Abstract: A stepladder includes a front section having a first front leg and a second front leg. The stepladder includes a step attached to the first front leg and the second front leg. The stepladder includes 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 is pivotably attached to the front section. 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.

Abstract: An extension ladder having a base section and a fly section. The fly section has a right local reinforcement disposed inside a right fly rail of the fly section at locations of highest bending moment of the right fly rail when a force is applied to the right fly rail. The right local reinforcement is shorter than a length of the right fly rail. Loads applied to the right fly rail are transmitted to the right local reinforcement so the right fly rail may be thinner than if there was no right local reinforcement present. A method for producing a ladder rail with a local reinforcement between a top rail flange and a bottom rail flange. A method for using an extension ladder.

Abstract: A multipurpose ladder having a first inner section. The ladder has a first articulated hinge and a second articulated hinge. The ladder has a second inner section. The ladder has a first outer section. The ladder has a first locking bar. The ladder has a second outer section. The multipurpose ladder may have a plurality of brackets disposed about outer rails of the outer sections. The brackets provide support to each of the outer rails and strengthens them against bending forces so the rails can be thinner and of lighter weight. The ladder may have an ANSI duty rating of 1A or an ANSI duty rating of 1AA. A method for using a multipurpose ladder. A method for producing a multipurpose ladder.

Abstract: A portable ladder having a pair of elongate stiles spaced from one another and each having first and second ends, and extending in a first direction; and a plurality of rungs each extending between the elongate stiles transverse to the first direction and having opposed ends one of each attached to each of the elongate stiles and each of the plurality of rungs being spaced from one another along the first direction, the rungs being arcuate in shape between the opposed ends.

Abstract: A removable locking device for attaching a base ladder to one or more flys of an extension ladder is disclosed herein. The removable locking device is slightly greater in width than the extension ladder. This allows the locking device to simultaneously grasp both the left and right sides of both the base extension ladder and the additional fly extension ladders. The side rails comprise cavities for a plurality of rungs of the extension ladder. The locking device contains insertion pins for engaging the rung cavities along the side rails of the ladders. The locking device contains a further clamping mechanism to engage the base ladder with the fly extension ladder and to secure the insertion pins within the rung cavities of both ladders. With the clamping mechanism engaged, the base extension ladder and the fly extension ladders become locked together, temporarily creating a single securely engaged ladder.

Abstract: A portable ladder has two stiles interconnected by rungs. The ladder is provided with a stand off device, including two stand off arm assemblies, each being telescopically inserted into a receiving space. Each stand off arm assembly has a base part and a stand off arm interconnected by a hinge that allows the stand off arm to be pivoted between a position in alignment with the base part and an angled stand off position. The stand off arm assemblies are each configured such that—in extended position—the hinge is located outside the receiving space with the base part being located within said receiving space, and also such that—in retracted position—the base part, the hinge, as well as at least a portion of the stand off arm are located within the receiving space.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for selectively securing and unsecuring the linkage of individual ladder sections of a telescopic ladder. The locking mechanism is shifted into a locked position by pivoting a lever toward a first rotational trajectory, urging a track follower in a first direction along a guiding track, and linearly displacing at least one securing rod into an aperture through multiple ladder sections, securing the linkage of the ladder sections. A lever-securing mechanism form-fittingly secures the lever within a bridge element of the locking mechanism when in a locked position. The locking mechanism is shifted into an unlocked position by pivoting the lever toward a second rotational trajectory opposite the first rotational trajectory, urging the track follower in an opposite direction along the guiding track, and linearly displacing the securing rods out from the aperture through the multiple ladder sections, unsecuring the linkage of the ladder sections.

Abstract: A ladder having several collapsible ladder sections (100), each comprising two hollow ladder bars (102, 103) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by a rung (104), where each collapsible ladder section is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section. Each ladder bar of a collapsible ladder section has a locking hole (111) and an extension (112) below the locking hole. Retaining mechanisms (106) are provided in the rungs for locking the collapsible ladder sections relative to one another, and the retaining mechanisms comprise a locking pin (108), which can engage a corresponding locking hole provided in the ladder bar of a ladder section positioned there above. At least part of the collapsible ladder sections have a non-locking slot or groove (101) formed in the extensions of the ladder bars, where the slot reaches from a distance below the ladder bar to the bottom of the ladder bar.

Abstract: An extension ladder is disclosed. The extension ladder includes a bottom stage and a top stage that are interlocked and configured to telescope with respect to each other, such that the top stage extends from a back surface of the bottom stage to an extended position. In the extended position the bottom stage and top stage are locked and secured together through one or more securing features such that overlapping rungs from the bottom stage and the top stage are substantially aligned and parallel to provide a stable stepping plane with the extension ladder leaning to form an acute angle between the back surface of the bottom stage and a support surface.

Abstract: An attic ladder system includes an upper portion that can be extended above the attic floor and a lower portion that can be extended into a room below the attic. The upper portion can extend automatically into the attic upon extension of the lower portion, or may be operated independently of the lower section. Ladder extension can be telescopic or by unfolding of sections. Retraction of either or both ladder portions may include a pivoting capability to reduce vertical height when stored. A gap can be provided between lowest the rungs to avoid danger to a user's hands. Embodiments can be used to access the top of a vehicle roof from within the vehicle. Embodiments can support a user weighing up to 300 pounds. A gas spring can assist in lifting and stowing the lower portion. Pivot latches can secure the ladder in its stowed and deployed configurations.

Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retractable ladder which is a common climbing tool in daily life and engineering industry. The retractable ladder comprises a pedal operated unlock device, section-positioning lock devices and an accidental operation preventing device. The main components of the unlock device is disposed in the first ladder section and enclosure caps at upper ends of each ladder section, except for the uppermost ladder section, are provided with the lock devices and unlock nose spikes. The retractable ladder is changed from an extended state to a folded state simply by operating the unlock device with foot of the user so as to release the lock of the ladder. Consequently, the retractable ladder will automatically retract to descend all of the ladder sections from top to bottom in turn. When the ladder is changed from the folded state to the extended state, section-positioning pins are pulled out downwardly from the uppermost ladder section so as to lock the ladder sections.

Abstract: A retractable ladder includes telescoping rail sections each having left and right side rail members. Each side rail member has two aligned locking holes. A control device includes a shaft disposed rotatably between the side rail members of one of the rail sections, and two locking units each having a controlled piece fixed to and rotatable along with the shaft, two abutment plates, two locking pins, and two spring members biasing the abutment plates to abut respectively against two opposite sides of the controlled piece. The controlled piece is rotatable between a pushing position to push the locking pins to project outwardly from the locking holes in said one of the rail sections and engage respectively the locking holes in the adjacent rail section, and a non-pushing position, where the locking pins are permitted to extend inwardly so as to disengage from the locking holes in the adjacent rail section.

Abstract: An access ladder for an access hole in a building includes a plurality of sections which telescope relative to each other between an extended position, where the sections define a plane and a user can climb the sections, and a retracted position where the sections are folded on each other. Several of the sections have a least one step which preferably moves between an unfolded position where the user can stand on the step when the sections are in the extended position, and a folded position when the sections are in the retracted position. Each section slides relative to another section of the plurality of sections which it is in contact in order for the sections to telescope. A method for using an access ladder attached to an end of an access hole of a building.

Abstract: A retractable ladder includes telescoping rail sections each having left and right side rail members. Each side rail member has two aligned locking holes. A control device includes a shaft disposed rotatably between the side rail members of one of the rail sections, and two locking units each having a controlled piece fixed to and rotatable along with the shaft, two abutment plates, two locking pins, and two spring members biasing the abutment plates to abut respectively against two opposite sides of the controlled piece. The controlled piece is rotatable between a pushing position to push the locking pins to project outwardly from the locking holes in said one of the rail sections and engage respectively the locking holes in the adjacent rail section, and a non-pushing position, where the locking pins are permitted to extend inwardly so as to disengage from the locking holes in the adjacent rail section.

Abstract: Expandable load bearing device for use on a ladder and comprising an outer member (20), an inner member (21) movable within the outer member, and ratchet means having a pawl (26) attachable to the outer member and a rack (22) attachable to the inner member, the pawl being movable into and out of engagement with the rack to prevent the movement of the inner member towards the outer member, and the pawl having a shoulder (36d) arranged to bear upon a load transfer member (24) on the outer member when the pawl is in engagement with the rack.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retractable ladder which is a common climbing tool in daily life and engineering industry. The retractable ladder comprises a pedal operated unlock device, section-positioning lock devices and an accidental operation preventing device. The main components of the unlock device is disposed in the first ladder section and enclosure caps at upper ends of each ladder section, except for the uppermost ladder section, are provided with the lock devices and unlock nose spikes. The retractable ladder is changed from an extended state to a folded state simply by operating the unlock device with foot of the user so as to release the lock of the ladder. Consequently, the retractable ladder will automatically retract to descend all of the ladder sections from top to bottom in turn. When the ladder is changed from the folded state to the extended state, section-positioning pins are pulled out downwardly from the uppermost ladder section so as to lock the ladder sections.

Abstract: An extension ladder includes a pair of nested outer and inner ladder rails. Ladder rungs connected between and the inner rails define a plurality of supporting openings and the inner rails include outer bearing surfaces associated with the supporting openings. An extension latch mechanism having a pivoting dog is coupled to an outer rail and engages the supporting openings and outer bearing surfaces to support the ladder in an extended position.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable ladder which comprises a plurality of ladder sections, each of which is stackable upon and nestable within the adjacent ladder section. A locking means is disposed between adjacent ladder sections to lock relative installation positions of the ladder sections. The locking means is disposed in a middle portion of the rung of the ladder section and it comprises a left and a right locking rods which move in synchrony with each other, a spring which connects the left and the right locking rods, and a left and a right controlling handles which are connected to the left and the right locking rods respectively. Locking holes are disposed on adjacent ladder sections and free ends of the left and the right locking rods at corresponding positions. As only one single hand is required to simultaneously pull the left and the right controlling handles to unlock the ladder sections, the present invention is more convenient to use.

Abstract: A multi-section ladder comprises a first ladder and at least one second ladder which respectively includes two upper and lower stiles, two coupling members and a plurality of rung assemblies, the upper stiles provided at the upper ends thereof with two retaining members, the lower stiles provided at the lower ends thereof with two support seats, in specific directions of the support seats in response to the retaining members being individually formed two recesses, the coupling members covered onto the lower ends of the upper stiles and the upper ends of the lower stiles, and the rung assemblies which are equally spaced apart from each other mounted between the inner walls of the two upper or lower stiles, and each of the rung assemblies including two side plates and a rung, thereby disassembling the upper and lower stiles from each other so as to be small in the size of the present invention while in storage.

Abstract: An extension ladder assembly having an anti-slipping mechanism is provided. The extension ladder includes a master ladder, a slave ladder, a pulley, a locking mechanism, the antislipping mechanism and adjustable ladder feet. The master ladder and the slave ladder are each composed of two posts and several rungs. The master ladder and the slave ladder are each composed of two posts and several rungs. The master ladder is slightly wider than the slave ladder. The anti-slipping mechanism prevents the slave ladder from being tripped and slid down, thereby safeguarding the safety of a user of the ladder. The pulley and the locking mechanism make the extension ladder suitable for various height requirements on work sites. The adjustable ladder feet make the extension ladder stand firm and secure by fine and minor adjustment of angles to accommodate different surface or ground conditions the ladder is placed upon.

Abstract: An A-frame ladder able to be on uneven surfaces, stairs or level surfaces in a stable and level configuration, includes a sliding ladder segment attached to the A-frame ladder segments, locking bars on the sliding ladder segments spaced apart along the sliding ladder segments, sliding bracket mounts attaching each sliding ladder segment to the A-frame ladder segments, and pivoting spring-loaded locking catches securing the sliding ladder segment to the A-frame ladder segments.

Abstract: A length-adjustable ladder functioning as a telescopic lean-to ladder, a free-standing stepladder, and as a platform is described. The ladder includes stringers, ladder rungs fastened between the stringers, and supports connected to the stringers. The supports can be length-adjusted in a stepless manner. The supports can be swung in and arrested on the outer longitudinal sides of the stringers. A floor board assembly formed of two panel halves corresponding to a length of the ladder and has hinges is disposed on the two panel halves. The two panel halves each have a longitudinal side fastened, in an articulated manner on the ladder rungs by the hinges. Arresting elements are provided. Each of the arresting elements run through one of the two panel halves. The two panel halves are movable into a swung-up panel position wherein the two panel halves are arrested by the arresting elements.

Abstract: The combination ladder of this invention includes a pair of conventional ladder sections, being a first ladder section and a second ladder section. The two ladder sections being essentially the same. The ladder sections are connected together at one end with two upper connection assemblies and at the other end with two lower connection assemblies. Each connection assembly has a connector which are located in one of either a first position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as an extension ladder or a second position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as a stepladder. A pair of brace assemblies are stored along the first ladder section for the extension ladder and deployed for the stepladder. By simply moving the two upper connectors and the two lower connectors from the first position to the second position converts the configuration to conform with the intended use of the ladder.

Abstract: The combination ladder of this invention includes a pair of conventional ladder sections, being a first ladder section and a second ladder section. The two ladder sections being essentially the same. The ladder sections are connected together at one end with two upper connection assemblies and at the other end with two lower connection assemblies. Each connection assembly has a connector which are located in one of either a first position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as an extension ladder or a second position for providing a ladder configuration which allows the combination ladder to be used as a stepladder. A pair of brace assemblies are stored along the first ladder section for the extension ladder and deployed for the stepladder. By simply moving the two upper connectors and the two lower connectors from the first position to the second position converts the configuration to conform with the intended use of the ladder.

Abstract: A marine ladder includes a catch mechanism in which a catch tyne is directly secured to the marine ladder without the need for additional structural members or support. The catch tyne is formed as a substantially L-shaped member that dependingly connects to a transverse bar on the dock-anchored frame of the ladder and defines a channel for receiving a leg of a user-selected one of the un-shaped rungs on an elongated ladder portion. The ladder portion is slidably engageable with and along the anchored frame to thereby selectively adjust the height of the ladder and thereby accommodate ready movement of persons between a dock and a proximate watercraft disposed at relatively different elevations.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to an A-frame ladder, adding to an A-frame ladder independent extension means allowing the ladder to be placed on uneven surfaces, stairs or level surfaces in a stable and level configuration, the improvement adding a sliding ladder segment attached to the A-frame ladder segments, locking bars on the sliding ladder segments spaced apart along the sliding ladder segments, sliding bracket mounts attaching each sliding ladder segment to the A-frame ladder segments, and pivoting spring-loaded locking catches securing the sliding ladder segment to the A-frame ladder segments.

Abstract: A rung lock frame and a mechanical latching structural assembly for selectively releasably locking and releasably and augmentally latching a pair of adjacently positioned rungs of relatively slidable ladder sections of an extension ladder, the rung lock frame and latching structure including guide rib and inclined ramp arrangement to permit ready movement of said latching structure into and out of augmental latching position on the rung lock frame.

Abstract: A single run or extension ladder particularly suitable for use where electrical safety is significant. Stiles 6 are each formed from a pair of elongate hollow members 5 fabricated from glass-fibre material. Rung supports 7 are formed from an aluminium extrusion comprising a pair of piped edge sections 8 separated by a pair of webs 9 in the nature of a box-section 10. The elongate members 5 extend through and are attached to the edge sections 8 by an adhesive. The rung supports 7 thus space the elongate members 5 adjacently apart to form a stile 6. The ends of rungs 12 are mounted in laterally aligning apertures 14 in the webs 9, the end of a rung 12 being crimped back onto an outer of the webs 9. End caps or feet 16 are provided on the stiles 6. An extension ladder is formed in conventional manner, to that end, saddles 18 telescopically captivate a pair of such single run ladders together.

Abstract: A ladder with extendible legs that may be individually and selectively, secured in the desired extent of protraction by a relatively uncomplicated locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be incorporated in a ladder having at least a pair of support legs with an extension leg carried by, and slidable axially along, each support leg. A reaction surface is presented from each support leg. A pair of locking cam surfaces is also presented from each support leg. The locking cam surfaces are disposed in spaced opposition to each reaction surface. An engaging plate is presented from each of the extension legs. The engaging plate is slidably interposed between the reaction surface and the opposed locking cam surfaces. A locking member is, in turn, operatively disposed between the engaging plate and the opposed locking cam surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jointed ladder comprising two ladder elements connected by a joint. According to the invention a telescopic ladder element is supported movably on each ladder element and can be locked by means of a locking mechanism in order to be able to adjust the jointed ladder to different operating heights. The jointed ladder of the invention can be utilized for all purposes.

Abstract: A side rails fastening mechanism for securing the frame fractions of the side rails of a telescopic aluminum step ladders in an extended or collapsed position, comprising an insert block fixedly secured inside each frame fraction at a lower position with a rung secured thereto and a locking bolt fastened inside a transverse hole thereon and pushed by a compression spring to insert through a mounting hole on the frame fraction disposed at an inner side into a lower or upper locating hole on the frame fraction disposed at an outer side so as to firmly secure two connected frame fractions in an extended or collapsed condition.

Abstract: A folding step ladder of multipart construction that is extendable from a standard base height to a series of heights incrementally greater than the standard base height, and that is composed of four ladder elements; an upper-front element joined to an upper-rear element at a top hinge-step, a lower-front element slidingly joined to the upper-front element along its length, and a lower-rear element slidingly joined to the upper-rear element along its length. The lower elements captively slide along the length of their corresponding upper element and are capable of being held at a particular incremental extension by a latch arrangement that engages the upper element when downward force is exerted on the ladder.

Abstract: A device which may serve as a ridge hook for hooking a ladder unto a ridge of a roof includes two wheels mounted upon arms. A threaded rod extends through the hollow core of a ladder rung to secure the device to a ladder. An unhooking arrangement uses a pivot arm, normally biased to be parallel to the ladder, to lift an upper end of the ladder free of the ridge when a control line is pulled. A ladder rung lock is used to prevent relative movement between the upper and lower sections of an extension ladder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a convertible step/extension ladder which allows to use one or more of extension sections with a basic A-shaped ladder frame. The extension sections are slidably mounted on legs of the frame through the use of housing/sliding rail arrangement on the legs of the frame and on the extension sections. When converted to an extension ladder, the basic frame portions are folded and locked in that position, while one extension section is moved along the frame portion to rest on the ground. If more than one extension sections are used, the second extension section is mounted on the opposite frame portion and extended upwardly, so that the basic frame portions form a middle part of the ladder.

Abstract: A collapsible frame of a general ladder shape having elongated side rails connected by transverse support members. The frame defines an inverted U-shaped frame when in its unfolded operative position. A winch and pulleys attached to the frame are used for lifting or lowering a load. One downwardly extending leg of the frame has telescoping legs and wheels to provide for height adjustment and use as a hand truck for transporting a load. The second leg of the frame may be connected to a ladder bracket and ladder for lifting a load to an elevated location.

Abstract: A ladder assembly, primarily for use on trucks and other vehicles, has a ladder slidable between a retracted, stored position in a ladder storage assembly, and an extended, operative position in which the ladder projects from an extrance of the storage assembly. First and second retainers are provided for retaining the ladder relative to the storage assembly in the stored and operative positions, respectively, and the ladder has opposed lateral projections slidable along guides formed by parallel side members having U-shaped cross-sections the side members being spaced apart to receive the ladder therebetween and forming opposite sides of the storage assembly.