Patent ID: 7870695

Claim:
Apparatus for assisted traversal of an inclined structure, comprising: a fixed support fixed relative to the inclined structure; and a movable support slidably movable relative to the fixed support along a longitudinal axis of the movable support, the movable support having a locking portion cooperating with the fixed support for releasably fixing the movable support against movement along the longitudinal axis and having a sliding portion and a support portion, the support portion extending away from the sliding portion for supporting a person during traversal of the inclined structure; wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to an incline of the inclined structure and wherein the support portion has a first portion extending away from the sliding portion along a first lateral axis and a second portion extending away from the first portion along a second lateral axis offset from the first axis; wherein the first portion comprises first and second coaxial subportions in rotating connection with each other, the first and second subportions having respective first and second engaging portions, wherein, when the first and second engaging portions are engaged with each other, the first and second subportions are fixed against relative rotation, and when the first and second engaging portions are disengaged from each other, the first and second subportions are rotatable relative to each other.