Abstract: A tactical vehicle incorporates a line deployment tower adapted for use by personnel transferring between an elevated location on the vehicle and a remote target location. The line deployment tower includes a base mounted to the vehicle at the elevated location. An elongated line boom has a proximal end attached to the base, and an opposite distal end. A flexible line is secured to the distal end of the line boom, and is adapted for extending downward from the elevated location when deployed.

Abstract: A fall arrest block 10 has a spindle on which a length of lifeline 14 is wound. In normal use, the lifeline (preferably webbing) retracts onto and extends from a drum housing 12, as the workman moves towards and away from a secure point to which the housing is attached. In the event of a fall, an inertia mechanism sensitive to acceleration of the spindle operates to lock a locking mechanism to hold the spindle against further rotation. An energy absorbing link 18 is built into the webbing, close to a hook 16 to which the workman is attached. The energy absorbing link 18 includes a section of lifeline that is stretchable, but non-elastic. The locking mechanism includes a toothed ratchet wheel that is engaged by a pawl in order to lock the spindle rotation. The toothed ratchet wheel is part of a unitary body with the spindle.

Abstract: A retractable fall arrest device comprises a unit housing, a spring sub-assembly, a brake/clutch sub-assembly, and a drum assembly. The spring and brake/clutch sub-assemblies each include shaft portions which extend into the housing and are removably connected together or to the drum assembly, and support the drum assembly in the housing. The spring and brake/clutch assembly are themselves removably connected to the unit housing. Finally, the unit housing comprises two wall members (i.e., clam shells) which are removably connected together. This fall arrest device allows for replacement of any of the four constituent components of the device in the field, thus reducing the down time between repairs or recertification of a particular fall arrest device.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a length of at least one safety harness strap with an adjuster comprises positioning the adjuster at a desired location along the at least one strap, winding the at least one strap about the shaft, and locking the shaft with the locking mechanism to prevent rotation in an unwinding direction. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. The adjuster includes a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in one direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A ladder stand configured to attach to a post to provide an elevated platform. The ladder stand includes a ladder and a platform assembly coupled to the ladder. A pair of lateral support members include proximal ends pivotally attached to opposite sides of the platform and distal ends configured to be positioned toward an opposite side of the post. The distal ends of the support members are configured to be secured to the post. A stabilizer member pivotally connects to an intermediate portion of the ladder and extends toward with the support post. The stabilizing member includes a stabilizing plate configured to engage the support post. At least one support straps connects the distal ends of lateral support members to the post and the distal ends of the lateral support members to the stabilizing member.

Abstract: An ascender device for a double rope is composed of two identical ascenders, the flanges of which are reversed by pivoting through 180° with respect to one another along a vertical axis extending parallel to the two troughs. The two grips are symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis so as to be able to be held at the same time by the user's right hand and left hand.

Abstract: A collapsible tree stand system for supporting a user at an elevated position on a tree includes a tree engagement member having a mounting plate, a plurality of tree gripping teeth, a retention strap and a connection member. The system also includes a removable, collapsible tree stand having an integrated frame with a gapped section for mating with the connection member, and for supporting a seat, a central platform and a pair of storage compartments thereon.

Abstract: A tree stand comprises a metal post, a lower platform pivotably coupled to the metal post for pivoting between a platform extended position and a platform folded position, an upper seat pivotably coupled to the post for pivoting between a seat extended position and a seat folded position, and a rubber or polymeric interface having a thickness of at least ? of an inch and contacting the post and at least one of lower platform when lower platform is in the platform folded position, and the upper seat when the upper seat is in the seat folded position.

Abstract: A system of increased safety when performing work using a ladder is described. The system includes a ladder bracket for temporarily attachment of a ladder to a structure to stabilize or secure the ladder. The bracket is easy to install and acts to limit or prevent slippage of the ladder laterally or away from the structure and generally promotes a greater margin of safety. In addition, the system includes a bracket for temporarily, yet securely, attaching a safety railing to a ladder. A guardrail carriage for securing a person to a rail via a tether is further provided.

Abstract: A sling-type seat that can be used by hunters as a replacement for conventional treestand seats. The seat is attachable to an external support and/or frame, such as a tree trunk and treestand frame. The attachment is not limited to predefined attachment points and is thereby adjustable. The seat can be attached to a wide range of supports and/or frames and is therefore universal. Further, the seat is portable and may be rolled up and easily carried.

Abstract: Work platforms are generally discussed herein for providing expanded work space for their users with specific discussions extended to portable work platforms that are mountable on vertical or horizontal poles and the like, such as utility poles, for expanding useful work space. The portable work platform has a deck attached to a base by a beam, which is made from a non-conducting material. A strap assembly having a webbing is connected to the base and configured for use with a ratchet mechanism to tension the webbing around a pole to mount to the platform. The beam enhances electrical isolation between the deck and the base.

Abstract: A standoff device and ladder designed for positioning with respect to a supporting structure, the standoff is temporarily and rigidly attached to the upper end of a ladder for the purpose of holding the ladder away from the structure against which the ladder is leaning to provide more stability and a comfortable distance between the user and the structure during tasks such as painting, power washing a house, working with gutters, carpentry, roofing, tree trimming and pruning. The standoff comprises a pivotal frame which is moveably and adjustably secured to a selected rung of the ladder with the pivotal movement limited by a chain, rope, strap, strut, telescoping member, or other holding element attached to a lower portion of the ladder such as a lower rung. The standoff device includes a frame having extendable legs with padded rollers journalled on the end in a “V-shape” for leaning against various shapes of vertical support structures such as walls of a building, columns or trees.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, free-standing device for use by a rider to access the saddle stirrup when mounting a horse. The device has a center support pole with a handle on one end and a base on the other. Two folding steps are each pivotally mounted to spaced-apart brackets attached to the pole, to assist the rider to reach the stirrup. Several folding legs are mounted to a collar attached to the center pole in order to stabilize the device. The legs can be configured with extensions so that the device can be leveled on uneven terrain. Pivoting foot pads can be attached onto the ends of the legs. A rope is attached to the handle so that the device can be pulled up after the rider has mounted the horse, whereupon the device can be folded and collapsed for storage on the horse.

Abstract: A fall protection anchor and related systems and methods. The anchor comprises a first elongate leg and a second elongate leg connected to each other at a base plate. The first elongate leg comprises a first base end and a first apex end and further comprises a first capture portion near the first base end and a first intra-connection portion near the first apex end. At least the second elongate leg comprises a second base end and a second apex end and further comprises a second capture portion near the second base end and a second intra-connection portion near the second apex end as well as a holding portion located beyond the capture portion: the holding portion comprises a holding element such as holding hole configured to securely hold a fall restraint device connected to a worker.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for a Compact Descender used in conjunction with a rope. The invention includes a first plate and a second plate arranged adjacent to one another and pivotally connected to one another by a rope post at the top ends of the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate are selectively and pivotally opened and closed and are interlocked when closed by attachment of a carabiner through a hole in the bottom end of the first plate and an adjacent hole in the bottom end of the second plate. The first plate and the second plate include a rope channel adjacent to a lever, where the lever is pivotally attached to a pivot pin affixed to the first plate. A substantially rectangular shaped rope clamping cam is pivotally attached above the lever on the same pivot pin.

Abstract: A platform assembly includes a ladder that comprises a plurality of steps coupled to and extending between a pair of legs. A platform is provided that may be coupled to a selected one of the steps.

Abstract: A climbing shoe (10) of a climbing formwork for fixing to a concreting section (14) of a building comprises a sliding shoe part (16) on which claws (50) are provided. At least one claw (50) is provided in a pivotal and/or telescopic manner on the sliding shoe part (16).

Abstract: A rail-guided climbing system having climbing brackets (36, 38, 40) in which climbing rails (32, 34) are guided, rigidly fixed to a scaffolding unit (12). Each climbing bracket (32, 34) has a joint (52) arranged between a first climbing bracket (40) and a second climbing bracket (38). The free end of the climbing rail (32, 34) may be inserted into a climbing bracket (36, 40) rigidly fixed on the construction (16) and the angular position of adjacent climbing rail sections (48, 50) is adjusted via the joint (52) using an adjuster device (58, 68).

Abstract: A ladder constructed for reaching an elevated surface or object and having a bow-shaped configuration so that the reach may extend further from the base on which the footing of the ladder rests, the ladder being configured to reach areas such as the roof of a vehicle.

Abstract: An attic ladder system includes an upper portion that can be extended above the attic floor and a lower portion that can be extended into a room below the attic. The upper portion can extend automatically into the attic upon extension of the lower portion, or may be operated independently of the lower section. Ladder extension can be telescopic or by unfolding of sections. Retraction of either or both ladder portions may include a pivoting capability to reduce vertical height when stored. A gap can be provided between lowest the rungs to avoid danger to a user's hands. Embodiments can be used to access the top of a vehicle roof from within the vehicle. Embodiments can support a user weighing up to 300 pounds. A gas spring can assist in lifting and stowing the lower portion. Pivot latches can secure the ladder in its stowed and deployed configurations.