Abstract: An attic ladder system includes an upper portion that can be extended above the attic floor and a lower portion that can be extended into a room below the attic. The upper portion can extend automatically into the attic upon extension of the lower portion, or may be operated independently of the lower section. Ladder extension can be telescopic or by unfolding of sections. Retraction of either or both ladder portions may include a pivoting capability to reduce vertical height when stored. A gap can be provided between lowest the rungs to avoid danger to a user's hands. Embodiments can be used to access the top of a vehicle roof from within the vehicle. Embodiments can support a user weighing up to 300 pounds. A gas spring can assist in lifting and stowing the lower portion. Pivot latches can secure the ladder in its stowed and deployed configurations.

Abstract: A step apparatus for heavy construction equipment and tree harvester having a leveling system for controlling a horizontal level of a cab and an upper frame is provided, which includes a step protector including a main body fixedly installed on one side of an upper frame, a step guide hole opened from an inside of the main body to an outside, a guide rail formed along a length direction of an inner side wall of the main body, and an insert hole formed on one side of the guide rail and open toward a vertically upward direction of the guide rail; a side step including a plurality of foot steps arranged at specified intervals on a step frame to form stairs, a step drawer formed on an upper part of the step frame and seated in the step guide hole, and a guide pin positioned adjacent to the step drawer and projected toward the side wall of the main body, wherein when the guide pin is slid along the guide rail, the step frame is seated in the main body or is drawn out from the inside of the main body; and a folding

Abstract: An exemplary hunting rifle support includes a mounting bracket mountable to a tree using a strap extending through apertures. A gun can be supported above or be hung below the appendages of a support arm that pivotally extends out from the mounting bracket. Support flanges extending from a mounting bracket base allow for upright and stable mounting to support structures, and gripping flanges resist tilting from the swiveling of the support arm. Fasteners extending to varying degrees through opposing support flanges rotate the mounting bracket with respect to the mounted tree. A pair of primary flanges extending from the mounting bracket base forms a primary valley, and a secondary flange between the primary flanges forms a secondary valley, the valleys able to complementarily receive portions of the support arm. A barrel support member extending above the support arm stabilizes the gun as the hunter aims at a target.

Abstract: A device for transporting a ladder has first and second frame positions, the lower ends of which are pivotally mounted on an axle that also mounts a wheel for rolling along the ground. The upper ends of the frame portions are moveable toward and away from each other allowing the device to collapse for storage. A hook is mounted on the upper end of each of the frame portions for attachment to adjacent rungs of the ladder. A strap connects the upper ends of the frame portion to prevent them from separating from each other beyond a given distance.

Abstract: A retractable stair assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and first and second pivot assemblies that engage the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly moves between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. A door is engaged with the track assembly and covers the aperture when the step assembly is stored. A flange extends from the door and supports a license plate thereon.

Abstract: A platform assembly is supported by the main frame and includes i) a framework, ii) an upper platform foot support secured to the framework and positioned adjacent to the doorway, and iii) a first stair member secured to the framework and spaced apart from the upper platform foot support. A stair assembly is movably attached to the framework and includes a second stair member. The door is movable between i) a first position in which the door is positioned to cover the door opening so as to block entry into the cab through the door opening, and ii) a second position in which the door is spaced apart from the door opening so as to enable entry into the cab through the door opening. The upper platform foot support, first stair member, and second stair member define a stairway leading to and from the door opening. A first plane intersects the upper platform foot support, the first stair, and the second stair. The first plane further intersects the door when the door is positioned in the second position.

Abstract: A personnel elevator assembly is provided to enable a person to gain access to the elevated platform of a combine with the combine having a ladder assembly extending downwardly from the platform. The elevator assembly is secured to and is supported by the ladder assembly and includes an elevator step which is movable from a position close to the ground to a position thereabove so as to be at approximately the same level as the platform.

Abstract: A retractable access device (10) for a vehicle (30) having a longitudinal extent when deployed. The access device (steps, ladder, stairs) can have a multiplicity of treads (eg 10a, 10b, 10c.) interconnected in series by connectors (eg 12a, 13a, 14a . . . ) pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract and extend longitudinally and the treads to be closed together on retraction. The treads may nest together when retracted (3a-3d) and treads can be formed or fabricated in pairs, such that when retracted, a tread of one pair nests between the treads of another pair, and this can be effected for multiple tread pairs. The access device is particularly suited to grader vehicles with limited and awkward cab access and space for access system deployment, not least due to the grader blade arrangement.

Abstract: A trailer rub rail portable ladder includes a ladder portion and two rub rail mounting members. One end of a hand rail may be attached to each rub rail mounting member. The ladder portion preferably includes two ladder side rails, a plurality of step members and two ladder hinge members. The plurality of step members are retained between the two ladder side rails. The ladder hinge member is attached to one end of the ladder side rail. Each rub rail mounting member includes a rail slot and a pivot hole. A pivot pin is inserted through each ladder hinge member and each rub rail mounting member to pivotally retain thereof relative to each other. The rub rail slots of the two rub rail mounting members are engaged with a rub rail of a truck trailer.

Abstract: In an first aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket assembly for mounting on the trailer; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; and a plurality of rungs pivotally connected to both the first and second side rails. The ladder is collapsible to decrease a distance between the first and second side rails. In a second aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; a plurality of rungs connecting the first and second side rails; and a pivotal connection. The first and second side rails define a plane and the pivotal connection allows for rotation of the plane about a vertical axis. The pivotal connection is disposed between the attachment bracket and the first side rail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ladder apparatus capable of being mounted to a vehicle. The ladder apparatus generally comprises a mounting support, a main ladder support for receiving an extension ladder, and a torsion support. The mounting support, the main ladder support and the torsion support are pivotally connected so that the apparatus can be raised from a retracted home position to an extended position. When the apparatus is in the extended position it can be set to a desired height and/or rotational position.

Abstract: A motorized wheel system with wireless remote for portable support structure such as ladders and scaffolds to enable a user to relocate the ladder without dismounting by attaching wheels to the portable structure's legs wherein the wheels are remotely controllable. The motorized wheel system with a remote control mechanism comprises a remote motorized wheel device associated with each leg, each having a power supply for driving a motor and a receiver that is in radio communication with a transmitter on a remote control mechanism used to remotely engage the power supply and steer the wheels.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile height-adjustable platform that includes a chassis with ground engaging wheels. A mast is pivotally connected to the chassis and is movable between a transport position where the mast is parallel to and disposed over the chassis, and an operative position where the mast is perpendicular to the chassis and extends upwards. A conveyor moves along the mast and a work platform is pivotally connected to the conveyer. The work platform is movable between a transport position where the platform is parallel to the mast and an operating position where the platform is perpendicular to the mast.

Abstract: A ladder stand support apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the ladder stand support apparatus may include a base adapted to transport ladder stand sections of a ladder stand, and the base is adapted for attachment to a tree. In various aspects, the ladder stand apparatus may include a channel member rotatably connected to the base, the channel member adapted to receive a rail of a ladder stand within a channel defined therein.

Abstract: A stake pocket mounting bar for removably attaching a step to a truck bed or other generally horizontal surface, comprising: an anchor member defining at least one open slot for removably receiving a looped end of a strap; a leg member having first and second ends wherein the first end is attached to the anchor member and the second end defines a plurality of teeth. The anchor member may define two open slots. The leg member may define a bend, preferably about a 90° bend between its first and second ends so that when the leg member is inserted into a stake pocket of the truck bed, the teeth will be disposed generally horizontally such that they may engage the side of the truck bed. The anchor may be made of angle iron.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A retrofit handrail extension system or kit enables a large mining truck to be retrofitted in the field. The handrail extension system includes a first handrail extension member for connecting a first upper portion of a first ladder to a railing mounted to a catwalk around the cabin of the truck and a second handrail extension member for connecting a second upper portion of the first ladder to a forward-facing handrail mounted to an outer surface of the cabin of the truck. The system may include a third handrail extension member for connecting a first upper portion of a second ladder to a first platform railing mounted to a platform beside the cabin of the truck and a fourth handrail extension member for connecting a second upper portion of the second ladder to a second platform railing mounted to the platform beside the cabin of the truck.

Abstract: A retractable stair assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and first and second pivot assemblies that engage the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly moves between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. A door is engaged with the track assembly and covers the aperture when the step assembly is stored. A flange extends from the door and supports a license plate thereon.

Abstract: An extending and retracting device for a vehicle-step apparatus includes a mounting bracket and step bracket. A first arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A second arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end. A third arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A trajectory-control assembly is configured to connect the first arm to the second arm and/or third arm to control a “motion” trajectory of the step bracket. A vehicle-step apparatus includes a step member, the extending and retracting device, and a driving device driving the first arm and/or second arm to move the extending and retracting device between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ladder assembly for equipment, the ladder assembly comprising a ladder pivotally mounted to a mount; an actuation mechanism that includes a drive that engages a rotational actuator, the rotational actuator operatively connected to the ladder; wherein the drive causes rotation of the rotational actuator causing the ladder to pivot about the mount.

Abstract: A ladder device includes a ladder main body, a hand railing, a driving mechanism and a coupling member. One end of the coupling member is pivotably supported by the ladder main body, while the other end thereof is pivotably supported by the hand railing. The coupling member is configured to: position the hand railing between the ladder main body and a walkway when the ladder main body takes the deployed posture; pivot the hand railing in conjunction with a pivot action of the ladder main body from the deployed posture to the retracted posture; and position the hand railing further inwards of the vehicle body than the ladder main body is when the ladder main body takes the retracted posture.

Abstract: A vehicle having a compactable walkway, including a supporting surface and a plurality of steps, pivotally coupled to the supporting surface, oriented, spaced, and positioned to provide a graduated walkway when in a deployed position and to lie substantially parallel to the supporting surface when in a retracted position. There is also a support member coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of steps to enforce consistency of position of the plurality of steps between the deployed and retracted positions; a railing coupled to the support member; a motivator coupled to one of the plurality of steps and configured to direct the plurality of steps from the retracted position to the deployed position; a vertical support coupled to the vehicle for bracing; and a shell coupled to the railing for covering when plurality of steps are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting stand includes an observation platform preferably having a seat rotatably attached thereto. A first auxiliary support structure may be pivotally connected to the observation platform. A second auxiliary support structure may further be pivotally connected to the first auxiliary support structure and adapted to be statically affixed to the vehicle respectively. A first pair of support leg members may be pivotally mated to the observation platform and adapted to be removably attached to the vehicle respectively. A second pair of support leg members may be pivotally mated to the observation platform and removably attached to the first auxiliary support structure respectively. The first and second auxiliary support structures may be vertically aligned along a vertical axis while the first and second pairs of support leg members are obliquely offset relative to the vertical axis when the observation platform is biased to the associated raised erect position respectively.

Abstract: The trailer and flatbed ladder apparatus provides ladder access to a trailer and to a flatbed. The apparatus is highly portable by way of being hinged between the upper and lower sections and due to the tubular construction. The apparatus may therefore be easily and space efficiently stored on and within a truck, bed, or trailer. The apparatus is removably positionable in a plurality of locations around a flatbed and trailer, wherever a stake pocket exists. The stake provides positive non-slip fit to a trailer and flatbed that negates unintentional movement and removal, thereby ensuring safety. Full pivot is provided between the stake and sleeve and the upper section. The apparatus removably fits snugly within the existing stake pockets of a flatbed and trailer due to the stake square outer corners and rounded inner corners that match existing stake pockets.

Abstract: A ladder-like access device is suited for securing to a tire of a vehicle by means of a strap, rope, chain, cable or similar structure. The device may include extendable legs to adapt its length to a range of wheel and tire sizes. A variety of structures, materials and construction methods are described and claimed.

Abstract: A step ladder apparatus for retention within a stake pocket comprising a frame assembly a plurality of step assemblies and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a frame flange and a wedge member. The frame assembly is positioned within the stake pocket so that the frame flange overhangs one end of the stake pocket. The base of the wedge member is inserted into the stake pocket opposite the frame flange so that the wedge flange overhangs the stake pocket on a side opposite the frame flange. As a result, the flanges cooperate to substantially preclude downward movement of the frame assembly, and, in turn, removal of the frame assembly in a downward direction from the stake pocket.

Abstract: A movable step apparatus that includes a mounting frame, at least one step, and a rotary drive mechanism is provided. The movable step apparatus also includes a drive link and a follower link. The drive link is operatively connected to the drive mechanism to move the at least one step between retracted and extended positions. The follower link is pivotally connected to the drive link and pivotally connected to the at least one step. The follower link drives the at least one step to extend and retract the at least one step. The movable step apparatus further includes at least one link pivotally connecting the at least one step to the mounting frame to move between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A ladder attachment platform is provided that includes a base for attachment to a ladder that has first and second side rails and a plurality of rungs that extend between in a lateral direction. Also included is a user platform for having a user stand thereon that is carried by the base. The user platform may be positioned with respect to the ladder so that it is not located between a first plane that extends through the first side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction and a second plane that extends through the second side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extendable ladder configured to extend a second ladder segment relative to a first ladder segment. The ladder includes a first ladder segment, a second ladder segment, and at least two slider cups. When the ladder is mounted to a surface, the ladder can be moved from a generally vertical orientation to an angled orientation of between greater than 60 degrees and approximately 90 degrees away from the horizontal reference. The ladder may be mounted to one or more of a vehicle, a building, and a piece of equipment. The vehicle may be one or more of a trailer, recreational vehicle, truck, and bus.

Abstract: The instant invention, the Vehicle Ladder Mounting System, is comprised of a rail assembly, a plurality of support assemblies, one or more security assemblies, and one or more accessory assemblies. The rail assembly of the instant invention is comprised of two parallel rails connected by a plurality of cross-member assemblies. The instant invention can be easily adapted, augmented, and modified because of the structure of the aluminum channel. The design of the instant invention allows for multiple configurations as the rail can be attached to the punched pattern in many configurations via a bolt-nut combination. The instant invention is also comprised of assemblies that can be used to stack ladders on a vehicle. The instant invention is also comprised of an inclined ladder rack assembly and accessory attachments such as the shovel holders, beacon support, and inclined beacon support.

Abstract: A ladder deployment system for raising and lowering a ladder (10) includes a ladder having side rails (14, 16) and transverse treads or rungs (18) extending between said side rails, an actuator mechanism (44, 46) which moves the ladder between a raised and lowered positions and stationary guides (34, 36) which supports the ladder at two or more spaced apart locations at different heights, while said ladder translates relative to the guides. The deployment of the ladder between its raised and lowered positions includes a generally vertical translation of the ladder and a further tilting motion.

Abstract: The subject invention features an entrance module for a height adjustable enclosure with a top portion movable with the respect to a bottom portion. The preferred entrance module comprises a hingedly attached platform movable between a stowed folded position and a deployed unfolded position. A locking assembly releasably locks the platform in the folded position independent of the position of the top movable part of the shelter. The preferred locking assembly includes a rail attached to the top movable portion of the shelter, one of a female and a male portion of a lock attached to and slideable along the rail, and the other of the female and the male portion of the lock attached to the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a road-milling machine which has a ladder 11 to allow the driver's position 7 of the civil engineering machine to be climbed to easily. The ladder is mounted on one 1B of the two longitudinal sides of the frame 1 of the machine to be pivotable about an axis of pivot 27 extending substantially at right angles to the direction of travel. The ladder can thus be folded upwards to widen the working range of the machine. However, should the ladder not be in a state where it is folded upwards while the machine is being used to do work, the ladder cannot be damaged against obstacles which suddenly make an appearance in the working range. Should the ladder hit against an obstacle, the ladder is able to move out of the way of the obstacle by pivoting out of the vertical position in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A tailgate ladder assembly includes a pickup bed having a tailgate hingedly coupled thereto. A housing includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a pair of side walls. The bottom wall is attached to the tailgate and has an open end facing away from the bed. A pair of guides is slidably mounted within the housing and each abuts one of the side walls. Each of the guides has a first end that is extendable outwardly of the front end in a deployed position. A bottom ladder includes a pair of legs and a plurality of steps attached to and extending between the legs. Pivot rods extend through the legs and the guides to pivotally couple the bottom ladder to the guides. The bottom ladder is pivotable to be extendable into the housing or to extend downwardly from the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, a cab mounted on the chassis, and a body. The body includes a bottom, a top and sides. The sides partially enclose an interior space and define an opening for accessing the interior space. The vehicle also includes a closure moveable between an open position and a closed position and a ladder compartment positioned in the interior space adapted for receiving a ladder having a length of at least about 12 feet. The ladder compartment has a lower surface positioned at a level no more than about 42 inches above ground level. The ladder compartment has an open end facing generally toward the opening. The storage compartment is configured so a ladder can slide longitudinally into and out of the ladder compartment through the open end of the ladder compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ladder that is configured to be mounted to a boat trailer to allow access to a boat carried on the trailer. The ladder includes a pair of first vertically oriented bars, a pair of second bars and a pair of third bars. The pair of first, vertically oriented bars have a length defined between a first end and a second end, an inner cavity passing between the first end and the second end, at least two sides, and a slot in one of the sides extending from the first end in the direction of the second end.

Abstract: A portable observation tower and system of raising and lowering the tower is disclosed. The tower has a tower box with two fixed sectioned front legs and two hinged sectioned back legs. To raise the tower front legs are pulled toward back legs with a winch system mounted on a trailer hitch system. Rolling landing gear is lowered and drawn by winch to a front most locking position. This raises the mid section of tower box reducing the angle of front legs to back legs. Once complete the winch line can be attached to an axle of back legs to draw back legs to front legs. This process elevates tower to its full upright position. Wheels are provided on back legs and on trailer hitch system for movement of the tower. The lowering process occurs in reverse order of the raising process.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for accessing an elevated platform of a work machine such as an agricultural combine includes an upper ladder portion connected to an upstanding handrail of the elevated platform for upward and downward movement, and a combination lower ladder portion and handle assembly carried on the lower end of the upper ladder portion and pivotable between a stowed position generally vertically coextensive with at least a portion of the upper ladder portion, and a deployed position extending downwardly. A latch mechanism holds the lower ladder portion in the stowed position. The handle is positioned for use to move the ladder down and up, is manipulable to release the latch, and pivots out of the way when the ladder is deployed. The lower ladder portion can also carry a trim panel which covers a portion of the ladder when stowed.

Abstract: A safety seat for land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, including a sitting portion secured to two vertical support straps attached to a vehicle and disposed in the vicinity of the rear edge of the sitting portion. Each support strap is a strap sling stretched between vertically spaced-apart anchors on the vehicle and includes a front strap facing the seating portion and a rear strap spaced therefrom. A transverse rod near the rear sitting portion edge reaches into the intermediate space between front and rear straps and is secured in closed fixed loops situated on the rear straps. The sitting portion is braced against the strap slings via supports pivotably connected to side rods of the sitting portion and extending at an angle below the sitting portion to the straps slings. The supports, via a transverse bracing disposed at their lower ends, reach into the intermediate space between front and rear straps.

Abstract: A bracket system enabling secure attachment and access of a ladder thereto a flatbed type trailer used with tractor-trailer rigs is herein disclosed, comprising two (2) generally square metal plates. One (1) side of the metal plate is provided with a narrow “U”-shaped cut-out which slides over a rub rail feature typically provided around the perimeter of a flatbed trailer. The exterior portion of each plate is then bolted to the side rails of a ladder. The plates are located so the ladder is completely supported and the bottom of the ladder is positioned approximately one (1) foot off of grade to allow use of the bracket system on any type of terrain.

Abstract: A folding ladder and ladder support connection assembly comprising: an upper connection assembly; the upper connection assembly having a pair of upper connection members; each upper connection member comprising a first section with a strap that can encircle a roof rack support, roof rack, sport rack, luggage rack or similar surface.

Abstract: An access ladder configurable from an extended position for providing access to a structure and a stowed position. The access ladder comprises an elongated first member having a first step extending laterally therefrom. An elongated second member is associated with the first member and configured for translational movement relative thereto and has a second step extending laterally therefrom. A link extends between the second member and the structure such that rotation of the first member moves the second member translationally relative to the first member, thereby moving said at least one second step towards said at least one first step.

Abstract: A ladder attachment platform is provided that includes a base for attachment to a ladder that has first and second side rails and a plurality of rungs that extend between in a lateral direction. Also included is a user platform for having a user stand thereon that is carried by the base. The user platform may be positioned with respect to the ladder so that it is not located between a first plane that extends through the first side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction and a second plane that extends through the second side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction.

Abstract: An attachment (10) for operably mounting and supporting a ladder (12) comprises an angular frame (18, 20) adapted for receipt by a vehicular hitch (14). The frame (18, 20) includes crosspieces (26) adapted for receiving rungs of the ladder (12), which are releaseably connected together with fasteners (28). In the second embodiment, the fasteners (28?) are captured on the frame (18?, 20?).

Abstract: A clip for maintaining a first side rail of a first ladder adjacent to a second side rail of a second ladder which is in series with the first side rail. The clip includes a first portion connected to a support element and a second portion connected to the support element. The first portion, second portion and support element are one continuous piece. The first portion defines a hooking engagement with the first side rail and the second portion defines a receiving engagement with the second side rail. The first and second portion opening from opposite sides of the support element, respectively, which conform to the portion of the respective side rail that it receives for removably and frictionally holding the respective side rails in a self-gripping and form-fitting manner such that the side rails are maintained adjacent and in series to each other so that no damage is possible to the ladders by relative movement of the side rails under dynamic conditions brought about by motion during transportation.

Abstract: A ladder rack for work vehicles comprises a pair of side rails held in parallel, spaced relation by a pair of crossbars. Extending between the crossbars is at least one hook bar. The side rails, crossbars and hook bars comprise aluminum extrusions incorporating clamping ridges adapted to be engaged by clamps for rendering the structure rigid. No welding is required. A latch mechanism is affixed to a rearmost crossbar for releasably securing ladders on the rack. It comprises a crank on a rotatable shaft held by brackets affixed to the rear crossbar for rotation about an axis parallel to the crossbars. A rear hook is keyed to the shaft and aligned with a front hook affixed to the hook bar. The front and rear hooks can be made to engage spaced ladder rungs. An air spring connected between the rack frame and the rotatable shaft resists rotation of the rear hook member.

Abstract: A device for accessing an elevated entry position on a machine including an operator position includes a platform, which includes a step surface, configured to ascend and descend between a base position and the elevated entry position, wherein the platform remains within an existing envelope of the machine throughout ascent, descent, and storage of the platform, and wherein the ascending and descending proceeds along an axis substantially orthogonal to the step surface. The device may further include a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the machine and the platform.

Abstract: A mechanism for facilitating the storage of ladders in the upper area on the outside of an emergency vehicle which includes the capability of moving of the ladder to a lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen and the like. The construction includes an inner housing attached to the vehicle and an outer housing movable by an arm assembly relative thereto to urge the ladder between the storage and deployed positions. An adjustment mechanism including a yoke is included for varying the position of the powering drive cylinder which operatively moves the outer housing relative to the inner housing.