Abstract: This is a system that allows a small child to escape from a window well using a ladder and a window well cover. The ladder extends from the bottom of the window well cover and has a trigger that when activated slides the ladder and releases a trap door in the window well cover, thus allowing a person to climb the ladder and escape through the cover.

Abstract: A foldable staircase that can be easily transported and conveniently used rather than a ladder. The foldable staircase includes a lower staircase and an upper staircase. The upper staircase and the lower staircase are constructions that bridge vertical distances and provide platforms allowing the user to walk up or down the foldable staircase. The foldable staircase provides an alternative means to reach high areas that is easy and safe to ascend or descend as conventional stairways and staircases along with the transportability of a conventional ladder. The foldable staircase can be adjusted to a collapsed configuration or operative configuration. The collapsed configuration allows a user to store or easily transport the foldable staircase. The operative configuration allows the user to ascend or descend the foldable staircase.

Abstract: An attic-insulation cover designed to cover access doors leading into attic spaces, such as pull down stairs, scuttle holes and vertical attic doors includes an attic insulation flange or border for placement over the attic opening frame, the attic insulation flange having a first top end and a second bottom end, an attic insulation jacket having a top wall, parallel side walls, parallel end walls and a bottom panel; and a closure device at the second bottom end of the attic-insulation flange for connecting the attic insulation flange and the attic insulation jacket.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an aerial ladder and at least one of a rung alignment status indicator and a load status indicator. The rung alignment status indicator can include a lighting strip having multiple lighting elements on the ladder that are selectively illuminated depending on whether first rungs of one section of the ladder and second rungs of another section of the ladder are aligned or misaligned. The load status indicator can include a lighting strip including multiple lighting elements on the ladder and/or at a control console that are selectively illuminated depending on whether the ladder is overloaded beyond an aerial ladder capacity rating or other value. A user on the aerial ladder and/or at a control console can view the indicators to evaluate rung alignment and load status.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system of light weight folding stairs, especially lightweight wooden stairs, designed for installation in the ceiling of a building. For example, the light weight ladder-type stair system may be opened downwards and unfolded towards inside the room located under this ceiling. At least one ladder-type stair section is connected to a flap that fits within a frame in an opening in the ceiling, wherein the flap hinges open to access the folded stair sections. The ladder-type stair section is connected to the flap by a hook-type holder that allows installing the frame in a ceiling opening without the flap, which can be easily and quickly attached during final stage of assembly.

Abstract: An insulating cover is adapted for sealing an attic access panel. The insulating cover includes a substantially rectangular fabric layer and at least one rod for raising the fabric layer above the attic access panel. A cavity is defined by the fabric layer and is adapted to contain a volume of stationary air. A seal is formed around a perimeter of the fabric layer. The seal includes multiple fiber strands of material that are adapted to conform to a shape of a floor surface. The fiber strands are adapted to seal gaps formed where the cover meets the floor surface.

Abstract: Folding stairs have three segments of ladder stairs connected by hinges. The first segment of stairs is connected by an articulated joint with door frame by means of hinge holders fitted from inside to door frame wall, and during unfolding of these stairs rotation axle of the first segment of stairs does not change its position against door frame. Flap is suspended to the first segment of stairs by means at least two couples of connecting rods, which together with the first segment of stairs and the flap form four-bar linkage.

Abstract: Novel stowed staircases for attics and the like that exhibit highly effective fireproof properties are provided. The combination of sheet metal well sides with ceramic paper covering, a combination thermal board and cement-like construction door, coupled with a sealed gasket at the interface of the stair bottom with the ceiling provide the necessary long-term fireproof capabilities as well as facilitation in installation as a sufficiently lightweight article. In such a manner, the inventive stairway construction may be easily incorporated within a residential or other type unit to aid in the simultaneous accessibility to an attic (or like location) and ability to prevent fire from easily spreading into or out of said attic via the stair assembly itself.

Abstract: An insulating cover for an attic or other opening is provided which mounts on top of a stair frame or framed opening or the like without the necessity of attic flooring, characterized by economical construction, economical shipping, ease of assembly, ease of installation above the opening, and a footprint substantially similar to the frame of the folding stair or the empty opening. The present invention further provides an insulating cover that is rugged enough for continued use yet light enough and supported in such as way as to have an ease of opening, staying open and closing as the consumer needs. In a further embodiment, the invention components may be substantially flat packed for ease of shipping and handling. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a multifunction insulating cover that may be fitted with a ventilation means, such as a louver or powered fan to enable ventilation through the framed opening even though the attic cover would be closed.

Abstract: A sectional overhead ladder with a fold assist feature for controlling the extension of the sectional overhead ladder. The fold assist feature of the sectional overhead ladder limits the possibility of free extension of the extendable overhead ladder by preventing gravitational forces from causing the ladder sections to fall into their extended configuration. The sectional overhead ladder includes generally a stair structure and an extendable dampening system. The extendable dampening system is comprised of a dampener and, optionally, a housing. The stair structure includes a first section and a second section. The dampening system is attached to the first and second sections of the stair structure such that the dampener limits the free extension of the stair structure and assists with the collapse of the stair structure.

Abstract: An integrated insulated housing system with handrails and a system of seals for a pull down stairway opening is provided. The integrated housing system reduces air convection, moisture loss and dirt infiltration. The insulation of the housing system reduces heat loss. Handrails as part of the system are deployed by the action of the pull down stairway. No manual intervention is required. As the stairway is pulled down for use, the integrated housing above moves away from the access opening. Simultaneously, the two integrated handrails move into a stable position on the upper floor and to either side of the stairway. As the stairway is returned up to its closed position, the connected insulated housing moves back into position sealing the access opening.

Abstract: An attic opening cover and a process for forming the cover are provided. The cover includes a first composite end element including a protective layer bonded to a thermally insulating layer. A second composite end element is provided including a protective layer and a thermal insulating layer. A first composite side element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A second composite side element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A composite top element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A fastening arrangement is provided including fasteners extending through the first composite end element, fasteners extending through the second composite end element, fasteners extending through the first composite side element, fasteners extending through the second composite side element and fasteners extending through the composite top element.

Abstract: An attic hatchway cover wherein a tent-like structure having side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall each having a flange structure are arranged to engage and for securement to a hatchway opening framework employing mounting strips, such that fastening structure secures each mounting strip to each associated flange and simultaneously to the framework. The top wall of the cover employs a flap member selectively securable to the top wall and displaceable therefrom by use of a generally U-shaped zipper to disengage the flap relative to the top wall.

Abstract: An insulating cover for an attic opening comprising a pair of telescoping male and female assemblies operable between a nested retracted position where they interengage and an extended position of a size to fit over the attic opening, each assembly comprising a top panel section, side panel sections depending from the top panel section and an end panel section along a closed end of the top panel section combined to form a hollow assembly and insulating material in the space of the hollow panel sections.

Abstract: The present invention entails an attic stair insulating cover made of a strong, lightweight insulating material such as polyurethane having a first insulating section and a second insulating section that are attachable to form a main insulating section. The insulating cover includes hinge assemblies that mount the insulating cover at the attic stair opening for positioning the attic stair insulating cover between an open and closed position. Each hinge assembly includes a partially hollow hinge arm that is molded onto the insulating cover. A removable axis pin connects the hinge arm to a block mounted adjacent to the attic opening. The hinge assembly axis is horizontally spaced from the main insulating cover and is also vertically spaced above the attic floor. A gasket recess extends along a bottom edge of the insulating cover with a gasket fitted into the recess and extending therefrom.

Abstract: A combination pull-down stairs and lighting assembly with the lighting assembly attached to the underside of the stairs such that, when retracted, the lighting assembly provides both cover for concealing the stairs and illumination for the space below the stairs. The lighting assembly can include a frame with a grating or translucent panel, or the lighting assembly can include a light fixture attached to a base plate.

Abstract: A system for insulating attics wherein access to the attic is had through an opening defined in the floor of the attic, the opening being normally closed by a trap door, comprising an expandable guard for providing lateral support to insulation adjacent the trap door opening, the guard being adjustably expandable to size and shape generally corresponding to the size and shape of the opening, and a trap door insulating pack comprising a harness enclosing insulating material, the harness being secured to the top side of the trap door.

Abstract: A foldable ladder for use with a swim platform of a boat is disclosed. A hinged panel adapted to fit in an opening in the swim platform pivots between a closed position and an open position. An upper ladder portion, which includes handrails, is fixed to the underside of the panel and pivots with the panel. A lower ladder portion, which includes a rung, is pivotally connected to the upper ladder portion. A control link is pivotally connected at one end to the boat and at the other end to the lower ladder portion. Raising the panel automatically deploys the ladder and closing the panel automatically stows the ladder beneath the panel.

Abstract: An automatic escape ladder is set forth for use particularly in multiple unit, multi-level residential dwellings. A compact interfolded ladder is positionable within an associated enclosure wherein said enclosure includes an upper pivotal portion and a lower portion secured to an extendable ladder. Upon activation through a fire alarm system, a solenoid latch mechanism will release said ladder and said bottom plate enabling said ladder to extend and lock.

Abstract: A sealing cover for an attic floor well opening and attic stairs is provided and consists of a dome made of insulated material, a seal made of weather stripping mounted around bottom edge of the dome, a device for holding down the dome over the attic floor well opening and compressing the seal around perimeter of the attic floor well opening making the dome draft free and another device for raising up the dome from the attic floor well opening so that a person may gain access through the attic floor well opening via the attic stairs.

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 ceiling-mounted attic door features a continuous outer panel of flame-resistant plaster board, an intermediate layer of thermal insulating material and marginal sealing gaskets and insulating strips arranged to thermally seal the marginal edges of the door when it occupies a normally closed position within its associated door opening.

Abstract: A folding stairway interconnected with a basement window and its lock, for unlocking the window and opening the window when the stairs are pivoted from a closed or folded position to a down, usable position.

Abstract: An emergency escape openable skylight is provided with a resiliently biased openable cover with at least a substantial portion of the openable cover being constructed of a transparent material. The skylight is provided with a retractable ladder. The retractable ladder may be a pully operated flexible ladder, a rigid foldable ladder, or any other suitable retractable ladder. The cover is normally held closed by a latch means, but is self-opening or substantially self-opening upon release of the latch by reason of the resilient biasing means.

Abstract: A trap door and folding ladder arrangement, suitable for use as a fire escape for multi-storey buildings, comprises a folding ladder which can be stored and locked in a folded position in a casing. A cover is connected to the ladder and the casing by two systems of levers and connecting rods arranged to automatically open the cover when the ladder is unlocked and unfolds by its own weight.

Abstract: An emergency escape comprises a stowage framework to be anchored in an opening formed in the slab of the floor of a room or the veranda, upper and lower covers interlocked linkage means, an escape means including a plurality of telescopically connected pipe sections, each of the pipe sections having a rung at the lower end on the uppermost pipe section being rotatably supported in the framework, and descent control means.The descent and extension speed of the escape means is controlled by the descent control means when the descent control means released a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: Fire escape apparatus having a flight of stairs formed of a smooth material having treads and risers and which is mounted beneath a balcony for swinging movement between a horizontal position and a downwardly inclined position, the treads and risers being so shaped that when the flight of stairs is in the inclined position, the treads slope inwardly and downwardly and the risers curve outwardly and downwardly to the treads so as to facilitate descent in a sitting position and to enable the stairs to be climbed in a normal manner.

Abstract: An attic hatchway cover wherein a tent-like structure having side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall each having a flange structure are arranged to engage and for securement to a hatchway opening framework employing mounting strips, such that fastening structure secures each mounting strip to each associated flange and simultaneously to the framework. .[.The.]. .Iadd.In a preferred embodiment, the .Iaddend.top wall of the cover employs a flap member selectively securable to the top wall and displaceable therefrom by use of a generally U-shaped zipper to disengage the flap relative to the top wall.