Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

A ladder includes a ladder stabilization apparatus which includes implements for providing sideways support, front-back support, and a bridge to rest the ladder on a structure to be climbed, such that the ladder is stable when a user climbs the ladder facing away from the structure, and the bridge allows the user to climb out of the ladder on to the structure through the bridge. The bridge also allows the user to climb on to the ladder facing from the structure, facing away from the structure, while the ladder is stable when the user climbs down while acing away from the structure.

Provided is ladder having an extension leg movable longitudinally in first and second directions opposite one another, and a stabilizer arm pivotably coupled to and movable with the extension leg. The stabilizer arm is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the first and second directions such that the stabilizer arm is rotated relative to the extension leg to contact a surface to stabilize the ladder in a sideways direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Provided is ladder having an extension leg movable longitudinally in first and second directions opposite one another, and a stabilizer arm pivotably coupled to and movable with the extension leg. The stabilizer arm is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the first and second directions such that the stabilizer arm is rotated relative to the extension leg to contact a surface to stabilize the ladder in a sideways direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

An extension ladder having a base section and a fly section. The fly section has a right local reinforcement disposed inside a right fly rail of the fly section at locations of highest bending moment of the right fly rail when a force is applied to the right fly rail. The right local reinforcement is shorter than a length of the right fly rail. Loads applied to the right fly rail are transmitted to the right local reinforcement so the right fly rail may be thinner than if there was no right local reinforcement present. A method for producing a ladder rail with a local reinforcement between a top rail flange and a bottom rail flange. A method for using an extension ladder.

An extension ladder having a base section and a fly section. The fly section has a right local reinforcement disposed inside a right fly rail of the fly section at locations of highest bending moment of the right fly rail when a force is applied to the right fly rail. The right local reinforcement is shorter than a length of the right fly rail. Loads applied to the right fly rail are transmitted to the right local reinforcement so the right fly rail may be thinner than if there was no right local reinforcement present. A method for producing a ladder rail with a local reinforcement between a top rail flange and a bottom rail flange. A method for using an extension ladder.

Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

Ladder components, such as braces, as well as ladders and methods of manufacturing ladders are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder brace is provided which extends between a rail and a cross member (e.g., a rung or a cross-brace). The ladder brace may include a first connecting portion associated with the rail, a second connecting portion associated with the cross member, and a strut portion extending between the first and second connecting portions. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured to completely encircle its associated component (e.g., either the rail or the cross member, respectively).

A materials handling system (10) comprising a first (60) and second ladder (70) section connectable together to form a longer ladder, a tensioning system (100) attached to each section for tensioning the connected ladder sections, and a trolley (110) arranged to travel along the connected ladder sections, wherein the system includes a cable (158) and pulley for moving the trolley along the connected ladder sections.