NL2022816B1 - Brace-foot combination for step ladders - Google Patents

Brace-foot combination for step ladders Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2022816B1
NL2022816B1 NL2022816A NL2022816A NL2022816B1 NL 2022816 B1 NL2022816 B1 NL 2022816B1 NL 2022816 A NL2022816 A NL 2022816A NL 2022816 A NL2022816 A NL 2022816A NL 2022816 B1 NL2022816 B1 NL 2022816B1
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Netherlands
Prior art keywords
support bracket
extending
longitudinally
foot
brace
Prior art date
Application number
NL2022816A
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Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Gerhardus Maria Overgoor Bernardus
Original Assignee
Altrex Bv
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Publication date
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Priority to NL2022816A priority Critical patent/NL2022816B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2022816B1 publication Critical patent/NL2022816B1/en

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Abstract

A laterally-extending, upstanding brace, pivotally attached to a laterally-extending and generally horizontal step. A lateral end ofthe step is attached to an upstanding rail of a frame 5 of a ladder. Advantageously, the brace is pivotally attached to the step by mating, longitudinally-extending hooks on top ofthe brace and on the bottom of the step.

Description

BRACE-FOOT COMBINATION FOR STEP LADDERS Technical Field The present invention relates to structures for a brace for a bottom portion of a frame of aladder, particularly a step ladder. More particularly, the invention relates to a brace which can hold a slip-resistant foot on the bottom of the ladder. Background to the Invention Numerous ladder structures are known for providing workers with strong and reliable access to elevated locations. See, for example, the step ladders in US patents 357233A and US918553A.
Typically, a ladder has been made with one or more, substantially triangular or rectangular, upstanding metal frames having a pair of upstanding rails on laterally opposite sides, In step ladders, upper portions of the frames have been pivotally attached to each other, so that lower portions of the frames can be moved longitudinally towards and away from each other. Thereby, when a step ladder is not in use, lower portions of the frames can be moved longitudinally adjacent to one another, and when in use, lower portions of the frames can be moved longitudinally away from one another. Often, upper portions of inner lateral sides of the rails of each frame of a step ladder have been pivotally attached to laterally opposite sides of a small rectangular horizontal shelf which has extended longitudinally and laterally between upper portions of the rails when the ladder is in use.
Also typically, a plurality of laterally-extending horizontal bars or steps, on which a worker can stand and climb when using the ladder, have been attached to the rails of a frame of a ladder. The steps have generally been vertically spaced apart, with their lateral ends attached at right angles to inner lateral sides of the rails of the frame.
Also typically, in a step ladder, one end of a longitudinally-extending locking member has been pivotally attached to one frame of the ladder, with the other end of the locking member being movable vertically relative to the other frame, so that the other end is free of the other frame when the ladder is not in use and so that the other end holds securely the other frame when the ladder is in use.
Also typically, supporting braces or struts have been attached to lower portions of the inner lateral sides of the rails of each frame of a ladder and the bottom of the lowest step on the frame. Generally, the braces of each frame have extended upwardly- and laterally towards one another from the rails of the frame. Also typically, a slip-resistant foot has been attached to the bottom of each rail of each frame of a ladder.
However, assembling ladders, particularly step ladders, by attaching all these separate elements has involved costly and complicated manufacturing techniques. Alternatives to attaching these separate elements have therefore been sought which could be used to expedite the manufacture of ladders.
Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a laterally-extending, upstanding brace, pivotally attached to a laterally-extending and generally horizontal step, a lateral end portion of which is attached to an upstanding rail of a frame of a ladder, particularly a step ladder. Preferably, the brace is pivotally attached to the step. Also preferably, the step is a lowermost step of a plurality of steps attached to the rail. Also preferably, the brace has a triangular configuration, a top leg of which extends laterally and horizontally. Also preferably, the top leg of the brace is attached to a first hook on the brace. More preferably, a free end of the first hook extends longitudinally and slightly upwardly. Also preferably, the bottom of the step is attached to a second hook on the step. More preferably, a free end of the second hook extends longitudinally and slightly downwardly. More preferably, the first and second hooks are laterally elongated. Also preferably, the first and second hooks engage one another to attach the brace to the step.Also preferably, a slip-resistant foot is attached to the bottom of the brace. More preferably, the bottom of the brace is attached to a longitudinally- extending foot attachment member, the bottom of which is attached to a longitudinally- extending slip-resistant foot. Still more preferably, a pair of upstanding flanges with longitudinally-extending holes are attached to the top of opposite longitudinal sides of the foot attachment member are. Even more preferably, rivets extend longitudinally through the holes in the flanges of the foot attachment member and through mating longitudinally- extending holes in longitudinally opposite sides of the rail. Also still more preferably, a pair of downwardly-extending flanges having, at the bottom thereof, first ledges which extend horizontally and longitudinally towards each other are attached to the bottom of opposite longitudinal sides of the foot attachment member. Even more preferably, atop opposite longitudinal sides of a slip-resistant foot are a pair of upwardly-extending projections having, at the top thereof, second ledges which extend horizontally and longitudinally away from each other and which rest atop and engage the first ledges of the foot attachment member.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a ladder, particularly a step ladder, with the laterally-extending, upstanding brace, described above.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1A is a perspective view of the top and a longitudinal side of a laterally- extending side of a triangular supporting brace and its longitudinally-extending foot attachment member for a rail of a ladder particularly a step ladder, of this invention; appended to Figure 1A is an enlarged view of the foot attachment member of the brace.
Figure 1B is a plan view of an opposite longitudinal side of the laterally-extending side of the brace and its foot attachment member of Figure 1A.
Figure 2A is a perspective view of the top, a longitudinally-extending side and a laterally-extending side of a slip-resistant foot for the bottom of the brace of Figures 1A and 1B.
Figure 2B is a perspective view of another laterally-extending side and the same longitudinally-extending side of the slip-resistant foot of Figure 2A.
Figure 2C is a lateral plan view of another longitudinally-extending side of the slip- resistant foot of Figure 2A.
Figure 3A is a lateral plan view of steps 1 and 2 in attaching a step, attached to a rail (shown in vertical cross-section) of an upstanding frame of a ladder of this invention, to the brace and foot attachment member of Figures 1A and 1B; appended to Figure 3A is an enlarged view of top portions of the brace being attached to the step of the rail in step 2. Figure 3B is a lateral plan view of the rail, step, brace and foot attachment member of Figure 3A after steps 1 and 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of step 3 in attaching the brace, step and rail of Figures 3A and 3B to the foot of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C; appended to Figure 4 is an enlarged view of bottom portions of the brace and the foot after step 3. Figure 5A is a perspective view of step 4 in attaching the rail and step of Figures 3A and 3B to the brace and foot attachment member of Figures 1A and 1B and the foot of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C.
Figure 5B is a longitudinal plan view of the rail, step, brace, foot attachment member and foot of Figure 5A after step 4.
Figure 6 is a lateral plan view of step 5 in attaching the step of Figures 3A, 3B, 5A and 5B, attached to the rail (shown in vertical cross-section) of Figures 3A and 3B, to the brace, foot attachment member and foot of Figures 1A, 1B, 5A and 5B.
Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views from opposite longitudinal sides of the rail and step (partially in cross-section) of Figure 6, attached to the brace, foot attachment member and foot of Figure 6 in a fully assembled frame {not shown) of a ladder, particularly a step ladder (not shown), of this invention, with the foot attached to the bottom of the ladder’s rail. Detailed Description of the Invention In accordance with this invention, a laterally-extending, upstanding brace, generally 10, is provided, as shown in Figures 1A to 8. The brace is attached to a laterally-extending and generally horizontal bar or step, generally 12, shown in Figures 3A to 8. A lateral end portion 13 of the step 12 is attached to an upstanding rail, generally 14, shown in Figures 3A to 8. Preferably, the lateral end portion 13 of the step 12 is attached to the rail 14 by a plurality of first rivets 15, extending longitudinally through mating, longitudinally-extending holes {not shown) in longitudinally-opposite sides 12A and 12B of the lateral end portion 13 of the step 12 and in longitudinally opposite sides 14A and 14B of the rail 14. The rail 14 is one of a mirror- image pair (not shown) of laterally-spaced apart, upstanding rails 14 of one or both of a pair of upstanding rectangular or triangular frames (not shown) of a ladder, particularly a step ladder (not shown), of this invention. Each rail 14 and a step 12 of at least one of the pairs of frames is attached to a brace 10 as described below. The pair of frames {not shown) of the ladder can be mirror images of each other or different from one another, and each can have a pair of upstanding rails 14 connected to a laterally-extending step 12. Preferably, the upper longitudinal portions of the frames {not shown) are pivotally attached to each other, so that lower portions of the frames can be moved longitudinally towards and away from each other. The step 12 is preferably at least the lowermost step of a plurality of laterally-extending and generally horizontal steps 12 of each of the rails 14 of at least one frame of the ladder of this invention, and each longitudinally-opposite end 12A or 12B of each step 12 is attached to one of the rails 14 of the at least one frame. The rails 14 of each frame can be parallel or convergent depending on whether the frame is rectangular or triangular. Each rail 14 preferably has a U-shaped configuration, when viewed vertically, with an open lateral side 14C, facing the other rail, and with a closed, laterally opposite side 14D. Thereby, each step 12 can be mounted in at least one of the frames of the ladder of this invention, so that 5 preferably one end 12A of the step extends laterally through the open side 14C of each rail 14, into the U-shaped interior of the rail, and abuts against the opposite closed side 14D of the rail. Herein, the term “lateral” preferably means in a direction extending between the upstanding rails 14, (not shown), attached to the lateral ends of each step 12, of a frame {not shown) of a ladder, particularly a step ladder {not shown), of this invention. Also herein, the term “longitudinal” preferably means in a direction extending between the two frames {not shown) of a step ladder {not shown) of this invention. As seen from Figures 1A and 1B, the brace 10 includes an upstanding, first member 16 on one lateral side of the brace and a horizontally-and laterally-extending, second member 18, one end of which is attached to the top of the first member 16. Preferably, the brace 10 has a laterally-extending triangular configuration with a third member 20, attached to the bottom of the first member 16 and to the other end of the second member 18. Preferably, the brace 10 has longitudinally-extending hole 19 through it, preferably with substantially the same laterally-extending triangular configuration as the brace. Atop the second member 18 of the brace 10 is a first hook 22, the free end of which extends longitudinally and slightly upwardly. Preferably, the first hook 22 is laterally elongated and may optionally extend laterally along substantially the entire lateral length of the second member 18 of the brace
10. Also attached to the bottom of the first member 16 of the brace 10 is a longitudinally- extending foot attachment member 24. The top of the foot attachment member 24 is preferably attached, at its longitudinal middle, to the bottom of the first member 16 of the brace. Preferably, on top of opposite longitudinal sides of the foot attachment member 24 are a pair of upstanding first flanges 26 with longitudinally-extending first holes 28 through the first flanges. Also preferably, beneath opposite longitudinal sides of the foot attachment member 24 are a pair of downwardly-extending second flanges 30, on the bottom of which are first ledges 31, extending horizontally and longitudinally towards each other.
Shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C is a slip-resistant foot 32 for the bottom of a rail 14 of a ladder, particularly a step ladder, of this invention. Preferably on opposite longitudinal sides of the top of the foot 32 are a pair of upwardly-extending projections 34, on the top of which are second ledges 36, extending horizontally and longitudinally away from each other. The second ledges 36 of the foot 32 are adapted to be slid laterally over the first ledges 30 of the foot attachment member 24 in step 3 (as shown in Figure 4) and then rest atop the first ledges for assembling the ladder. Alternatively, the foot 32 is made as one piece with the brace 10, at the bottom of the first member 16 of the brace, without any separate foot attachment member 24 or projections 34 or second ledges 36 on the foot, Schematically shown in Figure 3A are steps 1 and 2 in attaching a laterally-extending step 12, longitudinally opposite ends 12A and 12B of which are attached to the longitudinally- opposite sides 14A and 14B of a rail 14 of an upstanding frame (not shown) of a ladder, particularly a step ladder {not shown), of this invention to the brace 10 and foot attachment member 24 of Figures 1A and 1B. In this regard, step 1 involves inserting the first hook 22 atop the second member 18 of the brace 10 laterally into the interior of the rail 14, through its open lateral side 14C and then upwardly toward the step 12. As seen from Figure 3A, the bottom of the step 12 has a mating, second hook 40, the free end of which extends longitudinally in the opposite direction from the free end of the first hook 22 and slightly downwardly. Preferably, the second hook 40 is laterally elongated and more preferably extends laterally along substantially the entire lateral length of the first hook 22. In accordance with this invention, the brace 10 and its first hook 22 are inserted laterally into the interior of the rail 14 until the first hook has engaged the second hook 40 of the step 12, so that the brace is pivotally connected to the step by the hooks 22 and 40. The second hook 40 is then rotated laterally about the first hook 22, so that the bottom of the brace 10 and its foot attachment member 24 are rotated downwardly until the brace is substantially vertical within the rail.
Shown in Figure 3B is the first hook 22 on top of the second member 18 of the vertically-extending brace 10, engaging the mating second hook 40 on the bottom of the step 12 in the interior of the rail 14 of an upstanding frame of a ladder, particularly a step ladder, of this invention after steps 1 and 2. As shown, with the Mating hooks 22 and 40 securely interlocked, the brace 10 can hang vertically within the rail 14 beneath the step 12.
Shown in Figure 4 is step 3 in attaching the brace 10, the step 12 and the rail 14 of Figures 3A and 3B to the foot 32 of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C.
In this regard, the brace 10, interlocked with the step 12 of the rail 14 by the mating hooks 22 and 40, is slid laterally relative to the step, away from the closed end 14D of the rail.
The foot 32 is then slid laterally on to the foot attachment member 24 on the bottom of the brace 10, so that are the first ledges 31 on bottom of the second flanges 30 on the bottom of the foot attachment member engage the second ledges 36 on top of the projections 34 atop the foot 32 as shown in the appended view of Figure 4. Shown in Figure 5A is step 4 in attaching the brace 10, the step 12, the rail 14 and the foot 32 of Figures 4 to each other.
In this regard, the brace 10, interlocked with the step 12 of the rail 14 by the mating hooks 22 and 40, is slid laterally, with the foot 32 on its foot attachment member 24, relative to the step 12, towards the closed end 14D of the rail.
The brace 10 is slid laterally until its upstanding member 16 abuts against the closed end 14D of the rail 14 as shown in Figure 5B, with the foot 32 vertically beneath the bottom of the rail 14 and with the first holes 28 in the first flanges 26, atop the foot attachment member 24, longitudinally aligned with longitudinally-extending second holes 42 in the longitudinally- opposite sides 14A and 14B of the rail 14 adjacent its bottom.
Preferably, the first flanges 26 and their holes 28 are within the rail 14 after step 4 as shown in Figure 5B.
Shown in Figure 6 is step 5 in securing the brace 10, the step 12, the rail 14 and the foot 32 of Figure 5B to each other.
In this regard, a pair of longitudinally-extending second rivets 44 are provided in the aligned first holes 28 in the first flanges 26 atop the foot attachment member 24 and second holes 42 in the longitudinally-opposite sides 14A and 14B of the rail 14. Preferably, the first and second rivets 15 and 44 have the same structure.
Shown in Figures 7 and 8 are the rail 14 and step 12 of Figure 6, attached to the brace 10, foot attachment member 24 and foot 32 of Figure 6 in a fully-assembled frame {not shown) of a ladder, particularly a step ladder (not shown), of this invention.

Claims (19)

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS 1. Zich lateraal uitstrekkende, rechtopstaande steunbeugel die draaibaar verbonden is met een zich lateraal uitstrekkende en in hoofdzaak horizontale trede of sport waarvan een lateraal einddeel verbonden is met een opstaande stijl van een frame van een ladder.A laterally extending upright support bracket pivotally connected to a laterally extending and substantially horizontal tread or rung of which a lateral end portion is connected to an upright stud frame of a ladder. 2. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 1, die draaibaar verbonden is met de trede of met de sport.Support bracket according to claim 1, which is rotatably connected to the step or to the rung. 3. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 1 of 2 waarin de trede of de sport een onderste trede of sport is van een veelheid aan treden of sporten die telkens verbonden zijn met de stijl.Support bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the step or the rung is a bottom step or rung of a plurality of steps or rungs which are each associated with the post. 4. Steunbeugel een der conclusies 1 tot en met 3, die in het bezit is van een zich lateraal uitstrekkende, driehoekige configuratie waarvan de top zich lateraal en horizontaal uitstrekt.Support bracket any one of claims 1 to 3, which has a laterally extending, triangular configuration, the apex of which extends laterally and horizontally. 5. Steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies 1 tot en met 4, waarin de top van de steunbeugel is verbonden met een eerste haak op de beugel.Support bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top of the support bracket is connected to a first hook on the bracket. 6. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 5, waarin een vrij uiteinde van de eerste haak zich longitudinaal en lichtjes in opwaartse richting uitstrekt.Support bracket according to claim 5, wherein a free end of the first hook extends longitudinally and slightly in an upward direction. 7. Steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies 1 tot en met 6, waarin de onderzijde van de trede of de sport is verbonden met een tweede haak op de trede of de sport.Support bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the underside of the step or the rung is connected to a second hook on the step or the rung. 8. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 7, waarin een vrij einde van de tweede haak zich longitudinaal en lichtjes in opwaartse richting uitstrekt.Support bracket according to claim 7, wherein a free end of the second hook extends longitudinally and slightly in an upward direction. 9. Steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies 5 tot en met 8, waarin de eerste en/of tweede haak of haken in de laterale richting langwerpig uitgevoerd is of zijn.Support bracket as claimed in any of the claims 5-8, wherein the first and / or second hook or hooks is or are elongated in the lateral direction. 10. Steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies 5 tot en met 9, waarin de eerste en tweede haken met elkaar samenwerken om de steunbeugel draaibaar te bevestigen op de trede of de sport.Support bracket according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the first and second hooks cooperate with each other to rotatably attach the support bracket to the step or rung. 11. Steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies 1 tot en met 10, waarin een antislip-voet is bevestigd op de onderzijde van de steunbeugel.Support bracket as claimed in any of the claims 1-10, wherein a non-slip base is attached to the underside of the support bracket. 12. Steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies | tot en met 11, waarin de onderzijde van de steunbeugel is verbonden met een zich longitudinaal uitstrekkend voetverbindingsdeel.Support bracket according to one of the claims through 11, wherein the underside of the support bracket is connected to a longitudinally extending foot connector. 13. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 12, waarin de onderzijde van het voetverbindingsdeel is verbonden met een zich longitudinaal uitstrekkende antislip-voet.Support bracket according to claim 12, wherein the underside of the foot connecting part is connected to a longitudinally extending anti-slip foot. 14. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 12 of 13, waarin een paar rechtopstaande flenzen met zich longitudinaal uitstrekkende gaten is verbonden met de bovenzijde van tegenover elkaar gelegen longitudinale zijden van het voetverbindingsdeel.A support bracket according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a pair of upright flanges with longitudinally extending holes are connected to the top of opposite longitudinal sides of the foot joint. 15. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 14, waarin klinknagels zich longitudinaal uitstrekken door de gaten in de flenzen van de het voetverbindingsdeel, en door overeenstemmende, zich longitudinaal uitstrekkende gaten in longitudinaal tegenover elkaar gelegen zijden van de stijl.The support bracket of claim 14, wherein rivets extend longitudinally through the holes in the flanges of the foot connector and through corresponding longitudinally extending holes in longitudinally opposite sides of the post. 16. Steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies 13 tot en met 15, waarin een paar zich in neerwaartse richting uitstrekkende flenzen is verbonden met de onderzijde van tegenover elkaar gelegen longitudinale zijden van het voetverbindingsdeel, en, aan de onderzijde daarvan, eerste randen omvatten die zich horizontaal en longitudinaal in elkaars richting uitstrekken.A support stirrup according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a pair of downwardly extending flanges are connected to the underside of opposite longitudinal sides of the foot joint member and, at the underside thereof, have first edges extending horizontally. and extend longitudinally in each other's direction. 17. Steunbeugel volgens conclusie 16, waarin de bovenzijde van een antislip-voet een paar zich in opwaartse richting uitstrekkende, uitstekende delen omvat met, aan de bovenzijde daarvan, tweede randen die zich horizontaal en longitudinaal van elkaar weg uitstrekken en die bovenop de eerste randen van het voetverbindingsdeel rusten en daarmee samenwerken.The support bracket of claim 16, wherein the top of a non-slip base comprises a pair of upwardly extending protruding portions with, at the top thereof, second edges extending horizontally and longitudinally from each other and superimposed on the first edges. of the foot connecting part and cooperate therewith. 18. Ladder, met een zich lateraal uitstrekkende rechtopstaande steunbeugel volgens een der conclusies 1 tot en met 17.Ladder, having a laterally extending upright support bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 17. 19. Ladder volgens conclusie 18, waarbij de ladder een trapladder is.Ladder according to claim 18, wherein the ladder is a stepladder.
NL2022816A 2019-03-26 2019-03-26 Brace-foot combination for step ladders NL2022816B1 (en)

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NL2022816A NL2022816B1 (en) 2019-03-26 2019-03-26 Brace-foot combination for step ladders

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NL2022816A NL2022816B1 (en) 2019-03-26 2019-03-26 Brace-foot combination for step ladders

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NL2022816B1 true NL2022816B1 (en) 2020-10-02

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