Reinforced stay ladder steps and ladder handles, ladders incorporating steps and ladder handles, and related methods

Abstract

Ladder configurations and components are provided that include a first side beam assembly and a second side beam assembly that are relatively pivotable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A handle connected to the side beam extends inwardly from the side beam and has an inner end resiliently deflectable between a clearing position and a load bearing position that engages the other side beam when the ladder is transported through the handle. The strut mechanism includes a platform extending between the articulated linkage and to a top surface of a crosspiece coupled with two of the side rails. The inner end of the platform can be used as a handle to expand or contract the ladder. The platform may be pressed and assembled with the crosspiece in a manner that limits pressing or clearance at the interface between the platform and the crosspiece.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 429,328, filed on December 1, 2022, and titled "REINFORCED SPREADER LADDERSTEP AND LADDER HANDLE, LADDERS INCORPORATING SAME, AND RELATED METHODS", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to ladders, ladder systems, ladder components, and related methods, and more particularly to platforms, rungs, spreaders, handles, and grips, and related methods of manufacturing and operating them. Background Art

[0004] Traditionally, ladders are used to provide improved access for users to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Ladders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as straight ladders, straight extension ladders, step ladders, and combination step and extension ladders. So - called combination ladders incorporate many of the advantages of other ladder designs in a single ladder.

[0005] Ladders are common tools for professional tradesmen and homeowners. Sometimes, using a ladder can be an awkward experience when one has to stand on it to perform certain tasks, even for those who use ladders frequently. For example, when performing elevated projects (e.g., painting a ceiling, changing a light bulb, etc.), it is easy to lose balance on a ladder. Additionally, opening and closing a ladder can be cumbersome, especially when the user needs to operate independent spreaders on each side of the ladder. Moving a ladder can also pose problems for the user when the side rails rotate relative to each other. There is also room for improvement in the ergonomics, manufacturability, and stability of ladders for various applications. For these and other reasons, there is a continuing need to improve ladders and related components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ladder, comprising: a first component including a first pair of side beams and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of side beams; a second component including a second pair of side beams, wherein the second pair of side beams is pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of side beams between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration; and a strut mechanism including: a first pair of linkages pivotally connected to the second pair of side beams respectively; a platform pivotally coupled to the first pair of linkages and pivotally coupled to a rung among the plurality of rungs, wherein the platform has an inner end portion located between the first component and the second component when the first component and the second component are in the extended configuration; wherein in response to a force applied perpendicular to the inner end portion of the platform, the first component and the second component are converted from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration.

[0007] In some embodiments, the platform includes a top surface coplanar with the top surface of the rung among the plurality of rungs.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rung includes a protruding portion extending behind the rear-facing surface of the first pair of side beams. In some embodiments, the platform includes a support section configured to rest on the protruding portion of the rung. The platform may include a protective portion that at least partially covers the rear-facing surface of the rung when the first component and the second component are in the extended configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, the platform includes a protective portion configured to cover the gap between the rung and the platform when the first component and the second component are in the collapsed configuration.

[0010] In some embodiments, the platform has a constant cross-section in its lateral width. In some embodiments, the constant cross-section includes a hinge portion pivotally coupled to the rung.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ladder, comprising: a first component including a first pair of side beams and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of side beams; a second component including a second pair of side beams pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of side beams between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration; and a strut mechanism including a pair of articulated linkage mechanisms coupled to the first component and the second component, wherein the strut mechanism includes a platform member having a uniform cross-section in its lateral width.

[0012] In some embodiments, the platform member is attached to a rung among the plurality of rungs without using fasteners. The platform member may include a hinge portion that can be inserted into a groove of a rung among the plurality of rungs. The hinge portion may be pivotally coupled to the groove. In some embodiments, the hinge portion is elastically flexible and configured to be press-fitted into the groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the platform member includes a protective portion configured to cover a rear surface of a rung among the plurality of rungs. In some embodiments, the protective portion is curved and configured to follow the curvature of the rear surface of the rung.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ladder, which includes: a first assembly including a first pair of side beams and a first plurality of transverse supports extending between and coupled to the first pair of side beams; a second assembly including a second pair of side beams and a second plurality of transverse supports extending between and coupled to the second pair of side beams, wherein the second pair of side beams is pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of side beams between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; and a handle coupled to a first side beam of the first pair of side beams, the handle having an inner end that includes a tip movable between: a first position that is laterally medial to a laterally innermost surface of a rear wall of a second side beam of the second pair of side beams; and a second position that contacts or is laterally outside of the laterally innermost surface of the rear wall of the second side beam of the second pair of side beams.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the tip is in the second position, the handle resists the ladder from extending to the extended configuration.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tip is elastically deflectable between the first position and the second position.

[0017] In some embodiments, when in the second position, the handle contacts a forward-facing surface of the second side beam.

[0018] In some embodiments, when in the second position, the tip extends into a channel of the second side beam.

[0019] The foregoing summary of the invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the invention. The subsequent drawings and detailed description more particularly illustrate one or more preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings and illustrations show many exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. These drawings, together with this specification, illustrate and explain the various principles of the present disclosure. The nature and advantages of the present invention can be further understood with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like parts or features may have the same reference numerals.

[0021] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the ladder in the deployed state.

[0022] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an isometric view of the ladder in the folded state.

[0023] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a partial isometric view of the ladder.

[0024] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a partial isometric view of the ladder.

[0025] Figure 5 is an isometric sectional view taken along the Figure 8 section line 5-5 in

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 8 an isometric sectional view taken along the section line 5-5 in

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a central side sectional view of the ladder and a detailed view of the central side sectional view.

[0028] Figure 8 is Figure 2 a central side sectional view of the ladder and a detailed view of the central side sectional view.

[0029] Figure 9 is Figure 1 an isometric view of the platform and platform rungs of the ladder.

[0030] Figure 10 is Figure 2 an isometric view of the platform and platform rungs of the ladder.

[0031] Although the embodiments described herein have various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. Detailed Description

[0032] This specification provides examples, but does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that the functions and arrangements of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other procedures or components as needed. For example, the methods described may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described for certain embodiments may be incorporated into other embodiments.

[0033] Figures 1 to 2 An isometric view of a ladder 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The ladder 100 may include a first assembly 102 (i.e., a first side beam assembly or a front side beam assembly), the first assembly including a first pair of side beams 101 (e.g., front side beams or main side beams) and a plurality of rungs 103 (i.e., steps or transverse supports) extending between and coupled to the first pair of side beams. The ladder 100 may further include a second assembly 106 (i.e., a second side beam assembly or a rear side beam assembly), the second assembly including a second pair of side beams 109 (e.g., rear side beams or support side beams) and a plurality of cross braces 111 (e.g., rear horizontal struts or transverse supports). However, in Figures 1 to 2 the embodiment shown, the second assembly 106 does not include rungs for a user to climb. This configuration is conventional for many step ladder configurations. However, in other embodiments, the second assembly 106 may include rungs and may be configured to support a user, e.g., similar to the first assembly 102. The rungs 103 and the cross braces 111 may reinforce the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106, respectively, and may provide structural rigidity to the ladder 100.

[0034] The first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106 may each be coupled to a top cap 110. One (or both) of the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106 may be configured to pivot relative to the top cap 110 such that the assemblies 102 and 106 may be shifted towards each other into a compact storage configuration (i.e., a flat, folded, or collapsed configuration in which the front and rear feet 105 of the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106 are close), as Figure 2 indicated, and as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Figure 1 A free-standing configuration (i.e., an A-frame, extended, or stretched configuration) is shown. The top cap 110 may include a number of features to enhance the efficiency and usability of the ladder 100, such as tool and parts containers, handles, grips, safety alerts, and other features.

[0035] The ladder 100 may further include at least one strut mechanism 112 coupled between the first component 102 and the second component 106, the at least one strut mechanism extending between the first component and the second component to provide reversible or configurable structural rigidity to the ladder 100 and to provide a limit to the pivoting of one component 102 relative to the other component 106. The strut mechanism 112 may define a specific locked angular position of the first component 102 relative to the second component 106, and when unlocked, the first component 102 and the second component 106 may contract towards each other. See also Figures 3 to 4 and Figures 7 to 1 2 and the related description herein.

[0036] The handle 114 may be coupled to at least one of the side rails 101, 109. In Figures 1 to 2 FIG., the handle 114 is shown coupled to the rear side rail 109. When the ladder 100 is in Figure 2 the retracted configuration, the handle 114 may be configured as a grip or hand support for a user. For example, when the ladder 100 is retracted and oriented such that the side rails 101, 109 are substantially horizontal or substantially parallel to the ground, a user may place their hand on the handle 114 to support the ladder. See, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0037] The handle 114 may be positioned at a generally central location along the length of the side rail 109, such as at approximately half of the longitudinal length of the side rail 109. In some embodiments, the handle 114 is located at the longitudinal centroid of the ladder 100 such that when a user holds the handle 114 with one hand or simply by contacting the handle 114, the weight of the ladder 100 is balanced on each longitudinal side of the handle 114.

[0038] In some embodiments, the handle 114 may include a rear edge 115 that is substantially aligned with the back of the second component 106. In this way, the gripping surface 118 and the back 117 of the second component 106 may be substantially continuous. This can beneficially improve user comfort as there are no gaps or depressions into which a user's hand may inadvertently enter when attempting to grasp the handle 114 or the side rail 109.

[0039] The handle 114 may be positioned between the cross braces 111 or between the rungs 103 such that there are no obstructions near the handle 114 that would prevent a user from placing their fingers or palm on the handle 114 to support the weight of the ladder 100. See the rear isometric view of the extended configuration in Figure 3 FIG.. In some embodiments, the handle 114 may be positioned corresponding to and aligned with the positioning of another structural element of the ladder 100, such as, for example, a rung 103, as shown in the rear isometric view of the horizontal fold configuration in Figure 4 FIG..

[0040] Figures 3 to 5 shows that the handle 114 may include a set of surface features 116 located on its gripping surface 118 (e.g., a laterally inward-facing surface). The surface features 116 may enhance the user's ability to grip the handle 114 and may help to limit the handle 114 from slipping or sliding out of his or her hand. The surface features 116 may be primarily longitudinally oriented and longitudinally elongated, as Figures 3 to 4 shown, to particularly limit the sliding of the handle 114 on the user's hand in the anterior-posterior lateral direction (i.e., along an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the rear side beam 109 lies). In some embodiments, the surface features 116 may include protrusions or ridges (see Figure 5 which is a cross-sectional view of the ladder 100 taken along the Figure 8 section line 5-5 in Figure 5 ), the protrusions or ridges engaging with the user's hand (e.g.,

[0041] hand A in Figures 3 to 5 ), thereby providing leverage or increased surface friction for the user to maintain the grip on the handle even when the handle 114 sways or swings during transportation. In some embodiments, the surface features 116 may include grooves, pits, knurling, protrusions, textures (e.g., similar to sandpaper or other rough surfaces), like features, and combinations thereof, to improve the fixation of the handle 114 on the user's hand. In some embodiments, a series of spaced-apart surface features 116 may be positioned across the gripping surface 118. Figure 5 ), the inner end 119 of the handle 114 may be configured to project laterally inward (e.g., forward) from the front surface 120 of the rear side beam 109 (e.g., along the Figure 5 -Y direction in Figure 5 ). The inner end 119 may include a hooked, curved, or otherwise outwardly extending tip 121 that may extend beyond the innermost wall surface 124 of the front side beam 101 and, in some embodiments, extend into the channel 122 of the front side beam 101. See

[0042] Figure 5 . When the user grasps the handle 114 and touches the inner surface of the channel 122, the inner end 119 may provide support for the user's fingers, as indicated by hand A in Figure 5 . In some embodiments, the user may grasp the inner end 119 without contacting the front side beam 101.

[0042] Additionally, in some embodiments, the tip 121 of the inner end 119 may respond to a laterally outward force F on the handle 114L while deflecting laterally outwardly (e.g., parallel to the direction X in Figure 5 , as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6 ). In response to the weight of the ladder 100 borne by the hand (e.g., A) in contact with the handle 114, the tip 121 can deflect sufficiently to engage the innermost wall surface 124 or the forward-facing surface 126 of the channel 122. The deflection of the tip 121 in this manner can generate a force F applied to the surfaces 124, 126 of the side beam 101 W , which resists the deployment or extension of the ladder. For example, the tip 121 can increase friction or mechanically interlock with the front side beam 101 to prevent the front side beam 101 from moving forward (i.e., in the -Y direction in Figure 5 ). In some configurations, the contact between the tip 121 and the innermost wall surface 124 can increase the friction between the handle 114 and the front side beam 101 or the forward-facing surface 126. In some embodiments, the contact between the tip 121 and the forward-facing surface 126 can mechanically interfere with the movement of the surface 126 in the -Y direction. Thus, the user's hand and the handle 114 can jointly apply a force F W , which resists any forward (i.e., -Y) movement of the front side beam 101 relative to the rear side beam 109.

[0043] In some cases, when the weight of the ladder is not applied to the handle 114, the handle 114 can elastically deflect away from the front side beam 101 and disengage from the surfaces 124, 126 of the front side beam 101. Thus, when not carried by the handle 114, the ladder 100 can be freely folded and unfolded. In such embodiments, when the user attempts to deploy the front side beam 101 along the Y axis, the handle 114 does not create an interference that accidentally jams against the front side beam 101. When the user grasps the handle or when the handle 114 bears at least a portion of the weight of the ladder 100, the handle 114 can elastically deform to a load-bearing position (i.e., toward the front side beam 101 (along the X direction)), and when the handle is not grasped or when the handle 114 does not bear the weight of the ladder, the handle 114 can automatically elastically deform to a non-load-bearing position (i.e., a cleared position or a moved-cleared position). When the handle 114 is in the non-load-bearing position, no part of the tip 121 can be located in the channel 122 or in the forward / -Y direction relative to the forward-facing surface 126 of the side beam 101.

[0044] In some embodiments, the inner end 119 of the handle 114 can be formed with at least two protrusions 128, with a gap 130 formed between the protrusions 128 to receive the rung 103 of the front side beam 101 when the ladder 100 is folded. See Figures 3 to 4In this way, the handle 114 can be positioned longitudinally / vertically at or near the same position as one of the rungs 103 of the first component 102. When holding the ladder 100, the user can grasp the handle 114 and at least partially grasp or touch the rung 103 at the handle 114. Thus, the surface of the rung 103 can be used as an additional support and grasping surface for carrying the ladder 100 while holding the handle 114. For example, when grasping the handle 114, the user can place two fingers on each side of the rung 103 (i.e., two fingers for each protrusion 128), and the inner surfaces of the fingers at the rung 103 can contact the rung 103 to help provide additional stability to the first component 102 when carrying the ladder 100.

[0045] Now turning to Figures 3 to 4 and Figures 7 to 10 , the ladder 100 can include at least one strut mechanism 112 located on each side of the ladder. The strut mechanism 112 can include a pair of articulated link mechanisms, the pair of articulated link mechanisms including a first pair of links 140 pivotally connected to the second component 106 and a second pair of links 142 coupled to the sides of a platform 144 pivotally connected to a rung 103 (e.g., platform rung 103a). Thus, the strut mechanism 112 can pivot upward when moving to a retracted configuration, and the strut mechanism 112 can straighten when moving to an upright or deployed configuration. The platform 144 can also pivot with the strut mechanism 112 and can be located between a first plane defined by the outer front face of the front side beam 101 and a second plane defined by the outer rear face of the rear side beam 109 when in the retracted configuration. In some embodiments, the second pair of links 142 and the platform 144 can be integrally formed as a single part.

[0046] The platform 144 can have a top surface 146 that extends from and is substantially coplanar with the top surface 148 of the platform rung 103a and is directly coupled to the top surface 148 when in the deployed state. See Figure 7 . It should be noted that the "directly coupled" used herein can contemplate the use of appropriate hardware, such as brackets. Thus, the platform 144 can expand the surface area of the rung 103 and can provide a larger surface area for the user to stand on when using the ladder 100. The top surface 146 can include a set of ridges or other grasping features configured to extend to contact the user's feet, shoes, toolbox, or other objects placed on the platform 144.

[0047] The rung 103 can include a side beam attachment portion 150 configured to be directly coupled and fixed to the side beam 101 (e.g., using fasteners or adhesives). See also Figures 9 to 10。The platform rung 103a may also include a rearward projecting portion 152 that extends behind the rear-facing surface 154 of the side beam 101. The rearward projecting portion 152 may include a top 156 that is vertically offset below the top surface 148 of the platform rung 103a. The top 156 may also have a substantially flat and horizontal top surface and a recessed hinge portion 158 (i.e., a substantially cylindrical recessed portion) that includes a top opening 160 through which a hinge portion 162 (i.e., a substantially cylindrical portion) of the platform 144 may be positioned. The platform 144 may also include a guard portion 164 that at least partially covers the rear side of the rearward projecting portion 152 of the platform rung 103a when the ladder 100 is in Figure 7 a free-standing deployed configuration. Between the hinge portion 162 and the guard portion 164, the platform 144 may include a support segment 166 (i.e., a reinforcing segment) that is configured to abut the top surface of the top 156 of the rearward projecting portion 152 of the platform rung 103a. As used herein, "abut" means that the portions are in substantially face-to-face contact with each other, rather than merely touching the surface of another part with the tip or edge of one part.

[0048] As Figure 7 shown, when the ladder 100 is in a free-standing deployed condition, the platform 144 is substantially horizontal and the support segment 166 rests on the top surface of the portion 156 of the platform rung 103a. Thus, the platform rung 103a provides stability to the platform 144 in such a way that, in addition to the connection at the hinge formed by the coupled hinge portions 158, 162, it helps prevent the inner end of the platform 144 from rotating relative to the hinge portion 162. In some embodiments, the guard portion 164 of the platform 144 also contacts the rear-facing side 168 of the rearward projecting portion 152 of the platform rung 103a. The contact between the guard portion 164 and the rear-facing side 168 may provide additional support and stability to the platform 144 relative to the platform rung 103a, thereby providing comfort and safety to the user of the ladder 100.

[0049] The hinge portion 162 of the platform 144 may include a C-shaped side profile (i.e., a gap or slit along the lateral width of the portion 162) to allow compression of the hinge portion 162 and elastic snap-fit insertion through the top opening 160 into the hinge portion 158 of the platform rung 103a. Thus, the assembly and manufacture of the ladder 100 may be simplified. In some embodiments, the platform 144 may slide laterally to insert the hinge portion 162 into the platform rung 103a at the hinge portion 158. For example, as Figures 9 to 10 shown, the hinge portion 158 may define a slot into which the other hinge portion 162 may be inserted.

[0050] As Figure 8 shown, when the ladder 100 is in a retracted and folded state, the top surface 146 of the platform 144 may be at a significant angle relative to the top surface 148 of the platform rung 103a and, in some cases, may be in or near a vertical orientation. The hinge formed by the hinge portions 158, 162 may facilitate movement of the platform 144 relative to the platform rung 103a without creating a large pinch interface that could snag or collect tools or debris. When the platform 144 pivots upward to the retracted position, the guard portion 164 may have a curvature that ensures it follows and remains in close proximity to or in contact with the rear-facing side 168 of the platform rung 103a. The length of the guard portion 164 may be large enough to prevent the top surface of the top 156 of the platform rung 103a from being exposed, even when the ladder 100 is retracted. Thus, when the ladder 100 is opened, if a user's finger or tool is near the rear-facing side 168 of the platform rung 103a, the guard portion 164 can prevent the user's finger or tool from being pinched between the support segment 166 and the top 156.

[0051] Figures 9 to 10 An isometric view of the platform 144 and the platform rung 103a isolated from the other parts of the ladder 100 is shown. The platform rung 103a may have a greater lateral width than the platform 144, allowing at least one intermediate rear-facing surface 170 of the platform rung 103a to directly connect and abut the surface of the first side beam 101 (such as the inner surface of the channel 172 of the side beam). See Figures 7 to 8 . The intermediate rear-facing surface 170 may be formed on the attachment portion 150 of the platform rung 103a.

[0052] The platform 144 may also include an inner end portion 174 that is hinged at the hinge 176 that connects the linkages 140, 142 (see Figures 7 to 8) extends between the strut mechanisms 112 of the ladder 100 on the forward side thereof. The inner end portion 174 can be used as a grip or handle where the user can grasp the platform 144. When the user wants to fold the ladder 100, the inner end portion 174 can be pulled upward, causing the hinge 176 to pivot and contract the ladder via the linkages 140, 142. The platform spanning the connection of the strut mechanisms 112 allows the strut mechanisms 112 to pivot simultaneously on both sides of the ladder 100. Thus, the user can grasp the inner end portion 174 with one hand to contract or deploy / lock the platform 144, and the inner end portion 174 / handle portion at the location where the user transforms the configuration of the ladder 100 can also serve as a platform and a rung on which the user can stand at an elevated position on the ladder 100. Additionally, the inner end portion 174 can be moved from the deployed configuration to the folded configuration by an arm passing through the front side beam 101 and the rear side beam 109 without interference. In other words, the arm can reach between the side beams 101 / 109, grasp the inner end portion 174, and fold or deploy the ladder 100 in a single motion without repositioning the hand or fingers relative to the inner end portion 174. The hand or fingers are not pinched or squeezed by other parts of the ladder and only require one continuous movement of the hand or fingers (e.g., as compared to the following movement: the user must make at least a first movement to "unlock" the struts and then must make a second movement to move the first component relative to the second component). The inner end portion 174 can be moved to simultaneously unlock the strut mechanism 112 and smoothly contract the ladder by applying a consistent force to the inner end portion 174 with the hand alone. In some embodiments, the user can also unlock and contract the ladder 100 by continuously pressing the bottom of the platform 144 in a vertical direction (e.g., upward). Similarly, the user can apply a vertical force to the top surface of the platform 144 (whether at the inner end portion 174 or not) to extend and lock the strut mechanism 112.

[0053] The platform 144 and the platform rung 103a can be extruded parts configured for cost-effective manufacturing and assembly. As Figures 9 to 10 shown, the platform 144 can be extruded to a predetermined width, including all of its flanges (e.g., 146, 166, 162, 168), cut to the desired width (if needed), and moved substantially directly (i.e., ignoring minor finishing steps such as deburring or inspection) for assembly with the platform rung 103a and the linkage 142 without machining or other additional significant processing. Thus, since the platform 144 is manufactured as a linear extrusion, it can have a consistent cross-section across its entire lateral width. In some embodiments, the platform 144 can be pivotally attached to the platform rung 103a without fasteners, such as by elastically press-fitting or snap-fitting the hinge portion 162 into the hinge portion 158 of the rung. In some cases, an optional rod (e.g., Figure 7Inserted into hinge portions 162, 158 in (180) to limit or prevent the hinge portions from disengaging from each other.

[0054] The various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, as those inventions set forth in the following claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the disclosed inventions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The terms "comprising:" and "having" as used in the specification and claims have the same meaning as the term "including".

Claims

1. A ladder, comprising: A first component, the first component including a first pair of side beams and a plurality of rungs extending between and connected to the first pair of side beams; A second component, the second component including a second pair of side beams, the second pair of side beams being pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of side beams between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; And A strut mechanism, the strut mechanism including: A first pair of linkages, the first pair of linkages being pivotally connected to the second pair of side beams respectively; A platform, the platform being pivotally coupled to the first pair of linkages and pivotally coupled to a rung among the plurality of rungs, the platform having an inner end portion located between the first component and the second component when the first component and the second component are in the extended configuration; Wherein in response to a force applied perpendicular to the inner end portion of the platform, the first component and the second component are converted from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

2. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a top surface coplanar with the top surfaces of the rungs among the plurality of rungs.

3. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the rungs comprise protruding portions extending behind the rear-facing surfaces of the first pair of side beams.

4. The ladder according to claim 3, wherein the platform comprises a support section configured to rest on the protruding portions of the rungs.

5. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a protective portion that at least partially covers the rear-facing surface of the rungs when the first component and the second component are in the extended configuration.

6. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a protective portion configured to cover the gap between the rungs and the platform when the first component and the second component are in the retracted configuration.

7. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the platform has a constant cross-section in its transverse width.

8. The ladder according to claim 7, wherein the constant cross-section comprises a hinge portion pivotally coupled to the rungs.

9. A ladder, comprising: A first component, the first component including a first pair of side beams and a first plurality of transverse supports extending between and connected to the first pair of side beams; A second component, the second component including a second pair of side beams and a second plurality of transverse supports extending between and connected to the second pair of side beams, wherein the second pair of side beams are pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of side beams between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; and And A strut mechanism, the strut mechanism including a pair of articulated linkage mechanisms coupled to the first component and the second component, wherein the strut mechanism includes a platform member having a uniform cross-section across its transverse width.

10. The ladder according to claim 9, wherein the platform member is attached to the rungs among the plurality of rungs without using fasteners.

11. The ladder according to claim 9, wherein the platform member comprises a hinge portion that can be inserted into a groove of the rungs among the plurality of rungs.

12. The ladder according to claim 11, wherein the hinge portion is pivotally coupled to the groove.

13. The ladder according to claim 11, wherein the hinge portion is elastically flexible and configured to be press - fitted into the groove.

14. The ladder according to claim 9, wherein the platform member includes a guard portion configured to cover a rear surface of a rung among the plurality of rungs.

15. The ladder according to claim 14, wherein the guard portion is curved and configured to follow a curvature of the rear surface of the rung.

16. A ladder, comprising: A first component, the first component including a first pair of side beams and a first plurality of transverse supports extending between and connected to the first pair of side beams; A second component, the second component including a second pair of side beams and a second plurality of transverse supports extending between and connected to the second pair of side beams, wherein the second pair of side beams are pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of side beams between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; and A handle, the handle being coupled to a first side beam of the first pair of side beams, the handle having an inner end including a tip movable between: A first position, the first position being laterally inside the laterally innermost surface of the rear wall of a second side beam of the second pair of side beams; and A second position, the second position contacting or being laterally outside the laterally innermost surface of the rear wall of the second side beam of the second pair of side beams.

17. The ladder according to claim 16, wherein with the tip in the second position, the handle resists the ladder from extending to the extended configuration.

18. The ladder according to claim 16, wherein the tip is elastically deflectable between the first position and the second position.

19. The ladder according to claim 16, wherein when in the second position, the handle contacts a forward - facing surface of the second side beam.

20. The ladder according to claim 16, wherein when in the second position, the tip extends into a channel of the second side beam.

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