Abstract: A convertible ladder including a first ladder portion, a second ladder portion and a static hinge mechanism. The first ladder portion has a first locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The second ladder portion has a second locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the first ladder portion with the first locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the second ladder portion with the second locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism maintains the first ladder portion in a stationary relation with respect to the second ladder portion.

Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, and an engagement indicator. The adjustable hinge mechanism is mounted with respect to the first ladder and the second ladder so that the adjustable hinge mechanism is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism retains the first ladder section in a stationary orientation with respect to the second ladder section. When in the disengaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism permits the first ladder section to pivot with respect to the second ladder section. The engagement indicator is mounted on the adjustable hinge mechanism. The engagement indicator is visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the disengage position. The engagement indicator is not visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A joint for an articulated ladder comprises two outer casing parts, two inner casing parts, an arched lock piece, and an extension spring. The inner casing parts pivotally engages with the outer casing parts and the arched lock piece is located in the inner casing parts. The spring has one hook end thereof engaging with the locating tab of one of the inner casing parts. The arched lock piece is an integral piece providing with two parallel arched parts spacing apart from each other. Each of the parallel arched parts further provides three short posts extending outward from a facial side thereof to be slidably received in the three arched openings on the inner casing parts respectively. A hook tongue extends outward from one of the flat connecting parts to engage with the other hook end of the spring.

Abstract: A joint for an articulated ladder comprises two outer casing parts, two inner casing parts, an arched lock piece, and an extension spring. The inner casing parts pivotally engages with the outer casing parts and the arched lock piece is located in the inner casing parts. The spring has one hook end thereof engaging with the locating tab of one of the inner casing parts. The arched lock piece is an integral piece providing with two parallel arched parts spacing apart from each other. Each of the parallel arched parts further provides three short posts extending outward from a facial side thereof to be slidably received in the three arched openings on the inner casing parts respectively. A hook tongue extends outward from one of the flat connecting parts to engage with the other hook end of the spring.

Abstract: First and second ladder sections are each molded of a rigid plastics material, and each ladder section includes parallel spaced elongated leg portions integrally connected by two parallel spaced step portions. The ladder sections are pivotally connected by pins extending through overlapping laterally projecting ears and move between a collapsed position with the ladder sections adjacent and an extended aligned position where the second ladder section is supported by the first ladder section. The leg portions of the second ladder section define longitudinally extending cavities which receive corresponding elongated arms pivotal to generally horizontal positions adapted for seating on a motor vehicle tire. The arms also releasably connect with the leg portions of the first ladder section to position the ladder sections in the form of a short A-shaped step ladder.

Abstract: A hinge on a ladder comprises outer casing pair, inner casing pair, a fixing plate with a shaft and three lock pins, a central rivet pin, and a button knob. The outer casing pair and the inner casing pair are pivotally engaged to each other in such a way that the circular plate portions on the casing pairs facially contact with one another. When the locating holes on the outer casing pair align with three specific ones of nine locating holes on the inner casing pair, the three lock pins are pushed toward the outer casing pair and to pass through the aligned locating holes and perform a locking position. When the button knob is pressed toward the outer casing pair against the restoring force of the spring, the three lock pins move away the locating holes. Therefore, the elongated projection ends of the three lock pins fit with the elongated slots on a half piece of outer casing pair to perform an unlocked position.

Abstract: A collapsible ladder provides a plurality of segments, each segment associated with one rung of the ladder. The segments may be folded into a flat or planar configuration, after which each segment may be folded against adjacent segments, thereby forming a stacked storage configuration. Each segment provides a generally horizontally oriented rung carried at either end by a generally vertically oriented inside element. A middle element is hinged to each inside element, and an outside element is hinged to each middle element. Side rails may be formed by folding the middle element at 90 degrees to the inside element, and the outside element at 90 degrees to the middle element. A side rail formed in this manner is generally U-shaped when viewed from the end. Springs bias the inside, middle and outside elements into a 90 degree relationship with each adjacent element.

Abstract: The pull-out sections of folding ladders must be locked on the guiding elements pertaining thereto for ladder use and should also be easily unlocked. A locking bolt used to fix the elements can be axially and manually moved inside a guide element against an adjustment spring to engage a hollow profile section of a rung on the pull-out sections. A lockable guide element with a bayonet fitting is included on the ladder element to enable easy locking and unlocking.

Abstract: A frame assembly supports a work surface of either flexible material or of sections of foldable and unfoldable relatively rigid material all so that the frame assembly and material may either be unfoldable and rigidized or folded into a compact package. The flexible frame assembly includes a pair of spaced poles and a number of hinged sections aligned so that the poles and material can be folded in sections. The poles rotate to permit either a frame folded disposition or a frame rigidized disposition. Embodiments include stretchers, screens and enclosures. The rigid material assembly provides a collapsible and rigidizable space spanning structure formed with a number of hinged sections of center supports and plates hingedly connected together to be either folded into a relatively compact device or unfolded and hingedly positioned to form rigidized space spanning structures.

Abstract: A pulling device for a foldable ladder joint, comprising: two inner bodies, having facing front surfaces, with aligned sets of three arc-shaped holes each along a circular path; an arc-shaped piece, inserted between the front surfaces of the two inner bodies, extended along the circular path and glidingly movable along the circular path, guided by pins or projections, which extend into the arc-shaped holes of the inner bodies; and a spring with two ends, which are held on a fixed position on one of the inner bodies and one end of the arc-shaped piece, so as to exert an elastic force on the arc-shaped piece along the circular path.

Abstract: A guardrail assembly for use on an elevated work platform includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected rail sections mounted on each side of the open front end of the work platform for movement between a collapsed position against the sides of the platform and an extended position. In the extended position, the sections define an enclosure on an elevated work surface, e.g. the top of a railcar or the wing of an airplane, and latches releasably lock outer free ends of the rail sections together. Vertically movable feet on the sections stabilize the assembly on the work surface.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of prestressed filament wound composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded, filament wound composite material (fiberglass) wherein the fibers are continuous and angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rails. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder and hinge actuators are located in the front edges of the outer side rails so that the ladder may be folded, unfolded or locked in either a closed, step ladder or straight extension ladder configuration, by depressing the hinge actuators, irrespective of the longitudinal position of the inner rail sections with respect to the outer rail sections.

Abstract: A foldable ladder having rungs pivotally connected to the side rails, allowing the side rails to pivot from a position wherein the siderails are coplanar to the rung to a support position wherein the side rails are normal to the rungs.

Abstract: A marine vessel ladder system that is primarily used for overboard emergency situations. The ladder system is collapsible and separable into two pieces with one piece substantially smaller than the other. The smaller piece serves both as a retainer to hold the larger piece in a folded, stowed position and also as a connector to fasten the larger piece to a customized area along an edge of the vessel's deck. The ladder system is deployable by one deckhand and includes vertically oriented upper and lower ladder sections with a horizontally oriented grate section therebetween. Fixed vertical railings and collapsible side railings are provided for assistance in ascending and descending the ladder system. Optional safety straps are provided to secure the system prior to and during use.

Abstract: The connection between the ladder side rail (3) and the hinge arm (2) is performed through a form-matching and/or force-matching joining connection (F.sub.N, F.sub.V) in the corner regions (5, 6) of the profile of the hinge arms (2) and of the ladder side rails (3) and/or in their profile sides (2.2, 3.2), which are disposed substantially parallel to the hinge axis (AG). An optimum force transfer from the ladder side rail (3) to the hinged arm (2) is assured based on the novel arrangement of the joining connection (F.sub.N) and (F.sub.V). A deformation of the ends of the ladder side rail (3), which ends are connected to the hinged arms (2), is nearly excluded. A simple, economic, and at the same time reliable connection is created in particular by the production of the joining connection (F.sub.V) with a suitable deformation method.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible, folding emergency escape ladder having an attachment means for permanently affixing it to a window frame rough opening structural components that are present within the walls of all residential housed, a retention means for securing the ladder in the folded position, and a multiplicity of swivel link means for joining the multiplicity of ladder sections to one another. The attachment means for permanently affixing the emergency escape ladder to a window sill includes a rigid framework having attachment bolts/screws apertures disposed therein at predetermined locations that line up with the inner wall structural framework found surrounding windows in most, if not all, residential dwellings. The retention means for securing the ladder in the folded position includes a pin arrangement that may cooperate with a chain for gathering the collapsed foldable sections in a compact area next to the rigid framework attachment means.

Abstract: The disclosed is a method comprising the steps of displaying entirely a plurality of storehouse facilities in the form of a plan view; informing a storage abnormality when the actual storage location and stock condition are different from that displayed in parallel with displaying the stock condition at each instant; and correcting the stock condition at the time the storage abnormality is informed. Shelves are distinguished using displayed figures in accordance with shelves in which already stored, shelves still remaining empty, and shelves for which storage is prevented; and the stock condition of the storehouse facilities is displayed by specifying any of the facility on the displayed surface.

Abstract: The invention shows a detachable ladder for use with a military and similar ehicles. The ladder has an adjustable mounting apparatus allowing the ladder to be attached to a wide variety of vehicle tailgates. The ladder also has hand holds to be used by personnel entering the vehicle when encumbered with combat gear.

Abstract: A ladder having pivotable folding riser sections, includes at least one pair of elongated riser components connected by a folding joint. The components have mating contacting ends abutting each other at an angle 45.degree. from the linear axis of the components. A reinforcing member concentric with said components is positioned across the joint, and a pivotable connection is formed by hinge members connected to each of the ladder components which are pivotally connected to each other by means of a hinge pin located exteriorally of the components. The invention also provides pivoting stand off members and a strap tightening mechanism for providing tightening tension equally on both ends of the strap which thus is not caused to move laterally during tightening.

Abstract: The angle between adjacent ladder sections may be adjusted by a joint assembly having two base plates secured to the sections, wherein a locking rod extending through one base plate is selectively engageable within one of plural blind holes in the other base plate to maintain the base plates and sections at a desired angle. A locating plate maintains the locking rod in an unlocked position to permit the angle between the plates and sections to be adjusted by a single user.

Abstract: An automatic foldable emergency ladder system for use in a building having a smoke detecting device includes an inverted L-shaped housing having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion and being securely mounted to a perimeter wall of a roof of the building; a control unit mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and having at least one input port for receiving a signal from the smoke detecting device; an electrically powered driving device mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and electrically connected to the control unit for receiving a signal therefrom and being activated/deactivated therefor; a spool unit rotatably mounted in the housing and driven by the driving device; a foldable ladder securely coupled to the vertical portion of the housing at one end thereof and having at least one wire which is secured to the spool means at one end thereof and an opposite end thereof is coupled to a free end of the foldable ladder such that the ladder can be folded/extended by the spool unit;

Abstract: A safety ladder made special for attachment to a lubricator, or a vertically disposed pipe, which enables a person to safely scale the lubricator after it has been affixed to a well head. The improved safety ladder apparatus of this invention is externally attached to the lubricator in such a manner that a rigid triangular structure of great structural integrity results from the combination. The ladder forms the hypotenuse of the triangle and is attached at a comfortable downwardly sloped angle respective to the lubricator so that it is easy and safe to scale. The ladder has opposed side rails rigidly connected together by a plurality of spaced rungs, and an upper end opposed to a lower end. A seat or chair is attached to the upper end of the ladder and forms part of the ladder apparatus. There is an anchor device mounted at the top of the ladder that is in the form of a yoke. The yoke has a central part from which opposed legs extend into attached relationship respective to the seat at the top of the ladder.

Abstract: A ladder joint includes a pivot, a first base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a first side rail section of one side rail of a ladder, a second base plate mounted on the pivot and connected to a second side rail section of the side rail, a spring-supported lever pivoted to the pivot, a lock bolt inserted through an eccentric hole on the second base plate and controlled by the lever to engage into either of a series of eccentric holes on the first base plate.

Abstract: A foldable extension ladder includes first and second ladder sections; each ladder section including a three foldable sections, each foldable section including a pair of end rails and a plurality of transverse rungs connecting the pair of end rails in a parallel, spaced apart relation, hinges for hingedly connecting together the three foldable sections in end to end relation for movement between an in-line configuration and a folded configuration in which all of the foldable sections are arranged in a substantially parallel, overlaying relation with each other, each hinge including a pivot pin pivotally connecting ends of two adjacent foldable sections, the pivot pins of all hinges of the first ladder section being arranged to a first side of the first ladder section, when the first ladder section is in the in-line configuration, the pivot pins of all hinges of the second ladder section being arranged to a first side of the second ladder section, when the second ladder section is in the in-line configuration,

Abstract: A portable hunting blind or observation and hunting stand, and wheeled carrier is provided. The unit is foldable and has lower, central and upper ladder elements interconnected by securable hinges. A wheel is located on the lower ladder element and a rotatable tree mounting element is disposed on the upper ladder element. The upper ladder element also has a seat platform and a separate standing platform located on the upper ladder element below the tree attaching element. The tree attaching element comprises a rotatable C-shaped portion with a nylon strap having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the C-shaped portion, the intermediate strap surrounds the tree trunk and the second end is placed in a ratchet style strap tightener which permits adjustment according to the circumference of the tree. The C-shaped portion is rotatable about two axes and legs may be inserted into this portion, the stand being free standing in tripod fashion.

Abstract: An assembly including several ladder sections positionable in several different ladder use positions, wherein intermeshable teeth elements can be cam locked selectively into such positions, and further including stabilizer bars at the ladder section ends for stable engagement with a supporting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of sections arranged for interfolding relative to one another having a platform at an upper end of the sections and a support base at a lower end of the sections arranged for compact interfolding during periods of non-use and permitting extension for access to upper portions of a tree, to include an integral ladder and stand arrangement.

Abstract: A pole ladder folding deer stand is formed by upper and lower tubular sections hingedly joined in aligned relation and provided with vertically staggered steps for ascending and descending the pole ladder. A seat and backrest assembly hingedly connected with the upper limit of the upper pole section projects horizontally toward a tree and includes a yoke and strap assembly for joining the seat assembly to a tree. A foot platform is horizontally supported above the uppermost step forwardly of the position of the seat assembly. A ladder stabilizing engaging yoke projects laterally from the respective sides of the ladder lower section at its depending end. A bicycle fork journals a wheel attachable to one of the ladder sections to permit wheelbarrow-like movement of the folded ladder tree stand for transporting equipment or game.

Abstract: A hunting stand for use as an elevated observation platform and a game carrier. The stand is easily foldable in the form of a back pack and is convertible into a carrier to facilitate in the removal of game. The stand is comprised of a folding ladder having three successive sections joined together such that the three sections are selectively folded to form a back pack, to produce the carrier or to produce a fully extended ladder with adjoining observation platform. The stand is of lightweight unitary construction and has a unique hinge configuration that enables it to be selectively folded into a plurality of configurations with relative ease and provides a hunting stand which is easy to transport and store.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising multiple ladder sections pivotally joined together to permit the ladder to be articulated into and locked in a variety of configurations. Each ladder section includes a pair of side rails and a plurality of spaced rungs. The ladder end sections are identical and interchangeable. The ladder middle sections are identical and interchangeable. All side rails are reinforced by steel rods. The ladder sections are hinged together at their ends along one side of the ladder by master-type pivots and are hinged together at their ends along the opposite side of the ladder by slave-type pivots. Master pivots may be adjusted to a first position allowing the ladder sections to be moved with a denting action and to a second position locking the ladder sections together in a selected position. Slave pivots follow the action of the master pivots, allowing all ladder adjustments to be made from one side.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising multiple ladder sections pivotally joined together to permit the ladder to be articulated into and locked in a variety of configurations. Each ladder section includes a pair of side rails and a plurality of spaced rungs. The ladder end sections are identical and interchangeable. The ladder middle sections are identical and interchangeable. All side rails are reinforced by steel rods. The ladder sections are hinged together at their ends along one side of the ladder by master-type pivots and are hinged together at their ends along the opposite side of the ladder by slave-type pivots. Master pivots may be adjusted to a first position allowing the ladder sections to be moved with a detenting action and to a second position locking the ladder sections together in a selected position. Slave pivots follow the action of the master pivots, allowing all ladder adjustments to be made from one side.

Abstract: A retractable ladder apparatus (30) for access between a lower and an upper floor is provided. A ladder (60) is moved by moving means, which may be a garage door opener (40), between a position of storage within the upper floor to a position where the lower end of the ladder abuts the lower floor.

Abstract: A hunting device that is selectively convertible between a tree stand position and a reclined sitting position, thus providing a single apparatus for hunting both large and small game. The apparatus includes a support member, which is capable of pivoting relative to a base member, such that when the apparatus is in the reclined sitting position, the support member pivots to allow the hunter to assume the reclined position. The support member is spring biased in the upright position to allow the hunter to quickly shift from a reclined position to an upright sitting position. In the tree stand position, the base member elevates the support member against the trunk of a tree to allow the support member to serve as an elevated platform for the hunter. The base member includes a first section and a second section pivotally connected to the first section so that the apparatus may be folded into a hand-operated cart with detachable wheels.

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: In a lockable folding joint of a ladder having two arms with their flat heads pivoted to one another, a detent block used to engage one of spaced notches of one of the flat heads is held resiliently and firmly by an improved mechanism. The mechanism includes a one-piece curved rod spring which has two opposite arc-shaped rod portions whose one ends are attached to the detent block, two coiled portions formed at another ends of the arc-shaped rod portions and a U-shaped rod portion extending from the coiled portions. A spring plate has a rolled end pivoted to one of the arm with the same pivot pin as the coiled portions. The U-shaped portion depresses the spring plate so that the hook end of the spring plate is engaged tightly with the detent block.

Abstract: A portable ladder assembly adapted to be removably mounted in the space between a body and a rail spaced therefrom, e.g. between the body of a conventional truck trailer and tie down rail. The ladder has a main ladder section having an elongated vertical support member and a plurality of step members transversely secured thereto. Means are disposed adjacent a top end of the elongated member for removably securing an upper end of the main ladder section in the space between the body and the tie down rail. Extension members are provided for extending the ladder above the rail to facilitate personnel climbing on the ladder assmbly. An optional lower ladder section having at least one transverse step member supported by at least one elongated member attached to the main ladder section adjacent a lower end thereof is repositionable between at least two different elevations.

Abstract: A ladder joint with an engagement spring member on it for locking/unlocking the ladder joint into position. The ladder joint has a fixed member and a movable member. The movable member has a circular portion with fixing slots on its outer circumference. The fixed member has an annular track which slidably receives the circular portion of the movable member. Both the fixed and the movable members have a straight portion for connecting with the ladder pieces. The engagement spring member is a rounded flat spring which has an extended edge on one of its ends which normally spring loads the rectangular slug into one of the fixing slots as set by the user.

Abstract: A collapsible fire escape ladder. A plurality of folding ladder sections are retained in the folded position by a retractable ladder retention means that slidably engages retention posts fixedly attached to the respective ladder sections. A pivotally mounted ladder entry step is attached to the proximal end of the ladder retention means to facilitate emergency escape through a window or the like. In an alternative embodiment of the ladder, the ladder retention means includes an exit platform having an exit portal disposed when said ladder retention means is retracted above the rungs of the ladder sections.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising of four straight sections each consisting of two uprights and four rungs equally spaced. The sections are connected with insulating hinged joints which can be tightened immovable or loosened movable by means of a lever handle thus allowing the adjustment of the ladder into various configurations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for attaching a basketball backboard to the inside of a garage door or other openable and closeable structure such that the basketball backboard may be generally concealed from sight so long as the garage door or other structure is in its "closed" position but whereby the basketball backboard may be deployed into a fully operational position when the garage door or other structure is in its "open" position. In accordance with the invention there is provided an apparatus for attaching a basketball backboard to a garage door or other surface.

Abstract: In a multi-purpose ladder of the invention there are disposed on bores (30) in the left and right halves (8, 9) of a second joint element (5) curved recesses (39), not shown here and shaped corresponding to the pivot movement of an operating lever (40), for containing bearings (31) of a release lever (32). Arms (33) of the release lever (32), which cooperates with the operating lever (40), are connected with each other by means of a bar (34) having a recess (35). Protrusions (37) are formed at bearings (31) of the release lever (32) by deep drawing of side wall portion of the arms (33). A cam (42) of a first elbow (41) of the operating lever (40) can be inserted into the bearings (31), the operating lever (40) being securely guided by the recess (35) in the bar (34). The cam (42) comprises an upper semicircular part (43 ) and a key bit (44), not shown here, the semicircular part (43) having an oblique surface (43a) and the key bit (44) an oblique surface (44a) at a front face (45) of the cam (42).

Abstract: A joint for foldable ladder including a hollow disk body having a hollow leg which connects the hollow disk body to the ladder and a number of circumferential cutouts for setting a pre-determined angle of the ladder; a casing having a circular part which rotatably encases the hollow disk body and a hollow leg which connects the ladder, the circular part including two spaced apart circular plates which encase and rotatably engage with the hollow disk body, and the hollow leg including a slot at each surface; a trigger pivotally provided on a lateral side of the casing; an arcuate seat provided within the casing; and a lock piece movable along the casing with respect to the slot of the casing and which is fixed on the arcuate seat at one end and is fixed on the casing at the other end.

Abstract: A positioning joint for a folding ladeer including a pair of first joint members each of which having an axial hole and a pair of locking holes, a second joint member having an axial hole and several pairs of positioning holes, a button mechanism having an axial shaft for combining a locking member and a coil spring being placed around the shaft, and a locking member having a pair of locking bars. The two joint members are relatively pivotable about a bushing passing through the axial holes thereof and are lockable in a series of predetermined angular positions by engaging the locking bars into the locking holes and positioning holes by means of the button mechanism and locking member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible ladder for carrying out work on the surface of convex buildings as radomes and other domes. The ladder--the radome ladder--consists of a number of straight sections which are hinged together by means of brackets which are articulated externally to a section end piece at the end of each ladder section. These end pieces can be changed to suit the diameter of the dome, and the length of each ladder section, in such a way that the ladder, when unfolded, forms, in essence, an arch parallel with the surface of the dome. In each section end piece there is a castor which rolls along the dome, permitting the radome ladder to be moved sideways with ease.

Abstract: A portable, foldable swimming pool step device includes a pair of sectional stiles interconnected by transverse steps and provided with sectional handrail structures. The stiles, steps, and handrail structures are formed of a thermoplastic material. Each stile includes a pair of sections hingedly connected together and foldable between an extended operative position and a folded position. The steps are adjustable to permit the swimming pool step device to function as an inclined ramp. Suitable rollers are mounted on the stiles to permit easy movement of the swimming pool step device when the ladder is in the folded position.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable folding ladder that can be easily altered in its length and shape to adjust to the proper working height and angles for the user. With the fiber glass nylon hinges, the ladder is insulated to prevent the user from electrical shocks in the event the ladder comes into contact with electrical wiring.

Abstract: A positioning joint for a folding ladder comprising a first joint member, a second joint member, an operating lever pivotably connected to the first joint member and U-shaped members acting as a control means. The U-shaped member has a sustaining portion and two bolt receiving portions each with a central bore which is embodied in the shape of an ellipse. The joint members, lever and U-shaped member are pivotably interconnected permitting engagement and disengagement of spring and pawl units with the U-shaped member for thereby locking and unlocking the joint.

Abstract: A folding ladder primarily designed for use of roof estimators wherein said folding ladder is long enough to get to the average roof, but is yet not cumbersome to handle as are most extension ladders, and wherein the ladder hinges and folds into a flat package when not in use, with sliding side rail locking devices which also fold and hinge when not in use, but when extended which slide over the hinge positions of the ladder, and hold it in full length for use, additionally provision is made for a separate and distinct extension element having sliding side locking rail devices.

Abstract: An escape device in accordance with the present invention includes an escape opening through the outside wall of a building at second and higher floor level, such opening being tall enough to allow a person to walk through it. A ladder, comprised of at least two sections, is pivoted to structure in the opening and is extendable to reach ground level outside the building. The ladder is stowed in the escape opening and ready for instant use in an emergency.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising a plurality of hingedly intermounted sections having channel-shaped side members, ladder rungs being shiftedly connected to a first of the side members and being pivotally connected to a second of the side members, such that the rungs slide upon collapse of the side members together after a folding of the sections into a compact unit for carriage and storage.