Abstract: A hoist for a scaffold assembly includes a track assembly with starter, extension and head sections adapted for mounting on lower, intermediate and upper frames of the scaffold assembly. The head track section includes an upper end with a suspension subframe cantilevering therefrom. A carriage assembly is movably mounted on the track assembly and is raised and lowered by a winch assembly including a tensile member connected to a winch and the carriage assembly.

Abstract: An upstanding support structure is provided defining an elevated horizontally elongated stationary platform extending along one side of the support structure and a horizontally elongated second platform is mounted, in cantilever fashion, from the one side of the support structure for vertical shifting relative thereto so as to be downwardly displaceable over the upper portion of an elongated bulk material receiving vehicle disposed along side the one side of the support structure adjacent the lower end thereof. The second platform includes a first side fence extending along the side thereof adjacent the support structure as well as end fences extending across the ends of the second platform and appreciably outwardly beyond the outer side of the second platform.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus for a manhole adapted to be fastened to a guardrail of a manhole. The hoisting apparatus is vertically spaced above and extends across the manhole. The hoisting apparatus has two operating positions enabling it to raise an object out of the manhole, maneuver the object horizontally over a surface area adjacent to the manhole, and lower the object onto the adjacent surface area. Likewise, the hoisting apparatus can be utilized to raise an object off the adjacent surface area, maneuver the object over the manhole, and lower the object into the manhole. Furthermore, the hoisting apparatus is lightweight, portable, and mechanically non-complex.

Abstract: An improved ladder lifting apparatus usable to lift heavy loads from the ground to a roof surface including a horizontally positioned, hand or shoulder mounted lifting bar or beam with a winch means, fastened to the bar or beam where one end of the lifting bar or beam is fastened and/or connected to the side rails of a vertically positioned ladder or extension ladder, with means to allow movement of the upper end of the ladder toward the roof to deposit the load on the roof or into a window of a multi-story building combined with optional stabilizing features for the ladder to make use of the lift bar at high elevations more safe.

Abstract: This invention is directed at a mobile ladder which has a two pairs of rollers. One pair of rollers moves in a first metal trough and the other pair moves in another metal trough. The metal trough are positioned close to a building wall, for example, and are in parallel relation to each other. The ladder can be moved in the troughs when a workman in on the ladder through use of a pulley system.This invention is also directed at a mobile scaffold which has a two pairs of rollers. One pair of rollers moves in a first metal trough and the other pair moves in another metal trough. The metal trough are positioned close to a building wall, for example, and are in parallel relation to each other. The scaffold can be moved in the troughs when a workman in on the scaffold through use of a pulley system.This invention is also directed at a work bucket that is mounted to a ladder by a pair of bracket members.

Abstract: A portable conveyor system comprises an extensible and retractable boom assembly mounted on a transportable stationary support. The boom assembly comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced rungs defining a series of supporting surfaces for a primary load carrier of the type described in applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 75,410, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,437. The improvements described herein include a vertically adjustable hitch mounted forwardly on a frame of the primary load carrier. The hitch is adapted for attachment to the end of the cable of a winch assembly to move the endless tracks of the carrier in full contact along the supporting surfaces of the rungs. Other improvements include modified boom and overhead bracket assemblies, a resilient suspension system for the primary load carrier and a platform assembly attachable to either end of the boom assembly to alternately function as a loading or unloading platform.

Abstract: A worker platform for sandblasting a cylindrical fuel storage tank includes a lookout frame section secured to the tank top that has an arm extending radially outward beyond the tank wall and a roller assembly supporting the arm for circumferential movement about the tank. A stage is suspended by a winch from the arm, and a square cross-sectioned standpipe is captured within upper and lower square guide channels formed at the center of the stage and by a yoke at the outer extent of the arm. The standpipe has a base plate with projections or spikes to penetrate the ground. The winch moves the stage up and down with the standpipe passing vertically through the guide channels and providing stability against swinging, twisting and tilting. For circumferential movement, a pin temporarily locks the standpipe for lifting with the stage. Lookout frame embodiments are given for both solid and floating tank tops.

Abstract: The present invention is a transportable hoist consisting of a twin-arm telescopic unit comprising a given number of rectangular telescopic elements, which can be extended longitudinally by means of a telescopic hydraulic cylinder. A carriage with a work platform is mounted on said twin-arm unit; the carriage and work platform are moved along the unit by means of two steel cables connected to a windlass. The carriage is equipped with an automatic emergency brake. The twin-arm unit is supported by a pivoting platform mounted on a self-propelled or towed vehicle. Two telescopic cylinders are used to set the angle of said unit during use.

Abstract: A tripod utilized over a manhole or the like to aid in the introduction or removal of a workman or equipment into the hole includes a housing and three legs extending downwardly and outwardly from the housing. An elongated rod extends vertically through the housing and includes a support member in the form of a loop or hook. A fall protection device may be suspended from the support member and includes a cable connected to a harness worn by a workman. In the event of a fall, the weight of the workman pulls the support member and rod downwardly against the force of a spring located within the housing until a limit switch carried by the rod activates an audible and visual alarm. A nut threaded onto the top part of the rod can be moved down against the top of the housing to prevent downward movement of the rod. This allows the tripod to be used to lower heavy equipment without activating the alarm.

Abstract: This invention is a self-hoisting platform which can be used by painters, carpenters, or the like when painting or repairing elevated building structures. This is accomplished through the provision of a seat-like means having an interconnected dual lift system with reversible, pawl type locking means for manually raising and lowering the system.

Abstract: This invention is a self-hoisting platform which can be used by painters, carpenters, or the like when painting or repairing elevated building structures. This is accomplished through the provision of a seat-like means having an interconnected dual lift system with reversible, pawl type locking means for manually raising and lowering the system.

Abstract: A side rail system for interconnecting layered sections of elongated scaffold staging with the sections respectively spanning pairs of opposing upper and lower support arms of pump jacks which respectively ride on spaced apart pump jack poles. The side rail system includes upright posts which are spaced along the staging. A pair of rods are associated with each of the posts. The rods confrontingly project from the respective staging sections. The posts are pivotally coupled to the rods and are secured to the rods by quick adjust pins to prevent separation of the rods and posts. A mid-rail as well as a toe board can be interconnected between the rails. An end rail system can also be included. The scaffolding arrangement can be used exteriorly with a brace onto a wall. It can also be used interiorly between roof and floor with appropriate height adjustment arrangement provided.

Abstract: A pump jack arrangement for traveling up and down a pole including a frame member upper and lower shackle members supported by the frame member. A pump arm and a support arm are provided for supporting weights. The pump arm is utilized for causing the shackle members to alternately grip the pole. The non-gripping shackle member is stepped upwardly along the pole. The upper and lower shackles include pivotally interconnected yoke members and linkage members which are pivotally connected utilizing the rear gripping rod of the yoke member itself as the pivot. The pump jack is formed of U-shaped channels in order to provide additional supports. The support arms themselves also comprise opposingly interfitted U-shaped channels to provide a slidable support arm. A guard plate is provided over the front gripping rod of the upper shackle.

Abstract: An interconnected scaffolding platform having at least two elongated staging sections which are butted together so as to lie colinearly and in a common plane. A pair of lateral plates longitudinally project from the confronting ends of each of the sections. The plates are staggered with respect to each other to permit interfitting of the plates. A transverse bore is formed through all of the plates to define a passageway. A U-shaped bar arrangement interfits through the passageway and has depending arms which can secure the interconnected staging sections to a support member.

Abstract: A multistage portable lift has an arm projecting rearwardly from one of the movable lift stages and a reeving system including a cable transferring a downward counterbalancing force to the arm from a load at the front of the lift. In the preferred embodiment, the load support is caused to moved upwardly to the upper end of the top stage before the movable stages move relative to one another responsive to upward movement of the lowermost movable stage by an independent elevating means.

Abstract: A basket structure for supporting linemen performing maintenance work on tower supported lines and method of performing same is disclosed. The basket is embodied within an enclosure having corner members in attachment to sling lines of a helicopter. An inclined appendage on each corner post engages a segment of the tower supported line during elevation of the enclosure by the helicopter to temporarily secure the enclosure in place on the line to permit maintenance task performance. The inclined appendages include a resilient covering to enhance line or static wire engagement. Lugs at the corner post upper ends attach the sling lines in an offset manner to permit unobstructed vertical movement of the enclosure past the line preliminary to upward seating of a pair of appendages against the line.

Abstract: A scaffolding generally of the type for use in placing siding on a vertical wall of a house wherein the scaffolding has two posts disposed vertically and supported at the lower end by a support structure offset from the post in a direction away from the house and having legs offset from one another in a direction parallel to the wall of the house.

Abstract: A pump jack upright pole formed of an elongated metal pole having a rubberized surface formed on only one side of the metal pole. The pump jack securely rides up and down the pole. The rubberized surface is longitudinally offset with respect to the pole so that it extends past one end of the pole while exposing the opposing end of the pole. A splint is arranged to be received within adjacent ends of poles being spliced together with the rubberized surface extending end overlying the exposed pole end of the next adjacent section. The rubberized sections are interfitted to provide a continuity so that the pump jacks can ride up and down the poles without interference.

Abstract: A self-contained scaffold and lift unit includes first and second pairs of parallel, spaced apart vertical rails joined together by horizontal braces. A movable lifting carriage unit is disposed between the pairs of vertical rails and includes pairs of rollers engaging and captured between the pairs of vertical rails to provide smooth vertical motion with respect to the rails. A primary load-bearing platform is removably attached to a lower portion of the carriage unit and an auxiliary load-bearing platform is removably attached to an upper portion of the carriage unit. A manually driven hoist is attached to the carriage to allow controlled movement. The carriage unit is positioned with respect to the rails by the hoist. An auxiliary base assembly is removably mounted to the scaffold unit to secure the scaffold unit in an erect and freestanding manner. The rigid scaffold units are assembled in modular interfitting sections to allow a scaffold of any desired height to be formed.

Abstract: A device is described which provides egress for persons trapped in burning buildings. The invention comprises a portable supportive base structure having attached thereto a plurality of interconnected channel members which are manually extended to reach the upper levels of multi-storied buildings wherein trapped victims of fire may be located. Winches attached to the device enable an operator to position the extendable members in front of an upper level window whereupon the person being removed enters a personnel receptacle attached to the terminal end of the final extendable member and is thereupon lowered safely to the ground.

Abstract: An orchard lift apparatus including a bicycle-type seat upon which an orchard worker may sit, said seat mounted on an elongated pole passing upward through a sleeve and friction hemisphere, said hemisphere resting within a socketed bridge through which said sleeve passes downward, a cable, attached to said sleeve-hemisphere unit, extends downward, approximately parallel to said pole, and is wound or unwound by the worker, on a drum at the base of said pole, by means of foot pedals. Whereby, the worker may move upward or downward, and may change the attitude of the seat in any direction, two straight poles or tubes constitute the legs, angling inward in an upward direction, the above mentioned socketed bridge rigidly fastened to, and spanning across the tops of said pole legs.

Abstract: A scaffold device comprising a wheeled frame means including a front axle assembly and a rear axle assembly which are pivotally interconnected about a horizontal axis whereby either of the axle assemblies may be pivoted or rotated relative to the other. A first post is pivotally connected at its lower end to the front axle assembly and extends downwardly therefrom. A telescoping support is pivotally connected at its lower end to the front axle assembly and extends upwardly to a pivotal connection with the first post to permit the first post to be vertically positioned regardless of the attitude of the front axle assembly. A second post is pivotally secured at its lower end to the rear axle assembly and extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed a retractable suspended scaffolding mounted on a self-propelled truck which is particularly adapted for maintanence work on structures that are situated along roadways and at areas of difficult access. The scaffolding includes an operating gangway that is arranged in posiiton below the planking of a bridge, a viaduct or the like, by means of a set of mechanisms that are operated by oleodynamic jacks, hydraulic motors and manually controlled reduction units.

Abstract: A scaffold device comprising a wheeled frame means including a front axle assembly and a rear axle assembly which are pivotally interconnected about a horizontal axis whereby either of the axle assemblies may be pivoted or rotated relative to the other. A first post is pivotally connected at its lower end to the front axle assembly and extends upwardly therefrom. A telescoping support is pivotally connected at its lower end to the front axle assembly and extends upwardly to a pivotal connection with the first post to permit the first post to be vertically positioned regardless of the attitude of the front axle assembly. A second post is pivotally secured at its lower end to the rear axle assembly and extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A staging includes sections that are easily transported or stored and in use are detachably joined to form vertical assemblies detachably interconnected by a railing with the assemblies connected to the building by braces. Each vertical assembly includes a support for platform-forming planks and a mechanism by which the platform may be raised or lowered by workmen supported thereby. The staging also includes sections connectable to the vertical assemblies to form roof-supported assemblies having brackets for platform-forming planks.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning a work platform which is cantilevered outwardly and laterally on a carriage for movement up and down on parallel rails of an elevated tower is illustrated as including a pair of vertically spaced horizontal shafts carried by a first pair of wheels engaging an outside portion of a rail, each of said shafts having an adjustable eccentrically mounted wheel carrying portion with means for mounting the shaft in fixed position with respect to the carriage so that the eccentric portion of the shaft is in position to affect proper alignment for the wheels with respect to the rail to insure proper alignment of a second pair of vertically spaced wheels engaging an outside portion of the other rail.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination scaffold and utility platform that is adapted to be used with two, at least, spaced apart support members. There is provided a first platform that is positioned on the support members in a spanning relationship therewith. The first platform includes therein a plurality of transverse openings that are spaced apart along the length dimension thereof and in a common plane. A second elongated platform is positioned in a plane above and alongside the first platform. The two platforms are coupled to each other by means of rods, each of which has a first portion that is adapted to be removably inserted in one of the openings in the first platform and a second portion that is spaced above and alongside the openings in the first platform in order to support the second platform. The rods that support the second platform with respect to the first platform are also provided with means for preventing the tilting of the second platform with respect to the first platform.

Abstract: An improved portable scaffold is the subject of the present invention. A base framework is provided with horizontally telescoping feet to accommodate free movement of the scaffold while still affording maximum stability during use. A telescoping tongue member likewise facilitates transportation but during use of the lifting device may be moved to an out of the way position substantially underlying the plane of the framework. Foldable upright standards are coupled with the framework at each end and mount platform supporting means for movement therealong. A platform member which substantially spans the distance between the upright standards is coupled with the platform supporting means at each end by a hangar bracket which accommodates 90.degree. pivotal movement between the supporting means and the platform. Each bracket also extends away from the supporting means a distance at least equal to the width of one upright standard so as to accommodate folding of the standards one on top of the other.

Abstract: A hoist having an outer principal channel post and an inner secondary channel member, longitudinally movable therewithin, the secondary channel member being moved by a winch and cable and being adapted to travel longitudinally beyond the upper end of the principal channel post to allow heavy items to be elevated to a position in abutting relationship to, for example, a ceiling or roof. The hoist can be easily mounted to either the inside or the outside of a conventional pipe scaffolding to provide for the raising and lowering of building materials.

Abstract: A helicopter supported gondola is provided with means for stabilizing the position of the gondola with respect to the exterior wall of a building so that people trapped within the building may be removed from it and safely lowered to the ground. Means are provided for stabilizing the gondola so that the downdraft from the helicopter can be used to control the position of the gondola, and other means are provided to hold the gondola firmly to the side of the building so that people may move from the building to the gondola.