Abstract: An arcuately displaceable privacy screen assembly, comprising: (a) a frame sub-assembly having an internal aperture contained therein, wherein at least a portion of the internal aperture is covered with a privacy screen; and (b) at least two ground engaging wheels associated with the frame sub-assembly, wherein the at least two ground engaging wheels controllably direct displacement of the privacy screen in an arcuate path of travel.

Abstract: A tree climbing apparatus consisting of two movable platforms, each of which is secured to the tree trunk by a flexible strap that has a non-scratching cover that will not harm the bark of the tree. Each of the flexible straps has a construction that includes an elastic stiffener that causes the flexible strap to be self-straightening when one end of the flexible strap is removed from the platform.

Abstract: An adjustable ladder with self-storing features and suitable for installation in the sleeping berth of an over-the-highway tractor. The ladder includes an upper and lower member. The upper member includes first and second side rails and at least one step rung rigidly disposed between the side rails. The first side rail includes a mounting end, an open end, and a center portion. One end of the first and second side rails are rotateably mounted to a mating surface. The lower member includes a first end, a second end, and a center portion extending between the first and second ends. The lower member first end is slideably engaged within the upper member open end to define a ladder length. The length is adjustable over a range by sliding the lower member with respect to the upper member. The range may be from an application length to a stored length.

Abstract: A tape drum for venetian type blinds has a pair of spaced apart generally elliptical ends with each end having a hole sized and positioned to receive a tilt axle. A front wall and a rear wall extend between the spaced apart ends. A rib is attached to the front wall and to the inside surfaces of the spaced apart ends. A second rib is attached to the rear wall and the inside surfaces of the spaced apart ends, the second rib being spaced apart from the first rib and defining a gap between the first rib and the second rib. A mounting is attached to each rib that is sized and configured so that a rail of a cord ladder can be attached to it. Two pairs of collinear spaced apart rods are attached to the inside surfaces of the spaced apart ends to provide a mounting for the rails of a tape type ladder. The generally elliptical shape of the tape drum causes the rails of the ladder to move together when the tilt axle is turned from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A portable screen or door for a cubicle system. The screen is collapsible and extendible and includes a temporary mounting system. The temporary mounting system permits easy installation and removal of the screen and permits installation and removal without noticeable harm to the cubicle. The screen can be used either alone or in combination with a mounting bracket that also includes a temporary mounting system.

Abstract: An accordion fire door is provided including an accordion member having interlocking panels formed of a fire retardant or fire proof material, a guide member positioned on at least one side of the accordion member for guiding the accordion member during movement between an opened position and a closed position, end locks arranged at interconnected ends of adjacent panels for maintaining panel contact and alignment, and a releasing member connected to the accordion member for releasing the accordion member in response to a predetermined condition of at least one of heat, fire, smoke, manual initiation and a drive. The panels are self hinged along the entire interlocking sides.

Abstract: An impact detection system for an industrial door, the system including two members that are releasably coupled to each other to move together with the door as it travels, disposed beyond the doorway opening is a radiation emitter and a radiation detector, preferably packaged together in a photoeye device, and emitting a beam of radiation; the first member carries a reflector that, when the two members are coupled, reflects the radiation back to the photoeye, and that is movable to a position wherein it does not reflect the radiation back to the photoeye in response to separation of the two members caused by the door being impacted, the change in state from 1) the radiation being reflected to the photoeye to 2) the radiation not being reflected to the photoeye thus serves as an indication that an impact on the door has occurred.

Abstract: A method for constructing a column and panel concrete fence which includes two or more columns, each of which comprises two portions which are separated from one another along one or more planes that are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first half of a column is placed upon each of two or more footings. Then the ends of concrete panels which run between successive columns are placed upon such footings. Preferably, the panels are composed of two or more panel units which are mirror images of one another. Next a second half of each column is placed upon each of the footings. And, as a final step, concrete is poured into the resultant column.

Abstract: An insulated glass window with an integral blind assembly. At least one of the glass spacer corner keys includes an integral pulley for cords associated with the blind. An operator on an exterior surface of the glass includes a leg slidably retained between the frame and the glass to maintain the operator in contact with the window and the blind mechanism enclosed therein.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella stand having two spaced apart upright posts with at least one grid frame and at least one water collecting tray pivotally connected to upper and lower ends of the upright posts. Connecting rods are provided on the lateral sides of the grid frames and the water collecting trays to movably connect them together. The umbrella stand thereby can be stretched and positioned for placing therein umbrellas, and can be folded into a flat form with a small volume for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A bookend for use with a bookshelf includes an upright, a base adapted for placement generally adjacent the bookshelf upper surface, a lower portion depending from the base, and an adjustable securement mechanism. The lower portion cooperates with the base to define a capture area, and the capture area is sized to receive the bookshelf front edge portion. The adjustable securement mechanism is mounted to the lower portion and is adapted to secure the bookshelf front edge portion in the capture area, thus securing the bookend to the bookshelf.

Abstract: A windshield covering system for conveniently covering a windshield to prevent ice and frost build up on the windshield. The windshield covering system includes a flexible panel having a handle assembly and a storage container for storing the panel and handle assembly.

Abstract: An externally concealable modular high-rise emergency evacuation apparatus that enables people, including the injured, the elder or drabled persons to escape entrapment from or to bypass the levels of a high-rise building that is impassable due to flame, smoke or heavy damage, with very little effort or assistance, comprising a slanted cylindrical booth with a trap door bottom, elongated poles with trusses, expandable reinforced descent tubes with fire-proof skin, stabilizer webbings, an inflatable slide, and active components comprised of sensors, switches, latches and relays that coordinates, prequalifies and controls access then egress through the apparatus, with emphasis on checking the integrity of a complete escape path and approximating free space for each evacuee within said descent tubes, thereby enhancing supported evacuee volume and safety.

Abstract: A cargo area divider, has a flexible planar structure that can be pulled out and is held at a rear end on a roller-shade shaft and at a front end is equipped with a pull-out bar that extends over the entire width of the planar structure. The pull-out bar is conformingly into a hollow chamber region of a cover profile extending at least over the width of the planar structure.

Abstract: A retractable screen mechanism having two tracks mounted on opposing sides of an opening and a screen with a screen material mounted on a frame having two flexible opposing sides corresponding to and adapted to engage the two tracks. A spool mechanism for winding up the screen extends between the flexible opposing sides and engages a third side of the frame and is biased to a wind up position. The spool mechanism has a speed reducer which comprises a resistance structure moving through a viscous fluid to reduce the speed of the biased screen when moving to the wind up position.

Abstract: A ladder sack adapted for placement between the legs of a folding step ladder to provide an open platform on which to place tools or working materials while working atop the ladder, and a closed secured pouch to carry tools and working materials when the ladder is closed. The sack is formed from a rectangular section of fabric having hook and loop fasteners positioned along the sides of the sack that may be approximated to form a secured enclosure when the sack is folded end to end when the ladder is closed. When the ladder is reopened to its standing position the sack unfolds to provide easy access to the tools and working materials contained therein. The ladder sack includes straps and buckles at its ends for attachment to ladder rungs of varying sizes.

Abstract: A locking system for a roll-up door that is substantially integrated into the roll-up door so that the locking resists vandalism and damage.

Abstract: A wear resistant attachment for a sit harness or roping harness including a first strap having an enlarged part provided with joining edges which are folded onto the opposite face of a second strap to form wear resistant overlap parts.

Abstract: A quick release latched security window guard having a framework attached to a building exterior overlying a window is held with a cam latch system including a cam rod extending through the building wall, with an end protruding into a hollow member forming a part of the framework. A sliding latching sleeve is spring urged into a slot in the cam rod end to lock the framework in place. Rotation of a handle on the rod end within the building forces the sleeve back to be cammed out of the slot to release the framework. One or more fixed slotted latching posts may also be mounted to protrude into the hollow member and to be engaged by portions of the sleeve to form additional latching points, all of which are released by the rotation of a single cam rod. The framework may take the form of one or more ladder sections deployed to hang down from the window when the framework is pushed out after being released by the operation of the cam rod.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizer for supporting a ladder against a structure and protecting surface features of the structure. Two stops 12 prevent the ladder from excessive lateral movement. A support bar 16 affixed to and extending between the stops provides support for the ladder. A mounting bracket 14 attached to each stop 12 is attached either directly to a structure surface, or to a U-shaped bracket 24 that fits around a rain gutter. Each U-shaped bracket fits over or under the rain gutter and is attached to a structure surface. In a second embodiment two support legs 118 bent at obtuse angles in two locations comprise an attachment portion 106 for attaching to the roof of a structure, a ramped portion 116 for extending beyond the roof eave, and a stop portion 114 for preventing excessive lateral movement of the ladder. A support bar 102 is affixed to and extends between the stop portions for supporting the ladder.