Patent ID: 8360204

Claim:
A self-adjusting leveling ladder comprising: first and second generally parallel and interconnected side rails; third and fourth generally parallel side rails connected by a plurality of step rungs spaced apart from one another along a length of the third and fourth side rails, the third and fourth side rails being pivotally connected to the first and second side rails so as to form an A-frame step ladder; a first locking member extending between the first and second side rails and having a plurality of spaced apart projections extending substantially a length of the first locking member; a second locking member associated with the first locking member so as to slidably move along a substantial length of the first locking member; a first leg having a first end pivotally attached to the second locking member and with a longitudinal axis extending downwardly from the second locking member at an angle; and a second leg having a first end pivotally attached to the second locking member and with a longitudinal axis extending downwardly from the second locking member at an angle; and the first locking member extends through a passageway formed in the second locking member, the second locking member is configured to freely slide horizontally along a length of the first locking member when one of the first leg and the second leg is exerting a force to the second locking member, and move vertically into releasable engagement with the first locking member when the first and second legs exert an upward force to the second locking member; and a first guide associated with the first rail for guiding a movement of the first leg within the first guide, and a second guide associated with the second rail for guiding a movement of the second leg within the second guide.