Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including embodiments of a hinge that may be used in a combination ladder. In one embodiment, a hinge mechanism includes a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly. The first and second hinge assemblies are coupled together for relative rotation about a defined axis. An adjustment mechanism enables the two hinge assemblies to be selectively locked or unlocked to prohibit or permit relative rotation, respectively. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a lock plate displaceable along a first axis and a retainer displaceable along a second axis. The retainer is configured to hold the lock plate in a disengaged state until a release structure displaces the retainer away from the lock plate. The release structure may be configured to be actuated and displace the retainer upon relative rotation of the hinge assemblies to (or through) a predetermined angular configuration.

Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including embodiments of a hinge that may be used in a combination ladder. In one embodiment, a hinge mechanism includes a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly. The first and second hinge assemblies are coupled together for relative rotation about a defined axis. An adjustment mechanism enables the two hinge assemblies to be selectively locked or unlocked to prohibit or permit relative rotation, respectively. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a lock plate displaceable along a first axis and a retainer displaceable along a second axis. The retainer is configured to hold the lock plate in a disengaged state until a release structure displaces the retainer away from the lock plate. The release structure may be configured to be actuated and displace the retainer upon relative rotation of the hinge assemblies to (or through) a predetermined angular configuration.

Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.

Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.

A telescopically extendable and collapsible ladder assembly includes a top ladder section, a bottom ladder section, and one or more intermediate ladder sections. The assembly may include sliding automatic release actuators, having a slanted actuating surface for interaction with actuator surfaces of spacers provided at each end of a rung of an adjacent ladder section, such that, when a rung is moved towards the rung of an adjacent lower ladder section, the activation surfaces of the spacers push the release actuators into an unlocking position and subsequently position the rung at an anti-finger pinching distance. The top rung of the bottom ladder section may be provided with a centrally arranged grip element that forms a housing for manually operable release actuators provided at the bottom side of the rung.

A telescopically extendable and collapsible ladder assembly includes a top ladder section, a bottom ladder section, and one or more intermediate ladder sections. The assembly may include sliding automatic release actuators, having a slanted actuating surface for interaction with actuator surfaces of spacers provided at each end of a rung of an adjacent ladder section, such that, when a rung is moved towards the rung of an adjacent lower ladder section, the activation surfaces of the spacers push the release actuators into an unlocking position and subsequently position the rung at an anti-finger pinching distance. The top rung of the bottom ladder section may be provided with a centrally arranged grip element that forms a housing for manually operable release actuators provided at the bottom side of the rung.

An apparatus and method of use for a ladder support for use with a ladder, with the ladder support for use between an upper roof and a lower roof with a gutter, wherein the ladder supported is between the lower and upper roofs. The ladder support includes an extension strut that has a channel shaped structure on one end, wherein the channel is operative to receive a ladder rung, with the other end of the extension strut having an angle beam with a primary leg portion and a secondary leg portion, the primary leg portion is attached to the extension strut. Wherein the secondary leg portion is operative to be disposed within the gutter, wherein operationally the ladder support helps to secure the ladder upon the lower roof as the ladder is leaning against the upper roof making the ladder more secure between the lower and upper roofs.

A brace for use with a step ladder has a platform that resists shear forces and two runners. The runners are one located opposed sides of the platform and configured to fit over the unfolded struts of a step ladder. In use, a brace as described above is placed with its runners fitting over, and resting on, the struts of a step ladder. The brace stabilizes the ladder, helps prevent injury to the struts if the ladder falls over and may also force distorted struts into a better alignment. Optionally, the platform may also provide one or more surfaces for supporting tools, for example by way of a sliding shelf. Optionally, a separate tool shelf may be attached at the top of a step ladder.

A stretchable ladder has two stretchable ladder racks, the top of the two stretchable ladder racks are pivoted together to a herringbone structure that can be open and closed, the stretchable ladder rack comprises an inner ladder rack and an outer ladder rack connecting together in stretching way, the inner ladder rack comprises two inner legs and an inner cross beam connecting the two inner legs, the outer ladder rack comprises two outer legs and an outer cross beam connecting the two outer legs, the inner leg is slidably connected to the outer leg, wherein the cross section of the inner leg and the outer leg is closed hollow tube shaped; two outer legs are respectively disposed at the outer side of the two inner legs, the inner cross beam of the inner ladder rack is disposed between the two outer legs of the outer ladder rack.

A stretchable ladder has two stretchable ladder racks, the top of the two stretchable ladder racks are pivoted together to a herringbone structure that can be open and closed, the stretchable ladder rack comprises an inner ladder rack and an outer ladder rack connecting together in stretching way, the inner ladder rack comprises two inner legs and an inner cross beam connecting the two inner legs, the outer ladder rack comprises two outer legs and an outer cross beam connecting the two outer legs, the inner leg is slidably connected to the outer leg, wherein the cross section of the inner leg and the outer leg is closed hollow tube shaped; two outer legs are respectively disposed at the outer side of the two inner legs, the inner cross beam of the inner ladder rack is disposed between the two outer legs of the outer ladder rack.