GB2591489A

GB2591489A - A ladder device

Info

Publication number: GB2591489A
Application number: GB2001275.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brunon Golabek Maciej
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2021-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-30
Also published as: GB2591489B; GB202001275D0

Abstract

A ladder device includes multiple ladder sections (1, fig 1) interconnected by a hinge 11 to form an elongate assembly. At least one end of the assembly includes a leg (2, fig 1) connected to the end by an articulation joint 23. The leg may include a brace 25 extending diagonally across a space defined between the leg and one of the ladder sections. The leg may include lockable wheels 28 and extending feet 22. The ladder may include plates 25 that are foldable to form rungs (30, fig 9). The device may also be configured for use as step ladder, platform or a sack truck.

Description

A LADDER DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a ladder device, in particular a device for providing a series of separate ladder configurations.

Background

Increasing desire to work conveniently, effectively and portably in many spheres is extended to decorating or general building or similar requirements.

It can be very useful to have specific styles of ladder according to the required job however having excessive numbers of ladders can be impractical.

Prior Art

CN 202 866 629 (YANG et al) discloses a folding combination ladder, comprising a ladder body, the body including means for supporting the ladder bars and spaces of the ladder to the ladder bars arranged on the lateral stampede rod; characterized in: the stair body is "al.." -shaped, or as "one" -shaped, or as "L" -type, or to be suspended inside the inverted "ethyl" -shaped; The stair frame body includes a main ladder, vice ladder and the load board; carrying sheet and vice ladder respectively near or at the both ends of the main ladder of the ladder bars; The sub ladder includes multiple pieces of short ladder, short arrays interconnected through connecting means in 1st "one" ladder-shaped or corner type connection; By means of transverse beams and the main ladder sub-ladder, or 2nd connector means, or 3rd means for connecting.

KR 2006 0 129 110 (LEE) discloses a multifunctional worktable to perform aerial work while erecting both ladders using hinges and to make the sliding movement of a worktable possible using casters, to carry and move simply by folding up with hinges and using knobs, and to carry objects easily by placing objects and carrying with casters. A multifunctional worktable comprises a main body made with aluminium, formed in the rectangular shape to have the fixed thickness and provided with knobs to let an user grip for carrying or moving easily, many casters installed to one side of the main body to be detachable and carrying objects easily, and ladders installed on the corners of the main body to be foldable by hinges and provided with footholds to let a user step on the main body for aerial work.

DE 2 414 321 (BENSELER) discloses a adjustable ladder has an outer length each 5 end and two inner lengths between them, the latter connected by a hinge and the outer and inner lengths connected by a fastening device. By using only the hinge, the ladder can be folded over to form a step ladder. The inner and outer portions are length adjustable, so that the step ladder can be adjusted to stand on an uneven surface, e.g. on stairs. The fastening device between the inner and outer lengths, which can be used 10 so that one part can extend at an angle to the other consists of a spring loaded U shaped bar with one end which can be inserted through the hollow leg of the section to hold it at the required angle.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 15 devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a ladder device that is deployable in different configurations comprises: a plurality of ladders interconnected with at least one hinge to form an elongate section, which when deployed in a first configuration has first and second opposing faces, characterised in that at least one end of the elongate section includes a leg which is connected to an end of the elongate section with an articulation joint that is adapted to articulate the leg to brace the elongate section at its front or rear face.

In some embodiments advantageously at least one hinge includes a lock mechanism for locking the ladders in a straight elongate section, which lock mechanism may comprise a sliding bar.

One or both of the ladders may share a lock mechanism for the hinge or hinges between the ladders. Such lock mechanism may comprise a sliding bar mechanism for strength and/or a sprung or resiliently deformable lock mechanism.

In some embodiments advantageously the one or more articulation joints comprises a locking means, such that legs may be locked at angles to the ladders.

In this way the device of the present invention may advantageously enable the section to provide a plurality of ladder configurations within a single set of ladders.

In particular it may be envisaged that the section comprises legs at either end of the section, which legs are enabled to rotate about the section end so as to support or brace a plurality of the ladder configurations, for example where the ladders are arranged in a straight line and the legs at either end support the ladders as a platform configuration. Alternatively or additionally the legs may be arranged to face in opposing directions, with a linear section forming a sack trolley configuration.

It may be envisaged that according to the present invention the ladders may be formed into a step ladder, with a hinge between the ladders that may be set or locked at less than 90 degrees.

It may be envisaged that according to the present invention the ladders the legs may allow the ladders to be used as a linear platform in some configurations, whereby the legs may extend from the section ends orthogonally. Advantageously this also allows for the sack trolley configuration and it may be envisaged that the hinges may be locked to more than one angle between the ladders. In addition legs at the opposing end of a linear section enable a handle to the opposing direction.

Some embodiments of the leg have wheels, which may be lockable and/or capable of displacement as a whole or partially, for example comprising or mounted on a displaceable housing. The wheels may be located at the distal ends of the legs, and/or may be located at the articulation joints proximate the ladders. Smaller wheels may be located at the leg distal ends, and larger wheels proximate the articulation joints.

A housing to the wheels may provide for displaceable wheels and/or locking so as to be lockable. The wheel may have a housing with a sprung brake, for example a torsion spring and rubber brake pad that when stepped on applies pressure to the wheels preventing movement, wherein the rubber brake pad applies pressure to prevent rotation of a wheel Advantageously this may permit the device to be wheeled and controlled in some configurations, for example where arranged as a sack trolley, where the legs extend away from the ladder end at the user's handing end and to a the same or a reverse side of the ladder there are located wheels. The articulation joints further enable the legs to be locked extending away and upwards from these wheels to carry a load against the section.

In some embodiments the leg comprises coaxially extending feet, so as to allow for configurations of ladder to be elevated and the effective distance of the legs lengthened as required, for example advantageously allowing for a platform to be raised, when the section is linear.

In some embodiments the leg comprises a brace, which brace may be envisaged to extend diagonally across a space defined between the leg and the ladder, for example where the leg is orthogonal the ladder and the brace is at 45 degrees between the leg and the ladder or its rail.

In some embodiments the articulation joint may be capable of locking so as to lock the legs at a preferred angle to the ladder. In this way it may be envisaged that the legs may be locked at an angle less than 90 degrees so as to support a ladder inclined towards a wall for example. In some embodiments the articulation joint comprises a locking means which is adapted to lock the legs at a user selectable angle with respect to a ladder.

The ladders comprise rungs, which rungs may be typical to as known in the art, or may comprise foldable steps. Such steps may for example comprise two elongate plates 25 with an elongated hinge between the plates, and pivots acting between the plates and ladder sides or rails.

The ladder may also provide a securement mechanism for securement of the steps, preferably in more than one arrangement, for example on the ladder rails.

Advantageously the steps may be arranged to fold substantially or wholly flat, in line with the plane of the front or rear surface.

Such steps when folded flat provide a walking surface when the section is linear, and 35 may be envisaged to provide substantially a single surface with minimal interference to the height of the surface at or near the hinge, ladder ends or hinges. Such surface may be envisaged to be lowered between the rails in use.

The device or rails may be envisaged to comprise tools, storage or electronic elements. 5 For example the rails may comprise a ferromagnetic tool securement means.

The device may further include an energy source, for example replaceable or rechargeable batteries. This may enable lighting, loudspeakers, transceivers such as Bluetooth (RTM) transceivers, or connecting or recharging points.

The device may comprise a single hinge or associated set of hinges and two ladders of a similar or identical length. Further embodiments may comprise more ladders, and/or more hinges.

The hinges may be sprung or spring lock hinges, for example comprising a sprung locking pin or bolt and hole or holes to set the hinge or hinges at plural angles between the legs and the ladders.

The ends of the ladders at the hinge or hinges may be envisaged to be provided with 20 caps which may be rubber, silicone or plastic. The ladders may have rails of aluminium box or bar. The rungs may be aluminium or steel plate.

The device may have carriage handles, for example at or near the ladder ends or hinge or hinges.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a device according to the present invention arranged in a configuration having a linear section formed by two ladders, and feet directed in opposing directions at either end of the section; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the legs directed in the same direction in a platform configuration; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the legs arranged for a standard ladder configuration; Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the legs arranged for a stair ladder configuration; Figure 8 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the legs arranged for a stair ladder configuration; Figure 10 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3; and Figures 12 show a detail isometric view of the end of a ladder and extending leg as 25 shown in Figure 3, with larger wheels displaced, a sketch of a detail side view of the same area, and a sketch view of the surface provided by the platform configuration; respectively.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the embodiment shown in the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device generally comprising a plurality of ladders 1 adaptable to form an elongate section 3 having first and second opposing faces, comprising hinges 11 between the 35 ladders 1, characterised in that the end of the section comprise legs 2, the legs 2 connected to the ends with an articulation joint 23 and adapted to brace the ladders to their front or rear faces.

The embodiment is primarily designed as a foldable, easily transportable set of ladders 5 or hop-up. It offers unique advantages over traditional hop-ups with advantageous elements such as height adjustability, wheels for easy mobility and different configurations all within a lightweight aluminium design.

The embodiment is primarily made of bolted extruded aluminium frame for the rails 13 10 and plates 15 form rungs 30, having pivot pins 14 along either side thereof, and two central hinges 16 therebetween.

The pictured embodiment has claim has legs at each end of an elongate section, the legs are capable of rotation about each end of an elongate section so as to brace the 15 ladder configuration The legs comprise aluminium sides 21 extending away from the rail ends, and comprise telescopically extending feet 22 with plastic or rubber end caps.

At the ends of the legs there are also provided smaller wheels 28, for use when the feet are not extended Braces 25 provide diagonal support between the rails 13 and the leg sides 21 creating a strong, stable structure and preventing unwanted rotation. The braces 25 have an adjustable spring pin allowing a user to vary the length of the brace. The braces have ends that slot into runners 52 located to slide in the rails or leg sides and may be bolted in place.

When in the elevated platform configuration as shown in Figure 3, sliding bolts 91 lock 30 the main section to linear preventing it from folding at the middle and increasing the strength of the hinges 16. Plastic limiters prevent how far these bolts can slide.

Pin handles 19 are used wherein a user pulls the handle out and slides the bar across before the pin engages again with a hole in the opposing rail. The handles may be 35 used to hang items or tools.

As shown in Figure 12c extruded rubber inserts 53 fit into the top faces of the aluminium rails to prevent dust and dirt build-up within the grooves or slots. These may be applied to any groove or slot When folded into the A frame ladder configuration as shown in Figure 9 the embodiment is used as a small, double sided step ladder allowing a user to easily get to hard to reach areas whilst easily moving and arranging the ladder into position.

An additional bar could be implemented that fits to the top of the frame helping to 10 secure the A frame in position and prevent it from folding apart.

The rung plates 15 are hinged in the middle at the pins 14 and have pins 17 at the distal outer ends that slide along internal slots 18 on the rails to allow them to slot into two positions; those being either a flat surface or as a rung.

As a linear ladder with rungs the embodiment than be propped against most walls and provides access to ceilings easily.

The larger wheels 26 at the corner of the articulation joint between the legs and ladder 20 section ends comprise flexible metal split pins to secure the wheels to housings 27 so as to be removed easily if a user wants to remove the larger wheels and use the embodiment in a static form.

The larger wheels feature a torsion spring push brake 31 integrated into the wheel 25 housing 27 and rubber brake pad that when stepped on applies pressure to the larger wheels preventing movement.. This can be rotated to ensure the housing is out of the way when the embodiment is being used in its various configurations.

The braces 25 easily slot into mounted runners 52 attached to the frame. This allows 30 for quick attachment and detachment of the braces when changing the embodiment between various configurations.

The position of the braces 25 may be adjusted to better reinforce and support the embodiment when in the A frame configuration.

The device can also be used as a sack truck allowing for the moving of equipment, tools and boxes with little hassle and effort.

When used as a sack truck, the device's legs may be extended from the top end of the 5 section, facing the user as handles.

In this configuration the embodiment can be used to quickly and easily move around equipment and tools. A magnetic plate 81 is located on the side of one of the rails of the ladders.

The ladders may then be located in a line with the legs arranged to extend orthogonal the line. Advantageously when the legs are braced by braces to maintain the device with two endmost legs forming the ladders into an elevated linear platform.

In the configuration shown in Figure 7 the embodiment can be used as a platform to stand on or place items on when doing work within stairwells, particularly when displacing the larger wheels.

In the configuration shown in Figure 9 the embodiment can be used as a moveable 20 step ladder.

In the configuration shown in Figure 11 the embodiment is used as a platform for painters and decorators.

In the configuration shown in Figure 5 the embodiment allows for the device to be used as a normal ladder. The legs may also be used to brace the acute angle when the device is propped against a wall at the bottom end of the ladders, or an obtuse angle extending upwards on the wall.

Handles 12 are provided between the hinges 16. These handles 12 are fabric or flexible and allow the device to be carried when the ladders are folded parallel.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing 35 from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1 A ladder device that is deployable in different configurations comprises: a plurality of ladders interconnected with at least one hinge to form an elongate section, which when deployed in a first configuration has first and second opposing faces, characterised in that at least one end of the elongate section includes a leg which is connected to an end of the elongate section with an articulation joint that is adapted to articulate the leg to brace the elongate section at its front or rear face.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one hinge includes a lock mechanism for locking the ladders in a straight elongate section.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the lock mechanism comprises a sliding bar.
4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the articulation joint comprises a locking means which is adapted to lock the legs at a user selectable angle with respect to a ladder.
5. A device according to any preceding claim has legs at each end of an elongate section, the legs are capable of rotation about each end of an elongate section so as to brace the ladder configuration.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the legs have wheels.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the wheels are lockable
8. A device according to either claim 6 or 7 wherein the wheels are mounted on a displaceable housing.
9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the housing is lockable.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the housing has a torsion spring and a rubber brake pad which applies pressure to prevent rotation of a wheel.
11. A device according to any of preceding claim wherein the leg comprises an extending foot.
12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the leg comprises a brace, which extends diagonally across a space defined between a leg and the ladder.
13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the ladders have a foldable step.
14. A device according to claim 13 where rails provide a securement mechanism for securing the steps.
15. A device according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the steps comprise two elongate plates with an elongated hinge between the plates.
16. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the ladder has a ferromagnetic tool securement means.