Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, an engagement indicator and a static hinge mechanism. The adjustable hinge mechanism is mounted with respect to the first ladder and the second ladder so that the adjustable hinge mechanism is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The static hinge mechanism enables the first and second ladder sections to be maintained in a stationary position with respect to each other.

Abstract: A stepladder that includes a first frame, a second frame, a step, a utility tray and a support arm. The second frame is pivotally attached to the first frame. The step is operably connected to the first frame and the second frame. The step pivots with respect to at least one of the first frame and the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame. The utility tray is pivotally connected to the second frame and includes a top panel and a side panel. The top panel has a first end and a second end. The side panel extends from the top panel along a side of the top panel that extends between the first end and the second end. The side panel has a slot formed therein. The side panel has a detent formed therein. The detent is in communication with the slot. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support and is pivotally connected to the second frame.

Abstract: A stepladder that includes a first frame, a second frame, a step, a utility tray and a support arm. The second frame is pivotally attached to the first frame. The step is operably connected to the first frame and the second frame. The step pivots with respect to at least one of the first frame and the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame. The utility tray is pivotally connected to the second frame and includes a top panel and a side panel. The top panel has a first end and a second end. The side panel extends from the top panel along a side of the top panel that extends between the first end and the second end. The side panel has a slot formed therein. The side panel has a detent formed therein. The detent is in communication with the slot. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the second frame.

Abstract: A convertible ladder including a first ladder portion, a second ladder portion and a static hinge mechanism. The first ladder portion has a first locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The second ladder portion has a second locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the first ladder portion with the first locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the second ladder portion with the second locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism maintains the first ladder portion in a stationary relation with respect to the second ladder portion.

Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, an engagement indicator and a static hinge mechanism. The adjustable hinge mechanism is mounted with respect to the first ladder and the second ladder so that the adjustable hinge mechanism is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The static hinge mechanism enables the first and second ladder sections to be maintained in a stationary position with respect to each other.

Abstract: A stepladder that includes a first frame, a second frame, a step, a utility tray and a support arm. The second frame is pivotally attached to the first frame. The step is operably connected to the first frame and the second frame. The step pivots with respect to at least one of the first frame and the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame. The utility tray is pivotally connected to the second frame and includes a top panel and a side panel. The top panel has a first end and a second end. The side panel extends from the top panel along a side of the top panel that extends between the first end and the second end. The side panel has a slot formed therein. The side panel has a detent formed therein. The detent is in communication with the slot. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the second frame.

Abstract: A step stool or ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The first frame member includes a safety hoop at which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder or step stool. The frame also includes a cross member which spans a portion of one of the frame members. The ladder or step stool has one or more steps. At least one of the steps is supported primarily by the cross member in its unfolded position in which a user can ascend on the steps of the stool or ladder. One or more other steps may be attached to step which is primarily supported by the cross member. The step that is primarily supported by the cross member includes a latch that has a first curved end which engages the cross member to prevent the step primarily supported by the cross member from disengaging the cross member.