Abstract: A rib for an elevating platform, the rib designed and configured to insert through a slot in the sidewall of the elevating platform. The rib includes an internal rib component and an external rib component, wherein each of the components include at least an arm and a stem. The rib is operable to support an external load, such as an attached apparatus.

Abstract: A stowable step assembly for climbing a structure is disclosed which includes an articulating step, including a step, the step has at least one cam surface, allowing articulation of the step from i) a deployed position allowing a user to place weight on the step, to ii) a stowed position, at least one cam stop configured to stop the cam motion of the step when in the deployed position; a hanger, including a connector configured to interface with the step, wherein the connector includes at least one counterpart cam surface to the at least one cam surface of the step and wherein the connector includes at least one counterpart cam stop to the at least one cam stop of the step, at least one hook configured to interface with a counterpart attachment arrangement of a structure; and a fastener configured to couple the connector to the step.

Abstract: A light bar assembly for a vehicle. The light bar assembly including a light bar and a first bracket assembly. The light bar configured to receive a light source. The first bracket assembly including a first light bar receiving portion and a first rocker attachment portion. The first light bar receiving portion being configured to receive a first portion of the light bar. The first rocker attachment portion being configured to receive a first portion of a vehicle rocker.

Abstract: A combination tie down lug and step riser includes a foot support portion, a hold down loop and a mounting portion. The combination tie down lug and step riser is preferably fabricated from a single piece of material. The foot support portion includes a plurality of projections extending upward from a top edge thereof. The hold down loop extends from one end of the foot rest portion. The hold down loop includes a U-shaped opening with the U-shaped opening positioned along a horizontal axis. The mounting portion extends from an opposing end of the foot support portion. Opposing ends of the hold down loop and the mounting portion are attached to an excavator base with welding or any other suitable attachment method.

Abstract: Step apparatuses that removably couple to a door latch element (e.g., a U-shaped striker element) of a vehicle are described. A step apparatus may include a hook element that enables the step apparatus to hang from a door latch element in a vehicle door well. A step apparatus may also be able to extend through a door latch element such that the step apparatus may couple to the door latch element in an upright position. A step apparatus may include one or more than one step structure.

Abstract: A watercraft is basically provided with a watercraft structure and a grab bar. The watercraft structure includes a platform with a recess at a rear edge of the platform. The grab bar is mounted to the watercraft structure in the recess of the platform. The grab bar has a bar portion with a front edge that is disposed forward of the rear edge of the platform with respect to a front to aft direction of the watercraft.

Abstract: A step for an elevating platform, the step including a top flange, a bottom flange, and a transition; the step configured to insert into a cutout in the platform sidewall. The bottom flange is configured to contact an outer surface of the platform sidewall when the top flange contacts an inner surface of the sidewall, thereby placing all of the contact areas between the step and the platform under compression when force is applied to the step.

Abstract: A safety system having at least one safety module, which is associated with a system controlled by a controller. A portable augmented reality unit is provided. The augmented reality unit has a camera and a projection unit. The safety module has a connection module. The connection module is designed to provide a data connection with the augmented reality unit, and further, a data connection with the controller. By means of the augmented reality unit, a code identifying the system is captured and transmitted to the connection module. Depending on the code captured by the augmented reality unit, parameters of operating elements are supplied. Based on the parameters, the operating elements are made visible by means of the projection unit of the augmented reality unit.

Abstract: A watercraft is basically provided with a watercraft structure, a platform mount and a platform. The watercraft structure defines an outer top boat perimeter. The platform mount is provided on the watercraft structure. The platform includes a platform portion and a support portion coupled to the platform mount. The platform portion is disposed below the platform mount while the support portion is coupled to the platform mount in a first deployed position that is outside of the outer top boat perimeter. The platform portion is disposed above the platform mount while the support portion is coupled to the platform mount in a second deployed position that is outside of the outer top boat perimeter.

Abstract: A right angle support member configured to be affixable to a vertical-object; the right angle support member configured to form a substantially L-shape having a vertical angle member having a first end; a horizontal angle member having a second end configured to extend outwardly away from a right angle vertex; and a threaded anchor hingebly coupled to the right angle vertex configured to be affixable to the vertical-object; a stabilizing spike located at the first end of the vertical angle member extending opposite of the horizontal angle member; a hanger loop proximate the second end of the horizontal angle member, the hanger loop is configured to receive and interact with a pulley system.

Abstract: A system for removably mounting tree steps and other equipment in tree stands. The system comprises a permanent universal bracket and a series of removable equipment mounts attachable to it. The bracket is attached to the tree by inserting a bolt through one or more apertures in the bracket. One or more cleats extends from the bracket into the tree to prevent the bracket from rotating around the bolt. A channel in the bracket is as adapted to receive one or more mated extensions that extend from each mount. The extensions are flexible and resilient such that they can be deformed to facilitate attaching and removing the mount from the bracket. In the preferred embodiment, the mount is a step having two extensions, each insertable into a mated channel on the bracket.

Abstract: A climbing stick connector system includes first and second climbing sticks releasably secured to one another with first and second posts extending parallel to one another. In one implementation, the first climbing stick has a stopper having a shelf and a projection received within an aperture in one of the posts, wherein a step is pivotally secured to the post above the shelf by a fastener extending through the stopper. The first climbing stick has a V-shaped claw having spaced ears receiving the post therebetween, and the step has opposite upwardly facing concave edges.

Abstract: A tree mounted hoist device for mounting a hoist to a tree facilitates lifting of a tree stand or the like. The device includes a bracket having a first section and a second section. The first section is configured for coupling to a tree wherein the second section defines a step extending from the tree. An elongated member has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the bracket wherein the elongated member extends from the bracket. A pulley is coupled to the elongated member in spaced relationship to the first end whereby the pulley is positioned in laterally spaced relationship to the tree.

Abstract: An adjustable working platform for a curved surface includes a support member configured to be inserted into a hole in the curved surface. An adjustable surface is configured for supporting a load, and the adjustable surface is configured to rotate and lock in multiple positions. An anti-rotation arm is connected to the support member, and the anti-rotation arm includes an adjustable section configured to engage an axial facing portion of the curved surface.

Abstract: A tree climbing system, the system comprising a tree climbing apparatus, the tree climbing apparatus including a handle portion, the handle portion including a first end portion, a second end portion and a ring portion including a top member, a bottom member, a first side member and a second side member, the ring portion defining an open interior portion, a threaded support member secured adjacent the first side member and the top member and a step member secured adjacent the second side member and the bottom member an installation tool, the installation tool including a first end, a second end and a handle near the first end and a carrier, the carrier including a carrier body sized to correspond with the open interior portion of the tree climbing apparatus.

Abstract: A tree mounted ladder assembly provides adjustable spacing between steps to facilitate climbing into a tree. The assembly includes an elongated bar, an upper support coupled to the bar; and a lower support coupled to the bar. A connector is also coupled to the bar and a strap is coupled to the connector. The strap is configured for coupling around a tree to hold the upper support and the lower support against the tree. A plurality of steps is coupled to the bar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-destructive, ergonomic climbing aid for use in climbing a columnar structure. The climbing aid comprises a body portion and a tensioning member for affixing the body to the columnar structure. The body comprises a contact surface, a support surface and a projecting portion joining between the contact surface and the support surface. In use, the contact surface has a substantially vertical axis and contacts the columnar structure. In use, the support surface supports a foot or hand and the projecting portion is cantilevered so that the support surface has no direct contact with the columnar structure. The support surface has a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the substantially vertical axis of the contact surface.

Abstract: A screwable hoisting apparatus to aid in elevating objects is described. The apparatus is embedded into a tree with one hand while the tree climber is free to use his other hand to secure himself to the tree. A method for using the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A tree step system 100 having a tubing 110; and a step lag screw 130, whereby the tubing 110 may be used as a hammer to drive the step lag screw 130 into a tree 20 and the tubing 110 may further be used for leverage to turn the step lag screw 130 into the tree. The tree step system 100 may include a rod step 150, and an adjustable fastener 170 for adjusting the depth of the adjustable fastener 170 and preventing the tree step system 100 from rotating. The rod step centerline may be offset ninety degrees from the centerline of the step lag screw 130, whereby the offset provides for ease of climbing and entering a tree stand with the proper foot. The tubing 110 may comprise an upper tubing 114 and a lower tubing 124 for ease of installation.

Abstract: A removable step used to climb a vertical surface. The step has first and second structural members and at least two brace members spacing the structural members. A coupler is rigid with one of the structural members and is operable to secure the structural member to the vertical surface.

Abstract: A transfer platform for safely transferring a lineman from a helicopter to a utility pole includes a cylindrical hollow member dimensioned to closely fit over the top of the pole, the member having an open lower end and a top cap closing the upper end thereof, the top cap abutting the top of the pole when the member is positioned on the pole, a step extending sidewardly from the member, the step being substantially parallel to and lower than the top cap and an equipment support assembly extending sidewardly from the member. An aperture is formed in the member beneath the underside of the step and an adjustable shim assembly extends through the aperture into the hollow of the member.

Abstract: A rail vehicle step mounts to the sill step of a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the sill step. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: A railcar step mounts to the stirrup of a rail vehicle. The railcar step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the stirrup. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by a bow hunter using a tree stand to hunt. The apparatus comprises a rod member having a predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. A screw member is engageable intermediate each end of the rod member for attaching the rod member to a tree, and there is at least one holder attached to at least one end of the rod member for holding an arrow. The at least one holder is formed of a second predetermined material.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffold steps, with two separate side pieces (11) and a plurality of separate step elements (13, 13?, 13?), which can be detachably coupled to each other and to the side pieces.

Abstract: A novel climbing device for use in combination with a climbing spike, the climbing spike includes an anchor portion capable of being driven into a wooden object and a horizontal portion capable of being used as a step by a climber. The climbing device includes a body, a tread surface formed on a top portion of the body, a receiver fixed to the body and operative to receive the horizontal portion of the climbing spike, and a stabilizer fixed to the body and operative to limit relative movement between the body and the horizontal portion of the climbing spike. In a particular embodiment, the climbing device includes the climbing spike. In a more particular embodiment, the climbing device can be in either one of a first position or a second position. In the first position, the rotation of the body about the horizontal portion of the climbing spike is prevented. In the second position, the body is rotatable about the horizontal portion of the climbing spike.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide access to some outside portions of a vehicle that is difficult to reach. The solution provided consist of two steps temporarily attached to a vehicle tire and supported with webbing material and pressure activated hangers.

Abstract: A climbing apparatus includes a first stile, a second stile and a base member. The first stile has a base end and a second end. The base end has a slot. The base member is coupled to the base end of the first stile such that the base member can pivot about an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first stile. The second stile has a first end and a distal end. The first end is coupled to the second end of the first stile via a hinge.

Abstract: A portable step apparatus capable of supporting a predetermined weight and provide access to at least one of a windshield and an engine compartment of a predetermined vehicle includes an elongated step like member. An elongated strap like member is securable to the step like member adjacent a back portion thereof for encircling a portion of a tire disposed on such vehicle and to provide a first portion of support for the step like member. Lastly, there is a mechanism provided which engages the step like member adjacent a front portion thereof and a pre-selected member disposed in such engine compartment for providing a second portion of support for the step like member.

Abstract: A prefabricated step for insertion in a pair of spaced holes formed in a solid material includes an elongated step member having a harden core, a pair of outwardly projecting support members rigidly attached substantially at right angles thereto, each of the ends of said support members being adapted for insertion into the corresponding holes and having individual substantially arcuate and continuous resilient projections integrally molded thereon, and each of the projections has a slanted face inclined toward the step member and is deformable under pressure.

Abstract: A device for making starter hole for a tree step includes a weighted hammer head with a spike extending from a surface thereof and a handle extending from the head in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spike. A retaining strap is attached to the handle. A user will swing the handle to punch holes in a tree trunk into which the screw end of a tree step is inserted.

Abstract: An assembly having an umbrella and a mounting bracket for mounting the umbrella to a vertical object. The mounting bracket engages the top of the umbrella, thereby suspending the umbrella from a position above the umbrella. The umbrella has a finial cap at the top of the umbrella. Part of the finial cap extends out above the canopy of the umbrella. This portion of the finial cap is selectively received by the shaped head of the mounting bracket. The finial cap is annular and defines a central opening through which the support post of the umbrella can pass. When the umbrella is opened, the support post extends out through the finial cap above the canopy. The result is a mounting umbrella with nothing protruding below the umbrella.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tool for inserting and removing rod-type steps includes a handle and a head. The head includes a first surface having a first hole and a second surface, parallel to the first surface, having a second hole. The first hole and the second hole define a centerline. The head also includes a tang having first and second scallops disposed on opposing edges. The tang is perpendicular to the first and second surfaces and offset from the centerline.

Abstract: A T-post stepping aid is disclosed. The T-post stepping aid includes a longitudinally extending main stepping body, having a recess extending into the sidewall of the main stepping body for receiving a T-post, and a retaining latch removeably attached to the main stepping body for attaching the main stepping body to said T-post. A method for traversing a T-post fence, such as a barbed wire fence, is additionally disclosed. The main stepping body is initially attached onto a T-post, matching the recess indentation with the T-posts form. The T-post stepping aid is then secured with the retaining latch. Finally the main stepping body is used as a step to traverse the fence and is then removed.

Abstract: A tree-climbing assembly includes at least one tree step and a tool for rotating the tree step relative to a tree such that the tree step is threadingly coupled to the tree. The tree step includes a threaded first portion, a foot peg, and a second portion that extends between the first portion and the foot peg. The tool includes a retaining sub-assembly and a handle that extends outwardly from the retaining sub-assembly. The retaining sub-assembly includes a first retainer and a second retainer. The second retainer is for engaging the tree step second portion during rotation of the tree step, and the tool first retainer is for engaging the tree step threaded first portion during rotation of the tree step such that the tool handle is substantially concentrically aligned with respect to the tree step first portion.

Abstract: A safety and accessibility assembly (10) having a pair of substantially identical hook portions (20, 26) which are coupled to a support frame having several pillar portions (12, 14, 16, 18), wherein the pillar portions (12, 14, 16, 18) are coupled to a platform portion (30). Particularly, the hook portions (20, 26) are adapted to removably and frictionally couple to a sea wall (100), thereby suspending the pillar portions (12, 14, 16, 18) and the platform (30) above a body of water (200), effective to allow accessibility into and out of the body of water (200) despite the level of the water (202).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming cast members. Steps are provided in the cast member by sliding mounting flanges of hollow plastic step inserts into slots provided in the inner mold shell. The cast material is then poured into the mold. Once the cast material has set, the cast member is withdrawn from the mold assembly. The step insert mounting flanges are broken away, leaving hollow step inserts into which manhole steps are force-fittingly mounted. The inserts are provided with integral cover tabs which cover larger slots provided to facilitate insertion of the step inserts, preventing leakage of the cast material into the mold assembly. Integral cover tabs are similarly provided on enforcement ring support members mounted in a similar fashion to insertion slots provided on one of the mold members to cover larger width slot portions to prevent seepage of cast material. Similar seals are provided by cylindrical-shaped inserts for use in wetcast and drycast fabrication methods.

Abstract: A rack step tool for use, for example, in a warehouse which houses a plurality of storage racks which support equipment, merchandise, or other items which are stored on the shelves of the storage racks and from which the equipment, merchandise, or other items are periodically removed. The rack step tool generally includes a step member which is attached to a base plate. A pair of lugs is attached to the base plate for insertion into openings in a vertical support member of the storage rack. The rack step tool can be attached to the vertical support member at various heights and can be readily disengaged therefrom. The rack step tool may further have a securing element such as a hook for insertion into another hole in the support member for further securing the rack step tool thereto.

Abstract: A bracket device for attachment to a thin walled section includes a main member having an operating member, and an attachment hook extending from a proximal end of the operating member which in use engages with the thin walled section, and a locking wedge associated with the attachment hook which slides in relation to the attachment hook to a locking position to create a reaction force between the attachment hook and the thin walled section.

Abstract: A tool is provided to aid in the insertion and removal of tree steps used with blinds in trees while hunting. The invention takes the form of a “Z”-shaped crank made of flat steel stock. The middle portion of the crank has a hole that is placed over the step on the step portion. The upper portion of the crank, has two slots on either side, one of which is used for installing a tree step, while the other is used to remove the tree step. Finally, the lower portion of the crank forms a handle, which can be padded with a cushion or handle grip.

Abstract: A running board support assembly (200) for fastening a running board step (104) to a vehicle includes a support bracket (204) for engagement with the running board step, and a mounting bracket (202) for coupling the support bracket (204) to the vehicle. The mounting bracket (202) includes a hooking end (212) and a pin (214). The support bracket (204) includes a hook (226) for engagement with the hooking end (212), and an aperture (218) for engagement with the pin (214). When assembled, the hook (226) and the aperture (218) cooperate to tension the mounting bracket (202) and thereby secure the support bracket (204) to the mounting bracket (202).

Abstract: A step apparatus (10) is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly (12) which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly (18) includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members (28) are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies (30) are connected to the rear bracket portion. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.

Abstract: A support device may be used by a technician when performing elevated line work, for example. The support device may include a shaft having a first end and a second end and threads disposed at the first end of the shaft for use in securing the device to a pole. The support device further may include at least one rigid support member disposed on the second end of the shaft for supporting an object from the device and a pusher attached to the second end of the shaft and adapted to drive the support device into the pole. The pusher may include a driving end adapted to receive force applied from a piston of a powder driven tool, an extension portion extending from the driving end and contacting the support device.

Abstract: A climbing device is configured to have a locking mechanism operative to allow the handle and the footplate of the climbing device to pivot to and engage a portion of building structure in a position, in which further displacement of the footplate and handle relative to one another is arrested to lock the portion between the jaws of the device.

Abstract: A cleat is adjustably mountable on a support by an attachment strap and a clasp. Alternately, or in combination with the strap, the cleat has a full hand grip surface. Alternately, the cleat can function as an portable article carrier.

Abstract: A bench step to aid in mounting a bench platform provided by the common drywall bench is provided having a support portion adapted to be fit over a step rail provided by the drywall bench, the support portion being held in place on the step rail by a flange that extends from the support portion. A spacer portion extends from the support portion to distance the support portion from a step portion that extends out from the spacer portion. The step portion is provided with structural support by a step support portion that angles downwardly from the step portion to contact the drywall bench and thereby support the step portion.

Abstract: A Step Attachment is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that is strong enough to be used in the construction profession. The outside dimensions of the attachment are extremely compact, such that the device can be easily carried in conventional tool boxes and on tool belts. The attachment further provides additional slip-resistance for secure footing under a variety of conditions and use patterns. The device is further manufactured from standard stock components and is assembled extremely easily.

Abstract: An easy to use device that attaches to a beam for use as a step and allowing a user to stand on and attain elevation. A plank can be used in combination with the tool to form a shelf, scaffold or platform. The upper surface of the tool comprises tapered ribs located on the back edge of the upper surface. A vertical member and collar are attached to the tool. When the tool is placed on a beam and downward force is applied to the tool, the ribs engage a first side of the beam and the collar engages the opposite side of the beam, forming a lever. The user is free to stand on the tool for support and elevation.

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 is composed of a vertical support structure and a set of rungs. In the present invention, the vertical support structure is formed by a sailboat mast or other vertical object to be climbed. A set of step housings are attached to the mast. Each step housing contains an inclined hole sized to receive a removable rung. A set of removable rungs are provided. Each such rung has an insertion cylinder and a step. The insertion cylinder is placed in the inclined hole on one of the step housings. Interlocking mechanical features lock the removable rung in the step housing. The user can thus install a number of removable rungs in order to easily climb the sailboat mast or other vertical object.