Abstract: A portable tree climbing device that provides secure hand grip and foot support to a climbing person without causing harmful damage to trees. The device is formed from a single sheet of rigid material and is attached to the tree with a commercially available strap and buckle assembly. The device is made progressively tighter about the tree's girth with the application of the weight of the user and has the inherent ability to retain this tight relationship with the tree after the user's weight has been removed.

Abstract: A stair construction for a vehicle is attached to the vehicle at a position below a vehicle door and supports the weight of users entering and exiting the vehicle. In the event of forces that tend to bend or push the stairs upward into interference with the door, the stairs will fracture and break or generally predictably deform so that they do not interfere with the door.

Abstract: A foothold of a manhole, a quay, and the like which enables operators to put their feet or foot on a tread in a natural state under a stable condition, and to reduce their fatigue with their feet or knees when they move up and down in a manhole by use of the foothold. The foothold of the manhole, the quay, and the like comprises the tread and side portions continued from and positioned at both sides of the tread, wherein at least the upper surface of the tread is inclined upward from a central portion of the tread toward the side portions at an angle ranging from 1 to 5 degrees.

Abstract: A new spring step for the rear ends of vehicles for facilitating access to the back ends of high vehicles, such as trucks and utility vehicles. The spring step includes a step member having a horizontal upper surface. A pair of semi-rigid members, preferably coil springs, are attached to the step member and extend vertically upward from the upper surface. The ends of the semi-rigid members are removably attached to a channel member which is used to secure the step member and semi-rigid members to a support structure, such as a rear bumper, of the vehicle. The semi-rigid members are stiff enough to permit an individual to stand on the step member without significant deflection of the semi-rigid members, so that the step functions similarly to conventional steps on the rear ends of vehicles. However, if the step encounters an obstacle or obstruction while the vehicle is backing up, the semi-rigid members resiliently flex so that the step member deflects. Thus, little or no damage is done to the step.

Abstract: A foothold of a manhole, a quay, and the like which is light and easily handled, and which is excellent in corrosion resistance and strength, and which is easily manufactured and inexpensive and can be recycled. The foothold having a U-shape and comprising a tread at front thereof and legs at both sides thereof, wherein said tread and said legs are integrally formed by engineering plastics.

Abstract: An individual step pad which can be incorporated into any loop of rope or dock line. The step pad provides a permanent or temporary rescue and utility footing in combination with a piece of rope. The step pad comprises a step pad portion, the step pad portion having a generally flat upper surface, a lower surface, upper edges, a predetermined thickness and lengthwise ends. The step pad portion further has two rope receiving notches in the lengthwise ends each consisting of a semi-circular groove extending vertically through the step pad, the semi-circular groove having a predetermined diameter, whereby the piece of rope is captured within the semi-circular groove of the notches on either end of the step pad. The device is portable and can float, and when installed in a loop of rope, can be thrown to a person in the water or in another boat, etc.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the insertion and removal of rod-type tree steps having vertically spaced apart first and second horizontally disposed sections extending oppositely from a vertically disposed central section. The device has a body portion including a handle and an opening for removably receiving therein the second section of the tree step. A lock member is selectively positionable with respect to the body portion so as to intrude into the opening therein and restrain unwanted movement of the second section of the tree step. A guide slot provided adjacent the upper and of and opening away from the body portion removably captures the central section of the tree step.

Abstract: A device for preventing unauthorized access to the steps of vehicles. The invention includes a hinged door which covers the access steps. The door can be locked from within or without the vehicle cab. When unlocked, the door pivots, thereby allowing a foot hold to be established.

Abstract: A combination step bolt and harness attachment for use with transmission structures and the like comprising a rod member having a threaded end portion and nut that is bolted to the tower to form a projecting step bolt, and a flange member, which may be formed integrally with the wall member or as a separate element, that is disposed between the step bolt and the surface of the transmission tower, such flange member including an opening positioned to receive a hook attached to the harness of a line technician, and including a brace portion projecting downwardly from the step bolt so as to be in abutment with the tower when the combination step bolt and harness attachment is mounted to the transmission tower.

Abstract: A boat entry system for dogs that clamps on to any boat transom, and still allows room for a motor to be present. The transom clamp is adjustable to allow for different boat transom heights and designs. The platform is angled to allow the dog to swim onto it and has an arm with a pivot point to allow it to be stowed up into the boat when not in use. The arm is offset to one side to permit its use with a motor on the transom.

Abstract: A step adapted to be screwed into a tree or post having an exposed threaded segment and a body segment, wherein a lag bolt is securely molded into the body member, the body member preferably comprising a strong plastic, and having certain advantages over existing similar devices due to various aspects of its construction, is described.

Abstract: A retractable step is movable from a position located in a cavity to an extended position located outside of the cavity. The invention provides for a latching facility to hold the step in the extended position against the bias of a retracting spring. A person standing on the step, exerting a downward force thereon disengages the latching facility. As the downward force is removed from the step, the step automatically retracts in response to the bias of the retracting spring.

Abstract: A step is disclosed herein having downwardly depending supports from the bumper or frame of a vehicle which terminate in a flared flange for holding a step rung adapted to support the weight of a person servicing the vehicle. In one form, a pair of supports attaches at one end to the bumper or frame utilizing fasteners normally used for license plate securement. In another form, a single support includes a flare lip onto which the step rung is retained.

Abstract: A portable step for supporting a person while working in the engine compartment of a vehicle, such as a truck. The portable step comprises a generally planar member and two legs on the generally planar member having a wheel attachment assembly at their upper ends for hooking onto either the front wheel or rear wheel of the vehicle thereby to suspend the planar member in a position wherein it is generally horizontal and at an elevation above the ground where a person standing on the planar member has convenient access to the engine compartment of the vehicle. Also disclosed is such a portable step wherein the wheel attachment assembly and the planar member are collapsible to minimize the size of the portable step for storage.

Abstract: A flexible ladder for use on moving conveyances which provides frontal stability but lateral flexibility, the ladder having a first, a second and a third strut member each formed of flexible material and each supported in a generally vertical plane, the strut members being parallel to each other with the second strut member between the first and third strut members. A first set of steps are secured between the first and second strut members and a second set of steps are secured between the second and third strut members the steps being vertically spaced apart from each other and the upper ends of each of the strut members being affixed to a moving conveyance, the ladder providing for ascent of an operator to the operating position on the conveyance but permitting lateral flexiblity if the ladder engages an obstruction on the surface on which the machine moves.

Abstract: A portable cooler assembly (10) for use on a boat including an insulated container (12) for storing and insulating beverages including an insulated door (24) disposed in the container (12). The assembly (10) includes a plurality of steps (24) having two horizontal surfaces (30, 31) interconnected by a vertical riser (32). The door (24) is hinged (38) to the top horizontal surface (31) of the container (12) and pivots about an uppermost step (40) formed by the horizontal surface (31). The container (12) further comprises attachments (66) having a handle (68) to transport the assembly (10) and a dome shaped member (74) to receive the handle (68) and fixedly secure the assembly (10) to a lower surface (26).

Abstract: A portable ladder assembly adapted to be removably mounted in the space between a body and a rail spaced therefrom, e.g. between the body of a conventional truck trailer and tie down rail. The ladder has a main ladder section having an elongated vertical support member and a plurality of step members transversely secured thereto. Means are disposed adjacent a top end of the elongated member for removably securing an upper end of the main ladder section in the space between the body and the tie down rail. Extension members are provided for extending the ladder above the rail to facilitate personnel climbing on the ladder assmbly. An optional lower ladder section having at least one transverse step member supported by at least one elongated member attached to the main ladder section adjacent a lower end thereof is repositionable between at least two different elevations.

Abstract: A step-stool for enabling a child to climb up to the top surface of a cabinet made of a top piece, a bottom piece and a middle step or platform piece adapted to slide out from between the top piece and the bottom piece to form a step. Two T-shaped spacers, one on each side, provide a channel for the middle platform piece to move outward and form the step. Screws, nails, or nuts and bolts act as fasteners to fit through the top piece, the two spacers and the bottom piece to hold them together, leave room for the middle slidable platform piece to be pulled out and to anchor the step-stool to a cabinet or other floor. The components of the step-stool of the invention may be marketed as a kit, put together to form an unanchored step-stool or anchored to a cabinet or other floor.

Abstract: A safety trailer step provides improved footing for a person launching or loading a boat onto a trailer. The safety trailer step comprises a step formed with a platform and two parallel side plates. The side plates snugly receive the trailer tongue therebetween and extend below the tongue. Tightening bolts through the side plates sandwiches the tongue therebetween to rigidly mount the safety trailer step to the trailer tongue. The platform may be centered over the tongue, or it may be laterally offset therefrom. A non-skid plastic plate may be attached to the platform upper surface. The present invention includes spacers that fit between the tongue and the step such that the safety trailer step can be used with a variety of trailer tongue widths.

Abstract: A multi-part running board structure mountable on vehicles, including inboard and outboard parts. The inboard part includes a facing plate adapted to abut the side of the vehicle and a step plate which extends substantially normal to the facing plate. The step plate part carries, at its outer edge, a tongue or groove adapted to be interconnected with a tongue or groove carried on a free inner edge of a second part of the running board. The outboard part carries a depending skirt at its outer edge, and a step plate which extends substantially normal to the skirt, and is adapted to be connected to, and positioned in coplanar alignment with, the step plate part of the inboard section. Such connection of the inboard part to the outboard part may be direct or may be through one or more intermediate step plate sections.

Abstract: A simple apparatus is disclosed that reduces the risk of low-back injury to workers in elevated, partially enclosed, aerial baskets. The preferred embodiment basically comprises a circular well within the floor of the basket that is surrounded by a raised footrest platform adapted to receive on foot of the worker. Between the footrest platform and a base of the well is a cylindrical wall that prohibits forward movement under the footrest platform.In operations, when the worker has to perform manual handling tasks outboard of the basket, one foot is raised out of the well and extended forward onto the footrest platform, while the other foot remains below and behind the raised foot, on the base of the well. The worker has thereby adopted a forward leaning posture instead of a forward bending posture. Consequently, the worker retains the optimal curvature of the spine, while achieving a biomechanical advantage that reduces the work demand on the lower back.

Abstract: This invention relates to grab irons and more particularly to two-piece, adjustable grab irons. The grab iron consists of a handhold-shape containing a mounting flange portion and a rod member as well as a grabfoot-shape containing a mounting flange portion and a base portion having a ring with a hole sized to receive the rod member of the handhold-shape. The rod member possesses a series of holes that are spaced along at least a portion of the rod member, and are formed at the same angle as measured from a horizontal vector. The base portion has a single pin hole having a size and angle that permits alignment with any of the pin holes in the rod member. The two pieces are secured together by the use of a metal fastener such as a steel expansion pin or a screw that is placed through both the pin hole in the base member and the appropriate hole in the rod member. The excess portion of the rod member extending past the grabfoot-shape is cut off.

Abstract: Improvements in plastic coated, steel core reinforced manhole steps; particular improvements in the drive-in or hammer-in ends of a U-configuration manhole step construction, which improvements involve the provision of uniform outer diameter retainer elements on a uniform outer diameter stem for use in either tapered or cylindrical manhole wall holes or openings; combinations of barb-like retainer elements and cylinder-like retainer elements on the drive-in ends of uniform diameter manhole leg ends adaptable for driving into and securing manhole step legs in either tapered or cylindrical manhole wall holes or openings.

Abstract: A climbing step and its manufacturing method are disclosed. The climbing step which is installed on wall surfaces of a manhole, pier or the like for ascent and descent is arranged such that a part of the step is coated with a layer of synthetic resin, and a reflection plate including protruding portions for preventing slippage are formed in the synthetic resinous surface. The reflection plate is embedded in the resinous surface over the tread portion while causing the surface to be exposed.

Abstract: A climbing rung is provied for anchoring to the wall of a manhole shaft. The climbing rung has a generally U-shaped core of two parallel legs spaced apart by a central tread. Each leg is sheathed in a pre-formed protective sleeve, closed at one end, by inserting the leg into the mounth of the sleeve. An injection moulded protective coating is bonded to the core of the tread and the core of each leg, extending to proximate the mouth of each pre-formed sleeve when a leg is sheathed therein, forming a sealing interface proximate the annular lip circumferentially defining the mouth of each sleeve. A method is provided including the steps of gripping the climbing rung only proximate the pre-formed protective sleeves when both legs are sheathed therein, so as to permit positioning the core of the tread and legs, extending only to proximate the mouth of each pre-formed protective sleeve, in an injection moulded cavity radially spaced equidistant the surface of the mould cavity.

Abstract: A u-shaped climbing rung to be anchored in a bore hole in a wall, the climbing rung having two parallel legs each leg having two ends, one end of each leg being connected to a transverse central element or tread spaced a predetermined distance below the parallel legs and having the other end for anchoring in a wall, the legs and tread being completely encapsulated in a synthetic protective coat having an outer configuration adapted to present each end of the legs remote the tread for anchoring the climbing rung in the wall. Behind said anchoring means each encapsulated end receives a soft elastic and tightly fitting and slidable sealing collar. At least one surface of either the encapsulated end behind the anchoring means or the inside surface of the sealing collar presents alternating raised rings and annular grooves to frictionally engage and seal the interface between the encapsulated end and the inside surface of the sealing collar.

Abstract: A staple for installation in a wood support having a U-shaped body defined by a pair of rod-like legs in fixed parallel spaced-apart relationship terminating at one end with the opposite ends of an arcuate member and each leg terminating its respective other end in a chamfered, cut-away point. Each leg is further provided with a notched barb outwardly extending beyond the surface of each leg defining a rounded ramp on its side nearest the point and a step on its other side. A sleeve of insulative material is disposed on the inside of the staple adjacent to the arcuate member.

Abstract: A u-shaped climbing rung to be anchored in a bore hole in a wall, the climbing rung being two parallel legs each leg having two ends, one end of each leg being connected to a transverse central element or tread spaced a predetermined distance below the parallel legs and having the other end for anchoring in a wall, the legs and tread being completely encapsulated in a synthetic protective coat having an outer configuration adapted to present each end of the legs remote the tread for anchoring the climbing rung in the wall, each encapsulated end having an anchor for anchoring the end of each leg, in a wall, and two soft elastic and tightly fitting sealing collars located on the legs spaced from the end of the legs securely anchored in the wall to frictionally slide along the legs to present a sealing face to an abutting wall deforming when abutting the surface of the wall to accommodate the surface configuration of the wall surrounding the bore hole whereby the combination of the anchor for securely anchoring

Abstract: A manhole step assembly including a substantially U-shaped metal rod and a corrosion resistant covering molded about the rod is taught. The covering has a tapered portion formed at the free ends thereof, and the tapered portion has a roughed surface to increase the surface area of compression which is used to hold the step in place in the wall of a manhole shaft. A socket which may be cast in such a shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements in plastic coated, steel core reinforced manhole steps; particular improvements in the drive-in or hammer-in ends of a U-configuration manhole step construction, which improvements involve providing resilient, barb-like retainer elements in the drive-in ends yet relieving such in particular patterns so as to enable debris and water in the formed holes in the manhole to escape in order to protect the concrete against conveyed impact pressures and further enable more effective sealing and engagement of the manhole step ends with the manhole wall orifices; particular improvements in drive or hammer-in manhole steps of the plastic coated, steel core reinforced type wherein the drive-in ends of the manhole steps are so relieved in the end portions thereof as to obviate and prevent any sealing of the recesses or holes in the manhole proper; improvements in wedge tooth or barb configuration to achieve maximum pullout resistance while retaining pressure and material relief features.

Abstract: A service step for use on a two-wheel drive tractor of the wide front axle type. The step is mounted on the knee portion below the front axle to provide a convenient and safe foothold for the operator when servicing the top front end of an engine housing. This step does not interfere with crop clearance area beneath the axle and does not require any additional width for the knee and tire assembly. This step is made useable by rotation of the front wheels in a direction away from the step. The step is also adapted to be used in conjunction with a handle located on the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A safety step fire escape is provided and consists of a plurality of steps mounted in a vertical spaced relationship to an outside wall of a building adjacent windows of the building. The last step is elevated high enough from ground level so that a person can only climb down the fire escape. A descent cable extends through the steps to guide the person down the fire escape. A signaling device is operable by movement of the descent cable from its normal position.

Abstract: A step attachment adapted for mounting to the body of a van or similar vehicle. The step includes a bracket fitted within a recess in the vehicle body and a step-defining cover which is supported atop horizontal flanges of the bracket.

Abstract: In a flexible step assembly (10) for a construction vehicle (14) it is desirable to provide a step assembly (10) that is durable enough to withstand impact from uneven terrain and obstacles encountered in vehicle operation and that will also provide a stable platform from which to mount and dismount the vehicle. The flexible step assembly (10) of this invention is suspended from a vehicle (14) by very durable chain assemblies (34) which have a link construction (38,64) that will enable the chain assembly (34) to lock-up to resist movement in a lateral direction upon application of an operator's weight upon a suspended step member (82).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a handhold (10) is provided including a base handhold member (12) including a first fastening flange portion (16) and a longitudinally extending rod portion (14). The length of the longitudinal portion is sufficient to meet most if not all distances between fasteners utilized on railway cars and other transportation vehicles. A second handhold member (30) includes a base portion (32) having an opening 34 and an upwardly extending flange portion (40). The base portion slidingly receives the rod portion and thus enables adjustment of the distance between the flange portions. The rod portion thus may be cut at the installation site to meet desired length. In one embodiment the distance D.sub.2 of the second flange above or below the rod may be varied by utilizing a selected member having this desired distance. Also different second members may have selected distances D.sub.1 from the vehicle body.

Abstract: An operator's mounting step structure for a crawler-tractor includes a step housing having a floor or bottom formed by a downwardly and outwardly inclined surface of a track-tensioner recoil spring housing. The surface of the housing inclines downwardly and outwardly and a primary step is spaced above an outer portion of this surface so as to leave a gap between the foot-engageable member and the surface to prevent dirt and mud and the like to gravitate down the surface of the housing and through the gap. The housing of the step structure further includes a top wall which has a forward upturned lip which forms a secondary step spaced vertically above the primary step. The top wall is curved downwardly and inwardly from the upturned lip thereof and it joins the recoil spring housing at an inward location of the downward and outwardly inclined surface.

Abstract: A ladder for use with vehicles is composed of two flexible supporting members and a number of foot steps, said supporting members comprising a reinforcement located in the vicinity of that face of the member which is directed outwardly from the vehicle so as to give said member a greater resistance to bending in the direction of the vehicle than in the opposite direction. According to another aspect of the invention each foot step at the opposite ends thereof is pivotally connected to brackets mounted in the flexible supporting members.

Abstract: A composite shield-step (10) is provided for an articulated log skidder of the type which has fluid lines (13) exposed through steering cylinder openings (20) to damage from logs and limbs in a logging environment. The composite shield-step (10) provides a first member (12) which is connected to the log skidder about the cylinder opening (20). The first member (12) has an opening (15) which is vertically offset from the cylinder opening (20) so that the fluid lines (13) are visible through both openings (15,20) but, being offset, logs and limbs do not have direct access to the fluid lines (13). A step (23) is formed on the first member (12) for easy access to the log skidder for operation.

Abstract: A step assembly and method of installing same in cast wall structures is disclosed. Tubular receptacles are disposed in place in the wall structure. Each receptacle has internal and external abutments. A step includes a pair of arms having abutments thereon which cooperate with the internal receptacle abutments to prevent step removal. A modified receptacle is insertable into a completed wall structure.

Abstract: An expanding fixture for securing an element to a wall or ceiling by securing the element to a bore in the wall or ceiling. The element includes a hollow end portion and an expanding piece adapted to fit within the hollow end for expansion thereof after insertion into the bore. The expanding piece includes at one end thereof two oppositely extending end sections which do not enter the bore and rest on the surface of the wall or ceiling and at the other end of the expanding piece, there is provided an expansion member to press the walls of the hollow section against the wall of the bore. A hammering device which is adapted to fit over the element away from the portion thereof which enters the bore to press the extension member and hollow section when in the bore together to provide a tight fitting engagement between the wall of the bore and the outer wall of the hollow section.

Abstract: A composite inspection plate-step has a first member and at least one step member. The first member has a middle portion and inner and outer surfaces. The first member has at least one opening of a preselected configuration through the middle portion and is defined by a lower edge.The step member has first and second portions and is of a generally "J" configuration. The first portion extends substantially completely across and a preselected distance through the opening in the first member and is fixedly connected to the lower edge of the opening and is generally horizontal in the installed position. The second portion is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the first member.The first member is releaseably connected over an inspection port of associated structure by fastening means.

Abstract: This device consists primarily of a pipe which telescopingly receives a rod having a foot guard attached at one end. The device includes a plate welding to the pipe which bolts to the truck body, and the opposite end of the pipe is welded to a plate which abuts with the lower portion of the front fender of the truck. A rubber gasket on the assembly, serves as friction means, against the rod so as to prevent it from sliding outwards of the vehicle, when it is in motion.

Abstract: A molded plastic fastener of the sort which may be used as part of steps for a concrete manhole has molded plastic, circular threads or projections which are tapered and deformable so that when inserted in a drilled hole of slightly smaller diameter the projections will be deformed and bend under pressure to retain the fastener in place.

Abstract: A step member for attachment to the frame of a tractor. The step member includes a pair of flexible cables each of which has a coupling member at the lower end thereof that extends through an enlarged aperture in a foot supporting portion and serves to connect the latter to the cables so as to permit limited movement of the foot supporting portion relative to the coupling members. The upper ends of the cables are pivotally connected to the frame in a manner that allows the foot supporting portion to swing in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tractor when the foot supporting portion encounters an obstacle.

Abstract: A step member for attachment to a frame of a tractor that includes a single flexible cable having the opposite ends thereof provided with bracket members which serve to attach the cable to the tractor frame so as to form the cable into a generally U-shaped configuration and provide a pair of vertically oriented arcuate legs and a substantially horizontal base the latter of which has a foot supporting plate secured thereto of a length substantially less than the distance between the coupling members.

Abstract: In an earth-moving vehicle, a step assembly having a step member and an attachment device is affixed outwardly of the frame of the vehicle to allow longitudinal displacement of the step member upon contacting an obstruction. The attachment device comprises a plurality of flexible members each having a flexible cable with rigid threaded rods affixed at each end for securing the step member to the vehicle frame or bracket affixed thereto; and an elastomeric tubular member encompassing the flexible cable, the elastomeric member acting as a spacer to spatially remove the step member from the vehicle frame while allowing the step member to deflect longitudinally relative to the vehicle frame upon contacting an obstruction adjacent to the path of the vehicle and to return the step member to its operating position upon clearing the obstruction.

Abstract: A handle-rung module adapted to be secured to a mounting surface to provide a handle and/or rung which is recessed and substantially flush with the mounting surface, the module is installed in a rectangular aperture in the mounting surface and is constructed to retain a closed surface when secured in the mounting surface, the module includes a longitudinally extending inwardly projecting segment having the arcuate contour of a longitudinal segment of a cylinder wall, with end walls contoured and connected to the ends of the inwardly projecting segment, and a longitudinally extending cross member centrally spanning the inwardly projecting segment and connected to the end walls, the cross member being adapted to provide a grip or step and the inwardly projecting segment being adapted to provide a recess for receiving the knuckles of a clenched hand or the end of a foot.

Abstract: A yieldable vehicle step is provided having a rigid foot support member pendantly supported from the side of a vehicle frame by a pair of relatively strong, but deflectable legs. Each leg is constructed from a chain and an outer deformable stiffener member circumposed about such chain. The outer member affords sufficient lateral rigidity or stiffness to the legs so as to minimize undue swinging movement of the step when in use, but which automatically returns to its suspended position whenever deflected by contact with an obstruction during movement of the vehicle.