Abstract: A socket for allowing a ratchet to be used to screw a folding tree step into or out of a tree trunk. The socket has two C-shaped brackets which are perpendicularly oriented relative to one another. With the foot peg of the tree step folded alongside the main support bar of the tree step, one bracket fits around the foot peg while the other bracket fits around the end of the main support bar to which the screw portion of the tree step is attached.

Abstract: A retractable ladder having a low coefficient of friction plastic bushing is received within a coupling that joins a ladder rung to the associated longitudinal stile. The coupling is press fitted to the bushing, compressing a portion of the bushing against the stile, slightly deforming the adjoining portion of the stile to lock the assembly together. A latch having an inwardly sloping surface locks the ladder stiles in an extended condition and cannot be withdrawn to retract the ladder when the ladder is supporting a normal load. Dampers having orifices also are mounted in some or all of the hollow stiles to regulate the flow of air from the retracting stiles and, in this way to retard the velocity with which the ladder retracts to a predetermined, safe value.

Abstract: A safety device for detecting improper positioning of a ladder including an alarm connected to an energy source. A longitudinal and lateral level indicator switch are connected between the alarm and energy source with a first orientation for precluding power transfer to the alarm when the ladder is orientated in a safe disposition. The switches further have a second orientation for allowing power transfer to the alarm when the ladder is oriented in a dangerous disposition. Finally, an actuator switch is included for activating the device solely during use.

Abstract: An extensible ladder includes a plurality of sections, each having a pair of tubular uprights connected by a rung, with the uprights of each section being slidably engaged with the corresponding uprights of an adjacent section. The inside surface of the tubular uprights are provided with longitudinally extending grooves, which reduce the area of sliding contact between adjacent uprights, thereby making the ladder easier to extend or collapse.

Abstract: A device for displaying inflated balloons, particularly pillow-shaped MYLAR-type balloons has a closed perimeter formed from at least one downwardly-open channel member. The downwardly-open channel member has a width slightly larger than the thickness of the balloons displayed therein, so the balloons are restrained in a position to allow display of one of the generally planar surfaces of the balloon through the outwardly facing surface of the channel member. A top retaining member, comprised of either a ceiling to which the perimeter is attached or a grid-like member attached to the perimeter and suspended from the ceiling, acts with the perimeter to form a downwardly-open cavity in which additional inflated balloons may be stored for sale.

Abstract: A tool storage container is provided, wherein the container includes a support shelf for resting atop and covering the uppermost platform surface of a ladder. A removable, adjustable hook is attached to the support shelf extending outward, and can clamp the ladder's uppermost platform between the hook and the sidewall of the container. A plurality of separate compartments neatly organize supplies, such as tape measures and screw drivers. A swing-out parts tray further provides easy storage and retrieval of nails, screws, and the like. A hinged lid and a carrying handle in order to accommodate use as a conventional tool storage container.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer component securing device, which has a main housing having a storage portion and a pair of table securing portions, a positioning means, a locking means, and a table securing means. The positioning means positions a computer component so as to have a first, open position wherein the computer component may be inserted and removed from the storage portion and so as to have a second, closed position such that an inserted computer component cannot be removed therefrom, but so as to expose the functional aspects of the computer component for utilization by a user when the positioning means is in its second, closed position. The positioning means is attached to said main housing. The locking means is connected to the positioning means and the main housing and is adapted so as to permit locking and unlocking of one of the positioning means and the main housing when the positioning means is in its second, closed position.

Abstract: A movable working platform comprises a scaffold including a front frame having a pair of support posts, and a pair of front wheels mounted on opposite sides of a lower end of the front frame, a rear frame having a pair of support posts, and a pair of rear wheels mounted on opposite sides of a lower end of the rear frame. A scaffolding platform is disposed between the front and rear. A steering mechanism of the platform includes a steering shaft vertically arranged along the front frame, a handle mounted on an upper end of the steering shaft, and a drive wheel mounted on a lower end of the steering shaft. A drive mechanism of the platform includes a pedal swingably supported by the front frame, a wire member wound on a pulley and reciprocally moved in response to a swinging motion of the pedal, and a one-way clutch for transmitting only a one-way rotation of the pulley to the drive wheel.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle seat assembly having an extruded outer rail that interlocks with the inner rail. In cross section, the outer rail is generally C-shaped with a pair of internal flanges. The flanges interlock with portions of the inner rail to provide improved structural integrity for both the inner and outer rails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for mounting the power unit consisting of the engine and transmission of a vehicle, which comprises an elongated tube-like resilient mount with an elliptic cross section for mounting the power unit on the part of its surface positioned adjacent to the plane formed by connecting the longest diameters of both ends thereof, and a mount support for supporting the resilient mount on the body of the vehicle, wherein the resilient mount is fixedly supported on the mount support by means of a first bolt-nut combination and the support mount on the body also by means of a second bolt-nut combination.

Abstract: A device for vertical as well as horizontal snapling along and across an exterior surface of a structure such as a building comprising a substantially horizontal guiding member being secured onto the edge of the roof of the structure, a horizontally translating first pulley being translatably attached to the guiding member, the first pulley being horizontally translatable relative to the guiding member, the first pulley including a first attachment and, a snapling equipment attached to the first attachment of the first pulley.

Abstract: A kind of SWIVEL AND SLIDE assembly including a Slide Base, Swivel Part, Slide Part, Lock Part, and Channels at both sides of the Slide Base. The Swivel Part includes a first Swivel Base and a second Swivel Base. The first Swivel Base includes the Slide Feet extending into the Channel, the female circle of the Ring Part, the Lunar Groove and the Pedestal. The second Swivel Base includes the male circle of the Ring Part, the Lunar Groove and the Swivel Lock Slots. Overlapping of the male circle and female circle is fixed by the rolling balls. By installing a Lock matched with the Lock Slot the swiveling can be started or stopped. This invention provides well distributed pressure when swiveling, easy operation, and reliable lock.

Abstract: Protective member for metal knots or joints of scaffolds having horizontal and vertical tubular elements connected by a clamp at each knot, said protective member being made up of two parts (C1) and (C2) each of which consists of a hollow body (1) including a first pair of aligned coaxial semicircular seats (2) and two further semicircular aligned and coaxial seats (3, 4) whose axis is orthogonal to that of the first seats (2) and suitably spaced therefrom, the first seats (2) being intended to fit, with light elastic forcible engagement, the horizontal tube (5) of the scaffold knot, the other two seats (3, 4) being intended to fit the corresponding vertical tube (6) of the knot, or vice versa, and the two parts (C1, C2) of the protective member being mutually orthogonal, that is, rotated through 90.degree. with respect to each other, and located on opposite sides of the knot.

Abstract: A hose hanging apparatus having a drawer is disclosed. The hose hanging apparatus provides a main body supporting a front railing and a back plate having a rear railing that allows a user to coil hose about the main body between the front and back railings, A drawer is carried by the main body and provides well ventilated and drained storage for tools and supplies. The drawer provides bottom mounted riser bars that cause the drawer to elevate as it is opened, thus tending to prevent the drawer from inadvertently falling out. The riser bars tend to compensate for the drawer cavity having a smaller rear portion and a larger front portion as a result of requirements of the plastic molding process by which the main body is manufactured.

Abstract: A mounting system comprising an adjustment means adaptable for assuming a load, a supporting member and a bearing member in spaced relationship, and a compressible resilient member is disposed in supporting relationship with the bearing member. A portable fluidic cylinder is adaptable for connection and disconnection to a fluid source means, and an opening between the bearing member and the supporting member, such as an opening in a side wall of the supporting member, is of sufficient size to accommodate the cylinder. The fluidic cylinder is portable and adaptable for interposition between the bearing member and the supporting member and extendable to space the supporting member in a direction away from the bearing member without reducing deflection or compression of the resilient member, thereby permitting adjustment of extremely heavy loads.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory holder with a gooseneck shaft adapted for use in association with a vehicle having a passenger cab with a floor board and at least one accessory item, the apparatus comprising: a gooseneck shaft formed in an elongated generally cylindrical configuration with an upper end and a lower end, the gooseneck shaft being semirigid and flexible to permit maneuvering of the shaft within the cab of a vehicle, upper and lower mounting brackets being coupled to the upper and lower ends of the shaft; a lower semirigid shock absorbing plate being coupled to the upper mounting bracket; a ridged upper mounting plate being coupled to the lower semirigid shock absorbing plate; and a plurality of hook and loop coupling strips, at least one strip being adhesively coupled to the rigid upper mounting plate, each accessory item including at least one strip being adhesively coupled thereto, in an operative orientation an accessory being coupled upon the upper rigid plate with the hook and loop coupling strips bein

Abstract: A life-saying travel bag includes a suitably long, wide and durable rope sewn with a zipper on each side such that the rope forms a substantially cylindrical bag when the side zippers are closed. A fastening mechanism is disposed near either end on the inside of the bag, and a fastening strap is arranged at either end of the bag for connecting to a shoulder strap for carrying. An upper cover and a lower cover are respectively connected to the ends of the bag by zippers. The upper cover accommodates a speed control means which has a narrow recess at its center for containing an adjusting rod with an eccentric shaft. The ends of the shaft are connected to a control lever which may bring the adjusting rod to rotate towards or away from the opening of the recess so that the rod may be retained at or disengage from the opening to achieve the object of control. The zippers may be opened so that the rope is extended to its full length.

Abstract: An isolation system (20) including the combination of an elastomeric mount (25) for attachment between a structure (24) and a vibrating member (22) and further including at least one passive tuned vibration absorber (TVA) (32) attached in the proximity the elastomeric mount (25) but on the structure side thereof. The resonant frequency f.sub.r of the passive TVA (32) is tuned to a resonant frequency f.sub.r just below the predominant operating frequency f.sub.o of the vibrating member (22), such that the resonance of the tuned vibration absorber (32) makes the structure (24) appear dynamically stiffer. In particular the ratio of f.sub.r /f.sub.o is in the range of between about 0.90 and 0.90. In one embodiment, the passive TVA (32) attaches directly to the inner member (28) of the elastomeric mount (25) and clamps the TVA assembly (43) to the structure (24) and clamps the structure (24) to the elastomeric mount (25).

Abstract: A tree stand system for supporting the trunk of a previously cut a tree in an upright position, and for removal therefrom. The tree stand system has a ground-engaging base, a jaw assembly for supporting the tree trunk, a rod passing through guide supports and attached to the jaw assembly and at least two spring-biased locks on said rod. The spring-biased locks are adapted for movement of the rod and jaw assembly to retain a tree, to retain the rod in a selected position and further to permit release of the rod to effect removal of the tree trunk from the tree stand system. The tree stand system is particularly useful for display of Christmas trees outdoors.

Abstract: A simple rugged holder for supporting a box of toilet seat covers for use in a portable toilet includes a front, sides, bottom and a mounting flange for attachment to a wall of the portable toilet. The holder is preferably made of molded plastic in one piece, the flange connecting the sides and bottom to define a space within which the box of seat covers is supported. A stiffening member is disposed along a top front edge of the front and serves also to guide the insertion of a box of seat covers into the defined space. The height, width and depth of the space are selected to allow easy insertion of a box of seat covers yet providing a sufficiently firm grip on the box to prevent inadvertent extraction from the holder when users forcefully remove tissue seat covers. An alternative embodiment is made of sheet metal.