Patent ID: 8622171

Claim:
A ladder system comprising: an overhead track system including a first guide track, a second guide track, and a carriage operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks; the carriage having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rod directly extending between the two side walls; a ladder pivotally mounted to the carriage of the overhead track system thereby forming a pivot connection therebetween; a braking mechanism associated with the carriage and operatively configured to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder relative to the first and second guide tracks, the braking mechanism comprising a pad operatively configured to engage one of the first and second guide tracks of the overhead track system as a result of a load applied onto the ladder from above the ladder, and to disengage from the one of the first and second guide tracks when the load is removed from the ladder; and a latch carried by the ladder and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the carriage, the latch, when in the engaged position is connected with the carriage and operatively configured to hold the ladder in a latched position, and when in the disengaged position from the carriage, operatively configured to allow the ladder to rotate about the pivot connection.