Abstract: A load support platform for use in conjunction with a vehicle tire wherein a pair of outwardly flared feet 22, 24 interact with the tire such that lateral or downward forces on the platform 6 is resisted by the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A construction unit for assembling into a ladder like assembly wherein the unit is provided with parallel and opposed side rails joined by at least one cross-member, the ends of the side rails being adapted for end to end telescopic joining into a multi-unit assembly, the side rails of the units being hollowed to accept, internally thereof, elongated reenforcing and retaining members which may be threaded through all the side rails, in sequence, of an assembly of units.

Abstract: An aerial lift including an improved structure for supporting the bucket or platform and compensating for changing forces on the bucket support structure as the bucket rotates from a side hung position to a forward position. The compensating structure provides for leveling of the bucket when the bucket rotates from the side hung position to the forward position and such that the bucket will be maintained level in both the side hung position and the forward position.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system that includes a plurality of electrohydraulic devices coupled to a remote master controller by a high-speed serial communication bus. The bus has a serial differential transmission line, and a control line for indicating impending transmission of data from one controller and conditioning the other controllers to receive information. Sections of the communication bus are electrically isolated from each other, while maintaining data and control line signal integrity therebetween, by electro-optical interface modules that include transmitters and receivers interconnected by lengths of fiber optic line, and interface drivers having signal ports respectively interconnecting the fiber optic transmitters and receivers to associated sections of the communication bus.

Abstract: A rail transport system is secured to a space station and provides a path for astronaut travel. Releasable bindings are journalled to a rail so that an astronaut can quickly travel from one point to another and release the binding so he is free to move at the arrived point. The rails may be configured in a continuous path so that a minimum of binding disconnections is possible. Oppositely facing binding means are also provided so that the astronaut may travel bi-directionally along the rail.

Abstract: A stage panel support assembly including four corner stanchions or posts permanently cross braced in one transverse direction and connected in a longitudinal direction by double jointed arms centrally pivoted at an apex on a base frame upright. A cross brace joins respective arms at points spaced from the apex. The corner stanchions are movable from a storage position above the base frame to the operative position spaced from the base and in a vertical position relative to a supporting surface. Projections at the top of the stanchions cooperate with removable horizontal panels which further stabilize the structure in operative position.

Abstract: A mechanical connection element comprising a substantially rigid body having therein a cylindrical through cavity accessible via a channel to the outside of the body. This element (or anything attached thereto) can be secured simply, reversibly and perpendicularly to a cross-sectionally rectangular bar. Thus, in one orientation, the bar passes through the channel and into the cavity but in a second orientation, achieved by rotation of the bar, is retained in the cavity. Two such connection elements may advantageously be used atop a bunk-bed ladder for safe affixment to a horizontal bar of the bunk. The element ensures such a ladder be unremoveable when in operative mode.

Abstract: A portable step cooperative with the bumper and wheel of large automotive vehicles for use by mechanics, drivers, and service personnel in achieving access to windshields, windows, and engine compartments for servicing: comprising frame means to hang upon and press against a bumper or a large tire with a step means attached thereto and in various forms in a fixed configuration, or in a collapsible configuration, with means to hang upon a mechanics tool box or to be stowed within a truck, bus, or the like directly, the step being formed of slip resistant material and provided with adjustable stops for proper alignment for use upon a bumper or tire, with an adapter for use on a tire integrally or separately provided.

Abstract: An improved ladder lifting apparatus usable to lift heavy loads from the ground to a roof surface including a horizontally positioned, hand or shoulder mounted lifting bar or beam with a winch means, fastened to the bar or beam where one end of the lifting bar or beam is fastened and/or connected to the side rails of a vertically positioned ladder or extension ladder, with means to allow movement of the upper end of the ladder toward the roof to deposit the load on the roof or into a window of a multi-story building combined with optional stabilizing features for the ladder to make use of the lift bar at high elevations more safe.

Abstract: A safety platform for a ladder comprises a foot platform which engages a lower rung of the ladder and brackets for being secured to an upper rung of the ladder to support the platform. A locking means is provided on the foot platform for securely engaging a lower rung of the ladder to prevent movement of the foot platform. Arcuate elements which engage an upper rung of the ladder are provided with set screws for clamping them to the upper rung also to provide stability for the foot platform.

Abstract: Ambulatory ladder apparatus constructed as a stepladder frame supported on a set of four base wheels. A user-powered drive is mounted under the lowermost step of the ladder, and is mechanically connected with a pair of the base wheels. A drive arm extending from the drive is accessible to a user while aboard the stepladder. By pumping action of the drive arm, the user-powered drive causes rotation of the base wheels, moving the ladder forward. A steering mechanism provided on the drive arm allows the user to direct the motion of the ladder during the pumping action. Thus, without requiring the user to dismount, the ladder may be easily repositioned by operation of the drive, allowing greater work efficiency in many repair, remodeling, painting and construction projects, by eliminating the additional time normally required for dismounting and repositioning the ladder.

Abstract: A generally triangular hook-on scaffolding support is formed by the alignment of a horizontal elongated top member over an angled brace and a vertical brace. A short section of serrated angle iron affixed transversely to one end of the top member abuts to inside surfaces of an opened stud wall and in conjunction with a wedge bracket and wedge board provides a strong pressure fitting for securing the scaffold in a stable position outside or by reverse attachment inside a building under construction. Another short angle iron section affixed to the distal end of the angled brace is adapted as a brace foot to engage the lengthwise edge of a horizontal board, either the bottom sole plate of the wall frame or a board nailed between studs, to provide base support for the scaffold. The scaffold can therefore be positioned at any height along the opened framed wall without the use of ground level support, nailing the hook-on scaffolding support to the framed wall, or assemblage of accessory parts.

Abstract: A system for supporting a lader within the bed of a truck body includes an elongated rack, providing a stable base for the ladder. Boots for receiving the lower end of the ladder can be positioned at selected locations along the length of a rack, and a prop assembly, supported at a spaced location within the truck bed, has a pair of extensible arms that can be pivoted to bring them into engagement with the ladder, to provide lateral support for it.

Abstract: A platform attachment for a ladder having a pair of spaced apart sidepieces connected together by a series of spaced apart rungs includes a pair of spaced apart slideways mounted on the ladder adjacent to respective sidepieces, and a platform extending between and supported on the slideways for sliding movement reciprocatively between a working position projecting forwardly from the ladder and an out-of-the-way position retracted rearwardly from the working position. Preferred mounting structure includes a bracket connected to the slideways and engaging a rung of the ladder above the slideways.

Abstract: This invention relates to an emergency descending device having a life line, one end of which is adapted to be fixed at a high position, the other end of which is adapted to be extended to a low position, and a descending apparatus movably affixed around the life line and usually kept at a high position before operation. The descending apparatus is adapted to suspend a person and carries the person along the life line at a low speed from a high position to a low position. The improvement is characterized by the descending apparatus comprising a decelerating element which is a tubular member axially passed by the life line, forming a contact surface within the tubular member, and in addition, the contact surface being corrugated so as to increase the friction between the contact surface and the life line and reduce the descending speed of the descending apparatus while it suspends a person and lowers him/her from the high position.

Abstract: A foldable ladder for use with a swim platform of a boat is disclosed. A hinged panel adapted to fit in an opening in the swim platform pivots between a closed position and an open position. An upper ladder portion, which includes handrails, is fixed to the underside of the panel and pivots with the panel. A lower ladder portion, which includes a rung, is pivotally connected to the upper ladder portion. A control link is pivotally connected at one end to the boat and at the other end to the lower ladder portion. Raising the panel automatically deploys the ladder and closing the panel automatically stows the ladder beneath the panel.

Abstract: A holder for objects such as jewelry or the like is shown. It comprises a pad consisting essentially of resilient foamed polymer having depth sufficient for retaining the posts or pins of the objects to be held thereon and exhibiting a self-healing working surface having open cells, the surface being at least partially faced with discontinuous paint.

Abstract: A deep water rescue platform incorporating a support frame with a pair of hanger arms for engagement with the side of a pool which are telescopingly adjustable with the frame, a pair of wheels attached to the bottom of the support frame for transportation and stabilizing engagement with the wall of the pool, and a platform hingedly attached to the lower end of the frame which folds into the plane of the frame during storage and a locking means for retaining the platform in its extended position.

Abstract: This modular constructional element (14), which is of the type comprising at least two uprights between which at least one crosspiece extends, is such that each end of the uprights is screw-threaded and adapted to cooperate with a fixing ring (18, 19) for fixing the element (14) to an adjacent means (15).

Abstract: A bracket device for use in assembling a ladder having a plurality of rungs and at least two side rails to which the rungs are attached includes a relatively flat band having a plurality of side rail engaging sections and a plurality of preformed rung engaging sections, the rung engaging sections and side rail engaging sections disposed alternatively along the band. The device along with the rungs are secured to the side rail members by suitable fasteners such as nails or screws.