A collapsible ladder that collapse not only the rails but also the steps, as well as the top caps, so that the ladder may be erected and then collapsed flat, saving storage space.

The ladder has a pair of right siderails rotatably connected to a pair of left siderails. The right top cap and the right steps are rotatably attached in between the pair of right siderails. The right top cap and the right steps are also rotatably attached in between the pair of right linking rails. Likewise, the ladder also has a pair of left siderails rotatably connected to a pair of left siderails. The left top cap and the left steps are rotatably attached in between the pair of left siderails. The left top cap and the left steps are also rotatably attached in between the pair of left linking rails.

Because the siderails, the steps, the linking rials are all rotatably attached to form the ladder, the ladder may be open and erected and also may be folded and collapsed to save space for storage and for carrying.

A ladder may include a first pair of spaced apart members, a second pair of spaced apart members and a first pair of hinges coupling the first pair of spaced apart members with the second pair of spaced apart members. In some embodiments, each hinge may include a first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, a second hinge component including at least a second hinge plate, and a lock mechanism having a pivot pin and a lock pin. The lock mechanism is configured for selective engagement with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the lock pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.

A ladder may include a first pair of spaced apart members, a second pair of spaced apart members and a first pair of hinges coupling the first pair of spaced apart members with the second pair of spaced apart members. In some embodiments, each hinge may include a first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, a second hinge component including at least a second hinge plate, and a lock mechanism having a pivot pin and a lock pin. The lock mechanism is configured for selective engagement with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the lock pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.

A ladder selectively allows or prevents user access to the ladder steps, such that the ladder can only be climbed when such access is allowed. For example, the ladder may only selectively allow ingress into a bathing enclosure, e.g., when operated by an adult, but always allows egress from the bathing enclosure by any user. The ladder includes one or more safety blocks moveable between a safety configuration, in which ingress is prevented or inhibited, and a ladder configuration, in which ingress and egress is permitted.

A ladder selectively allows or prevents user access to the ladder steps, such that the ladder can only be climbed when such access is allowed. For example, the ladder may only selectively allow ingress into a bathing enclosure, e.g., when operated by an adult, but always allows egress from the bathing enclosure by any user. The ladder includes one or more safety blocks moveable between a safety configuration, in which ingress is prevented or inhibited, and a ladder configuration, in which ingress and egress is permitted.

A step stool having a platform having a length at least 1.5 times a length of a first step. The platform rotatably attached to a first front leg and a second front leg above the first step. The first step having a perimeter having a first side which extends down from a top of the first step. The first step having a first boss that extends outward from the first side through which a first fastener extends to attach the first front leg to the first step. The first step having a rib which extends outwards from the first side adjacent the first boss and in alignment with the first front leg when the first and second front legs and first and second rear legs are in an open position where they form a generally upside down V shape. The rib providing support to the first front leg when a cantilever type force is applied to the stepladder. A method for using a step stool.

A step stool having a platform having a length at least 1.5 times a length of a first step. The platform rotatably attached to a first front leg and a second front leg above the first step. The first step having a perimeter having a first side which extends down from a top of the first step. The first step having a first boss that extends outward from the first side through which a first fastener extends to attach the first front leg to the first step. The first step having a rib which extends outwards from the first side adjacent the first boss and in alignment with the first front leg when the first and second front legs and first and second rear legs are in an open position where they form a generally upside down V shape. The rib providing support to the first front leg when a cantilever type force is applied to the stepladder. A method for using a step stool.

A configurable step assistant is provided that includes a first portion configured to be attached to a structure, a second portion pivotally connected to the first portion, the second portion being moveable between a first position and a second position with respect to the first portion, a third portion pivotally connected to the second portion, the third portion being moveable between a first position and a second position with respect to the second portion, wherein, when the second portion is in the second position and the third portion is in the second position, the second portion defines a step for accommodating a user. An associated method is also provided.

A ladder may include a first pair of spaced apart members, a second pair of spaced apart members and a first pair of hinges coupling the first pair of spaced apart members with the second pair of spaced apart members. In some embodiments, each hinge may include a first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, a second hinge component including at least a second hinge plate, and a lock mechanism having a pivot pin and a lock pin. The lock mechanism is configured for selective engagement with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the lock pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.

A ladder may include a first pair of spaced apart members, a second pair of spaced apart members and a first pair of hinges coupling the first pair of spaced apart members with the second pair of spaced apart members. In some embodiments, each hinge may include a first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, a second hinge component including at least a second hinge plate, and a lock mechanism having a pivot pin and a lock pin. The lock mechanism is configured for selective engagement with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the lock pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.