A locking mechanism for a ladder tray is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes two locking points on the frame or handle of the ladder while allowing single-handed operation.

A locking mechanism for a ladder tray is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes two locking points on the frame or handle of the ladder while allowing single-handed operation.

A vertically orientated ladder apparatus allowing a climber to adopt an improved climbing stance wherein the climber's arms are poised economically in front of the climber within the climbing passage; the climber's legs are spread for the lateral stability of the climber so as to reduce the tendency of the climber falling sideways; and the climber is substantially upright such that the climber's centre of gravity lies substantially between the opposing steps (11) so as to allow the climber to release the climber's grip on the hand rails (14) while remaining balanced and supported by the legs of the climber. Opposing steps (11) are level or staggered. Embodiments include three or four stiles (12, 15).

A hybrid stepladder having two platforms upon which a user can stand, and at least one step where a length of each platform is at least double a length of the step. A method for climbing.

A ladder comprises a front leg and a rear leg connected by a slider bracket. The slider bracket comprises a base and a track. The base comprises an aperture therein. The track extends away from the base and comprises a slot therein. The base is rotatably coupled to the front leg by a front pin in the aperture. The track is slidably coupled to the rear leg by a rear pin in the slot. When spreading the rear leg away from the front leg, the base pivots around the front pin as the rear pin slides in the slot of the track until the rear pin reaches the end of the slot in the track. The slot also may include a latch at the end of the slot that engages the rear pin.

A ladder comprises a front leg and a rear leg connected by a slider bracket. The slider bracket comprises a base and a track. The base comprises an aperture therein. The track extends away from the base and comprises a slot therein. The base is rotatably coupled to the front leg by a front pin in the aperture. The track is slidably coupled to the rear leg by a rear pin in the slot. When spreading the rear leg away from the front leg, the base pivots around the front pin as the rear pin slides in the slot of the track until the rear pin reaches the end of the slot in the track. The slot also may include a latch at the end of the slot that engages the rear pin.

Elevated work platform apparatuses, as well as associated methods, are provided. In one particular embodiment, an elevated platform apparatus is provided comprising a first assembly having a pair of rails coupled with a plurality of rungs, a second assembly hingedly coupled with the first assembly, a platform pivotally coupled with the first assembly and configured to extend to, and engage a portion of, the second assembly. The apparatus further includes a cage associated with the platform. The cage may include at least one bar and at least one gate, the at least one gate being configured to swing in a first direction upon a user stepping on to the platform from the first rail assembly, and then swing back to a closed position after the user is standing on the platform. Platform includes a toe-kick structure that is collapsible relative to the deck of the platform.

A tray for a stepladder is disclosed. The tray provides an area for work space or for storage of tools or materials in addition to that provided by the stepladder by itself. The tray is configured to fit within the boundaries of the stepladder when the stepladder is in its stored orientation.

A stepladder including a pair of front rails, a pair of second rails, a top cap, a fixed step, and a spreader mechanism. The spreader mechanism includes a platform pivotably mounted to the pair of front rails, spreader arms pivotably mounted to the pair of rear rails , and spreader pivot. The stepladder is moveable between a closed position and an open position, the open position limited by the spreader mechanism.

A stepladder including a pair of front rails, a pair of second rails, a top cap, a fixed step, and a spreader mechanism. The spreader mechanism includes a platform pivotably mounted to the pair of front rails, spreader arms pivotably mounted to the pair of rear rails , and spreader pivot. The stepladder is moveable between a closed position and an open position, the open position limited by the spreader mechanism.