Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that comprises a hitch connector including a first end portion configured to be removably attached to a vehicle hitch, and a second end portion, and a ladder support including a central portion, an extension portion attached to the second end portion of the hitch connector, and first and second arms extending outwardly from the central portion. The first arm has an outer end portion with a first sleeve-shaped ladder bracket formed thereon, and the second arm has an outer end portion with a second sleeve-shaped ladder bracket formed thereon. The first and second ladder brackets are configured to receive lower leg portions of a ladder to position the ladder to extend upwardly and rearwardly at an angle in the range of 6 degrees to 13 degrees relative to a vertical plane when the hitch connector is attached to a vehicle hitch. In embodiments, the apparatus is configured to support a load of at least 300 pounds. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: The method consists of separately embodying, by means of filamentary winding, the internal wall 11 of an annular caisson on a primary mandrel 9, of securing to this wall separately prefabricated stiffening elements 3, of juxtaposing to the primary mandrel an interpolated mandrel 17 inserted between the stiffening elements, of embodying above said interpolated mandrel the lateral walls and the external wall 12 of the caisson and of removing the single-piece assembly from the interpolated mandrel elements enclosed in the caisson.Application for the embodiment of load-bearing structures.

Abstract: A readily disassembled carrier includes a frame having projecting arms that are telescopically engaged with mated tubular pieces attached to the chassis of the vehicle with which the carrier is to be used, and an assemblage of removable panels that cooperate to form a container on the frame. Projecting blocks are provided to limit insertion of the arms into the tubular pieces, and sockets on the frame seat the ends of posts provided on the panels, inserted downwardly thereinto, with flanges on corner bracket pieces slipping into one another for interengagement of adjacent panels.