| 摘要 |
Latches are used to secure the legs of a stepladder during transport or while the ladder is leaned up against a wall or other surface. Embodiments for both extruded and solid-leg ladders are disclosed. A latch according to the invention includes a first latch portion mounted to one of the legs of the stepladder, and a second latch portion hingedly affixed to the first latch portion. In an unlatched state, the second portion is folded out of the way, enabling the stepladder to be used as a stepladder, and in a latched state, the second portion folded onto the other leg of the stepladder to hold the two legs together. A method according to the invention of latching the legs of a stepladder having a set of front legs with steps spanning right and left inside portions and a set of back legs also right and left inside portions, comprises the steps of: providing a latch with first and second hinged portions, fastening the first portion to the inside portion of one of the front legs between tow of the steps, and folding the second portion on onto one of the back legs so that the legs are latched together.
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