Abstract: A portable loading dock includes a base and a platform. The portable loading dock includes a plurality of scissor legs having lower legs attached to the base and upper legs attached to the platform. One of the lower legs is pivotably connected to the base while another of the lower legs is slidably attached to the base via a slider assembly. One of the upper legs is pivotably connected to the deck while another of the lower legs is slidably attached to the base via a slider assembly. A drive unit is attached to at least one of the scissor legs to raise and lower the platform relative to the base wherein the portable loading dock functions to move a payload from floor level onto the portable loading dock to a raised unloading position level.

Abstract: A cart includes a planar platform for holding bulk goods. The platform includes first and second oppositely disposed ends and first and second oppositely disposed sides, a top surface and an underside. One or more casters or wheels attached to the platform to facilitate mobility; and a plurality of upstanding rails extend from the platform at one or both ends of the cart.

Abstract: A safe-zone sensing system for a lift having a base, a lift platform, and a driving system for raising and lowering the lift platform. The safe-zone sensing system includes a sensor system having a plurality of sensors mounted to the base of the lift. The sensors collectively defining a safe-zone around the base of the lift and detecting motion or obstructions within the safe zone, a controller fires the sensors in a preselected sequence for continuously scanning the safe zone. Scanning is started when the platform raises above a preselected height. The sensor controller generates an alert which initiates a safety sequence when motion or obstructions are sensed by at least one of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A ladder includes a stair section having a plurality of steps, a vertical upright that connects to a top of the stair section, a base that connects a bottom of the stair section and a bottom of the vertical upright, and one or more wheels connected to the bottom of the vertical upright. The ladder may also include a front locking step and a rear wheel assembly. A narrow base extends between a step of the stair section above a bottom step or locking step and the vertical upright.

Abstract: A modular ladder comprises a base having a back end and a front end. A vertical support is attachable to the back end of the base. The ladder also includes a stair section assembly comprising a plurality of steps. The stair section assembly has a front end and a back end. The front end of the stair section assembly is attachable to the front end of the base. The back end of the stair section assembly is attachable to the vertical support. The stair section assembly comprises a separate top step, whereby the top step is capable of being attached to the stair section and whereby the attachable nature of separate top step facilitates storing the ladder in a compact container which is smaller than the stair section and top step when placed in an assembled condition. A method of storing the ladder in a compact container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel lockstep mechanism for a rolling ladder is described. The weight-releasing ladder lockstep allows a ladder to be relocated on wheels but when a person climbs the ladder, the front wheels are automatically retracted and the ladder rests firmly with its front feet on the floor. When in the climbing (stationary) position the front wheels of the lockstep are retracted and the ladder rests on the lockstep's feet. When in the rolling position, the ladder is tilted slightly back on its rear wheels and the wheels of the lockstep are pushed down to allow the ladder to roll. When in the rolling position, the lockstep wheels are held in place via a latch which is isolated from rolling vibrations through pivoting shock links and springs.

Abstract: A modular ladder comprises a base having a back end and a front end. A vertical support is attachable to the back end of the base. The ladder also includes a stair section assembly comprising a plurality of steps. The stair section assembly has a front end and a back end. The front end of the stair section assembly is attachable to the front end of the base. The back end of the stair section assembly is attachable to the vertical support. The stair section assembly comprises a separate top step, whereby the top step is capable of being attached to the stair section and whereby the attachable nature of separate top step facilitates storing the ladder in a compact container which is smaller than the stair section and top step when placed in an assembled condition. A method of storing the ladder in a compact container is also disclosed.

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.