Ladder Patents (Class 182/194)
  • Publication number: 20110011679
    Abstract: A ladder comprises two stiles and at least a step unit mounted between the two stiles. The step unit includes a hollow step, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is fit into the hollow step, at an end of which a position restriction portion is located to prevent the inner sleeve from moving out, and the outer sleeve is adapted to surround the end of the hollow step. Besides, a fastener is set, the fastening end of which is passed through the stile, the outer sleeve and fastened in the inner sleeve. The present technique solution has a high supporting strength and a high shear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Publication number: 20100219019
    Abstract: A portable boarding ladder is attached to a rubberized portion of an inflatable boat without the use of piercing fasteners and does not require a hard point mounting structure. A base ladder section and a climbing ladder section are pivotally coupled together and supported in an operative, stand-off boarding position along a curved hull surface of a pontoon boat by a pair of hook support brackets and a pair of latch retainer brackets. The support brackets are bonded to the pontoon by adhesive deposits. A lateral cross bar tubing segment of the base ladder section is supported by hanging engagement on the hook brackets. A pair of side rail tubing segments of the climbing ladder section are retained and secured against lateral shifting displacement and rotation relative to the pontoon by snap-fit engagement against resilient arm portions of the latch retainer brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Vallery Industries. Inc.
    Inventor: RUSSELL L. SEDLACK, II
  • Publication number: 20100163340
    Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: ALLRED & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie B. Allred, III, Joseph Kummer, Michael D. Griswold, Michael J. Hall, Matthew A. Bush
  • Publication number: 20100018801
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to prevent a user from using the top step of a ladder. The apparatus comprises a substantially solid front face on which a first side flap and second side flap are disposed. The first and second side flaps are disposed at an angle to the front face in order to create a spring force when inserted in a ā€œCā€ shaped cross section of a ladder. The apparatus is held to a ladder through the spring force and by securing the side flaps and front face to the ladder legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Larry D. Allred, Larry B. Allred
  • Publication number: 20090321564
    Abstract: A vertically movable passageway for a space in the ceiling region in an aircraft cabin. The passageway comprises a passageway floor and a displacement device, wherein the displacement device is designed to variably set the height (h1) of the passageway floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schuld, Harry Kwik
  • Publication number: 20090223164
    Abstract: A tower according to embodiments of the present invention includes a monopole shell having a vertical axis, the vertical axis substantially aligned with a gravitational force, wherein at least a portion of the monopole shell has an aerodynamic shape, wherein an outer perimeter of the aerodynamic shape comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein a chord between the leading edge and the trailing edge is shorter than a distance along the outer perimeter between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and wherein a maximum dimension of the outer perimeter measured orthogonally to the chord and the vertical axis is shorter than the chord; and a base, wherein the monopole shell rotates about the vertical axis with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS LLC
    Inventors: Bradley J. Cook, Dan J. Welch
  • Patent number: 7530429
    Abstract: A ladder including: first and second expandable members, each of the first and second expandable members including: a covering capable of expansion, the covering defining a cavity; and expansion means for expanding foam in the cavity in an expansion direction to expand the covering into a predetermined shape; each of the first and second expandable members having a plurality of holes; and a rung, having a first end disposed in each of the plurality of holes of the first expandable member and a second end disposed in a corresponding hole in the second expandable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20090084628
    Abstract: A ladder including a sound system comprising a at least one pair of generally parallel legs, a plurality of steps extending between said pair of legs, and a sound system mounted between said pair of legs near the top thereof, the sound system including a media player, and at least one speaker operably connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Jolene Smith
  • Publication number: 20090065302
    Abstract: Climbing products containing rails decorated using veil products colored, patterned, painted or in combination with marking methods such as company names and logos and resin formulation designed to withstand exposure to UV radiation with minimal change in appearance which create specific appearances for applications, enhance weathering performance, and facilitate processing efficiency. A combination of a filler free resin and coated veil systems to create a synergistic weather resistance surface with self contained color, pattern, picture, logo or combination of said same for climbing products. A system for producing components. Various methods, system, a ladder rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Richard M. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20090038886
    Abstract: A ladder is formed from an integral material blank having a pair of opposed side portions integrally joined to a central portion disposed between the side portions. The central portion includes a number of step portions spaced from one another along the length of the side portions. Each step portion includes a front edge integrally formed with the side sections and a step surface integrally formed with the front edge. The front edge of each step portion is joined to each of the pair of side portions and o the step surface along a pivot line that enables the side portions and the step surface to be manually bent with regard to the front edge when assembling the ladder assembly from the material blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce G. Bastin, Jade M. Abner
  • Publication number: 20090000867
    Abstract: A ladder made by plastic material includes a first ladder unit which includes two side rails with a plurality of rungs integrally connected between the two side rails. A head step is integrally connected to two respective top ends of the two side rails. The first ladder unit includes an open first side and a closed second side. Each of the rungs includes a latitude rib and altitude ribs connected to an inner periphery of the open first side so as to define a plurality of chambers in the open first side of each rung, and each side rail includes two sidewalls and a plurality of latitude ribs connected between the two sidewalls so as to define chambers separated by the latitude ribs. Each rung has an anti-slip top surface. A second ladder unit can be pivotably connected to the first ladder unit at two respective head steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Chen Lu Wang
  • Patent number: 7464792
    Abstract: The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted ā€œUā€ shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The vertical portions of the ladder are short, relative to the overall height of the ladder whereby less material is used to manufacture the ladder, while making its shipment and storage easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Ray Adair
  • Publication number: 20080289904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a flexible ladder for traversing a structure that addresses problems common with conventional rope ladders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Dan Heiduk
  • Publication number: 20080236949
    Abstract: A multi-section ladder comprises a first ladder and at least one second ladder which respectively includes two upper and lower stiles, two coupling members and a plurality of rung assemblies, the upper stiles provided at the upper ends thereof with two retaining members, the lower stiles provided at the lower ends thereof with two support seats, in specific directions of the support seats in response to the retaining members being individually formed two recesses, the coupling members covered onto the lower ends of the upper stiles and the upper ends of the lower stiles, and the rung assemblies which are equally spaced apart from each other mounted between the inner walls of the two upper or lower stiles, and each of the rung assemblies including two side plates and a rung, thereby disassembling the upper and lower stiles from each other so as to be small in the size of the present invention while in storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Chen-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 7370598
    Abstract: A power driven marine ladder apparatus includes a vertically extendable cable section and a horizontally extendable rung section connected transversely to the cable section. An axially rotatable winder is mounted on a marine vessel or fixed marine structure and the cable section is attached to and wrappable about the winder. A motor drives the winder rotatably in a first direction to unwrap the cable section and lower the ladder apparatus, and in an opposite second direction to wrap the cable section on the winder and raise the ladder apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: PWC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Bootes
  • Patent number: 7370725
    Abstract: A device supported by a ground surface and a structure for at least one of elevating and descending a user. The device includes a first guide rail having a first channel extending along a length thereof and a second guide rail having a second channel extending along the length thereof. At least one connector connects the first guide rail with the second guide rail at a predetermined location along a length thereof so that said first channel and said second channel face inwards towards each other. A platform for supporting the user having a predetermined amount of weight is connected within each of the first and second channels and between the first guide rail and second guide rail. The device further includes means for moving the platform along the length of each of the first channel and the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Gary R Dornfeld
  • Publication number: 20080083583
    Abstract: A ladder top has a top panel and a front side in which the front side has a generally V-shaped indentation formed therein. The front side extends downwardly from one side of the top panel. The ladder top has a back side extending downwardly from an opposite side of the top panel. The top panel has at least one recessed pan and a plurality of holes formed thereon. The front side has a plurality of ribs extending thereacross in spaced parallel relation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Louisville Ladder Group LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. GIBSON
  • Publication number: 20080078615
    Abstract: A walking ladder which has a pair of ladder sections each section having a pair of spaced apart elongated members and a series of steps spaced apart and extending across the space between the elongated members. A pair of hinges are provided with each hinge pivotally coupling corresponding ends of the elongated members so that said sections have an A-shape when in an operating position. The hinges are confined to a width bounded by sides of the elongated members. A user straddles the walking ladder and removes his/her weight from one step and transfers it to another enabling the user to move one section of the ladder relative to the other and hence walk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Sidney B. Fowlds
  • Publication number: 20070204948
    Abstract: Climbing products containing rails decorated using veil products colored, patterned, painted or in combination with marking methods such as company names and logos and resin formulation designed to withstand exposure to UV radiation with minimal change in appearance which create specific appearances for applications, enhance weathering performance, and facilitate processing efficiency. A combination of a filler free resin and coated veil systems to create a synergistic weather resistance surface with self contained color, pattern, picture, logo or combination of said same for climbing products. A system for producing components. Various methods, system, a ladder rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: James Vincent Gauchel, Allison Stright Clapper, Juan Antonio Rivera, Harold Carl Piraneo
  • Patent number: 7051839
    Abstract: A device for providing three dimensional camouflage to a hunter's ladder stand having a seat, footrest, side rails and a plurality of rungs. The device has a hollow plastic tube with a split and holes through which a plurality of stalks of artificial vegetation are inserted. The split is in the form a groove or has notches so that when the tube is attached to a rail of a ladder stand, the tube does not interfere with the rungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Randall D. George
  • Patent number: 7047597
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hinge for a folding ladder having first and second ladder frames. The hinge includes a main hinge unit, a subsidiary hinge unit, and a locking unit. The main hinge unit includes first and second support arms commonly mounted to an upper end of the first ladder frame, and first and second disc parts extending from upper ends of the first and second support arms, respectively, and being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The subsidiary hinge unit includes a subsidiary support arm mounted to an upper end of the second ladder frame, and a subsidiary disc part extending from an upper end of the subsidiary support arm, the subsidiary disc part being disposed between the first and second disc parts, with a plurality of notches being provided along a peripheral edge of the subsidiary disc part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Sang Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 6923214
    Abstract: A device for servicing an aircraft on the ground includes a rolling support and a cable or hose assembly having a first end for connection to a ground unit and an opposite second end for connection to the aircraft. A reel is rotatably mounted on the rolling support on which the cable or hose assembly is wound, and from which the cable or hose assembly can be unwound from the first end. A flight of stairs is also mounted on the rolling support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Ipalco B.V.
    Inventor: Michael Widegren
  • Publication number: 20040216954
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hinge for a folding ladder having first and second ladder frames. The hinge includes a main hinge unit, a subsidiary hinge unit, and a locking unit. The main hinge unit includes first and second support arms commonly mounted to an upper end of the first ladder frame, and first and second disc parts extending from upper ends of the first and second support arms, respectively, and being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The subsidiary hinge unit includes a subsidiary support arm mounted to an upper end of the second ladder frame, and a subsidiary disc part extending from an upper end of the subsidiary support arm, the subsidiary disc part being disposed between the first and second disc parts, with a plurality of notches being provided along a peripheral edge of the subsidiary disc part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Chan Bok Lee
    Inventor: Sang Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 6691828
    Abstract: A scaffold stringer which is a plate and a series of tread mounts attached at substantially uniform distances along the plate, the tread mounts forming an angle with the plate, each tread mount having an associated finger projection positioned above each tread mount and projecting outwardly from the stringer, the scaffold stringer additionally has least one attachment member for attaching the stringer to a scaffold structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Deltak Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Yates Westley Hayman, Kenneth Ray Hensley
  • Publication number: 20040020582
    Abstract: A method for making a cover for an end of a ladder rail is provided. In one form, the method comprising the steps of: using at least one material to make a shell; using at least one other material to make a tread; and bonding at least a portion of the tread with at least a portion of the shell. Preferably, the shell and the tread are bonded to one another during the manufacturing process such that the shell and tread need not be mechanically fastened to one another in a separate and additional step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Paul R. Swiderski, Donald L. Gibson, Michael S. Gaynor, Eric V. Chevalier
  • Patent number: 6497304
    Abstract: An improved step ladder of a type having at least one step and a corresponding number of step pads. The improvement includes each step pad being replaceably and interchangeably attached to an associated step, each step having a plurality of throughbores extending vertically therethrough, each step pad having a plurality of tits depending. therefrom that replaceably and interchangeably engage in the plurality of throughbores in the associated step, respectively, and each tit having a wide base coincident with the associated step pad, a pointed tip that facilitates entering into an associated throughbore, and a pinched waist which is releasably captured in the associated throughbore when the pointed tip passes into the associated throughbore, a distance requiring the tit to compress so as to allow the pinched waist to receive the step and then expand to releasably capture the step in the pinched waist, and as a result thereof, releasably lock the step pad onto the associated step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Herb Leipziger
  • Patent number: 6467234
    Abstract: A prefabricated stairway module (10, 11) comprises a first step and a second step, each step (14) having a tread member (13) and a riser member (15). The stairway module further has fixing means (31) for fixing the module to a sloping surface on which it is laid. The steps in a module may be connected to each other by a rigid or flexible bridging member (19), and the tread member (13) may be curved. Different designs and configurations of the prefabricated modules may be combined into a stairway assembly, the modules which can be chosen according to the gradient of the underlying surface on which the stairway is to be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Nicholas James Marshall
  • Patent number: 6415891
    Abstract: A scaffold stringer which is plate and a series of tread mounts attached at substantially uniform distances along the plate, the tread mounts forming an angle with the plate, each tread mount having an associated finger projection positioned above each tread mount and projecting outwardly from the stringer, the scaffold stringer additionally has least one attachment member for attaching the stringer to a scaffold structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: Yates Westley Hayman, Kenneth Ray Hensley
  • Patent number: 6386320
    Abstract: The invention concerns a support structure characterized in that it comprises at least: a shaft (1) whereof the two ends are designed to be urged to rest on two fixed elements, one of which may be the ground and the other, a fixed object located above the ground; two series of steps (M1, M′1-2, M′2-M3, M′3) fixed on the shaft, on either side thereof respectively; and a ramp (7), integral with the shaft (1) extending vertically with respect thereto, at a distance from the steps (M1, M′1-M2, M′2-M3, M′3) less than the average length of a leg, such that a user can move on the steps (M1, M′1-M2, M′2-M3, M′3) by striding over the ramp (7). Said structure enables the user to stand on the steps with greater stability while keeping his hands free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Bernard Clavel
  • Patent number: 6378654
    Abstract: A ladder attached to a generally vertically extending wall or surface which is particularly useful when attached to the side of vehicles which can pivot outwardly to a slight extent at the bottom area thereof in order to increase the climbing inclination to make it easier to climb vertically for emergency personnel under emergency situations and especially when carrying heavy equipment or other necessary emergency apparatus. The ladder configuration is pivotal between a storage position extending generally vertically next to the wall and a deployed position or extended position set at the inclination angle to facilitate climbing thereof. A resilient locking device can secure the ladder in the collapsed position and a pivotally movable scissors assembly controls movement of the lower portion of the ladder between the inclined position and the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Theodore Ziaylek, Jr., Michael P. Ziaylek, Theodore P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 6305141
    Abstract: A prefabricated staircase module (10, 11) comprises a first step and a second step, each step (14) having a tread member (13) and a riser member (15). The staircase module further has fixing means (31) for fixing the module to a sloping surface on which it is laid. The steps in a module may be connected to each other by a rigid or flexible bridging member (19), and the tread member (13) may be curved. Different designs and configurations of the prefabricated modules may be combined into a staircase assembly, the modules which can be chosen according to the gradient of the underlying surface on which the staircase is to be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Nicholas James Marshall
  • Patent number: 6129179
    Abstract: A laterally extensible ladder comprises first and second uprights having a plurality of adjacent rung assemblies mounted therebetween. Each rung assembly includes a first hollow rung element that defines a rung axis and a second rung element received in the first rung element. The second rung element is movable along the rung axis for adjusting the length of the rung assembly, hence adjusting the width of the ladder. At least one rung assembly includes a structure for releasably holding the rung assemblies at a selected width configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: William V. Rooney, Julie M. Rooney
  • Patent number: 5896946
    Abstract: An access step and winch mounting assembly is provided for a load carrying device, such as a boat trailer. The assembly includes a front member for mounting on a frame of the trailer, a top member extending from the front member and a cross bar connected to the to member. The top member mounts a winch for drawing a load onto the trailer. The cross bar mounts load engaging members. A step subassembly includes a stringer depending downwardly from the cross bar and multiple rungs with arcuate configurations each extending between the front member and the stringer member. The step subassembly is outwardly and laterally convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Wesley E. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5692581
    Abstract: A cover for a rung of a ladder consisting of an elongate member (12) configured to spring clamp over the rung of the ladder and a layer (16) of anti-skid or anti-slip material removeably fastened to the external surface of the cover. The elongate member includes at least one aperture (13) at each terminal end to receive a bolt for fastening the elongate member to the rung of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventors: John Robert Nelson, Richard Forbes Donald-Hill
  • Patent number: 5515657
    Abstract: A winding stair for spiral ascension within a building structure. The stair includes a newel post which has a plurality of elongated slots horizontally formed around the periphery at different elevations. Each steps of the winding stair is provided with an arched end plate located along an inner narrow end of the step. With each arched end plate formed to hug the outer surface of the newel post. A curved flange portion extends upwardly along a top edge of the arched end plate. Steps are attached to the newel post as by inserting the curved flange portion within the elongated slots and allowing the arched end plate to rest against the periphery of the newel post. Aligned openings in each of the newel post and arched end plate, receive fasteners to secure the step to the newel post. The curved flange also has openings aligned with openings in the newel post receiving fasteners which serves to further secure the step to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Johnson Chou
  • Patent number: 5515942
    Abstract: The invention is directed to strong, lightweight, electrically non-conducting ladder stiles and ladders formed therefrom. Each ladder stile comprises a tension and compression portion structurally interconnected by a spacing portion. The spacing portion has a cross section which varies over the length of the stile between sections where the entire spacing portion is the full width of the stile and sections where at least part of the spacing portion is less than the full width of the stile. The ladders of the invention are formed of two ladder stiles interconnected by rungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Palmerston Extension Ladder Company Limited
    Inventor: Bruce H. Woodfield
  • Patent number: 5343980
    Abstract: A ladder which makes it possible for one person to climb onto another, particularly, a ladder which can be worn by an adult for the purpose of enabling a child to climb up the ladder and onto the adult. The top portion of the ladder is attached to a harness facilitates the wearing of the ladder by an adult. The bottom portion of the ladder is attached to a trap which can be stepped on by the adult to stabilize the ladder and prevent it from swinging. In an alternative embodiment the device is in the form of an overcoat featuring a series of holes into which the child can place his feet to facilitate his climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Shlomo Elfanbaum
  • Patent number: 5323874
    Abstract: The invention disclosed comprises a combination ladder and stair for use by children which incorporates stair-like treads and risers with ladder-like rungs to achieve safe climbing activity. The combination ladder and stair is adapted to be used at a comparatively steep angle to the ground with the treads being maintained level. The rungs are placed adjacent to and level with each tread to afford additional security for the foot, and are spaced from the tread to allow the hand to grasp around the rung. In the preferred embodiment the ladder is incorporated into a split tube which serves as an entry to a children's play system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Soft Play, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell R. Warren, Daniel J. Dittberner, Grant M. Strawcutter
  • Patent number: 5277273
    Abstract: A readily portable device for enabling a vertical columnar structure such as a tree, pole or the like to be climbed without causing damage thereto, this device comprising a pair of rigid, elongate longitudinal members of substantially equal length. These longitudinal members are disposed in a spaced-apart, substantially parallel relationship, with least two step-like members disposed between the longitudinal members, to provide footing to a climber of the vertical structure. A flexible member such as a rope is utilized for tightly encircling the vertical structure, with the flexible member being able to be affixed adjacent the upper end of the device, to form a support therefor. The flexible member is placed in substantial tension at such time as the vertical structure has been encircled and weight is placed on one of the step-like members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Donald H. Grimes
  • Patent number: 5277272
    Abstract: A non-metallic ladder for use in a manhole in which permanent manhole steps have been installed and spaced relation from the top of the manhole to a position above the bottom and there being a pair of spaced side members on said ladder connected transversely by spaced steps to form corners at the top in which there are spaces to fit over a respective side members on the step. The spaces may be in the shape of a rectangular cross-section or other configuration. The ladder is "hung" from the step to resist dislodgment therefrom. There may be provided a wall bumper member at the bottom of the ladder to engage the inside wall of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: M.A. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. Williams, Joseph H. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5203427
    Abstract: A portable fire escape ladder with an inflatable air cushion is provided. The ladder has an upper window sill engaging portion, and a plurality of frame members interconnected with rungs. The air bag is inflated by propellant from a trigger operable propellant source, for decelerating a person prior to alighting on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Anthony E. Williams, Sr., Alonda O. Williams
  • Patent number: 5180031
    Abstract: A gardener's aid for sloped ground formed of first and second elongated paralleled spaced apart strut members, a plurality of generally flat spaced apart paralleled support members each having one end affixed to a first strut member and the other end affixed to the other strut member, the support members being in planes parallel to each other and at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the strut members, and first and second arm members affixed at one end of the first and second strut members, the arm members extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the strut members longitudinal axii, the gardener's aid being positionable on sloped ground so that the support members are generally horizontal providing surfaces for receiving the feet, knees or hands of users, the arm members serving to contact the sloped ground and support the strut members and support members above and generally parallel to sloped ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5145031
    Abstract: An adjustable ladder comprising, a pair of side supports, a device for retaining the supports in a spaced relationship, a rung, a device for slidably mounting the rungs in the supports, and a device for moving the rung along the supports for adjusting the position of the rung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Powell L. Sprunger
  • Patent number: 5080193
    Abstract: An improved hunter's ladder stand includes irregularly shaped legs and rungs which provide structure that blends into an outdoor environment comprising irregularly shaped trees, branches and shrubs. The irregular shape of the hunter's stand provides less distraction for wild animals in sports such as hunting. The hunter's ladder stand also may include a seat portion and a stand portion to permit a hunter to sit or stand while using the hunter's ladder stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Philip L. Woof
  • Patent number: 5060757
    Abstract: Adjustable cross pieces or rungs for aiding in forming a ladder using a tree cut at predetermined lengths and trimmed of branches. The cross members include two end members and a centrally located channel member which receives an elongated main body portion of the end members and which can be stabilized at the top and bottom rungs for securing the trees together and forming foot rests or rungs for the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Naturaland Trust
    Inventor: C. Thomas Wyche
  • Patent number: 5058339
    Abstract: A curved stairway is illustrated wherein the usual wooden components, including the stringers A, are provided with steel reinforcement, including metallic stringers B provided with cross bracing D and E in order to provide a composite structure affording rigidity with minimal reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Alexander P. Krstovic
  • Patent number: 4997061
    Abstract: An A-frame ladder comprises two side rail assemblies and a platform guard rail assembly each provided in their rail members with elongate oval apertures defining handholds or hand grips. Steps of the side rail assemblies and the platform of the platform guard rail assembly are formed with elongate openings for draining water from the upper surfaces of the steps and the platform and for augmenting the gripping of users' feet by those upper surfaces. The steps are connected to the side rails by snap lock pins and the side rail assemblies are connected to guard rail members of the platform guard rail assembly by twist-ock pins, whereby an outer side rail assembly may be removably disconnected from the platform to prevent access to a swimming pool by youngsters. Brackets are attachable to the guard rail members of the platform guard rail assembly for connecting the platform guard rail assembly to sections of a perimetrally extending fence, whereby the ladder becomes an integral part of the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Doniel G. Aymes
  • Patent number: 4991690
    Abstract: A portable hunting ladder has a base section and one or more slidably connected ladder sections. Each ladder section has a stand-off device and a device for securing the section to the tree being climbed. The ladder sections are fabricated from tubular cross-section members while the rungs are fashioned from U-shaped channel elements. Each ladder section has a length which is less than the height of a man so that it can be secured while standing on the next lower section. The ladder rungs are only wide enough for one foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: John A. Woller
  • Patent number: 4974701
    Abstract: A step ladder construction is provided comprising a plurality of steps extending between a pair of struts. Coupling means join each of the steps with the pair of struts. Each of the struts has the shape of a channel with a pair of spaced webs between which the steps are received. The coupling means includes at least one flange element formed on one of the strut and the step, at least one surface defined on the other of the strut and the step to abut the flange element and fastening means to fasten the step to the strut with the flange element against the surface. The fastening means constitutes means to maintain the flange element against the surface while the flange element constitutes means to transfer a substantial portion of loads appearing on the step to the strut to reduce the shear loads appearing on the fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Ottavio Parise
  • Patent number: 4967879
    Abstract: A ladder, especially for use in manholes, where the rungs are mounted in double-walled sidepieces via respective sleeves. Each sleeve has a body wall that, to uniformly support introduced forces, extends through both walls of a sidepiece and, especially from the outside, is arrested by connections between the rung and sleeve on the one hand and the sleeve and sidepiece on the other hand. At the same time, an outwardly directed base of the sleeve protects not only the rung but also the outer wall of the sidepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Zarges Leichtbau GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Klafs, Carlheinz Mannhardt, Heinz Pecher, Oswald Riedl