Abstract: The present invention provides a pool ladder with an automatic wash-down system for cleaning a person's feet before entering a swimming pool. The pool ladder includes a staircase to allow a person to climb into the swimming pool. The wash-down system includes nozzles positioned in the staircase to direct water spray towards the person's feet. The wash-down system further includes sensors to detect the presence of the person on the staircase and a controller to regulate the flow of water to the nozzles, based on signals from the nozzles, for automatic washing of the person's feet when the person is standing on one of the steps of the staircase.

Abstract: A release device (10) is provided for use with a fall protection unit (12) having a lifeline (14) that can be deployed N in a fall direction to protect a worker (16) in a fall event, and includes a frame (22) configured to fix the release device (10) to a fall protection unit (12), a release member (24) mounted for movement from a lock position to a release position, a connection member (26) configured to connect the deployable lifeline (14) of the fall protection unit (12) to another piece of fall protection equipment connected to the worker (16), the connection member (26) having a locked condition wherein the connection member (26) is prevented from moving in a fall direction relative to the frame (22) and a released condition wherein the connection member (26) is free to move in the fall direction relative to the frame (22); the connection member (26) having a stop surface (34); and a stop link (28) mounted to the frame (22) to move from a engaged position to a disengaged position in response to the relea

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a safety screen comprising: a plurality of screen members vertically arranged above one another; two longitudinal carriers pivotally connected to the screen members, wherein in a first operating position, the longitudinal carriers extend vertically and the screen members extend horizontally, and wherein in a second operating position, the longitudinal carriers are inclined sideward from vertical and the screen members extend horizontally, offset from one another horizontally.

Abstract: A rung lock assembly is provided for a ladder, and comprises rung lock portions, a pinion gear, compression springs, a rung body, a rung cover, a center bolt, a spacer, and a fastener portion. Each of the rung lock portions comprises a rod portion, a rack block fixed to the rod portion, a locking portion, a holding portion connecting the rod portion to the locking portion so that the rod portion is disposed in parallel with the locking portion and configured to be held and pulled by a user's hand, and the rung lock portions are anchored by guide plates and disposed in parallel with each other. The pinion gear is disposed between and engaging the rack blocks, so that the rung lock portions translate outwards or inwards together. The distance between the locking portion is increased in both directions simultaneously by pulling one of the holding portions.

Abstract: A climbing system includes a treestand and a plurality of climbing sticks. The treestand includes a monolithic platform formed from strengthened material. Each of the climbing sticks includes a frame having a plurality of weight-reduction apertures formed therethrough. Methods of manufacturing a treestand and climbing sticks are also disclosed. The method of manufacturing a treestand includes providing a solid, strengthened piece of material and removing portions of the material to form openings between structural supports. The method of manufacturing a climbing stick includes providing a frame and forming a plurality of weight-reduction apertures therethrough.

Abstract: Ribs for an elevating platform, the ribs designed and configured to insert through a slot in the sidewall of the elevating platform. The ribs are composed of T-shaped and/or L-shaped portions. Configurations include a T-shaped rib that inserts through the slot; a combination T-shaped and L-shaped rib wherein the T-shaped component inserts through the slot and the L-shaped component is attached on the exterior of the platform, and a double-L-shaped rib, wherein one of the L-shaped components inserts through the slot and the other L-shaped component is attached to it on the exterior of the platform.

Abstract: A container system securable to a base such as a roof gutter, a railing, a ladder top, a ladder rung, an edge, a platform and the like. The container system includes a container such as a utility bucket, a pail, and the like; a horizontal member in the form of a collar securely attached to or integratedly molded into the container. The collar is provided with a plurality of fasteners to removably attach the container to the base. In one embodiment, the fasteners are selected from braces, clamps, locking devices, clips, hooks, protrusions, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a U-bolt is provided to securely attach a bracket to the container, and for attaching to a base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control console for an aerial lift including a chassis, a platform, and a lift structure connecting the chassis to the platform, which control console includes manual control members for controlling the aerial lift. The control console includes, for at least one of the manual control members, at least one lighted indicator provided on or in the immediate environment of the manual control member and suitable for emitting light signals indicating the possibility of actuating the manual control member on the basis of conditions for operating the aerial lift.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an anchoring device that attaches between two nearby surfaces that may be oriented at different angles to each other about a vertical axis is described. The anchoring device includes a first and second support base that are fastened to a support surface, and a cross member that extends between the support bases and is pivotable about a vertical axis with respect to the support bases. The cross member may be adjustable in length. The anchoring device can be used to support an end of a plank to make a platform. The other end of the plank may be supported by a second anchoring device or another support surface.

Abstract: An aerial device system includes an adjustable railing and a coupler. The adjustable railing is positionable around at least a portion of a base platform and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A height of the adjustable railing in the deployed position is greater than a height of the adjustable railing in the stowed position. The coupler is communicatively coupled to the adjustable railing and is configured to detect a position of a component of an aerial device of the aerial device system and move the adjustable railing based on the detected position of the component of the aerial device. A method of controlling a cab guard safety system for the aerial device includes detecting the position of the component and moving the adjustable railing to a stowed position or a deployed position based on the detected position of the component.

Abstract: A ladder may include a first pair of spaced apart members, a second pair of spaced apart members and a first pair of hinges coupling the first pair of spaced apart members with the second pair of spaced apart members. In some embodiments, each hinge may include a first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, a second hinge component including at least a second hinge plate, and a lock mechanism having a pivot pin and a lock pin. The lock mechanism is configured for selective engagement with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the lock pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.

Abstract: Composite articles of manufacture and methods of making the same are provided herein. In one embodiment, a composite article includes a fiberglass component having a color of pantone 376C. Subjecting the fiberglass component to various environmental conditions result in the fiberglass component exhibiting a color of pantone 376C. Thus, the fiberglass component does not fade and become lighter or hazy in appearance, but takes on an appearance of deeper hue and/or saturation, providing longer life of the appearance of the fiberglass component.

Abstract: A breakaway cover for providing emergency access to a release mechanism for a life raft on a vehicle includes a housing configured to be attached the vehicle. The housing includes a recess wherein the release mechanism may be located. The recess is protected by a cover. The cover has a first end attached the housing and a second end retained to the housing but capable of being pulled free. The cover is configured to fracture along a series of slots proximate the first end when pulled by a user.

Abstract: An energy dissipating link includes: an elongated base having opposite, first and second end portions; and a plurality of touch fasteners permanently coupled to the base, each of the plurality of touch fasteners releasably engageable with at least one other of the touch fasteners. The plurality of touch fasteners is arranged on the base to form first and second closures, each including engagements between respective fastening elements of two or more of the plurality of touch fasteners. The plurality of touch fasteners is configured such that: in response to a tensile load applied to the end portions of the base, the engaged touch fasteners of the first closure are loaded in shear along a shear plane; and in response to a tensile overload condition causing shear displacement of the touch fasteners of the first closure, the engaged touch fasteners of the second closure are subjected to a peel load.

Abstract: A mounting rib for an elevating platform, the rib designed and configured to insert through a slot in the sidewall of the elevating platform. The rib is composed of a T-shaped and two L-shaped components, wherein the T-shaped component inserts through the slot and the L-shaped components are attached on the exterior of the platform. Also, a corner-mounted rib for an elevating platform.

Abstract: Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

Abstract: A rotating retractable step system positioned within a cutout of a wall is presented. The rotating retractable step system comprises a foot pedal and a support shaft. The foot pedal is configured to be stowed in a vertical orientation within the cutout of the wall, and to rotate between the vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The support shaft is associated with the foot pedal, such that movement of the support shaft extends the foot pedal outwardly away from the cutout, or retracts the foot pedal towards the cutout.

Abstract: A fall shock absorber comprises a frame 5 formed by an elongated profile that has a U-shaped cross section. The frame comprises two parallel strips 11 which are attached to each other by a bridge 13. The strips accommodate tapered slots 15 through which a shaft 17 is projected. A bracket 19 to which a safety cable 21 is fixed is present on the shaft. The width of the slot at the wider end 15A is equal to the thickness of the shaft 17 and the width of the slot at the narrower end 15B is smaller than the thickness of the shaft. The material of the shaft 17 is softer than the material of the strips 11, so that when the shaft is displaced through the slots the shaft shows plastic deformation.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including embodiments of a hinge that may be used in a combination ladder. In one embodiment, a hinge mechanism includes a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly. The first and second hinge assemblies are coupled together for relative rotation about a defined axis. An adjustment mechanism enables the two hinge assemblies to be selectively locked or unlocked to prohibit or permit relative rotation, respectively. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a lock plate displaceable along a first axis and a retainer displaceable along a second axis. The retainer is configured to hold the lock plate in a disengaged state until a release structure displaces the retainer away from the lock plate. The release structure may be configured to be actuated and displace the retainer upon relative rotation of the hinge assemblies to (or through) a predetermined angular configuration.

Abstract: A tree stand system is provided. The tree stand system may include a tree stand. The tree stand may include a frame post, a platform portion engaged with the frame post, and a seat portion engaged with the frame post. Further, the tree stand may include an upper engagement device and a lower engagement device each configured to engage a structure. One of the upper engagement device and the lower engagement device may define a convex edge configured to extend toward the structure to allow the tree stand to roll against the structure to select a horizontal angle that the tree stand faces. The tree stand system may further include one or more of a ladder, a hoisting apparatus, and an accessory. The accessory may include a bow holder accessory or a hunting device accessory.