestand apparatus has a frame having a first end configured to engage a tree and a second end configured to support a user's weight, a toothed belt attached to the frame at first and second points, with a portion of the toothed belt between the first and second points being configured to extend around the tree. At least one of the points of the frame includes a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust the length of the portion of the toothed belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond L. Bedell