Abstract: A portable work station suitable for use in a vehicle spray paint booth, the station includes a platform member supported on each end by an open frame end support member. The end members pivot about the end of the platform and can be adjusted so as to change the height of the platform above the work surface. A leg of each end support member is wedged between pin, a stop stud fixed to the end of the platform and a locking pin is pivoted into engagement with the leg to prevent walking motion of the work station while in use. The work station can be provided with a railing along the platform edge, a tool hanger, and can be provided with an air supply stanchion to facilitate the spray paint operation.

Abstract: A staircase cabinet comprises a plurality of treads each having an outer edge, an inner edge and a back surface; a pair of outer stringers both for defining opposed walls of the cabinet and supporting the outer edges of each tread; an inner stringer for supporting the inner edges of each tread; and fasteners for attaching the treads to the inner stringer and the outer stringers in alternating arrangement on respective opposite sides of the inner stringer to define an alternating staircase for use between a lower level and an upper level, the back surface of the treads and the outer stringers defining a cabinet space. The outer stringers comprise planar wooden sheets having an outer surface, and the fasteners pass only partially through the planar members to maintain the outer surface unbroken by the fasteners.

Abstract: An electrically-operated folding stage system which embodies the invention in one preferred form comprises (a) a stage body with (i) a platform, (ii) plural rows of upright legs pivotally connected to a bottom of the platform, and (iii) plural connecting members each located along a line connecting lower portions of the legs of one row for connecting the legs to one another, (b) wheels connected to bottoms of foremost ones of the legs to facilitate movements of the stage body on a floor, (c) plural geared motors fixed to the bottom of the platform and each capable of being rotated in either of opposed directions to move the stage body between a horizontal position on the floor and a vertical position immediately adjacent to a wall, each of the geared motors having an output shaft, (d) swing arms each having one end fixed to the output shaft of one of the geared motors, and (e) support means each provided in conjunction with one of the swing arms and located on a given position predetermined in relation to a l

Abstract: A support having two support sections slidably engaged with each other includes a lock that can be used to releasably fix the size of the support surface defined by the support sections. The lock is mounted to one of the support sections and includes a shaft that can be received by any of the series of openings defined by the remaining support section. When the shaft is located within an opening, the positions of the support sections relative to each other are fixed, and the support surface will remain stable during use.

Abstract: A compact foldable mechanic's walk for facilitating servicing of motor vehicles by improving access to the engine compartment. The mechanic's walk includes a pair of relatively narrow elongated planar mirror image platform members hingedly connected together along abuttable acute angular ends. The platform members are supportable by a plurality of pivotally supported legs adapted to be folded in against the bottom surfaces of the platform members. The platform members preferably are flanged so that in folded condition the in-folded support legs are enclosed within a box-like enclosure.

Abstract: The fundamental construction of an electrically-operated folding stage system which embodies the invention in the most preferred form comprises (A) a stage body with (i) a platform, (ii) plural rows of legs with upper ends connected to a bottom of the platform, each row of the legs including a foremost leg and other legs having greater lengths than the foremost leg, and (iii) means for pivotally connecting the upper end of the foremost leg to the bottom of the platform, (B) wheels connected to bottoms of the foremost legs to facilitate movements of the stage body on a floor, (C) geared motors having output shafts, fixed to the bottom of the platform, and each capable of being rotated in either of opposed directions to move the stage body between a horizontal position on the floor and a vertical position immediately adjacent to a wall, (D) swing arms each having one end fixed to the output shaft of one of the geared motors, and (E) support means each provided in conjunction with one of the swing arms and locat

Abstract: Electrically-operated Folding Stage System An electrically-operated folding stage system comprises a pair of first and second stage components connected to each other and each including a platform, plural operating means each having a pair of output shafts and located directly below a borderline between the platforms of the stage components, a first link means with a lower end fixed to one of the output shafts, a second link means with a lower end fixed to the other output shaft, means for pivotally connecting an upper end of the first link means to a bottom of the platform of the first stage component, and means for pivotally connecting an upper end of the second link means to the bottom of the platform of the second stage component. The platforms of the first and second stage components provide a single continuous surface when the first and second stage components are in horizontal positions on a floor.

Abstract: A connector for maintaining the floor elements of a scaffold in a fixed spaced relation is disclosed. The connector comprises a plurality of independent sleeves, each of the sleeves being adapted to receive one of a plurality of floor elements. The sleeves are rigidly interconnected. Each sleeve includes an opening that is adapted to receive a nail so that the sleeve and the respective floor elements may be connected.

Abstract: A gangway system for providing access, particularly for handicapped persons, between structures having surfaces which are relatively movable with respect to each other over a range of motion. The gangway includes a plurality of alternating ramp and platform members hingedly coupled to one another, the ends of the gangway being in contact with the surfaces of the structures. The platform members are supported by support members fixed in position relative to one of the structures and, over the range of motion, as the surfaces move vertically relative to one another the ramps and platforms come to rest in sequence adjacent the surface of the other structure. The lengths of the ramps are selected to be less than a preselected value and their slopes are selected so as not to exceed a preselected value during use so that handicapped access is facilitated.

Abstract: An extendable, elevatable and rotatable boom carrying at its outer end a basket which is longitudinally collapsible in order to reduce the longitudinal space occupied by the collapsible basket, the boom and basket being adapted to be mounted on a rescue crash or service vehicle having a cab. The collapsible basket may be stored behind the cab with the boom in storage position behind the basket and both the boom and basket when stored, extending upwardly no further than the cab. The cab, with the basket positioned above at least a part of the cab, may have means providing access between the cab and basket, such as a sliding panel of the top of the cab and pivotal front and rear bottom plates of the basket.

Abstract: Scaffolding structure includes first and second frame members with adjacent connected ends and remote free ends. The connected ends are hingedly connected for relative rotation of the frame members about a hinge axis between a closed position in which the frame members overlap each other and an open position in which the frame members are continuations of each other. A first leg member is mounted on the first frame member adjacent its connected end, a second leg member is mounted on the first frame member adjacent its free end, and a third leg member is mounted on the second frame member adjacent its free end. The leg members are positioned to extend in the same direction from the frame members when the frame members are in the open position and are movable between retracted positions in which they are generally parallel to the frame members and extended positions in which they are generally perpendicular to the frame members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable stage riser comprising a plurality of individual stage sections at different heights. The stage sections are telescopically interconnected with one another by a track system for sliding from a collapsed to an extended position. The stage when collapsed is tipable on to its back surface which is reinforced with a dolly receiving guide for upright storage of the stage.

Abstract: A scaffold platform section is fashioned as a corner platform section (117) and exhibits an optionally multipartite floor plate (27) at which at least one supporting leg (29) is bent at an angle, carrying drop-in claws (13) or the like. A supporting leg has a lower lift-preventing leg (30) extending to below the U supporting span member (14) in the drop-in position. This platform section bridges a great variety of different angular regions between other scaffold platforms and can have a swivel member (37) for compensating purposes. The corner platform section (117) proper can be equipped with a border leg (35). The swivel member (37) can have a border leg (38). Two component elements can be joined in a swivelable and inflexible fashion.

Abstract: Staging particularly for use in group photography comprises spaced support assemblies 1, 2. Each support assembly comprises a rearwardly inclined truss member 3, 4 supported by a respective pair of legs 5, 6 arranged in an inverted-V configuration. Each truss carries a series of support brackets 14 to which decking members 15 are connected for pivotal movement in vertical and horizontal planes enabling the support assemblies to adopt different attitudes. The feet of the legs 5, 6 and the lower ends of the trusses swivellably stand on ground plates 13. The lower ends of the legs 5, 6 are pivotally coupled to a bracing bar 9 and their upper ends are pivoted together enabling the legs to be adjusted in length for coarse levelling of the support assemblies. A tie rod 11 joins the bracing bar 9 to the lower end of the respective truss 3, 4.

Abstract: A working catwalk, in particular for bridge inspection apparatuses, comprising a floor section and a balustrade on each longitudinal side, to and having a variable width. The floor section consists of a center floor section, extending in the longitudinal center, and lateral additional floors. The balustrades are connected in an articulated manner to the center floor section via cantilever struts which can be pivoted out laterally, the axes of the joints connecting the struts to the center floor running parallel to one another and approximately perpendicularly to the working surface. Alternatively, the balustrades can also be designed as self reinforcing girders.

Abstract: Two different types of electrically-operated folding stage systems, namely a high-type system and a low-type system are provided. Each type of system includes a pair of opposed stage components. The high-type system may include an additional pair or pairs of stage components. The opposed stage components are pivotally connected together. Each stage component includes a platform. In the high-type system, a plurality of rows of brackets are fixed to the bottom of the platform. A downwardly-extending upright leg is pivotally connected to the lower end of each bracket to support the entire system on a support such as a floor. Casters may be connected to the lower ends of at least the foremost and rearmost legs of each row to enable the entire system to be moved in a desired horizontal direction on the floor. A pair of opposed geared motors are mounted on the bottom of the platform of at least one of the opposed stage components. A pair of opposed link mechanisms are connected to the motors, respectively.

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 portable foldable ramp for bridging the space between ground level and a raised level such as the bed of a pickup truck, to permit the passage of the wheels of all-terrain vehicles and like products. The ramp has a pair of generally U-shaped ramp sections hingedly connected in end-to-end alignment so as to be foldable to coextensive bottom-to-bottom abutment for ease of transport. A somewhat stiff, flexible cable has its ends connected to the remote ends of the bottoms of the ramp sections to support the load. The cable is guided when the ramp sections are folded to dispose it in looped configuration within the confines of the coextensive ramp sections which intermesh when the ramp sections are folded.

Abstract: An extension plank has first and second elongated sections that telescope from a plank maximum length to a minimum length. Such sections have an outboard portion and an inboard portion joined by a plurality of parallel tubular elements of rectangular cross-section. The outboard portion includes an elongated U-shaped channel and the outboard ends of the tubular elements are fixed into the U-shaped channel spaced apart from each other. The inboard portion includes a pair of straps and a plurality of U-shaped guide saddles. The straps are fastened to each of the tubular members with a guide saddle sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A portable folding ramp used for ascending or descending an object or platform. The ramp is comprised of a plurality of rectangular panels, respective ones of adjoining panels being pivotably hinged along adjacent sidewalls such that the ramp may be folded into a compact first state, or unfolded into a second state where the ramp may support a load. The ramp includes a cable and hinge system positioned on the underside of the panels to provide structural support to the ramp in the second state while allowing the panels to be folded into the compact first state.

Abstract: Apparatus for constructing modular buildings in which a reuseable framing structure is expanded to a shape desired of a building, building material is removably attached to the framing structure, fluent concrete is introduced to the building material, the framing structure is retracted with the building and removed. The framing structure has means for expanding its height and width. It also has means for changing the slope of its roof portion as well as changing the angles of its sides. Thus, many different shaped building can be constructed with the same framing structure.

Abstract: A mobile remote manipulator system 10 is disclosed for assembly, repair and logistics transport on, around and about a space station square bay truss structure. The vehicle is supported by a square track arrangement supported by guide pins integral with the space station truss structure 12 and located at each truss node 40. Propulsion is provided by a central push-pull drive mechanism 20 that extends out from the vehicle one full structural bay over the truss and locks drive rods 38 into the guide pins 30. The draw bar is now retracted and the mobile remote manipulator system is pulled onto the next adjacent structural bay. Thus, translation of the vehicle is "inchworm" style. The drive bar can be locked onto two (2) guide pins while the extendable draw bar is within the vehicle and then push the vehicle away one bay providing bi-directional push-pull drive.

Abstract: A portable support stand, convertibly used either as a stool or tree stand platform, is configured with adjustably hinged frame members, at least one of which is furcated, for being interspaced, crossed and pivotally joined to provide a stool when fitted is a sling seat or to provide a tree platform when toggled between limbs in the crotch of a tree.

Abstract: A side rail system for interconnecting layered sections of elongated scaffold staging with the sections respectively spanning pairs of opposing upper and lower support arms of pump jacks which respectively ride on spaced apart pump jack poles. The side rail system includes upright posts which are spaced along the staging. A pair of rods are associated with each of the posts. The rods confrontingly project from the respective staging sections. The posts are pivotally coupled to the rods and are secured to the rods by quick adjust pins to prevent separation of the rods and posts. A mid-rail as well as a toe board can be interconnected between the rails. An end rail system can also be included. The scaffolding arrangement can be used exteriorly with a brace onto a wall. It can also be used interiorly between roof and floor with appropriate height adjustment arrangement provided.

Abstract: A corridor spanned or suspended between horizontal support members such as girder members in structures such as those of buildings, ships, etc. so that operators can walk or carry out operations on the corridor.The corridor comprises a main corridor and a sub-corridor, connected to the main corridor to adjust the length of the corridor.This corridor can be easily incorporated in and moved from structures to be built, easily transported and housed in narrow spaces and mounted on different length of places by one unit of the corridor.

Abstract: A side rail system for interconnecting layered sections of elongated scaffold staging with the sections respectively spanning pairs of opposing upper and lower support arms of pump jacks which respectively ride on spaced apart pump jack poles. The side rail system includes upright posts which are spaced along the staging. A pair of rods are associated with each of the posts. The rods confrontingly project from the respective staging sections. The posts are pivotally coupled to the rods and are secured to the rods by quick adjust pins to prevent separation of the rods and posts. A mid-rail as well as a toe board can be interconnected between the rails. An end rail system can also be included. The scaffolding arrangement can be used exteriorly with a brace onto a wall. It can also be used interiorly between roof and floor with appropriate height adjustment arrangement provided.

Abstract: A coordinated stage system with articulate means for interconnecting two or more stages in line and in series for use on scaffolding equipment, pole jacks, bridges, docks and the like is disclosed.The coordinated stage system provides a continuous path wherein the length of the path may be increased and changes in elevation are accomplished by a novel joint arrangement.

Abstract: Improved scaffold clamps are described. These clamps provide a complete enclosure means for securing a plurality of planks in side-by-side relationship. The enclosure means bears a rigid working plate with a press screw extending longitudinally therethrough for exerting pressure against the edges of the enclosed planks. These clamps provide an improved means for stabilizing scaffold platforms.

Abstract: A folding guard rail has two pairs of opposed sides. The rail can occupy two positions; a first position in which the rails extend upwardly from the horizontal surface of a platform surrounded by the rail, and a second position in which the rail is folded over the platform and the sides extend downwardly. A key is provided to immobilize the rail in both of its positions.

Abstract: Portable steps are disclosed herein including a plurality of step rungs arranged next to each other in parallel side-by-side relationship wherein each step rung has an elongated rigid member intended to be stepped upon by a riser which incorporates a pair of ground engaging spikes at each end of the step rung adapted to penetrate into the ground for a given length determined by a releasable guage. The spikes are pivotally carried on the step rung which includes a shaped recess corresponding to the shape of the spikes for storage and transportation purposes.

Abstract: An improved access tower for use in the manufacture of tunnel modules and tunnel sections for building underwater tunnel tubes is provided. The tower is positioned at one end of the tunnel module shells when they are placed on pedestals for rotation and further processing. Assembly of the support framework around the shell is conducted from the top position on the shells. A moveable bridge extends from the tower for access to the top of the shell.

Abstract: A powered loading platform for mounting upon opening-defining walls of a vehicle to facilitate loading of objects, such as wheelchairs, from the ground into the interior of the vehicle and including support means which pivotally supports a horizontal platform and is carried by a powered parallelogram linkage which moves the support means in an arc between a lowered and outwardly disposed position upon the ground and an inwardly disposed elevated position within the body of the vehicle. Upon reaching the elevated position, the wheelchair may be rolled into the interior of the vehicle and the platform may be collapsed and then pivoted to a vertically extending position entirely within the confines of the vehicle. The support means is pivotable about a vertical axis to permit the collapsed platform to be then swung to non-blocking position relative to the vehicle opening.

Abstract: An arrangement for assisting access to a high rise building in the event of fire within the building in which chains are secured to a movable frame so that when the apparatus is in an extended position, the chains hang well away from the face of the building, and a cabin can engage the chains which can be held stabilized by downward tension, and the cabin being self-climbing, can provide the said access to the building.

Abstract: Roofer's staging having a pair of light weight, metal platforms telescoped together and longitudinally slidable between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the platforms form a short pack (about 4 feet in length) for a roofer to carry up the ladder and deposit on the roof. On the roof the pack can be expanded so that the plaforms extend in-line to form a staging (about 8 feet in length). A major feature is that the roofer has the option of expanding either to the right or to the left.

Abstract: This invention provides a platform structure having a retractable floor portion consisting of four main floor panels extending outwardly in directions defining a cross, and pivotable between a horizontal and vertical position. There are also provided secondary floor panels for the quadrants between the main floor panels, the second floor panels being mounted to another main or secondary panel along aligned edges. The secondary floor panels can pivot through 90.degree. or 180.degree., to permit all panels to be folded into an upright position, to lie along a central framework portion.

Abstract: A scaffolding assembly for use particularly in the construction of large holding tanks and which incorporates a novel construction and method of being raised from one level to another, the device including a series of scaffold sections made of aluminum and steel, the sections being pivotally attached together to conform to the tank contour, each section having brackets secured therebeneath that fit into bracket straps welded to the tank wall; the entire assembly being raised together on sky climbers in which all hoists are controlled by a single switch so to lift the assembly all together from an old set of straps to a new set thereabove.

Abstract: A platform structure adapted for rapid assembly and a method of assembling the platform structure. A plurality of prefabricated column assemblies are removably anchored on a platform foundation, and prefabricated landing assembly means are removably mounted with the column assemblies to form a landing above the platform foundation. Subsequently, a stair assembly is removably mounted between the landing assembly means and the platform foundation to provide a passageway permitting ingress and egress to the landing.

Abstract: Light weight metal staging including a pair of roofer's platforms each about 4 feet in length with integral support means. On the ground, the platforms are telescoped together to make a short length, unitary pack for purposes of carrying up a ladder and depositing on a roof. On the roof, the platforms are manipulated so as to be set up in-line where one is the extension of the other to form the staging. The support means mount the staging on the roof. The overall length of the staging is about double the pack and provides a working length equivalent to that of the conventional 10 foot wood plank.

Abstract: A tree stand for supporting a load, conventionally a person, above ground between a pair of spaced tree trunks or branches includes a pair of legs hinged together with spikes on the ends of the legs so that the stand may be positioned between the tree in the foreshortened condition and then forced to an elongated position to extend the spikes into the trees so that they support the stand.