Patent ID: 6389777
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
A protective device, in combination with an object for protecting the object whilst moving the object essentially vertically along a vertically extending structure, comprising:a first inflatable, gastight tube which is attached to a second inflatable, gastight tube, wherein when the device is mounted on the object, the first and second tubes are disposed to form two concentrical rings adapted to encircle the object, with the first tube located inwardly of the second tube; whereas said first and second tube are attached by an tube interconnecting piece that is flat and concentric with the first and second tubes; the first tube being filled with gas such as to bring the first tube into contact with the object and therewith adapted to attach the protective device to the object through the medium of frictional forces; in that the second tube being filled with gas to an extent such that the second tube functions as a bumper or fender between the object and the structure; wherein the second tube is adapted to allow substantial relative movement with respect to the structure; wherein each of the first and second tubes have two ends; and said ends also include a releasable lock or fastener for releasable connection such that when the protective device is fitted to the object, the lock or fastener functions to hold the protective device together in the form of a unitary body that embraces the object.