Abstract: Ladders and ladder components are described herein, including multipurpose and adjustable ladders. In one embodiment, a ladder includes a first assembly having rails and rungs, a second assembly having rails and rungs, and one or more hinges coupling the first and second assemblies together such that the first and second assembly may be positioned relative to one another in at least a position or state and at least a second position or state. A top cap is coupled to the rails of the first assembly, such that when the first and second assemblies are in the first position, the rails of the second assembly do not contact the top cap. When the first and second assemblies are in the second position, each rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested in one of a pair of channels formed in the top cap.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a ladder and method for removably mounting the ladder on a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The ladder may be removed and used as a standard step ladder. The ladder includes a top end and two pairs of legs extending downward from the top end. At least one of the pairs of legs is pivotally mounted to the top end, and a pivoting limiting mechanism is provided to allow the pairs of legs to fold adjacent one another or unfold to a use position as a step ladder. An upper mounting arrangement is attached to the recreational vehicle. The arrangement includes two free ends extending downwardly therefrom; and the top end of the ladder includes receivers for receiving free ends of the upper mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizing assembly for extension ladders has two length adjustable legs attached to opposing sides of the ladder at substantially the midpoint of the working distance of the ladder and two length adjustable braces attached to opposing sides of the ladder near the bottom and are securely attached to the legs. Rods through the hollow rungs attach the legs and braces to the ladder. Heim joints at one end of each leg and brace attach securely to the rods and enable the legs and braces to pivot and swivel for optimum stability placement. The ladder and stabilizer function as a single unit with a wide four point base. The legs and braces are calibrated to assist in setting the ladder at the standard angle for safe use. The stabilizing assembly prevents the ladder from sliding, tipping or other movement and enables the user to work wearing a safety harness.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for selectively securing and unsecuring the linkage of individual ladder sections of a telescopic ladder. The locking mechanism is shifted into a locked position by pivoting a lever toward a first rotational trajectory, urging a track follower in a first direction along a guiding track, and linearly displacing at least one securing rod into an aperture through multiple ladder sections, securing the linkage of the ladder sections. A lever-securing mechanism form-fittingly secures the lever within a bridge element of the locking mechanism when in a locked position. The locking mechanism is shifted into an unlocked position by pivoting the lever toward a second rotational trajectory opposite the first rotational trajectory, urging the track follower in an opposite direction along the guiding track, and linearly displacing the securing rods out from the aperture through the multiple ladder sections, unsecuring the linkage of the ladder sections.

Abstract: A step tool has front and rear leg tubes, a bottom and top footplate, a connection device for connecting the footplate and the leg tubes, a lock catch device of the top footplate. The front leg tubes are joined to the rear leg tubes rotatablely. The foreside of the top footplate joins to the front leg tubes rotatablely. A rail is fixed on the rear leg tubes. The lock catch is disposed on the top footplate and is detachly connected to the rail. The lock catch device includes two connecting ears, a rotation axis, a lock catch and a torsion spring.

Abstract: A climbing apparatus that rests on a surface includes a flip ladder that can move between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. The apparatus includes a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder that moves with the flip ladder between the straight configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder in a stowed position and a stepladder configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface in an open position. A method for climbing includes the steps of moving a flip ladder between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. There is the step of moving a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder from a stowed position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder to an opened position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface.

Abstract: A climbing apparatus that rests on a surface includes a flip ladder that can move between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. The apparatus includes a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder that moves with the flip ladder between the straight configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder in a stowed position and a stepladder configuration where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface in an open position. A method for climbing includes the steps of moving a flip ladder between a straight configuration and a stepladder configuration. There is the step of moving a tray having a plane attached to the flip ladder from a stowed position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the ladder to an opened position where the tray plane is essentially parallel with the surface.

Abstract: A collapsible stepladder (1) comprising two ladder legs (2, 3), where the legs (2, 3) are hingedly connected to each other in one end. Each of the ladder legs (2, 3) comprises several ladder sections (4a-4d), and where each section comprises two ladder bars (6, 7) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected at one end by a rung (8) to form a U-shaped ladder section. The ladder sections are telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section (4e) to form a collapsible ladder comprising at least three ladder sections. One of the ladder legs (3) is provided with a support part (12) in one end. The support part (12) is telescopically extendible from the ladder leg (3) and forms an extension ladder of the ladder leg and where the support part (12) projects above a hinge (5) between the two ladder legs (2, 3).

Abstract: The invention provides aluminum ladder hinge with enhanced safety structure. The hinge is made of flat inner case and outer case. Especially, the hinge has a locking block design to stabilize the angle of opening and closure. There is also a design of a joint reinforcing disk and a reinforcing tab to enhance the guiding groove and reduce friction loss. There is also design of prolonged caps and a rectangular hole, liner to strengthen the assembly of the hinge and the aluminum ladder. Based on the above designs, an advanced aluminum ladder hinge with enhanced safety structure is invented to improve the safety of aluminum ladder in use.

Abstract: A hinge for a folding ladder including a hinge latch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position disposed within a hinge latch cavity. The hinge latch includes a first locking portion protruding therefrom, an elongated slot formed configured to slidingly receive a hinge shaft, a first opening configured to receive a first biasing member, and a second opening configured to receive a locking member. Rotational movement of one hinge casing relative to another hinge casing is prevented by engagement of the first locking portion and locking member with a respective one of the first opening and second opening.

Abstract: A lockable hinge includes a first and second hinge member, a lock, and an actuator. The lockable hinge is coupled to a pair of ladder-leg sections and is arranged to allow the ladder-leg sections to move among closed-ladder, trestle-ladder, and straight-ladder positions. The lock is used to lock the hinge members to cause the ladder-leg sections to lock in the closed-ladder, trestle-ladder and straight-ladder positions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an improved ladder for enabling a user to climb up or down and forward or backwards movement relative to a surface. The system enables increased mobility and stability. The system can be designed in multiple ways which some of them have been shown in the present invention. The present invention clearly saves production time, keeping the user on the ladder while relocating, and it definitely more convenient and time saving to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a safety unit of a hinge for a folding ladder to prevent a user's finger from being caught in the hinge when the hinge rotates. The hinge includes a first joint unit, a second joint unit, and a locking unit, and the safety unit is provided between a first stop shoulder of the first joint unit and a second stop shoulder of the second joint unit. The safety unit includes a mount part and an insert part. The mount part is provided in the first joint unit to be positioned under the first stop shoulder, and an inside portion of the mount part is rounded to surround a part of the first joint unit. The insert part extends from an upper end of the mount part, and is rounded to have the same curvature as the inside portion of the mount part.

Abstract: A modular ladder assembly includes at least two ladder assemblies, each assembly having first and second parallel stiles and a plurality of spaced apart rungs disposed between the first and second stiles, the plurality of rungs being perpendicular to said first and second stiles. The first stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies are mechanically connected together and at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to the second stile of one of the at least two ladder assemblies and a second end of at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to a second stile of a second of the at least two ladder assemblies so that the at least two ladder assemblies and the at least one adjustment assembly have a triangular shape when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies.

Abstract: An adjustable-height stepladder has an upper-front frame and an upper-rear frame interconnected by a top member. The upper-front frame and the upper-rear frame each have an elongate slide track. A lower-front frame, wider than the upper-front frame and positioned centrally rearward thereof, has a pair of rails, each having a slide mechanism slidingly engageable with the slide track of the corresponding upper-front frame rail. A lower-rear frame, wider than the upper-rear frame and positioned centrally forward thereof, has a pair of rails, each having a slide mechanism slidingly engageable with the slide track of the corresponding upper-rear frame rail. Each slide mechanism has a hinged swing arm and a biasing spring, the combination of which allows the slide mechanisms to engage the slide tracks although the lateral distance between the upper-frame rails and their corresponding lower-frame rails may vary.

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 segmented ladder is provided that can be assembled in minutes into specific lengths of straight ladders and configured into a free standing step ladder for easy handling and selection of the proper length required for the specific work application wherein the side rails are of lightweight tubular aluminum construction and are of uniform size and parallel with each other and with the lightweight aluminum rungs permanently affixed between the side rails with the interconnections between the segments being accomplished at each side rail by a telescopic joint containing both a male and female section utilizing integral spring loaded steel detents that are activated by finger pressure when the telescopic joints are mated and are located in positional holes directionally located in the male section of the joints which engage matching holes in the female section of the joints when the joints are telescoped together thus locking the segmented sections together into either specific straight ladder lengths or a free

Abstract: A modular ladder assembly includes at least two ladder assemblies, each assembly having first and second parallel stiles and a plurality of spaced apart rungs disposed between the first and second stiles, the plurality of rungs being perpendicular to said first and second stiles. The first stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies are mechanically connected together and at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to the second stile of one of the at least two ladder assemblies and a second end of at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to a second stile of a second of the at least two ladder assemblies so that the at least two ladder assemblies and the at least one adjustment assembly have a triangular shape when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies.

Abstract: An adjustable-height stepladder has an upper-front frame and an upper-rear frame interconnected by a top member. The upper-front frame and the upper-rear frame each have an elongate slide track. A lower-front frame, wider than the upper-front frame and positioned centrally rearward thereof, has a pair of rails, each having a slide mechanism slidingly engageable with the slide track of the corresponding upper-front frame rail. A lower-rear frame, wider than the upper-rear frame and positioned centrally forward thereof, has a pair of rails, each having a slide mechanism slidingly engageable with the slide track of the corresponding upper-rear frame rail. Each slide mechanism has a hinged swing arm and a biasing spring, the combination of which allows the slide mechanisms to engage the slide tracks although the lateral distance between the upper-frame rails and their corresponding lower-frame rails may vary.

Abstract: A system for leveling a personnel carrying platform mounted on the end of an elongated vehicle mounted boom. A pendulum controlled hydraulic valve controls the application of fluid pressure to a pair of cylinders equipped on their ends with a series of links extending along a drum connected to the platform mounting pin. When the platform deviates from a level position, one of the cylinders is retracted to turn the platform mounting pin in a direction to correct the deviation. An interlock valve disables the platform leveling system unless the boom is being moved. A manual override valve allows the platform to be tilted for storage or other reasons.

Abstract: A lift assembly includes a work platform pivotally mounted on the end of a boom for rotation through 270.degree. around a vertical post on the outer end of the boom. Rotation of the platform is effected manually by an operator on the platform, who also controls the location of the platform with respect to a truck or trailer carrying the lift assembly. A foot operated latch mechanism on the platform retains the platform in one position on the outer end of the boom.

Abstract: A hinge and a reconfigurable ladder having at least one pair of hinges is disclosed. The ladder has stile sections connected together by the hinges. The hinges consist of two hinge members mountable to ends of respective stile sections. A hinge cover extends over and receives the hinge members which are pivotally connected to the cover. The hinge members are linked to each other to control the pivotal movement of the hinge member so that they both pivot in unison and to the same extend relative to the cover. The hinge members have locating apertures. A locking mechanism is cooperable with the locating apertures for locking the hinge members in a desired relative position to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a ladder in inclined position without the necessity for engaging a separate support surface comprises an X-shaped support frame defined by a pair of posts crossing at a junction and interconnected by a beam at a position below the junction to hold the posts in the X-shape. At the top of each post is provided a U bracket which engages underneath a rung of the ladder. A cable passes between the beam and a selected rung of the ladder to hold the triangle against spreading. A second cable extends from the junction of the X frame to the rung carried in the U brackets at the top of the posts.

Abstract: A ladder conversion kit for converting an extension ladder into a stepladder. The kit includes one or more pairs of support braces for holding the two ladder elements together to form the stepladder. In a first embodiment, there is a top pedestal unit with a supporting surface and four sleeves with clamps that hold the pedestal onto the side rails of the ladder elements. In a second embodiment, the pedestal has four slots in the supporting surface, through which the upper ends of the side rails fit, and bungee straps are attached to the supporting surface and hook onto rungs of the ladder elements. In a third embodiment, there is no pedestal, and the ladder elements are held together solely by the support braces. The support braces may clamp onto the side rails or rungs of the ladder elements, or, if the rungs are hollow, they may be attached to rods inserted through the rungs.

Abstract: A motorized utility extension ladder having a main and upper riser section extendable by a motor. The ladder further comprising a telescopic prop so that the ladder may be free standing, side wing legs for stabilizing the ladder, wheels for transporting the ladder, and a removable shelf.

Abstract: A ladder joint includes a pivot, a first base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a first side rail section of one side rail of a ladder, a second base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a second side rail section of the side rail, a spring-supported lever pivoted to the pivot, a lock bolt inserted through an eccentric hole on the second base plate and controlled by the lever to engage into either of a series of eccentric holes on the first base plate.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising multiple ladder sections pivotally joined together to permit the ladder to be articulated into and locked in a variety of configurations. Each ladder section includes a pair of side rails and a plurality of spaced rungs. The ladder end sections are identical and interchangeable. The ladder middle sections are identical and interchangeable. All side rails are reinforced by steel rods. The ladder sections are hinged together at their ends along one side of the ladder by master-type pivots and are hinged together at their ends along the opposite side of the ladder by slave-type pivots. Master pivots may be adjusted to a first position allowing the ladder sections to be moved with a denting action and to a second position locking the ladder sections together in a selected position. Slave pivots follow the action of the master pivots, allowing all ladder adjustments to be made from one side.

Abstract: Interactive component parts for assembling an ATV-mounted hunting stand of either the "A"-frame type or tree-leaning type, or alternatively as a ground-standing tree-leaning hunting stand. It includes a leveling seat platform, ladder elements, quick-grasping base connector assemblies, and a ground support. The seat platform has angularly-adjustable sockets so sized as to fit onto the upper ends of ladder elements, whose lower ends may have sleeves to allow these ladder elements to be mounted atop other ladder elements. Base connector sleeve assemblies allow ladder elements to be quickly and easily mounted on and demounted from rods attached to an ATV; they are free to pivot about these rods. When such ladder elements are so mounted on an ATV as an A-frame hunting stand, changing the angularity of the seat sockets effects seat leveling. For ground-standing ladder use, a broad ground support may be inserted into the lowest ladder element.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising of four straight sections each consisting of two uprights and four rungs equally spaced. The sections are connected with insulating hinged joints which can be tightened immovable or loosened movable by means of a lever handle thus allowing the adjustment of the ladder into various configurations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a convertible step/extension ladder which allows to use one or more of extension sections with a basic A-shaped ladder frame. The extension sections are slidably mounted on legs of the frame through the use of housing/sliding rail arrangement on the legs of the frame and on the extension sections. When converted to an extension ladder, the basic frame portions are folded and locked in that position, while one extension section is moved along the frame portion to rest on the ground. If more than one extension sections are used, the second extension section is mounted on the opposite frame portion and extended upwardly, so that the basic frame portions form a middle part of the ladder.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable folding ladder that can be easily altered in its length and shape to adjust to the proper working height and angles for the user. With the fiber glass nylon hinges, the ladder is insulated to prevent the user from electrical shocks in the event the ladder comes into contact with electrical wiring.

Abstract: A hinge for connecting and adjustably holding two sections of a supporting element such as ladder segments in an angular orientation with respect to each other comprising a housing having at least two halves rotatable with respect to each other about an axis of rotation, a first half for holding one of the sections and a second for holding the other section; means for mounting the housing halves for movement linearly along the axis of rotation between first and second positions along the axis of rotation; and a plurality of mating teeth on each housing half which engage to prevent rotation of the housing halves when the housing halves are in the first position while permitting rotation of the housing halves when the housing halves are in the second position. The hinge also includes biasing means in the form of a rod and cam arrangement for biasing the housing halves into the first position.

Abstract: A convertible step ladder having a back section (13) comprising a pair of rails (101, 102) cooperable with a detachable section (16) provides a step ladder that can be used on stairs as well as a flat surface. The detachable section has a horizontal cross member (168) spanning a pair of channels (162, 163) having orifices (162a, 163a) and bolts (166, 167). The rails (101, 102) seat in the channels on the cross member and have orifices (102b) registering with orifices (162a, 163a) whereby insertion of the rails (101, 102) onto the cross member (168) permits locking of the channels together by insertion of the bolts (166, 167) into the corresponding orifices.

Abstract: An improved hinge for a collapsible ladder includes a pivot pin which has a sufficiently simple construction to permit it to be fabricated by die-casting on a cost-competitive basis. The simple construction is made possible by an improved axial detent arrangement for a shaft which rotates and slides within the hub and to which the hinge locking pins are secured. The detent arrangement includes a detent bore extending radially biased against the shaft. A suitable detent recess in the shaft is angularly aligned with the detent bore for each locking position of the shaft. Axial alignment of the bore and a recess is achieved by fully extending the shaft out of the hub against the restoring force of a bias spring in the hub. The recess and bias member are contoured to permit disengagement of the detent by rotation of the shaft but not by axially applied forces.

Abstract: A ladder including a lower step section and a strut pivotally connected together at their upper ends for swinging movement between a collapsed position toward each other and a downwardly divergent erected position, an upper step section pivoted to the upper end of the lower step section for swinging movement between a folded position along the lower step section and an erected position inclining as an extension of the lower step section, and a catch pivotally connected to the upper step section for swinging movement between a gravitationally depending retracted position along the upper step section when the ladder is folded to a gravitationally depending position from the upper step section to hooked engagement with a lug on the lower step section when the upper step section is extended.

Abstract: A ladder extension is disclosed comprising two separable sections to be coupled together in longitudinally overlapping relation by first coupling means coupling a portion of a first ladder section proximate one end thereof to the second section so as to permit the first ladder section to be rotated with respect to the second ladder section to a position where second coupling means are aligned in position for engagement, preferably with stop means being provided to stop rotation of the first ladder section at a position where the second coupling means are aligned for engagement. The ladder comprises two separable sections which is easy to asemble by a single person even under adverse field conditions and which provides means to positively lock together the sections when assembled into an extension ladder.

Abstract: A ladder including a lower step section and a strut pivotally connected at their upper ends for swinging movement between a collapsed position one within the other and a downwardly divergent erected position, and an upper section pivoted to the upper end of the lower step section for swinging movement between a folded position closely overlying the lower step section and an erected position inclining as an extension of the lower step section.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-purpose ladder has ladder stringers which are connected by joints which are arranged in pairs, can be locked in several operating positions, and each have two joint parts which are pivotal about a common joint axle. The first joint part has a two-cup locking disk which is concentric with respect to the joint axle and, along its circumference, has notches which are distributed to correspond to the various operating positions. The notches can receive a spring-loaded locking part which is guided for longitudinal movement on the second joint part, which grips over the first joint part. The locking part can be moved out of a notch of the locking disk by a release lever which is pivotally supported on the second joint part and the release levers of the two joints which are associated with the two ladder stringers are operatively connected by a rod.

Abstract: A ladder which can be used as either an extension ladder or step ladder or stool, and which includes a pair of slidingly telescoping, selectively extendable ladder sections. An interconnecting pedestal subassembly is provided and is adapted for detachable engagement with the side rails of the ladder sections. The interconnecting pedestal subassembly can be interchangeably used to form a ground engaging braking skid or a window hook when secured to one or the other of the ladder sections.

Abstract: The ladder includes two separate ladder elements, which are pivotable and slidable relative to each other and can also be completely separated from each other. It can be used as a step-ladder and as a leaning type ladder. The ladder element is equipped with wheels, in order to simplify the transport of the collapsed ladder. In addition, an outwardly pivotable support plate is arranged between the wheels, so that the ladder element can serve as a hand truck, whereby the bent ends of the side beams serve as hand grips. The ladder has a simple construction and can be used in many ways in household use and in commercial operations.

Abstract: The present invention entails an emergency escape ladder that can be used to descend from one level of a building downwardly to another level, after which the ladder may be repeatedly repositioned for descending on downwardly in a like manner. Functionally the emergency escape ladder includes a plurality of treads interconnected by a pair of flexible tie lines in the form of chains. Because of the flexible chains, the emergency escape ladder may assume an inoperative position where the same can be folded and stored in a compact area. Further, the emergency escape ladder is provided with a plurality of stabilizing bars that are secured together in end-to-end relationship, with said treads sandwiched therebetween. When the stabilizing bars are interconnected between treads, the ladder assumes an operative mode or position where the same is elongated and generally rigid.

Abstract: An improved hinge for a collapsible ladder includes a pivot pin which has a sufficiently simple construction to permit it to be fabricated by die-casting on a cost-competitive basis. The simple construction is made possible by an improved axial detent arrangement for a shaft which rotates and slides within the hub and to which the hinge locking pins are secured. The detent arrangement includes a detent bore extending radially biased against the shaft. A suitable detent recess in the shaft is angularly aligned with the detent bore for each locking position of the shaft. Axial alignment of the bore and a recess is achieved by fully extending the shaft out of the hub against the restoring force of a bias spring in the hub. The recess and bias member are contoured to permit disengagement of the detent by rotation of the shaft but not by axially applied forces.

Abstract: A convertible ladder is provided which can be set up as an extension ladder, a step ladder or a trestle. A pair of leg assemblies each have a pair of sides connected by a plurality of rungs. Each leg assembly has regularly spaced hooks along its length which engage with the end lugs of a plank member. The plank member has arms provided with lugs which engage another pair of hooks on each leg assembly to form a trestle. The leg assemblies are also provided with a pair of upturned hook lugs which engage a rung of the other leg to form an extension ladder. In the step ladder configuration, the leg assemblies are maintained at maximum angular relationship by means of ties pivotally connected to one leg assembly with openings to engage pins on the other leg assembly.

Abstract: A step ladder with rungs which can be retracted and transformed, without dismantling, into a folded ladder and an extension ladder.

Abstract: A fitting for a joint for two ladder sections, which in all angle positions is adapted to lock automatically. This fitting includes a first and a second fitting part which are respectively connectable to the ends of two side pieces of a ladder section and are pivotable about a common axis. The first fitting part has associated therewith a locking unit or element movable parallel to the axis of the joint against the thrust of a return spring from a locking position into an unlocking position and vice versa, while in the second fitting part for each selectable angle position there is provided a bore for receiving the locking unit in its locking position. The locking unit is held by means of a locking mechanism first in its locked position and subsequently, after one fitting part has pivoted relative to the other fitting part, is held by arc sections between the bores of the second fitting part in its unlocked position.

Abstract: A foldable ladder is disclosed having a central and two outer parallel support members or "stiles" and a plurality of steps connected between the central and the outer stiles. Each step is arranged to fold between an erected position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the stile to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the step lies generally parallel to the central stile with the outer stile to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central stile. Engaging means are provided adjacent the upper end of the central stile for holding cooperating engaging means of a supporting member such as another ladder section (forming an extension ladder) or a prop extending to ground (forming a step ladder).

Abstract: A brace for converting an extension ladder into a stepladder. The brace comprises a pair of spaced clamping members for securing two diverging extension ladder sections. The clamping members comprise a pair of rods having U-shaped clamps at each of their ends. The pairs of rods are secured by channel sections. An adjustable device for rigid bracing of the ladder sections is provided.

Abstract: Hinge mechanism for locking the two foldable sections of an extension stepladder in spread-apart position. Each section has a locking pin and slot at its upper end for interlocking with a complementary slot and pin on the other section when the sections are swung apart on one of said pins as a pivot, the pin and slot on one section being disengageable from the slot and pin on the other section by relative longitudinal movement of the sections when the sections are folded together.

Abstract: A foldable ladder is disclosed having a central and two outer parallel support members or "stiles" and a plurality of steps connected between the central and the outer stiles. Each step is arranged to fold between an erected position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the stile to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the step lies generally parallel to the central stile with the outer stile to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central stile. Engaging means are provided adjacent the upper end of the central stile for holding cooperating engaging means of a supporting membersuch as another ladder section (forming an extension ladder) or a prop extending to ground (forming a step ladder).