AU2009227927A1 - Foldable ladder for mounting in a ceiling - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (ORIGINAL) Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Kimberley Plastics Pty Ltd Actual Inventor(s): Rick Kimberley Address for Service and Correspondence: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: FOLDABLE LADDER FOR MOUNTING IN A CEILING Our Ref: 867417 POF Code: 482581/491817 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): 6- 16- 2 FOLDABLE LADDER FOR MOUNTING IN A CEILING Field of the Invention 5 The present invention generally relates to a foldable ladder. The invention is particularly applicable as an overhead folding ladder for use with a door provided at an opening in a ceiling of a building and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that 10 application. Background of the Invention The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to 15 facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application. 20 Overhead ladders are commonly used to provide space saving access to roof spaces or attics of buildings. Most overhead ladders include a plurality of sections that are retracted for storage in the overhead space. Known ladders can have sections that are slidably retracted or folded upon one another about hinged joints. 25 Overhead ladders of the folding variety are generally attached to a hatch mounted in the ceiling which is pulled down to allow the ladder to unfold. However, the sections of an overhead ladder can be heavy, and can injure a user if the ladder unfolds suddenly onto the user due to free extension of the 30 sections of the ladder about their hinged joints. United States Patent Publication 2007/0034450 discloses a sectional foldable ladder that has been developed to overcome this type of problem associated with overhead ladders. The ladder comprises a foldable stair structure having a X:\ECPP2aent Spedfications visionals\Atc LadderS\Foldabe adder for mounting in a ceiling - nplete - final doc 3 first section which is hingedly connected to a second section to allow the stair structure to fold up for storage and be extended for use. An extendable spring dampener is attached between the first section and second section to limit the free extension of the stair structure and assist with the collapse of the stair 5 structure. Spring dampeners of this type have been found to be problematic when used with foldable ladders as they provide a dampening force both when the ladder is unfolding and when the ladder is being folded for storage. This type of 10 dampener can therefore create undesirable resistance when the ladder is being folded, hindering free movement of the sections. Furthermore, the manner in which the dampener is mounted in US2007/0034450 between the first and second sections of the stair structure (as shown in Figures 5A to 5C) causes the dampener to cross over the pivot during movement of the stair structure 15 between the stair structures collapsed state and extended state. This results in an undesirable range of movement, where the dampener is initially extended when the sections are first moved apart and then compressed after the spring dampener crosses over the pivot. Consequently, this dampener has been found to provide non-optimal dampening characteristics. 20 It would therefore be desirable to provide an alternate sectional foldable ladder which includes a dampening function. Summary of the Invention 25 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sectional foldable ladder that includes a stair structure defining at least a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section of the stair structure are pivotably connected about a pivot allowing the stair structure to be moved 30 between a folded state for storage and an extended state. The foldable ladder also includes a piston type dampener which has a first end attached to the first section of the stair structure and a second end attached to the second section of the stair structure. The dampener is connected between the first section of the stair structure and second section of the stair structure in a location that XAECP\Paen Spedflcats\ Lsionas\ANc Laddr\okable Ladder for mountrn In a ceUing complete - final.doc 4 enables the damper to substantially continuously exert a dampening force between the two sections as the sections are moved from their folded state to their extended state. 5 The present invention provides a force-dampening system which dampens movement between sections of a sectional foldable ladder when the ladder is unfolded. The dampener exerts a substantially continuous dampening force between the two sections as the sections are moved from their folded state to their extended state. The dampener therefore exerts at least some dampening 10 force during substantially all of the unfolding movement, controlling the extension of the sections of the ladder. A continuous dampening force can be exerted by connecting the first end of the dampener and the second end of the dampener section to each respective 15 section of the stair structure at a location away from the pivot point that substantially prevents the body of the dampener crossing over the pivot during movement of the stair structure between the folded state and the extended state. 20 Each of the first end and second ends of the dampener can be located proximate the same side of the stair structure a predetermined lateral distance away from the pivot when the stair structure is in the extended state. This locates the ends of the dampener on the same side of the stair structure, and again ensures that the dampener does not cross over the pivot. More 25 preferably, the first end and second ends of the dampener are located on a support member that extends laterally outwardly from the respective first section and second section of the stair structure to position the dampener away from the pivot. The support member may comprise any suitable strut, plate, projection, flange, outcrop or similar. 30 Each of the support members can extend outwardly from an abutment side of the first and second section of the stair structure. The abutment side of each section is that side which abuts the respective abutment side of the other section when the stair structure is in the folded condition. X:\ECPPaten SpedfcatonProvislsAtc Ladders\Foldable ladder for mountIng in a ceiling - cornplete - final.doc 5 The first section and the second section are pivotally connected such that the second section rotates proximate the first section to extend for use and to collapse for storage. The dampener limits the rotation of the first section 5 proximate the second section about the pivot. The first end of the dampener is also preferably pivotally connected to the first section of the stair structure. Similarly, the second end of the dampener is preferably pivotally connected to the second section of the stair structure. These pivot connections facilitate free movement of the dampener during relative movement of the first and section 10 sections of the stair structure. The dampener of the sectional foldable ladder limits the possibility of free extension of the extendable ladder by limiting the effect of gravitational forces causing the ladder sections to fall freely into their extended configuration. 15 The dampener of the present invention can be configured to provide a greater dampening force to movement between the first section and second section about the pivot when the stair structure is moved from its folded state to its extended state than when the stair structure is moved from its extended state to 20 its folded state. In some forms, the dampener provides substantially less dampening force between the first section and second section about the pivot when the stair structure is moved from its extended state to its folded state as compared to the dampening force provided to movement between the first section and second section about the pivot when the stair structure is moved 25 from its folded state to its extended state. In other forms, the dampener provides substantially no dampening force when the stair structure is moved from its extended state into its folded state. The piston cylinder can include an oil fluid which provides a hydraulic dampening force when the stair structure is unfolded into its extended state. However, it is envisaged that other dampening 30 fluids such as gases could also be used. The dampener preferably comprises a piston type dampener including a piston head connected to a piston arm which moves within a piston cylinder, the piston head being configured to provide greater resistance to movement of the piston X:ECP\Patent Spedficat sProv1sionalstrAic LaddersFoldable Lder fo mounting in a callin - ornplete - fina.doc 6 arm in one direction than to movement of the piston arm in the opposite direction. The piston head can be configured to provide a dampening force which resists movement of the piston arm in one direction and substantially less resistance to movement of the piston arm in the opposite direction. This may 5 be achieved using a variety of configurations. In one configuration, the piston head is configured to allow a greater flow of fluid past the head when the piston arm is moved in one direction than when the piston arm is moved in the opposite direction. The piston head can be 10 configured with a greater fluid flow constriction in one side as compared to the opposite side of the head, for example by having larger fluid conduits for allowing fluid flow in one direction than in the other direction. In other configurations, the piston head includes a one way valve within the 15 piston head which allows fluid to flow through the head in one direction. The ladder can be used to provide space saving access to overhead spaces such as roof spaces or attics of buildings. Here, the sections of the ladder are retracted for storage in the overhead space. The overhead space typically 20 includes a mounting structure, usually an overhead mounting structure, which is positioned around an opening in a ceiling or roof. The first section of the stair structure includes a first end which is preferably connected to that mounting structure and a second end includes a stair structure connected to the second section. The first end is preferably pivotably connected to the overhead 25 mounting structure. The stair structure can include a plurality of sections which unfold to form a stair structure. In one form, the stair structure can include a third section pivotably connected to a distal end of the second section. The third section unfolds with 30 the second section. Each of the sections can be interconnected with an adjoining section with a dampener which limits the possibility of free extension of those respective adjoining sections of the ladder. The ladder can be mounted to provide access to the overhead opening, the first section being connected to a cover element configured to substantially cover the opening. X-ECPMPatent SpedflicaionsProvislanails\Atic Laddes\Fpoldable ladder for nownting in a ceiling - omplete - flnal.doc 7 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sectional foldable ladder that includes a stair structure defining at least a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section of the 5 stair structure are pivotably connected about a pivot allowing the stair structure to be moved between a folded state for storage and an extended state. The foldable ladder also includes a piston type dampener that has a first end attached to the first section of the stair structure and a second end attached to the second section of the stair structure. The dampener is configured to provide 10 a greater dampening force to movement between the first section and second section about the pivot when the stair structure is moved from its folded state to its extended state than when the stair structure is moved from its extended state to its folded state. 15 This aspect of the present invention provides a force-dampening system which dampens movement between sections of a sectional foldable ladder when the ladder is unfolded. The force-dampening system is configured to control the unfolding process of the sections of the ladder comprising the stair structure, and not substantially hinder the folding process of the sections of the ladder 20 when the ladder is being folded for storage. It should be understood that the above discussed aspects of the first aspect of the present invention can also be incorporated into this second aspect of the present invention. 25 Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of 30 the present invention, wherein: Figure 1 is a side view of a foldable ladder according to one embodiment of the present invention which includes a dampener. Hidden detail shows the ladder in a folded state (A), half unfolded state (B). Solid lines show the ladder in an X:\ECP\Paten SpedDfcis\ProvisionalAttic Ladders\Foldable ladder ( mouning In a ceilng - complete - final.doc 8 extended state (C). It is noted that the hidden detail views (A) and (B) do not show all the detail of the ladder, such as the dampener. Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the ladder shown in Figure 1. 5 Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the dampeners and hinge section between two sections of the ladder shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 are detailed progressive side views of the dampener and hinge section 10 of the ladder when unfolding, where (A) shows the dampener and hinge section in a folded state; (B) shows the dampener and hinge section in a half unfolded state; and (C) shows the dampener and hinge section in an extended state. Figure 5 provides a cross-sectional view of a dampener used in the ladder 15 shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 provides a (A) rear end view, (B) side view, and (C) front end view of a piston head used in the dampener shown in Figure 5. 20 Figure 7 provides two detailed cross-sectional view of the dampener shown in Figure 5 showing the fluid flow pathways through the piston head of the dampener when the piston head is moving in each direction in the dampener. Detailed Description 25 Figures 1 and 2 show a sectional foldable ladder 10 constructed in accordance one embodiment of the present invention. The sectional foldable ladder 10 is adapted to be installed in a ceiling entranceway or other overhead structure to provide a stair structure 12 which a user can climb or descend. The stair 30 structure 12 comprises a series of spaced apart steps or rungs 13 held between a pair of spaced apart longitudinal members 15. The ladder 10 includes two piston type dampeners 14 for controlling the extension of the sectional ladder 10, thereby preventing gravitational forces from causing the sections of the stair structure 12 to fall into their extended configuration during extension. X:\ECP\Patent Specficatn\Pmvisonals\Atic LaddMersFoidable ladder for mounting In a ceiling - wmplet - Rlnaldoc 9 The sectional foldable ladder 10 is configured for mounting in an overhead structure of a building (not illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, the sectional foldable ladder 10 is configured to be mounted in a ceiling 5 entranceway 18. The ceiling entranceway 18 includes a support frame 20 which defines an opening 21 and a hatch 22 pivotally connected to the support frame 20 by a hinge 24. However, it should be understood that the sectional foldable ladder 10 may be adapted to be mounted in or on other overhead structures such as roofs, gangways, platforms or the like. 10 The foldable stair structure 12 comprises a three section foldable ladder having a first section 30 mounted on top of the hatch 22 and two folding sections, a second (middle) section 32, and a third (distal) section 34 which are pivotably connected together and to the first section 30. It should be understood that the 15 ladder 10 could include more stair sections without departing from the scope of the invention. Each of the sections 30, 32 and 34 of the foldable stair structure 12 are pivotably connected end to end to the adjacent section through a hinge 36, 38 to allow them to move between a folded state (as shown by the broken line configuration A in Figure 1) and an extended state (shown by the solid line 20 configuration C) that form a continuous ladder from one surface to another. While not shown in the Figures, the ladder sections 30, 32, 34 can include a pair of side rails. The piston dampeners 14 of the present invention are connected between the 25 pivoting connections of the first 30 and second 32 sections of the stair structure 12. A set of support struts 40 are provided on each section 30, 32 which extend perpendicularly to and outwards of the longitudinal members 15. The support struts 40 are used to attach the ends of the dampeners 14 to the longitudinal members 15 of each of the first 30 and second 32 sections of the collapsible 30 ladder 12. A first end 60 of the dampener 14 is pivotally attached to a strut 44 of the first ladder section 30. A second end 62 of the dampener 14 is pivotally attached to the cooperating strut 48 of the second ladder section 32. As best shown in Figure 3, each of the struts 44, 48 position the dampener 14 perpendicularly upwards (relative to the orientation shown in Figure 3) and to X'\ECPPalent Sped ao revisionas\Attic Lades\Foldable ladder for mounting In a colling - complete -final.dc 10 the side of the respective longitudinal members 15 of the sections 30 and 32. This enables the dampener 14 to be located to the side of each of the sections 30, 32 when the sections are folded together into the folded state (as shown by configuration A in Figure 1). 5 As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the dampener 14 is a piston type dampener having a piston cylinder 50 which is connected to the first section 30 though end 60 which is connected to strut 44 and a piston arm 52 which is connected to the second section 32 through end 62 which is connected to strut 10 48. The piston arm 52 extends out from the piston cylinder 50 in response to an applied force. Referring to Figure 5, it can be seen that the illustrated dampener 14 is a uni directional dampener providing a greater dampening force in substantially one 15 direction as compared to the opposite direction. In this respect, the piston arm 52 includes a piston head 54 which moves within a piston cylinder 50. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the piston head 54 is configured to resist flow of fluid past the head 54 when the piston arm 52 is moved out of chamber 65 and substantially allow fluid to flow past the head 54 when the piston arm 52 is 20 moved into chamber 64. Referring firstly to Figure 6, it can be seen that the piston head 54 includes a greater fluid flow constriction in one side as compared to the opposite side of the piston head 54. The rear side of the piston head 54 (shown in Figures 6A 25 and 6B) has three large fluid flow holes 61 extending through a rear flange 63 of the head 54. The front side of the piston head 54 (shown in Figures 6A and 6C) has a single small fluid flow hole 64 extending through a front flange 66 of the head 54. The rear flange 63 and front flange 66 are spaced apart forming an annular groove 68 therebetween which houses an o-ring seal 70 (shown in 30 Figure 7). As shown in Figure 7, the different sizes of the fluid flow holes 61 and 64 in the rear flange 63 and front flange 66 allows a greater flow of fluid past the head 54 when the piston arm 52 is moved out from the cylinder 50 than when the piston XAECP\Pateu SpecifcationsPovisionals\AUic LaddersFoldable Iadde fo mounting In a ceiling - womple - final.doc 11 arm 52 is moved into the cylinder 50. Thus, when the piston arm 52 is pulled out of the piston cylinder 50 (as shown in Figure 7A, and as occurs when the ladder 10 is unfolded), the small hole 64 in the front flange 66 of the piston head 54 severely constricts fluid flow, thereby providing a large hydraulic dampening 5 force. During this movement, the o-ring seal 70 is moved to abut the front flange 66 of the piston head 54, creating a seal between the proximate portion of the inner wall of the cylinder 50 and the front flange 66. This prevents oil from flowing around the edges of the front flange 66. In comparison, when the piston arm 52 is pushed into the piston cylinder 50 (as shown in Figure 7B, and 10 as occurs when the ladder 10 is folded), the three larger holes 61 in rear flange 63 of the piston head 52 allows a much greater fluid flow through the piston head 54 than the small hole 64. This greater flow creates substantially less hydraulic dampening force, and therefore does not restrict movement of the piston arm 52 as much as in the other direction. The o-ring seal 70 does not 15 seal against the front flange 66 of the piston head 54 in this direction, thus allowing fluid to flow around the edges of the front flange 66. This provides a much greater fluid flow path than provided by the small fluid flow hole 64, allowing oil to flow relatively easily around the piston head 54. 20 It should be appreciated that the size of the small fluid flow hole 64 and the large fluid flow holes 61 could be changed to provide different dampening characteristics. For example, even less dampening resistance would be exerted by the dampener 14 if the large fluid flow holes 61 are enlarged. Similarly, more dampening resistance would be exerted by the dampener 14 if 25 the small fluid flow hole 61 was made smaller. However, other considerations such as fouling and the limitation of fluid flow around the edges of the front flange 66 would also limit the effect of any such changes. The dampener 14 thus provides a greater dampening force to movement 30 between the first section 30 and second section 32 are unfolded about the hinge 36 than when these sections are folded together. In the illustrated embodiment, two dampeners 14 are used in the sectional foldable ladder 10 of the present invention. It should be understood that a X:\ECPatent Spedilcaons\ oWialAdc Laders\Foldable ladder for mounting In a calling - Complete - fMain 6oc 12 plurality of dampeners 14 could be used to control a plurality of connected foldable ladder sections, or multiple dampeners 14 can control movement between adjacent ladder sections. 5 The dampener 14 is connected on a set of support struts 40 which extend perpendicularly to and outwards of the longitudinal members 15 to enable the dampener 14 to constantly exert a dampening force between the two sections 30, 32 as the sections 30, 32 are unfolded (moved from their folded state to their extended state). The struts 40 position the dampener 14 at a sufficient 10 distance away from the pivot 70 to prevent the dampener 14 crossing over the pivot 70 of the hinge 36 when the stair structure 12 is unfolded. This substantially prevents the dampener 14 crossing over the pivot 70 when the stair structure 12 is unfolded. This can be seen in Figures 4A to 4C which better illustrate the relative movement between the dampener 14 and the first 15 section 30 and second section 32 of the foldable stair structure 12. Figure 4A shows the sectional foldable ladder 10 of the present invention with the foldable stair structure 12 in the folded position. In this embodiment, the two ladder sections 30, 32 are configured to allow the connected ladder sections 30, 20 32 to pivot about a hinge 36 which includes pivot 70. The ends of the dampener 14 are secured to the first 30 and second 32 ladder sections such that when a moment is applied about the hinge 36 connecting the first 30 and second 32 ladder sections, the piston arm 52 is pulled out from the piston cylinder 50, thereby compressing the dampening medium. A hydraulic 25 dampening force is exerted between the first 30 and second 32 ladder sections slowing movement between these two sections. The piston arm 52 is pulled further out from the piston cylinder 50 as the ladder sections 30, 32, 34 are manually rotated and the foldable stair structure 12 extends further. As shown in Figure 4B, at the half extended state, the dampener 14 continues exerting a 30 dampening force which resists the free extension of the ladder sections 30 and 32 about the pivot 70. As shown in Figure 4C, as the sectional foldable ladder 10 is rotated into its extended position, with the piston arm 52 is pulled out to it's greatest extent out from the piston cylinder 50. X:\ECPPaten! Spedcations\Prov onals\Altic LaddersFoldabie ladder for mounting In a llng- complete final.doc 13 Substantially less dampening force is provided when the ladder sections 30, 32, 34 are folded back into their folded state as the first chamber 64 of the piston cylinder 50 due to the unidirectional dampening configuration of the dampener 14. 5 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 10 Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, 15 component or group thereof. XECP\Patert Spedfcat isPfovsonafs\Atlc LaddemFoldable ladder for rountIng in a celing - complete - final.doc

Claims (22)

1. A sectional foldable ladder including: a stair structure defining at least a first section and a second section, the 5 first section and the second section being pivotably connected about a pivot allowing the stair structure to be moved between a folded state for storage and an extended state; and a piston type dampener having a first end attached to the first section of the stair structure and a second end attached to the second section of the stair 10 structure, wherein the dampener is connected between the first section of the stair structure and second section of the stair structure in a location that enables the damper to substantially continuously exert a dampening force between the two sections as the sections are moved from their folded state to their extended 15 state.

2. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the dampener and the second end of the dampener section are connected to each respective section of the stair structure at a location away from the pivot 20 point that substantially prevents the body of the dampener crossing over the pivot during movement of the stair structure between the folded state and the extended state.

3. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 2, wherein, in the extended 25 state, each of the first end and second ends of the dampener are located proximate the same side of the stair structure a predetermined lateral distance away from the pivot.

4. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first 30 end and second ends of the dampener are located on a support member that extends laterally outwardly from the respective first section and second section of the stair structure to position the dampener away from the pivot. X:ECP\Patent S dflcatons\Prowsionals\Amc Laddme\Foldable Ldder for mountig In a ceiling - nplete - final.doc 15

5. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 4, wherein each of the first section and second section of the stair structure include an abutment side which abut the respective abutment side of the other section when the stair structure is in the folded condition, and wherein each of the support members extend 5 outwardly from the abutment side of the first and second section of the stair structure.

6. A sectional foldable ladder according to any preceding claim, wherein the dampener is configured to provide a greater dampening force to movement 10 between the first section and second section about the pivot when the stair structure is moved from its folded state to its extended state than when the stair structure is moved from its extended state to its folded state.

7. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 6, wherein the dampener 15 includes a piston head connected to a piston arm which moves within a piston cylinder, the piston head being configured to provide greater resistance to movement of the piston arm in one direction than to movement of the piston arm in the opposite direction. 20

8. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 7, wherein the piston head is configured to allow a greater flow of fluid past the head when the piston arm is moved in one direction than when the piston arm is moved in the opposite direction. 25

9. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 8, wherein the piston head is configured with a greater fluid flow constriction in one side as compared to the opposite side of the head.

10. A sectional foldable ladder according to any preceding claim, wherein the 30 piston type dampener includes an oil dampening fluid which provides a hydraulic dampening force when the stair structure is unfolded into its extended state. X:\ECP\Pater1 SpedfiCatonMPrvisionals\Atc LadderFodatble ladder for murnting in a ceiling - mplete -fnal.doc 16

11. A sectional foldable ladder according to any preceding claim, wherein the dampener provides substantially no dampening force when the stair structure is moved from its extended state into its folded state. 5

12. A sectional foldable ladder according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the dampener is pivotally connected to the first section of the stair structure and the second end of the dampener being pivotally connected to the second section of the stair structure. 10

13. A sectional foldable ladder according to any preceding claim, wherein the first section of the stair structure includes a first end connected to a mounting structure and a second end includes a stair structure connected to the second section. 15

14. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 13, wherein the mounting structure comprises an overhead mounting structure.

15. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 14, wherein the overhead mounting structure is located in a ceiling or roof. 20

16. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to the overhead mounting structure.

17. A sectional foldable ladder according to any preceding claim, wherein the 25 ladder is mounted to provide access to an overhead opening, the first section being connected to a cover element configured to substantially cover the opening.

18. A sectional foldable ladder according to any preceding claim, wherein the 30 stair structure includes at least a third section pivotably connected to a distal end of the second section of the stair structure.

19. A sectional foldable ladder including: X:\ECP\PateM SpeificationsPrvsionats\AnC LaddersFokiaDie liadd for mounting in g CO- o plete - fina.doc 17 a stair structure defining at least a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section being pivotably connected about a pivot allowing the stair structure to be moved between a folded state for storage and an extended state; and 5 a piston type dampener having a first end attached to the first section of the stair structure and a second end attached to the second section of the stair structure, wherein the dampener is configured to provide a greater dampening force to movement between the first section and second section about the pivot 10 when the stair structure is moved from its folded state to its extended state than when the stair structure is moved from its extended state to its folded state.

20. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 19, wherein the dampener includes a piston head connected to a piston arm which moves within a piston 15 cylinder, the piston head being configured to provide greater resistance to movement of the piston arm in one direction than to movement of the piston arm in the opposite direction.

21. A sectional foldable ladder according to claim 20, wherein the piston 20 head is configured to allow a greater flow of fluid past the head when the piston arm is moved in one direction than when the piston arm is moved in the opposite direction.

22. A sectional foldable ladder substantially as herein described in 25 accordance with the accompanying drawings. X:ECPPatent Spedlcions\Prvionals\Aulc LaddersFodable ladder for mounting In a ceiling - wmplet - final.doc