Abstract: A tree stand lifting system and method are provided. The system includes a base member, a first strap assembly, and a base pole assembly. The base pole assembly has a first end portion that is rotatably coupled to the base member such that the base pole assembly is rotatable from a first position to a substantially vertical position relative to the base member. The base pole assembly has a first plurality of teeth. The system includes a carriage assembly that is removably coupled to the base pole assembly, and an electric drive unit that is coupled to the carriage assembly. The electric drive unit has a gear assembly and an electric motor. The gear assembly has a main drive gear that rotates and operably engages at least a portion of the first plurality of teeth of the base pole assembly to move the carriage assembly on the base pole assembly.

Abstract: A ladder safety mechanism comprises at least one damp, preferably a pair of spaced apart damps, attachable part way along a ladder, to secure the ladder to part of a structure. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes at least one manually operated actuator, such as a rope or cable, coupled to the at least one clamp to enable a user located at the bottom of the ladder to open the at least one clamp to receive the part of a structure. In some embodiments, the at least one clamp is automatically secured to the part of the structure by placing the clamp onto the structure. The at least one manually operated actuator also enables a user located at the bottom of the ladder to open the at least one damp to release the part of the structure. The at least one clamp is oriented substantially perpendicularly to a part of the structure to which the ladder is to be attached.

Abstract: A window bracing device which is used to support a window unit within a window opening of a wall of a structure while that window unit is being secured to the structure, with the window bracing device being temporarily attached to the window unit on the interior side of the window unit, then braced against the interior of the wall surrounding the window opening, retaining the window unit in place while a worker secures the window unit to the wall; wherein the window bracing device is comprised of a bracing arm, a first foot, a second foot, a window engagement member, and an attachment component.

Abstract: A lifting device is disclosed for elevating an object between a first elevation and a second elevation. The lifting device comprises a base frame, a load bearing frame coupled to the base frame, an elevation reducing frame coupled to the load bearing frame and an extension frame coupled to the elevation reducing frame. A mounting bracket is coupled to the base frame. The mounting bracket engages a rung of a ladder. A load winch is coupled to the load bearing frame and lifts the object and transferring the weight of the object to the ladder. The base frame, the load bearing frame and the elevation reducing frame define an object chamber for receiving the object in the object chamber and increasing the elevation of the object relative to the extension frame.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly is mounted on a scissor lift. The hoist includes an elongate cable wound on a shaft. The cable has proximate and distal ends. A pulley is mounted on the cable intermediate the proximate and distal ends. In use, the pulley is secured to the ceiling of a building structure.

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: An apparatus including a platform and extendable structures engages with a wind turbine tower to provide means for detaching and lowering a wind turbine element, such as a blade, hub, generator, gear, transformer or the like. The same means may be used in reverse to raise a wind turbine element back up for installation. The platform may rotate so as to position the lowered element and itself for connection to a truck as a towable set for transport.

Abstract: A cargo lifting apparatus for use with a ladder includes a lift track coupled to each ladder side rail. Each lift track includes first and second adjacent channels, the first channel defining a longitudinal slot. The apparatus includes a carrier assembly having a back portion, a pair of support members extending perpendicularly and forwardly from the back portion, opposed mounting members configured to be received in a respective first channel slot, and rollers attached to the back portion configured to bear against respective ladder side rails. A motor/brake combination is coupled to a lower rung of the ladder. A pulley assembly includes a lower sprocket operatively coupled to the motor, an upper sprocket, and a cord extending between the sprockets and coupled to the carrier assembly for selectively raising and lowering the carrier assembly when the motor is activated or deactivated.

Abstract: A collapsible structure is described that can be erected to provide an elevated working platform having two ends and two sides. Two telescopically collapsible ladder frames (10, 12) are disposed above the level of the platform, one on each end of the platform. Each ladder frame (10, 12) is formed of two stiles (20, 22) having telescopically collapsible sections, rungs each extending between respective sections of the two stiles and latch mechanisms for locking the stile sections in the extended position of the ladder frame. Each of the ladder frames (10, 12) further incorporates a guardrail (30, 32) that lies parallel to the rungs (24) when the ladder frame is collapsed. The guardrail (30, 32) is mounted for rotation about a first stile and releasably secured to the second stile. After release from the second stile of the same ladder frame and rotation about the first stile each guardrail is connectable to the second stile of the other ladder frame to lie parallel to a side of the platform.

Abstract: A cargo lifting apparatus for use with a ladder includes a lift track coupled to each ladder side rail. Each lift track includes first and second adjacent channels, the first channel defining a longitudinal slot. The apparatus includes a carrier assembly having a back portion, a pair of support members extending perpendicularly and forwardly from the back portion, opposed mounting members configured to be received in a respective first channel slot, and rollers attached to the back portion configured to bear against respective ladder side rails. A motor/brake combination is coupled to a lower rung of the ladder. A pulley assembly includes a lower sprocket operatively coupled to the motor, an upper sprocket, and a cord extending between the sprockets and coupled to the carrier assembly for selectively raising and lowering the carrier assembly when the motor is activated or deactivated.

Abstract: An aerial rescue device is a powered platform that quickly elevates the fireman to height, or powers the secure descent of a rescued person. A powered carriage rides between two extensible booms. Two rungs secured to the carriage enable a fireman to stand on one and hold onto the other. The two booms have rails within. The rails guide trolleys secured to the ends of the two rungs. The carriage is moved by two cables. Each cable is connected at one end to the carriage and at the other end to two winches. These winches are computer controlled to enable the carriage to ride up and down while the booms are being extended. Preferably, there are also rotatable boom segments at the top of the booms.

Abstract: A portable tree stand includes a base and a telescoping ladder. The base includes a platform and an attachment bracket mounted to the platform. The ladder is telescopically movable over a range over travel between a collapsed position and an extended position. The ladder includes a top rung segment having a top rung. The top rung of the telescoping ladder is removably attached to the attachment bracket of the base, A user can secure the tree stand base in an elevated position to a tree, disconnect the ladder from the base in the elevated position, and use the ladder to access another tree stand base in an elevated position at another site or other basic functions. Additionally, the ladder can be modified to be used as a game carrier cart.

Abstract: A device is provided for aiding a user in transporting a load up and down a ladder assembly. The ladder assembly includes a fly ladder having slidably connected to a base ladder. Each ladder includes first and second spaced rails interconnected by a plurality of spaced rungs. The device has a frame assembly including a first subframe positionable adjacent the first rail of the base ladder and a second subframe positionable adjacent the second rail of the base ladder. First and second base ladder guides are operatively connected to each subframe and define tracks for receiving the rails of the base ladder therebetween. First and second fly ladder guides are operatively connected to the subframes and defines tracks for receiving the rails of the fly ladder therebetween.

Abstract: A stepladder comprises a front frame and a rear frame each formed of a pair of spaced side rails. A motor-driven step is slidably mounted on the front frame side rails. The motor is controlled with a remote unit allowing a worker to automatically raise and lower the step when accessing an elevated area.

Abstract: A device supported by a ground surface and a structure for at least one of elevating and descending a user. The device includes a first guide rail having a first channel extending along a length thereof and a second guide rail having a second channel extending along the length thereof. At least one connector connects the first guide rail with the second guide rail at a predetermined location along a length thereof so that said first channel and said second channel face inwards towards each other. A platform for supporting the user having a predetermined amount of weight is connected within each of the first and second channels and between the first guide rail and second guide rail. The device further includes means for moving the platform along the length of each of the first channel and the second channel.

Abstract: The elevating device of the present invention is comprised of first, second, and third dovetail members that are interlockingly engaged. First dovetail member is secured to an object or an independent surface such as a tree or a ladder. First and second dovetail members are stationary and third dovetail member is moveable. Slide bars are secured to third dovetail member. Slide bars slidably engage a guide track. There is a gear that engages slots in the second dovetail member elevating third dovetail member as the slide bars slidably engage the guide track. There is a platform for holding people or objects that is secured to third dovetail member. As the gear rotates and elevates third dovetail member, the platform secured thereto is also elevated.

Abstract: An elevator device that is installed on one or more ladders to lift loads from the ground to a desired position on a roof. A base securing device can be added to each of the ladders to insure stability. An outrigger mounted on a user's truck can be employed to further stabilize the ladders. The elevator device includes a ladder attachment assembly to affix the device to a ladder or ladders, a lateral travel section, and a roof top mounting device. A ladder stabilization bracket that affixes the ladder to a parapet or balcony can be employed for additional stability of the device. Several winch mechanisms are utilized to position the device and raise loads. The device can be easily adapted for use on flat roofs with a parapet through the addition of a ladder stabilization bracket. The elevator device can also readily be used on flat roofs without parapets, pitched roofs, and even to load trucks.

Abstract: A vertically placed ladder is positioned approximately 3 to 5 feet from a building and has attached thereto a horizontal beam which is also attached to a vertical stand placed on the roof of the one-story building. The horizontal beam has a U-shaped interior channel within which there is located a roller assembly designed to roll along tracks within the interior of the U-shaped channel, either flat or semi-circular, along the length of the horizontal beam and has attached thereto a winch line which is connectable to a load to be lifted from the earth's surface in a vertical line. The roller assembly also allows the load to be moved along a straight horizontal line until the load is above the surface upon which the load is to be deposited, and then the winch line allows the load to be lowered to the surface upon which the load is to be deposited.

Abstract: An elevator device that is installed on a standard ladder, or for large lifting capacity installation, two or more ladders. In applications using two or more ladders, a base securing device can be added to each of the ladders to insure stability. The elevator device includes a ladder attachment assembly to affix the device to a ladder or ladders, a lateral travel section, and a roof top mounting device utilizing a T-bar support arm. A ladder stabilization bracket can be employed that affixes the ladder to a parapet or balcony for additional stability of the device. A winch raises the load from the ground, and then moves along the lateral travel section to provide lateral travel for the load on the roof top. Extension elements can be added to the lateral travel section so that the winch extends further onto a roof to reduce transport labor. The device can be easily adapted for use on flat roofs with a parapet through the addition of a ladder stabilization bracket.

Abstract: A vertically placed ladder is positioned approximately 3 to 5 feet from a building and has attached thereto a horizontal beam which is also attached to a vertical stand placed on the roof of the one-story building. The horizontal beam has a U-shaped interior channel within which there is located a roller assembly designed to roll along tracks within the interior of the U-shaped channel, either flat or semi-circular, along the length of the horizontal beam and has attached thereto a winch line which is connectable to a load to be lifted from the earth's surface in a vertical line. The roller assembly also allows the load to be moved along a straight horizontal line until the load is above the surface upon which the load is to be deposited, and then the winch line allows the load to be lowered to the surface upon which the load is to be deposited.

Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus, removably attached to a ladder, comprising an electrically powered winch mounted on a rigid frame having a pivotally attached brace.

Abstract: A roof venting apparatus is mounted to a firefighting vehicle's aerial extension ladder, where a semi-cylindrical, double-pointed lance is dropped and raised onto and through the roof of a burning structure as many times as necessary to properly vent the burning building. The lance is dropped and raised by a free-spooling, electric braking winch, which is mounted to an anchor board securely hooked onto the bottom rungs of a fire truck's aerial extension ladder, and which is operated by a fire fighter on the ground who mans a toggle control panel welded onto the lower anchor board. The winch cable extends up the length of the extended aerial ladder, through a series of stabilizing, free-wheeling idler wheels mounted to another removable anchor board screwed onto the top rungs of the truck's extension ladder. The lance, if hollow, is transported to the scene of the fire empty, where it can be filled with water with the fire hose, to establish the necessary dropping weight.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a frame with a first bracing member and a second bracing member pivotally connected together with a ladder receptacle means affixed to an end of the second bracing member opposite the pivotal connection, and a pulley affixed to the frame so as to receive a cable therein such that a portion of the cable extends vertically downwardly between the first and second bracing member. At least one wheel is connected to an end of the first bracing member opposite the pivotal connection with the second bracing member so as to allow and end of the first bracing member to be moved toward and away from the second bracing member. A winch is attached to the first bracing member and a cable extends outwardly from the winch and over the pulley. A stop plate is connected to the frame at a location below the pivotal connection so as to limit an angle of pivotal movement of the first bracing member with respect to the second bracing member.

Abstract: An improved ladder lifting apparatus usable to lift heavy loads from the ground to a roof surface including a horizontally positioned, hand or shoulder mounted lifting bar or beam with a winch means, fastened to the bar or beam where one end of the lifting bar or beam is fastened and/or connected to the side rails of a vertically positioned ladder or extension ladder, with means to allow movement of the upper end of the ladder toward the roof to deposit the load on the roof or into a window of a multi-story building combined with optional stabilizing features for the ladder to make use of the lift bar at high elevations more safe.

Abstract: A portable conveyor system comprises an extensible and retractable boom assembly mounted on a transportable stationary support. The boom assembly comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced rungs defining a series of supporting surfaces for a primary load carrier of the type described in applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 75,410, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,437. The improvements described herein include a vertically adjustable hitch mounted forwardly on a frame of the primary load carrier. The hitch is adapted for attachment to the end of the cable of a winch assembly to move the endless tracks of the carrier in full contact along the supporting surfaces of the rungs. Other improvements include modified boom and overhead bracket assemblies, a resilient suspension system for the primary load carrier and a platform assembly attachable to either end of the boom assembly to alternately function as a loading or unloading platform.

Abstract: Inclined telescopic booms actuated and regulated from the ground with detachable rungs forming a level track between the telescopic booms. A two-stacked load carrier, both stages on crawler type endless tracks, wherein the lower stage of the load carrier spans multiple rungs and is supported by the rungs, and is operable independent of the rungs. The chassis on the lower load carrier is comprised of two sections which are adjustable horizontally. The upper stage of the load carrier upon which cargo is hauled operates so that it can move independently on the ground, ride peggyback on the lower stage and then move independently through a window or similar opening on into the interior of a building. The load carrier and the telescopic booms are raised and lowered by a cable which is guided and supported by an overhead clamp which can be attached to the window frame of a building, to a construction platform, or to a shelf such as in a wharehouse.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus usable to lift heavy loads from the ground to a roof surface including a horizontally positioned, shoulder mounted lifting bar or beam with a winch means, fastened to the bar or beam where one end of the lifting bar or beam is pivotally connected to a vertically positioned ladder or extension ladder, with means to allow pivotal rotation of the upper end of the ladder toward the roof to deposit the load on the roof or into a window of a multi-story building.

Abstract: A carriage carrying a robot, a television camera, etc. is moved along a ladder having spaced ledges. The carriage has a number of gripper units moved in the direction of movement of the carriage by air cylinders or motor driven threaded rods. Each gripper unit is reciprocated toward and away from the ladder and provided with a motive device for opening and closing grippers for gripping or releasing the ledges.

Abstract: This invention is a self-hoisting platform which can be used by painters, carpenters, or the like when painting or repairing elevated building structures. This is accomplished through the provision of a seat-like means having an interconnected dual lift system with reversible, pawl type locking means for manually raising and lowering the system.

Abstract: A telescopic beam for use in an inclined hoist has five telescopic members. An actuator comprising a motorized winch and a block and tackle arrangement is provided for extending the telescopic members relative to one another. The block and tackle arrangement includes a cable which passes several times around sets of rollers positioned at the adjacent ends of first and second of the telescopic members. A lock is provided for fixing the positions of the first and second telescopic members. To relieve the operator of the need for controlling several actuators, the single actuator is used to control the extension of all the telescopic members, and to control the angle of inclination of the last telescopic member relative to the penultimate telescopic member. For this purpose, the cable is passed from the second telescopic member to the far end of the penultimate telescopic member, and then to the adjacent end of the last telescopic member where it is secured.

Abstract: A pedestal scaffold having a base member with an upwardly extending mast and a work cage mounted thereon for vertical movement. Retractable outriggers with ground-engageable pads are extendable outwardly on the cage side of the scaffold and lockable into support position to provide a large support area for the elevated work cage. Ground-engageable casters are mounted on the base and the cage and the cage is releaseably locked to the base. When the base and cage are locked together, the scaffold can be moved horizontally on the base and cage casters with the mast being vertical. When the cage is unlocked for vertical movements, scaffold weight is transferred from the cage casters to the non-rolling outrigger pads so that the scaffold cannot be moved along the ground when the cage is elevated. If the cage-side outriggers are not properly braced, the cage can be unlocked from the base but cannot be raised off the ground.