Abstract: A hinge structure applied to folding ladder, stool and chair is provided, wherein the hinge structure is formed of a sleeve and two wings and is applied to a front frame and a back frame of the ladder, stool and chair so as to fixly secure a connecting hinge of the front frame connected to the hinge and a central of a rivet hole connected to the back frame, and the vertical length between the hinge and a axis of the frame is not smaller than the sum of the radiuses of the front frame tube and the back frame tube, thereby the folding chair is able to be opened easily and the folding volume thereof is reduce.

Abstract: A structural step including relatively moveable parts wherein pressure step contact therebetween generates an impact audible mechanical sound alarm in a selected decibel range.

Abstract: A ladder with an incorporated pair of stabilizers. Each stabilizer comprises a base leg and an adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg is pivotally mounted on a side of the ladder, with the adjustable leg having a plurality of holes over its length. The base leg slides on a track within the adjustable leg and can be set to a specific length. An additional locking means is provided to temporarily lock the adjustable leg to the side of the ladder while in use.

Abstract: A step stool includes a foldable frame having a front leg and a rear leg movable relative to the front leg and a carrying handle supported for pivotable movement on one of the legs about a pivot axis. A retainer member is coupled to the handle to move with the handle about the pivot axis to lock the front leg to the rear leg.

Abstract: A lightweight, folding ladder having steps that fold together and lie flat within the frame, when the legs of the frame are collapsed into a fold-away position. The steps each have an edge recess that allows a person climbing the ladder to laterally draw closer to an object or supporting wall when the ladder is in a legs-expanded, open-frame, operative position.

Abstract: A step stool includes a frame including a front leg and a rear leg movable relative to the front leg and a leg lock coupled to the frame and arranged to retain the rear leg in a fixed position relative to the front leg upon movement of the rear leg to an opened use position lying at an angle to the front leg. The leg lock includes a button receiver coupled to the front leg and a button supported for movement on the rear leg from a released position arranged to disengage the button receiver to allow relative movement of the front and rear legs and a locked position engaged to the button receiver to retain the rear leg in the fixed position.

Abstract: A step-up stool comprising a platform and at least three legs extending downwardly from the platform, wherein the length of each leg is individually and/or separately adjustable, and wherein the stool is collapsible to a substantially flat state. The step-up stool, therefore, provides a safe platform on which a tradesman can stand particularly on uneven ground, whilst also being easily collapsible, thereby being easy to carry around and to store.

Abstract: A foldable step steel (10) includes a frame 12 having front and rear legs (14, 16) and top, middle, and bottom steps (34, 36, 38). A central step link (40) is coupled to the rear portion of each step (34, 36, 38) to support the steps when step stool (10) is unfolded and to control pivoting movement of the steps relative to front leg (14) during folding of step stool (10). A releasable latch (22) is coupled to a rear portion of top step (34) and configured to engage an upper cross strut (180) included in rear leg (16) to retain step stool (10) in an unfolded use position.

Abstract: A step stool or ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The first frame member includes a safety hoop at which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder or step stool. The frame also includes a cross member which spans a portion of one of the frame members. The ladder or step stool has one or more steps. At least one of the steps is supported primarily by the cross member in its unfolded position in which a user can ascend on the steps of the stool or ladder. One or more other steps may be attached to step which is primarily supported by the cross member. The step that is primarily supported by the cross member includes a latch that has a first curved end which engages the cross member to prevent the step primarily supported by the cross member from disengaging the cross member.

Abstract: A step stool includes a frame including a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for movement relative to the front leg, a handle supported for pivotable movement on the front leg about a pivot axis, and a retainer coupled to the handle to move therewith about the pivot axis and arranged to trap a portion of the rear leg between the handle and the retainer upon movement of the handle to a predetermined position relative to the rear leg to lock the front leg to the rear leg.

Abstract: The invention concerns a support structure characterized in that it comprises at least: a shaft (1) whereof the two ends are designed to be urged to rest on two fixed elements, one of which may be the ground and the other, a fixed object located above the ground; two series of steps (M1, M′1-2, M′2-M3, M′3) fixed on the shaft, on either side thereof respectively; and a ramp (7), integral with the shaft (1) extending vertically with respect thereto, at a distance from the steps (M1, M′1-M2, M′2-M3, M′3) less than the average length of a leg, such that a user can move on the steps (M1, M′1-M2, M′2-M3, M′3) by striding over the ramp (7). Said structure enables the user to stand on the steps with greater stability while keeping his hands free.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizing system having a solid brace (50 or 46) or the combination of side spreaders (24C), the ladder sections (10 and 12), and a diagonal cross brace (18) creating two rigid triangles, the function of which is to prevent the ladder sections from twisting or flexing and therefore make the step ladder or the side braces (70 & 74) of a ladder or step ladder much more stable and will prevent the ladder sections (10 and 22), or extended side braces from twisting or flexing, thereby making the ladder stronger and safer.

Abstract: A step stool having a front frame member having a bottom end and a rear frame member having a bottom end, the front and rear frame members being coupled together for movement between an opened position in which a bottom end of the front frame member is spaced apart from the bottom end of the rear frame member and a collapsed position in which the bottom ends of the front and rear frame members are positioned to lie adjacent to one another, a step being pivotably coupled to the front frame member for movement between a use position in which the step is oriented at a first angle relative to the front frame member and a storage position in which the step is oriented at a second angle relative to the front frame member, and a generally S-shaped guide track coupled to the step and a follower coupled to the rear frame member to engage the guide track, the follower being arranged for movement along the guide track in curvilinear fashion following the S-shape as the rear frame member moves along the front frame membe

Abstract: A step stool comprising a frame having a front leg and a rear leg, a step having a top surface and a bottom surface and an opening in the top surface extending through to the bottom surface wherein the step is coupled to the front leg and coupled to the rear leg, and wherein there is a step blocker movable between an engaged position in which the blocker engages the frame and a retracted position in which the blocker does not engage the frame and an actuator grip to operate the block which grip is accessible from the top surface of the step through the aperture.

Abstract: A ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The step of the is provided with one or more keyhole-shaped openings in which the bottom of the keyhole-shaped opening is open. The first frame member includes at least one cross member for supporting each of the one or more steps of the ladder. The cross members also provide a pivot axis about which the step rotates when folding or unfolding the ladder. The cross member has a circular cross-section at each of the ends where it is attached to the first frame member. Inboard from the circular cross member ends, is a crimped portion or portions. The crimped portion or portions of the cross member are dimensioned so that the crimped portion can pass through the open end of the keyhole openings in the step.

Abstract: A foldable frame includes a pair of upright supporting rods, a pair of prop members, upper and lower crosspieces, right and left linking arms, and a pair of guiding members. The supporting rods are parallel to each other and extend in a first longitudinal direction. The prop members are also parallel to each other but extend in a second longitudinal direction. Each prop member has a second upper connecting portion pivotally connected to a first upper connecting portion of a respective supporting rod to enable the supporting rods to move from a folded position to a straddling position. The crosspieces are disposed transverse to the supporting rods, and are pivotally mounted thereon. The linking arms have upper and lower end portions respectively pivoted to rear sides of the upper and lower crosspieces, and are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction, and are parallel to the supporting rods.

Abstract: A fold-up step ladder having individually and independently fold-down steps that are deep recessed in their fold-down position, so that a person standing on the ladder can lean into and between the ladder frame defined by front and rear side rails and reach closer, with less obstruction and likelihood of injury, to an adjacent vertical wall or work object. Each step is supported upon the side rails of the ladder by an extension arm and a pair of right-angle flanges attached to respective side rails of the ladder frame. The flange bracing allows for support of over-sized steps, which in turn provides the standing person with a greater support and sure-footed feeling, as well as reduced fatigue upon the ladder.

Abstract: A step stool includes a frame with a front leg and a rear leg pivotably coupled to the front leg for movement of the frame between an opened position and a collapsed position. The front leg includes opposite leg members, a handle portion extending between the leg members, and a step spaced-apart from the handle portion. In addition, the step stool includes a latch movably coupled to the handle portion. The latch is formed to engage the rear leg to block movement of the frame from the opened position toward the collapsed position.

Abstract: A ladder with nesting lateral support braces includes a pair of nesting braces which internally receive the pair of side support rails of a ladder during storage of the ladder. Each of the nesting braces is attached to a side rail by a hinge for rotation into and out of a support position. A support arm is provided to prevent over-rotation of the nesting braces. Each of the nesting braces may additionally include an expansible leg for use of the ladder on uneven support surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a ladder in inclined position without the necessity for engaging a separate support surface comprises an X-shaped support frame defined by a pair of posts crossing at a junction and interconnected by a beam at a position below the junction to hold the posts in the X-shape. At the top of each post is provided a U bracket which engages underneath a rung of the ladder. A cable passes between the beam and a selected rung of the ladder to hold the triangle against spreading. A second cable extends from the junction of the X frame to the rung carried in the U brackets at the top of the posts.

Abstract: A platform stool is provided including a frame having a front leg and a rear leg. The front leg is pivotably coupled to the rear leg for movement about a leg pivot axis between an opened position and a closed position. The platform stool includes a multi-part platform including a front section pivotably coupled to the front leg and a rear section pivotably coupled to the rear leg, each of the front and rear sections having a top surface. A platform support linkage couples the front section to the rear section for movement about a platform pivot axis between a platform-forming position wherein the top surface of the front section and the top surface of the rear section are aligned in substantially coplanar relation to form a platform and a platform-collapsing position wherein the top surface of the front section faces away from the rear leg and the top surface of the rear section faces away from the front leg.

Abstract: A stepladder is provided with a bracing shelf that acts both as a conventional pivoting shelf and a bracing mechanism preventing accidental closing of the stepladder when the shelf is in a bracing position. The shelf includes abutting members adapted to contact a step of the stepladder, and, optionally, a mechanism to lock the shelf in the bracing position.

Abstract: A child's portable climbing apparatus is disclosed, having first and second climbing members. The first and second climbing members each have spaced, opposing parallel support beams and spaced, horizontal climbing bars secured to the opposing parallel support beams. The first and second climbing members are pivotally joined by a top horizontal climbing bar secured to the beams at a location offset from the longitudinal centerline, to enable the first and second climbing members to be folded into parallel alignment for ease of transportation and storage. At least one safety bar is removably secured between a selected climbing bar on the first climbing member, and a selected climbing bar on the second climbing member to adjustably position and releasably secure the climbing apparatus in a variety of heights and angular climbing positions. A safety catch is preferably used to secure the safety bar during use.

Abstract: A safety ladder comprises a pair of spaced-apart parallel main support rails which typically extend between the ground and the side of a building. The steps of the ladder are connected between a second set of parallel side rails which are spaced inwardly toward the building, and are interconnected with the main side rails by means of truss-like support braces. This causes the step bearing portion of the ladder to be suspended from the load bearing rails to improve the stability of the ladder. The load bearing rails also act as hand rails, to assist users of the ladder in balancing on the ladder.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth wherein a plurality of spaced tubular supports include pivotally mounted angular feet at their lower terminal ends. The supports each telescopingly receive an inner support, wherein each inner support includes a "C" shaped rigid jaw for positioning about a rung of an associated ladder to provide support to the ladder. The parallel supports include spaced sleeves, wherein the sleeves include tab members, wherein each respective tab member pivotally mounts an elongate link. Each link is defined by an enclosed slot, wherein the slots overlap and include connector clamps to space the links and the supports relative to one another to provide an organization securely positioning and maintaining a ladder in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: It has been necessary up to now for connecting two ladder elements in order to construct a free-standing ladder to connect the lower ends of the ladder elements by means of a tie rod. Furthermore a reliable connection only in the area of the upper ends of the ladder elements is not possible because of the danger of damaging the sidepieces. These disadvantages are supposed to be avoided with the invention. The invention provides, that the clamping elements of a connecting element fastened on a first sidepiece are constructed like a flat contact plate inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first sidepiece and connected to the connecting element and like a swivel plate pivotal about an axis arranged perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first sidepiece. The connecting element of the invention can be used in all types of multi-purpose ladders.

Abstract: Foldable ladder structure and method of making the same wherein plastic material is injected and expanded in molds to form several parts of a foldable ladder which includes front and rear ladder sections that can be pivotally hinged at their upper portions, a collapsible shelf and spreader linkage to allow the sections to be relatively pivoted from collapsed face-to-face relation to erected position.

Abstract: A convertible step ladder having a back section (13) comprising a pair of rails (101, 102) cooperable with a detachable section (16) provides a step ladder that can be used on stairs as well as a flat surface. The detachable section has a horizontal cross member (168) spanning a pair of channels (162, 163) having orifices (162a, 163a) and bolts (166, 167). The rails (101, 102) seat in the channels on the cross member and have orifices (102b) registering with orifices (162a, 163a) whereby insertion of the rails (101, 102) onto the cross member (168) permits locking of the channels together by insertion of the bolts (166, 167) into the corresponding orifices.

Abstract: A stepladder having a pair of legs and two or more steps wherein the steps are pivoted to one of the legs and to guide members. Each of the legs includes a pair of side members. The guide members are spaced from and parallel to the side members of the first leg. When the ladder is in a position of use a latching device locks the second leg and the guide members together and helps transmit a load on the steps to the second leg. When the ladder is in a transport position the tread surface of the steps is disposed in a plane that is common to the plane formed by a rear surface of the second legs. The pivot connections between the steps and the first and second legs and the dimensions therebetween assure the same security in using the stepladder as is obtained by using fixed steps.

Abstract: The ladder includes two separate ladder elements, which are pivotable and slidable relative to each other and can also be completely separated from each other. It can be used as a step-ladder and as a leaning type ladder. The ladder element is equipped with wheels, in order to simplify the transport of the collapsed ladder. In addition, an outwardly pivotable support plate is arranged between the wheels, so that the ladder element can serve as a hand truck, whereby the bent ends of the side beams serve as hand grips. The ladder has a simple construction and can be used in many ways in household use and in commercial operations.

Abstract: A walking stepladder has a pair of substantially identical ladder sides, relatively hinged at the top, each side having step rungs for ascent or descent of the ladder from either side. In walking the ladder, the user straddles the ladder top with his legs supported by opposed rungs at each side of the ladder, and shifts his body weight from side to side while concurrently retracting and extending the ladder sides to effect stepwise ladder movement to one side or the other. Releasable means is provided for limiting inward or retracting movement of the relatively hinged ladder sides to prevent ladder instability or collapsing while being walked.

Abstract: A fitting for a joint for two ladder sections, which in all angle positions is adapted to lock automatically. This fitting includes a first and a second fitting part which are respectively connectable to the ends of two side pieces of a ladder section and are pivotable about a common axis. The first fitting part has associated therewith a locking unit or element movable parallel to the axis of the joint against the thrust of a return spring from a locking position into an unlocking position and vice versa, while in the second fitting part for each selectable angle position there is provided a bore for receiving the locking unit in its locking position. The locking unit is held by means of a locking mechanism first in its locked position and subsequently, after one fitting part has pivoted relative to the other fitting part, is held by arc sections between the bores of the second fitting part in its unlocked position.

Abstract: A boat boarding ladder for engagement to the gunwale of a boat includes a U-shaped frame having upstanding legs attached at one end by a bottom rung. A U-shaped support member is pivotally attached to the upper end of the legs of the frame. A bar is attached between the legs of the frame intermediate of the pivotal connection of the support member to the frame and the frame rung. The legs of the support member are curved such that the support member when pivoted against the bar attached across the legs of the frame forms a receiving area between the support member and the frame for attachment of the ladder to the gunwale of a boat. A Y-shaped brace is pivotally attached to the legs of the frame intermediate of the attachment of the support member and the rung to the legs of the frame. A chain is attached between the legs of the frame and the brace member and positions the brace member out of the plane of the frame and against the hull of the boat at an incline relative to the boat.

Abstract: An adjustable ramp includes a ramp member supported in an adjustable suspensory frame. Adjustment of the suspensory frame changes the angle of incidence of the ramp member to the supporting surface on which the ramp is located. A resilient ramp member is provided in one embodiment which is maintained in curvilinear, flexed attitude on the supporting frame by the moveable connections of said ramp member to said suspensory frame.

Abstract: An internal hinge for use with first and second members such as the front and back legs of ladders in which there is a generally tubular means having a first portion adapted to be inserted into an aperture in the first member and a second portion adapted to be inserted into a second aperture in the second member. The apertures are aligned and adjacent one another and in the first portion there are two peripheral slots opposite one another through which a rigid pin passes, the ends of the pin being fastened to the first member. The second portion has two aligned transverse apertures through which a second pin is passed from outside the second member. Other embodiments include detented slot means for allowing selected angular positions of the legs, non-round tubular means, three-pin versions allowing two members to pivot with respect to a third, etc. Other embodiments include plant stands, easels, saw-horses, collapsible tables and collapsible seats.