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.

Embodiments of the invention related generally to ladders and ramps and, more particularly, to collapsible ladders and ramps for a vehicle tailgate and related systems. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising: a tailgate member for a vehicle, the tailgate member having: an interior wall; an exterior wall; and a cavity between the interior and exterior walls; at least one collapsible ladder device comprising: a pair of substantially parallel elongate members; a plurality of cross members, each of the plurality extending between and lying substantially perpendicular to the pair of substantially elongate members; and an attachment device for non-fixedly securing the at least one collapsible ladder device within the cavity of the tailgate member.

The invention provides a coupling device (1), for a ladder having a bore in a headstock (4) extending between a pair of spaced apart styles, the coupling device (1) comprising: an elongate support member (6) having a mounting region (8) and a working region (7), the mounting region (8) configured to be received within the bore of the ladder to engage therewith, the working region (7) being configured to protrude from the bore and to receive and support a plurality of utility modules; and a releasable detent (9) to secure the elongate support member (6) within the bore, wherein the mounting region (8) is restrained from rotational movement relative to the bore, and the releasable detent (9) prevents longitudinal and transverse movement between the elongate support member (6) and the bore. The coupling device (1) of the invention provides a flexible ladder assembly that is adaptable to variable work environments encountered at the top of a portable ladder when used for access and conducting work.

An L-shaped track has a vertical part configured to stand on the ground, a horizontal part configured to span over a roof, and a curved part in between. A motor-driven winch moves a carriage up and down the track. The carriage engages a skylight, which can be quickly and easily hoisted from the ground to the roof up the track to the roof to install the skylight.

A ladder attachment may allow a ladder to securely rest on a corner of a structure, structure corners, tree, or the like. The attachment may be attached to the rung of a ladder via several mounting brackets and mounting flanges. The attachment includes first and second arms which may be arranged at about a 90° angle to allow the positioning a ladder on the corner of the structure or oddly shaped structures during use.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods and apparatuses for a load lifting system.

A ladder safety mechanism comprises at least one clamp, preferably a pair of spaced apart clamps, attachable part way along a ladder, to secure the ladder to part of a structure. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes at least one manually operated actuator, such as a rope or cable, coupled to the at least one clamp to enable a user located at the bottom of the ladder to open the at least one clamp to receive the part of a structure. In some embodiments, the at least one clamp is automatically secured to the part of the structure by placing the clamp onto the structure. The at least one manually operated actuator also enables a user located at the bottom of the ladder to open the at least one clamp to release the part of the structure. The at least one clamp is oriented substantially perpendicularly to a part of the structure to which the ladder is to be attached.

A ladder safety mechanism comprises at least one clamp, preferably a pair of spaced apart clamps, attachable part way along a ladder, to secure the ladder to part of a structure. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes at least one manually operated actuator, such as a rope or cable, coupled to the at least one clamp to enable a user located at the bottom of the ladder to open the at least one clamp to receive the part of a structure. In some embodiments, the at least one clamp is automatically secured to the part of the structure by placing the clamp onto the structure. The at least one manually operated actuator also enables a user located at the bottom of the ladder to open the at least one clamp to release the part of the structure. The at least one clamp is oriented substantially perpendicularly to a part of the structure to which the ladder is to be attached.

An apparatus used to assist workers with entry into a barge that allows a user to go over the barge wall and descend to access the bottom of the barge. The apparatus includes a first pathway 3, a landing 17 and a second pathway 4. The first pathway 3 has a low end 21 and a high end 22 and the second pathway has a landing end 23. The high end 22 is elevated from the low end 21 with the high end 22 being attached to the landing 17. The landing end 17 is attached to the landing. There is a frame 18 and at least one foot 2 attached to and supporting the frame 18. The low end 21 is attached to the frame 18. Included is a support segment 16 that has a first end 25 and a second end 24. The first end 25 is fixedly attached to the second pathway 4. There is also a holder 7 that is rotatably attached to the second end 24. And a ladder 6 that is slidably attached to that holder 7.

An apparatus used to assist workers with entry into a barge that allows a user to go over the barge wall and descend to access the bottom of the barge. The apparatus includes a first pathway 3, a landing 17 and a second pathway 4. The first pathway 3 has a low end 21 and a high end 22 and the second pathway has a landing end 23. The high end 22 is elevated from the low end 21 with the high end 22 being attached to the landing 17. The landing end 17 is attached to the landing. There is a frame 18 and at least one foot 2 attached to and supporting the frame 18. The low end 21 is attached to the frame 18. Included is a support segment 16 that has a first end 25 and a second end 24. The first end 25 is fixedly attached to the second pathway 4. There is also a holder 7 that is rotatably attached to the second end 24. And a ladder 6 that is slidably attached to that holder 7.