Abstract: A walkway installation includes a walkway assembly which includes at least one tread module supported by a pair of spaced apart elongate supports which extend in the direction of the length of the walkway installation, the walkway installation additionally including a handrail assembly including a handrail which extends in the direction of the length of the walkway assembly and a plurality of spaced apart posts which each secure the handrail relative to the walkway assembly, the handrail assembly additionally including a first connector which secures a post to one side of the walkway assembly and the first connector having secured thereto a substantially inflexible transverse link which extends across the walkway assembly in a direction perpendicular to the length of the walkway installation, the transverse link extending to a second connector secured to the other side of the walkway.

Abstract: A stackable step component with adjustable tread incline includes a step frame having a top edge surface and a bottom edge surface. The top edge surface is substantially level when the bottom edge surface is in contact with an inclined ground surface. The stackable step component also comprises one or more ground penetrating features coupled to the step frame that secure the step frame to the ground surface and an adjustable tread coupled to the top edge surface. The adjustable tread allows adjustment of a tread incline angle. The step component is used to construct a stairway one step at a time without costly design intensive stringers. Each step component includes an adjustable tread so after installing, the tread incline of each step can be set to be level or at a desired angle. A quick and inexpensive outdoor stairway is constructed where each step supports at least three-hundred pounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a climbing apparatus for pet training and exercise. A hill climbing apparatus for exercising or training pets may include, for example, a first ramp directly coupled to a second ramp at a coupling point located at a peak of the hill, the first ramp and the second ramp having an angle of incline that is substantially similar, thereby forming a substantially symmetrical and triangular structure. The first ramp and the second ramp can include supports projecting from a surface of the first ramp and the second ramp to facilitate navigation of a path that comprises an incline of the first ramp and a decline of the second ramp. In addition, the supports can render the apparatus free-standing and portable.

Abstract: A climbing stick system includes the first climbing stick and a second climbing stick. The first climbing stick includes a first step support having a cavity and a mouth leading to the cavity and first steps coupled to the first step support. The second climbing stick includes a second step support, second steps coupled to the second step support and a locking member having a head. One of the mouth and the locking member is rotatable between a locked position in which the head is locked within the cavity to retain the first climbing stick with respect to the second climbing stick and an unlocked position to facilitate separation of the first climbing stick and the second climbing stick.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a step system for attaching to a recreational vehicle, which includes an automatic step system. The step system includes a step frame that is configured to be removably coupled to the recreational vehicle. The step frame includes a plurality of steps and a magnet. The step system further includes a magnetic proximity switch that is configured to disable the automatic step system when the step frame is in an installed position.

Abstract: A portable pathway apparatus for providing a path over a surface, the portable pathway comprising: a pliable frame member; a row of mating holes disposed on each side of the pliable frame member; a set of steps coupled to the pliable frame member; wherein one or more of the set of steps is coupled to the pliable frame member with a mount that aligns with the row of mating holes on each of the corresponding sides of the pliable frame member.

Abstract: A tank farm system that includes a tank configured to hold a volume of fluid; a barrier constructed at least partially around the tank; and a portable pathway disposed on the barrier. The portable pathway further includes a pliable frame member; a row of mating holes disposed on each side of the pliable frame member; a set of steps coupled to the pliable frame member; wherein one or more of the set of steps is coupled to the pliable frame member with a mount that aligns with the row of mating holes on each of the corresponding sides of the pliable frame member.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a folding step stool that is, in one embodiment, mounted and stored within a cabinet. Children and short adults are typically not tall enough to readily access a kitchen or bathroom sink. Accordingly, many homes have a portable step stool located in the kitchen or bathroom. While effective, one problem with such a portable step stool is storage of the stool when not in use. Aspects of the present invention are directed to a folding step stool that may be mounted within an interior of a cabinet. When not in use, the entirety of the folding step stool may be disposed within an interior of the cabinet to permit closure of the cabinet door. Likewise, when needed, the cabinet door may be opened and the step stool may be deployed to provide one or more steps for use in accessing a counter or sink above the cabinet.

Abstract: A grille-step assembly mounted on a vehicle includes a vehicle having a vehicle frame and a grille-step assembly secured to the frame. The grille-step assembly includes a grille frame secured to the vehicle frame. The grille frame has opposed grille brackets with at least one bar connecting the opposed grille brackets to one another and a step assembly. The step assembly includes opposed step brackets having a bottom crossbar and a step crossbar that connect the opposed step brackets to one another. The assembly is releasably mounted so that in a closed position both the bottom crossbar and the step crossbar are positioned between the opposed grille brackets, and in an open position one of the bottom crossbar and step crossbar is positioned away from the opposed grille brackets.

Abstract: A telescoping ladder includes a stabilizer connected to a stabilizer housing proximal to the floor surface on which the ladder is positioned. The first stabilizer can move between an extended position and a collapsed position. In the extended position, the first stabilizer extends out of a hollow body portion of the stabilizer housing and collapse into the hollow body portion of the rung in the collapsed position. The stabilizer comprises a locking button to lock the stabilizer in its extended position. The ladder comprises a flange that can release the locking button thereby unlocking the stabilizer from its extended position and move it into the collapsed position.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to pet ramp/step devices and associated methods, including a frame supporting at least one platform member. The at least one platform member includes a riser and a runner which are movable between a ramp mode configuration and a step mode configuration. The frame further includes a telescoping handle which is extendable relative to the frame based on a height of the supporting structure against which the telescoping handle is positioned. The frame includes a frame hinge for folding the frame into a folded position and a frame locking mechanism for locking the frame in the folded position. The riser fixedly supports the runner against a pair of riser supports of the frame when positioned in the step mode. The runner is further supported by the pair of riser supports when positioned in the ramp mode.

Abstract: An apparatus configurable as a back support and as a boarding ladder for use with an inflatable boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first frame configured for mounting on an inflated tube of the inflatable boat and a second frame, pivotally coupled to the first frame, the second frame having a transverse element. The second frame is moveable, with respect to the first frame, between a raised position, where the transverse element provides a back support, and a lowered position where the transverse element provides a rung of a boarding ladder. The apparatus may also include one or more third frames that extend below the second fame when the second frame is in the lowered position, the one or more third frames providing one or more additional rungs of the boarding ladder.

Abstract: A work platform on which a worker can ride includes a suspended portion supported above a floor surface, the suspended portion being movable by a movement rail provided upwardly of a movement path, and a platform portion provided in the form of a plate on which the worker can ride, the platform portion having a base end connected to a lower end portion of the suspended portion to be pivotable about an axis along the direction of lateral width of the movement path. With pivotal movements about the axis, the platform portion can selectively assume a riding posture wherein the platform portion extends along the movement path so that the worker riding on this platform portion can move along the longitudinal direction of the movement path and a folded posture wherein the platform portion is folded toward the suspended portion to extend along the vertical direction.

Abstract: A collapsible staircase is provided with a set of flat parts, with each of the parts intended to function as steps. Each flat part can be moved between a first position and a second position. All of the flat parts are substantially coplanar when the parts are in the first position, and the parts are disposed above each other and at a distance from each other when the parts are in the second position. A retractable holding handle is also provided and driven together with the flat parts.

Abstract: Stepladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a top cap, a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with the top cap. The second assembly includes at least one rail pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. The first assembly, the second assembly and the top cap are cooperatively configured such that the at least one rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested within an envelope defined by the pair of spaced apart rails of the first assembly with the step ladder is in a collapsed state.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a front section having a right front rail and a left front rail in parallel and spaced relation with the right front rail, and front steps attached to the right and left front rails. The ladder includes a rear section having a right rear rail and a left rear rail in parallel and spaced relation with the right rear rail, and a rear horizontal attached to the right rear rail and the left rear rail. The ladder includes a top to which the front and rear sections are connected. The ladder includes a tray pivotally attached to the right and left rear rails having a closed position essentially in parallel with the right and left rear rails and an opened position essentially in parallel with ground, the tray pivoting up from the closed position to the open position. A method for using a stepladder. The method includes the steps of positioning a front section and a rear section of the stepladder attached to a top of the stepladder.

Abstract: A ladder for use with heavy machinery such as farm equipment, the ladder having platform steps, the ladder being convertible between a deployed position for supporting a person or other load, to a storage, scaffold, or ramp position in which the steps lie in a generally planar arrangement. When deployed, the ladder steps remain parallel to each other. The ladder includes two frames, the frames pivotably connected by a plurality of platform steps, one of the frames being pivotably attached to a piece of heavy machinery. The frame nest within one another in the storage configuration. The pivotable attachment to the heavy equipment may be wheels on the ladder frame that engage horizontal tracks on the heavy equipment, allowing the ladder to be lifted up, the frames nested, and the ladder in the storage configuration slid along the tracks and stored.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed and pictured illustrate a ladder module for use in ascending or descending generally cylindrical, vertically oriented structures and a securement system for positioning various objects on a generally cylindrical, vertically oriented structure. One embodiment of the ladder module comprises a spine and at least two steps pivotally mounted to the spine. A step mounting bracket base may be affixed to a step mounting bracket bolt, and each step may in turn be pivotally mounted to the step mounting bracket base. The step mounting bracket base and the tree bracket may be secured to the spine with the step mounting bracket bolt. The ladder module may be mounted to a tree or similar structure using a flexible member such as a rope, wherein one end of the flexible member is secured to the spine and the flexible member is engageable with the securement structure.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lambdoidal ladder comprises front struts (100), back struts (200), treads (500), a folding device) 400, a connection device (600) and a platform (300). Wherein the platform (300) is connected to the front strut (100) and the back strut (200), and the structure between the front strut and the back strut is a rotatable connection; the platform (300) comprises a body (310) and a transverse rod (320) which goes through the front strut (100), an orientation slot (314) matching to the transverse rod (320) is set under the body (310); the folding device (400) fixed to the middle part of the front strut and the back strut is constructed a hinge with a H figuration; the tread (500) is fixed to the front and back struts by the connection device (600).

Abstract: The present invention provides a frame having variable dimensions, comprising a plurality of telescoping legs arranged in first and second pairs, with each leg of said first pair being rotatably coupled together and each leg of said second pair being rotatably coupled together; and a scissor link mechanism coupled between the legs of said first and second pairs to vary a length of said plurality of legs in response to a distance between said first and second pairs varying. In one embodiment one end of each of said legs of said first pair is rotatably coupled together and one end of each of said legs of said second pair are rotatably coupled together. In this manner, the dimensions of the frame may be varied to accommodate support of a flexible body, such as a plastic bag, paper sack, fabric sack and the like to provide the same with a desired volume and/or an opening of the same with desired dimensions.

Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.

Abstract: Ladder configurations and components are provided including an outer rail assembly which is longitudinally adjustable relative to an inner rail assembly. The outer rail assembly may include a pair of spaced apart outer rails each fixedly coupled to an associated sleeve or sliding mechanism. Each sleeve is in turn slidably coupled to an inner rail of the inner rail assembly. The outer rails may be positioned and oriented at an acute angle relative to the inner rails so as to provide an increased base distance between the two outer rails. Support structures are also disclosed which are coupled at multiple locations along a rail member and at least one location of a rung. Additionally, ladder hinges are disclosed including hinge components configured to effectively transmit loads from associated rails. In one embodiment the hinge may include a pinch prevention mechanism.

Abstract: A folding ladder with a pair of parallel front support members having a plurality of sequentially positioned grooves, a plurality of front aligned fastener holes aligned with a plurality of back fastener holes, a pair of non-parallel back support members, wherein the back support member inside forms a flush engagement with the front support member outer side; a plurality of pivot means disposed centrally through each back top end and extending from each back top end to an off center position in each front support top end, a plurality of pivoting non-removable rungs, a pair of locking spreader bars, a pair of pivotable cross braces and a plurality of recessed magnets for supporting the pivoting cross braces and for allowing portions of the folding ladder to compactly and securely engage each other.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is an assistive device for enabling individuals with limited mobility to step up to a generally horizontal patient support apparatus having: a pair of foldable frames each having a generally U-shaped vertical side frame. Each of the frames has a plurality of horizontal support members and is coupled to one or more horizontal support bars that are located at a rear of the device. A plurality of foldable steps is coupled to the frames. A method of a patient/user using the device described above includes the acts of: unfolding a folded device (if folded); placing the device with a rear portion facing and against an examination table or bed. Having the patient/user grip a pair of grips and placing a first foot on a lower step. The patient then places a second foot on an upper step with the first foot remaining on the lower step while maintaining his/her hands on the grips.

Abstract: A step unit includes right and left step frames and two steps coupled to the right and left step frames.

Abstract: Safety ladders to provide egress from water to a dock or boat or the like are disclosed. Safety ladders in accordance with the present invention are mountable to a structure, upwardly collapsible to a first storage configuration, and downwardly extendible to a second climbing configuration.

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: Stepladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a top cap, a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with the top cap. The second assembly includes at least one rail pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. The first assembly, the second assembly and the top cap are cooperatively configured such that the at least one rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested within an envelope defined by the pair of spaced apart rails of the first assembly with the step ladder is in a collapsed state.

Abstract: A step assembly is easily mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, and easily folded to a closed position or unfolded to an open position in place on the vehicle or off of the vehicle. In the open position, a person or a pet can more easily enter or leave a vehicle. In the closed position, the step assembly is more easily stored.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a boarding platform for a boat that includes all of the stability of a permanent swim platform as well as the capability of being adjusted and adapted so that it can be set up at virtually any location on the boat. The boarding platform requires no additional hardware and affords the convenience of easy set up, removal, and storage.

Abstract: A platform ladder comprising two elongate ladder sections having feet at one end and an upper end, the upper end of each section being hinged to an upper rail, a platform pivotally secured to one ladder section below the upper end and adapted to interconnect with the other ladder section, and stays interconnecting each side of the ladder sections whereby when the ladder is in an operative position with the ladder sections assuming an erect A shaped profile with the platform extending between the ladder sections to define a standing platform, the ladder sections, upper rail and stays, define a four bar linkage.

Abstract: A collapsible loading ramp affixable to a raised surface in a non-permanent manner extending from the raised surface to the ground. The ramp is foldable by way of a hinge connecting the first ramp section to the lower ramp section. Rung units attach to the first and second ramp sections via posts and can be unattached to facilitate compact storage of the ramp pieces individually or in a compact box-like formation.

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: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for printing. A statistical learning system is used to determine dot gain.

Abstract: A ladder includes a standing frame comprising two parallel standing side legs, a plurality of step platforms transversely extended between the standing side legs of the standing frame, and a side support enhancement including two side ground supports each having a ground end and a pivot end pivotally connected to the respective standing side leg, two reinforcing arms pivotally connected to the side ground supports respectively; and two sliding joints for slidably connecting the reinforcing arms with bottom ends of the standing side legs respectively. Therefore, the reinforcing arms are slid inwardly to pivotally pull the side ground supports to align with the standing side legs respectively to form a compact unit and are slid outwardly to pivotally push the side ground supports away from the standing side legs respectively so that the side ground supports are inclindedly and outwardly extended from the standing side legs respectively.

Abstract: A ladder for people with limited mobility comprising a first frame member defining a first sidewall; a second frame member defining a second sidewall; a plurality of steps spanning between the first and second sidewalls, from a first level above the surface to the upper level substantially to the height of a wheelchair seat; handles positioned above each of the steps, so that a person is able to place one's hands on the handles and lift oneself up the first step, and grasp the next highest handles and lift to the next highest step until the person is able to move from the highest step onto the wheelchair seat.

Abstract: A ladder for people with limited mobility comprising a first frame member defining a first sidewall; a second frame member defining a second sidewall; a plurality of steps spanning between the first and second sidewalls, from a first level above the surface to the upper level substantially to the height of a wheelchair seat; handles positioned above each of the steps, so that a person is able to place one's hands on the handles and lift oneself up the first step, and grasp the next highest handles and lift to the next highest step until the person is able to move from the highest step onto the wheelchair seat. There is further provided a mechanism for allowing each of the steps to fold upwardly along their midpoint to move the apparatus into a folded storage position when not in use.

Abstract: A lightweight, folding ladder having steps that fold together and lie flat within the frame, when the legs of the frame are collapsed into a fold-away position. The steps each have an edge recess that allows a person climbing the ladder to laterally draw closer to an object or supporting wall when the ladder is in a legs-expanded, open-frame, operative position.

Abstract: A collapsible ladder provides a plurality of segments, each segment associated with one rung of the ladder. The segments may be folded into a flat or planar configuration, after which each segment may be folded against adjacent segments, thereby forming a stacked storage configuration. Each segment provides a generally horizontally oriented rung carried at either end by a generally vertically oriented inside element. A middle element is hinged to each inside element, and an outside element is hinged to each middle element. Side rails may be formed by folding the middle element at 90 degrees to the inside element, and the outside element at 90 degrees to the middle element. A side rail formed in this manner is generally U-shaped when viewed from the end. Springs bias the inside, middle and outside elements into a 90 degree relationship with each adjacent element.

Abstract: A laterally extensible ladder comprises first and second uprights having a plurality of adjacent rung assemblies mounted therebetween. Each rung assembly includes a first hollow rung element that defines a rung axis and a second rung element received in the first rung element. The second rung element is movable along the rung axis for adjusting the length of the rung assembly, hence adjusting the width of the ladder. At least one rung assembly includes a structure for releasably holding the rung assemblies at a selected width configuration.

Abstract: A highly mobile support cart for automotive service personnel presents an elevated support platform over the engine compartment of a vehicle undergoing service. The wheeled frame, ideally supported by a smooth, concrete surface, comprises a rigid, transverse base from which rigid, elongated rails outwardly diverge. The frame mounts an extensible, slightly inclined ladder that supports the work platform. The frame rails and base are equipped with suitable caster wheel assemblies for locomotion. The divergent, reinforced frame design enhances stability and structural integrity. The extensible ladder transported by the frame projects upwardly from the rear. The ladder comprises a lower half pivoted to the frame that telescopingly receives a sliding upper half. Registered locking orifices are pinned by a spring biased clip system to lock the ladder halves against axial displacement. The locking clip comprises a generally C-shaped clasp that is yieldably, spring biased to a locking position.

Abstract: A frame assembly supports a work surface of either flexible material or of sections of foldable and unfoldable relatively rigid material all so that the frame assembly and material may either be unfoldable and rigidized or folded into a compact package. The flexible frame assembly includes a pair of spaced poles and a number of hinged sections aligned so that the poles and material can be folded in sections. The poles rotate to permit either a frame folded disposition or a frame rigidized disposition. Embodiments include stretchers, screens and enclosures. The rigid material assembly provides a collapsible and rigidizable space spanning structure formed with a number of hinged sections of center supports and plates hingedly connected together to be either folded into a relatively compact device or unfolded and hingedly positioned to form rigidized space spanning structures.

Abstract: A ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The step of the is provided with one or more keyhole-shaped openings in which the bottom of the keyhole-shaped opening is open. The first frame member includes at least one cross member for supporting each of the one or more steps of the ladder. The cross members also provide a pivot axis about which the step rotates when folding or unfolding the ladder. The cross member has a circular cross-section at each of the ends where it is attached to the first frame member. Inboard from the circular cross member ends, is a crimped portion or portions. The crimped portion or portions of the cross member are dimensioned so that the crimped portion can pass through the open end of the keyhole openings in the step.

Abstract: Adjustable steps (2) extend between two parallel stingboards (3). Each stringboard (3) includes two locking flanges (4) and each step (2) is supported by four pivotable blocks (7, 8) each securable to a flange (4) by means of a nut (17). Two threaded rods (13, 16) extending through the step and between the stringboards engage two respective nuts (17) combined with two opposite blocks. The height of each step of the staircase may be adjusted by changing the spacing between the blocks (7, 8) along each flange (4). The horizontal position of the steps may be adjusted by changing the vertical distance between the front blocks (7) and rear blocks (8) along the stringboards, regardless of the angle at which the stringboards were fitted. A universal staircase may thus be achieved.

Abstract: A ladder system comprising a plurality of ladder segments arranged in seriatim. Each segment includes two sections joined by a hinge such that a portion of the segment may engage an object to be scaled. A retaining device is provided on each segment to maintain the segment in engagement with the object and each segment includes a riser portion which, when the segments are properly placed, forms the risers of a ladder. Adjacent segments are connected and are positioned in place on the object, by a user who pulls them into position one at a time.

Abstract: The disclosed is a method comprising the steps of displaying entirely a plurality of storehouse facilities in the form of a plan view; informing a storage abnormality when the actual storage location and stock condition are different from that displayed in parallel with displaying the stock condition at each instant; and correcting the stock condition at the time the storage abnormality is informed. Shelves are distinguished using displayed figures in accordance with shelves in which already stored, shelves still remaining empty, and shelves for which storage is prevented; and the stock condition of the storehouse facilities is displayed by specifying any of the facility on the displayed surface.

Abstract: An automatic foldable emergency ladder system for use in a building having a smoke detecting device includes an inverted L-shaped housing having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion and being securely mounted to a perimeter wall of a roof of the building; a control unit mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and having at least one input port for receiving a signal from the smoke detecting device; an electrically powered driving device mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and electrically connected to the control unit for receiving a signal therefrom and being activated/deactivated therefor; a spool unit rotatably mounted in the housing and driven by the driving device; a foldable ladder securely coupled to the vertical portion of the housing at one end thereof and having at least one wire which is secured to the spool means at one end thereof and an opposite end thereof is coupled to a free end of the foldable ladder such that the ladder can be folded/extended by the spool unit;

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety platform having a large platform with a high friction surface. Surrounding and supporting the platform are four legs. Located at the upper ends of the legs are two lateral guard rails and a front guard rail. The rear of the platform is open for user entry. The rear legs have longitudinal slots to accommodate a linkage extending from each rear corner of the platform to the rear of each lateral guard rail. The user may fully fold the safety platform by lifting the rear of the platform, thereby causing the invention to fold to a relatively narrow configuration for easy storage.