Abstract: Ladders and ladder components are provided including feet for ladders configured for securement of the ladder to a supporting surface, adjustable leg members for ladders, bearing members for ladders, and adjustment mechanisms for ladders. In one embodiment, an adjustment mechanism may include a first pair of spaced apart rails, a pair of adjustable legs having a first end hingedly coupled to one of a pair of adjustment mechanisms and a second end coupled with a foot. The adjustment mechanisms may be slidably coupled with the rails and in one embodiment, each adjustment mechanism is selectively displaceable along a length of its associated rail only when upward force is absent from the adjustment mechanism, the upward force being defined in a direction from a lower end of the associated rail towards the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Elevated work platforms, as well as associated methods, are provided. In one particular embodiment, an elevated platform apparatus is provided comprising a first rail assembly having a pair of rails coupled with a plurality of rungs, a second rail assembly hingedly coupled with the first rail assembly, a platform configured to rest upon a portion of the first rail assembly and the second rails assembly and a cage associated with the platform. The cage may include at least one bar and at least one gate, the at least one gate being configured to swing in a first direction upon a user stepping on to the platform from the first rail assembly, and then swing back to a closed position after the user is standing on the platform. The at least one gate is also limited from being displaced in a second direction, opposite the first direction, beyond the closed position.

Abstract: Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

Abstract: Elevated work platforms, as well as associated methods, are provided. In one particular embodiment, an elevated platform apparatus is provided comprising a first rail assembly having a pair of rails coupled with a plurality of rungs, a second rail assembly hingedly coupled with the first rail assembly, a platform configured to rest upon a portion of the first rail assembly and the second rails assembly and a cage associated with the platform. The cage may include at least one bar and at least one gate, the at least one gate being configured to swing in a first direction upon a user stepping on to the platform from the first rail assembly, and then swing back to a closed position after the user is standing on the platform. The at least one gate is also limited from being displaced in a second direction, opposite the first direction, beyond the closed position.

Abstract: A ladder is provided having a securing apparatus for securing the ladder to a horizontally extending support structure (e.g., a utility cable), a vertically extending support structure (e.g., a utility pole) or both. In accordance with one embodiment, the securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engagement mechanisms, wherein each engagement mechanism is pivotally coupled with an associated rail of the ladder. Each engagement mechanism includes a frame member, an engagement member pivotally coupled with the frame member and a pole grasping structure coupled with the frame member. In one embodiment, each engagement member is configured to rotate from a first position, wherein an open gate is formed between the engagement member and its associated frame member, to a closed position.

Abstract: Ladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a first assembly hingedly coupled with a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with one or more rungs. The second assembly includes a pair of space apart rails with one or more bracing members extending therebetween. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. Upon rotation of the two assemblies relative to one another into a stowed condition, components of the second assembly engage undersurfaces of the rungs effecting rotation of at least a portion of each rung relative to the rails of the first assembly.

Abstract: A ladder is provided comprising a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. A pair of hooks are located such that each hook is positioned adjacent and upper end of an associated rail. A securing apparatus is coupled adjacent the upper end of the first pair of spaced apart rails. The securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engaging members and may include a cross-member coupled therebetween. Each of the engagement members is pivotal with respect to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails. In one embodiment, the securing apparatus lacks any biasing members (e.g., springs or actuators) or locking members. The engagement members and hooks cooperatively encircle and overhead, generally horizontal support member to support and secure the ladder in a desired position.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.

Abstract: Adjustable ladders may include a pair of side rails having a plurality of rungs extending therebetween, and a pair of adjustable legs associated with the side rails. A pair of swing arms may include a first end pivotally coupled with a side rail, or a bracket associated with the side rail, as well as a second end pivotally coupled with an adjustable leg. The swing arm may be configured as a nonlinear structure. In one embodiment, the swing arm may include a first section that extends from a second section at a defined angle. The first and second sections may exhibit different lengths. Adjustment mechanisms may be pivotally coupled with an upper end of the adjustable legs. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanisms may be configured such that, when actuated, they may be displaced in one direction while resisting displacement in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including various embodiments of a combination ladder. In some embodiments, a platform is provided that is fixedly coupled with a rail assembly of a combination ladder. The platform may pivot between a useable position or state and a stowed or stored position or state. The platform may maintain a position relative to certain rungs of the rail assembly while being displaceable relative to other rungs of the rail assembly. A hand rail may be coupled to the rail assembly and a tray may be coupled with the hand rail. The tray and the platform may be configured to maintain a constant distance between one another while the rail assembly is adjusted for height.

Abstract: Various embodiments of ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a ladder and platform system is provided having at least two ladders and a platform or plank. The platform or plank has coupling mechanisms that provide adjustable but secure coupling of the platform to the ladders, either with the top cap or with the rungs. Other embodiments include storage devices and paint trays for use with ladders and ladder systems incorporating such devices.

Abstract: Stepladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a top cap, a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with the top cap. The second assembly includes at least one rail pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. The first assembly, the second assembly and the top cap are cooperatively configured such that the at least one rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested within an envelope defined by the pair of spaced apart rails of the first assembly with the step ladder is in a collapsed state.

Abstract: Ladder configurations and components are provided including an outer rail assembly which is longitudinally adjustable relative to an inner rail assembly. The outer rail assembly may include a pair of spaced apart outer rails each fixedly coupled to an associated sleeve or sliding mechanism. Each sleeve is in turn slidably coupled to an inner rail of the inner rail assembly. The outer rails may be positioned and oriented at an acute angle relative to the inner rails so as to provide an increased base distance between the two outer rails. Support structures are also disclosed which are coupled at multiple locations along a rail member and at least one location of a rung. Additionally, ladder hinges are disclosed including hinge components configured to effectively transmit loads from associated rails. In one embodiment the hinge may include a pinch prevention mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member.