A ladder, member for connecting a rail to a horizontal element of a ladder, and method, and apparatus and method for holding a washer

摘要

A member (100) for connecting a rail (102) to a horizontal element (104) of a ladder. The member (100) comprises a first portion (30) that connects to the horizontal element (104). The member (100) also comprises a second portion (32) which connects to the rail (102) and extends essentially in parallel with the rail (102). The second portion (32) is integrally connected to the first portion (30) such that the first portion (30) and the second portion (32) are one continuous piece. The second portion (32) is in an angular relationship of less than 90 DEG with the first portion (30). The rail (102) may comprise a first rail flange (65) and a second rail flange (67), in which case the member (100) comprises a first arm (73) which connects to the first rail flange (65) and the horizontal element (104). The member (100) is also comprised of a second arm (77) which connects to the second rail flange (67) and the horizontal element (104). Additionally, the member (100) comprises a central body (75) which is integrally connected to the second arm (77) and the first arm (73). The first arm (73), second arm (77) and central body (75) are one continuous piece, preferably of plastics. A ladder may be formed from a plurality of members (100). A method for using such a ladder comprises the steps of placing a load on the ladder, then transferring forces generated from the load to a member (100) connected between a rail (102) of the ladder and a first step of the ladder. The member (100) can include an apparatus (111) for holding a washer.