Suspended Platform Patents (Class 182/150)
  • Publication number: 20010025741
    Abstract: A scaffolding apparatus (10) and the like is for use on a building (12) during its construction. The scaffolding apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of fixing bracket members (20) each being adapted to be fixed to a corresponding one of a plurality of studs (11) or the like of the building (12) undergoing construction such that they extend substantially horizontally from the stud (11). The fixing bracket members (20) each have a bracket (22) which is adapted to be fixed to the stud (11) whereby each of the brackets (22) has a pair of angle flanges (24,25) aligned above and below respectively of the longitudinal axis of the fixing bracket member (20). The lower flange is adapted to be fixed abutting against the outwardly facing side (26) of the stud (11) and the upper angle flange (25) is adapted to be fixed abutting against the inwardly facing side (27) of the stud (11). The plurality of fixing bracket members (20) are arranged, when installed, to receive planks (39) or the like on top to provide a platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Darren Philip Hudson
  • Patent number: 6264002
    Abstract: A work platform for use on bridges or other structures wherein a plurality of cables extend in spaced relation along a section of the structure and are supported by the structure and wherein a floor comprising a plurality of corrugated flooring panels or sections is supported on the cables and removably secured to the cables. The positions of the cables are adjustable in vertical and horizontal directions. A connector assembly releasably connects each of the platform flooring sections to a respective supporting cable on which it rests. Each connector assembly comprises a first part which rests on a bottom wall of the panel and has a portion which extends through an opening in the bottom wall and back through the opening and is connected to a second part to form an eyelet through which the cable passes. In aspects of the present invention, the first and second parts are connected by a lever or a wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambros Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 6264001
    Abstract: A scaffolding hanger is described. The invention is a refinement of scaffolding hangers used to support catwalks and recording equipment for use on television and film production sets. The hangers are suspended from hooks by chains attached to a ceiling. Catwalk platforms are supported upon the lower connecting platform between the front and rear upright members of the hanger. The weight of the catwalk and hangers is supported by the rear upright members and center upright members. The center upright members are set back from the front edge of the catwalk in order to provide clearance for recording equipment attached to a rail system secured to the front portion of the catwalk. A front upright member is of abbreviated height in order allow the recording equipment to be moved from one end of a production set to another along the suspended catwalk platforms without interference from the upright members of the scaffolding supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Herschbach
  • Patent number: 6227330
    Abstract: A support structure for moveably suspending a work surface from the underside of a bridge includes at least a first clip mounted on each lower web of a pair of parallel bridge girders, a track mounted on each clip, and a scaffold member rollably suspended from the track, the work platform extending between the scaffold members. The scaffold members include a plurality of rollers that roll along the upper surface of each track such that the scaffold members are selectively rollable along the tracks. The clips are securely clamped to the lower webs of the girders such that the rails are securely and unadjustably spaced below the lower webs of the girders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Mark A. Preusser, David L. Espenchied
  • Patent number: 6227331
    Abstract: A bridge platform and method of erecting the same wherein a plurality of cables extend longitudinally of the bridge in spaced relation below the deck or roadway and steel support structure of the bridge, which cables are supported at opposite ends by the spaced-apart vertical piers of the bridge, and wherein a plurality of platform flooring panels or sections are supported on the cables, extend laterally of the bridge, are arranged side-by-side along the length of the bridge between the piers and are removably secured to the cables. The cables are attached to the bridge piers by compression clamp structures. The platform flooring sections comprise elongated rectangular corrugated decking panels and are arranged in end-to-end overlapping relation transversely of the bridge, side-to-side overlapping relation longitudinally along the bridge and with the corrugations extending transversely of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambros Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 6224127
    Abstract: A tool holding table mountable onto a car or truck exterior surface frame member, such as the brackets for holding a tailgate is described. Preferably the mounting surface is the tailgate of a truck. The table provides a cutting surface defining an opening for receiving a blade, for example a saw blade so that the blade interrupts the cutting surface so that it may cut material on the cutting surface. The table is also equipped with at least one saw horse. It also provides a power source which allows for it to be operated from a switch on the ground or the side. The saw table is preferably the same size as the vehicle tailgate when folded and unfolds to be large enough to support standard lengths of material to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: William O. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6186275
    Abstract: A basket removably attachable to a support arm extending laterally outwardly from a helicopter, comprises a frame structure having a bottom support surface and a top surface joined together in an axially adjustable relationship. An opening is defined in the top surface of the frame structure for providing access to the bottom support surface. The frame structure is displaceable between collapsed and erected positions for selectively reducing and increasing its height, whereby the basket can be carried in its collapsed position and, once on site, extended to its erected position for safely receiving at least one operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Les Hélicoptères Canadiens Limitée
    Inventors: Marc Charest, Yves Despois
  • Patent number: 6152470
    Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp
    Inventors: John W. Stuart, Gerald W. Askew
  • Patent number: 6138793
    Abstract: A work platform for use on bridges wherein a plurality of cables extend along a section of the bridge in spaced relation below the deck or roadway and steel support structure of the bridge, which cables are supported at opposite ends by either the steel support structure of the bridge or by the spaced-apart vertical piers of the bridge, and wherein a plurality of platform flooring panels or sections are supported on the cables, extend laterally of the cables, are arranged side-by-side along the section of the bridge such as between the piers and are removably secured to the cables. In one aspect the cables are connected at each end exclusively to the bridge piers, and in another aspect the cables are connected at each end exclusively to the bridge steel structure. In the latter instance, there is provided the capability of installation on skewed or angled bridge sections. In both aspects there is capability of adjustment in vertical and horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambros Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 6135240
    Abstract: A bridge platform and method of erecting the same wherein a plurality of cables extend longitudinally of the bridge in spaced relation below the deck or roadway and steel support structure of the bridge, which cables are supported at opposite ends by the spaced-apart vertical piers of the bridge, and wherein a plurality of platform flooring panels or sections are supported on the cables, extend laterally of the bridge, are arranged side-by-side along the length of the bridge between the piers and are removably secured to the cables. The cables are attached to the bridge piers by compression clamp structures. The platform flooring sections comprise elongated rectangular corrugated decking panels and are arranged in end-to-end overlapping relation transversely of the bridge, side-to-side overlapping relation longitudinally along the bridge and with the corrugations extending transversely of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambros Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 6099007
    Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventors: John W. Stuart, Gerald W. Askew
  • Patent number: 6098751
    Abstract: A scaffold system in which a scaffold bed is suspended between a pair of channel members. The channel members are horizontally disposed in respective frames that include a spaced pair of column members. The bed is modular and provides a deck surface that is formed by a plurality of panel members that are joined by a pair of beam members. The panel members have retainer flanges at opposite ends thereof, the end most retainer flanges of the bed engaging respective ones of the channel members. Each of the column members is provided with a retainer for holding the bed engaged with the channel members. Handrails are selectively connectable between the column members in elevated relation to the deck surface. The retainers are adopted for connecting wall braces for laterally stabilizing the system. The frames can rest on stationary supports, or they can be configured as hangers for suspension by tension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Mountain Box Systems
    Inventors: R. Stephen Eichenlaub, George Natale
  • Patent number: 6082752
    Abstract: A step assembly for mounting to a wheel well of a vehicle to permit a user to step up on the side of the vehicle. The assembly includes a U-shaped rod adapted for mounting to a fender wall of a vehicle. One end of the U-shaped rod has an outwardly extending mounting extent which outwardly extends in a direction away from the front edge of the fender wall. An elongate step bracket is provided having upper and lower ends. The upper end of the step bracket has a pivot assembly coupling the upper end of the step bracket to the mounting extent of the U-shaped rod to permit pivoting of the step bracket at the upper end of the step bracket and to permit rotation of the step bracket about the longitudinal axis of the step bracket. A stirrup is coupled to the lower end of the step bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Randall M. Sumrall
  • Patent number: 6082493
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment of a davit mount for holding a scaffolding over the side of a building attaches directly to a structural column of the building, and eliminates the need for both a safety anchor located atop and within the roof inwardly from the roof edge, and a safety line extending back to that safety anchor. Because of the indicated apparatus, the structural integrity of the roof surface need not be compromised in order to install that safety anchor, and secondly no safety line remains extended over any portion of the roof so as to constitute a safety hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis P. Mason
  • Patent number: 6076844
    Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventors: John W. Stuart, Gerald W. Askew
  • Patent number: 6053280
    Abstract: A deck support may be created to hang from a top plate of a wall in residential or other construction. An upright or leg may provide support of the weight of the deck supported on a foot extending laterally from the leg. The foot may be provided with a climber attachment that secures the foot extending horizontally from the leg, and yet is readily adjustable without alignment, line-of-sight adjustment, removal or repositioning of pins, and the like. The apparatus may operate to support a user installing soffits, fascia, trusses and other assemblies near the upper portions of walls at any stage of construction. Adjustment may be done safely by a single user employing a single hand. Alignment and engagement are simple and automatic by the climber securing the foot to the leg. A hanger bracket may extend adjustably across the top plate of a wall to support the leg extending vertically therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Wall Walker, LLC
    Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Kevin L. McAllister, D. Paul Riley
  • Patent number: 6044928
    Abstract: A stepstool (20) configured for mounting on a vehicular tire (22) includes a support frame configured to rest against an outer surface (38) of the tire (22). The support frame includes a first upright support (24), a second upright support (26), and a third support (28) coupled to each of the first and second upright supports (24, 26). A platform (30) is attached to the support frame. A retaining bar (36) is configured to rest against an inner surface (40) of the tire (22). Chains (32 and 34) link the retaining bar (36) to each of the first and second upright supports (24, 26). The chains (32 and 34) are directed over an upper circumferential surface (83) of the tire and wrap around the upper circumferential surface (83) to hold the platform (30) securely on the tire (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: Bruce Law, John E. Toner
  • Patent number: 6035966
    Abstract: Adjustable upper straps extend from the four corners of a collapsible seat assembly and terminate at a central O-ring. A groin strap extends from the central ring to a portion of the seat assembly. A tree ascender strap is also connected to the central ring, and has a latchable hook which can be used to encircle the trunk of a tree and secure the climber as he climbs. A back strap and shoulder strap extend from the central ring and help to restrain a hunter within the assembly both while climbing and while in an elevated position in the tree. A main lead securing strap extends from an extension strap connected to the central ring and has a buckle which allows it to be secured around a tree above the head of the hunter. The main lead securing strap is looped through itself in such a way that the strap chokes the tree trunk within itself to prevent slipping on trees with smooth bark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: K D L Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6029989
    Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp
    Inventors: John W. Stuart, Gerald W. Askew
  • Patent number: 6026932
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible brace for mounting scaffolding on the side of a building, comprises a generally "U"-shaped structure made up of two bent arms, each comprising an upright, surface-engaging section having an oblique section at its lower end. The upright sections are spaced from each other by a standard building wall stud spacing and can be nailed to the studs. The oblique sections are connected to each other at a point between the stud locations. An arm is pivotally connected to this point, and is removably engageable with a platform pivoted to the upright sections. The platform is also generally U-shaped, and nests inside the attachment arm structure in coplanar relationship therewith when the apparatus is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Bradley L. Comp
  • Patent number: 6012677
    Abstract: A chair-cage adapted to be coupled to a helicopter and used in construction and maintenance of high tension electricity towers and/or lines including a tubular support structure having a first substantially semi-circular tube, first horizontal support bars extending between two locations on the first tube, a horizontal crossbar extending between the first horizontal support bars for connecting the same and a veneer extending over the first tube, the first horizontal support bars and the horizontal crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Carlos Mazzoni
  • Patent number: 6003631
    Abstract: A wall supported scaffolding device (10) for suspension and attachment to the upper portion of a wall panel (100) wherein the device (10) includes an inverted T-shaped vertical support member (20) provided with a plurality of generally C-shaped brackets (22) dimensioned to pivotally receive the inboard ends of a cross piece member (30) and an angled brace member (40). The outboard ends of the cross piece member (30) and the brace member (40) support a railing support unit (14) and wherein the intermediate portion of the cross piece member (30) is provided with a locking bolt (37) for preventing the lateral displacement of a scaffold plank (200) long the longitudinal axis and/or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cross piece member (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Peter R. Knauth
  • Patent number: 6003634
    Abstract: A bridge platform and method of erecting the same wherein a plurality of cables extend longitudinally of the bridge in spaced relation below the deck or roadway and steel support structure of the bridge, which cables are supported at opposite ends by the spaced-apart vertical piers of the bridge, and wherein a plurality of platform flooring panels or sections are supported on the cables, extend laterally of the bridge, are arranged side-by-side along the length of the bridge between the piers and are removably secured to the cables. The cables are attached to the bridge piers by compression clamp structures. The platform flooring sections comprise elongated rectangular corrugated decking panels and are arranged in end-to-end overlapping relation transversely of the bridge, side-to-side overlapping relation longitudinally along the bridge and with the corrugations extending transversely of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambros Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 6003630
    Abstract: A scaffold system for removable attachment to a wall that includes a vertical support member, a horizontal support member, and an attaching bracket. The vertical support member has a first end and a second end. The horizontal support member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the vertical support member is attached to the horizontal support member so that the vertical support member is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal support member. The attaching bracket extends from the horizontal support member substantially aligned with and parallel to the horizontal support member. The attaching bracket removably attaches the vertical support member and the horizontal support member to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Construction Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 5957239
    Abstract: A deck-retaining clamp assembly secures a corrugated deck panel to a support cable that underlies and supports the deck panel, the deck panel having in a lower web portion an elongated opening that overlies a segment of the support cable and extends transversely of the support cable. A U-bolt engages the cable from below, and a clamp plate is tightened against the upper surface of the deck panel by at least one nut threaded onto one leg of the U-bolt. A handle attached to one of the legs of the U-bolt permits manipulation of the U-bolt to engage it with the support cable. The handle has a grip portion that is shaped and dimensioned such that it cannot pass through the hole in the clamp plate and a shank portion that is movable through the hole in the clamp plate and is of a length such that the U-bolt can be moved down relative to the clamp plate to a position such that the upper end of the U-bolt is at a level below the lowermost extremity of the support cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Perry Marshak
  • Patent number: 5954155
    Abstract: A bridge containment system (10) comprises at least two vertically positioned cables (12) which comprise at least a first cable (12A) and a second cable (12B). The bridge containment system (10) farther comprises least two chains (16) interwoven and slidably mounted onto the plurality of vertically positioned cables (12), a first chain (16A) is interwoven and slidably mounted onto the first cable (12A) and a second chain (16B) is interwoven and slidably mounted onto the second cable (12B). The bridge containment system (10) further comprises at least one fence (18) is securely attached along a first distal edge to the first chain (16A) and securely attached along an opposite distal edge to the second chain (16B), when the first cable (12A) and the second cable (12B) are raised and lowered, the at least one fence (18) is concurrently raised and lowered functioning to contain falling debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Panageotes
  • Patent number: 5921346
    Abstract: A bridge platform and method of erecting the same wherein a plurality of cables extend longitudinally of the bridge in spaced relation below the deck or roadway and steel support structure of the bridge, which cables are supported at opposite ends by the spaced-apart vertical piers of the bridge, and wherein a plurality of platform flooring panels or sections are supported on the cables, extend laterally of the bridge, are arranged side-by-side along the length of the bridge between the piers and are removably secured to the cables. The cables are attached to the bridge piers by compression clamp structures. The platform flooring sections comprise elongated rectangular corrugated decking panels and are arranged in end-to-end overlapping relation transversely of the bridge, side-to-side overlapping relation longitudinally along the bridge and with the corrugations extending transversely of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambros Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 5911288
    Abstract: A work platform for temporary installation under a bridge span includes a plurality of longitudinal support cables supporting transversely extending grating planks, with sidewise adjacent planks being interlocked by lock pins. A selected subset of the grating planks are releasably fastened to underlying support cables T-shaped clamping members inserted through slots in the selected grating planks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Z.A.F. Contractors, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Zafirakis
  • Patent number: 5878838
    Abstract: A scaffold structure having a guard rail system for preventing falls from the scaffolding, and having adjustable stops for adjustably positioning plank members upon the scaffold structure. The guard rail system includes guard rail posts removably secured to a platform member of the scaffolding by inserting a peg into a fixed stop on the platform member, spacing bars for bracing the guard rail posts, and a guard rail supported by the posts. The platform member includes a center channel, and stop members disposed within the channel which are adjustably positioned along the channel. The stop members are disposed on both sides of the planks to maintain the planks in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Levi S. Lapp
  • Patent number: 5839539
    Abstract: A movable scaffold supporting device, for engaging the lower portion of a concrete girder or an I-beam type girder, including an elongated tubular member, an adjustable flange engaging arm mounted to the tubular member, an L-shaped head member, a spring loaded locking device which positively locks the head member against an I-beam or concrete girder, and a supplementary locking device. Further, the device includes rollers located beneath the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: John Smith
  • Patent number: 5829549
    Abstract: A walkway system for roof, truss or elevated workers or the like is attached to a structure, e.g. a building wall of an unfinished building. The system utilizes first and second longitudinally spaced-apart support assemblies for releasable attachment to a top of a building wall. Each assembly presents a depending support bar extending along an exterior surface of a building wall. A horizontal support brace is attached to each depending support bar at selectable positions therealong, the horizontal support brace providing support for overlying boards of a walkway. Attached to the free end of the horizontal support brace is a vertical post having a plurality of vertically spaced-apart brackets thereon for receiving a portion of a plurality of vertically spaced-apart hand rails therein. A series of hook-like brackets are releasably placed along the rails for positioning a reinforcing strut adjacent each hand rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Richard A. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5730248
    Abstract: A bridge platform and method of erecting the same wherein a plurality of cables extend longitudinally of the bridge in spaced relation below the deck or roadway and steel support structure of the bridge, which cables are supported at opposite ends by the spaced-apart vertical piers of the bridge, and wherein a plurality of platform flooring panels or sections are supported on the cables, extend laterally of the bridge, are arranged side-by-side along the length of the bridge between the piers and are removably secured to the cables. The cables are attached to the bridge piers by compression clamp structures. The platform flooring sections comprise elongated rectangular corrugated decking panels and are arranged in end-to-end overlapping relation transversely of the bridge, side-to-side overlapping relation longitudinally along the bridge and with the corrugations extending transversely of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambros Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 5701704
    Abstract: Dock device (10), particularly for maintaining and overhauling commercial aircraft, having at least two lateral dock parts (28, 29) which are each connected by a suspension device (24, 25) to a supporting framework (23) so as to form a portal which is disposed on a supporting structure so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, the lateral dock parts each having a movable bridge part (32, 33) such that, when the bridge parts are moved apart from one another, an area of passage (50) is cleared between the lateral dock parts and, when the bridge parts are moved towards one another, a bridge deck is created between the lateral dock parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Mero-Raustuktur GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Albert Landes
  • Patent number: 5678654
    Abstract: A hanging scaffold panel for use in a hanging scaffold has a rectangular frame with an elongate male portion projecting from one side and attached to the rectangular frame with a fixing pin. The rectangular frame has a female portion on a side opposing the male portion and adapted to receive a male portion from an adjoining panel. The elongate male portion has two semi-cylindrical sections that are threadably adjusted to engage the female portion. A fastening pin is used to lock the male portion in the female portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Shinsei Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuo Uzawa
  • Patent number: 5671823
    Abstract: A collapsible catwalk comprising a support frame having a base and a top section, trolley members mounted on the frame top section adapted to suspend the support frame for lateral linear travel on at least one horizontal support rail, at least one guide wheel extending rearwardly from the support frame for maintaining the support frame vertical and for facilitating and guiding the support frame during lateral linear travel, a platform pivotally mounted on the support frame at the base thereof for pivotal movement from a substantially vertical retracted position to a substantially horizontal extended forward position, and collapsible safety rails surrounding the platform pivotally mounted on the platform for collapse upon retraction of the platform and for erection upon extension of the platform. The collapsible catwalk may additionally comprise a brake extending rearwardly from the platform for stopping the lateral movement of the catwalk when the platform is mentioned to its horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Keith L. Oakes
  • Patent number: 5664391
    Abstract: A J-hook roof anchoring and securement assembly, which is easily set-up and taken down, includes a rope tie-off attachment point. The J-hook securement assembly also includes a hanging scaffold attachment apparatus to provide an attachment point for a hanging scaffold system. The hanging scaffold system includes a vertical support post attached to platform base and having walk boards provided thereon. A vertical safety rail post contains angled brackets that mate with top and bottom portions of the walk boards. A securing rod is attached at one end to the safety rail post, is threaded through the walk boards, and is secured at a second end. The walk boards are held in clamping contact with the vertical support post by the use of the securing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: PFB Company
    Inventor: Paul F. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5638917
    Abstract: A work platform system for use while working off the ground in new construction, particularly in installed of roof structures and upper floors where fall protection systems are required and for which no effective work platform systems are available. System consists of frame (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) fabricated from standard galvanized light gauge steel components, with brackets (20, 22), clips (26,28,32) and straps (30) fabricated from standard galvanized stock. Components are welded and/or bolted together, Brackets are attached to partially-completed structure to establish work platform for subsequent construction operation. System utilizes conventional scaffold planks and railings. Installation and use are in accordance with existing regulations for working on work platforms. Use of separate fall protection devices is alleviated by use of this system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis L. Vennen
  • Patent number: 5634528
    Abstract: A work station is disclosed comprising: an envelope (20) having a top section (30), a bottom section (31), first (32) and second (33) end sections, and first (34) and second (35) side sections to shelter workers and to contain debris, each section being suspended between a supply means and a take-up means on a plurality of support means (63) about a structure that are mounted in a first motive means (21) on the structure to permit the envelope to be repositioned from time to time, scaffolding means (80-81) suspended by cables on a second motive means to permit a vertical degree of freedom and on a third motive means on a transverse beam (84) for a lateral degree of freedom, each beam being mounted on a fourth motive means on the support means to permit a longitudinal degree of freedom of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Bridge Vail International Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Watts, Wilf Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 5617931
    Abstract: A scaffold system having modular components including interconnectable side walls or side trusses having extruded upper and lower truss members, decks and various section connectors which are interchangeable simplifying transportation, minimizing storage and reducing inventory requirements. Single person set-up and take-down is provided in a modular scaffolding system allowing assembly of a vast array of configurations that accommodate various architectural shapes. Drop-in assembly of aluminum side trusses of modular scaffold sections with steel modular scaffold section connectors provides strong construction. Spring loaded latched are used to maintain decks in place at modular scaffold section connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: L. E. Zygmun and Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon E. Zygmun, Martin C. Conneally
  • Patent number: 5615751
    Abstract: An economic scaffold system used with wood and metal panels in the pouring of concrete foundations and the like. The system is designed to meet a recent 6 foot wall height restrictions federally mandated by OSHA. The system includes a pair of one piece panel brackets and a pair of one piece extension brackets make of heavy metal rod. The panel brackets are used alone with 8 foot high panels and with the extension brackets when using 10 foot high panels. The panel brackets are used to suspend opposite ends of a wood plank next to a side of a panel. The wood plank is used for workman to stand on during the forming of a foundation and when pouring concrete. The panel brackets include a pair of vertical support arms with an upper portion of the arms bent into an upper hook portion. The upper hook portion is received on top of the wood panel. A lower portion of the arms is bent into a "J" shaped plank support member. The plank support member is used to receive a portion of the plank thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Richard J. Snow
  • Patent number: 5579866
    Abstract: A suspended access platform which can be easily disassembled and folded to facilitate storage or relocation of the platform. The components of the suspended access platform are connected together by recessed pockets on some components for accepting legs on other components and by lock-pin arrangements which include tethered pins which are permanently tethered to particular components of the platform. The suspended access platform has a folding floor which comprises two floor half panels which are hinged together to allow the floor to be folded. The floor is connected to side panels which in turn are connected to front and back stirrups or connecting frames. The stirrups are each comprised of two half stirrups which are rotatably connected by a hinging mechanism. When the half stirrups are locked in place, a suspension mechanism is removably fastened to the half stirrups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Sky Climber, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Rowell
  • Patent number: 5549176
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing forms from the girders of a bridge, including a frame structure, a carriage which is movable below the bridge girders, and a carriage support which is attached to the frame structure and which supports the carriage. The carriage is movable between two pivotal support arms which are pivotal between a stowed position and an operative position. The carriage is supported out from under the bridge when the support arms are in the stowed position. The entire apparatus may be easily manipulated to avoid contact with any portion of the bridge, in particular, the vertical pilings, as the apparatus moves along the length of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Modern Bridge Forming Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Claude D. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5533592
    Abstract: This invention relates to an expandable scaffold for use with hoppers and the like which can fold up to pass through a narrow or confined opening. The scaffold can be expanded in the interior of the hopper thereby providing the operator with a place to stand while working. The scaffold comprises attachment means for attaching the scaffold at a top end to a hoist or crane, an articulated frame including a plurality of bars joined together by pivot connection means, folding means connected to the attachment means at one end and to the articulated frame at an other end, scaffold flooring mounted on the articulated frame for supporting an individual, and a plurality of suspension means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Laurent J. Lamoureux
  • Patent number: 5524727
    Abstract: This invention relates to a construction wall bracket for use in the erection of residential structures. The construction wall bracket includes a vertical member having a pair of laterally and outwardly-extending stud engagement members which rest against the vertical wall. A horizontal member having an angle bracket extends horizontally outward from the vertical member to support a plank or platform for use by a workman during construction efforts. A support brace is affixed to the vertical member for engagement to the top horizontal stud of a wall. A swing arm having a depending end tab and a pair of longitudinally-extending hinge members is pivotally attached to the support brace about a hinge pin. The upward pivotal rotation of the swing arm with respect to the support brace facilitates the removal of the construction wall bracket during periods of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Roland Yennie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5494132
    Abstract: A frame and ladder assembly which includes an electrically conductive frame that is provided to engage two, generally parallel, aerially suspended, transmission conductors of a phase bundle and to be supported therefrom; within the frame a side opening structure which defines a cradle is provided, and in the cradle structure is provided means to engage the phase, such as a plurality of rollers with circumferential recesses, so that the frame can be repositioned along the phase similar to a carriage, without disengaging the frame from the phase; the ladder assembly comprises an insulated triangular ladder assembly which is attached at its vertex to the frame and hangs beneath it, permitting a line worker situated on the ladder assembly to easily perform maintenance and repairs on an energized phase directly above the ladder assembly; the ladder assembly is also comprised of pivotally connected ladder legs so that when the top of one of the two inclined side ladders is released from the frame, the other ladder
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Harry L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5492197
    Abstract: A temporary scaffold comprising a platform section and an auxiliary section, each comprising a E-shaped frame formed of an arrangement of pipes. The pipes are telescopically connected in end-to-end relationship. As a result, the platform and auxiliary sections are interconnected so that their connected length is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yonahara
  • Patent number: 5427344
    Abstract: A portable hanging shelf system is disclosed wherein one or more shelves are suspended in a horizontal position from generally vertical objects of varying diameter. A non-elastic flexible fabric belt encircles generally vertical objects of varying diameters, such as a tree trunk, and an adjustable lever-type buckle on the belt releasably grips and applies tension in the encircled portion of the belt to firmly secure a pair of brackets to the curved surface of the vertical object. A cord is connected to each bracket and forms a loop which receives one or more flat rectangular shelves. The cords pass through slots at the opposed ends of each shelf and the shelves are secured in an adjustable horizontal position at the desired height above the ground by a cord lock or by passing the cord through additional slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: David G. Beauchemin
  • Patent number: 5417304
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for suspending a load from a rotary winged aircraft such as a helicopter by two releasable connections, wherein the load is adapted to be detached from the rotary winged aircraft upon both connections being released. Further safety features are also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Patent number: 5394956
    Abstract: A tender box adapted for use with a crane or other hoist device for providing an elevated working area. The tender box includes a frame and a platform with upper and lower decks. The lower deck provides a storage area for material and equipment and the upper deck defines a work area. The tender box includes a detachable test weight, which is located beneath the lower deck, and side arms and spacers, which space the tender box from the face of a vertical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: James M. Hulse
  • Patent number: 5337855
    Abstract: A scaffolding device (10) having a base member (12). The base member (12) has compression strut (14) articulably mounted to base member (12) as well as a tension strut (20) which may be set either parallel to or perpendicular to the base member (12) with the tension strut (20) set parallel to the base member (12) and the compression strut ( 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Jonathan P. File