GB2371078A

GB2371078A - Step ladder tray

Info

Publication number: GB2371078A
Application number: GB0101145A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adam Charles Christop Bartlett; Tim John Marrow; James Dimitrios Williamson
Original assignee: SGB Services Ltd
Current assignee: SGB Services Ltd
Priority date: 2001-01-16
Filing date: 2001-01-16
Publication date: 2002-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-16
Also published as: GB2371078B; GB0101145D0

Abstract

A tray 10 for attachment to a step ladder of the type having a cross-member (11 fig. 5) extending between a pair of stiles. The tray comprises a tray body with securing means (28 fig. 6) arranged to engage the cross-member of the step ladder as a snap-fit, so as to releasably secure the tray 10 to the cross member 11. The tray lies horizontally when it is secured to a cross member 11 of an opened out step ladder. The tray body comprises a separate tray regions 29, 30, it may also comprise apertures or recesses 33 for receiving tools. A paint tray (42 fig. 9) may be releasably attached on top of the tray 10. In a second aspect of the invention a similar tray (fig 12) is releasably attached to the rungs of a step ladder (fig. 14).

Description

Improvements in or relating to trays The present invention relates to a tray. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tray for attachment to a ladder or step ladder.

It is common for people working from ladders or step ladders to use different types of tool or implement to complete a particular job. It can be both frustrating and time-consuming for a person to have to keep returning to ground level to pick up a different tool and then climb the ladder again to continue working on the job in hand. It is therefore common for people working from ladders to carry a significant number of different tools with them when initially climbing the ladder or step ladder so that they have all of the relevant tools for a particular job at hand, thereby eliminating the need to descend the ladder and pick up more tools. However, having a large number of tools on a ladder can make it difficult for a person to work effectively. This is because there is typically nowhere to stow effectively the tools on the ladder or step ladder and so the tendency is for people working from ladders to keep the various tools in their pockets or clipped to their belts which can be inconvenient and restrict manoeuvrability.

It is therefore desirable to provide some means by which a person working from a ladder or step ladder can easily and securely stow tools or implements at a position up a ladder.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tray for attachment to a ladder or step ladder to overcome these problems.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a tray for attachment to a step ladder of the type having a cross-member between a pair of stiles, the tray comprising: a tray body; and securing means arranged to engage releasably the cross-member of a step ladder as a snap-fit, so as to secure releasably the tray to the crossmember; the tray body, when the tray is thus secured to the cross-member, being oriented substantially horizontally when the step ladder is in an in-use position.

Preferably, the tray body comprises a pot recess configured to receive and support a paint pot.

Conveniently, the pot recess is configured to receive and support paint pots of a plurality of different sizes.

Advantageously, the securing means comprises a projection to engage part of the cross-member of a step ladder.

Preferably, at least part of the securing means is resiliently deformable.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tray for attachment to a ladder or step ladder, the tray comprising: a tray body configured to engage a mounting rung of the ladder or step ladder when the ladder or step ladder is in an in-use position; and support means moveable with respect to the tray body between a first position and a second position, the support means being configured to engage releasably a rung above the mounting rung when in said first position and to engage releaseably a rung below the mounting rung when in said second position, to support the tray body substantially horizontally when the ladder or step ladder is in an in-use position.

Preferably, the tray body comprises a pot recess configured to receive and support a pot.

Advantageously, the pot recess is configured to receive and support paint pots of a plurality of different sizes.

Conveniently, the support means is pivotally mounted to the tray body for pivotal movement between its first and second positions.

Preferably, the support means is releasably lockable with respect to the tray body in an intermediate position between its first and second positions.

Advantageously, the support means, when in said intermediate position, lies substantially in the major plane of the tray body.

Conveniently, the tray is configured to engage the ladder or step ladder so as to adopt a storage position in which the tray body is located substantially between and substantially co-planar with the stiles of the ladder or step ladder.

Preferably, the tray body is located substantially between adjacent rungs of the ladder or step ladder when in said storage position.

Advantageously, the tray body is configured to engage at least one rung of the ladder or step ladder when in said storage position.

Conveniently, said support means is configured to engage a rung of the ladder or step ladder when said tray body is in said storage position.

Preferably, the support means adopts its intermediate position when engaged with the rung.

Advantageously, the support means is configured to engage a rung of the ladder or step ladder as an interference fit.

Conveniently, the support means is configured to engage a rung of the ladder or step ladder as a snap-fit.

Preferably, the tray body is provided with a hook on which a tool or implement can be hung when the tray is attached to a ladder or step ladder in an in-use position.

Advantageously, the tray body is provided with at least one aperture therethrough or recess therein to receive part of a tool or implement.

Conveniently, the tray body is partitioned into a plurality of tray regions.

Preferably, the tray body is configured to receive thereon a paint tray for use with a paint roller.

Advantageously, the tray comprises retaining means to retain releasably the paint tray on the tray body.

Conveniently, the tray body includes a paint roller tray portion for use with a paint roller.

Preferably, the tray body is provided with means to grip a length of cable at a position therealong.

So that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof can be appreciated, embodiments of the invention will be now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 is an isometric view of a tray in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention for attachment to a step ladder of the type having a cross-member between a pair of stiles; Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the tray illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the tray illustrated in Figures 1 and

2 ; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tray taken along line I-I of Figure 2 ; Figure 5 is an isometric view illustrating the tray of the first embodiment being attached to a step ladder; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tray taken along line II-II of Figure 2 illustrating the tray being attached to a step ladder; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding generally to that of Figure 6, but illustrating the tray in its final position when attached to a step ladder; Figure 8 is an isometric view generally corresponding to that of Figure 5, illustrating the tray attached to a step ladder; Figure 9 is an isometric view of the tray of the first embodiment having a paint tray secured thereto; Figure 10 is a schematic view illustrating the positioning of the tray of the first embodiment in a storage position relative to a step ladder; Figure I I is an isometric view illustrating the tray of the first embodiment in said storage position relative to a step ladder; Figure 12 is an isometric view of a tray in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is an isometric view of the tray illustrated in Figure 12, showing the tool tray being secured to a ladder in a first configuration; Figure 14 is an isometric view of the tray illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, showing the tool tray secured to a ladder in a second configuration; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through the tray body of the tray of the second embodiment, illustrating the tray body in engagement with a rung of a ladder or step ladder; Figure 16 is an isometric view showing the tray of the second embodiment being secured to a ladder in a storage position; Figure 17 is an isometric view of an alternative component of the tray of the second embodiment for attachment of the tray to an alternative type of rung in the form of a tread; and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view through the tray body of the tray of the second embodiment, illustrating the tray body in engagement with a rung of a ladder or step ladder taking the form of a tread.

Referring initially to Figure 1, there is illustrated a tool tray 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the tray 10 being configured for attachment to a step ladder of the type having a cross-member 11 between a pair of generally parallel stiles 12 (as best seen in Figure 5). It should be appreciated here that the stiles of the step ladder need only be parallel with one another in the plane in which the rungs are located. It is well known that the stiles of a step ladder sometimes converge towards the crossmember 11, such that the rungs at the top are shorter in length than those at the bottom of the step ladder. Returning to Figure 1, the tray 10 comprises a tray body 13 and securing means 14, the securing means 14 being configured (as will be described in more detail hereinafter) to engage releasably the cross member 11 of a step ladder, so as to secure releasably the tray 10 to the cross member 11.

The tray body 13 essentially comprises side walls 15,16, and a rear end wall 18 upstanding from a tray base 19, and a front end wall 17. The securing means 14 comprises a pair of leg elements 20,21 extending downwardly from the tray body 13 at respective front comers thereof between the front end wall 17 and respective side walls 15 and 16. As best seen in Figure 3, the downwardly-extending leg elements 20,21 extend downwardly and away from the tray body 13 at an angle thereto. The leg elements 20,21 are arranged at this angle such that with the tray body 13 oriented in a generally horizontal plane, the leg elements 20 and 21 make a preferred angle of 67'to the horizontal. As will become apparent, this arrangement allows the tray 10 to be attached to a step ladder whose major stiles 12 make an angle of 67'to the horizontal when the step ladder is in an in-use position on substantially horizontal ground, such that the tray body 13 is oriented substantially horizontally. It is usual for the major stiles 12 of a free-standing step ladder to make an angle of approximately 67'to the horizontal when the step ladder is opened into an in-use position and placed upon generally level and horizontal ground, because it is generally recommended that, for safety reasons, ladders should be used at an angle in the range 650 to 750 to the horizontal. However, it is envisaged that the tray 10 could be adapted for use with step ladders whose major stiles make different angles to the horizontal, in which case the angle between the leg elements 20,21 and the tray body 13 will, of course, be different.

Returning briefly to Figure 1, it will be seen that the leg elements 20,21 each take the form of a generally U-shaped channel arranged to oppose one another and to open inwardly towards one another. As can be seen from Figures 4 and 6, the U-shaped channels of the leg elements 20,21 communicate with a transverse, downwardly-open channel 22 defined across the front of the tray body 13 by the front end wall 17 and an interior wall 23 which, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, divides the tray body 13 into two tray portions.

The upper extent of the transverse channel 22 is defined by a dished partition 24 extending from mid-way up the interior wall 23 to the top of front wall 17, so as to define an upper, generally convex surface 25 within the transverse channel 22. As will become apparent, the generally convex surface 25 is shaped to correspond to and hence fit intimately against, the uppermost surface of the cross-member 11 of a step ladder with which the tray 10 is intended to be used.

With particular reference to Figure 6, it will be seen that at a point on each side of the transverse centre line of the tray (indicated by line 1-1 in Figure 2), the dished partition 24 is provided with a respective opening 26 therethrough in the region of the front end wall 17. Immediately below each respective opening 26 in the dished partition 24, the front wall 17 is provided with a projection 28 extending inwardly of the transverse channel 22.

It will be appreciated that, by virtue of the openings 26 in the dished partition 24 between the interior wall 23 and the front end wall 17, the front wall 17 and the interior wall 23 are allowed to resiliently deform slightly and hence move with respect to one another in the region of the openings 26.

As will be apparent from Figure 5 to 8, the U-shaped channels of the leg elements 20,21 are sized to receive the upper portion of respective stiles 12 of a conventional step ladder, and the transverse channel 22 is similarly sized to receive the cross member 11 of a conventional step ladder.

In order to attach the tray 10 to a step ladder in an in-use position as indicated in Figure 5, the tray is oriented such that the front end wall 17 faces a person standing on the step ladder. In this orientation, it will be seen that the tray body 13 extends generally away from a person standing on the step ladder.

The tray 10 is then aligned with the step ladder such that the upper part of each stile 12 can be received within the U-shaped channel of a respective leg element 20, 21, as illustrated in Figure 6. The tray is then pressed downwardly as indicated by the arrows in Figures 5 and 6 such that the dished partition 24 defining the uppermost end of the transverse channel 22 approaches the uppermost part of the ladder cross-member 11.

As the uppermost part of the ladder cross-member 11 and the dished partition 24 approach one another, the uppermost part of the cross-member 11 bears against the inwardly-directed projections 28. As the uppermost part of the cross-member 11 is forced past the projections 28, the front end wall 17 is caused to deflect resiliently in the region of the openings 26, away from the interior wall 23. The uppermost part of the cross-member 11 is thus allowed to pass the projections 28 and bear against the generally convex surface 25 defined by the dished partition 24. Just as, or just before, the uppermost surface of the cross-member bears against the generally convex surface 25, the cross-member clears the projections 28, and the front wall 17 and interior wall 23 are therefore allowed to return to their mitial positions such that the projections 28 project into the channel 22 at a position below, and engaged with the cross-member 11. In this way, the tray engages the cross-member of the step ladder as a snap fit.

As will be seen from Figures 7 and 8, when the tray of the first embodiment is attached to a step ladder, in an in-use position of the step ladder, in the manner described above, the tray body 13 is oriented substantially horizontally and extends away from a person standing on the step ladder.

In order to remove the tray of the first embodiment from a step ladder, the front end wall 17 and the interior wall 23 can simply be manually deformed, by pulling them away from one another in the region of the openings 26, which moves the projections 28 out of engagement with the underside of the step ladder cross-member 11, to permit removal of the tray from the step ladder.

With particular reference to Figures] and 2, the particular features of the tray 10 of the first embodiment which make it useful to a person working from a step ladder will now be described.

As mentioned previously, the tray body 13 is provided with an interior dividing wall 23. This interior dividing wall 23 divides the tray body 13 into two separate and distinct tray regions 29,30. It will of course be appreciated however, that additional interior dividing walls may be provided to divide the tray body 13 into more tray regions. Partitioning of the tray into a number of tray regions in this way allows the user to keep tools or components such as screws and nails neatly ordered with respect to one another.

Turning briefly to Figure 4, it will be seen that the lower extent of tray region 30 is defined by the dished partition 24 at the upper end of the transverse channel 22. This gives the bottom of tray region 30 a dished configuration and, because the dished partition 24 joins the top of the front wall 17, the tray region 30 allows small items such as, for example, screws or nails, to be removed therefrom without becoming trapped in comers of the tray region.

Around the periphery of the tray body 13, there are provided a number of apertures therethrough or recesses therein, arranged to receive, or at least partially receive, parts of tools or implements. For example, the tray body 13 is provided with a number of apertures 31 therethrough which are particularly suited to receive the shafts of tools such as screwdrivers, with the handle of the tool resting upon the uppermost surface of the tray body 13. In this way, tools such as screwdrivers can be stored in the apertures 31, with their handles upstanding and readily accessible to a person using the tray 10 on a step ladder.

The tray 10 illustrated is also provided with a pair of substantially cylindrical recesses 32, closed at their lowermost ends. These recesses 32 are particularly suitable to receive a pencil or the like, which, without an enlarged handle like a screwdriver, would pass completely through an aperture 31.

The tray body 13 can be provided with a plurality of apertures or recesses of various shapes and sizes, for example, elongate aperture 33, to receive parts of various different tools or implements. For example, the handle portion of an adjustable spanner can be inserted into elongate aperture 33, such that the enlarged head portion of the spanner rests upon the uppermost surface of the tray body, thereby retaining the spanner in the aperture 33 so as to be readily accessible. Alternatively, one handle of a pair of pliers could be inserted into the aperture 33 to retain the pliers in a readily accessible position on the tray 10.

The tray body 13 of the tray of the first embodiment illustrated, is provided with a pair of projections 34, each projection 34 upstanding from a respective comer of the tray body 13. The projections 34 are intended to retain a bucket on the tray body 13. The handle of the conventional bucket can simply be rested across the comer of the tray body 13 such that a respective projection 34 prevents the handle of the bucket sliding off the comer of the tray body 13 inadvertently. In this way, each projection 34 serves as a bucket hook.

It will of course be appreciated that other forms of hook could be provided on the tray body, for example, more conventional hooks having a looped configuration on which a tool or implement can be hung when the tray is attached to a step ladder in an in-use position.

The uppermost edges of the rear end wall 18 and the interior dividing wall 23, each have an upper region thereof cut away at points 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d, to provide respective support edges 36,37 at a level slightly below the uppermost edges of each respective wall. The points 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d all lie on a circle (as best seen in Figure 2). The upper region of the front end wall 17 is provided with a part-circular recess 38 therein, the circular perimeter portion of which lies on the same circle as the points 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d. Within the part-circular recess 38, there is provided a support surface 39 which is substantially planar and parallel to the tray base 19, such that the support surface 39 lies substantially horizontally when the tray 10 is attached to a step ladder in an in-use position. The support surface 39, and the two respective support edges 36,37 are all arranged so as to be at approximately the same height above the tray base 19. The circle defined by the part-circular recess 38 and points 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d is preferably sized to be slightly greater than the diameter of an industry-standard paint pot such as, for example, a 2.5 litre paint pot. A paint pot of the appropriate size can thus be supported on the support edges 36,37 and the support surface 39, and retained in position relative to the tray body, by virtue of the part-circular recess 38, and the points 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d. This arrangement therefore allows a paint pot to be received on the tray portion 13 and securely retained relative thereto, to prevent the paint pot accidentally sliding off the tray body 13.

At a position around the periphery of the tray body 13, there is provided a groove formation 40 extending between the exterior of the tray body 13 and the interior of tray region 29 of the tray body 13. The groove formation 40 is generally V-shaped. This groove formation 40 forms a cable grip arrangement in which a length of electrical cable, for example the cable of a power tool, can be inserted. If the cable is pressed firmly towards the bottom of the V-shaped groove, then the cable grip arrangement serves to grip the cable which is useful in preventing the cable to a power tool from fouling or otherwise catching on a step ladder, when used from the step ladder. Although not illustrated, it is also envisaged that the U-shaped groove may be provided with one or more internal projections extending part-way across the groove, to define a tortuous path for the cable, thereby increasing grip on the cable.

The front wall 17 of the tray body 13 is most preferably contoured to provide increased comfort to a person working from a step ladder when leaning against the front wall of the tray body, when the tray 10 is attached to the top of the step ladder. For example. as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the front wall 17 is provided with a generally arcuate recess 41, shaped to accommodate the thighs of a person working from a step ladder, when leaning against the tray 10 attached to the top of the step ladder.

Turning now to Figure 9, it is proposed to provide a paint tray (of a type generally know per se) for use with paint rollers to be mounted on top of the tray 10 of the first embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 9, it is envisaged that the paint tray 42 will partially rest upon the top of the tray body 13, and be secured thereto by a pair of resilient clips 43 configured to engage the upper rim 44 of the paint tray. As will be appreciated from Figure 9, each resilient clip 43 is located at a respective side of the tray body 13, at a position generally above a respective leg element 20, 21. At each of these positions, the tray body is provided with an elongate slot 45 within which each respective clip 43 is received as a sliding fit. The lower end of each clip 43 (not shown) is formed so as to be larger in dimension than each slot 45 to prevent complete removal of the clip 43 from the slots 45 in an upward direction. As can be seen from Figure 9, the upper end of each clip 43 is provided with an inwardly directed flange portion 46.

When the tray body 13 is not being used to support a paint tray 42, each clip 43 will be in a completely lowered position relative to the tray body 13 such that the flange portions 46 lie against the upper surface of the tray body 13. However, it is also envisaged that the upper surface of the tray body 13 may be provided with a recess in the region of each slot 45, sized and shaped to receive a respective flange portion 46 when each clip 43 is in its lowered position.

When a paint tray 42 is to be supported on the tray body 13, each clip 43 is simply pulled upwardly within its respective slot 45 until each flange portion 46 can be snapped over the rim 44 of the paint tray due to the resilience of the clip 43. Upwards movement of each clip 43 within the slots 45 is limited by the enlargened lower end of each clip 43, such that in its fully extended position, each clip 43 securely engages the rim 44 of the paint tray 42.

Of course, other arrangements could also be used to secure releasably the paint tray 42 to the tray body 13. One such alternative arrangement envisaged comprises a clip pivotally mounted to the top of the tray body 13 and pivotally moveable relative thereto between an out-of-use position in which the clip lies generally across the top of the tray body 13, and an in-use position in which the clip extends generally upwardly from the tray body 13 for engagement with the paint tray 42.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the way in which the tray 10 of the first embodiment can engage a step ladder so as to adopt a storage position in which the tray 10 is located substantially between the two major stiles 12 of the step ladder.

At the lower end of each leg element 20,21 of the tray body 13, the side wall of each leg element 20,21 is provided with a cut-out 44. Each cut-out 44 comprises a relatively narrow elongate cut-out portion 45 and a larger cut-out mouth portion 46 at the lowermost end of each respective leg element 20,21 (as illustrated in Figures I and 3).

A typical standard step ladder with which the tray 10 of the first embodiment is intended to be used, comprises a plurality of rungs in the form of treads 47 which present a generally planar and horizontal tread surface 48 for a person to step on when the step ladder is in an in-use position (best seen in Figure 10). As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, each tread 47 typically has a lower forward edge 49 and a lower rearward edge 50.

Each cut-out 44 is configured to engage the rearward lower edge 50 of a step ladder tread when the tray body 13 of the first embodiment is turned upside down in the position illustrated in Figure 10. Once the cut-outs 44 are engaged with the lower rearward edge 50 of a tread 47 by moving the tray body 13 towards the tread 47 from below (as indicated by arrow 51 in Figure 10), the tray body 13 is then rotated as indicated by arrow 52 in Figure 10 which causes each projection 34 (which, as described hereinbefore, serve as bucket hooks) to engage the tread surface of the tread located immediately below the tread 47 with which the cut-outs 44 are engaged. The tray body 13 is dimensioned such that the projections 34 engage the tread surface as a friction fit which ensures that the tray of the first embodiment is held in the storage position illustrated in Figure 11, until such time as it is rotated in the opposite direction to that indicated by arrow 52 in Figure 10, against the force of friction between the projections 34 and the tread surface 48, to disengage the tray from the step ladder. As is well known, the tread surfaces 48 of the treads 47 of step ladders are typically corrugated or otherwise texture to improve grip, which serves to improve the frictional engagement between the projections 34 of the tray body 13 and the tread surface 48.

It is proposed to provide trays 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention described above, in combination with respective step ladders, the trays 10 initially adopting the storage position illustrated in Figure 11 when supplied to a retail outlet or end user.

It is proposed to mould the tray 10 of the first embodiment from plastics material to a single component. However, it should be appreciated that other materials could be used instead.

Turning now to Figure 12, there is illustrated a tray 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the tray being configured for attachment to a ladder or step ladder at any position therealong. The tray 100 comprises three major components: a tray body 101, a swing arm 102 and a securing clip 99. As will be explained hereinafter, the swing arm 102 and the securing clip 99 together serve as support means to engage releasably a rung of

a ladder or step ladder to support the body 101 substantially horizontally when the ladder or step ladder is in an in-use position.

The tray body 101 and the securing clip 99 are preferably moulded from

plastics material, and the swing arm 102 is preferably made from a length of metal wire having a diameter sufficient to ensure that the swing arm is reasonably rigid. However, it will be appreciated that the tray body 101, the swing arm 102 and the securing clip 99 could be made from alternative materials and by alternative methods.

The swing arm 102 is pivotally mounted to the tray body 101 at position 103 to allow full pivotal movement of the swing arm 102 with respect to the tray body 101. The swing ann 102 is illustrated in Figure 12 extending generally downwardly from the tray body 101, to terminate in a cross-bar 102a. However, the arrangement is such that the swing arm 102 may be pivoted upwardly with respect to the tray body 101 so as to extend substantially upwardly from the tray body 101 in a position such as that illustrated generally in Figure 14.

The securing clip 99 is pivotally mounted to the cross-bar 102a of the swing arm 102 so as to be spaced from the tray body 101 by the distance between the cross-bar 102a and the pivot point 103. The securing clip 99 is mounted to the swing arm 102 by way of a longitudinal mounting channel 104 formed on the securing clip 99. The mounting channel 104 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section and is configured to receive part of the swing arm 102 therein as a snap fit, such that the swing arm 102 is retained within the channel 104 but allowed to rotate therein.

The securing clip 99 also has a rung-engaging channel 105 formed therein. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 12, the rung-engaging channel 105 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section and is sized to receive a rung of a ladder or step ladder as an interference fit therein as will be described hereinafter. In a preferred arrangement, the clip 99 is configured so as to retain a rung within the channel 105 as a snap fit as well as by an interference fit.

The securing clip 99 is also provided with a finger tab 150 arranged to be gripped by a person using the present invention to allow easier engagement and disengagement with a lung of a ladder or step ladder.

Before discussing the way in which the tray of the second embodiment is attached to a ladder or step ladder, it is again convenient to discuss the particular features of the tray which make it useful to a person working from a ladder or step ladder. The features of the second embodiment tray are similar in several respects to those of the first embodiment described hereinbefore.

The tray body 101 essentially comprises two end walls 106a, 106b and two side walls 107 upstanding from a substantially planar tray base 108. However, the tray body 101 is partitioned, for example by inner partition walls 109,110 and 111, into a plurality of separate or distinct tray regions. As with the first embodiment above, this partitioning of the tray body into a number of tray regions allows the user to keep tools or components such as screws and nails neatly ordered with respect to one another.

Each end wall 106a, 106b of the tray body 101 is provided with an outwardly-directed flange 112. These outwardly-directed flanges 112 are preferably provided with one or more apertures therethrough or recesses therein arranged to receive, or at least partially receive, parts of tools or implements.

For example, the flanges 112 of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 12 are provided with a number of substantially cylindrical apertures 113 therethrough.

These apertures 113 are particularly suited to receive the shafts of tools such as screwdrivers, with the handle of the tool resting upon the uppermost surface of the respective flange 112. In this way, tools such as screwdrivers can be stored in the apertures 113, with their handles upstanding and readily accessible to a person using the tray at a position up a ladder or step ladder.

The flanges 112 can be provided with a plurality of apertures or recesses of various shapes and sizes, for example, elongate apertures 114 or 115, to receive parts of various different tools or implements. For example, the nose of a conventional pair of pliers can be received in each of the slightly elongated apertures 114, whilst the more elongated aperture 115 is particularly suitable for receiving part of a paint or wallpaper scraper or the like.

In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 12, there is provided a slightly inclined planar surface 116 extending between the forwardmost end wall 106a as illustrated in Figure 1 and the transverse interior partition wall 109. The inclined surface 116 is provided with a plurality of elongate ribs 117 raised slightly upwardly therefrom. It will be readily appreciated that the region of the tray body 101 defined between the interior partition wall 110 and end wall 106a takes the form of a paint tray, of a type known per se, for use with a conventional paint roller. The tray portion defined between the interior partition wall 110 and the interior partition wall 109 can receive paint into which a paint roller can be dipped. The paint roller can then be rolled along the inclined surface 116 to spread the paint evenly around the surface of the roller ready for application to a wall or ceiling.

The interior partition walls 109 and 110, whilst being generally planar, are each provided with a respective part-circular wall portion 118,119. The part-circular wall portions 118 and 119 each define part of a circle which is also partly defined by curved ribs 120 upstanding from the tray base 108. The diameter of the circle defined by the wall portions 118,119 and the ribs 120 is preferably slightly greater than the diameter of an industry standard 750 ml paint pot, such that a 750 ml paint pot can be received between the wall portions 118,119 so as to sit generally centrally on the tray base 108 of the tray body 101. This arrangement therefore allows a paint pot to be received on the tray portion 101 and securely retained relative thereto, to prevent the paint pot being accidentally knocked over.

At a position above the curved wall portion 119 of the interior partition wall 110, the interior partition wall 110 and the adjoining interior partition wall 111 have an upper region thereof cut-away at points 121a, 121b and 121c, to provide an exposed edge 121. The points 121a, 121b and 121c all lie on a circle having a diameter larger than the circle defined by wall portions 118,199 and ribs 120. In a preferred embodiment, the circle defined by points 121a, 121b and 121c is slightly greater than the diameter of an industry standard 2. 5L paint pot.

The inclined surface 116 is provided with a part-circular recess 122 therein, the circular perimeter portion of which lies on the same circle as the points 121a, 121b, 121c. The part-circular recess 122 in the inclined surface 116 and the exposed edge 121 above the wall portion 119 are arranged so as to be at approximately the same height above the tray base 108 of the tray body 101 so that, in the preferred arrangement, a 2.5L paint pot can be received between points 121a, 121b, 121c and the recess 122 and be securely retained on the tray body 101, in a substantially horizontal orientation.

The tray body 101 of the tray illustrated in Figure 12 is provided with a pair of projections 123, each projection 123 upstanding from a respective comer of the tray body 101. The projections 123 are intended to retain a bucket on the tray body 101. The handle of a conventional bucket can be simply rested across the comer of the tray body 101 such that a respective projection 123 prevents the handle of the bucket sliding off the comer of the tray body 101 inadvertently. In this way, each projection 123 serves as a bucket hook. It will of course be appreciated that other forms of hook can be provided on the tray body, for example, more conventional hooks having a looped configuration on which a tool or implement can be hung when the tray is attached to a ladder or step ladder in an in-use position.

With particular reference to Figures 13,14 and 15 of the accompanying drawings, the method of attaching the tray 100 of the second embodiment to a ladder 200 having a pair of parallel stiles 201 with a plurality of rungs 202 passing therebetween, will now be described. The particular ladder 200 illustrated in Figure 15 is provided with a plurality of rungs 202 having a substantially square cross-section. However, as will be apparent to the skilled person, the tray 100 of the present invention can also be attached to a free standing step ladder in the same way.

It is generally recommended that, for safety reasons, conventional ladders should be used at an angle in the range of 65'-75'to the horizontal.

Free-standing step ladders are therefore configured to adopt an angle to the horizontal within this range. The tray of the present invention is configured such that the tray body 101 adopts a substantially horizontal position when the tray 100 is secured to a ladder making an angle of approximately 70'to the horizontal so as to fall centrally within the preferred range of angles. However, it should be appreciated that the tray may be modified for use with ladders orientated at different angles to the horizontal.

At a position spaced from the pivotal attachment 103 between the tray body 101 and the swing arm 102, in the region of one end of the tray body, the tray body is provided with a channel 124 on the underside of the tray body 101.

The configuration of the channel 124 can be seen most clearly in Figure 4.

Channel 124 opens downwardly, the upper, closed region of the channel 125 being wider than the channel opening 126. Between the upper, closed region 125 of the channel and the opening 126, the channel narrows in width at a neck region 127. The upper surface of the channel 124, rather than being generally flat, defines a pair of parallel grooves 128a, 128b therein.

Figure 13 illustrates the tray 100 of the second embodiment being attached to a ladder 200 in a first configuration, in which the swing arm 102 extends generally downwardly such that the securing clip 99 is located generally below the tray body 101. The ladder 200 is illustrated in Figure 13 in an in-use position in which the stiles 201 of the ladder 200 make an angle of approximately 700 with the horizontal.

The tray body 101 is engaged with the ladder 200, such that a mounting rung 202 of the step ladder is received within the channel 124, as illustrated most clearly in Figure 15.

Because the ladder 200 is at an angle to the horizontal, it will be appreciated that the uppermost surface 203 of each rung 202 is also inclined. It will therefore be seen that the highest point of each rung 202 is defined by a comer edge 204, which is received in one of the grooves 128a or 128b formed in the uppermost surface of the channel 124.

The securing clip 99 is pivoted with respect to the swing arm 102 so as to adopt a position in which the rung-engaging channel 105 thereof can engage

the rung below the mounting rung engaged by the channel 124. 0, engaged by the channel 124.

The length of the swing arm 102 and the position of its pivot point 103 with respect to the rung-receiving channel 124 of the tray body 101 is configured such that when the channel 124 of the tray body 101 engages a mounting rung 202, and the securing clip 99 engages a rung immediately therebelow, the tray body 101 is orientated generally horizontally, when the

ladder is in an in-use position (i. e., in a preferred embodiment, at an angle of approximately 70'to the horizontal).

Turning now to Figure 14, the tray 100 of the second embodiment is illustrated attached to a ladder 200 in a second configuration, in which the swing arm 102 extends upwardly from the tray body 101 such that the securing clip 99 is located generally above the tray body 101. To attach the tray 100 to the ladder 200 in this configuration, it will be seen that the tray body 101 is turned around so as to extend from the mounting rung 202 which is engaged by the channel 124, towards a wall or the like against which the ladder 200 is lent.

The swing arm 102 has been pivoted with respect to the tray body 101 from its position extending generally downwardly from the tray body 101 to a position in which it extends generally upwardly from the tray body 101, such that the securing clip 99 can engage the rung immediately above the mounting rung engaged by the channel 124 of the tray body 101. Again, in this configuration, the length of the swing arm 102 and the spacing of its pivot point 99 from the channel 124 is such that when the channel 124 engages a mounting rung 202 and the securing clip 99 engages the rung immediately thereabove, the tray body 101 adopts a generally horizontal position.

It will be appreciated that with the tray body 101, when located in the position illustrated in Figure 14, extending from the mounting rung engaged within the channel 124 towards a wall against which the ladder 200 leans, the mounting rung 202 effectively adopts a position (illustrated in phantom in Figure 4) relative to the channel 124 in which the rung 202 has been rotated relative to the position adopted when the tray body 101 engages the rung in the configuration illustrated in Figure 13. It is for this reason that the upper, closed end of the channel 124 is provided with two grooves 128a, 128b-one groove 128a is arranged to engage the uppermost edge 204 of the mounting rung in the first tray configuration illustrated in Figure 13, and the other groove 128b is arranged to engage the uppermost edge 204 of the mounting rung in the second tray configuration illustrated in Figure 14 (see Figure 15).

Returning briefly to Figure 12, projecting outwardly from each side wall 107 of the tray body 101, are a pair of spigots 129, spaced slightly from one another. Each spigot 129 has a generally frusto-conical upper surface. The spigots 129 are arranged so as to project outwardly from the respective side walls 107 of the tray body 101, such that to move the swing arm 102 from its downwardly-extending position illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 to its upwardly-extending position illustrated in Figure 14, the swing arm 102 must resiliently deform slightly to pass over the spigots 129. Each pair of spigots 129 are spaced from one another such that the swing arm 102 can be releasably retained therebetween and hence releasably locked with respect to the tray body in an intermediate position between its downwardly-extending position illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 and its upwardly-extending position illustrated in Figure 14, the swing arm being trapped between each pair of spigots 129. In this intermediate position, the swing arm 102 extends generally in the plane of the tray body 101 such that the securing clip 99 which is pivotally attached to the swing arm 102 is located at the end of the tray body 101 distant from the pivot point 103. This provides a convenient storage configuration, in which the components of the tray 100 adopt a generally compact configuration. It has also been found advantageous to keep the swing arm 102 locked in its intermediate position as the tray body 101 is engaged with a rung of a ladder.

This prevents the swing arm 102 moving around with respect to the tray body 101 which can be inconvenient at this step of the attachment procedure. Once a mounting rung of the ladder is retained within the channel 124 of the tray body, the swing arm can be unlocked from its intermediate position to enable the securing clip to be engaged with another rung.

As illustrated in Figure 16, the tray 100 of the second embodiment, with the swing arm 102 and the securing clip 99 located in the intermediate position mentioned above, is configured to engage a ladder 200 so as to be located between a pair of adjacent rungs 202 of the ladder in a storage position. In this position, the tray body 100 is substantially co-planar with the stiles of the ladder 200. The tray is engaged with a ladder in this way simply by orientating the tray body 101 so as to be generally co-planar with the stiles of the ladder and then pressing the tray body 101 towards the ladder so that it engages the ladder between a pair of adjacent rungs 202. The length of the tray body 101, as defined between the end walls 106a, 106b, is such that the tray body 101 is received between the pair of rungs 202 as an interference fit.

With particular reference to Figures 12,13 and 15, it will be seen that the tray body 101 is provided with a number of small projections 160 projecting outwardly from each end wall 106a, 106b. These projections 160 can take many different forms, but are all arranged to improve the grip between the tray body 101 and each rung of the ladder when the tray body 101 is arranged in its storage position illustrated in Figure 16.

The outwardly directed flanges 112 at respective ends of the tray body 101 each contact a respective rung when the tray body 101 is pressed fully into its storage position with respect to the ladder.

At the end of the tray body 101 nearest the pivot point 103, the tray body is provided with a pair of outwardly-directed flange portions 130 located

generally at respective sides of the tray body 101. At a position spaced from the tray body, each flange portion carries a downwardly directed jaw element 131.

As best seen in Figure 16, each flange 130 is adapted to extend over a rung 202 of the ladder when the tray body 101 is orientated so as to be substantially co planar with the stiles 201 of the ladder 200, so as to adopt its storage position illustrated in Figure 16. In this orientation, and with the swing arm 102 retained in its intermediate position by the spigots 129, the securing clip 99 engages the rung adjacent the rung received within the channel 131.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, some ladders are provided with rungs in the form of treads which provide a larger generally horizontal stepping surface. Treads of this type are particularly common on free-standing step ladders. A tread of this type can be seen in cross-sectional view in Figure 18. Essentially, the tread 205 illustrated in Figure 18 comprises a central element 206 of generally square cross-section, essentially similar to the square section rungs 202 described hereinbefore but slightly smaller in cross-section. In the upper region of the central element 206, the tread is provided with a pair of outwardly-projecting surfaces 207 which each slope away from and slightly downwardly from the uppermost surface 208 of the central element 206.

In order to adapt the tray 100 of the second embodiment for use with a ladder or step ladder having treads of the type mentioned above rather than rungs, the securing clip 99 described above can be substituted for an alternative securing clip 99a, such as that illustrated in Figure 17. The alternative securing clip 99a is again provided with a swing arm engaging channel 104a generally identical to the swing arm receiving channel 104 of the previously-described securing clip 99. The securing clip 99a adapted to engage a tread differs from the securing clip 99 adapted to secure a rung in that it is provided with a wider and shallower tread-receiving channel 105a. The precise configuration of the tread-receiving channel 105a depends, of course, on the particular configuration of the tread with which it is intended to be used. However, the channel 105a illustrated in Figure 17 is provided with an inwardly-directed lip 132 at each end of channel 105a, each lip 132 being configured to engage a tread 205 below one of its outwardly-projecting surfaces 207. The opposite edge of the channel 105a is provided with a downwardly and outwardly sloping tread-engaging surface 133 configured to engage the other outwardly-projecting tread surface 207.

Figure 18 illustrates a tread 205 engaged within the mounting rung/tread-receiving channel 124 of the tray body 101. It will be seen that in the tray body configuration illustrated in Figure 18, one of the tread surfaces 207 is received within the channel 124 at a position above the neck 127, so as to engage the uppermost surface 125 of the channel 124. The other tread surface 207 engages a surface of the channel 124 at a position below the neck portion 9 on the opposite side of the channel 124.

It is to be appreciated that whilst the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications could be effected without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, so that the tray 100 of the second embodiment can be used with ladders or step ladders having different rung or tread pitches, it is envisaged that the tray body 101 be provided with a number of alternative pivot points 103 to provide alternative swing arm geometries. For example, as can be seen from Figure 15, the tray body may be provided with two apertures or recesses 103a, 103b on each side, adapted to receive the swing arm 102 pivotally therein. One of the apertures 103a is configured to receive the swing arm 102 so as to ensure tha't the tray body 101 adopts a generally horizontal position when the tray 100 is attached to a ladder or step ladder having a first rung or tread pitch, and the other aperture recess 103b is configured to receive the swing arm 102 to ensure that the tray body 101 adopts a generally horizontal position when the tray 100 is attached to a ladder or step ladder having a second rung or tread pitch.

However, a simpler arrangement is also proposed, in which only a single pivot point 103 is provided on each side of the tray body. In such an arrangement, the position of the pivot point on the tray body must be carefully selected to ensure that when the tray is attached to a ladder in an in-use position, the tray body is oriented substantially horizontally for a range of different rung or tread pitches.

It should also be appreciated that whilst reference has been made herein to the tray of the second embodiment being suitable to use with ladders or step ladders, it is equally suitable for use with extension ladders and combination ladders (i. e. ladders formed as a combination of an extension ladder and a step ladder).

In the present specification"comprise"means"includes or consists of' and"comprising"means"including or consisting of. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that reference in the following

claims to"rung"or"rungs"of a ladder or step ladder should be interpreted so as also to include reference to"tread"or"treads"of a ladder or step ladder.

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

CLAIMS: 1. A tray for attachment to a step ladder of the type having a cross-member between a pair of stiles, the tray comprising: a tray body; and securing means arranged to engage releasably the cross-member of a step ladder as a snap-fit, so as to secure releasably the tray to the crossmember; the tray body, when the tray is thus secured to the cross-member, being oriented substantially horizontally when the step ladder is in an in-use position.
2. A tray according to claim 1, wherein the tray body comprises a pot recess configured to receive and support a paint pot.
3. A tray according to claim 2, wherein the pot recess is configured to receive and support paint pots of a plurality of different sizes.
4. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing means comprises a projection to engage part of the cross-member of a step ladder.
5. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the securing means is resiliently deformable.
6. A tray for attachment to a ladder or step ladder, the tray comprising: a tray body configured to engage a mounting rung of the ladder or step ladder when the ladder or step ladder is in an in-use position; and support means moveable with respect to the tray body between a first position and a second position, the support means being configured to engage releaseably a rung above the mounting rung when in said first position and to engage releaseably a rung below the mounting rung when in said second position, to support the tray body substantially horizontally when the ladder or step ladder is in an in-use position.
7. A tray according to claim 6, wherein the tray body comprises a pot recess configured to receive and support a paint pot.
8. A tray according to claim 7, wherein the pot recess is configured to receive and support paint pots of a plurality of different sizes.
9. A tray according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the support means is pivotally mounted to the tray body for pivotal movement between its first and second positions.
10. A tray according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the support means is releasably lockable with respect to the tray body in an intermediate position between its first and second positions.
11. A tray according to claim 10, wherein the support means, when in said intermediate position, lies substantially in the major plane of the tray body.
12. A tray according to any one of claims 6 to 11, configured to engage the ladder or step ladder so as to adopt a storage position in which the tray body is located substantially between and substantially co-planar with the stiles of the ladder or step ladder.
13. A tray according to claim 12, wherein the tray body is located substantially between adjacent rungs of the ladder or step ladder when in said storage position.
14. A tray according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the tray body is configured to engage at least one rung of the ladder or step ladder when in said storage position.
15. A tray according to claim 12,13 or 14, wherein said support means is configured to engage a rung of the ladder or step ladder when said tray body is in said storage position.
16. A tray according to claim 15 as dependant upon claim 10, wherein the support means adopts its intermediate position when engaged with the rung.
17. A tray according to any one of claims 6 to 16, wherein the support means is configured to engage a rung of the ladder or step ladder as an interference fit.
18. A tray according to any one of claims 6 to 16, wherein the support means is configured to engage a rung of the ladder or step ladder as a snap-fit.
19. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray body is provided with a hook on which a tool or implement can be hung when the tray is attached to a ladder or step ladder in an in-use position.
20. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray body is provided with at least one aperture therethrough or recess therein to receive part of a tool or implement.
21. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray body is

partitioned into a plurality of tray regions.

0
22. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray body is configured to receive thereon a paint tray for use with a paint roller.
23. A tray according to claim 22, comprising retaining means to retain releasably the pamt tray on the tray body.
24. A tray according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the tray body includes a paint roller tray portion for use with a paint roller.
25. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray body is provided with means to grip a length of cable at a position therealong.
26. A tray substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 1 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.
27. A tray substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 12 to 18 of the accompanying drawings.
28. Any novel feature or combination of features disclose herein.