Abstract: A stake puller (10) for use in removing a stake (4) lodged in the ground (2) utilizes a lever (12) and fulcrum (20) for mechanical advantage. The stake (4) is positioned between a blade means (30) fixed to the end of the lever and a back plate (40) pivotally attached to the blade means. When the user pivots the lever down, the stake is pinched between the forward edge (34) of the blade means (30) and the primary surface (42) of the back plate (40). The primary surface (42) is curved and diverges from the stake. This minimizes any bending or friction forces applied to the stake.

Abstract: A shock absorber which is especially adapted for use in conjunction with a horizontal safety cable plasticly deforms under the impact load of a falling worker. The shock absorber has a break away housing so that upon inspection, the shock can be identified if it has been subjected to an impact. The absorber is also configured to impart a tautness to the safety cable and visually indicate the attainment of the preferred cable pre-tension force.

Abstract: A horizontal safety net support system which is especially adaptable for high-rise building renovation projects employs a collapsable wind brace and a retractable support arm section. The wind brace includes a pair of restraining tubes which are pivotally connected and are maintained in a linear configuration under the force of a spring. A pre-established force applied to the wind brace will result in the wind brace folding to a collapsed position to permit erection of the support arm for cleaning or installation purposes.

Abstract: A rack guard for a pallet rack employs a retractable safety net. The net is clipped to carriers which traverse along vertical tracks offset from the pallet rack. The tracks are pivotally mounted with respect to the pallet rack to permit pivotal displacement of the tracks to a position adjacent the support posts of the rack.

Abstract: A perimeter debris net lifting system employs a plurality of lifting units which support a debris net for a high rise-type construction structure. The lifting units comprise a pair of frame assemblies which are slidably coupled and essentially scale the structure to raise the debris net as construction progresses. Each of the frame assemblies are independently mountable to two floors of the structure. Each lifting unit is vertically displaced by disengaging one of the frame assemblies from its mounting engagement and lifting the frame assembly while the other frame assembly remains securely fixed to the structure. The debris net remains fully extended and functional during the vertical lifting process. The lifting units may also mount one or more scaffolding frames and a vertical debris net.

Abstract: A perimeter debris net lifting system employs a plurality of lifting units which support a debris net for a high rise-type construction structure. The lifting units comprise a pair of frame assemblies which are slidably coupled and essentially scale the structure to raise the debris net as construction progresses. Each of the frame assemblies are independently mountable to two floors of the structure. Each lifting unit is vertically displaced by disengaging one of the frame assemblies from its mounting engagement and lifting the frame assembly while the other frame assembly remains securely fixed to the structure. The debris net remains fully extended and functional during the vertical lifting process.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an adjusting screw having a nut thereon to an hollow leg of a scaffolding frame to prevent loss of the adjusting screw when the scaffolding frame is tilted or raised. The apparatus includes a swivel that allows turning of the handle nut while the adjusting screw remains secured to the leg of the scaffolding frame.

Abstract: A scaffold connector assembly for connecting upright members to cross members to form a scaffolding structure. The scaffold connector assembly is adapted to connect upright members with cross members so as to form both orthorhombic and monoclinic substructures. The scaffold connector assembly is further adapted to interconnect both the orthorhombic and monoclinic substructures so as to form closed polygon scaffolding structures.