Importance

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Abstract

The present invention pertains to a ladder. The ladder includes a first plastic side rail, at least a portion of which is hollow. The ladder also includes a second plastic side rail, at least a portion of which is hollow. The second side rail is in parallel with the first side rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a plurality of steps, each of which is attached to the first and second side rails at predetermined locations such that each step forms a flat weight bearing platform upon which a user can stand. The first and second side rails each have a plurality of pockets having solid cross sections disposed therealong at predetermined positions, and each of the steps are attached to the first and second side rails at corresponding pockets therein with fasteners through holes in the solid cross sections. The present invention also pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder includes a first side rail. The stepladder also includes a second side rail adjacent to and in parallel with the first side rail. There are a plurality of steps, each of which is attached to the first and second side rails at predetermined locations such that each step forms a flat weight bearing platform upon which a user can stand. The first and second side rails and the steps form a front section. Additionally, there is a third side rail adjacent to the first section. There is also a fourth side rail adjacent to and in parallel with the third side rail. The stepladder also includes a first bracing element attached to the third and fourth side rails to support them. The third and fourth side rails and first bracing element define a rear section. Moreover, there is a top which is connected to the front and rear sections at the top ends of the first and second rails, and the top ends of the third and fourth rails such that the front and rear sections form a V-shape when deployed and fold on top of each other when undeployed. The stepladder also includes a shelf in pivotal relationship with respect to the front and rear sections such that when the front and rear sections are deployed, the shelf automatically extends essentially perpendicularly with the front and rear sections, and when the front and rear sections are folded on top of each other to be undeployed, the shelf automatically folds into an essentially parallel position with respect to the front and rear sections.

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First Claim