Patent ID: 6622822
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: E06C

Abstract:
A ladder apparatus for installation in an environment to aid access to an elevated area within the environment, the apparatus comprising:a) an upper member comprising: i. an elongated first side rail comprising a mounting end, an open end, and a center portion extending between said mounting end and said open end, wherein at least the part of said center portion disposed adjacent said open end is hollow, said mounting end having structure for rotateably mounting said first side rail to a first mating surface, and said open end defining an aperture; ii. an elongated second side rail comprising a first end, a second end, and a center portion extending between said first end and said second end, said first end having structure for rotateably mounting said second rail to a second mating surface; and iii. at least one step rung rigidly disposed between said first and second side rails; and b) a lower member comprising a first end, a second end, and a center portion extending between said first and second end, wherein said lower member first end is slideably engaged within said upper member open end to define a ladder length, said second end having structure for removably mounting said lower member to a third mating surface when said ladder is in use and to a fourth mating surface when said ladder is in storage; c) wherein said structure of said lower member second end comprises a latch mechanism, said latch adapted to alternatively be removably fixed to said third mating surface or to said fourth mating surface; d) wherein said length of said ladder is adjustable over a range by sliding said lower member with respect to said upper member.