EP3147447A1 - Telescoping ladder with a retaining mechanism - Google Patents
Telescoping ladder with a retaining mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3147447A1 EP3147447A1 EP16190568.2A EP16190568A EP3147447A1 EP 3147447 A1 EP3147447 A1 EP 3147447A1 EP 16190568 A EP16190568 A EP 16190568A EP 3147447 A1 EP3147447 A1 EP 3147447A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- column
- retaining
- columns
- hammer
- stile
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 33
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 26
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C1/00—Ladders in general
- E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
- E06C1/04—Ladders for resting against objects, e.g. walls poles, trees
- E06C1/08—Ladders for resting against objects, e.g. walls poles, trees multi-part
- E06C1/12—Ladders for resting against objects, e.g. walls poles, trees multi-part extensible, e.g. telescopic
- E06C1/125—Ladders for resting against objects, e.g. walls poles, trees multi-part extensible, e.g. telescopic with tubular longitudinal members nested within each other
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/06—Securing devices or hooks for parts of extensible ladders
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/08—Special construction of longitudinal members, or rungs or other treads
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/08—Special construction of longitudinal members, or rungs or other treads
- E06C7/082—Connections between rungs or treads and longitudinal members
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/08—Special construction of longitudinal members, or rungs or other treads
- E06C7/082—Connections between rungs or treads and longitudinal members
- E06C7/083—Bracket type connection
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/08—Special construction of longitudinal members, or rungs or other treads
- E06C7/082—Connections between rungs or treads and longitudinal members
- E06C7/087—Connections between rungs or treads and longitudinal members with a connecting piece installed around the rung
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to telescoping ladders with a retaining mechanism.
- Ladders typically include rungs supported between stiles formed from a plurality of columns.
- the ladder can be a telescoping ladder and can be expanded to separate the columns from one another for extension of the ladder, or collapsed together for retraction of the ladder.
- one aspect of the invention provides a telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, wherein, each column having a hollow body, such that when the ladder is collapsed from the fully-extended position, each column substantially nests within another column; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; and a plurality of column retaining mechanisms, each column retaining mechanism being provided on an outer surface of one of the columns, each column retaining mechanism adapted to retain a further column which is nested immediately within the one of the columns in the collapsed position, each column retaining
- each retaining mechanism comprises a retaining hammer positioned an outer surface of each column near a bottom edge of the column, the retaining hammer being flexible between a hold position and a release position, wherein, in the release position, the retaining hammer flexes radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the column, thereby permitting the immediately inner column positioned within the one of the columns to be released therefrom, and in the hold position, the retaining hammer flexes radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the column, thereby permitting the immediately inner column positioned within the one of the columns to be locked in its nested arrangement within the one of the columns.
- each retaining mechanism comprises a retaining strip positioned on the outer surface of each column such that when collapsed in a nested arrangement, the retaining hammer of the column immediately outside the one of the columns presses against the retaining strip of the one of the columns in the hold position to lock the one of the columns, with its immediately inner column, nested within the column immediately outside the one of the columns.
- the retaining mechanism prevents relative sliding movement between the one of the columns and the immediately inner column in the hold position.
- each column comprises a retaining slot for the retaining hammer to extend through in the hold position, the retaining slot being defined along the outer surface of each column.
- the retaining slot of each column is positioned at a longitudinal distance from an upper edge of the column, the longitudinal distance of the retaining slot of the outer column corresponding to an axial position of the retaining strip of the immediately inner column when in the nested arrangement, such that the retaining hammer extends through the retaining slot to press against the retaining strip of the immediately inner column.
- the longitudinal distance from the upper edge of each respective column is between about two-thirds of the length of the column and about the length of the column.
- each retaining hammer comprises one or more locating tabs configured for axially aligning the retaining hammer on each respective column, each locating tab being receivable by a corresponding aperture positioned on the respective column.
- each retaining hammer has a tapered leading surface to permit locating the retaining hammer on the retaining slot of a column, each retaining hammer having an upright trailing surface to prevent the retaining hammer from being removable from the retaining slot.
- a telescoping ladder comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising a first column, a second column and a third column, wherein, the first column substantially nests within the second and third columns, and the second column substantially nests within the third column in the collapsed position; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; a plurality of connector assemblies, each connector assembly having a latch assembly including a release button slidable along a front surface of the rung to unlock or selectively lock the relative axial movement between two adjacent columns; and a plurality of retaining hammers provided on an
- each retaining hammer contacts a portion of a perimeter surface of a column, the retaining hammer being contoured to conform to the shape of each column.
- each connector assembly comprises a collar and a rung portion, the collar substantially surrounding a column, and the rung portion being receivable by a rung, an inner surface of the collar of each connector assembly comprising a recessed portion for receiving a retaining hammer.
- the retaining hammer of the second column abuts against the recessed portion of the collar of the connector assembly coupling the second column to a rung.
- the first column is released from and slidable relative to the second column when the retaining hammer of the second column abuts against the recessed portion of the collar.
- each latch assembly comprises a locking pin configured for extending through an aperture on the collar of the connecting assembly, the locking pin being receivable by corresponding apertures on an upper edge of the third column and a lower edge of the second column to lock relative sliding movement between the second and third columns in the fully-extended position.
- each retaining hammer is positioned circumferentially opposite to a portion of the perimeter surface of the column adjacent to the aperture on the collar through which the locking pin extends.
- each column comprises a first retaining hammer and a second retaining hammer, each of the first and second retaining hammers contacting a portion of the perimeter surface of a column.
- first and second retaining hammers are each positioned circumferentially at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to a portion of the perimeter surface of the column adjacent to the aperture on the collar through which the locking pin extends.
- a further aspect of the present invention provides a telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising an outer column and an immediately inner column nested therewithin in the collapsed position; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; a plurality of retaining hammers provided on outer surfaces of respective columns, and the retaining hammer of the one of the columns retaining the column immediately inside the one of the columns in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer of the one of the columns preventing the column immediately inside the one of the columns from being extended from its nested arrangement until the one of the columns is fully extended from
- each air damper is positioned at or near a bottom edge of a column.
- a telescoping ladder comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, wherein, each column having a hollow body, such that when the ladder is collapsed from the fully-extended position, each column substantially nests within another column; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; and a plurality of column retaining mechanisms, each column retaining mechanism being provided on an outer surface of a column, each column retaining mechanism adapted to retain an immediately inner column nested within an outer column in the collapsed position, the column retaining mechanism of each column preventing columns other than the immediately inner column nested within the outer column from being extended from their nes
- a further aspect of the present invention provides A telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising an outer columns and an immediately inner column nested therewithin in the collapsed position; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; a plurality of retaining hammers provided on an outer surface of a column, and the retaining hammer of the outer column retaining the immediately inner column in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer of the outer column preventing columns other than the immediately inner column from being extended from their nested arrangement until the immediately inner column nested within the outer column is fully extended from its nested
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a telescoping ladder 10 according to an embodiment.
- the telescoping ladder 10 comprises a first stile 14 and a second stile 16 (e.g., left hand and right hand stiles illustrated in Figure 1A ).
- the first and second stiles each have a plurality of columns 18 disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along a longitudinal axis 20 of the plurality of columns 18 between an extended position and a collapsed position.
- an upper portion 22 of the ladder 10 is shown in a collapsed position where the columns 18 are nested within each other along the longitudinal axis 20 of the columns 18 in a telescoping fashion while the lower portion 23 is shown in an extended position.
- the upper portion 22 of the ladder 10 is shown in an extended position.
- the ladder 10 comprises a plurality of rungs 24 extending between the first stile 14 and the second stile 16.
- Each rung 24 can be connected to a column 18 of the first stile 14 and a column 18 of the second stile 16.
- each rung 24 can be connected to the columns 18 by a connector assembly 26 as will be described later.
- each rung 24 comprises a planar first surface 28 and a planar second surface 30 opposite to the planar first surface 28.
- the first surface 28 of each rung 24 defines a planar standing surface 32.
- planar standing surface 32 may comprise treads 34 (best seen in Figure 2A ) defined thereon to provide friction between the planar standing surface 32 and the contact surface of a user (e.g., soles of the user's shoes).
- the rungs 24 can be substantially hollow so as to allow a connector assembly 26 to fasten the rung 24 to a column 18 on each of the right-hand stile and left-hand side stile. Additionally, the hollow body of the rungs 24 allow a pair of latch assemblies (not shown) to be housed in the rung 24 to connect the rung 24 to a column 18.
- the rungs 24 can be extruded from aluminum, although other materials and means of manufacturing can also be used.
- Rungs 24 can have a substantially rectangular cross-section or a parallelogram cross-section such as those illustrated in U.S. Publication No. 2012/0267197 A1 , assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Figure 2A shows a substantially rectangular rung 24 wherein the planar first surface 28 of the rung 24 forms an angle of about 90 degrees with the longitudinal axis 20 of the stile
- Figure 2B illustrates a rung 24 having a parallelogram cross-section having at least a portion 38 of the first surface 28 (and optionally the second surface 30) that forms an angle ⁇ with respect to the longitudinal axis 20 of the stile, and the front surface 48 (as well back surface) is parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 of the stile.
- the angled portion 38 can form an angle between about 95 degrees and 145 degrees (e.g., between 95 degrees and 110 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis 20 of the stile.
- the rungs 24 of Figures 1A-1C can have an angled portion attached to or integrally formed with the planar first surface 28 of the rung 24.
- Such embodiments allow at least the angled portion of the first surface 28 of the rung 24 to be horizontal when the ladder 10 is rotated toward a vertical wall (e.g., propped against a wall at an angle) so that during normal use, at least a portion 38 of the rung 24 can be nearly horizontal.
- the angled portion 38 may be past or short of being horizontal.
- the columns 18 are made of aluminum. Other materials are contemplated and are within the scope of the invention.
- the columns 18 are illustrated as having a circular cross-section (when viewed along the longitudinal axis 20 of the columns 18). However, the columns 18 can have a rectangular cross-section such as those illustrated in U.S. Publication No. 2012/0267197 A1 assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other cross-sections (e.g., square, oval or polygonal shapes) are also contemplated.
- the columns 18 can be substantially hollow to receive another column 18 from above.
- the rungs 24 are connected to the columns 18 by a plurality of connector assemblies 26.
- the connector assemblies 26 can have latch assemblies housed in the hollow portion 45 of each rung 24 to unlock or selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns 18.
- Such connector assemblies 26 are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,387,753 B2 and U.S. Patent No. 6,883,645 both assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- the connector assemblies 26 can be substantially identical although the connector assemblies 26 of the left-hand stile are mirror images of connector assemblies 26 of the right-hand stile.
- Each latch assembly has a release button 46 that can be manually actuatable to unlock the selectively locked relative axial movement between two adjacent columns 18.
- the release buttons 46 are integrally formed with the connector assembly 26 and extend out of a slot 27 of the rung 24.
- the release buttons 46 may be slid inwardly along a front surface 48 of rung 24 (e.g., by the thumbs of the user), to unlock their respective latch assemblies.
- adjacent columns 18 are permitted to move axially along the longitudinal axis 20 of the stiles to collapse or extend. Gravity can cause such columns 18 and their rung 24 to collapse downward to assume a position similar to rungs 24 shown in the collapsed portion of the ladder 10 shown in Figure 1A .
- telescoping ladders such as the ones described herein may have to be collapsed and extended without posing any safety hazards during their normal use.
- several countries have safety regulations that prevent a user from extending columns 18 of the upper portion 22 of the ladder 10 until columns 18 of the lower portion 23 are fully extended.
- Such regulations may improve stability and prevent a user from suffering injuries by stepping on to a partially extended ladder 10 that can be unstable and tip over when a user steps on it.
- some embodiments disclosed herein include retaining mechanisms that permit telescoping ladders to comply with such safety regulations.
- Figure 4 shows a close-up perspective view of the telescoping ladder, with column 18i shown in ghost view to illustrate the internal details of the ladder.
- portions of the connector assembly are removed to illustrate details of column retaining mechanism 60.
- the telescoping ladder 10 can have a plurality of column retaining mechanisms 60.
- Each column 18 retaining mechanism can be provided on an outer surface 62 of a column 18 to retain an immediately inner column 18 therewithin in the collapsed position.
- the column 18 retaining mechanism of each column 18 prevents columns 18 other than an immediately inner column 18 therewithin from being extended from their nested arrangement until the immediately inner column 18 nested within and positioned above a column 18 is substantially extended from its nested position.
- first column 18i surrounds second columns 18j and third column 18k.
- Column 18k nests completely within column 18j, and column 18j completely nests within column 18i.
- the column retaining mechanism of column 18j locks column 18k from being extended until the column retaining mechanism of column 18i releases column 18j such that column 18j fully extends out of column 18i.
- Each column 18 is extended after the column 18 immediately therebelow is fully-extended, at which position the column 18 retaining mechanism releases the column 18 thereabove.
- each column 18 retaining mechanism comprises a retaining hammer 70 positioned on an outer surface 62 of each column 18 near a bottom edge of the column 18.
- the retaining hammer 70 can be flexible relative to the column 18, and can be movable between a hold position and a release position.
- Figure 5 shows the retaining hammer 70 in the hold position wherein the retaining hammer 70 prevents the column 18 from being extended from the column 18 below, whereas Figure 6 shows the hammer in the release position.
- the retaining hammer 70 in the release position, flexes radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis 20 of the stile and thereby permits an immediately inner column 18 (e.g., column 18k in Figure 5 ) positioned within each column 18 (e.g., column 18j in Figure 5 ) to be released therefrom.
- the retaining hammer 70 flexes radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 20 of the stile and thereby permits each column 18 to be locked in its nested arrangement within an immediately inner column 18.
- each retaining mechanism comprises a retaining strip 80 positioned on the outer surface 62 of each column 18 such that when collapsed in a nested arrangement, the retaining hammer 70 of a column 18 presses against the retaining strip 80 of an immediately inner column 18 in the hold position to lock the column 18 with its immediately inner column 18 nested therewithin.
- the retaining hammer 70 and the retaining strip 80 cooperate to prevent sliding motion of the inner column 18 from sliding past the axial location corresponding to the portion where the hammer 70 presses against the strip 80.
- the retaining mechanism prevents relative sliding movement between two adjacent columns 18 when the retaining hammer 70 locks the columns 18 in the hold position.
- each retaining strip 80 relative to the retaining hammer 70 can be such that in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer 70 of an outer column 18j presses against the retaining strip 80 of the immediately inner column 18k nested therewithin.
- each column 18 comprises a retaining slot 82 defined along the outer surface 62 of the column 18 for the retaining hammer 70 to extend therethrough in the hold position. In this position, the retaining hammer 70 protrudes through the retaining slot 82 and abuts against an upper edge 83 of the retaining strip 80. If a force is applied on the upper (or inner) column 18a shown in Figure 7 the contact of the retaining hammer 70 against the edge 83 of the retaining strip 80 prevents the upper (or inner) column 18a shown in Figure 7 from being extended out of column 18b.
- each retaining hammer 70 has a tapered leading surface 84 to permit locating the retaining hammer 70 on the retaining slot 82 of a column 18. Additionally, each retaining hammer 70 has an upright trailing surface 86 to prevent the retaining hammer 70 from being removable from the retaining slot 82. When positioned in this manner, the retaining hammer 70 can extend through the retaining slot 82 and press against the retaining strip 80 of the column 18 nested within.
- the retaining slot 82 of each column 18 is positioned at a longitudinal distance 88 from an upper edge 90 of the column 18.
- the longitudinal distance 88 of the retaining slot 82 corresponds to an axial position of the retaining strip 80 of an immediately inner column 18 when in the nested arrangement, such that the retaining hammer 70 extends through the retaining slot 82 to press against the retaining strip 80 of the immediately inner column (not shown in Figure 18).
- the retaining strip 80 of the column 18 is at a longitudinal distance 92 from the upper edge 90 of the column 18, which corresponds to the axial location of a retaining hammer of an outer surrounding column (not shown in Figure 8 ).
- the longitudinal distance 88 from the upper edge 90 of the column 18 is between about two-thirds of the length of the column 18 and about the length of the column 18. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, the longitudinal distance 88 from the upper edge 90 of the column 18 is about % of the length of the column 18.
- each retaining hammer 70 comprises one or more locating tabs 94 for axially aligning the retaining hammer 70 on a column 18.
- each column 18 can fabricated with corresponding apertures 96 (best seen in Figure 4 ) at a desired longitudinal distance 88 where the retaining hammer 70 is to be positioned.
- Each locating tab is receivable by a corresponding aperture 120 positioned on the column 18. While the illustrated embodiments show tabs, other locating means such as dimples, pins, studs, buttons and the like can be used.
- the retaining hammer 70 can be fabricated to generally conform to shape of the column 18 to facilitate assembly of the retaining hammer 70 on to a column 18.
- the retaining hammer 70 can be fabricated to have a generally curved shape such that when the retaining tabs (or pins, tabs, buttons and the like) are received by corresponding apertures 96 (best seen in Figure 4 ), the retaining hammer 70 generally contacts and surrounds (e.g., flush against) a portion of the perimeter surface 118 of the column 18.
- the retaining hammers have a shape that corresponds to a portion 116 of a circle when viewed along the longitudinal axis 20 of the stile.
- the retaining hammer 70 is positioned flush against the outer surface 62 of the column 18.
- the upright trailing surface 86 rests against an edge of the retaining slot 82, and tapered leading surface 84 protrudes through the retaining slot 82 and presses against the retaining strip 80.
- the retaining hammer 70 can be fabricated to have a generally planar shape, such that when positioned on the column 18, the retaining hammer 70 generally contacts and surrounds (e.g., flush against) a portion 116 of the perimeter of the column 18.
- the retaining hammer 70 can be contoured (e.g., by molding) during the fabrication process to conform to the shape of each column 18.
- Such embodiments allow the retaining hammer 70 to rest securely on the column 18 and press against the retaining strip 80 to prevent the columns 18 other than the immediately inner column 18 from being extended, until the immediately inner column 18 is fully extended from its nested arrangement within an immediately outer (surrounding) column 18.
- the ladder 10 can be extended from its collapsed state by extending the outermost column 18 nested within the column 18z proximal to the surface on which the ladder 10 is positioned first, and progressively extending each immediately inner column 18 thereafter.
- the bottom-most column 18z may not have a retaining strip 80, but has a retaining hammer 70 extending through a retaining slot 82 to press against the retaining strip 80 of column 18y which immediately nests within column 18z.
- the steps can be repeated until each successive column 18 is fully extended from its nested arrangement, until the top-most column 18a is fully extended.
- the top-most column 18a may not have a retaining hammer 70 or a retaining slot 82, but has a retaining strip 80 which is pressed against by the retaining hammer 70 of the immediately outer column 18b.
- the terms “substantially nested” or “fully-nested” refer to the collapsed position wherein at least about 3/4 of the length of the column 18 is nested within the immediately adjacent column 18.
- the connector assembly 26 of each column 18 can be manipulated (e.g., sliding the release button 46 along a front surface 48 of the rung 24) to unlock the relative axial movement between two adjacent columns 18. For instance, as shown in Figure 6 , the connector assembly 26j-k connecting the second column 18j and third column 18k is released to extend the third column 18k out of the second column 18j.
- the retaining hammer 70 of the second column 18j is not releasable until the retaining hammer 70 of the first column 18i releases the second column 18j, and the second column 18j is substantially extended from its nested arrangement within the first column 18i.
- the second column 18j is fully extended, its hammer 70 is proximal to the connector assembly 26j-k. Accordingly, when the connector assembly 26j-k connecting the second and third columns 18j and 18k is released, the retaining hammer 70 of the second column 18j moves to its release position, and the third column 18k is now slidable relative to the second column 18j.
- substantially extended or “fully-extended” refers to the extended position wherein at least about 3/4 of the length of the column 18 extends out of an immediately adjacent column 18 within which it was nested in the collapsed position.
- the connector assembly 26 comprises a collar 100 and a rung portion 102.
- the collar 100 substantially surrounds a column 18.
- an inner surface 104 of the collar 100 of each connector assembly 26 comprises a recessed portion 106 for receiving a retaining hammer 70.
- the retaining hammer 70 of the second column 18j abuts against a ledge 107 of the recessed portion 106 of the collar 100 of the connector assembly 26j-k coupling the second column 18j to a rung 24.
- each latch assembly comprises a locking pin 108 configured for extending through an aperture 120 on the collar 100 of the connecting assembly.
- the locking pin 108 is receivable by corresponding apertures 122 near the upper edge 90 of a column 18 and a lower edge 114 of the outer column 18b surrounding it to lock relative sliding movement between the two columns 18.
- the locking pin 108j-k of the connector assembly 26j-k is receivable by an upper edge 90j of the second column 18j and a lower edge 114k of the third column 18k to lock relative sliding movement between the second and third columns 18j and 18k in the fully-extended position.
- each retaining hammer 70 is positioned circumferentially at a suitable location so as to not interfere with the operation of the locking pin 108 and to take advantage of room available for packaging the retaining hammer 70 at other locations of the collar 100.
- the locking pin protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawings.
- the retaining hammer 70 can be positioned on the front of the column 18 (e.g., the side that faces toward the user when the user actuates the locking pin 108), and/or the rear side of the column 18 (e.g., the side that faces away from the user when the user actuates the locking pin 108).
- each column 18 can optionally comprise a first retaining hammer and a second retaining hammer.
- each of the first and second retaining hammers is positioned flush against and contacts a portion 116 of the perimeter surface 118 of a column 18.
- the portion 116 is at 90 degrees relative to the portion of the column that receives the locking pin 108, as discussed previously.
- the first and second retaining hammers can each be positioned circumferentially at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to a portion 116 of the perimeter surface 118 of the column 18 adjacent to the aperture 120 on the collar 100 through which the locking pin 108 extends.
- Such embodiments offer advantages such as compactly packaging the retaining hammer 70 at positions where space is available on the collar 100, and preventing the operation of the retaining hammer 70 from interfering with the locking pin 108 extension and retraction.
- the top-most column 18a does not have a retaining hammer 70
- the bottom-most column 18z does not have a retaining strip 80.
- the retaining hammer 70 moves from the release position shown in Figure 6 to the hold position shown in Figure 5 .
- the retaining hammer 70 moves radially inwardly once the locking pin 108 is retracted and the columns 18 can be collapsed into the nested arrangement.
- Some such embodiments can have dampers to reduce the speed with which columns 18 collapse into the nested arrangement.
- the telescoping ladder 10 comprises a plurality of air dampers positioned within the plurality of columns 18 to decrease a speed of the relative axial movement of the plurality of columns 18 when the columns 18 are collapsed into the collapsed position.
- air dampers are described in U.S. Publication No. 2012/0267197 A1 assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- air damper 224 caps the lower edge 114 of column 18 to restrict air flow through the column 18.
- Air damper 224 and column 18 is representative of the other air dampers and columns 18, although the columns 18 on the right stile may be a mirror image of column 18.
- Air damper 224 has two pins 226 on its inner surface 104 that are received in corresponding openings 228 on the lower edge 114 of column 18 to retain the air damper 224 on the column 18.
- a single opening 228 is illustrated, but a second opening is substantially similar to the illustrated opening 228, and is positioned on the circumference of the column 18 correspondingly to receive one of the pins 226 on the air damper 224.
- the thickness of air damper 224 is such that its outer surface 227 contacts the internal surface 229 of the adjacent, larger column 18. Accordingly, air damper 224 provides stability to the lower edge 114 of the inner column 18.
- the inner surface 229 of outer column 18 supports the lower edge 114 of the inner column 18 via mutual contact with air damper 224.
- Air damper 224 may also have an aperture (not shown) at the bottom through which limited air may flow into the bottom of the column 18 to which air damper 224 is attached. Such apertures may be used to control the rate of descent of one column 18 into its lower columns 18.
- each air damper 224 may be chafed by the retaining hammer 70 as it moves from its release position to hold position (e.g., radially inward).
- each air damper 224 has a cut-out portion 225 for permitting the columns 18 to collapse without the air damper 224 contacting the retaining hammer 70 of an immediately inner column 18. Such embodiments prevent damage to the air damper 224 and allow the ladder 10 to be collapsed easily.
- Embodiments disclosed herein teach one or more advantages.
- Ladders such as those disclosed herein can permit a user to extend each subsequent nested column 18 in a sequential manner such that columns 18 in the lower portion 23 are extended first prior to columns 18 in the upper portion 22 of the ladder 10.
- Such embodiments offer improved stability and comply with various regulations to provide safe and efficient use of the ladder 10.
- Each retaining hammer comprises a resilient catch member, which may flex between a hold position and a release position.
- the cross-sectional shape of each catch member resembles a hammer, in that the cross-sectional shape includes an elongate stem, with a head positioned at the end of the stem.
- the head has, as described herein, a tapered leading surface to permit locating the head on the retaining slot of a column, and an upright trailing surface to prevent the head from being removable from the retaining slot.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ladders (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates to telescoping ladders with a retaining mechanism.
- Ladders typically include rungs supported between stiles formed from a plurality of columns. In some cases, the ladder can be a telescoping ladder and can be expanded to separate the columns from one another for extension of the ladder, or collapsed together for retraction of the ladder.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved telescoping ladder. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, wherein, each column having a hollow body, such that when the ladder is collapsed from the fully-extended position, each column substantially nests within another column; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; and a plurality of column retaining mechanisms, each column retaining mechanism being provided on an outer surface of one of the columns, each column retaining mechanism adapted to retain a further column which is nested immediately within the one of the columns in the collapsed position, each column retaining mechanism preventing the column immediately within the one of the columns from being extended from its nested position until the one of the columns is fully extended from its nested position with respect to the column which is immediately outside the one of the columns. Advantageously, each retaining mechanism comprises a retaining hammer positioned an outer surface of each column near a bottom edge of the column, the retaining hammer being flexible between a hold position and a release position, wherein, in the release position, the retaining hammer flexes radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the column, thereby permitting the immediately inner column positioned within the one of the columns to be released therefrom, and in the hold position, the retaining hammer flexes radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the column, thereby permitting the immediately inner column positioned within the one of the columns to be locked in its nested arrangement within the one of the columns.
- Preferably, each retaining mechanism comprises a retaining strip positioned on the outer surface of each column such that when collapsed in a nested arrangement, the retaining hammer of the column immediately outside the one of the columns presses against the retaining strip of the one of the columns in the hold position to lock the one of the columns, with its immediately inner column, nested within the column immediately outside the one of the columns.
- Conveniently, the retaining mechanism prevents relative sliding movement between the one of the columns and the immediately inner column in the hold position.
- Advantageously, each column comprises a retaining slot for the retaining hammer to extend through in the hold position, the retaining slot being defined along the outer surface of each column.
- Preferably, the retaining slot of each column is positioned at a longitudinal distance from an upper edge of the column, the longitudinal distance of the retaining slot of the outer column corresponding to an axial position of the retaining strip of the immediately inner column when in the nested arrangement, such that the retaining hammer extends through the retaining slot to press against the retaining strip of the immediately inner column.
- Conveniently, the longitudinal distance from the upper edge of each respective column is between about two-thirds of the length of the column and about the length of the column.
- Advantageously, each retaining hammer comprises one or more locating tabs configured for axially aligning the retaining hammer on each respective column, each locating tab being receivable by a corresponding aperture positioned on the respective column.
- Preferably, each retaining hammer has a tapered leading surface to permit locating the retaining hammer on the retaining slot of a column, each retaining hammer having an upright trailing surface to prevent the retaining hammer from being removable from the retaining slot.
- Another aspect of the present invention provides a telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising a first column, a second column and a third column, wherein, the first column substantially nests within the second and third columns, and the second column substantially nests within the third column in the collapsed position; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; a plurality of connector assemblies, each connector assembly having a latch assembly including a release button slidable along a front surface of the rung to unlock or selectively lock the relative axial movement between two adjacent columns; and a plurality of retaining hammers provided on an outer surface of a column, the retaining hammer of the second column retaining the first column in the collapsed position, and the retaining hammer of the third column retaining the second column in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer of the second column not being releasable until the retaining hammer of the third column releases the second column, and the second column is fully-extended from its nested arrangement within the third column.
- Conveniently, each retaining hammer contacts a portion of a perimeter surface of a column, the retaining hammer being contoured to conform to the shape of each column.
- Advantageously, each connector assembly comprises a collar and a rung portion, the collar substantially surrounding a column, and the rung portion being receivable by a rung, an inner surface of the collar of each connector assembly comprising a recessed portion for receiving a retaining hammer.
- Preferably, when the second column is fully-extended from its nested arrangement with the third column, the retaining hammer of the second column abuts against the recessed portion of the collar of the connector assembly coupling the second column to a rung.
- Conveniently, the first column is released from and slidable relative to the second column when the retaining hammer of the second column abuts against the recessed portion of the collar.
- Advantageously, each latch assembly comprises a locking pin configured for extending through an aperture on the collar of the connecting assembly, the locking pin being receivable by corresponding apertures on an upper edge of the third column and a lower edge of the second column to lock relative sliding movement between the second and third columns in the fully-extended position. Preferably, each retaining hammer is positioned circumferentially opposite to a portion of the perimeter surface of the column adjacent to the aperture on the collar through which the locking pin extends.
- Conveniently, each column comprises a first retaining hammer and a second retaining hammer, each of the first and second retaining hammers contacting a portion of the perimeter surface of a column.
- Advantageously, the first and second retaining hammers are each positioned circumferentially at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to a portion of the perimeter surface of the column adjacent to the aperture on the collar through which the locking pin extends.
- A further aspect of the present invention provides a telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising an outer column and an immediately inner column nested therewithin in the collapsed position; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; a plurality of retaining hammers provided on outer surfaces of respective columns, and the retaining hammer of the one of the columns retaining the column immediately inside the one of the columns in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer of the one of the columns preventing the column immediately inside the one of the columns from being extended from its nested arrangement until the one of the columns is fully extended from its nested position with respect to the column immediately outside the one of the columns; and a plurality of air dampers positioned within the plurality of columns, the air dampers adapted to decrease a speed of the relative axial movement of the plurality of columns when the columns are collapsed into the collapsed position, each air damper having a cut-out portion for permitting the columns to collapse without the air damper of a column abutting against the retaining hammer of the immediately outer column.
- Preferably, each air damper is positioned at or near a bottom edge of a column.
- Another aspect of the invention provides a telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile,
a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, wherein, each column having a hollow body, such that when the ladder is collapsed from the fully-extended position, each column substantially nests within another column; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; and a plurality of column retaining mechanisms, each column retaining mechanism being provided on an outer surface of a column, each column retaining mechanism adapted to retain an immediately inner column nested within an outer column in the collapsed position, the column retaining mechanism of each column preventing columns other than the immediately inner column nested within the outer column from being extended from their nested arrangement until the immediately inner column nested within and positioned above the outer column is fully extended from its nested position. - A further aspect of the present invention provides A telescoping ladder, comprising: a first stile, a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising an outer columns and an immediately inner column nested therewithin in the collapsed position; a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; a plurality of retaining hammers provided on an outer surface of a column, and the retaining hammer of the outer column retaining the immediately inner column in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer of the outer column preventing columns other than the immediately inner column from being extended from their nested arrangement until the immediately inner column nested within the outer column is fully extended from its nested position; and a plurality of air dampers positioned within the plurality of columns, the air dampers adapted to decrease a speed of the relative axial movement of the plurality of columns when the columns are collapsed into the collapsed position, each air damper having a cut-out portion for permitting the columns to collapse without the air damper of the immediately inner column from abutting against the retaining hammer of the outer column.
- The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
-
-
Figure 1A is a perspective view of a telescoping ladder according to an embodiment with the rungs shown in a collapsed position; -
Figure 1B is a perspective view of the telescoping ladder ofFigure 1A with the rungs in a lower portion of the ladder shown in an extended position; -
Figure 1C is a perspective view of the telescoping ladder ofFigure 1A , with the rungs of a lower portion of the ladder shown in an extended position; -
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the rungs of the telescoping ladder ofFigure 1A ; -
Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the rungs of a telescoping ladder according to another embodiment; -
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the telescoping ladder ofFigure 1 A; -
Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a portion of the columns of the ladder ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping ladder shown in the collapsed position with the retaining hammer in the hold position; -
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping ladder shown in the extended position, with the retaining hammer in the release position; -
Figure 7 is a close-up perspective view of the telescoping ladder ofFigure 1A with the columns being shown in transparent view to illustrate internal detail therein; -
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a single column of the telescoping ladder ofFigure 1A ; -
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the connector assembly of the telescoping ladder ofFigure 1A ; and -
Figure 10 is perspective view of a portion of the telescoping ladder with an air damper according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of atelescoping ladder 10 according to an embodiment. - Referring to
Figure 1A , thetelescoping ladder 10 comprises afirst stile 14 and a second stile 16 (e.g., left hand and right hand stiles illustrated inFigure 1A ). The first and second stiles each have a plurality ofcolumns 18 disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along alongitudinal axis 20 of the plurality ofcolumns 18 between an extended position and a collapsed position. For instance, inFigure 1B , anupper portion 22 of theladder 10 is shown in a collapsed position where thecolumns 18 are nested within each other along thelongitudinal axis 20 of thecolumns 18 in a telescoping fashion while thelower portion 23 is shown in an extended position. InFigure 1C , theupper portion 22 of theladder 10 is shown in an extended position. - As seen in
Figure 1A-1C , theladder 10 comprises a plurality ofrungs 24 extending between thefirst stile 14 and thesecond stile 16. Eachrung 24 can be connected to acolumn 18 of thefirst stile 14 and acolumn 18 of thesecond stile 16. As shown inFigure 1A , eachrung 24 can be connected to thecolumns 18 by aconnector assembly 26 as will be described later. With continued reference toFigure 1A , in some cases, eachrung 24 comprises a planarfirst surface 28 and a planarsecond surface 30 opposite to the planarfirst surface 28. Thefirst surface 28 of eachrung 24 defines a planar standingsurface 32. Referring toFigure 1C , when theladder 10 is extended for use and leaned against a wall, a user may step on the planarfirst surface 28. The planar standingsurface 32 may comprise treads 34 (best seen inFigure 2A ) defined thereon to provide friction between the planar standingsurface 32 and the contact surface of a user (e.g., soles of the user's shoes). - As will be described further, the
rungs 24 can be substantially hollow so as to allow aconnector assembly 26 to fasten therung 24 to acolumn 18 on each of the right-hand stile and left-hand side stile. Additionally, the hollow body of therungs 24 allow a pair of latch assemblies (not shown) to be housed in therung 24 to connect therung 24 to acolumn 18. Therungs 24 can be extruded from aluminum, although other materials and means of manufacturing can also be used. -
Rungs 24 can have a substantially rectangular cross-section or a parallelogram cross-section such as those illustrated inU.S. Publication No. 2012/0267197 A1 , assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. While the illustratedFigure 2A shows a substantiallyrectangular rung 24 wherein the planarfirst surface 28 of therung 24 forms an angle of about 90 degrees with thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile,Figure 2B illustrates arung 24 having a parallelogram cross-section having at least aportion 38 of the first surface 28 (and optionally the second surface 30) that forms an angle θ with respect to thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile, and the front surface 48 (as well back surface) is parallel to thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile. Theangled portion 38 can form an angle between about 95 degrees and 145 degrees (e.g., between 95 degrees and 110 degrees) with respect to thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile. Instead of a parallelogram shapedrung 24 shown inFigure 2B , therungs 24 ofFigures 1A-1C can have an angled portion attached to or integrally formed with the planarfirst surface 28 of therung 24. Such embodiments allow at least the angled portion of thefirst surface 28 of therung 24 to be horizontal when theladder 10 is rotated toward a vertical wall (e.g., propped against a wall at an angle) so that during normal use, at least aportion 38 of therung 24 can be nearly horizontal. However, depending on the angle at which theladder 10 is propped against a vertical wall, theangled portion 38 may be past or short of being horizontal. - In some embodiments, the
columns 18 are made of aluminum. Other materials are contemplated and are within the scope of the invention. Thecolumns 18 are illustrated as having a circular cross-section (when viewed along thelongitudinal axis 20 of the columns 18). However, thecolumns 18 can have a rectangular cross-section such as those illustrated inU.S. Publication No. 2012/0267197 A1 assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other cross-sections (e.g., square, oval or polygonal shapes) are also contemplated. Thecolumns 18 can be substantially hollow to receive anothercolumn 18 from above. - As described above and referring to
Figure 3 , therungs 24 are connected to thecolumns 18 by a plurality ofconnector assemblies 26. Theconnector assemblies 26 can have latch assemblies housed in thehollow portion 45 of each rung 24 to unlock or selectively lock relative axial movement betweenadjacent columns 18.Such connector assemblies 26 are described inU.S. Patent No. 8,387,753 B2 andU.S. Patent No. 6,883,645 both assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Theconnector assemblies 26 can be substantially identical although theconnector assemblies 26 of the left-hand stile are mirror images ofconnector assemblies 26 of the right-hand stile. Each latch assembly has arelease button 46 that can be manually actuatable to unlock the selectively locked relative axial movement between twoadjacent columns 18. Therelease buttons 46 are integrally formed with theconnector assembly 26 and extend out of aslot 27 of therung 24. In the embodiment shown inFigure 1A , therelease buttons 46 may be slid inwardly along afront surface 48 of rung 24 (e.g., by the thumbs of the user), to unlock their respective latch assemblies. Thus, when release buttons on both the right and left hand sides ofrung 24 are slid inwardly along the illustratedarrow 50adjacent columns 18 are permitted to move axially along thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stiles to collapse or extend. Gravity can causesuch columns 18 and theirrung 24 to collapse downward to assume a position similar torungs 24 shown in the collapsed portion of theladder 10 shown inFigure 1A . - As is apparent to one skilled in the art, telescoping ladders such as the ones described herein may have to be collapsed and extended without posing any safety hazards during their normal use. For example, several countries have safety regulations that prevent a user from extending
columns 18 of theupper portion 22 of theladder 10 untilcolumns 18 of thelower portion 23 are fully extended. Such regulations may improve stability and prevent a user from suffering injuries by stepping on to a partially extendedladder 10 that can be unstable and tip over when a user steps on it. Accordingly, some embodiments disclosed herein include retaining mechanisms that permit telescoping ladders to comply with such safety regulations. -
Figure 4 shows a close-up perspective view of the telescoping ladder, withcolumn 18i shown in ghost view to illustrate the internal details of the ladder. InFigure 4 , portions of the connector assembly are removed to illustrate details of column retaining mechanism 60. As seen inFigure 4 , thetelescoping ladder 10 can have a plurality of column retaining mechanisms 60. Eachcolumn 18 retaining mechanism can be provided on anouter surface 62 of acolumn 18 to retain an immediatelyinner column 18 therewithin in the collapsed position. When secured in this manner, thecolumn 18 retaining mechanism of eachcolumn 18 preventscolumns 18 other than an immediatelyinner column 18 therewithin from being extended from their nested arrangement until the immediatelyinner column 18 nested within and positioned above acolumn 18 is substantially extended from its nested position. For example, in the cross-sectional illustrated view ofFigure 5 ,first column 18i surroundssecond columns 18j andthird column 18k.Column 18k nests completely withincolumn 18j, andcolumn 18j completely nests withincolumn 18i. In this arrangement, the column retaining mechanism ofcolumn 18jlocks column 18k from being extended until the column retaining mechanism ofcolumn 18i releases column 18j such thatcolumn 18j fully extends out ofcolumn 18i. Eachcolumn 18 is extended after thecolumn 18 immediately therebelow is fully-extended, at which position thecolumn 18 retaining mechanism releases thecolumn 18 thereabove. - Continuing with
Figure 5 , eachcolumn 18 retaining mechanism comprises a retaininghammer 70 positioned on anouter surface 62 of eachcolumn 18 near a bottom edge of thecolumn 18. The retaininghammer 70 can be flexible relative to thecolumn 18, and can be movable between a hold position and a release position.Figure 5 shows the retaininghammer 70 in the hold position wherein the retaininghammer 70 prevents thecolumn 18 from being extended from thecolumn 18 below, whereasFigure 6 shows the hammer in the release position. As seen inFigure 6 , in the release position, the retaininghammer 70 flexes radially outwardly from thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile and thereby permits an immediately inner column 18 (e.g.,column 18k inFigure 5 ) positioned within each column 18 (e.g.,column 18j inFigure 5 ) to be released therefrom. Referring back toFigure 5 in the hold position, the retaininghammer 70 flexes radially inwardly toward thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile and thereby permits eachcolumn 18 to be locked in its nested arrangement within an immediatelyinner column 18. - Referring back to
Figures 3 and4 , each retaining mechanism comprises a retainingstrip 80 positioned on theouter surface 62 of eachcolumn 18 such that when collapsed in a nested arrangement, the retaininghammer 70 of acolumn 18 presses against the retainingstrip 80 of an immediatelyinner column 18 in the hold position to lock thecolumn 18 with its immediatelyinner column 18 nested therewithin. As such, the retaininghammer 70 and the retainingstrip 80 cooperate to prevent sliding motion of theinner column 18 from sliding past the axial location corresponding to the portion where thehammer 70 presses against thestrip 80. When locked as such, the retaining mechanism prevents relative sliding movement between twoadjacent columns 18 when the retaininghammer 70 locks thecolumns 18 in the hold position. The axial location of each retainingstrip 80 relative to the retaininghammer 70 can be such that in the collapsed position, the retaininghammer 70 of anouter column 18j presses against the retainingstrip 80 of the immediatelyinner column 18k nested therewithin. - The retaining
hammer 70 can be positioned and oriented at a suitable location such that the retaininghammer 70 can press against the retainingstrip 80. As seen inFigure 7 , eachcolumn 18 comprises a retainingslot 82 defined along theouter surface 62 of thecolumn 18 for the retaininghammer 70 to extend therethrough in the hold position. In this position, the retaininghammer 70 protrudes through the retainingslot 82 and abuts against an upper edge 83 of the retainingstrip 80. If a force is applied on the upper (or inner)column 18a shown inFigure 7 the contact of the retaininghammer 70 against the edge 83 of the retainingstrip 80 prevents the upper (or inner)column 18a shown inFigure 7 from being extended out ofcolumn 18b. Referring back toFigures 5 and6 , each retaininghammer 70 has a tapered leadingsurface 84 to permit locating the retaininghammer 70 on the retainingslot 82 of acolumn 18. Additionally, each retaininghammer 70 has an upright trailingsurface 86 to prevent the retaininghammer 70 from being removable from the retainingslot 82. When positioned in this manner, the retaininghammer 70 can extend through the retainingslot 82 and press against the retainingstrip 80 of thecolumn 18 nested within. - Continuing with the foregoing description, and as best seen in
Figure 8 , the retainingslot 82 of eachcolumn 18 is positioned at alongitudinal distance 88 from anupper edge 90 of thecolumn 18. Thelongitudinal distance 88 of the retainingslot 82 corresponds to an axial position of the retainingstrip 80 of an immediatelyinner column 18 when in the nested arrangement, such that the retaininghammer 70 extends through the retainingslot 82 to press against the retainingstrip 80 of the immediately inner column (not shown in Figure 18). It should be noted that inFigure 8 , the retainingstrip 80 of thecolumn 18 is at alongitudinal distance 92 from theupper edge 90 of thecolumn 18, which corresponds to the axial location of a retaining hammer of an outer surrounding column (not shown inFigure 8 ). As illustrated, thelongitudinal distance 88 from theupper edge 90 of thecolumn 18 is between about two-thirds of the length of thecolumn 18 and about the length of thecolumn 18. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, thelongitudinal distance 88 from theupper edge 90 of thecolumn 18 is about % of the length of thecolumn 18. - As seen in
Figure 7 , to facilitate locating the retaininghammer 70 at an appropriatelongitudinal distance 88, each retaininghammer 70 comprises one ormore locating tabs 94 for axially aligning the retaininghammer 70 on acolumn 18. Likewise, eachcolumn 18 can fabricated with corresponding apertures 96 (best seen inFigure 4 ) at a desiredlongitudinal distance 88 where the retaininghammer 70 is to be positioned. Each locating tab is receivable by a correspondingaperture 120 positioned on thecolumn 18. While the illustrated embodiments show tabs, other locating means such as dimples, pins, studs, buttons and the like can be used. - With continued reference to
Figure 7 , the retaininghammer 70 can be fabricated to generally conform to shape of thecolumn 18 to facilitate assembly of the retaininghammer 70 on to acolumn 18. For instance, if thecolumns 18 have a generally circular shape when viewed along thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile, the retaininghammer 70 can be fabricated to have a generally curved shape such that when the retaining tabs (or pins, tabs, buttons and the like) are received by corresponding apertures 96 (best seen inFigure 4 ), the retaininghammer 70 generally contacts and surrounds (e.g., flush against) a portion of theperimeter surface 118 of thecolumn 18. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiments, the retaining hammers have a shape that corresponds to aportion 116 of a circle when viewed along thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile. In such embodiments, when the locatingtabs 94 are pressed on to corresponding apertures 96 (best seen inFigure 4 ) of thecolumn 18, the retaininghammer 70 is positioned flush against theouter surface 62 of thecolumn 18. Theupright trailing surface 86 rests against an edge of the retainingslot 82, and tapered leadingsurface 84 protrudes through the retainingslot 82 and presses against the retainingstrip 80. Alternatively, if thecolumns 18 have a generally square, rectangular or other planar (non-arcuate) shapes when viewed along thelongitudinal axis 20 of the stile, the retaininghammer 70 can be fabricated to have a generally planar shape, such that when positioned on thecolumn 18, the retaininghammer 70 generally contacts and surrounds (e.g., flush against) aportion 116 of the perimeter of thecolumn 18. The retaininghammer 70 can be contoured (e.g., by molding) during the fabrication process to conform to the shape of eachcolumn 18. Such embodiments allow the retaininghammer 70 to rest securely on thecolumn 18 and press against the retainingstrip 80 to prevent thecolumns 18 other than the immediatelyinner column 18 from being extended, until the immediatelyinner column 18 is fully extended from its nested arrangement within an immediately outer (surrounding)column 18. - In operation, and referring back to
Figures 1A-1C , theladder 10 can be extended from its collapsed state by extending theoutermost column 18 nested within the column 18z proximal to the surface on which theladder 10 is positioned first, and progressively extending each immediatelyinner column 18 thereafter. In such embodiments, the bottom-most column 18z may not have a retainingstrip 80, but has a retaininghammer 70 extending through a retainingslot 82 to press against the retainingstrip 80 of column 18y which immediately nests within column 18z. The steps can be repeated until eachsuccessive column 18 is fully extended from its nested arrangement, until thetop-most column 18a is fully extended. As is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, thetop-most column 18a may not have a retaininghammer 70 or a retainingslot 82, but has a retainingstrip 80 which is pressed against by the retaininghammer 70 of the immediatelyouter column 18b. - As used herein, the terms "substantially nested" or "fully-nested" refer to the collapsed position wherein at least about 3/4 of the length of the
column 18 is nested within the immediatelyadjacent column 18. Theconnector assembly 26 of eachcolumn 18 can be manipulated (e.g., sliding therelease button 46 along afront surface 48 of the rung 24) to unlock the relative axial movement between twoadjacent columns 18. For instance, as shown inFigure 6 , theconnector assembly 26j-k connecting thesecond column 18j andthird column 18k is released to extend thethird column 18k out of thesecond column 18j. As described previously, the retaininghammer 70 of thesecond column 18j is not releasable until the retaininghammer 70 of thefirst column 18i releases thesecond column 18j, and thesecond column 18j is substantially extended from its nested arrangement within thefirst column 18i. Once thesecond column 18j is fully extended, itshammer 70 is proximal to theconnector assembly 26j-k. Accordingly, when theconnector assembly 26j-k connecting the second andthird columns hammer 70 of thesecond column 18j moves to its release position, and thethird column 18k is now slidable relative to thesecond column 18j. As illustrated herein, "substantially extended" or "fully-extended" refers to the extended position wherein at least about 3/4 of the length of thecolumn 18 extends out of an immediatelyadjacent column 18 within which it was nested in the collapsed position. - As best seen in
Figure 3 , theconnector assembly 26 comprises acollar 100 and arung portion 102. Thecollar 100 substantially surrounds acolumn 18. Referring again toFigures 3 ,6 and9 , aninner surface 104 of thecollar 100 of eachconnector assembly 26 comprises a recessedportion 106 for receiving a retaininghammer 70. For instance, as referred to above, when thesecond column 18j is fully-extended from its nested arrangement from within thethird column 18k, the retaininghammer 70 of thesecond column 18j abuts against aledge 107 of the recessedportion 106 of thecollar 100 of theconnector assembly 26j-k coupling thesecond column 18j to arung 24. The abutment of the retaininghammer 70 against the recessedportion 106 j-k of thecollar 100 j-k of theconnector assembly 26 j-k results in the flexing the retaininghammer 70 radially outwardly, thereby releasing the next immediately inner (e.g.,first column 18i). The first column 18l is thereby released from and slidable relative to thesecond column 18j when the retaininghammer 70 of thesecond column 18j abuts against the recessedportion 106 of thecollar 100. These steps can be successively repeated until theladder 10 is fully-extended. - As referred to above, and referring back to
Figure 3 , each latch assembly comprises alocking pin 108 configured for extending through anaperture 120 on thecollar 100 of the connecting assembly. Thelocking pin 108 is receivable by correspondingapertures 122 near theupper edge 90 of acolumn 18 and alower edge 114 of theouter column 18b surrounding it to lock relative sliding movement between the twocolumns 18. For instance, the lockingpin 108j-k of theconnector assembly 26j-k is receivable by anupper edge 90j of thesecond column 18j and a lower edge 114k of thethird column 18k to lock relative sliding movement between the second andthird columns Figure 4 , each retaininghammer 70 is positioned circumferentially at a suitable location so as to not interfere with the operation of thelocking pin 108 and to take advantage of room available for packaging the retaininghammer 70 at other locations of thecollar 100. For instance, in the view shown inFigures 5 and6 , the locking pin protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawings. In the view shown inFigure 3 , the retaininghammer 70 can be positioned on the front of the column 18 (e.g., the side that faces toward the user when the user actuates the locking pin 108), and/or the rear side of the column 18 (e.g., the side that faces away from the user when the user actuates the locking pin 108). - While embodiments described herein illustrate a single retaining hammer per
column 18, eachcolumn 18 can optionally comprise a first retaining hammer and a second retaining hammer. In such embodiments, and referring toFigure 7 , each of the first and second retaining hammers is positioned flush against and contacts aportion 116 of theperimeter surface 118 of acolumn 18. Theportion 116 is at 90 degrees relative to the portion of the column that receives thelocking pin 108, as discussed previously. The first and second retaining hammers can each be positioned circumferentially at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to aportion 116 of theperimeter surface 118 of thecolumn 18 adjacent to theaperture 120 on thecollar 100 through which thelocking pin 108 extends. Such embodiments offer advantages such as compactly packaging the retaininghammer 70 at positions where space is available on thecollar 100, and preventing the operation of the retaininghammer 70 from interfering with thelocking pin 108 extension and retraction. Of course, as described previously, thetop-most column 18a does not have a retaininghammer 70, and the bottom-most column 18z does not have a retainingstrip 80. - As is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, when the
locking pin 108 is retracted to collapse thecolumns 18, the retaininghammer 70 moves from the release position shown inFigure 6 to the hold position shown inFigure 5 . The retaininghammer 70 moves radially inwardly once the lockingpin 108 is retracted and thecolumns 18 can be collapsed into the nested arrangement. Some such embodiments can have dampers to reduce the speed with whichcolumns 18 collapse into the nested arrangement. - Referring now to
Figure 10 , thetelescoping ladder 10 comprises a plurality of air dampers positioned within the plurality ofcolumns 18 to decrease a speed of the relative axial movement of the plurality ofcolumns 18 when thecolumns 18 are collapsed into the collapsed position. Such air dampers are described inU.S. Publication No. 2012/0267197 A1 assigned to the assignee of the instant application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In the illustrated embodiment,air damper 224 caps thelower edge 114 ofcolumn 18 to restrict air flow through thecolumn 18.Air damper 224 andcolumn 18 is representative of the other air dampers andcolumns 18, although thecolumns 18 on the right stile may be a mirror image ofcolumn 18.Air damper 224 has twopins 226 on itsinner surface 104 that are received in correspondingopenings 228 on thelower edge 114 ofcolumn 18 to retain theair damper 224 on thecolumn 18. InFigure 10 , asingle opening 228 is illustrated, but a second opening is substantially similar to the illustratedopening 228, and is positioned on the circumference of thecolumn 18 correspondingly to receive one of thepins 226 on theair damper 224. In addition the thickness ofair damper 224 is such that its outer surface 227 contacts theinternal surface 229 of the adjacent,larger column 18. Accordingly,air damper 224 provides stability to thelower edge 114 of theinner column 18. Theinner surface 229 ofouter column 18 supports thelower edge 114 of theinner column 18 via mutual contact withair damper 224.Air damper 224 may also have an aperture (not shown) at the bottom through which limited air may flow into the bottom of thecolumn 18 to whichair damper 224 is attached. Such apertures may be used to control the rate of descent of onecolumn 18 into itslower columns 18. - In some cases, the
air damper 224 may be chafed by the retaininghammer 70 as it moves from its release position to hold position (e.g., radially inward). In some such cases, as shown inFigure 10 , eachair damper 224 has a cut-outportion 225 for permitting thecolumns 18 to collapse without theair damper 224 contacting the retaininghammer 70 of an immediatelyinner column 18. Such embodiments prevent damage to theair damper 224 and allow theladder 10 to be collapsed easily. - Embodiments disclosed herein teach one or more advantages. Ladders such as those disclosed herein can permit a user to extend each subsequent nested
column 18 in a sequential manner such thatcolumns 18 in thelower portion 23 are extended first prior tocolumns 18 in theupper portion 22 of theladder 10. Such embodiments offer improved stability and comply with various regulations to provide safe and efficient use of theladder 10. - In this document, reference is made to retaining hammers. Each retaining hammer comprises a resilient catch member, which may flex between a hold position and a release position. The cross-sectional shape of each catch member resembles a hammer, in that the cross-sectional shape includes an elongate stem, with a head positioned at the end of the stem. The head has, as described herein, a tapered leading surface to permit locating the head on the retaining slot of a column, and an upright trailing surface to prevent the head from being removable from the retaining slot.
- Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.
- When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
- The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
Claims (15)
- A telescoping ladder, comprising:a first stile,a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, wherein, each column having a hollow body, such that when the ladder is collapsed from the fully-extended position, each column substantially nests within another column;a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile; anda plurality of column retaining mechanisms, each column retaining mechanism being provided on an outer surface of one of the columns, each column retaining mechanism adapted to retain a further column which is nested immediately within the one of the columns in the collapsed position, each column retaining mechanism preventing the column immediately within the one of the columns from being extended from its nested position until the one of the columns is fully extended from its nested position with respect to the column which is immediately outside the one of the columns.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 1, wherein each retaining mechanism comprises a retaining hammer positioned an outer surface of each column near a bottom edge of the column, the retaining hammer being flexible between a hold position and a release position, wherein, in the release position, the retaining hammer flexes radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the column, thereby permitting the immediately inner column positioned within the one of the columns to be released therefrom, and in the hold position, the retaining hammer flexes radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the column, thereby permitting the immediately inner column positioned within the one of the columns to be locked in its nested arrangement within the one of the columns.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 2, wherein each retaining mechanism comprises a retaining strip positioned on the outer surface of each column such that when collapsed in a nested arrangement, the retaining hammer of the column immediately outside the one of the columns presses against the retaining strip of the one of the columns in the hold position to lock the one of the columns, with its immediately inner column, nested within the column immediately outside the one of the columns.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 3, wherein the retaining mechanism prevents relative sliding movement between the one of the columns and the immediately inner column in the hold position.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 3 or 4, wherein each column comprises a retaining slot for the retaining hammer to extend through in the hold position, the retaining slot being defined along the outer surface of each column.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 5, wherein the retaining slot of each column is positioned at a longitudinal distance from an upper edge of the column, the longitudinal distance of the retaining slot of the outer column corresponding to an axial position of the retaining strip of the immediately inner column when in the nested arrangement, such that the retaining hammer extends through the retaining slot to press against the retaining strip of the immediately inner column, and preferably wherein the longitudinal distance from the upper edge of each respective column is between about two-thirds of the length of the column and about the length of the column.
- The telescoping ladder of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein each retaining hammer comprises one or more locating tabs configured for axially aligning the retaining hammer on each respective column, each locating tab being receivable by a corresponding aperture positioned on the respective column, and preferably wherein each retaining hammer has a tapered leading surface to permit locating the retaining hammer on the retaining slot of a column, each retaining hammer having an upright trailing surface to prevent the retaining hammer from being removable from the retaining slot.
- A telescoping ladder, comprising:a first stile,a second stile, the first and second stiles each having a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising a first column, a second column and a third column, wherein, the first column substantially nests within the second and third columns, and the second column substantially nests within the third column in the collapsed position;a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile;a plurality of connector assemblies, each connector assembly having a latch assembly including a release button slidable along a front surface of the rung to unlock or selectively lock the relative axial movement between two adjacent columns; anda plurality of retaining hammers provided on an outer surface of a column, the retaining hammer of the second column retaining the first column in the collapsed position, and the retaining hammer of the third column retaining the second column in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer of the second column not being releasable until the retaining hammer of the third column releases the second column, and the second column is fully-extended from its nested arrangement within the third column.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 8, wherein each retaining hammer contacts a portion of a perimeter surface of a column, the retaining hammer being contoured to conform to the shape of each column.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 8 or 9, wherein each connector assembly comprises a collar and a rung portion, the collar substantially surrounding a column, and the rung portion being receivable by a rung, an inner surface of the collar of each connector assembly comprising a recessed portion for receiving a retaining hammer.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 10, wherein when the second column is fully-extended from its nested arrangement with the third column, the retaining hammer of the second column abuts against the recessed portion of the collar of the connector assembly coupling the second column to a rung, and preferably wherein the first column is released from and slidable relative to the second column when the retaining hammer of the second column abuts against the recessed portion of the collar.
- The telescoping ladder of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each latch assembly comprises a locking pin configured for extending through an aperture on the collar of the connecting assembly, the locking pin being receivable by corresponding apertures on an upper edge of the third column and a lower edge of the second column to lock relative sliding movement between the second and third columns in the fully-extended position, and preferably wherein each retaining hammer is positioned circumferentially opposite to a portion of the perimeter surface of the column adjacent to the aperture on the collar through which the locking pin extends.
- The telescoping ladder of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein each column comprises a first retaining hammer and a second retaining hammer, each of the first and second retaining hammers contacting a portion of the perimeter surface of a column, and preferably wherein the first and second retaining hammers are each positioned circumferentially at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to a portion of the perimeter surface of the column adjacent to the aperture on the collar through which the locking pin extends.
- A telescoping ladder, comprising:a first stile,a second stile, the first and second stiles each havinga plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion along an axis of the plurality of columns between an fully-extended position and a collapsed position, the plurality of columns comprising an outer column and an immediately inner column nested therewithin in the collapsed position;a plurality of rungs extending between the first stile and the second stile, each rung connected to a column of the first stile and a column of the second stile;a plurality of retaining hammers provided on outer surfaces of respective columns, and the retaining hammer of the one of the columns retaining the column immediately inside the one of the columns in the collapsed position, the retaining hammer of the one of the columns preventing the column immediately inside the one of the columns from being extended from its nested arrangement until the one of the columns is fully extended from its nested position with respect to the column immediately outside the one of the columns; anda plurality of air dampers positioned within the plurality of columns, the air dampers adapted to decrease a speed of the relative axial movement of the plurality of columns when the columns are collapsed into the collapsed position, each air damper having a cut-out portion for permitting the columns to collapse without the air damper of a column abutting against the retaining hammer of the immediately outer column.
- The telescoping ladder of claim 14, wherein each air damper is positioned at or near a bottom edge of a column.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562232686P | 2015-09-25 | 2015-09-25 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3147447A1 true EP3147447A1 (en) | 2017-03-29 |
EP3147447B1 EP3147447B1 (en) | 2018-05-09 |
Family
ID=57003410
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16190568.2A Active EP3147447B1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2016-09-26 | Telescoping ladder with a retaining mechanism |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3147447B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106555548B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10995547B2 (en) | 2016-02-29 | 2021-05-04 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Telescoping ladder with a cascading collapse mechanism |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN108104705A (en) * | 2017-12-15 | 2018-06-01 | 国网山东省电力公司莒南县供电公司 | A kind of multifunction power maintenance ladder |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2305956A (en) * | 1995-10-02 | 1997-04-23 | Gary Kuo | An extension ladder with telescopic legs |
US6883645B2 (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2005-04-26 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Extending ladder and associated manufacturing methods |
US20120267197A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2012-10-25 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Extendable / retractable ladder |
US8387753B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2013-03-05 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Ergonomic extendable/retractable ladder |
WO2013178238A1 (en) * | 2012-06-01 | 2013-12-05 | Dario Markenartikel Gmbh & Co Kg | Telescoping ladder |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE472666T1 (en) * | 2005-12-30 | 2010-07-15 | Core Distrib Inc | ERGONOMIC EXTENDABLE/RETRACTABLE LADDER |
CN201318118Y (en) * | 2008-12-08 | 2009-09-30 | 总瀛企业股份有限公司 | Telescopic ladder and ladder rack |
CN102465662A (en) * | 2010-10-29 | 2012-05-23 | 阿禄因康株式会社 | Telescoping ladder |
CN104453685A (en) * | 2013-09-16 | 2015-03-25 | 西安吉帑电子科技有限公司 | Portable telescopic insulated ladder |
CN103899241B (en) * | 2014-03-20 | 2015-12-02 | 王成 | A kind of for the maintenance ladder in transformer station |
-
2016
- 2016-09-26 CN CN201610851812.6A patent/CN106555548B/en active Active
- 2016-09-26 EP EP16190568.2A patent/EP3147447B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2305956A (en) * | 1995-10-02 | 1997-04-23 | Gary Kuo | An extension ladder with telescopic legs |
US6883645B2 (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2005-04-26 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Extending ladder and associated manufacturing methods |
US8387753B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2013-03-05 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Ergonomic extendable/retractable ladder |
US20120267197A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2012-10-25 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Extendable / retractable ladder |
WO2013178238A1 (en) * | 2012-06-01 | 2013-12-05 | Dario Markenartikel Gmbh & Co Kg | Telescoping ladder |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10995547B2 (en) | 2016-02-29 | 2021-05-04 | Core Distribution, Inc. | Telescoping ladder with a cascading collapse mechanism |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN106555548A (en) | 2017-04-05 |
EP3147447B1 (en) | 2018-05-09 |
CN106555548B (en) | 2020-04-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2157276B1 (en) | Extendable and retractable ladder | |
US9416591B2 (en) | Telescoping ladder with stabilizers | |
EP3581754B1 (en) | Telescopic ladder assembly | |
EP3374589B1 (en) | Collapsible ladder | |
EP2971430B1 (en) | Collapsible ladder | |
EP3147447B1 (en) | Telescoping ladder with a retaining mechanism | |
EP3227517B1 (en) | Telescoping ladder | |
EP3211174B1 (en) | Telescoping ladder with a cascading collapse mechanism | |
EP1843005A1 (en) | Locking mechanism for a ladder | |
US8939256B2 (en) | Collapsible ladder | |
CA2876898C (en) | Extendable/retractable ladder | |
EP2877667B1 (en) | Telescopically collapsible fire escape ladder | |
JP3175910U (en) | Leg |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20170929 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: E06C 1/12 20060101AFI20180111BHEP Ipc: E06C 7/08 20060101ALI20180111BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20180209 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 997725 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20180515 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602016002955 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20180509 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180809 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180809 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180810 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 997725 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20180509 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602016002955 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20190212 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20180930 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180926 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180926 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180930 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180926 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180509 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20160926 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180509 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190930 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190930 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180909 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230609 |
|
P02 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) changed |
Effective date: 20230617 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20230927 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R082 Ref document number: 602016002955 Country of ref document: DE Representative=s name: FORRESTERS IP LLP, DE Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R082 Ref document number: 602016002955 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R082 Ref document number: 602016002955 Country of ref document: DE Representative=s name: FORRESTERS IP LLP, DE |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231025 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231027 Year of fee payment: 8 |