Ladders, ladder components and related methods
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.
1. A ladder comprising:
a first assembly having a first pair of rails including a first rail and a second rail, and a second pair of rails including a third rail and a fourth rail, the first pair of rails being slidably coupled with the second pair rails; and
a first locking mechanism comprising:
a first bracket coupled with the first rail,
a first component rotatable about a defined axis,
a first engagement pin coupled with the first component, wherein the first locking mechanism is configured so that the first component is rotatable from a first rotational position to a second rotational position;
wherein, when the first component is in the first rotational position, a substantial amount of the first bracket is disposed within a cavity defined by the first component and the first engagement pin extends through a pair of aligned openings including a first opening formed in the first rail and a second opening formed in third rail, and
wherein, when the first component is in the second rotational position, the first engagement pin is withdrawn from at least one of the first opening and the second opening,
at least one retaining mechanism configured to maintain the first component in the first rotational position until application of a first force is applied to the first component to displace it towards the second rotational position, and
wherein the at least one retaining mechanism is further configured to maintain the first component in the second rotational position until application of a second force is applied to the first component.
2. The ladder of claim 1 , further comprising at least one rung extending between and coupled directly to the first rail and the second rail and at least one rung extending between and coupled directly to the third rail and the fourth rail.
3. The ladder of claim 1 , further comprising a second locking mechanism associated with the second and fourth rails.
4. The ladder of claim 3 , wherein the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are located on laterally opposite sides of the first pair of rails.
5. The ladder of claim 4 , wherein the second locking mechanism comprises:
a second bracket coupled with the second rail,
a second component rotatable about a second defined axis,
a second engagement pin coupled with the second component, wherein the second locking mechanism is configured so that the second component is rotatable from a third rotational position to a fourth rotational position,
wherein, when the second component is in the third rotational position, a substantial amount of the second bracket is disposed within a cavity defined by the second component and the second engagement pin extends through a pair of aligned openings including a third opening formed in the second rail and a fourth opening formed in fourth rail, and wherein, when the second component is in the fourth rotational position, the second engagement pin is withdrawn from at least one of the third opening and the fourth opening, and
at least a second retaining mechanism configured to maintain the second component in the third rotational position until application of a third predetermined force is applied to the second component to displace it towards the fourth rotational position, and
wherein the at least a second retaining mechanism is further configured to maintain the second component in the fourth rotational position until application of a fourth force is applied to the second component.