FOLDING LADDER
A folding ladder for use with a compact container includes a stair section assembly comprising a plurality of steps connected between two parallel stringer sections, the stair section assembly having a front end and a back end. The ladder also includes a base having casters, the base being pivotably attached to the front end of the stair section and a vertical upright support pivotably attached to the back end of the stair section a one end and non-securedly attached to the base at an opposite end. A first brace is pivotably attached to the stair section at one end and detachably secured at the vertical upright support at an opposite end. A second brace pivotably attached to the stair section at one end and detachably secured at the base at an opposite end, whereby the ladder may be folded into a compact configuration for shipping or storage.
1 . A folding ladder for use with a compact container comprising:
a stair section assembly comprising a plurality of steps connected between two parallel stringer sections, the stair section assembly having a front end and a back end;
a base having casters, the base being pivotably attached to the front end of the stair section;
a vertical upright support pivotably attached to the back end of the stair section a one end and non-securedly attached to the base at an opposite end;
a first brace pivotably attached to the stair section at one end and detachably secured at the vertical upright support at an opposite end; and
a second brace pivotably attached to the stair section at one end and detachably secured at the base at an opposite end,
whereby the ladder may be folded into a compact configuration for shipping or storage.
2 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vertical upright support further comprises a handrail assembly at its top end which interacts with a top step of the stair section.
3 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 2 wherein the stair section further comprises a foldable handrail which attaches to the handrail assembly.
4 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the connection between the base and vertical does not include fasteners.
5 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 3 wherein the connection between the base and vertical does not include fasteners.
6 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the base and vertical upright support nest together and stay in place once the first and second rails are fixedly connected.
7 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 3 wherein the base and vertical upright support nest together and stay in place once the first and second rails are fixedly connected.
8 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the fold-down handrails rotate into place and connect to the handrail assembly.
9 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 3 wherein the fold-down handrails rotate into place and connect to the handrail assembly.
10 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the stair section further comprises a locking bottom step and the top step has a wider depth relative to the remaining steps.
11 . The folding ladder in accordance with claim 3 wherein the stair section further comprises a locking bottom step and the top step has a wider depth relative to the remaining steps.