Abstract: A ladder with extendible legs that may be individually and selectively, secured in the desired extent of protraction by a relatively uncomplicated locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be incorporated in a ladder having at least a pair of support legs with an extension leg carried by, and slidable axially along, each support leg. A reaction surface is presented from each support leg. A pair of locking cam surfaces is also presented from each support leg. The locking cam surfaces are disposed in spaced opposition to each reaction surface. An engaging plate is presented from each of the extension legs. The engaging plate is slidably interposed between the reaction surface and the opposed locking cam surfaces. A locking member is, in turn, operatively disposed between the engaging plate and the opposed locking cam surfaces.

Abstract: A paintbrush caddy (50 or 150) embodying the concepts of the present invention utilizes a shelf plate (54,154) having a longitudinal length sufficient for supporting a paintbrush (80) thereon. The forward end portion of the shelf plate (54,154) may be affixed to a vertically depending apron (52,152) positioned at an obtuse angle (.alpha..sub.1) relative to the shelf plate (54,154) such that a paintbrush (80) supported on the upper surface of the shelf plate (54,154) is positioned at an acute angle (.alpha..sub.2) with respect to a horizontal reference when the caddy (50,150) is used. An upwardly extending stop plate (60,160) is also affixed to the shelf plate (54,154) at its forward end portion, and the stop plate (60,160) is penetrated by at least one drain aperture (66,166) that opens through the stop plate (60,160) at the level of the upper surface (54a,154a) on the shelf plate (54,154).

Abstract: An automatic self-leveling ladder having a leveling leg axially slidably mounted within the bottom of each member of a pair of spaced vertical rung supporting members for automatically compensating for unevenness in the support surface. A rack is fixed to each of the legs and is engaged by a gear located within each of the legs that is mounted on an end of a stub shaft. A locking device is fixed on each of the rung supporting members and engages the gears upon application of the weight of the ladder on the legs to lock the legs in a selected leveling position. The stub shafts extend inwardly from the rung supporting members and are located within a complementary sized tubular telescoping member which serves as the bottom rung of the ladder. One of the stub shafts is fixed to the tubular member so the member rotates with the shaft. The shafts are joined by a spring steel strip to rotate the shaft in unison and to compensate for torsional forces exerted on the two stub shafts when in locked positions.

Abstract: An improved caulking gun has a usual semicylindrical frame with a disc-shaped rear wall and a split front wall. A handle and trigger mechanism is mounted on the rear of the frame for advancing a plunger forwardly within the tube to discharge caulking material from the tube through the spout. A guide channel is mounted on and extends along the bottom of the frame and curves upwardly along and is spaced from the split front end. A flat strip of flexible metal is slidably mounted in the channel and has a front cutting edge which cuts partially through the plastic spout when a new tube is placed in the frame. The outer end of the metal strip blocks the flow of caulking material from the spout. A lever is pivotally mounted on the guide channel and is engaged with the metal strip for moving the strip between a flow-blocking position and an open material-discharge position.