Abstract: An multi-position ladder is disclosed that includes an adjustable top cap that provides a tool or material tool tray when the ladder is in a stepladder position and provides a step when the ladder is in an extension ladder position is disclosed. The top cap generally comprises a rigid frame extending between the adjustable hinges of the multi-position ladder with a tool or utility tray and a step surface on opposing sides. The tool tray is parallel to the ladder rungs when the ladder is in a stepladder position, and the step surface provides a generally planar surface parallel the rungs when the ladder is in an extension position. The rigid frame of the top cap adds strength to the adjustment hinge and to the multi-position ladder. Embodiments allow for 12-inch hinge spacing, adding one foot reach in the extension position and six inch reach to the stepladder.

Abstract: A frame releasably fixable to a ladder for attaching a mast to the ladder, the frame comprising two sub-frames, each sub-frame comprising two legs, each leg including a stud receiving notch and a support bar at one end thereof, the stud receiving notch for limiting rotation of the sub-frame relative to the ladder, with the frame in place on a ladder and the stud receiving notch engaged with a stud provided on the side of the ladder, the support bar for resting on a surface of the ladder, in use, the two sub-frames releasably attachable to one another at the other end thereof to form a socket for receiving the structural mast.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deformable herringbone ladder with straight ladder function, comprising a left ladder rack, a right ladder rack and a hinge mechanism, the left ladder rack and the right ladder rack are relatively rotatable to switch the ladder between a herringbone ladder state and a straight ladder state; wherein the left ladder rack comprises two left legs and an even number of left footboards connecting the two left legs, the left footboards are parallel arranged in equal spacing, the distance between two adjacent left footboards is defined L1; the distance between two adjacent right footboards is defined L2; in the straight ladder state by rotating, the distance between the left footboard at the top portion of the left ladder rack and the right footboard at the top portion of the right ladder rack is defined L3; L1=L2=L3. The present invention conforms the Europe and America's safety technical standard.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus has a first ladder section having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between the side rails, a second ladder section hingedly connected to the first ladder section adjacent an upper end of the first ladder section, and a latch mechanism affixed to one of the ladder sections and engageable with the other of the first and second ladder sections. The second ladder section is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch mechanism is adapted to secure the second ladder section in the retracted position. The second ladder section will extend in generally parallel relation to the first ladder section when in this retracted position. A ladder top is affixed to the upper end of the first ladder section and extends outwardly therefrom so as to have an end surface positioned away from the first ladder section.

Abstract: A convertible folding ladder incorporates first and second rigid ladder sections, each comprising opposing spaced apart longitudinal rails, a plurality of spaced apart rungs between the rails, and a connector plate formed with one end of at least one of the longitudinal rails. Each connector plate of the first ladder section defines at least three spaced apart pin holes adapted for being selectively aligned with pin holes defined by the connector plate of the second ladder section. First and second fastener pins are adapted for being removably inserted through the aligned pin holes, such that the ladder is convertible between multiple different configurations.

Abstract: Climbing devices and tree supports are provided for aiding a climber in scaling a tree, pole, or other generally vertical surface, and for supporting the climber at an elevated position along a tree or pole, such as in a standing or sitting posture. The climbing and tree supports include a body that supports one or more steps or support surfaces or handholds, a strap, cable, or other flexible securing member that is wrapped around the tree, and a retractor for stowing the flexible securing member so that it is extendable and retractable from the support. The climbing and tree supports are thus substantially self-contained so as not to require separate components for installation or use. Standoffs may be provided for stabilizing the support in a location spaced from the tree. Optionally, the steps or footrests, standoffs, and body are collapsible to compact configurations for stowage or transport.

Abstract: A climbing support is provided for aiding a climber in scaling a tree, a wooden pole, or like surface. In one embodiment, the climbing support is configured for one-handed use, so that the support can be initially driven into a tree and then tightened against the tree with one hand. The climbing support includes a step body that supports a threaded fastener and an anti-rotation projection or spike, which together can be used to initially support the step as the climber drives the fastener to secure the step along the tree. Optionally, the climbing support includes an elongate body with a plurality of step members and at least one fastener disposed along the body. The climbing support may further include a pivotable spike for engaging the tree or pole, the spike being lockable in an angled position to enable it to support a portion of a user's weight.

Abstract: A platform apparatus comprising: a deck structure; a ladder structure; and at least one hinge element which pivotably connects the ladder structure to the deck structure. The hinge element can be locked in a plurality of pivot angles of the ladder structure with respect to the deck structure in a range of from about 105° to about 150°.

Abstract: A climbing support is provided for aiding a climber in scaling a tree, pole, or other generally vertical surface. The climbing support includes an elongate body that supports a plurality of steps, a strap, cable, or other flexible securing member that is wrapped around the tree, and a retractor for stowing the flexible securing member so that it is extendable and retractable from the support. The climbing support is thus substantially self-contained so that it does not require separate components for installation or use. Standoffs may be provided for stabilizing the support in a location spaced from the tree. Optionally, the climbing support's steps, standoffs, and elongate body are collapsible to compact configurations for stowage or transport.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a safety unit of a hinge for a folding ladder to prevent a user's finger from being caught in the hinge when the hinge rotates. The hinge includes a first joint unit, a second joint unit, and a locking unit, and the safety unit is provided between a first stop shoulder of the first joint unit and a second stop shoulder of the second joint unit. The safety unit includes a mount part and an insert part. The mount part is provided in the first joint unit to be positioned under the first stop shoulder, and an inside portion of the mount part is rounded to surround a part of the first joint unit. The insert part extends from an upper end of the mount part, and is rounded to have the same curvature as the inside portion of the mount part.

Abstract: A portable ladder having stabilizer brackets slidably mounted on the ladder siderails to permit the ladder to be mounted to a flatbed trailer tiedown rail. The slidable stabilizer brackets are substantially self-adjusting in position, and adjust automatically, for example, when a load is removed from the trailer. The ladder may optionally include two sections pivotably interconnected to facilitate handling and storage. A lock to secure the two sections together in an extended position may also be provided. The advantage is a lightweight, portable ladder which can be used with practically any flatbed trailer. The ladder adjusts substantially automatically to the height of the trailer to provide stable access to the trailer bed.

Abstract: A hinge and a reconfigurable ladder having at least one pair of hinges is disclosed. The ladder has stile sections connected together by the hinges. The hinges consist of two hinge members mountable to ends of respective stile sections. A hinge cover extends over and receives the hinge members which are pivotally connected to the cover. The hinge members are linked to each other to control the pivotal movement of the hinge member so that they both pivot in unison and to the same extend relative to the cover. The hinge members have locating apertures. A locking mechanism is cooperable with the locating apertures for locking the hinge members in a desired relative position to one another.

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 for stairs has a rear support member for providing a climbing structure, a front support member for retaining the rear support member in a substantially erect position, the front support member being hinged connected to the rear support member and including an upper portion with a bottom end and a lower portion, and a hinge assembly for hinged connecting the upper and lower portions together. The hinge assembly permits folding of the front support member so that the bottom end of the upper portion can rest on a first surface which is raised above a second surface whereupon the rear support member rests. The hinge assembly may have a first locking assembly to secure the upper and lower portions in an unfolded position and a second locking assembly to secure the upper and lower portions in a folded position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multipurpose ladder, and comprises four section-ladders; four pivot joint device provided between section-ladders, respectively, for connection but at least one pivot joint device being separable. Said pivot joint devices are available for bending or folding. So that, the multipurpose ladder can be change into a climbing ladder, horse ladder, frame ladder and right-angled ladder.

Abstract: A joint for foldable aluminum ladders comprising a first base, a second base, a control plate and a selecting means. The second base has a middle plate inserted between two parallel plates which are connected at the end of the first base. The control plate is inserted between one of the parallel plates and the middle plate. The parallel plates, middle plate and control plate each have a central hole to allow a sleeve to be inserted therethrough. The parallel plates, middle plate and control plate also have apertures which lay some distance along the edges. The selecting means has a fixing link inserted through the sleeve and an inserting link which is shorter than the fixing link. A compressible spring is disposed around the lower end of the fixing link and a nut is secured at the threaded portion of the fixing link.

Abstract: A self-locking hinge for use as a pivotal connector between two pivoted members and adapted to lock the members in a fixed angular relation. The hinge comprises a pair of circular plates that are rigidly affixed to opposite faces of one member and rotatably connected to the other member. The circular plates are used to laterally support both of the members and to guide the other member as it is rotated from a folded position to a fully extended position. The hinge is locked in the fully extended position by means of a locking ring that is slidably engaged with the other member. When such other member is fully extended, the ring engages corresponding locking indentations at the periphery of the circular plates and thereby blocks the movement of the other member in one angular direction. The movement of the other member is blocked in the opposite angular direction due to the abutting of the hinge ends of the members.

Abstract: A lockable hinge for hingedly connecting structural members of a hinged assembly such as a folding ladder comprises two hinge parts which are pivotable with respect to a common hinge axis, a first hinge part being formed with a cylindrical protruding portion journalling in a cylindrical bore formed in the second hinge part. A locking member slidingly mounted on the first hinge part is controlled by a resiliently urged ear-shaped pivoting link adapted for selective stop-engagement with an actuating lever pivotingly mounted on said first hinge part.