IES20060735A2 - Combined stepladder and platform - Google Patents
Combined stepladder and platformInfo
- Publication number
- IES20060735A2 IES20060735A2 IE20060735A IES20060735A IES20060735A2 IE S20060735 A2 IES20060735 A2 IE S20060735A2 IE 20060735 A IE20060735 A IE 20060735A IE S20060735 A IES20060735 A IE S20060735A IE S20060735 A2 IES20060735 A2 IE S20060735A2
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- stepladder
- ladder
- ladder portion
- brace element
- back portion
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a stepladder (1) comprising a ladder portion (2) having a pair of substantially parallel side rails (3) and at least one transverse step (4) disposed therebetween. The stepladder also comprises a back portion (5) having a pair of substantially parallel side rails (6) and a substantially planar platform member (11) associated therewith, wherein said back portion is hinged attached to said ladder portion at a top end thereof. The stepladder further comprises at least one brace element (9) disposable between said ladder portion (2) and said back portion (5) at the lower ends (10) thereof, for locking the stepladder in an open position. The ladder portion (2) further comprises an upper ladder portion (12) pivotably associated with said ladder portion at the top end (8) thereof. The stepladder (1) is tiltable in the open position to bring the planar platform member (11) into a substantially horizontal position. The upper ladder portion (12) is pivotable away from the ladder portion (2) to act as a support for one end of the planar platform member in said substantially horizontal position by the brace element or element (9). The invention also relates to a stepladder comprising a ladder portion (2), a back portion (5) and a brace element (9) disposable therebetween wherein the ladder portion comprises a plurality of upper ladder portions (12',12ÆÆ) pivotably associated therewith, such that the stepladder is adapted for use as a platform and wherein the height of the platform may be varied. <Figure 1>
Description
Combined Stepladder and Platform
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a combined as a stepladder, scaffold or workbench.
IE 06 o7 35 stepladder and platform, which may be used
Background to the Invention
Stepladders are conventionally used in the building industry, in the home and in warehouses and stockrooms for a variety of applications, such as joinery, painting, cleaning, repair work, DIY, stock retrieval and other tasks.
The nature of some of the tasks undertaken while using a stepladder is such that it is desirable that a platform is also provided. For certain tasks, such as painting, wallpapering, hedge trimming, or other similar tasks, the platform may be used as a scaffold upon which the user can stand while working. The scaffold allows the user to move along the wall that is to be painted or papered, or along the hedge which is to be trimmed. For other tasks, such as joinery, the platform may be used as a workbench upon which tools and work materials may be placed. The workbench may also act as a support to allow the user to carry out his work at a convenient working height. It is therefore desirable to provide a stepladder that incorporates a platform, which may be used as a scaffold or a workbench.
A number of combination platform ladders are known in the art. United States Patent No. 4,519,476 describes a detachable top to be used with a folding ladder. The ladder may be converted into structures such as a workbench, table, or stepladder. The top is fitted over and around the rails of the ladder after conversion to a workbench. One disadvantage of this device is that the top is a separate component and must be attached and detached in order to convert the ladder between stepladder and workbench configurations. Another disadvantage is that the detachable top is not intended for use as a scaffold.
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United States Patent No. 5,332,062 describes a combination scaffold ladder device having a scaffold connected to a parallel ladder structure by means of a top step and a pair of extendible spreaders or braces. The scaffold ladder may be converted into a flat horizontal platform by extending a pair of support members (in the form of partial steps) attached to side members of the parallel ladder structure. One disadvantage of this device is that it may not be used as a ladder and a scaffold platform simultaneously, as the steps of the ladder are not accessible when the device is in a scaffold configuration.
It is also desirable to provide a stepladder that may be easily converted for use as a stepladder or as a scaffold or workbench. In addition, it is desirable to provide a stepladder that may be easily stored. It is also desirable to provide a stepladder that is safe and secure when used as a scaffold. Further, it is desirable to provide a stepladder that may be converted to a scaffold, wherein the height of the scaffold may be varied.
Object of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stepladder that incorporates a platform, which may be used as a scaffold or a workbench. It is another object of the present invention to provide a stepladder that may be easily converted for use as a scaffold or workbench. It is a further object of the invention to provide a stepladder that may be stored easily. Another object of the invention is to provide a stepladder that is safe and secure when used as a scaffold. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a combined stepladder and platform, wherein the height of the platform may be varied.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a stepladder, comprising a ladder portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and at least one transverse step disposed therebetween; a back portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and a substantially planar platform member associated therewith, wherein said back portion is hingedly attached to said ladder portion at a top end thereof; and at least one brace element disposable between said ladder portion and said back portion at the lower ends thereof, for locking the stepladder in an open position; and characterised in that said ladder portion further comprises an upper ladder portion
IB 06 0 7 35 pivotably associated with said ladder portion at the top end thereof and the stepladder is tiltable in the open position to bring the planar platform member into a substantially horizontal position, and the upper ladder portion is pivotable away from the ladder portion to act as a support for one end of the planar platform member in said substantially horizontal position, the other end of said platform being supported in said substantially horizontal position by the brace element or elements.
One advantage of the stepladder of the present invention is that it incorporates a platform that may be used as a scaffold or a workbench. Another advantage of the stepladder of the present invention is the ease and simplicity with which the stepladder may be converted for use as a scaffold or workbench. In contrast to prior art devices, the present invention requires only one simple action or step to be taken in order to convert the device from stepladder to scaffold or workbench.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a stepladder, comprising a ladder portion, a back portion and a brace element disposable therebetween, characterised in that the ladder portion comprises a plurality of upper ladder portions pivotably associated therewith, such that the stepladder is adapted for use as a platform and wherein the height of the platform may be varied.
The present invention also relates to a stepladder, comprising a ladder portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and at least one transverse step disposed therebetween; a back portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and a substantially planar platform member associated therewith, wherein said back portion is hingedly attached to said ladder portion at a top end thereof; and at least one brace element disposable between said ladder portion and said back portion at the lower ends thereof, for locking the stepladder in an open position; and characterised in that said ladder portion further comprises a plurality of upper ladder portions pivotably associated with said ladder portion at the top end thereof and the stepladder is tiltable in the open position to bring the planar platform member into a substantially horizontal position, and each of the upper ladder portions is pivotable away from the ladder portion to act as a support for a first end of the planar platform member in said substantially horizontal position, a second end of said platform being supported in said substantially horizontal position by the brace element or elements, wherein each of the upper ladder
IE06 Ο735 portions has a different length and wherein the height of the planar platform member in the substantially horizontal position may be varied by selecting an appropriate one of the upper ladder portions to support said first end of the planar platform member.
An advantage of this arrangement is that the height of the platform may be varied, depending on how the user wishes to use the platform. For example, if the user desires to stand on the platform, he may only require the platform to be raised a small distance from the ground. On the other hand, if the user wishes to use the platform as a workbench, he may wish to position the platform at a convenient working height. The present invention allows the user to select the platform height most appropriate to him.
Preferably, the brace element is adjustable such that the distance between the ladder portion and the back portion may be selected to correspond to a selected one of the upper ladder portions.
Suitably, the brace element is hingedly attached to the main ladder portion of the stepladder, and the back portion comprises a longitudinal slot, and the brace element is slidably engageable with the slot such that the angle at which the brace element is disposed may be varied so that the distance between the ladder portion and the back portion may be selected to correspond to a selected one of the upper ladder portions.
Alternatively, the length of the brace element may be variable such that the distance between the ladder portion and the back portion may be selected to correspond to a selected one of the upper ladder portions.
Alternatively, a plurality of brace elements of different lengths may be provided, such that the distance between the ladder portion and the back portion may be selected to correspond to a selected one of the upper ladder portions.
This arrangement ensures that, whichever upper ladder portion is chosen to support the first end of the ladder, the brace element may be positioned such that the platform will be substantially horizontal when tilted.
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Preferably, the ladder portions are nested. Ideally, the longest upper ladder portion is nested within the side rails of the main ladder portion and subsequent upper ladder portions are nested within each other in order of length/height.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ladder portion comprises at least three steps and each upper ladder portion comprises side rails, and at least one of the steps is disposed between the side rails of each upper ladder portion. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the device may be used as a ladder and as a scaffold or workbench platform simultaneously, that is, at least one step of the ladder portion is accessible when the device is in a scaffold (or workbench) configuration.
Thus, where the platform is to be used as a scaffold, a user may climb to the scaffold platform by means of the at least one step disposed within the upper ladder portion. Where the platform is to be used as a workbench, tools and work materials may be allowed to remain on the workbench platform while the upper ladder portion is used as a conventional stepladder.
According to another embodiment, the ladder portion further comprises retaining means for releasably retaining the or each upper ladder portion, such that when the retaining means for an upper ladder portion is released, that upper ladder portion is pivotable away from the ladder portion to act as a support for the planar platform member. An advantage of this arrangement is that the upper ladder portion is restrained from accidental disengagement from the side rails of the ladder portion.
According to a further embodiment, the stepladder is foldable into a closed position in which the ladder portion and the back portion are substantially parallel to one another, and the or each brace element is foldable for movement of the stepladder into the closed position. One advantage of this embodiment is that the stepladder takes up substantially less space in the closed position and may therefore be stored easily.
Alternatively, the brace element may be hingedly attached to the main ladder portion and releasably attachable to the back portion of the stepladder, such that in the closed position the brace element lies between the ladder portion and the back portion substantially parallel thereto. The arrangement could also be reversed, so that the brace
ΙΕ Η 0 7 35 element is hingedly attached to the back portion and releasably attachable to the main body portion.
Preferably, the brace element is releasably attachable to the back portion by engagement of locking means provided at one end of the brace element with complementary locking means provided on said back portion.
In one embodiment, the back portion of the stepladder comprises a longitudinal channel, and the brace element comprises a sliding member and the sliding member is disposable within the longitudinal channel for sliding movement therein. The sliding member may be retained in the channel by means of a flange or lip. Preferably, the sliding member is a roller. Ideally, the stepladder comprises two longitudinal channels and two sliding members, and each sliding member is arranged for sliding movement within a respective one of the channels. Suitably, the channels are provided on the side rails of the back portion of the stepladder.
An advantage of this arrangement is that, because the rollers or sliders are retained in the longitudinal channels, the locking means on the brace element is always correctly aligned with the locking means on the back portion, and so the ladder may always be securely locked in position by the user. This arrangement also increases the ease with which the locking means between the two portions may be engaged, as the brace element can simply be pushed into place.
In one embodiment, said locking means comprises a catch pivotably mounted at one end of the brace element; and a return spring associated with the catch to bias the catch into a locking position; and said complementary locking means comprises a stop block provided on the back portion of the stepladder; wherein the catch is shaped to engage the stop blocks in said locking position. The catch may be formed at one end with a release lever, such that the catch is disengageable from the stop block by actuation of the release lever against the spring bias.
According to yet another embodiment, the stepladder further comprises tension means attachable between the ladder portion and the upper ladder portion to prevent slipping of
IE 06 0Ί 35 a lower end of the or each upper ladder portion away from the ladder portion when the stepladder is in the scaffold position.
In one embodiment, the distance between the side rails of the ladder portion increases from the top end of the ladder to the bottom end of the ladder. Additionally, the distance between the side rails of the or each upper ladder portion may increase from the top end of the ladder to the bottom end of the ladder. This splaying of the side rails of the ladder portion may be achieved by attaching the ladder portion to the back portion by means of a hinge formed with a kink. Similarly, the splaying of the side rails of the or each upper ladder portion may be achieved by attaching the or each upper ladder portion to the ladder portion by means of a hinge formed with a kink.
An advantage of this arrangement is that the wider ladder base provided by the splayed side rails, in both the open ladder position (when the ladder portion is splayed) and the scaffold position (when the upper ladder portion(s) are splayed), imparts additional stability to the ladder.
Embodiments of the stepladder of the present invention will now be described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stepladder according to a first aspect of the present invention, in an open position for use as a ladder;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the stepladder of Figure 1, in a scaffold position for use as a platform;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the stepladder of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a detail of the stepladder of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the detail shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a left side perspective view of an embodiment of the stepladder of the invention, in the closed position;
Figure 7 is a left side perspective view of the stepladder of Figure 6, in the open position for use as a ladder;
IE 06 ο 7 35
Figure 8 is a bottom end perspective view of the stepladder of Figure 6, in the scaffold position for use as a platform;
Figure 9 is a left side perspective view of the stepladder of Figure 6, in the scaffold position;
Figure 10 is an exploded view of the components of the stepladder of Figure 6;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism for the brace element of the stepladder of Figure 6; and
Figure 12 is a left side elevation view of the stepladder of Figure 6, in the closed position;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a stepladder according to a further aspect of the present invention, in an open position for use as a stepladder;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the stepladder of Figure 13, in a first scaffold position for use as a platform;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the stepladder of Figure 13 in a second scaffold position for use as a platform.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 of the drawings shows a stepladder 1 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The stepladder 1 comprises a ladder portion 2, having a pair of substantially parallel side rails 3 and transverse intermediate steps 4 disposed therebetween over a portion of its longitudinal extent. The stepladder further comprises a back portion 5 having a pair of substantially parallel side rails 6 and a substantially planar platform member 11 associated therewith. The back portion 5 is attached to the ladder portion 2 at a top end 8 thereof by hinges 23. The back portion further comprises a transverse intermediate strut 7 extending between the side rails 6. The stepladder 1 further comprises foldable brace elements 9 disposable between said ladder portion 2 and said back portion 5 at the lower ends 10 thereof, for locking the stepladder 1 in an open position as shown in Figure 1.
The stepladder may be used in the conventional way by arranging the ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 at an angle to one another, and locking them in place relative to one another by arranging the foldable brace elements 9 to extend therebetween in a strut-type bracing configuration. The steps 4 of the ladder portion 2 may then be safely
IE 06 0 7 35 climbed by a user. This configuration or position is referred to throughout the description as the open position of the stepladder.
The ladder portion 2 comprises, in addition to the structure including side rails 3 and steps 4, an upper ladder portion 12 pivotably attached by hinges 24 to the ladder portion 2 at the top end 8 thereof. The upper ladder portion 12 includes side rails 25 and transverse intermediate steps 4.
Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, the stepladder 1 is further characterised in that the stepladder is tiltable in said open position to bring the planar platform member 11 into a substantially horizontal position, and the upper ladder portion 12 is pivotable outwards, that is, away from said back portion 5 and said ladder portion 2, to act as a support for one end of the planar platform member 11 in said substantially horizontal position. In this position, the brace elements 9 act as a support for the opposite end of the planar platform member 11. When the planar platform member is in this substantially horizontal position, the stepladder may be used as a scaffold or as a workbench. This configuration or position is referred to throughout the description as the scaffold position of the stepladder. It will be appreciated that in order to convert the stepladder for use as a scaffold or workbench, only one simple action or step must be taken by the user, that is, the upper ladder portion 12 must be pivoted outwards to act as a support for said planar platform member 11.
In one embodiment, the angle at which the brace elements 9 are disposed between the ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 may be selected to provide the stepladder with optimum stability in the scaffold position. Optimum stability is achieved when the brace elements 9 enclose an acute angle with the ladder portion 2 and an obtuse angle with the back portion 5. An arrangement of this kind may be achieved by the brace elements sloping upwards from the ladder portion 2 towards the back portion 5 in the open position according to Figure 1, as compared with the horizontal disposition of the elements illustrated. The platform may then be foreshortened, to terminate where the brace elements are connected to the back portion, to avoid a user standing on a cantilevered-out platform region.
ΙΕ Οβ 0 7 35
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ladder includes five intermediate steps 4, two of which are disposed between side rails 3 of the main ladder portion 2, and three of which are disposed between side rails 25 of the upper ladder portion 12. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, differing numbers of steps may be provided. A particular advantage of this arrangement is that the device may be used as a ladder and as a scaffold or workbench platform simultaneously, since the three intermediate steps 4 disposed between the side rails of the upper ladder portion 12 are accessible when the device is in the scaffold position. Where the platform 11 is to be used as a scaffold, a user may climb to the scaffold platform by means of the three intermediate steps 4 disposed within the upper ladder portion 12. Where the platform 11 is to be used as a workbench, tools and work materials may be allowed to remain on the workbench platform 11 while the upper ladder portion 12 is used as a stepladder in the conventional way.
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the stepladder further comprises a pair of retaining straps 22 attached between a step 4 of the upper ladder portion 12 and a step 4 of the ladder portion 2. As shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, when the stepladder is in the scaffold position, the upper ladder portion 12 is prevented from slipping outwards, that is, away from the ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 by means of the straps 22. The straps 22 represent tension means to prevent slipping of a lower end of the upper ladder portion away from the ladder portion when the stepladder is in the scaffold position.
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the ladder portion 2 further comprises retaining means 14 for releasably retaining the upper ladder portion 12, such that when the retaining means 14 is released, the upper ladder portion is pivotable outwards to act as a support for the planar platform member 11. Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, the retaining means 14 comprises a spring-biased pin 15 which is be inserted through co-aligned openings 16 and 17 in the side rail 3 of the ladder portion and the side rail 25 of the upper ladder portion 12, respectively, to retain the side rails of the upper ladder portion in close proximity to the side rails 3 of the ladder portion. To release the retaining means, the pin 15 is withdrawn a sufficient distance from the opening 17 in the side rail of the upper ladder portion to allow it to be disengaged from the side rail 3.
IB 0β 0 7 35
This allows the upper ladder portion to be pivoted outwards to support the planar platform member 11 in the scaffold position of the stepladder.
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the stepladder 1 is foldable into a closed position in which the ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 are substantially parallel to one another, and the brace element 9 is foldable with the stepladder in the closed position. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the brace element comprises a pair of struts 9, each having two portions and foldable at a hinge 18 between the two portions, and a pair of locking devices 13. When closed, the locking devices are capable of holding the struts 9 straight to lock the stepladder 1 in an open position. When the stepladder is to be closed (that is, folded), the locking devices 13 may be released to allow the struts 9 to fold at their hinge points 18.
In the embodiment shown, each locking device 13 comprises a catchplate 19 disposed on one portion of the strut 9 and a spring-biased slidable latch element 20 and an actuator 21 disposed on the other portion of the strut 9. When the actuator 21 is slid in a direction away from the catchplate 19, the latch element 20 is disengaged from the catchplate, thus allowing the strut 9 to fold at the hinge 18. The ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 of the stepladder 1 may then be moved towards one another into a substantially parallel arrangement, so that the stepladder is closed or folded for storage. To lock the stepladder in the open position, the actuator 21 is held away from the catchplate, and the two portions of the strut 9 are moved so that a 180-degree angle is formed therebetween, that is, the struts are straightened. The actuator is then released and the latch 20 moves under spring bias to engage the catchplate 18 on the opposing portion of the strut. The struts are thereby held straight and the stepladder is locked in the open position until the locking devices are disengaged as described above.
In an alternative embodiment, the struts 9 are not hinged, but are substantially rigid over their entire length. The rigid struts may be hinged to the ladder portion and latchable to the back portion, or vice versa, to lock the stepladder in the open position.
Referring now to Figures 6 to 12 of the drawings, a stepladder 1, comprises a ladder portion 2, having a pair of substantially parallel side rails 3 and transverse intermediate
ΙΕ Οβ C 7 35 steps 4 disposed therebetween over a portion of its longitudinal extent. The stepladder further comprises a back portion 5 having a pair of substantially parallel side rails 6 and a substantially planar platform member 11 associated therewith. The back portion 5 is attached to the ladder portion 2 at a top end 8 thereof by hinges 23. The back portion further comprises two transverse intermediate struts 7 extending between the side rails
6. As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the ladder portion 2 comprises, in addition to the structure including side rails 3 and steps 4, an upper ladder portion 12 pivotably attached by hinges 24 to the ladder portion 2 at the top end 8 thereof. The upper ladder portion 12 includes side rails 25 and transverse intermediate steps 4. The stepladder 1 further comprises a brace element 9, for locking the stepladder 1 in an open position as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9.
In one embodiment, the hinges 23, 24 may be formed with a kink or bend at an intermediate portion 101 thereof, such that the upper and lower parts 102, 103 of the hinge are arranged at an angle to one another. The hinge is positioned such that the side rails 3, 25 of the ladder portion 2 and the upper ladder portion 12, respectively, are splayed outwards. The distance between side rails 3 (and side rails 25) thus increases from the top (or hinge) end 8 of the ladder 1, towards the bottom end 10 of the ladder.
In an alternative embodiment, the side rails 3,25 themselves may be formed with a bend or kink, so that they splay outwards. An advantage of either arrangement is that the wider ladder base, in both the open ladder position and the scaffold position, imparts additional stability to the ladder.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 12, the side rails, steps and struts are formed from aluminium and are hollow in profile. Each of the side rails 3, 6,25 is provided with rubber end-caps or feet 43. The platform 11 is formed from plywood.
The stepladder may be used in the conventional way by arranging the ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 at an angle to one another, and locking them in place relative to one another by arranging the brace element 9 to extend therebetween as shown in Figure
7. The steps 4 of the ladder portion 2 may then be safely climbed by a user. This configuration or position is referred to throughout the description as the open position of the stepladder.
ΙΕ Οβ Ο 7 35
Referring now to Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings, the stepladder 1 is tiltable in said open position to bring the planar platform member 11 into a substantially horizontal position, and the upper ladder portion 12 is pivotable outwards, that is, away from said back portion 5 and said ladder portion 2, to act as a support for one end of the planar platform member 11 in said substantially horizontal position. In this position, the brace element 9 acts as a support for the opposite end of the planar platform member 11.
When the planar platform member is in this substantially horizontal position, the stepladder may be used as a scaffold or as a workbench. This configuration or position is referred to throughout the description as the scaffold position of the stepladder.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 12, the ladder includes five intermediate steps 4, two of which are disposed between side rails 3 of the main ladder portion 2, and three of which are disposed between side rails 25 of the upper ladder portion 12. A particular advantage of this arrangement is that the device may be used as a ladder and as a scaffold or workbench platform simultaneously, since the three intermediate steps 4 disposed between the side rails of the upper ladder portion 12 are accessible when the device is in the scaffold position. Where the platform 11 is to be used as a scaffold, a user may climb to the scaffold platform by means of the three intermediate steps 4 disposed within the upper ladder portion 12. Where the platform 11 is to be used as a workbench, tools and work materials may be allowed to remain on the workbench platform 11 while the upper ladder portion 12 is used as a stepladder in the conventional way.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 12, the stepladder further comprises a pair of retractable retaining wires 22 attached between the upper ladder portion 12 and the ladder portion 2. As shown in Figure 9 of the drawings, when the stepladder is in the scaffold position, the upper ladder portion 12 is prevented from slipping outwards, that is, away from the ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 by means of the wires 22. The wires 22 act as tension means to prevent slipping of a lower end of the upper ladder portion away from the ladder portion when the stepladder is in the scaffold position. When the stepladder is in the closed position, the wires 22 are automatically retracted into the body of the ladder so that they do not pose a safety hazard to the user.
IE Ο β θ 7 55
As shown in Figure 12 and as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the ladder portion 2 further comprises retaining means 14 for releasably retaining the upper ladder portion 12, such that when the retaining means 14 is released, the upper ladder portion is pivotable outwards to act as a support for the planar platform member 11.
As previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, and as shown in Figures 6 and 12, the stepladder 1 is foldable into a closed position in which the ladder portion 2 and the back portion 5 are substantially parallel to one another.
Referring to Figures 6 to 10, the brace element 9 comprises a frame 30 and a substantially planar member 31 associated therewith. The brace element 9 is hingedly attached at one end 32 to the main ladder portion 2 by means of hinges 33. In the embodiment shown, the hinges are provided at a central portion of a step 4 of the main ladder portion 2, In alternative embodiments, however, the brace element 9 may be wider and the hinges may be provided on the side rails 3 of the ladder portion 2. The other end 34 of the brace element 9 is provided with locking means 35 engageable with complementary locking means 36 provided on the back portion 5 of the stepladder 1. When the locking means 35 provided on the brace element 9 are engaged with the locking means 36 provided on the back portion 5, the brace element 9 locks the stepladder 1 in an open position.
The locking means 35 is shown in further detail in Figure 11. A pair of catches 37 are provided at one end 34 of the brace element 9 and are arranged at either side of the frame 30. Each catch 37 is pivotably mounted on a spindle 38 secured to the brace element 9. A return spring 41 is associated with each catch 37 to bias the catch into a locking position. A rollpin stop 50 is provided on each side of the brace element to limit the rotation of the catch under spring bias. A stop block 39 is provided at either side of the back portion 5 of the stepladder, and the catches 37 are shaped to engage the stop blocks. Complementary camming surfaces 40 are provided on stop blocks 39 and catches 37.
IE 06 0 7 35
To operate the locking means, the brace element 9 is pivoted downwards when the stepladder is in the open position, so that the catches 37 are brought into contact with the stop blocks 39 provided on the back portion. The brace element is pushed downwards into position so that the camming surfaces 40 slide over one another as the catches 37 pivot against their spring bias and engage the stop blocks 39 as shown in Figure 11.
Each catch is formed at one end with a release lever 44. A release bar 42 is mounted between the ends 45 of the release levers 44. To release the locking means, the user pushes the release bar against the spring bias to disengage the catches 37 from the stop blocks 39, while lifting the brace element 9 upwards and away from the back portion 5 of the ladder. Advantageously, the release bar 42 may be operated by the user with his foot.
According to one embodiment of the invention, each side rail 6 of the back portion 5 of the stepladder 1 may be provided with a longitudinal channel. The frame 30 of the brace element 9 may be provided at end 34 with a pair of rollers or sliders, such that one roller or slider is disposed within each longitudinal channel. The roller or slider may be retained in the channel by a flange or lip. When the ladder 1 is opened, the brace element 9 may simply be pushed downwards as described above to engage locking means 35 with locking means 36. Because the rollers or sliders are retained in the longitudinal channels, locking means 35 is always correctly aligned with locking means 36, and so the ladder may always be securely locked in position by the user. When the ladder 1 is to be closed, the locking mechanism is disengaged as described above. As the back portion 5 and the ladder portion 2 are brought towards one another, the rollers or sliders move upwards within the longitudinal channels, so that in the closed position the ladder portion 2, the back portion 5 and the brace element 9 are substantially parallel to one another.
Referring now to Figures 13 to 15 of the drawings, there is shown a stepladder according to a further aspect of the present invention. The stepladder 1 comprises a ladder portion 2, having a pair of substantially parallel side rails 3 and transverse intermediate steps 4 disposed therebetween over a portion of its longitudinal extent.
IE 05 01 55
The stepladder further comprises a back portion 5 having a pair of substantially parallel side rails 6 and a substantially planar platform member 11 associated therewith. The back portion 5 is attached to the ladder portion 2 at a top end 8 thereof by hinges 23.
The back portion further comprises a transverse intermediate strut 7 extending between the side rails 6. The stepladder 1 further comprises a brace element 9 disposable between said ladder portion 2 and said back portion 5 at the lower ends 10 thereof, for locking the stepladder 1 in an open position as shown in Figure 13.
The stepladder may be used in the conventional way by arranging the ladder portion 2 10 and the back portion 5 at an angle to one another, and locking them in place relative to one another by arranging the brace element 9 to extend therebetween in a strut-type bracing configuration, The steps 4 of the ladder portion 2 may then be climbed safely by a user. This configuration or position is referred to throughout the description as the open position of the stepladder.
The stepladder is characterised in that the ladder portion 2 comprises, in addition to the structure including side rails 3 and steps 4, two upper ladder portions 12’ and 12” pivotably attached by hinges 24 to the ladder portion 2 at the top end 8 thereof. The upper ladder portions 12’ and 12” include side rails 25’ and 25” and transverse intermediate steps 4’ and 4”. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, further upper ladder portions may also be provided.
Referring now to Figures 14 and 15 of the drawings, the stepladder 1 is tiltable in said open position to bring the planar platform member 11 into a substantially horizontal position, and each upper ladder portion 12’, 12” is pivotable outwards, that is, away from said back portion 5 and said ladder portion 2, to act as a support for a first end 8 of the planar platform member 11 in said substantially horizontal position. In this position, the brace element 9 acts as a support for the opposite end 10 of the planar platform member 11. When the planar platform member is in this substantially horizontal position, the stepladder may be used as a scaffold or as a workbench. This configuration or position is referred to throughout the description as the scaffold position of the stepladder.
IE Ο 6 ®
Each of the upper ladder portions 12’, 12” has a different length and the height of the planar platform member 11 in the substantially horizontal position may be varied by selecting an appropriate one of the upper ladder portions 12’, 12” to support said first end of the planar platform member. If a lower platform height is required, the first upper ladder portion 12’ is selected and pivoted outwards and used to support the first end 8 of the platform member 11. If, on the other hand, a higher platform height is required, the second upper ladder portion 12” is selected and pivoted outwards and used to support the first end of the platform member 11.
As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the ladder portions 2,12’, 12” are nested. The longer of the two upper ladder portions 12” is nested within the side rails 3 of the main ladder portion 2 and the shorter upper ladder portion 12’ is nested within the side rails 25” of upper ladder portion 12”.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15, the ladder includes five intermediate steps 4, two of which are disposed between side rails 3 of the main ladder portion 2, two of which 4’ are disposed between the side rails 25’ of the first upper ladder portion 12’ and one of which is disposed between side rails 25” of the second upper ladder portion 12”. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, differing numbers of steps may be provided. As described above, this allows the device to be used as a ladder and as a scaffold or workbench platform simultaneously, since the steps 4’, 4” disposed between the side rails of the upper ladder portions 12’, 12” are accessible when the device is in the scaffold position.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15, the ladder portion 2 further comprises retaining means 14’ and 14” for releasably retaining the upper ladder portions 12’ and 12” respectively. When the retaining means 14’ is released, the first upper ladder portion 12’ is pivotable outwards to act as a support for the planar platform member 11. When the retaining means 14” is released, the second upper ladder portion 12” is pivotable outwards together to act as a support for the member 11. Retaining means 14’ allows the two upper ladder portions 12’, 12” to be held together as they are pivoted outwards. Retaining means 14’ and 14” may be substantially as described above with reference to Figure 3. The stepladder may also comprise tension means or retaining
IB 06 ο 7 35 straps 22 as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or with reference to Figures 6 to 12.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15, the angle at which the brace element is 5 disposed between the ladder portion and the back portion may be selected to correspond to a selected one of the upper ladder portions. The brace element is hingedly attached to the main ladder portion of the stepladder, and the back portion comprises a longitudinal slot, and the brace element is slidably engageable with the slot such that the angle at which the brace element is disposed between the ladder portion and the back portion ] 0 may be varied. This ensures that, whichever upper ladder portion is chosen to support the first end of the ladder, the angle of the brace element may be chosen such that the platform will be substantially horizontal when tilted. In alternative embodiments, the length of the brace element may be varied (for example, telescopically) such that the distance between the ladder portion and the back portion may be selected to correspond to a selected one of the upper ladder portions. Alternatively, a plurality of brace elements of different lengths may be provided.
In the embodiment shown, the brace element 9 comprises a frame 30 hingedly attached at one end 32 to the main ladder portion 2 by means of hinges 33. In the embodiment shown, the hinges are provided adjacent the side rails 3 of the ladder portion 2. The other end 34 of the brace element 9 is provided with a pair of dowels 61. Each of the side rails 6 of the back portion 5 is provided with a longitudinal slot 62 on an inner surface 63 thereof. Each of the dowels 61 is arranged such that one end thereof is disposed within the slot 62 and may run along the length of the slot. As the ladder is closed and opened, the dowels may run up and down within the slot.
In the embodiment shown, each slot 62 is provided with a plurality of notches or ‘offshoots’ 64,65, 66. The first notch 64 is provided at the upper end of the slot and is directly inwardly, that is, towards the ladder portion 2. When the ladder is to be used as a stepladder, the dowels 61 are slid into this notch, to brace the ladder in the open position. The next notch 65 is provided adjacent the upper end of the slot and is directly outwardly, that is, away from the ladder portion 2. When the ladder is to be used in the higher platform position, that is, when the second upper ladder portion 12” is used to |£06 Ο 7 35 support the upper end 8 of the ladder, the dowels 61 are slid into this notch 65 to support the lower end 10 of the ladder. The third notch 66 is provided at the lower end of the slot and is directly outwardly, that is, away from the ladder portion 2. When the ladder is to be used in the lower platform position, that is, when the first upper ladder portion
12’ is used to support the upper end 8 of the ladder, the dowels 61 are slid into this notch 66 to support the lower end 10 of the ladder.
In alternative embodiments, the brace element may be secured in the various positions between the portions of the ladder by any suitable means.
Additionally, the slot mechanism may be used to secure the brace element in various other embodiments of the stepladder, for example, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 6 to 12.
In another embodiment, wheels may be provided at a lower end of the main ladder portion 2 to allow the stepladder to be easily moved and manoeuvred from place to place. In yet another embodiment, the side rails 25 of the upper ladder portion 12 may extend upwardly beyond the top of the side rails 3 of the main ladder portion 2. The extended portions of the side rails 25 may serve as hand rails when a user is climbing the stepladder, or when the stepladder is used as a scaffold.
The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
1. A stepladder, comprising:
Claims (5)
1. A stepladder, comprising: a ladder portion; a back portion; and a brace element disposable therebetween; characterised in that the ladder portion comprises a plurality of upper ladder portions pivotably associated therewith, such that the stepladder is adapted for use as a platform and wherein the height of the platform may be varied.
2. A stepladder, comprising: a ladder portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and at least one transverse step disposed therebetween; a back portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and a substantially planar platform member associated therewith, wherein said back portion is hingedly attached to said ladder portion at a top end thereof; and at least one brace element disposable between said ladder portion and said back portion at the lower ends thereof, for locking the stepladder in an open position; and characterised in that the ladder portion further comprises a plurality of upper ladder portions pivotably associated with said ladder portion at the top end thereof; and the stepladder is tiltable in the open position to bring the planar platform member into a substantially horizontal position, and each of the upper ladder portions is pivotable away from the ladder portion to act as a support for a first end of the planar platform member in said substantially horizontal position, a second end of said platform being supported in said substantially horizontal position by the brace element or elements; wherein each of the upper ladder portions has a different length and wherein the height of the planar platform member in the substantially horizontal position may be varied by selecting an appropriate one of the upper ladder portions to support said first end of the planar platform member. Itflfi 07 35
3. A stepladder as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the brace element is adjustable such that the distance between the ladder portion and the back portion may be selected to correspond to a selected one of the upper ladder portions.
4. A stepladder, comprising: a ladder portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and at least one transverse step disposed therebetween; a back portion having a pair of substantially parallel side rails and a substantially planar platform member associated therewith, wherein said back portion is hingedly attached to said ladder portion at a top end thereof; and at least one brace element disposable between said ladder portion and said back portion at the lower ends thereof, for locking the stepladder in an open position; and characterised in that the ladder portion further comprises an upper ladder portion pivotably associated with said ladder portion at the top end thereof and the stepladder is tiltable in the open position to bring the planar platform member into a substantially horizontal position, the upper ladder portion being pivotable away from the ladder portion to act as a support for one end of the planar platform member in said substantially horizontal position, the other end of the platform being supported in said substantially horizontal position by the brace element or elements; and wherein the stepladder is foldable into a closed position in which the ladder portion and the back portion are substantially parallel to one another, and the or each brace element is hingedly attached to the main ladder portion of the stepladder and releasably attachable to the back portion of the stepladder, such that in the closed position the brace element lies between the ladder portion and the back portion substantially parallel thereto; and wherein the back portion comprises a longitudinal channel, and the brace element comprises a sliding member and wherein the sliding member is disposable within the longitudinal channel for sliding movement therein.
5. A stepladder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, Figures 6 to 12 or Figures 13 to 15 of the accompanying drawings. TOMKINS & CO.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE20060735A IES20060735A2 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2006-10-06 | Combined stepladder and platform |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IE2006/000026 WO2006106494A1 (en) | 2005-04-08 | 2006-04-07 | Combined stepladder and platform |
| IE20060735A IES20060735A2 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2006-10-06 | Combined stepladder and platform |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| IES20060735A2 true IES20060735A2 (en) | 2007-10-17 |
Family
ID=38566252
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE20060735A IES20060735A2 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2006-10-06 | Combined stepladder and platform |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IE (1) | IES20060735A2 (en) |
-
2006
- 2006-10-06 IE IE20060735A patent/IES20060735A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FJ9A | Application deemed to be withdrawn section 31(3) |