Abstract: A bracket and related method to construct stairways is provided. The bracket includes a top horizontal leg having a first width and a first spacer of a first dimension and a second spacer of a smaller second dimension, and a vertical leg joined with the top leg, the vertical leg having a first height, with a ratio of the first width to the first height being at least 1:2. The method can include placing the top leg adjacent an underside of stair boards, selectively altering or not altering the first spacer based on a preselected gap between the boards, fastening the top leg to the underside of the boards with fasteners while the first spacer and/or the second spacer maintains the preselected gap, placing the bracket vertical leg adjacent a stringer, and fastening the vertical leg to the stringer, optionally while the installer remains above the stairway and stringer.

Abstract: A classroom chair includes a seat and a backrest, where the chair facilitates a wide variety of uses by an occupant. The backrest includes a center section and a pair of armrest sections that extend from the center section. The pair of armrest sections and center section each include a utility surface located in a plane parallel to a seating plane. Each of the armrest sections includes a lower edge positioned above the lowermost portion of the center section, which allows the occupant's legs to be located beneath the armrest sections. In one embodiment, the classroom chair includes a base having four legs. In another embodiment, the base includes two legs joined to a support frame have four stub legs. At least one of the legs extends rearward past the backrest such that the base provides required support for the occupant when the occupant's weight is supported by the backrest.

Abstract: A method of joining a first workpiece having a first surface and a second surface angularly disposed relative to such first surface, and a second workpiece having a surface disposable in abutting relation relative to the second surface of such first workpiece, comprising forming a recess in the first surface of such first workpiece, sloped toward and spaced from the second surface of such first workpiece, producing an end surface thereof disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal centerline of such recess; forming a notched ledge on the end surface of such recess; positioning a threaded fastener in the sloped recess with a head portion thereof resting on a bottom surface of the recess and the threaded portion thereof disposed along the centerline with the end thereof resting on such ledge; disposing the surface of the second workpiece in abutting relation with the second surface of the first workpiece; and threading the threaded fastener along the longitudinal centerline of such recess, through such abut

Abstract: A bridging member for attachment between two structural members is described. The bridging member addresses the need to provide lateral bracing between wooden structural members such as joists, studs and rafters for which the depth of the members relative to the thicknesses requires bracing to avoid twisting or buckling. The bridging member includes a web and a pair of side flanges. Disposed on each end of the bridging member is an end flange that is disposed at an angle with respect to the web, and a connecting or end tab. The end flanges are adapted to be fastened or connected to opposing sides of the structural members while the end tabs are adapted to be secured to a top or bottom portion of the structural members.

Abstract: A gantry assembly for use with one or more suspended exercise objects is provided. The gantry assembly includes a plurality of opposing support members and a main beam assembly supported by the plurality of support members. One or more suspended exercise objects is connected to the main beam assembly. The gantry assembly is configured to support the weight of the one or more suspended exercise objects and further configured to support the impact and rotational forces created during use of the suspended exercise objects.

Abstract: A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.

Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.

Abstract: A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.

Abstract: A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.

Abstract: A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.

Abstract: A knee brace for a ladder including a first flange and a second flange. The brace includes a web extending from the first flange and the second flange which together form a u-shaped cross-section. The brace includes a first portion that connects to a step. The brace includes a second portion which connects to the rail and terminates at a distance from a joint. The second portion's first and second flanges and web presenting three contact surfaces which connect to the rail and extend essentially in parallel with the rail and conforms with the rail to which the knee brace is attached so forces can be transferred therebetween. The first and second flanges contact a first rail flange and second rail flange, respectively, and the web contacts the web of the rail of u-shaped cross-section. The brace includes a first rivet extending through the first rail flange and first flange. The brace includes a second rivet extending through the second rail flange and the second flange adjacent the rail end.

Abstract: A foldable ladder suitable for boarding a boat from the bow end thereof having laterally spaced side rails each with upper and lower portions. The upper and lower portion of one side rail are hinged together or pivoting in an outward direction and the upper and lower portions of the other side rails include a releasable connection. A plurality of steps extend between the side rails and are connected at their ends to the adjacent side rail by hinges. A releasable latch mechanism interconnects the side rails for holding the ladder in its unfolded condition.

Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.

Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.

Abstract: An improved ladder structure comprising a pair of stiles, a plurality of rungs, and a plurality of brackets. Wherein, each bracket consisting of two parallel arms, with a securing hole formed on each parallel arm, and a connecting surface running between the parallel arms, with a rivet hole formed thereon. Each rung has a pair of insertion recesses formed on either end, each recess being diametrically opposed with the other. At a predetermined distance inwards form each insertion recess is formed an insertion slot. Both the insertion recesses and insertion slots pass through one of a pair of through-holes formed internally on opposing arcuate surfaces of a rung, extending from one end to the other. Whereby, on either end of a rung, a pair of opposing brackets are inserted into corresponding insertion slots and insertion recesses, and subsequently secured in place by insertion of dowel pins into the through-holes.

Abstract: A ladder brace is provided being substantially channel shaped and having free edges which abut both the step and stile of the ladder. The brace closes off a portion of the stile.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprises a series of modules, each module including a pair of spaced, parallel stile sections connected together by a transverse tread section. The modules are of decreasing size and each module, except for the largest one, is pivotally mounted between the stile sections of the next adjacent larger module, so that it can be folded from an extended position to a folded position in which the smaller module is nested within the larger module, releasable bolts being provided to lock the modules in the extended position. The tread and stile sections are hollow, and are connected together by separately formed joint members, one end of each joint member being secured within the hollow stile section, and the other end being secured within the hollow tread section.

Abstract: A folding ladder of the type made up of a pair of side rails to which rungs are pivoted at opposite ends for folding of the structure from an open mode, in which the rungs are horizontal, to a closed or folded mode in which the rails move lengthwise relative to each other as well as toward each other as the rungs pivot about their respective pivots, parallel-link fashion. The present improvement resides in the design of each rail in semi-circular section in which the open side of the C thus formed faces inwardly toward the open side of the C of the other rail, whereby, in the closed mode, the two rails form a cylindrical shell within which the rungs are housed or confined, leading to a compact package that is easily carried, shipped, etc.

Abstract: A stepladder assembly has step assemblies mounted to its front rails using a bracket at each end of each step. Each bracket has truss anchor pocket means therein. Each truss rod is headed at both ends. The brackets are pre-assembled with a truss rod to a step before mounting the step to the rails. The truss anchor pocket in each bracket receives and abuttingly retains one of the truss rod heads. The brackets are riveted to the steps and to the rails.

Abstract: Stair brackets are provided for mounting on stringers and supporting treads in stair structures extending between upper and lower floors. Lower brackets interconnect the lower floor, lower ends of the stringers and the lowermost tread. Angle brackets are mounted on the stringer between the lower bracket and the upper floor. Hangers secure the stringer upper ends to the upper floor.

Abstract: A series of highly economical metal channels each having a first and second side members extending vertically downward from a third horizontal member for accommodating thereto a step and a riser for rapidly, yet sturdily forming a stairway is disclosed. A plurality of quickly-installed attaching means for integrally coupling together a combination of a generally rectangular beam, metal channel, step and riser are used at various areas of said stairway in order to avoid thereto the time-consuming and expensive manner of providing a sawtooth-type stairway beam.

Abstract: A metallic ladder includes stiles (or side rails) of U or I section and rungs which are supported at each end by a reinforcing plate. The stiles have, in section on each longitudinal wall a flange which is spaced inwardly with respect to a free edge of the respective longitudinal wall so as to form a ridge. The reinforcing plates rest on the flanges and are restrained laterally by the ridges. The reinforcing plates are held at the flanges by a tab and opening arrangement. Each rung has a shoulder adjacent each end which contacts either the reinforcing plate or the web of the stile and the extreme end portion of the rung engages correspondingly in the web or the plate.

Abstract: A ladder with elongated side rails each with a web with two broad surfaces, and rungs supported by and extending between the webs of the side rails at spaced locations, has rung brackets molded into and embracing the webs, each of the rung brackets having a rung receiving boss and a base part on one broad surface of the web and a pad part on the other broad surface, and tying members, integral with the base and pad parts, connecting the parts and extending into the web. In making the ladder, holes are formed in the webs at the rung locations and the rung brackets are molded in place in and through those holes.

Abstract: A stairway capable of being shipped in a knock-down condition and erected with a minimum of labor and without special tools is disclosed. The stairway comprises a square tubular elongated support member having mounting brackets at each end enabling it to be mounted in inclined relation between different levels of a structure. A plurality of step assemblies are clamped in spaced relation onto the support member. Each step assembly includes a tread support having a horizontal load bearing portion and an angulated integral strut portion both fastened to a mounting flange which engages the topside of the support member. A locking sleeve surrounds the bottom and side walls of the support member and has outturned flanges which are fastened to the mounting plate by bolts. In one embodiment, the bottom of the locking sleeve has a slight upward convexity which flexes elastically when the bolts are tightened to maintain clamping pressure against the support member.

Abstract: A novel step bracket is provided and is adapted for securing a step in a horizontal position to a downwardly sloping stringer. Preferably, the bracket is formed from a sheet of metal and comprises an upper horizontal portion secured to the bottom surface of a step. A generally triangularly shaped vertical section of the bracket extends downwardly from the horizontal portion and a flat portion is formed along the bottom edge of the vertical section and is perpendicular thereto. The plane of the flat portion is skewed relative to the horizontal plane so that the flat portion flatly abuts against the upper surface of the stringer. A downwardly extending vertical lip is formed along one edge of the flat portion section so that the lip flatly abuts against the side of the stringer. Fasteners are then used to secure the lip and the flat portion to the stringer and likewise to secure the upper horizontal portion to the step.

Abstract: An inclined pair of stringer beams carries a plurality of transverse steps supported on saddles secured to the stringers. The upper tread surfaces of the steps are planar whereas the lower surfaces are arcuate, with a predetermined radius of curvature matching the corresponding arcuate shape of the subjacent supporting saddles.By angularly tipping each of the steps to or fro in the respective pair of saddles, the upper tread surface of the steps can be leveled despite variations in the angle of inclination of the stringers.The step is ordinarily constructed of precast concrete and includes metal reinforcements as well as metal inserts affording anchor points for attachment to the saddle, as by threaded fastenings or by welding.