Miscellaneous Patents (Class 182/230)
  • Patent number: 11596838
    Abstract: A rope edge protection system having a rope protection mat and an edge protection mat in combination for the protection of rope. The rope protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet that can be secured in a sleeve-like configuration around a climbing rope and move along the rope with the user. The edge protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet with loops on each corner, but not limited to the corners, to secure the sheet in place against a building or other structure. The edge protection mat is a multi-layer sheet with a high loft layer to decrease the bend radius of the rope across a ledge. Both the rope protection mat and the edge protection mat include visual safety indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Ratigan, Edward Ratigan
  • Patent number: 11598149
    Abstract: A ladder caddy system is detachable attachable to a ladder top via a ladder connector, having a magnet configured below the ladder top. In an exemplary embodiment, the ladder connector is aligned with the ladder aperture in the ladder top and the main connector is inserted through the ladder aperture and into the ladder connector to magnetically couple the main connector magnet with the ladder connector magnet. The main receptacle assembly includes a main receptacle and may have a power tool retainer attached thereto and configured to retain a power tool such as a power drill. A retainer band may further secure a power tool in the power tool retainer. Other receptacles may be detachable attachable to the main receptacle assembly, such as a ring receptacle that comprises a conduit, a ring that can be slid over the power tool retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: James Francis Blake
  • Patent number: 11585153
    Abstract: The invention, according to an embodiment, is a foldable, adjustable, and lockable cover for a plurality of rungs of a ladder. The device renders a ladder prohibitively difficult to climb. In an embodiment, the device is attached to a ladder using a lock, such as a bike lock or padlock, at a top portion of the device, rendering it difficult to for an unauthorized user to climb the ladder to cut any lock holding the device in place and/or remove the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Kevin Scott Wingard
  • Patent number: 11220864
    Abstract: A safety device having multiple panels for preventing and/or warning persons not to climb thereon; the safety device comprises multiple panels with a housing as necessary, hooks connecting the housing or panels to rungs or side rails of a ladder if appropriate; the panels may be an accordion style panel, or a scissors style panel or a chain-link style panel, having one or more hooks connecting the panels to rungs or side rails of ladders if appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Leonard J Abbisso
  • Patent number: 11219800
    Abstract: A rope edge protection system having a rope protection mat and an edge protection mat in combination for the protection of rope. The rope protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet that can be secured in a sleeve-like configuration around a climbing rope and move along the rope with the user. The edge protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet with loops on each corner, but not limited to the corners, to secure the sheet in place against a building or other structure. The edge protection mat is a multi-layer sheet with a high loft layer to decrease the bend radius of the rope across a ledge. Both the rope protection mat and the edge protection mat include visual safety indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Ratigan, Edward Ratigan
  • Patent number: 11105107
    Abstract: A roofing construction tool including a substantially planar stand formed from a compressible material that includes a top surface having a first area, a bottom surface defining a second area larger than the first area, and side walls joining the top surface and bottom surface. The roofing construction tool may further include a high friction layer adjacent the bottom surface and/or at least one weight embedded in the compressible material and having a density greater than a density of the compressible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Andrew Pollock
  • Patent number: 10808458
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ladder safety device for use with step ladders. The ladder safety device has an upper portion for projecting over the top case of a step ladder, a middle bend, and a lower section provided with (1) a securing clip to secure the ladder safety device to the top case, (2) a solid section blocking use of the top step, and (3) an at least one additional securing and tamper-detection device to secure the ladder safety device to the ladder while discouraging tampering by providing evidence of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Dale C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 10668318
    Abstract: An exercise support structure includes a knee support having a tiered recess with a bottom wall, a lower circular tier, and an upper egg-shaped tier; and a wrist support having a tiered support structure with a bottom wall, a lower egg-shaped tier and an upper circular tier, where the knee support and the wrist support are complementary in shape and are interfittingly received in mated relation to form a block. The edges of the tiers may be beveled, forming a smooth transition therebetween. The structure may be made from a soft, durable resilient material, such as foam, silicone gel, rubber, synthetic rubber, or organic tree sap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Claudia Coe Wojcik
  • Patent number: 10646046
    Abstract: A wedge-shaped support unit that is used in the manner of a mechanic's creeper to support a worker while he repairs items located above him and for which he must lie on his back. The unit includes a tool box section in which items, such as screws, washers and the like are stored and a section which supports workpieces, such as pipes for cutting. The tool box section and the work support section are located on the bottom of the unit. The work support section includes notches in the bottom edge of one side wall of the unit and blind-ended bores defined in the other side wall. Workpieces are supported in the notches and have their ends supported in the bores. The unit has multiple functions: a support for a worker; a tool box to store items; and a work support for holding workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Steven A. Tilton
  • Patent number: 10336250
    Abstract: To provide improved guidance for visually impaired passengers in lavatory situations on-board of vehicles, a vehicle guidance system for guiding visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle is provided. The vehicle guidance system includes an interior space on-board the vehicle with at least one lavatory with enclosing cabin walls, and at least one guiding sanitary-handrail. The guiding sanitary-handrail is mounted along at least a part of the enclosing cabin walls inside the lavatory. The guiding sanitary-handrail is provided as a tactile guide. Further, the guiding handrail is provided with visually highlighted information and manually touchable information, both related to cabin information. Still further, a plurality of operating elements for controlling functions of the lavatory is provided inside the lavatory, and at least a part of the operating elements is arranged on the guiding sanitary-handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Seibt, Jens Wiebalck
  • Patent number: 10299461
    Abstract: Provided is a water absorbent sheet retaining mat which can retain a water absorbent sheet easily and surely. A water absorbent sheet retaining mat for retaining a water absorbent sheet having a first polygonal contour, includes: a mat member having a second polygonal contour defined by mutually opposing a first main plane and a second main plane; and at least one retaining member having a slit member including at least one slit formed in a top surface at a predetermined height from the first main plane for accepting a part of perimeter of the water absorbent sheet being inserted therein, wherein the water absorbent sheet is laid on the first main plane, and then the above purpose is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: EARTH PET CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Nonoguchi, Tsuyoshi Nakata
  • Patent number: 10159339
    Abstract: A shelving system includes brackets attached to support posts to hold the shelves above a horizontal support surface, such as a ground or floor. The support posts have a plurality of spaced apart projecting pins extending from opposite sidewalls thereof. The brackets each have a flange that defines holes to receive respective ones of the projecting pins. Each bracket is further secured to a support post with a C-shaped locking clip having first and second arms with hook-shaped fingers that hook around respective pins on opposite sidewalls of the support post. One of the arms of the C-shaped locking clip holds the bracket flange against the inner sidewall of the support post and the hook-shaped finger of such arm mates with one of the pins received in one of the holes of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Christopher Powell, Eric Christopher Yocum, David U. Ezeani, David Neal Schucker, Tim Oliphant
  • Patent number: 10104976
    Abstract: A kneeler to support a person in the kneeling position, having a frame configured to support a pair of flexible knee support pouches, each knee support pouch configured to retain and support a human knee above the ground, and further having a pair of laterally disposed handles to assist the person with moving into and out of a kneeling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Frederick Sprague
  • Patent number: 10081300
    Abstract: To provide an improved guiding of visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle, a vehicle guidance system for guiding visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle includes an interior space on-board the vehicle with at least one cabin zone at least one movement area and at least one seating zone located in the cabin interior space, and at least one guiding handrail. The guiding handrail is mounted at least along a part of the cabin zone in the vicinity of the movement area. The guiding handrail is a tactile guide, along which a passenger can be guided for movement within the cabin zone by a touching contact with the guiding handrail. The guiding handrail is provided with visually highlighted information and manually touchable information, both related to cabin information. The guiding handrail is mounted above the seating zone, and within reach of a passenger present in the adjacent movement area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Cremers, Christian Seibt, Jens Wiebalck
  • Patent number: 9596962
    Abstract: An infant towel drying mat that is intended to provide a convenient and effective apparatus to aid in the drying of a human infant or a pet animal. A drying mat has a first section, a second section, and a section hinge, wherein the first section and the second hinge are adjacently connected to the section hinge; the section hinge being positioned in between the first section and the second section and allows for multiple configurations of the infant towel drying mat. A plurality of connection tabs is adjacently connected to the drying mat and perimetrically positioned around the drying mat. Each of the plurality of connection tabs includes a protrusion connected to the drying mat, a surface fastener to be secured to a surface, and a press towel holder for mounting a towel. The surface fastener and the press towel holder are positioned opposite each other about the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Karin Lea Davis, Regis U. Vu Quoc
  • Patent number: 9498018
    Abstract: Embodiments of an improved high heel shoe are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the improved high heel shoe can include an upper, a sole at least partially connected to the upper, a heel at least partially connected to the sole, and a platform including a portion of the sole. The platform can include an improved platform assembly comprising a plurality of springs located between the sole and a cover that engages a foot of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Arye Binder
  • Patent number: 9420893
    Abstract: A kneeler supporting a person in a kneeling position has a platform with a cushion for a person's knees and upright handles with feet attached to opposite ends of the platform to facilitate a person to move from an upright position to a kneeling position and move back from a kneeling position to an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce A. Clark
  • Patent number: 9340289
    Abstract: Provided is an aircraft lavatory unit that advantageously allows for a reduced number of parts, simplified assembly, and reduced costs while ensuring convenience. First and second lavatories are provided adjacent to one another within a structural frame. Respective sinks of the lavatories are disposed by being attached to the partition wall. A trash insertion port is provided on a wall surface of each base. A single storage chamber provided within the bases of the sinks of the lavatories extends into the bases of the sinks of the lavatories through an opening provided in the partition wall. A trash can device has a single trash can housed in the storage chamber and a single fire extinguisher. A water heater is singularly provided, which is disposed within the base of one of the sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Eita Minegishi, Takashi Koyama, Susumu Matono
  • Patent number: 9016435
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of novel line dispensing devices and methods for dispensing and retracting a line of a line dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Eddy Current Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher James Allington, Andrew Karl Diehl, Bruce John Robertson
  • Publication number: 20150075911
    Abstract: A supporting element for scaffolds includes a lower supporting plane or plate suited to be rested on the ground; ribs distributed on top of the lower plane or plate, integral with the lower plane or plate and all having their upper edge lying on the same plane, suited to constitute bearing elements for the bearing base of the scaffold and stiffening elements for the supporting element; a quadrilateral projection or wall, placed on top and generically at the center of the lower plane or plate, whose sides are higher than the ribs, suited to delimit the position where the bearing base of the scaffold rests on the ribs and to prevent the bearing base from slipping on the upper edges of the ribs; and a perimeter wall above the lower plane or plate, parallel to the upper ribs and delimiting the upper ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Renato Gomiero
  • Patent number: 8960368
    Abstract: A tank farm system with improved ingress and egress that includes a tank configured to hold a volume of fluid; a barrier constructed at least partially around the tank, the barrier comprising a first surface contour and a second surface contour; and a portable pathway configured to conform to the first surface contour and the second surface contour. The pathway further having a frame member; at least one step; and a mount for movingly coupling the at least one step to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Stanaland
  • Patent number: 8925687
    Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 8776949
    Abstract: Provided is a plugging device for covering the open ends of the rungs of a ladder. The device includes a pair of plug members and a connection member. The plug members include a plug body to cover the open ends of the rung and sit adjacent to the ladder rail and a gasket configured for insertion into the ladder rung. The gasket is made of a flexible, compressible material to fit snugly within the open end of the ladder rung. The connection member is configured to be passed through the ladder rung and is elastically biased to pull the pair of plug members towards one another, when connected, through the ladder rung and secure them in place in the open ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin D. Oswalt
  • Publication number: 20140182971
    Abstract: A step assembly for attachment to a boat lift frame to allow for easy entry and exit from a boat secured on a boat lift. The assembly comprises a platform connected to a vertical member. The vertical member is fastened to a beam of the boat lift frame. The platform may be hingedly connected to the vertical member and movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Brent Hannan, Don Snegosky
  • Patent number: 8714308
    Abstract: A fall arrest safety net assembly has the form of a bag constructed of wire mesh, with a closed end and an opposing open mouth about which a plurality of eyes are spaced. An elongate line has opposing first and second ends, first and second line portions of the line being disposed adjacent the first and second ends respectively, an intermediate portion of the line located between the first and second line portions. A choker fitting has two faces between which a plurality of openings extend, and an end fixture on the choker fitting. The first portion of the line is connected in a ring by the choker fitting, the first end being fixed to the end fixture, the first portion extending through the eyes for drawing the mouth closed, and the intermediate portion extending through the openings in the choker fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: MRM HK Limited
    Inventor: Robert Wesley Schlipper
  • Publication number: 20140026383
    Abstract: Provided is a plugging device for covering the open ends of the rungs of a ladder. The device includes a pair of plug members and a connection member. The plug members include a plug body to cover the open ends of the rung and sit adjacent to the ladder rail and a gasket configured for insertion into the ladder rung. The gasket is made of a flexible, compressible material to fit snugly within the open end of the ladder rung. The connection member is configured to be passed through the ladder rung and is elastically biased to pull the pair of plug members towards one another, when connected, through the ladder rung and secure them in place in the open ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: KEVIN D. OSWALT
  • Patent number: 8540053
    Abstract: A method of providing a traversable path along a surface, the method including the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, the portable pathway having a frame member comprising at least a first layer, and at least one adjustable step coupled with the frame member. The method further includes securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Martin D. Stanaland
  • Patent number: 8522921
    Abstract: A method of providing a traversable path along a surface that includes the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position. The method includes the portable pathway having at least one adjustable step connected thereto. A portable pathway apparatus for providing a traversable path over a surface that includes a pliable frame member comprising one or more layers of reinforced rubber, at least one step adjustably connected to the pliable frame member, whereby at least one step includes an adjustment mechanism associated with a horizontal member. The apparatus has at least one securing element coupled with the pliable frame member, the securing element configured to secure the portable pathway to the surface. The surface includes a contour with at least a first angled surface and a second angled surface, and the pliable frame member forms to the contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Martin D. Stanaland
  • Publication number: 20130220735
    Abstract: An ergonomic support device is provided for accommodating the weight of a user and allowing the user to perform various tasks with reduced effort. The support device is adapted for use in connection with various settings, such as bathtubs, and allows the user to work in or around a space while in a supported position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Daryl Smith
  • Patent number: 8505689
    Abstract: An outdoor support strap for holding a user in a squatted position above the ground surface while defecating preferably includes a flexible and elongated body suitably sized and shaped to be positioned around a user's waist while being anchored to a support surface such as a tree. The body is preferably formed from an elastic material such that it remains deformably resilient for providing a resistive force against the user's waist. In this manner, the user is able to lean away from the support surface and assume a squatted a position to thereby extend his or her legs forwardly of his or her buttocks. Such a support strap alleviates the strain and energy required to maintain a squatted position for an extended period of time. By using the support strap, the user's hands remain free to hold objects or cleanse the buttocks area with toilet paper for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Henry Plouffe
  • Patent number: 8505687
    Abstract: Many family homes, school and municipal parks have play structures for children. Typically these playground play structures have ladders. In the case of family homes in particular, toddlers typically enjoy climbing the ladders but then are stuck at the top and in danger of falling off the ladder. In order to prevent toddlers from climbing the ladder of the play structures when unattended by an adult, and ultimately preventing injury, an invention that prevents the ladder from being climbed by a toddler is presented here.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Dominic J. Allam
  • Publication number: 20130192928
    Abstract: A kneeling posture support assembly is provided comprising a pair of knee supports having attachments whereby the knee supports can be attached to the legs of a user and an intermediate body support. Each of the knee supports and the body support are free standing in the operative position independently of each other on a supporting surface, with each knee support being tethered, directly or indirectly, to the body support and the other knee support by means of one or more elongate flexible connectors. The connectors permit limited movement of the knee supports relative to each other in both horizontal and vertical planes such that a part of any such limited relative movement of the knee supports is operatively transferred by way of the one or more elongate flexible connectors, to the body support that therefore follows the knee supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: NORSENET (PTY) LIMITED (A ONE THIRD (1/3 INTEREST)
    Inventor: August Wilhelm Lamos
  • Patent number: 8469149
    Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 8453794
    Abstract: An anchor assembly releasably securable to a structure with a receiving hole therethrough. The anchor assembly permits an object or person to be anchored to the structure and comprises a longitudinal member for placement through the receiving hole of the structure, first and second end portions, means to draw the first and second end portions into contact with the structure about the openings of the receiving hole with the longitudinal member positioned therethrough to secure the anchor assembly to the structure, and a visual indicator associated with at least one of the end portions. The end portions are larger in size than the openings of the receiving hole through the structure and the first and second end portions are received on opposite ends of said longitudinal member when the longitudinal member extends through the receiving hole. The visual indicator presents a visual signal identifying when the anchor assembly is secured to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan J. Melic
  • Patent number: 8453796
    Abstract: A ladder system includes a ladder having a ladder top, the ladder top having at least a first slot. A container having at least a first protrusion that engages with the first slot to hold the container to the top. A method for working from a ladder. The method includes the steps of filling a container with objects and engaging a first protrusion of the container with a first slot of a top of the ladder to hold a container to the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Kyle G. Astor, Robert J. Glenn, II
  • Patent number: 8424645
    Abstract: A treestand including a support platform that defines a bow holder hole within which a cam post is located. The bow holder hole accommodates a cam and/or a limb of a compound archery bow inserted therein. The cam post projects at least partially through the cam while a limb of the compound archery bow rests on a forward edge of the bow holder and/or a forward edge of the support platform to generally support the compound archery bow in an upright position, ready for use by an archer. A related method of use also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Oak Leaf Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jared S. Schlipf
  • Patent number: 8418811
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Richard M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8397870
    Abstract: A climbing apparatus that rests on a surface includes a flip ladder that can move between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. The apparatus includes a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder that moves with the flip ladder between the straight configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder in a stowed position and a stepladder configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface in an open position. A method for climbing includes the steps of moving a flip ladder between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. There is the step of moving a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder from a stowed position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder to an opened position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 8398135
    Abstract: A safety assembly that provides a lifeline for utility poles and other tall structures is provided. The safety assembly includes a tubular member and a positioning member. The tubular member has first and second openings to a passage. The passage is configured to receive a rope. The positioning member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the positioning member is configured to be received in at least one of the first and second openings of the tubular member. The second end of the positioning member is configured to be coupled to a reaching member. With the use of the positioning member and the reaching member, the tubular member is positioned to engage the tall structure and the rope passing through the internal passage is used as a lifeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford D. Petty
  • Publication number: 20120305333
    Abstract: A rescue tube assembly includes multiple panels at least one of which is generally inflexible and at least partially flat and planar. The panels may be joined together by slidable engagement of compatible lateral side edges of the panels to form a tubular construction. The sides may be inserted into grain or other collapsed material such as soil in a manner which encircles an item or entity trapped by the collapsed material. The adjacent panels are slidably engaged to form an at least partially encircling enclosure to enable material such as grain or soil to be removed from the tubular form thereby permitting access and rescue of the entrapped individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Roger K. Coulthard
  • Publication number: 20120267193
    Abstract: A shoe protects a roof material from direct contact with a roof jack; the roof jack connects to a quick connect roof clip via a projection. The quick connect roof jack and roof clip are releasable; the quick connect roof clip may be left in place for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8251181
    Abstract: A portable safety device locks onto a step of a ladder to provide cushioning for the legs and to prevent the user from tipping the ladder sideways. The device comprises a center component connected to two U-shaped leg braces, a closeable handle, and a retractable clamp. The retractable clamp is extended when the closeable handle is opened and retracted when the closeable handle is closed. In the retracted position, the clamp securely grasps the front and rear edges of a selected step on the ladder to effectively attach the device to the ladder in an operable position. The two leg braces partially surround the user's lower legs, between the ankle and the knee, and include a cushion material for added comfort when the user's legs lean against the braces. The leg braces attach to the center component by locking into a horizontal track which allows the braces to be separated or brought together to adjust for the user's natural stance and leg separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Schapiro
  • Patent number: 8251176
    Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a replaceable lifeline and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, a lifeline, and a locking member operatively connected to the drum and moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position for locking the drum relative to the housing to assist in replacing the lifeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Publication number: 20120132481
    Abstract: A fall arrest safety system has a traveller arranged to travel along a safety line and including a securing arrangement deployable in response to a fall event to secure the traveller in fixed position on the safety line. An energy absorber device is connected intermediately between the traveller and the user, the energy absorber device including a plastically deformable energy absorber deployable in response to a fall event to plastically deform from a stowed orientation to a deployed orientation. The energy absorber may have a coil-form portion and an elongate tongue portion extending in a linear direction at the periphery of the coil-form portion, the elongate tongue portion of the energy absorber being arranged to extend to project from the housing for connection to a karabiner, lanyard or other connection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Latchways PLC
    Inventor: Karl Jones
  • Patent number: 8151938
    Abstract: A tool case for engaging a ladder comprises a skeleton, having a horizontal top surface and a vertical surface, extending from the horizontal top surface, the vertical surface and the horizontal top surface defining a compartment. The tool case also comprises a horizontal bottom surface and another vertical surface, extending from the horizontal bottom surface, the vertical surface and the horizontal bottom surface defining a cavity for receiving a top portion of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: LF Centennial Limited
    Inventor: Terry Kinskey
  • Patent number: 8083028
    Abstract: A tray 100 for a tripod deer stand comprising two components 110, 111 wherein the first component 110 includes an inside width 140 that is greater than the second component 111 outside width 143 such that the second component 111 may slide within the first component 110, and wherein the first component 110 is adjusted in relation to the second component 111 to multiple desired overall tray widths 154 between a maximum width FIG. 2C and a minimum width FIG. 2A dependent upon the lengths of the first component 110 and the second component 111. At least two support brackets 160 and hardware 180 are included for securing the first component 110 with the second component 111 for a desired width, for securing the first and second component 110, 111 with the at least two support brackets 160, and for securing the support brackets 160 with the tripod deer stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: David Lawrence Johnson
  • Patent number: 8016078
    Abstract: A stepladder having a front side, a rear side and a top. The stepladder can include a conduit holder attached to the front side for holding conduit. The stepladder can include a first wire spool holder attached to the front side and a second wire spool holder attached to the rear side though which a conduit having a wire spool extends. The stepladder can include a hacksaw hook attached to the front side. A method for cutting a conduit. A method for using a hacksaw. A method for obtaining wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Kyle G. Astor, James J. Grebinoski, Craig Werner, Kevin J. Moran
  • Patent number: 7950498
    Abstract: A stair climbing aid comprises two slide rails, an assist member, a control mechanism and two positioning assemblies. The slide rails and the assist member are assembled to handrails at both sides of the stairs. The control mechanism is disposed on the assist member to be controlled by the user. The positioning assemblies are disposed at both sides of the assist member, each positioning assembly is provided with an engaging portion to be engaged in the respective positioning portions of the slide rail. Thereby, an anti-slide effect is produced, so as to prevent the user from falling down the stairs and to help the user move from step to step safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Nan Kai Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jiin-Hwa Yang, Hui-Li Weng
  • Publication number: 20110067953
    Abstract: An extraction device comprises a sling comprising a preformed closed loop of adaptable size and a tightening element extending from the preformed loop, pulling of which reduces the loop size. A sliding connection connects the sling to a flexible line having two attachment elements disposed at opposite ends thereof. An extraction garment comprises a belt and a distal attachment point supported an outward distance from the belt for selective connection to the attachment element to facilitate hands-free pulling. The preformed loop can be easily disposed about a casualty and tightened with one hand, leaving the rescuer's other hand free. The sliding connection automatically adjusts the connection point between the sling and flexible line in response to pulling force(s) exerted on the end(s) of the flexible line. The distal attachment point of the extraction garment reduces tendency for the belt to twist under loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Kopp
  • Publication number: 20110005863
    Abstract: A protective article and a ladder having a protective article with a body and an adjustable securing feature to attach the protective article to the ladder to cushion against impact by a user is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Keith L. THURNER