A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

The present invention relates to a storage assembly for storing a foldable ladder within a structure. The assembly includes a first protrusion connectable to first rails of the ladder. The assembly includes a second protrusion connectable to second rails of the ladder. Each of the protrusions includes an enlarged distal end portion. The assembly includes a linear guide track connectable to the structure and to which the distal end portions of the protrusions are slidably received and retained when the ladder is in a folded position. The ladder couples to the structure thereby.

The present invention relates to a storage assembly for storing a foldable ladder within a structure. The assembly includes a first protrusion connectable to first rails of the ladder. The assembly includes a second protrusion connectable to second rails of the ladder. Each of the protrusions includes an enlarged distal end portion. The assembly includes a linear guide track connectable to the structure and to which the distal end portions of the protrusions are slidably received and retained when the ladder is in a folded position. The ladder couples to the structure thereby.

A portable ladder system pivotally mounted to a ladder support member that is configured to be removably secured to the edge of the bed of a truck trailer. The portable ladder system can be mounted to multiple locations along the edge of a bed and does not need to be mounted to a traditionally constructed stake pocket. The portable ladder system can be quickly and easily attached in a locked fashion and detached from the bed without the use of tools.

A portable ladder system pivotally mounted to a ladder support member that is configured to be removably secured to the edge of the bed of a truck trailer. The portable ladder system can be mounted to multiple locations along the edge of a bed and does not need to be mounted to a traditionally constructed stake pocket. The portable ladder system can be quickly and easily attached in a locked fashion and detached from the bed without the use of tools.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

An apparatus is disclosed that comprises a hitch connector including a first end portion configured to be removably attached to a vehicle hitch, and a second end portion, and a ladder support including a central portion, an extension portion attached to the second end portion of the hitch connector, and first and second arms extending outwardly from the central portion. The first arm has an outer end portion with a first sleeve-shaped ladder bracket formed thereon, and the second arm has an outer end portion with a second sleeve-shaped ladder bracket formed thereon. The first and second ladder brackets are configured to receive lower leg portions of a ladder to position the ladder to extend upwardly and rearwardly at an angle in the range of 6 degrees to 13 degrees relative to a vertical plane when the hitch connector is attached to a vehicle hitch. In embodiments, the apparatus is configured to support a load of at least 300 pounds. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

An apparatus is disclosed that comprises a hitch connector including a first end portion configured to be removably attached to a vehicle hitch, and a second end portion, and a ladder support including a central portion, an extension portion attached to the second end portion of the hitch connector, and first and second arms extending outwardly from the central portion. The first arm has an outer end portion with a first sleeve-shaped ladder bracket formed thereon, and the second arm has an outer end portion with a second sleeve-shaped ladder bracket formed thereon. The first and second ladder brackets are configured to receive lower leg portions of a ladder to position the ladder to extend upwardly and rearwardly at an angle in the range of 6 degrees to 13 degrees relative to a vertical plane when the hitch connector is attached to a vehicle hitch. In embodiments, the apparatus is configured to support a load of at least 300 pounds. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

A ladder latching device for a tilting ladder rack includes an inner extrusion for clamping to the load supporting member of the ladder rack. An outer extrusion is slidably mounted on the inner extrusion. The outer extrusion carries a treadle and ladder rung engaging stop. Between the two extrusions are a toothed rack and a gas spring. The outer extrusion carries a pivotable, spring-biased lever having a tooth for selectively engaging the toothed rack for releasably locking the stop at a desired location relative to a rung of a ladder being unloaded as the outer extrusion is made to slide by applying foot pressure on the treadle. Thus, a ladder may be lowered along the load supporting member until the ladder's feet engage the ground as the stop disengages from its place on a ladder rung.

A ladder latching device for a tilting ladder rack includes an inner extrusion for clamping to the load supporting member of the ladder rack. An outer extrusion is slidably mounted on the inner extrusion. The outer extrusion carries a treadle and ladder rung engaging stop. Between the two extrusions are a toothed rack and a gas spring. The outer extrusion carries a pivotable, spring-biased lever having a tooth for selectively engaging the toothed rack for releasably locking the stop at a desired location relative to a rung of a ladder being unloaded as the outer extrusion is made to slide by applying foot pressure on the treadle. Thus, a ladder may be lowered along the load supporting member until the ladder's feet engage the ground as the stop disengages from its place on a ladder rung.