Abstract: A free-standing wall includes an internal frame, a pair of wall panel assemblies supported on each side of the internal frame by cleats and a top plate. The internal frame includes opposing sides that define a thickness. Each of the pair of wall panel assemblies includes a panel having an interior surface and a width. The top plate includes a width that is at least as great as a combined dimension of the thickness of the internal frame and the widths of each panel. The top plate is coupled to a top of the internal frame to secure the pair of wall panel assemblies to the internal frame.

Abstract: A deployment system for supported retractable extension of composite booms which interconverts between a retracted reduced volume stowed condition and an extended elongate tubular condition supported to carry a wide variety of mountable objects at an extended tip end.

Abstract: A structural component for use in building construction including a first and second support material member, an insulating material, and a first securing member. The first support material member may have a first length, a first side, and an opposing second side. The second support material member may have a second length, a first side, and an opposing second side. The second support material member may oppose the first support material member. The insulating material may be disposed between the first support material member and the second support material member. The first securing member may be adapted to secure the first support material member to the second support material member.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular reinforced concrete building system includes panel assemblies for foundations, walls, decks, and roofs designed to be built out in a manufacturing facility, shipped to a job site, and filled with concrete. Panel assemblies incorporate a space frame to ensure structural integrity during shipping and during concrete fill. Space frames can include structural columns, rebar mats, spacers, straps, and skin panels. Panel assemblies may be manufactured to contain architectural interior/external finishes, windows/doors, and pre-installed utility distribution systems.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a planar body having top and bottom edges, with a downturn edge extending therebetween, and an opposing channel edge. The downturn edge overlays a channel edge of an adjacent panel. The bottom edge overlays a top edge of another adjacent panel. A plurality of courses extends between the channel and downturn edges. Each course includes a nesting ridge to receive the downturn edge of an adjacent panel and to position a top surface of the panel flush with adjacent panels. Surface channels and contoured ridges are defined within each course. A drain aperture of the drip edge aligns with an adjacent channel edge to direct material through the drain aperture and onto adjacent panels. A gable member engages an edge when the panel has one or fewer laterally adjacent panels, wherein the gable member is flush with the adjacent planar body.

Abstract: A tread for a steel-pan staircase. The tread includes a lattice structure comprising a top side, a left side, and a right side. The tread further includes a top surface integrally formed on the top side of the lattice structure, a first tongue-and-groove structure disposed on the left side of the lattice structure, and a second tongue-and-groove structure disposed on the right side of the lattice structure. The lattice structure comprises a plurality of lateral members and a plurality of crosswise members. The first tongue-in-groove structure may include a wall descending from the top surface. The second tongue-in-groove structure may include a first wall extending outwardly from the right side of the lattice structure. Extending upwardly from the first wall may be a second wall or a plurality of teeth. The placement of the first and second tongue-in-groove structures may be reversed.

Abstract: A siding system has elongated stringers, each having a plurality of clips spaced at regular intervals along its length. In use, the stringers can be mounted upright, spaced apart and parallel, on an upright wall, and aligned so that the clips are in horizontal rows. A siding panel has a plurality of elongated connectors, spaced apart and parallel, on a rear face. In use, the panel can be mounted upright, with the connectors horizontal, and each connector engaged in the clips of one of the horizontal rows of clips so that the weight of the panel is supported by the clips of a plurality of the horizontal rows of clips through the connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of panels, in particular floor panels, comprising a first panel and at least a second panel. The panels are respectively provided with a first edge and with a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge are configured to establish a connection between the first and the second panel. The first edge can have a lower lip with a step, and the second edge can have a downwardly open locking groove. A separate clip can be provided which can be attached to the first edge or the second edge and has a moveable clip head, which in the connected state of the panels can cooperate with a locking surface on the second edge or the first edge, respectively, in order to lock the panels vertically relative to the plane of laying.

Abstract: In a lid member having a long and short edge plate portions which are adjacent to each other, and approximately formed as an L-shaped form in its cross section, the long edge plate portion has a plurality of first groove portions which extend approximately in parallel to a ridge line portion which is held in common with the short edge plate portion adjacent in a width direction so as to be arranged side by side while being spaced from each other, and are formed so as to be concaved to a back side in a thickness direction in relation to an upper surface, and a plurality of second groove portions which are formed so as to be concaved to the back side in the thickness direction in relation to the upper surface, and are connected both end portions in a length direction respectively to a plurality of first groove portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer lining plate (100) for essentially horizontal support surfaces such as floors or floor coverings, comprising a main layer (1), including at least one part made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, and a ductile or flexible upper decorative layer (2). The lining plate comprises in the perimeter of the main layer (1) a ductile machinable portion (3) that can be machined to form a connecting profile for the connection of the plate with other plates. The machinable portion (3) is preferably made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a wood-plastic composite (WPC) material or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the main layer is of magnesium oxide, fibrocement or mortar with perlite and vermiculite.

Abstract: A transition strip for covering a gap between two spaced floor finishes on a subfloor comprising: a strip extending along a longitudinal axis and presenting in cross-section to said longitudinal axis: an upper surface adapted for covering the gap; spaced first and second legs depending from said strip, said first leg longer than said second leg; a first lower surface portion extending outwardly from said first leg said first lower surface portion adapted to cover one edge of the two spaced floor finishes; a second lower surface portion extending outwardly from said second leg, said second lower portion adapted to cover an edge of the other one of the two spaced floor finishes. A method for installing transition strips is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a mortar tool for creating a vertical mortar joint. The mortar tool comprises a first sidewall having a first lowermost portion, and a second sidewall having a second lowermost portion that is connected to the first lowermost portion of the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls are at an angle relative to each other and define a channel therebetween. The channel is for receiving mortar that can be transferred to a vertical gap between adjacent bricks or stones from an opening defined by the ends of the first and second sidewalls.

Abstract: An apparatus for tying a wire (46, 52) around one or more objects such as concrete reinforcing bars (2) is disclosed. It comprises means for passing the wire (46, 52) in a loop around the bars and a rotatable head 4 for twisting the ends of the loop together. The head (4) has at least one gripping means such as a variable force clutch (32) for gripping the wire, the gripping means being adapted to provide a variable gripping force so as to apply a predetermined tension to the wire during at least a first phase of twisting. Also disclosed is pre-feeding the wire between tying operations; conditioning the surface of the wire; and using the electrical conductivity of the reinforcing bars to verify that the bars are present before tying.

Abstract: An anti-skid mat utilized in the field of metal roofing and including a skid-resistant material exhibiting flexible properties and having a generally planar configuration with a length, width and thickness. A plurality of hinges or flex lines design into the material and which enable the material to conform to any irregular surface associated with the metal roof. Said material having a magnetic attracting underside such that placement of the material upon the metal roof securely supports the weight of a user standing on the mat without slippage relative to the roof.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically opening and closing a two-part longitudinally hinged longitudinal cover for a swim spa. The automatic swim spa cover opening and closing system is characterized by a longitudinal support that spans between and along longitudinal ends of the two cover parts, first and second drive mechanisms disposed on opposite longitudinal ends of the swim spa, a first drive arm operatively connected to and between the first drive mechanism and a first end of the longitudinal support, and a second drive arm operatively connected to and between the second drive mechanism and a second end of the longitudinal support. The drive mechanisms each include a hydraulic cylinder operating configured drive gearing that operates configured drive arm gearing. The drive and arm gearing provide a two-stage operation of the drive arm to separately pivot the two cover parts for opening and closing the two-part swim spa cover.

Abstract: A pool cover system comprises a retractable pool cover, a track, a line, a line attachment block, and a cover attachment block. The line may be fixedly attached to the line attachment block. The line attachment block may be at least partially captured within the track. The cover attachment block may be at least partially captured within the track. The cover attachment block may be fixedly attached to a first lateral edge of the pool cover. The longitudinal edge of the cover attachment block may include a saddle configured to trap the line attachment block. The line attachment the line attachment block is free of attachment to the cover attachment block.

Abstract: A pool skimmer including an upper skimmer housing, a lower skimmer housing, a channel, and a fluid path is disclosed. The upper skimmer housing includes a pool throat opening having an upper wall and a lower wall, a deck throat opening, and a skimmer rim. The channel extends from a channel lower end positioned between the skimmer rim and an outer wall of the upper skimmer housing to a channel upper end positioned at an elevation that is least halfway between the lower wall and the upper wall. The lower skimmer housing includes a pump inlet port, a pool return port, and one or more pump suction ports. The fluid path extends from the one or more suction ports to the channel to allow fluid communication between the one or more suction ports and the channel upper end when a basket is mounted to the skimmer rim.

Abstract: A weighting system for a swimming pool step assembly includes a pair of weights, a removable cap for each of the weights, and means for removably mounting the weights to the exterior sides of a swimming pool step assembly. The weighting system described herein is easily installed and removed by the user without having to remove the weights from underneath the pool step assembly.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner including a body having a debris inlet and a debris outlet and defining an elongate slotted cavity pivotably holding proximal ends of flap members forming a segmented skirt which forms with the pool surface a plenum from which water and debris are drawn into the inlet. The slotted cavity is configured for strain-free insertion of the flap-member proximal ends into the cavity. A removable nozzle within the debris inlet and retaining the flap-member proximal ends in the cavity. A method for inlet to control debris-laden water flow. The cleaner further including a tool-free nozzle-mounting structure at the debris inlet removably retaining the nozzle within the debris inlet and a tool-free wheel-mounting assembly. a plurality of removable nozzles are interchangeably secured within the debris inlet, each nozzle having a flow opening sized differently from flow opening(s) of the other nozzle(s) to control debris-laden water flow.

Abstract: An expandable and compressible carport is provided. The carport includes vertical supports adjustable in height and trusses adjustable in width. A first vertical support is adjustable in height by way of an inner tube telescoping with an outer tube. A first truss is coupled to a top end of the first vertical support and includes an adjustable width by way of an inner tube telescoping with an outer tube. The present invention further includes a second vertical support that is adjustable in height by way of an inner tube telescoping with an outer tube. A second truss is coupled to a top end of the second vertical support and includes an adjustable width by way of an inner tube telescoping with an outer tube. A ridge board connects the first truss and the second truss together.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a building structural bracing apparatus having an inner core element disposed between an upper and a lower containment web. The brace frame being useful in the construction of earthquake and blast resistant structures where energy dissipation is desired.

Abstract: An elongated tension-only or centering brace for a structural frame is provided where the brace is anchored at a first attachment point and to a second attachment point that is removed from the first attachment point. The elongated tension-only brace has one or more elastic restoring force elements that have effective lengths greater than the length of the tension only brace between the attachment points.

Abstract: A method of modular pole construction an elongate modular pole structure is disclosed. A first step of the method involves providing hollow tapered pole section modules, each module having a first open end and an opposed second open end. A cross-section of the second end is less than a cross-section of the first end. The modules are stacked to form an elongated modular pole structure of a selected length by mating the second end of a first module with the first end of a second module. The first and second modules may have different structural properties, such that poles having desired structural properties can be constructed by selectively combining modules having differing structural properties.

Abstract: An easily deployable freestanding tent for individuals of all ages that is adjustable to accommodate use on varying terrain gradients. At least two collapsible arc-shaped frame members being connected support the tent, the frame assembly being connected with at least two movably securable devices that allow a user to adjust the apex of said frame members to provide a vertically upright configuration on sloping terrain. The frame assembly being constructed of lightweight high-strength materials and intended for use in recreation, commercial, and emergency use applications. Beneficially, users deploy this embodiment first by connecting the pole sections to form the frame members, then securing the top of said frame's apex by manipulating an intersection knot to a vertical configuration effectively setting the adjustable frame upright on even or uneven terrain, and further tensioning a main cord and adjusting a fabric cover as necessary to provide a durable substantially enclosed shelter.

Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.

Abstract: A drawer locking device for a drawer including at least one side wall, the drawer slidingly closable within a cabinet frame, the drawer locking device including: a mounting portion including three walls defining a U-shaped slot including an inner wall, an outer wall, and a top wall forming a space between the inner wall and outer wall; and a latching portion pivotally coupled to the inner wall, the latching portion including a rear ramp surface, a front surface, and a release lever, wherein, when the drawer safety latch is installed on the drawer side wall such that the drawer side wall is positioned within the space between the inner wall and outer wall, the rear ramp faces the rear of the drawer and the front surface faces the front of the drawer, wherein the latching portion is defeatably biased towards a lock position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a docking station for an electronic device including a first connector block slidably connected to a first side of the docking station, a second connector block opposite the first connector block and slidably connected to a second side of the docking station, a first plug of the first connector block positioned to interface with a first port of the electronic device, a first port on the docking station electrically connected to the first plug, a first dummy plug of the second connector block positioned to interface with a second port of the electronic device, and a security hole for receiving a lock.

Abstract: A lock with a locking mechanism comprises a rotary catch, a pawl for engaging the rotary catch, a blocking lever capable of blocking the pawl if the latter is located in its catching position, and a releasing lever for opening or releasing the locking mechanism. When the releasing lever is actuated, the pawl and, if applicable, the blocking lever is moved out of its blocking position provided that the releasing lever is moved in a usual manner and the releasing lever is not exposed to increased or excessive accelerations. In case of an increased or excessive acceleration of the releasing lever such as caused by a crash or impact, an arresting device prevents the releasing lever from disengaging the pawl and optionally the blocking lever of the pawl. The arresting device is further releasable with the return of the releasing lever to the initial rest position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a motor vehicle door lock arrangement with a motor vehicle lock, wherein a force transmission chain is provided and wherein an actuation movement may be transmitted via the force transmission chain for opening of the motor vehicle lock, which force transmission chain is designed for a longitudinal force transmission along a longitudinal extension of movement, wherein a crash coupling arrangement is provided between two force transmission chain sections, which comprises a coupling element in the form of a coupling spring element.

Abstract: A lock release apparatus has a handle and a cable. The handle has a gripping portion and a cable receiving portion. The cable, which is capable of a path of movement over the cable receiving portion, has a cable end which is retained within the handle through an opening of the cable receiving portion. The cable receiving portion includes at least one retention portion which is deflectable in response to compressive force and a blocking portion that blocks engagement of the cable with the at least one retention portion. In another aspect, the cable receiving portion includes at least one retention portion, without a blocking portion, where the at least one retention portion is located out of the path of movement of the cable with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a lock cylinder having an actuator member that is operably connected to a door latch mechanism. A door handle moves from a first or home position covering an outer end of the lock cylinder to a partially open position wherein the outer end of the lock cylinder is exposed. When the door handle is in the partially open position, a user can access the lock cylinder and insert a key into the lock cylinder to unlock the door. Thus, the lock cylinder is covered and hidden behind a portion of the door handle when the door handle is in the first position to provide an uncluttered, visually appealing appearance.

Abstract: The application is directed at a motor vehicle lock, wherein a lock latch, a pawl, and a lock striker bracket, which lock striker bracket comprises a latch bar and a frame bar, are provided, wherein the lock latch is or may be brought into holding engagement with the latch bar, wherein a closing cycle of the motor vehicle lock involves moving the lock latch from the open position to the at least one latching position, wherein the pawl may fall into at least one engagement position, in which it is in blocking engagement with a preliminary latching detent or a main latching detent of the lock latch for blocking the lock latch in its preliminary latching position or its main latching position, wherein the pawl may be deflected into at least one release position, in which it releases the lock latch.

Abstract: A multipoint mortise lock mechanism for a swinging door, including a central cassette assembly operably coupled to an upper remote locking point assembly and a lower remote locking point assembly by a remote locking linkage. The central cassette assembly includes a housing, a deadbolt mechanism, a latchbolt mechanism, a remote locking point mechanism and an anti-slam mechanism. The anti-slam mechanism includes an anti-slam plunger that when in an extended position engages the remote locking linkage via a boss and a slot and thereby inhibits movement of the remote locking linkage whereby deployment of the remote locking point assemblies is prevented. The deadbolt mechanism includes a deadbolt extendible from the central cassette that is independently operable from the remote locking point mechanism. The deadbolt mechanism further includes an anti-back drive mechanism.

Abstract: Vehicles incorporating load-transferring hood hinge members are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes an A-pillar portion, an upper side member coupled to the A-pillar portion and extending forward from the A-pillar portion in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a dash panel coupled to the A-pillar portion and extending in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction. The vehicle also includes a hood hinge member that is coupled to the upper side member and positioned forward of the A-pillar portion. The hood hinge member includes an attachment portion that is coupled to the upper side member, a flange member that extends upward from the attachment portion, a hood attachment opening passing through the flange member, and a rearward-projecting protrusion having a distal surface that is positioned transverse to the flange member.

Abstract: A hinge coupling assembly includes a first coupling incorporated within a first hinge section coupled to a door, including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a first coupling passage formed within the first coupling, and a second coupling incorporated within a second hinge section separate from the first hinge section and coupled to a door frame, the second coupling including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a second coupling passage formed within the second coupling. Connection and disconnection of the first coupling to the second coupling to create a single sealed continuous passage formed by the first coupling passage and second coupling passage is simultaneous upon installation and removal of the door to the door frame. The sealed continuous passage is maintained upon radial and axial displacement of the first coupling with respect to the second coupling upon opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation system for sliding door and window, includes at least a movable module for the lower part of the sliding door and window which includes one or more permanent magnets; several fixed modules for the lower part of the frame of the sliding door and window, which includes one or more electromagnets to produce a variable repulsive magnetic field of the magnetic field of said magnets of the movable module. It has the advantage of eliminating the friction, mechanical wear and noise associated to the sliding, allowing, when deactivated, a greater air and water tightness and terminal and acoustic insulation, allowing the electromagnetic closure or locking of the door and window, increasing the security, and as is a modular system its operation and construction are simpler and more economical.

Abstract: A sliding door module structure for a vehicle may include a module bracket on which a door associated component is mounted, and a door rail formed integrally with the module bracket and coupled with a slider configured to be connected to a vehicle body to be movable.

Abstract: Control system for controlling at least one part of a vehicle includes a plurality of sensor systems mounted at different locations on the vehicle, each sensor system providing a measurement related to a state thereof system or a measurement related to a state of the mounting location. A processor is coupled to the sensor systems and diagnoses the state of the vehicle itself and optionally its dynamic motion based on the measurements of the sensor systems. The processor controls each part based at least in part on the diagnosed state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling the position of a land vehicle door is provided. The system includes a mobile communication device supported on the vehicle for movement therewith and a hand-held communication device such as a key fob including a motion sensor operative to provide motion signals as a function of motions made by a pedestrian carrying the hand-held device. Control logic is coupled to the devices and is operative to detect a sequence of step motions made by the pedestrian carrying an authorized hand-held device when the pedestrian carrying the authorized hand-held device is located within a predetermined, short range of the mobile device and to generate a door-opening control signal based on command data contained within a command signal transmitted by the hand-held device and/or when the control logic recognizes the detected sequence of step motions as a door-opening pedestrian command.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating theft from a container includes a container having a plurality of walls defining a first volume and an anti-theft mitigation device having a plurality of walls defining a second volume. A fastening mechanism is attached to the anti-theft mitigation device such that the antitheft mitigation device may be coupled to the container by the fastening mechanism. The second volume of the anti-theft mitigation device is substantially smaller than the first volume of the container. The anti-theft mitigation device may be positioned within the first volume and may appear to define a portion of the first volume of the container. The fastening mechanism may comprise at least one of a magnet, a hook and loop fastener, a screw, a nail, a rivot, a snap, a mating protuberance, a channel-containing structure, a mating male or female mechanical structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window mounting system comprising: a building facade having an interior face and an exterior face and comprising a window opening; and a window mounting collar formed from rigid thermal insulating material, the mounting collar having at least one inside face, at least one outside face, a first open end and a second open end; wherein the window mounting collar is affixed to the exterior face of the building facade so as to surround the window opening and extend outwards from the exterior face of the facade, such that the first end of the mounting collar is proximal to the building facade and the second end of the mounting collar is distal from the building facade; wherein the system further comprises a window frame arranged in the mounting collar such that the window frame is separated from the plane of the exterior face of the building facade by at least 10 mm.

Abstract: An articulated door system includes one or more door sections; a lifting block associated with a lower door section of the one or more door sections; a frame supporting the one or more door sections and engaging the lifting block; and a lead screw system including a rotatable lead screw that is configured to engage the lifting block and lift the lower door section up and down based on rotation of the lead screw.

Abstract: A door structure with glass at least comprising a front panel, a rear panel, an inner hollowed-frame assembly, a glass mounted assembly and at least one glass, wherein the front panel and the rear panel are configured with a plurality of positioning protrusions at inner sides for assembling the inner hollowed-frame assembly inside the door structure with glass without using screws; the structure may render the inner hollowed-frame assembly able to support and assemble the glass mounted assembly and the glass with rigidity.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units having improved seals made using two different frit-based edge seal materials, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a first frit material is applied around peripheral edges of first and second glass substrates. The first frit material, which may be bismuth-based in certain example embodiments, is fired with a heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering) process. A second frit material, which may be VBZ-based in certain example embodiments, is applied and at least partially overlaps with the fired first frit material. The first frit material acts as a primer, and the second frit material helps seal together the VIG unit. The second frit material is fired at a significantly lower temperature that enables the glass to retain the temper or other strength imparted by the heat treatment.

Abstract: A light blocking element is movably coupled to and recessed into one of a first rail and a movable rail, and, when the movable rail moves to a position closest to the first rail, the light-blocking element enters into a recess in the other of said first rail and said movable rail and thereby is recessed into both said first rail and said movable rail.

Abstract: The spool assembly comprising a spool, a surface of the spool including one or more recesses in which a line member is adapted to be retained, and a cover portion adapted to be positioned over at least a portion of the spool such that, in use, the line member is prevented from passing between the spool and an inner surface of the cover portion.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: A ladder is provided having a securing apparatus for securing the ladder to a horizontally extending support structure (e.g., a utility cable), a vertically extending support structure (e.g., a utility pole) or both. In accordance with one embodiment, the securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engagement mechanisms, wherein each engagement mechanism is pivotally coupled with an associated rail of the ladder. Each engagement mechanism includes a frame member, an engagement member pivotally coupled with the frame member and a pole grasping structure coupled with the frame member. In one embodiment, each engagement member is configured to rotate from a first position, wherein an open gate is formed between the engagement member and its associated frame member, to a closed position.

Abstract: A ladder mounting and retaining system for use on building parapets utilizes a parapet support member secured to the parapet of a building, a ladder support member for retaining the sides of the lengths of a ladder, and a connecting member in the form of a threaded rod, interconnecting the parapet support member and the ladder support member for maintaining these members at a given distance from each other. The parapet support member is secured in position by locking nuts threaded around the connecting member and the ladder support member is secured over the outboard edge of the parapet by retention members. Ladder supports are adjustable on the ladder support member to accommodate ladders of different widths.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing, a shaft rotatably extending through the housing, and a bearing assembly for supporting the shaft within the housing, wherein the bearing assembly includes a focal bearing assembly for accommodating tilting of the shaft within the housing and a thrust bearing assembly for transferring thrust loads between the housing and the shaft, and wherein the thrust bearing assembly includes at least two thrust bearings arranged in a load sharing configuration and complementary oblique thrust surfaces for transferring thrust loads through the thrust bearings.