Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture that can include, and/or a method for activities that can include and/or relate to, an elongate flexible strap and a plurality of elongate finger steps, each elongate finger step from the plurality of finger steps attached to the strap.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture that can include, and/or a method for activities that can include and/or relate to, an elongate flexible strap and a plurality of elongate finger steps, each elongate finger step from the plurality of finger steps attached to the strap.

Abstract: An access ladder for access to a pickup truck bed. The access ladder includes a base having a pair of spaced apart “J” shaped brackets, with the proximal end having an open jaw sized and shaped so that it can be releasably secured to the pickup truck bed. The “J” shaped brackets are spaced apart by spacers, and optionally, a step plate. A protective mat may be provided to protect the surface of the pickup truck bed against scratching or abrasion. A handle may be provided for assisting users with balance as they ingress or egress from a pickup truck bed. A plurality of steps are affixed to the “J” shaped brackets. The steps are provided at fixed intervals along a pair of flexible support members, which in an embodiment, may be ropes. Support stops are used to set spacing of steps along the flexible support members. Bumpers may be provided at each step to further protect the outer surface of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A step of an industrial vehicle according to the present invention includes: an upper footboard fixed to a side surface of the industrial vehicle; a turning mechanism provided at a rear side of the upper footboard; a front suspension member extending downward from a front portion of the upper footboard and having elasticity; a rear suspension member extending downward from the turning mechanism and having elasticity; and a lower footboard held by the front suspension member and the rear suspension member, wherein: an upper portion of the front suspension member is fixed to the front portion of the upper footboard so as to be non-turnable; a lower portion of the front suspension member is fixed to a front portion of the lower footboard so as to be non-turnable; a lower portion of the rear suspension member is fixed to a rear portion of the lower footboard so as to be non-turnable; and an upper portion of the rear suspension member is coupled to a rear portion of the upper footboard through the turning mechanis

Abstract: This invention relates to a spreader step for a rope ladder comprising a metal scaffold having three types of overlapping elements. There are two parallel elongate elements, two U-shaped elements, the ends of which are inserted into the ends of the parallel elongate elements, and four strengthening elements that are disposed over the other two types of elements at the site of overlap.

Abstract: A paint roller storage system for storing a plurality of paint rollers includes a plurality of paint rollers. Each of the paint rollers has a handle and a roller that is rotatably coupled to the handle. The roller corresponding to each of the paint rollers comprises a plurality of wires. A storage rack is provided and the storage rack is selectively coupled to a support surface. The storage rack has a plurality of apertures. The roller corresponding to each of the paint rollers is removably inserted through an associated one of the apertures to store each of the paint rollers. The storage rack inhibits the wires corresponding to each of the paint rollers from becoming deformed during storage.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.

Abstract: An unfurlable rescue ladder. The ladder includes a progress capture element allowing someone who deploys the ladder for rescuing a person who has fallen to also assist the person to climb the ladder.

Abstract: A foldable ladder has multiple ladder segments that fold and unfold relative to each other. Each ladder segment includes one rung element and multiple side rail sections that unfold for deployment to form box-shaped side rails of the ladder. Adjacent ladder segments are connected to each other by hinge joints. The ladder includes locking features at the hinge joints for preventing relative pivoting movement of adjacent ladder segments by more than about 180 degrees.

Abstract: A weighted agility ladder for use as a multi-purpose fitness device. The weighted agility ladder transitions easily for use within variable forms of fitness training, enabling a user to perform a comprehensive fitness routine in a small area. The weighted agility ladder has a pair of ends and a plurality of weighted rungs which can be collected and selectively rigidly coupled together by the user to employ the ladder as a weight. The weighted ladder can have a handle on each end for use of the ladder as a free weight when the weighted rungs are coupled together. Further, the weighted ladder can have nylon or elastic rails to enable loaded movement and an increased range of motion for targeting additional muscle mass during strength training. When the weighted rungs are coupled together, the ladder can serve as additional weight while performing bodyweight exercises, such as planks and squats.

Abstract: A loop rope assembly includes loop rope assembly includes a main rope segment having a plurality of rope strands and first and second ends, the plurality of rope strands of the same material and coextensive with the main rope segment; a first end loop provided on the first end of the main rope segment; a second end loop provided on the second end of the main rope segment, the first end loop and the second end loop connecting and establishing continuity between the plurality of rope strands at the first and second ends, respectively, of the main rope segment; the plurality of rope strands disposed in closely adjacent proximity to each other at each of a plurality of spaced-apart intervals along each of the plurality of rope strands; at least one of the plurality of rope strands axially movable with respect to another of the plurality of rope strands at each of the plurality of spaced-apart intervals; and at least one sinusoidal intermediate loop defined by the at least one of the plurality of rope strands betw

Abstract: A portable pathway apparatus for providing a path over an earthen surface that includes a pliable frame member comprising one or more layers; a row of mating holes disposed on each side of the pliable frame member; a set of independently adjustable steps coupled to the pliable frame member in a first orientation direction; wherein each independently adjustable step comprises an adjustment mechanism, and wherein each independently adjustable step is coupled to the pliable frame member with a mount that aligns with the row of mating holes on each of the corresponding sides of the pliable frame member, whereby each of the independently adjustable steps is also movable along a length of the pliable frame member.

Abstract: A tank farm system with improved ingress and egress that includes a tank configured to hold a volume of fluid; a barrier constructed at least partially around the tank, the barrier comprising a first surface contour and a second surface contour; and a portable pathway configured to conform to the first surface contour and the second surface contour. The pathway further having a frame member; at least one step; and a mount for movingly coupling the at least one step to the frame member.

Abstract: A method of providing a traversable path along a surface, the method including the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, the portable pathway having a frame member comprising at least a first layer, and at least one adjustable step coupled with the frame member. The method further includes securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position.

Abstract: A method of providing a traversable path along a surface that includes the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position. The method includes the portable pathway having at least one adjustable step connected thereto. A portable pathway apparatus for providing a traversable path over a surface that includes a pliable frame member comprising one or more layers of reinforced rubber, at least one step adjustably connected to the pliable frame member, whereby at least one step includes an adjustment mechanism associated with a horizontal member. The apparatus has at least one securing element coupled with the pliable frame member, the securing element configured to secure the portable pathway to the surface. The surface includes a contour with at least a first angled surface and a second angled surface, and the pliable frame member forms to the contour.

Abstract: An improved fall arrest lanyard apparatus and method for decelerating and arresting a user from impacting the ground after a fall, along with an integrated, deployable etrier. After the fall sequence has ended, the user may orient himself in a comfortable position using the deployed etrier so as to prevent or relieve the effects of suspension trauma while the user awaits rescue.

Abstract: A fire escape device featuring a housing mountable outside windows, the bottom panel of the housing is pivotally attached to the back panel, the bottom panel can move between an open position and a closed position; a collapsible chain ladder attached to the back panel of the housing, the collapsible chain ladder can move between a rolled position an unrolled position wherein the collapsible chain ladder hangs downwardly from inside the housing; and a securing mechanism that can move between an engaged and disengaged position, when the securing mechanism is in the engaged position the bottom panel is in the closed position and the chain ladder is in the rolled position, when the securing mechanism is moved to the disengaged position the bottom panel is moved to the open position and the chain ladder can move from the rolled position to the unrolled position and fall downwardly from the housing.

Abstract: A method of providing a traversable path along a surface, the method including the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, the portable pathway having a frame member comprising at least a first layer, and at least one adjustable step coupled with the frame member. The method further includes securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position.

Abstract: A method of providing a traversable path along a surface that includes the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position. The method includes the portable pathway having at least one adjustable step connected thereto. A portable pathway apparatus for providing a traversable path over a surface that includes a pliable frame member comprising one or more layers of reinforced rubber, at least one step adjustably connected to the pliable frame member, whereby at least one step includes an adjustment mechanism associated with a horizontal member. The apparatus has at least one securing element coupled with the pliable frame member, the securing element configured to secure the portable pathway to the surface. The surface includes a contour with at least a first angled surface and a second angled surface, and the pliable frame member forms to the contour.

Abstract: An escape system for a building, including a belting ladder formed by an endless band of a flat flexible reinforced belting material with a plurality of longitudinally-spaced apertures each with a substantially transverse edge portion forming rung-like features therealong for human engagement, and a control apparatus having (a) a support structure mountable to the building, the support structure having a central shaft and a rotatable pulley member secured thereto with the endless band therearound, (b) a speed limiter mounted with respect to the main shaft for restraining rotation of the pulley member during human descent by belt movement. In some embodiments, the control apparatus also includes a winder device adjacent to the pulley member and having at least one winder rod engageable with the belt and orbitable with an engaged portion thereof about the pulley member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a flexible ladder for traversing a structure that addresses problems common with conventional rope ladders.

Abstract: An improved marine emergency rope ladder apparatus includes: (a) a continuous piece of rope knotted so as to form a safety ladder having a top and a bottom-free end, two side pieces that form a loop at the top of the ladder which is used to attach the top of the ladder to the surface to which it is to be affixed, and a plurality of rungs extending between these side pieces, (b) a pull rope whose top end is attached proximate the free end of the ladder and whose length is such that its bottom end is place proximate a water surface to which the ladder is to be extended, (c) a covering for the ladder in the form of a sleeve with a top flap and a means for releasably connecting the covering's bottom portion so that it can support the weight of the ladder fitted within the covering, and wherein this releasable means is configured so that a pull on the pull rope causes the releasable means to open the covering's bottom so as to allow the free end of the ladder to fall to the water below.

Abstract: An improved marine emergency rope ladder apparatus includes: (a) a continuous piece of rope knotted so as to form a safety ladder having a top and a bottom-free end, two side pieces that form a loop at the top of the ladder which is used to attach the top of the ladder to the surface to which it is to be affixed, and a plurality of rungs extending between these side pieces, (b) a pull rope whose top end is attached proximate the free end of the ladder and whose length is such that its bottom end is place proximate a water surface to which the ladder is to be extended, (c) a covering for the ladder in the form of a sleeve with a top flap and a means for releasably connecting the covering's bottom portion so that it can support the weight of the ladder fitted within the covering, and wherein this releasable means is configured so that a pull on the pull rope causes the releasable means to open the covering's bottom so as to allow the free end of the ladder to fall to the water below.

Abstract: An escape system for a building, including a belting ladder formed by an endless band of a flat flexible reinforced belting material with a plurality of longitudinally-spaced apertures each with a substantially transverse edge portion forming rung-like features therealong for human engagement, and a control apparatus having (a) a support structure mountable to the building, the support structure having a central shaft and a rotatable pulley member secured thereto with the endless band therearound, (b) a speed limiter mounted with respect to the main shaft for restraining rotation of the pulley member during human descent by belt movement. In some embodiments, the control apparatus also includes a winder device adjacent to the pulley member and having at least one winder rod engageable with the belt and orbitable with an engaged portion thereof about the pulley member.

Abstract: A safety device including a support that may be stowed within an enclosure and easily extended for use. One embodiment comprises a primary strap having a handle on one end and a step on the other end. The primary strap passes through two rings, which allow it to slide through the rings when pulled in one direction, but resist movement when pulled in the other. The rings are coupled to a keeper, preferably by a secondary strap, and the keeper includes a pouch closable by a flap to form an enclosure. The keeper may be attached to a vessel or other object via a connector, such as a loop, on its rear side. The straps are gathered inside the keeper, with a portion of the primary strap hanging outside the keeper and fixed in position by the closed flap, such when the portion of the primary strap is pulled, the flap will open and the handle and step extend, to allow a user to use the handle and step for support to gain entry to a vessel from the water or such other purpose as may be necessary or desirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a flexible ladder for traversing a structure that addresses problems common with conventional rope ladders.

Abstract: A safety device including a support that may be stowed within an enclosure and easily extended for use. One embodiment comprises an adjustable length strap coupled to a support strap fixed in the form of a loop that may act as a handle or a step, and a keeper comprising a pouch closable by a flap to form an enclosure. Multiple support loops may be attached to one another as desired. The upper end of the adjustable length strap is coupled to the interior of the keeper, and the keeper may be attached to a vessel or other object via a securing loop on its rear side. The straps are gathered inside the keeper, with a portion of the lowermost support loop hanging outside the keeper and fixed in position by the closed flap, such that the exposed support loop when pulled will cause the flap to open and the strap to extend.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extending, folding ladder comprising a single post (1) which is disposed in the symmetry plane thereof and which is formed by an assembly of segments (2) and adjacent segments (3) of the same length, each segment and the corresponding adjacent segment being articulated with one another at the midpoint thereof. In addition, the ends of consecutive segments are articulated with one another, such that the distances between two successive articulations are identical. The inventive ladder is deployed by manually extending the constituent parallelograms until the ladder is fully extended and said process is performed in reverse in order to retract the ladder for storage. The rungs (4) of the ladder are positioned at the midpoint articulation between two opposing segments or at each articulation between two successive segments on the front face of the ladder. The articulations between two successive segments on the rear face of the ladder are not equipped with rungs.

Abstract: A portable assistive device adaptable to most vehicles with hinged doors. The invention as described allows for anchor unit to rest outside vehicle and to be positioned for use with the door open. The apparatus user can then shut the door without holding the invention in place. As described, the anchor unit is connected to the grip unit with flexible connector straps and does not interfere with operation of the window and does not require the disconnection of the flexible connector straps to transfer the device between vehicles.

Abstract: A safety device including a support that may be stowed within an enclosure and easily extended for use. One embodiment comprises a support that may act as a handle and a step, a strap, the lower end of which is attached to the support, and a keeper comprising a pouch closable by a flap to form an enclosure. The upper end of the strap is attached to the interior of the keeper, and the keeper may be attached to a vessel or other object via a loop on its rear side. The strap is gathered inside the keeper, with the handle hanging outside the keeper and fixed in position by the closed flap, such that the handle when pulled will cause the flap to open and the strap to extend.

Abstract: An adjustable step trainer including two straps and more than one slat through which the straps are passed. Each end of the slat has a fixing section through which the strap is passed. A press unit is disposed in a chamber of the fixing section for pressing and fixing the strap.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device for securing a step of a rope ladder to the rope. The device includes an upper and a lower wedge collar, each of which has a central slot through which the ropes to be secured are threaded. The device further includes a diamond-shaped wedge heart which is inserted in the slot between the ropes such that the ropes are compressed between the sides of the wedge collars and the edges of the wedge heart. The wedge heart also has locking lugs on each edge, each locking lug contacting a surface of the upper and the lower wedge collar to prevent the wedge heart from being pulled through the slot in the wedge collars when pressure is applied to the ropes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a climbing safety device in a tower crane including a vertical ladder enabling an operator to move to an overhead operator cab, and a wire rope for ensuring a safety of the operator. The climbing safety device includes a wire rope winding unit for winding or unwinding a wire rope. The wire rope has a ladder structure while being provided, at each side thereof, with engagement balls vertically spaced apart from one another. The climbing safety device also includes a safety unit for guiding a movement of the wire rope while controlling a sudden unwinding of the wire rope. The safety unit includes a sensor for sensing the sudden unwinding of the wire rope.

Abstract: A stowable and extendable step to facilitate entry by a person into a vessel from the water is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a support that may act as a handle and a step, a strap, the lower end of which is attached to the support, and a keeper comprising a substantially planar, foldable piece of material. The upper end of the strap is attached to the vessel, either directly or indirectly. The keeper has upper and lower areas, each with releasable fasteners (such as Velcro) on at least a portion of its perimeter, the fasteners on the upper area complementary to and interlocking with those on the lower area. The lower area of the keeper may thus be folded up and into contact with the upper area, forming an enclosure. The strap is gathered inside said enclosure, with the end attached to the handle extending from the upper junction of the upper and lower areas, such that the handle when pulled will cause the strap to extend and enclosure to open.

Abstract: A portable elevated observation chair apparatus comprises a rope ladder releasably attached on each side of a top end thereof to laterally separated elevated support locations and releasably attached on each side of a bottom portion to laterally separated bottom support locations. The attachments cause the rope ladder to resist twisting away from the forward facing direction. A bottom end of the rope ladder is located forward of the top end thereof such that lower rungs of the rope ladder are forward of higher rungs. A flexible chair is attached between upper and lower adjacent rungs located in proximity to the top end of the rope such that a seat is provided by the flexible chair between the rungs. Conveniently the support locations are provided by trees, and the apparatus may be rolled up in a compact bundle and readily carried through treed areas.

Abstract: A rope ladder having a plurality of steps, each step having a horizontal support surface and two bores and at least two spaced-apart ropes, each with a stop member fixed to the ropes thereby providing a downward stop for each step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a climbing safety device in a tower crane including a vertical ladder enabling an operator to move to an overhead operator cab, and a wire rope for ensuring a safety of the operator. The climbing safety device includes a wire rope winding unit for winding or unwinding a wire rope. The wire rope has a ladder structure while being provided, at each side thereof, with engagement balls vertically spaced apart from one another. The climbing safety device also includes a safety unit for guiding a movement of the wire rope while controlling a sudden unwinding of the wire rope. The safety unit includes a sensor for sensing the sudden unwinding of the wire rope.

Abstract: A pair of substantially parallel lengthwise spaced apart two layered web straps having an attaching device integral at one end of each corresponding web strap. At designated intervals along each web strap, the two layers are spaced apart to form an opening through which a ladder step is inserted at each end of the step. A flanged end cap is removably attached to each end of the ladder step along an outside edge of the web strap. The end caps are removed from the end of the ladder steps and the ladder steps are removed from the straps for compact storage with the straps.

Abstract: A pair of substantially parallel lengthwise spaced apart two layered web straps having an attaching device integral at one end of each corresponding web strap. At designated intervals along each web strap, the two layers are spaced apart to form an opening through which a ladder step is inserted at each end of the step. A flanged end cap is removably attached to each end of the ladder step along an outside edge of the web strap. The end caps are removed from the end of the ladder steps and the ladder steps are removed from the straps for compact storage with the straps.

Abstract: A deployable emergency escape ladder is provided that permits rapid egress from the upper floors of a building or home in the event of a fire. A canvas pouch is located directly below the interior sill of a second story or higher window. The pouch is fastened securely via a metal back plate that penetrates through the rear of the pouch and fastens to the wall. Connected to this metal plate and rolled up inside the pouch is a KEVLAR® rope ladder with PVC runs with the exception of the bottom rung which is made of weighted aluminum. This weighted lowest step allows the invention to unroll and hang on the exterior of the building in a secure fashion without swaying.

Abstract: A flexible ladder constructed of nylon webbing straps includes a central weight-bearing strap having terminal loops at both ends, and a plurality of opposed pairs of side loops for hand and foot placement. A second embodiment of the ladder has a primary weight-bearing strap with loops projecting from one side, this second embodiment being adapted to being folded in half for hoisting heavier loads.

Abstract: A fire escape mechanism that utilizes a web configuration of heat tolerant, low heat conductive, light weight, and high strength material that is extended along the height of a multi-story building such that individuals in the building an escape from a fire in the building by exiting the building directly onto the fire escape web and lower themselves to safety by climbing down its length.

Abstract: An extendible, self-retracting ladder particularly suitable for use with inflatable white water rafts and other watercraft. The ladder includes one or more rung assemblies which include tubular rungs supported by rope stiles. The rope stiles extend into the ends of the tubular rungs and are engaged with a tensioning mechanism that utilizes a pair of shock cords to apply continuous tension to the rope stiles. In the absence of weight on the ladder, the shock cord tensioning mechanisms retract the rope stiles into the tubular rungs and thereby raise the rungs into a compact retracted assembly. When a person's weight is applied to the rungs, the rope stiles are drawn out of the rungs and the rungs are extended downwardly into a conventional ladder configuration. The ladder can be stowed above the waterline when not in use, yet can be deployed and used by a person in the water without requiring any assistance from other persons aboard the watercraft.

Abstract: A simple and relatively lightweight personal fire escape assembly device attaches to the non-ground floor of a patio of a high rise building and provides an easy escape route to the patio of the floor below in the event of emergency. Device includes three stackable annular ring elements, namely, a cover, a hollow center ring and a bottom disc. The center ring and bottom disc attach to the top and bottom, respectively, of a ladder and a series of chain elements. The hollow center ring also attaches to a hinge bracket which connects to the transverse piping part of U-shaped piping made of two vertical pipes and a transverse horizontal pipe where the vertical pipes are fastened to the floor of the patio. In stored position the device other than the piping hangs down from the piping by means of the hinge bracket. In an emergency the user rotates the device 270 degrees so that the hinge bracket of the device rests on the railing of the patio and the rings extend beyond the railing. User removes the cover ring.

Abstract: A self-contained fire escape apparatus for mounting in a wall of a building adjacent an associated window includes a collapsible ladder. A cover is securely attached to a first end of the ladder. A box is configured to provide storage space for the ladder and defines a bottom wall, front and rear walls, a pair of sidewalls, and an opening in the front wall. A second end of the ladder is securely anchored to the box. The cover is releasably attached to the box to cover at least a portion of the opening such that a person can manually remove the cover and eject the cover and the first end of the ladder through the associated window. The box is configured for mounting within a building wall in close reception between a pair of upright structural members of the building wall. The collapsible ladder 2 is sufficiently small in its collapsed condition that it fits within the box 8 for storage.

Abstract: A collapsible fire escape ladder with an anti-tip restraint seat. The anti-tip restraint seat is attached tD the bottom end of the collapsible ladder and is used to safely lower a person from the upper floor of a building to eliminate the need for carrying the person while descending the collapsible ladder.

Abstract: A escape ladder assembly for permitting a user to escape through a window of an upper story of a building. The escape ladder assembly includes a ladder having a spaced apart pair of elongate flexible members and a plurality of steps extending between the flexible members of the ladder. Each of the flexible members has opposite upper and lower ends. A storage box is provided having an opening therein and a lid substantially covering the opening of the storage box. The lid is detachably coupled to the storage box. The ladder is disposed in the storage box. The upper ends of the flexible member of the ladder are coupled to the storage box and the bottom ends of the flexible member are coupled to the lid.

Abstract: A fire escape ladder for attaching to a window for providing a means to escape a burning building. The fire escape ladder includes a pair of spaced apart arms adapted for engaging a generally vertically oriented wall such as a window sill. Each of the arms has a generally J-shaped upper portion adapted for hooking onto a sill, a main portion extending at an obtuse angle from the upper portion, and a spacing portion extending from the main portion and adapted for abutting an outer surface of a building. A stabilizer bar extends between the arms. A ladder portion extends from free ends of the main portions of the arms. The ladder portion has a pair of deformable lines and a plurality of rungs coupled to the lines at equally spaced intervals along a length of the lines.

Abstract: A flexible step assembly for vehicles which includes a number of vertically disposed horizontal steel tread members attached at their ends to flexible side members. A spring loaded assembly is attached to the upper ends of each side member, the spring loaded assembly is of two part construction, top part being fixed to a location on the vehicle for use, the lower part being separable under impact from the top part, but upon release of loading is recoupled by the spring and its associated components.

Abstract: An escape ladder stored in an interior wall of a building, beneath a window. The ladder is deployed by placement through a window with a storage container providing a step for ease in exiting. Ladder steps are secured by a flexible strap with each step including an integral spacer to maintain proper positioning of the steps upon deployment. The ladder is stored in a nest configuration pattern with the connecting strap folded between each step.