Abstract: A modular safety ladder system for climbing trees is provided, comprising a single support member having a lower end and an upper end; a bottom step attached to the lower end; a top step attached to the upper end; an intermediate step attached to the support member between the bottom step and the top step; a flexible strap attached to the support member for suspending the ladder module from the tree, wherein the strap is placed in tension when weight is exerted on the ladder module; first and second stabilizers attached to the upper end and the lower end of the support member, respectively, for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree, wherein the first and second stabilizers include surfaces which are caused to forcibly contact the tree when the strap is placed in tension; and a safety loop connected to the strap for allowing a secure attachment between the strap and a coupling device on the climber, wherein the safety loop is constructed in a manner to support the weight of the climber.

Abstract: A portable safety ladder for climbing trees is provided, comprising a single primary support member having first step; a single secondary support member having a second step, wherein the secondary support member is slidable relative to the primary support member; a locking mechanism operatively disposed between the primary support member and the secondary support member for selectively locking the position of the secondary support member relative to the primary support member; a single flexible strap on the primary support member for suspending the ladder module from the tree, wherein the flexible strap is placed in tension when weight is exerted on the ladder module; first and second stabilizers attached to the primary support member and the secondary support member, respectively, for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree, wherein the first and second stabilizers include surfaces which are caused to forcibly contact the tree when the flexible strap is placed in tension; and a safety loop connected t

Abstract: A portable ladder module is provided, comprising a primary support member having a first step; a secondary support member having a second step, wherein the secondary support member is slidable relative to the primary support member. A lock is operatively disposed between the primary support member and the secondary support member for selectively locking the position of the secondary support member relative to the primary support member in an extended position and a retracted position. A strap having a quick-release buckle is secured to the primary support member for holding the ladder module to a tree, and a pair of rigid tubing members on each of the primary support member and the secondary support member are present for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree. Preferably, a third step is provided on either the primary or the secondary support member, depending upon the nature of the sliding relationship between the primary and secondary support members.

Abstract: An access rope for an offshore production platform comprises an upper end attached to a chain fixed to the platform, a central stabilizing section providing a series of weights and a lower section providing hand holding implements. The weights are of different size and act so the rope swings less in response to the wind than conventional ropes. The hand holding implements include a loop in the rope which can be grasped by a user and a series of enlarged knots. The hand holding section of the main rope is helically wrapped with a smaller rope in which the adjacent wraps are spaced well apart.

Abstract: A ladder having pivotable folding riser sections, includes at least one pair of elongated riser components connected by a folding joint. The components have mating contacting ends abutting each other at an angle 45.degree. from the linear axis of the components. A reinforcing member concentric with said components is positioned across the joint, and a pivotable connection is formed by hinge members connected to each of the ladder components which are pivotally connected to each other by means of a hinge pin located exteriorally of the components. The invention also provides pivoting stand off members and a strap tightening mechanism for providing tightening tension equally on both ends of the strap which thus is not caused to move laterally during tightening.

Abstract: An elevated observation stand is made in the form of a tubular ladder member with an eccentrically mounted seat and platform at the upper end, extending obliquely for safe access. A strap, engaged and tightened from the ground, binds the tubular ladder member to a tree at mid-span with sufficient force that the resulting friction supports the platform under load.

Abstract: A modular ladder system for climbing trees is provided, comprising at least two ladder modules, each ladder module comprising a hollow, primary support member having an upper end and a lower end; a secondary support member, telescopingly slidable within the primary support member, having an upper end and a lower end; a first step attached to the lower end of the secondary support member; a second step attached to the lower end of the primary support member; a top step attached to the upper end of the primary support member; a spring-loaded lock operatively disposed between the primary support member and the secondary support member for locking the position of the secondary support member relative to the primary support member; at least two stabilizer brackets attached to the primary support member and the secondary support member for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree; and a strap and quick-release buckle attached to the primary support member for holding the ladder module to the tree.

Abstract: A gripping device is provided for use with vertical or near vertical timbers on building sites, especially with 2".times.4", 2".times.6", or 2".times.8" planks, and which allows such timbers to be used with a series of the devices forming steps of a temporary ladder. The timber may be leaning against a surface, or may be part of a scaffold or studs of a house. The device may be formed of a single piece of rod, or as a casting. It has a closed loop part suitable for use as a step, and also has a retaining part, the retaining part and loop having parallel portions defining an open sided recess for receiving the timber. At least one of the parallel portions has a set of teeth facing the other parallel portion, such that the device can be slid sideways on to a timber and can be pivoted down to cause the teeth to engage the timber and prevent further movement of the device.

Abstract: A portable tree stand is provided for use by a person to climb to and descend from an elevated position next to an upright object. The stand comprises a pole, a clamping assembly attached to the pole near its top end for securing the pole to the upright object, a device on the bottom end of the pole for anchoring it to the ground and upper and lower foot supports for use by the person to climb and descend the pole. Each foot support is slidably mounted on the pole but has a friction device that locks the foot support in a fixed position on the pole in response to a downwardly applied force.

Abstract: An emergency corridor and ladder for multi-storied building comprising a bridge corridor, a safety ladder and a temporary emergency shelter. The structure is provided in each floor of the multi-storied building. The bridge corridor is connected to the emergency exit on each floor, both sides of the bridge corridor are respectively provided with a fire-blocking wall, and a safety ladder is provided along the bridge corridor such that the safety ladder are connected together from the top floor to the ground level. Said safety ladder has a passage to the sun deck of the emergency shelter. A feed through emergency escape rod is provided in the emergency shelter in which a man hole is opened in alternate floors. Rescuers gain access to the emergency shelter and rescue the casualty during an emergency. The man hole can also be used to cooperate with the emergency escape rod so that people can slide down to the ground level. In addition, an intermediate wall is provided for an upper an a lower safety ladder.

Abstract: A tree stand for use in observing and hunting game is provided. The stand forms an elevated platform and means for connecting the stand to a tree. In one aspect of the invention, the seat and footrest can be folded up for ease of transportation. In another aspect, the ladder assembly can be dissassembled for ease of transportation. In yet another aspect of the invention, the dissassembled ladder sections of the ladder assembly can be mated with a plurality of members on the platform and tied to the platform for secure transportation and storage.

Abstract: An inflatable boat boarding ladder, adaptable to any size inflatable boat, for assisting divers to exit the water and to board the boat. The ladder, supported at an outside angle to the vertical, is prohibited from rotating under the boat when the ladder is engaged by the users foot thus providing greater stability than the conventional rope style ladders. The instant invention provides a longer ladder than the conventional ladders making it easier to use. The ladder is supported by a flexible saddle made of a sandwhich of two layers of HYPALON encasing reinforcing transverse plattens pf ABS plastic.

Abstract: A pole ladder folding deer stand is formed by upper and lower tubular sections hingedly joined in aligned relation and provided with vertically staggered steps for ascending and descending the pole ladder. A seat and backrest assembly hingedly connected with the upper limit of the upper pole section projects horizontally toward a tree and includes a yoke and strap assembly for joining the seat assembly to a tree. A foot platform is horizontally supported above the uppermost step forwardly of the position of the seat assembly. A ladder stabilizing engaging yoke projects laterally from the respective sides of the ladder lower section at its depending end. A bicycle fork journals a wheel attachable to one of the ladder sections to permit wheelbarrow-like movement of the folded ladder tree stand for transporting equipment or game.

Abstract: The invention is a poolside descending scaffold having an apron bar which is extendable by an apron arm extender fitted into its two end pieces, which are rectangular box girders of light metal or steel. End pieces are affixed to the extender by pad bars with threaded internal pins. The pad rods carry pads which are of sufficient area to prevent rotation of the apron bar. The pads may be simple flat metal pads or may be eccentric blocks or screw pads useful in leveling the apron bar. The apron bar has a weight basket at its distal end and a hinge bracket at its poolside end. The hinge bracket holds a descending bar at a position along its length determined by a pin through one of a set of holes in the descending bar and through holes in the hinge bracket. The descending bar has ladder pins to ease the climb between poolside apron and scaffold plank, and a bumper bar on a threaded pin which can also serve to affix the plank bracket to the descending bar.

Abstract: A mast-climbing assembly for enabling a person to climb a mast includes a pair of step-leg units, a plurality of hook brackets each securable to the mast, and a pair of hand hangers. Each of the step-leg units includes a step member and a leg member that engage a foot and leg, respectively, of the climber. The assembly of the present invention allows a person to easily and safely climb a mast of a sailboat or other elongate vertical member.

Abstract: An anchor system and method of use for securement to a fixed anchor point at an elevated position on a structure. The system comprises a rope arranged to be extended between the elevated position and a lower position, and slidable connection device. The connection device is arranged to be releasably secured to the fixed anchor point and comprises a flexible tubular member woven of strands of fibers. The tubular member has a pair of ends, each of which includes an extension projecting therefrom. Each extension is bent back over itself and inserted into the tubular member to form a loop. A connector is mounted on one of the loops and is arranged to be releasably secured to the fixed anchor. The rope extends through the tubular member, with the tubular member having a sufficiently large internal diameter that the rope may slide therethrough.

Abstract: A slide and seek fire escape is provided for a high rise building having a roof and multiple floors. The fire escape consists of a plurality of balconies stacked one above the other for the roof and each floor of the building, with the balconies having right and left staggered escape apertures. A pair of elongated slide poles are also provided. One slide pole extends through the balconies in the center of the right escape apertures, while the other slide pole extends through the balconies in the center of the left escape apertures. A person can exit the building during a fire by entering one balcony and slide down one slide pole to the next balcony and walk to the other slide pole and slide down, thereby repeating the slide until the person reaches ground level.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus comprising a longitudinally elongated step support for mounting between an upper level and a lower level at a forward angle of inclination. The elongated support has an upper end and a lower end. A series of steps are mounted relative to the elongated support. A hinge assembly is mounted relative to the elongated support adjacent its upper end. The hinge assembly includes a pivot positioned adjacent one of the outer longitudinal edges enabling the ladder apparatus to be swung at least about 90.degree. between an operable position and a stowed position. The hinge assembly preferably comprises retaining means for inhibiting the ladder apparatus from swinging away from the operable position.

Abstract: An improved apparatus supports weight on an upright structure. The apparatus has a frame with a weight bearing surface and a mechanism attached to the frame that grips the structure to hang the frame on the structure free of contact with the ground. The gripping mechanism can be easily attached to and removed from the structure by the user from a position on the ground. The force that gripping mechanism exerts to hold the frame in place upon the structure is directly proportional to the weight borne by the frame.

Abstract: An emergency escape device for hazardous elevated structures such as offshore oil and gas drilling rigs and production platforms and the like. This device comprises a platform with an overhead support and a centrally located opening. A line is attached to the overhead support an hangs vertically through the opening. Persons may escape peril on an elevated structure by sliding down the line to safety. When not in use the line is compactly stored within the opening.

Abstract: A support is provided for fitting over one or more insulating disks in electrical power distribution equipment. The support has a collar which fits about the disk or disks and includes structure which fits onto one of the insulator disks for support. Foot support struts extend outwardly from the collar for support of a climbing crew member's feet.

Abstract: A window escape comprises a sturdy housing secured to a building wall above a window or the like. The housing has an open bottom and a rotatable sleeve supported between two side walls. A cover is removably retained over the front of the housing. A long rope is tied at one end to the sleeve and at the other end to the cover. Normally the rope is wound around the sleeve and is hidden from view by the cover. In an emergency, a person removes the cover from the housing and throws the cover out the open window. The falling cover unwinds the rope from the sleeve. After the rope is unwound, the person can easily grasp it and descend to safety.

Abstract: Tree pole ladder which includes first and second detachable sections. Each of the detachable sections pivotally supports laterally extending steps which the foldable from a horizontally extending position for climbing, to a storage position aligned with the pole section. The detachable sections are coupled together by a coupling section which permits the sections to be rapidly connected and detached to a pair of single pole sections which may be easily transported to remote locations.

Abstract: An apparatus including a planar support member including a forward and rear face; each face aligned parallel to one another with a through extending diamond shaped rod directed orthogonally through the forward and rear faces, with a square groove formed in the rod adjacent the rear face to receive a chain link grid member therein. An enclosing safety chain is positioned in surrounding relationship relative to the adjacent chain link fence and an upper rod of the rod members. A modification of the invention includes a step plate defined by a diamond shaped socket and a planar step member aligned with the socket securable to the rod members.

Abstract: An emergency escape device in the form of a flexible strap- or rope-like support attached to an enclosure installed on an inside building wall beneath a window is disclosed. When the device is not in use, the flexible support is housed within the enclosure, which is designed to blend aesthetically with the decor of the window and the inside building wall. When in use, the flexible support is designed to extend from the interior of the enclosure, over the windowsill, and down the outside building wall. The proximal end of the flexible support is composed of fireproof steel cable or chain of sufficient length to extend from its point of attachment within the enclosure to the outside building wall. The flexible support may be provided with gripping areas and/or an adjustable harness to facilitate descent to a lower level window or to ground level.

Abstract: An alternating tread ladder apparatus and an associated tread step bracket are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated central tread support for mounting between a upper level and a lower level at some predetermined forward angle of inclination. The tread support is provided with a plurality of generally laterally oriented tread support apertures positioned therealong and extending therethrough. The preferred embodiment tread step brackets are comprised of angled Z-shape. The upper arm of the Z is longer than the lower arm, and entends through one of the apertures in the central tread support.

Abstract: A rope climber for hanging on a steel cable, a rope or a long pole suspended in the air and operable to enable a person's body to be lifted up or lowered down the cable or rope and to stop at any position on the cable or rope. The rope climber includes a pair of grooved wheels having the outer circumferences in close contact and capable of rotating in opposite directions, one or both of the grooved wheels having at the middle of the outer circumferences eccentric grooves, the grooved wheels defining at the close contact point of the outer circumferences a hole through which the cable or rope passes. By rotation of the grooved wheels the hole can be varied in size, whereby the rope climber is able to slide up and down the cable or rope when the hole is large in size and will hold the cable or rope tightly and stay at any fixed place on the cable or rope when the hole is small.

Abstract: A portable ladder assembly comprises a base, a supporting bracket, and a single rail ladder. The ladder assembly is particularly well suited for safely allowing human entry into a chamber with a confined area entry, such as a conventional manhole. The base member includes arms positionable on each side of the manhole entry for engaging a support surface, such as the ground, to prevent tipping of the ladder assembly. The bracket includes a rail receiving slot and a plurality of vertically spaced and downwardly directed rung receiving slots on opposing sides of the rail receiving slot. The ladder may be safely supported at various selected depths within the manhole by fitting the rail in selected rungs within their corresponding slots. The ladder assembly of the present invention does not significantly reduce the entry opening into the chamber, and may be safely used without being structurally dependent upon the manhole.

Abstract: A sportsman's ladder for allowing convenient climbing of trees and the like includes a number of sections assembled together in telescoping relationship. Each section has secured thereto a plurality of spaced-apart steps extending laterally from opposite sides thereof in an alternating manner. The ladder further includes a tree engaging means for mounting the ladder to a tree.

Abstract: A portable fence stile comprising a metal tube of length greater than the height of the vertical fence support posts. The tube having longitudinal vertical slots on opposite sides extending from the bottom to a height slightly greater than the height of the top fence horizontal wire. Stepping distance from the bottom of the tube flat horizontal foot rests extending outwards from the tube on each side of the longitudinal slots. A pliable strap slidably affixed to the longitudinal slot for compressively holding the ends of the tube to prevent spreading or the attach the stile tube to a vertical wood fence post. A rigid horizontal handle at the top of the tube provides climber support.

Abstract: Swing rope constructed of successive layers of polyurethane, fiberglass resin, polypropylene rope, a second fiberglass resin and an abrasive grit. The swing rope may be used to transport crew members of an offshore rig to or from a waiting boat. A second embodiment relates to a non-slip surface applied to a rescue sling.

Abstract: A fire escape device for use in escaping from a structure through the screen of a screened-in area comprising in combination an elongate fire escape rope, a screen cutting knife, and a connector securing the knife to the rope adjacent one end of the rope.

Abstract: This invention is a simple to make, simple to use, inexpensive step for use on rectangular wooden posts, such as those used in scaffolds. This step has a u shaped body with a portion that encompasses the posts, two "grips" in this portion which bite into the wood to keep the step in place, and a part to step upon. To move this step to a desired position, the part that is stepped upon is tilted up and out from the horizontal. This motion causes the two grips to disengage from the post and to be sufficiently removed from the post to allow the step to slide freely on this post. The step is fabricated from a single sheet of metal that is cut and bent to the desired design.

Abstract: An emergency escape rope apparatus includes an elongated rope with knots or other protruberances spaced along it and which is arrayed within a container. The container has a plurality of elongated protuberance receiving tubes positioned in it, each tube having a slot extending along its wall and opening at an open end of the tube. In an order from one tube to the next, each tube sequentially receives a selected number of knots with loops of the rope between the knots extending through the slots. Between one tube and the next, an anchor segment of the rope between two sequential knots is stretched taut between the top of the one tube and the bottom of the slot of the next tube to retain the knots within the one tube until the rope secured by the next tube has payed out. The container has a clip in its cap for removably retaining a cap end of the rope for quick access.

Abstract: A safety post assembly for assisting entry to or exit from the upper portion of a wall having mounted thereon a series of rungs forming a ladder, the assembly comprising a tubular support sleeve; adjustable mounting means for securing the sleeve to the rungs in an upstanding position; an elongated extension rod having a tapered lower end portion for sliding insertion into the tubular sleeve and an opposite upper end portion adapted to extend above the upper portion of the structure and provide grasping means during the entry and exit; a projection extending outwardly from the extension rod, and adapted to rest against the upper end of the sleeve for limiting insertion of the rod lower end portion into the sleeve to a predetermined distance sufficient to support the weight of a person grasping the rod upper end portion during the entry and exit; and a step member extending transversely on opposite sides of the extension rod between the upper and lower end portions and positioned to provide a foothold in the vi

Abstract: Ladders for use with inflatable boats or other watercraft include a mounting bracket and a movable boarding step unit having a plurality of steps fixed to an elongated support bar. The mounting bracket is fixed to the transom or other vertical portion of the watercraft and the support bar is contoured so that when its upper end is positioned in the bracket, the steps depend below the watercraft and are firmly held away from it by a portion of the bar bearing against a portion of the watercraft adjacent the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A fire escape in the form of a flexible mesh tube attached to a frame which is sized to permit passage of a human therethrough is provided. A rope extends at least partially through the tube and is contacted by a rope engaging member which is securable to a person in transit in the tube so as to guide his descent therein along the rope. Desirably, the tube is relatively small in cross-section but elastic, to frictionally engage the person descending therethrough to slow his descent. The fire escape tube telescopes to a compact package for storing next to a window in an upper story of a building.

Abstract: An escape apparatus for elevated structures, such as multi-story buildings, offshore platforms and the like. An elongated pole is pivotally connected to the elevated structure to move between a stored position, in substantial alignment with a horizontal level of the structure, and a ready, substantially vertical position. A person escapes the elevated structure by sliding down the vertically positioned pole.

Abstract: A multi-purpose camping tool having components which are structured to be combined together to form a pole ladder, an ax, a trenching spade, a hoe, a grapple hook, tool devices and a saw frame. The components include a spade blade, tool heads, handle connecting elements, and a pair of elongated segments having a novel structure and parts which cooperate to provide these several multi-purpose tools.

Abstract: A safety ladder comprises a vertical central ladder stringer and a plurality of horizontal rungs attached thereto, wherein the central ladder stringer has a substantially C-shaped cross section with a front longitudinal slot, a rear transverse piece lying opposite to the longitudinal slot, this rear transverse piece having rounded longitudinal edges. The rungs are attached from the outside to the central ladder stringer and are bent with their free outer members forward. In order to provide a better distribution of the climbing forces without impairing any corrosion protection measures or obstructing the interior of the longitudinal slot, the rungs are provided with a preferably equal sided, trapezoidally shaped recess for the rear transverse piece, by which the rungs sit riderlike on the central ladder stringer contacting only in the vicinity of the longitudinal edges of the ladder stringer and the rungs are attached to the central ladder stringer by a fastening means.

Abstract: A portable telescoping observation stand attachable to a pole, a tree or like object by way of straps includes a plurality of telescopically engaged sections maintained in an extended position by locking members removably received in slots in overlapping ends of adjacent sections. Foot hold members removably attached to the sections provide steps for the stand with the locking members also serving as steps for the stand. When the stand is collapsed, the sections are nested together, the removed locking members and foot hold members are stored in a compartment defined by the nested sections.

Abstract: A sailboat mast ladder, for use with a sailboat having a mast with a sail track extending along its length, includes a flexible, flat support strap having a number of foot loops, also made of flat strap material, at staggered positions on opposite sides of the support strap. The support strap and foot loops are formed from first and second flat straps each having alternating straight sections and foot loop sections, the foot loop sections of one strap being opposite the straight sections of the other strap. The bottom or instep portions of the foot loops are reinforced with flat strap material secured to the first and second flat straps. An end of a halyard is secured to the upper end of the support strap to raise the mast ladder up the mast. A number of guides are secured along the inner edge of the support strap for sliding engagement with track slides of the main sail track to keep the ladder against the mast.

Abstract: A high strength braided thermosetting resin cord acts as a core for an escape line. A series of knobs of a foamed resin are threaded onto the core at spaced intervals with a second series of smaller knobs of a foamed resin located between each adjacent larger knobs. Each of the knobs are bonded with a thermosetting resin to the core. A high strength thermosetting resin is braided over the knobs and core, and one end of the cord is secured to a support member of an airplane to provide an escape line.

Abstract: An automatically retractable pivotal step assembly is used on scaffolding and storage structures, particularly in a warehouse environment. The automatic retractability feature is particularly important in keeping the step assembly from being struck and broken off by loading equipment, or causing injury to workers or damage to material being transported by loading equipment.The step assembly is pivotally secured to a stanchion member of the storage rack structure at a selected height to permit a warehouse worker to ascend to a second or higher level of the storage structure and then be automatically returned and stored in a retracted position behind the stanchion member when not being used. Several step assemblies may be vertically aligned on the stanchion in combination at increasing heights to permit access to multiple levels of the structure.

Abstract: A flag-pole (1), tiltable in direction towards an adjacent house or building, and at the lower portion (1') being provided with a device (6) facilitating climbing or transport of persons to the outer edge portion of the roof surface (2) of the house or building. At least the top portion (1") of the flag-pole is tiltable in relation to a vertical plane, thereby extending in a parallel relationship to the roof surface (2), but at a distance therefrom. Alternatively, both the lower portion (1') and the top portion (1") may be tiltable in the same direction, the top portion (1") thereby taking up the above described position, whereas the lower portion (1') takes up a less inclined position, intended to move the upper part of the lower portion (1') adjacent to the outer edge portion of the roof surface (2).

Abstract: The direction altering device is used in conjunction with an emergency or exit rope or friction type lowering device. The purpose of the device is to hold the exit rope in a fixed position at the point on a bucket of a bucket truck, cherrypicker, or overhead crane, or on a window sill from which the emergency exit is being taken by the user.The device is clamped onto a surface such as the lip or edge of a bucket, liner, or combination of both, crane surface, or window sill, by placing the device on the said mounting surface so that the mounting surface is inserted into a channel formed on the device; screws mounted in one of the sides of the channel are then tightened to hold the device securely on the surface of the structure from which the descent is to be made.

Abstract: A fender and life ladder for mounting on the wall surface of a quay in a harbor comprises a main post formed of a resilient material and a plurality of rung members mounted on said main post in a spaced relation. The main post comprises a shock receiving portion provided with a shock receiving surface for making contact with a boat, a rear wall portion positioned substantially parallel to and spaced apart from said shock receiving portion, and a pair of side wall portions. The side wall portions are each connected along both widthwise ends thereof to respective ones of said shock receiving portion and said rear wall portion, and the side wall portions diverge away from each other in the direction from said shock receiving portion towards said rear wall portion. The plurality of rung members extend substantially horizontally and parallel to the wall surface in a suitably spaced relation along the length of said shock receiving portion.

Abstract: A ladder is provided with an attaching device at its top end whereby it can be quickly and securely attached to a vertical pole, tree-trunk or the like. The attaching device comprises a pair of jaws to pass one on each side of the vertical pole, and it can pivot until the jaws engage the pole. The ladder is suspended from the pivot of the attaching device, and may then be secured at its bottom end to prevent it from swinging.

Abstract: A single post ladder for ascending from the water over the transom of small boats and a bracket that is permanently attached near the bottom of the transom. The bracket holds the shaft below and perpendicular to the bottom of the transom when in down position and also locks the shaft in vertical position above the bottom and along the plane of the transom for storage. Hinged steps extend approximately perpendicular to the shaft parallel to the transom when the shaft is in down position and lay along side the shaft when it is rotated to the up or storage position.