Abstract: Stepladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a top cap, a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with the top cap. The second assembly includes at least one rail pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. The first assembly, the second assembly and the top cap are cooperatively configured such that the at least one rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested within an envelope defined by the pair of spaced apart rails of the first assembly with the step ladder is in a collapsed state.

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: 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: 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 comprises a top step, two leg assemblies mounted to the top step, and a step assembly mounted to the top step. The leg assembly and the step assembly pivot from a closed position in which the leg assemblies and the step assembly are extend vertically downward from the top step to an angular position in which the leg assemblies and the step assembly are angularly displaced from vertical and oriented along radial axes positioned 120 degrees from one another in a tripod configuration. Each leg assembly and the step assembly are locked to the selected angular position. The length of each leg assembly can be adjusted as desired. The step assembly includes a plurality of steps. Each of the leg assemblies and the step assembly have a foot for engaging the ground.

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 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: The present invention is a ladder top for a ladder. The ladder top has a top panel having a perimeter. The perimeter has at least a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The ladder top also has a first side wall extending in an integral fashion from the first edge, and an opposing second side wall extending in an integral fashion from the second edge. The first side wall has at least one slot through which accessories can be attached. A third side wall extends in an integral fashion from the third edge and in juxtaposition with the first and second side walls. A fourth side wall extends in an integral fashion from the fourth edge and in juxtaposition with the first and second side walls and opposing the third side wall. The ladder is connected to the ladder top through the third and fourth side walls. Preferably, the first side wall has two slots in a spaced relationship with each other. Preferably, the slots are rectangularly shaped with rounded ends.

Abstract: The present invention is a ladder top for a ladder. The ladder top has a top panel having a perimeter. The perimeter has at least a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The ladder top also has a first side wall extending in an integral fashion from the first edge, and an opposing second side wall extending in an integral fashion from the second edge. The first side wall has at least one slot through which accessories can be attached. A third side wall extends in an integral fashion from the third edge and in juxtaposition with the first and second side walls. A fourth side wall extends in an integral fashion from the fourth edge and in juxtaposition with the first and second side walls and opposing the third side wall. The ladder is connected to the ladder top through the third and fourth side walls. Preferably, the first side wall has two slots in a spaced relationship with each other. Preferably, the slots are rectangularly shaped with rounded ends.

Abstract: A ladder that includes two hinged sections that can be oriented in an inverted V-configuration for use as a step ladder, or in a straight linear configuration for use as a straight ladder. Each section of the ladder includes a number of U-shaped support units, each of which defines a crossbar and two downwardly extending side rails. The side rails of the different U-shaped units are of graduated cross sectional dimension, such that the units can be contracted together by telescopically sliding the aligned side rails within one another.

Abstract: A step ladder is shown, having a rigidified step section, a strengthened upper platform, two independently articulated angled rear legs, supported by a pair of rigid, pivoting supports. The angle of extension of the rear legs creates, in conjunction with the front step section of the step ladder, an essentially equilateral, triangular footprint of increased stability. The individual legs, in cooperation with a strengthened, rigid top plate structure, and the single member rigid support strut produces a decreased likelihood that the ladder will "walk" or move under the shifting weight of a user. The triangular footprint creates increased static stability, and also reduces the likelihood of toppling as a result of movement of a person standing on or near the upper step. The support leg actuation linkage is vertically fixed along a linkage support shaft. By fixing the linkage in three dimensions, torsional rigidity is maintained between the independent legs and walking motion is eliminated.

Abstract: A ladder comprises a pair of spaced stiles, each having a channel shaped cross-section with the flanges of each stile directed towards those of the other, and a plurality of rungs interconnecting the stiles, each rung also being of general channel section, the tread portion of the rung defining an acute angle with one flange and an obtuse angle with the other flange, and weld beads joining the outer surface of the acute angled rung with one flange of each stile and the inner surface of the obtuse angle rung with the web of each stile.

Abstract: Stepladders made of extruded aluminum channels include special forms of front section bracing and brackets for a bucket rack that enables the ladder to be fabricated with a minimum of fasteners and parts while providing improved strength, rigidity and safety properties.