Abstract: An apparatus designed for climbing poles, trees and other such columnar objects. The apparatus is a remote-controlled work station that provides a scaffold for mounting semi-robotic articulated arms and video cameras. The articulated arm has a quick-release coupler on an end thereof that is able to repeatedly and releasably couple attachments thereto, such as saws, blades, and other pruning objects. The device includes an expandable frame that may be opened and closed to fit around the vertical structure to be climbed. The frame has horizontal and vertical supports, drive system compression supports, and wheels. A drive system is mounted to each of the drive system compression supports. The drive system includes motorized tracked-climbers that are maintained in contact with the vertical structure to be climbed via adjustable independent suspension. The suspension uses adjustable spring shocks and drive system slide rails to connect the frame to the drive system.

Abstract: A utility holding device is suitable for carrying tools and materials at a construction site. The utility holding device is especially useful for carrying tools and materials for an electrician or a plumber. The wheels provide mobility. The ladder attachment permits a utility holding device to be safely used with a ladder. The scaffold attachment permits a utility holding device to be safely used with a scaffold.

Abstract: A ladder set for rescue vehicles, including a base mounted on a vehicle, an end part and connecting parts disposed therebetween. A traction device is mounted for an extension cable and a roller arrangement for guiding the cable. Roller pairs are mounted on connecting parts, of which each include a front roller and a rear roller. A deflecting roller is located on the end of base part pointing in the direction of extension, via which extension cable is guided in the direction of the traction device. Extension cable is secured to end part by its end opposite traction device and is guided from fixation point to deflecting roller then via roller pairs of connecting parts in their connecting order, in such a way that extension cable first passes the first and then the rear rollers of a roller pair.

Abstract: Various lifting systems are described that use one or more of the following features. A method for setting an adjustable height upper pulley on a tall structure; load transfer from a suspended load to a tall structure; fan-based stabilizer; stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism using a closed loop of cable and traction winch for a crane application; crane-based lifting system that uses a closed loop of lifting cable looped around a traction winch; and a stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism that does not need a closed loop of cable. Other embodiments are also described and claims. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-climbing formwork has a stationary climbing shoe (18) structured for attachment to a wall anchor point and a climbing cylinder (10) having a lower end directly contacting the climbing shoe (18) to form a hinge, the hinge defining a pivoting movement of the climbing cylinder (10) relative to the climbing shoe (18). A support (30) is provided on an upper end of the climbing cylinder (10), the support (30) having a protrusion defining a U-shaped recess. A climbing rail (22) is structured to be held in position by the climbing shoe (18) relative to the anchor point and guided along the wall through cooperation with the climbing shoe (18). Upon extension of the climbing cylinder (10), the support (30) engages beneath an upper engagement point (24?, 24?) of the climbing rail (22) at the U-shaped recess to urge the climbing rail (22) in an upward direction.

Abstract: Detailed are restraints intended principally (but not necessarily exclusively) for inflatable evacuation slides or rafts. At least one such restraint may be designed to release based on geometric shape of an object (such as a slide) rather than merely as a function of its inflation pressure or length. One version of this type of restraint includes a connector pin attached to a cord, with tensioning of the cord eventually retracting the pin to effect release of the restraint.

Abstract: This invention is directed to providing an entertainment table from a readily accessible ladder, preferably an extension ladder, available in most households. In particular, the ladder is supported by a pair of saw-horse type supports at opposite ends of the ladder and various sized and shaped open-ended containers with extensions at their respective open ends are supported from and between pairs of spaced rungs of the ladder. The ladder may also be provided with an elongated planar support with one or more various sized and shaped openings therein and which planar support is supported by and along the rungs of the ladder or by and along the rails of the ladder. Also, the ladder may be provided with a plurality of support plates aligned side by side and supported by the opposing rails of the ladder with some of said support plates having a shaped opening therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fall protection system for use when working on an elevated structure. The system includes an anchor rope which is securable on opposite sides of the elevated structure so that the anchor rope extends from one side of the structure to the opposite side of the structure. A safety rope, which is connectable to the anchor rope and to a harness worn by a user, is also provided. The system further includes a rope length adjustment device which is connectable to the safety rope and adapted to allow the safety rope to pass therethrough so that the effective length of safety rope extending between the rope length adjustment device and the anchor rope can be adjusted up to a certain length determined by the user in order to define a safe working area. The anchor rope may be connected to anchor points on the structure by means of belay-fall arrest-descending devices which allows a user to be lowered in a controlled manner down to ground level in the event of a fall occurring.

Abstract: A first attachment portion has a first closed aperture defining a circular ring portion that extends over a first circumferential range of at least 180 degrees of arc that is symmetrically disposed relative to an axis. A second attachment portion has a second closed aperture. The first and second attachment portions are joined together so as to permit freely swiveling one of the attachment portions relative to the other around the axis. The second aperture has a shape that is substantially different from the shape of the first aperture, for connecting to substantially different articles.

Abstract: A restraint system for restraining a worker to a platform of an aerial device comprises a restraint liner and a platform strap. The restraint liner includes four sidewalls, a floor, a lip, an interior anchor, and an exterior anchor. The floor may be coupled to one end of the four sidewalls, while the lip may be coupled to the opposing end of the four sidewalls and may extend therefrom. The interior anchor may be positioned on an interior surface of a first sidewall and operable to couple to a liner strap coupled to a worker. The exterior anchor may be positioned on an exterior surface of the first sidewall. The platform strap may be coupled to the exterior anchor and operable to couple to the platform.

Abstract: An anti-falling device contains: a support rod including a hanging seat and ratchet teeth; two locking jaws, and each locking jaw having a fixing mount, a controlling member, and a spring; the fixing mount having a fitting orifice, an arcuate orifice, a receiving orifice, and a clamping hook. The fitting orifice is fitted with the support rod, the arcuate orifice passes through the fixing mount, the receiving orifice passes through the fixing mount, two clamping hooks of the two locking jaws are clamped on two end portions of an extending plate of a H beam. The controlling member is connected with the fixing mount and swings between a locking position and an unlocking position. The controlling member has a lock bolt and two apertures, and the two inserting bolts are inserted into the two apertures and the receiving orifice so as to limit the controlling member at the locking position.

Abstract: A rolling ladder includes opposing side members between which a plurality of treads are disposed at predetermined locations to define a ladder. The ladder further includes a support structure coupled to the ladder and including a front wheel support coupled to a plurality of rolling devices. A leg assembly has a user-adjustable length leg, allowing the user to extend or retract either leg to accommodate uneven or irregular floor surfaces. The leg length may also be adjusted to allow for wear in the material of the leg. A lock mechanism is responsive to user actuation and is configured to move the rolling devices from a rolling position to a retracted position, wherein the leg of the leg assembly contacts the floor to thereby inhibit movement of the ladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-climbing perimetric protection system with at least one module comprising two masts (1) spaced out from one another and formed by two vertical channel irons (1) with U-shaped cross section between which pairs of support elements (6, 7) are immobilized in different horizontal planes; a protection panel (2) attached to the masts; pairs of anchors (4) comprised by respective anchoring frames (11) coupled to guiding heads (10) each comprising two mobile horizontal claws (16) which, in the closed position, brace the mast (1); and a rotational bearing rocker (13, 13?) in a vertical plane between a position in which its front part (13) is rotated and supports a support element (6, 7) and a position in which it is rotated downwardly in which it allows the passage of the support elements (6, 7), the pairs of anchors being immobilized at different heights in a part of a building (5, 9) in which they support a pair of support elements (6, 7).

Abstract: An energy absorber assembly for use with a safety harness comprises a connector, a bracket assembly, a fastener, and an energy absorber. The connector is configured and arranged to operatively connect to the safety harness. The fastener operatively connects the bracket assembly and the connector, and the fastener releases the bracket assembly from the connector when subjected to a predetermined load. The energy absorber operatively connects the bracket assembly and the connector, and the energy absorber includes a first portion and a second portion that separate to absorb shock after the bracket assembly is released from the connector.

Abstract: Fall restraint equipment comprising a mobile access unit having a mobile platform portion, a ladder portion, and a cage portion. The components of the fall restraint equipment are formed from butterflying, lasering, cutting, bending, and/or stamping continuous pieces of tubular and sheet metal. The components of the mobile access unit are modular and include adapters of varying height that cause the mobile access unit to exhibit varying height.

Abstract: A convertible suspension/seat harness is readily converted from a suspension to a seat harness and can receive a yolk for chest harness conversion. The harness includes a waist belt portion having a pair of elongated leg straps terminating at a fastening mechanism. A pair of minor straps terminates at a mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a suspension harness configuration. A pair of secondary straps has a secondary mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a seat harness configuration. A yolk is provided for attachment to the harness to yield a chest harness configuration creating a Class III style harness.

Abstract: A dielectric support arm is provided for use with a yoke platform with the yoke platform being secured to the outer end of the innermost boom section of a truck mounted boom structure. The dielectric support arm is positioned between the yoke adapter and the yoke platform.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide includes a base, one or more top tubes, a first lateral side, including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a first common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes, and a second lateral side including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a second common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes. The first common side of the base is opposite the second common side of the base so that the slide is generally triangular in cross-section, and the angles of the triangular frames combine to form an upwardly directed arcuate bend in the uninflated slide which straightens under the weight of the slide when inflated and deployed.

Abstract: A device for ascending or descending using the single rope technique. The device includes a clamping mechanism that has a plurality of clamping segments interconnected by a flexible spine arrangement. A release mechanism is coupled to the clamping mechanism. A reduction mechanism is coupled to the release mechanism. The reduction mechanism includes a body portion having a rope slot configured to accommodate the single rope and a housing portion disposed over the body portion. The housing portion includes a cammed groove configured to accommodate the single rope. The cammed groove is rotatably aligned with the rope slot. The reduction mechanism is movable with at least two degrees of freedom between the clamping position and the released position. The reduction mechanism is configured to frictionally engage the single rope in the released position.