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.