Abstract: A cargo bed tailgate may include an extension configurable between a plurality of positions to enable oversized cargo to be securely carried on a cargo bed as well accommodate a deployable set of loading ramps which are storable within the tailgate and deployable to attach to the cargo bed extension after the cargo bed extension is moved and locked for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing and fabricating a pantomesh. The pantomesh includes a plurality of pantomesh elements each including a pairs of links connected to one another by a revolute joint at points between their ends. Each of a plurality of the pantomesh elements is connected using spherical joints to a plurality of neighboring pantomesh elements, wherein a first line that extends along one side of a first pantomesh element forms a first variable angle with a second line that extends along an opposite side of the first pantomesh element. In some embodiments, at least some of the pantomesh elements of the pantomesh are not isosceles trapezoidal elements. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is used to compress breast tissue during an MRI procedure. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is connected to one or more actuators that facilitate remote control of the amount of compression provided.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle (RV) includes a ramp door configurable as a ramp or as a patio deck. A stair is attachable to a side of the door. A railing extends about the perimeter of the door when in the deck configuration. First and second support cables may be connected between the door and the RV to support the door when in the deck configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for allowing pets to ascend and descend on a foldable staircase having a plurality of stair treads operatively connected by articulating links in such a manner that the treads can be pivoted in unison from a stowed position of the staircase, in which the treads are substantially stacked upon one another, to a plurality of extended positions, in which the links position the treads in a spaced and parallel relationship to one another. A latch selectively secures the staircase in a selected one of the extended positions. The latch is configured for preventing further pivoting of the treads in either direction between the stowed and extended positions of the staircase, when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: A foldable ladder includes a back supporting frame and a front supporting frame, a plurality of foot supporters provided on the front supporting frame in a pivotally foldable manner, a plurality of coupling arrangements for coupling the foot supporters with the front supporting frame, and a foot supporters folding control mechanism for folding or unfolding all the foot supporters in a simultaneous manner. The foot supporters are adapted of folding between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein in the folded position the first and the second step member are pivotally and upwardly folded toward the first and the second front side legs respectively, and wherein in the unfolded position, the first and the second step member are pivotally and downwardly unfolded from each other to an extent that the step surface of the first step member is well-aligned with the step surface of the second step member, while the step surfaces are kept horizontal.

Abstract: A new Extendable Pyramid Ladder System for providing a compact stable ladder system which allows the user to access heightened areas by standing on a broad platform while simultaneously providing maximum stability, and for providing compact storage by folding into a swaged shape. The inventive device includes a vertical series of planar support members aligned parallel to one another, a left scissors bracket pivotally secured to the bottom portion of said planar support members, a right scissors bracket secured to the bottom portion of said planar support member opposite of the left scissors bracket where said scissors brackets allow the series of planar support members to extend vertically upward, a recessed handle on the cornice of the top planar support member, and a securing means to retain a swaged shape for the invention when in the storage position. The series of planar support members fit within each other to form a swaged shape for storage.

Abstract: Contractible and extensible ladder of the lazy-tong type for attachment to the underside of a swim/dive platform of a boat or to a deck of a boat. The ladder and the swim/dive platform or deck include coacting means so constructed for positioning the ladder in the contracted position under the swim/dive platform or deck for stowage thereof.

Abstract: A foldable loading ramp for a truck having a tailgate. The ramp includes a plurality of ramp sections. The top section of the ramp is pivotally connected to the tailgate, and is attached to an adjacent section by two pivoting bars connected to the sides of the top section and to the sides of the adjacent section. One of the bars is connected to the middle of the top ramp section and the end of the adjacent ramp section. The other bar is attached to the end of the top ramp section and the middle of the adjacent section, thereby allowing the ramp to be folded into a compact bundle inside the tailgate when not in use.

Abstract: An expandable support structure including a pair of spaced-apart lazy tongs linkages acting as the load supporting beams of the structure and wherein the floor of the structure is formed by planks extending laterally between the two linkages; each adjacent pair of the planks is pivotally connected near a lower endwise junction of two of the links of the lazy tongs linkages, the pivot point of each plank being near an edge thereof with the other edge free to rotate upward as the linkage is contracted; the free ends of two adjacent planks are linked together to cause them to be lifted when the linkage is contracted and a slide mechanism guides these free ends upward. The apparatus is usable as a ramp for loading wheeled vehicles into the bed of a pickup truck and for such usage may be provided with a slide mounting in the rear of the bed of the pickup truck to reach over the tailgate hinge and at the same time allow the structure to be folded back completely within the pickup bed and the tailgate closed.

Abstract: A trap door and folding ladder arrangement, suitable for use as a fire escape for multi-storey buildings, comprises a folding ladder which can be stored and locked in a folded position in a casing. A cover is connected to the ladder and the casing by two systems of levers and connecting rods arranged to automatically open the cover when the ladder is unlocked and unfolds by its own weight.