US1251761A - Ladder. - Google Patents

Description

M. F. ENKEi LADDER. APPLICATION men APR. 15. 1916.

Patented Jan. 1, 1918. Kala".

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To all whom it may concern: 1 .Be it kno\v11ithat"I,.MAR'r1N F.;.ENKE, citizen of the United States, residing at Oakland, in the county of Alameda and State of-Califor'nia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ladders- 0f which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in ladders and more particularly to a ladder adapted for use on incline surfaces such as is frequently found in side hill orchards.

Another object of my invention is to provide a ladder which will stand alone, which is light in weight, simple in construction and which is easily adjusted when used in positions where the supporting surface is inclined.

\Vith these and other objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification,

Figure 1 is a. view in perspective showing my improved ladder in its upright position and standing on a substantially level surface.

Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation showing the same as arranged for use on an incline surface.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in section showing the manner of holding the upper ends of the auxiliary feet.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view in section through the top portion of the ladder.

Referring to corresponding parts of the several views by the same numerals of reference, 1 and 2 denote the side bars of my improved ladder having steps 3. \Vhile I have illustrated broad steps it will be understood that rungs may be used as in an ordinary ladder. To enable the ladder thus formed to be supported in an upright position without leaning it against a building, tree or other object, I provide the brace member 4 on the top of which is secured bars 5 which are pivotally mounted on a rod 6 extending across the top of members 1 and 2.

It is often desirable to use a ladder in a position where the supporting surface is inclined in such a direction that if members 1 and 2 rested thereon the ladder would not stand vertically. To provide for such cases Spe fi r-F 6f t r at Patented Jan. 1,1918.

Application filed Apri115,1916. Seri a1No.91,481. I

the auxiliary supporting members 7 V are, secured to the. side members 1 and 2..-.Eac-h-of thesesilpports consists of a flat'member'hav-i 5.8 and the side members 1 and 2 have a recess 9 formed therein on the outside of which is secured a plate 10. This plate has an elongated slot 11, and 12 denotes a bolt having a large head 13 which extends into recess 9, the shank extending through slots 11 and 8. On the outer end of 12 is a winged nut 13 enabling the upper end of member 7 to be secured at any desired position along a plate 10.

The lower ends of members 7 are connected to the lower, end of the ladder by means of links 15 which are pivotally secured at one end to the lower step of the ladder and on the other ends of members 7 adjacent the bottom. Said links serve to maintain the legs'in such position that the longitudinal median lines thereof are approximately opposite the longitudinal inedian lines of the side bars of the ladder. Blocks 16 are attached on the bottom of members 1 and 2, giving to the ladder greater bearing surface and also when members 7 are in their folded position to provide a substantially flush surface as the lower end of members 7 fold in above these blocks.

When this ladder is to be used on an uneven surface, such as is shown in Fig. 2. the winged nuts 13 are unloosened and when the ladder is stood in a vertical position the members 7 are moved until their lower ends rest on the ground. Thus on the upper side of the incline the one ladder leg and one member 7 bear on the ground, while on the lower side, only the members 7 rest on the supporting surface. In this position the winged nuts are tightened and the ladder is thus supported in the vertical position, the weight on the lower side being supported by the auxiliary leg 7. The upper ends of the members 7 cannot move, due to the manner of binding them to the sides of the ladder, while the lower ends are held through the links 15. When the ladder is not in use these members 7 may be folded flat against the side bars 1 and 2 and the supporting leg 4 is folded flat against the steps, thus making the device compact and readily handled.

Vhile I have shown the preferred embodiment of my invention it will be understood that minor changes may be made in der body having side bars provided with longitudinal slots therein, bolts slidable in said slots, auxiliary legs, outwardly curved plates attached to the upper ends of said auxiliary legs and having slots to receive said bolts, whereby said auxiliary legs may be adjusted to swing in an are from the lad der body and links connecting said legs and the ladder body.

2. An improved ladder comprising a ladder body, auxiliary legs provided with outwardly curved plates at their upper ends, means for detachably connecting said plates to the ladder body, said means being adjustable longitudinally of said body, and links 20 connecting said auxiliary legs and the ladder body i In testimony whereof I afhx mv signature.

MARTIN F; ENKE.

Copies of this patent may beobtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, D. C.

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