Patent ID: 7188706

Claim:
A method for operating a stepladder comprising: pivoting a first frame with respect to a second frame; pivoting a step with respect to the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame; pivoting a utility tray with respect to the second frame to move the utility tray from a lowered position to a raised position, wherein the utility tray comprises a top panel and a side panel that extends from the top panel, wherein the side panel has a slot formed therein and wherein the side panel has a detent formed therein so the detent is in communication with the slot; maintaining the utility tray in the raised position with a support arm, wherein the support arm has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally attached to the second frame, wherein the second end slides with respect to the slot as the utility tray is pivoted from the lowered position to the raised position and wherein the second end seats in the detent to retain the utility tray in the raised position.