Fiber/resin composite ladder and accompanying accessories

Abstract

A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of prestressed filament wound composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded, filament wound composite material (fiberglass) wherein the fibers are continuous and angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rails. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder and hinge actuators are located in the front edges of the outer side rails so that the ladder may be folded, unfolded or locked in either a closed, step ladder or straight extension ladder configuration, by depressing the hinge actuators, irrespective of the longitudinal position of the inner rail sections with respect to the outer rail sections. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled portions of the outer rails and interfaced with an 'interlocking tongue and groove joint' such that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration without compromising the torsion characteristics of the outer rail under a weighted load. Both the inner and outer side rails have composite rungs, integrally molded into the sides to produce a homogeneous casting. Ladder accessories are provided that facilitate stability and convenient use during operation thereof.