Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.

Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.

Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.

Abstract: A molded rectangular top component of a stepladder is disclosed which incorporates an improved method of securely supporting a bucket or paint can at the top of the ladder. A recess in a second wall of the laddertop corresponds to and accommodates the arcuate shape of the bail of a bucket, and a hook is attached at the lower portion of the recess, which has the beneficial effect of moving the weight closer to the center of the ladder than on a protruding hook. The ladder top includes at least one slot in a first wall which extends from the ladder top through which accessories can be attached. The first wall opposes the second wall.

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: 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: 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: 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.