Abstract: A step for performing exercises is polygonal or circular to allow approaches from any direction equally. The step has a base member and a platform member, the platform member being selectively adjustable with respect to the base. The base member has lands equally spaced around the base member at different heights, and the platform member has shoulders equally spaced around the platform member to be received on the lands. By selecting the proper lands for the shoulders, the height of the platform can be changed. Also, the platform member may be used without the base member for a lower height step. Preferably there are five shoulders and five lands in each group of lands for stability of the platform.

Abstract: A pipe step for providing a flat supporting surface on the top side of a horizontal pipe. The step includes a pair of channel members each having arcs cut in the flange portions thereof to meet with the pipe. U-bolts are provided for clamping the channel members to the pipe. A flat-supporting surface form from square mesh grating is bolted to and extends between the upper web portions of the channel members and provides a non-slip flat supporting surface.

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 swimming pool safety ladder is described in which the individual steps employed are enclosed along both their side edges and along their back edge so as to prevent the accidental catching of one's hand, arm, foot, or leg between a step and the pool wall.

Abstract: An A-frame ladder comprises two side rail assemblies and a platform guard rail assembly each provided in their rail members with elongate oval apertures defining handholds or hand grips. Steps of the side rail assemblies and the platform of the platform guard rail assembly are formed with elongate openings for draining water from the upper surfaces of the steps and the platform and for augmenting the gripping of users' feet by those upper surfaces. The steps are connected to the side rails by snap lock pins and the side rail assemblies are connected to guard rail members of the platform guard rail assembly by twist-ock pins, whereby an outer side rail assembly may be removably disconnected from the platform to prevent access to a swimming pool by youngsters. Brackets are attachable to the guard rail members of the platform guard rail assembly for connecting the platform guard rail assembly to sections of a perimetrally extending fence, whereby the ladder becomes an integral part of the fence.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising of four straight sections each consisting of two uprights and four rungs equally spaced. The sections are connected with insulating hinged joints which can be tightened immovable or loosened movable by means of a lever handle thus allowing the adjustment of the ladder into various configurations.

Abstract: Improvements in plastic coated, steel core reinforced manhole steps; particular improvements in the drive-in or hammer-in ends of a U-configuration manhole step construction, which improvements involve the provision of uniform outer diameter retainer elements on a uniform outer diameter stem for use in either tapered or cylindrical manhole wall holes or openings; combinations of barb-like retainer elements and cylinder-like retainer elements on the drive-in ends of uniform diameter manhole leg ends adaptable for driving into and securing manhole step legs in either tapered or cylindrical manhole wall holes or openings.

Abstract: The scaffolding board (21) is moulded from a compound, light-hardened, duroplastic material and, in one embodiment, it comprises a box-shaped upper portion (22) provided with grooving (24), a box-shaped intermediate portion (20) provided with longitudinal ribs (30), and a lower, also box-shaped edge trim (28), all three portions being glued together.To produce the individual portions of the scaffolding board, a web of plastics material is clamped onto an air-permeable lower mould portion and filled with compressed-air, and the arched material is simultaneously heated and expanded. Subsequently, the lower mould portion is filled with vacuum, and the heated material is sucked-in and deep-drawn in order to adapt to the shape of the mould interior. Subsequently, the moulded part is exposed to a source of ultra-violet light and hence hardened. Finally, compressed-air is introduced in order to lift-out the hardened part.

Abstract: A portable, foldable swimming pool step device includes a pair of sectional stiles interconnected by transverse steps and provided with sectional handrail structures. The stiles, steps, and handrail structures are formed of a thermoplastic material. Each stile includes a pair of sections hingedly connected together and foldable between an extended operative position and a folded position. The steps are adjustable to permit the swimming pool step device to function as an inclined ramp. Suitable rollers are mounted on the stiles to permit easy movement of the swimming pool step device when the ladder is in the folded position.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable folding ladder that can be easily altered in its length and shape to adjust to the proper working height and angles for the user. With the fiber glass nylon hinges, the ladder is insulated to prevent the user from electrical shocks in the event the ladder comes into contact with electrical wiring.

Abstract: Foldable ladder structure and method of making the same wherein plastic material is injected and expanded in molds to form several parts of a foldable ladder which includes front and rear ladder sections that can be pivotally hinged at their upper portions, a collapsible shelf and spreader linkage to allow the sections to be relatively pivoted from collapsed face-to-face relation to erected position.

Abstract: The present invention entails an attic stair insulating cover which can easily be placed in an operational position and a compact stored position. The insulating cover includes a plurality of pieces that when fitted together in the operational position form a cover in the shape of a rectangular box with four sides, a top and an open bottom that fits above and over an attic stair opening to provide a thermal barrier. The pieces of the insulating cover can also be disposed in the compact stored position with packaging materials used to even the shape of the cover in its stored position.

Abstract: A climbing rung is provied for anchoring to the wall of a manhole shaft. The climbing rung has a generally U-shaped core of two parallel legs spaced apart by a central tread. Each leg is sheathed in a pre-formed protective sleeve, closed at one end, by inserting the leg into the mounth of the sleeve. An injection moulded protective coating is bonded to the core of the tread and the core of each leg, extending to proximate the mouth of each pre-formed sleeve when a leg is sheathed therein, forming a sealing interface proximate the annular lip circumferentially defining the mouth of each sleeve. A method is provided including the steps of gripping the climbing rung only proximate the pre-formed protective sleeves when both legs are sheathed therein, so as to permit positioning the core of the tread and legs, extending only to proximate the mouth of each pre-formed protective sleeve, in an injection moulded cavity radially spaced equidistant the surface of the mould cavity.

Abstract: Scuff pad with step with which resides interiorly of an aerial lift bucket, or bucket liner if provided, at the bottom thereof and which includes a base portion and an upwardly extending portion extending upwardly of the base portion of a predetermined distance, the base portion has a top surface for being engaged by the shoes of said person upon standing in said bucket or liner to prevent scuffing, and the upwardly extending portion has a top surface providing a step which facilitates climbing out of said bucket or liner by the workman.

Abstract: A support device having two end members, a pair of spacer members with hinges at their outer ends and intermediate hinges at their inner ends and swingable between a stored position and an extended position, a pair of transverse support panels with hinges at their outer ends and intermediate hinges at their inner ends, the support panels being swingable between an upwardly stored position, and a downwardly extended position in which they lie in a common transverse plane, adjacent the upper edges of the spacer members, with the support panels resting on the upper edges of the spacer members.

Abstract: A stool with two major parts is disclosed. One way of fastening the parts together yields a rigid free-standing stool. In the alternate configuration a folding stool is formed, which can be fastened to the interior of a base cabinet so that the platform part can be pulled out and used by a child.

Abstract: A collapsible sawhorse arrangement characterized by a generally horizontal work receiving member including a lower plate portion and a vertical plate portion extending longitudinally therealong. The lower plate portion presents pairs of openings on opposite sides of the vertical plate portion adapted to receive supporting legs for the work receiving member, such supporting legs angling inwardly in a bearing relationship with the walls of the vertical plate portion. In a preferred embodiment, enlargements are presented on the walls of the vertical plate portion which serve frictional engagement purposes with the supporting legs.

Abstract: A work platform comprising a moulded polymeric resin fibre-reinforced generally channel-section shell having a lip flange extending inwardly from each channel side, and comprising tensile elongation resisting reinforcement comprising fibres extending longitudinally at least along marginal zones of the channel base and of the lip flanges adjacent the channel sides, and said channel sides comprising fibrous reinforcement resisting tensile elongation of said sides in the direction perpendicular to said marginal zones, whereby said platform is rendered substantially rigid to bending about axes transverse of said channel structure.

Abstract: A protection cover for a ladder has front and rear side walls located over and extended between the upper end of the rails of a ladder. A releasable strap holds the cover on the ladder. A plurality of pads of resilient non-electrical conductive material are secured to the back side wall to protect the support surface for the ladder from the support. A pocket is secured to the front side wall to hold tools and like objects.

Abstract: A new construction method for a ladder for use on recreational vehicles and boats is disclosed. The ladder comprises two parallel metal tubular rails and a plurality of extruded aluminum steps, including step end caps. The steps are a unique triple-void hollow extrusion, fastened to the ladder rails with a spring pin that goes through two walls of the step extrusion and both walls of the rail tubing, anchoring in a third wall of the step extrusion. This provides a solid, close-coupled assembly that avoids the stresses caused by traditional cantilevered screw fastening methods. Plastic end caps molded with interference fingers, permitting assembly without mechanical fasteners, fit in the ends of the steps, providing protection and an attractive finish to the steps.

Abstract: A portable scaffold having tubular structural elements has necked fittings extending into the ends of the tubular elements and attached thereto by adhesive which is introduced through an entry port preferably provided by a porting ring sleeved on the neck of each fitting and opposed by an O-ring. The adhesive flows from the entry port through longitudinal and circumferential grooves in the neck between the porting ring and O-ring and vents through a vent port in the porting ring.

Abstract: A u-shaped climbing rung to be anchored in a bore hole in a wall, the climbing rung having two parallel legs each leg having two ends, one end of each leg being connected to a transverse central element or tread spaced a predetermined distance below the parallel legs and having the other end for anchoring in a wall, the legs and tread being completely encapsulated in a synthetic protective coat having an outer configuration adapted to present each end of the legs remote the tread for anchoring the climbing rung in the wall. Behind said anchoring means each encapsulated end receives a soft elastic and tightly fitting and slidable sealing collar. At least one surface of either the encapsulated end behind the anchoring means or the inside surface of the sealing collar presents alternating raised rings and annular grooves to frictionally engage and seal the interface between the encapsulated end and the inside surface of the sealing collar.

Abstract: A rope ladder of the type having two spaced-apart pairs of ropes, has a metal frame for each step and has tubular nylon members with cylindrical bores, extending vertically through sets of through openings in the metal frame for assuring accurate bolt alignment. The frame and nylon members are provided with a molded hard elastomer body molded around them and having a collar portion at each end molded around a frame bracket. The body and frame provide a through rope opening. A pair of separate wedge collars is secured, on assembly, to each step, below the step and bearing up against it. Each wedge collar has a rope opening and vertical bolt passages aligned with the bores of the tubular nylon members. A generally diamond-shaped wedge heart is placed in between each pair of ropes, in the rope openings; the wedge heart provides two rope-engaging side grooves for locking the pair of ropes in place and preventing relative movement between them and the step.

Abstract: A load leveling device for a ladder in the form of a compensator boot which slips onto a lower end of one of the legs of the ladder. The boot includes a vertically elongated block of homogeneous, molded plastic or rubber material and a vertically extending socket in the block opening in the upper end face of the block. The socket has cross-sectional dimensions sized to allow the lower end of the leg of the ladder to slide into the socket and has a blind lower end spaced vertically from the lower end face of the block by a distance compensating for the angle of the associated roof surface.

Abstract: An electrically insulated aerial platform assembly for use by a lineman on or around utility poles is provided which is constructed to maintain the actual work platform in an electrically insulated condition relative to the utility pole itself and the pole connection hardware associated with the assembly. In preferred forms, the platform assembly includes a work platform presenting an elongated, substantially flat upper work surface where a lineman may by stand, sit or kneel, together with means for temporarily attaching the platform to the utility pole with the platform being electrically insulated from the pole during normal working conditions. Attachment of the platform to the pole is effected by means of an elongated, electrically insulative member secured to the platform and extending toward the pole, with the pole-connection structure coupled to the insulative member at the end thereof remote from the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing scaffolds, especially ladders. In order to provide a construction solely made of an insulant material, the rails (5) and the rungs (1) of a ladder according to the invention are wholly made of reinforced plastic and are joined to each other by means of a polymeric cold junction method. Thereby a hole (18) is provided on the side of the rail (5) and a suitable amount of a mineral or fiber reinforced monomer mixture (2) is added therein, whereafter the rung (1) is positioned thereto and the resultant whole is turned upside down, the monomer mixture being polymerized by means of heat, a catalyst and/or an accelerator. So the monomer mixture flows around the junction of the rung (1) and the rail (5), polymerizing therein and forming a tight joint between the rung and the rail.

Abstract: A combination cart and boat boarding steps wherein a wheeled cart includes a load carrying body portion which when inverted is shaped to provide steps for use in boarding marine craft which are tied at dockside and wherein the steps may be selectively and securely locked to the dock to prevent any unsafe shifting of the steps with respect to the marine craft being boarded by use of the steps.

Abstract: A ladder consisting of a pair of spaced rails, a plurality of rungs having opposite end portions with first holes extending therethrough for receiving the rails in complementary mating relationship, first slots extending inwardly into the rungs from the bottom sides thereof and terminating at bearing areas which bear on the outer ends of first pins which are carried by the rails, and a pivotal rung-like base having end portions with second holes extending inwardly from the top side thereof for receiving the ends of the rails and second slots extending inwardly into the rung-like base from the top side thereof terminating at bearing surfaces which carry the load transmitted by the outer ends of second pins mounted on the lower ends of the rails.

Abstract: A hunter's seat comprising a platform having a channel adapted to receive a strap therethrough, the strap extending through said channel having a buckle for closing a loop in the strap to tightly engage the seat against a post or tree. The seat also includes a brace in the form of an inclined leg pivotally secured at one end to the platform so as to depend at an inclination so that its other end extends toward the tree. The buckle preferably includes a toggle lever for tightening the loop after slack has been removed from the loop so that it becomes tightly wrapped around the post. The leg includes a bracket with a plurality of steps which engage a wire loop suspended from the platform so that the angle of inclination of the platform with respect to the post can be adjusted. The platform is preferably made of one piece of plastic material and the leg is preferably formed from a separate single piece of plastic material.

Abstract: A platform type service vehicle or truck having an elevatable platform hydraulically rotatable through 360.degree., self locking as to rotation when not under power, with a single mast of telescoping sections comprising opposing channel-like members linked by crossmembers closely adjacent each end of each section. The sections are nested with a stationary section being outermost of the nest and the most elevatable innermost. The mast is mounted upon the frame members of the chassis of a truck and is tranportable over public highways with the platform in a lowered position to a point of use, whereupon the platform is elevated to a desired height for use.

Abstract: A trap door cover consists of a generally rectangular frame. Molding strips are connected to the peripheries of the frame such that the finished frame resembles a picture frame. A slab of insulating material fits inside the frame. The door cover may be attached to the door by two spaced long screws through the insulating slab.

Abstract: A rope ladder in which the steps have a metal frame comprising a pair of longitudinal members joined by a pair of shorter transverse members spaced in from the ends and strengthened by a pair of diagonal members. At each end a metal bracket bridges across the frame and provides an elevated upper plate portion which defines a generally rectangular opening. A molded hard elastomer body is molded around the frame and has a collar portion at each end molded around the bracket. The body has a downwardly and outwardly flaring through opening in line with the bracket opening and vertical bolt openings therethrough adjacent each through opening. A separate wedge collar for each step has a tapered through opening going down to a narrow lower end.

Abstract: An aluminum scaffold tube filled with a predominantly closed-cell foam material selected so as to give the filled tube positive buoyancy in sea water and to resist collapse at pressures of up to at least 14062 Kg/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A work supporting and holding stackable step stool is formed of plastic material, and includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal apertures provided in the step stool body sides for supporting and holding lumber material therewith for providing low and medium height scaffolding, as well as for securely retaining lumber material to be cut, drilled, sanded and the like. Further holes are provided in each step stool for securely holding tubing or pipe to be worked upon. Planar support surfaces provide a user with both steps as well as work supporting surfaces and each step is provided with a shallow V-shaped recess for holding material of round configuration during work thereupon. A raised lip on the upper step on one edge thereof provided with measuring indicia can be used for measuring material to be cut, drilled, and the like. Electric power outlet receptacle structure, a storage box, a pencil sharpener and nail suspension apertures are additional features of the present step stool arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides improved telescopic boom structure for aerial lifts, including the provision of a lower boom structure outer end portion made of electrical insulating material, which together with other provisions, accomplishes the essential elimination of electric shock hazard to personnel without incurring any of the disadvantages of significantly increased expense, reduced effective working area due to reduced range of boom extension, or increased stowed length of the boom structure.

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: A scaffold plank comprising a layer or layers of covering member wrapping a plurality of hollow, lightweight elongated members rectangular in cross section and arranged in side-by-side contact to provide at each end a plurality of transversely aligned opening mouths into which a corresponding number of inwardly projecting plug portions of a transverse end member are matingly fit, whereby plank ends are protected from deformation, damage, and incoming of mud or water. The plurality of elongated members may be replaced by a single piece of partitioned tubular member which is a rectangular in cross section and has two or more opening mouths formed respectively at opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A collapsible ladder which includes a plurality of platforms suspended from several rope segments. The rope segments are placed in open-ended notches disposed in the platforms and are clamped thereto by a plurality of clamp means, the clamp means being divided in half, each half engaging one notch and the rope therein and being clamped by an elongated fastener to the other half of the clamp means which engages another notch and the rope therein. As a result of this configuration, the elongated platforms, if damaged, can be changed individually without necessity of removal of other than the damaged platform.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foam strip.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foamstrip.

Abstract: An enclosure for preventing the loss of heat and moisture through a ceiling entrance. The enclosure includes a flexible envelope with a fastening means to permit ingress and egress through the ceiling entrance while insulating the ceiling with a dead air space when the entrance is closed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of packaging and fuel saving devices and to articles and methods therefor. One embodiment comprises a shipping container for unitized attic stairs. The container is made from rigid plastic foam material which has good thermal insulating characteristics and is so dimensioned as to fit snugly on the peripheral frame of the stair unit after it has been installed. As such, it provides a removeable thermal barrier for the stair-well between an attic and the living quarters of a home. Other embodiments include a matching container member made from similar material which may be utilized in conjunction with the first member so as to further enhance the fuel saving characteristics of the finished installation.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight insulating enclosure for placement over an attic structure such as a disappearing stairway or an attic fan, to reduce unwanted heat transfer through the structure when closed. The insulating enclosure comprises a number of box segments made of a lightweight insulating material such as foamed polystyrene, connected together with overlapping joints. Expansion members are optionally included to enlarge the width of the assembled enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the removal of insulating liners and the like from their outer containers is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a strap attached to a hook means. The hook means is adapted to engage the upper edge portion of the container and the strap is of sufficient length to extend from the hook means down the corresponding inner side wall portion of the container across the bottom and up and beyond the opposite side wall portion of the container while the liner is fully inserted within the container. The method includes pulling the end of the strap which extends beyond the side wall portion opposite the hook means, thereby forcing the liner from the container.

Abstract: A rescue device for use in combination with a hollow basket used to support a workman. The hollow basket includes a floor and an upwardly projecting peripheral sidewall. The upper edge of the sidewall forms an open mouth for the basket to enable a workman to stand within the basket. The rescue device is arranged to raise the workman out of the basket in the event that the workman becomes incapacitated and comprises an inflatable bag having a top and bottom surface, a rigid plate mounted on the top surface and a flexible tube connected to and communicating with the bag. The bag is disposed in the basket so that its bottom surface is on the floor. The plate encompasses the full area of the floor of the basket. The tube extends upward along the sidewall of the basket so that its free end is located adjacent the mouth of the basket for connection to a supply of gas for inflating the bag to cause the plate to move upward toward the mouth of the basket, thereby raising the workman.

Abstract: Extension ladders constructed of pultruded fibreglass reinforced plastic for use in an high voltage electrical environment are improved when they do not have any metal components within the field of the induced electrical currents and to achieve the junction between the fibreglass reinforced plastic rungs requires separate molded fibreglass reinforced plastic external sleeves so adhesively bonded to the stiles and the pultruded hollow rungs to make the junction and also such sleeves are not to have any projections outside the outer boundaries of the stiles.

Abstract: A non-conductive safety line and method for producing the safety line is disclosed. The safety line of the preferred embodiment comprises a rope core which has an exterior tubing positioned over the rope core with a quantity of filler material contained within the exterior tubing to completely capsulate the rope core. End loop splices are formed on the rope core ends and a pair of shrinkable tubing sections are positioned over the end loop splices. The completed safety line has a film applied to the exterior thereof to prevent surface wetting. The safety line may be used in conjunction with aerial buckets or hot boards from a lineman's body belt to the boom of an aerial lift or platform of an insulated hot board. The line maintains dielectric integrity, wet or dry, preventing shorting of the lineman's insulation from ground as conventional safety lines can do.

Abstract: A rope ladder. Each step is a molded one-piece hard elastomer member having a pair of rope-receiving openings, the upper outlet from which closely confines a pair of ropes, while the bottom of the opening is much wider. Each opening tapers inwardly from bottom to top, and each step has a pair of vertical bolt openings therethrough adjacent each opening. A separate wedge collar for each opening bears against the bottom of each step and has a single through opening; at its upper end the opening is the same width as the lower end of the step's opening, and it tapers inwardly down to an outlet that closely confines the two ropes. Each wedge collar has a pair of vertical bolt passages aligned with those of the step to enable bolting the step to the collar. A generally diamond-shaped wedge heart is wedged in between the two ropes of each pair, lying partly inside the opening through the step and partly inside the opening through the wedge collar.

Abstract: A construction module which when combined with other identical modules may be used to form ladders, wall or ceiling supports, etc. Each module overlaps on each side at three points with two other modules and a single connecting means may be inserted in the area of overlap to connect the modules together. The modules may be molded from plastic so that the construction assembly is water resistant and non-conducting.

Abstract: Described is a movable work station apparatus including travelling-hoist supported tools and a vertically and rotarywise movable frame-carried radiation-shielded enclosure, or gondola, for working personnel involved in tube-bundle-replacement tasks performed within the shell of a steam generator in a nuclear plant. The enclosure, or gondola, is divided and accommodates four upright workers in mutually-facing pairs at opposite sides of a work-accommodating clearanceway observable and accessible from the gondola interior via lead glass windows and hand holes.