Abstract: A stairway module for use within a fuselage of an aircraft for enabling access to an overhead storage or sleeping area within the aircraft. One preferred embodiment discloses a spiral stairway module having a footprint no larger than a standard lavatory module. Another embodiment includes a stairway module having a pivotally mounted stair section which can be moved between operable and inoperable positions. Both embodiments provide a mid-level platform changing area. All of the embodiments are extremely compact and allow either fore-to-aft access or athwartship access to the overhead sleeping or storage area in the fuselage of the aircraft.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body which includes a first body section and a body section pivotally connected to the first body section, said first section being mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position and a stowed position, a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the first body section between the access and stowed positions, the first and second body sections being pivotally movable between an extended position in which they are disposed generally end to end and a retracted position in which they disposed generally side by side, and a control link assembly for controlling the movement of the first and second body sections between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A stairway module for use within a fuselage of an aircraft for enabling access to an overhead storage or sleeping area within the aircraft. One preferred embodiment discloses a spiral stairway module having a footprint no larger than a standard lavatory module. Another embodiment includes a stairway module having a pivotally mounted stair section which can be moved between operable and inoperable positions. Both embodiments provide a mid-level platform changing area. All of the embodiments are extremely compact and allow either fore-to-aft access or athwartship access to the overhead sleeping or storage area in the fuselage of the aircraft.

Abstract: A retractable ladder assembly for marine applications having a frame and a ladder having a pair of channel members pivotally connected to the frame and extendible there from in a vertical position and in a horizontal position. A plurality of rung members extend between the channel members, and channel extension members are slidably supported in the channel members. A pair of strut connectors have one end pivotally connected to the frame and the other end pivotally connected to the lower ends of the channel extension members. A power actuator is supported by the frame to pivot the channel members between a vertical position and a horizontal position, the channel extension members extending from the upper ends of the channel members in the vertical position and are contained in the channel members in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A ladder mounting mechanism is configured for mounting a ladder to a truck trailer. The truck trailer has at least one keeper member fixedly connected thereto. The ladder mounting mechanism includes a frame at least one moveable locking member moveably connected to the frame. The frame is adapted to be fixedly connected to the ladder. The moveable locking member is adapted for movement relative to the frame between a ladder-secured position and a ladder-unsecured position. In the ladder-secured position, the locking member engages the keeper member in a manner for securing the ladder to the truck trailer. In the ladder-unsecured position, the locking member is disengaged from the keeper member.

Abstract: A pivotable type ladder assembly intended primarily as a life saving device for persons who accidentally fall into the water adjacent to the marine structure of a yacht basin or small boat marina. The ladder having two parallel side rails, with upper and lower ends, joined at appropriate intervals by a plurality of perpendicular cross-members, or treads, the bottom most of which is ballasted. The ladder is connected, pivotably; to a mounting bracket suitable for attachment to a marina walkway or docking structure. The bracket having a pivot pin which articulates with a pivot hole positioned in the upper one-third of the ladder and having also at its lower extremity a cross-member to support the ladder while it is in the vertical, deployed position and to prevent side-to-side movement while the ladder is in use.

Abstract: A ladder attached to a generally vertically extending wall or surface which is particularly useful when attached to the side of vehicles which can pivot outwardly to a slight extent at the bottom area thereof in order to increase the climbing inclination to make it easier to climb vertically for emergency personnel under emergency situations and especially when carrying heavy equipment or other necessary emergency apparatus. The ladder configuration is pivotal between a storage position extending generally vertically next to the wall and a deployed position or extended position set at the inclination angle to facilitate climbing thereof. A resilient locking device can secure the ladder in the collapsed position and a pivotally movable scissors assembly controls movement of the lower portion of the ladder between the inclined position and the vertical position.

Abstract: A ladder mounting mechanism is configured for mounting a ladder to a truck trailer. The truck trailer has at least one keeper member fixedly connected thereto. The ladder mounting mechanism includes a frame and at least one moveable locking member moveably connected to the frame. The frame is adapted to be fixedly connected to the ladder. The moveable locking member is adapted for movement relative to the frame between a ladder-secured position and a ladder-unsecured position. In the ladder-secured position, the locking member engages the keeper member in a manner for securing the ladder to the truck trailer. In the ladder-unsecured position, the locking member is disengaged from the keeper member.

Abstract: Access to an operator station of a large track-type tractor is provided by a ladder support structure pivotally attached to a portion of the radiator guard of the tractor. The ladder support structure extends over a track of the tractor and has a ladder pivotally attached to a distal end of the ladder support structure that provides steps over a push arm and a tilt cylinder of the tractor. When the ladder assembly is moved to its carry position, the ladder is moved to a position inside the ladder support structure, and the ladder support structure raised to a vertical position adjacent a side panel of the radiator guard of the tractor. The present invention avoids the problem of machine operators climbing on the push arms, tilt cylinders, radiator, radiator guard, track, hood, and engine enclosures in order to gain access to the operator station.

Abstract: A universal, compact, truck tailgate ladder with support arms is disclosed, comprised of a folding ladder of otherwise conventional design, with upper leg members and lower leg members, and a series of parallel steps connecting each set of upper leg members and lower leg members. The present invention is designed to attach to the interior surface of a pick-up truck tailgate via a fastening means, such as bolts.

Abstract: A multi-position ladder includes a ladder, a longitudinally extending support member for supporting the ladder, and a connecting member connecting the support member and the ladder. The connecting member includes a sliding bar, a pivot bar, and a rotating arm, the sliding bar being in sliding engagement with the support member for permitting lateral shifting movement of the ladder along the support member to one of multiple generally vertical use positions, the pivot bar extending laterally outwardly from the sliding bar for permitting pivotable movement of the ladder about the pivot bar between a generally vertical use position and one of multiple storage positions, and the rotating arm providing tilting movement of the ladder towards or away from a wall to which the support member is attached.

Abstract: A hinged stairway system for water vehicles containing a stairway and ladder rung system for use in the water, a hinge system secured to the stairway system, a locking system securable to the hinge system, a tubular support bar secured to the locking system and a system for securing the stairway system to the transom of a water vehicle.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle ladder system for allowing a user to easily view and access the interior portion of a truck box and other equipment. The inventive device includes a pair of base members attached in parallel to a side of a truck box, a pair of lower arms pivotally attached to the pair of base member, a pair of upper arms pivotally attached to the upper portion of the pair of base members, a pair of support members having a plurality of rungs attached between are pivotally attached to the distal ends of the lower arms and the upper arms, and a pair of latches attached to the pair of base members for securing the ladder portion in a vertical storage position. The ladder portion of the invention extends downwardly at an angle to assist supporting the vertical weight of the user when climbing. A pair of upper wedges and a pair of lower wedges limit the downward movement of the lower arms and upper arms.

Abstract: A support or a railroad crossing gate and warning structure (such as warning lights mounted on a cantilever) has first and second ladders. The first ladder is stationarily mounted on the support so that its bottom rung is spaced from the ground, and the second ladder is mounted adjacent its top end for movement along the stationary ladder between a position where it is above the ground, to a position in which its bottom end is on the ground. The second ladder is also pivotally mounted at its top end to slides which engage the first ladder. Retaining plates are provided for releasably retaining the bottom end of the second ladder in a position in which it is mounted on or at least horizontally adjacent the first ladder, and the plates may be effectively locked together with a padlock to prevent unauthorized use.

Abstract: A portable ladder for attachment to truck and trailer beds having stake or post pockets spaced about the outer periphery of the truck or trailer frame, including an attachment plate having a post sized for fitting into one of the stake or post pockets and a ladder section pivotally connected to the attachment plate by a pair of links or hinges, to permit the ladder section to be pivotally moved downwardly over the edge of the truck or trailer bed into a use position for climbing and to be pivotally moved upwardly over the truck or trailer bed into a stowage position.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface. The access device comprises a ladder having first and second ends, the ladder including first and second side members connected by a plurality of cross members extending between the ends of the ladder. The ladder is pivotally connected to a rotary axle extending horizontally from the support surface so that the ladder may be moved between a substantially downwardly outwardly disposed boarding position and a substantially horizontally disposed storage position. The ladder is movable between the boarding position and the storage position and vice versa such that in a first step, the ladder is rotated on the axle by at least 90.degree.

Abstract: A gangway to accommodate passage to and from a boarding structure includes first and second longitudinal frame members each having an elongate housing with a wall structure surrounding an interior thereof and a pair of longitudinal elongate rails extending through a length of the housing in parallel relation to each other and terminating at opposite distal ends; the pair of rails including a fixed rail and a moving rail. A series of step members, each including top bottom step surfaces, are rotatably supported between the first and second longitudinal frame members in pivotal interconnection with the pair of rails of each frame member.

Abstract: A retractable safety post for facilitating access in and out of a manhole is slidably attached to each side rail of a wall-mounted ladder. Each post slides within a tubular sleeve fixed to the side rail and is selectively movable between a retracted or stowed position to an extended or use position. Each post has at its upper end a cap and handle for ease of grasping during use, and at its lower end a latch member for securing the post in its extended position during use. A wall bracket anchoring the ladder to the manhole serves as a resting support for the latch member and its post when in the extended position. The post is secured in the extended position by merely lifting the post, twisting the post a given amount in a pre-set direction, and lowering the post slightly so that the latch member can engage the wall bracket. In its stowed position, the post rests wholly within the manhole.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly has a U-shaped step, a rotatable joint including a bracket, a first member to fix the bracket to the rear of a boat or personal watercraft, to a fixed step, a pivotable rod, and a second member to fix the U-shaped step to it for rotation with respect to the first member. The joint includes two rings which are fixed to the bracket and a tube disposed within the rings at each end for rotation around the axis of the tube and rings. One of the assemblies is fixed to the tube and another assembly is fixed to the bracket. The bracket has two springs fixed to it and also acting on the tube or the assembly connected to the tube to rotationally bias the tube and assembly with respect to the bracket.

Abstract: An escaping device includes a main frame including a pair of vertical rods adapted to be fixedly mounted on an inner side of a wall, a pair of supporting rods horizontally mounted on the main frame and having a track, a supporting bracket mounted on the main frame, and a cable fixing rod fixedly arranged on the vertical rods, a suspending rail vertically mounted on the main frame and having a top provided with a pulley, a retractable ladder having two sides provided with two axles slidably fitted into the track of the supporting rods, the retractable ladder having a plurality of transverse rods each provided with a sleeve, a cable controlling means fastened on the supporting bracket, and a cable having an end secured to the cable fixing rod and another end extending through a bottom of the ladder, the pulley and the sleeves to connect with the cable controlling means.

Abstract: An access ladder assembly for an agricultural machine having a body with an elevated operator's station. The ladder assembly includes a ladder that is mounted to the frame of the machine by a pivot mechanism that allows the ladder to be moved in either rotational direction about both a generally horizontal axis and a generally vertical axis. A locking mechanism releasably holds the ladder in an angularly adjusted position about both of these axes. A release mechanism conveniently located relative to the operator's station controls operation of the locking mechanism. The ladder assembly further includes rail structure carried by the ladder and movable about a generally vertical axis to either of two adjusted positions.

Abstract: An elongated arrangement is secured to an inner surface of a tailgate of a truck in a parallel relation with the rear of the truck, the elongated arrangement having a pair of first members dispose coextensive with the elongated arrangement, equally spaced from and parallel to the inner surface of the tailgate and spaced from each other to form a slot in the elongated arrangement coextensive therewith; a ladder arrangement having a first portion disposed in a rotatable and slidable relation with the slot adjacent one end thereof and a second portion pivotably and removably connected to the other end of the first portion having a plurality of steps to permit easy ingress and egress to and from a bed of the truck when the ladder arrangement is in its use position; and a tie down arrangement disposed in a removable relation with the slot and at least two of the steps to hold the ladder arrangement when rotated from the use position to a storage position disposed adjacent the elongated arrangement and the inner su

Abstract: An access device, such as a ladder, which is retractable, to provide access between a first position, and a second (retracted) position. The access device (5) is provided with a pair of arms (8) and (9) each pivotally connected at pivots (10) and (11) to a support means, (4) and, to the access member at pivots (12) and (13). The device is configured such that the access member (5) may be retracted while maintaining the second end (7) of the access member (5) elevated relative to the first end (6) of the access member (5). The arms (8) and (9) are pivotally mounted each preferably provided with one or two dogleg bends therein, to facilitate a totally retracted storage position.

Abstract: A ladder for contraction and storage on an upper working floor of a printing press having a plurality of vertically arranged working floors for access to said printing press at said working floors, such ladder having a plurality of substantially equal length sections coupled to each other at overlapping ends of said sections at side rack of said ladder for expanding and contracting such ladder, the upper end of the upper-most ladder section, when such ladder is expanded, having coupling means engageable with rails on such upper working floors for guiding such ladder, when contracted, into a horizontal position at such upper working floor for storage and for guiding such contracted ladder to a position at the end of such upper working floor for movement from a horizontal storage position to a substantially vertical expanded position for extension between such upper working floor and a working floor therebelow and means for locking such plurality of coupled sections into such contracted position for storage.

Abstract: A retractable step or ladder is mounted to the rear of the personal watercraft. The retractable step has a pair of hollow channel members fixedly mounted underneath the riding platform. An elongated rigid member is mounted to each channel member by springs which permit substantially horizontal travel of each elongated member relative to the channel member until a stop is reached. The springs bias each elongated member into positions where the elongated members are not extended relative to the channel members, however the biasing force of the springs can be overcome by moderate effort of the user of the watercraft who wishes to climb aboard the watercraft from the water. Camming surfaces are formed substantially at the end of each channel member and at the end of each elongated member, and the camming surfaces mate and allow a downward pivoting motion of the elongated members about a hinge pin only when the elongated members are extended until the stop is reached.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reversible folding ladder which is composed of a ladder, two steel channels, a front frame and a rear frame. More particularly the ladder is composed of a front staircase and a rear staircase. There is a plurality of foot pedals hinged on both the front staircase and the rear staircase and the top of both the front staircase and the rear staircase is hinged on the front frame. Furthermore the front frame is connected with the rear frame by a pivot rod and can be reversed. A connecting part of the rear frame and the pivot rod can be rotated. When unfolding the reversible folding ladder to contact the ground, each foot pedals is arranged parallel with the front frame. Furthermore when the reversible folding ladder is rotated to a position parallel with the front frame, the rear staircase can be received into the front staircase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ladder which automatically returns to an original position after impact with grade or objects. Preferably the ladder is attached to a land conveyance. A spring assembly connects the ladder to a land conveyance to provide movement in a forward, rearward or lateral direction from the original position of the ladder.

Abstract: A swimming pool structure comprises a swimming pool sidewall defining a pool area, an elevated deck attached to the sidewall along an upper rim thereof, and a pair of ladder side rails extending from the deck into a water-holding pool area defined by the sidewall, the side rails being connected at upper ends to at least one of the sidewall and the deck. The ladder side rails are provided with elements for ensuring that the side rails are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the pool sidewall. A pair of hand rails are connected to the respective side rails and extend inwardly therefrom into the pool area. A plurality of steps are disposed between and connected to the side rails, while a pair of platform guard rails are connected to the deck in parallel with the side rails.

Abstract: An inflatable boat boarding ladder, adaptable to any size inflatable boat, for assisting divers to exit the water and to board the boat. The ladder, supported at an outside angle to the vertical, is prohibited from rotating under the boat when the ladder is engaged by the users foot thus providing greater stability than the conventional rope style ladders. The instant invention provides a longer ladder than the conventional ladders making it easier to use. The ladder is supported by a flexible saddle made of a sandwhich of two layers of HYPALON encasing reinforcing transverse plattens pf ABS plastic.

Abstract: A ladder assembly is adapted to be mounted on a suitable support, such as a truck or trailer. The ladder assembly includes a ladder mounted on the distal end of a shaft. The shaft is slidably received in a cylinder. A pair of spaced abutment stops are provided on the support, and provide a recess to receive a portion of the ladder when the ladder is in its upright position. A spring urges the shaft and ladder to move toward the support along the axis (x--x) of the cylinder. The ladder is adapted to be moved between an upright position, at which a portion of the ladder is received in the recess between the abutment stops, and an out-of-the-way horizontal position.

Abstract: A portable swimming pool ladder 20 is provided which pivots out of reach of children on a tethering strap 32 secured within the pool 10.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus comprising a longitudinally elongated step support for mounting between an upper level and a lower level at a forward angle of inclination. The elongated support has an upper end and a lower end. A series of steps are mounted relative to the elongated support. A hinge assembly is mounted relative to the elongated support adjacent its upper end. The hinge assembly includes a pivot positioned adjacent one of the outer longitudinal edges enabling the ladder apparatus to be swung at least about 90.degree. between an operable position and a stowed position. The hinge assembly preferably comprises retaining means for inhibiting the ladder apparatus from swinging away from the operable position.

Abstract: One end of a leg of a boat ladder is swivably and pivotably affixed to the side of a boat and the corresponding end of the other leg of the ladder is releasably latched or hooked to one of a pair of brackets located on the same side of the boat forward and aft of the affixed attachment. The ladder is stored in a vertically upright position with the second leg latched onto one of the pair of brackets. To be put to use the second leg first is unhooked from the bracket and swung outward in a generally horizontal arc of about 180 degrees until it reaches the other of the pair of brackets and is then latched or hooked onto the other of the pair of brackets and then the ladder is swung vertically outward and downward toward or into the water. Standoffs may be provided on each leg of the ladder to support the ladder against and away from the side of the boat or the "logs" or floats of a pontoon boat.

Abstract: A Marine Structure for use in a body of water, having a deck positioned above the water's surface, and a vessel landing stage position at the water surface. A stairway having its upper and hinged to the deck, is normally supported with its lower end in contact with the landing stage. An elevating mechanism depending from the deck is operable to lift the stairway's lower end to a position above the water's surface, adjacent to the deck. The stairway is retained in its raised position by a docking facility, and is secured thereby from damage which could otherwise occur due to strong wind and wave action. An alignment coupling carried on the respective stairway and docking facility allows the two members to be firmly, yet resiliently joined to better resist wind or wave forces.

Abstract: A flexible ladder for use on moving conveyances which provides frontal stability but lateral flexibility, the ladder having a first, a second and a third strut member each formed of flexible material and each supported in a generally vertical plane, the strut members being parallel to each other with the second strut member between the first and third strut members. A first set of steps are secured between the first and second strut members and a second set of steps are secured between the second and third strut members the steps being vertically spaced apart from each other and the upper ends of each of the strut members being affixed to a moving conveyance, the ladder providing for ascent of an operator to the operating position on the conveyance but permitting lateral flexiblity if the ladder engages an obstruction on the surface on which the machine moves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact folding ladder having a lower runged ladder portion, the upper end of which is pivotally connected on a horizontal axis to the lower end of a upper open dual hand-rail ladder portion whereby the lower ladder portion nests in the upper open ladder portion in the folded position and may be pivotally deployed therefrom for use. One longitudinal edge of the upper open ladder portion is pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot axis to the inboard lateral face of one of the rear edge vertical posts of a structural cargo enclosure above a cargo bed whereby the folded ladder may be pivoted forward to a stowed position and rearward to an operative position outboard of the rear end of the cargo bed thereby to facilitate deployment of the lower runged ladder portion to its open position for ladder access by the user from ground level to the rear end of the cargo bed, hence to the structural cargo enclosure.

Abstract: A retractable walk-in swimming pool ladder includes a platform having side frames secured thereto. A plurality of steps extended between and are secured to the side frames. A first pair of rollers are journaled on the platform and a second pair of rollers are journaled on the side frames adjacent the lowermost step. Linkages pivotally connect the platform to the swimming pool deck and cooperate with the rollers to permit the swimming pool ladder to be readily retracted from and returned to the swimming pool.

Abstract: A folding step system includes a base assembly with approximate and distal ends, a link assembly with base and step ends, and a step assembly with approximate and distal ends. A base hinge assembly hingedly connects the base proximate end and the link assembly base end for rotational movement about a transverse rotational axis through an arc of movement between a retracted position adjacent to the base assembly and an extended position extending from the proximate end thereof. A step hinge assembly hingedly connects the link assembly distal end and the step proximate end for rotational movement about a transverse rotational axis between a retracted position adjacent to the link assembly and an extended position extending from the step end thereof.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment depicted, the inflatable boarding ladder comprises upper and lower ladder sections with stiffening rails and hand-holds interconnected by inflatable steps and the ladder back. The upper section is attached to the boat through a telescoping rod engaging and pivoting on mounting brackets. A pillow section provides hull standoff. The articulating lower ladder section pivots about the lower end of the upper section. A ballast section submerges the tapered lower ladder end into the water to ease access and to stabilize the ladder. Inflation and deployment of the ladder is by a gas source such as a foot pump or carbon dioxide cartridge. A deflation orifice permits storage in a soft pack and deck mounted cannister.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus adapted to be borne by a fixture, such as cabinet, including a bracket adapted to be mounted on the fixture, a pair of first support members individually, substantially pivotally mounted on the bracket, a pair of second support members individually slidably mounted on the first support members, and a pair of third support members individually, slidably mounted on the second pair of support members and at least one step mounted on and interconnecting the third support members whereby the apparatus can be disposed in a collapsed, stored attitude inside a cabinet or alternatively extended therefrom and disposed in an operational attitude extending outside the cabinet.

Abstract: A mechanical connection element comprising a substantially rigid body having therein a cylindrical through cavity accessible via a channel to the outside of the body. This element (or anything attached thereto) can be secured simply, reversibly and perpendicularly to a cross-sectionally rectangular bar. Thus, in one orientation, the bar passes through the channel and into the cavity but in a second orientation, achieved by rotation of the bar, is retained in the cavity. Two such connection elements may advantageously be used atop a bunk-bed ladder for safe affixment to a horizontal bar of the bunk. The element ensures such a ladder be unremoveable when in operative mode.

Abstract: An explosive release window grille system for the window of a house or building. It has a window grille formed from a plurality of laterally spaced vertical bars that are rigidly secured in a grid-like structure by a plurality of horizontal bars. The bottom ends of the vertical bars have an eyelet loop formed in them and a bottom horizontal bar passes therethrough and functions as a shaft about which the window grille can pivot outwardly and downwardly. The opposite ends of the bottom horizontal bracket are secured to the outer wall surface by mounting bracket assemblies. The top horizontal bar has its opposite ends secured to the front wall surface by explosive release bracket assemblies. Each of these assemblies include exploding bolts having an explosive charge mounted in their shank. The bolts are inserted through the wall from the inner surface and their tips are captured by the brackets mounted on the outer surface of the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 provides easy, stable positioning of a ladder within a stairwell. The apparatus 10 includes multiple base portions 14, 24 which traverse and rest upon multiple steps 20, 28. Sidewall braces 38, 40 adjustably engage the stairwell sidewalls to inhibit lateral movement of the base portions 14, 24. A bracket 52 is pivotally connected to the base of the ladder and rotatably connected to the base portions 24. Accordingly, the ladder is free to be manually rotated and pivoted to rest against any of the walls forming the stairwell.

Abstract: A pipe track has a groove in which a ladder is slidably mounted for movement between ends of the track. A pair of spaced, downwardly extending notches at one end of the groove permit the ladder to be pivoted downwardly to occupy a vertical position coplanar with the track; and a pair of spaced, upwardly extending notches at the other end of the groove permit the ladder to be pivoted upwardly to occupy a vertical position coplanar with the track.

Abstract: A marine installation comprising a watercraft having a generally horizontal surface, and a ladder assembly comprising a ladder frame including spaced, parallel side bars, and spaced, parallel rungs extending between the side bars, and a mechanism for mounting the ladder frame on the horizontal surface such that the ladder frame is movable between a storage position wherein the ladder frame is located above the surface and an operating position wherein the ladder frame extends below the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for ascending scaffolding (10). The apparatus includes a ladder (24) having an inner upright (26) which is pivotally mounted with respect to an upright (20) of an end frame (12) of the scaffolding (10). The ladder (24) is disposed for pivoting between a retracted position, wherein the latter (24) overlies the end frame (12) of the scaffolding (10) to which it is attached, and an extended position, wherein the ladder (24) is pivoted, typically, 180.degree. relative to the retracted position.

Abstract: A ladder device for a boat has a mount unit and a separate step unit that may be moved between a use position with a step thereof immersed in the water in which the boat floats and a storage position where the step is located out of the water. The step in the use position extends aft of the platform and permits a person to climb out of the water and onto the platform without the step making any appreciable movement relative to the boat during such climb. The mount unit has a pair of U-shaped members formed of a section of tubing with first and second ends and a transverse flange is fixed to each first end by which the members may be attached to the upper surface of the platform. The step unit has two parallel S-shaped tubular side sections, each including a long central portion from which upper and lower end portions extend integrally and substantially normally. A step is fixed at its ends to the lower end portions holding the side sections spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A collapsible step ladder assembly in combination with a panel of a vehicle such as a tail gate or bed of a pickup truck, having a foldable frame, at least one foldable step or platform, a pair of extension legs, and a pair of articulating joints for connecting said frame to the panel. Each foldable step comprises a platform connected to the respective arms, and a pair of leveling braces that are positioned and dimensioned to hold the platform in a substantially horizontal position when the step ladder is fully deployed between an upper and lower service. Said braces also allow the folding of the platform to a position substantially co-planar with the respective arms.

Abstract: A boarding ladder which may be mounted on a topsides surface of a boat to be swingable between a raised position where all parts of the ladder are above the waterline of the boat and a lowered position where at least one step of the ladder extends below the waterline is formed of a step unit and a mount unit. The step unit has a pair of spaced apart tubular siderails carrying flat tread steps so as to permit the angle of their flat treads to be varied relative to the siderails. A tubular cross member extends across the top ends of the siderails. The mount unit has a pair of spaced apart, tubular sections rotatably carried on the cross member of the ladder unit and which extend normally thereof. Mounting members into which such tubular sections fit permit the ladders to be mounted on the topsides surface of a boat while supporting the ladder in a proper operating posture.

Abstract: There is provided an improved securement device for a swimming pool ladder having tubular ladder rails which is hingedly connected to an anchor mounted in the swimming pool deck which permits quick detachment and reattachment of the swimming pool ladder to the anchor. Each securement device includes a ferrule capping the end of the tubular ladder rail adjacent the pool deck which is hingedly connected to the respective anchor in the pool deck, an expandable locking mechanism coupled to the ferrule and extending into the tubular ladder rail having a resilient cylindrical member which expands radially upon being compressed into locking engagement with the inside wall of the tubular ladder rail.