hinge the support rail is connected to the support frame 9 instead of the step frame 1 the step frame 1 is then connected to an additional deck in the locking hinge inside the main body of the hinge this last deck can be independent of the locking mechanism i e non locking while the embodiments shown all comprises a support rail that is folded towards the support frame when collapsing the step ladder it is also possible to devise a step ladder in which h the support rail is folded the other way around i e towards the step frame when collapsing the step ladder fig5 shows a step ladder of a simplified construction the ladder includes first and second step frames 1 2 joined by first locking hinges 3 3 u2032 and first and second support frames 9 6 joined by second locking hinges 8 8 u2032 the step frames and support frames are joined in third hinges 15 15 u2032 and held together by straps 16 16 u2032 the straps could be replaced with crossbars if crossbars are used they should be pivotally connected to the frames and slide in slots in one of the frames not shown a number of cross struts 17 18 19 have been included the legs include extension legs 4 4 u2032 7 7 u2032 however it may be unnecessary to include extension.