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 lighted safety ladder includes two rails and a plurality of rib members connected to the two rails. A platform may be provided at one end of the ladder and is located above an uppermost one of the plurality of ribs. A light source is provided on one or both of the rails; one or more of the plurality of rib members; and one the platform. The light source may be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) strip that is installed in a slot defined in the rails, the rib members or the platform or that is adhered or otherwise secured to the surface of the rail, rib member or platform. The light source provides illumination to the rails, rib members and/or platform so that an operator may better see these components in low lighting conditions.

A ladder having a first rail and a second rail. The ladder having a standard rung having a width permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a first wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a second wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The first wide rung and the second wide rung are disposed in a work zone of the ladder. The work zone of the ladder is where a user typically stands on the ladder while performing tasks. The standard rung is disposed outside the work zone. A wide rung. A method for using a ladder. A method for producing a ladder.

A cover for a step may include a pad placed upon the underside of the cover. The cover may affix to the beck end of the step via one or more fasteners directed along damps rotatably mounted to a back end of the cover. A catch may be employed which is permanently mounted to the back end of the step to catch an end of the cover. The catch may include a hinged cover to allow for temporary emplacement of the cover and may include a recess to capture a rod and a hinged cover to securing the rod. Temporary hook-and-loop fastener strip may be used to affix the front end of the cover over the step.

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 having a first rail and a second rail. The ladder having a standard rung having a width permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a first wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a second wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The first wide rung and the second wide rung are disposed in a work zone of the ladder. The work zone of the ladder is where a user typically stands on the ladder while performing tasks. The standard rung is disposed outside the work zone.

An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.

A loading apparatus is provided that includes a set of stairs, a platform, and a handle. The stairs are attached to the platform and the platform has a locking mechanism. The handle has a first end that is pivotally attached to the set of stairs and the locking mechanism is capable of engaging the handle.

An access ladder assembly for a machine includes a fixed section, a movable section, a biasing member, a locking member, and a release assembly. The fixed section includes a pair of guide members and a fixed step. The movable section is mounted on and is movable along the fixed section between extended and retracted positions. The movable section includes a pair of sidewalls, and at least one horizontal step and is biased towards the retracted position by the biasing member. The locking member locks the movable member at the extended position. The release assembly operates to release the locking member. A manually engagable actuator of the release assembly may be disposed adjacent the fixed step. The movable section may include rails that slide within a hollow portions of the guide members as the movable section moves between the extended and retracted positions.

A ladder having a first rail and a second rail. The ladder having a standard rung having a width permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a first wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a second wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to tile first rail and the second rail. The first wide rung and the second wide rung are disposed in a work zone of the ladder. The work zone of the ladder is where a user typically stands on the ladder while performing tasks. The standard rung is disposed outside the work zone. A wide rung. A method for using a ladder. A method for producing a ladder.