Abstract: A portable anchorage assembly comprises an extension member interconnecting a counterweight assembly and a base. The counterweight assembly has a cavity configured and arranged to receive at least one weight. The extension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the counterweight assembly. The base is connected to the second end of the extension member and includes a wheel and at least one anchorage point. The base is pivotable about the counterweight assembly on the wheel to position the at least one anchorage point in a desired location.

Abstract: A portable tree stand comprising a seat having a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a first sidewall and a second sidewall at least partially defining a cavity, a mount extending from the cavity for engagement with a tree, and wherein the mount is contained completely within the cavity when not in use.

Abstract: An energy absorption device for a safety line, includes two sections (1, 2) capable of being set in relative motion with friction so that it absorbs energy. This energy absorption device is designed so that one of the sections has at least two parallel cable portions (6a, 6b), each capable of being displaced between a pair of jaws (4a, 4b) formed on the other section. A tensioner for a safety line incorporating such a device is disclosed. Application to the installations for working under difficult conditions with the installation of safety lines.

Abstract: A windage brake for a fan descender comprises a rotatable spool connected by drive belts to a fan comprising a radial flow air impeller. A line is wound helically upon the spool. A user of the fan descender puts on a harness (not shown) at the free end of the line and jumps from an elevated position. The line is thereby drawn off the spool and rotates it. The rotating spool drives the fan and also winds a power spring formed by a resilient strip. The windage of the fan regulates the descent of the jumper, the fan being accelerated to a speed at which the braking force is such that the jumper descends at a rate safe for landing on the ground. When the jumper is on the ground, he removes the harness and releases the free end of the line. The line is then automatically retrieved by the power spring and rewound on the spool.

Abstract: This fall-prevention device comprises a body on which, mounted so as to rotate about a shaft, there is a wheel designed to press and roll on a belay support, and means for locking the body of the fall-prevention device on the belay support, the wheel comprising at least one centrifugal engagement device that can be moved between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The locking means comprise at least one locking member mounted so as to rotate on the body about the rotation shaft of the wheel, the locking member comprising a chock arranged to be inserted between the belay support and the wheel when the engagement device is in its engaged position, so as to immobilize the fall-prevention device on the belay support.

Abstract: A caddy apparatus designed to hold paint, construction items, supplies, tools and other materials while on an extension ladder without interfering with the safety of the person standing on the ladder is herein disclosed. The apparatus uses a dimensioned dowel rod which is selectably placed through the hollow cavity of the ladder rungs and extends through to either side where it is used to support the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a “U”-shaped bracket, which is supported on the dowel rod in any one of three closely-spaced hanging tubes. The base of the bracket provides a large flat tray for use in holding materials while working on the extension ladder. The use of said caddy allows workers on extension ladders quick access to tools, supplies and materials in an efficient and safe manner.

Abstract: An access panel is shown in the present invention to provide easy and safe access to an attic space or elevated structure. The access panel is fully automatic. During opening, the access panel uses an energizing motor to control the gravitational forces for opening a cover and deploying ladder sections. During closing, the access panel is energized to retract the ladder sections and close the access panel. The motor is energized to close the access panel until a stow latch engages to stow the access panel during non-use. A safety switch is mounted inside the attic space to allow a user to open the panel and extend the ladder should the user be trapped in the attic space.

Abstract: A climbing apparatus that rests on a surface includes a flip ladder that can move between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. The apparatus includes a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder that moves with the flip ladder between the straight configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder in a stowed position and a stepladder configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface in an open position. A method for climbing includes the steps of moving a flip ladder between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. There is the step of moving a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder from a stowed position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder to an opened position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface.

Abstract: A stepladder comprises a front frame and a rear frame each formed of a pair of spaced side rails. A motor-driven step is slidably mounted on the front frame side rails. The motor is controlled with a remote unit allowing a worker to automatically raise and lower the step when accessing an elevated area.

Abstract: A stepladder has a front frame, a rear frame, a bracket and multiple steps. The front frame has two front side rails and multiple rungs mounted between the front side rails. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the front frame and has two rear side rails, a crossbeam and a lock. The lock is mounted pivotally on the crossbeam. The bracket is connected pivotally and slidably to the rear frame and has multiple pivot pins. The steps are mounted pivotally on the bracket and are selectively and engaged respectively with the rungs of the front frame. The lock selectively hooks a pivot pin to stably lock the bracket for improved safety.

Abstract: A mechanism for facilitating the storage of ladders in the upper area on the outside of an emergency vehicle which includes the capability of moving of the ladder to a lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen and the like. The construction includes an inner housing attached to the vehicle and an outer housing movable by an arm assembly relative thereto to urge the ladder between the storage and deployed positions. An adjustment mechanism including a yoke is included for varying the position of the powering drive cylinder which operatively moves the outer housing relative to the inner housing.

Abstract: A safety ladder assembly and a safety extension used in combination with a ladder suitable to permit safe and easy access to the landing areas, working platforms, scaffolds, etc. The assembly includes safety extension members having a plurality of horizontal handgrips ergonomically designed to prevent falls from the ladder when a user is ascending upward or descending downward.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a step stool, and particularly to a folding step stool including legs that fold between an opened, use position and a collapsed, folded position. The present disclosure also relates to a tray assembly that moves relative to the legs and is used for storing or holding articles associated with use of the step stool. The step stool includes a mechanism to coordinate the movement of the tray assembly and a step of the step stool when the step stool is moved between the opened and collapsed positions.

Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a pump jack tree stand including a platform and a seat engaging a pump jack. The pump jack cooperates with a pole that is supported by an adjacent tree. The user actuates a foot lever on the pump jack to climb the pole. The pump jack's release is hand actuated as opposed to the commonly used foot-actuated release.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a step frame having legs and steps and a tray unit coupled to the step frame. The tray unit includes a utility tray mounted for pivotable movement relative to the step frame.

Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.

Abstract: A personal, lightweight, high altitude rappel escape safety device is worn by an individual as a backpack and provides a safe means of lowering the individual from an elevated structure. The device comprises a structural body containing a mechanical device for slowly releasing a high strength cable. One end of the cable is secured to the structure prior to the user descending from the structure. The cable is released from a spool located inside the body and makes a circuitous path though a frictional structure. The structure contains baffles through which the cable extends. The friction caused by the pattern of release of the cable generates sufficient drag to safely lower a person from any altitude in a structure to the ground. The rate of descent may be adjusted via a braking mechanism.

Abstract: A tree stand blind system for concealing a hunter on a tree stand and protecting the hunter from rain includes a pair of mounting brackets is secured to a tree adjacent a tree stand. Each of the mounting brackets has one of a pair of arms mounted thereto. A vertical orientation of each of the arms is adjustable with respect to the associated one of the mounting brackets. Each of the arms is positioned horizontally and extending outwardly from the tree. A suspension rod is insertable into each of the arms. A pair of blind curtains is suspended from the suspension rod. The blind curtains hang down from the suspension in a semi-circle around the tree stand to conceal the hunter on the tree stand.

Abstract: A stair climbing aid comprises two slide rails, an assist member, a control mechanism and two positioning assemblies. The slide rails and the assist member are assembled to handrails at both sides of the stairs. The control mechanism is disposed on the assist member to be controlled by the user. The positioning assemblies are disposed at both sides of the assist member, each positioning assembly is provided with an engaging portion to be engaged in the respective positioning portions of the slide rail. Thereby, an anti-slide effect is produced, so as to prevent the user from falling down the stairs and to help the user move from step to step safely.

Abstract: Brackets mounted to the corners of a garage door improve the strength of a garage structure in the event of an earthquake. As the garage sways during the earthquake, the door frame contacts the brackets mounted at the upper corners of the door. The brackets transfer shear forces from the frame to the door. Additional brackets mounted at the bottom corners of the door contact the lower portions of the frame and stop the horizontal movement of the garage door. By using the door to transfer the shear forces, the strength of the garage door frame is substantially improved.