Abstract: A stage system and apparatus for construction of flat stages, choral risers, and the like which utilizes a basic structural flat rectangular panel module with an edge of extruded material having a re-entrant groove on the outer surface and upper and lower sockets on each side of each corner of the panel to receive support legs fashioned to be received in the bottom sockets. Railing stanchions are provided to seat in the top sockets. In the vertically spaced and overlapping choral risers, the top sockets serve to locate the overlap and mechanically lock the panels in an overlap position. Inserts received in the re-entrant groove interengage with the re-entrant groove of an adjacent panel to provide lateral and vertical stability to adjacent panels.Special leg brackets are provided to engage the bottom sockets of two to four adjacent module panels to provide vertical support and lateral retention. Leg assemblies can be formed as a folding frame to facilitate shipping and storage.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for attaching accessories such as boarding ladders, ski tow bars and lights to a small boat. A latch plate is secured to the boat and carries a socket having an internal annular rib. A tube projecting from the accessory carries a pair of opposed latch elements each having an enlarged head extending out of the tube. A U-shaped spring wire urges the latch elements apart toward a latching position in which the heads of the elements securely interlock with the rib when the tube is fully inserted in the socket. Cam surfaces on the latch heads interact with the rib to displace the heads so that they can pass the rib as the tube is being inserted. Each latch element has a release button which extends through the side of the tube. When the buttons are depressed, the latch elements are released from the rib to permit the tube to be withdrawn from the socket.

Abstract: A tree step (20) comprises a first member (24) which has a second member (30) pivotally connected thereto. Connected to the first member (24) is a braided rope (28) which substantially encircles a tree when the tree step (20) is in an installed configuration. The second member (30) includes a foot-support portion (60) which has a spacer portion (62) integral therewith at a proximal end thereof. The spacer portion (62) serves to space a pivot point (82) from foot-supporting surfaces (72, 74) to a sufficient extent that, when the second member (30) has the braided rope (28) wound therearound, and when the second member (30) is pivoted to a storage configuration, the braided rope (28) is securely engaged between the foot-supporting surfaces (72, 74) and the first member (24). The spacer portion (62) has stabilization flanges (96, 98) extending rearwardly therefrom, the backsides of which provide stabilization surfaces (100, 102) which contact the tree when the tree step (20) is in an installed configuration.

Abstract: A removable bumper step for vehicles comprises a rigid plate having an upper, generally planar foot supporting surface terminating in a front end. The front end bends into a hook formation and is adapted to engage the upper edge of a vehicle bumper when the plate is positioned horizontally over the upper surface of the bumper. Means engaged with the plate adapt to contact the upper surface of the bumper rearwardly of the hook formation. The hook formation and means cooperate to maintain the plate in a horizontal attitude under the weight of a user. Varying vehicle bumper widths are accommodated by adjusting the means relative to the plate. Friction enhancing material adheres respectively to the foot supporting surface and the means. This material provides secure footing for a user, and stabilizes the engagement of the step to the vehicle bumper.

Abstract: A tree step which provides a safe and efficient method for a person to climb a tree without inflicting damage to the tree. The device comprises a frame having a pair of hooks thereon, a landing projecting from the frame for placement of a foot, and a line for securing the frame to the tree. The line is secured at one end to the frame and has an intermediate reach which encircles the tree and a free end reach which is adapted to be wound a plurality of times around the hooks. The frame is then moved relative to the tree to lock the line in place around the hooks.

Abstract: A boarding step is disclosed for mounting on a towing ring (9) fixedly disposed on the stem (19) of a pleasure craft, for facilitating the stepping into and out of the craft. The boarding step comprises two carrier arms (1) which at their portions (4) which are urged against the craft and have rubber coatings, and which, at their outer ends, are provided with a horizontal tread platform (2). The tread platform has, on its underface, an adjustment rail (5) with a number of alternative pivotal anchorage points (14) for a support strut (6) which, at its end facing the craft, is provided with a pivotal, U-shaped abutment portion (7) urged against the stem (19) of the craft. The support strut has a number of alternative anchorage points (11) for a bolt (10) which also engages with the ring (9) fixed in the stem and which, on tightening, urges the boarding step to a positionally-fixing frictional engagement with the craft. An adjustable stay (15) extends between the carrier arms and the support strut.

Abstract: A bumper step for enabling the user to conveniently access the engine compartment of a truck is formed from steel plate material, for example, to include a lip for removably hooking the bumper step over a conventional truck bumper at any location therealong and a step member on which the user may conveniently stand. In one embodiment of the invention, an adjustable strap is provided between two components of the invention to facilitate adjustment of the height above ground of the bumper step.

Abstract: A portable tree stand comprised of two main runners (10) attached to four extension arms (11) with bolts (12) and fastened by wing nuts (13). The main runners (10) have a slot (21) to receive three platform boards (14). The extension arms (11) are secured to the diverging tree branches (15,16,17) with rope (18).Installation and access is accomplished by securing the rungs (19) to the diverging tree branches (15,17) with rope (18).The portable tree stand compacts into a convenient package by removing the outermost bolt (12) on each end of the main runner (10) and folding the extension arms (11) inward.

Abstract: An improved portable tree seat for hunters and outdoorsmen comprising two symetrical and substantially triangular tree engaging support members whose frontal or vertical face protrusions engage the tree at four distinct locations, and whose rearward horizontal top edges support and interconnect with the seat which in conjunction with two lateral interconnecting members, provide separation and permanent attachment of two tree engaging support members. The entire seat device is held tightly against the tree and locked thereunto by a steel chain which can be adjusted to varying tree diameters by selection of the appropriate link. One end of the chain is permanently affixed to the upper exterior face of one tree engaging support members by means of a free wheeling steel eyelet bolt and with the chain encircling the tree, is then selectively secured to the opposing tree engaging support member's upper exterior face by means of a free wheeling swivel hook.

Abstract: A spiral staircase comprising a central hollow column of circular cross-sectional shape and a plurality of treads, said column having a plurality of apertures in its wall spaced spirally, each said tread having a curved locking plate at its inner end which lies contiguous with the outer face of the column and a locking pin projecting radially inwardly from the locking plate and extending through a respective aperture in the wall of the hollow column, each said locking pin having surfaces defining an upwardly extending slot which accommodates portion of the column wall, one of said slot surfaces bearing against the inner face of the column thereby inhibiting tilting of that tread.

Abstract: A hospital bed step which allows a patient to mount or dismount a hospital bed with ease and safety. The step clamps onto the upper bed rail with thumbscrews and rests upon the lower bed rail preventing downward and inward rotation. The step may be re-adjusted to any convenient height by removing a locking bar and reinserting the bar through aligned holes in a step clamp and in an adjustable step support rod. The step may be rotated under the bed for safe, convenient storage.

Abstract: A climbing deterrence device is attached to a vertical ladder leading to a water tank or the like. The device is configured to prevent unauthorized people from climbing the ladder and obtaining access to the tank or other structure to which it is attached. The device comprises a cage made of expanded metal and assembled from a plurality pieces that substantially encircle a conventional ladder in such a way that the device cannot be crawled over or through without unlocking a door which normally closes a climbing path through the device.

Abstract: Portable steps are disclosed herein including a plurality of step rungs arranged next to each other in parallel side-by-side relationship wherein each step rung has an elongated rigid member intended to be stepped upon by a riser which incorporates a pair of ground engaging spikes at each end of the step rung adapted to penetrate into the ground for a given length determined by a releasable guage. The spikes are pivotally carried on the step rung which includes a shaped recess corresponding to the shape of the spikes for storage and transportation purposes.

Abstract: A running board construction for mounting to a vehicle includes an elongate deck and at least one bracket extending beneath and transverse to the deck, the bracket being attachable to the frame of the vehicle for mounting the running board to the vehicle. A single channel is formed integrally with the underside of the deck in substantially the center of the deck and a pair of flanges are also formed integrally with the deck and spaced to both sides of the channel. The channel slidingly receives a bolt for fastening the bracket to the underside of the deck and the flanges extend to a lower elevation than the channel, such that when the bolt is tightened, the bracket is bowed beneath the deck.

Abstract: An improved running board construction for mounting to a vehicle includes an elongate deck and at least one bracket extending beneath and transverse to the deck, the bracket being attachable to the frame of the vehicle for mounting the running board to the vehicle. A single channel is formed integrally with the underside of the deck. The channel includes a pair of walls which are spaced transversely from each other and a pair of inwardly turned lips on the walls extending toward each other. A plate which also extends transversely of the deck is slidably received in the channel and bolts having flat sided heads extend downwardly from the slidable plate for attaching the plate to the bracket. The flat sided heads of the bolts are positioned against at least one of either the walls of the channel or against a raised bead on the plate to prevent the bolts from turning.

Abstract: A removable step for climbing a storage rack which supports pallets in a warehouse or the like. The step comprises a U-shaped rod, the free ends or legs of which are bent at a right angle to the closed portion of the U, which portion provides a step. The legs fit into a first pair of openings in the face of a column comprising part of the rack. The column has many pairs of openings spaced along its length. The legs terminate in hooks which hook over a second pair of openings below said first pair to keep the step from tilting under the load of the climber's foot.

Abstract: A tree step having an integral angle bracket with an obtuse angle forming a foot-supporting portion and a projecting tree-engaging leg with a projecting supporting arm connected pivotally and lockably to the angle bracket intermediate its ends with the free end of the projecting supporting arm having a tree-securing means thereon at the free end. The free end of the projecting tree-engaging leg of the angle bracket forms the hypotenuse of a right triangle when the tree step supporting arm is secured to a tree trunk with the tree trunk and the projecting tree-engaging leg forming the legs of a right triangle. The foot-supporting portion of the bracket projects outwardly from the supporting arm and upwardly from the tree-engaging leg.

Abstract: A hunter's tree stand (10) comprising a planar seat member (16) of generally rectilinear form having a pair of opposed generally V-shaped notches (18, 19) formed in its opposite ends which are adapted to engage and partially surround, in intimate face-to-face relation, the facing portions of a pair of diverging tree branches (14, 15) at the fork (11) formed thereby, a sharp, laterally projecting V-shaped metal knife-like edge (20) secured to the undersurface of the seat member (16) in juxtaposition to and projecting laterally from the first V-shaped notch (18), and an L-shaped bracket (22) releasably secured to the undersurface of the seat member (16) by means of one or more bolt and nut combinations (29, 31) for permitting lateral extension of said L-shaped bracket (22) relative to the second of the V-shaped notches (19) to permit the depending bracket leg (25) to be placed in face-to-face contact with the other of the diverging branches (14) and positively secured thereto by one or more threaded fasteners (

Abstract: A lightweight ecologically oriented shell-like device comprising, with a strap, portably useable tree climbing steps in which the application of stresses in climbing seat the steps firmly and without digging into or displacing the bark and wood of trees and similar vertical cylindrical structures. These devices are useful for hunters, for woodsmen, for utility pole climbing, and the like.

Abstract: A portable step assembly for attachment to a tree or pole includes a generally L-shaped climbing member and a separate, headed fastener member. The fastener member is removably insertable through a mounting portion on the climbing member after which the climbing member is employed as a crank tool to drive the fastener member into the tree. A specially configured socket recess or cavity within the mounting portion captively receives the screw member head and serves two primary purposes. First, it allows a one-handed push upon the assembly during the initial drive of the fastener member and secondly, dual sets of shoulders within the socket cavity form positive abutments to screw or unscrew the assembly respectively during its attachment or removal from a tree.

Abstract: The screw at the upper end of the bracket leg is screwed into a tree to support the bracket with the step extending horizontally. When detached the screw can be folded into the leg and moved to a position preventing pivoting the screw relative to the leg. The bracket can now be folded. The screw can also be positioned to extend axially from the leg while unable to pivot with respect to the bracket so the folded bracket serves as a handle for the screw.

Abstract: A pair of separate stackable steps is described, one for supporting each foot of the user. Each step includes a sheet metal body that comprises a bumper engaging fulcrum section inclined upwardly proceeding towards its free edge and having a bumper engaging downwardly turned lip defining a hook at its free end adapted to slide over and engage the bumper, a downwardly extending center section and a horizontally extending platform section. The steps can be stacked closely together for storage.

Abstract: A folding step having a mounting plate and a step member. The mounting has a back face and a front face and is adapted to be mounted against a surface to be climbed with its back face flush against the surface. A recess is provided in the back of the plate and an opening extends through the plate between the recess and the front face. The step member is mounted through the opening from the recess. Cooperating means are provided on the plate and step member for preventing the step member from passing completely through the opening from the recess. The step member is movable in the opening between a horizontal operative position where it projects transversely from the front face of the mounted plate, and an upright stored position where it lies generally parallel to, and against, the plate.

Abstract: A lightweight ladder includes a vertical member of flat sided tubing, rungs formed of angle metal, and ladder feet adapted to engage retaining clips mounted on a vertical structure. The ladder feed are designed to provide wedging between the clips and the vertical structure such that set screws are not required to keep the ladder in place and stable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved detachable step for a sawhorse or the like, which can be easily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools. The detachable step is supported between a pair of side rails. A pin may be used to secure the step to the saw horse.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper step formed by an upwardly open frame having clamp members secured to its upper surface for mounting the frame on a vehicle bumper by gripping a bumper flange. Longitudinally adjustable arms, connected with the frame, project toward a vertical surface of the bumper for stabilizing the position of the frame relative to the bumper. A step having a tread portion is movable from a first position nested by the frame to a second position projecting horizontally beyond the bumper in a direction outwardly from the vehicle and includes a hook portion engaging the frame normally preventing separation of the step relative to the frame.

Abstract: A portable fence stile comprises in combination:(a) a U-shaped metal tubing of a sufficient strength to support a man and adapted to have the legs thereof placed over a fence in a generally vertical position,(b) a foot support on each of the legs a stepping distance above the ends of the legs; and(c) a stabilizer plate between the legs at the upper portion thereof slideably connecting therewith and having an opening in said plate adapted to fit over the end of a fence post.

Abstract: A fence climber especially for use with an open-mesh cross wire, wire loop fence is made up of a rod bent upon itself into a half-circular arc near its center to provide a semi-loop that can engage and rest upon a fence wire. From the semi-loop, two legs extend at a slight divergence from each other, each leg having near one end an out-turned step extending about at a right angle to the adjacent leg and having a roughened upper surface to receive a shoe sole. The steps are about coplanar and are at an angle to the central, semi-loop. In some cases, each step is bent back upon itself to form a lower rod extending far enough toward the center to be engageable with the open mesh of the fence.

Abstract: A foot stool which is attachable to a side rail of a sleeping bed, and including a horizontal step plate having two vertically upward legs which, at their upper end, are slideably adjustable inside two hollow hooks that hang over the rail.

Abstract: A step for coupling with a folding panel of a vehicle such as a tail gate of a truck or the like, includes a flat plate mounted against the inside surface of the folding panel, and a pair of support rods extending from the plate and through the panel to facilitate rapid removal of the plate from the panel. A pair of step supports are pivoted at opposing flanges to the plate, and support a step at the extremity thereof. The apparatus is dimensioned such that the step supports and the step may be rotated to a storage position across the plate and the panel when not in use.

Abstract: A safety deck for vehicles, e.g. for use behind a tractor cab or the like, and securing structure therefor is disclosed to utilize J-bolts having resilient members secured to their bases wherein the J-bolts effect securing means of deck structure to the chassis of a vehicle.

Abstract: A boat bow ladder comprising a mounting bracket facilely cradled to the bow of a boat preferably by means of an existing eye used to connect the bow of the boat to a trailer when transporting the boat by land. The mounting bracket accommodates manual placement and removal of the angular ladder portions of the ladder, the ladder portion comprising a bracket engaging main leg pivotally mounted adjacent one end thereof to one end of a second main leg having a plurality of rungs, the pivotal connection accommodating placement of the ladder portion in either a stored position or a use position whereby access to and from the boat is conveniently provided at the bow.

Abstract: A portable scaffolding comprising a plank with frame members supporting each end thereof. The frame members include legs of steel angles which are interconnected at their lower portions by toggle arms for collapsing, and at their upper ends by threaded members for adjusting the spacing thereof. Inwardly facing channel members on the upper ends of the legs are received over the opposite edges of the plank.Another pair of channel members adapted to be received over the edges of the plank are also drawn together by threaded members, and depending from one of them is a step to facilitate stepping up onto the scaffold.

Abstract: A portable climbing device for facilitating the climbing of a tree is made of an L-shaped bracket and a chain for securing the L-shaped bracket to the tree. At one of the ends of the L-shaped bracket there is a curved camming surface for bearing against the tree and the chain after being wrapped around the tree is attached to this end so that the L-shaped bracket can be moved between a first position in which the chain is loosely wrapped around the tree to a second position in which the chain is tightly wrapped around the tree.

Abstract: A step for mounting on tank structure which is supported by straps is disclosed to include bracing structure and bearing plates provided with dimples. The bearing plate dimples cooperate with dimples formed in the tank support straps to maintain the position of the step with respect to the tank in a rigid position and substantially incapable of relative motion thereto.

Abstract: A pair of braces releasably maintain a pair of support members in horizontal position extending beyond the bumper of a truck, bus, or the like vehicle. The support members support a platform horizontally between them for a mechanic to facilitate work on the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: A service platform for removable mounting on a vehicle bumper includes a generally planar platform member with means for engaging the bumper for supporting and locking the platform thereto in a substantially horizontal plane and for permitting unlocking and removal from the bumper when the platform is moved to a substantially vertical plane.

Abstract: A demountable boat trailer step including a foot plate having a pair of parallel slots adjacent each end and running substantially the full width of the plate, a plurality of bolts, a pair of clamp bars, and a plurality of nuts. The foot plate rests on the top surface of a boat trailer frame member and is demountably attached by means of bolts extending through the slots and engaging clamp bars contacting the undersurface of the frame member. Slots in the foot plate permit mounting on various sizes of frame members. Adapters are provided for attachment of the step to cylindrical frame members.

Abstract: An improved cleat for climbing trees and the like having a shank adapted to be supported in suspended relation from a chain passed around the trunk and connected to opposite ends of a transversely oriented cross bar rigidly affixed to the uppermost end of the shank. A step projects horizontally from the lower most end of the shank and is stabilized through combined stabilizing effects of a downwardly projected heel and the cross bar.

Abstract: A portable step for climbing up and down elongated objects, such as trees and poles, is provided by a one-piece member formed to cooperate with a belt-type fastening means and is essentially T-shaped in cross-section with a horizontal leg portion constructed and arranged so that the step will not twist to the side when the user places his weight thereon.

Abstract: A tree stand for supporting a load, conventionally a person, above ground between a pair of spaced tree trunks or branches includes a pair of legs hinged together with spikes on the ends of the legs so that the stand may be positioned between the tree in the foreshortened condition and then forced to an elongated position to extend the spikes into the trees so that they support the stand.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming steps in manhole structures. Manhole assembly is comprised of pre-cast concrete sections. Each such section is formed in an appropriate mold typically comprised of inner and outer mold shells. The inner shell is provided with pairs of openings arranged in a predetermined fashion. Plastic core members are snap fittingly inserted into the openings and are provided with resilient pairs of flanges which cooperate with the marginal edges of each opening to retain the core in proper position and alignment. The concrete is placed in the mold. One set and cured, the section is removed from the mold. The plastic core members are snapped free from their locked position with the mold inner shell and remain as an integral part of the cured section. U-shaped stepped sections are force fittingly inserted into the cores which serve to retain each step member in position.

Abstract: Protective covers for workmen and equipment including a ground or pedestal type terminal cover fabricated to protect ground and pedestal type terminals and the cable connections connected therewith against weather, moisture, water and etc. A sealed enclosure rests on the ground and encompasses the terminal ends of buried cables and conduits, the enclosure having easily accessible opening panels for access to the ends of the electrical cables but offering extensive protection to these cables when the enclosure is fully filled. A sectional pole system is mounted atop the enclosure to provide support for above ground cables that are brought to the pole and admitted to the enclosure and its associated terminals. Also included is a portable easily assembled boxlike unit which may be folded flat for transport, may be set over material and equipment and also used as protection for workman.

Abstract: A removable step climbing assembly that includes a number of longitudinally separated, confined space defining pairs of brackets alternately located on opposite side of a vertically extending rigid member, such as a mast of a ship or the like. A pair of step defining units are provided each of which units includes a pair of longitudinally spaced flanges that may removably and concurrently engage the confined spaces of two of the pairs of brackets on opposite sides of the elongate member. As a person climbs up or down the elongate member, the step defining units are sequentially removed from the brackets in which they are supported and moved to adjacent free bracket to permit the person to use the units as steps in ascending or descending the elongate member. Resilient triggers are provided that automatically interlock with the bracket to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the step defining unit therefrom.