Abstract: The ladder of the invention includes first and second upright angle members connected together for movement in a parallel, arcuate relationship between an open position and a nested position. A cam surface on one of the uprights, when the uprights are going toward nested position, bears against a notched lever mechanism including a cap pivoted on the other one of said uprights. Normally, the lever mechanism is urged by a spring into latching position. The movement of the movable upright with respect to the other upright cams the cap and lever out of the way. The first and second uprights, when nested, are in a position with a flange on one of the uprights in a notch in the lever so that the uprights are contained in nested position. There is a pull cord for releasing the lever mechanism.

Abstract: A folding fire escape ladder has a first upright, L-shaped in transverse cross-section, as well as a second upright, similarly shaped. The uprights are joined for movement into and out of nested position by parallel, cross rungs of flat material journalled at their opposite ends on pins projecting from the uprights. Stops on at least one upright engage and limit the movement of the rungs. A latch lever has a notch corner adapted to engage one of the uprights when the latch lever is hooked onto the other upright. A spring urges the latch lever into such engagement except when the notch corner cams the latch lever out of engaging position. A hood on the latch lever normally overlies the upper ends of the uprights. Each rung has elongated grooves in its opposite sides occupied by facing beads on treads of inverted U-shape in cross-section. A crank lever is journalled in one of the uprights and when rotated presses a cam on the lever against the other upright to spread the uprights apart.