US Patent 7621374 Sectional overhead ladder with a fold assist feature

A sectional overhead ladder with a fold assist feature for controlling the extension of the sectional overhead ladder. The fold assist feature of the sectional overhead ladder limits the possibility of free extension of the extendable overhead ladder by preventing gravitational forces from causing the ladder sections to fall into their extended configuration. The sectional overhead ladder includes generally a stair structure and an extendable dampening system. The extendable dampening system is comprised of a dampener and, optionally, a housing. The stair structure includes a first section and a second section. The dampening system is attached to the first and second sections of the stair structure such that the dampener limits the free extension of the stair structure and assists with the collapse of the stair structure.