Abstract: A ladder having a first box rail having a first side, and a second side extending perpendicularly from the first side. The first side having a first hole. The second side having a first hole in alignment with the first hole of the first side. The ladder having a second box rail, at least a portion of which is in parallel and spaced relation with the first box rail. The ladder comprises a first hollow tube disposed in the first box rail in alignment with the first hole of the first side and the first hole of the third side. The ladder comprises a bracket having a first bracket hole in alignment with the first hole of the first side. The ladder comprises a first fastener extending through the first hole of the third side, the first hollow tube, the first hole of the first side and the first hole of the bracket which attaches the bracket to the first box rail. A method for using a ladder. A method for producing a ladder.

Abstract: A stepping structure includes first and second side rails and a set of steps extending between the first and second side rails, a top tray, and a locking member on the upper end of the first side rail. The top tray includes a planar body having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. The top tray is configured to rotate between an extended position and a stored position. Actuation of the locking mechanism enables the top tray to move between the extended and stored positions. In the extended position, the second side surface of the planar body of the top tray is distal from the first and second side rails. In the stored position, the second side surface of the planar body of the top tray is adjacent to the first and second side rails.

Abstract: A ladder having a first box rail having a first side, and a second side extending perpendicularly from the first side. The first side having a first hole. The second side having a first hole in alignment with the first hole of the first side. The ladder having a second box rail, at least a portion of which is in parallel and spaced relation with the first box rail. The ladder comprises a first hollow tube disposed in the first box rail in alignment with the first hole of the first side and the first hole of the third side. The ladder comprises a bracket having a first bracket hole in alignment with the first hole of the first side. The ladder comprises a first fastener extending through the first hole of the third side, the first hollow tube, the first hole of the first side and the first hole of the bracket which attaches the bracket to the first box rail. A method for using a ladder. A method for producing a ladder.

Abstract: A folding ladder is configured for installation in an opening to provide access between one floor or space and another floor or space. The folding ladder includes, in one aspect, an upper ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section ladder rails to the lower ladder section ladder rails, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper and lower ladder rails. The plurality of steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position. At least one step disposed between the upper ladder rails and at least one step disposed between the lower ladder rails are linked by at least one linkage member so that each of the noted steps rotates between a retracted position and a deployed position upon rotational movement of the upper ladder section relative to the lower ladder section between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A support frame for a folding ladder, a folding ladder positioning system, and a method for installing a folding ladder, are disclosed and pertain to folding ladders disposable within an opening, such as openings in a ceiling of a house, to provide temporary access between one floor or space and another floor or space. In one aspect, a support frame includes a plurality of separable support frame plates collectively configured to circumscribe the opening and a plurality of connection sites are disposed at opposing ends of each of the plurality of separable support frame plates to facilitate connection of each support frame plate to adjacent support frame plates. The connection sites include, for example, mating locking connectors or a plurality of matching through-holes, which permit insertion of a fastening means therethrough.

Abstract: A stowable or foldable ladder is configured for installation in an opening between one floor or space and another floor or space. An upper ladder section includes a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section left ladder rail to the lower ladder section left ladder rail and rotatably connecting the upper ladder section right ladder rail to the lower ladder section right ladder rail, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper pair of ladder rails and the lower pair of ladder rails. The steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A hinge for a folding ladder including a hinge latch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position disposed within a hinge latch cavity. The hinge latch includes a first locking portion protruding therefrom, an elongated slot formed configured to slidingly receive a hinge shaft, a first opening configured to receive a first biasing member, and a second opening configured to receive a locking member. Rotational movement of one hinge casing relative to another hinge casing is prevented by engagement of the first locking portion and locking member with a respective one of the first opening and second opening.