Abstract: A swingout battery tray and step pivotally mounted on a vehicle chassis with a latch to secure the battery tray in its operating position and a releasable fastener to secure the step in its normal operating position.

Abstract: Improved ladders for attachment to the transoms of boats comprise a platform section that includes horizontal planking and depending tubular frame members and a ladder step section pivoted on the tubular frame members below the planking for movement between a retracted position wherein the step is raised above the planking inboard of the rear end of the platform and an extended position wherein the step is lowered below and aft of the planking. The step is structured so as to limit the extent it will lower below the planking. The new ladder design enables the platform to be free of any elements, such as brackets, etc., and for the step to be aft of the boat's propeller, rudder, etc. When the step is in the extended position to eliminate possible snagging of gear worn by the ladder user or other interference to the user of the free use of the full area of the platform or of the ladder.

Abstract: A ship's embarkation device comprising a projecting ladder or similar structure (3), which at one end is pivotally connected to a first platform (2), which is pivotally connected to the ship's deck, and at its other end is pivotally connected to a second platform (4). The first and second platforms are unrotatably connected to each other by a connecting bar (5), which is pivotally connected to both platforms. The connecting bar always keeps the second platform in a horizontal position as well as strengthens the torsional resistance of the device. Moreover the ladder is kept tighter to the ship's deck, which prevents the ladder from swinging as the ship is rolling.

Abstract: A drawer type emergency escape is constituted by a stowage box attached to a support, a slidable frame normally received in the stowage box and extended out of the stowage box as the escape is employed, and a shift mechanism for pulling the slidable frame out of the stowage box as the escape is employed. An extensible escape device is connected to the slidable frame, is normally received in the frame for extending out of the frame as the escape is employed and comprises a plurality of telescopically connected pipe sections of different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A drawer type emergency escape is constituted by a stowage box adapted to be attached to a support, a slidable frame adapted to be slidably extended out of and retracted into the stowage box, a telescopically extensible escape means attached to the slidable frame to be received into and extended out of the frame, and a shift mechanism for pulling the slidable frame out of the stowage box as the escape is employed. The shift mechanism includes a drive arm connected to a shift handle, a slide shift link, a connection link connecting the drive arm to the slide shift link and an extensible tong means disposed between the slide shift link and slidable frame for extending and retracting the slidable frame out of and into the stowage box.

Abstract: A ship's embarkation device is provided, which despite moderate heeling (10.degree.-13.degree.) of the ship is kept against the ship's side. The embarkation device is for this purpose provided with at least one turning weight, which in relation to the ship's side is placed outside the central longitudinal plane of the device and thus gives it a turning moment directed towards the ship's side.

Abstract: A movable shelter floor type emergency escape for a multi-story building installed on the wall of each of the stories, including a movable shelter floor at one end pivotally mounted on the wall at an opening therein so as to be received in the framework defining the opening to close the opening when it is not used, and so as to open the opening when it is to be used, escape means normally received in an escape exit and downwardly extensible toward the movable shelter floor on a lower story, and means to support the movable shelter floor in a horizontal manner relative to the wall of the building.

Abstract: A bus loader for a wheel chair and for the infirm embodies a platform which is mounted within the entrance area at the front of the bus. A minimum change in the standard bus is achieved by removing the bottom and intermediate steps at the front entrance and mounting the loading mechanism within the resulting recess. The loading mechanism is so constructed that the doors will swing in at each side of the opening in a manner in which they are normally operated. The platform is moved to the ground or curbstone, the wheel chair is moved thereon and retained in position and the platform, wheel chair and occupant is raised and the platform advanced toward the bus driver and lowered upon the floor permitting the wheel chair occupant to drop a fare in the fare box. A rail is provided on the forward and inner sides of the platform so that the physically handicapped and the infirm may stand upon the platform and be raised into the bus thereby reducing the time required for loading the bus.

Abstract: A self-storing step structure for vehicular mounting including a first step section, means for pivotally connecting the first step section to a vehicle for pivotation about a horizontal axis between an operative position and a stored position, an extensible step section sidably engaging said first step section, and means for adjustably interlocking said first step section with said extensible step section at a preselected relative location.

Abstract: A loader having an elevated operator's platform mounted behind the cab of a truck. A ladder positioned to the side of the loader enables an operator to climb up to and down from the platform. The ladder includes a first standard fixed to the truck and/or loader, and a second standard carried by the first standard through interconnecting rungs normally spaced from the first standard outwardly of the acceptable travelling width of the truck. The outer standard and interconnecting rungs are pivotally connected to each other and to the inner standard whereby the outer standard can be pivoted upwardly against the inner standard to substantially reduce the width of the ladder to a position within the acceptable travelling width of the truck.

Abstract: This invention provides a multifloor type escape bridge apparatus for use in a multistory building in emergency situation, such as a fire or the like. In a normal situation, the necessary members for example expanders, floor boards, suspension ropes and up and down winding mechanisms are set up between adjacent buildings in a contracted condition under a supporting body. In the case of an emergency, the expanders fixed at the supporting body are extended downwardly so as to set up at each floor a board which provides connections between corresponding openings at opposed walls of said adjacent buildings. This enables individuals to escape from one building to another.