Abstract: The present invention pertains to a ladder. The ladder includes a first plastic side rail, at least a portion of which is hollow. The ladder also includes a second plastic side rail, at least a portion of which is hollow. The second side rail is in parallel with the first side rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a plurality of steps, each of which is attached to the first and second side rails at predetermined locations such that each step forms a flat weight bearing platform upon which a user can stand. The first and second side rails each have a plurality of pockets having solid cross sections disposed therealong at predetermined positions, and each of the steps are attached to the first and second side rails at corresponding pockets therein with fasteners through holes in the solid cross sections. The present invention also pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder includes a first side rail. The stepladder also includes a second side rail adjacent to and in parallel with the first side rail.

Abstract: A packaging clip for maintaining a first side rail of a ladder adjacent a second side rail of a ladder. The clip comprises a first portion for removably holding the first side rail and a second portion for removably holding the second side rail. The clip also is comprised of a support element that is disposed such that it is common with the first portion and the second portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion includes a first opening for removably receiving the first side rail, and the second portion includes a second opening for removably receiving the second side rail. When the first side rail is inserted into the first opening of the first portion, and the second side rail is inserted into the second opening of the second portion, the clip limits and essentially eliminates the movement of the first side rail relative to the second side rail with respect to normal forces experienced during a given application.

Abstract: The present invention is a ladder top for a ladder. The ladder top has a top panel having a perimeter. The perimeter has at least a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The ladder top also has a first side wall extending in an integral fashion from the first edge, and an opposing second side wall extending in an integral fashion from the second edge. The first side wall has at least one slot through which accessories can be attached. A third side wall extends in an integral fashion from the third edge and in juxtaposition with the first and second side walls. A fourth side wall extends in an integral fashion from the fourth edge and in juxtaposition with the first and second side walls and opposing the third side wall. The ladder is connected to the ladder top through the third and fourth side walls. Preferably, the first side wall has two slots in a spaced relationship with each other. Preferably, the slots are rectangularly shaped with rounded ends.

Abstract: A packaging clip for maintaining a first side rail of a ladder adjacent a second side rail of a ladder. The clip comprises a first portion for removably holding the first side rail and a second portion for removably holding the second side rail. The clip also is comprised of a support element that is disposed such that it is common with the first portion and the second portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion includes a first opening for removably receiving the first side rail, and the second portion includes a second opening for removably receiving the second side rail. When the first side rail is inserted into the first opening of the first portion, and the second side rail is inserted into the second opening of the second portion, the clip limits and essentially eliminates the movement of the first side rail relative to the second side rail with respect to normal forces experienced during a given application.

Abstract: A ladder shoe for providing enhanced stability between a ladder and a variety of surfaces. The ladder shoe is comprised of a shoe body having a first side plate, a second side plate and a base. The first side plate and the second side plate are attached to the base. The side plates include curved slots through which a fastener is disposed which movably connects the ladder shoe to the end of the ladder's side rail, thereby allowing the ladder shoe to move between a first position where the base is at a first angle with respect to the side rail and a second position where the base is at a second angle with respect to the side rail. Each slot has a notch in which the fastener catches causing the shoe to be maintained in an intermediate position until the shoe body is desired to be placed into another position. The base has a bottom which provides a slip resistant surface for engaging the shoe body to essentially flat surfaces when the shoe body is in the first position.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a plastic ladder. The plastic ladder includes a front section which has a first hollow side rail and a second hollow side rail disposed essentially in parallel with the first side rail. The first and second side rails are made of plastic and have reinforced pockets disposed along the respective rails at predetermined locations. The plastic ladder also has a plurality of hollow plastic steps. Each of the steps is attached to the first and second rails at corresponding reinforced pockets therein such that each step forms a flat weight bearing platform upon which a user can stand. Each step has blow molded tread patterns which provide a slip resistant surface. The ladder also has a rear section comprised of a third hollow plastic side rail and a fourth hollow plastic side rail disposed essentially in parallel with the third hollow plastic side rail.

Abstract: A support having two support sections slidably engaged with each other includes a lock that can be used to releasably fix the size of the support surface defined by the support sections. The lock is mounted to one of the support sections and includes a shaft that can be received by any of the series of openings defined by the remaining support section. When the shaft is located within an opening, the positions of the support sections relative to each other are fixed, and the support surface will remain stable during use.

Abstract: A system for holding a ladder in a secure position relative to an object against which the ladder rests. The system comprises a strap that contacts the ladder and the object and secures the ladder to the object. The system is also comprised of a first buckle and a second buckle, with each buckle being able to be placed at a desired position on the strap. Each end of the strap passes through a respective buckle and is positioned about a side rail of the ladder. The present invention also pertains to a buckle for holding a strap. The buckle comprises a first member having a first hole. Additionally, the buckle is comprised of a second member having a second hole. There is also a third member having a third hole. The third member is in sliding relationship with the first and second members such that the first side of the third member can slide over the first hole and contact the strap extending therethrough.

Abstract: A foldable ladder having a plurality of sections which align during use to form a continuous ladder and which are foldable upon themselves for storage in a ceiling frame. The ladder includes hinges for connecting the sections. Each hinge has a first load bearing surface and second load bearing surface which contact each other for support a load when the ladder is extended. The ladder also includes an improved counter balance assembly which connects the ladder to the ceiling frame; and a continuous hinge which connects the ladder to the ceiling frame in a manner which eliminates air from passing between the hinge and the ceiling frame.

Abstract: A ladder jack supported by an inclined ladder and adapted to securely support a work platform comprising a horizontal support member fitted with a longitudinally adjustable clamping means to securely clamp the work platform in locking engagement with the ladder jack and prevent movement of the work platform in all directions and planes while in use.

Abstract: Ladder constructions and methods of forming the same wherein box-type or tubular rails are employed. The rung-to-rail connection or joint is formed by providing an opening in one of the rail side walls and an aligned clearance hole in the opposite rail side wall to afford an opening through which a swaging tool is projected and forms an annulus in tight engagement into the inner surfaces surrounding the opening in the first named rail side wall, cooperating swaging means forming an annulus on the outer surfaces surrounding the said opening. A ladder having tubular side rails is hence provided with a rail-to-rung joint on one of the walls by projecting a swaging tool through a clearance hole in an opposite wall. The clearance hole is adapted to be closed by placing a plug in the same and in the event the clearance hole is in the innermost side rail the rung is adapted to be used to close the space provided by the opening in the rail between the rung and one of the side rails.

Abstract: A rung-to-rail ladder joint connection for box section or tubular side rails comprising a rung, a malleable ferrule disposed on an end of the rung, the ferrule and rung projected through an opening in the web of each of the walls of the side rails, a sleeve or sleeve-like reinforcing member of lesser length than the ferrule and of similar profile thereto telescoped over the ferrule and disposed between the webs of the rails, the sleeve being adapted to be disposed on the ferrule either during preforming a flange on one end of the ferrule or thereafter and prior in each instance to final assembly with the box section or tubular side rails by forming of a flange on an opposite end of the rung. The sleeve and the ferrule may be of the same or different materials and thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making hook-to-rail connections for scaffolds or the like, namely a method of securing an offset hook to a rail or beam of generally I-shape by inserting an arcuate plate of such ductility as to be deformable upon extension thereof to fill spacing between the flanged ends of the rail or beam and the hook and to secure the hook to the rail.

Abstract: An easel for use with a back-loading picture frame, which easel is readily attachable and detachable therefrom and intended for use primarily with picture frames formed from metal in extruded channel shapes. The easel preferably is of resilient extruded material and has a flat land member and a resilient yoke member extending at an angle thereto. The yoke is provided with a pair of spaced members, one member being adapted to be fit within the channel in one frame section adjacent a forward face of the frame and the other member fit within the channel adjacent a rear face of the frame section, said members adapted to be secured by means of spring pressure into locking engagement with means on the frame section and easily detached therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-element connection for structural members adapted to connect the structural members in co-linear arrangement and to automatically lock these members in such position, which connection is adapted to be rotated or folded to bring such structural members into such co-linear or lapped position with respect to each other, the connection being comprised of a latch element secured or integral with one of the members and a clevis element secured or integral with another of said members, the latch element having a cam surface and an arcuate notch with end abutments whereby a latching member in said clevis element may ride on the cam surface and be brought into engagement with said notch to lock said elements and co-joined structural members.

Abstract: A device for automatically locking the fly assembly of an extension trestle ladder in an extended or lowered adjustment position. The fly assembly is supported to prevent downward movement by a displaceable member which abuts a rung on the fly assembly along a portion of the length of the rung, which member is spring biased for automatic return to locking position.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a sectional ladder having at least a pair of ladder sections adapted to be slideably moved relative to the other for extension or retraction, one section carrying means adapted to engage a latch mounted on the other section for automatically locking the separate sections together in a selected locked position.