Patent ID: 6886659
Filing Date: 2005-05-03
Classification: E06C

Abstract:
1. A convertible ladder comprising: a first ladder portion comprising a first rail, a second rail and a plurality of rungs that extend between the first rail and the second rail, wherein the first rail and the second rail are each channel shaped and have a first pair of legs joined by a first main section; and wherein the first pair of legs and the first main section define a first rail recess; a second ladder portion comprising a third rail, a fourth rail and a plurality of rungs that extend between the third rail and the fourth rail, wherein the third rail and the fourth rail are each channel shaped and have a second pair of legs joined by a second main section, and wherein the second pair of legs and the second main section define a second rail recess; a first non-adjustable hinge mechanism having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end each have a first hinge recess formed therein, and wherein the first hinge recesses receive the first main section on the first rail and the second main section on the third rail; a second non-adjustable hinge mechanism having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end each have a second hinge recess formed therein, and wherein the second hinge recesses receive the first main section on the second rail and the second main section on the fourth rail, wherein the first and second non-adjustable hinge mechanisms each have a first plate, a second plate and an intermediate plate mounted between the first plate and the second plate so that the intermediate plate is parallel to and adjacent to both the first plate and the second plate, said first and second plates extending beyond the intermediate plate and defining said recesses therebetween at each end thereof; and a plurality of locking mechanisms releasably attaching the first, second, third and fourth rails to the first and second non-adjustable hinge mechanisms, wherein the first non-adjustable hinge mechanism and the second non-adjustable hinge mechanism maintain the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion in a substantially stationary relationship with respect to each other, and wherein the first plate extends into the first rail recess and the second rail access, respectively, wherein each first plate, second plate and a respective main section having aligned apertures receiving one of the plurality of locking mechanisms.