A portable ladder for securing to an object, such as a tree, is provided. The portable ladder includes first and second vertical supports, each with a channel extending therethrough. The vertical supports can be coupled together to form a ladder segment. The portable ladder also includes a plurality of steps coupled to the first and second vertical supports, and a primary strap extending through the channels in the first and second vertical supports. The first end of the primary strap extends out of the channel in the first vertical support and is configured to be wrapped around the object to form a strap loop, and the second end of the primary strap extends out of the channel in the second vertical support. The portable ladder further includes a locking device configured to lock the first end of the primary strap to the first vertical support, and a ratchet mechanism configured to be coupled to the second end of the primary strap to adjust the tension in the primary strap to tighten the strap loop around the object. Methods of securing the portable ladder to an object are also provided.

A portable ladder for securing to an object, such as a tree, is provided. The portable ladder includes first and second vertical supports, each with a channel extending therethrough. The vertical supports can be coupled together to form a ladder segment. The portable ladder also includes a plurality of steps coupled to the first and second vertical supports, and a primary strap extending through the channels in the first and second vertical supports. The first end of the primary strap extends out of the channel in the first vertical support and is configured to be wrapped around the object to form a strap loop, and the second end of the primary strap extends out of the channel in the second vertical support. The portable ladder further includes a locking device configured to lock the first end of the primary strap to the first vertical support, and a ratchet mechanism configured to be coupled to the second end of the primary strap to adjust the tension in the primary strap to tighten the strap loop around the object. Methods of securing the portable ladder to an object are also provided.

A ladder is provided. The ladder includes a ladder frame, wherein on the ladder frame foot boards are disposed, wherein the ladder frame includes a front bracket and a back bracket; the front bracket is provided with fixing joints; a handrail collapsible by sliding or overturning is disposed on the fixing joints; collapsing/unfolding structures for collapsing or unfolding the handrail are disposed between the fixing joints and the handrail; and after the ladder frame and the handrail are collapsed, a footprint of the handrail in a thickness direction is not more than a footprint of the fixing joints. By disposing the fixing joints to mount the handrail for providing a clearance space to collapse the handrail, the handrail is collapsed, by sliding or overturning, to an inner side of the ladder frame without increasing a footprint of a wholly collapsed ladder.

A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Mounting brackets for utility mounts have spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracket include mount elements that are movable between stored conditions and deployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the device to make it more convenient to pack. A climbing stick uses the storable mount elements.

A modular ladder having a single, central column for supporting radiating steps is shown and described. Steps are pivotally mounted on the central column to generate attachable modules. The steps fold up to a stowed position to minimize bulk when the ladder is not in use, and fold down to a nearly but not quite perpendicular position to facilitate climbing. The steps are held frictionally in the stowed position and by gravity in a deployed position when nearly perpendicular to the central mast. The ladder has a removable foot module for stability when propping the ladder on the ground. Each module bearing steps includes an integral loop for attachment of anchoring straps when desired.

A modular ladder having a single, central column for supporting radiating steps is shown and described. Steps are pivotally mounted on the central column to generate attachable modules. The steps fold up to a stowed position to minimize bulk when the ladder is not in use, and fold down to a nearly but not quite perpendicular position to facilitate climbing. The steps are held frictionally in the stowed position and by gravity in a deployed position when nearly perpendicular to the central mast. The ladder has a removable foot module for stability when propping the ladder on the ground. Each module bearing steps includes an integral loop for attachment of anchoring straps when desired.

An access platform system for enabling access to and from ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment. The system has a main frame with walls that is attached to or juxtaposed with the ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment; a vertical platform displacement assembly attached to the main frame; and a folding steps assembly. The vertical displacement mechanism has left and right intermediate carriage assemblies, and left and right lift cylinders with a multi-stage apparatus for influencing the stroke of the lift cylinders. In one embodiment, the folding steps assembly has an electromechanical means for folding and unfolding the steps.

An access platform system for enabling access to and from ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment. The system has a main frame with walls that is attached to or juxtaposed with the ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment; a vertical platform displacement assembly attached to the main frame; and a folding steps assembly. The vertical displacement mechanism has left and right intermediate carriage assemblies, and left and right lift cylinders with a multi-stage apparatus for influencing the stroke of the lift cylinders. In one embodiment, the folding steps assembly has an electromechanical means for folding and unfolding the steps.

A cart for transporting items comprises a base portion, comprising: a frame; at least one shelf coupled to the frame; and a set of wheels at the bottom of the frame permitting a movement of the cart; and a collapsible ladder directly attached to the frame.

A step stool or ladder includes a latch that engages a cross member to prevent a step from disengaging from the cross member. The curved end of the latch has a tail that provides additional weight to the end of the latch that engages the cross member and allows for decreased tolerances in manufacturing the latch. The other end of the latch has a knob that extends through an opening in the step so that the latch is accessible and to give visual cues to the user. The knob also maintains the latch in its position in the opening in the step. A bent out portion of the latch midsection serves to limit the amount of travel between the knob and the bent portion. The latch rotates on the portion of the latch between the bent portion and travel limiter and the knob attached to the latch.