Patent ID: 7165649
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: E04F

Abstract:
1. A strut positioning system for a foldable ladder configured installation in an opening defined between one floor or space and another floor or space, the opening having a distal side to which a ladder is rotatably attached, a proximal side to which an opening or closing torque is applied to open or close the foldable ladder, and a first and a second lateral side, the strut positioning system comprising: at least one strut having a proximal end and a distal end; a track configured for mounting in a fixed position relative to and along one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the opening defined between one floor or space and another floor or space; a rack plate comprising gear teeth matingly engaging corresponding pinion gear teeth and comprising a connector connecting to said proximal end of said strut, said rack plate translating within said track from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to a non-compressed state of said strut and said second position corresponds to a compressed state of said strut; a locking device locking said rack plate in said second position; a pinion gear comprising teeth matingly engaging corresponding rack plate gear teeth and comprising a torque application member matingly engaging a torque application tool, said pinion gear being rotatably mounted in a fixed position within said track; wherein, upon connection of said distal end of said strut to one of a ladder and a link member attached to a ladder and compression of said strut by application of a torque to said pinion gear, said rack plate is locked in said second position.