Abstract: A descent controller for lowering a workman or other person along a vertically extending rope from an elevated position to a relatively lower position includes a friction device that may be in the form of a cylinder having a plurality of turns of rope wrapped therearound or a plurality of spaced apart horizontal bars with the rope woven between the bars. The friction device interacts with said rope to retard the movement of the controller along the rope. A lever operated pawl is mounted beneath the friction device and is used by the workman to applying an adjustable force on said rope in order to control his descent down the rope. A centrifugal brake is mounted below the lever centrifugal brake. The centrifugal brake includes a wheel mounted for rotation and has the rope passing around at least a portion of said wheel. Included within the brake is a pawl brake mounted for rotation with the wheel and a fixed stop member.

Abstract: A stabilizing ladder system is disclosed that comprises a ladder of scaffold assembly with a pair of rails and a plurality of rungs. The system further includes a ladder leveling assembly comprising a lower extension arm mounted on each of the rails of the ladder assembly, and each lower extension arms is slidably inserted and extendable from the lower end of one of the rails for engaging a ground surface. The system also includes a lower stabilizer assembly for stabilizing a lower portion of the ladder assembly with respect to the ground surface. The lower stabilizer assembly comprises a pair of outboard foot assemblies with a position of each of the outboard foot assemblies being laterally adjustable with respect to the rails of the ladder assembly such that a lateral spacing of the outboard foot assemblies is adjustable.

Abstract: A retail display rack having vertically adjustable upper and lower display arms associated with a tubular housing structure that is vertically oriented for mounting the upper and lower arms thereon at selectable heights.

Abstract: A tree stand with adjusting features allowing it to remain level in use. The invention includes two main subassemblies—a lower foot platform and an upper seat platform. The foot platform features a pivotally attached foot rest portion which can be adjusted in pitch. The seat platform includes a rotating seat with a pitch pivot located underneath. The seat's pitch is infinitely adjustable without affecting its rotation about the yaw axis. The seat platform also includes two telescoping climbing arms which the user can grasp when moving the two platforms up a tree. These climbing arms can be stowed once the stand is in position for use.

Abstract: A step apparatus (10) is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly (12) which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly (18) includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members (28) are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies (30) are connected to the rear bracket portion. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.

Abstract: A collapsible scaffolding tower having four uprights arranged in two pairs, wherein each of the uprights is formed of three or more telescopically collapsible sections and rigid horizontal bars extend between the sections of the uprights in each pair to form two telescopically collapsible ladder structures, which rest directly on the ground when the tower is in use.

Abstract: A display system for a shopping mall or retail store environment includes a platform, a plurality of kiosks mounted on the platform, each of the kiosks including a base, a raised drum having a plurality of lights arranged in two concentric sets, and at least three panels illuminated by the lights and disposed between the base and the drum and extending radially outwardly from a central vertical axis, a podium disposed adjacent the platform and defining a workstation, a first spar connecting the drum of a first kiosk with the drum of a second kiosk, and a second spar connecting the drum of the first kiosk with the podium, with each of the first and second spars including a first end, a second end, and an uninterrupted display surface extending from adjacent the first end to adjacent the second end, the display surface arranged to receive indicia, each of the first and second spars further arranged to support electrical cable to thereby permit an electrical connection between each of the kiosks and the podium.

Abstract: A tree stand and/or climbing device of multiple designs preferably using industrial machinery style belts to provide maximum strength and gripping power. The belts are preferably made of tough rubber compounds and inlaid with various high strength fibers and other materials. The belts preferably have a uniform teeth pattern, which provide flexibility and allow the belt to conform to uneven surfaces on a tree. The teeth and flexible nature of the industrial belts provide a mechanism for securing the belts and adjusting the length for a wide-range of tree diameters. Dual or multiple belt or fastening device designs allow individuals to climb past limbs or other obstacles and maneuver around forks in trees. The invention also relates to climbing steps to serve as hand grips and/or foot rests during climbing. The invention also concerns a slip-lock locking device.

Abstract: An elevated platform configurable for use in cooperation with a tree or pole, or as a free-standing unit. A triangular assembled configuration provides maximum safety and rigidity with a minimum complexity and weight. Interchangeable components, universal connectors, and tool-free assembly result in ease and speed for assembly and disassembly. The platform is adaptable for use in any number of configurations and is transformable into a trailer for towing by a person, ATV, or vehicle. Additionally, a gun/camera rail, bow rack, weather resistant shelter, and a swivel seat provide improved comfort for extended use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a redundant system is provided which is structured for use in association with a utility structure having an external surface configuration perimeter. The system includes an inflatable device including a body having at least one surface structured for receiving an impact of at least one descending object, the body defining at least one opening structured to receive therein at least a portion of the external surface configuration perimeter of the utility structure; and, at least one inlet operatively associated with the body of the inflatable device, the inlet being structured to receive at least one type of fluid media into the body for inflating the inflatable device.

Abstract: A ladder system through which a ladder is retained on a deck of a watercraft by a track arrangement and positioned at a first location in an opening for an enclosure where the ladder is substantially vertical to the side of the watercraft to permit ingress/egress of a person between a body of water and the deck. The ladder is connected to a rail of the track arrangement by a first and second hinges that permits the ladder to be rotated from the vertical position along the side of the watercraft to a position inside of the enclosure. The ladder may thereafter be moved from the opening to a location adjacent the gate and behind the enclosure to conceal and stow the ladder such that the exterior surface of the watercraft along the enclosure is substantially uniform from stem to stern.

Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed for a leg of a ladder. The sleeve includes a length of generally “U”-shaped cross-sectional material, and the sleeve slides over an end of the leg of the ladder. Each rung of the ladder slides along an open portion of the generally “U”-shaped cross-section as the sleeve is slid over and along the leg of the ladder. When the ladder rests against an object, the sleeve can be longitudinally adjusted along the leg to reduce marring the object from contact by the leg of the ladder.

Abstract: A suspended scaffolding system and method of use employs a plurality of scaffolding brackets that are hung from the framework of a building under construction to support a plurality of scaffolding planks to form a walkway therebetween. The scaffolding brackets include an anchor assembly, which is specially designed to wrap around the building's framework such that construction workers can complete their work without removing the brackets.

Abstract: An awning-type insulated glazing assembly includes an insulated glazing having a first glazing pane and a second glazing pane mounted parallel to and spaced from the first glazing pane. The first glazing pane has a marginal portion extending beyond the second glazing pane in at least a first direction in a plane of the first glazing pane. A mounting hinge defines a hinge axis and is secured to the insulated glazing for hingedly mounting the insulated glazing for awning-type movement about the hinge axis. A window regulator is secured to the insulated glazing for controlling the awning-type movement of the insulated glazing about the hinge axis.

Abstract: In combination with an extension ladder, an L-shaped bracket is provided. The bracket has at least one first leg longer than the distance between successive rungs of the ladder. The first leg is placed on one side of an upper rung and on the other side of a next lower rung. A short leg integral with the first leg projecting generally at right angles to the first leg, is placed on top of the upper rung and extends beyond the rung. It is adapted to support an accessory, such as a paint can or a tray. A clamp on the projecting leg insures against dislodgement of the holder. In the preferred embodiment, two L-shaped brackets are connected to an accessory carrying bar that projects beyond the sides of the rails of the ladder, and the clamp includes a plate wedging between the bar and a rail of the ladder.

Abstract: A submergible activity platform for attachment to an associated structure on a body of water is disclosed. The activity platform for supporting persons engaged in water activities includes a platform area extending outwardly from and alongside the associated structure. A support structure is carried by the activity platform for mounting the activity platform to the associated structure so that the activity platform is located at a desired depth in the water when mounted to the associated structure. A walkway is included in for providing access between the associated structure and the activity platform when submerged. The activity platform includes a water activity section free of the walkway where water activities may take place. The activity platform also includes a plurality of water flow passages for allowing water to flow through the activity platform when submerged to reduce the force of water currents against the activity platform.

Abstract: A side sliding door device is provided for a vehicle that opens and closes an entrance on a side of the vehicle by a sliding door movably supported on a horizontal door rail. The sliding door device includes an automatic locking mechanism that is interlocked with a closing operation of the sliding door, and locks the sliding door in a closed state, and a manual locking mechanism that locks the sliding door in the closed state by a manual operation. The automatic locking mechanism and the manual locking mechanism are secured on a common base plate on a vehicle body and integrated into one unit, so that the manual locking mechanism prevents an unlocking operation of the automatic locking mechanism in a locked state and holds the sliding door in the locked state.

Abstract: A door reinforcement system comprises two pairs of assemblies, each assembly having subassemblies on the inside and the outside of the door. The inside subassemblies include a plate with a channel for housing a sliding bolt, and may include three subassemblies with two bolts, each of which spans a subassembly attached to the wall structure and a subassembly attached to the door. By providing the at least two pairs of assemblies, a better reinforment is obtained by reinforcing against the torque that would be present with a single dead bolt.

Abstract: A mine door assembly has a frame. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. The door installation also has a hydraulic checking system for controlling the speed of the door leaf as it moves back and forth between open and closed positions. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.

Abstract: An extension ladder assembly having an anti-slipping mechanism is provided. The extension ladder includes a master ladder, a slave ladder, a pulley, a locking mechanism, the antislipping mechanism and adjustable ladder feet. The master ladder and the slave ladder are each composed of two posts and several rungs. The master ladder and the slave ladder are each composed of two posts and several rungs. The master ladder is slightly wider than the slave ladder. The anti-slipping mechanism prevents the slave ladder from being tripped and slid down, thereby safeguarding the safety of a user of the ladder. The pulley and the locking mechanism make the extension ladder suitable for various height requirements on work sites. The adjustable ladder feet make the extension ladder stand firm and secure by fine and minor adjustment of angles to accommodate different surface or ground conditions the ladder is placed upon.