Abstract: A configurable ladder system that can be configured into any of a plurality of different ladder configuration modes and methods for manufacturing and using same. The configurable ladder system includes at least one side rail and at least one support member and can be configured into any of a plurality of different ladder configuration modes. Each support member is disposed on a relevant side rail or on an optional adjustable rail. Depending upon a selected ladder configuration mode of the configurable ladder system, two or more of the support members can be configured to engage respective support regions within an intended work environment of the configurable ladder system. Thereby, the configurable ladder system advantageously can be readily adapted for use within a wide range of different purposes within a large number of a different work environments while enhancing user safety.

Abstract: A stepladder assembly has a front section with a pair of side rails and a plurality of steps extending between the pair of side rails, a back section having a rail, and a frame pivotally connected or interconnected to the front section. The frame has a collar receiving an upper end of the rail of the back section therein. A ladder top is affixed to an upper end of the front section. The frame is pivotally affixed to the ladder top. The frame has a horizontal member positioned above the collar, and first and second side members extending from the collar to opposite ends of the horizontal member.

Abstract: A rung lock frame has an upper rung portion, a lower rung portion integrally formed with the upper rung portion, and a bar member formed between the upper rung portion and the lower rung portion. The bar member defines an opening with the lower rung portion for the receipt of a rung of a ladder therein. The upper rung portion, the lower rung portion and the bar member are integrally formed of a glass-reinforced nylon material.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus has a first ladder section having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between the side rails, a second ladder section hingedly connected to the first ladder section adjacent an upper end of the first ladder section, and a latch mechanism affixed to one of the ladder sections and engageable with the other of the first and second ladder sections. The second ladder section is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch mechanism is adapted to secure the second ladder section in the retracted position. The second ladder section will extend in generally parallel relation to the first ladder section when in this retracted position. A ladder top is affixed to the upper end of the first ladder section and extends outwardly therefrom so as to have an end surface positioned away from the first ladder section.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus has a first ladder section having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between the side rails, a second ladder section hingedly connected to the first ladder section adjacent an upper end of the first ladder section, and a latch mechanism affixed to one of the ladder sections and engageable with the other of the first and second ladder sections. The second ladder section is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch mechanism is adapted to secure the second ladder section in the retracted position. The second ladder section will extend in generally parallel relation to the first ladder section when in this retracted position. A ladder top is affixed to the upper end of the first ladder section and extends outwardly therefrom so as to have an end surface positioned away from the first ladder section.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for coupling with a ladder and methods for manufacturing and using same. The safety apparatus includes an engagement member defining an engagement member recess for receiving a selected structure and a retention member rotatable relative to the engagement member such that the retention member extends distally from the engagement member in an open position and extends proximally to the engagement member in a closed position. The retention member transitions from the open position to the closed position for enclosing the selected structure within the engagement member recess when weight is applied to the ladder and transitions from the closed position to the open position for releasing the selected structure when the weight is removed from the ladder. The ladder advantageously can inhibit unexpectedly detachment from the selected structure during use and does not require manual disengagement of the selected structure after use is complete.

Abstract: A working cap system suitable for supporting an extensive variety of construction materials and methods for manufacturing and using same. The working cap system can include an integrated working region with first and second support regions. The first support region can include a first support surface that is bounded by a pair of opposite first peripheral side surfaces; whereas, the second support region can be disposed within the first support surface and include a second support surface that is bounded by a pair of opposite second side surfaces. The first side surfaces, the first support surface, the second side surfaces and second support surface can define a central channel for receiving a selected work piece with a predetermined cross-section. Thereby, a wide variety of construction materials thereby can be supported by the working cap system.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus has a first ladder section having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between the side rails, a second ladder section hingedly connected to the first ladder section adjacent an upper end of the first ladder section, and a latch mechanism affixed to one of the ladder sections and engageable with the other of the first and second ladder sections. The second ladder section is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch mechanism is adapted to secure the second ladder section in the retracted position. The second ladder section will extend in generally parallel relation to the first ladder section when in this retracted position. A ladder top is affixed to the upper end of the first ladder section and extends outwardly therefrom so as to have an end surface positioned away from the first ladder section.

Abstract: A shoe bracket assembly for attachment to a bottom of a rail ladder has a channel member and a bracket affixed to a side wall of the channel member. The bracket is positioned between end walls of the channel member. The bracket has a central portion with a first flange and a second flange extending outwardly therefrom so as to be affixed to the side wall of the channel member. The bracket has a third flange and a fourth flange extending outwardly from the central portion so as to be in spaced relationship to side wall of the channel member. The lower end of the rail is received within the space. The third and fourth flanges extend in a plane and parallel relationship to a plane of the first and second flanges. The central portion has a hole formed therethrough in axial alignment with the hole of the channel member.

Abstract: A bracing system for a bottom step of a stepladder has a first brace, a second brace, a second brace, a third brace and a fourth brace. The first brace has an end received in the channel of a side rail of the stepladder and an opposite end affixed to a front flange of the bottom step of the stepladder. A second brace has an end affixed in the channel of a side rail and an opposite end affixed to a front flange of the bottom step. The third brace has an end affixed to the channel of a side rail and an opposite end affixed to a back flange of the bottom step. The fourth brace has an end affixed to the channel of another of the side rails and an opposite end affixed to a back flange of the bottom step.

Abstract: A cover for a ladder top has a top panel, a front side extending downwardly from one side of the top panel and indentation formed therein, and a belt connected to the top panel for maintaining the front side of the top panel in juxtaposition against an extrinsic surface. The indentation has a generally V-shape. A first slot is formed on one side of the indentation and a second slot is formed on the other side of the indentation. The belt extends through both the first and second slots.