STILTS WITH NON-CIRCULAR SUPPORT POLE AND METHOD OF IMPROVING SAFETY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/027,044 filed on Feb. 14, 2011, and entitled “STILTS AND METHOD OF IMPROVING SAFETY OR REDUCING WEIGHT”. U.S. Ser. No. 13/027,044 is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/304,154 filed on Feb. 12, 2010, and entitled “STILTS AND METHOD OF IMPROVING SAFETY OR REDUCING WEIGHT”.

This application also is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/467,331, filed on Mar. 24, 2011 and entitled “STILTS AND METHOD OF IMPROVING SAFETY OR REDUCING WEIGHT”.

All of these patent applications were filed naming the same inventors. Further, to the extent not already included herein, the contents of all of these other patent applications, identified above, are incorporated herein by reference. As may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, however, certain terminology may be used differently in this patent application from earlier patent applications. In addition, many of the reference numbers in this patent application differ from corresponding reference numbers used in the prior patent applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to stilts for supporting a worker for doing elevated work and to methods of making and improving stilts, for example, to make the stilts safer, lighter, or both.

BACKGROUND

Stilts have been used for supporting workers above a floor or other work surface for doing elevated work. One type of work that has been performed using stilts is to install and finish drywall on ceilings, for example. Workers often specialize in the installation of drywall, and in large projects, different crews install the drywall panels (drywall hangers) from those who finish the joints and apply the joint compound (tapers or mud men). Workers who specialize in drywall installation often use specialized tools to increase their productivity. Stilts are an example of a specialized tool that have been used by drywall installers. Stilts have been described in a number of patent documents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,108,640 (Emmert); 6,648,803 (Jay); 3,902,199 (Emmert); and 3,102,272 (Emmert).

Although stilts have been used for some time, room for improvement exists in the art of stilt design and manufacture. As examples, room for improvement exists in the area of safety, and in the area of reducing the weight of stilts. Specifically, in the past, stilts have included a support pole that extended from a lower attachment point below the foot of the worker wearing the stilts, to an upper attachment point where the stilts attached to a leg of the worker (e.g., at the calf). Support poles have also had an intermediate attachment point near or just below the worker's foot (e.g., near the shoe plate). In addition, clamps have been used at the intermediate attachment point to allow support poles to be lengthened or shortened over an adjustment range to fit different size workers.

Unfortunately, such clamps, however, have allowed the support pole to twist in the clamp, under certain circumstances, which has caused the worker to fall. Due to the elevation, falls from stilts are very serious, and have caused serious injury to workers who use the stilts to earn a living. For these and other reasons, needs or potential for benefit exist for stilts that are safer, that reduce the risk of a worker falling, that do not allow the support pole to twist in the clamp, or a combination thereof, for example, even if the clamp is not secured as tightly as possible, for example.

Further, when a worker walks with stilts, the worker must lift the entire weight of one stilt, using the workers leg, with each step. Over the course of a work day, repeated lifting of the stilts can be very fatiguing. Furthermore, fatigue increases the risk of accidents. Moreover, the weight of the stilts makes it more difficult for a worker wearing the stilts to correct for a minor stumble or imbalance, thus increasing the risk of a fall. For these and other reasons, needs or potential for benefit exist for stilts that are lighter in weight, as another example.

Even further, modern stilts have many different parts, many or all of which are critical to the operation of the stilts. Failure or slippage of a single part can potentially cause the worker wearing the stilts to take a serious fall. As a result, needs or potential for benefit exist for stilts that have fewer parts, particularly parts that have the potential to cause a fall if they do not function properly, that must be operated or maintained by the user, or that if not properly installed, adjusted, tightened, or the like, have the potential to cause, or increase the risk of, a fall. More specifically, for these and other reasons, needs or potential for benefit exist for stilts that have fewer parts that must be secured by a worker in order to make the stilts safe to be used by that or another worker.

As further examples, stilts are needed, or would be beneficial, that are inexpensive to manufacture, reliable, easy to use, that have a long life, that are easy to service and inspect, and that are simple in operation so that typical operators can effectively maintain them, or that have a combination of such features. Room for improvement exists over the prior art in these and other areas that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having studied this document. Other needs and potential for benefit may also be apparent to a person of skill in the art of stilts or specialized drywall tools.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments provide, for example, as an object or benefit, that they partially or fully address or satisfy one or more of the needs, potential areas for benefit, or opportunities for improvement described herein, or known in the art, as examples. Some embodiments provide, among other things, various stilts, and methods of selecting, obtaining, providing, manufacturing, or making such devices, as examples.

Particular embodiments provide stilts that are safer, that prevent twisting of the support pole, that are lighter in weight, that are less expensive to manufacture, that provide for adjustment to fit workers of different sizes, that are simpler in design, that provide improved or simpler connections between different components, that attach to the worker's foot, leg, or both, in a more effective manner, that reduce the number of parts, or specifically of parts that a worker must secure properly in order for the stilts to be safe to use, or a combination thereof, as examples.

Further, various methods include methods of improving the safety of stilts (e.g., by modifying a support pole so that it will better resist twisting), and methods of reducing the weight of stilts (e.g., by reducing the number of fasteners (e.g., heavy steel bolts) or by reducing the length of the support pole, as examples. Moreover, various methods obtain or provide stilts, for instance, for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. In a number of embodiments, reducing the weight or number of parts of the stilts may not only make them easier to use, but may also make the stilts safer to use, as described herein.

Workers or operators may use such stilts, for example, who specialize in the installation of drywall, including those who finish the joints and apply the joint compound (tapers or mud men), for instance. Various embodiments provide, for example, as an object or benefit, that they provide specialized stilts, for instance, to increase the productivity of such workers. Moreover, particular embodiments provide, as an object or benefit, for instance, stilts that are inexpensive to manufacture, reliable, easy to use, that have a long life, that are easy to service and inspect, and that are simple in operation so that typical operators can effectively maintain them.

Benefits of various embodiments exist over the prior art in these and other areas that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having studied this document. These and other aspects of various embodiments may be realized in whole or in part in various stilts as shown, described, or both in the figures and related description herein. Other objects and benefits may also be apparent to a person of skill in the art of stilts or of specialized drywall tools, for example.

Specific embodiments include various pairs of stilts, for example, for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. In a number of embodiments, each stilt may include, for example, a base member for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, a first column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, and a leg-attachment mechanism for attaching to a leg of the worker, for instance, above the shoe of the worker. Further, various embodiments include a support pole which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism. In a number of embodiments, the support pole may further include, for example, an intermediate attachment point near the shoe plate.

In some embodiments, for example, the support pole has a centerline and includes, for instance, at least one non-circular feature extending parallel to the centerline along the support pole at least over an adjustment range. In particular embodiments, such a stilt may also include, for example, a guide for the support pole. In various embodiments, the guide may have an interior surface may have at least one non-circular aspect, and when the stilt is assembled, the non-circular feature of the support pole may engage with the non-circular aspect of the interior surface of the guide to provide for height adjustment of the leg attachment mechanism over an adjustment range to allow the leg attachment mechanism to be raised and lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing the leg attachment mechanism from rotating relative to the shoe plate.

In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the non-circular feature of the support pole includes, for instance, the support pole having an exterior surface with a substantially oval cross section. Further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the non-circular aspect of the guide includes, for instance, the interior surface of the guide having a substantially oval cross section. Moreover, 1 in some embodiments, for each stilt, the support pole includes, for instance, a non-circular outer tube and a mating non-circular inner pole having a non-circular exterior surface. In various embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the non-circular outer tube telescopically and substantially non-rotatably engages the mating non-circular inner pole to provide for height adjustment of the leg attachment mechanism over an adjustment range to allow the leg attachment mechanism to be raised or lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing the leg attachment mechanism from rotating relative to the shoe plate. The guide may be the mating non-circular outer tube of the support pole, for example, and the non-circular feature of the support pole may be the non-circular exterior surface of the non-circular inner pole.

In particular embodiments, the stilt further includes, for instance, a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate substantially parallel to the first column. Further, in some embodiments, the support pole includes, for instance, a non-circular outer tube, and the first column, the second column, and the non-circular outer tube each have a substantially equivalent cross section. Even further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes, for instance, a lateral adjustment feature, and when the stilt is assembled, the lateral adjustment feature is located at the lower attachment point. Such a lateral adjustment feature may adjustably attach the support pole to the first column, for example, and adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature may cause the support pole to pivot at the intermediate attachment point relative to the first column.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes, for instance, a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, for example, substantially parallel to the first column. Moreover, in some embodiments, the stilt has a toe and a heel such that when the stilt is being worn by the worker, the worker's toes are at the toe of the stilt and the worker's heel is at the heel of the stilt. The first column may be at the heel of the stilt, for example, and the second column may be at the toe of the stilt. Further, when the stilt is assembled, the first column and the second column may be hingedly attached to the base member, the first column and the second column may be hingedly attached to the shoe plate, or both.

In various embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes, for instance, in addition to a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate substantially parallel to the first column, a first draw spring that may include a first draw bar, a second draw bar, and a first helix. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the first draw bar passes through the first helix and is connected to the first column, and the second draw bar passes through the first helix and is connected to the second column. Further, some embodiments may include a second draw spring that may include a third draw bar and a fourth draw bar. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the third draw bar passes through the second helix and is connected to the first column and the fourth draw bar passes through the second helix and is connected to the second column.

In some embodiments, the base member includes, for instance, a first ear projecting upward and a second ear projecting upward. In a number of embodiments, for example, the first ear has a first hole therethrough, the second ear has a second hole therethrough, and the first hole is in line with the second hole. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the stilt further includes, for instance, a first fastener, and when the stilt is assembled, the first column is located between the first ear and the second ear, and the first fastener extends through the first hole, through the first column, and through the second hole.

Further, in some embodiments, the shoe plate includes, for instance, a third ear projecting downward and a fourth ear projecting downward, the third ear has a third hole therethrough, the fourth ear has a fourth hole therethrough, and the third hole is in line with the fourth hole. Even further, in a number of embodiments, the stilt further includes, for instance, a second fastener, and when the stilt is assembled, the first column is located between the third ear and the fourth ear, and the second fastener extends through the third hole, through the first column, and through the fourth hole.

Still other specific embodiments include various pairs of stilts that include certain components in addition to a base member, a shoe plate, a first column, a leg-attachment mechanism, and a support pole (e.g., which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism). In some embodiments, for example, the support pole includes, for instance, a non-circular inner pole and a mating non-circular outer tube, and when the stilt is assembled, the non-circular inner pole may telescopically and substantially non-rotatably engage the mating non-circular outer tube to provide for height adjustment of the leg attachment mechanism over an adjustment range to allow the leg attachment mechanism to be raised or lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing the leg attachment mechanism from rotating relative to the shoe plate.

In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the outer tube has an oval cross section, the inner pole has an outer surface having an oval cross section, or both. Further, in some embodiments, each stilt further includes, for instance, a lateral adjustment feature, and when the stilt is assembled, the lateral adjustment feature is located at the lower attachment point. In various such embodiments, for example, the lateral adjustment feature adjustably attaches the support pole to the first column. Moreover, in some embodiments, for example, each stilt further includes an intermediate attachment point near the shoe plate for the support pole. In particular embodiments, the intermediate attachment point includes a pivot bracket that may include, for example, a first pivot hole and a second pivot hole. In some embodiments, for example, the first pivot hole is substantially in line with the second pivot hole.

Still other specific embodiments include various methods, such as methods of improving the safety of a stilt for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. Such a method may include, for example, at least the acts of obtaining or providing a base member for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, obtaining or providing a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, and obtaining or providing a first column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate. Further, such methods may include act of obtaining or providing a leg-attachment mechanism for attaching to a leg of the worker above the shoe of the worker, and obtaining or providing a support pole which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism. In some such methods, for example, the support pole has at least one external non-circular feature that extends parallel to a centerline of the support pole at least over an adjustment range to resist twisting of the support pole relative to the shoe plate.

In some embodiments, the act of obtaining or providing the support pole includes, for instance, obtaining or providing a support pole that has an oval cross section. Further, in some embodiments, the support pole may have a non-circular inner pole and a mating non-circular outer tube, and in particular embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the non-circular inner pole telescopically and substantially non-rotatably engages the mating non-circular outer tube to provide for height adjustment of the leg attachment mechanism over an adjustment range to allow the leg attachment mechanism to be raised or lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing the leg attachment mechanism from rotating relative to the shoe plate. Certain embodiments may further include an act of obtaining or providing a lateral adjustment feature. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the lateral adjustment feature is located at the lower attachment point, and the lateral adjustment feature adjustably attaches the support pole to the first column. In addition, various other embodiments are also described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example of a stilt which may be used with an opposite hand stilt to support a worker for doing elevated work, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the support pole and leg-attachment mechanism of the stilt of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a stilt that is similar to the stilt of claim 1 except taller, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the base member of the stilt of FIGS. 1 and 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded bottom isometric view of the shoe plate and shoe-attachment mechanism of the stilt of FIGS. 1 and 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a pivot bracket located at the intermediate attachment point of the support pole of the stilt of FIG. 1 or 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a spring bracket of the support pole of the stilt of FIG. 1 or 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom isometric view of another spring bracket of the support pole of the stilt of FIG. 1 or 3 that is used in combination with two of the brackets of FIG. 7 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded isometric view of a column located at the heel of the stilt of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded isometric view of a column located at the toe of the stilt of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an engagement device (e.g., a tooth engagement device) which may be part of the shoe-attachment device or the leg-attachment device of the stilt of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a isometric view of the engagement device of FIG. 11 engaging a strap which may be part of a shoe attachment device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a strap that is part of the shoe-attachment device of the stilt of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the engagement device of FIG. 11 engaging part of a strap, and showing teeth and part of a toothed portion of the strap, that is shown in FIG. 12 and that may be part of the shoe-attachment device of the stilt of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart illustrating various methods of improving the safety of a stilt for supporting a worker for doing elevated work, and various methods of obtaining or providing a stilt, and a number of acts that may be included within such methods, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart illustrating various acts that may be combined with acts illustrated in FIG. 15 to form methods of improving the safety of a stilt for supporting a worker for doing elevated work or various methods of obtaining or providing a stilt, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart illustrating various acts that may be combined with acts illustrated in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, or both, for example, to form methods of improving the safety of a stilt for supporting a worker for doing elevated work or various methods of obtaining or providing a stilt, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The drawings illustrate, among other things, various examples of embodiments, and certain examples of characteristics thereof. Different embodiments include various combinations of elements or acts shown in the drawings, described herein, known in the art, or a combination thereof, for instance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of various embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of present disclosure and/or the appended claims.

Among other things, various embodiments are, include, obtain, provide, modify, or improve various stilts, for example, for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. Such stilts may be used or sold in pairs, for instance, one for each foot of the worker. In various embodiments, each stilt may include, for example, a base member, for instance, for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, and at least one column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate. In a number of embodiments, there are two such columns, for example. Further, many embodiments also include a leg-attachment mechanism, for example, for attaching (i.e., the stilt) to a leg of the worker, for instance, above the shoe of the worker. Moreover, various embodiments further include at least one (e.g., one per stilt) support pole. In a number of embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the support pole extends from a lower attachment point at the first column, or near the shoe plate, to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism. Further, in some embodiments, the support pole (e.g., when the stilt is assembled) extends from the lower attachment point at the first column to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism. In a number of such embodiments, the support pole may further include, for example, an intermediate attachment point near the shoe plate.

In various instances, components of stilts are described herein with respect to how they are arranged “when the stilt is assembled”. This phrase is included because stilts may be shipped or stored disassembled, in which condition the relative location of the components that is described herein may not exist. With or without such language, however, when relative locations or arrangements of separate parts are described or indicated herein, unless stated otherwise, those relative locations or arrangements of separate parts mean when the stilts are assembled and in the orientation of normal use. The parts, however, may be arranged or located differently relative to each other when shipped or stored. In addition, various embodiments further include particular components, the specifics and combination of which may distinguish these stilts from the prior art. These specifics and combinations are described in detail herein. Furthermore, various methods described herein include acts of obtaining or providing a combination of the components described herein, which may be in addition to acts of obtaining or providing other components, for example. Again, the specifics and combination of these components, obtained or provided in the various methods described, may distinguish the prior art, and various important aspects of these specifics and combinations are described in detail herein.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates, as an example of an embodiment, stilt 10, which may be one stilt of a pairs of stilts, for example, for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. Stilt 10 is configured to be worn on a right foot or leg of the worker, for example. A stilt configured to be used on a left foot of the worker, for example, used with stilt 10 as a pair of stilts, would be the same as stilt 10 except opposite hand in many respects. In the embodiment illustrated, stilt 10 includes base member 11, for example, for contacting a support surface upon which stilt 10 is used. Such a support surface may be a floor surface, the ground, concrete, pavement, wood, tile, linoleum, carpet, grass, or the like, as examples. In the embodiment shown, stilt 10 further includes shoe plate 12 for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, and first column 13 which, when stilt 10 is assembled (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), extends from base member 11 to shoe plate 12. As used herein, a first part “extends” to a second part or assembly if the first part touches the second part or assembly or if the first part is attached (e.g., hingedly) to the second part or assembly with at least one fastener or pin, with a bracket, or a combination thereof. Stilt 10 also includes leg-attachment mechanism 14 for attaching stilt 10 to a leg of the worker, for instance, above the shoe of the worker. Leg-attachment mechanism 14 may attach to the worker's calf, for example, just below the knee.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated, stilt 10 includes support pole 15 which, when stilt 10 is assembled, extends from lower attachment point 16 at first column 13 to upper attachment point 17 at leg-attachment mechanism 14. As used herein, lower attachment point 16 is considered to be “at” first column 13, it when stilt 10 is assembled and is oriented vertically (as shown), and as normally used, attachment point 16 is at the same elevation (e.g., above the support surface or floor) as part of column 13. The same applies to upper attachment point 17 “at” leg-attachment mechanism 14. In the embodiment shown, stilt 10 and support pole 15 further include intermediate attachment point 18 near shoe plate 12. As used herein, “near the shoe plate” means within a distance equal to the length, from heel to toe, of the shoe plate (e.g., 12).

Various embodiments of stilts of differing heights described herein have a shorter support pole than prior art configurations. In a number of embodiments, the support pole, (e.g., 15) has an oval cross section, for example. The oval shape of the support pole is a non-circular aspect that may prevent or reduce twisting of the support pole. Further, in a number of embodiments, the shorter support pole may be lighter than a longer support pole of prior stilt configurations, which may reduce the weight of the stilt. Even further, in some embodiments, the support pole may be made out of the same size or type (or both) of tubing as the columns, which may reduce the number of sizes of raw materials needed to make the stilts.

Further still, in a number of embodiments, the support pole, columns, or both, include two pieces of tubing (or tubing and a solid member) that telescopically engage to allow for height adjustment. In other embodiments, however, the support pole, columns, or both, may each consist of a single piece of tubing or of a solid member rather than two-pieces that telescopically engage. As used herein, a “pole” may be hollow (e.g., tubing) or may be a solid member, as examples. Further, unless stated otherwise, as used herein, a “pole” may have one of many different cross sections, such as round, oval, polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, or octagonal, or may be an angle, a channel, an I-beam, etc. As used herein, however, a “pole” has a length that is at least four times greater than any overall dimension that is perpendicular to its length.

Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the lateral adjustment feature is located at the bottom of the support pole where the support pole attaches to the column. The user can adjust the support pole laterally, in various embodiments, using the lateral adjustment feature, which may involve loosening a lock nut, screws, or bolts, making the adjustment, and retightening the lock nut, screws, or bolts. In a number of embodiments, the lateral adjustment feature changes the tilt of the support pole from vertical, or relative to the columns, for example, to allow for proper adjustment to the user's calf.

Other embodiments may have only two attachment points for the support pole, and when the stilt is assembled, the support pole may extend from the lower attachment point (e.g., at the first column or near the shoe plate) to an upper attachment point (e.g., 17) at a leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14). Thus, some embodiments may omit the intermediate attachment point. Embodiments that omit the intermediate attachment point, however, may require a more robust lower attachment point, which may need to rigidly hold the support pole relative to the rest of the stilt (e.g., laterally and in the heel-to-toe direction, as well as preventing twisting of the support pole, for example, relative to the remainder of the stilt.

FIG. 2 further illustrates leg-attachment mechanism 14 and support pole 15. As illustrated, in this embodiment, support pole 15 includes inner pole 21 and mating outer tube 22. As used herein two parts are “mating” if the two parts are configured so that one part fits inside the other part with no more than a close clearance. Further, as used herein, a “close clearance” is a clearance of less than 10 percent of an average diameter of the part that fits inside the other part. In the embodiment illustrated, when stilt 10 is assembled, inner pole 21 telescopically engages mating outer tube 22 to provide for height adjustment of leg-attachment mechanism 14 over an adjustment range to allow leg-attachment mechanism 14 to be raised or lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing or substantially preventing leg-attachment mechanism 14 from rotating relative to shoe plate 12. In this embodiment, the worker can adjust the length of support pole 15 by removing pin 24 from holes 26 in outer tube 22, partially extracting (e.g., extending) or inserting inner pole 21 into outer tube 22, and then inserting pin 24 through holes 26 in outer tube 22 and through one set of holes 23 in inner pole 21. In this embodiment, four sets of holes 23 are shown (one hole of each set being visible in FIG. 2), and the adjustment range extends from the top set of holes 23 to the bottom set of holes 23. Other embodiments may have 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 sets of holes 23, as other examples. Other embodiment may have a different size adjustment range as well. In other words, in various embodiments, the distance between the upper set of holes 23 and the lower set of holes 23 may differ. Further, in other embodiments, another type of fastener may be used instead of pin 24, such as a screw or bolt. In particular embodiments, for instance, a bolt with a self-locking nut may be used instead of pin 24.

In the embodiment shown, rather than a clamp, for instance, the support pole has a line of holes formed therein and the worker or another person may adjust the height of the leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 17) to fit the leg of the worker that will use the stilt by selecting which hole (e.g., 23) a fastener (e.g., a bolt or pin, for example, 24) passes through. The fastener (e.g., 24) may also serve to prevent the support pole (e.g., inner pole 21) from rotating, in some embodiments. Other embodiments, however, may use a clamp. A clamp may provide for a continuous range of adjustment (e.g., of leg-attachment mechanism 17) that may not be provided by a series of holes (e.g., 23) in the support pole. Certain embodiments may include a clamp as well as a fastener that passes through one of a series of holes in the support pole, as another example.

In some embodiments that have a clamp, when each stilt is assembled, the clamp tightens around the upper tube of the support pole, which may be the larger tube (e.g., in diameter) of two telescoping tubes that form the support pole. In some embodiments, the external non-circular feature (e.g., of the support pole) may be formed in, may attach to, or may project from the upper tube. In different embodiments, the external non-circular feature (e.g., an oval shape) may extend along part or all of the upper tube. Further, in particular embodiments, a fastener or a bolt may be shared by the lateral adjustment feature (e.g., located at the intermediate attachment point) and the clamp such that when the bolt is tightened, both the lateral adjustment feature and the clamp are secured.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in the embodiment shown, inner pole 21 is tubular. In other embodiments, however, a solid inner pole may be used. In particular embodiments, to reduce weight, a solid inner pole may be used that may have a denser material at the surface, but may have a lighter material, such as foam or a honeycomb structure, in the interior, as an example. The inner material or structure may help to keep inner pole 21 from buckling, for instance. In the configuration shown, however, in order to have the telescoping feature of support pole 15, outer tube 22 is tubular (i.e., hollow). These options and potential benefits also exist for the columns (e.g., 13 or 39, and in particular, smaller tubes 91 and 101), which will be described in more detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated, pin 24 (or another fastener in other embodiments) of support pole 15 keeps inner pole 21 from translating or rotating within outer tube 22 when pin 24 is installed (i.e., through holes 26 and 23). In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, inner pole 21 and outer tube 22 each have a non-circular cross section. In the embodiment shown, this non-circular cross section is oval. In various embodiments, this non-circular cross section prevents or substantially prevents leg-attachment mechanism 14 from rotating, for instance, relative to shoe plate 12. As used herein, “substantially” preventing rotation, or “substantially non-rotatably engaging”, means that no more than 25 degrees of rotation occurs (e.g., between inner pole 21 and outer tube 22) when torque (e.g., between inner pole 21 and outer tube 22) is changed from plus 10 foot-pounds to minus 10 foot-pounds. Further, as used herein, preventing rotation or non-rotatably engaging (i.e., without the word “substantially”) means that no more than 15 degrees of rotation occurs (e.g., between inner pole 21 and outer tube 22) when torque (e.g., between inner pole 21 and outer tube 22) is changed from plus 10 foot-pounds to minus 10 foot-pounds.

Further, in the embodiment shown, support pole 15 has a centerline (i.e., along the length or long axis of support pole 15) and includes, for instance, at least one non-circular feature extending parallel to the centerline along support pole 15 at least over an adjustment range. In this embodiment, the oval shape of inner pole 21 is this non-circular feature. Further, the oval shape of outer tube 22 is or acts as a guide for support pole 15 (i.e., specifically for inner pole 21 in the embodiment illustrated). Further, outer tube 22 (i.e., the guide) has an interior surface having at least one non-circular aspect (i.e., the oval cross section). Even further, when stilt 10 is assembled, this non-circular feature of support pole 15 (i.e., the oval outer surface of inner pole 21) engages with the non-circular aspect of the interior surface of the guide (e.g., the oval interior surface of outer tube 22) to provide for height adjustment of leg-attachment mechanism 14 (e.g., by removing pin 24) over an adjustment range (e.g., from the top set of holes 23 to the bottom set of holes 23) to allow leg-attachment mechanism 14 to be raised and lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing leg-attachment mechanism 14 from rotating relative to shoe plate 12 (i.e., even when pin 24 is removed, as long as inner pole 21 remains within outer tube 22, and even if a clamp, for example, used on prior art stilts, is not properly tightened).

In various other embodiments, the external non-circular feature of the support pole may be a rib, a groove, a slot, or an indentation, as examples, and the non-circular aspect that engages the external non-circular feature of the support pole may be a projection, for example, from the guide or a clamping surface, that may engage (e.g., fit inside or conform with) the grove, slot, or indentation in the support pole. In still other embodiments, the external non-circular feature of the support pole may be another cross sectional shape of the support pole that is other than circular (i.e., other than round), and the non-circular aspect of the guide, clamp, or mating aspect may be a corresponding shape, for example, of the guide or clamping surface, that may engage (e.g., correspond to all or part of) the cross sectional shape of the support pole. In particular embodiments, as an alternative to oval, the support pole may have a cross sectional shape that is polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, round except with one flat side, splined, star shaped, or the like, as examples. In various embodiments, shapes that have corners may have rounded or square corners, as examples. In still other embodiments, the support poles may be angles, channels, I-beams, or the like, as further examples. As used herein, these shapes are all examples of external non-circular features, or examples of shapes that include external non-circular features.

Support poles may be tubular (i.e., hollow), in many embodiments, which may provide greater torsional stiffness, reduced weight, or both, for example, in comparison with other alternatives (e.g., solid cross sections). In other embodiments, however, the support poles, or, for example, the smaller cross-sectional dimension section thereof (e.g., 21), may be solid, as another example. In a number of embodiments, the non-circular aspect of the clamp or guide may correspond to (e.g., have the same or a mating shape as) all or part of the cross-sectional shape or external non-circular feature of the support pole (e.g., oval or square). In other embodiments, the non-circular aspect of the guide may have a shape that does not actually correspond to all or part of the cross-sectional shape of the support pole, but may engage one or more non-circular features of the support pole, for example, to prevent the support pole from rotating within the guide (e.g., clamp).

As mentioned, in some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the non-circular feature of the support pole (e.g., 15) includes, for instance, the support pole (e.g., inner pole 21) having an exterior surface with a substantially oval cross section (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). As used herein, an ellipse is an example of an oval (e.g., cross section). An “oval”, however, as used herein, may have two substantially parallel (i.e., parallel to within +/− ten degrees) flats (i.e., flat surfaces) on opposite sides, separated by curved surfaces, which may be elliptical, may have a constant radius (i.e., be a semi-circle), or may be another 180 degree curved surface having curvature only in one direction wherein the minimum radius of curvature exceeds ten percent of the average radius of the oval. Further, as used herein, an “oval” has a major diameter that is at least ten percent greater than its minor diameter. Thus, a circle is not considered to be an “oval”, as used herein. Further still, as used herein, a “substantially oval cross section” is an “oval cross section” or varies from an “oval cross section” by no more than ten percent of an average diameter of the oval, while still having a major diameter that is at least ten percent greater than its minor diameter. Even further, as used herein, an “oval cross section” (without the word “substantially”) is an oval cross section, as defined herein, or varies from an oval cross section by no more than five percent of an average diameter of the oval.

Further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the non-circular aspect of the guide (e.g., outer tube 22) includes, for instance, the interior surface of the guide having a substantially oval cross section (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). FIG. 2 and stilt 10 illustrate an example wherein, for each stilt, support pole 15 includes, for instance, non-circular outer tube 22 and a mating non-circular inner pole 21 having a non-circular (e.g., oval or substantially oval) exterior surface. The guide, in this embodiment, is the mating non-circular outer tube 22 of support pole 15, or the inner surface thereof, for example, and the non-circular feature of support pole 15 is the non-circular exterior surface of non-circular inner pole 21.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in the embodiment illustrated, stilt 10 further includes second column 19 which, when stilt 10 is assembled, extends from base member 11 to shoe plate 12 parallel or substantially parallel to first column 13. As used herein, “parallel” (without “substantially”) means parallel to within five degrees and “substantially parallel” means parallel to within 15 degrees. Further, in some embodiments, support pole 15 (e.g., non-circular outer tube 22, inner pole 21, or both), first column 13, second column 19 (e.g., inner poles or outer tubes thereof), or a combination thereof, each have a substantially equivalent cross section. As used herein, substantially equivalent means equivalent to within +/− 10 percent (i.e., diameter and wall thickness). In some embodiments, the diameter, cross section, or both are the same. For example, in some embodiments the support pole 15, first column 13, second column 19, or a combination thereof, may be cut from the same stock or extrusions. As mentioned, this may simplify manufacturing by reducing the number of different materials that need to be maintained in inventory to manufacture the stilts.

In the embodiment depicted, stilt 10 has toe 121 and heel 122 such that when the stilt is being worn by the worker, the worker's toes are at (or closest to) toe 121 of stilt 10 and the worker's heel is at (or closest to) heel 122 of stilt 10. In the embodiment shown, first column 13 is at heel 122 of stilt 10, and second column 19 is at toe 121 of stilt 10. Further, in the embodiment shown, when stilt 10 is assembled, first column 13 and second column 19 are hingedly attached to base member 11 at, and by way of, fasteners or bolts 113 and 119, and first column 13 and second column 19 are hingedly attached to shoe plate 12 at, and by way of, bolts 123 and 129. As used herein, “hingedly” means that a bending motion is allowed on one direction, but not in the two perpendicular directions (of more than 5 degrees), like the freedom of motion provided by a hinge or pin, for example.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a stilt, stilt 30, which is similar to stilt 10 shown in FIG. 1 except taller. Stilt 30 includes columns 33 and 39 that are similar to columns 13 and 19 except are longer. In the embodiment illustrated, many other parts of stilt 30 are the same as stilt 10. Stilts of different heights may be sold to be used in situations where the worker needs to work at different heights (e.g., above the support surface). Stilts having a height between that of stilt 10 and stilt 30 may be provided, as another example. In addition, FIG. 4 shows base member 11 in more detail, and FIG. 5 shows shoe plate 12 in more detail. These assemblies and figures will be described in more detail in the following paragraphs.

Further, in the embodiment shown (e.g., in FIG. 1), each stilt (e.g., stilt 10) further includes lateral adjustment feature 160, and when stilt 10 is assembled (as shown in FIG. 1), lateral adjustment feature 160 is located at lower attachment point 16. In this embodiment, lateral adjustment feature 160 adjustably attaches support pole 15 to first column 13, and adjustment of lateral adjustment feature 160 causes support pole 15 to pivot at intermediate attachment point 18, for example, relative to first column 13 (or column 33 shown in FIG. 3). Embodiments having lateral adjustment feature 160 may include intermediate attachment point 18, for example, near shoe plate 12 for support pole 15. In the embodiment shown, intermediate attachment point 18 includes pivot bracket 185. Pivot bracket 185 is shown in FIG. 1, and separately, and in more detail, in FIG. 6. As illustrated, in this embodiment, pivot bracket 185 includes first pivot hole 61 and second pivot hole 62. In the embodiment shown, first pivot hole 61 is substantially in line with second pivot hole 62. Pivot bracket 185 also includes mounting hole 65, in this particular embodiment.

In the embodiment illustrated, wherein, for each stilt, lower attachment point 16 of support pole 15 is at first column 13 (or 33), and stilt 10 further includes intermediate attachment point 18 for support pole 15 near shoe plate 12, intermediate attachment point 18 includes pivot bracket 185 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 6) having mounting hole 65 therein. In this embodiment, when stilt 10 is assembled, fastener 123 (shown, for example, in FIG. 1) extends through mounting hole 65 of pivot bracket 185 securing pivot bracket 185 to shoe plate 12 and to first column 13 (or 33). In this embodiment, when stilt 10 is assembled, fastener 123 also connects shoe plate 12 to first column 13 (or 33). Thus, in this embodiment, fastener 123 has at least these two functions. By using one component, fastener 123, for two purposes, the need for additional components (e.g., fasteners) is reduced, thereby reducing the weight and cost of the stilt.

Further, in the embodiment shown, each stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) further includes, for instance, pivot ring 200, shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, surrounding support pole 15 at intermediate attachment point 18. In the embodiment illustrated, pivot ring 200 is attached to support pole 15 with fastener 209 (shown in FIG. 2), which may be a screw or rivet, for example. In different embodiments, the pivot ring (e.g., 200) may be attached to the support pole (e.g., 15, for example, to outer tube 22) with one, two, three, four, five, or more fasteners (e.g., 209), as examples, or with an adhesive or an interference fit, as other examples, or a combination thereof. In addition to providing attachment points for pivot bracket 185, pivot ring 200 may also stiffen or strengthen (or both) outer tube 22, for example, serving to maintain the oval shape of outer tube 22. In certain embodiments, the pivot ring may serve as a guide for the support pole, as another example.

In the embodiment illustrated, pivot bracket 185 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1 and 6) is pivotably attached to pivot ring 200. As used herein, “pivotably attached” means attached in a manner that allows the two parts to pivot relative to each other. Moreover, in this particular embodiment, for each stilt, pivot ring 200 includes first pivot hole 261 and second pivot hole 262. Pivot hole 261 is best shown in FIG. 2, and pivot hole 262 may be the same as pivot hole 261, but on the opposite side of pivot ring 200, for example. In this embodiment, first pivot hole 261 is in line with or substantially in line with second pivot hole 262. Further, in a number of embodiments, pivot hole 261 and 262 are the same size (e.g., diameter). In the embodiment shown, stilt 10 and 30 further include, for instance, first pivot pin 361 and second pivot pin 362. See FIG. 1 and especially FIG. 3. In this particular embodiment, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, first pivot pin 361 is located in first pivot hole 261, and second pivot pin 362 is located in second pivot hole 262. In addition, in this embodiment, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, first pivot pin 361 is located in first pivot hole 61 in pivot bracket 185, and second pivot pin 362 is located in second pivot hole 62 in pivot bracket 185.

In the embodiment shown, pins 361 and 362 are screws. In some embodiments where pins 361 and 362 are screws, threads on pins 361 and 362 may engage (i.e., screw into) threads in holes 261 and 262, and pins 361 and 362 may freely rotate within holes 61 and 62, for example, with a clearance fit. In other embodiments where pins 361 and 362 are screws, on the other hand, threads on pins 361 and 362 may engage (i.e., screw into) threads in holes 61 and 62, and pins 361 and 362 may freely rotate (e.g., with a clearance fit) within holes 261 and 262. In still other embodiments, pins 361 and 362 may be straight pins (i.e., not threaded), and may be held in place in another manner, such as with snap rings, an interference fit, cotter pins, set screws, a weld, or an adhesive, as examples.

In various embodiments, for each stilt, the lateral adjustment feature includes, for instance, a bracket attached to a column and a threaded member. Further, in some embodiments, the adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature is accomplished by rotating the threaded member. The embodiment illustrated is an example of such a configuration. In the embodiment illustrated, lateral adjustment feature 160 includes bracket 185 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6) attached to first column 13 or 33 with fastener 123. In addition, in the embodiment shown, lateral adjustment feature 160 includes threaded member 216 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. In this embodiment, adjustment of lateral adjustment feature 160 is accomplished by rotating threaded member 216. In particular, for each stilt, lateral adjustment feature 160 also includes lock nut 217 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and lateral adjustment feature bracket 316 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 9).

In this embodiment, threaded member 216 is externally threaded, and lateral adjustment feature bracket 316 includes a mating internally threaded hole therein. Further, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, the internally threaded hole in lateral adjustment feature bracket 316 mates with threaded member 216. In other words, threaded member 216 screws into the internally threaded hole in lateral adjustment feature bracket 316. Moreover, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, threaded member 216 engages the internally threaded hole in lateral adjustment feature bracket 316 and lock nut 217 is threaded onto threaded member 216. Still further, the adjustment of lateral adjustment feature 160 is accomplished, in the embodiment illustrated, by loosening lock nut 217, rotating threaded member 216 (i.e., relative to lateral adjustment feature bracket 316), and then retightening lock nut 217. As shown in FIG. 9, lateral adjustment feature bracket 316 attaches to first larger tube 92 (described in more detail below) with fastener 99 in the particular embodiment shown. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, lateral adjustment feature 160, and specifically threaded member 216 and lock nut 217, attach to the lower end of outer tube 22 of support pole 15. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, outer tube 22 is crimped at its bottom end to form a flat surface and a hole is provided in that flat surface that threaded member 216 passes through. Lock nut 217 presses against one side of this flat surface, in this embodiment. In other embodiments, on the other hand, there may be an end cap that may attach to the support pole, for example, to the outer tube, as another example, rather than crimping the support pole or outer tube. In certain embodiments, for example, that end cap may have a similar flat surface, for instance, that the threaded member (e.g., 216) may pass through and that the lock nut may press against. Moreover, in some embodiments, the support pole or an end cap on the support pole may have a threaded hole that receives the threaded member, for example, instead of or in addition to the threaded hole in the column or a lateral adjustment feature bracket attached thereto, as yet another example.

Further, in a number of other embodiments wherein an intermediate attachment point attaches at least one column to a support pole, the intermediate attachment point includes a lateral adjustment feature for adjusting a distance between the shoe plate and the support pole. In a number of embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the lateral adjustment feature includes, for example, at least one fastener, such as a bolt, a nut, or both. In particular embodiments, such a lateral adjustment feature includes, for example, only one bolt. As used herein, when it is said that the lateral adjustment feature includes only one fastener or bolt, this refers only to fasteners or bolts that, when turned or loosened, provide for the adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature. Fasteners or bolts that do not provide this function, for example, that secure a bracket (e.g., 316) in place without providing adjustment (e.g., fastener 99), are not included in this count. Further, in some embodiments other than the embodiment shown, for example, for each stilt, the lateral adjustment feature may include, at least one elongated hole, for instance, in a bracket. In a number of embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the lateral adjustment feature may include two elongated holes. In a number of embodiments (e.g., different than the embodiments shown) that include a clamp for the support pole, for each stilt, the clamp may include, for example, at least one bolt. In particular embodiments, for each stilt, the clamp may include, for example, at least two bolts or precisely two bolts, as examples. In other embodiments, on the other hand, for each stilt, the clamp may include, for example, only (i.e., just) one bolt. In fact, in certain embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the lateral adjustment feature shares at least one bolt with the clamp.

In various embodiments, a pair of stilts may further include, for example, at least one spring for each stilt, for instance, positioned and configured so that when the stilt is assembled, the at least one spring biases (e.g., exerts a force or pushes or pulls) against the toe column (e.g., 19 or 39) and the heel column (e.g., 13 or 33). In the embodiments illustrated, two springs (e.g., 31 and 32 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), for each stilt, are shown. In some embodiments, each stilt may include, for example, at least one spring positioned and configured so that when the stilt is assembled, the at least one spring biases the stilt into an upright position. For example, springs 31 and 32 perform this function. In the embodiment shown, springs 31 and 32 are loaded in tension (although the helix is loaded in compression), one spring at a time depending own which way (e.g., forwards, toward the toe, or rearward, toward the heel) the stilt is leaning. In other embodiments, two springs may be loaded in compression, for example, one spring at a time, depending own which way the stilt is leaning. Still other embodiments may have only one spring, which may be loaded in tension when the stilt leans one way, and loaded in compression when the spring leans the other way. Still other embodiments may have two springs, one of which may be loaded in tension when the stilt leans one way, and loaded in compression when the spring leans the other way, and the other spring may be loaded in compression when the stilt leans the first way, and loaded in tension when the spring leans the second way.

In the particular embodiments illustrated, stilts 10 and 30 in FIGS. 1 and 3 each have two draw springs 31 and 32. In the embodiment illustrated, draw spring 31 includes draw bar 311, draw bar 312, and helix 313. In this particular embodiment, when stilt 10 is assembled, draw bar 311 passes through helix 313 and is connected to first column 13 or 33, and draw bar 312 passes through helix 313 and is connected to second column 19 or 39. As used herein, a draw bar “passing through” a helix means that at least part of the draw bar is located inside the helix (i.e., when the stilt is assembled) and that the draw bar extends within the helix from one end of the helix to the other (i.e., opposite) end of the helix. In this particular embodiment, the draw bars each project out of the helix on one end of the helix, and also extend to the other (i.e., opposite) end of the helix. The draw bars push on this other (i.e., opposite) end of the helix. Further, the embodiment shown includes a second draw spring 32 that includes draw bar 321 and draw bar 322. In this embodiment, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, draw bar 321 passes through helix 323 and is connected to first column 13 or 33 and draw bar 322 passes through helix 323 and is connected to second column 19 or 39. As used herein “connected” includes directly connected and connected via fasteners, a bracket (e.g., 351, 352, or 353 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10), or both. In different embodiments, springs, or draw bar springs specifically, may be connected to columns directly or indirectly, as examples.

Using draw springs rather than conventional tensile helical springs has the advantage, in a number of embodiments, that when the spring reaches the extent of its travel, it becomes rigid, preventing the stilt from tilting any farther. In contrast, conventional tensile helical springs may reach their elastic limit when the spring reaches the extent of its travel, and may be stretched, incurring plastic deformation, ruining the spring, and potentially causing the worker to fall. Helical springs have been used in compression in the past in stilts, but prior configurations have necessitated more elaborate spring brackets and the non-linear relative motion of the columns has loaded the springs unevenly. In other embodiments, conventional tensile helical springs may be used and a separate cable, chain, or other device may be used to avoid over-tensioning the spring, as another example.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, stilt 10 and stilt 30 each include first spring bracket 351 which, when the stilt is assembled, extends outward from first column 13 or 33 and connects draw bar 311 to first column 13 or 33. As used herein, when referring to a spring bracket, extending “outward” means that the bracket extends away from the column to which the bracket is attached. In the embodiment shown, various spring brackets extend outward (i.e., away from the column to which the bracket is attached) but extend toward the other column or toward a geometric center of the stilt. Further, in the embodiment illustrated, various spring brackets extend outward at, or substantially at, a right angle (i.e., 90-degree angle) to the column. In other embodiments, however, a spring bracket may extend outward at another angle relative to the column(s), such as 30, 40, 45, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees from the column or from vertical, as examples. These embodiments also include second spring bracket 352 which, when the stilt is assembled, extends outward from second column 19 or 39 and connects draw bar 312 to second column 19 or 39. In addition, in the embodiment shown, third spring bracket 353, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, extends outward from first column 13 or 33 and connects draw bar 321 to first column 13 or 33. Further, in this embodiment, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, second spring bracket 352 also connects draw bar 322 to second column 19 or 39.

FIGS. 7 and 8 provide a more-detailed illustration of spring brackets 351, 352, and 353. In this embodiment, spring brackets 351 and 353 are identical. These spring brackets (e.g., 351, 352, and 353) may be aluminum, for example, and may be extruded. In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, first spring bracket 351 and second spring bracket 352 are cut from a same extrusion having a same cross section. As used herein, an extrusion is considered to be the same if it is made of the same material and has the same dimensions, or if it was made with the same extruder, even if normal manufacturing variances exist. In other embodiments, spring brackets may be plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic (e.g., as described herein or as known in the art) and may be extruded or molded, as examples. In the embodiment shown, draw springs 31 and 32, and specifically draw bars 311 and 321 attach to brackets 351 and 353 via hook 75 shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, fasteners 331 and 332 (e.g., screws, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, or pins in other embodiments) are installed in holes 76 and 77 in brackets 351 and 353 to keep draw bar 311 or 312 from slipping off of hook 75. Further, in the embodiment shown, draw springs 31 and 32, and specifically draw bars 312 and 322 attach to bracket 352 via fasteners 131 and 132 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, which extend through holes 812 and 822 shown in FIG. 8. Fasteners 131 and 132 may be bolts with self-locking nuts, for example.

FIGS. 9 and 10 further illustrate columns 13 and 19 (of stilt 10 shown in FIG. 1) and spring brackets 351, 352, and 353. As shown, in this embodiment, first column 13 (e.g., shown in FIG. 9) has a substantially oval outside cross section, and first spring bracket 351 has a substantially oval inside cross section 71 (shown in FIG. 7) which, when stilt 10 is assembled, mates with the oval outside cross section of first column 13. Oval inside cross section 71 may have a close clearance fit with the oval outside cross section of first column 13, for example. In some embodiments, a tight or interference fit may be used, as other examples. In the embodiment illustrated, spring brackets 351, 352, and 353 are attached to columns 13 and 19 with fasteners 99 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). Fasteners 99 may be rivets or screws, for example.

Similarly, in this embodiment, second column 19, shown in FIG. 10, has a substantially oval outside cross section that is substantially equivalent to the oval outside cross section of first column 13. As used herein, “substantially equivalent”, when referring to an oval, means equivalent to within +/− ten percent of the dimensions of the major diameter, minor diameter, and wall thickness. Further, in this particular embodiment, second spring bracket 352 has a substantially oval inside cross section 82 (shown in FIG. 8) that is substantially equivalent to the oval inside cross section 71 of first spring bracket 351, and which, when stilt 10 is assembled, mates with the oval outside cross section of second column 19, for instance, similarly to bracket 351 and column 13. Configurations with longer columns (e.g., columns 33 and 39 shown in FIG. 3) may be similar.

In other embodiments, spring brackets (e.g., 351, 352, 353, or a combination thereof) may be omitted and the springs (e.g., draw springs) may be attached directly to the columns (e.g., 13 and 19 or 33 and 39) or via separate tension members. In some such embodiments, the springs may be mounted at an angle, for example, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 degrees from vertical. In particular embodiments, for example, springs may be attached to columns 13 and 19 where fasteners 99 are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In other embodiments, springs may be attached to the columns and to the shoe plate (e.g., 12) or to the base member (e.g., 11). In certain embodiments, springs may be attached to the shoe plate (e.g., 12) and to the base member (e.g., 11). In still other embodiments, smaller or shorter brackets may be used and the springs may be mounted at an angle other than vertical, as other examples. Eliminating some or all of brackets 351, 352, and 353 may reduce weight of the stilts, reduce cost, avoid or reduce couples (i.e., twisting forces) applied to the columns by the brackets, reduce the number of parts, simplify the design, or a combination thereof, for example.

In some embodiments, different springs having different stiffnesses may be provided for use with workers of different sizes or weights. In some embodiments, helixes 313 and 323, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, may be replaced to change the stiffness, for example. In some embodiments, the same draw bars may be used with different stiffness helixes, while in other embodiments, the draw bars may also be changed out. In certain embodiments, preload of the springs may be adjustable as well or instead, as other examples.

In addition to other improvements described herein, the attachment of the columns to the base member and to the shoe plate is simplified, in a number of embodiments, in comparison with prior art designs that required a bracket with a complex geometry at each attachment, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, base member 11 includes first ear 111 projecting upward and second ear 112 also projecting upward. As mentioned, FIG. 4 is a closer view of base member 11, and also shows ears 111 and 112, among other things. In the embodiment shown, ear 111 has first hole 41 therethrough, ear 112 has second hole 42 therethrough, and first hole 41 is in line with second hole 42. As used herein, two holes are considered to be “in line” if a straight rod, having half of the diameter of the smaller of the two holes will pass through both holes at the same time without distorting the rod or the component or assembly containing the holes. Further, as used herein, two holes are considered to be “substantially in line” if a straight rod, having ¼ of the diameter of the smaller of the two holes will pass through both holes at the same time without distorting the rod or the component or assembly containing the holes. (For purposes of this determination, all components, other than the component or components that contain the holes, are removed, so as to not block the rod.)

In the embodiments depicted, stilt 10 or 30 includes first fastener 113 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), and when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, first column 13 or 33 is located between ear 111 and ear 112, and fastener 113 extends through first hole 41, through first column 13 or 33, and through second hole 42. In the embodiment shown, first fastener 113 is a bolt. In other embodiments, a pin may be used. Further, in the embodiment shown, tube 43 (shown in FIG. 4) extends through first hole 41, through first column 13 or 33, and through second hole 42, and bolt or fastener 113 passes through tube 43. In this embodiment, bolt or fastener 113 tightens against tube 43, with a nut. In different embodiments, a regular nut or a self-locking nut may be used in this and other locations on the stilts. Self-locking nuts may be used, in many embodiments, for safety purposes, because they are less likely to come loose during use of the stilts. In this particular embodiment, tube 43 may prevent bolt or fastener 113 from pulling ears 111 and 112 together. In other embodiments, bolt or fastener 113 may be threaded only far enough so as to prevent bolt or fastener 113 from pulling ears 111 and 112 together and tube 43 may be omitted, as another example.

In the embodiment shown, ears 111 and 112 project upward from structural layer 44 of base member 11. Thus, first column 13 or 33 attaches (i.e., via fastener 113) to structural layer 44. Similarly, in the embodiment shown, column 19 attaches to fifth ear 411 and sixth ear 412 (both projecting upward) of structural layer 44 with fastener 119, which passes through tube 43 and holes 405 and 406. Ears 411 and 412, shown in FIG. 4, may be the same as or similar to ears 41 and 42. Hole 405 in ear 411 is in line with hole 406 in ear 412, in this particular embodiment, and when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, second column 19 or 39 is located between fifth ear 411 and sixth ear 412, and third fastener 119 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) extends through fifth hole 405, through second column 19 or 39, and through sixth hole 406. Further, in the embodiment shown, ears 111, 112, 411, and 412 are part of structural layer 44 and ears 111, 112, 411, and 412 and structural layer 44 are all the same piece. This piece (i.e., structural layer 44) may be molded plastic, for example. In other embodiments, the ears may be separate pieces from each other, from the structural layer, or both, and may be attached to the structural layer, for example, with one or more fasteners.

Further, in a number of embodiments, the shoe plate (e.g., 12) may include ears, for example, for attachment of the column or columns. In the embodiment shown, for example, shoe plate 12 includes third ear 53 and fourth ear 54 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5. In some embodiments described herein, however, ears 53 and 54 may be referred to as the first and second ears. Even further, in the embodiment shown, shoe plate 12 includes seventh hole 507 through third ear 53, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, and eighth hole 508 through fourth ear 54. In this embodiment, seventh hole 507 is in line with eighth hole 508. Further still, in this particular embodiment, stilt 10 or 30 further includes fourth fastener 129, shown, for instance, in FIG. 1, and when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, second column 19 or 39 is located between third ear 53, for example, and fourth ear 54, and fourth fastener 129, inside tube 543, extends through seventh hole 507, through second column 19 or 39, and through eighth hole 508. In this specific embodiment, ears 53 and 54 extend substantially from toe to heel along shoe plate 12, acting as beams or as a twin tee to give shoe plate 12 sufficient bending strength and stiffness, as well as for attachment of columns 13 and 19 or 33 and 39. As used herein, unless defined otherwise, “substantially” means to within +/− ten percent. Further, in the embodiment shown, ears 53 and 54 are part of shoe plate 12, and ears 53 and 54 and shoe plate 12 are all the same piece. This piece (i.e., shoe plate 12) may be molded plastic, for example. In other embodiments, the ears may be separate pieces from each other, from the shoe plate, or both, and may be attached to the shoe plate, for example, with one or more fasteners.

In addition to the improved connection between the column and the base member, the embodiment shown illustrates an improved configuration of the base member that, among other things, simplifies how the base member is held together. Referring to FIG. 4, in the embodiment illustrated, base member 11 includes structural layer 44 and tread layer 45 (also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). In this embodiment, structural layer 44 may be plastic, for example, and tread layer may be an elastomer or rubber, for example, for contacting the support surface. In some embodiments, the tread layer (e.g., 45) may include a tread pattern or non-skid texture (e.g., on the bottom, for contacting the support surface). A tread pattern can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. In addition, as can be seen, in this particular embodiment, structural layer 44 and tread layer 45 each have a rectangular shape with rounded corners, for example, when viewed from below. Other embodiments may have a rectangular shape without rounded corners, may have the entire toe, heel, or both rounded, or may have a rectangular shape with chamfered corners, as other examples.

In a number of embodiments, at least one of the structural layer or the tread layer of the base member includes at least two opposing groves therealong. In the specific embodiment shown, for example, the structural layer and the tread layer each include two opposing groves therealong. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, structural layer 44 includes groves 441 and 442 therealong, shown in FIG. 4. In addition, in this embodiment, groves 441 and 442 are opposing. As used herein, groves (or projections) are considered to be “opposing” if they are on opposite sides of the part (e.g., structural layer 44) and face in opposite directions. In this case, groves 441 and 442 both face away from structural layer 44, and therefore, are opposing. Further, as used herein, “therealong”, when referring to groves or projections, means that the groves or projections have a length that exceeds half of the largest overall dimension of the part (in this case, the heel to toe dimension of structural layer 44). Further, in this particular embodiment, groves 441 and 442 extend around toe end 421 of structural layer 44 and join at toe end 421. Groves 441 and 442 terminate at heel end 422 of structural layer 44, however, as shown. Further, in this embodiment, tread layer 45 includes groves 451 and 452 therealong. In addition, in this embodiment, groves 451 and 452 are opposing. In this case, groves 451 and 452 both face in, toward each other, and are opposing. In this particular embodiment, groves 451 and 452 also extend around toe end 453 of tread layer 45 and join at toe end 453. Groves 451 and 452 also terminate at heel end 454 of tread layer 45, as shown. Other embodiments may differ, for example, regarding whether or where grooves join or terminate.

Even further, in a number of embodiments, at least one of the structural layer or the tread layer includes at least two opposing projections therealong. In the particular embodiment shown, for example, the structural layer and the tread layer each include two or more opposing projections therealong. These projections form at least one side of groves 441, 442, 451, and 452, in this embodiment. In particular, in this embodiment, structural layer 44 includes projections 445, 446, 447, and 448 therealong, as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, in this embodiment, projections 445 and 446 are opposing and symmetrically opposite, and projections 447 and 448 are opposing and symmetrically opposite. Further, projections 446 and 448 form the sides of grove 442 and projections 445 and 447 form the sides of grove 441. Further still, in this particular embodiment, projections 445, 446, 447, and 448 extend around toe end 421 of structural layer 44 and join at toe end 421. In contrast, projections 445, 446, 447, and 448 terminate at heel end 422 of structural layer 44, as shown. Further, in this embodiment, tread layer 45 includes projections 455 and 456 therealong. In addition, in this embodiment, projections 455 and 456 are opposing (in this case, projections 455 and 456 both face in, toward each other). In this particular embodiment, projections 455 and 456 extend around toe end 453 of tread layer 45 and join at toe end 453. Projections 455 and 456 also terminate at heel end 454 of tread layer 45, as shown.

When the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the at least two opposing projections (e.g., 447 and 448 or 455 and 456) engage the at least two opposing grooves (e.g., 451 and 452 or 441 and 442) to at least partially attach tread layer 45 to structural layer 44. FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate tread layer 45 and structural layer 44 attached. In addition to these mating groves and projections, as shown in FIG. 4, fastener (e.g., screw) 49 (and washer 48) complete the attachment of structural layer 44 and tread layer 45. This configuration replaces earlier configurations requiring many more fasteners. Thus, base member 11 is an example of an embodiment wherein only one tread fastener is used per stilt that attaches the structural layer to the tread layer.

The embodiment illustrated also contains a number of significant improvements concerning the shoe plate. As mentioned, FIG. 5 is a closer view of shoe plate 12. In the embodiment shown, shoe plate 12 includes third ear 53 projecting downward and fourth ear 54 also projecting downward. Third ear 53 has third hole 533 therethrough, fourth ear 54 has fourth hole 544 therethrough, and third hole 533 is in line with fourth hole 544, in this particular embodiment. Even further, in this embodiment, stilt 10 or 30 further includes second fastener 123 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), and when stilt 10 is assembled, first column 13 or 33 is located between third ear 53 and fourth ear 54, and second fastener 123 (e.g., the same or similar to fastener 113) extends through third hole 533, through first column 13 or 33, and through fourth hole 544. Tube 543 may be used in a manner similar to tube 43 described above, extending through third hole 533, through first column 13 (or 33), and through fourth hole 544, with bolt or fastener 123 passing through tube 543.

Some embodiments include a first ear (e.g., 111 or 53 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5) and a second ear (e.g., 112 or 54) both projecting in a substantially same direction (e.g., both projecting upwards or both projecting downwards) from base member 11 (e.g., ears 111 and 112 projecting upward) or from shoe plate 12 (e.g., ears 53 and 54 projecting downward). In the embodiment shown, each ear (e.g., which may be considered a first ear) has a hole therethrough. Specifically, ear 111 has hole 41 therethrough and ear 53 has hole 533 therethrough. Similarly, each ear which may be considered a second ear, for example, has a hole therethrough. Specifically, ear 112 has hole 42 therethrough and ear 54 has hole 544 therethrough. Further, in the embodiment shown, these first and second holes are in line. Specifically, hole 41 is in line with hole 42 and hole 533 is in line with hole 544. Moreover, in this embodiment, stilt 10 or 30 further includes a first fastener, which may be fastener 113 or 123 shown, for example, in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3. Moreover, when stilt 10 is assembled, first column 13 (or 33) is located between ear 111 and ear 112, and fastener 113 extends through first hole 41, through first column 13 (or 33), and through second hole 42. In addition, first column 13 (or 33) is located between ear 53 and ear 54, and fastener 123 extends through first hole 533, through first column 13 (or 33), and through second hole 544.

Other important improvements are found in the columns of the stilts. As shown in FIG. 9, in the embodiment shown, first column 13 includes first smaller tube 91 and first larger tube 92, and when stilt 10 is assembled, first smaller tube 91 telescopically engages first larger tube 92 and first column 13 is adjustable to change a height distance, for example, from base member 11 to shoe plate 12. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, in the embodiment illustrated, second column 19 includes second smaller tube 101 and second larger tube 102, and when stilt 10 is assembled, second smaller tube 101 telescopically engages second larger tube 102 and second column 19 is adjustable to change a height distance, for instance, from base member 11 to shoe plate 12.

In this embodiment, the worker can adjust the height of stilt 10 (e.g., from base member 11 to shoe plate 12) by adjusting the length of both columns 13 and 19. The worker can adjust the length of column 13 or 19 by removing pin 94 or 104 (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 9, and 10) from holes 96 or 106 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively) in larger tube 92 or 102, partially extracting or inserting smaller tube 91 or 101 into larger tube 92 or 102, and then re-inserting pin 94 or 104 through holes 96 or 106 in larger tube 92 or 102 and one set of holes 93 or 103 in smaller tube 91 or 101. In this embodiment, five sets of holes 93 and 103 are shown, and the adjustment range extends from the top set of holes 93 or 103 to the bottom set of holes 93 or 103. Other embodiments may have 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 sets of holes (e.g., 93 or 103), as other examples. Other embodiment may have a different size range as well (e.g., the distance between the top and bottom holes). Taller stilt 30 shown in FIG. 3 may have more holes, the holes may extend over a wider range, or both, for example. Further, in other embodiments, another type of fastener may be used instead of pin 94 or 104, such as a screw or bolt. In particular embodiments, for instance, a bolt with a self-locking nut may be used instead of pin 94 or 104. Moreover, in the embodiment shown, pins 24 (shown in FIG. 2), 94 (shown in FIGS. 9), and 104 (shown in FIG. 10) may be similar or the same (i.e., interchangeable).

In the embodiment shown, smaller tubes 91 and 101 are tubular. In other embodiments, however, a solid pole may be used (e.g., similar to inner pole 21 of support pole 15 described above). In particular embodiments, to reduce weight, a solid inner pole may be used that may have a denser material at the surface, but may have a lighter material, such as foam or a honeycomb structure in the interior. In the configuration shown, however, in order to have the telescoping feature of the columns, larger tubes 92 and 102 may be tubular (i.e., hollow). In various embodiments, smaller tubes 91 and 101 may be the same size and shape tubing as each other or as inner pole 21 of support pole 15, larger tubes 92 and 102 may be the same size and shape tubing as each other or as outer tube 22 of support pole 15, or a combination thereof, as examples.

In the embodiment illustrated, first spring bracket 351 is attached to first larger tube 92, second spring bracket 352 is attached to second larger tube 102, and third spring bracket 353 is also attached to first larger tube 92. In this embodiment, for example, for each stilt, first spring bracket 351 is attached to first larger tube 92 with at least one first fastener 99, second spring bracket 352 is attached to second larger tube 102 with at least one second fastener 99, and third spring bracket 353 is attached to first larger tube 92 with at least one third fastener 99. In this embodiment, all fasteners 99 are the same, but in other embodiments, different fasteners may be used in different locations. Further, in a number of embodiments, two fasteners (e.g., 99) attach each spring bracket to the appropriate column tube. In other embodiments, 1, 3, 4, 5, or 6 fasters may be used for each spring bracket, as other examples.

Referring to FIG. 9, first smaller tube 91 includes at least one first localized variation in cross section 98 from first larger tube 92. In this embodiment, when stilt 10 is assembled, first localized variation in cross section 98 that lines up with (i.e., is on the same side as) three fasteners 99 in first larger tube 92. In this embodiment, first localized variation in cross section 98 is a flat side or a shallow groove or recess in the oval cross section of smaller tube 91. Further, first localized variation in cross section 98 provides clearance or increased clearance between the outside of smaller tube 91 and the inside of larger tube 92. This provides room or clearance for ends or heads of fasteners 99 that are attached to or mounted in larger tube 92. In the embodiment illustrated, three such fasteners 99 are shown, but in other embodiments, at least one, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or more fasteners may be accommodated by first localized variation in cross section 98. A number of embodiments may have a similar or identical localized variation in cross section on the opposite side of smaller tube 91, for example, for fasteners located on that opposite side.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, second smaller tube 101 includes at least one second localized variation in cross section 108 from second larger tube 102. Again, when stilt 10 is assembled, second localized variation in cross section 108 lines up with at least one (e.g., second) fastener (one fastener 99 shown). Moreover, in particular embodiments, the at least one first localized variation in cross section 98 from first larger tube 92 includes, for instance, a flat in first smaller tube 91, and the at least one second localized variation in cross section 108 from second larger tube 102 includes, for instance, a flat in second smaller tube 101. Longer columns 33 and 39 shown in FIG. 3 may be similar except that one or both of the smaller and larger tubes may be longer and the smaller tube may have more holes (e.g., analogous to holes 93 or 103). In some embodiments, one or both of columns 33 and 39 may have a greater wall thickness than one or both of columns 13 and 19, for example, so the longer columns will have sufficient strength and stiffness to resist buckling under the weight of the worker.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 9, and 10, in the embodiment shown, for each stilt 10, first column 13 includes first tube (e.g., smaller tube 91) having two first end holes 913 (one of which is shown and the other of which is similar and is on the opposite side) and first end cap 911 having at least one first end cap hole 914 (two shown). Further, when stilt 10 is assembled, first end cap 911 fits partially inside first tube 91, and the at least one first end cap hole 914 (in this embodiment, both holes 914) line up with the two first end holes 913, and fastener 113 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1) passes through the at least one first end cap hole 914 (in this embodiment, both holes 914) and through the two first end holes 913. As previously described, in this embodiment, when stilt 10 is assembled, fastener 113 also passes through ears 111 and 112 of base member 11. Stilt 30 shown in FIG. 3 may be similar. Further, in this embodiment, for each stilt, first column 13 (column 33 may be similar) further includes a second tube (e.g., larger tube 92). In this embodiment, the second tube 92 is larger in cross section than the first tube 91, and when stilt 10 is assembled, first tube 91 telescopically engages second tube 92 and first column 13 (or 33) is adjustable (e.g., using pin 94 as described above) to change a height distance, for example, from base member 11 to shoe plate 12. Further, as illustrated and described, in this embodiment, first tube 91 and second tube 92 each have a non-circular (e.g., oval or substantially oval) cross section.

In this particular embodiment, for each stilt, second tube 92 includes two second end holes 923 and second end cap 921 having at least one second end cap hole 924. Some embodiments may have two end cap holes 924, similar to holes 914 in end cap 911, for example. In other embodiments, end cap 921, 911, or both, may be solid, and may have one long hole therethrough, as another example. In the embodiment shown, when stilt 10 is assembled, second end cap 921 fits partially inside second tube 92, the at least one second end cap hole 924 lines up with the two second end holes 923, and second fastener 123 (shown for example, in FIGS. 1 and 3) passes through the at least one second end cap hole 924 and through the two second end holes 923 (e.g., in addition to ears 53 and 54). Thus, in the embodiment shown, when stilt 10 is assembled, second fastener 123 connects first column 13 (or 33) to shoe plate 12. In the embodiment shown, first or smaller tube 91 attaches to base member 11 and second or larger tube 92 attaches to shoe plate 12. In other embodiments, however, the first or smaller tube attaches to the shoe plate and the second or larger tube attaches to base member.

Further still, in the embodiment depicted, for each stilt, first column 13 (or 33) further includes, for instance, third end cap 931 and fourth end cap 941. Moreover, when stilt 10 is assembled, third end cap 931 fits partially inside first tube 91, and fourth end cap 941 fits partially inside second tube 92. Furthermore, fourth end cap 941 includes open end 949, and when stilt 10 (or 30) is assembled, first tube 91 passes through open end 949 of fourth end cap 941. End caps 911, 921, 931, and 941 may be made of a softer material than tubes 91 and 92. In some embodiments, for example, tubes 91 and 92 are aluminum and end caps 911, 921, 931, and 941 are plastic. End caps 911 and 921 may help to keep dirt and debris out of column 13, for example, and all of these end caps may help to hold the shape of tubes 91 and 92 at the ends of the tubes. Further, end caps 931 and 941 may provide sliding surfaces against tubes 91 and 92 when the height of the stilts is adjusted, which may reduce the amount of slop or clearance between these parts, reduce friction, dampen noise, provide a more solid feel to the stilts, or a combination thereof, as examples.

Column 19, shown in detail in FIG. 10, includes end caps 1011, 1021, 1031, and 1041, which may be similar or identical to (e.g., interchangeable with) end caps 911, 921, 931, and 941 respectively. Further, in a number of embodiments, tubes 101 and 102 may be similar or identical to (e.g., interchangeable with) tubes 91 and 92. In some embodiments, holes for fasteners 99, for example, may be located differently for tubes 92 and 102, but in other embodiments, holes for fasteners 99 may be provided for both tubes 92 and 102 in the same piece and the piece may be suitable for either use. Further, end caps 231 and 241 shown in FIG. 2 for support pole 15 may be similar or identical (e.g., interchangeable with) end caps 931 and 941 (respectively) shown in FIG. 9, for example. In some embodiments, end caps 231, 911, 931, 1011, and 1031 may all be the same, and may be interchangeable, end caps 241, 941, and 1041 may all be the same, and may be interchangeable, and end caps 921 and 1021 may all be the same, and may be interchangeable, as examples.

A number of improvements over prior stilts concern the way the stilts attach to the worker's foot, leg, or both. In particular, various embodiments include a shoe-attachment mechanism which, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, is located at the shoe plate (e.g., 12). In the embodiment illustrated, stilts 10 and 30 include shoe-attachment mechanism 52 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5) which includes straps 57 and 58. Further, leg-attachment mechanism 14 includes strap 27 shown in FIG. 2. In a number of embodiments, straps 27, 57, and 58, or a subcombination thereof, have certain significant features in common. In some embodiments, various components of these straps may be similar or identical (e.g., interchangeable).

In some embodiments, for example, at least one of the shoe-attachment mechanism (e.g., 52) or leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14) includes, for instance, a first strap (e.g., one of straps 27, 57, or 58) that includes a first toothed portion (e.g., 271 or 571 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) having multiple teeth (e.g., 272 and 572). In the embodiment shown, all three straps 27, 57, and 58 have such a toothed portion with multiple teeth. Toothed portion 271 is shown in FIG. 2 for strap 27, and has teeth 272. Similarly, toothed portion 571 is shown in FIG. 5 for strap 57, and has teeth 572. Part of toothed portion 571 of strap 57 is also shown in FIG. 14, which illustrates the shape of teeth 572. Teeth 272 may be similar or the same. In a number of embodiments, the toothed portions and teeth may be similar or identical in the different straps. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, strap 58 has a toothed portion similar to toothed portion 271 of strap 27, toothed portion 571 of strap 57, or both, for example.

Various embodiments that include a shoe-attachment mechanism (e.g., 52), for example, located at the shoe plate (e.g., 12), further include, for instance, an engagement device (e.g., for engaging or holding a strap) that may include, for example, a face, an opening through the face, a catch tab, an arm extending from the face to the catch tab and connecting the face to the catch tab, and a release tab extending from the catch tab through the opening in the face. In some embodiments, the face, the catch tab, the arm, and the release tab are all joined as a single piece, and in various embodiments, the engagement device is configured so that the worker releases the engagement device by pressing on the release tab. In various embodiments, such an engagement device may hold a strap around the worker's shoe or leg, for example, to attach the stilt to the worker, and may be adjustable for workers with different size feet, legs, or both. The engagement device, however may be releasable, for instance, so the worker can remove the stilt from his leg and foot.

In addition, in some embodiments, for each stilt, at least one of the shoe-attachment mechanism (e.g., 52) or the leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14) includes a strap (e.g., 27, 57, or 58) that includes, for example, an engagement portion having multiple engagement features. Teeth are an example of an engagement portion, and a toothed portion of the strap is an example of an engagement portion. In a number of embodiments, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled and used by the worker, the engagement device releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the engagement features of the engagement portion, for example, to secure the strap around the shoe worn by the worker or around the leg of the worker. Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled and in operation (e.g., on the support surface), the catch tab engages at least one engagement feature, for example, in the engagement portion of the strap. In some embodiments, for each stilt, the leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14) includes the engagement device, and in some embodiments, the shoe-attachment mechanism (e.g., 52) includes (e.g., another one of) the engagement device. Moreover, In some embodiments, for each stilt, the leg-attachment mechanism and the shoe-attachment mechanism each include at least one of the engagement devices.

Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the shoe-attachment mechanism or leg-attachment mechanism include a tooth engagement device that, when the stilt is assembled and is being used by the worker, for example, releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the teeth of a toothed portion, for instance, to secure the strap around the shoe worn by the worker or around the leg of the worker. In the particular embodiment illustrated, shoe-attachment mechanism 52 and leg-attachment mechanism 14 each include a tooth engagement device 51 that, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled and used by the worker, releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the teeth (e.g., 272 or 252) of the first toothed portion (e.g., 271 or 521), to secure the strap (e.g., 27, 57, or 58) around the shoe worn by the worker (straps 57 and 58) or around the leg of the worker (strap 27). As shown in FIG. 2, leg-attachment mechanism 14 includes strap 27 and tooth engagement device 51. In this embodiment, leg-attachment mechanism 14 further includes foam layer 28 which, when leg-attachment mechanism 14 is assembled, is adhered to backing layer 29 of strap 27 (e.g., with an adhesive). Foam layer 28 may be open cell foam or closed cell foam, for example, neoprene. Backing layer 29 may be made of a sheet of plastic that is sufficiently flexible to bend around the worker's calf. In the embodiment shown, toothed portion 271, tooth engagement device 51, and foam layer 28 are all directly attached to backing layer 29. As used herein, “directly attached” includes being attached with one or more fasteners and being attached with an adhesive.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this particular embodiment, toothed portion 271 is attached to backing layer 29 with four fasteners and tooth engagement device 51 is attached to backing layer 29 with four fasteners 599 (e.g., flat head screws). The embodiment show further includes leg strap bracket 25, which, when stilt 10 is assembled, connects backing layer 29 to support pole 15 (e.g., to inner tube 21) with fastener 299. Fastener 299 may be the same as or similar to fasteners 99 or 599, for example. In the embodiment shown, leg strap bracket 25 includes hollow portion 251 containing support pole 15 (e.g., the top end of inner tube 21) and slot 252 containing backing layer 29. In this embodiment, wherein inner tube 21 has an oval cross section, leg strap bracket has a mating oval shaped opening in the bottom configured to receive inner tube 21 into hollow portion 251. As shown, backing layer 29 passes through slot 252 and through hollow portion 251, and foam layer 28 is notched to fit strap bracket 25.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, in the embodiment illustrated, shoe attachment device 52 also includes straps 57 and 58, which may be similar or identical to strap 27 in many respects. In this embodiment, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled and in use by the worker, strap 58 passes around the heel of the worker (e.g., at heel 122 of stilt 10 or 30) and across the bridge of the worker's foot. Further, strap 57 secures the toe box of the worker's shoe, substantially at metatarsal bones of the worker's foot, for example, to shoe plate 12. In some embodiments, strap 57 or strap 58 is the first strap mentioned herein. Each of these straps, in the embodiment illustrated, include a tooth engagement device 51. Further, stilts 10 and 30 are examples of embodiments wherein at least one of the shoe-attachment mechanism (e.g., 52) or the leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14) further includes a second strap that includes a second toothed portion that includes multiple teeth formed in the second strap. Specifically, shoe attachment device 52 includes two straps 57 and 58, either of which may be the first strap or the second strap. Further, in this embodiment, the shoe-attachment mechanism (e.g., 52) or leg-attachment mechanism 14 further includes a second tooth engagement device (e.g., 51 for either strap 57 or 58) that, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled and used by the worker, releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the teeth of the second toothed portion (e.g., of strap 57 or 58) to secure the second strap around the shoe worn by the worker or around the leg of the worker. Moreover, stilts 10 and 30 are examples of embodiments that include a third strap that includes a third toothed portion having multiple teeth formed in the third strap. Either strap 57 or 58 may be the third strap, for example.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 further illustrate tooth engagement device 51, which may engage strap 27, 57, or 58, for example, and may be part of leg-attachment mechanism 14 or shoe-attachment mechanism 52, for instance. In some embodiments, each strap (e.g., strap 27, 57, and 58) includes a tooth engagement device 51. In the embodiment shown, tooth engagement device 51 includes face 114, opening 115 through face 114, and catch tab 116 (shown in FIG. 14). In this particular embodiment, when stilt 10 is assembled and in operation, catch tab 116 engages at least one tooth (e.g., 272 or 572, shown in FIG. 13) in the toothed portion (e.g., 271 or 571) of the strap (e.g., 27, 57, or 58), as shown in FIG. 14. Further, in this embodiment, tooth engagement device 51 includes arm 117 extending from face 114 to catch tab 116 and connecting face 114 to catch tab 116. Further, tooth engagement device 51 includes release tab 118 extending from catch tab 116 through opening 115 in face 114. In this particular embodiment, face 114, catch tab 116, arm 117, and release tab 118 are all joined as a single piece (e.g., of metal or plastic). Furthermore, in this embodiment, tooth engagement device 51 is configured so that the worker releases the strap (e.g., 27, 57, or 58) from first tooth engagement device (e.g., 51) by pressing on release tab 118. As used herein, “pressing” means applying a force with the worker's finger or hand (in any direction). Even further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the embodiment illustrated, engagement device further includes spring 140. Spring 140, in this embodiment, is a U-shaped piece of metal, such as spring steel or stainless steel, as examples. In this embodiment, spring 140 presses or biases against arm 117 and against the back side of face 114 to press catch tab 116 against teeth 572 in toothed portion 571. In FIGS. 12 and 14, strap 57 is shown. Straps 27 and 58 may be similar, except where shown otherwise.

In the embodiment shown, the way the straps attach to the stilt also include significant improvements over prior stilts. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, shoe plate 12 includes substantially horizontal slot 37 therethrough (see, for example, FIGS. 1, 3, and 5). As shown in FIG. 5, slot 37 includes top surface 371 and bottom surface 372, and top surface 371 of slot 37 includes multiple grooves 373. As used herein, substantially horizontal means that when the stilt is oriented vertically, for example, when in use standing on a level support surface, the two greatest perpendicular overall dimensions of the slot are horizontal (e.g., both laterally and in a heel to toe direction), to within 20 degrees. Shoe-attachment mechanism 52 also includes strap 57, in the embodiment shown, which, when stilt 10 is assembled and is being used by the worker, passes through slot 37 and secures the toe box of the worker's shoe, for example, at or substantially at metatarsal bones of the worker's foot, to shoe plate 12. As used herein, “at metatarsal bones of the worker's foot” (without the word “substantially”) means at least part of the strap is vertically above at least part of the metatarsal bones of the worker's foot. Further, as used herein, “substantially at metatarsal bones of the worker's foot” (with the word “substantially”) means at least part of the strap is within one inch of being vertically above at least part of the metatarsal bones of the worker's foot.

FIG. 13 further illustrates the top of strap 57 (i.e., the top when strap 57 is flat as shown in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, strap 57 includes multiple ridges 133 that mate with the multiple grooves 373 in top surface 371 of slot 37. In this embodiment, ridges 133 fit inside the multiple grooves 373 (shown in FIG. 5) in top surface 371 of slot 37. Slot 37 is wider (i.e., larger in overall dimension in the heel to toe direction) than strap 57, and when strap 57 is loose (i.e., has not been tightened, for example, around the shoe or foot of the worker, for instance, as shown in FIG. 1), the worker can move strap 57 in slot 37, for example, towards the worker's heel or toward the workers toes to fit the worker's foot (e.g., to position strap 57 at the toe box of the worker's shoe, or at or substantially at metatarsal bones of the worker's foot). Moreover, when strap 57 is tight (i.e., around the worker's shoe or foot, grooves 373 and ridges 133 prevent or limit movement of the strap, for instance, towards the worker's heel or toward the workers toes, for example, to prevent or limit movement of the worker's foot on shoe plate 12, to prevent or limit movement of strap 57 (e.g., toward the workers toes or heel), or both. In other embodiments, the leg-attachment mechanism, the shoe-attachment mechanism, or both, may include one or more curved (e.g., convex toward the leg) rigid components, as another example, which may be padded (e.g., with foam).

In FIG. 12, strap 57 is shown cut at ends 120 and 125. In this embodiment, ends 120 and 125 are normally joined in one continuous piece, forming strap 57 as shown in FIG. 13, with the section containing ridges 133 therebetween. When the stilt is in use, strap 57 (shown in FIG. 13) is bent or curved around the worker's foot so that toothed portion 571 fits into engagement device 51 (as shown in FIG. 12, except without cuts 120 and 125) to secure the strap around the worker's foot. Strap 58 is similar but lacks ridges 133 and has a narrow section at heel 122, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5. Strap 27, shown in FIGS. 1-3 is also similar, but further includes backing layer 29 described herein.

In the embodiment shown (e.g., in FIG. 13), grooves 373 and ridges 133 have sides (i.e., toward the toe or toward the heel of the stilt when the stilt is assembled) that are vertical or substantially vertical (i.e., when the stilt is vertical, for example, when in use). In other embodiments, however, the grooves and ridges may have sides that may be at an angle of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75 degrees from vertical, as other examples. In a number of embodiments, the grooves and ridges may have sides that are at the same angle, or that are at substantially the same angle so that the grooves and ridges mate well with each other. Further, in various embodiments, the grooves and ridges (e.g., 373 and 133) may be equally or substantially equally spaced to provide for engagement therebetween. In particular embodiments, grooves 373 and ridges 133 may have clearance therebetween to provide for ready engagement therebetween. FIG. 13 also shows four holes 1199 through strap 57. Fasteners (e.g., screws, for instance, 599 shown in FIG. 2) pass through holes 1199 to secure engagement device 51 on the opposite side of strap 57 in this embodiment.

In various embodiments, many components of the stilts may be made of a light-weight but strong material such as aluminum, a composite material, fiber-reinforced plastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, or the like. Examples include columns 13, 19, 33, and 39 and support pole 15. Various parts may be hollow to reduce weight. Fasteners and springs, however, may be made of (e.g., solid) metal, such as steel or stainless steel, as examples. In some embodiments, grade 5 bolts may be used, for instance. In other embodiments, however, fasteners may be made of lighter materials such as aluminum, titanium, nylon, or CFRP, as further examples.

Besides apparatuses, such as stilts, a number of embodiments also provide or include various processes or methods of making stilts, of improving the safety of stilts, or of reducing the weight of stilts, as examples. Such methods may be accomplished, for instance, by obtaining or providing stilts, for example, or by making certain improvements to a stilt design. Various such methods, for example, may include in any order, or in a specific order, various combinations of certain acts. These acts may include, for instance, obtaining or providing stilts or particular components thereof, as examples. The order of acts identified herein provides an example of an order in which the acts can be accomplished, but in other embodiments, some or all of the acts may be performed in a different order or at the same time, as further examples. Particular embodiments include methods, such as methods of improving the safety of stilts (e.g., 10 or 30) for supporting a worker for doing elevated work, and methods of obtaining or providing one or more stilts (e.g., pairs of stilts) for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. Such a method may include certain acts which may be performed in the order listed herein, in another order, simultaneously, or a combination thereof, as examples.

As used herein, the phrase “obtaining or providing” includes ordering, purchasing, importing, manufacturing, assembling, storing, receiving, shipping, having shipped, selling, renting, and giving. Further, where acts described herein include “obtaining or providing” certain structure, in other embodiments, that structure may be obtained but not provided, or provided but not obtained, as other examples. In still other embodiments, alternative acts may include any of, or any combination of, purchasing, importing, manufacturing, assembling, storing, receiving, shipping, having shipped, selling, renting, or giving such structure, or other structure described herein, as examples.

Specific examples include various methods of improving the safety of a stilt for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. Such methods may include, for example, modifying a support pole of the stilt so that the support pole will better resist twisting. Acts of modifying or improving one or more components of stilts, may include changes over prior art stilts, for example, shown in prior patent documents. For example, certain embodiments provide an improvement or modification over the prior art described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,640 (Emmert). In a number of embodiments, for example, the act of modifying the support pole may include, for example, adding at least one external non-circular feature, for example, extending parallel to a centerline of the support pole at least over an adjustment range. In some embodiments, this may include, for instance, changing the shape of the support pole to a cross section that is non-circular, for example, that has a rib, that is square, or that is oval, as examples. Examples of other shapes are also described herein. In particular embodiments, an act of modifying the support pole may include, for example, adding the at least one external non-circular feature such that, when the stilt is assembled, the non-circular feature of the support pole engages with a non-circular aspect, for example, of a guide, of another part of the support pole, or of at least one clamping surface of a clamp that is part of the stilt, for instance, to prevent the support pole from rotating within the clamp. Various embodiments may include, for example, one or more acts of obtaining or providing the structure described herein. Further, some methods may further include, for example, at least one act of obtaining or providing any combination of the structure of the stilts described herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates method 150, for instance, which may be a method of improving the safety of stilts (e.g., 10 or 30) for supporting a worker for doing elevated work, or a method of obtaining or providing one or more stilts for supporting a worker for doing elevated work, as examples. Method 150 includes act 151 of obtaining or providing a base member (e.g., 11), for example, for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is used. Further, method 150 includes act 152 of obtaining or providing a shoe plate (e.g., 12), for instance, for supporting a shoe worn by the worker. Furthermore, method 150 includes act 153 of obtaining or providing a first column (e.g., 13 or 33). In some embodiments, for example, when stilt 10 or 30 is assembled, the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) extends from the base member (e.g., 11) to the shoe plate (e.g., 12). Further, method 150 includes act 154 of obtaining or providing a leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14), for instance, for attaching (the stilt) to the leg of the worker, for example, above the shoe of the worker. Further still, method 150 includes act 155 of obtaining or providing a support pole (e.g., 15) which, in a number of embodiments, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, extends from the lower attachment point (e.g., 16), for instance, at the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) or near the shoe plate (e.g., 12) to an upper attachment point (e.g., 17), for example, at the leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14).

In some embodiments, for example, the support pole (e.g., 15) has at least one external non-circular feature that extends parallel to a centerline of the support pole at least over an adjustment range to resist twisting of the support pole (e.g., 15), for example, relative to the shoe plate (e.g., 12). In particular embodiments, act 155 of obtaining or providing the support pole includes, for instance, obtaining or providing a support pole (e.g., 15) that has an oval cross section. In such an example, the oval cross section may be the external non-circular feature that extends parallel to a centerline of the support pole at least over an adjustment range to resist twisting of the support pole. Further, in some embodiments, the support pole (e.g., 15) may include a non-circular inner pole (e.g., 21) and a mating non-circular outer tube (e.g., 22). Moreover, in particular embodiments, for example, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the non-circular inner pole (e.g., 21) telescopically and substantially non-rotatably engages the mating non-circular outer tube (e.g., 22), for example, to provide for height adjustment of the leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14) over an adjustment range, for instance, to allow the leg-attachment mechanism (e.g., 14) to be raised or lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing the leg-attachment mechanism from rotating, for example, relative to the shoe plate (e.g., 12). Further, method 150 also includes act 156 of obtaining or providing a lateral adjustment feature (e.g., 160). In some embodiments, for example, when stilt 10 (or 30) is assembled, lateral adjustment feature 160 is located at lower attachment point 16, and lateral adjustment feature 160 adjustably attaches support pole 15 to first column 13 (or 33).

Further, in a number of embodiments, various of the acts illustrated in FIG. 15 may include other more-specific limitations or acts. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate methods 160 and 170 that include examples of such other more-specific limitations or acts. Different embodiments of methods described herein include different combinations or subsets of the limitations or acts depicted in FIGS. 15-17, for example. In some embodiments, various such acts are further limited, for example, as described herein. For example, in certain embodiments, for each stilt, act 153 of method 150, of obtaining or providing the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) includes, for instance, act 161 of method 160 of obtaining or providing a first tube (e.g., smaller tube 91), and act 162 of obtaining or providing a first end cap (e.g., 911 shown in FIG. 9). In a number of embodiments, for example, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled the first end cap (e.g., 911) may fit partially inside the first tube (e.g., 91).

Further, in some embodiments, act 153 may include act 163 of obtaining or providing a second tube (e.g., tube 92, which may be larger in cross section than first tube 91), and when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the first tube (e.g., 91) may telescopically engage the second tube (e.g., 92) and the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) may be adjustable, for instance, to change a height distance from the base member (e.g., 11, which may have been obtained or provided in act 151) to the shoe plate (e.g., 12, which may have been obtained or provided in act 152). In some embodiments, for example, the first tube (e.g., 91, which may have been obtained or provided in act 161) and the second tube (e.g., 92, which may have been obtained or provided in act 163), each have a non-circular cross section. Further, some methods further include act 164 of obtaining or providing a second end cap (e.g., 921 shown in FIG. 9). In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the second end cap (e.g., 921) fits partially inside the second tube (e.g., 92).

Further, in some embodiments, for each stilt (e.g., 10 or 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), act 153 (shown in FIG. 15), of obtaining or providing the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) further includes act 165 (shown in FIG. 16) of obtaining or providing a third end cap (e.g., 931 shown in FIG. 9), and in particular embodiments, act 166 of obtaining or providing a fourth end cap (e.g., 941). In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the third end cap (e.g., 931) fits partially inside the first tube (e.g., 91), the fourth end cap (e.g., 941) fits partially inside the second tube (e.g., 92), the fourth end cap (e.g., 941) includes an open end (e.g., 949), and the first tube (e.g., 91) passes through the open end (e.g., 949) of the fourth end cap (e.g., 941).

Further still, in some embodiments, for each stilt, act 153 of obtaining or providing the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) further includes act 167 of obtaining or providing one or more fasteners. Examples of such fasteners include fasteners 113, 119, 123, and 129 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Further, some embodiments include act 168 of obtaining or providing one or more end holes (e.g., in tube 91, tube 92, or both), act 169 of obtaining or providing one or more end cap holes (e.g., in end cap 911, 921, 931, 941, or a combination thereof), or both such acts. For instance, in particular embodiments, a method may include an act (e.g., 167) of obtaining or providing a first fastener (e.g., 113), an act (e.g., 168) of obtaining or providing (e.g., two) first end holes (e.g., 913) in the first tube (e.g., 91), an act (e.g., 169) of obtaining or providing at least one first end cap hole (e.g., 914) in the first end cap (e.g., 911), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the at least one first end cap hole (e.g., 914) lines up with the two first end holes (e.g., 913) in the first tube (e.g., 91) and fastener 113 passes through the at least one first end cap hole (914) and through the two first end holes (e.g., 913). Moreover, in a number of embodiments, fastener 113 connects the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) to the base member (e.g., 11) or to the shoe plate (e.g., 12).

Even further, certain embodiments further include an act (e.g., 167) of obtaining or providing a second fastener (e.g., 123), an act (e.g., 168) of obtaining or providing two second end holes (e.g., 923) in the second tube (e.g., 92), an act (e.g., 169) of obtaining or providing at least one second end cap hole (e.g., 924) in the second end cap (e.g., 921), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the at least one second end cap hole (e.g., 924) lines up with the two second end holes (e.g., 923) and a second fastener (e.g., 123) passes through the at least one second end cap hole (e.g., 924) and through the two second end holes (e.g., 923. In certain embodiments, this second fastener (e.g., 123) connects the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) to the base member (e.g., 11) or to the shoe plate (e.g., 12), for instance. For example, in some embodiments, first fastener 113 connects the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) to the base member (e.g., 11) and second fastener 123 connects the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) to the shoe plate (e.g., 12), for instance.

Turning now to FIG. 17, in a number of embodiments, for each stilt, act 151 (shown in

FIG. 15) of obtaining or providing the base member (e.g., 11 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4) includes, for instance, act 171 (shown in FIG. 17) of obtaining or providing a structural layer (e.g., 44 shown in FIG. 4), and obtaining or providing a tread layer (e.g., 45 shown in FIG. 4). In some such embodiments, for example, at least one of the structural layer (e.g., 44) or the tread layer (e.g., 45) includes, for instance, at least two opposing grooves therealong. Grooves 441 and 442 are examples of opposing groves in structural layer 44, and groves 451 and 452 are examples of opposing groves in tread layer 45, all shown in FIG. 4. Further, in a number of embodiments, at least one of the structural layer (e.g., 44) or the tread layer (e.g., 45) includes, for instance, at least two opposing projections therealong. Projections 445 and 446 are examples of opposing projections in structural layer 44, and projections 455 and 456 are examples of opposing projections in tread layer 45. Projections 447 and 448 are also examples of opposing projections in structural layer 44. In certain embodiments, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the at least two opposing projections (e.g., in structural layer 44 or tread layer 45) engage the at least two opposing grooves (e.g., in the other of structural layer 44 or tread layer 45) to at least partially attach the tread layer to the structural layer.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, act 151 of obtaining or providing the base member (e.g., 11) includes, for instance, act 173 of obtaining or providing a tread fastener (e.g., 49 shown in FIG. 4) that attaches the structural layer (e.g., 44) to the tread layer (e.g., 45). In particular embodiments, act 173 includes obtaining or providing only one tread fastener (e.g., 49) per stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) that attaches the structural layer (e.g., 44) to the tread layer (e.g., 45). Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the method (e.g., act 171 of obtaining or providing the structural layer) further includes, for instance, act 174 of obtaining or providing a first ear (e.g., ear 111 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) projecting upward (i.e., when the stilt is in the orientation that it is normally in when in use) from the structural layer (e.g., 44), act 175 of obtaining or providing a second ear (e.g., ear 112) projecting upward from the structural layer (e.g., 44), or both. Further, some embodiments include act 176 of obtaining or providing a first fastener (e.g., 113 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). Further still, in various embodiments, the first ear (e.g., ear 111) has a first hole (e.g., 41 shown in FIG. 4) therethrough, the second ear (e.g., ear 112) has a second hole (e.g., 42) therethrough, and the first hole is in line with the second hole. Even further, in a number of embodiments, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the first column (e.g., 13 or 33) is located between the first ear (e.g., ear 111) and the second ear (e.g., ear 112), and the first fastener (e.g., 113) extends through the first hole (e.g., 41), through the first column (e.g., 13 or 33), and through the second hole (e.g., 42).

Various methods further include, for example, act 177 of obtaining or providing a second column (e.g., 19 or 39 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 10) for each stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member (e.g., 11 obtained or provided in act 151) to the shoe plate (e.g., 12, obtained or provided in act 152). Further, certain embodiments include act 178 of obtaining or providing a third fastener (e.g., 119 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) for each stilt (e.g., 10 or 30). In some embodiments, the method, or act 171 of obtaining or providing the structural layer (e.g., 44), further includes, for instance, act 179 of obtaining or providing a fifth ear (e.g., 411) projecting upward (i.e., when the stilt is in the normal orientation when being used), and obtaining or providing a sixth ear (e.g., 412) projecting upward. In some such embodiments, for example, the fifth ear has a fifth hole (e.g., hole 405 shown in FIG. 4) therethrough, the sixth ear has a sixth hole (e.g., 406) therethrough, and the fifth hole is in line with the sixth hole. Moreover, in particular embodiments, when the stilt (e.g., 10 or 30) is assembled, the second column (e.g., 19 or 39) is located between the fifth ear (e.g., 411) and the sixth ear (e.g., 412), and the third fastener (e.g., 119) extends through the fifth hole (e.g., 405), through second column (e.g., 19 or 39), and through the sixth hole (e.g., 406). Further, in some embodiments, the method or the act of obtaining or providing the tread layer (e.g., act 172) includes, for instance, obtaining or providing an elastomer, for example, that may have a rectangular shape, for instance, with rounded corners, when viewed from below (e.g., when the stilt is in the normal orientation when being used).

In other embodiments, the method or act may include providing a support pole having a non-circular cross section, such as square or oval, as examples. Even further, in some embodiments, such methods may include, for example, an act of obtaining or providing other structure described herein, such as at least one act of obtaining or providing any combination of the features, aspects, or components of stilts described herein. The various components shown in the different drawings, described herein, or both, may be found in various combinations in different embodiments. Other embodiments may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having studied this document, and may include features or limitations described herein, shown in the drawings, or both. Various methods may include part or all of the acts described herein or known in the art, as examples.

In various embodiments, a pair of stilts supports a worker for doing elevated work. In a number of embodiments, each stilt may include, for example, a base member for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, a first column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, and a leg-attachment mechanism for attaching to a leg of the worker, for instance, above the shoe of the worker. Further, various embodiments include a support pole which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism. Various embodiments further include a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, and a first draw spring having a first draw bar, a second draw bar, and a first helix. In a number of embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the first draw bar passes through the first helix and is connected to the first column, and the second draw bar passes through the first helix and is connected to the second column.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, when the stilt is assembled, the lower attachment point is at the first column, the support pole further includes an intermediate attachment point near the shoe plate, and the stilt further includes a lateral adjustment feature located at the lower attachment point. In a number of embodiments, the lateral adjustment feature adjustably attaches the support pole to the first column, and adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature causes the support pole to pivot at the intermediate attachment point relative to the first column. Moreover, in particular embodiments, the stilt further includes a first spring bracket which, when the stilt is assembled, extends outward from the first column and connects the first draw bar to the first column, and a second spring bracket which, when the stilt is assembled, extends outward from the second column and connects the second draw bar to the second column.

In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the first column has a substantially oval outside cross section, the first spring bracket has a substantially oval inside cross section which, when the stilt is assembled, mates with the oval outside cross section of the first column, the second column has a substantially oval outside cross section that is substantially equivalent to the oval outside cross section of the first column. Further, in a number of embodiments, the second spring bracket has a substantially oval inside cross section that is substantially equivalent to the oval inside cross section of the first spring bracket, and which, when the stilt is assembled, mates with the oval outside cross section of the second column. In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the first spring bracket and the second spring bracket are cut from a same extrusion having a same cross section.

Further, in various embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes, for instance, a second draw spring having a third draw bar and a fourth draw bar, and in some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the third draw bar passes through the second helix and is connected to the first column and the fourth draw bar passes through the second helix and is connected to the second column. In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the stilt further includes a first spring bracket which, when the stilt is assembled, extends outward from the first column and connects the first draw bar to the first column, a second spring bracket which, when the stilt is assembled, extends outward from the second column and connects the second draw bar to the second column, and a third spring bracket which, when the stilt is assembled, extends outward from the first column and connects the third draw bar to the first column. Further, in some such embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the second spring bracket also connects the fourth draw bar to the second column.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the first column includes, for instance, a first smaller tube and a first larger tube, and when the stilt is assembled, the first smaller tube telescopically engages the first larger tube and the first column is adjustable to change a height distance from the base member to the shoe plate. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second column includes, for instance, a second smaller tube and a second larger tube, and when the stilt is assembled, the second smaller tube telescopically engages the second larger tube and the second column is adjustable to change a height distance from the base member to the shoe plate. In various such embodiments, the first spring bracket is attached to the first larger tube, the second spring bracket is attached to the second larger tube, and the third spring bracket is also attached to the first larger tube. In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the first spring bracket is attached to the first larger tube with at least one first fastener, the second spring bracket is attached to the second larger tube with at least one second fastener, the third spring bracket is attached to the first larger tube with at least one third fastener, or a combination thereof.

Further, in a number of embodiments, the first smaller tube includes, for instance, at least one first localized variation in cross section from the first larger tube. In particular embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the first localized variation in cross section lines up with the at least one first fastener and the at least one third fastener in the first larger tube, and the second smaller tube includes, for instance, at least one second localized variation in cross section from the second larger tube. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the second localized variation in cross section lines up with the at least one second fastener. Moreover, in particular embodiments, the at least one first localized variation in cross section from the first larger tube includes, for instance, a flat in the first smaller tube, the at least one second localized variation in cross section from the second larger tube includes, for instance, a flat in the second smaller tube, or both.

Still other specific embodiments include various pairs of stilts that include certain components in addition to a base member, a shoe plate, a first column, a leg-attachment mechanism, and a support pole (e.g., which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism). Some embodiments include, for example, a first ear and a second ear both projecting in a substantially same direction from the base member or from the shoe plate. In particular embodiments, for example, the first ear has a first hole therethrough, and the second ear has a second hole therethrough. Further, in certain embodiments, for example, the first hole is in line with the second hole. Moreover, in some embodiments, the stilt further includes, for instance, a first fastener, and, when the stilt is assembled, the first column is located between the first ear and the second ear, and the first fastener extends through the first hole, through the first column, and through the second hole.

In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, when the stilt is assembled and in use, the first ear and the second ear each project downward from the shoe plate. In some such embodiments, for each stilt, the lower attachment point of the support pole is at the first column, the stilt further includes an intermediate attachment point for the support pole near the shoe plate, the intermediate attachment point includes, for instance, a pivot bracket having a mounting hole therein, and when the stilt is assembled, the first fastener extends through the mounting hole of the pivot bracket securing the pivot bracket to the shoe plate and to the first column.

In some embodiments, on the other hand, as another example, for each stilt, when the stilt is assembled and in use, the first ear and the second ear each project upward from the base member. In some such embodiments, when the stilt is assembled and in use, the shoe plate further includes, for instance, a third ear projecting downward and a fourth ear projecting downward. In some such embodiments, the third ear has a third hole therethrough, and the fourth ear has a fourth hole therethrough, and the third hole is in line with the fourth hole. Moreover, in some such embodiments, the stilt further includes a second fastener, and when the stilt is assembled, the first column is located between the third ear and the fourth ear, and the second fastener extends through the third hole, through the first column, and through the fourth hole.

Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes, for instance, a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, and the base member includes, for instance, a fifth ear projecting upward and a sixth ear projecting upward. In particular embodiments, for example, the fifth ear has a fifth hole therethrough, and the sixth ear has a sixth hole therethrough, the fifth hole is in line with the sixth hole, and the stilt further includes a third fastener. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the second column is located between the fifth ear and the sixth ear, and the third fastener extends through the fifth hole, through the second column, and through the sixth hole.

Further, in some embodiments, the stilt further includes a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, the shoe plate includes a seventh hole through the third ear and an eighth hole through the fourth ear, and the seventh hole is in line with the eighth hole. In some such embodiments, for example, the stilt further includes a fourth fastener, and when the stilt is assembled, the second column is located between the third ear and the fourth ear, and the fourth fastener extends through the seventh hole, through the second column, and through the eighth hole.

Moreover, in various embodiments, for each stilt, the first column includes, for instance, a first tube having two first end holes and a first end cap having at least one first end cap hole, and when the stilt is assembled, the first end cap may fit partially inside the first tube, the at least one first end cap hole may line up with the two first end holes, and the first fastener may pass through the at least one first end cap hole and through the two first end holes. Further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the first column further includes a second tube, the second tube is larger in cross section than the first tube, when the stilt is assembled, the first tube telescopically engages the second tube and the first column is adjustable to change a height distance from the base member to the shoe plate, and the first tube and the second tube each have a non-circular cross section.

In some embodiments, for example, for each stilt, the second tube includes, for instance, two second end holes and a second end cap having at least one second end cap hole, and when the stilt is assembled, the second end cap fits partially inside the second tube, the at least one second end cap hole lines up with the two second end holes, and a second fastener passes through the at least one second end cap hole and through the two second end holes. Further, in a number of such embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the second fastener connects the first column to the base member or to the shoe plate. Further still, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the first column further includes, for instance, a third end cap and a fourth end cap. Moreover, in some embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the third end cap fits partially inside the first tube, the fourth end cap fits partially inside the second tube, the fourth end cap includes, for instance, an open end, and the first tube passes through the open end of the fourth end cap.

Still other specific embodiments include various methods, such as methods of obtaining or providing a stilt for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. Such a method may include, for example, at least the acts of obtaining or providing a base member for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, obtaining or providing a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, and obtaining or providing a first column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate. Further, in a number of embodiments, for each stilt, the act of obtaining or providing the first column includes, for instance, obtaining or providing a first tube, obtaining or providing a first end cap, (e.g., which, when the stilt is assembled may fit partially inside the first tube), obtaining or providing a second tube (e.g., which may be larger in cross section than the first tube), and when the stilt is assembled, the first tube telescopically engages the second tube and the first column is adjustable to change a height distance from the base member to the shoe plate. In some embodiments, for example, the first tube and the second tube each have a non-circular cross section. Further, some such methods further include an act of obtaining or providing a second end cap. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the second end cap fits partially inside the second tube.

Further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the act of obtaining or providing the first column further includes obtaining or providing a third end cap, and in particular embodiments, obtaining or providing a fourth end cap. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the third end cap fits partially inside the first tube, the fourth end cap fits partially inside the second tube, the fourth end cap includes an open end, and the first tube passes through the open end of the fourth end cap. Further still, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the act of obtaining or providing the first column further includes obtaining or providing a first fastener, obtaining or providing two first end holes in the first tube, obtaining or providing at least one first end cap hole in the first end cap, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the at least one first end cap hole lines up with the two first end holes in the first tube and the first fastener passes through the at least one first end cap hole and through the two first end holes. Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the first fastener connects the first column to the base member or to the shoe plate. Even further, certain embodiments further include acts of obtaining or providing a second fastener, obtaining or providing two second end holes in the second tube, obtaining or providing at least one second end cap hole in the second end cap, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, when the stilt is assembled, the at least one second end cap hole lines up with the two second end holes and the second fastener passes through the at least one second end cap hole and through the two second end holes. In certain embodiments, the second fastener connects the first column to the base member or to the shoe plate, for instance.

In various embodiments, various pairs of stilts, for example, support a worker for doing elevated work. In a number of embodiments, each stilt may include, for example, a base member for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, a first column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, and a leg-attachment mechanism for attaching to a leg of the worker, for instance, above the shoe of the worker. Further, various embodiments include a support pole which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism.

Some embodiments further include a shoe-attachment mechanism which, when the stilt is assembled, is located at the shoe plate. In some embodiments, for example, at least one of the shoe-attachment mechanism or the leg attachment mechanism includes, for instance, a first strap that may include, for example, a first toothed portion having, for instance, multiple teeth. Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the shoe-attachment mechanism or the leg attachment mechanism may further include, for instance, a first tooth engagement device that, when the stilt is assembled and used by the worker, for example, releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the teeth of the first toothed portion, for instance, to secure the first strap around the shoe worn by the worker or around the leg of the worker.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, the leg attachment mechanism includes the first strap and the first tooth engagement device, and in particular embodiments, the leg attachment mechanism further includes, for instance, a foam layer adhered to the strap. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first strap includes a backing layer and in certain embodiments, the first toothed portion, the first tooth engagement device, and the foam layer are all directly attached to the backing layer. Various embodiments may further include a leg strap bracket, which, when the stilt is assembled, connects the backing layer to the support pole. In some embodiments, the leg strap bracket includes, for instance, a hollow portion containing the support pole and a slot containing the backing layer.

On the other hand, in certain embodiments, for each stilt, the shoe-attachment mechanism includes the first strap and the first tooth engagement device. In various such embodiments, at least one of the shoe-attachment mechanism or the leg attachment mechanism further includes a second strap which may include, for example, a second toothed portion that may include, for instance, multiple teeth formed in the second strap. Further, in particular embodiments, the shoe-attachment mechanism or the leg attachment mechanism further includes a second tooth engagement device that, when the stilt is assembled and used by the worker, releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the teeth of the second toothed portion to secure the second strap around the shoe worn by the worker or around the leg of the worker. In some embodiments, for each stilt, the leg attachment mechanism includes the second strap and the second tooth engagement device, the leg attachment mechanism further includes a backing layer, and the second toothed portion and the second tooth engagement device are directly attached to the backing layer.

Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the leg attachment mechanism includes the second strap and the second tooth engagement device, and the shoe-attachment mechanism further includes a third strap that may include, for example, a third toothed portion having, for instance, multiple teeth formed in the third strap. Further, in various such embodiments, the shoe-attachment mechanism further includes a third tooth engagement device that, when the stilt is assembled and used by the worker, releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the teeth of the third toothed portion to secure the third strap around the shoe worn by the worker.

In a number of embodiments, for each stilt, the shoe-attachment mechanism includes, for instance, the first strap and the first tooth engagement device and in some embodiments, when the stilt is assembled and in use by the worker, the first strap passes around a heel of the worker and across a bridge of the worker's foot. In certain embodiments, for each stilt, the first tooth engagement device includes, for instance, a face, an opening through the face, and a catch tab. In some embodiments, when the stilt is assembled and in operation, the catch tab engages at least one tooth in the toothed portion of the first strap, an arm extending from the face to the catch tab and connecting the face to the catch tab, and a release tab extending from the catch tab through the opening in the face. In particular embodiments, the face, the catch tab, the arm, and the release tab are all joined as a single piece, for instance. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the first tooth engagement device is configured so that the worker releases the first strap from the first tooth engagement device by pressing on the release tab.

Still other specific embodiments include various pairs of stilts that include certain components in addition to a base member, a shoe plate, a first column, a leg-attachment mechanism, and a support pole (e.g., which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism). Various embodiments include, for example, a shoe-attachment mechanism which, when the stilt is assembled, is located at the shoe plate. In some embodiments, the shoe plate includes, for instance, a substantially horizontal slot therethrough. The slot may have a top surface and a bottom surface, and the top surface of the slot may include, for instance, multiple grooves. The shoe-attachment mechanism may also include a first strap which, when the stilt is assembled and is being used by the worker, may pass through the slot and may secure the toe box of the worker's shoe, substantially at metatarsal bones of the worker's foot, for example, to the shoe plate. In a number of embodiments, the strap includes, for instance, multiple ridges that mate with the multiple grooves in the top surface of the slot. The slot may be wider than the strap, in various embodiments, and when the strap is loose, the worker may be able to move the strap in the slot, for example, towards the worker's heel or toward the workers toes to fit the worker's foot. Moreover, when the strap is tight, the grooves and the ridges may prevent or limit movement of the strap, for instance, towards the worker's heel or toward the workers toes, for example, to prevent or limit movement of the worker's foot on the shoe plate.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, the first strap includes, for instance, a first toothed portion that may include, for example, multiple teeth formed in the first strap. In particular embodiments, for each stilt, the first strap may further include, for instance, a first tooth engagement device that, when the stilt is assembled and used by the worker, releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the teeth of the first toothed portion, for example, to secure the first strap around the shoe worn by the worker. Moreover, in certain embodiments, for each stilt, the first tooth engagement device includes, for instance, a face, an opening in the face, and a catch tab. Further, in some embodiments, when the stilt is assembled and in operation, the catch tab engages at least one tooth in the toothed portion of the first strap. Such embodiments may also include an arm extending from the face to the catch tab and connecting the face to the catch tab, and a release tab extending from the catch tab through the opening in the face. In particular embodiments, the face, the catch tab, the arm, and the release tab are all joined as a single piece. Even further, in some embodiments, the first tooth engagement device is configured so that the worker releases the first strap from the first tooth engagement device by pressing on the release tab.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, the shoe-attachment mechanism further includes a second strap, and when the stilt is assembled and in use by the worker, the second strap passes around a heel of the worker and across a bridge of the worker's foot. Further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the shoe plate further includes a first ear and a second ear both projecting substantially downward, the first ear has a first hole therethrough, the second ear has a second hole therethrough, and the first hole is in line with the second hole. Further still, in certain embodiments, the stilt further includes a first fastener, and when the stilt is assembled, the first column is located between the first ear and the second ear, and the first fastener extends through the first hole, through the first column, and through the second hole.

In various embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate. In particular embodiments, the shoe plate includes, for instance, a seventh hole through the third ear and an eighth hole through the fourth ear, and the seventh hole is in line with the eighth hole. In some such embodiments, the stilt further includes a fourth fastener, and when the stilt is assembled, the second column is located between the third ear and the fourth ear, and the fourth fastener extends through the seventh hole, through the second column, and through the eighth hole.

Still other specific embodiments include various methods, such as methods of obtaining or providing a stilt for supporting a worker for doing elevated work. Such a method may include, for example, at least the acts of obtaining or providing a base member for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, obtaining or providing a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, and obtaining or providing a first column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate. Various such methods further include acts of obtaining or providing a leg-attachment mechanism for attaching to a leg of the worker above the shoe of the worker, and obtaining or providing a support pole which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism. Further, in a number of embodiments, such methods include an act of obtaining or providing a shoe-attachment mechanism which, when the stilt is assembled, is located at the shoe plate. Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the act of obtaining or providing the base member includes, for instance, obtaining or providing a structural layer, and obtaining or providing a tread layer. In some such embodiments, for example, at least one of the structural layer or the tread layer includes, for instance, at least two opposing grooves there along. Further, In a number of embodiments, at least one of the structural layer or the tread layer includes, for instance, at least two opposing projections therealong. In certain embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the at least two opposing projections engage the at least two opposing grooves to at least partially attach the tread layer to the structural layer.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, the act of obtaining or providing the base member further includes, for instance, obtaining or providing only one tread fastener per stilt that attaches the structural layer to the tread layer. Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the act of obtaining or providing the structural layer further includes, for instance, obtaining or providing a first ear projecting upward from the structural layer, obtaining or providing a second ear projecting upward from the structural layer, obtaining or providing a first fastener, or a combination thereof. Further, in some embodiments, for example, the first ear has a first hole therethrough, the second ear has a second hole therethrough, and the first hole is in line with the second hole. Further still, in a number of embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the first column is located between the first ear and the second ear, and the first fastener extends through the first hole, through the first column, and through the second hole.

Such a method may further include, for example, acts of obtaining or providing a second column for each stilt which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, an act of obtaining or providing a third fastener for each stilt, or both. In some embodiments, the act of obtaining or providing the structural layer further includes, for instance, obtaining or providing a fifth ear projecting upward, and obtaining or providing a sixth ear projecting upward. In some such embodiments, for example, the fifth ear has a fifth hole therethrough, the sixth ear has a sixth hole therethrough, and the fifth hole is in line with the sixth hole. Moreover, in particular embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the second column is located between the fifth ear and the sixth ear, and the third fastener extends through the fifth hole, through the second column, and through the sixth hole. Further, in some embodiments, the act of obtaining or providing the tread layer includes, for instance, obtaining or providing an elastomer, for example, that may have a rectangular shape, for instance, with rounded corners, when viewed from below.

In various embodiments, various pairs of stilts, for example, support a worker for doing elevated work. In a number of embodiments, each stilt may include, for example, a base member for contacting a support surface upon which the stilt is used, a shoe plate for supporting a shoe worn by the worker, a first column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, and a first fastener which, when the stilt is assembled, attaches the first column to the shoe plate. Further, various embodiments include a leg-attachment mechanism for attaching to a leg of the worker above the shoe of the worker, and a support pole which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism. Some embodiments further include an intermediate attachment point for the support pole near the shoe plate. The intermediate attachment point may include, for example, a pivot bracket, for example, having a mounting hole therein. In a number of embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the first fastener extends through the mounting hole of the pivot bracket, for instance, securing the pivot bracket to the shoe plate and to the first column.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, when the stilt is assembled, the stilt further includes, for instance, a pivot ring surrounding the support pole at the intermediate attachment point. In some embodiments, the pivot ring is attached to the support pole and in particular embodiments, the pivot bracket is pivotably attached to the pivot ring. Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the pivot bracket includes, for instance, a first pivot hole and a second pivot hole, the stilt further includes, for instance, a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, and the first pivot hole is substantially in line with the second pivot hole. IN certain embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the first pivot pin is located in the first pivot hole, and the second pivot pin is located in the second pivot hole.

In various embodiments, for each stilt, the first column includes, for instance, a first tube that may have two first end holes and a first end cap that may have at least one first end cap hole. In a number of such embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the first end cap fits partially inside the first tube, the at least one first end cap hole lines up with the two first end holes, and the first fastener passes through the at least one first end cap hole and through the two first end holes. Further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the first column includes a first tube and a second tube, the second tube is larger in cross section than the first tube, and when the stilt is assembled, the first tube telescopically engages the second tube and the first column is adjustable to change a height distance from the base member to the shoe plate. In certain embodiments, the first tube and the second tube each have a non-circular cross section.

Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes, for instance, a first ear and a second ear. In particular embodiments, for example, the first ear projects downward from the shoe plate, the second ear projects downward from the shoe plate, the first ear has a first hole therethrough, the second ear has a second hole therethrough, and the first hole is in line with the second hole. In addition, in a number of embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the first column is located between the first ear and the second ear, and the first fastener extends through the mounting hole of the pivot bracket, through the first hole, through the first column, and through the second hole. Even further, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the support pole has a substantially oval cross section.

In various embodiments, for each stilt, the support pole includes, for instance, a non-circular outer tube and a mating non-circular inner pole, for example, that may have a non-circular exterior surface. In a number of embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the non-circular outer tube telescopically and substantially non-rotatably engages the mating non-circular inner pole, for example, to provide for height adjustment of the leg attachment mechanism over an adjustment range to allow the leg attachment mechanism to be raised or lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing the leg attachment mechanism from rotating relative to the shoe plate. What is more, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes, for instance, a lateral adjustment feature, and when the stilt is assembled, the lateral adjustment feature may be located at the lower attachment point. The lateral adjustment feature may adjustably attach the support pole to the first column, for instance, and adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature may cause the support pole to pivot at the intermediate attachment point relative to the first column.

Still other specific embodiments include various pairs of stilts that include certain components in addition to a base member, a shoe plate, a first column, a leg-attachment mechanism, and a support pole (e.g., which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column or near the shoe plate to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism). Various embodiments include, for example, a shoe-attachment mechanism which, when the stilt is assembled, is located at the shoe plate. In a number of embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the leg attachment mechanism or the shoe-attachment mechanism further includes, for instance, an engagement device that may include, for example, a face, an opening through the face, a catch tab, an arm extending from the face to the catch tab and connecting the face to the catch tab, and a release tab extending from the catch tab through the opening in the face. In some embodiments, the face, the catch tab, the arm, and the release tab are all joined as a single piece, and in various embodiments, the engagement device is configured so that the worker releases the engagement device by pressing on the release tab.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, at least one of the shoe-attachment mechanism or the leg attachment mechanism includes a first strap that may include, for example, an engagement portion having multiple engagement features. In a number of embodiments, when the stilt is assembled and used by the worker, the engagement device releasably engages and holds one or more at a time of the engagement features of the engagement portion, for example, to secure the first strap around the shoe worn by the worker or around the leg of the worker. Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, when the stilt is assembled and in operation, the catch tab engages at least one engagement feature in the engagement portion of the first strap. In particular embodiments, for each stilt, the leg attachment mechanism includes the engagement device. In other embodiments, however, for each stilt, the shoe-attachment mechanism includes the engagement device. Moreover, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the leg attachment mechanism and the shoe-attachment mechanism each include at least one of the engagement device.

Even other specific embodiments include various pairs of stilts that include particular components in addition to a base member, a shoe plate, a first column, a leg-attachment mechanism, and a support pole (e.g., which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from a lower attachment point at the first column to an upper attachment point at the leg-attachment mechanism). The support pole may further include, for example, an intermediate attachment point near the shoe plate, and a lateral adjustment feature, which, when the stilt is assembled, may be located at the lower attachment point. The lateral adjustment feature may adjustably attach the support pole to the first column, for example, and adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature may cause the support pole to pivot at the intermediate attachment point relative to the first column. In various embodiments, for each stilt, the lateral adjustment feature includes, for instance, a lateral adjustment feature bracket attached to the first column and a threaded member. Further, in some embodiments, the adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature is accomplished by rotating the threaded member.

In particular embodiments, for each stilt, the lateral adjustment feature includes, for instance, a lock nut. The threaded member may be externally threaded, for example, and the lateral adjustment feature bracket may include, for instance, an internally threaded hole therein. Further, when the stilt is assembled, the internally threaded hole in the lateral adjustment feature bracket may mate with the threaded member. Moreover, when the stilt is assembled, the threaded member may engage the internally threaded hole and the lock nut may be threaded onto the threaded member. Still further, the adjustment of the lateral adjustment feature may be accomplished by loosening the lock nut, rotating the threaded member, and then retightening the lock nut.

In some embodiments, for each stilt, the support pole includes a non-circular outer tube and a mating non-circular inner pole that may have a non-circular exterior surface. Further, in certain embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the non-circular outer tube telescopically and substantially non-rotatably engages the mating non-circular inner pole, for example, to provide for height adjustment of the leg attachment mechanism over an adjustment range to allow the leg attachment mechanism to be raised or lowered to fit the leg of the worker while preventing the leg attachment mechanism from rotating relative to the shoe plate. In particular, in some embodiments, for each stilt, the non-circular outer tube has a substantially oval cross section and the non-circular exterior surface of the mating non-circular inner pole also has a substantially oval cross section.

In various embodiments, for each stilt, the stilt further includes a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate, for instance, substantially parallel to the first column. In a number of embodiments, the stilt has a toe and a heel such that when the stilt is being worn by the worker, the worker's toes are at the toe of the stilt and the worker's heel is at the heel of the stilt. The first column may be at the heel of the stilt, for example, and the second column may be at the toe of the stilt. Additionally, when the stilt is assembled, the first column and the second column may be hingedly attached to the base member, the first column and the second column may be hingedly attached to the shoe plate, or both.

In some of these embodiments, in addition to a second column which, when the stilt is assembled, extends from the base member to the shoe plate substantially parallel to the first column, the stilt includes a first draw spring that includes a first draw bar, a second draw bar, and a first helix. In particular embodiments, when the stilt is assembled, the first draw bar passes through the first helix and is connected to the first column, and the second draw bar passes through the first helix and is connected to the second column. Further, in certain embodiments, a second draw spring may have a third draw bar and a fourth draw bar, and when the stilt is assembled, the third draw bar may pass through the second helix and may be connected to the first column and the fourth draw bar may pass through the second helix and may be connected to the second column.

While the principles of this disclosure have been shown in various embodiments, many modifications of structure, arrangements, proportions, the elements, materials and components, used in practice, which are particularly adapted for a specific environment and operating requirements may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and may be expressed in the following claims.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, as used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any other connection. When language similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, the phrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A; (2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.