A storage system (500) for an elevator hoistway access ladder (300) includes a landing doorway (502) comprising a door column (504) and a landing door (506). The door column (504) includes a rotating support (501) for storing the hoistway access ladder (300), and the rotating support is rotatable relative to the door column (504).

A self-retractable step for assisting a user in elevating him or herself above a floor, is disclosed. The self-retractable step comprises a self-retractable foot member and a cylindrical assembly coupled with the self-retractable foot member. The foot member is configured to move from one position to another position. The cylindrical assembly comprises a rotary member, one or more spring members and a protuberance member. The rotary member is configured to move the foot member to a predetermined position. Further, the spring members coupled to the rotary member is configured to self-retract the foot member from the predetermined position. The protuberance member disposed at the cylindrical assembly is configured to act as a stopper to hold the foot member in a predetermined position on retraction by the spring members. The self-retractable step further comprises a load bearing member at a base of the foot member.

A storm shelter escape door assembly includes a frame and a door hinged to the frame. The frame includes three inner sidewalls, an open end, and a horizontal attachment plate extending outwardly from upper edges of the inner sidewalls. The door has at least three outer sidewalls joined by a door face. The door is hinged to the frame adjacent the open end and below the horizontal attachment plate so the door is openable in an inward direction away from the horizontal attachment plate. When the door is in a closed position, the door face angles downwardly toward the open end to cause water to run off the door.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

A tower segment for at least a section of a tower includes a tower segment defining an interior, a longitudinal axis, and a wall, and a supply structural segment preassembled in the interior of the tower segment extending along a the longitudinal axis of the tower segment. The supply structural segment is movable relative to the tower segment and connected to the wall of the tower segment so that the supply structural segment can be moved at least from an assembly position to a connecting position. Other tower, tower segment, support structure, support structural segment, and methods of erection of same use at least a tower segment of a tower.

An access deck assembly is provided for an aerial lift vehicle mobile platform. A base member defines an upper surface to support an operator, and has first and second guides to cooperate with the platform. A locking mechanism is supported by the base member and retains the access deck to the platform. A method of connecting an access deck assembly to a mobile platform is provided. The access deck assembly is positioned relative to the platform to be above and spaced apart from the platform floor surface, with the base member of the access deck assembly substantially within a perimeter frame of the platform. An access deck assembly has a guide member connected to a base member and configured to connect the base member to the mobile platform and support the base member directly above and spaced apart from the platform floor surface.

An access deck assembly is provided for an aerial lift vehicle mobile platform. A base member defines an upper surface to support an operator, and has first and second guides to cooperate with the platform. A locking mechanism is supported by the base member and retains the access deck to the platform. A method of connecting an access deck assembly to a mobile platform is provided. The access deck assembly is positioned relative to the platform to be above and spaced apart from the platform floor surface, with the base member of the access deck assembly substantially within a perimeter frame of the platform. An access deck assembly has a guide member connected to a base member and configured to connect the base member to the mobile platform and support the base member directly above and spaced apart from the platform floor surface.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.