Abstract: A rigid, unitary ladder is provided having one end configured to be attached to a powerline support tower after the ladder is dropped by helicopter to a lineman previously offloaded onto the tower. The ladder includes a first section which extends outwardly from the tower and a second section which extends at an angle at least equal to ninety degrees from an end of the first section to a base which is configured to rest on the powerline, the angle being defined between the undersides of the first and second ladder sections. The first section is of a length sufficient to space the base a distance from the tower which is beyond the flashover area around the tower.

Abstract: A stair portion for a stair assembly for a swimming pool, comprising a bottomless hollow body having lateral surfaces and a top surface defining steps. The bottomless hollow body is adapted to be received in a pool with bottom edges of the lateral surface lying against a bottom of the pool such that a user person can move in or out of the pool using the steps. The bottomless hollow body is adapted to be connected to a pool connector portion for being secured adjacent to a sidewall of the pool. The bottomless hollow body is adapted to be nested with another bottomless hollow body, so as to facilitate transportation, warehouse storage or maneuverability in a body of water.

Abstract: A boat ladder attached to a trailer for easy access to a bow of a boat. The ladder comprises two side rails with spaced-apart steps or rungs between the side rails, the lower portion of one of the side rails curving a predetermined distance toward the other side rail and then running parallel with the other side rail wherein the lower ends of the ladder side rails fit into bases secured to a front longitudinal member of the trailer. The bases are secured on each side of the longitudinal member of the trailer, and the lower ends of the side rails fit into cylindrical tubes attached to the sides of the base.

Abstract: The portable barge access ladder has a pair of coaming frame members positioned outside of a barge coaming with a plurality of safety treads there-between forming a coaming ladder portion. The ladder includes transverse frame members extending across the barge coaming with a decking tread member there-between forming a walkway for the operator to easily traverse the coaming. Angled hold frame members extend into the barge hold with conventional safety treads there-between at least partially forming a hold access ladder portion. The ladder includes adjustable legs slidably received in the hold frame members with one or more auxiliary treads attachable to the legs forming optional additional treads for the ladder as the legs are extended. The removable auxiliary treads will be used where the legs are extended beyond standard tread spacing. A combing securing mechanism is provided to prevent ladder lateral slippage during use.

Abstract: A modular ladder for mounting to a tree or pole includes a plurality of separate sections, each of which can be separately mounted to the tree or pole. Each of the separate tree mountable sections includes an upper step, a lower step, and a rigid frame element connecting the upper and lower steps. A flexible mounting element is used to secure the frame element to the tree or pole. Each of the steps projects radially outwardly from the tree when mounted, making it easier to use the steps in climbing the tree or pole. The steps each have a slot formed therein for permitting the nesting of the separate tree mountable sections one against another. In this way, the separate sections can be compactly configured for storage and carrying. Each of the steps is large enough to accommodate the user's two feet in side-by-side relationship. In this way, the user is not required to balance on only one foot while standing on the steps. The upper and lower steps are spaced apart by about two to three feet.

Abstract: A rigid, unitary ladder is provided having one end which attaches to a powerline support tower after the ladder is dropped by helicopter to a lineman previously offloaded onto the tower. The ladder includes a first section which extends outwardly from the tower and a second section which extends angularly downward from the first section to a base which rests on the powerline. The first section is of a length sufficient to space the base a distance from the tower which is beyond the flashover area around the tower.

Abstract: An extension ladder and tree stand for supporting a seated or standing person on an elevated platform against a tree trunk for hunting, photography, and the like. The ladder and platform collapse into a compact size and shape for carrying by a person. The ladder is in telescoping sections. Alternate steps of the ladder slide to the middle of each telescoping section. This provides twice as many steps as sections, reducing the number of telescoping sections by half. This minimizes weight, size, complexity, and expense. When deployed, all parts remain safely assembled in all positions. Captive spring loaded pins fix the telescoping sections in extended or retracted positions, and fix the sliding steps in a middle position of each section. A folding seat on the platform has a cushion that reconfigures into a back cushion for carrying the collapsed assembly on the back of a person.

Abstract: Scaffold ladder, that consists of a vertical support provided with rungs on the one hand, and with protruding parts or hook elements on the other hand which can co-operate with the erected scaffold elements.

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: A rigid, unitary ladder is provided having one end which attaches to a powerline support tower after the ladder is dropped by helicopter to a lineman previously offloaded onto the tower. The ladder includes a first section which extends outwardly from the tower and a second section which extends angularly downward from the first section to a base which rests on the powerline. The first section is of a length sufficient to space the base a distance from the tower which is beyond the flashover area around the tower.

Abstract: A pair of substantially parallel lengthwise spaced apart two layered web straps having an attaching device integral at one end of each corresponding web strap. At designated intervals along each web strap, the two layers are spaced apart to form an opening through which a ladder step is inserted at each end of the step. A flanged end cap is removably attached to each end of the ladder step along an outside edge of the web strap. The end caps are removed from the end of the ladder steps and the ladder steps are removed from the straps for compact storage with the straps.

Abstract: An adjustable ladder with self-storing features and suitable for installation in the sleeping berth of an over-the-highway tractor. The ladder includes an upper and lower member. The upper member includes first and second side rails and at least one step rung rigidly disposed between the side rails. The first side rail includes a mounting end, an open end, and a center portion. One end of the first and second side rails are rotateably mounted to a mating surface. The lower member includes a first end, a second end, and a center portion extending between the first and second ends. The lower member first end is slideably engaged within the upper member open end to define a ladder length. The length is adjustable over a range by sliding the lower member with respect to the upper member. The range may be from an application length to a stored length.

Abstract: A pet pool safety system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a platform which is fabricated of a water resistant material. The platform has a generally rectilinear configuration with a plurality of pin receivers, a plurality of struts and a plurality of U-shaped ladder clamps. The platform also has two buoy apertures. Next provided is a ramp which is fabricated of a water proof material. The ramp has a generally rectilinear configuration with a plurality of raised ridges and a pin passageway. Next provided is a ramp pin which is sized to be received by the pin receivers and the round pin passageway thereby rotatably coupling the ramp to the platform. Next provided is a plurality of float subassemblies with each having a rod with an upper stop and a float. Lastly there is provided a pool side ladder.

Abstract: A swimming pool ladder typically utilized with a large capacity swimming pool for enabling bathers to conveniently enter and exit the pool. In its most fundamental embodiment, the swimming pool ladder includes a first ladder section connected to a second ladder section by a top platform. Each ladder section includes a pair of J-shaped side rails for providing a ladder frame. A plurality of rung anchors are mounted upon each of the side rails for supporting a plurality of rungs. Each of the rung anchors includes a load bearing flange. Further, each of the rungs includes a pair of U-shaped openings and a pair of grooves formed within the U-shaped openings for receiving and cooperating with one of the rung anchors and the corresponding load bearing flange. Finally, a plurality of retainer pins are provided for removably securing the rungs to the rung anchors.

Abstract: A quick release latched security window guard having a framework attached to a building exterior overlying a window is held with a cam latch system including a cam rod extending through the building wall, with an end protruding into a hollow member forming a part of the framework. A sliding latching sleeve is spring urged into a slot in the cam rod end to lock the framework in place. Rotation of a handle on the rod end within the building forces the sleeve back to be cammed out of the slot to release the framework. One or more fixed slotted latching posts may also be mounted to protrude into the hollow member and to be engaged by portions of the sleeve to form additional latching points, all of which are released by the rotation of a single cam rod. The framework may take the form of one or more ladder sections deployed to hang down from the window when the framework is pushed out after being released by the operation of the cam rod.

Abstract: A stair portion for a stair assembly for a swimming pool, comprising a bottomless hollow body having lateral surfaces and a top surface defining steps. The bottomless hollow body is adapted to be received in a pool with bottom edges of the lateral surface lying against a bottom of the pool such that a user person can move in or out of the pool using the steps. The bottomless hollow body is adapted to be connected to a pool connector portion for being secured adjacent to a sidewall of the pool. The bottomless hollow body is adapted to be nested with another bottomless hollow body, so as to facilitate transportation, warehouse storage or maneuverability in a body of water.

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: A ladder module for use in climbing trees, hunting or other purposes. The module includes a support member having a pair of support brackets mounted at the top and bottom ends of the support member. The brackets are generally V-shaped and include a number of teeth on the interior surface of the bracket that engage the tree on which the module is placed to prevent the module from slipping on the tree. The brackets also include a rectangular slot in the center of the bracket that receives a support member from a second ladder module to form a convenient nested carrying arrangement for the ladder modules. The module also includes a releasable securing arrangement for securing the module about the tree. The arrangement comprises a belt having a buckle and a pair of straps removably engagable with a fastener mounted to the support member on the side of the support member opposite the support brackets.

Abstract: A rotomolded plastic wall and ladder structure (10, 50, or 58)), which may be an article such as a window well (10) or a manhole (50 or 58), includes a thermoplastic wall (12), a ladder (16) whose rungs (18) each include an elongated metallic core (20) and a thermoplastic sleeve (22). Mold apparatus (70) includes an exterior-contour mold (72), an elongated metallic core (20) having a heating passage (74) therein, and means for flowing hot air through the heating passage (74). The method includes disposing a hollow metallic core in a mold, placing a quantity of a thermoplastic inside a mold, heating the mold, rotating the heated mold, flowing heated air through the hollow metallic core, and bonding a layer of the thermoplastic onto the hollow metallic core.

Abstract: A ladder for climbing trees and other vertical elements having a pair of spaced stiles, a plurality of rungs between such stiles and stand off elements on the stiles or rungs for spacing the ladder from the object to be climbed which will maintain the ladder in generally parallel relation to the object. Adjustable straps secure the ladder to the object. The ladder is provided in joinable sections to permit the same to be erected against the object without scaling the ladder.

Abstract: A ladder for aboveground pools with incorporated foot rinsing system including a ladder portion adapted for coupling with a swimming pool. The ladder portion is comprised of a pair of elongated vertical spaced apart rails. The ladder portion includes a plurality of horizontal steps extending between the pair of rails in a spaced relationship. A water tank is secured to one of the pair of elongated vertical spaced apart rails of the ladder portion. The water tank has a hollow interior for holding a quantity of water therein. A plurality of water nozzles are secured within one of the pair of elongated vertical spaced apart rails of the ladder portion in a spaced relationship. The water nozzles are directed downwardly toward the horizontal steps of the ladder portion. The water nozzles are connected with the hollow interior of the water tank for receiving water therefrom.

Abstract: A mast ladder for going up the mast of a sailing craft having a mast with a sail slide extending along the length of the mast including a halyard slide, a plurality of connecting rods, a top step and a plurality of universal steps. The mast ladder is raised by engaging the top step with the sail slide and attaching a connecting rod to the lower end of the top step and raising the top step. The top step, each universal step and halyard slide, engage the sail slide keeping the mast ladder against the mast and providing support to each step. As the mast ladder is raised the top step has a connecting rod attached to the lower end of the top step and to the first universal step at its left or right hand position, which are alternated with a connecting rod between each universal step with the halyard slide connected upside down to the last universal step allowing the mast ladder to rest on the halyard slide so that the work on the craft may be completed.

Abstract: A ladder unit for climbing up and down a construction machine, capable of stabilizing a ladder in a position of descent thereof and that of storage thereof, facilitating an operator's actions to climb up and down the construction machine, and preventing the ladder from projecting toward circumferential parts and being thereby broken. Mechanisms for locking the ladder in the position of descent thereof are provided. The ladder locking force of these locking mechanisms is rendered releasable from the ladder in a position on the construction machine. Mechanisms for locking the ladder in its storage position are also provided.

Abstract: A portable climbing apparatus comprising segments which can be stacked end to end to form a ladder and which can be nested together for easy transportation.

Abstract: A mast ladder for going up the mast of a sailing craft having a mast with a sail slide extending along the length of the mast including a halyard slide, a plurality of connecting rods, a top step and a plurality of universal steps. The mast ladder is assembled by attaching an end of the halyard to the upper end of the halyard slide to raise the mast ladder up the mast. The halyard slide, the top step and each universal step engage the sail slide keeping the mast ladder against the mast and providing support to each step. As the mast ladder is raised, the halyard slide has a connecting rod attached at the lower end and the connecting rod is attached to the top step at the upper end and a subsequent connecting rod is attached to the lower end of the top step and to the first universal step at its left or right hand position, which are alternated as the mast ladder is raised to the desired height necessary to complete the work on the craft.

Abstract: A drop-in stair assembly for a pool which comprises alternating treads and risers forming a series of steps extending between first and second side walls and with a pair of L-shaped connectors, each of the connectors having first and second arms and an elbow portion, the arms having a plurality of attachment locations such that the stair unit can be aligned in both a horizontal and a vertical fashion with respect to a pool wall and rim.

Abstract: An escape ladder stored in an interior wall of a building, beneath a window. The ladder is deployed by placement through a window with a storage container providing a step for ease in exiting. Ladder steps are secured by a flexible strap with each step including an integral spacer to maintain proper positioning of the steps upon deployment. The ladder is stored in a nest configuration pattern with the connecting strap folded between each step.

Abstract: A descender for use in abseiling comprises;a base having a connection means for connection to a harness or the like; and a pivotal member pivotally mounted on the base about a pivot axis extending generally normal thereto, the pivot axis being spaced from the connection means.The pivotal member defines first and second spaced sheaves for engaging a rope, extending generally parallel to the pivot axis. The first sheave is disposed about the pivot axis and the second sheave is located substantially on the opposite side of the pivot axis with respect to the connection means. The pivotal member also has a handle means to selectively pivot the pivotal member relative to the base;The base further has a first stop defining a braking surface located adjacent the second projection which limits movement of the pivotal member; and a further, second stop disposed adjacent the first stop at a greater distance from the second projection than the first stop.

Abstract: A retractable safety post for facilitating access in and out of a manhole is slidably attached to each side rail of a wall-mounted ladder. Each post slides within a tubular sleeve fixed to the side rail and is selectively movable between a retracted or stowed position to an extended or use position. Each post has at its upper end a cap and handle for ease of grasping during use, and at its lower end a latch member for securing the post in its extended position during use. A wall bracket anchoring the ladder to the manhole serves as a resting support for the latch member and its post when in the extended position. The post is secured in the extended position by merely lifting the post, twisting the post a given amount in a pre-set direction, and lowering the post slightly so that the latch member can engage the wall bracket. In its stowed position, the post rests wholly within the manhole.

Abstract: An access step and winch mounting assembly is provided for a load carrying device, such as a boat trailer. The assembly includes a front member for mounting on a frame of the trailer, a top member extending from the front member and a cross bar connected to the to member. The top member mounts a winch for drawing a load onto the trailer. The cross bar mounts load engaging members. A step subassembly includes a stringer depending downwardly from the cross bar and multiple rungs with arcuate configurations each extending between the front member and the stringer member. The step subassembly is outwardly and laterally convex.

Abstract: A removable security bar apparatus for preventing ingress to a building opening such as a window or door. The apparatus includes a grille and moveable latch remote from the opening. The apparatus may be quickly removed from the opening and used as a ladder to exit the building through the opening in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizing device is adapted for attachment to a ladder and to a fixed structure for holding the ladder in a stable condition on a supporting surface adjacent to the structure. The ladder includes a base, a pair of laterally spaced side rails, and a plurality of vertically spaced and laterally extending rungs connected to the side rails. The ladder stabilizing device includes an elongate ladder locking member with a pair of spaced-apart locking grips for being releasibly locked in laterally spaced relation onto one of the rungs of the ladder. An elongate attachment member is rigidly coupled at its first end with the ladder locking member. The opposite second end of the attachment member is adapted for being secured to the fixed structure. A releasable fastener is located at the second end of the attachment member for releasibly attaching the stabilizing device to the fixed structure.

Abstract: A folding ladder includes a vertical supporting strap formed from fabric material. The supporting strap has top and bottom ends. The top end of the strap has means, e.g., a fastener, rope or opening, for securing it to a fixed object for holding the ladder upright. At least one loop formed from strap material is provided below the top of the strap and is held in place by the supporting strap. The strap loop depends from the supporting strap and has two upper portions that are connected to each other at the top of the loop. The connected upper portions of the loop lie in lapped face-to-face relationship. Each such loop includes a downwardly depending, generally U-shaped intermediate bend between the connected portions. The U-shaped bend defines a step or hand grip with an opening above it to facilitate the entry of a hand or foot. In a preferred form of the invention, the strap material of each loop is provided with one or more half-twists.

Abstract: A modular safety ladder system for climbing trees is provided, comprising a single support member having a lower end and an upper end; a bottom step attached to the lower end; a top step attached to the upper end; an intermediate step attached to the support member between the bottom step and the top step; a flexible strap attached to the support member for suspending the ladder module from the tree, wherein the strap is placed in tension when weight is exerted on the ladder module; first and second stabilizers attached to the upper end and the lower end of the support member, respectively, for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree, wherein the first and second stabilizers include surfaces which are caused to forcibly contact the tree when the strap is placed in tension; and a safety loop connected to the strap for allowing a secure attachment between the strap and a coupling device on the climber, wherein the safety loop is constructed in a manner to support the weight of the climber.

Abstract: A portable safety ladder for climbing trees is provided, comprising a single primary support member having first step; a single secondary support member having a second step, wherein the secondary support member is slidable relative to the primary support member; a locking mechanism operatively disposed between the primary support member and the secondary support member for selectively locking the position of the secondary support member relative to the primary support member; a single flexible strap on the primary support member for suspending the ladder module from the tree, wherein the flexible strap is placed in tension when weight is exerted on the ladder module; first and second stabilizers attached to the primary support member and the secondary support member, respectively, for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree, wherein the first and second stabilizers include surfaces which are caused to forcibly contact the tree when the flexible strap is placed in tension; and a safety loop connected t

Abstract: A ladder system comprising a plurality of ladder segments arranged in seriatim. Each segment includes two sections joined by a hinge such that a portion of the segment may engage an object to be scaled. A retaining device is provided on each segment to maintain the segment in engagement with the object and each segment includes a riser portion which, when the segments are properly placed, forms the risers of a ladder. Adjacent segments are connected and are positioned in place on the object, by a user who pulls them into position one at a time.

Abstract: A portable ladder module is provided, comprising a primary support member having a first step; a secondary support member having a second step, wherein the secondary support member is slidable relative to the primary support member. A lock is operatively disposed between the primary support member and the secondary support member for selectively locking the position of the secondary support member relative to the primary support member in an extended position and a retracted position. A strap having a quick-release buckle is secured to the primary support member for holding the ladder module to a tree, and a pair of rigid tubing members on each of the primary support member and the secondary support member are present for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree. Preferably, a third step is provided on either the primary or the secondary support member, depending upon the nature of the sliding relationship between the primary and secondary support members.

Abstract: A modular ladder system for climbing trees is provided, comprising an upper assembly and a lower assembly, wherein the lower assembly is slidable relative to the upper assembly; wherein the upper assembly includes a first pair of support members attached to one another by a top step, and wherein the lower assembly includes a second pair of support members attached to one another by a bottom step; a locking device operatively disposed between the upper assembly and the lower assembly for selectively locking the position of the lower assembly relative to the upper assembly in an extended position and a retracted position; an attachment device on the upper assembly for attaching the ladder module to a tree; and a stabilizer on the upper assembly and the lower assembly for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree.

Abstract: A portable, hunter's ladder, useful in climbing trees comprising a pair of tubular rails radiused at each end forming a generally "C-shaped" configuration with their ends turned at oblique angles towards each other. A plurality of rungs, spaced along the rail's length, hold the rails in a substantially parallel relationship and are spaced at regular intervals except for the uppermost rung which is placed adjacent the upper, rail radius leaving an unequal spacing between the upper two rungs. Thus providing the climber with a better footing advantage when traversing around a tree to avoid limbs or when transferring to another ladder or tree stand.

Abstract: A modular ladder system for climbing trees is provided, comprising an upper assembly having a first pair of support members attached to one another by a top step; a lower assembly having a second pair of support members attached to one another by a bottom step; a central assembly having a third pair of support members and a third step, wherein the upper and lower assemblies are independently slidable relative to the central assembly; a first lock between the upper assembly and the central assembly for selectively locking the position of the upper assembly relative to the central assembly in an extended position and a retracted position; a second lock between the lower assembly and the central assembly for selectively locking the position of the lower assembly relative to the central assembly in an extended position and a retracted position; an attachment device on the upper assembly for attaching the ladder module to a tree; and a stabilizer on the upper assembly and the lower assembly for stabilizing the lad

Abstract: An individual step pad which can be incorporated into any loop of rope or dock line. The step pad provides a permanent or temporary rescue and utility footing in combination with a piece of rope. The step pad comprises a step pad portion, the step pad portion having a generally flat upper surface, a lower surface, upper edges, a predetermined thickness and lengthwise ends. The step pad portion further has two rope receiving notches in the lengthwise ends each consisting of a semi-circular groove extending vertically through the step pad, the semi-circular groove having a predetermined diameter, whereby the piece of rope is captured within the semi-circular groove of the notches on either end of the step pad. The device is portable and can float, and when installed in a loop of rope, can be thrown to a person in the water or in another boat, etc.

Abstract: A ladder having pivotable folding riser sections, includes at least one pair of elongated riser components connected by a folding joint. The components have mating contacting ends abutting each other at an angle 45.degree. from the linear axis of the components. A reinforcing member concentric with said components is positioned across the joint, and a pivotable connection is formed by hinge members connected to each of the ladder components which are pivotally connected to each other by means of a hinge pin located exteriorally of the components. The invention also provides pivoting stand off members and a strap tightening mechanism for providing tightening tension equally on both ends of the strap which thus is not caused to move laterally during tightening.

Abstract: An automatic foldable emergency ladder system for use in a building having a smoke detecting device includes an inverted L-shaped housing having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion and being securely mounted to a perimeter wall of a roof of the building; a control unit mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and having at least one input port for receiving a signal from the smoke detecting device; an electrically powered driving device mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and electrically connected to the control unit for receiving a signal therefrom and being activated/deactivated therefor; a spool unit rotatably mounted in the housing and driven by the driving device; a foldable ladder securely coupled to the vertical portion of the housing at one end thereof and having at least one wire which is secured to the spool means at one end thereof and an opposite end thereof is coupled to a free end of the foldable ladder such that the ladder can be folded/extended by the spool unit;

Abstract: A portable, hunter's ladder, useful in climbing trees comprising a pair of tubular rails radiused at each end forming a generally "C-shaped" configuration with their ends turned at oblique angles towards each other. A plurality of rungs, spaced along the rail's length, hold the rails in a substantially parallel relationship and are spaced at regular intervals except for the uppermost rung which is placed adjacent the upper, rail radius leaving an unequal spacing between the upper two rungs. Thus providing the climber with a better footing advantage when traversing around a tree to avoid limbs or when transferring to another ladder or tree stand.

Abstract: A modular ladder system for climbing trees is provided, comprising at least two ladder modules, each ladder module comprising a hollow, primary support member having an upper end and a lower end; a secondary support member, telescopingly slidable within the primary support member, having an upper end and a lower end; a first step attached to the lower end of the secondary support member; a second step attached to the lower end of the primary support member; a top step attached to the upper end of the primary support member; a spring-loaded lock operatively disposed between the primary support member and the secondary support member for locking the position of the secondary support member relative to the primary support member; at least two stabilizer brackets attached to the primary support member and the secondary support member for stabilizing the ladder module against the tree; and a strap and quick-release buckle attached to the primary support member for holding the ladder module to the tree.

Abstract: A ladder for contraction and storage on an upper working floor of a printing press having a plurality of vertically arranged working floors for access to said printing press at said working floors, such ladder having a plurality of substantially equal length sections coupled to each other at overlapping ends of said sections at side rack of said ladder for expanding and contracting such ladder, the upper end of the upper-most ladder section, when such ladder is expanded, having coupling means engageable with rails on such upper working floors for guiding such ladder, when contracted, into a horizontal position at such upper working floor for storage and for guiding such contracted ladder to a position at the end of such upper working floor for movement from a horizontal storage position to a substantially vertical expanded position for extension between such upper working floor and a working floor therebelow and means for locking such plurality of coupled sections into such contracted position for storage.

Abstract: A shaft element composed of molding material has a shaft member with a hollow interior, and at least one support provided in the interior of the shaft member so that a person can step on the support. The support is an integral component part of the shaft member. The shaft member has an extension, and the support is formed in the region of the extension.

Abstract: For enhancing the safety of a ladder, adjustable extensions (14) can be attached to the bottom ends of the side rails of the ladder so as effectively to adjust the lengths of such rails so that the ladder will not lean to either side, regardless of any difference in heights of the ground or support areas under such rails. Also coupling cables (66) couple the ladder to the wall of the building against which the ladder leans. The coupling cables connect the midpart of the ladder to a horizontal wall cable (64) which is attached along and parallel to the wall of the building. The top of the ladder is stabilized against rolling to either the left or right and so that it can be positioned stably against irregular supports, such as windows, eaves, pitched roofs, pipes, etc., by means of stabilizing bars (74) connected to its top and suitably shaped to mate with the irregular supports, and by extension arms (82) which project out from the top of the ladder. Hand holds (88) are attached to the extension arms.

Abstract: A swimming pool structure comprises a swimming pool sidewall defining a pool area, an elevated deck attached to the sidewall along an upper rim thereof, and a pair of ladder side rails extending from the deck into a water-holding pool area defined by the sidewall, the side rails being connected at upper ends to at least one of the sidewall and the deck. The ladder side rails are provided with elements for ensuring that the side rails are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the pool sidewall. A pair of hand rails are connected to the respective side rails and extend inwardly therefrom into the pool area. A plurality of steps are disposed between and connected to the side rails, while a pair of platform guard rails are connected to the deck in parallel with the side rails.