Abstract: Mounting for portable, removable steps on tree trunks or other supports and particularly pertaining to a tool and method for easy, conveniently mounting conventional tree steps. The tool as described includes a handle axially aligned with a channel member containing an impact rod. A tree step is placed within the channel member and can then be rotated in a clockwise direction into the tree trunk or in a counter clockwise direction to remove the mounted step from the tree trunk.

Abstract: A ladder for negotiating an object includes a frame and a lever coupled to the frame. The lever is movable relative to the frame in response to an actuating force applied to the lever to move the lever into engagement with the object to secure the ladder to the object. A method for securing a ladder to an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: An articulating step assembly comprising: a side member which includes a guide slot having a first end and a second end; a drop linkage, wherein a portion of the drop linkage is slidably positioned within the guide slot; a pivot linkage, wherein the pivot linkage includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the side member and the second end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the drop linkage; and a step associated with the drop linkage, whereupon articulation of the step from a retracted position to an extended position slidably displaces the portion of the drop linkage positioned within the guide slot from the first end toward the second end thereof and pivots the pivot linkage relative to each of the side member and the drop linkage.

Abstract: An extendable-retractable step system for a recreational vehicle (RV) has a step tread attached to a slider rod via side arms that include one or more locking tabs, and includes a pair of end plates having tab-receiving slots and notched slider slots that define extended and retracted positions. A method of assembling the step system and mounting same to a vehicle frame without using specially adapted tools includes the steps of mounting one of the end plates to the vehicle frame, inserting the ends of the slider rod into the slider slots, mounting the other end plate to the vehicle frame, and resting the locking tabs in the tab-receiving slots.

Abstract: A foldable footstool device for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a main beam fixed to a lower surface of a lower part of a vehicle and having hinge holes and stoppers at left and right sides thereof, respectively; a footstool installed rotatably about said hinge holes of the main beam and being supported by the stoppers; a first shaft extended from an end of the footstool; a link portion linking a lower inner wall of a door and a side sill of the lower part of the vehicle; a second shaft connected to the link portion in order to rotate in response to a rotation of the link portion; and a bevel gear part having a horizontal gear connected to the first shaft and a vertical gear connected to the second shaft. According to such foldable footstool device for a vehicle, the footstool is unfolded when the door is opened and the footstool is folded when the door is shut so that a width of the vehicle decreases in a state that the door is closed.

Abstract: An articulating step assembly comprising: a side member which includes a guide slot having a first end and a second end; a drop linkage, wherein a portion of the drop linkage is slidably positioned within the guide slot; a pivot linkage, wherein the pivot linkage includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the side member and the second end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the drop linkage; and a step associated with the drop linkage, whereupon articulation of the step from a retracted position to an extended position slidably displaces the portion of the drop linkage positioned within the guide slot from the first end toward the second end thereof and pivots the pivot linkage relative to each of the side member and the drop linkage.

Abstract: A folding foot step of the type used on vehicles has an improved anti-skid, friction grip, stand-on surface with a clover-leaflet-shaped perimeter. The stand-on surface is interrupted by three elongate openings that are spaced inwardly from the perimeter and arrayed to extend about an uninterrupted central region of the stand-on surface. An upwardly-opening recess is defined by a narrow upstanding rim that runs along and defines the perimeter of the stand-on surface, and by narrow upstanding rims that encircle the three openings.

Abstract: A footrest for rock climbing includes a rest member for supporting the foot of a climber, a pair of support bars collapsibly connected to opposite ends of the rest member, respectively, and a hook arrangement for fixing free ends of the support bars with respect to each other. The hook arrangement serves to maintain the support bars and the rest member in the form of a substantially triangular shape and connects the fixed free ends of the support bars to a fixed member on a rock. The hook arrangement includes hanging holes respectively formed on the free ends of the support bars, and a ring-hook inserted through the hanging holes aligned together. The ring-hook is connected to the fixed member on the rock.

Abstract: A retractable step which is adequately functional, and which virtually automatically shifts between its in-use and storage position. A side runner assembly having a dropping step for a vehicle includes: an elongate member having a front and rear portion, each of the front and rear portions rigidly attached to the frame by a lateral member; and, a dropping central step portion carried by a lateral member, one side portion of the lateral member rigidly attached to the central portion, and the other opposite side portion movably attached to the frame. A spring upwardly biases the central portion; and the central portion is restrained in horizontal alignment with the front and rear portion of the side rail assembly. The central step portion is normally maintained in alignment with the front and rear portions of the assembly and drops to an operative position when and only downward force is applied thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unusual combination trash receptacle and step stool, which is portable, compact, safe, and includes a novel storage compartment and garbage bag installation means.

Abstract: A Ladder Latch System for securing telescoping ladders in the retracted position is described. The latching system is a component of a telescoping ladder system, which has as its main components a plurality of telescoping ladder legs, a ladder-mounting bracket, and a latch-releasing mechanism. The latching system is mounted to the ladder-mounting bracket and secures the telescoping ladder legs, which are in turn released by the latch-release mechanism.

Abstract: A step holding member has a first end which is insertable into a receiver-type trailer hitch and a second end which is adapted for holding a step member for stepping onto the tailgate of a pickup truck. In another embodiment of the invention the step holding member telescopes in and out towards a side of a pickup truck allowing for easy storage when telescoped in. In a third embodiment the step holding member folds inwards from the pickup towards the trailer hitch for storage. A fourth embodiment is adapted for mounting directly onto a trailer hitch drawbar so that the hitch may be used for towing with the step in place for use.

Abstract: An accessing step, mounted on a vehicle having a bumper attached to the vehicle frame, comprises a step part and a mount assembly fixedly supported on the bumper and frame, mounting the step part for swinging movement from a first operative position in which the step part extends generally horizontally to a retracted second position pivoted upwardly to lie generally vertically adjacent the bumper. The mount assembly incorporates a lock device automatically operative between the mount assembly and step part for releasably locking the step part in the second position and automatically locking up to block the step part from downwardly swinging beyond a substantially horizontal position, while permitting the step part to be swung upwardly.

Abstract: A folding camping trailer having a folding step with an integrated storage compartment generally includes a trailer body defining a doorway opening, a platform having a first side and a second side and a storage compartment connected to the platform. At least one of the platform and storage compartment is pivotally secured to the trailer body such that when the platform is in a first position, the platform is received in the doorway opening, and when the platform is rotated to a second position, the second side of the platform defines a step positioned adjacent the trailer body. In the first position of the platform, the first side of the platform preferably lies substantially in a plane defined by an external surface of the trailer body and the storage compartment is accessible to users of the folding trailer. In the second position of the folding trailer the storage compartment is substantially inaccessible to users of the folding trailer.

Abstract: An automobile frame machine includes a platform, one or more pull towers pivotally connected about a vertical axis fixed to the platform, and a step assembly which provides simple access to the platform of the frame machine at a strategic location near one of the pull towers. The step assembly may be hingedly or rigidly secured to a side face of the pull tower arm portion, or alternatively, may be secured as an overlay atop the top and side faces of the pull tower arm portion.

Abstract: A retractable ladder assembly for a watercraft has a rotatably mounted ladder which is attached to the craft by brackets. The ladder is pivotably mounted to the brackets. There is a plate biased to engage and rotatably retract the ladder from a use position to a storage position is also attached to the bracket. The bias is provided by a torsion spring. In one embodiment, the bracket mounts to the top of a rear platform of a boat and in another embodiment the ladder mounts to the underside of the rear platform of the boat. In both embodiments, the ladder may have a telescoping second ladder which retracts, due to gravity, when the torsion spring rotates the ladder assembly to a sufficient amount above the horizontal. There is also a stopper mechanism for each embodiment.

Abstract: A step stool attachment for attachment to vertical structures such as a wall or the inside of a cabinet door to permit users to reach higher locations. The step stool attachment includes a backboard designed for attachment to a vertical structure. A step is pivotally coupled to the front face of the backboard. Front and back leg panels are pivotally coupled to the lower face of the step. The bottom edge of each leg panel has a spaced apart pair of adjustable feet extending therefrom.

Abstract: A collapsible step assembly has upper and lower steps, and a housing which mounts below the door of a vehicle. The steps and housing are interconnected by pivotally mounted linkages. A pivot rod extends transversely through the housing with a linkage fastened to each end. A link arm is connected to the rod with a universal ball joint. The link arm is swivelly mounted to a drive gear with teeth which extend circumferentially along an arcuate edge portion. The drive gear is pivotally mounted to the housing and engages a drive gear extending from a motor. The drive gear rotates the pivot rod and, hence, the steps between retracted and extended positions. A flat outer edge of the drive gear abuts a mechanical stop in the extended position. When the user steps on the steps while they are extended, the stop will resist countertorque on the pivot rod from being applied through the gears to the motor.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly has a U-shaped step, a rotatable joint including a bracket, a first member to fix the bracket to the rear of a boat or personal watercraft, to a fixed step, a pivotable rod, and a second member to fix the U-shaped step to it for rotation with respect to the first member. The joint includes two rings which are fixed to the bracket and a tube disposed within the rings at each end for rotation around the axis of the tube and rings. One of the assemblies is fixed to the tube and another assembly is fixed to the bracket. The bracket has two springs fixed to it and also acting on the tube or the assembly connected to the tube to rotationally bias the tube and assembly with respect to the bracket.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly (10) includes a step (12) pinned to the lower ends of a pair of swing arms (14, 16) depending downwardly from a bracket (30) for mounting the step assembly to the underside of a vehicle. An electric motor (20) powers the upper end of a swing arm (14) to rotate the two swing arms between retracted and extended positions. A clutch assembly (24) is interposed between the electric motor and the swing arm (14) to allow the motor to continue to operate to the end of its cycle if the step or swing arm become obstructed. A lock assembly (170) is provided to lock the step in retracted position, with the lock being automatically disengaged when the step assembly is actuated to extend the step from retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle foot peg is disclosed for use with a motorcycle, ATV, or similar vehicle. The vehicle foot pegs are used in pairs and attached to the supplied foot peg brackets on the vehicle. The vehicle foot pegs are configured such that the outer ends of the pegs are angled rearward allowing the rider to rest the feet on the pegs in a natural and comfortable position with the toes slightly outward.

Abstract: A warp beamer having a frame supported on the floor and a horizontal warp beam rotatable on the frame has a step assembly provided with a step displaceable between a lower position supported directly on the floor and an upper position spaced well above the floor and of the warp beam. A motor connected between the step and the frame displaces the step between its positions. The step rides on a vertical guide on the frame and a lever assembly pivots the step between a horizontal position in the lower position and a generally vertical position in the upper position.

Abstract: A ladder device with integral housing, hinges, and axle for use in conjunction with independent support structures. The device utilizes minimal space within the support structure, transfers the preponderance of loads to the floor, is adjustable for varied dimensional relationships and is adaptable to a plurality of locations within or upon the support structure. The device can be extended and deployed, used to extend a users reach height, and then stowed away within the housing without disturbing the use of the support structure.

Abstract: A running board for an overland vehicle including first and second bell cranks with swing arms which move relative to the vehicle in opposing arcuate displacements. An elongated central running board member is flexibly connected to the swing arms to form a linkage which is extended and retracted. An extension compensator is included to compensate for changes in the overall length of the linkage. A motor-powered drive pivots the swing arms and preferably provides a control mechanism which coordinates the swing arm motions to keep the running board level. The drive can be automatically controlled by a door switch or other sensor.

Abstract: A retractable hanging step platform with stabilizers improves the stability of hanging steps found on motor homes and travel trailers. One or more support stabilizers are pivotably mounted on the underside of a step to engage the ground when the retractable hanging step platform is extended for use and to pivot alongside the step when retracted for storage during travel. The legs are also vertically adjustable to accommodate varying height conditions between ground level and the hanging step platform.

Abstract: A retaining and support assembly for supporting a lift platform or cage at an elevated position on machinery, the lift platform or cage having an engagement plate which may located between a stop and retractable pin supported on the machinery so as to be wedged in position to support the platform or cage. The pin may be retracted to allow for release of the platform or cage from its elevated position.

Abstract: A retractable step including at least a first and second tube member, a step platform and a retraction device. The first tube member is attached to the vehicle. The step platform is attached to one end of the second tube member. The second tube member, with the step platform, is slidable over the first tube attached to the vehicle. The retraction device provided a method of retracting the step platform from an in use lower position to an upper retracted position. An electric motor may be used to drive the retraction device.

Abstract: A folding step assembly is attached to a wall at a predetermined height above a floor and is movable from a stowed position to an operative position. The step assembly includes a step member providing a step surface between an inner and outer edge, an inner hinge attaching the inner edge of the step member to the wall or wall recess at a desired height, a brace having an inner edge and an outer edge, an outer hinge attaching the outer edge of the step member to the inner edge of the brace, and a stop for limiting the angle between the step member and the brace to thereby maintain the brace at an acute angle relative to the step member. In the stowed position, the brace is substantially parallel to the step member and the step member is substantially parallel to the wall or the inside of the wall recess.

Abstract: A side step for a vehicle, particularly a sports utility passenger vehicle is openable and closeable. In a preferred embodiment, the side step automatically opens when the front door of the vehicle is opened. In its open position, a toe kick panel provides a barrier to the side step support and movement mechanisms.

Abstract: A collapsible and retractable step apparatus having first and second steps is provided. The steps are extendable from, and used in combination with, a shelf that resides a vertical distance above a floor. A support and suspension leg unit is free at a first end thereof and is rotationally secured at a second end thereof to the second step. The leg unit is also rotationally secured to the first step at a location between the first and second ends of the leg unit. The leg unit positions and supports the first and second steps in a first configuration in which the first and second steps are positioned along with the leg unit in a substantially contiguous plane. The leg unit is rotatable about the location between the first and second ends of the leg unit to a second configuration in which the leg unit is in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the floor. In the second configuration, the first or free end of the leg unit rests on the floor such that the leg unit supports the first step.

Abstract: A crop sprayer cab has a step assembly facilitating ingress and egress of the operator into and out of the cab. The step assembly has floor and step sections operable for movement between an up, closed position and a down, step position relative to the floor of the cab. Links connected to the cab floor and the floor section limit downward movement of the step section and allow the step assembly to be moved to a closed position. A hand operated lever is operable to pivot the step assembly to the up, closed position.

Abstract: A collapsible folding step-stool which is mountable to a cabinet door. The step stool comprises (1) a bracket mountable to the cabinet door; (2) a platform movable between a lowered, generally horizontal, operative position and a raised, generally vertical, inoperative position; (3) a plurality of parallel arms attached at their first ends to the platform and pivotally coupled at their second ends to the bracket; and (4) a plurality of parallel support legs movable between a generally vertical operative position perpendicular to the platform and a generally vertical inoperative position parallel with the platform and the bracket. The support legs have upper ends pivotally coupled to the platform and lower ends which, when the platform is in the operative position, are adapted to rest on the floor with the lower ends of the legs at a lower elevation than the bottom of the bracket.

Abstract: One end of a leg of a boat ladder is swivably and pivotably affixed to the side of a boat and the corresponding end of the other leg of the ladder is releasably latched or hooked to one of a pair of brackets located on the same side of the boat forward and aft of the affixed attachment. The ladder is stored in a vertically upright position with the second leg latched onto one of the pair of brackets. To be put to use the second leg first is unhooked from the bracket and swung outward in a generally horizontal arc of about 180 degrees until it reaches the other of the pair of brackets and is then latched or hooked onto the other of the pair of brackets and then the ladder is swung vertically outward and downward toward or into the water. Standoffs may be provided on each leg of the ladder to support the ladder against and away from the side of the boat or the "logs" or floats of a pontoon boat.

Abstract: A folding step for cabinet doors has a step member hingedly connected at its lower end to a cabinet door, such as a sink cabinet, and a support leg member which is hinged at its upper end to the underside of the free end of the step member. A magnet strike plate is mounted on the cabinet door and a magnet is mounted at the top end of the step member. Alternatively, hook and loop type fastener elements may be used in place of the magnet and strike plate wherein one element is secured to the door and the mating element secured to the step member. A pull knob is mounted on the outer surface of the support leg. In a stored position, the step member is held in a vertical position against the cabinet door by the magnet engaged on the magnet strike plate or the hook and loop fastener elements and the support leg is parallel to the step member. When the user pulls on the pull knob, the step and support leg members pivot outward from the cabinet door and fold down.

Abstract: A foldaway step device for use in conjunction with a cabinet door, having a mounting plate (25) which is fixedly secured to the lower portion of the door (18), a step surface (37), legs (42), (43), (44) and (45), linkages (30) and (31), and a handle (55) which work in conjunction with and are pivotally connected to the plate (25). The step is stored flatly and verticaly on the inside of the door (18) in a manner which allows for normal use of the cabinet and unobstructed access to its contents. The step is lowered into its use position by opening the door (18) and pulling the handle (55) out and down in a 90.degree. circular motion. This action causes the step surface (37) to be lowered ot a horizontal position with the legs (42) to (45) extended vertically below it to a touching engagement with the floor. The step is stored with an action exactly the opposite.

Abstract: A ruggedly constructed work cart particularly suitable for use by mechanics includes a center work platform which is selectively heightwise adjustable. A series of platforms positionable at different heights allow the cart to function as a ladder, while a removable handle is provided so that the cart can be positioned beneath a vehicle for the purpose of supporting heavy parts. A removable tool tray can be alternatively attached to a vehicle`s bumper or tire to provide a mechanic with a "step" to gain better access to a vehicle's engine compartment.

Abstract: A rail vehicle sectioned door assembly for a door opening having a stairwell. The assembly comprises a sliding door having a door upper section and lower section slidingly interconnected together by a lock assembly. The door lower section is provided with guide rails to position same adjacent the stairwell. A stairwell platform is hingedly connected to one side of an upper horizontal plane of the stairwell. The platform is releasably secured in a retracted position clear of the upper horizontal plane and the stairwell. The platform is displaceable to lie in the horizontal plane, in a position of use, and is supported thereon. The lock is disengaged by the platform when displaced to its position of use to disconnect the door upper section from the door lower section whereby to permit the upper section to slide open while the lower section closes a lower portion of said opening below the platform.

Abstract: A retractable walk-in swimming pool ladder includes a platform having side frames secured thereto. A plurality of steps extended between and are secured to the side frames. A first pair of rollers are journaled on the platform and a second pair of rollers are journaled on the side frames adjacent the lowermost step. Linkages pivotally connect the platform to the swimming pool deck and cooperate with the rollers to permit the swimming pool ladder to be readily retracted from and returned to the swimming pool.

Abstract: A step assembly mountable on a boat transom including a mounting bracket and a pivot block pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket for pivoting about a horizontal axis. An opening is formed through the pivot block, and an elongated step shaft extends through this opening. At one of its ends, the step shaft carries a horizontally extending step, and at its upper end it carries a stop cap. The step and the step shaft upon which it is carried can be pivoted from a downwardly extending, operative position, to an upwardly extending stored position.

Abstract: A fully-adjustable boarding step for vehicles, and especially for off-road vehicles, wherein the cab or operator's position is high enough from the ground such that it is not easily accessible for boarding because of the clearance required between the ground and the frame of the vehicle. The device is a retractable, fully adjustable step adapted to fit a variety of the frames of presently used vehicles.

Abstract: A fold-out saftey step system for use in a passenger van having a side door. A planar step is attached to two leg members which in turn are pivotally attached to the floor of the van. The step can be folded out and down when the side door is open. When the step is folded up and inwardly the side door can be closed. The step includes a metal grate through which mud, snow, and dirt will pass to prevent built-up on the step.

Abstract: A self retracting step apparatus (10) mounted on the underside of a boat step (12) that projects rearwardly from the transom (14) of a boat. The step apparatus includes a mounting bracket (26) to which a support bar (16) is pivotally connected. A stirrup step (20) is secured to the distal end of the support bar, and is pivotal between an extended position and a retracted position. The support bar and stirrup step define a forwardly facing reactive surface (24) against which drag forces act upon movement of the boat. Springs (22) connected from the mounting bracket to the support bar nominally bias the stirrup step to the extended position, but may be overcome by the drag forces to allow the stirrup step to begin pivoting towards the retracted position. Once the stirrup step has begun movement from the extended position, the springs act to compel further pivoting of the stirrup step to a retracted position for stowage.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus adapted to be borne by a fixture, such as cabinet, including a bracket adapted to be mounted on the fixture, a pair of first support members individually, substantially pivotally mounted on the bracket, a pair of second support members individually slidably mounted on the first support members, and a pair of third support members individually, slidably mounted on the second pair of support members and at least one step mounted on and interconnecting the third support members whereby the apparatus can be disposed in a collapsed, stored attitude inside a cabinet or alternatively extended therefrom and disposed in an operational attitude extending outside the cabinet.

Abstract: A ladder and carrier assembly for attachment beneath the deck of a boat, such as a pontoon boat or party boat, includes a carrier suspended horizontally below the boat deck and provided with a rearmost transverse end element. A ladder support assembly mounted adjacent the forwardmost end of the carrier is provided with a pair of transverse rods disposed in vertical planes laterally offset from one another and which define a ladder clearance therebetween. A ladder having two longitudinal siderails includes a plurality of transverse steps and is disposed within the clearance of the support assembly. Restriction in displacement of the ladder from a substantially horizontal stowed position, to that of an extended inclined position, is controlled by a pair of stop members depending from the inner faces of the ladder siderails, adjacent their rear ends, and which alternately abut the carrier end element and one of the support assembly rods.

Abstract: A pipe track has a groove in which a ladder is slidably mounted for movement between ends of the track. A pair of spaced, downwardly extending notches at one end of the groove permit the ladder to be pivoted downwardly to occupy a vertical position coplanar with the track; and a pair of spaced, upwardly extending notches at the other end of the groove permit the ladder to be pivoted upwardly to occupy a vertical position coplanar with the track.

Abstract: A marine installation comprising a watercraft having a generally horizontal surface, and a ladder assembly comprising a ladder frame including spaced, parallel side bars, and spaced, parallel rungs extending between the side bars, and a mechanism for mounting the ladder frame on the horizontal surface such that the ladder frame is movable between a storage position wherein the ladder frame is located above the surface and an operating position wherein the ladder frame extends below the surface.

Abstract: A children's toilet apparatus is disclosed that is convertible from a free-standing potty chair to a toilet trainer that cooperates with a conventional toilet. The apparatus principally comprises a toilet seat member and adjustable legs which are pivotally interconnected. When employed as a free-standing potty chair, the leg members independently support the toilet seat member. When utilized as a toilet trainer, the leg members are oriented so that the toilet seat member is stabilized on and about the water closet seat of a conventional toilet by virtue of the interconnection of the toilet seat member and the leg members and contact of one of the leg members with a floor surface. In a preferred arrangement, one of the leg members is provided with a step member and hand grips to aid children in positioning themselves on top of the toilet seat member when the apparatus is employed as a toilet trainer.

Abstract: A ladder device for a boat has a mount unit and a separate step unit that may be moved between a use position with a step thereof immersed in the water in which the boat floats and a storage position where the step is located out of the water. The step in the use position extends aft of the platform and permits a person to climb out of the water and onto the platform without the step making any appreciable movement relative to the boat during such climb. The mount unit has a pair of U-shaped members formed of a section of tubing with first and second ends and a transverse flange is fixed to each first end by which the members may be attached to the upper surface of the platform. The step unit has two parallel S-shaped tubular side sections, each including a long central portion from which upper and lower end portions extend integrally and substantially normally. A step is fixed at its ends to the lower end portions holding the side sections spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Platform and ladder combinations for the transom of a boat have a platform unit and a step unit that may be moved between a use position with a step thereof immersed in the water in which the boat floats and a storage position where the step is located above the platform out of the water, which step in the use position extends aft of the platform unit and permits a person to climb out of the water and onto the platform without the step making any appreciable movement during such climb. The platform unit has a pair of tubular members with an inboard portion, a U-shaped outboard portion, a central portion and planking attached to the central portion of each the tubular members holding them spaced apart. The step unit is a tubular member defined by a middle section, two parallel, spaced apart end sections and planking fixed to short legs of the end sections forming a step.

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.