A ladder is one foot and the top of the stairs with straight legs. The upper level is formed entirely of polymer material and has a concave shape of a cup core network generally rectangular periphery with a peripheral edge defined and extends generally from the periphery. The site defines a platform for scale-up of objects such as tools and paint cans can be placed. The Internet has a pair of googly eyes loops of a common plane with the platform, the eyes, that space and loop provides a releasably couple to receive a roller paint pan support hook Pan in the upper surface of the platform.

When it comes time to access those hard on the kitchen cabinets that reach well above the refrigerator if you have a very high level. A chair is a handy tool to help you, the things that would otherwise be on the stairs reach.Step will be popular in residential and commercial users to get excellent results on the walls, ceilings and similar products for different uses, and activities. folded when not in use, to ladders, or a folder that is stored in a closet, hangs on a hook on the wall or something. Ladders are structures that ladder leg for movement between the storage position and a folded position to combine flat for use as, with measures to control the opening leg at a predetermined angle. Advantageously, the structure of a deck level or higher, a surface that can rest on what elements. Straight plugs are arranged with sufficient strength to the loads induced by a standing committee of the users on one rung of the ladder in use to withstand. Although not preferred for reasons of stability and security, is the last step is usually strong enough for someone to be on one. A Aluminum step ladder , including the top of the stairs to stay, be durable and strong for long life stable, but must also be economical.

1.Know how to use the stairs. They come in sizes small stairs two steps are usually used indoors, the largest scale 8-foot-hooks that work well for seasonal decorations or home care.

2.Determine to store managers, to ensure that you buy one is easy to store. If you often use your stepladder to the common parts of the house in the upper shelves in the kitchen of access and storage is not a problem. However, if you live in a tiny apartment and need to save the stairs, take into consideration before purchase.

should keep 3.Calculate how much weight the ladder. If you store the ladder to heavy materials, please note that your weight and material of the total amount that they be worn.

4.Decide if you want an Aluminum step ladder or fiberglass ladder. Aluminium is light, but can corrode or bend, and should not be used for electrical work. Fiberglass is heavier and does not act as an intermediary.

 

source:ladder-supplier.com

In the case where the supporting member constitutes another ladder section, the two central members of the two ladder sections may have slidably cooperating parts to provide captive location of one central member behind the other during all, or subsequently all, of their relative movement. According to a preferred feature, the engaging means on the central stiles of the Household ladder sections may constitute a self-tightening latch which will be described in detail hereinbelow.

According to a further preferred feature of the present invention, the central stile of a ladder section may be constructed so that the steps are angled in the horizontal plane when in the erected position to accomodate the natural splay of the feet of a person using the ladder. According to another feature, the outer stiles may be constructed with a U shaped cross section so that the steps may be received within these stiles when folded to the storage position. Building a step ladder can be relatively simple. Step ladders can be quite useful, especially if there is no support to lean a regular ladder against. Step ladders can support themselves by spreading their weight and balancing through a scissor movement.

The Ladder Manufacturer according to the present invention may be supported on the ground in a number of ways. In one preferred embodiment the outer stiles of the supported section extend downwardly beyond the lower end of the central stile to support the ladder. In another preferred embodiment the support for the ladder is provided at the lower end of the central stile. This may be accomplished by providing at least two leg structures connected to the central stile adjacent its lower end. These leg structures are conveniently provided with means for adjusting the positions of their outer ends, thereby permitting individual height adjustment to adapt to an uneven supporting surface. Like the ladder itself, the leg structures may be constructed so as to be capable of folding to a storage position in which they lie generally parallel to the central stile. Preferably, the steps and outer members may be foldable upward and the leg structures foldable downward on the central stile to the storage position.

First, decide how high you would like to have your step ladder be, and obtain two ladders of that height. Take two long metal hinges, like the ones on gates, and attach them to both ladders at the top so that the ladders can swing apart pivoted at the point of the hinges.Using a saw, cut both the ladders across the jointed section at the top so that when they are opened out, a flat surface is formed. Attach a rope to the steps of the ladder, close to three-quarters of the height so that the ladder cannot open out further than this.

When two Aluminum step ladder sections are used together, it is advantageous to provide means for locking the second section to the first when the central stiles thereof are in an aligned, parallel configuration, to permit the two ladder sections to be conveniently transported.It will be appreciated that the ladder structure according to the present invention makes possible a so-called Uni-modular design whereby the ladder is comprised of one or more identical ladder sections. In this case, since it is necessary only to provide supporting leg structures for the lowest section, means may be provided on the central stile of each ladder section for detachably retaining such leg structures.

Next, attach by the hinges a flat piece of wood that will be the top step to the main side of the ladder at the top, so that when the ladder is opened, the hinged step can then swing down on top of the joint forming a safe area upon which to stand.If after you have made the step ladder you require a longer ladder that can extend to full length, simply ensure that the hinges used to join the ladders are the type that can swing all the way. To do this, detach the rope from the step, and open the ladder all the way. Using the hinged step board to secure the ladder, it can now be used at full length.For example, in this simplified ladder the front ladder section (which remains the lower section when the ladder is extended), need not be provided with a slanted or cut away portion at the end of the central stile, or with sliding grooves along the front side of the central stile. Further, since the ladder will not be extended beyond two sections, it may not be necessary to provide a self-tightening latch.

Similarly, in a two-section Aluminum ladders the rear section will, of course, not require a latch or any other means of support for retaining a further section on its rear side.

It will be appreciated that the ladder according to the present invention combines various features which contribute to making a common device extremely safe and useful. By forming the ladder of three parallel stiles, interconnected by transverse steps, the strength of the ladder is considerably increased. This structure also increases the user's safety because the feet of the person using the ladder are constrained to the space between the centre and outer stiles, and therefore cannot slide sideways as is possible with conventional two-stile ladders.

The foldability of the ladder according to the present invention has the obvious advantage of facilitating the portability of the ladder and minimizing the space required in storage.

Finally, the ability to support the upper end of the central stile of the ladder according to the present invention achieves three principal purposes: First, it increases the safety when the Household ladder is leaned against a building or other upright supporting surface because it utilizes the principle of the "three point" contact. Second, it frees the design of side or outer stiles so that they can be more particularly tailored to their function as handrails and support members for the individual steps. And third, it facilitates the construction of a Uni-modular ladder section which, when combined with other identical sections, form an extremely useful and flexible ladder system.

A foldable ladder is disclosed having a central and two outer parallel support members or "stiles" and a plurality of steps connected between the central and the outer stiles. Each step is arranged to fold between an erected position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the stile to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the step lies generally parallel to the central stile with the outer stile to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central stile. Engaging means are provided adjacent the upper end of the central stile for holding cooperating engaging means of a supporting member such as another Household ladder section (forming an extension ladder) or a prop extending to ground (forming a step ladder).

A good-quality ladder is an essential tool for household maintenance, whether it's used for painting, cleaning gutters, or for a variety of other sundry chores. Positioning your ladder properly is the first step in using it safely.Be sure you have the proper ladder for the job. Ladder ratings are based on their weight-bearing capacity.When examining the area where you'll be positioning the ladder, check the surface the bottom of the ladder will be on. Proper locations will be firm, flat, and stable.When placing the ladder, position it using a 1 to 4 ratio. In other words, the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet it rises.Prevent movement of tall ladders by tying it securely to a solid object.

A foldable and extendable ladder having at least two ladder sections, each section comprising:
a central elongate support member and two outer elongate members arranged one on each side of, and substantially parallel to, the central member; a series of rungs disposed at spaced intervals on each side of the central member and foldably connected to the central member and one of the outer members, each rung being arranged to fold between an operative position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of each member to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the rung lies substantially parallel to the central member with the outer member to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central member;wherein the Ladder Manufacturer each have a front face and a rear face and are adapted to be moved relatively to one another between an aligned position one behind the other and a number of extended, partially overlapping parallel positions, the central support members having slidably cooperating parts to provide captive location of one central support member behind the other during their relative movement,whereby the rungs of each ladder section are capable of being in either the operative or storage positions in the relatively aligned and extended positions of the central support members.

Ladders are bulky, cumbersome and annoying but also often necessary. They can also break things, including your head, if you move them around without thinking. You can move ladders safely, serenely and without any shattered skulls if you use the following steps.Make sure the ladder is clear of anything hanging off it, propped against it or stuck on one of the steps or that platform that tells you "This is not a step."Clear the area surrounding the ladder and to which you wish to move the area of any debris. Also clear the pathway in between those two points.Check the height of the ladder versus what’s above it to ensure you do not crash it into any ceiling fans, garage overhangs or smoke detectors.If it’s not folded up already, fold the ladder shut.Grasp each side of the ladder firmly and slowly walk to your destination with the household step ladders held in front of you or slightly to your side.

The present invention relates generally to the art of ladders and, in particular, to ladders which may be folded to facilitate portability and storage.

As can well be imagined, the design and construction of ladders, in one form or another, may be included among man's oldest technological arts. Notwithstanding centuries of experimentation in this field, however, man has failed to arrive at the "ultimate" ladder: a ladder which may be extended by any number of available sections to reach any desired height; a ladder which may be opened into the "step- ladder" configuration; a ladder which may be stood securely on irregular surfaces or be leaned against an upright surface of any shape without deleterious effect on its stability; a ladder which may be folded to form a single pole which may be easily carried or stored; a ladder which provides non-slip surfaces and human-engineered handrails for safety and convenience of use; and, finally, a ladder which may be manufactured and sold in identical modular sections that can be assembled together to fulfill all of the user's needs, including needs that have never been met before.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ladder capable of meeting all of the requirements listed above.

This object, as well as other objects which will become apparent in the discussion that follows, are achieved, according to the present invention, by providing a foldable Aluminum step ladder having at least one section comprising a central elongate member and two outer elongate members arranged one on each side of, and substantially parallel to, the central member; a series of steps each foldably connected to the central member and one of the outer members, each step being arranged to fold between an erected position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of each member to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the step lies generally parallel to the central member with the outer member to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central member; and engaging means, disposed on the central member adjacent its upper end, for holding cooperating engaging means of a supporting member. The central and the two outer elongate members thus constitute the three "stiles" of the ladder.

The above construction of the ladder, according to the present invention, permits the central stile to be spaced from a supporting surface by the support member when the ladder section is in a substantially upright, working configuration. For example, the supporting member may be a second ladder section either identical or different from the first, but having also a central stile which may be held adjacent and substantially parallel to the central stile of the first ladder section at a number of extended, partially overlapping positions. The supporting member may also constitute a prop which is pivoted outward from the central stile of the Aluminum step ladder section to form a generally inverted V-shaped ladder configuration.

This adjustment allows the tray support to accommodate most every sized article to be used by a worker. For example, should a quart paint can be placed in the tray it would be preferable to leave the tray in a closed position as the sidewalls will provide sufficient support to prevent tippage of the paint. If a one gallon paint can is needed, the sections of the tray can be placed in a semi-open position allowing the sidewalls to provide support to secure the paint in position. The support tray can be further opened holding a large variety of tools. If needed, a five gallon paint can may be placed in the tray for the weight of the can is directly over the A-frame structure providing superior support. Thus, working tools such as drills, hammers, nails, and the like can easily fit into the tray without need of weight management as the sidewalls prevent accidental droppage by directing the weight of the tools over the Household ladder frame.

In an alternative embodiment to the instant invention, the support tray of the instant invention is set upon an adjustable platform allowing the tray to be elevated over the top of the ladder. The elevation provides additional convenience to the operator should the operator choose to position himself on a higher portion of the ladder. The bracketry allows removal from the ladder by use of a bracket that accommodate both elevation and removal of the tray. As the tray can be positioned about the ladder top, a support platform provides the necessary surface area for support of materials when the tray is placed in an open spaced apart position. The support platform allows the tray to be raised or moved without dropping of smaller items.

It should be noted that the support shelf may open only one side at a time to avoid interfering with a worker who stands along an upper portion of the ladder. The tray may be formed of unequal dimensional aspects wherein one side of the support tray is moved while the remaining portion is in a fixed position further accommodating personal preference.

Another embodiment of the instant invention is to utilize a flat tray for the support shelf in place of a tray with sidewalls. This support platform has particular benefits when used on a stoop ladder allowing the Ladder Manufacturer to be used as a saw horse yet still provide an area that opens for holding items therebetween.

The instant invention includes the use of various accessories in addition to the removable ladder top allowing for the safety and convenience of the operator. The improved ladder includes a pre-wired electrical extension connection which allows the bottom of the ladder to be attached to an electrical cord with a pre-wired socket located along an upper portion of the ladder. This allows the operator to plug electric tools directly into the ladder so as to eliminate the need for an extension cord spanning the length of the ladder. Handles are available for placement on each side of the ladder allowing the operator to climb the steps while grasping the handles for safety. When the operator reaches the upper portion of the ladder, the handles on the tray accessory may be held using release grips allowing the tray to be lifted as the operator climbs to a higher step providing stability. Spring loaded wheels are also provided on the rear of the ladder allowing movement of the Ladder stabilizer under a no-load condition.

Thus an objective of the instant invention is to disclose an adjustable tray for placement on top of a conventional ladder wherein the tray can be expanded to accommodate various size articles without fear of weight management by positioning articles directly over the A-frame structure of the ladder.

Still another objective of the instant invention is to provide an adjustable tray that can be raised to various heights and removed from the ladder providing for operator safety and convenience.

Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose the use of a workable block support platform on top of a ladder having the attributes of a vise.

Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to set forth a ladder top having prescribed functionality to eliminate the need for the use of separate attachments or the expenditure of valuable storage space when the Aluminum step ladder is not in use.

Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose a ladder having safety improvements including the use of side mounted handles, an electrical socket which electrically couples the lower portion of a ladder to the upper portion of the ladder so as to prevent reaching of extension cords, and the use of wheels for movement of the ladder while in a unloaded condition.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. Receptacle is located along the bottom portion of side support and is electrically connected to a conventional wall type socket along the upper portion of the ladder allowing an individual to plug an extension cord into receptacle energizing the upper socket outlet for operation of power tools without the need for extending electrical cords along the height of the device. The receptacle and socket is electrically coupled by a sealed conduit, now shown, extending the length of the ladder.

In operation, an individual may move the household step ladders in an unloaded state by tipping the ladder and rolling the back wheels and along a surface for proper positioning. The operator may then plug an electrical cord, not shown, into receptacle so that the socket is available for use. An individual may then climb the rungs of the ladder grasping handle 268 for security. As the operator reaches the top of the platform he may grasp tray handles and raising the tray as he climbs providing stability in height. Socket is then available for plugging in devices without having the operator climbing down the ladder or attempting to use an electrical cord that may need to stretch ten or fifteen feet into the air.

It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described certain forms of my invention, it is not to be limited to specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

 

source:freepatentsonline

The instant invention is directed to increasing the safety of Aluminum step ladders and includes an accessory holder for the top of ladders forming a tray which expands in size allowing placement of working materials in the tray. The tray collapses into a size assimilating a conventional ladder top for compact storage. The tray can be raised to various heights and allows the operator to remove the tray in its entirety to carry items to the ladder providing for convenience and safety. An alternative embodiment provides for the use of solid portions in place of a tray allowing smaller ladders such as to be used as saw horses yet provide a means for forming a smaller tray for securement of miscellaneous working materials. The improved ladder employs handles that couple to each side limb of the ladder allowing an operator to grasp the handles while climbing. An electrical socket mounted in a limb provides for a prewired extension along the length of the limb providing an electrical connection near the top portion of the ladder. Biased wheels allow the ladder to be moved without lifting.

Using a Household ladder that's too short can put stress on your back as well as expose you to the danger of toppling. Always choose a ladder that allows you to reach your work area safely.Familiarize yourself with the ladder's load capacity. Light-duty ladders are designed to hold 200 lbs.; medium-duty ladders hold 225 lbs.; heavy-duty ladders hold up to 250 lbs.; and extra-heavy-duty ladders hold weights of up to 300 lbs.This invention relates to ladders and more particularly to improvement in ladders including a removable ladder top accessory.

 Ladders are used for performing tasks at an elevated stance. Conventional ladders are based on a collapsible A-frame structure having support rails that hold individual rungs allowing a person to climb up or down the ladder so as to position themselves at various heights. The top portion includes an area for pivoting the ladder support legs. Although not the intended purpose, this area is commonly used to support working materials lessening the need to climb up and down the ladder in order to obtain the necessary tools to perform a task.

While the primary intent of a ladder is to perform work at an elevated position, a problem arises from the lack of working space available to support tools. The top of the ladder may include holes for positioning of working tools such as hammers, screw drivers and electric drills.A paint tray support platform may also be used to support items but is designed to position a conventional roller paint tray having end hooks. In light of this lack of working area, various prior art devices have been patented in an attempt to address the minimal work area.

Use household step ladders for most household purposes. This type of ladder is available in heights of 4 to 16 feet and has a hand foldout shelf on the side opposite the rungs.Use an extension ladder outdoors to reach high branches or the roof. These are made to reach 20 to 40 feet.Try an articulated or multipurpose ladder for a variety of uses. This aluminum alloy ladder can be a stepladder or straight ladder or act as a scaffold, and comes in lengths of 12 to 16 feet.Step- and extension ladders are made of wood, aluminum or Fiberglas. Fiberglas is the best since it's lighter than wood and doesn't conduct electricity like aluminum does.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,620 discloses an accessory container for a ladder that mounts over the top of the ladder. The device is a single piece container that looks like a bucket and effectively provides an area for tools. The problem with the device is the necessity for removing the accessory when not in use, thus defeating the compactness of the conventional ladder.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,954 discloses a platform having support brackets that attach directly to the steps of a conventional aluminum ladder . The support structure relies upon the use of the hollow rungs that are spaced apart a predetermined distance so as to allow support of a back piece that also must be stored separately during storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,480 discloses an actual ladder top modified to accept various tools or hanging devices by use of a multi-function platform. Provisions are made for the device to replace the existing ladder top or attach directly to the existing ladder top.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,008 discloses yet another support platform that can be positioned anywhere along the longitudinal length of a ladder. This teaching requires a special shaped ladder having a handle area that extends above the top of the conventional A-frame support.

Thus, the prior art documents that a problem with ladders is the insufficient work area available for support of materials while working on the ladder. This becomes a special problem in holding larger items such as paint cans which have a level of instability. This instability can lead to disastrous results should the paint can tip over while placed on a Ladder stabilizer . For these reasons it would be most beneficial to have a ladder with a broad surface area to support various working materials yet does not require independent storage. The instant invention is an accessory for a conventional ladder that operates as an expandable tray for holding miscellaneous items at the top of a ladder. The tray is defined by a two piece section having four sidewalls to contain items within the boundaries of a conventional ladder top. Should additional surface area be necessary to support larger items, the tray can be expanded to increase the effective surface area of the platform.

For instance, when a one gallon can of paint is placed on a conventional ladder top, any movement of the ladder could cause the paint can to fall. By use of the tray of the instant invention, the tray will provide sufficient support to accommodate the pail wherein the sidewalls operate to contain the pail as well as paint spills.

The tray that is formed by the invention is defined by mirror image support platforms having a side wall, two end walls, and a free edge. When the free edge of each section is abutted, a tray is formed. The sections are coupled to the Household ladder by use of an attachment bracket with rivets allowing each section to slide along the length of the ladder top as defined by a slot positioned in the brackets.

These and other objects are accomplished by a stabilizer for a Aluminum step ladder comprising a channel having a slot along a side of the channel, means for attaching the channel to a front step portion of the step ladder, means attached to the channel for mounting a pair of legs wherein the legs extend or retract in accordance with the movement of the mounting means along the slot of the channel, means attached between the pair of legs for fixing the legs in a spaced-apart position and for releasing the legs to enable the pair of legs to be retracted adjacent to the channel, and means for securing each leg of the pair of legs to the front step portion of the step ladder. The attaching means comprises a slide lock bracket adapted to move along the slot of the channel. The legs securing means comprises a first arm attached between a first one of the pair of legs and the front step portion of the step ladder, and a second arm attached between a second one of the pair of legs and the front step portion of the step ladder.

The objects are further accomplished by household step ladders having a front step section and a rear prop section, the rear prop section being movably attached to a top portion of the step ladder adjacent to the front step section, a step ladder stabilizer, attached to the front step section and extending between the front step section and the rear prop section to provide stabilization, comprising a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting to the front step section of the step ladder, the channel having an opening running the length of the channel, a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along the opening of the channel and be locked at a preferred position, a first leg attached to a first side of the slide lock bracket, the first leg extending downward away from the channel, a second leg attached to a second side of the slide lock bracket, the second leg extending downward away from the channel, a spreader bar attached between the first leg and the second leg, a first arm having a first end attached to the first leg and a second end adapted to attach to the front section of the step ladder, and a second arm having a first end attached to the second leg and a second end adapted to attach to the front step section of the step ladder. The spreader bar comprises means for folding-up the spreader bar. The slide lock bracket comprises means for securing the slide lock bracket along the channel at the preferred position to stabilize the step ladder. The step ladder stabilizer closes-up against the front step portion of the step ladder when the slide lock bracket is raised along the channel.
   
The objects are further accomplished by a stabilizer for a step ladder comprising a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting the channel to a front step portion of the step ladder, a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along the channel and be locked at a preferred position, a first leg of the stabilizer attached to a first side of the sliding lock bracket, the first leg extending downward away from the channel, a second leg of the stabilizer attached to a second side of the sliding lock bracket, the second leg extending downward away from the channel, a spreader bar attached between the first leg and the second leg, a first arm of the stabilizer having a first end attached to the first leg and a second end adapted to attach to the front step portion of the step ladder, and a second arm having a first end attached to the second leg and a second end adapted to attach to the front step portion of the step ladder. The spreader bar comprises means for folding-up the spreader bar. The slide lock bracket comprises means for securing the slide lock bracket along the channel at the preferred position to stabilize the step Ladder Manufacturer . Each of the first leg and the second leg comprises an extension leg which extends from the first leg and the second leg to stabilize the step ladder. The stabilizer closes-up against the channel when the slide lock bracket is raised along the channel.

The objects are further accomplished by an extension ladder stabilizer comprising a channel, capable of being attached to a side of a ladder, which comprises an opening on an outer side running the length of the channel, a slide lock bracket attached to the channel and adapted to slide along the opening of the channel and be locked at a preferred position, a hinged connecting plate attached to a lower portion of the slide lock bracket, having means for attaching a first section of the hinged connecting plate to the slide lock bracket, an extending leg having a first end attached to a second section of the hinged connecting plate enabling the leg to rotate about the attaching means, and a foldable arm having a first end attached to a lower end portion of the channel and a second end attached to a predetermined location on the extending leg. The slide lock bracket comprises a lever for securing the slide lock bracket along the channel at the preferred position for optimum stabilization of the ladder supplier . The extending leg comprises an extension section which extends from the extending leg for stabilizing the ladder. The foldable arm comprises means for locking the arm into a fixed position for stabilizing the ladder. A U-shaped guard is positioned between a side of the ladder and the channel to protect the extending leg when closed and adjacent to the ladder.

The objects are further accomplished by an extension ladder comprising a plurality of steps positioned between a first side and a second side of the ladder, each one of the plurality of steps having a first expansion insert placed into a first side of the ladder and into each of the plurality of steps and a second expansion insert placed into a second side of the ladder and into each of the plurality of steps, a first ladder stabilizer attached to the first side of the extension ladder, a second ladder stabilizer attached to the second side of the extension ladder, the first ladder stabilizer and the second ladder stabilizer each comprising a channel attached to the side of the Household ladder having an opening on an outer side running the length of the channel, a slide lock bracket attached to the channel and adapted to slide along the opening of the channel or to be locked at a preferred position, a hinged connecting plate having a first section attached to a lower portion of the slide lock bracket, an extending leg having a first end attached to a second section of the hinged connecting plate enabling a second end of the extending leg to be moved toward or away from the side of the ladder, and a foldable arm having a first end attached to a lower end of the channel and a second end attached to a predetermined location on the extending leg. The slide lock bracket comprises means for securing the slide lock bracket along the channel at the preferred position for optimum stabilization of the ladder. The extending leg comprises an extension section which extends from the extending leg for stabilizing the ladder. The foldable arm comprises means for locking the arm into a fixed position for stabilizing the ladder. A first U-shaped guard is positioned between a first side of the extension ladder and the channel of the first ladder stabilizer , and a second U-shaped guard is positioned between a second side of the ladder and the channel of the second ladder stabilizer.

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. When the selecting means is pulled outwardly, the legs of the ladder can be freely rotated to adjust the angle of the ladder, then the angle of the ladder is fixed with the inserting link being inserted through the most appropriate apertures of the first base, second base and control plate.

Aluminum step ladders are preferred by many craftsmen and homeowners because they're affordable, lightweight and strong. But most aluminum ladders still have a great opportunity for a design improvement; the majority of them have hollow rungs that, despite the strength and integrity of aluminum, can bend or even break with enough time and use. Reinforcing these rungs can be done cheaply and quickly, and the additional strength can add many years to the life of your ladder.

Conventional aluminum ladders can be folded for storage or opened for use. Referring to FIG. 11, it can be seen that a conventional aluminum ladder can be propped open at a certain angle only, that is, the ladder is only adapted for one fixed working condition. Therefore the shape of the ladder can not be changed and so in practice has limited usage. It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a joint for foldable aluminum ladders which can be easily folded in several different shapes, so that the ladder will be more practical to use.

Verify that your ladder has hollow rungs. Most aluminum step ladder do, and the ends of the rungs are left open on both sides of the ladder. A few models may have rubber or plastic plugs filling these holes. If yours does, remove them.Measure the diameter of the holes and write that figure down. Then measure the length of the rungs and write that figure down, too.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompany drawings.

Purchase wooden dowels that are approximately the same diameter as the rungs and at least as long as the rungs. Buy one dowel for each rung. If you can't find a diameter that is just right but you can find one that is slightly larger and another that is slightly smaller, go with the smaller one.
Measure each dowel and mark them at the same length as the rungs. Use a hand saw to cut each dowel down to size.

Use the rubber mallet to tamp the remaining dowels into each of the remaining holes. When they're all filled, each rung will be far stronger than before and the added weight will be trivial.
Lay the Ladder Manufacturer on its side on a flat, sturdy surface or on the ground. Position it so that a side of the ladder with open ends on the rungs is facing up. Stick a cut dowel into one of the rung holes and gently tamp it into place with a rubber mallet.

A Aluminum Ramp attached to and used for the loading and unloading of goods from a vehicle, typically a truck. When not in use, the ramp folds compactly and is latched in an upright position at the rear of the vehicle. The ramp may be unfolded and extended in order to transport goods to and from the vehicle. As used, the ramp also may be latched in a half-ramp arrangement to serve as a bridge or dock plate. In the half-ramp arrangement, the ramp is folded to form two legs of a three-dimensional triangular structure, so that one portion of the ramp supports the other and allows it to bear weight.

When you have a health condition that requires use of a wheelchair, you quickly find which establishments have ADA compliance and which do not. When you get in or out of your home, car, or van a portable wheelchair ramp is a handy thing to have around. Here is what you need to consider when purchasing a portable wheelchair ramp.
 Ramps according to the present invention are lightweight, sturdy, and durable and can be folded and positioned vertically on the rear of a truck. Such a woking ramp can be mounted to brackets attached to the exterior of the truck and folded compactly so that the ramp does not extend above the vehicle or beyond the truck's rear bumper. Latching means help prevent the ramp from moving while the truck is in motion. By attaching the ramp to the vehicle's exterior rather than placing it inside the bed or cargo space, the volume of that area is made available for storing and transporting goods.

Ramps of the present invention additionally can be pivoted and latched in a triangular "half- ramp" arrangement. A second section of the ramp supports a first section in order to allow the first to bear weight according to this arrangement. In this manner the ramp may serve as a dock plate bridging the distance between the truck and a loading dock. The triangular truss structure of the half- ramp arrangement allows the lightweight ramp to be able to absorb large downward forces as might occur when heavy goods are being loaded or unloaded.

Determine the situations for which you need the ramp. If you need the wheelchair ramp to access your house, select a non-folding more ridged type, while a ramp for the van requires a more portable type for easy transport. You also need to consider the change in elevation since some ramps are better than others for steep elevation changes.
Consider your options. You want a aluminum ramp manufacturer that is light and easy to move, but also ridged enough to hold up for safe operation. Aluminum is a great choice, but the cost is significantly more for this material.

 Ramps of the present invention also can be stowed or deployed quickly and easily by one person. Spring cylinders damp the movement of the ramps as they are folded or unfolded for better control. One person may stand either behind or to the side of such a ramp, grasp one or more handles attached to it, and merely pull up or down on the ramp to fold or unfold it.

Ramps of the present invention may include rollers or simply flat surfaces as load-bearing surfaces. Alternatively they may include rows of skate wheel conveyor rollers, each supported by a single axle spanning the width of the ramp. The skate wheel structure also may include a support brace in order to prevent the skate wheel axles from bending under heavy loads.

Aluminum Ramps of the present invention can be mounted so that their height is adjustable and so that they can be quickly and easily removed. They also may slide laterally along the rear bumper of the truck for rapid positioning in the optimal location for a particular loading or unloading operation.

Set a budget. Expect to pay anywhere from 25 dollars for a simple threshold ramp to over $600 for an aluminum ramp with handrails.
Shop medical supply houses both in person and online. While it might be easy to surf the Internet for a new portable wheelchair ramp, visit the local medical supply house as well. The great deal you find at an Internet medical supply house might not be such a great deal when you include shipping charges.
Ask suppliers about a trial period and return policy. Manufacturers design portable wheelchair ramps to work in all sorts of situations. If you purchase one and it turns out you cannot use it in the places you need, you don't want to be stuck with it.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight, sturdy, and durable ramp which can be stored easily and compactly.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a aluminum ramp 6001b3s which can be latched in a triangular half- ramp arrangement to serve as a lightweight but sturdy dock plate between a truck and a loading dock.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a ramp which includes spring cylinders for damping movement of the ramp as it is being raised or lowered, thereby allowing one person to position the ramp without difficulty.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ramp with skate wheel conveyor rollers in order to facilitate the movement of the cargo along it and to provide a support brace to help prevent the skate wheel axles from deforming under the weight of the goods being loaded or unloaded.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a aluminum ramp 6002b3s  whose height can be adjusted in relation to the height of the truck bed or the height of a dock.

It is yet an additional object to provide a ramp which can be removed from a truck bumper quickly and easily and may slide laterally along the bumper.

The invention relates to an Aluminum step ladder with ladder legs and a ladder top or platform, foldably connected to the ladder legs and arranged to receive certain tools. The step ladder can be opened into an A-frame state in which it is free standing. The ladder top is molded from a hardenable flowable material such as a curable polymer forming a rigid shape. The ladder top generally comprises an inverted cup shape having a flat central web serving as the platform for placing articles such as tools, paint brushes, containers of paint and so on. The web has a periphery formed with mined-down flanges and an underside formed with ribs that extend between and interconnect the flanges, wherein the flanges and ribs coact to stiffen and/or strengthen the ladder top. The top side of the web has a pair of protruding eye-loops that are spaced and arranged for removably receiving a pair of hooks on a roller pan such that the pan can be cantilevered over the edge of the platform, away from the step side of the ladder.

When it comes time to access those hard-to-reach cabinets in your kitchen that are way above the refrigerator, unless you're extremely tall you'll need a step ladder. Aluminum step ladders are a convenient tool to have to enable you to reach items that would otherwise be out of reach.
 Step ladders are popular in residential and commercial environments to enable users to reach higher on walls, ceilings or the like, for various chores and activities. When not in use, step ladders are folded up or collapsed, to be stored in a closet, hung on a wall hook or the like. Step ladders have pivotable structures connecting the ladder legs for movement between the collapsed flat storage position and an A-frame use position, with means provided to limit opening of the legs to a predetermined angle. Advantageously, the pivoting structure includes a platform or ladder top, which provides a surface on which items can be rested. Ladder tops are arranged with sufficient strength to withstand loads induced by a user standing on a step of the ladder during use. Although not preferred for reasons of stability and safety, the ladder top is typically strong enough that a person can stand on top of it as well. A household step ladders , including its ladder top, should be durable and strong to remain stable over a long useful life, but also must be economical.

Ladder tops can include auxiliary features that supplement the basic function of pivotably connecting the ladder legs and forming a platform or top-most step. For example, ladder tops are known with formed holes for receiving and holding the shafts or handles of screwdrivers, hammers, paint brushes and so on.

Various materials can be used for ladder legs, steps and tops. It is known to fabricate ladder tops in a molding process from flowable material that hardens in a relatively rigid shape, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic curable resin, for obtaining a molded ladder top. Molded ladder tops have various advantages over other ladder tops, such as ladder tops stamped from aluminum or made of wood. Polymer material is very inexpensive. It is easily formed to shape, including integrally formed flanges, surface features, tool storage apertures and other aspects that are useful in a ladder top. A polymer ladder top can be made as strong or stronger than stamped a metal one, is comparably light in weight, and is less expensive to manufacture than a stamped and folded sheet metal top. One way to achieve comparable strength is to provide the polymer ladder top with stiffening and/or strengthening elements, such as flanges and ribs, that are less prominent in metal stamped ladder tops.

To buy a step ladder:
1.Know how you're going to use the Household ladder . They come in small two-step ladder sizes that are usually used indoors, to the larger 8-foot step ladder that work well when hanging seasonal decorations or doing home maintenance.
2.Determine where you're going to store the step ladder to make sure you buy one you can readily store. If you frequently need to use your step ladder to access common household items located on upper shelves in your kitchen, then storage isn't a problem. However, if you live in a small apartment and will have to store the step ladder, you have to take that into consideration before you buy it.
3.Calculate how much weight the ladder should hold. If you're going to be using your step ladder to put away heavy materials, keep in mind that your weight coupled with the material is the total amount that your latter has to withstand.
4.Decide whether you want an aluminum step ladder or a FRP ladder . Aluminum is lightweight, but it can bend or corrode, and shouldn't be used for electrical jobs. Fiberglass is heavier and doesn't act as an electrical conduit.

A polymer ladder top, for example, typically has an overall shape of an inverted-cup, including a central web with a rectangular periphery and depending flanges at the periphery, the flanges being smoothly joined to define a continuous generally-rectangular shape in plan view. Additionally, the typical polymer ladder top includes ribs formed on an underneath side of the web, extending between and intersecting the flanges at oblique angles to further stiffen and/or strengthen the ladder top.

A stamped metal ladder top also typically has peripheral flanges, bent downwardly from a flat sheet and lapped at the corners for attachment with rivets. The flanges of the typical polymer ladder top are relatively larger than stamped metal ones, more particularly being relatively longer-extending and/or thicker than their sheet metal counterparts. The ends of metal flanges can be rolled or folded back to avoid sharp edges, but otherwise strengthening ribs are not employed in metal stamped ladder tops, particularly under the flat central web part of the ladder top.
household step ladders are often used for painting, and can have a pivotable shelf below the ladder top for supporting a paint can. Advantageously, the ladder top and/or the shelf is dimensioned such that a paint roller tray can be secured thereto by the hooks provided on the tray. The hooks of a typical roller tray are provided on the underside of the tray at the higher edge of a sloping end of the tray, for example extending downwardly to a plane common with the bottom of the tray on an opposite, deep end, where the hooks are bent to a right angle. The hooks function as feet when the tray is rested on a flat surface or as hooks when the tray is cantilevered from the edge of a shelf or other surface by grasping the bent ends of the hooks around the underside of the shelf or the like.

Paint roller trays can have two sets of tabs at different vertical positions, one for engaging under the edge of a short thin shelf (e.g., 0.75 inch or 2 cm) and the other for resting vertically on a horizontal surface. It may be convenient depending on the vertical level at which one is painting, to use a paint roller engaged on the pivoting shelf of a step ladder. In situations where the user is higher on the ladder, however, bending over to the shelf to coat the paint roller is not convenient. It is more comfortable in that case to have the roller tray mounted higher as well, namely on the top of the ladder.

The objects are further accomplished by a step ladder having a front step section and a rear prop section, the rear prop section being movably attached to a top portion of the step ladder adjacent to the front step section, a step ladder stabilizer , attached to the front step section and extending between the front step section and the rear prop section to provide stabilization, comprising a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting to the front step section of the step ladder, the channel having an opening running the length of the channel, a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along the opening of the channel and be locked at a preferred position, a first leg attached to a first side of the slide lock bracket, the first leg extending downward away from the channel,

a second leg attached to a second side of the slide lock bracket, the second leg extending downward away from the channel, a spreader bar attached between the first leg and the second leg, a first arm having a first end attached to the first leg and a second end adapted to attach to the front section of the step ladder, and a second arm having a first end attached to the second leg and a second end adapted to attach to the front step section of the step ladder. The spreader bar comprises means for folding-up the spreader bar. The slide lock bracket comprises means for securing the slide lock bracket along the channel at the preferred position to stabilize the step ladder. The step ladder stabilizer closes-up against the front step portion of the step ladder when the slide lock bracket is raised along the channel.

The objects are further accomplished by an extension ladder stabilizers comprising a channel, capable of being attached to a side of a ladder, which comprises an opening on an outer side running the length of the channel, a slide lock bracket attached to the channel and adapted to slide along the opening of the channel and be locked at a preferred position, a hinged connecting plate attached to a lower portion of the slide lock bracket, having means for attaching a first section of the hinged connecting plate to the slide lock bracket, an extending leg having a first end attached to a second section of the hinged connecting plate enabling the leg to rotate about the attaching means, and a foldable arm having a first end attached to a lower end portion of the channel and a second end attached to a predetermined location on the extending leg. The slide lock bracket comprises a lever for securing the slide lock bracket along the channel at the preferred position for optimum stabilization of the ladder. The extending leg comprises an extension section which extends from the extending leg for stabilizing the ladder. The foldable arm comprises means for locking the arm into a fixed position for stabilizing the ladder. A U-shaped guard is positioned between a side of the ladder and the channel to protect the extending leg when closed and adjacent to the ladder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The objects are further accomplished by an extension ladder comprising a plurality of steps positioned between a first side and a second side of the ladder, each one of the plurality of steps having a first expansion insert placed into a first side of the ladder and into each of the plurality of steps and a second expansion insert placed into a second side of the ladder and into each of the plurality of steps, a first ladder stabilizer manufacturer attached to the first side of the extension ladder, a second ladder stabilizer attached to the second side of the extension ladder, the first ladder stabilizer and the second ladder stabilizer each comprising a channel attached to the side of the ladder having an opening on an outer side running the length of the channel, a slide lock bracket attached to the channel and adapted to slide along the opening of the channel or to be locked at a preferred position, a hinged connecting plate having a first section attached to a lower portion of the slide lock bracket,

an extending leg having a first end attached to a second section of the hinged connecting plate enabling a second end of the extending leg to be moved toward or away from the side of the ladder, and a foldable arm having a first end attached to a lower end of the channel and a second end attached to a predetermined location on the extending leg. The slide lock bracket comprises means for securing the slide lock bracket along the channel at the preferred position for optimum stabilization of the ladder. The extending leg comprises an extension section which extends from the extending leg for stabilizing the ladder. The foldable arm comprises means for locking the arm into a fixed position for stabilizing the ladder. A first U-shaped guard is positioned between a first side of the extension ladder and the channel of the first ladder stabilizer, and a second U-shaped guard is positioned between a second side of the ladder and the channel of the second ladder stabilizer .

The objects are further accomplished by a lever lock assembly comprising a lever having means on an end of a right angled portion of the lever for griping a first surface when the lever is in a closed position, a frame for mounting the lever lock assembly to a second surface, the frame having an opening for the end of the right angled portion of the lever to enter, means for securing the right angled lever within a center portion of the frame to enable the lever to rotate about the securing means with the right angled portion of the lever protruding through the opening in the frame when the lever is in the closed position, and a U-shaped spring, one end attached to the frame below a handle portion of the lever and the other end positioned against an underside of the handle portion of the lever. The griping means comprises a plurality of teeth on the end of a right angled portion of the lever. The U-shaped spring comprises a U-shaped leaf spring.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

 

 

from:freepatentsonline

Set the ladder at the proper angle by creating a right triangle with your body, as shown in the photo.
Make sure the feet of the ladder can’t slip backward. On soft ground, flip up the ladder shoes so the spurs poke into the ground. On decks, screw down a cleat.
Make sure the top of the ladder is resting on a flat surface and doesn’t slide or wobble when you put weight against When climbing the ladder grab onto the rungs of the Household ladder using a hand over hand method never letting go of one rung before before grabbing the next. Sliding your hands up the beam (side) of a ladder is unsafe because you may not have as secure a grasp as you would when using the rungs to climb with.

 Ladders are known to be unstable and often require the assistance of a second person for steadying the ladder when a first person has climbed the ladder. However, another person is not always available when a ladder has to be used. There have been many devices made for Ladder stabilizer , and yet they do not solve the problems of being adjustable to all site conditions, convenient to use, easily installed on the ladder, compromising the integrity of the ladder, interfering with the use of the ladder, retractable and out of the way for storage, and providing stabilization when one side of the ladder is close to a wall.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,054 issued to Clayton E. Larson in 1975 discloses a step ladder stabilized by channel members which are fixed on each side of the lowest rung of the ladder and have an extendable member. Braces are provided at the upper rungs to provide rigidity and resistance against sway. However, it is not adjustable to all site conditions and adds very little stabilization to the ladder.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,488 issued to John V. Stewart on Oct. 23, 1990 discloses a step ladder stabilizer for a step ladder comprising a brace hinged to a ladder rail and an arm hinged to the rail at a lower position trussing the brace. The stabilizers on each side of the ladder fold against the front of the ladder. However, this Ladder stabilizer is not adjustable to all site conditions and it interferes with the use of the ladder when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,222, issued to Francois Charbonneau on Feb. 9, 1999 discloses an extension ladder having a telescopic tube mounted to each side of the ladder's lower section and a lateral brace to support the telescopic tube extending away from each side of the ladder. However, the telescopic tubes bolt to the ladder which may compromise the integrity of the ladder, it is not easily installed on the ladder, and it is cumbersome and inconvenient to use. Also, it has removable pins and clips which are easily lost.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,147,231, issued to Douglas A. Chantler et al. on Apr. 3, 1979 discloses a ladder stabilizing device connected on the outer sides of the side pieces of the ladder. The device comprises outwardly extensible legs having an upper leg part connected to a slide plate on the side of the ladder which adjusts up and down. A lower leg support-extends from the side of the ladder near the bottom and extends out to the upper leg part at its lower end. The upper and lower leg parts lie flat against the side of the ladder for storage when the ladder is not in use. However, this device lifts the ladder legs off the surface which eliminates the stability which otherwise would be provided by these legs. Also, this device is cumbersome and inconvenient to use.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,477, issued to Robert Ralston on May 28, 1984 discloses an adjustable stabilizer device for an extension ladder with hollow rungs comprising two stabilizing elements, an upper bracket and a lower bracket. Each stabilizing element connects to an upper right angle bracket which connects to a side wall bracket. The stabilizing elements are connected to each other by rods which extend through the hollow rungs of the ladder and attach to the side wall brackets. When the ladder is not in use the stabilizer elements are retained flush against the sides of the ladder for storage. However, this device is not adjustable to all site condition, is cumbersome and inconvenient to use, and has removable pins and clips which can be easily lost.

A ladder rung is a step of a ladder. When most people think of the word ladder, a very specific image comes to mind, most likely of a Aluminum step ladder , known as a fixed ladder. This type consists of two long pieces of wood, metal or plastic on each side that are connected by a series of rungs, which can be of the same or different material. There are, however, many different styles of ladders, some of which are designed for more specific purposes, and others which are multi-purpose. The rungs of these ladders can also be unique in several different ways, mostly depending on the function and construction of the ladder.

A fixed ladder can be made of wood or lightweight metal, with each individual ladder rung consisting of the same material. The rungs are spaced an equal distance from one another, and they are typically anywhere from 10 inches (25.4 cm) to 12 inches (30.5 cm) apart, but can be more or less. Ladders with 12- inch-spaced rungs are not usually built in lengths that are divisible by 12, however, so the distance from the top and bottom rungs to the ends of the ladder will usually be different from one another, and will be shorter than the spaces between each ladder rung.

The shape of a ladder rung will vary from ladder to ladder. A cylinder is a common rung shape that is found on many ladders, both metal and wood. Because of its roundness, however, it may be difficult to stand in one place without proper shoes, so the function of ladder rungs with circular, or ovular, cross sections is mainly for climbing up and down. Metal circular rungs are often covered with a gritty, sandpaper-like finish for a better grip while standing on the ladder rung.

Household step ladders , or folding ladders, are more popular for use when someone wants to stand in one place. These are designed with hinges at the top and two or sometimes even three folding sides. A ladder rung on at least one side of a step ladder is usually designed with a flat top that is several inches in length for better support for a person standing on any rung. These rungs are flat so that it is just as easy for someone to do his or her necessary work while standing at any point on the ladder, and the rungs can be finished with slip-proof material to help prevent accidents.

A step ladder stabilizer for mounting behind the front step portion and having two adjusting legs which adjust as a slide lock moves vertically within a slot attached to the rear of the ladder steps. When not in use, the ladder stabilizer closes flush against the back of the ladder steps. An alternate embodiment includes a ladder stabilizer for an extension ladder comprising an extending leg and a stabilizer arm with the top of the extending leg attaching to a slide lock that slides along a channel mounted on the side of the ladder. Bolts passing through expansion inserts hold the channel onto each side of the ladder.

A folding ladder can be a handy tool to have around the home. When unfolded, a Aluminum step ladder makes it possible to access hard to reach places. When folded, it can be easily stored away and kept out of site. There are several things you should consider when purchasing a folding ladder.
Setting up an extension ladder at the correct angle is the key to working safely on the walls or roof of your house. Make it too steep and the ladder could tip over backward. Give it too much angle and it could bend or the bottom could slide out. This article shows the right way to set up a ladder.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A ladder stabilizer for a step ladder comprising: a channel having a slot along a side of said channel; means for attaching said channel to a front step portion of said step ladder; means attached to said channel for mounting a pair of legs wherein said legs extend or retract in accordance with the movement of said mounting means along said slot of said channel; means attached between said pair of legs for fixing said legs in a spaced-apart position and for releasing said legs to enable said pair of legs to be retracted adjacent to said channel; and means for securing each leg of said pair of legs to said front step portion of said step ladder.

2. The stabilizer as recited in claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises a slide lock bracket adapted to move along said slot of said channel.

3. The stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said legs securing means comprises a first arm attached between a first one of said pair of legs and said front step portion of said household step ladders , and a second arm attached between a second one of said pair of legs and said front step portion of said step ladder.

4. A stabilizer for a step ladder comprising: a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting said channel to a front step portion of said step ladder; a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along said channel and be locked at a preferred position; a first leg of said stabilizer attached to a first side of said sliding lock bracket, said first leg extending downward away from said channel; a second leg of said stabilizer attached to a second side of said sliding lock bracket, said second leg extending downward away from said channel; a spreader bar attached between said first leg and said second leg; a first arm of said stabilizer having a first end attached to said first leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step portion of said step ladder; and a second arm having a first end attached to said second leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step portion of said step ladder.

5. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said spreader bar comprises means for folding-up said spreader bar.

6. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said slide lock bracket comprises means for securing said slide lock bracket along said channel at said preferred position to stabilize said step ladder.

7. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein each of said first leg and said second leg comprises an extension leg which extends from said first leg and said second leg to stabilize said step ladder.

8. The step ladder as recited in claim 4 wherein said stabilizer closes-up against said channel when said slide lock bracket is raised along said channel.

9. In combination: a step ladder having a front step section and a rear prop section, said rear prop section being movably attached to a top portion of said step ladder adjacent to said front step section; a step ladder stabilizers , attached to said front step section and extending between said front step section and said rear prop section to provide stabilization, comprising: a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting to said front step section of said step ladder, said channel having an opening running the length of said channel; a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along said opening of said channel and be locked at a preferred position; a first leg attached to a first side of said slide lock bracket, said first leg extending downward away from said channel; a second leg attached to a second side of said slide lock bracket, said second leg extending downward away from said channel; a spreader bar attached between said first leg and said second leg; a first arm having a first end attached to said first leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front section of said step ladder; and a second arm having a first end attached to said second leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step section of said step ladder.

10. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said spreader bar comprises means for folding-up said spreader bar.

11. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said slide lock bracket comprises means for securing said slide lock bracket along said channel at said preferred position to stabilize said Aluminum step ladder .

12. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said step ladder stabilizer close-up against said front step portion of said step ladder when said slide lock bracket is raised along said channel.
13. A lever lock assembly comprising: a lever having means on an end of a right angled portion of said lever for griping a first surface when said lever is in a closed position; a frame for mounting said lever lock assembly to a second surface, said frame having an opening for said end of said right angled portion of said lever to enter; means for securing said right angled lever within a center portion of said frame to enable said lever to rotate about said securing means with said right angled portion of said lever protruding through said opening in said frame when said lever is in said closed position; and a U-shaped spring, one end attached to said frame below a handle portion of said lever and the other end positioned against an underside of said handle portion of said lever.

24. The lever lock assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said griping means comprises a plurality of teeth on said end of a right angled portion of said lever.

25. The lever lock assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said U-shaped spring comprises a U-shaped leaf spring.

A step ladder stabilizer for mounting behind the front step portion and having two adjusting legs which adjust as a slide lock moves vertically within a slot attached to the rear of the ladder steps. When not in use, the ladder stabilizer closes flush against the back of the ladder steps. An alternate embodiment includes a ladder stabilizer for an extension ladder comprising an extending leg and a stabilizer arm with the top of the extending leg attaching to a slide lock that slides along a channel mounted on the side of the ladder. Bolts passing through expansion inserts hold the channel onto each side of the ladder.

A folding ladder can be a handy tool to have around the home. When unfolded, a Aluminum step ladder makes it possible to access hard to reach places. When folded, it can be easily stored away and kept out of site. There are several things you should consider when purchasing a folding ladder.
Setting up an extension ladder at the correct angle is the key to working safely on the walls or roof of your house. Make it too steep and the ladder could tip over backward. Give it too much angle and it could bend or the bottom could slide out. This article shows the right way to set up a ladder.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A ladder stabilizer for a step ladder comprising: a channel having a slot along a side of said channel; means for attaching said channel to a front step portion of said step ladder; means attached to said channel for mounting a pair of legs wherein said legs extend or retract in accordance with the movement of said mounting means along said slot of said channel; means attached between said pair of legs for fixing said legs in a spaced-apart position and for releasing said legs to enable said pair of legs to be retracted adjacent to said channel; and means for securing each leg of said pair of legs to said front step portion of said step ladder.

2. The stabilizer as recited in claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises a slide lock bracket adapted to move along said slot of said channel.

3. The stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said legs securing means comprises a first arm attached between a first one of said pair of legs and said front step portion of said household step ladders , and a second arm attached between a second one of said pair of legs and said front step portion of said step ladder.

4. A stabilizer for a step ladder comprising: a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting said channel to a front step portion of said step ladder; a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along said channel and be locked at a preferred position; a first leg of said stabilizer attached to a first side of said sliding lock bracket, said first leg extending downward away from said channel; a second leg of said stabilizer attached to a second side of said sliding lock bracket, said second leg extending downward away from said channel; a spreader bar attached between said first leg and said second leg; a first arm of said stabilizer having a first end attached to said first leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step portion of said step ladder; and a second arm having a first end attached to said second leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step portion of said step ladder.

5. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said spreader bar comprises means for folding-up said spreader bar.

6. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said slide lock bracket comprises means for securing said slide lock bracket along said channel at said preferred position to stabilize said step ladder.

7. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein each of said first leg and said second leg comprises an extension leg which extends from said first leg and said second leg to stabilize said step ladder.

8. The step ladder as recited in claim 4 wherein said stabilizer closes-up against said channel when said slide lock bracket is raised along said channel.

9. In combination: a step ladder having a front step section and a rear prop section, said rear prop section being movably attached to a top portion of said step ladder adjacent to said front step section; a step ladder stabilizers , attached to said front step section and extending between said front step section and said rear prop section to provide stabilization, comprising: a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting to said front step section of said step ladder, said channel having an opening running the length of said channel; a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along said opening of said channel and be locked at a preferred position; a first leg attached to a first side of said slide lock bracket, said first leg extending downward away from said channel; a second leg attached to a second side of said slide lock bracket, said second leg extending downward away from said channel; a spreader bar attached between said first leg and said second leg; a first arm having a first end attached to said first leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front section of said step ladder; and a second arm having a first end attached to said second leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step section of said step ladder.

10. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said spreader bar comprises means for folding-up said spreader bar.

11. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said slide lock bracket comprises means for securing said slide lock bracket along said channel at said preferred position to stabilize said Aluminum step ladder .

12. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said step ladder stabilizer close-up against said front step portion of said step ladder when said slide lock bracket is raised along said channel.
13. A lever lock assembly comprising: a lever having means on an end of a right angled portion of said lever for griping a first surface when said lever is in a closed position; a frame for mounting said lever lock assembly to a second surface, said frame having an opening for said end of said right angled portion of said lever to enter; means for securing said right angled lever within a center portion of said frame to enable said lever to rotate about said securing means with said right angled portion of said lever protruding through said opening in said frame when said lever is in said closed position; and a U-shaped spring, one end attached to said frame below a handle portion of said lever and the other end positioned against an underside of said handle portion of said lever.

24. The lever lock assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said griping means comprises a plurality of teeth on said end of a right angled portion of said lever.

25. The lever lock assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said U-shaped spring comprises a U-shaped leaf spring.

A step ladder stabilizer for mounting behind the front step portion and having two adjusting legs which adjust as a slide lock moves vertically within a slot attached to the rear of the ladder steps. When not in use, the ladder stabilizer closes flush against the back of the ladder steps. An alternate embodiment includes a ladder stabilizer for an extension ladder comprising an extending leg and a stabilizer arm with the top of the extending leg attaching to a slide lock that slides along a channel mounted on the side of the ladder. Bolts passing through expansion inserts hold the channel onto each side of the ladder.

A folding ladder can be a handy tool to have around the home. When unfolded, a Aluminum step ladder makes it possible to access hard to reach places. When folded, it can be easily stored away and kept out of site. There are several things you should consider when purchasing a folding ladder.
Setting up an extension ladder at the correct angle is the key to working safely on the walls or roof of your house. Make it too steep and the ladder could tip over backward. Give it too much angle and it could bend or the bottom could slide out. This article shows the right way to set up a ladder.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A ladder stabilizer for a step ladder comprising: a channel having a slot along a side of said channel; means for attaching said channel to a front step portion of said step ladder; means attached to said channel for mounting a pair of legs wherein said legs extend or retract in accordance with the movement of said mounting means along said slot of said channel; means attached between said pair of legs for fixing said legs in a spaced-apart position and for releasing said legs to enable said pair of legs to be retracted adjacent to said channel; and means for securing each leg of said pair of legs to said front step portion of said step ladder.

2. The stabilizer as recited in claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises a slide lock bracket adapted to move along said slot of said channel.

3. The stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said legs securing means comprises a first arm attached between a first one of said pair of legs and said front step portion of said household step ladders , and a second arm attached between a second one of said pair of legs and said front step portion of said step ladder.

4. A stabilizer for a step ladder comprising: a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting said channel to a front step portion of said step ladder; a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along said channel and be locked at a preferred position; a first leg of said stabilizer attached to a first side of said sliding lock bracket, said first leg extending downward away from said channel; a second leg of said stabilizer attached to a second side of said sliding lock bracket, said second leg extending downward away from said channel; a spreader bar attached between said first leg and said second leg; a first arm of said stabilizer having a first end attached to said first leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step portion of said step ladder; and a second arm having a first end attached to said second leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step portion of said step ladder.

5. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said spreader bar comprises means for folding-up said spreader bar.

6. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein said slide lock bracket comprises means for securing said slide lock bracket along said channel at said preferred position to stabilize said step ladder.

7. The step ladder stabilizer as recited in claim 4 wherein each of said first leg and said second leg comprises an extension leg which extends from said first leg and said second leg to stabilize said step ladder.

8. The step ladder as recited in claim 4 wherein said stabilizer closes-up against said channel when said slide lock bracket is raised along said channel.

9. In combination: a step ladder having a front step section and a rear prop section, said rear prop section being movably attached to a top portion of said step ladder adjacent to said front step section; a step ladder stabilizers , attached to said front step section and extending between said front step section and said rear prop section to provide stabilization, comprising: a channel having an upper bracket and a lower bracket for mounting to said front step section of said step ladder, said channel having an opening running the length of said channel; a slide lock bracket adapted to slide along said opening of said channel and be locked at a preferred position; a first leg attached to a first side of said slide lock bracket, said first leg extending downward away from said channel; a second leg attached to a second side of said slide lock bracket, said second leg extending downward away from said channel; a spreader bar attached between said first leg and said second leg; a first arm having a first end attached to said first leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front section of said step ladder; and a second arm having a first end attached to said second leg and a second end adapted to attach to said front step section of said step ladder.

10. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said spreader bar comprises means for folding-up said spreader bar.

11. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said slide lock bracket comprises means for securing said slide lock bracket along said channel at said preferred position to stabilize said Aluminum step ladder .

12. The combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said step ladder stabilizer close-up against said front step portion of said step ladder when said slide lock bracket is raised along said channel.
13. A lever lock assembly comprising: a lever having means on an end of a right angled portion of said lever for griping a first surface when said lever is in a closed position; a frame for mounting said lever lock assembly to a second surface, said frame having an opening for said end of said right angled portion of said lever to enter; means for securing said right angled lever within a center portion of said frame to enable said lever to rotate about said securing means with said right angled portion of said lever protruding through said opening in said frame when said lever is in said closed position; and a U-shaped spring, one end attached to said frame below a handle portion of said lever and the other end positioned against an underside of said handle portion of said lever.

24. The lever lock assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said griping means comprises a plurality of teeth on said end of a right angled portion of said lever.

25. The lever lock assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said U-shaped spring comprises a U-shaped leaf spring.

For safety, a rigid ladder should be leaned at an angle of about fifteen degrees to the vertical. In other words, the distance from the foot of the ladder to the wall should be about one quarter of the height of the top of the ladder. At steeper angles, the ladder is at risk of toppling backwards when the climber leans away from it. At shallower angles, the ladder may lose its grip on the ground. Ladder stabilizers are available that increase the ladder's grip on the ground.

A ladder standoff, or stay, is a device fitted to the top of a ladder to hold it away from the wall. This enables the ladder to clear overhanging obstacles, such as the eaves of a roof, and increases the safe working height for a given length of ladder.

    * Rope ladders are used where storage space is extremely limited, weight must be kept to a minimum, or in instances where the object to be climbed is too curved to use a rigid ladder. They may have rigid or flexible rungs. Climbing a rope ladder requires more skill than climbing a rigid ladder, because the ladder tends to swing like a pendulum. Steel and Aluminum step ladder as sometimes used in vertical caving.

    * Dissipative ladders are portable ladders built to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) standard. Electrostatic Discharge is a natural occurrence in which electricity is passed through our body, or other conductor, and discharges onto some object. For example, the shock we feel when we touch a doorknob is an ESD. This natural occurrence is becoming a very hot topic in the field of electronics assembly due to the costly damage ESDs can cause to sensitive electronic equipment. Dissipative ladders are ladders with controlled electric resistance: the resistance slows the transfer of charge from one point to another, offering increased protection during ESD events: ≥105 and < 1012 Ω / square ([e.g.])

 

 

 

 

 

    * Pool ladders. A ladder is also used on the side of a boat, to climb into it from the water, and in a swimming pool. Swimming pool ladders are usually made from Aluminum step ladders with special grip and metal bars on the sides to support the steps and as handrails for the user.
    * Assault ladders. These are designed to be used by units which may need to board or assault vessels or buildings. They can be used when a full sized ladder is not required or when working in confined spaces. Suited for covert operations such as sniper placement, and vessel boardings. It was developed and designed for tubular assaults including buses and trains and for first story breaching. Its extra wide design gives the user greater stability, but still can fold away to be stored. It is available in standard aluminum or non-reflective black finish in 6 and 8 foot lengths.

Ladders are ancient tools and technology. A ladder is depicted in a Mesolithic rock painting that is at least 10,000 years old, depicted in a cave in Valencia, Spain. Bee Wilson (2004: p.5) references the rock painting which shows two naked humans carrying baskets or bags that are employing a long wobbly ladder, which appears to be made out of some kind of grass, to reach a wild honeybee nest to harvest honey. Modern ladders are believed to have been conceived by Hebrews and Egyptians.

 

 

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