Abstract: A vehicle-mounted access system includes a fixed base structure including a plurality of track channels; a plurality of movable hinge carriages configured to move along the plurality of track channels; an inclinable access structure pivotably connected to the movable hinge points and connected to lifting masts by forward tension elements, lifting masts connected to the fixed base structure by rear tension elements and pivotably connected to the fixed base structure; an actuator connected between the movable hinge carriages and the fixed base structure, the actuator configured to move the movable hinge carriages to raise the distal end of the inclinable access structure via the forward tension elements, the lifting mast, and the rear tension elements.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A collapsible access tower has a chassis 10 supporting a pair of road wheels 11 and outriggers 16,17 to impart stability when in use, and a pair of extensible multi-section columns 26,50 carrying a platform 35. A section 27 of one column 26 is rigidly connected to the chassis and another section 33 of that column to the platform 35. The other column is configured as an extendible ladder 50 one section 51 of which is hinged to the chassis 10 and another section 52 of which is hinged to the platform 35. When the platform is in its lowermost setting, the hinged connections of the two sections 51,52 of the ladder 50 are co-axial so that the ladder may be pivoted to a transit setting. A winch arrangement 39 is associated with column 26 to allow raising and lowering of the platform 35.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ladders and more specifically to auxiliary stands or supports for utilization with ladders where it is not possible or desirable to rest the top of the ladder legs against a vertical surface or roof edge guttering for support and the required work height is beyond the reach of a conventional step ladder.

Abstract: A tree stand hitch assembly includes a ladder assembly having a tubular base member and a top section, a platform secured to the top section of the ladder assembly, and a non-pivoting, generally rectangular hitch adapted to be secured to the rear of a vehicle. Ladder assembly may be adjustably secured to the hitch. The orientation of the platform in relation to the top section of the ladder assembly may be adjusted. The ladder assembly may be folded or collapsed when not in use.

Abstract: An adapter to permit a ladder to placed in an operating position on a vehicle, wherein the vehicle acts as a base for the ladder. The adapter is engaged to the hitch of the vehicle. The adapter includes a first removable shaft that is slid through a tubular rung at the bottom of the ladder. The adapter includes peripheral devices. One peripheral device is a tether that is engaged between the vehicle and the upper end of the ladder. The tether includes a ratchet mechanism for shortening and lengthening the tether and for changing an angle of the ladder relative to the ground. Another peripheral device is a second removable shaft for being slid through an upper rung of the ladder and for being engaged by the tether. Still another peripheral device is a leg for being placed between the adapter and the ground to minimize the chances of the front end of the vehicle from being raised when a user is on the upper end of the ladder and when the ladder has been extended.

Abstract: A lightweight, multifunctional, robotic construction aid capable of replacing heavy, dangerous, conventional construction equipment including cranes, manlifts, scissorlifts, scaffolds, and extension ladders. More particularly, the apparatus comprises a base, a lower ladder portion, an upper ladder portion, and a support. The lower ladder portion is pivotably connected to the base and extends therefrom in a first direction. The upper ladder portion is pivotably connected to the lower ladder portion and extends therefrom in a second direction opposite the first direction and includes an access therethrough from the lower ladder portion. The support is capable of bearing the weight of the first and second ladder portions and of fixing the relative positions of the upper ladder portion, the lower ladder portion, and the base.

Abstract: A ladder support device attaches to a towing hitch of a vehicle, such that the ladder can be transported in an essentially horizontal position and deployed in an essentially vertical position. The ladder support device includes safety brackets that limit the range of motion of the extended ladder, a platform that provides a user with secure footing before alighting to and upon descending from the ladder, and a rotatable mount that allows the ladder support device to be moved into the proper work position.

Abstract: A roof venting apparatus is mounted to a firefighting vehicle's aerial extension ladder, where a semi-cylindrical, double-pointed lance is dropped and raised onto and through the roof of a burning structure as many times as necessary to properly vent the burning building. The lance is dropped and raised by a free-spooling, electric braking winch, which is mounted to an anchor board securely hooked onto the bottom rungs of a fire truck's aerial extension ladder, and which is operated by a fire fighter on the ground who mans a toggle control panel welded onto the lower anchor board. The winch cable extends up the length of the extended aerial ladder, through a series of stabilizing, free-wheeling idler wheels mounted to another removable anchor board screwed onto the top rungs of the truck's extension ladder. The lance, if hollow, is transported to the scene of the fire empty, where it can be filled with water with the fire hose, to establish the necessary dropping weight.