Abstract: A self leveling stepladder with a universal hinge joint providing many new advantages that traditional a-frame step ladders are not capable to offer.

Abstract: A lightweight tree stand that includes a support platform formed from a molded plastic material. The support platform includes an edge member that defines the perimeter of the support platform and includes a plurality of primary ribs extending between the edge member. The edge members and the primary ribs are integrally molded and each includes an embedded reinforcement rod formed from a continuous fiber material. The continuous fiber material increases the strength without increasing the weight of the support platform. The support platform includes a plurality of secondary ribs that are positioned and configured to define decorative openings within the support platform. The support platform includes one or more tree branch holders that are integrally molded with the edge member and receive artificial tree branches. A frame of the tree stand can include a keyhole that receives a mating key mounted to a tree at a desired location and height.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ramp and platform interface, includes a platform side defining one or more slots, the upper end of the one or more slots defined by a downwardly and inwardly extending lip; at least one support flange including a body, a lip disposed at the top edge of the body, and a flange section outwardly extending from the body, wherein the at least one support flange is selectively mounted to the platform side via the one or more slots; and a ramp section defining a support surface on a top side thereof and one or more support flange engagement structure on the bottom side thereof, wherein the ramp section is disposed in a supporting relationship with the platform side via cooperation of the flange section and the support flange engagement structure.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scaffolding arrangement to be attached to a deck structure, comprising a set of arms (2) including a carrier beam (5) for carrying the working levels and support structures needed in work, an attachment frame (1) for attaching the set of arms to the upper surface of the deck structure and platforms (103, 104, 105) for forming working levels.

Abstract: A modular observation assembly and method of use are presented herein. The assembly includes a portable base member that can roll along the ground. The base member defines an interior volume used for storage of various members and portions of the assembly. The assembly also includes an elevating platform in communication with the base member. The elevating platform operates between a lowered position and an elevated position. The assembly is stabilized by one or more jacks and a hitch attachment assembly configured to secure the base member to the neighboring vehicle.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are directed to mounting an auxiliary component to a tower based at least in part on a force distribution in which a normal force is greater than a shear force exerted by the auxiliary component on a shell of the tower such that the auxiliary component may be held in place relative to the tower without penetrating the shell of the tower. Thus, as compared to mounting techniques requiring penetration of the shell of the tower, this force distribution along the shell of the tower may facilitate mounting the auxiliary component to the tower with little to no impact on cost and/or structural requirements of the tower. Further, or instead, as compared to other mounting techniques, mounting the auxiliary component based at least in part on this force distribution may reduce or eliminate the need for specialized tools, thus facilitating in-field installation of the auxiliary component.

Abstract: Various embodiments of ladders, ladder legs, ladder feet, foot mechanisms for ladders, and related methods are provided herein. In one embodiment, a foot is pivotal relative to a leg or rail of the ladder between a first position and at least a second position. A biasing force is applied to the foot to maintain the foot in either of the user-selected positions until a force is applied to pivot the foot to another position. In one embodiment, the foot mechanism maintaining the foot at a desired position may include a pair of pins that couple the foot to another component (e.g., a housing member, an insert member or a rail of the ladder). At least one of the two pins may be displaceable relative to the other pin during pivoting of the foot.

Abstract: A quick coupling implement for an aerial device has a base, a boom assembly, the implement, and an adapter. The adapter is emplaced on a portion of the boom assembly to allow for quickly coupling the implement. The adapter comprises a boom-raise-interfacing segment with at least one opening for securing to the boom raise of the boom assembly via a retaining pin. The adapter also comprises an implement-interfacing segment that presents a complementary shape to an adapter-receptor segment of the implement. The implement may be a utility platform for supporting a utility worker.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle includes an actuator assembly configured to be coupled to a chassis of the vehicle and a ground pad coupled to the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is selectively repositionable between a retracted position and a lifting position. The ground pad has a bottom surface configured to engage a support surface below the chassis. When the actuator assembly is in the lifting position, the bottom surface of the ground pad engages the support surface and the actuator assembly applies an upward force on the chassis, and when the actuator assembly is in the retracted position, the actuator assembly lifts the ground pad such that the ground pad is not in contact with the support surface.

Abstract: A rapid extraction harness for dragging a victim from a dangerous area may include at least two straps. The straps may each include a hook portion with a section of hooks and a loop portion including a section of loops opposite the hook portion. The section of hooks and the section of loops may removably attach to each other. Each strap may also include a connection point between the hook portion and the loop portion. A connector may be attached to the connection point of each of the straps.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.

Abstract: A harness system for harnessing a user to a suspension device. The harness comprises a strap system having a plurality of straps configured and operable to connect the suspension device to a back region of the harness, each strap having a back end portion at said back region and connectable to the suspension device, and a front end portion located in a front side of the harness. The straps extend from the back region to the front side of the harness and wrap around all sides of a torso of said user. A single connector assembly is used for quick connection of front end portions of at least some of the straps at the front side of the harness in a single interlocking operation, thereby to secure the harness to the user.

Abstract: A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree.

Abstract: Wheel carriage assemblies and related fabric deployment systems and methods are disclosed. A wheel carriage assembly comprising at least one wheel with ball bearings on the interior of each wheel, and a pivot point that allows for position independence, is configured with a hembar coupled to a piece of fabric to allow a surface of varying shape to be covered. The system provides the ability to cover both traditional window shapes as well as surfaces of irregular shape or inclined orientation, and reduces and evens the amount of wear on certain components to extend system life.

Abstract: An aircraft storage bin that includes an upper housing and a bucket that cooperate to define a bin interior. The bucket is movable with respect to the upper housing between open and closed positions and includes a bottom and right and left side panels. The bottom includes lower and upper surfaces and right and left outer edges. The right and left side panels each include a first section having a first transverse width, a second section having a second transverse width, and a transition section that is located between the first and second sections. The second transverse width is less than the first transverse width. At least a portion of the second section of each of the side panels is received in a slot defined in the upper surface of the bottom of the bucket, such that the right and left side panels extend upwardly from the bottom.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety pool ladder to be installed against a wall of an above-ground pool. The safety pool ladder comprises a ladder structure comprising a plurality of step members extending horizontally between a pair of side members, and a flat surface disposed towards back of the plurality of step members, when the safety pool ladder is disposed in a use position. The safety pool ladder also comprises a pair of side rails with channels formed therein to allow the ladder structure to travel along a length thereof. The ladder structure is adapted to travel along the length of the side rails, and rotated and flipped thereafter such that the flat surface is disposed towards front of the plurality of step members to dispose the safety pool ladder in a block position.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline assembly (10) includes a housing (12), a shaft (14) fixed to the housing (12) against rotation, a drum (18) mounted for rotation on the shaft (14) and including a compartment (20) within the drum (18), a lifeline (22) wound on the drum (18), a brake module (24) carried on the shaft (14) and mounted within the compartment (20), and a pawl mechanism (26) mounted on the drum (18) for rotation therewith. The pawl mechanism (26) is mounted within the compartment (20) and configured to selectively engage the brake module (24).

Abstract: A pallet that is configured and designed to support a load of material and rest alternatively on a flat surface on a roof so as to straddle the peak of ridge of a roof. The pallets can be loaded with materials such as roofing shingles, delivered to a work site on a truck bed and lifted up an positioned on the peak or ridge of a roof without having to unload the materials from the pallets.

Abstract: An energy dissipating link for a tether includes: an elongated base having opposite, first and second end portions; a first touch fastener permanently coupled to the base proximate the first base end portion; and a second touch fastener permanently coupled to the base proximate the second base end portion. The second touch fastener is engageable with the first touch fastener to form a releasable closure defining a shear plane. With the first and second touch fasteners engaged to transmit a tensile load between the first and second end portions, and with the engaged touch fasteners loaded in shear in the shear plane, the base includes a longitudinally slack idler section between the first and second end portions. The idler section of the base is configured to transmit tensile load upon an energy-dissipating shear disengagement of the first and second touch fasteners by a tensile overload.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anchor assembly for providing a secure point of attachment at a grid mesh platform. The anchor assembly comprises a housing in the form of an elongated case with a central hollow channel, generally rectangular in shape with a flat base and roof. The base includes openings in the form of access slots to provide access from the channel to the exterior of the base. The anchor assembly also comprises a suspension member located within the channel. In operation the anchor assembly spans adjacent structural members underlying the mesh grid. A coupling member in the form of a sling having an end loop is engaged by the suspension member which passes through the end loop of the sling. The sling also passes through one of the slots in the base of the elongated case. An opposite end of the sling provides an anchor point.