Abstract: A ladder including a first frame, a second frame and a platform assembly. The first frame includes one or more fixed steps. The platform assembly includes a first platform pivotably coupled to the first frame, a second platform pivotably coupled to the first frame, a first linkage coupled between the second frame and one of the first platform and the second platform, and a second linkage coupled to the first platform and the second platform. The ladder is movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A magnetic organizing device for a ladder includes a ladder and a container. The container is coupled to the ladder proximate to an upper end of the ladder. The container is open-topped and magnetized. The container is configured to retain items that are positioned in the container. The container also is configured to retain ferromagnetic articles, such as screws and nails, within the container as the ladder is reoriented from a substantially vertical configuration to a substantially horizontal configuration.

Abstract: A device supported by a ground surface and a structure for at least one of elevating and descending a user. The device includes a first guide rail having a first channel extending along a length thereof and a second guide rail having a second channel extending along the length thereof. At least one connector connects the first guide rail with the second guide rail at a predetermined location along a length thereof so that said first channel and said second channel face inwards towards each other. A platform for supporting the user having a predetermined amount of weight is connected within each of the first and second channels and between the first guide rail and second guide rail. The device further includes means for moving the platform along the length of each of the first channel and the second channel.

Abstract: A tray member is provided including at least one pair of opposite side margin depending flanges and a center downwardly recessed portion whose undersurface is co-planar with the lower edges of the depending flanges. The downwardly recessed center portion defines an upwardly opening recess in which to receive the lower end of a paint can and the tray member includes widely spaced apart depending threaded shanks from which a clamp bar is supported through the utilization of wing nuts threadedly engaged on the shanks. The tray member may be slid into position on the horizontal shelf of a step ladder and removably clamp engaged with the shelf by tightening the wing nuts in order to clamp the shelf between the clamp bar and the underside of the tray member.

Abstract: A work shelf for removable installation and use on a stepladder to provide an enlarged, sturdy area for holding tools and material. The work shelf includes a platform area of a width greater than the distance between the ladder rear legs, a neck extending from one edge of the platform area and having a width less than the distance between the ladder rear legs, and a brace extending from the neck and having a width less than the distance between the ladder front legs. A retaining edge extends up from the platform area. In use, the platform area overlies and is supported on the stepladder shelf, while the neck extends between the ladder rear legs, and the brace is positioned between the ladder front legs and beneath one of the ladder steps. A clamp is movably fastened to the neck. With the work shelf in position on a stepladder the clamp is secured in a position abutting the ladder rear legs.

Abstract: A tripod stepladder in which a bracing means includes a sleeve or collar that slides up and down the third or rear leg as the ladder is folded and unfolded. A pail shelf is pivotally attached to the third leg and locks the ladder in the open position, thereby preventing inadvertent closure of the ladder as long as the pail shelf is in the horizontal position.

Abstract: An improved locking assembly for a folding seat is disclosed. The assembly includes a support plate adapted to be fixedly mounted to a step at its lower surface. The seat is supported by a support member when the seat is in its support position. The assembly also includes a broad hook pivotally connected at one end thereof to the support plate at a position substantially midway between the sides of the seat to hold the support member in locking relationship with the step to prevent the step from unintentionally moving out of its support position.

Abstract: An improved combined chair and stool apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a U-shaped member having a pair of leg portions defining the front legs of the apparatus, a pair of spaced support members extending between the front legs and secured thereto, and a pair of folding steps comprising upper and lower steps. A pair of spaced back legs are pivotally connected to the top step adjacent to the back edge of the top step for relative pivotal movement therebetween. A pair of spaced pivot links are pivotally connected at their opposite ends to the upper support member and to the back portion of the upper step. The lower step is pivotally attached at its front portion to the lower support member. A second pair of pivot links are pivotally connected to the top step and the bottom step. The second pair of pivot links are connected to the top step at a position forward the pivotal connection between the top step and the first pair of pivot links.

Abstract: Ladders made of metal comprising first sections of metal channel that intersect second sections of metal channel have the first and second sections joined together without use of rivets or weldings by providing the first sections with pairs of U-shaped cavities, the second sections with tip flanges, fitting the tip flanges, in various ways, into the U-shaped cavities and press forming portions of the first sections against the tip flanges to lock the first and second sections together. Typically, the first sections would be side rails and the second sections, steps, rungs or cross braces.