A foldable step ladder comprising:
- a first pair of like side rails and a second pair of like side rails, said first and said second side rails in opposition and pivotally attached at top portions thereof;
- a pair of foldable spreaders each being pivotally attached between opposing said first and said second side rails;
- extendable cross-bracing means being disposed between said first side rails, said cross-bracing means being pivotally and slidably attached to said first side rails;
- a plurality of foldable steps being disposed in a spaced relationship between said second side rails, said steps being pivotally attached to said second side rails by suitable means, said steps being foldable in a single direction;
- whereby said step ladder is foldable from an unfolded position with respect to a width thereof by pivoting said steps, drawing said second side rails together, and by extending said cross-bracing means, drawing said first side rails together, and is foldable with respect to a depth thereof by pivoting said spreaders, drawing said first and said second side rails together, thereby said step ladder is in a folded position;
- locking means for locking said step ladder in said unfolded position, preventing said side rails from being drawn together;
- bracing means pivotally attached to each said step for supporting said steps;
- and
- translation means disposed in each said second side rail for allowing said bracing means movement when said steps fold, said bracing means being pivotally attached to said translation means;
- each said second side rail comprising a substantially U-shaped channel;
- each said step comprising two half steps each having an upper stepping surface and a pair of lower parallel rails, said half steps being pivotally attached to each other at first ends thereof and to respective said side rails on an inside thereof and being receivable in said U-shape channels;
- each said translation means comprising a longitudinal slot formed in said U-shaped channel, a plate slidably received in said slot, and a plurality of brackets fixed to said plate corresponding to said bracing means;
- and
- each said bracing means being pivotally attached to one said half step between said lower rails thereof and to one said bracket;
- said plate being in a lowermost position in said slot such that further downward movement thereof is prevented which prevents said steps from pivoting below horizontal positions thereof;
- and
- said locking means being disposed on said second side rails preventing upward movement of said plate.