Relatively Movable Sections Patents (Class 182/223)
  • Publication number: 20100270838
    Abstract: A worker's body support includes a base assembly which is preferably made of two spaced channel members. An upright assembly also preferably made of two spaced channel members is pivotally mounted at its lower end to the base assembly. An angular adjustment structure is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and is selectively mounted to one of a number of different locations to the upright assembly to adjust the angular orientation of the upright assembly. A seat is mounted to the upright assembly and is movable to a plurality of different locations and orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Sharrow
  • Patent number: 7815014
    Abstract: A construction platform comprising a stationary support structure adapted to be fixedly secured to the floor of a building under construction and project from the edge of the building to a predetermined maximum extent, and a movable deck mounted on the stationary structure which may be extended as a cantilever therefrom or retracted into at least substantial registration therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: John C. Preston
  • Publication number: 20100187041
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a compact; collapsible or folding, one tier, step stool for children that easily transforms into a smaller unit which is lightweight and portable. It has the advantages of being child friendly, lightweight, cleanable and becomes compact in the closed position for storage. In that state it could easily be transported by a child or carried in an adult's carrying bag, or a child could carry it in hand or in their bag/backpack. A child could also use it as a seat or table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Leslie Crouch
  • Patent number: 7740107
    Abstract: A maintenance platform for suspension on support cables, in particular for maintaining rotor blades of wind turbines, wherein the maintenance platform is formed by at least two sub-platforms defining a working plane, wherein said sub-platforms are swivably connected to each other by a swivel joint with a swivel axis substantially perpendicular to the working plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Aeroconcept Ingenieurgesellschaft für Luftfahrt-technik und Faserverbundtechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Christian Lemburg, Johannes Lemburg, Thomas Schäfer, Carsten Weber
  • Patent number: 7708249
    Abstract: A system for supporting a bond jig comprises a plurality of planar panels including at least one mounting hole for fasteners in each panel, wherein a first panel is arranged in a non-orthogonal position to a second panel. The system further comprises a coupling element for coupling panels, comprising a first and second planar portion, a hinge element connecting the first and second planar portion, wherein the first planar portion and the second planar portion rotate around the hinge element to form an angle, and at least one mounting hole for fasteners in the first and second planar portion. The system further comprises at least one fastener for fastening the first planar portion to the first panel via a mounting hole in the first planar portion and a mounting hole in the first panel and at least one fastener for fastening the second planar portion to the second panel via the mounting hole in the second planar portion and the mounting hole in the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neal A. Froeschner, Daniel R. Benjey
  • Publication number: 20100084222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support component configured to provide a portion of a scaffolding platform, the support component including, a main body, and at least one male connector projecting from the main body, and at least one female connector defined by a cavity formed in the main body, wherein the male and female connectors co-operate with complementary connectors of further support elements to form a scaffolding platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Lewis Roy Cleveland
  • Publication number: 20100059314
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus may include an elevated platform and a drop platform having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent the elevated platform and operable to be positioned in a raised position and a lowered position. Two or more torsion springs are positioned to engage the drop platform and to keep the drop platform in the raised position when an external force is not applied to the drop platform. Tension of the two or more torsion springs may be individually adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: C & W Manufacturing and Sales Company
    Inventor: Jon Christopher Haines
  • Publication number: 20100025156
    Abstract: An emergency evacuation system includes one or more walkways that extend from a first multi-story building, at designated floor levels above the ground floor, to an adjacent multi-story building. The emergency walkway has a series of interconnecting, telescopically extendable sections that are normally stowed in a retracted arrangement within the first building. When the emergency walkway is deployed, safety walls raise and lock into an operable, vertical position along the entire length of the walkway, from the first building to the adjacent building. The system may include a rotatable base at the first building to allow adjusted angular positioning of the extended walkway so that the opposite end of the emerging walkway docks at the desired location on the side of the adjacent building. Emergency access to both the first building and the adjacent building, at opposite ends of the walkway, is normally closed and only opens when the emergency evacuation system is deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Mark A. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20100012430
    Abstract: The claimed work platform system, alternatively dubbed by the inventor as “Miniscaffold”, provides a compact, versatile, and portable method of supporting workers engaged in various elevated construction or maintenance activities. The claimed work platform rides upon a number of locking floor casters. Each floor caster is mounted to a removable, telescoping support which may be readily relocated inward to accommodate access through narrow aisles or outward to enhance the platform's stability. Each telescoping support is also fitted with an individual jack mechanism to compensate for the inevitable variations in ground or floor elevation typical at construction or work sites. The “Miniscaffold” is also constructed from interlocking square tube members which enhance the work platform's stability and thus eliminate the obtrusive and cumbersome diagonal supports found on most scaffolding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: David Kirk Ogden
  • Publication number: 20090250295
    Abstract: A portable elevated platform includes a plurality of decks positionable adjacent one another in a flat configuration. Each deck includes an upper flat surface, and a plurality of contiguous sides extending around a perimeter of each deck. Each side includes an insert extending outward from the side and adjacent a corner of the side, and a receptacle extending inward into the side and adjacent an opposite corner from the insert. Each side of each deck is positioned adjacent any side of any other of the plurality of decks with at least one contiguous corner of each deck aligned such that the inserts and receptacles of the adjacently positioned sides mate together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: David J. Laws
  • Publication number: 20090078502
    Abstract: A working platform (1) for aircraft maintenance has two chassis (3a, 3b), a working stage (5) and two height-adjustable support means (4a, 4b) connecting the working stage (5) to the chassis (3a, 3b). The working surface of the working stage (5) is assembled from at least two mutually separable segments (_b 5a, 5b, . . . ), wherein a first (5a) of the segments is supported by the first chassis (3a) and the first height-adjustable support means (4a) and a second (5b) of the segments is supported by the second chassis (3a) and the second height adjustable support means (4b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Knurr
  • Publication number: 20090020362
    Abstract: A construction platform includes an inboard portion that attaches to a floor of a building under construction and an outboard portion that extends beyond the floor to allow loading and unloading of material from a crane. A hinged joint extends through both the inboard portion and the outboard portion of the construction platform to allow the construction platform to fold up for storage and transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Paramount Builders Supply
    Inventor: Ruben Diaz
  • Publication number: 20080302605
    Abstract: A size-adjustable platform for scaffolding comprises a plurality of overlapping sections extending from a central core, the sections including separate panels reciprocable with respect to the central core whereby the extent of the platform from the central core may be varied in size upon actuation of a ram or equivalent to cater for variable dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Andre ST-GERMAIN, Luc TESSIER
  • Publication number: 20080277200
    Abstract: A cover insert for spanning a gap between two boards in a decking, in particular a scaffold decking, to prevent objects from falling through said gap and causing injury comprises first and second substantially parallel side walls (10, 11) for fitting into the gap and a cover portion (7) arranged for covering the space between the side walls. One of the side walls (10) has a pair of laterally extending walls (9, 13) extending outwardly in a direction away from the other of the side walls, the laterally extending walls (9, 13) being spaced apart for receiving an edge of one of the boards. A top one of the laterally extending walls (13), that may be an extension of the cover portion (7), provides a flange that rests on the top of the board on one side of the gap, and the cover portion (7) may also extend on the other side to provide a second flange (14) to rest on the top of the board on the other side of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: John Houlihan, Stephen Barlow, George Luchford
  • Publication number: 20080257646
    Abstract: The invention provides a segmented surface 10 having a series of elements 12 hingedly attached to each other, the hinges 14 enabling the elements 12 to be rolled into a compact array and to be rotated and extended vis-a-vis adjacent elements 12 to ascribe predetermined angles therebetween, and comprising additional elements 18, each additional element 18 being hingedly attached to the hinge 14 of a pair of adjacent surface elements 12, wherein the hinges 14 enable the additional element 18 to be rotated vis-a-vis a commonly hinged surface element to ascribe an angle of between 10° and 350° relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Dror Gat
  • Publication number: 20080251323
    Abstract: The invention relates to industrial scaffolding comprising vertical supports, which can be interconnected by means of horizontal bars. Plates, which extend on a horizontal plane, can be hooked onto the bars to create an accessible working surface. When the plates are fitted, edge areas of the latter overhang the base body of the plates in such a way that a bar running parallel to an edge area is partially covered by said edge area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: PERI Gmbh
    Inventor: Artur Schwörer
  • Patent number: 7428762
    Abstract: A telescoping folding platform that is compact in the retracted and folded configuration and that is made rigid and locked in the unfolded and extended configuration by means of spring biased securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. The platform can be given numerous utilitarian embodiments by means of attachments that are locked in place in securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. When the attachments are wheels and a drawbar the platform is configured as a cart which has particular utility in off the road emergency rescue situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin Kalies
  • Patent number: 7258199
    Abstract: A multilevel access platform comprising a plurality of stackable modules. Each module includes elongated column members that are generally parallel and coextensive, and a plurality of levels of elongated lateral members that extend transversely between and are connected to the column members. Each level of the lateral members is located at vertically spaced positions relative to the column members and each of the lateral members border a side of the module. At least one platform section is provided for each level and is supported by one level of the lateral members. The stackable modules include a staircase that extends between each level of the lateral members. The multilevel access platform includes a base assembly provided to stabilize and independently secure the multilevel platform. A method for erecting the multilevel access platform includes the step of stacking each module to meet a desired height of a building construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Hayes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7210560
    Abstract: A platform structure has at least two articulated platforms that can extend end-to-end to form a bench type arrangement. For ease of portability, the structure includes wheels so that it can be carted when it is in a stow position. The structure can include a detachable canopy frame and a canopy, which provides protection from the element, namely rain, snow, sun, and wind. The canopy can have a camouflaged pattern so that it can blend into the surrounding. When the canopy is camouflaged, the structure is instantly converted into a hunting blind. In addition, a mounting mechanism is provided to mount the platform structure to another structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel J. Brink
  • Patent number: 7086500
    Abstract: An extensible, self locking platform includes a first assembly having a first plurality of substantially parallel longitudinally extending members and a second assembly having a second plurality of substantially parallel longitudinally extending members. The first and second assemblies are longitudinally, slidably coupled with each other. The platform may also include one or more catch devices. In one embodiment, at least one catch member is pivotably coupled to the first assembly with an associated stop member. The stop member is configured to maintain a rotation of the at least one catch member at less than a full revolution such that when the catch member is being abutted against an elevated support structure and the platform is being laterally displaced relative thereto, the catch member will also abut the stop member and prevent further displacement of the platform relative to the elevated support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Darius S. Penrod
  • Patent number: 6966404
    Abstract: A step stool includes a step and at least two legs coupled to the step. The step stool further includes a locking mechanism that, when activated, allows the legs to fold parallel to the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul K. Meeker
  • Publication number: 20040084249
    Abstract: A collapsible stool to provide additional height for small children undergoing toilet training, comprising: a substantially horizontal top plate of generally rectangular shape with an upper surface and a lower surface; four protrusions integral with the lower plate surface and each separately located proximal to the four corners of the top plate, wherein each protrusion is host to a hollow core to provide two pairs of female cores approximately cylindrical in shape; and two legs, each leg having two opposite facing male protrusions each adapted to fit the female cores to enable each leg to rotate through an arc between an open position and a closed position relative to the top plate, wherein at least one of each pair of female cores comprise an integral leg security mechanism adapted to maintain each leg in an open position relative to the top plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Shelley Rawlings, Bryan Rawlings
  • Patent number: 6629581
    Abstract: A maintenance cart for use in an aircraft interior is disclosed. The maintenance cart has a pair of maintenance platforms which are capable of being disposed within the maintenance cart. A linear track mechanism is coupled to the maintenance platform which allows for the deployment of the maintenance platforms within an aircraft. A pair of deployable steps are provided which allow maintenance personnel to move through the maintenance cart to the fore or aft of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Guy A. Lambiaso
  • Patent number: 6568506
    Abstract: A collapsible step stool with a storage cavity for storing a wipes container is described that includes a platform having upper, side and end walls that together form a storage cavity beneath the upper wall; a removable support shelf with a first access opening positionable beneath the storage cavity; and legs pivotally attached to the platform, the legs being moveable between a closed position beneath the platform and an opened position, the legs having cut-out sections forming a second access opening aligned with the first access opening when the legs are in the closed position to provide access into the storage cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Pamela Barker Donnalley
  • Patent number: 6564904
    Abstract: In order to provide a walk-on platform arrangement, comprising at least one first sub-platform, which is movable from a rest position in a direction of extension into a working position, and a second sub-platform, which in the working position is disposed behind the first sub-platform, wherein a rear boundary edge of the first sub-platform and a front boundary edge of the second sub-platform in the rest position are spaced vertically apart from one another, with which platform arrangement the risk of accident for an operative walking on the platform arrangement in the working position is reduced, it is proposed that the platform arrangement comprises a guide system, by means of which the relative motion between the first sub-platform and the second sub-platform as the first sub-platform moves into the working position is guided in such a way that the vertical distance between the rear boundary edge of the first sub-platform and the front boundary edge of the second sub-platform in the working position is smal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Duerr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Mueller, Guenter Walter
  • Publication number: 20030079940
    Abstract: A construction platform comprising a stationary support structure adapted to be fixedly secured to the floor of a building under construction and project from the edge of the building to a predetermined maximum extent, and a movable deck mounted on the stationary structure which may be extended as a cantilever therefrom or retracted into at least substantial registration therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: John Clement Preston
  • Patent number: 6533070
    Abstract: Raisable and lowerable platforms for use with ladders that are laid against exterior and interior walls, and against other inclined surfaces such as pitched roof surfaces. Two or more ladders can each include the platforms which are controlled by motors to raise and lower in unison. The platforms can be attached by rollers about exterior sides of the ladders or on the interior sides of the ladders, as needed. Single, two, or more ladder applications can include platforms being expandable to have enlarged surfaces. A longitudinal member such as a board, deck, etc., can also be positioned on the platform(s) so it can be used as a raisable and lowerable scaffolding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard L. Elrod
  • Patent number: 6354402
    Abstract: Platform assemblies may be built up using a substantial number of inverted U-shaped vertical supports with platform hold down members that hold the platforms in place, thus avoiding slippage or pilferage. The hold down members form a unitary structure with the supports and platform assemblies to hold the platforms securely in place. The unitary structure of the scaffolding assembly with hold down members acts as a deterrent against pilferage of the platforms because the unitary structure does not allow the planks to be removed unless the platform assembly is substantially disassembled. It also reduces the steps required to assemble a secure platform assembly with hold down members thus saving time while still preventing slippage and pilferage. The hold down members have holes at each end, and these holes have a diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter (OD) of the guide pipes at the junctions between vertically extending pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Michael D. Masino
  • Patent number: 6354041
    Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structure that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment The backstop portions are arrangement in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height and an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with an edge portion that precludes a discontinuity on the walking surface of tile seating structure. Structural integrity and strength of the riser portion is enhanced by forming same as a multi-fascia structure having a reinforcing corrugation therebetween. A curved back portion along the lowermost edge serves as a termination and additionally adds strength to the backstop arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Interkal, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin J. Guiles, Kenneth A. Ahrens
  • Publication number: 20010027899
    Abstract: A scaffold plank comprising an elongate main body having a top wall which defines a central axis and includes a plurality of openings disposed therein along the central axis. Attached to the top wall is an opposed pair of side walls, while attached to at least the top wall and extending between the side walls is a reinforcement structure. The main body is fabricated solely from a plastic material. Additionally, each of the openings is adapted to accommodate a locking pin which allows two or more scaffold planks to be releasably engaged to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy Benson Bothwell
  • Patent number: 6158552
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus providing a secure step stool that can assist a user when climbing into an elevated vehicle. The apparatus is adjustable in height and includes foot pads allowing a stabilizing weight to be applied to the step stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Margaret J. Gould, George W. Gould
  • Patent number: 6152264
    Abstract: A work platform for use with a lift truck. The work platform has a pair of wing platforms that are pivotally hinged to a center platform. The work platform has a wing-extended position in which the wing platforms are extended from the center platform so as to provide an extended-length work platform, and further has a transport position in which the wing platforms are pivoted about their respective vertical hinges so as to provide a reduced-width work platform for transport along a highway while loaded on the bed of a transport truck. A removable guard fence is provided for safety around the perimeter of the work platform. Hold-down latches secure the guard fence to the work platform, and latches secure the wing platforms in the transport position and in the wing-extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Fork Mate L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert E. Gaines, Sr., Robert E. Gaines, II
  • Patent number: 6119812
    Abstract: A collapsible surf stand comprising a foldable platform for supporting the weight of a person standing on the platform when in an opened position. A plurality of foldable and extendable leg members are on underside of the platform. A carrying means is on the platform for carrying the platform when the leg members are folded to non-operative positions and the platform is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventors: Harvey Chin, Michael Steneck
  • Patent number: 6061970
    Abstract: An electrically operated multiple folding stage system which enables a number of linked stage systems to move sequentially from a vertical to horizontal position (unfolding), or from a horizontal to a vertical position (folding-up), as a unit in a single smooth operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Kazuo Fujita
  • Patent number: 6009975
    Abstract: An adjustable working platform construction suitable for being used in distillation columns and the like. The working platform can be supported on rings present on the inner side of the column wall. The working platform is built up of a system of spokes which are connected to a central plate. Two diametrically opposed first spokes are fixedly connected to the plate and at least two pairs of second spokes positioned on either side of the first spokes are pivotably connected to the plate. Two third spokes, which are arranged in diametrically opposed relationship, are detachably accommodated in receiving holes in the central plate. The system of spokes supports cover plates, which are shaped to cover the entire column section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Safety Floor B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Martinus A.G. Coenders
  • Patent number: 5967261
    Abstract: A portable stair-ladder platform comprising a adder support platform (1) and a support member (3,21,41,59,75,85) pivotally attached to the platform by a pivotal coupling (9,84,86), the parts being arranged such that, when assembled and in use with the ladder support platform substantially horizontal and the support member substantially vertical, an upwardly-facing surface area of the support member abuts a downwardly-facing surface area of the ladder support platform, the pivotal coupling and the surface areas being arranged to tend to maintain substantially a right angle between the abutting parts even when weight is applied to the ladder support platform, and the pivotal coupling being such as to prevent pivoting of the support member substantially beyond the vertical in that angular direction which is towards the underside of the ladder support platform but while allowing pivoting of the support member in the other direction so as to allow the device to be collapsed for transportation or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: John M. Sandham, Stanley Trevor Lewis
  • Patent number: 5862881
    Abstract: Safety scaffold or platform foldable structures for ladders are disclosed. The scaffold structure embodies an elongated expandable scaffold floor section which is removably connected to two spaced apart upstanding ladders. Male and female floor sections are expanded to the desired length and locked in place by a locking pin. Spaced apart double hook hinges are releasably secured to one rung on each ladder. Wedge mechanisms work in conjunction with the hook hinges engaging the ladder rails to secure the scaffold structure in the horizontal open working position. The platform structure in the form of the letter H is removably connected to two adjacent rungs of a single ladder. The pair of hook arms hook around the upper rung and a pair of bottom arms support the structure on the lower rung. Descending wedge mechanisms engage the ladder rails in supporting the platform structure in the horizontal open working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Keith J. Jeffries
    Inventor: Sean O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5799750
    Abstract: A portable scaffold adapted to be utilized with a building having a vertical wall. Also included is a plurality of supports each with a generally L-shaped configuration. Each support comprises a first vertically oriented elongated side with a plurality of linearly aligned mounting holes formed therein for allowing removable coupling with a plurality of linearly aligned mounting pegs situated on the wall. A second horizontally oriented side is integrally coupled at an inboard end thereof to an upper end of the first side of the support. In use, the second sides of the supports are situated at an equivalent height. Finally, a plurality of elongated planks are adapted to be removably positioned lengthwise across the second side of each support for supporting weight thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Guadalupe Garcia
  • Patent number: 5784835
    Abstract: A support structure for a telescoping seating system includes a wheel coupled to the underside of a foot extension, and support members coupled to the next lowest foot extension. The seat of the next lowest foot extension together with the support members provides substantially continuous support for the wheel throughout the opening and closing of the seating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Louis Robert McArthur, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5685392
    Abstract: A powered lift platform apparatus is disclosed having a fixed support structure and two independently operable platforms which move in both the vertical and horizontal direction, for use with transport containers, such as trailers, shipping containers or rail cars. Each platform comprises an extended work surface or walkway and two moveable end platforms which extend perpendicularly to the extended work surface. Each platform may be independently raised and lowered, and each may be moved laterally toward the opposite platform. The distance between the two platforms and the length of the end platforms, coupled with the range of lateral movement of each platform, are such that the free ends of opposing end platforms can be juxtapositioned to create a rectangular pathway for workers to completely circle the transport container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Vertex Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Phillips, Dan Lee, Herbert Worm, Chris Phillips, Lewis Hardwick, Charles Altendorf, Fabian Tew
  • Patent number: 5518084
    Abstract: A new and improved portable step comprising a top platform having a front portion that extends downwardly therefrom. The top platform has a metal edging around a periphery thereof. The metal edging serves to protect the periphery from chipping and splitting. Included in the device are two side supports. Each of the two side supports has a spring loaded hinge theresecured. Each spring loaded hinge is secured to the top platform. Each of the two side supports is extendable to a position perpendicular to the top platform. Each of the two side supports is foldable to a position against the top platform. A front support is hingedly secured to the front portion of the top platform. The front support is extendable to a position perpendicular to the top platform resting against the two side supports. The front support is foldable to a position retaining the two side supports against the top platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventors: John W. Short, Margaret V. Short
  • Patent number: 5497851
    Abstract: A lifting platform for elevating workers and materials during construction includes a load supporting deck (12). The deck is supported on a pair of intersecting channels (24). The channels are rotatable about a pin (28) which extends through upper and lower plates (30, 32). A disk shaped member (26) is supported on a lower support frame portion (48). The channels (24) are connected to brackets (40) which include a tab portions (42) which extends beneath the lower face (32) of the of the disk shaped member and is slidably positioned therewith. The platform is rotatable about the disk shaped member and can be fixed in a selected rotational position. The platform may be raised by the lower support frame portion using conventional lifting forks (64) of a forklift truck (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Safety Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Walcher, Arthur C. Herner
  • Patent number: 5427201
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new portable wedging tree stand for providing a small lightweight foldable tree fork engaging support for elevating an outdoor enthusiast above ground level for hunting, photography, bird watching, and the like. The portable wedging tree stand comprises a rectangular platform whereupon the user may stand. The platform has a longitudinal V-shaped notch formed in both ends thereof wherein tree trunk fork members may be engaged. A plurality of tree surface piercing teeth extends longitudinally from the notched ends of the platform whereby the platform may be stabilized to prevent unwanted rocking motion during use. The platform is foldable laterally for storage, transport, and to enable a leveraged wedging action whereby the longitudinal tree surface piercing teeth may be firmly set into the tree during installation of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventors: Joseph B. Hertel, Cinthia R. Hertel
  • Patent number: 5381873
    Abstract: A portable stepped riser unit for supporting persons or items above a floor, a stage or the like is provided. The riser unit is foldable for transport and storage. It includes a generally tubular support frame, a plurality of platforms for forming the steps removably mounted on the support frame, and a lockable telescoping brace assembly associated with the support frame. The brace assembly includes a foot operated lock, whereby a single operator may fold, move and erect the riser unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Kniefel, David R. Boeddeker, Glenn G. Kanengieter, deceased
  • Patent number: 5381872
    Abstract: An extendable and collapsible scaffold structure mounted on an aerial lift with worker controlled means for raising and lowering the same relative to an area to facilitate working thereon. Work tables, tools and safety railings are provided on the scaffold to allow the workers to prepare the material to be applied to the work area under safe conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventors: Victor M. Peruzzi, Joseph G. Peruzzi
  • Patent number: 5368126
    Abstract: A portable work platform is provided having a height adjustable platform work surface and leg assemblies which may be locked into an open, use-position and unlocked to fold into a collapsed storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Wilbur W. Woodward, James D. Woodward
  • Patent number: 5339922
    Abstract: A tree stand (10) for supporting a person such as a hunter or photographer at a selected elevation above the ground by securing the tree stand (10) to the trunk of a tree. The tree stand (10) includes a seat assembly (112) connected to a platform (12), the seat (112) being movable with respect to the platform (12) and the platform (12) being collapsible to reduce its overall length and width. The platform (12) includes a plurality of extendable panels (18) positioned one next to another, each including a plurality of extension sections (20) cooperating one with another in telescoping fashion. Extension locking mechanisms (50) are provided to selectively lock the relative position of each extension section (20) at least within its receiving extension section (20). A securement assembly (80) is provided for securing the platform (12) to a selected tree and includes at least a retaining strap (82) and a tree engagement device (98).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Richard Benante
    Inventor: Robert C. Beechler
  • Patent number: 5327994
    Abstract: A portable, rectangularly shaped tree seat for hunters and outdoorsmen that may be used to sit between the two trunks of a double trunk tree. The tree seat may then be secured in its elevated position by straps that encompass each trunk. To utilize the tree seat while on the ground, the device may be leaned against a tree trunk and secured to the trunk with a strap. The seat area may then be pivotably released from stowage to form a resting area for objects or a seating area for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Michael P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5301770
    Abstract: A moveable work platform assembly is provided which can be used, for example, within an enclosure having substantially nonvertical interior walls, the enclosure having a attachment means at substantially the upper end thereof. The moveable work platform assembly includes a main platform, suspension means for suspending the main platform from the attachment means, and at least one movable platform for extending outward relative to said main platform toward the interior wall of the enclosure and for retracting inward relative to said main platform and away from the interior wall of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventors: Timothy J. Regan, Albert J. Conners
  • Patent number: RE34404
    Abstract: A portable scaffold includes a base or chassis mounted on wheels for site-to-site towing or "man-handled" positioning at a job site. Rising rigidly from the chassis are two masts, spaced apart lengthwise of the chassis. A platform is vertically slidably carried by the mast for selective elevation and descent via power devices. Each mast may be increased in height by the addition thereto of a mast extension that functions as a prolongation of the basic mast. One of the power devices is alternately positionable to function as a temporary source of power for moving the scaffold through short distances. Strap elements are provided for temporarily bracing the masts from a structure being worked on by workmen on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventors: Gaston L. Dupont, Andre G. Dupont