Abstract: A fire escape ladder which includes recessed steps which are mounted into an interior or exterior wall of a house, or the concrete walls of a basement, to provide an escape route to a window. When the ladder is used, the lock to the window is automatically released, and springs in the window frame cause the window to partially open. An associated smoke detector or a connection to the household smoke detector activates lights in the recessed steps and an audible alarm which aids in egress from a dark or smoke-filled building.

Abstract: An adjustable leg ladder assembly that includes a collapsible A-frame ladder structure including a top plate, a forward ladder step support including two forward support legs, and a rear A-frame support including two rear support legs; left and right forward leg adjustment inserts each slidably and lockably positionable into one of the forward support leas of the forward ladder step support; left and right rear leg adjustment inserts each slidably and lockably positlonable into one of the rear support legs of the rear A-frame support; and a weight sensing unit including a sensor output conditioning circuit, four weight sensors and four output displays; each of the four weight sensors being installed into the underside surface of one of the pivoting foot pads; the sensor output conditioning circut being in electrical connection with each of the sensor outputs from each of the four weight sensors and in electrical connection with each of the display inputs of the four output displays; the conditioning circuit p

Abstract: An inspection indicator for a fall prevention safety device of the type which includes a housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the housing, a cable adapted to be wound around the drum, and a centrifugally operated brake mechanism which is activated in response to an initial fast rotation of the drum in the unwinding direction and brakes the rotation of the drum to prevent further unwinding thereof. The inspection indicator comprises a pin which is secured to and extends from the brake mechanism and a spring loaded member which is releasably secured to the housing of the safety device against the restoring force of a spring. The pin is adapted to release the spring loaded member thereby causing the same to be ejected outwardly from the safety device in order to indicate that the safety device has been activated and/or to indicate that the safety device has been in use for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable lifeline safety device in which the side of the housing thereof comprises at least two extruded metal housing member which are connected to form the side of the housing. The present invention also provides a retractable lifeline safety device comprising a roller disposed in housing to reduce friction and abrasion. The present invention further provides a retractable lifeline safety device comprising a pawl clip means for maintaining the pawl adjacent the drum flange. The present invention also provides a ratchet brake assembly comprising abutment means extending radially outward therefrom to abut the housing and prevent rotation of the ratchet brake assembly relative to the housing. The present invention also provides retractable lifeline safety device comprising a drum assembly in which the drum flanges are removable from the drum hub to facilitate changes in the lifeline type.

Abstract: A safety device for detecting improper positioning of a ladder including an alarm connected to an energy source. A longitudinal and lateral level indicator switch are connected between the alarm and energy source with a first orientation for precluding power transfer to the alarm when the ladder is orientated in a safe disposition. The switches further have a second orientation for allowing power transfer to the alarm when the ladder is oriented in a dangerous disposition. Finally, an actuator switch is included for activating the device solely during use.

Abstract: A firehose coupling which helps fire fighters determine the direction to safety along a firehose. The preferred embodiment of the firehose coupling incorporates an elongated extension integrally attached to each lug of a male component of the firehose coupling, which extends a predetermined length beyond the perimeter of the cylindrical body of the male component only, in a direction diametrically opposed to the direction by which said male component is inserted to couple with said female component. These extensions are easily identified visually, directing the fire fighter away from the fire and towards the source connection of the firehose. Additionally, the lug extensions may have raised or printed indicia on their surface further assisting a fire fighter.

Abstract: An automatic foldable emergency ladder system for use in a building having a smoke detecting device includes an inverted L-shaped housing having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion and being securely mounted to a perimeter wall of a roof of the building; a control unit mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and having at least one input port for receiving a signal from the smoke detecting device; an electrically powered driving device mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and electrically connected to the control unit for receiving a signal therefrom and being activated/deactivated therefor; a spool unit rotatably mounted in the housing and driven by the driving device; a foldable ladder securely coupled to the vertical portion of the housing at one end thereof and having at least one wire which is secured to the spool means at one end thereof and an opposite end thereof is coupled to a free end of the foldable ladder such that the ladder can be folded/extended by the spool unit;

Abstract: An energy absorber for a horizontal lifeline protection system is provided. The energy absorber comprises a pair of independent shock absorbing units of similar construction. Each unit comprises a strip of woven webbing material and a strip of tear-ply webbing material. Each pair of corresponding ends of these strips are secured to each other and to a ring for securing to a portion of the horizontal lifeline fall protection system. The corresponding pairs of rings at each end are secured to each other. The woven webbing and tear-ply webbing of the units are folded and encased within a tearable envelope. The absorber is constructed so as to be secured to a horizontal lifeline within a fall protection system so that when a predetermined force is applied to the rings, the envelope tears and the tear-ply webbing separates, resulting in an overall elongation of the absorber. In the event the tear-ply webbing separates completely, the remaining force is applied to the woven webbing.

Abstract: A platform is equipped with a chair, which chair is displaceable along a mast, and to which chair platform components can be affixed, whereby, force indication means are incorporated between the chair and the platform components so that an indication can be provided concerning the differences in the mechanical loading of the platform components located at opposite sides of the chair.A simple embodiment arises through the application of a beam which is freely-spanned with respect to the chair and which is connected in a hinged manner with the platform components, within which beam force indication means are incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention is a stepstool for children with an automatic electronic message mechanism. The stepstool comprises a main housing including a horizontal step and a substantially vertical support having a bottom which rests on a compressive pod which in turn rests on a floor surface. Attached to the inside of the back side of the stepstool is a message mechanism whose switch is activated when weight such as that of a child is introduced to the horizontal step portion of the stepstool. The message mechanism comprises an on/off switch, power source, message chip, audio driver and a speaker which plays a predetermined message when the on/off switch is activated.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a generally horizonal lifeline wherein one end of the lifeline is mounted at fixed location, the other end of the lifeline is connected to one end of the shock absorbing device, one end of a turnbuckle is connected to the other end of the shock absorbing device and the other end of the turnbuckle is mounted at a fixed location. The shock absorbing device has a frangible bolt that breaks when a predetermined amount of force is applied thereto, which force is then absorbed by shock absorbing device. Also, shock absorbing devices are used to connect electric power cables to spaced apart supports.

Abstract: A shock load indicator for use with a safety cable comprising a casing surrounding a section of the cable, having severable top and bottom sections connected through a shearing means. The casing normally supports the weigth of the user of the cable, and encloses a length of the cable such that, when the cable is extended as a result of the severance of the casing due to a fall induced shock load, the top and bottom sections separate by a predetermined distance indicating that the cable has been subjected to a shock load.

Abstract: A handrail including one or more tubular members, the ends whereof are provided with respective fastening members. Inserts made of photoluminescent material are arranged between the tubular members and the fixing members and are suitable to make the handrail visible even in poor lighting conditions or in complete darkness.

Abstract: A continuous polyvinyl chloride cartridge is insertable in a handrail groove, or adhered to it. A series of inserts bearing braille messages are insertable into, and are captured by, a groove in the cartridge. The cartridge is configured to have edges that are continuous with the braille inserts. The braille inserts have front and rear tapered surfaces to smoothly meet the back wall of the cartridge groove.

Abstract: A system for indicating the use of a fall arresting device to arrest a fall wherein a collapsible member is mounted on one of the load supporting members so that the collapsible member will collapse when a predetermined load has been applied thereto but will remain substantially in place to indicate that the predetermined load had been applied thereto.

Abstract: An emergency cable descent system for lowering a person from a building in an emergency situation. The system includes a boom which may be pivoted outside a window of a building to support a cable away from an exterior of the building. The cable is contained upon a spool which rotates against a force of a friction brake to provide a constant rate of descent. The friction brake is actuated by a solenoid system to control the rate of descent according to the body weight of the person. Alternate embodiments of the present invention include both a mechanical siren for alerting other occupants of the building to a use of the system and a mechanical brake assembly which may be utilized to control the rate of descent in an absence of electrical power.

Abstract: A lift has a base frame supported on a pair of screw jacks and a pair of support legs when a multi-stage mast on the lift is to be raised. The support legs are slide mounted in guides and each is downwardly biased away from a control switch on the base frame so that the switch is open unless the leg is loaded by the weight of the lift. A transport carriage is mounted to roll on sloped tracks on the base frame and is connected to the base frame by a hydraulic cylinder unit which functions when activated to pull the carriage downwardly into ground engagement to take the load of the lift from the jacks and support legs. A control circuit prevents the mast from being raised while the lift is supported on the carriage.

Abstract: A rope grab for protecting a worker at an elevated position from a fall. The rope grab is disposed on a vertically extending safety line and is connected to the worker by a lanyard. The rope grab includes housing having a pivotable actuator mounted thereon. The actuator includes an serrated extension for engaging the safety line. A rupturable capsule containing an indicating liquid is located in the housing. The actuator is connected to the lanyard to secure the worker to the rope grab and is pivotable upon a downward pull thereon to move the serrated extension from a first position to a second position. When the serrated extension is in the first position it engages the safety line slightly to permit the rope grab to be slid therealong.

Abstract: A fall indicating device including an indicating portion that is normally retained within the body of the fall indicator. Upon the exertion of sufficient force upon the fall indicator, as, for example, from the forces generated during fall arrest, a restraining member within the body of the fall indicator, such as a shear pin or a series of disk springs, releases the indicating portion, alerting the user that the fall restraining device has been subjected to fall arrest forces. In the case of fall indicator using a shear pin, the indicator may require replacement after being subjected to fall arrest forces. However, a fall indicator using a spring or series of disk springs may be reset after use without needing to be replaced.The fall indicating device may also be integrally attached to a connecting member such as a snap hook.

Abstract: A safety net identifier employs an identifier filament which is woven, laced, twisted or otherwise incorporated with the cords of the safety net. The identifier filament is impervious to ultraviolet resistant coating so that the safety net does not appear exteriorly distinguishable from other nets which do not employ the identifier. In one embodiment, the filament comprises a folded ribbon which is imprinted with the net manufacturer and other pertinent information concerning the safety net.

Abstract: A one piece plastic leg construction. A main body having an inverted v-shaped configuration includes a pair of downwardly extending legs each having a c-shaped cross section. The legs are mutually opposed and open toward each other and include a plurality of horizontally extending inner walls. Indicating means on the outer surface of each leg provides a guide for severing the leg immediately beneath a particular inner wall depending upon the height desired of the final leg construction. A pair of upwardly extending walls are integrally mounted to the legs forming a channel to receive the object to be supported by the construction.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a least one set of paired stretchable boom assemblies which extend and contract, preferably in five stages. The boom assemblies are disposed between a chassis and a platform for raising and lowering the platform in interlocking relation with an operating mechanism, a guiding mechanism and a synchronizing mechanism. The lifting apparatus further includes a kick mechanism for auxiliarily supporting the load on the platform at a position where the platform is lowered about halfway. The kick mechanism has one end fixed to the chassis and the other end provided with a kick body capable of supporting the centers of the boom assemblies and provided with a detecting means for detecting contact between the boom assemblies and the kick mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an improved foldable ladder, and more particularly to a foldable one equipped with a pair of wheels so that the ladder can be converted into a push cart of various types for transportation of goods with ease. The foldable ladder is made up of a number of sections joined together one by one by way of adjustable knuckles which can be put in a number of different positions so that the ladder can be transformed into a plurality of forms of cart when a pair of wheels are removably attached to the bottom of the ladder.

Abstract: A ladder is disclosed which includes gate members to block access to the ladder. The gate members preferably include a warning against unauthorized use of the ladder. The ladder may be mounted on wheels such that it may be transportable, for uses in environments such as warehouses. Since these environments may be exposed to customer use, the warnings may prevent unauthorized use of the ladder by customers.

Abstract: An improved handrail is provided to aid a visually handicapped person in moving up and down stairs. The handrail extends along the stairs. Indicia on the handrail identifies the steps along which the handrail extends. The indicia is in the braille system and includes characters which project downwardly away from a lower side of the handrail.

Abstract: A portable cooler assembly (10) for use on a boat including an insulated container (12) for storing and insulating beverages including an insulated door (24) disposed in the container (12). The assembly (10) includes a plurality of steps (24) having two horizontal surfaces (30, 31) interconnected by a vertical riser (32). The door (24) is hinged (38) to the top horizontal surface (31) of the container (12) and pivots about an uppermost step (40) formed by the horizontal surface (31). The container (12) further comprises attachments (66) having a handle (68) to transport the assembly (10) and a dome shaped member (74) to receive the handle (68) and fixedly secure the assembly (10) to a lower surface (26).

Abstract: A light, compact safety tracer carried by fire fighters comprising a novel attaching means for attaching an elongated cord to an object outside or at the entrance of a burning house or at the entrance to a room before a fire fighter conducts searching. As the fire fighter enters the house the fire retardant cord is extended out from the safety tracer clipped on the waist belt of the fire fighter. From the color code on the cord the fire fighter can tell how far he has gone inside. The attaching means is shaped as a wedge so if attached to the hinge of a door it will keep the door open. A light source on the attaching means informs other fire fighters that the room is being searched and a fire fighter is inside. The safety tracer is equipped with a pager so he can alert other fire fighters if he needs help or is in trouble. The extended cord will serve as a guide so even when the smoke is so thick that a fire fighter can not see through he can still easily and quickly find his way out.

Abstract: A device which provides an escape route from a fire. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a directional fire hose which enables a person a person, even in a dark and smoke-filled environment caused by a fire, to follow the fire hose in a direction away from the fire and toward safety. In a second aspect, the invention provides a directional carpet which enables a person, even in a dark and smoke-filled environment, to escape from a burning house or building. The invention is particularly useful for volunteer fire-fighters, inexperienced fire-fighters, and crewmen on a seagoing vessel or platform at sea.

Abstract: An electrical deactivation circuit and a two piece overhead guard assembly including two separately movable bar members which extends upward and over the head of an operator located on the upper work platform of an aerial work platform. The guard bar members are connected to the frame of the upper work platform by a pair of movable support assemblies, the movement of which actuates impact detection induction type proximity switch means to interrupt electrical power applied to the electrical control circuits and stop the engine powering the aerial work platform. Each movable support assembly includes a pair of spring loaded mechanical subassemblies including a pair of clamp members between which is located an elongated coil spring whose stiffness is varied in accordance with the distance separation of the clamps. An inductive type proximity switch is located in the lower end portion of each spring to sense movement of the inner end of a respective guard bar member.

Abstract: A fire escape system is described in which a latched escape door in a building is unlatched by withdrawal of a restraining pin from a latch mechanism, producing automatic opening of the door by any of various door-opening self actuating means described. In one embodiment, withdrawal of the restraining means results as a consequence of the transmission of a signal generated by a fire detection device, to an electric windlass system, which thereupon retractably winds a cable attached to the pin, withdrawing it from the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A safety device for restraining a person who works at great heights. The device comprises a housing, a drum rotatably mounted and contained within the housing, and a lifeline having a first end attached to the drum, and a second end extending outside the housing and adapted to be connected to a restraint. The lifeline is wound around the drum in response to the drum being rotated in a restraining direction, and the lifeline is unwound from around the drum in response to the drum being rotated in an opposite extending direction. The device also includes a spring for biasing the drum to rotate in the retracting direction, and a brake for braking extending rotation of the drum at an angular velocity in excess of some predetermined speed. When the person wears a body harness having crossed safety straps on one of the person's chest or back, the device further includes an attaching plate for slidably connecting the crossed straps to the housing.

Abstract: There is provided, in a preferred embodiment, an end cap for the rails of an extension plank or the like in the form of a molded one-piece open box which fits over the ends of a set of rails, with the ends of the rails being fastened together therein in spaced apart relation by means of rivets or other fasteners extending through holes which may be formed in the end cap during the molding process. The end cap is preferably formed of an injection-molded thermoplastic, such as an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene material. Manufacturing steps, such as grinding of sharp corners, cutting to length, and forming of holes, required by conventional end pieces are eliminated. Maximum-load safety warnings may be permanently molded into the end cap.

Abstract: A collapsible tower apparatus (10) for use on an ATV (100); wherein, the tower apparatus (10) comprises a framework unit (11) that is pivotally and reinforceable attached on one end to the front (102) and rear (103) racks of the ATV (100) and wherein the other end of the framework unit is pivotally connected to a platform unit (12) equipped with a seat unit (13); whereby the framework unit (11) in conjunction with the platform unit (12) form a protective cage for the operator of the ATV (100) when the tower apparatus (10) is disposed in its collapsed mode.

Abstract: An automatic escape ladder is set forth for use particularly in multiple unit, multi-level residential dwellings. A compact interfolded ladder is positionable within an associated enclosure wherein said enclosure includes an upper pivotal portion and a lower portion secured to an extendable ladder. Upon activation through a fire alarm system, a solenoid latch mechanism will release said ladder and said bottom plate enabling said ladder to extend and lock.

Abstract: A ladder beacon is provided which will aid firefighting and rescue personnel in locating a ladder in adverse conditions such as darkness, smoke and fog. The ladder beacon is a small self contained strobe light which is affixed to the top rung of a ladder and which is automatically activated when the ladder is raised to a vertical position.

Abstract: A collapsible support is provided for supporting carpentry work, boards, roadside annunciators and the like. The support is equipped with downwardly divergent and telescoping legs, for height adjustment, that are united to a horizontal beam or stringer by means of 3-way brackets. A pair of leg braces are provided to limit leg spread, afford additional support to each pair of legs and also support a carrying case. When the support apparatus of this invention is disassembled it may be positioned inside the carrying case for compact storage or transporting about.

Abstract: An automatic trippling rescue system is intended to rapidly and automatically make a rescued person integral with a rescue link (2). It is essentially comprised of a mobile inflatable sleeve (6), the axial displacement of which around the forearm of the rescued person and then the inflation thereof are automatically tripped by the mere grasping of a handle (23).This system applies to rescue at sea, in mountains, holes, crevasses, etc.

Abstract: A tripod utilized over a manhole or the like to aid in the introduction or removal of a workman or equipment into the hole includes a housing and three legs extending downwardly and outwardly from the housing. An elongated rod extends vertically through the housing and includes a support member in the form of a loop or hook. A fall protection device may be suspended from the support member and includes a cable connected to a harness worn by a workman. In the event of a fall, the weight of the workman pulls the support member and rod downwardly against the force of a spring located within the housing until a limit switch carried by the rod activates an audible and visual alarm. A nut threaded onto the top part of the rod can be moved down against the top of the housing to prevent downward movement of the rod. This allows the tripod to be used to lower heavy equipment without activating the alarm.

Abstract: A firewood cutting support for cutting a piece of firewood stock into pieces of desired length including a plurality of cross braces spaced from one another a distance approximately equal to the desired length of firewood pieces being cut and an end cross brace spaced from an end one of the plurality of cross brace. The support insures that pieces of firewood will be cut into desired lengths and prevents the pieces from binding against the saw blade. The support also insures that the log will not require repositioning during any of the cutting operations.

Abstract: A safety step fire escape is provided and consists of a plurality of steps mounted in a vertical spaced relationship to an outside wall of a building adjacent windows of the building. The last step is elevated high enough from ground level so that a person can only climb down the fire escape. A descent cable extends through the steps to guide the person down the fire escape. A signaling device is operable by movement of the descent cable from its normal position.

Abstract: In order to indicate whether a straight or extension ladder is positioned safely for use, a first label is provided on the side rail of the ladder and includes a level for indicating when the ladder is properly angled and a second label and a cooperating pointer are provided at the foot of the ladder to indicate if the base of the ladder is at a safe angle relative to the support surface.

Abstract: An electronic control system allows control over the safe operation of an aerial work platform machine. The control system uses a firmware programmed digital processor to execute a sequence of steps to monitor and control the safe operation of the work platform machine so that tipping and damage are prevented. The control system has sensors to measure the condition of the work platform machine and has outputs allowing control over the work platform machine.

Abstract: A workman's lift platform apparatus has a vertically swingable and extensible boom with a workman's platform at the outer end. A color coding indicating the amount of boom extension is provided on the fly section of the boom, visible to the workman in the platform, and an indicator plate having corresponding color coding is provided adjacent the controls on the platform. The indicator plate in the form of a drum is driven proportionately to the angular movement of the boom by a pair of sheathed, push-pull cables, or by a sheathed torsion cable. In other embodiments, the indicator plate is tilted in proportion to the angular movement of the boom by a sheathed push-pull cable or by a parallel bar linkage. A cursor is provided adjacent the indicator plate, and is part of a gravity-operated pendulum.

Abstract: A workman's lift platform apparatus has a vertically swingable and extensible boom with a workman's platform at the outer end. A color coding indicating the amount of boom extension is provided on the fly section of the boom, visible to the workman in the platform, and an indicator plate having corresponding color coding is provided adjacent the controls on the platform. A Bowden cable is connected to the indicator plate and the fly section, to move the indicator plate proportionately to the angle of the boom to the horizontal.

Abstract: A warning light assembly for use on ladders having a plurality of rungs to indicate the presence of someone on the ladder. The warning light assembly has a switch activated by a person's foot placed on one of the lower rungs of the ladder. When first activated, the switch turns on a flashing light positioned about eye level. As the person disembarks from the ladder, his foot on the lower rung again activates the switch turning off the flashing light.

Abstract: A shock absorbing lanyard (10) having a warning flag (20) for indicating the status of the lanyard (10). Upon the application of a predetermined force, as the lanyard (10) elongates, a gathered section (18) simultaneously stretches and frees the flag (20). The freed flag (20) indicates that the lanyard (10) has been used and must be discarded.

Abstract: A doorway type opening is formed through the outside wall of a building. A door device is hingedly affixed to the building at the lower edge of the opening and has a plurality of telescoping sections juxtaposed when the door device is closed and forming an extended planar incline when the door device is opened. Thus, the door device when open supports people leaving the building via the opening and functions as a slide to conduct them to the ground. A door control device affixed to the door device and the building lowers one end of the door device to the ground supporting the door device in its extended open condition from the lower edge of the opening to the ground and supports the door device in its closed condition as a door openable only from inside the building.

Abstract: A system for emergency evacuation of individuals from a multi-story building. A hollow, vertically disposed tube of sufficient cross section to accommodate a person in a sitting position is affixed to the outside of the building, parallel to a side wall, and inclined tubes provide access from a doorway through the building wall at each floor to the interior of the vertical tube. Pivotally mounted platforms are disposed within the tube at vertical intervals of a few feet and attached to weighted lever arms which normally maintain the platforms in a blocking position across the interior of the tube. The weight of an individual will overcome the bias of the counterweight and rotate the platform to an unblocking position, allowing the individual to drop to the next platform. A controlled rate of descent is provided by the time required for the individual's weight to overcome the inertia and biasing force of the counterweights attached to the lever arms at each successively lower level.

Abstract: A building Emergency Exit Means mounted to a wall of a building, a modular enclosure of interlocking design comprising one story units having a built-in emergency door, a ladder, a platform with a climb-through opening, an alarm system, lighting, ventilation and communications for all sizes of buildings.

Abstract: An emergency escape comprises a stowage framework to be anchored in an opening formed in the slab of the floor of a room or the veranda, upper and lower covers interlocked linkage means, an escape means including a plurality of telescopically connected pipe sections, each of the pipe sections having a rung at the lower end on the uppermost pipe section being rotatably supported in the framework, and descent control means.The descent and extension speed of the escape means is controlled by the descent control means when the descent control means released a ratchet mechanism.