Ladder hinge and ladder incorporating ladder hinge

Abstract

The present invention relates to ladder hinges and ladders incorporating ladder hinges. A ladder includes a first pair of spaced-apart members, a second pair of spaced-apart members, and a first pair of hinges coupling the first pair of spaced-apart members with the second pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, each hinge can include a first hinge component, a second hinge component, and a locking mechanism, where the first hinge component includes at least a first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, the second hinge component includes at least a second link plate, and the locking mechanism has a pivot pin and a locking pin. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the locking pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.

Description

[0001] Divisional Application Instructions

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on June 1, 2018, with application number 201880036566.6 and invention title "Ladder Hinge and Ladder with Ladder Hinge".

[0003] Cross-referencing of related patents

[0004] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62 / 514,348, filed June 2, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0005] This disclosure relates generally to ladders, and more specifically to embodiments of ladders incorporating hinges (e.g., folding ladders) and associated hinge assemblies. Background Technology

[0006] Ladders are typically used to provide their users with better access to heights that might otherwise be inaccessible. Ladders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as straight ladders, telescopic ladders, folding ladders, and combinations of folding and telescopic ladders. So-called combination ladders can combine many of the advantages of various ladder designs in a single ladder.

[0007] Ladders known as folding ladders are self-supporting, meaning they do not need to be leaned against a wall, pole, or other structure for stability. Instead, a folding ladder can be positioned on the floor (or other similar surface) so that at least three, and usually four, legs provide a stable support structure for the user to climb, even in open spaces (e.g., outside or inside a room) where there are no walls, roofs, poles, or other types of structures necessary for the ladder's stability.

[0008] Many different types of ladders incorporate hinge mechanisms. These mechanisms allow ladders to have various configurations, including, for example, a folded configuration and one or more unfolded states. In the folded configuration, the ladder is folded or stored in a more compact state for storage and transport. In the unfolded states, the ladder is positioned for a user to stand or climb. The presence of hinges introduces various considerations into the manufacture and use of ladders. In some cases, hinges can introduce points of failure, and therefore, robust designs are required to prevent ladder malfunctions during use. Additionally, hinges can create so-called pinch points, which can pose potential hazards to users if the ladder is not used correctly. Furthermore, to provide sufficiently robust, durable, and ergonomic hinges, manufacturers must consider the feasibility of a given design from a manufacturing and cost perspective. Therefore, many factors must be considered when designing and manufacturing ladders and ladder components such as hinges.

[0009] The industry has always sought to provide ladders and ladder components with safe, durable, and effective tools for users. Much effort has been made, and will continue to be made, to improve ladder performance, related manufacturing processes, and the end-user experience when using ladders. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention relate to ladders, ladder hinges, hinge and ladder guide assemblies, and related methods. According to one embodiment, a ladder includes a first pair of spaced-apart members, a second pair of spaced-apart members, and a first pair of hinges connecting the first pair of spaced-apart members to the second pair of spaced-apart members. Each hinge includes: a first hinge member including at least a first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall; a second hinge member including at least a second hinge plate; and a locking mechanism having a pivot pin and a locking pin, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall, and the locking pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a first hinge position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pivot pin and the locking pin are connected to each other by at least one plate member.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pivot pin extends through a first opening in the second hinge plate and a first opening in the at least one plate member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking pin extends through a second opening in the second hinge plate and a second opening in the at least one plate member.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second opening of the second hinge plate includes an elongated slot, and wherein the second opening of the at least one plate member includes an elongated slot.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elongated slot of the second hinge plate extends along a first axis, and the elongated slot of the at least one plate member extends along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being oriented at an angle relative to each other.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the first hinge component and the second hinge component are in the first hinge position, the locking pin is biased to engage with the second abutment wall.

[0017] In one embodiment, the length of the first abutment wall is greater than the length of the second abutment wall, and when the first hinge component and the second hinge component are in the first hinge position, the radial distance of the pivot pin from the pivot axis of the first and second hinge components is greater than the distance of the pivot pin from the locking pin.

[0018] In one embodiment, the notch is tapered, such that the first abutment wall and the second abutment wall are oriented at an angle relative to each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second hinge component includes a third hinge plate spaced apart from the second hinge plate, and wherein the first hinge plate is positioned between the second hinge plate and the third hinge plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first pair of spaced-apart members includes a first pair of guide rails, and the second pair of spaced-apart members includes a pair of column members of a handrail.

[0021] In one embodiment, the handrail includes a cap extending between the pair of column members.

[0022] In one embodiment, the top cover includes at least one of a storage compartment and a tool rack.

[0023] In one embodiment, the ladder further includes a second pair of guide rails pivotally connected to the first pair of guide rails.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ladder further includes a plurality of rungs extending between and connected to the second pair of guide rails.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of steps is pivotally connected to the second pair of guide rails.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of the second pair of guide rails includes a first guide rail component and a second guide rail component, and wherein each of the plurality of steps is pivotally connected to the first guide rail component and the second guide rail component, respectively.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ladder further includes a pair of spreading members extending between and connected to the first pair of guide rails and the second pair of guide rails.

[0028] In one embodiment, each spreading member is connected to both the first guide rail component and the second guide rail component.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first pair of spaced-apart components includes a first pair of guide rails, and the second pair of spaced-apart components includes a second pair of guide rails.

[0030] Features, elements, or components of one embodiment described herein can be combined without limitation with features, elements, or components of other embodiments described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a folding ladder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The top view of the folding ladder shown;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side view of the folding ladder shown is in the first configuration or state.

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 The side view of the folding ladder shown is shown, in which the ladder is in a second configuration or state;

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 The side view of the folding ladder shown is in the third configuration or state.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An enlarged exploded view of a portion of the folding ladder shown;

[0038] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a portion of a folding ladder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial exploded view of the folded ladder section shown;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a side view of a portion of a folding ladder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 3 A folding ladder 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The folding ladder 100 includes a first component 102 having a pair of spaced-apart guide rails 104 and a plurality of steps 106 extending between and connected to the pair of guide rails 104. When the folding ladder 100 is in the intended orientation (e.g.) Figure 1As shown in the diagram, the steps 106 are vertically spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other and configured to be generally horizontal, such that, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the steps 106 can be used as “steps” for a user to climb the folding ladder 100. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the steps 106 may include traction features (e.g., grooves and ridges, grip straps, rubber covers, or other anti-slip features) to provide traction for the user when standing on the steps 106. As discussed in further detail below, each rail 104 of the first assembly 102 includes two longitudinally extending rail components (104A and 104B) positioned adjacent to each other, wherein each component is independently coupled to the associated step 106.

[0042] The folding ladder 100 also includes a second component 108 having a pair of spaced-apart guide rails 110. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more crossbeams 112 extend between and engage with the spaced-apart guide rails 110. The crossbeams 112 provide the desired level of strength and stiffness to the second component 108, but are not necessarily constructed as steps (i.e., they may not be intended to support a user). Therefore, Figures 1 to 5 The second component 108 shown does not include the plurality of steps between the spaced-apart guide rails 110. However, in some embodiments, the second component 108 may include steps if desired. This is true when the second component 108 is spaced apart from the first component 102 and when the ladder 100 is in a position such as... Figure 1 When in the expected operating state depicted, the second component 108 is used to help support the folding ladder 100.

[0043] The first pair of legs 114 can be engaged with the lower part of the guide rail 104 of the first assembly 102 (e.g., guide rail component 104A), and the second pair of legs 116 can be engaged with the lower part of the guide rail 110 of the second assembly 108. The legs 114 and 116 can provide a variety of functions, including, for example, preventing wear and scratches on a support surface (e.g., a wooden floor) when the ladder is placed on it, and providing increased friction or a "grip" for the ladder 100 when it is positioned on the support surface.

[0044] The first component 102 and the second component 108 can be formed from a variety of suitable manufacturing techniques and from a variety of materials. For example, in one embodiment, the rails 104 and 110 and the steps 106 can be formed from metals or metal alloys, such as aluminum. In other embodiments, components 102 and 108 (and their various parts) can be formed from other materials, including composite materials, plastics, polymers, metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof.

[0045] The handrail 120 is hinged to the second component 108. In one embodiment, the handrail 120 may include a pair of column members 122 and a connecting member extending between the pair of column members 122, such as a top cover 124, a tool tray, or a structural member such as a rod. In various embodiments, the top cover 124 may include features that enable it to function as a tray or tool rack. Thus, when a user is working on the folding ladder 100, the top cover 124 can be used to organize the user's tools and resources (including, for example, a mobile phone or other electronic devices). For example, such a top cover is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,186,481, published May 29, 2012, entitled "LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, when in the unfolded configuration, the handrail 120 is configured to extend substantially upward from the second component 108, thereby positioning the top cover 124 substantially above the uppermost step 106. In this configuration, the top cover 124 is positioned at a height that allows a person standing on the upper step 106 to grip the top cover 124 (or other parts of the handrail 120) for stability and to easily access tools or supplies held by the various compartments of the top cover 124.

[0047] It is worth noting that, in Figures 1 to 3 In the configuration shown, the top cover 124 is positioned high enough above the upper step 106 that it is not constructed as a “step” or “staircase” and is not intended to support the standing weight of a user. In some embodiments, when in the unfolded position, the top cover 124 may be positioned approximately 2.5 feet to approximately 3.5 feet above the nearest step 106 (e.g., above the uppermost step).

[0048] A pair of hinges 130 connect the armrest 120 and the second component 108, thereby allowing the armrest 120 to be selectively positioned in two or more locations relative to the second component 108. For example, as described above, the hinges 130 allow the armrest 120 to be securely locked in positions such as... Figures 1 to 3 In the unfolded state shown, hinge 130 further allows the armrest 120 to be positioned in a stored state, wherein folding the armrest 120 downwards causes the column member 122 to be positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel to the guide rail 110 of the second component, extending as shown. Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0049] The folding ladder 100 can be further folded so that the entire ladder 100 can be placed in a stowed state for storage or transportation purposes. For example, as previously described, each of the guide rails 104 of the first assembly 102 includes two separate guide rail components 104A and 104B. Each guide rail component 104A and 104B is pivotally connected to each rung 106. Furthermore, one guide rail component (e.g., 104A) of each guide rail 104 is pivotally connected about a pivot member 138 to the guide rail 110 associated therewith in the second assembly 108.

[0050] Furthermore, a pair of expansion members 140 are pivotally connected between the first component 102 and the second component 108. Each expansion member 140 includes one end and a second end, the one end being pivotally connected to an associated guide rail 110 of the second component 108, and the second end being pivotally connected to an associated first guide rail 104 of the first component 102. In some embodiments, the expansion member 140 may be pivotally connected independently to the first component 104A in a first position and independently pivotally connected to an associated second guide rail component 104B in a second position.

[0051] The arrangement of the guide rails 104 of the first assembly 102 (including separate guide rail components 104A and 104B), the guide rails 110 of the second guide rail assembly 108, the steps 106, and the spreading member 140 allows the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 108 to be folded to place the ladder 100 in a stowed state or configuration, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. When in the retracted state, the guide rail 104 of the first component 102 is positioned adjacent to the guide rail 110 of the second component 108, and all steps 106 are pivoted such that their upper surfaces (i.e., the surfaces on which a user stands) are substantially parallel to the guide rail 104 of the first component 102 while facing the second component 108. Therefore, when the steps 106 are folded into the retracted state, the steps 106 are positioned within a depth envelope defined by the guide rail 110 of the second component 108 (e.g., the depth measured between the opposing front and rear surfaces of the ladder 100). This is achieved in part by longitudinally sliding each second guide rail component 104B relative to its associated first guide rail component 104A during the pivoting of the two components 102 and 108, which can be achieved by... Figure 4 and Figure 5 This can be seen by comparing the position of the lower end of the second guide rail component 104B relative to the support leg 114.

[0052] It should be noted that, as in Figure 5 As can be seen, when the ladder 100 is in a folded or stowed state, the total depth or thickness of the ladder 100 is approximately equal to the combined depth or thickness of the guide rail 110 and handrail 120 of the second component. Also, as in... Figure 5As can be seen, a portion of the top cover 124 can extend into the envelope defined by the depth of the guide rail 110 of the second component 108.

[0053] Now for reference Figures 6 to 9 Various views of hinge 130 are shown. Each hinge 130 includes a first hinge member 150 having a hinge plate 152 (also referred to herein as a hinge tongue), which is coupled to a guide rail 110 of a second assembly 108. Each hinge 130 also includes a second hinge member 160, which is coupled to a post member 122 of a handrail 120. The second hinge member 160 is configured with a slot or recess 162 for receiving the tongue 152 of the first hinge member 150. Openings 166 and 168 in hinge members 150 and 160 receive pivoting members 170 (e.g., pins, bolts, rivets, or other components) to join hinge members 150 and 160 together, while also allowing hinge members 150 and 160 to rotate relative to each other about an axis defined by the pivoting member 170.

[0054] As in Figure 7 and Figure 8 As best viewed from the center, the second hinge component 160 may include a number of components, including, for example, a pair of hinge plates 172A and 172B, a pair of cover plates 174A and 174B, and a washer 176 positioned between the hinge plates 172A and 172B to define a slot or recess 162 for receiving a tongue 152 of the first hinge component 150. The hinge plates 172A and 172B, cover plates 174A and 174B, and washer 176 may each be partially inserted into the interior of the post member 122 of the handrail 124 associated with them. Fasteners 178 (e.g., rivets, bolts, etc.) may be used to connect the second hinge component 160 to the post member 122.

[0055] Still referencing Figures 6 to 9 Each hinge 130 includes a locking mechanism 180 configured to lock the second hinge component 160 in one or more desired positions relative to the first hinge component 150. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 180 may include a pair of plate members 182A and 182B, a pivot pin 184, a locking pin 186, and a connecting pin 188. The various pin members may include any of a variety of structures and / or fastening components, including bolts, rivets, bars, rods, pins, etc. The plate members 182A and 182B are connected together by various pins 184, 186, and 188 such that the plate members 182A and 182B can be displaced as a unit relative to the second hinge component 160.

[0056] Pivot pin 184 extends through openings 192 formed in hinge plates 172A and 172B and openings 194 formed in cover plates 174A and 174B, thereby connecting plate members 182A and 182B of locking mechanism 180 together and enabling them to pivot about an axis defined by pivot pin 184 relative to second hinge member 160.

[0057] Locking pin 186 extends through a slotted opening 196 formed in each of hinge plates 172A and 172B and cover plates 174A and 174B. Locking pin 186 also extends through slotted openings 198 in plate members 182A and 182B. When assembled, the longitudinal axis of the slotted openings 196 in hinge plates 172A and 172B and cover plates 174A and 174B (which are parallel and aligned with each other) is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slotted openings 198 in plate members 182A and 182B. In fact, as Figure 9 As seen, the longitudinal axis of the slotted opening 198 of the plate members 182A and 182B (which may also be parallel to each other) is almost perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slotted opening 196 of the hinge plates 172A and 172B and the cover plates 174A and 174B, depending, for example, on the rotational position of the plate members 182A and 182B relative to the second hinge member 160.

[0058] One or more springs 200 or other biasing members are located between a portion of the locking mechanism 180 and a portion of the second hinge member 160 to bias the locking mechanism toward a locked state (i.e., in Figure 9 In the view shown, the connecting pin 188 is moved away from the column member 122, or the locking plates 182A and 182B are offset clockwise around the pivot pin 184. In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, spring 200 may include a torsion spring positioned about pivot pin 184, with one leg of the torsion spring engaging post member 122 and the other leg engaging some parts of the locking member (e.g., locking plate or locking pin).

[0059] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 What I saw ( Figure 9 (Shown in dashed lines in the diagram), the tongue 152 of the first hinge component 150 includes a notch 210 that provides two abutment walls 212 and 214 that engage with the pivot pin 184 and the locking pin 186, respectively. In one embodiment, the abutment walls 212 and 214 may form a defined angle between them, thereby providing a tapered construction for the notch 210. In one embodiment, the notch 210 may be formed as part of an arc segment.

[0060] like Figure 9As seen (referring to the recess 210 indicated by the dashed line), the pivot pin 184 engages the first abutment wall 212 of the recess 210, and the locking pin 186 engages the second abutment wall 214 of the recess 210 to lock the first hinge member 150 relative to the second hinge member 160 in a first deployed state (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, this is associated with the unfolded state of the armrest 120. Engagement of the pivot pin 184 and locking pin 186 with the abutment walls 212 and 214 prevents the two hinge components 150 and 160 from rotating about the pivot member 170. When it is desired to rotate the hinge components 150 and 160 relative to each other, the locking mechanism 180 is pivoted about the pivot pin 184, causing the locking pin 186 to disengage from the second abutment wall 214 of the notch 210 and allowing the second hinge component 160 (and the locking mechanism 180 associated therewith) to rotate about the pivot member 170 relative to the first hinge component 150.

[0061] It should be noted that the first abutment wall 212 may be longer than the second abutment wall 214, or extend a greater distance from the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member 170. Therefore, when the second hinge member 160 and the associated locking mechanism 180 rotate relative to the first hinge member 150, the pivot pin 184 does not abut against or engage the second abutment wall 214.

[0062] It is also noted that the tapering relationship of the abutment walls 212 and 214 of the notch 210 provides the advantage of being responsible for wear and tear on components over time and due to repeated use. For example, when the second abutment wall 214 begins to wear through repeated engagement and disengagement with the locking pin 186, the tapering configuration of wall 214 cooperates with the spring-biased locking mechanism 180 and the slotted openings 194, 196, and 198, allowing the locking pin 186 to continue providing a “shape lock” between the hinge components 150 and 160. Thus, the hinge is configured to restrict tilting or movement between the hinge components 150 and 160 even after wear on critical surfaces or components due to repeated use.

[0063] refer to Figure 6It is noted that the first hinge component 150 may include a shoulder 220 (e.g., one shoulder on each side of the hinge plate 152) configured to engage with portions of the first hinge component 160, such as the outer surfaces of hinge plates 172A and 172B and cover plates 174A and 174B. Thus, for example, the shoulder 220 may present a radius or other arcuate surface that corresponds to the radius or other arcuate surface of the second hinge component 160. This configuration can provide additional strength to the armrest 120 when locked in a particular position. An example of a hinge utilizing an engaging abutment surface is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,364,017, published April 29, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0064] Although the hinge mechanism described above is shown and described in combination with the hinged connection of the handrail to another part of the ladder (e.g., the guide rail of component 102 or component 108), the hinge can be used in combination with various other ladder components (including, for example, the selective positioning of the two components 102 and 108 relative to each other).

[0065] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Furthermore, features of one embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments without limitation. The invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ladder, comprising: The first pair of spaced-apart guide rails; The second pair of spaced-apart guide rails are pivotally connected to the first pair of spaced-apart guide rails. A pair of pillars; A connecting member that extends between and is connected to the pair of posts; A pair of hinges connecting the second pair of spaced-apart guide rails to the pair of posts, wherein each hinge includes: A first hinge component, the first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a single recess formed therein, the single recess including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall; The second hinge component includes at least a second hinge plate; A locking mechanism having a pivot pin and a locking pin, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage with the single notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the locking pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.

2. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein, The pivot pin and the locking pin are connected to each other by at least one plate member.

3. The ladder according to claim 2, wherein, The pivot pin extends through a first opening in the second hinge plate and a first opening in the at least one plate member.

4. The ladder according to claim 3, wherein, The locking pin extends through a second opening in the second hinge plate and a second opening in the at least one plate member.

5. The ladder according to claim 4, wherein, The second opening of the second hinge plate includes an elongated slot, and the second opening of the at least one plate member also includes an elongated slot.

6. The ladder according to claim 5, wherein, The elongated slot of the second hinge plate extends along the first axis, and the elongated slot of the at least one plate member extends along the second axis, the first axis and the second axis being oriented at an angle relative to each other.

7. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein, When the first hinge component and the second hinge component are in the first hinge position, the locking pin is biased to engage with the second abutment wall.

8. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein, The first abutment wall has a greater length than the second abutment wall, and when the first hinge component and the second hinge component are in the first hinge position, the pivot pin is located at a greater radial distance from the pivot axis of the first hinge component and the second hinge component compared to the locking pin.

9. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein, The individual notch is tapered, such that the first abutment wall and the second abutment wall are oriented at an angle relative to each other.

10. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein, The second hinge component includes a third hinge plate spaced apart from the second hinge plate, and the first hinge plate is located between the second hinge plate and the third hinge plate.

11. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rungs extending between and connected to the first pair of spaced-apart guide rails.

12. The ladder according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of steps are pivotally connected to the first pair of spaced-apart guide rails.

13. The ladder according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting component is the top cover.

14. The ladder according to claim 13, wherein, The top cover includes at least one of a storage compartment and a tool rack.

15. The ladder of claim 1, further comprising a pair of spreading members extending between and connected to the first pair of guide rails and the second pair of guide rails.

16. A ladder, comprising: The first pair of spaced-apart guide rails; The second pair of spaced-apart guide rails are pivotally connected to the first pair of spaced-apart guide rails. A pair of pillars; A connecting member that extends between and is connected to the pair of posts; A pair of hinges connecting the second pair of spaced-apart guide rails to the pair of posts, wherein each hinge includes: A first hinge component, the first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall; A second hinge component, the second hinge component including at least a second hinge plate; and A locking mechanism having a pivot pin and a locking pin, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the locking pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a first hinge position. Wherein, when it is desired that the first hinge component and the second hinge component rotate relative to each other, the locking mechanism is pivoted about the pivot pin, such that the locking pin disengages from the second abutment wall of the notch and allows the second hinge component to rotate relative to the first hinge component about the pivot member.

17. A ladder, comprising: The first pair of spaced-apart guide rails; The second pair of spaced-apart guide rails are pivotally connected to the first pair of spaced-apart guide rails. A pair of pillars; A connecting member that extends between and is connected to the pair of posts; A pair of hinges connecting the second pair of spaced-apart guide rails to the pair of posts, wherein each hinge includes: A first hinge component, the first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall; The second hinge component includes at least a second hinge plate; Locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: At least one plate member, A pivot pin, wherein the pivot pin extends through a first opening in the second hinge plate and a first opening in the at least one plate member, and A locking pin, wherein the locking pin extends through a second opening in the second hinge plate and a second opening in the at least one plate member, wherein the pivot pin and the locking pin are capable of simultaneously engaging the first abutment wall and the second abutment wall, respectively, to lock the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a first hinge position.

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