Abstract: A device whereby personnel or other loads may descend from an elevated position at a controlled and variable speed, comprising a restraining member (12) having a series of slots (13). A tape stored in a container (20) passes through the slots (13) to a hook (10) for attachment of the device to a fixed point. A user wearing a harness (21) removably attached to the restraining member (12) may descend at a controlled rate determined by a light load applied to the tape (11) below the restraining member (12) owing to the frictional contact of the tape (11) passing around the edges of slots (13). After the descent a quick release shackle (16) releases the harness (21) from the device.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a panel device which is useful in the display and furniture arts. The panel device incorporates a plurality of vertical supports which engage panel members. The vertical supports are interconnected via a plurality of double hinges. The double hinges consist of a plurality of clip hinge members. Each double hinge consists of at least two clip hinge members. Pairs of parallel vertical supports are interconnected by a pair of double hinges said double hinges comprising at least four clip hinge elements. The clip hinge elements are formed from a ribbon of a suitable flexible material. The ends of the clip hinge members incorporate opposing double reverse bends which are adapted to engage and be secured in U-shaped channels which are an integral part of the vertical support members. The reverse bends may further incorporate locking tabs to assist in securing the clip hinge elements into the vertical supports.

Abstract: Construction scaffolding comprising adjacent end frames with joined vertical support members is provided with movable rung members that are extendible and retractable, that engage the exterior surface of the vertical support members, and that are secured to the support members by clamp members having quick-release threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A two-position ladder platform designed for operation by a single climber so as to provide the climber with a broad foot support in its erected position and to retract to a recessed position to avoid impairing the climber. The device includes a platform section, preferably rectangular in shape, with platform hooks pivotally mounted along adjacent corners of the platform section. Leg sections extend away from other adjacent corners of the platform and terminate in a forked end. In the erected position the platform hooks engage a first ladder rung with the platform extending outward therefrom while the forked ends engage a ladder rung below the platform. The platform is capable of being inward over the first rung into a recessed position which avoids it becoming an obstruction to the user when climbing the ladder. The platform can be easily kicked back into the erected position to provide the climber with support after he climbs passed it.

Abstract: An elevated platform is provided including one longitudinal marginal portion alongside which an elongated tank body of a vehicle may be disposed. The marginal portion of the platform pivotally mounts a pair of extension panels therefrom in slightly spaced relation therealong for movement between raised inoperative positions and downwardly and outwardly inclined operative positions and a step ramp has one end pivotally mounted from the platform between the panels for swinging movement between a raised inoperative position and a downwardly and outwardly inclined inoperative position. The outer margins of the panels and the outer end of the step ramp are generally coterminous when in the operative positions for engagement with and support from the near side of the top of a tank body and an upstanding railing assembly is swingably mounted from the platform and positionable for engaging and the support from the far side of the top of a tank body with which the panels and the ramp are engaged.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus (10) for adjustably supporting diverse articles (16) on a stepladder (17). The apparatus includes in general an article securing means (15) releasably supported in a support unit (12), which is mounted for relative rotation with respect to a base unit (11). In addition a releasable locking means (14) operatively controls the relative rotation between the support unit (12) and the base unit (11), and a mounting bracket unit (13), is also provided to securely engage the base unit (11) on the stepladder (17).

Abstract: A bin ladder construction includes a vertical ladder up the side of a grain storage bin and an inclined ladder from the upper end of the vertical ladder to the peak of the roof of the grain storage bin. Corner pieces of particular shape and configuration interconnect the inclined and vertical ladders. The ladders have hollow rungs open at both ends, and channel members extend through and beyond the ends of a pair of hollow rungs in the vertical ladder and in the inclined ladder. Triangular brackets mount the opposite ends of hand rails to the ends of said channels.

Abstract: A portable folding platform apparatus is disclosed which may be removably mounted on an extension ladder having a winch removably mounted at the top of the ladder. The apparatus may be used to lift loads to the top of a house, to the different floors of a building, or onto a roof. The apparatus has a platform with a sliding top which may be used to carry a load. After the apparatus and winch are mounted on the ladder, the winch and cable are then used to pull the apparatus to the top of the ladder. The load may then be moved in a horizontal direction by the sliding top. Two diagonal struts and two vertical struts are used to support the platform. The struts are coupled to two side plates having rollers which allow the apparatus to move up and down the ladder. Guide blocks attached to the side plates assist in guiding the apparatus along the ladder. Two swing arms coupled to the apparatus and the winch have rollers which engage the top surfaces of the ladder.

Abstract: A moveable walkway which can be raised or lowered by workmen on the walkway is provided. The walkway runs on rails affixed to the side of the structure and comprises a sliding member fitting within hollow rails, which sliding member is filled with wheels having projections thereon for interacting with perforations in said rails and locking devices for stabilizing the walkway at any given level.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foam strip.

Abstract: A holder for small instruments such as dental instruments, comprises an inner member and an outer member both of which are figures of rotation. The outer member has a conical recess in its upper portion and a cylindrical recess in its lower portion. The inner member has a cylindrical lower portion by which it is secured in the cylindrical recess of the outer member, and has two truncated conical portions one above the other, the lower of which forms a relatively narrow conical recess with the outer member and the upper of which is of reverse inclination to the inclination of the conical recess of the outer member so as to provide a tapered entrance recess into the lower recess. The lower recess forms an angle of about 7.5.degree. with the axis of the holder.

Abstract: A frame has upwardly convergent legs which support a plate on which a seat is swiveled. The frame provides a socket which fits over the upper end of an upwardly disposed tree stump or limb stub. A foot rest extends around three sides of the frame so as to leave an open side through which the hunter may climb up to the seat. Clamps in the lower portion of the frame secure it to the tree member.

Abstract: A carrying case, having a hinged lid, is provided with a handle and locks. Within the interior of the case and hingedly connected to the case is a liner, within which are stored sensitive papers. A thermite charge is within a removable boat in the liner and has igniters electrically connected, through a selectively positionable key operated switch, to a battery and through various switch members so that the igniters are triggered upon the occurrence of and one of various events. One switch member is on the handle and is depressed when carrying the case. Other switch members are closed upon tilting; still other switch members are closed if a knife is passed through the exterior of the container. Still other switches are closed in the event that a knife is inserted to prize open the case or the case is opened without being disarmed.Upon the making of an electrical circuit, the igniters ignite the thermite charge to burn or char the papers, the gases escaping through an opening in the lid of the case.