GB2445663A

GB2445663A - Wheeled step ladder

Info

Publication number: GB2445663A
Application number: GB0800166A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Robert Sanger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-06
Filing date: 2008-01-04
Publication date: 2008-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-04
Also published as: GB0700229D0; GB2445663B; GB0800166D0

Abstract

A moveable stepladder is provided, comprising: a rigid frame 10 having a plurality of steps 20, the frame being sell-supporting in a first, relatively upright position of the frame, so as to permit use of the steps; a receptacle 25, located within the frame, so as to permit items to be carried therein; and a rolling means, attached to the frame and positioned so as to permit movement of the frame when the frame is rotated away from the relatively upright position, but so as not to support the frame when the frame is in the said relatively upright position. The rolling means may be wheels 30. The step ladder may have side supports extending above the steps and able to be extended further by addition of support extensions 40. A stabilizer 50 may be provided and may be attachable to the frame to increase its width.

Description

MOVEABLE STEPLADDER

Technical Field

This invention relates to a moveable stepladder, which also comprises a storage space. This allows the stepladder to carry items, which can be transported when the stepladder is moved.

background to the Invent ion

Workmen often need to access high places and carry heavy equipment. Stepladders are convenient for accessing heights, since they are transportable, so can easily be moved to allow access to different places. However, a stepladder can be cumbersome to carry in addition to heavy equipment. A handcart or wheelbarrow is a useful way to carry heavy equipment, although a stepladder is usually too long to be carried in this way. The combination of a handcart and stepladder is therefore desirable.

For example, US-2,990,764 describes a combined camera support, cart and stepladder. The cart and stepladder are two separate pieces that are attached to one another.

The stepladder is formed from two parallel frames, with step elements pivotally connected to the two frames. Hence, the stepladder can be folded flat when the two frames are pushed together. Also, when the stepladder is folded flat, the frames can be pushed against the cart, making the unit more compact for transport.

Wheels are provided at the foot of the stepladder, such that when the stepladder is folded flat, a user can hold the frame to pivot the unit onto the wheel. Hence, the unit, including anything stored in the cart, can be transported.

The top of the stepladder frame may be used as a handle for moving the unit.

However, when transporting heavy equipment and when working at height, safety is a concern. Health and safety considerations make it desirable that adequate support should be available when a user ascends the stepladder and when a user works at height, whilst standing on the stepladder. It is also desirable to minimise the gap between the user and the high place where the user is working. Any gap means the user must extend their reach more than necessary and thereby reduces their balance.

Existing designs, such as US-2,990,764 are unable to provide sufficient support, whilst still allow the unit to be compact and transportable. Also, the cart of US-2,990,764 means that the user must reach over the cart to reach a desired high place when standing on the steps. This significantly reduces safety.

Summary of the Invention

Against this background, the present invention provides a moveable stepladder comprising: a rigid frame having a plurality of steps, the frame being self-supporting in a first, relatively upright position of the frame, so as to permit use of the steps; a receptacle, located within the frame, so as to permit items to be carried therein; and a rolling means, attached to the frame and positioned so as to permit movement of the frame when the frame is rotated away from the relatively upright position, but so as not to support the frame when the frame is in the said relatively upright position.

By providing a rigid frame with steps, the present invention provides a number of advantages. This design is compact, which makes it easier to transport and manoeuvre.

Moreover, the fixed structure of the frame improves the sturdiness of the stepladder and makes it more robust.

Moreover, since the steps are part of the rigid frame, there is no need for a gap between the high places that the user wishes to access and the stepladder. Hence, when working at height on the stepladder, the user need not extend their reach any more than necessary, thereby improving safety.

Also, when the frame is in the self-supporting position, the rolling means, such as a wheel, does not support the frame and so the structure is stable and safe for the user to work on. However, the frame can be tilted away from the relatively upright position, wherein the rolling means supports the frame and allows it to be moved.

Hence, the receptacle provides a convenient and advantageous storage space in which items can be placed, and carried when the stepladder is moved.

By providing a rigid frame with steps, the structure can made to be relatively light in weight but high in strength, since the multiple surfaces increase its structural strength and combine to increase rigidity. This also allows the ladder to be made from a wide range of materials in its build, since the stresses throughout the structure are well distributed.

Moreover, the positioning of the rolling means and the use of the rigid frame means that no modifications are required when converting from the relatively upright position to the transport position and vice versa. Hence, no dismantling of the ladder is necessary for movement. Also, by using a rigid frame which encloses the steps, any loose items that are left on the steps are fully contained within the structure preventing these from accidentally be dropped onto anyone or anything at a lower level.

Preferably, the frame further comprises two supports, located to the sides of the steps. These supports can provide at least two different functions. By providing the user with additional support and acting as a barrier, they can increase the user's safety when working at height. They also can act as handles for the user to control the movement of the stepladder, when the frame is tilted into the second state.

In the preferred embodiment, each support comprises two prop parts that extend upwardly when the frame is in the self-supporting position, connected by a top part.

Optionally, one support may comprise a first prop part and a second prop part and another side support may comprise the second prop part and a third prop part.

In some embodiments, the frame may comprise a base having at least three corners and each prop parts of the side support may extend upwardly from a respective corner of the base.

Advantageously, the top part of each support extends at least as far as the front of the lowermost step. Such an arrangement provides additional safety for the user working at height when the frame is in the self-supporting position and improves the user's ability to use the supports as a handle, when the frame is in the second state. Optionally, each support extends upwardly when the frame is in the self-supporting position to at least the height of the uppermost step. This may provide support to user when working ascending the steps. In the preferred embodiment, the supports are formed in a single piece.

In some embodiments, the stepladder may comprise two support extensions, each support extension being connectable to a respective support, thereby to increase the height of the side support when the frame is in the self-supporting position.

Beneficially, the steps have a depth that allows comfortable use whether that is standing, working or accessing. Increasing the depth of tread improves safety, especially when working from the steps for sustained periods.

Advantageously, the rolling means comprises at least one wheel and preferably two wheels. Optionally, the frame comprises a base having at least three corners, the rolling means comprises a first wheel located adjacent a first corner of the base, and a second wheel located adjacent a second corner of the base, the lowermost step extending between the first and second corners of the base.

In the preferred embodiment, the moveable stepladder also comprises a stabiliser, attachable to the frame so as to increase the width of the frame, such that frame is also supported by the stabiliser when the frame is in the self-supporting position. The stabiliser thereby increases the stability of the stepladder when the frame is in the self-supporting position. This improves the user's safety.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may be put into practice in various ways, one of which will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention, when in a working position; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1, when in a transport position; Figure 3A shows an end view at the front of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure 3B shows an end view at the back of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2.

Specific Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention, when in a A frame has a fixed structure and comprises two supports 10 (only one of which is shown in this side view).

Within the frame are located steps 20, which are supported by the frame. The steps 20 ascend from the front of the frame to the back. A user can climb steps 20 to work at a high place. Side support 10 provide the user with a railing for safety.

The frame also defines a storage area 25. In the storage area a receptacle or container (not shown) is located. Heavy items can be placed into the receptacle.

Wheels 30 (only one of which is shown in this side view) are connected to the frame and are located at the base of the frame, adjacent the lowermost of steps 20.

Support extensions 40 (only one of which is shown in this side view) can be mounted on the top of supports 10.

These provide an additional guard rails, when the user is working at the top of steps 20. These may be placed in a first alternative position 41 and stored in a second alternative position 42. In the second alternative position 42, the additional supports do not extend upwards on the stepladder and therefore make the stepladder more compact.

Stabiliser 50 may be connected to the frame at the base, using any suitable connection means. The stabiliser comprises a portion that extends horizontally when connected to the frame. This extends the effective length of the base and thereby increases the stability of the stepladder. This is particularly advantageous when the back of the stepladder is not placed against a wall or when the stepladder is free-standing.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1, when in a transport position.

Where the same features are shown as in Figure 1, identical reference numerals are used.

In this position, the stepladder is tilted such that wheel 30 is in contact with the ground. The stepladder can therefore be moved by pushing or pulling the frame using supports 10. Any items placed in the receptacle in storage area 25 can also be carried in this way. The rotated position of the ladder allows the weight of the items in the receptacle to be spread across the frame. Hence, the stepladder also acts as a barrow in allowing heavy items to be transported.

Referring now to Figure 3A, an eric! view at the front of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 is shown. As above, where the same features are shown as in Figure 1, identical reference numerals are used.

Of steps 20, top step or top platform 22 is also indicated in this end view. Above top step 22, kick plate is also provided. The user can thereby work from the stepladder when standing on any of the steps, or from the top platform.

Referring now to Figure 3B, there is shown an end view at the back of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2. Where the same features are shown as in Figure 1 or Figure 3A, identical reference numerals are used.

The base of the receptacle 70 located in storage area is also shown in this view. Stabiliser 50 is shown in its stored position.

Whilst a specific embodiment has been described, the skilled person may contemplate various modifications and substitutions. For instance, although additional supports 40 are shown in alternative positions 41, 42, other alternative positions may be possible. Also, the additional supports 40 might be moved up and down using rollers or similar conveyancing means.

The embodiment described above uses two wheels as rolling means, but one wheel or may than two wheel could be used instead. The skilled person will also appreciate that a roller, a ball or other rolling means could be used instead, or in addition to, wheels.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A moveable stepladder comprising: a rigid frame having a

plurality of steps, the frame being self-supporting in a first, relatively upright position of the frame, so as to permit use of the steps; a receptacle, located within the frame, so as to permit items to be carried therein; and a rolling means, attached to the frame and positioned so as to permit movement of the frame when the frame is rotated away from the relatively upright position, but so as not to support the frame when the frame is in the said relatively upright position.
2. The moveable stepladder of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises two supports, located to the sides of the steps.
3. The moveable stepladder of claim 2, wherein each support comprises two prop parts that extend relatively upwardly when the frame is in the self-supporting position, connected by a top part.
4. The moveable stepladder of claim 3, wherein one support comprises a first prop part and a second prop part and another side support comprises the second prop part and a third prop part.

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5. The moveable stepladder of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the frame comprises a base having at least three corners and each prop parts of the side support extends upwardly from a respective corner of the base.
6. The moveable stepladder of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the top part of each support extends at least as far as the front of the lowermost step.
7. The moveable stepladder of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein each support extends relatively upwardly when the frame is in the self-supporting position to at least the height of the uppermost step.
8. The moveable stepladder of any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the supports are formed in a single piece.
9. The moveable stepladder of any of claims 2 to 8, further comprising: two support extensions, each support extension being connectable to a respective support, thereby to increase the height of the support when the frame is in the self-supporting position.
10. The moveable stepladder of any preceding claim, wherein the rolling means comprises a wheel.
1].. The moveable stepladder of any preceding claim, wherein the rolling means is located adjacent the lowermost step.

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12. The moveable stepladder of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the frame comprises a base having at least three corners, the rolling means comprises a first wheel located adjacent a first corner of the base, and a second wheel located adjacent a second corner of the base, the lowermost step extending between the first and second corners of the base.
13. The moveable stepladder of any preceding claim, further comprising: a stabiliser, attachable to the frame so as to increase the width of the frame, such that frame is also supported by the stabiliser when the frame is in the self-supporting position.