Abstract: A step stool having a platform having a length at least 1.5 times a length of a first step. The platform rotatably attached to a first front leg and a second front leg above the first step. The first step having a perimeter having a first side which extends down from a top of the first step. The first step having a first boss that extends outward from the first side through which a first fastener extends to attach the first front leg to the first step. The first step having a rib which extends outwards from the first side adjacent the first boss and in alignment with the first front leg when the first and second front legs and first and second rear legs are in an open position where they form a generally upside down V shape. The rib providing support to the first front leg when a cantilever type force is applied to the stepladder. A method for using a step stool.

Abstract: Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

Abstract: A tool for holding a work piece being soldered, welded or glued, the tool being made up of a weight with three or more legs that protrude from said weight, each leg having an end such that the ends of three of the legs define a triangle. Typically, the legs extend completely through the weight. The legs are preferably rotatable about their longitudinal axes, and are longitudinally adjustable along their length with respect to the weight. One or more of the legs may be bent at the end. Generally, the legs are held in place by the effect of gravity and a precision fit of the legs within the weight. Each of the legs is moveable along its longitudinal axis through the weight, and one of the legs is bent at an end to an angle ranging from greater than 0 to less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a front section having a first front leg and a second front leg and a step attached to the first front leg and the second front leg and a latch engaged with the step. The stepladder includes a rear section having a first rear leg and a second rear leg and a cross bar attached to the first rear leg and the second rear leg. The rear section has a first stud which extends from the first rear leg toward the second rear leg and separate and apart and not in contact with the second rear leg and not in contact with the cross bar. The latch is engaged with and latched to the first stud to define an engaged position where the first front leg and the first rear leg are in an open position and form an inverted v shape and are prevented from folding together.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.

Abstract: A step tool has front and rear leg tubes, a bottom and top footplate, a connection device for connecting the footplate and the leg tubes, a lock catch device of the top footplate. The front leg tubes are joined to the rear leg tubes rotatablely. The foreside of the top footplate joins to the front leg tubes rotatablely. A rail is fixed on the rear leg tubes. The lock catch is disposed on the top footplate and is detachly connected to the rail. The lock catch device includes two connecting ears, a rotation axis, a lock catch and a torsion spring.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to prevent a user from using the top step of a ladder. The apparatus comprises a substantially solid front face on which a first side flap and second side flap are disposed. The first and second side flaps are disposed at an angle to the front face in order to create a spring force when inserted in a “C” shaped cross section of a ladder. The apparatus is held to a ladder through the spring force and by securing the side flaps and front face to the ladder legs.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A boat boarding apparatus for boarding animals onto a boat and methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus has a set of boat boarding steps, a first mounting assembly attached to said boarding steps for connecting said boarding steps to said boat ladder and a second mounting assembly for connecting said boarding steps to said boat ladder. The mounting assemblies provide resistance forces for securing the ladder, with the resistance forces being opposing forces to one another.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a ladder including a first stabilizing member having a predetermined fixed first length, a second stabilizing member having a predetermined fixed second length, a support structure for being mounted to the ladder at a predetermined location, the support structure being mounted to an upper portion of the first and the second stabilizing member, respectively, the support structure for holding the upper portion of the first and the second stabilizing member in proximity of a first frame rail and a second frame rail of the ladder, respectively, such that the first and the second stabilizing members are rotatable around a first axis oriented substantially parallel to rungs of the ladder, and a connecting member having a predetermined length removable mounted to the first and second stabilizing member at a predetermined distance to the upper portion of the first and second stabilizing member.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a front section having a right front rail and a left front rail in parallel and spaced relation with the right front rail, and front steps attached to the right and left front rails. The ladder includes a rear section having a right rear rail and a left rear rail in parallel and spaced relation with the right rear rail, and a rear horizontal attached to the right rear rail and the left rear rail. The ladder includes a top to which the front and rear sections are connected. The ladder includes a tray pivotally attached to the right and left rear rails having a closed position essentially in parallel with the right and left rear rails and an opened position essentially in parallel with ground, the tray pivoting up from the closed position to the open position. A method for using a stepladder. The method includes the steps of positioning a front section and a rear section of the stepladder attached to a top of the stepladder.

Abstract: A fence ladder includes a front section and a rear section for straddling a wire fence. Each section is formed of a pair of risers with a plurality of ladder rungs perpendicularly disposed therebetween. The upper ends of the two sections are joined with a hinge having a post receiver depending therefrom. The receiver includes a cylindrical shell having a plurality of peripheral notches that are each positioned, spaced and dimensioned to receive the outwardly-extending flanges found on a typical T-post. A pair of releasable locks fix the two sections about a fence to prevent separation and shifting.

Abstract: A ladder top for a stepladder includes a plane having a front and a rear. The plane has a bin for holding small parts and having a shape to hold a propane tank adjacent the front of the plane. The plane has at least one screwdriver hole. The plane has a drill holster. The plane has a hammer/pipe wrench hole. The plane has a channel lock slot. The plane has a pipe holder extending along the length of the pipe for holding pipe. A method for using a ladder top for a stepladder.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.

Abstract: A folding ladder with a pair of parallel front support members having a plurality of sequentially positioned grooves, a plurality of front aligned fastener holes aligned with a plurality of back fastener holes, a pair of non-parallel back support members, wherein the back support member inside forms a flush engagement with the front support member outer side; a plurality of pivot means disposed centrally through each back top end and extending from each back top end to an off center position in each front support top end, a plurality of pivoting non-removable rungs, a pair of locking spreader bars, a pair of pivotable cross braces and a plurality of recessed magnets for supporting the pivoting cross braces and for allowing portions of the folding ladder to compactly and securely engage each other.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.

Abstract: A step stool includes a first section having at least a first step. The step stool includes a hinge bracket connected to the first section. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge bracket having a crossbar; and a platform having a latch that moves only in translation to lock the platform to the cross bar when the platform is in a horizontal position and prevents the first section and second section from folding when the first and second sections are in an open state. A method for establishing a step stool includes the steps of moving a latch of a platform only in translation away from a crossbar of a second section that the platform rests on in a horizontal position. There is the step of placing the second section and a first section having at least one step together into a closed position.

Abstract: A step unit includes right and left step frames and two steps coupled to the right and left step frames.

Abstract: A step tool has front and rear leg tubes, a bottom and top footplate, a connection device for connecting the footplate and the leg tubes, a lock catch device of the top footplate. The front leg tubes are joined to the rear leg tubes rotatably. The foreside of the top footplate joins to the front leg tubes rotatably. A rail is fixed on the rear leg tubes. The lock catch is disposed on the top footplate and is detachedly connected to the rail. The lock catch device includes two connecting ears, a rotation axis, a lock catch and a torsion spring.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a step frame having legs and steps and a tray unit coupled to the step frame. The tray unit includes a utility tray mounted for pivotable movement relative to the step frame.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.

Abstract: A ladder includes a first section having at least one step. The ladder includes a second section having a least one step. The ladder includes a platform attached to the first and second sections. The ladder includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first section and second section, about which the first section and second section move between an open state, where the first and second sections are in an angular relationship for use, and a folded state where the first and second sections and the platform are essentially in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.The ladder includes a foldable tray mechanism attached to the hinge mechanism about which the foldable tray mechanism moves between the open state independently of the first and second sections, where the foldable tray is in an angular relationship with the first and second sections for use, and a folded state where the foldable tray essentially forms a plane with the first section. A hinge for a stepladder. A step to a ladder.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a longer inclined frame provided with steps coupled to a shorter stabilizer frame provided with rungs for movement relative to the longer inclined frame between an expanded use position and a collapsed storage position. The stepladder also includes a top-step lock to lock the top step in a fixed position relative to the two frames.

Abstract: A combination chair and ladder assembly including a center leg, a rear leg and a front leg wherein the rear leg is pivotally connected to the center leg and swings outwardly away from the center leg. The assembly includes a lower step or platform assembly including a first platform having first and second portions with a hinge connecting the first and second portions. The front leg is connected to the first platform. In addition, the chair and ladder assembly may include an upper step or platform assembly having a plurality of platforms pivotally connected to the center leg and to a front support member. The lower step or platform assembly operates independently of the upper step or platform assembly.

Abstract: A ladder system is disclosed which allows for stabilizing a ladder, on multiple surfaces, without the need for a second person or a great deal of setup time. The collapsible ladder system includes a larger ladder section and a smaller ladder strut section that is pivotally connected at a point which is at or below the midpoint of the larger ladder section. The larger ladder section and smaller ladder strut section are connected by a rigid adjustable linkage, or spreader, at a point that is below the pivotable connection. The ladder further includes a means for stability on a variety of surfaces. At the ground contacting point, the point where the ladder side rail ends and the ground meet, there are adjustable gripping feet, which can be independently or in combination vertically or angularly adjusted for maximum stability.

Abstract: A stepladder has a front frame, a rear frame, a bracket and multiple steps. The front frame has two front side rails and multiple rungs mounted between the front side rails. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the front frame and has two rear side rails, a crossbeam and a lock. The lock is mounted pivotally on the crossbeam. The bracket is connected pivotally and slidably to the rear frame and has multiple pivot pins. The steps are mounted pivotally on the bracket and are selectively and engaged respectively with the rungs of the front frame. The lock selectively hooks a pivot pin to stably lock the bracket for improved safety.

Abstract: A step stool includes a first section having at least a first step. The step stool includes a hinge bracket connected to the first section. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge bracket having a crossbar; and a platform having a latch that moves only in translation to lock the platform to the cross bar when the platform is in a horizontal position and prevents the first section and second section from folding when the first and second sections are in an open state. A method for establishing a step stool includes the steps of moving a latch of a platform only in translation away from a crossbar of a second section that the platform rests on in a horizontal position. There is the step of placing the second section and a first section having at least one step together into a closed position.

Abstract: A two-piece locking folding stair is provided with a spring-like locking mechanism. The spring-like device, deployed one on of the two members, includes a protruding member which engages a notch on the other member when the stairs are in the full open, or locked position. When the stairs are opened, the device moves into a position which prevents the stairs from folding unintentionally. To unlock the assembly, the spring-like device is depressed thus releasing the protruding member from a corresponding notch, allowing the stairs to be folded to the closed position for stowing or transport.

Abstract: The lower ladder support is a device adapted for use with a two-railed ladder of the extension type and functions to prevent the ladder from moving, sliding or kicking back during use. The device includes identical support assemblies attached to the rails of the ladder at a lower portion thereof. Each assembly includes a channel, a circular plate having an array of apertures therein, a strap-plate member and rods for attaching the strap-plate, circular plate and channel to a respective rail. The channel is dimensioned to receive and removably retain an elongate, inexpensive, 2×4 wood stock member or similar member therein. The 2×4 member functions as an additional support leg for the ladder.

Abstract: This is a device that will provide additional security for individuals who work on extension ladders. It can be fit to any extension ladder and provide a support mechanism so that, if the ladder were ever to shift backward, it would stop the ladder from shifting, thereby protecting the worker. Because of the telescoping nature of the tube, it provides protection and it may be used in a variety of settings.

Abstract: An assemblable ladder comprises two upright first and second supports, and side plates, mounting members, and screwing elements severing to couple the two first supports together, and to connect the two second supports together. By using a cover piece and other screwing elements, the two coupled first supports and the two connected second supports are assembled together. By way of other screwing elements, pedals are attached between the parallel first and second supports, and connection members are disposed between the pedals and one of the two first supports, or between the pedals and one of the two second supports. Besides, fastening pieces are secured between another parallel first and second supports, and other connection members are fixed between the fastening pieces and the other of the two first supports, or between the fastening pieces and the other of the two second supports, thereby easily assembling the ladder in a DIY manner.

Abstract: A step ladder includes a frame having a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for movement relative to the front leg between an opened position and a collapsed position. A pivot support mount of the step ladder supports a handle of the step ladder for pivotable movement on the front leg about a pivot axis. The step ladder further includes a retainer member coupled to the handle to move therewith about the pivot axis. The retainer member is arranged to lock the front leg to the rear leg when the front and rear legs are in the collapsed position. A guide of the step ladder is coupled to the pivot support mount and configured to engage the rear leg and maintain the rear leg in alignment with the front leg when the frame is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: A stepladder that includes a first frame, a second frame, a step, a utility tray and a support arm. The second frame is pivotally attached to the first frame. The step is operably connected to the first frame and the second frame. The step pivots with respect to at least one of the first frame and the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame. The utility tray is pivotally connected to the second frame and includes a top panel and a side panel. The top panel has a first end and a second end. The side panel extends from the top panel along a side of the top panel that extends between the first end and the second end. The side panel has a slot formed therein. The side panel has a detent formed therein. The detent is in communication with the slot. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support and is pivotally connected to the second frame.

Abstract: A foldable step stool includes pivotable front and rear leg units and steps coupled to the front leg unit. A utility tray pivots relative to the front leg unit.

Abstract: A step stool includes a frame and a tray coupled to the frame. The tray includes a pair of container receivers. Each container receiver is adapted to receive a container on the container receiver.

Abstract: A stepladder that includes a first frame, a second frame, a step, a utility tray and a support arm. The second frame is pivotally attached to the first frame. The step is operably connected to the first frame and the second frame. The step pivots with respect to at least one of the first frame and the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame. The utility tray is pivotally connected to the second frame and includes a top panel and a side panel. The top panel has a first end and a second end. The side panel extends from the top panel along a side of the top panel that extends between the first end and the second end. The side panel has a slot formed therein. The side panel has a detent formed therein. The detent is in communication with the slot. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the second frame.

Abstract: A step ladder includes rigidified left and right legs and step units between the legs. Each rigidified leg includes a web interconnecting first and second tubular members. Each step unit includes a hollow step including an internal rigidifying partition wall and step mounts for coupling the hollow step to the legs.

Abstract: A step ladder includes a frame having a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for movement relative to the front leg between an opened position and a collapsed position. A pivot support mount of the step ladder supports a handle of the step ladder for pivotable movement on the front leg about a pivot axis. The step ladder further includes a retainer member coupled to the handle to move therewith about the pivot axis. The retainer member is arranged to lock the front leg to the rear leg when the front and rear legs are in the collapsed position. A guide of the step ladder is coupled to the pivot support mount and configured to engage the rear leg and maintain the rear leg in alignment with the front leg when the frame is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: A ladder is adjustable in a plurality of planes so a wide variety of sloped surfaces can be accommodated. The ladder includes non-slip surfaces on the steps and a paint can holder that can accommodate a one gallon paint can.

Abstract: An adjustable-height stepladder has an upper-front frame and an upper-rear frame interconnected by a top member. The upper-front frame and the upper-rear frame each have an elongate slide track. A lower-front frame, wider than the upper-front frame and positioned centrally rearward thereof, has a pair of rails, each having a slide mechanism slidingly engageable with the slide track of the corresponding upper-front frame rail. A lower-rear frame, wider than the upper-rear frame and positioned centrally forward thereof, has a pair of rails, each having a slide mechanism slidingly engageable with the slide track of the corresponding upper-rear frame rail. Each slide mechanism has a hinged swing arm and a biasing spring, the combination of which allows the slide mechanisms to engage the slide tracks although the lateral distance between the upper-frame rails and their corresponding lower-frame rails may vary.

Abstract: A step stool includes a frame, a step coupled to the frame for pivotable movement, and a step lock. The step lock is used to lock the step to block pivotable movement of the step relative to the frame.

Abstract: An inventive stepladder of tripod structure with an actuating mechanism that extends the rear legs and front step assembly in a coordinated manner to assume the tripod footprint. The actuating mechanism may include a vertical center post; a sliding collar journaled on the center post to coordinate the extension and retraction of the rear legs and step assembly; an A-brace for extending and retracting the step assembly and further serving as an auxiliary work platform for the uppermost step in the step assembly; leg braces for extending and retracting the rear legs, and a stop block attached to the lower end of the center post. A locking pin may be provided to secure the position of the sliding collar along the center post. The stop block may function to relieve shear stress on the locking pin and to provide support for a user's weight on the A-brace.

Abstract: An improved tit of a step pad for a step of a step ladder and being of the type having resiliency, a base coincident with a bottom surface of the step pad, a tip, and a pinched waist disposed between the base thereof and the tip thereof and being captured in an associated through bore in the step. The improvement includes the tip of each tit having a dimple extending axially therein to facilitate compression of the tip during insertion into the associated through bore in the step.

Abstract: A step ladder includes rigidified left and right legs and step units between the legs. Each rigidified leg includes a web interconnecting first and second tubular members. Each step unit includes a hollow step including an internal rigidifying partition wall and step mounts for coupling the hollow step to the legs.

Abstract: A foldable support assembly, that may be for example, a folding chair, ladder or step-stool. The assembly comprises a first leg assembly and a second leg assembly that are hinged to each other near their tops so as to form a variable angle between them;. The second leg assembly comprises first and second legs, each leg being provided with a cam pin that projects from the leg. A support surface, upon which a load is to be placed, has a first edge, a second edge and two lateral sides. Each lateral side has an integral cam track configured to receive a cam pin projecting from one of the legs. The support surface is hinged at its first edge to the first leg assembly and supported at its second edge by the cam pins received in the cam tracks. Movement of the cam pins in the cam tracks during variation of the angle between the leg assemblies is coupled to rotation of the support surface.

Abstract: A stabiliser for a ladder which enables the ladder to be safely used on sloping or uneven ground consists of spring loaded telescopic struts attached to the bottom of the ladder which are capable of compound rotary motion so that they can be opened to the required length and locked in position.

Abstract: A step stool includes a step frame and a handrail movable relative to the step frame between lowered and raised positions. The handrail includes a handle and left and right handle support arms coupled to the handle to allow sliding movement of the handle relative to the left and right handle support arms as the handrail is moved relative to the step frame between raised and lowered positions. A tray is mounted for pivotable movement on a handle located between the left and right handle support arms about a pivot axis established by the handle.

Abstract: A method for assembling a step stool includes the step of providing a frame including a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for pivotable movement between an opened use position and a collapsed storage position, a step coupled to the front leg for pivotable movement between a horizontal use position and a storage position, and a link including a body, a pivot coupled to the body and the step, and a connector coupled to the body. The method further includes the step of snapping the connector into engagement with the rear leg for movement of the rear leg from its opened use position to its closed storage position in response to movement of the step from its horizontal use position to its storage position.