Abstract: An aerial apparatus swingable outwardly of a fire truck chassis is stabilized by outriggers on opposite sides of the chassis with the aerial apparatus being swingable to one side or the other only if an extendible section of an outrigger for that side has been moved relative to its base section from a storage position to a fully extended outrigging position on that side. The swinging of the apparatus to a side of the chassis is enabled by withdrawing stop means which is spring urged into the path of rotation of the apparatus to that side. The withdrawal of the stop means is actuated mechanically by means on the extendible section engaging and moving an actuating rod carried by the base section for the extendible section to effect operation of a linkage to withdraw the stop means against its spring bias. On retraction of the extendible section from its fully extended position, the spring urged stop means resets as the extendible section leaves the fully extended position.

Abstract: An adjustable scaffold support for use in supporting construction scaffold plank members includes a vertical guide member defining an elongated vertical guide track. An extension member is slidably received in the guide track and is secured in a selected adjusted position by a spring steel clamp and a set screw. A pivotal support member has a lower end pivotally connected to a lower end of the extension member. A pair of rectangular channel brackets are provided on upper end portions of the extension member and pivotal support member for engagement with a scaffold support plank. The scaffold support includes an A-frame supporting structure provided with selectively extensible ground insertion spikes for securing the scaffold support at an intended location.

Abstract: It has been necessary up to now for connecting two ladder elements in order to construct a free-standing ladder to connect the lower ends of the ladder elements by means of a tie rod. Furthermore a reliable connection only in the area of the upper ends of the ladder elements is not possible because of the danger of damaging the sidepieces. These disadvantages are supposed to be avoided with the invention. The invention provides, that the clamping elements of a connecting element fastened on a first sidepiece are constructed like a flat contact plate inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first sidepiece and connected to the connecting element and like a swivel plate pivotal about an axis arranged perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first sidepiece. The connecting element of the invention can be used in all types of multi-purpose ladders.

Abstract: A portable step apparatus for removable connection to the wheel or bumper of a vehicle to provide a stable platform for a person while working in the engine compartment thereof. The step apparatus comprises a support frame assembly which is securely attached to the exterior surface of the wheel or bumper by an attaching apparatus. A step assembly is adjustably attached to the frame assembly so that the user can adjust the step the desired height. Stabilizing straps may be attached to the bottom of the frame assembly and wrapped around the tire, or passed below the bumper and securely attached to the vehicle to prevent the bottom of the frame assembly from moving sideways or from being pushed away from the vehicle due to the forces generated on the step caused by a person moving around thereon or leaning into the engine compartment of the vehicle. The height of the frame attachment to the vehicle bumper is adjustable as is also the height of the step on the frame assembly.

Abstract: A mobile aerial lift having a vehicle of the type having a frame with a longitudinal axis and ground-engaging wheels carried by the frame. An operator's driving station is carried by the frame. An aerial lift is carried by the frame and includes a boom structure and control means for the boom structure which permits the outer extremity of the boom structure to be raised and lowered about a horizontal axis, rotated about a vertical axis, and extended and retracted. A mast is provided for carrying the boom structure and is secured to one side of the frame and is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pole gripping assembly for use in stabilizing ladders used to ascend a tree, utility pole or the like. The assembly comprises a yoke member having an arcuate shape which is connected between the side rails at an upper end of a ladder. The yoke member is connected by brackets to the side rails for pivotal movement about a transverse axis so as to pivot at least between a plane common with the lader and a plane perpendicular to the ladder. The assembly further includes a pair of arcuate gripping arms which are pivotally connected to the yoke member adjacent opposite ends thereof. The gripping arms are biased to an open position to receive a pole and pivot to a closed position when a pole moves into a pole receiving space generally between the opposite ends of the yoke member. In accordance with the invention the gripping arms hold the pole in the pole receiving space until the ladder is withdrawn from the pole.

Abstract: An imposed shelf arrangement for vending tubular products such as cans and the like comprising a tray having a base, a rear panel and a pair of side panels or dividers forming a longitudinally disposed product feed trough having a width equal substantially to twice the length of a tubular product; a helix disposed centrally within said feed trough and adapted to receive a plurality of tubualr products between the convolutions thereof in a staggered relationship whereby the inner end of each tubular product is adapted to be disposed along the longitudinal axis of said trough; and a drive unit at the rear of the base for rotating said helix whereby to advance said tubular products one by one to the front edge of said base to drop to a delivery position.

Abstract: An improved boom elevating device for a line lift or other aerial lift is disclosed. The present invention vastly expands the range of movement of the line lift through use of an extension arm, attached between a line lift boom and conventional boom actuating means, and an extension arm activating means.

Abstract: A safety net system for multi-story building construction includes a plurality of post assemblies spaced around the perimeter of the building, each with a horizontal shaft at its lower end pivoted to a bracket attached to a lower floor of the building, and a safety net suspended between the outer, free ends of the post assemblies end the adjacent upper floor of the building. The horizontal shaft at the inner end of each post assembly is received in annular bearings having inner and outer sleeves and an elastic core therebetween. The bearings are releasably clamped about the horizontal shaft to restrain the post assembly against rotation and lock it in an upright, stowed position or an inclined, deployed position. The resiliency of the elastic core permits limited, upward rotation of the post assembly to absorb shocks from falling debris.

Abstract: A sit and climb tree stand uses a wedging tree engagement bar to provide for positive support in the tree with minimal tree damage. A self-locking leveling feature is provided which allows the user to adjust the level when at the desired elevation.

Abstract: A roofing safety device, adapted to be used in connection with substantially all roof configurations comprises an upright support, adapted to be secured to the roof of a building, having at least one self-braking mechanism and cable assembly attached thereto. Disposed at the free end of the cable is a fastening device which may be secured to one of a plurality of heavy rings secured to a belt. The plurality of rings provided on the belt enables the worker to attach the cable of the self-braking mechanism to either side of his body, thereby allowing the worker to perform his task on the roof without being chafed by the cable. A pair of stabilizing struts, each having a rectangular foot at the distal ends thereof which are rotatable about a pair of orthogonal axes enables the device to conform to substantially any rooftop configuration.

Abstract: A scaffold jack includes a jack housing mounted for slidable movement on a vertical post. The jack housing has a support beam projecting horizontally therefrom upon which a working platform is supported above the ground. A ratchet mechanism on the housing includes a pawl which will cooperate with apertures in the vertical post to allow upward movement of the jack housing and support the housing above the ground. A winch is mounted to the jack housing and has a hook and cable connected thereto which may be connected to a bracket journaled in an aperture at the upper end of the post, such that the jack housing may be winched upwardly. A pair of horizontally oriented rigid legs are provided which are connectable to the post and to an adjacent vertical wall structure, such that the post may be stabilized in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A fire truck includes an aerial ladder mounted on a rotatable base and outriggers on each side of the truck to stabilize the ladder in use. The outriggers may be deployed on only one side of the vehicle to permit use in confined areas. The ladder base is interlocked with the outriggers to permit the ladder to be positioned only on the side of the fire truck stabilized by the deployed outriggers. A retractable pin is connected through a mechanical linkage to each outrigger. Stop blocks mounted on opposite sides of the rotatable base contact any extended pins. Rotation of the base is thereby confined to a sector where the pins have been retracted by deployment of the associated outriggers. Small auxiliary jacks on each side of the fire truck are deployed in response to deployment of the outriggers on the opposite side of the truck. The jacks provide stability when the aerial ladder is used as a water tower for supporting a high pressure hose.

Abstract: A fall arresting device attached to a climber's safety harness having an open-sided elongated housing joined together near its center by a spindle, a drum rotatably mounted on the spindle, a clove hitch knot formed in a safety rope and tied around the drum, and a centrifugal clutch assembly on one end of the drum to halt rotation of the drum with respect to the housing plates if the rotation of the drum exceeds a predetermined rate. The housing is comprised of two housing plates which may be counterrotated about the spindle to "open" the device and allow the clove hitch knot to be tied around the drum. When the housing is "closed", by realigning the housing plates, and attached to a climbers harness via carabiners, the clove hitch knot may not be removed from the drum. When the climber pulls the device against the anchored rope at slow speeds, the clove hitch knot slips on the rotation drum and the device travels freely along the rope.

Abstract: A wall scaffold using a pair of ladders equipped with ladder jacks for supporting a horizontal work platform. The invention includes numerous safety features such as a safety railing on standards attached to the outboard ends of the ladder jacks, a paint bucket trolley for the railing, an adjustable anti-flexing brace between the central part of the ladder and the wall to prevent bouncing of the ladder and platform, a unique safety clamp for tightly securing components to the ladder rungs, a ladder level adjuster, an auxiliary step to assist in mounting and dismounting the work platform, and a safety stake attachable to the lowest ladder rung to prevent bottom "slip-out".

Abstract: A fire escaping apparatus being of a small bulk, requiring no energy source and capable of continuously transporting escaping persons is provided. The apparatus includes a housing attached to a place from where relevant persons can escape a fire, a hollow active shaft rotatably mounting therein a following shaft and securing thereon a driving member, an escaping loop rope positively circulating on the periphery of the driving member, a speed-increasing mechansim mounted between the active and following shafts, and a speed-limiting mechanism mounted on the following shaft so that the escaping person grasping on the rope can be rapidly and safely transported from the place to a ground surface.

Abstract: A device which may serve as a ridge hook for hooking a ladder unto a ridge of a roof includes two wheels mounted upon arms. A threaded rod extends through the hollow core of a ladder rung to secure the device to a ladder. An unhooking arrangement uses a pivot arm, normally biased to be parallel to the ladder, to lift an upper end of the ladder free of the ridge when a control line is pulled. A ladder rung lock is used to prevent relative movement between the upper and lower sections of an extension ladder.

Abstract: A kit for use with 2.times.4 and 2.times.6 wood pieces to make sawhorses. The legs are constructed for bent metal rods and are secured to brackets or support assemblies that are dimensioned to receive and support the wood piece. A minimal number of nails or screws for securing the wood to the brackets complete the manufacture. In addition, the legs are pivotally secured and may be folded against the wood pieces for storage or transport.

Abstract: The invention features a wrap-around pad that attaches to a climber harness for securing the climber harness to a leg of a lineman or lumberjack.The wrap-around pad completely encircles the circumfernce of the upper tibia portion of the leg, thus providing increased support and comfort to the leg. The surfaces of the pad is covered by Velcro-type mating linings comprising hooks and loops, such that the pad adjusts to the leg size by securing itself to itself. This allows for securement to the leg without the use of straps, and allows for quick release and adjustment.

Abstract: A device which is easily attached to the side of a scaffold for lifting objects up the side of the scaffold. The device consists of a carriage which has a rectangular frame having guide members with wheels attached at each corner for engaging the pipes of the scaffold frame. The wheels are attached such that the carriage can ride up and down on the scaffold without interference with the scaffold frame supports and cross members. The carriage has a motor attached to it which is connected to a chain drive. There is a chain which runs through the chain drive and attaches to the top of the scaffold frame. The motor and chain drive act on the chain to drive the carriage up and down the scaffold. The chain drive preferably has a brake for use when the carriage is stopped. The carriage frame has a means of attaching a pair of forks. The width of the forks are adjustable on the carriage frame.