Abstract: A clamping assembly for an external fixation system, comprising a clamp body having an opening for receiving a bone fixation member; a pivotably rotatable locking arm associated with the clamp body, the locking arm being configured to provisionally hold the bone fixation member inside the opening of the clamp body; and a cam arm coupled to the locking arm, the cam arm being pivotably rotatable towards the clamp body to definitively hold the bone fixation member inside the opening of the clamp body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reinforcing an existing tower assembly having existing leg members. Exemplary apparatus comprises a plurality of interior adjustable-length leg members that are secured to the existing leg members closer to an axial centerline of the tower assembly that are lengthened after securement. A plurality of brace members interconnect the interior leg members. Lengthening of the interior adjustable-length leg members transfer a portion of the load to the interior adjustable-length leg members and shift the compression load toward the axial centerline of the tower assembly.

Abstract: A rotatable elevated hunting blind includes a plurality of enclosure support legs; an enclosure base carried by the enclosure support legs, the enclosure base having a stationary base sprocket; a hunting blind enclosure carried by the enclosure base, the hunting blind enclosure rotatable with respect to the enclosure base; a seat assembly having a seat carried by the hunting blind enclosure; and a user-operable blind enclosure rotation mechanism carried by the hunting blind enclosure adjacent to the seat of the seat assembly, the blind enclosure rotation mechanism having a drive sprocket and a chain meshing with the base sprocket of the enclosure base and the pedal sprocket, the blind enclosure rotation mechanism operable to rotate the drive sprocket around the chain as the blind enclosure rotation mechanism revolves around the enclosure base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to playground equipment and, more particularly, to a playground apparatus incorporating modular construction, which permits rapid simplified assembly, modification and universal arrangement of playground equipment modules without tools.

Abstract: We provide a platform (10) comprising a deck element (14) having a load-bearing member (18) secured to at least one support beam (16) of the deck element (14), and a plurality of first connection arrangements, and a plurality of deck support members (30) each having a second connection arrangement, wherein the deck element (14) is moveable with respect to the plurality of deck support members (30) to connect the deck element (14) to the plurality of deck support members (30), and wherein each of the first connection arrangements is configured to engage a respective one of the second connection arrangements, the first connection arrangement being one of an engaging member (20) or a receiving formation (35), and the respective second connection arrangement being the other of an engaging member (20) or a receiving formation (35), such that movement of the engaging member (20) in a first engaging direction causes the engaging member (20) to engage the receiving formation (35), to restrict movement of the deck ele

Abstract: A scaffold structure having a first end frame with a first vertical member and a second vertical member and a horizontal member, with rosettes on the first and second vertical members, coupled via ledgers to a second end frame with a first vertical member and a second vertical member and a horizontal member, with rosettes on the first and second vertical members. A plurality of said coupled first and second end frames create a bay that can be stacked vertically and coupled horizontally.

Abstract: Rounded vault forming structures and the systems and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such structures include a monolithic building having one or more arches, one or more integrated hip structures, and a non-circular outer circumferential shaped base. At least some of the structures result in zero to extremely low amounts of waste material from building such structures.

Abstract: A scaffolding assembly including at least one scaffolding climbing tower defined by four corner standards, two or more working platforms, and one or more intermediate platforms between at least one pair of working platforms.

Abstract: A sawhorse having a pair of legs supporting a beam and a pair of corresponding cantilevered support member with each hingedly attached across the beam members whereby the legs can be divergently extended with a spanner fastened to opposing legs restricting the angular separation. The user selectively moves one or both of the fold outs as needed creating a desired work surface on a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The combination of: a scaffold assembly comprising a vertical member; a baseplate on the vertical member and having a downwardly facing surface; and a foot having a top surface and a bottom surface spaced in an axial direction. The foot has an opening in the top surface and a recess extending axially from the opening toward the bottom surface. The recess accepts the baseplate with the baseplate in an operative position. The downwardly facing surface bears on the foot so as to cause a downward force produced by the vertical member to be applied to the foot and distributed by the foot through the bottom surface to an underlying support surface for the scaffold assembly. The bottom surface on the foot has a peripheral edge that bounds an area that is greater than an area bounded by a peripheral edge of the baseplate.

Abstract: A mobility device including multiple levels at different heights, beginning with a first level at substantially 4 to 6 inches from a floor surface, and with every subsequent level substantially 4 to 6 inches above the last level, and including a surface on the levels for a user to pull themselves onto, one level at a time, until the user is at a height by which they may either sit on a chair or regain their footing.

Abstract: A scaffolding (20) comprises vertical frame elements (22), crossbeams that extend therebetween, flooring units (27) which have mounting aids (28) to be mounted on the crossbeam (21), and at least one anti-release device (40) for securing the flooring units (27) against being released. The anti-release device (40) can be removably connected to the crossbeam (21) and has a securing member (41) which corresponds to the length of the crossbeam, is to be placed on the mounting aid (28), and is fitted with at least one hook-shaped fastening element (42) that penetrates a hole (33) located in the crossbeam and partially embraces the crossbeam (21) in the anti-release state. One end of the securing member (41) is provided with a pivotable plate which is fastened by means of a hinge and is pivoted from the open position into the locking position and retained by means of a spring mechanism (60).

Abstract: This maintenance trolley (17) for the air intake (9) of the nacelle of an aircraft turbojet engine is notable in that it comprises a base (19) and a platform (23) cantilever-mounted on this base (19) and designed to enter said air intake (9) without contact therewith.

Abstract: A universal platform device includes a support member and at least one base member having a first surface configured to be positioned on a primary surface. The base member can be pivotably coupled to the support member, and includes a plurality of gaseous cells at least toward the first surface and flexible regions at least between the respective gaseous cells. The weight of the object or person being supported on platform device deforms the flexible material and the gaseous cells. Upon deformation of the flexible regions and gaseous cells, the shape of the mating portion substantially conforms to the shape of the primary surface. The gaseous cells at the mating portion expand to form numerous suction cups and the base member clasps on to the primary surface.

Abstract: A highly stable rotating platform with a base, a roller deck assembly on top of the base, and a shooting deck coupled to the roller deck via leg assemblies. The leg assemblies contain two vertical members with an angled cross member between the vertical members providing strength and stability. Bi-directional, unrestricted rotation of the roller deck assembly and shooting deck (in an unlimited number of degrees—e.g. multiple rotations) is accomplished by wheels in the roller deck which rotate around, and to the outside of, a safety guide attached to the base. The wheels may protrude through the top of the roller deck permitting the operator to precisely, easily, and smoothly rotate the roller deck and shooting deck by only moving his/her foot on the protruding wheel thereby not substantially changing their position relative to the shooting deck. The wheels may also be cambered and/or crowned to add lateral stiffness.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffold frames and scaffold structures. In one embodiment, the invention generally relates to a scaffolding frame that includes at least two vertical support members, at least two legs for each of the vertical support members that extend outward and away from the vertical support members, in which each leg is rotatable around the vertical support members and lockably coupled to each of the vertical support members, the scaffold frame configured such that in a deployed state, a base member of each leg and bottom of each of the vertical support members contact an underlying surface.

Abstract: An Emergency Isolation and Treatment Shelter (EITS) deck system is constructed from a multiple of deck unit modules. Each deck unit module includes four adjustable leg assemblies attachable together by a lower truss between each leg assembly so as to support a deck surface panel. The size of the deck unit module defines the modularity of the EITS. Each leg assembly includes a primary leg, an intermediate leg, and a screw foot each in telescopic relationship. Each leg assembly may be telescoped independently to provide a level deck surface irrespective of the underlying terrain.

Abstract: An A-frame ladder has a first ladder and a second ladder. The first ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a first set of grooves that receive a tambour device that inhibits a person from using the first ladder's steps. The second ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a second set of grooves, interconnected to the first set of grooves, that receive the tambour device so the first ladder and the second ladder can be used and inhibits a person from entering the area between the first ladder and the second ladder through the second ladder's steps.

Abstract: A reusable mud-sill to replace the conventional wooden-mud-sills and to capture without the use of tools the small-metal-plate conventionally found at the bottom of scaffold legs. Mud-sills are used to interface the bottom ends of scaffold legs, or the like, to the ground and to provide reasonable ground pressure while inhibiting side movement of a leg. The reusable mud-sill captures a small-metal-plate with two fixed opposing side-blocks, a fixed overlapping-retainer, and a sliding overlapping-retainer that may be locked to the reusable mud-sill when the conventional small-metal-plate has been captured. The cooperating, capturing parts are all centrally placed on the top of a flat-plate that is significantly larger than the small-metal-plate.

Abstract: A portable worker safety frame provides many of the benefits of a loading dock while enhancing worker safety. In one implementation, the safety frame provides a walking surface of adjustable height that may be placed adjacent to an arbitrary work surface of a transportation vehicle. The safety frame can provide a walking platform that has a similar length as the cargo bed itself, yet is portable by such conventional means as the forks of a lift truck. The portable worker safety frame also provides an overhead safety rail to which each worker may attach a safety harness cord.

Abstract: A scaffolding assembly including at least one scaffolding climbing tower defined by four corner standards, two or more working platforms, and one or more intermediate platforms between at least one pair of working platforms.

Abstract: An observation stand. In one non-limiting embodiment the observation stand includes a support base, a seat, a platform, and a safety-framework. The support base defines opposite top and bottom ends and first, second and third legs configured in a tripod arrangement. The legs each define an upper end and a bottom end. The seat is attached to, and hence supported by, the upper end of each leg. The platform comprises first, second and third slots. The slots are arranged to respectively accommodate the upper ends of the first, second and third legs. The platform is located proximate to the top end of the support base and below the seat. The platform defines a perimeter. The safety-framework is attached to the perimeter, and helps prevent a user from falling off the platform. An optional ground spike can be fitted to one or more of the legs.

Abstract: A replaceable locking and securing device for securing a first member to a second member includes a replaceable bracket, a lock and a fastener. The bracket defines one opening when the bracket is operatively connected to the first member.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing escape of many persons from a multistory building over a short period of time. The method and system include strategic placement and use of anchor points and components in conjunction with escape kits or devices so as to allow increased efficiency and safety of escape from the building for a plurality of persons in a coordinated manner, including escape of multiple escapees simultaneously or near simultaneously. The system and method include determining a strategic escape plan and configuration that incorporates consideration of building features, including features possibly interfering with escape routes, and three dimensional aspects of both building characteristics and anchor and escape kit and device features.

Abstract: A scaffolding lift system includes a base member and a plurality of elongated vertical support members secured to the top surface of the base member. A power-operated motor is positioned adjacent the scaffolding and on the base member. The scaffolding further includes a plurality of elongated horizontal support members connected to select ones of the plurality of vertical support members and extend rearwardly thereof. An elongated boom is engaged with the rear portion of the scaffolding and extends forwardly therefrom. The scaffolding further includes a plurality of pulleys connected thereto and disposed adjacent to the boom at different heights respectively. A flexible elongated cable is supported by the plurality of pulleys and has a first end portion secured to the motor. The cable further has a second end portion including a hook mechanism for selectively engaging a pallet.

Abstract: A scaffolding member (20) formed of reinforced plastic material with appropriate levels of strength and 2 stiffness. The scaffolding member (20) has a gripping surface on the external periphery thereof, preferably although not exclusively formed by the application of a 16 layer of sand (34). A method of forming the scaffolding 14 member (20) is also described. A scaffolding member (20) includes a substrate layer (22) having one or more protrusions (24). An outer layer (26, 28 or 32) is adhered to the substrate layer to form one or more nodes (40) at the external periphery by the presence of the one or more protrusions (24). A structural member (20) may be formed of reinforced plastics material wound to define one or more nodes (40) at the external periphery thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for draining fluids from a vehicle has an elevated platform supported on a frame, the platform being pivotable side-to-side and end-to-end, to permit complete draining of fluids from the vehicle through an opening in the platform prior to dismantling the vehicle for scrapping. A unique bracket assembly connects one end of the platform to the frame at first and second perpendicular pivots, to permit pivoting about both a longitudinal and a transverse axis.

Abstract: A corner scaffold structure is comprised of three vertical legs. These three legs are connected to one another at their upper distal ends by three horizontal legs which generally form a right isosceles triangle. Similarly, there are three horizontal legs connected to and joining the vertical legs near the lower distal ends thereof. Because of the three-dimensional geometry of the corner scaffold structure, multiple hop irons can be secured to each side of the structure to provide additional support to scaffold planks, increasing their stability.

Abstract: A mounting method for a handrail capable of mounting and removal. The method uses frame with fittings and a lateral member. The frames are spaced laterally with a scaffolding plate erected between the lateral frames. A handrail is erected between the fittings adjacent to each other laterally to constitute a scaffolding frame. A plurality of the scaffolding frames are assembled vertically. The handrail includes a pair of longitudinal struts opposed laterally, and a lateral handrail frame erected between the struts, the struts including a first mounting member mounted on the lateral member or the fittings, a second mounting member mounted on the fittings, and a third mounting member for receiving an end of the handrail frame. The method includes mounting one strut on the upper end of one of the fittings via the first and second mounting members on the scaffolding plate of the lower stage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for construction of scaffold structures having improved safety characteristics. In various embodiments, the apparatuses comprise a set of structures, including connecting rails, fencing, gates, and ladders. The structures are adapted to be used with locking-cup type scaffold designs. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a scaffold joint comprising a vertical post comprising first and second joint sections. At least one structural brace is disposed within the joint sections having a mounting flange disposed at an angle to the principal axis of the structural brace.

Abstract: A dismantlable, multi-story facade scaffold is formed of at least four vertical support elements and floor plates and railing elements which are mounted thereto. An additional scaffold story is erected by coupling an additional vertical support element to an already existing one and pivotally attaching one end of a railing element thereto at a location above where the floor plate for the next story will be placed. The other end of that railing element is pivotally attached to another vertical support element. This other vertical support element is then raised, thereby pivotally moving the rail element relative to the respective vertical support element until the rail element is in a horizontal position and the vertical support element is in the vertical position. The other vertical support element is now attached to the upper end of a corresponding vertical support of the lower scaffold story.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cover for a hunting stand which can be removably attached to an existing hunting stand. The present invention is adaptable to fit many sizes and shapes of existing hunting stands; however, one of the common types that it is adaptable to fit is referred to as a tripod hunting stand which comprises an upper hunting stand mounted on a tripod set of legs. The present invention comprises a framework having means for attachment to the railing of the exising hunting stand. The present invention also has a canvas cover mounted thereon which cover has multiple windows provided therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scaffold with vertical supports arranged spaced apart next to one another and/or behind one another, with horizontal carriers arranged between adjacent vertical supports and with scaffold decks which releasably lie at their end regions on oppositely disposed horizontal carriers another and preferably extending parallel to one another, preferably by means of hooks,.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the improved safety ladder and harness assembly described herein incorporates a harness coupling designed to slide freely within the vertical member of a safety ladder so long as the forces exerted on the coupling are small. Any significant external force applied to the coupling, such as the application of a worker's weight, will result in a braking and holding action by the coupling until the external force or weight is removed. In one embodiment, the apparatus incorporates a substantially cylindrical coupling body having a braking lever extending from the front side, an upper braking nub extending from the upper portion of the coupling body in the same direction as the braking lever, and a lower braking nub extending from the lower portion of coupling body in the opposite direction as the braking lever.

Abstract: A tubular frame scaffolding system including base pads, vertical trusses, work platforms, access ladders, diagonal support braces, horizontal guard rails, intermediate guard rail panels, top guard rail panels, top guard rail posts, and toeboards. The guard rails and the toeboards act as safety devices to protect against accidental falls during the use of the tubular frame scaffolding system.

Abstract: A dismantlable, multi-story facade scaffold is formed of at least four vertical support elements and floor plates and railing elements which are mounted thereto. An additional scaffold story is erected by coupling an additional vertical support element to an already existing one and pivotally attaching one end of a railing element thereto at a location above where the floor plate for the next story will be placed. The other end of that railing element is pivotally attached to another vertical support element. This other vertical support element is then raised, thereby pivotally moving the rail element relative to the respective vertical support element until the rail element is in a horizontal position and the vertical support element is in the vertical position. The other vertical support element is now attached to the upper end of a corresponding vertical support of the lower scaffold story.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dismantlable facade scaffold comprising at least four vertical supports consisting of individual support elements (3, 3′, 3″) which can be separated from one another, wherein at least certain support elements (3, 3′, 3″) have attachment positions (24, 19, 20) for floor plates (14, 14′) and also for substantially horizontally extending railing elements (18, 18′). When the scaffold is erected, at least one attachment position (19, 20) of the support element (3, 3′, 3″) provided for a railing element (18, 18′) is located above a fastening position (24) of the same support element (3, 3′, 3″) provided for a base plate (14, 14′).

Abstract: A scaffold end cap comprises a tapered tubular portion, a flange and a blocking member. The end cap is secured in a scaffold tube by an interference fit resulting from the compression of the end cap as it is pushed into the tube. The end cap prevents debris from entering the scaffold tube, since debris in a scaffold tube can be dangerous especially when scaffold is manipulated above ground level. In an alternative embodiment, the end cap is provided without a flange, in order that the end cap can be located entirely within a scaffold tube. Circumferential ribs are provided on the inner surface of the tubular portion, and longitudinal ribs are provided on the outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cover for a hunting stand which can be removably attached to an existing hunting stand. The present invention is adaptable to fit many sizes and shapes of existing hunting stands; however, one of the common types that it is adaptable to fit is referred to as a tripod hunting stand which comprises an upper hunting stand mounted on a tripod set of legs. The present invention comprises a framework having means for attachment to the railing of the existing hunting stand. The present invention also has a canvas cover mounted thereon which cover has multiple windows provided therein.

Abstract: A scaffolding system includes tubular columns (3) and horizontal and/or diagonal crossbars (1,2). One or more scaffolding joints (4) are arranged on each tubular column (3) and placed above and at a distance from each other. Connecting elements (1,2) are engaged with the joints nots. The tubular columns includes wedge-shaped pockets for wedge shaped plug in elements forming joints (4) and connecting elements (1,2), the wedge-shaped plug in elements (5) are arranged on the ends of the crossbars and engage with the wedge pockets (6) of varying geometry. The horizontal connecting elements (1) are mounted via above-mentioned linkage of the wedge-shaped plug-in element (5) and the wedge pocket. The diagonal crossbars (2) are mounted by means of wedge heads (7) which are arranged on each side of a diagonal brace (2.1) and are slid over the wedge pocket (6) of the tubular column (3) via the receiving opening located in the small front face lies in a flat position.

Abstract: A right-angle scaffold coupler comprises two jaw assemblies (10A, 10B) each with jaws formed by a closure-plate (12) hinged to a common chassis (11), and having a hand lever (14) hinged (at 21) to the plate (12) with a spirally-coiled spring (25 FIG. 4) as hinge-pin within interleaved finger-lugs (26, 27). A hook-member (15) hinged to the lever (14) engages a lip (19) of the chassis (11) so that depression of the lever (14) pulls the plate (12) towards the chassis (11) in closing the jaws onto a scaffolding tube (13) and clamping to it by over-center action. The spring (25) coils up more tightly during the over-center action allowing resilient displacement between the lugs (26, 27) of hinge (21) to accommodate variations in tube circumference. The jaw surface (17) of the chassis (11) subtends more than 180 degrees to snap fit with the tube (13).