Abstract: Joint element for joining the side profiles of a first and a second cable ladder end-to-end with each other, preferably the side profiles being of the so-called hexagonal type, which joint element comprises on one hand a longitudinal gripping edge, which is connectable over the first longitudinal edges of the side profiles, and on the other hand a locking edge, which connects to the second, oppositely situated longitudinal edges of the side profiles, the locking edge of the joint element being provided with locking means for the fixation of the joint element against the side profile, wherein the locking means is formed as a locking tab that is formed with a free end and integrated with the locking edge. The invention also concerns a method for joining the side profiles of a first and a second cable ladder end-to-end with each other using such a joint element.

Abstract: A dual-purpose assault ladder and bridging apparatus includes a right frame and a left frame both including upper and lower frame tubes. Assault steps are connected between the right and left frames. Spanning supports connect upper frame tubes. Truss brackets secure one end of an assault step to the frame elements. Assault step support tubes are located to support the assault steps. Bridging steps are connected between the right and left frames and the assault steps. A top portion is mounted at an oblique angle slanting the top portion to position the angled assault steps substantially parallel to the ground when the ladder is leaned against a wall.

Abstract: A ladder including a first stringer and a second stringer spaced transverse from each other is provided. Each of the first and second stringers defines a channel and includes a plurality of crosspieces disposed in the channels of the first and second stringers. A plurality of rungs are spaced along and coupled between the first and second stringers. Each of the rungs has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending from the first stringer to the second stringer. A plurality of ribs are spaced along and coupled between the horizontal and vertical portions of the rungs.

Abstract: A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.

Abstract: A bracing system for a bottom step of a stepladder has a first brace, a second brace, a second brace, a third brace and a fourth brace. The first brace has an end received in the channel of a side rail of the stepladder and an opposite end affixed to a front flange of the bottom step of the stepladder. A second brace has an end affixed in the channel of a side rail and an opposite end affixed to a front flange of the bottom step. The third brace has an end affixed to the channel of a side rail and an opposite end affixed to a back flange of the bottom step. The fourth brace has an end affixed to the channel of another of the side rails and an opposite end affixed to a back flange of the bottom step.

Abstract: A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.

Abstract: A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.

Abstract: A knee brace for a ladder including a first flange and a second flange. The brace includes a web extending from the first flange and the second flange which together form a u-shaped cross-section. The brace includes a first portion that connects to a step. The brace includes a second portion which connects to the rail and terminates at a distance from a joint. The second portion's first and second flanges and web presenting three contact surfaces which connect to the rail and extend essentially in parallel with the rail and conforms with the rail to which the knee brace is attached so forces can be transferred therebetween. The first and second flanges contact a first rail flange and second rail flange, respectively, and the web contacts the web of the rail of u-shaped cross-section. The brace includes a first rivet extending through the first rail flange and first flange. The brace includes a second rivet extending through the second rail flange and the second flange adjacent the rail end.

Abstract: A system for erecting a ladder stand for hunting has a pivoting base assembly connected to a bottom end of a ladder, and a pair of support legs pivotally attached to respective sides of an upper section of the ladder. The pivoting base assembly includes first and second foot pad members, anchoring stakes for anchoring the foot pad members to the ground, a base frame pivotally connected to the foot pad members, and first and second receiver tubes connected to the base frame for receiving the bottom end of the ladder. The pivoting base assembly receives and anchors the bottom end of the ladder and allows the ladder to be easily moved from a horizontal position to an upright position. The support legs have ground pegs at their lower ends for engaging the ground to support the ladder stand in an intermediate position as the ladder stand is being erected.

Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.

Abstract: A brace is provided for providing increased deflection resistance to a primary plank wherein the brace includes a frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is adapted for supported and maintaining a primary plank in a fixed position, and the lower portion is adapted for supporting and maintaining a secondary plank in a fixed position such that the secondary plank and the primary plank extend in identical directions with the secondary plank being spaced-apart from and perpendicular to the primary plank whereby increased deflection resistance is provided to the primary plank.

Abstract: A member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first portion that connects to the horizontal member. The member also comprises a second portion which connects to the rail and extends essentially in parallel with the rail. The second portion is integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion are one continuous piece. The second portion is in an angular relationship of less than 90.degree. with the first portion. A member for connecting a rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange to a horizontal element of a ladder. The member comprises a first arm which connects to the first rail flange and the horizontal member. The member is also comprised of a second arm which connects to the second rail flange and the horizontal member. Additionally, the member comprises a central body which is integrally connected to the second arm and the first arm.

Abstract: The beam deflection resistance of a scaffolding plank is increased by removably positioning at least one secondary plank along the longitudinal axis of the primary plank and securing the secondary planks in position with the brace of the present invention. The brace comprises a closed frame member, having an essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section. The brace has a first base piece, a second base piece, and two side pieces. The first base piece is essentially as long as the width of the primary plank and has its ends affixed at right angles to the first ends of the two side pieces. The second base piece is essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and has its ends affixed to the second ends of the two side pieces.

Abstract: Extension ladders constructed of pultruded fibreglass reinforced plastic for use in an high voltage electrical environment are improved when they do not have any metal components within the field of the induced electrical currents and to achieve the junction between the fibreglass reinforced plastic rungs requires separate molded fibreglass reinforced plastic external sleeves so adhesively bonded to the stiles and the pultruded hollow rungs to make the junction and also such sleeves are not to have any projections outside the outer boundaries of the stiles.

Abstract: Stepladders are made of extruded aluminum metal parts including special bracket members for the rear prop section and the bucket rack that mitigate torsional twist. Cross bracings for the rear prop section and bracings of the front section are structured to prevent pantographing or rotation and reduce to a minimum the number of rivets required for ladder assembly thereby providing strong, safe ladders of light weight and low cost.

Abstract: A structural member for a structural frame comprises a substantially planar wall and two opposing irregular-shaped sidewalls integral with the planar wall. Each irregular-shaped sidewall has a corrugation. The member has two free ends where the portion adjacent each free end is flattened. The corrugated sidewalls are adapted to fold upon themselves when a force is applied to an area of the member. The flattened portion is adapted to be secured by fastening means to components of the structural frame. The width of the flattened portion is substantially the same as the nominal width of the member. The structural member has a neat appearance at its flattened portion.

Abstract: An inclined pair of stringer beams carries a plurality of transverse steps supported on saddles secured to the stringers. The upper tread surfaces of the steps are planar whereas the lower surfaces are arcuate, with a predetermined radius of curvature matching the corresponding arcuate shape of the subjacent supporting saddles.By angularly tipping each of the steps to or fro in the respective pair of saddles, the upper tread surface of the steps can be leveled despite variations in the angle of inclination of the stringers.The step is ordinarily constructed of precast concrete and includes metal reinforcements as well as metal inserts affording anchor points for attachment to the saddle, as by threaded fastenings or by welding.