GB2239479A - Step-ladders - Google Patents

Abstract

A step-ladder comprises a ladder part (1, 2) and a support part (3, 4) connected at their upper ends and provided with restraining means comprising a pair of generally parallel foldable stays (5) each connected to the ladder part and support part, in which the restraining means also comprises a further pair of foldable stays (7) which, with the step-ladder in the open position, extend to form a pair of diagonally arranged cross-braces between the ladder part and the support part. The diagonal stays enhance rigidity. The stay assembly 5-9 is preferably connected to the ladder part at a higher level than that at which it is connected to the support part. Stays 5 and 7 may both be pivoted on rod 9. Handle 10 may be provided on rod 9 which is arranged so as to lie between steps when the ladder is folded. <IMAGE>

Description

STEP - LADDERS This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to step-ladders.

Step-ladders. of the sort with which the present invention is concerned, generally comprise a ladder or step part (comprising a pair of stiles having spaced steps connected therebetween) hingedly connected, at its top, to a support part (generally comprising a pair of support legs having a generally horizontal bracing strut connecting them in their lower part), and restraining means. comprising a pair of foldable struts each connected to a stile and a support leg, so that the ladder may be folded to a closed position. with the ladder part and the support part generally parallel and adjacent each other1 and to an open position with the ladder part and support spaced from each other at a fixed distance, defined by the length of the foldable struts.

Such step-ladders. when in the open, operating, position are not fully rigid so that there is the possibility of relative movement between the ladder part and the support part so that the ladder may be walked" by a person on the ladder shifting their weight from one foot to the other.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved step-ladder having increased rigidity in the open, operating position and a reduced tendency to walk.

According to the invention there is provided a step-ladder comprising a ladder part and a support part hingedly connected at their upper ends and provided with restraining means comprising a pair of generally parallel foldable struts each connected to the ladder part and support part, in which the restraining means also comprises a further pair of foldable struts, which.

with the step-ladder in the open position. extend to form a pair of diagonally arranged cross-braces between the ladder part and the support part.

In order that the invention may be well understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view, from the rear, of a step-ladder in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is partial side view of the step-ladder shown in Fig. 1 in a partially open position; and Fig. 3 is a plan view of the restraining means of the step-ladder shown in Fig. 1, in the fully open position.

As shown in the drawings, a step-ladder in accordance with the invention comprises a ladder portion comprising a pair of stiles 1 connected by spaced steps 2, and hingedly connected at its upper portion (not shown) to a support portion comprising a pair of support legs 3 connected by horizontal braces or struts 4.

Restraining means for preventing the ladder opening beyond a fixed distance comprises a pair of foldable struts 5, each hingedly connected to a step 2 (and thus to a stile 1) and a strut 4 (and thus to a support leg 3). Struts 5 are provided. at a position intermediate the hinged connection to the stile and support leg. with a hinge 6. The restraining means also comprises a pair of diagonal braces 7 each hingedly connected (via a step 2 and a strut 4) to a stile and a diagonally opposite leg, at the same hinged connection as struts 5 and the cross-braces 7 each having a hinge 8 on the same axis as hinges 6 in foldable struts 5.A rod 9 extends through hinges 6 and 8 and defines the axis of those hinges, As shown in the drawings, the front portion of the restraining means (that connected to the ladder part) is preferably higher than that connected to the rear part (the support part).

The position of the hinges 6 and 8 can vary as desired, provided, of course, that it is possible to fold the whole step-ladder assembly so that the support part and ladder part are generally parallel and adjacent.

With the ladder in the fully open position the hinge 6 in struts 5 is over centre so that the ladder is thereby locked in that position.

It is convenient to provide a carrying handle 10 on rod 9 and, in this case, the positioning of the hinges 6 and 8 should such that the carrying handle is easily reached when the ladder is in the closed position, that it is not masked by a step in the ladder portion.

In the ladder shown in the drawings. the restraining means, when the ladder is in the closed position. is located wholly within the stiles of the step and support portions and is thus protected by the stiles from contact with outside objects, to the deteriment of either or both.

Claims (3)

1. A step-ladder comprising a ladder part and a support part hingedly connected at their upper ends and provided with restraining means comprising a pair of generally parallel foldable struts each connected to the ladder part and support part, in which the restraining means also comprises a further pair of foldable struts which, with the step-ladder in the open position, extend to form a pair of diagonally arranged cross-braces between the ladder and the support part.

2. A step-ladder as claimed in claim 1 in which the restraining means is connected to the support part at a lower level than that at which it is connected to the step part of the ladder.

3. A step-ladder as claimed in claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.