Abstract: A deck framing system includes a perimeter support member that has a joist support wall and a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall. Each of a plurality of joist support brackets comprising an attachment portion configured to be attached to the web wall of the perimeter support member and a joist support portion. The joist support portion includes a pair of opposed lateral walls with each lateral wall configured to be attached to a corresponding lateral wall of a joist supported by the joist support wall.

Abstract: The building panel (1) is adapted to be mounted at a ceiling or wall of a room so that a framework (2) of the building panel has a room-facing side (3) and a building-facing side (4). A textile (5) is extended over the room-facing side (3) of the framework (2) and has a first surface (6) facing the framework (2) and a second surface (7) generally visible from said room. A mesh (8) is laminated onto the first surface (6) of the textile (5) and is attached to the framework (2) by means of a number of connectors (9). Each connector (9) has a first end (10) in the form of a gripper inserted between a part of the mesh (8) and the textile (5) and a second end (13) attached to the framework (2).

Abstract: A roof system and related methods for installing the roof system. The roof system includes a roof diaphragm including a nail board and an insulating panel connected to the nail board, wherein the insulating panel is adapted to be positioned between the nail board and a roof frame so that the insulating panel engages the roof frame. In several exemplary embodiments, the nail board comprises one or both of: oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood. In several exemplary embodiments, the insulating panel comprises one or both of: a closed-cell rigid polyisocyanurate (polyiso) foam core and a polystyrene foam core. In several exemplary embodiments, the roof system further includes a plurality of nail board fasteners connecting the roof diaphragm to the roof frame, the nail board fasteners each extending through the nail board, through the insulating panel, and into the roof frame to a depth.

Abstract: This invention is an additively manufactured wall panel using computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and manufacture multi-colored and multi-layered wall panels. This results in a variety of highly attractive, multi-colored wall panel faces ranging from brick, colored grout lines and multi-colored stones to multi-colored geometric designs. The design and manufacturing process greatly reduces the amount of precast cementitious materials by efficiently using higher quality materials. This reduces cost and weight while simultaneously producing a much more comprehensive, multi-functional wall panel complete with an interior frame, exterior insulation and an air, vapor and moisture barriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite panel (1) made of pourable and settable material, preferably cementitious mortar. The panel comprises through elements (10) made of glass for transmitting light between two base surfaces (1,1?) of the panel (1). The panel comprises a structure (5) made by sintering heat-expanding plastic material about said through elements (10) so that a central part (12) of said through elements (10) is incorporated into said structure (5). The panel further comprising a first main portion (23) and a second main portion (24), each of which incorporates an end part (13,14) of the through elements (10). The two main portions (13, 14) are connected by a plurality of through portions (25) in said base material which extend through the inner structure (5). The present invention further relates to a semi-finished product (8) for making said panel (1) and to a method for making said panel base on the use of said semi-finished product (8).

Abstract: Provided are a hollow composite beam using a dual-web and a construction method thereof. The hollow composite beam using a dual-web can secure space efficiency using a tendon installed in an internal space of a dual-web and can efficiently adjust a tensioning force using the tendon anchored by an anchoring wedge and a separable bolt, wherein the dual-web is formed as a web of a steel beam having a bottom flange on which a deck plate is supported.

Abstract: A hardware system for use on a deck railing includes two pair of flat shear struts, one pair on each the lower and upper main rail each extending up to the length of each main rail between the deck posts. Both the upper and lower main rail shear strut pairs are identical and a mirror image of one another. The hardware system further includes an infill embodiment that includes a sub-rail that houses one of the shear struts in each pair, is attached to the sub-rail which is further attached to the balusters between the upper sub-rail and the lower sub-rail. The second shear strut in each pair is attached to the underside of the main upper rail and on top of the main lower rail. When the infill embodiment is placed into the deck railing frame opening, screws hold the railing infill in place creating a removable deck railing.

Abstract: An elongated panel for producing a wall covering, a kit for producing a wall covering, and a method of installing a wall covering are described. The elongated panel includes generally rectangular front surface and back surfaces, a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge. A lateral cross-section of the first longitudinal edge can include a generally horizontal support portion proximate the back surface and a first beveled portion proximate the front surface, and a lateral cross-section of the second longitudinal edge can include a generally horizontal resting portion proximate the back surface and a second beveled portion proximate the front surface.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods involving collapsible guardrails. An example system includes a top rail, a mid rail, an enclosure, and at least two posts. Each post includes an upper primary member, a lower primary member, an upper secondary member, and a lower secondary member. The upper primary member and the lower primary member are slidably coupled to at least one slot in the mid rail. The upper secondary member is rotatably coupled to the upper primary member and the lower secondary member is rotatably coupled to the lower primary member. The upper primary member is further coupled to the top rail and the lower primary member is coupled to the enclosure.

Abstract: A rebar tie wire reel (110) for a reinforcing bar binding machine has a first flange (118), a second flange (120) spaced from the first flange, a hub connecting the first and second flanges and a wire (124) wound around the hub. The first flange (118) has an outwardly facing major face (134) and an outer periphery. The outer periphery is defined by a plurality of edges (170, 172, 174, 176). The plurality edges include a first edge (170) and a second edge (172) that are configured such that, in use, an amount of rotation of the rebar tie wire reel can be determined using signals provided by a movable element of a contact sensor when during rotation of the wire reel, the first edge, major face and the second edge successively travel past the movable element.

Abstract: A refillable combination patching compound dispenser and applicator has a generally cone-shaped container having a normally open end through which patching compound is introduced, a closed end terminating in a tip, a dispensing aperture disposed through the side-wall of container, proximate the tip, and a disc-shaped applicator having a center opening in communication with the dispensing aperture through which patching compound is dispensed. The apparatus is ergonomically shaped to fit easily in the palm of the user's hand and includes a fingertip rest opposite the dispensing aperture to facilitate application of patching compound in any direction over the substrate surface.

Abstract: A safe, time-saving, and effective way to repair abandon core holes in concrete slabs in buildings with multiple floors. The kit allows repairs to be performed from above the slab, rather than solely from below. It saves workers time and frustration while also lowering overtime costs for a greater return. The device holds poured cement in place with metal disks, rather than combustible materials, fiberglass insulation, or other makeshift materials, for maximum safety. The present invention uses a wire to secure plugs in cores, effectively preventing the plugs from falling out. Concrete penetration patch kit includes a concrete penetration patch kit is used by contractors to repair abandon core holes in concrete slabs. This innovative product is a concrete patch kit for use when patching any abandoned slab penetrations, including electrical, plumbing, and floor cores in concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming-pool cleaning apparatus which comprises: a body; at least one hydraulic circuit for circulating liquid between at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid outlet, and through a filtering device of the cleaning apparatus; a fluid-circulation pump installed in the hydraulic circuit downstream from the filtering device; means for adjusting the pressure inside the hydraulic circuit upstream from the circulation pump, in response to a detected variation of said pressure, said pressure-adjustment means comprising: at least one secondary liquid intake (21) connected to the hydraulic circuit, upstream from the circulation pump, said at least one secondary liquid intake (21) being provided with a valve (22) mounted rotatably movable about an axis of rotation, and with means for driving the valve from an open position to a closed position, said means for driving the valve comprising a float (26), the orientation and/or the force of which depend on the orientation of the cleani

Abstract: A method of modular pole construction an elongate modular pole structure is disclosed. A first step of the method involves providing hollow pole section modules, each module having an elongated structure with a base end and an opposed tip end. The modules are stacked to form an elongated modular pole structure of a selected length by mating the tip end of a base module with the base end of an additional module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flagpost to facilitate visibility and safety of an object. Accordingly, the flagpost may include a flagpole and a flag. Further, the flagpole may include a plurality of flagpole segments. Further, any two flagpole segments of the plurality of flagpole segments may be detachably coupled. Further, the flag stand may be configured to be affixed on at least one surface of an object using at least one adhesive. Further, the flag stand may be detachably coupled to the flagpole.

Abstract: A half-pyramid backpacking type fabric shelter with sufficient stability to omit a front guyline and remain standing when the front entrance is open, and with improved head-room and useable floor space. The peak of the shelter canopy at the front entrance is supported by a vertical pole, and includes short forward and rear canopy ridgelines whose ends are located below the peak to receive the tips of a horizontal cross-strut crossing the vertical pole below the peak. The rear corners of the shelter canopy are preferably raised and structured by a triangular strut structure.

Abstract: Tents are disclosed herein. A tent includes a plurality of support frames, each support frame being bent in a shape of an arch and having two ends configured to be fixed on a ground surface when the tent is assembled. Each support frame crosses over at least one other support frame when the tent is assembled. Each support frame is positioned such that the ends of the support frame are positioned on non-adjacent vertices of a polygonal base surface when the tent is assembled.

Abstract: A tent having a frame (1), the frame (1) having a plurality of sub-frames (3a-c); each said sub-frame (3a-c) having a pair of elongate side members (5a-c) connected by an elongate cross member (35a-c), a first free end (4a-c), and a second free end (6a-c); a first foot (10) coupled to each of said first free ends (4a-c) of said sub-frames (3a-c); a second foot (10) coupled to each of said second free ends (6a-c) of said sub-frames (3a-c); each foot (10) adapted to permit movement of said sub-frames (3a-c) with respect to each other, and each foot (10) adapted to be placed on a surface to support said frame (1) in use; one sub-frame (3c) adapted to be located in use on a ground surface, a locking mechanism (2) locatable on a second sub-frame (3b) and adapted in use to slide along said side member (5b) of said second sub-frame (3b) to lock in place a support member (30a, b) extendable in use from said one sub-frame (3c).

Abstract: A containment airlock, in particular an airlock for intervention on a site likely to be contaminated with radiation, asbestos and biological and/or chemical agents. The containment airlock comprises a self-supporting frame and a flexible containment shell. The shell is configured to be assembled with the frame. The frame is articulated so as to be extensible between a folded storage position and an extended intervention position. The frame comprises articulated reinforcement rods. The articulated reinforcement rods comprise rigid segments and at least one intermediate articulation connecting the segments.

Abstract: Locking device having a guard lock for safety doors, comprising a mechanical actuator which can be fastened on a movable door part and a housing which interacts with the actuator and can be fastened to a door counterpart, which housing comprises a receptor to which the actuator can be inserted, and the housing comprises a locking element which is displaceable between an unlocked position, in which the actuator can be released, and a locked position, in which the actuator can be fixed relative to the receptor, wherein the actuator comprises an engagement tongue having an engagement recess for mechanical operative engagement with a head end of a locking element in form of an engagement plunger, the engagement plunger being guided in the housing so as to be longitudinally displaceable a spring-biased manner in the in a plunger longitudinal direction relative to an inner fixed bearing, being shaped as a bushing and carrying radially displaceable and fixable engagement elements which lock the engagement plunger at

Abstract: A mechanical clutch for mechanically connecting and disconnecting a rotational drive member and a rotational driven member of a locking mechanism. The mechanical clutch includes a drive and a driven member for rotation around an axis of rotation, a clutch pin which engages with the drive and or driven member to mechanically and rotationally link the drive and driven member to one another, and a clutch pin engagement surface provided on the or each clutch pin. A corresponding clutch pin engagement surface is also provided on the drive or driven members such that, when the engaged drive and driven members are rotated against a magnitude of rotational resistance (which is below a threshold magnitude of rotational resistance) the respective clutch pin engagement surfaces of the clutch pins and drive or driven members will co-act with one another to retain said rotational connection between the drive and driven member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a padlock assembly 1 including a body 2 with a hand engageable portion 4 that is external to the body 2 forming part of an actuator mechanism 5. The actuator mechanism 5 is electrically controllable to adjust between an operable condition and an inoperable condition to adjust a condition of a lock mechanism 31.

Abstract: A child safety door latch system includes interchangeable pushbutton compression springs of varying tensions proportional to selected values of thumb opposition strength. A pair is selected for a predetermined age group. A pair of handles each contain one of the selected pair of compression springs and a pushbutton. A latch includes a latch compression spring and a latch slider. A master connector is coupled to the latch slider. In a locked mode, the selected pair of compression springs cooperate with the latch compression spring such that the latch protrudes from the latch sleeve, holding the door locked.

Abstract: A sealed latch assembly for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The latch assembly includes a housing having an internal cavity sized for receipt of internal components of the latch assembly. A cover is attached to the housing to enclose at least a portion of the internal cavity. The latch assembly includes a sealing member and a deflector member that are brought into engagement to define a sealing interface. The sealing member contacts a side of the deflector member when assembled, and the sealing member is deflected to create a water-tight seal. The housing and the cover are secured by a snap fit arrangement with a low compressive load, as the deflector does not compress the seal member.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The latch assembly includes a housing having a motor seat within an internal cavity sized for receipt of a motor for the latch assembly. A cover is attached to the housing to enclose at least a portion of the internal cavity and to secure the motor in the motor seat. The housing and the cover may include a resilient feature that deflects to secure the motor within the motor seat. The resilient feature is integrally formed in the housing and the cover. An upper wall portion of the cover may deflect when the motor is secured. An upstanding wall portion of the motor seat may deflect when the motor is secured. A plurality of ribs extending from the upper wall portion may deflect when the motor is secured.

Abstract: A door lock device for a vehicle includes: a support member; a latch supported to be rotatable around a first shaft member supported by the support member and rotating in a first direction and engaging with a striker provided in a vehicle main body when a vehicle door is closed; a pawl supported to be rotatable around a second shaft member supported by the support member and restricting rotation of the latch in a second direction by engaging with the latch engaged with the striker; and an elastic member having one and other end portions and elastically deformed by an external force, in which in a state where the elastic member is elastically deformed, the one end portion engages with the pawl, the other end portion is supported by the support member, and an elastic force is applied to the pawl to bias the pawl to the latch side.

Abstract: A door assembly for selectively interlocking opposing doors each pivotably mounted at a hinge side thereof to a door frame so as to both open and close in the same direction includes a door handle assembly mounted to one door at a latch side thereof opposite the hinge side and carrying a first plurality of magnets, and another door handle assembly mounted to the other door at a latch side thereof opposite the hinge side and carrying a second plurality of magnets. The door handle assemblies are arranged relative to each other with the first and second pluralities of magnets aligned such each aligned pair of the first and second pluralities of magnets have opposite magnetic polarities, and the aligned first and second pluralities of magnets magnetically couple to each other as the door handle assemblies are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a pet cage is disclosed. The locking apparatus comprises a turntable rotatable about a central axis of rotation; at least one elongate metal lock bar, where elongate metal lock bar is configured to extend along a radial line originating from the axis of rotation of the turntable and a connecting member for operably connecting the elongate metal lock bar and the turntable. The connecting member comprises a forwardly extending portion for receiving a front section of the elongate metal lock bar and fixing a retained end of the elongate metal lock bar to the connecting member and a rearward extending portion which extends parallel with and is outwardly offset from the forwardly extending portion.

Abstract: A vehicle door control device includes a door braking unit configured to brake opening-closing operation of a door in a vehicle; a door forcibly stopping unit configured to forcibly and mechanically stop the opening-closing operation of the door, an obstacle detection unit configured to detect an obstacle that exists around the vehicle or approaches the vehicle; and a control unit configured to operate the door braking unit and further operate the door forcibly stopping unit according to a status of the opening-closing operation of the door when the obstacle detection unit detects the obstacle.

Abstract: After the claims, please insert a page containing the Abstract of the Disclosure which is attached hereto as a separately typed page.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a link arm; a first pivot connected to a door leaf and the link arm; a second pivot parallel; distant to the first pivot, and connected to a body leaf and the link arm; a first gear attached to the first pivot; a second gear attached to the second pivot; and an idler gear engaging the first and second gears at a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot.

Abstract: An active hinge including a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood and a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body. A deploy bracket is pivotally attached to the hood bracket and the body bracket. The hood bracket is pivotable relative to the deploy bracket between a non-deployed position and a deployed position. At least one link interconnects, and is pivotally connected to the deploy bracket and the body bracket. A pawl is pivotally mounted to one of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deploy bracket, and the at least one link. A bolt for engagement by the pawl is connected to another of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deploy bracket, and the at least one link. An actuator is provided for disengaging the pawl from the bolt to allow the deploy bracket to move relative to the hood bracket and the body bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a housing with a balancing spring break protection mechanism, said assembly (1) being configured for connecting a connector (15, 42), such as a bayonet connector, of a balancing spring of a sectional door system to said assembly, said housing being for connection with a fixed structure and comprising a first housing plate (5) comprising an opening (16) for receiving a balancing axle (60) of said sectional door system, said balancing axle (60) being connected to said balancing spring, and an aperture (11) for receiving said connector (15, 42), said spring break protection mechanism comprising a bearing and ratchet wheel unit (4, 7), said ratchet wheel (4) including a shaft (50) for receiving said balancing axle (60).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for driving an element, having the following: a toothed belt drive with a toothed belt, a frame element which forms two opposite connection plates and a connection wall that connects the two connection plates together, at least three elongated force driving elements which are secured to the toothed belt and are aligned parallel to the width (B) of the toothed belt and parallel to one another and which are arranged within the frame element, wherein a central force driving element is rotationally fixed to the two connection plates, and the end sections of each adjacent outer force driving element extend through curved elongated holes of the connection plate, whereby the outer force driving element can be pivoted and the end faces of the outer force driving elements have cylindrical projections, which are designed as axle stubs and each of which has a roller, outside of one of the connection plates, a toothed disc with tooth recesses for catching teeth of the toothed belt

Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprises a space enclosed by walls (1), wherein at least one of the walls comprises an openable panel, such as for instance a window (20). Provided between the window (20) and the wall (1) is an opening device (30) which is connected pivotally to the window on one side and extends pivotally from the wall of the window opening (2) on the other. Provided here between the wall (1) and the opening device is a ball joint or ball hinge between on one side a ball cup (35) and on the other a ball head (45) which extend from a coupling device (40) and the opening device (30).

Abstract: A sliding stop switch may include a first rod extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, a second rod coupled to the first rod such that one end portion thereof is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first rod, and a switch member coupled to the first rod to slide in the longitudinal direction of the first rod and to be fixed at a plurality of points on the first rod to stop the sliding of one end portion of the second rod.

Abstract: A motor-less counterbalance strut for selectively braking pivotal movement of a closure member includes a housing connected to one of closure member and a motor vehicle body and an extensible member slideably moveable relative to housing connected to the other of closure member and motor vehicle body. The extensible member has a rotary drive member configured to drive a driven member and cause movement of extensible member between retracted and extended positions. A gearbox unit has an input operably driven by a rotary output of the rotary drive member and an output operably driven in response to the movement of the input. The output is fixed to a friction plate configured for operable communication with a brake rotor. An electro-mechanical actuator is operable to move brake rotor into and out of braking engagement with friction plate to establish a braking and non-braking condition of extensible member.

Abstract: A door operator, for opening and closing a door with a motor, comprises a worm drive, a clutch coupled to the worm drive, and an output shaft coupled to the clutch. The worm drive comprises a worm and a worm gear. The door operator allows for the use of a low voltage motor to be used to open and close a door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator, comprising a spindle drive, a first gear which causes a translational displacement of a first connection unit connected to the spindle drive, and a second gear which engages with the first gear and which is rotationally coupled to a second connection unit, wherein the actuator is designed such that a relative rotation of the two gears with respect to each other causes an actuation of the spindle drive and a displacement of the spindle drive relative to the central axis of the second gear. Furthermore, the invention relates to devices for supporting a pivot member, such as a door, with respect to a parent assembly, such as a vehicle body.

Abstract: A space adjustment system and a control method thereof are provided. The space adjustment system includes a body, at least one door leaf, at least one motor, and a control circuit. The door leaf is movably disposed at the body. The door panel of each door leaf includes a panel. The motor can drive the motion of the door leaf. The control circuit is coupled with the panel of the door leaf and motor. The control circuit controls the motor to drive the door leaf, and adjusts the transparency or display function of the panel on the corresponding door leaf in response to a location of the door leaf. Accordingly, multiple space type can be created.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an adjusting part on a vehicle, wherein a possible obstacle in an adjustment path of the adjusting part which is to be adjusted can be detected by means of at least one sensor device, in order to block, stop and/or reverse an adjustment movement of the adjusting part. There is provision that at least one status indicator for the at least one sensor device is generated electronically, by means of which data indicator at least two different first and second operating states of the sensor device can be signaled, and for the adjustment movement of the adjusting part at least one current status information item of at least two different status information items relating to the current operating state of the at least one sensor device is signaled in accordance with the status indicator, in order to be perceived by a user.

Abstract: A smart container, system, and method which prevents delivery personnel from accessing the contents stored in a delivery bag until delivery to an end user.

Abstract: Exemplary implementations of a thermally-efficient slidable fenestration assembly are glass window systems or glass door systems having one or more sliding glass panels. The fenestration assemblies are adapted to be mounted in an architectural structure such as a building or house. Accessory channels in the fenestration framework may be provided to facilitate nail-fin, retro-fit or screen adaptors as means to attach the assembly to the surrounding architecture. Stiles, tracks and rails of the assembly are specifically configured to reduce heat transfer across the fenestration assembly, while simultaneously maintaining the structural integrity and durability of the overall assembly. Certain stile, track and rail components may comprise materials of relatively low conductivities. Preferred stile configurations include interlock elements arranged to reduce the assembly's vulnerability to tampering from a position outside of the fenestration.

Abstract: There is provided a gas trapping material and vacuum heat insulation equipment where the gas trapping material can be activated in a sealing step of the vacuum heat insulation equipment, and production efficiency can be enhanced by maintaining a high gas trapping characteristic even when a gas is released in a baking step or in a sealing step under an air atmosphere. The gas trapping material contains porous metal oxide and silver particles having an average particle size of 0.5 nm to 100 nm inclusive.

Abstract: A shield for enshrouding the door of a mobile home or manufactured home includes a first elongated strip which extends along the length of a co-extensive molding of a door of a manufactured home or mobile home. A top element overlies the top of the door and extends horizontally outwardly from the wall of the home beyond the top of the door. A connector interconnects the top strips. The strips of the shield have a width which is wider than the door such that the door is nested within the space defined by the strips.

Abstract: In one aspect, a power assist module for covering for an architectural structure may include a spring and a spring shaft extending through the spring. Additionally, the power assist module may include a threaded shaft member coupled to the spring shaft and a drive plug assembly coupled to the threaded shaft member for rotation relative thereto. The drive plug assembly includes a follower member and a separate threaded insert configured to be received within the follower member. The threaded insert is configured to threadably engage the threaded shaft member to allow the follower member to be rotationally coupled to the threaded shaft member in a manner that allows the follower member to move axially along the threaded shaft member as the follower member is rotated relative to the threaded shaft member.

Abstract: A static mitigation end cap for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include a housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber. The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber and configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The end cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An access control device (1) for blocking or opening a passage (2) for persons or vehicles. The access control device comprises one or two blocking bodies (3, 3?), each arranged on a carrier (4, 4?). Each blocking body (3, 3?) comprises a mechanically reversibly deformable element (5, 5?) which, in a first position, is substantially planar and opens the passage (2) and, in a second position, assumes a curved shape which blocks the passage (2). One or both ends of the deformable element (5, 5?) are connected to an actuator (7). A controller controls the deformable element for transferring them first between the first and second positions. When transferring the deformable element from the first to the second position, either the distance between the ends of the respective blocking body is reduced or, when the ends have a constant distance, the length of the blocking body is increased.

Abstract: Ladders and ladder components are provided including a rung assembly that provides an alert to a user of the ladder that they are standing on a particular rung or step. In one example, the lower most rung or step of a ladder includes a rung assembly having an alert mechanism. The alert mechanism may provide an audible and/or other sensory alert to a user when they step on the rung assembly so that the user recognizes their position relative to the ground or supporting surface. In one embodiment, the rung assembly is configured such that a front edge remains in a constant or fixed position relative to the rails to which it is coupled so that a user can rely on a fixed or constant position of the front edge of the assembly when climbing or descending the ladder.