US272540A - Top-extension step-ladder - Google Patents

Description

v No Models v M. GARTRBLL.

- TOP EXTENSIONSTBP LADDER. NO. 272,540. Patented Peb.20,1883.

N. PErERs. Pmw-mhu n lwr. Withington. n. c,

UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE.

MARY G. GARTRELL, OF INDIANOLA, IOWA.

TOP-EXTENSION STEP-LADDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 272,540, dated February 20,1883.

Application filed October 5, 1882.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, MARY G. GARTRELL, of Indianola, in the county of Warren and State of Iowa, have invented an Improved Top-Extension Step-Ladder, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a portable platform for supporting a pail of water or bucket of paint or paste at the top of a step-ladder in such a manner that a person can safely stand upon a level with such elevated material, and advantageously use my step-ladder and platform in washing, painting, and papering walls and ceilings in buildings.

It consists in forming, arranging, and combining a detachable and adjustable platform and a folding step-ladder, as hereinafter fully set forth, in such a manner that the complete device can be used for all the common purposes of a step-ladder, and also for the purpose of supporting materials and tools upon a broad and elevated base, upon which a person can turn about to reach in various directions, and to operate upon an extended area of surface without changing the position of the combined ladder and elevated platform, and without getting off and on repeatedly for materials and tools.

Figure 1 of my accompanying drawings is a halt-section of my step-ladder, showing the adjustable platform in position as required for use. Fig. 2 is a perspective view, showing it folded as required for storing and shipping. Together these figures clearly illustrate the construction and operation of my complete invention.

a a are the side pieces that support the transverse step-pieces.

b b are legs hinged to the top ends of the side pieces a.

c c are stays pivoted to the side pieces a and flexibly connected with the legs by means of bolts d and slots or bridlesfin the legs, or in any suitable way, so as to allow thelegs to be folded flat against the side pieces or extended at pleasure. An ti-friction rollers placed on the bolts d will prevent friction and facilitate the adjustment of the braces as required in folding and unfolding the legs I).

g is a cross-piece fixed to the top ends of th side pieces a by means of nails or screws, or in any suitable way.

(No model.)

the inner sides and central portions of the main side pieces a in such a manner that they can be readily folded between the top portions of the said pieces a or extended as required to support my adjustable platform in a horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 1.

i is an iron rod or shaft, detachably placed in bearings formed in or attached to the top ends of the side pieces h. w

k is a platform hinged to the rod 1' by means of iron bars l, to which it is fixed, or in any suitable way, so that it can be folded downward against the side bars it. Each barl extends beyond the end of the board or platform k, and terminates in an eye or hook, m, to en-' gage a bolt or catch, a, fixed to the cross-piece g, for the purpose of securing the free end of the complete platform to the cross-piece and top of the ladder whenever desired.

1' is a cord fixed to the center and free end of the hinged platform It, and passed up through a perforation in the cross-piece g, and from thence over the platform to be attached to the shaft 0', or some portion of the hinged end ofthe platform, for the purpose of aiding a person on top of the ladder in lifting the platform from a pendent into a horizontal position, as required in adjusting it for use.

In the practical use of my step-ladder for common purposes, I detach the hinged platform, or allow it to hang down against the pivoted section in the top portion of the ladder. To use it for supporting a bucket or other vessels and tools on a level with the top of the ladder, I firstascend to the top and stand upon the cross-piece g. I then unfold the pivoted section of the ladder and seize the cord 1 and lift the free end of the pendent platform, and connect it with the cross-piece g by means of the eyes or hooks m on the ends of the bars I and the bolts or latches n, so that it will be in afixed horizontal position and on a level with the fixed top 9 of the ladder, and adapted to serve as a broad base, upon which I can safely step and move about in washing, painting, or papering walls and ceilings.

Buckets, materials, and tools can be placed upon the platform, as required, by an assistant, or elevated from the floor by means of a hook or grapple.

I am aware that platforms have been adjustably connected with long fire-ladders and carpenters ladders; but forming a hinged section having steps in the top portion of a portable folding step-ladder, to carry and support a hinged platform, and to thereby adapt the complete step-ladder to be used for all the common purposes of a step-ladder, and also as an elevated platform whenever desired, is novel and greatly advantageous.

My ladders, havingplatforms ofproportional size, may vary in length and width as desired.

I claim as my invention 7 1. In combination with a step-ladder, a pivoted section in its top portion having a series of steps, a hinged platform, and fastening devices adapted to connect the said platform in a horizontal plane with the top of the ladder, 20 substantially as and for the purposes set forth. 2. The improved step-ladder composed of the side pieces a, having fixed steps 1 2 3, and a fixed top, 9, the hinged legs b, the adjustable braces c, the auxiliary pivoted side pieces 2 h, having fixed steps 4 5 6, the hinged platform 70 l m, the fastening devices a, and the cord 1", substantially as shown and described, to operate in the manner set forth, for the purposes specified.

MARY G. GABTRELL. Witnesses:

H. G. BONEBRAKE, U. B. GARTRELL.

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