REINFORCED SPREADER LADDER STEP AND LADDER HANDLE, LADDERS INCORPORATING SAME, AND RELATED METHODS

Ladder configurations and components are provided including a first assembly of rails and a second assembly of rails that are pivotable relative to each other between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A handle coupled to a rail extends inward from the rail and has an inner end resiliently deflectable between a clearance position and a weight bearing position that engages another rail as the ladder is carried by the handle. A spreader mechanism includes a platform extending between jointed linkages and that extends the top surface of a rung coupled to two of the rails. An inner end of the platform may be used as a handle to expand or collapse the ladder. The platform may be extruded and assembled with the rung in a manner limiting pinching or gaps at an interface between the platform and the rung.