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: A stepping device is provided and includes a first step member having a first riser and a first tread; a second step member having a second riser and a second tread; and a third step member having first, second, and third panels oriented orthogonal to one another. The first step member is fixedly attached to the second step member. The third step member is rotatably attached to the second step member and is rotatable relative to the second step member to configure the stepping device between a two-step configuration and a three-step configuration. In the two-step configuration, The first panel is generally planar with the second tread.

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: 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 method for manufacturing a rail for a ladder. The method may include pultruding in a longitudinal direction, a rail having a selected cross-sectional shape. The rail may then be cut to a predetermined length at a distal end. A force may be applied, in a lateral direction, to the rail to form a curvature therein. The curvature may be characterized by a flared portion, a straight portion, and a curved region providing the transition therebetween. The rail may be held at the desired curvature for a time selected for the rail to take on the curvature substantially permanently. The force may then be removed and the rail may be assembled into a ladder.

Abstract: A convertible ladder including a first ladder portion, a second ladder portion and a static hinge mechanism. The first ladder portion has a first locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The second ladder portion has a second locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the first ladder portion with the first locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the second ladder portion with the second locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism maintains the first ladder portion in a stationary relation with respect to the second ladder portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rail for a ladder. The method may include pultruding in a longitudinal direction, a rail having a selected cross-sectional shape. The rail may then be cut to a predetermined length at a distal end. A force may be applied, in a lateral direction, to the rail to form a curvature therein. The curvature may be characterized by a flared portion, a straight portion, and a curved region providing the transition therebetween. The rail may be held at the desired curvature for a time selected for the rail to take on the curvature substantially permanently. The force may then be removed and the rail may be assembled into a ladder.

Abstract: A hinge and locking assembly includes a first support plate, a second support plate coupled to the first support plate for pivoting movement about an axis, a knob rotatable about the axis and a rotation limiter. The knob is movable axially along the axis between a first axial position and a second axial position The second support plate has a first tab-receiving space. The knob has a second tab-receiving space. The rotation limiter includes a slip disc rotatable about the axis and having first and second tabs. The first tab moves into the first tab-receiving space when the knob is moved from the first position to the second position. The second tab is received in the second tab-receiving space.

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 method for manufacturing a rail for a ladder. The method may include pultruding in a longitudinal direction, a rail having a selected cross-sectional shape. The rail may then be cut to a predetermined length at a distal end. A force may be applied, in a lateral direction, to the rail to form a curvature therein. The curvature may be characterized by a flared portion, a straight portion, and a curved region providing the transition therebetween. The rail may be held at the desired curvature for a time selected for the rail to take on the curvature substantially permanently. The force may then be removed and the rail may be assembled into a ladder.

Abstract: A convertible ladder including a first ladder portion, a second ladder portion and a static hinge mechanism. The first ladder portion has a first locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The second ladder portion has a second locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the first ladder portion with the first locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the second ladder portion with the second locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism maintains the first ladder portion in a stationary relation with respect to the second ladder portion.

Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, and an engagement indicator. 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. When in the engaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism retains the first ladder section in a stationary orientation with respect to the second ladder section. When in the disengaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism permits the first ladder section to pivot with respect to the second ladder section. The engagement indicator is mounted on the adjustable hinge mechanism. The engagement indicator is visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the disengage position. The engagement indicator is not visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the engaged position.

Abstract: The combination ladder of this invention includes a pair of conventional ladder sections, being a first ladder section and a second ladder section. The two ladder sections being essentially the same. The ladder sections are connected together at one end with two upper connection assemblies and at the other end with two lower connection assemblies. Each connection assembly has a connector which are located in one of either a first position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as an extension ladder or a second position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as a stepladder. A pair of brace assemblies are stored along the first ladder section for the extension ladder and deployed for the stepladder. By simply moving the two upper connectors and the two lower connectors from the first position to the second position converts the configuration to conform with the intended use of the ladder.

Abstract: The combination ladder of this invention includes a pair of conventional ladder sections, being a first ladder section and a second ladder section. The two ladder sections being essentially the same. The ladder sections are connected together at one end with two upper connection assemblies and at the other end with two lower connection assemblies. Each connection assembly has a connector which are located in one of either a first position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as an extension ladder or a second position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as a stepladder. A pair of brace assemblies are stored along the first ladder section for the extension ladder and deployed for the stepladder. By simply moving the two upper connectors and the two lower connectors from the first position to the second position converts the configuration to conform with the intended use of the ladder.

Abstract: The pull-out sections of folding ladders must be locked on the guiding elements pertaining thereto for ladder use and should also be easily unlocked. A locking bolt used to fix the elements can be axially and manually moved inside a guide element against an adjustment spring to engage a hollow profile section of a rung on the pull-out sections. A lockable guide element with a bayonet fitting is included on the ladder element to enable easy locking and unlocking.

Abstract: A portable ladder having stabilizer brackets slidably mounted on the ladder siderails to permit the ladder to be mounted to a flatbed trailer tiedown rail. The slidable stabilizer brackets are substantially self-adjusting in position, and adjust automatically, for example, when a load is removed from the trailer. The ladder may optionally include two sections pivotably interconnected to facilitate handling and storage. A lock to secure the two sections together in an extended position may also be provided. The advantage is a lightweight, portable ladder which can be used with practically any flatbed trailer. The ladder adjusts substantially automatically to the height of the trailer to provide stable access to the trailer bed.

Abstract: A deck assembly. The deck assembly may have at least one nonmovable horizontally-oriented unit and at least one movable unit that pivotally attached to a nonmovable unit. The movable unit can be pivoted between a first position wherein it is substantially co-planar with the nonmovable unit to which it is attached to form a substantially planar deck surface. The movable unit may also be selectively pivoted to at least one position wherein it is not co-planar with the nonmovable unit to form an upstanding fence or barrier. Each movable unit may be fitted with a support brace for supporting the nonmovable unit in the non-coplanar position. The deck units may also be equipped with shock absorbers for controlling the pivotal travel of the movable deck units to a predetermined rate. In addition, the deck units may also be pivoted and retained in any non-coplanar position by fluid actuated air cylinders attached between the nonmovable units and the movable units.

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 step ladder construction is provided comprising a plurality of steps extending between a pair of struts. Coupling means join each of the steps with the pair of struts. Each of the struts has the shape of a channel with a pair of spaced webs between which the steps are received. The coupling means includes at least one flange element formed on one of the strut and the step, at least one surface defined on the other of the strut and the step to abut the flange element and fastening means to fasten the step to the strut with the flange element against the surface. The fastening means constitutes means to maintain the flange element against the surface while the flange element constitutes means to transfer a substantial portion of loads appearing on the step to the strut to reduce the shear loads appearing on the fastening means.

Abstract: A positioning joint for a folding ladder comprising a first joint member, a second joint member disposed between the first joint member, and a hollow shaft inserted into central holes of the first and second joint members. The joint further includes a turning plate disposed on an inner wall of a first disc portion of the first joint member, a crank-shaped strip, and a spring mounted around the hollow shaft. A push knob is inserted into the hollow shaft, and a pin is inserted into a pair of axially elongated holes in the hollow shaft and into a pin hole in the push knob. The crank-shaped strip has a pair of small projections adapted to be inserted into engaging holes of the first and second joint members as well as a pair of large projections adapted to be inserted into the first and second joint members and the turning plate. The crank-shaped strip also has a central portion fixed between the hollow shaft and the spring.

Abstract: A ladder wherein a plurality of rounds are pivotally and turnably mounted to and between the right stanchion and the left stanchion at proper spaces, and supporting arm levers are detachably fixed from both stanchions to the round by bolts or machine screws.

Abstract: A foldable ladder is disclosed which includes in combination a base section and an extension section. A pair of longitudinally aligned slots are provided in the base section rails near the top to receive therein the ends of a transverse pivot bar. The tops of the base section rails are secured to the pivot bar in a manner to permit pivotal movement of the extension section about the base section. The base section is provided with a pair of upwardly open braces and a pair of laterally spaced straps. By utilizing the braces, the sections can be secured in longitudinal juxtaposed planar alignment. By employing the straps, the sections can be secured in angular, generally A-shaped relationship. Additionally, the extension section can be secured within base section in a storage or low height configuration. In one embodiment, one of the rails of the base section can be equipped with a ground contacting member to facilitate movement of the ladder across a surface.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foam strip.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foamstrip.

Abstract: A longitudinally variable ladder with at least two ladder parts which are displaceable relative to one another in their longitudinal direction, one part of which with its two struts forms a guide for the struts of the other part, which latter struts engage between the former struts, and the rungs, which are connected with the outer struts, lie on the front side of these struts, the rungs which are connected with the inner struts lying between the two planes which are defined by the front side and the rear side of these struts. The struts of all ladder parts have the same box profile, and the inner struts are guided between at least those two rungs of the outer struts which lie in the upper end section of these struts, from which upper end section the other ladder part is able to be pulled out, and guide rails, the guide rails being limited to the end section which carries the two rungs and in this end section at least indirectly engage on the rear side of the outer struts.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder is disclosed. Hinges are provided on each of the side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. Additional side rails are provided which are telescopically mounted so that the ladder can be extended to increase its height in either of the step ladder or extension ladder configurations. Each of the ladder rungs are provided with two flat stepping surfaces which are symmetrically angularly oriented with respect to the side rails of the ladder so that at least one of the surfaces of each rung will present an essentially horizontal stepping surface whenever the ladder is in an upright position, either as a step ladder or as an extension ladder, and irrespective of which end of the side rails the ladder is standing on.

Abstract: The invention comprising a ladder formed into two sections with one section mounted at its end to the other section and with the other section overlapping so that the sections may be straightened out and used as a straight ladder or folded into a step ladder. Locking means are provided to lock the ladder sections when folded into a step ladder. A paint carrier plate having a center opening so that the paint carrier plate may be slipped over the top of the step ladder and slid downward to rest on the locking means. The paint carrier plate also has a pair of fixed hooks and a pair of pivotally mounted hooks with the hooks being attachable to the rungs of the ladder to attach the paint carrier plate at different heights on the rungs of the ladder.