Patent ID: 6142255
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: E06C,F16B

Abstract:
A ladder comprising:a first side rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange and a web which together form a u-shaped cross-section;a second side rail essentially in parallel with and adjacent to the first side rail, said second side rail having a first rail flange and a second rail flange and a web which together form a u-shaped cross-section;a horizontal element connected at a first joint to the first side rail in proximity to its bottom and connected at a second joint to the second side rail in proximity to its bottom and essentially perpendicular with the first and second side rails;a first front member connected to the first side rail and the horizontal element; anda second front member connected to the second side rail and to the horizontal element, each front member having first and second flanges joined by a web which together form a u-shaped cross-section and comprising:a first portion that connects to the horizontal element; anda second portion which connects to a respective rail and terminates at a distance from the respective joint, the second portion's first and second flanges and web presenting three contact surfaces which connect to the rail and extend essentially in parallel with the respective rail of the ladder and conforms with the rail to which it is attached so forces can be transferred therebetween, said second portion integrally connected to the first portion such that the first portion and second portion are one continuous piece, wherein said first and second flanges the first rail flange and second rail flange, respectively, and the web of the front member contacts the web of the rail of u-shaped cross-section.