Abstract: An extension plank has first and second elongated sections that telescope from a plank maximum length to a minimum length. Such sections have an outboard portion and an inboard portion joined by a plurality of parallel tubular elements of rectangular cross-section. The outboard portion includes an elongated U-shaped channel and the outboard ends of the tubular elements are fixed into the U-shaped channel spaced apart from each other. The inboard portion includes a pair of straps and a plurality of U-shaped guide saddles. The straps are fastened to each of the tubular members with a guide saddle sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: Stepladders having flat tread steps have a step extender fixed along the rear edge of the first step from the top of the ladder to increase the width of the step bearing surface and improve ladder safety. The extender comprises a flat tread portion and a depending brace portion. A minor section of a longitudinal edge of the extender overlaps the upper, rear edge of the ladder step which it serves to widen.

Abstract: Extension ladders having a bed section and a fly section comprises automatic hook locks of a rotary type that rotate on shafts carried on brackets parallel to the side rails of the ladder fly section to move between normal hooking positions and intermittent passing positions. Pivoted toggles rotate with the hook locks and serve to move them into their passing position as the fly section is lowered. The hook portions of the locks are contoured to move them into their passing position by contact with step members of the bed section as the fly section is raised.

Abstract: The fly sections of extension ladders are provided at the bottom end with opposed housing bars upon which a rung is mounted thereby avoiding the usual hazard of a skipped rung. The housing bars are constructed and mounted on the fly section to provide multi-directional strength while permitting full movement, in the space between the mounting bar and the ladder side rail, of automatic hook locks equipped with conventional toggles. The improved constructions are especially suited to the manufacture of all-metal ladders.

Abstract: Ladders made of metal comprising first sections of metal channel that intersect second sections of metal channel have the first and second sections joined together without use of rivets or weldings by providing the first sections with pairs of U-shaped cavities, the second sections with tip flanges, fitting the tip flanges, in various ways, into the U-shaped cavities and press forming portions of the first sections against the tip flanges to lock the first and second sections together. Typically, the first sections would be side rails and the second sections, steps, rungs or cross braces.

Abstract: Stepladders made of extruded aluminum channels include special forms of front section bracing and brackets for a bucket rack that enables the ladder to be fabricated with a minimum of fasteners and parts while providing improved strength, rigidity and safety properties.

Abstract: Combination step, stair well and extension ladders are characterized by a single bracket member by which a bucket rack and the top rear section are pivoted to the front step section, the bucket rack is supported by telescoping channel members, spring-biased hooks are pivoted on the top rear section to make locking engagement with the top step of the ladder's front step section and snap pin units are carried by brackets on the lower rear section to interlock with holes in the sides of the top rear section to adjust the length of the ladder when it is in the extension ladder configuration.