Abstract: A removable and reversible sliding mount for a marine transducer has a C-shaped mounting channel affixed to the transom of a boat. A closed bottom end of the C-shaped mounting channel is proximal to the bottom of the boat and an open top end of the mounting channel is at or above the water line of the boat. A mounting board having a handle at one end and a transducer at the other end may be slid into the mounting channel so that the transducer is positioned just below the bottom of the boat. The mounting board may in be inverted so that the transducer is positioned above the waterline of the boat. A locking mechanism may be used to secure the mounting board in the mounting channel. The mounting board may also include cable guides to secure a transducer cable along its length.

Abstract: Attachments for a collapsible marine ladder including a rung attachment for attaching to the ladder rungs. Each rung attachment includes an upper part having a first channel defined along a downward facing side of the upper part. The first channel receives an upward facing side of the rung. A downwardly angled section of the upper part extends below the rung when the upper part is attached to the rung. A pad is received on top of an upward facing side of the upper part and interfaces with a user's foot. A second channel on an upward facing side of a lower part receives a downward facing side of the rung such that the upper part attaches to the lower part. A rail attachment attaches to a rail of the ladder and receives a rail extension for extending the length of the rail. The rail extension has a handgrip.

Abstract: A swiveling drop ladder configured for mounting to a vehicle tailgate includes a ladder and a swiveling plate. The ladder and the swiveling plate are coupled together via a hinge assembly. The swiveling plate, when mounted on a vehicle tailgate, is configured to provide for a rotation of the ladder from a stowed position upon the vehicle tailgate to a deployed position. The ladder extends off the back of the vehicle tailgate when in the deployed position. The hinge assembly is configured to provide for a rotation of the ladder when in the deployed position, such that the ladder extending off the vehicle tailgate angles down to touch the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding a person to get on and off a boat, the boat step apparatus has two side-rails and a step therebetween. The first side-rail is fixed to the step and the second side-rail is pivotally attached to the step. The apparatus is designed to hang off of the side-rail of a boat and give four stable points of contact along the outer hull side of the boat. The apparatus adjusts fit the shape of a hull of any boat.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a ladder and method for removably mounting the ladder on a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The ladder may be removed and used as a standard step ladder. The ladder includes a top end and two pairs of legs extending downward from the top end. At least one of the pairs of legs is pivotally mounted to the top end, and a pivoting limiting mechanism is provided to allow the pairs of legs to fold adjacent one another or unfold to a use position as a step ladder. An upper mounting arrangement is attached to the recreational vehicle. The arrangement includes two free ends extending downwardly therefrom; and the top end of the ladder includes receivers for receiving free ends of the upper mounting arrangement.

Abstract: An access device that provides access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface includes a first ladder member that is operatively attached to a mounting via a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable member having three pivotal connectors spaced apart in a triangular arrangement. A first of the connectors is pivotally attached to the mounting. A second of the connectors is pivotally attached to the first ladder member via a control arm. A third of the connectors is pivotally attached to an extremity of the mounting via an extendible arm. The extendible arm causes the rotatable member to rotate about the first connector, and consequently effect movement of the access device. The access device further includes a second ladder member, a first end of which is pivotally attached to a second end of the first ladder member.

Abstract: An access device that provides access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface includes a mounting for securing the device below the elevated surface, a first ladder member pivotally attached to the mounting, a second ladder member pivotally attached to the first ladder member, drive mechanism connected between the mounting and the first ladder member, and a guide arm connected between the mounting and the second ladder member to guide movement of the second ladder member as the drive mechanism moves the first ladder member. User operation of the drive mechanism moves the device between an access position, where the first and second ladder members are coaligned and extend angularly outwardly and downwardly from the elevated surface, and a storage position, where the first and second ladder members are retracted and vertically disposed adjacent to the mounting, with the second ladder member inverted relative to the first ladder member.

Abstract: The invention comprises of a railing (1) which is foldable or and height adjustable or and extendable lengthwise and has rungs (5) or pivotable safety footsteps (14a) which, if necessary, can be kept in the vertical position (V) or horizontal position (Q) or and when tilting down the railing (1) remain in a stable position. The railing (1) has technical mean (4a,40,43a,45a,51) as well as an emergency mean (10,11) and can if necessary take up a tender (42) and other objects and the footsteps (14) can be transparent for example to improve visibility to the rear.

Abstract: A retractable ladder assembly for use in an elevator pit is disclosed. The retractable ladder assembly includes a ladder having spaced-apart parallel stiles coupled together via a plurality of stacked horizontally-disposed rungs. At least one pivot arm having a first end is coupled to the ladder. A second end of the pivot arm is adapted for coupling to a wall in the pit. The ladder assembly further includes a lift assist mechanism having a first end coupled to the ladder, and a second end for coupling to the wall. The lift assist mechanism is operative to assist in manually pivoting the ladder to a retractable state.

Abstract: An access ladder configurable from an extended position for providing access to a structure and a stowed position. The access ladder comprises an elongated first member having a first step extending laterally therefrom. An elongated second member is associated with the first member and configured for translational movement relative thereto and has a second step extending laterally therefrom. A link extends between the second member and the structure such that rotation of the first member moves the second member translationally relative to the first member, thereby moving said at least one second step towards said at least one first step.

Abstract: An access system for facilitating access to an elevated deck of a mobile crane includes a staircase having a support post defining an axis of inclination. A plurality of ascending steps is connected to the at least one support post, and a mounting bracket is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the at least one support post. The staircase is pivotable about a longitudinal axis such that a lower end of the at least one support post is induced to move in a lateral direction in response to pivotal motion of the at least one support post. A caster is coupled to the lower end of the support post for supporting the staircase on a ground surface. The caster supports the staircase on the ground surface throughout longitudinal movements of the staircase and lateral movements of the staircase induced by vertical movements of the mobile crane.

Abstract: A self-rescue device that features an escape ladder, having one or more spaced steps, a base to hold the escape ladder in an open or closed position, a locking mechanism to keep the escape ladder in the open position, and a release mechanism to release the escape ladder from the open position.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for a work vehicle is disclosed. The ladder assembly may generally include a ladder having a first side rail, a second side rail and first and second rungs extending between the first and second side rails. The ladder may be supported on the work vehicle at a first pivot point and a second pivot point. The ladder may also include a first linkage and a second linkage. The first linkage may be coupled between the first rung and the first pivot point and the second linkage may be coupled between the second rung and the second pivot point. In addition, the ladder may be configured to pivot about the first and second pivot points between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: The aquatic ladder has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings to make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.

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: A movable type ladder device for a work vehicle includes a ladder main body, a drive mechanism, and an up-and-down lock mechanism. The ladder main body has first and second end portions in a longitudinal direction thereof with the first end portion being rotatably supported with respect to the vehicle body. The drive mechanism is configured to move the ladder main body between a boarding posture and a retracted posture by rotating the ladder main body at an angle of 90 degrees. The up-and-down lock mechanism is configured to restrict the ladder main body set in the retracted posture from moving in an up-and-down direction. The rotational center axis is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the ladder main body set in the boarding posture in a front view, and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the ladder main body set in the retracted posture in a plan view.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extendable/retractable ladder mounted to a boat trailer to allow access to a boat carried on the trailer. The ladder includes a pair of first vertically oriented bars and a pair of second bars. The vertically oriented bars have an inner cavity and a slot in one of its sides. The second bars have an inner cavity and a slot in one of its sides. The first end of the first bars and the second end of the second bars are connected such that the second end of the second bars can move along the length of the first bars between an extended position in which the first end of the second bars is a distance away from the first bars and a retracted position in which the first end and the second end of the second bars are adjacent to the first bars.

Abstract: A lift-up safety grab post mechanism for rooftop hatchway curbs having a mounting bracket on a hatchway curb and having an elongate opening having a pivot bolt for upward and downward grab post movement. A lift-up grab post has a pivot opening receiving the pivot bolt and having a stop member fixed thereto. The lift-up grab post is rotationally moveable between an upstanding position and a horizontal position relative to the roof hatchway curb. The mounting bracket defines a receiver seat and further defines a stop shoulder adjacent the receiver seat that prevents rotational movement of the grab post until the grab post has been raised from said receiver seat to a position above the stop shoulder.

Abstract: A passenger stairway, which may be integrated with an aircraft, contains at least one first stairway segment having a first plurality of steps and a receptacle device, and at least one second stairway segment having a second plurality of steps, which is insertable into the receptacle device, so that the first and second stairway segments come to rest lying one on top of another.

Abstract: The trailer and flatbed ladder apparatus provides ladder access to a trailer and to a flatbed. The apparatus is highly portable by way of being hinged between the upper and lower sections and due to the tubular construction. The apparatus may therefore be easily and space efficiently stored on and within a truck, bed, or trailer. The apparatus is removably positionable in a plurality of locations around a flatbed and trailer, wherever a stake pocket exists. The stake provides positive non-slip fit to a trailer and flatbed that negates unintentional movement and removal, thereby ensuring safety. Full pivot is provided between the stake and sleeve and the upper section. The apparatus removably fits snugly within the existing stake pockets of a flatbed and trailer due to the stake square outer corners and rounded inner corners that match existing stake pockets.

Abstract: A retractable ladder assembly for use in an elevator pit is disclosed. The retractable ladder assembly includes a ladder having spaced-apart parallel stiles coupled together via a plurality of stacked horizontally-disposed rungs. At least one pivot arm having a first end is coupled to the ladder. A second end of the pivot arm is adapted for coupling to a wall in the pit. The ladder assembly further includes a lift assist mechanism having a first end coupled to the ladder, and a second end for coupling to the wall. The lift assist mechanism is operative to assist in manually pivoting the ladder to a retractable state.

Abstract: An access ladder configurable from an extended position for providing access to a structure and a stowed position. The access ladder comprises an elongated first member having a first step extending laterally therefrom. An elongated second member is associated with the first member and configured for translational movement relative thereto and has a second step extending laterally therefrom. A link extends between the second member and the structure such that rotation of the first member moves the second member translationally relative to the first member, thereby moving said at least one second step towards said at least one first step.

Abstract: The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted “U” shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The vertical portions of the ladder are short, relative to the overall height of the ladder whereby less material is used to manufacture the ladder, while making its shipment and storage easier.

Abstract: An access ladder configurable from an extended position for providing access to a structure and a stowed position. The access ladder comprises an elongated first member having a first step extending laterally therefrom. An elongated second member is associated with the first member and configured for translational movement relative thereto and has a second step extending laterally therefrom. A link extends between the second member and the structure such that rotation of the first member moves the second member translationally relative to the first member, thereby moving said at least one second step towards said at least one first step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ladder comprising a single post (1) provided with a fixing means (4) on the upper end (1S) thereof, said ladder comprising an anchoring means (9, 10) which is especially adapted to said fixing means (4) and is attached to the wall (7), and foldable supporting arms (3) which are connected to either side of the single post (1) in an articulated manner.

Abstract: A work machine and work machine access ladder assembly are provided. The work machine includes a work machine body having an operator platform. A hinge mechanism is coupled to the work machine body and defines a hinge axis oriented diagonally with respect to a vertical line. The ladder may be rotated about the hinge axis between a use and a stowed position.

Abstract: A portable boarding ladder is attached to a rubberized portion of an inflatable boat without the use of piercing fasteners and does not require a hard point mounting structure. A base ladder section and a climbing ladder section are pivotally coupled together and supported in an operative, stand-off boarding position along a curved hull surface of a pontoon boat by a pair of hook support brackets and a pair of latch retainer brackets. The support brackets are bonded to the pontoon by adhesive deposits. A lateral cross bar tubing segment of the base ladder section is supported by hanging engagement on the hook brackets. A pair of side rail tubing segments of the climbing ladder section are retained and secured against lateral shifting displacement and rotation relative to the pontoon by snap-fit engagement against resilient arm portions of the latch retainer brackets.

Abstract: A lift-up safety grab post mechanism for rooftop hatchway curbs having a mounting bracket on a hatchway curb and having an elongate opening having a pivot bolt for upward and downward grab post movement. A lift-up grab post has a pivot opening receiving the pivot bolt and having a stop member fixed thereto. The lift-up grab post is rotationally moveable between an upstanding position and a horizontal position relative to the roof hatchway curb. The mounting bracket defines a receiver seat and further defines a stop shoulder adjacent the receiver seat that prevents rotational movement of the grab post until the grab post has been raised from said receiver seat to a position above the stop shoulder.

Abstract: An ice ladder has a climbing ladder mounted to an adjustable frame, with the adjustable frame including a securing apparatus mounting on a desired surface, especially an opening in an ice covered body of water. The ice ladder has an adjustable frame or member, a locking bar, and a climbing ladder releasably secured to the locking bar. The adjustable member is secured to the locking bar.

Abstract: An access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor. The ladder comprises a plurality of sections which telescope open and closed, and from a bottom section each section telescopes open to positively lock to the section below it with plungers that lock and unlock each section in sequence as the sections open and close, respectively. A method for using an access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor.

Abstract: A retractable ladder for a motorhome or trailer includes pivoting mounting apparatus providing total support for a ladder and climber in an open position. The apparatus includes brackets which mount on the side of the motorhome or trailer and arms which pivot in the brackets. The brackets mount to the sides of the motorhome or trailer only and therefore do not compromise the roof of the motorhome or trailer. The ladder attaches to the ends of the arms. The brackets include flanges which the arms rest against in the open position and pins for retaining the arms in the open position, thereby eliminating any need for the ladder to be supported by the ground. The pins may further be inserted through the brackets to retain the ladder in a closed position. Backing plates or the like may be provided behind the motorhome or trailer body to securely attach the brackets.

Abstract: A ladder is positioned between a first hatch of an upper level of an aircraft and a second hatch of a lower level of the aircraft. A bottom end of the ladder is mounted in rotation on a floor of the lower level. A top end of the ladder is unattached. The ladder can swivel between a first stable position and a second stable position. The top end of the ladder is provided with a safety device capable of the blocking an opening of the first hatch when the ladder is in the second stable position. For example, the safety device has a net. A first edge of the net is fixed to a first side of the first hatch. A second edge of the net is fixed to the top end of the ladder.

Abstract: A vehicle access system and method with retractable access means (10) e.g. ladder or stairs and a retracting mechanism (25) therefor. Force applied to the access means is sufficient to retract the access means from a fully deployed position to a partially retracted position but not sufficient to not be physically resisted by a user during at least part of the retraction. With the access means in a fully retracted position, force exerted on the retracted access means can be sufficient to hold the access means in a retracted position without the need for auxiliary restraining means.

Abstract: A ladder is pivotally attached to a supporting surface via a pair of arms and rests on the supporting surface when stored or not in use and is pivotally raised from the supporting surface and swung upward and outward from the supporting surface for use.

Abstract: The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted “U” shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The vertical portions of the ladder are short, relative to the overall height of the ladder whereby less material is used to manufacture the ladder, while making its shipment and storage easier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ladder comprising a single post (1) provided with a fixing means (4) on the upper end (1S) thereof, said ladder comprising an anchoring means (9, 10) which is especially adapted to said fixing means (4) and is attached to the wall (7), and foldable supporting arms (3) which are connected to either side of the single post (1) in an articulated manner.

Abstract: A stowable ladder for a boat deck, including a base plate securable to the underside of a boat, a rotary plate secured for pivoting about an axis relative to the base plate (with the axis being generally vertical when the base plate is secured to a boat underside), a bracket on the underside of the rotary plate, and a swim ladder secured to the bracket. The ladder is movable relative to the bracket between a stowed position generally parallel to the rotary plate and a usable position depending downwardly therefrom in a generally vertical position. A latch secures the rotary plate relative to the base plate whereby the ladder in the stowed position extends generally transverse to the keel of the boat when secured thereto, and pivots between about 60° to 120° relative to the base plate when moving between the stowed position and the usable position.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for a pick-up truck is pivotally connected with the truck tailgate for movement between a stowed position where the ladder assembly is held against the tailgate and an operable position when the tailgate is lowered and the ladder assembly extends between the tailgate and the ground. A linkage assembly connects the ladder assembly with a mounting plate connected with the tailgate. The linkage assembly spaces the ladder assembly from the tailgate when the ladder assembly is in the operable condition, allows the angle of the ladder assembly relative to the tailgate to vary in accordance with the height of the tailgate relative to the ground, and prevents the ladder assembly from pivoting past a normal position relative to the ground. A handle is also pivotally connected with a side wall of the truck adjacent to the tailgate to assist a user with climbing the ladder assembly into the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A ladder attachment having a base member slideably attached to lock member, a pivot mount pivotally attached to the lock member and a surface defining a lock port which is optimally configured to be orientated to slide upon the lock member when in a stored orientation such that when the base member and pivot mount is slideably repositioned with respect to the lock member, a ladder assembly which is attached to the pivot mount is in a stored orientation. The ladder assembly has an extended and retracted orientation.

Abstract: The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted “U” shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.

Abstract: A ladder assembly including a mounting system and a ladder that is adapted to be pivotally attached to a vehicle such as the tailgate of a truck bed. When the tailgate is opened, the ladder can be pivoted away from the vehicle bed to a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the tailgate or its original orientation. Following, the lower end of the ladder is adapted to pivot downwardly such that the lower end of the tailgate contacts the ground surface. The ladder is further pivotable about a second pivot member in a lateral manner such that the lower ends of the support legs of the tailgate ladder contact the ground depending on the slope of the ground surface.

Abstract: A buoyant marine safety ladder apparatus includes a ladder that is pivotably mounted to a seawall or other support platform and is alternatable between a retracted condition, wherein the ladder is floating above the water, and a deployed or extended condition, wherein the lower end of the ladder extends into the water. A stop component restricts pivoting of the ladder such that it extends upwardly from the body of water at an angle of approximately 45° when in the extended condition.

Abstract: A folding ladder is configured for installation in an opening to provide access between one floor or space and another floor or space. The folding ladder includes, in one aspect, an upper ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section ladder rails to the lower ladder section ladder rails, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper and lower ladder rails. The plurality of steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position. At least one step disposed between the upper ladder rails and at least one step disposed between the lower ladder rails are linked by at least one linkage member so that each of the noted steps rotates between a retracted position and a deployed position upon rotational movement of the upper ladder section relative to the lower ladder section between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A ladder for a truck fitted with a pivotal tailgate, the ladder comprising a first leg portion pivotally coupled to a second leg portion, where at least one of the leg portions is fitted with at least one rung. An upper end of the first leg portion is pivotally attachable to an upper portion of the tailgate and a lower end of the second leg portion is pivotally attachable to a lower portion of the truck. When the tailgate is in its closed position, the first leg portion and the second leg portion continuously extend in a first operable position and opening the tailgate facilitates deploying the ladder into a corresponding second operable position.

Abstract: A ladder system through which a ladder is retained on a deck of a watercraft by a track arrangement and positioned at a first location in an opening for an enclosure where the ladder is substantially vertical to the side of the watercraft to permit ingress/egress of a person between a body of water and the deck. The ladder is connected to a rail of the track arrangement by a first and second hinges that permits the ladder to be rotated from the vertical position along the side of the watercraft to a position inside of the enclosure. The ladder may thereafter be moved from the opening to a location adjacent the gate and behind the enclosure to conceal and stow the ladder such that the exterior surface of the watercraft along the enclosure is substantially uniform from stem to stern.

Abstract: A bracket to hold a boarding ladder to a boat. A quick release mechanism for both the ladder and the bracket itself are disclosed. A mounting plate is substantially flush with the side of the boat. The bracket slides down into the mounting plate and latches into place. The bracket accepts the upper bar of a boarding ladder and closes a latch over the bar, holding the ladder in place. To remove the ladder, a latch at the top of the bracket is lifted and the ladder can be easily pulled free. To free the bracket from the mounting plate after the ladder has been removed, the latch is lifted and the bracket can be lifted out.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted system includes a platform that is attachable to a front and a rear of a vehicle. A main surface of the platform is located above the vehicle. One or more ramps are rotatably connected to the platform. Each of the ramps includes an extending portion located under a top surface of the ramp. A first hydraulic system is configured to incline the ramps relative to the main surface of the platform. A second hydraulic system is configured to extend the extending portions of the ramps.

Abstract: A two-section folding ladder assembly is disclosed secured to a pair of spaced platforms including an upper platform and a lower platform fixed to a truck. The ladder is arranged for manual deployment between a folded stowed position and an extended position facilitating access to the upper platform. The upper ladder section has an upper end pivotally secured to the upper platform and a lower end pivotally secured to the lower ladder section. The lower ladder section has an upper end pivotally attached to both the outer end of the lower platform and the lower end of the upper ladder section in a manner such that the lower ladder section is free to pivot between a folded position next to the upper ladder section and an extended position in which the upper ladder section and the lower ladder section combine to form a straight continuously aligned ladder structure.

Abstract: A ladder for a truck fitted with a pivotal tailgate, the ladder comprising a first leg portion pivotally coupled to a second leg portion, where at least one of the leg portions is fitted with at least one rung. An upper end of the first leg portion is pivotally attachable to an upper portion of the tailgate and a lower end of the second leg portion is pivotally attachable to a lower portion of the truck. When the tailgate is in its closed position, the first leg portion and the second leg portion continuously extend in a first operable position and opening the tailgate facilitates deploying the ladder into a corresponding second operable position.