Abstract: A ladder guard, when in placed on the front section of a two-section extension ladder, prevents persons from climbing on the ladder, from either the front or back, and reduces the chances of theft by preventing the ladder from being retracted. The ladder guard comprises a unitary, semi-rigid shell having a central panel portion and two channel portions to each side of the panel. The panel is recessed relative to the channels so that the panel may be drawn closely to the rungs. The channels extend around the side rails of the ladder. The shell may have a multiplicity of openings to allow wind to blow through the shell. The ladder guard includes a hook for engaging a rung of the ladder to support the guard, and an adjustable locking means for securely locking the ladder guard to the ladder.

Abstract: The invention is a ladder guard which prevents unauthorized access to a ladder. Preventing injury to children is a primary goal of the invention. The ladder guard has a top and a bottom hook extending from two metal sheets. The hooks can be adjusted to go between two to four ladder rungs, thus preventing use of the covered rungs. The top and bottom hooks are adjustable to fit any size rungs. The metal sheets may be locked to prevent removal. A tool tray is also mountable when the ladder is in use. The invention works with all known ladders. It is, therefore, a removable universal fitting ladder guard.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new stepladder stabilizer for improving stability of a conventional folding stepladder during use on soft areas into which the stepladder might tend to sink and additionally for improving the lateral stability of the stepladder. The stepladder stabilizer comprises an elongated rigid pad engagable with the stepladder supporting surface, normally the ground or a floor. The pad comprises left and right sections telescoped together to form a rectangular pad with an planar engagement surface on the bottom thereof. An integrally formed socket projects upwardly from each pad section wherein the stepladder leg tips may be removably inserted to hold the pad in alignment directly thereunder. Weight applied to the leg tips is spread over the area of the pad engagement surface whereby increasing the effective surface area of the leg tips. Spacing between the sockets may be adjusted to match the spacing of the legs by sliding the left pad section longitudinally relative the right pad section.

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: An electrical contact avoidance device comprises an inductor plate directly or capacitively coupled to the user and coupled to a detector circuit which derives a DC signal corresponding to a voltage induced in the user's body by a radiated high voltage electrostatic field. A comparator compares the DC signal with a reference signal representing the potential difference between the inductor and reference plates, and activates an alarm if the detected signal exceeds a preselected reference level.

Abstract: A ladder-like stilt, designed to be used in pairs, particularly for ceiling work such as sheetrocking as shown. Two pairs of side rails are joined at a conventional head step area. The area of the otherwise conventional head step is extended by the employment of an elongated head step platform to which a boot is attached for accepting the user's foot. The downwardly projection of the head step platform falls within the footing defined by the distal ends of the side rails, thus providing a stable platform for standing, when the stilts are used in pairs. The boot allows the user to walk on the stilts and perform elevated work, while being able to quickly dismount and climb down the steps.

Abstract: A gardener's aid for sloped ground formed of first and second elongated paralleled spaced apart strut members, a plurality of generally flat spaced apart paralleled support members each having one end affixed to a first strut member and the other end affixed to the other strut member, the support members being in planes parallel to each other and at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the strut members, and first and second arm members affixed at one end of the first and second strut members, the arm members extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the strut members longitudinal axii, the gardener's aid being positionable on sloped ground so that the support members are generally horizontal providing surfaces for receiving the feet, knees or hands of users, the arm members serving to contact the sloped ground and support the strut members and support members above and generally parallel to sloped ground.

Abstract: A knee support apparatus for use as a flotation raft for utilizing a flotation raft with each foot for permitting ease of support of an individual upon a surface, such as concrete to be finished. Each raft includes a knee engaging loop, and a rearwardly oriented foot receiving socket. A modification of the invention includes padding for enhancing comfort of the individual upon an uncured concrete surface.

Abstract: Means and method are provided for walking on residential and commercial tile roofs with minimal breakage of the tile, there being a support provided having a planar backboard of plywood or the like with a pair of spaced, soft resilient parallel cushions on the front surface which are laid down into the troughs of the tile roof to distribute weight, and to distribute the weight particularly into the troughs of the roof, which are supported underneath by the sub-roof. The supports are distributed in a pathway over the roof to get the workman to the point on the roof that he needs to access, without stepping directly on the tiles.

Abstract: A collection of parts which can be assembled to form a cage-like structure, usable with or without a mechanics creeper, to protect a mechanic working under a vehicle; a scaffold-like device that is placeable over the engine compartment of a vehicle and which provides support portions enabling support of a mechanic over the engine compartment; and a support device which can support, among other things, large objects such as an automobile engine.

Abstract: A foldable scaffold includes a frame and one or more planks for supporting one or more workmen. The frame comprises two generally vertically extending end ladders and a horizontally extending truss portion. The truss portion includes three pivotally connected elements to permit collapsing or folding of the scaffold for ease in transportation to a job site. The truss portion includes two, similar truss end members that are pivotally connected to the end ladders and a central locking gate element. The locking gate is pivotally connected to the inner ends of the two truss end portions and includes means for locking the central gate and end portion in a straight horizontal position to maintain the truss in a fully extended position. A plurality of connectors permit vertical stacking of one or more of the foldable scaffolds and the workmen's supporting planks are removably mounted to the tops of the end ladders when the truss portion is in its fully extended, locked position.

Abstract: A device to be employed for moving scaffolding assemblies. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel sleeves intended to receive the tines of a forklift. Support members are affixed to, and project substantially perpendicular from, the sleeves. The support members are telescoping in configuration and include downwardly projecting hooks attached at ends opposite points of attachment of the support members to the sleeves. An interconnecting support member is also provided. Such an interconnecting support member is substantially parallel to the telescoping support members and rigidly attached to the sleeves adjacent the forklift side of the device in order to maintain the sleeves at a defined, desired distance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shopping cart placement structure with means for children to ascend the stairway and seat themselves in the child seat of a shopping cart, such structure including a base to rest on the floor, a three sided generally rectangular upright enclosure having one open side for admitting a conventional shopping cart, and a stairway of five steps ascending one side of the enclosure leading to the position of a child's seat in a shopping cart. The stairway has a rail or wall at the outer side and may be entered or exited only from the bottom; a gate at the bottom of the stairway with a spring is self closing; a latch is connected to a cart sensing mechanism so the gate cannot be opened in absence of a shopping cart.

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 back support is used by a user in a standing or leaning position and has a back rest that can be adjusted to the proper height and oriented to support the user's low back. The back support has a forward bias so that when the user leans against it, the support means rearward and when the user separates from it the support moves forward to a rest position. The back rest can be used for brief rest periods for workers who are normally in a standing position during an entire shift. The back support can also be used by a worker who can lean against the back rest while working. In an assembly line job, there is often insufficient time for a worker to actually sit down to rest while waiting for another work piece. With the present invention, the worker can rest easily for very brief periods of time.

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 support for a worker is provided, wherein a clamp allows for connection to a work surface and a spring member sets off a pad for a worker to lean against.

Abstract: A portable stair barrier intended to prevent very young children from climbing up a stairway is formed by a ramp having support members adapted for rest on the stairway, wherein the ramp bridges over one or more stairs when deployed.

Abstract: An elevator safety barricade adapted to prevent inadvertent entry into an elevator shaft comprised of a pair of opposed pockets in the opposite side plates of an elevator opening and a pair of overlapping restraining bars with one end of each restraining bar inserted into each of the openings. The pair of restraining bars are held in place in rigid relationship with each other to provide a rigid barricade.

Abstract: A device supports a mechanic above the engine compartment of an automotive vehicle and is movable in at least the vertical and in the horizontal planes. The device also includes a jackscrew lifting element so a user support can be moved vertically with respect to the rest of the device.

Abstract: An iron worker's seat protector and gripping device includes an elongated flexible sheet member having an upper and lower end, and a belt secured adjacent to the upper end. The belt is secured to the worker's waist such that the sheet member hangs downwardly adjacent the worker's rump. The flexible sheet member is positioned between the worker and a beam by grasping the lower edge and pulling it upwardly and forwardly to between the legs to position the sheet member on the beam. An elongated strap is secured to the lower edge of the sheet member to assist the worker in positioning and movement of the sheet member. A chain is selectively attachable to a ring on the strap, and extends to a clamp which is selectively attached to a beam so as to hold the sheet member in the desired location on the beam.

Abstract: A kneeling aid for household or garden use in the form of a platform or board with upstanding handles by means of which work required to be done in a kneeling or near kneeling position may be accomplished. The platform has an upper padded surface (9) and handles (16) at opposite ends thereof for assuming or arising from the kneeling posture. The handles (16) have elongated slots engaging hinge pins (15) in support members (8). This slot-and-pin arrangement allows locking of the handles in the upright position consequent to downward sliding of the handles in supports (8), while raising of the handles permits them to be pivoted into cut-outs (10) so that the handles can lie folded onto the platform.

Abstract: A kneeling aid to facilitate kneeling has planar, rectangular, platform, the upper surface provided with recessed storage compartments bounded by upstanding ribs, and a pair of three-sided recesses bounded by upstanding ribs conforming to the size and shape of a pair of resilient concave and knee-conforming pads, each three-sided recess having its fourth side open along one side of the platform. A recessed socket is provided at each corner of each end of the rectangle and an inverted U-shaped strut is installed at each end of the platform, each strut having a pair of depending legs engaged into the respective recessed sockets at each end of the rectangle.A preferred embodiment has the rectangular platform molded as a hollow plastic part including an upstanding beam extending between the recessed sockets on one long side of the rectangle, has the inverted U-shaped struts made of metal tubing, and has a tubular resilient handle disposed about the base portions connecting the legs of the strut.

Abstract: A rigid light weight knee board for cement finishers. The body of the knee board comprises a high density extruded closed cell polystyrene foam. A water repellent cover made from soft pliable vinyl is provided for the board and includes an upright handle strap.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a fireman or rescue worker in gripping an immobile victim's limb or allowing an immobile person to secure his limbs around the rescuer during an emergency situation. It includes two adjustable strap members made out of nylon, an aluminum buckle attached to each strap member, and a spring closure latch disposed within one of the buckles to engage the other buckle.

Abstract: For rescue equipment in a passenger cabin in a vessel especially a helicopter in case of an emergency landing at sea, a line is provided floatable in water and extending to a cabin exit (13), preferably to an exit at each end of the cabin. The floating line is attached to the cabin ceiling (11) by anchoring lines (15) distributed along the length of the floatable line (14).

Abstract: A multi-purpose work unit comprising a platform having; a top side, and bottom side, carrying on the platform top an anti-slip surface, and a padding on the bottom side; a plurality of support members of alternative cross-section having a top section extending from the bottom side of the platform at its extremities parallel to the platform and abutting the interior surfaces of the platform and fastened thereto, said support members continuing from the platform extremities in a downward angle away from the platform and arcing at the extremities of the support remote the platform defining a support member bottom, continuing therefrom in complimentary circumscription returning to its origin at the underside of the platform; wherein a number of relationships exist amongst the dimensions of the work unit described.

Abstract: A roller device for a ladder-top, which provides roller-facilitated ease in moving the ladder-top along a wall to change the ladder's inclination.The roller device is characterized by its support factors which provide great ease of its attachment to existing ladders, by using the top rung or step of the ladder as one of the supports; and, providing particular advantage for extension ladders, the overall length of the roller device is limited to provide that when used on the inner section of an extension ladder, the roller device will freely pass by the extension-limiting stop-lug of the outer section, thus permitting full removal of the inner ladder-section from the outer ladder-section in spite of the purposely-blocking presence of that stop-lug, without removal or any change of the roller device.

Abstract: Concrete finishers' knee skis provide a support for a cement finisher to move across wet cement, either kneeling or standing on the skis. Each ski is formed of a elongated sheet stainless steel body with upturned ends and with side walls, both bent with a curvature radius of about 1/2 inch. In one upturned end is a stirrup cage having a top opening to receive the shoe toe or a worker in a kneeling position, and a second side opening to receive the toe of the worker in a standing position. The ski is thus pulled and pushed only by the shoe toe, and may be moved forward, backward, or sideways without indenting or otherwise damaging the surface of the finished cement.

Abstract: An automobile mechanic's body support includes a H-shaped mobile frame with an attached upstanding support platform. The support platform includes knee rests and a chest support with appropriate adjustment means being provided for positioning the various rests at selected heights. The chest support is mounted to a curved rod which allows the mechanic to position his body over a vehicle's engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an adjusting screw having a nut thereon to an hollow leg of a scaffolding frame to prevent loss of the adjusting screw when the scaffolding frame is tilted or raised. The apparatus includes a swivel that allows turning of the handle nut while the adjusting screw remains secured to the leg of the scaffolding frame.

Abstract: A ladder support is provided for use with an eavestrough or gutter. The support is mounted in the eavestrough without the necessity of using fasteners. It is also mostly concealed by the eavestrough and yet supports the ladder in spaced relationship thereto so that the ladder does not contact the eavestrough and cause damage to it. The ladder support includes two main legs having members at first ends adapted to engage the eavestrough at the juncture of a back wall and a bottom thereof with the legs being of sufficient length to extend above and beyond a front rim of the eavestrough. Second ends of the main legs have brackets for engaging the rails of the ladder to support it spaced from the eavestrough and to resist sideways movement. Outwardly-extending leg braces are affixed to intermediate portions of the main legs and have feet for engaging the interior of the rim for resisting movement of the main legs when a ladder is supported thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ladder anchor for stabilizing a ladder while in use.The ladder anchor comprises a hollow member having at least a wedge-shaped front portion provided with a closable orifice for filling the member with ballast or discharging ballast therefrom, the member having a ground engaging surface and a top surface,the top surface having therein at least one recess for receiving one or each of the longitudinal struts of a ladder and providing a foot receiving surface between the recess or recesses and the base of the member.Preferably, the member can be filled with water as the ballast.

Abstract: A rain gutter ladder support device (A) is illustrated which may be placed inside of a gutter (12). The device is designed to fit snuggly inside the gutter with a front bar (10) engaged against the front edge (12a) of the gutter (12). The device reinforces the front edge (12a) of the gutter when a ladder (L) is placed against the front edge (12a) to fully support the ladder and weight of the person without damaging the gutter. The device may be made of various metals and can be made in various sizes to fit different size gutters.

Abstract: A ladder shield for use in preventing toddlers and the like from climbing the steps of a ladder, such as an above-ground swimming pool ladder, when the ladder or the device to which the ladder is coupled is unattended is disclosed. The ladder shield comprises a rigid yet slightly flexible shell of plastic which is sized and shaped to fit around the front and sides of the ladder so as to block access to the steps on the ladder. The ladder shield is removably secured to the ladder by a removable locking bar which when inserted extends through a pair of holes in the side walls of the shield. The locking bar is secured in place by a lock. When not being used to prevent access to the steps of the ladder, the ladder shield may be used as a mini-foot wash.

Abstract: In aid of a person transporting a narrow oblong object traversing obstacles of various heights, the object is supported at one end by a single wheel disposed adjacent the dihedral intersection of a narrow end and a narrow longitudinal side, the rotational plane of the wheel coinciding with a plane of weight symmetry of the narrow oblong object to reduce tipping tendency when support and propulsion is provided by the person manually at an end opposite the wheeled end. Various means are disclosed for coupling the single wheel to the narrow oblong object, including concave socket and clamp means. Adjustment is provided for coinciding wheel rotational plane with the plane of weight symmetry.

Abstract: An improved footstool is disclosed which is useful for assisting medical patients to climb onto a medical equipment. The footstool includes a top with supporting legs which support the top above a floor surface. A removable incline ramp which stands from the floor to the top of the footstool and allow a patient to move up the ramp to the top without requiring a large upward step. Flat openings are provided on the top of the footstool to engage finger members which are attached to the upward end of the ramp. When in use, the ramp fingers are engaged with the flat openings in the footstool top. When not in use, the ramp in one embodiment, can be supported on a brace which extends across a railing which is attached to the edge of the footstool top.

Abstract: A shock absorber as designed for use in fall protection systems and may be incorporated integrally with either a belt or lanyard or may be used as a separate component in conjunction with conventional belts and lanyards. A shock absorbing mechanism of the invention utilizes a piercing member having smooth edges which pierce a piece of webbing material. When force is applied to opposite ends of the shock absorber, the piercing member stretches and breaks latitudinal fibers of the webbing material. This allows near complete retention of the strength of the longitudinal fibers as those fibers are not damaged during the absorbing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in jumping from burning buildings or the like comprising a parachute, restraining means for normally maintaining the parachute in a compact folded condition, a support for the parachute in its folded condition, the parachute remaining connected to the support after the parachute has opened. The apparatus includes a shock absorber including outer and inner tubular members normally in compact telescoped condition but having an extended position when in use.The apparatus includes a liquid supply connected to the telescopic shock absorber through a one-way valve to move the shock absorber to its in-use extended position. To control deceleration when the apparatus strikes the ground the liquid returns to the liquid supply through a return flow path including a constant pressure valve adjustable to provide a constant deceleration during braking in accordance with the weight of the person using the apparatus.

Abstract: A hassock-like arrangement with steps is utilized to support a worker's knee at low level. The support comprises a vertical substantially triangular member having a sloping upper side of wave shape forming the steps. Preferably the steps are lined with soft material. Close to the highest step a support for the hand is provided for use when rising from a kneeling position.

Abstract: The direction altering device is used in conjunction with an emergency or exit rope or friction type lowering device. The purpose of the device is to hold the exit rope in a fixed position at the point on a bucket of a bucket truck, cherrypicker, or overhead crane, or on a window sill from which the emergency exit is being taken by the user.The device is clamped onto a surface such as the lip or edge of a bucket, liner, or combination of both, crane surface, or window sill, by placing the device on the said mounting surface so that the mounting surface is inserted into a channel formed on the device; screws mounted in one of the sides of the channel are then tightened to hold the device securely on the surface of the structure from which the descent is to be made.

Abstract: The invention comprises a portable, compact and lightweight mechanic's rest, consisting of a chest support platform, itself supported by front and rear leg members, upon which a user can lean or rest while working on an auto engine or other object. The chest support platform is shaped to comfortably fit the user's chest area, and the leg members can swivel and adjust in length to contact any stable structural member on or near the object being worked on.

Abstract: A kneeling platform particularly suitable for carrying to worksites having uncomfortable or hazardous supporting surfaces and which may be reached only by climbing. The platform comprises a frame with a padded upper surface, a curved appendage at one edge capable of being hooked over the shoulder to enable carrying of the platform while leaving both arms free and feet mounted on the lower surface of the frame capable of the stable support of the platform on the supporting surface in question. The platform may be fitted with various storage and attachment means for tools and materials.

Abstract: A body support for use in berry picking, garden weeding and the like for supporting the weight of a person's upper torso when in a kneeling or stooping position. The support includes a ground engaging foot, an elongated support member mounted on the foot, and a chest-supporting rest mounted on the upper end of the support member.

Abstract: A step ladder for detachably mounting in a locked arrangement along the length of the permanent ladder of a recreational vehicle for preventing thieves from climbing to the top of the recreational vehicle, said step ladder having a smooth surface along its back support which is exposed when mounted on the permanent ladder to prevent use of the permanent ladder.

Abstract: An integrated mobile tank- servicing system for filling, transferring, etc. a flowable medium from one or more tanks; said system having a mobile frame with an adjustable duct(s) for placement in the orifice of a tank and an adjustable walkway associated with the mobile frame.

Abstract: The leg stilt device of the invention permits the user to safely adjust the height of the stilt while thereon and is stable, holding the user in a level safe position. The device includes one or more pairs of hollow tubular telescoping vertical support members, a horizontal platform secured to the upper end of the uppermost-extending such member, a broad flat horizontal base connected to the lower end of the lowermost extending vertical member of each pair and providing the desired stability, a tubular leg brace connected to and extending above the platform, and a stilt height adjusting mechanism releasably coupling the two vertical members together.

Abstract: A rope protection device comprising several layers of canvass with spaced splints lodged between bottom and adjacent layers of canvass, said layers being joined at the periphery by sewing or the like wherein opposite edges of the canvass assembly are folded over towards each other to provide a channel for a rope therein including transverse spaced webbing binding the opposite edges of the assembly in a fixed channel forming position wherein the rope can be threaded through the opposite open ends of the device.

Abstract: A knee support apparatus is disclosed herein for supporting a workman on an area of freshly laid cement or concrete during a procedure of smoothing the surface thereof. The apparatus comprises a pair of identical knee supports wherein each support includes an elongated base member having an undersurface movably resting on the cement or concrete surface and a top surface carrying a cushion. A metal frame having a central opening is employed for securing the edge marginal region of the cushion to the base member so that the bulb of the cushion material is exposed through the central opening thereof. A knee and a foot member upwardly projects from the base member on which a soft roller is attached. The foot member is adjustable longitudinally so as to accommodate different users.

Abstract: The specification discloses a vice jaw 22 mounted in a vice housing 28. The jaw 22 includes a slidearm 44 for sliding within a slideway 46 in the vice housing. A plurality of jaw teeth are formed on the underside of the slidearm 44 and engage one or more housing teeth 50 to operate in a ratchet action. A spring 54 continuously urges the jaw 22 towards a closed or retracted position. When an object is placed in the jaw 22, the jaw teeth 48 and the housing teeth 50 are engaged and will prevent the jaw 22 from moving toward the extended position, but will allow the jaw 22 to move toward the retracted position.