Abstract: The present invention provides an improved collapsible step assembly for recreational vehicles. The movable step apparatus comprises a mounting frame, at least one step mounted to the frame through a linkage assembly, and a pivot assembly having a pivot rod with a longitudinal axis of rotation. In use, the pivot rod is rotatably mounted to the frame and rotates the linkage assembly and the steps between an extended position and a retracted position. Rotating the pivot rod in a first direction moves the step to the extended position, and rotating the pivot rod in the opposite direction moves the step to the retracted position. A two-part linkage is rotatably engaged between the pivot rod and the step linkage and transfers downward forces on the step when retracted and when extended to the drive unit so that the step stays in its position.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting stand for multi-terrain vehicles includes racks having connected tubes and support plates attached thereto and a frame having leg members with bottom ends disposed adjacent to the racks. The stand further includes a first plurality of cross braces defining steps and a second plurality of cross braces to maintain the frame at a stable position when adapted to a raised position. Locking flange portions are selectively spaced along the second plurality of cross braces and the leg members. A seat section is attached to the frame and an elastic strap traverses across the width of the frame for assisting to maintain the stand at a stable position during non-operating conditions. The stand further includes an elongated support rod attached to a tow ball of a vehicle.

Abstract: A modular ladder rack system for utility type vehicles in which the structure of the ladder rack is fabricated as separate unit or units from removable mounting feet via which it is secured to a vehicle; the ladder rack and mounting feet being adapted to be affixed to each other upon installation on a vehicle with the feet fitting relatively snugly inside a substantially vertical leg portion of the rack such that the leg portion hides the vertical upwardly extending portion of the foot.

Abstract: A retractable ladder for a motorhome or trailer includes pivoting mounting apparatus providing total support for a ladder and climber in an open position. The apparatus includes brackets which mount on the side of the motorhome or trailer and arms which pivot in the brackets. The brackets mount to the sides of the motorhome or trailer only and therefore do not compromise the roof of the motorhome or trailer. The ladder attaches to the ends of the arms. The brackets include flanges which the arms rest against in the open position and pins for retaining the arms in the open position, thereby eliminating any need for the ladder to be supported by the ground. The pins may further be inserted through the brackets to retain the ladder in a closed position. Backing plates or the like may be provided behind the motorhome or trailer body to securely attach the brackets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swing-away stair assembly including a pivot bracket assembly for supporting a stair body for pivotal movement on a work machine, such as a landfill compactor. The pivot bracket assembly includes a stair support sub-assembly having an attachment portion for attaching to the stair body and a pivot portion spaced from the attachment portion. The pivot bracket assembly further includes a pivot mount sub-assembly for attaching the swing-away assembly to the lateral side of the machine, the pivot mount sub-assembly including a mounting portion for attaching to the lateral side of the machine and a pivot portion spaced from the mounting portion. A hinge member cooperates with the stair support sub-assembly and the pivot mount sub-assembly whereby the stair support sub-assembly is supported for pivotal movement relative to the pivot mount sub-assembly for supporting the stair for pivotal movement relative to the lateral side of the machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of ladders (22, 106) are disclosed which utilize a wheel (112) to allow users to transport these ladders easily by rolling along a surface without carrying the entire weight of the ladder. The wheel (112) are located in positions which do not interfere with the use of these ladders.

Abstract: A rail vehicle step mounts to the sill step of a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the sill step. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: A deer stand is pivotally mountable on a back rack of an ATV. When erected to an upright position the deer stand is stabilized by the mass of the ATV, preventing collapse of the stand due to wind or other such forces. When being transported to the location, the stand is pivoted onto its side, with the front portion being securable to a front rack of the ATV.

Abstract: A ladder retaining assembly for securing a ladder or multiple ladders to a vehicle rack, the assembly includes a rail formed as a channel to receive a ladder or multiple ladders, a sleeve attached to the rail that can be easily attached and removed from a vehicle rack, and a means to secure the ladder retaining assembly and the ladder or ladders to a vehicle rack.

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: Folding step for a camper (1) or the like, characterized in that it comprises at least two treadboards (3,5), namely a first treadboard (3) and a second treadboard (5) and possibly following treadboards, whereby the first treadboard (3) can be provided in a moving manner on the suspension frame (8) of the camper (1) or the like, and whereby the second treadboard (5) is provided in a moving manner on the first treadboard (3), whereas any following treadboards are provided in a moving manner on one or several of the preceding treadboards, such that the step (2) can be folded at least partly and can be moved in or under the framework (4) of the camper (1) or the like.

Abstract: A tailgate step for use on a vehicle. The step includes a guide rail bracket. A sliding member is arranged within the guide rail bracket. A support arm is pivotally connected to an end of the sliding member. A fact plate is secured to the guide rail bracket. The step also includes a stop plate pivotally connected to the support arm and a cover secured to an end of the support arm.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted ladder rack (10), bent in such a way as to allow secure stowage yet easy removal of a ladder. Fixed mounting clamps (22) are welded on the underside of rack (10). The fixed clamps (22) and lower clamps (20) are drilled (18) to allow the bolts (14) to pass through. The bolts (14) are then secured with nuts (16). Tightening of these nuts compresses lower clamps (20) into the bottom of a standard vehicle luggage rack. This secures the ladder rack (10) in place atop the vehicle. A set of two racks (10) is required to securely hold a ladder on the vehicle, one mounted on the forward luggage rack and one on the rear.

Abstract: An all purpose utility vehicle supporting rescue efforts especially directed toward servicing disable airplanes being an entry tube having a cab section and a tail end section. Mechanisms are provided for inclining the tube so that the cab section is elevated to the level of an airliner permitting personnel to enter the lower end of the tube and walk up to the cab section and into the stricken airplane. A gangplank design for joining the cab section to the tail section provides that the floor of the cabin section is always horizontal regardless of inclination of the tail section.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination, an engine compartment having an engine with related engine components, and a step or series of steps. The step is securely mounted in a manner for supporting the weight of a person. The step is adapted with a non-slip upwardly facing surface for standing on is positioned for enablement of proximity positioning of a person for applying maintenance to the engine and related engine components.

Abstract: A heavy duty apparatus and method are disclosed for holding or locking a ladder or other object in place, say, to a vehicle, such as a van and its rack and/or a rack mounted on a camper top of a pickup truck. The apparatus has a fixed portion and a movable portion which can engage the rings of a ladder and/or a one or more piece of large sheet material in place.

Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it can be constructed as a stand-alone structure and transported intact to habitat sites on, for example a flat-bed truck. It can also be constructed as a trailer, or as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.

Abstract: An ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) has an accessory supporting structure attached to a front thereof. The ATV has a forward grid-like shelf attached thereto and supported by the chassis of the vehicle. The accessory supporting structure has two vertical upstanding columns which are attached to the shelf at one point and the two vertical columns have horizontal and rearwardly extending horizontal rods attached thereto. The horizontal rods are to the chassis of the vehicle for rigidity and stability. The lower ends of the vertical support columns have a support platform extending in a forward manner as seen from the front of the vehicle. The platform is capable of carrying any items including a person. The platform can be used to carry collapsed segments of a climber stand. Another accessory structure to be carried is a ladder stand that is carried in a horizontal manner on the ATV.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable safety railing system for obtaining safety railing access to the tops of mobile equipment of various heights such as tank trucks. The safety railing apparatus generally includes a plurality of posts, a railing, and activating means in communication with an actuating means. The safety railing having a collapsed condition and a vertically upright condition. The posts are pivotally mounted to mounting plates as well as connected to the railing so that when the posts are rotated to a vertically upright condition, the railing is elevated providing a railing to assist a person walking on top of the tank of a truck. The activating means is engaged by a cover plate hinged to a ladder disposed at the rear of the tank truck. Opening the cover plate to access the ladder places the activating means in a passing condition and actuates the actuating means to pivot the railing system to its upright condition.

Abstract: A tree stand hitch assembly includes a ladder assembly having a tubular base member and a top section, a platform secured to the top section of the ladder assembly, and a non-pivoting, generally rectangular hitch adapted to be secured to the rear of a vehicle. Ladder assembly may be adjustably secured to the hitch. The orientation of the platform in relation to the top section of the ladder assembly may be adjusted. The ladder assembly may be folded or collapsed when not in use.

Abstract: A retractable step assist for a vehicle comprises a step, an actuator, an optical fiber sensor, and a safety. The step is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position that is downward and outboard from the retracted position. The actuator is mechanically connected to the step to position the step. The optical fiber sensor has an output that varies when pressure is applied to the optical fiber sensor. The safety is triggered by this output from the optical fiber sensor. The safety is configured to terminate retraction of the step when the optical fiber sensor senses pressure from an object pinched by the step deck.

Abstract: An automatically movable storage apparatus for retaining a ladder on top of an emergency vehicle and facilitating movement thereof to a deployed position extending downwardly and rearwardly therefrom selectively to make the ladder available for usage. After usage the ladder will be replaced and the automatic storage apparatus will power the movement of the ladder retained within the ladder retaining frame up to the storage position on top of the emergency vehicle for transport. A pivotally movable carriage is secured to the ladder retaining frame with various drive means thereon to facilitate movement of the frame to the rearwardly extended position and the inclined position and to facilitate locking thereof in the storage position.

Abstract: A retractable step system for providing access to and from an elevated platform of a vehicle. The retractable step system is configured to move between a use position and a stowed position. The retractable step system comprises a pair of longitudinal rails which are extended when the system is in the use position and collapsed when the system is in the stowed position. The system further comprises an auxiliary platform assembly rotatably coupled near the platform, and a step structure coupled to the longitudinal rails for providing a user with an intermediate surface upon which to step.

Abstract: A clamp assembly secures a first article to a second article. The clamp assembly includes first and second spaced-apart article holders adapted for engaging respective first and second articles. An elongated gear rack interconnects the first and second article holders. A pinion operatively engages the gear rack, and is adapted for moving the first article holder along the gear rack relative to the second article holder. A locking bar has a plurality of spaced teeth adapted for meshing with respective teeth of the gear rack in a locked position. The locking bar is moveable between the locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the meshing teeth of the locking bar and gear rack cooperate to prevent linear movement of the first article holder relative to the second article holder, thereby securing the first article to the second article.

Abstract: A mobile elevating hut product, which has a trailer, a platform, legs connecting the platform and the trailer, and a lifter for sequentially and repeatably moving the platform to and from a raised position. The trailer enables the product to be moved to different locations and set up with the platform in the raised position. The platform in the raised position is fully supported by the legs. The fully supported platform is resistant to accidental and unexpected lowering caused by transient events. The platform in the raised position provides an elevated lookout perch for work, recreation, and other purposes.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a boat trailer ladder which may be easily secured to and moved along the trailer rails. A hook is dimensioned and configured to engage standard boat trailer rails. An A-frame ladder provides steps from an approximately the level of the trailer rails, or in alternative embodiments from approximately ground level, up for a distance above the trailer rails. The extra elevation gained by a user of ordinary size standing on an upper step is sufficient to allow them to reach the top surfaces of the boat.

Abstract: A ladder rack for supporting a ladder in a stowage position and for moving the ladder between the stowage position and a loading/unloading position at which the ladder can be loaded onto the rack or unloaded from the rack. The ladder rack includes: a frame assembly which is mounted on a support structure such as a vehicle roof; a bed platform having a first end that is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly at a fixed position and a second end that is coupled to the frame assembly for alternative sliding and hinged movement with respect to the frame assembly; and a manually operative sliding mechanism and a manually operative pivoting mechanism for moving the bed platform between the stowage position and the loading/unloading position.

Abstract: A ladder with a fixed axle wheel adapted to facilitate relocating the ladder. The ladder may be a step ladder or an extension ladder. The ladder includes a ladder base adapted to reside on a support surface, a ladder top opposite the ladder base, and ladder sides connected by steps, the ladder sides extending between the ladder base and the ladder top. The wheel is attached to one of the sides near the ladder base and is adapted to rollably support the ladder base when the ladder is moved. The wheel may be recessed into an opening on the ladder side to allow a larger diameter wheel to be used.

Abstract: A ladder assembly including a mounting system and a ladder that is adapted to be pivotally attached to a vehicle such as the tailgate of a truck bed. When the tailgate is opened, the ladder can be pivoted away from the vehicle bed to a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the tailgate or its original orientation. Following, the lower end of the ladder is adapted to pivot downwardly such that the lower end of the tailgate contacts the ground surface. The ladder is further pivotable about a second pivot member in a lateral manner such that the lower ends of the support legs of the tailgate ladder contact the ground depending on the slope of the ground surface.

Abstract: A ladder securing device for securing a ladder to a device attached to a vehicle for safe transport and security. The ladder securing device includes at least a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first base piece positioned upon a structure member. The first base piece comprises first and second side pieces whereon an upper piece is coupled to the first side piece. The second section comprises a second base piece and first and second side pieces. The first side piece of the second base piece includes an upper piece secured thereon. The second side piece includes a locking mechanism which may be comprised of both a securing arm and a locking arm, or just a securing arm, wherein the securing arm secures the ladder to the device while the locking arm may be locked to a locking arm receiver for locking the securing arm over the ladder to provide security against movement and theft.

Abstract: A ladder suspension bracket releasably receives and suspends a portable ladder for use, storage, and transportation if on a vehicle (FIG. 1, FIG. 7) comprising of a receiving bracket (FIG. 4, or FIG. 8) and a lower distance maintenance bracket (FIG. 5, or FIG. 9) optionally pivotable (45, 46) to hold step ladder substantially away from the ascension surface (49) or horizontal (5) as required for the ladder type. Bracket is configured such that ladder can easily be released of suspension mode (FIG. 7, FIG. 2) and used independent of this mounted position (FIG. 3). In addition to the claim of such a bracket a ladder having intentional configuration (2) to provide for suspension is also claimed, as is the combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that attaches to a tire and supplies a step to enable access to the engine compartment or rooftop of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus is adjustable to better fit with a variety of different sized tires. The apparatus is also adjustable to allow the apparatus to rest at different height locations on the tire. Additionally, the tire step can be folded for easier storage.

Abstract: A folding step assembly for the tailgate of a truck that provides two steps projecting rearwardly and downward and has grab handles for safe and convenient access into the bed of a truck. The step assembly is completely supported by the tailgate and does not touch the ground. It attaches to the inside panel of the tailgate and is completely concealed below the top edge of the tailgate when in the stowed position. The step assembly attaches to the tailgate by means of a Z shaped mounting bracket and lock bracket. The step assembly is locked onto the lock bracket with a lock and key and is easily removable from the tailgate when the user desires.

Abstract: The present invention is an all-terrain vehicle support bracket. The support bracket includes on or more frame assemblies that are removably attachable to a portion of an all-terrain vehicle. The frame assembly or assemblies include support surfaces thereon for supporting an object as positioned on the surface. A variety of objects may be positioned on and supported by the support surface of the frame assembly.

Abstract: A wheeled dolly or support for a ladder is made in two pieces, including a base plate that permanently affixes to an outside surface of a rail of a ladder, and a frame that is removably mounted on the base plate. The frame carries wheels that will support the ladder when the ladder is placed on edge and one end of the ladder is lifted. The frame normally is near a base end of the ladder. The frame that holds the wheels can be removed when desired for storage, or for use in a location where the wheels may restrict clearance around the ladder.

Abstract: A truck ladder assembly for attachment to the underside of a truck trailer bed having a deployable ladder portion slidable from a folded storage position to an extended operational position in which the ladder portion defines a landing in spaced extended relation from the truck bed with extensible hand rails extending there from. The truck ladder is selectively secured to the underside of the trailer bed allowing for multiple repositioning and deployment of the ladder assembly.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body which includes a first body section and a body section pivotally connected to the first body section, said first section being mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position and a stowed position, a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the first body section between the access and stowed positions, the first and second body sections being pivotally movable between an extended position in which they are disposed generally end to end and a retracted position in which they disposed generally side by side, and a control link assembly for controlling the movement of the first and second body sections between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A trailer mounted deer stand including a vertical tower attached to the chassis of the trailer and a pivotally mounted blind rotatable from a lowered, travel position to an upright, operational position for observation at spectator events including hunting. The trailer includes an extended tongue, through the trailer chassis and rearward to clear the lowered blind and a coupling beam disposed in an upwardly open channel mounted on the tongue, the coupling bean at one end attachable to an immoveable object such as a tree and at the other end coupled to a lifting boom attached to the blind. Upon securing the coupling beam to the immoveable object, and moving the trailer forward and away from the immoveable object, the relative movement of the coupling beam on the tongue causes the lifting boom to move upwardly toward the blind whereby it may be moved to the upright position.

Abstract: A ladder storage rack uses a pair of spaced apart channels positioned with upper portions arranged in mutual parallel and with lower portions in mutual divergence so as to accept a ladder with upper leg portions in parallel positions and with lower leg portions in a divergent relationship. Plural feet extend from the channels and terminate with mounting plates enabling securement to a mounting deck; as, for instance, of a fire truck. A ladder restraining bar is engaged between the channels at a one end and near the other end of the channels, a means for clamping is positioned for engaging a ladder supported by the apparatus.

Abstract: An access system for a terminal or a yard type motor truck tractor includes three vertically and laterally spaced steps which are mountable on the tractor frame just aft of the tractor cab to provide access between ground level and a deck or platform of the tractor aft of the cab. First and second vertical and laterally spaced steps are mounted on a member supported by one of the tractor frame rails. A third step is separately mounted on the frame rail interposed the second step and the platform and includes handrails disposed adjacent thereto. The access system provides improved access between the tractor rear deck or platform and ground level and reduces user fatigue. A member supporting the first and second steps may form a storage compartment.

Abstract: A ladder for a truck fitted with a pivotal tailgate, the ladder comprising a first leg portion pivotally coupled to a second leg portion, where at least one of the leg portions is fitted with at least one rung. An upper end of the first leg portion is pivotally attachable to an upper portion of the tailgate and a lower end of the second leg portion is pivotally attachable to a lower portion of the truck. When the tailgate is in its closed position, the first leg portion and the second leg portion continuously extend in a first operable position and opening the tailgate facilitates deploying the ladder into a corresponding second operable position.

Abstract: A support device may be used by a technician when performing elevated line work, for example. The support device may include a shaft having a first end and a second end and threads disposed at the first end of the shaft for use in securing the device to a pole. The support device further may include at least one rigid support member disposed on the second end of the shaft for supporting an object from the device and a pusher attached to the second end of the shaft and adapted to drive the support device into the pole. The pusher may include a driving end adapted to receive force applied from a piston of a powder driven tool, an extension portion extending from the driving end and contacting the support device.

Abstract: A foldable stairway ladder for use in accessing items includes a structure that can be conveniently folded to reduce the amount of space taken up by ladder when not in use. The ladder consists of a stairway section connected to a platform, in turn rotatably connected to a support. The foldable ladder is also provided with a manually operable folding system adapted to fold the stairway section and support relative to each other. Additionally, the support may have a member capable of extending the length of the support, thus facilitating the ease by which a use can fold the stairway ladder.

Abstract: A boat ladder attached to a trailer for easy access to a bow of a boat. The ladder comprises two side rails with spaced-apart steps or rungs between the side rails, the lower portion of one of the side rails curving a predetermined distance toward the other side rail and then running parallel with the other side rail wherein the lower ends of the ladder side rails fit into bases secured to a front longitudinal member of the trailer. The bases are secured on each side of the longitudinal member of the trailer, and the lower ends of the side rails fit into cylindrical tubes attached to the sides of the base.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide multiple assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it can be rotated downward relative to the tailgate and a flip step pivoted to a use position in order to provide an assist step function.

Abstract: A tower system adapted to be secured non-permanently to different sized cargo portions of a moving vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises (i) a tower structure including means to allow a user to sit on the tower; and (ii) a support member to which the tower structure is secured, the support member including front and rear channel members to which the tower is releasably secured, each channel member having two end portions, each end portion of the channel members being in contiguous relation to a device that is slidable with regard to the channel members and adapted to be secured to the channel members, each device extending from a member that is structured to be force-fit and secured against the cargo frame of the vehicle in a non-permanent manner so as to lock the support member to the cargo frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for descent, suspension and retrieval of a worker through an opening in the ground includes a trailer having a boom assembly mounted thereon is described. The boom assembly includes telescopically extensible and retractable boom members that are extended downwardly by action of gravity through opening to a subsurface location. The worker is supported in a stabilized manner during descent, suspension, and retraction of the boom members.

Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicular utility rack apparatus having at least two frame members mounted on a vehicle to form a frame assembly. The at least two support arms are used for supporting a transported item. The two support arms also having a retainer assembly coupled to form a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly coupled to a rotational shaft for pivoting the carriage assembly. The rotational shaft coupled to an anti-friction assembly capable of reducing the amount of torque required to pivot the support arms from a position above the vehicle to a position adjacent the vehicle side.