Patent ID: 7621374

Claim:
A sectional overhead ladder comprising: a stair structure defining at least a first section and a second section, said first section and said second section being collapsably connected such that said stair structure is collapsed for storage and extended for use, a dampening system comprising, a housing having a first end and a second end, said housing first end being attached to said first section of said stair structure; a dampener substantially encased within said housing, said dampener defining a first end and a second end, said dampener first end being attached to said housing first end, and; a cord defining a first end and a second end, said first end of said cord being attached to said second end of said dampener, said second end of said cord being attached to said second section of said stair structure, whereby when said stair structure is collapsed, said dampener and said cord limit the free extension of said stair structure and when said stair structure is extended, said dampener and said cord limit the collapse of said stair structure.