Abstract: A ladder support device attaches to a towing hitch of a vehicle, such that the ladder can be transported in an essentially horizontal position and deployed in an essentially vertical position. The ladder support device includes safety brackets that limit the range of motion of the extended ladder, a platform that provides a user with secure footing before alighting to and upon descending from the ladder, and a rotatable mount that allows the ladder support device to be moved into the proper work position.

Abstract: A method for making shaped articles at room ambient temperatures without the addition of extraneous heat comprising the sequential steps:(1) forming a plurality of particles comprising a foamed admixture of starch, biodegradable polymer and water;(2) at room ambient temperature, applying to the surface of the particles finely divided drops of unheated water to effect wetting and softening of the outer surfaces of the particles;(3) without the addition of heat, compressing the surfaces of the surface softened particles to effect cohesion between the wetted outer surfaces of the particles, densification of the particles and formation of a shaped article; and(4) without the addition of heat, maintaining the particles under such compression for a time sufficient to render the outer surface of the particles nontacky by adsorption of water into the particles and by evaporation of water from the surface of the particles and(5) forming a protective skin on the outer surface of the compressed, non-tacky particles by h