WO1999047783A1 - Ladder with handle and ledge - Google Patents

Ladder with handle and ledge Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999047783A1
WO1999047783A1 PCT/US1999/005823 US9905823W WO9947783A1 WO 1999047783 A1 WO1999047783 A1 WO 1999047783A1 US 9905823 W US9905823 W US 9905823W WO 9947783 A1 WO9947783 A1 WO 9947783A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ladder
frame member
tray
pivotally attached
folds
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/005823
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Todd Meyers
Original Assignee
R.M.M. Corp., Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by R.M.M. Corp., Inc. filed Critical R.M.M. Corp., Inc.
Priority to AU30958/99A priority Critical patent/AU3095899A/en
Publication of WO1999047783A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999047783A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
    • E06C1/38—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders
    • E06C1/387—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders having tip-up steps
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
    • E06C1/38—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders
    • E06C1/39—Ladders having platforms; Ladders changeable into platforms
    • E06C1/393—Ladders having platforms foldable with the ladder
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
    • E06C7/14—Holders for pails or other equipment on or for ladders

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to ladders and more specifically to ladders for indoor use.
  • ladders have been made with very wide materials such as lumber or aluminum. Ladders are difficult to store indoors due to their width. Typically a ladder is 3-6 inches in width which makes it difficult to store inside a home. For example, such a ladder is difficult to fit behind a door or similar tight space.
  • many ladders and step stools have more than one frame member and when folded the frame members add to the thickness of the folded ladder.
  • the frame members may be made of 4" wide lumber. When folded the total width are typically more than one width of the frame, such that the total width may be 5-8".
  • Another problem is that when a user folds the tray he or she typically holds the end while pushing or rotating it into a folded position. Many times the user's hand is pinched or wounded by folding the tray to its stored position. The user will continue to hold the end and pinch or smash his or her hand. Still another problem is that the tray extends too far over the steps of the ladder or step stool. The user then strikes his or her calves on the tray when they are on the ladder.
  • the tray should be dimensioned such that the tray folds to a position within the frame.
  • the tray should also have a recess and hand grip that will allow the user to hold the ladder as well as fold the tray into its storage position without pinching or hurting their hands.
  • the tray also needs to be positioned with respect to the user so that the tray does not interfere with the users calves.
  • the tray should also be provided with various recesses so that tools and buckets normally used for household chores can be held on the tray.
  • the ladder should also have a grip to enable carrying the ladder.
  • the disclosed ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member.
  • the second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household.
  • the first frame member includes a safety hoop at which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder.
  • the ladder is also provided with a handle or grip attached to a step to enable carrying the ladder at or near its midpoint in height.
  • the handle or grip also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position.
  • the ladder contains a tray dimensioned so that it, like the second frame member, folds to a position within the confines of the frame.
  • the tray has a recess which provides a hand grip to allow the user to fold the ladder to a stored position without pinching or hurting their hands.
  • the tray also includes a recess on the end attached nearest the first frame member. The recess prevents the user from hitting their calves on the tray. The user minimizes interference with the tray that may cause spills or falls of tools from the tray.
  • the tray is also provided with various recesses in the surface so that tools and buckets normally used for household chores can be held more securely on the tray.
  • the recess in the tray also allows taller users to carry the tray by the safety loop near the top of the frame.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a project ladder.
  • Figure 2 is a top view of a tray associated with the project ladder.
  • Figure 3 is a front view of a project ladder in its folded position.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of a project ladder in its folded position.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a three-step ladder.
  • Figure 6 is a front view of a three-step ladder in its folded position.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a two-step ladder.
  • Figure 8 is a front view of a two-step ladder in its folded position.
  • FIGS 1-4 show a project ladder 100.
  • the project ladder 100 has a first frame member 110 and a second frame member 120.
  • the second frame 120 member folds to a position within the confines or thickness of the first frame member 110 to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household.
  • the first frame member 110 includes a safety hoop 112 which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder.
  • the ladder 100 includes three rungs or steps 114, 115, and 116 which are pivo tally attached to the first frame member 110.
  • the step 114 folds onto a cross member 122.
  • the remaining steps 115 and 116 are attached to a first rod 130 and a second rod 132.
  • the project ladder 100 also includes a tray 140.
  • the tray 140 is pivotally attached to the first frame member 110.
  • the rods 130 and 132 are also attached to the tray 140.
  • the rods 130 and 132 provide support for the tray 140 as do the pivotal attachment points 141 and 142 to the frame 110.
  • the tray 140 is dimensioned so that the tray 140 folds to a position within the confines or thickness of one of the first frame member 110 or the second frame member 120.
  • the tray 140 also has a first recess 144 which allows the user to fold the ladder to a stored position without pinching or hurting their hands.
  • the tray also includes a second recess 145 on the end attached nearest the first frame member. The second recess 145 prevents the user from hitting their calves on the tray 140. As a result, the user minimizes interference with the tray 140 that may cause spills or falls of tools from the tray 140.
  • the tray 140 is also provided with a plurality of recesses 160 in the surface for receiving tools and buckets normally used for household chores. Surface recesses 160 hold tools more securely than the more common flat trays associated with folding ladders.
  • the ladder 100 is also provided with a handle 170 or grip to enable carrying the ladder at near its midpoint in height.
  • the handle 170 is attached to step 114.
  • the first recess 144 in tray 140 also allows taller users to carry the project ladder 100 by safety hoop 112 of the first frame member 110.
  • the handle 170 or grip on the stair step 114 also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position.
  • Figures 3 and 4 show the project ladder in its folded position.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 show a three step ladder 200.
  • the three step ladder 200 has a first frame member 210 and a second frame member 220.
  • the second frame 220 member folds to a position within the confines or thickness of the first frame member 210 to provide a thin, easily stored step ladder for use within a household.
  • the first frame member 210 includes a safety hoop 212 which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder.
  • the ladder 200 includes three rungs or steps 214, 215, and 216 which are pivotally attached to the first frame member 210.
  • the step 214 folds onto a cross member 222.
  • the remaining steps 215 and 216 are attached to a first rod 230 and a second rod 232.
  • the ladder 200 is also provided with a handle 270 or grip to enable carrying the ladder at near its midpoint in height.
  • the handle 270 is attached to step 214.
  • the handle 270 or grip on the stair step 214 also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position.
  • Figure 6 shows the ladder 200 in its folded or stored position.
  • FIGS 7 and 8 show a two step ladder 300.
  • the two step ladder 300 has a first frame member 310 and a second frame member 320.
  • the second frame 320 member folds to a position within the confines or thickness of the first frame member 310 to provide a thin, easily stored two step ladder for use within a household.
  • the first frame member 310 includes a safety hoop 312 which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder.
  • the ladder 300 includes two rungs or steps 314 and 316 which are pivotally attached to the first frame member 310.
  • the step 314 folds onto a cross member 322.
  • the remaining step 316 is attached to a first rod 330 and a second rod 332.
  • the ladder 300 is also provided with a handle 370 or grip to enable carrying the ladder at nearer its midpoint.
  • the handle 370 is attached to step 314.
  • the handle 370 or grip on the stair step 314 also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position.
  • Figure 8 shows the ladder 300 in its folded or stored position.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ladders (AREA)

Abstract

A ladder having a first frame member (110) and a second frame member (120) which folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member. The ladder also has a tray (140) which folds to a position within the confines of the first and second frame members. The tray has recesses for holding tools and buckets. The tray also has a recess which allows it to be folded without pinching the user's hand, and another recess which prevents the user from hitting their calves on the tray. The ladder is provided with a handle (170) to enable it to be carried at its midpoint.

Description

LADDERWITH HANDLE AND LEDGE
Cross Reference to Provisional Application
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/078,648 filed 3/19/98.
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to ladders and more specifically to ladders for indoor use.
Background of the Invention Previously, ladders have been made with very wide materials such as lumber or aluminum. Ladders are difficult to store indoors due to their width. Typically a ladder is 3-6 inches in width which makes it difficult to store inside a home. For example, such a ladder is difficult to fit behind a door or similar tight space. In addition, many ladders and step stools have more than one frame member and when folded the frame members add to the thickness of the folded ladder. For example, the frame members may be made of 4" wide lumber. When folded the total width are typically more than one width of the frame, such that the total width may be 5-8".
Another problem is that many ladders use a tray that does not fold to a position within the confines of the frame. Typically, the tray is too long (from the pivot point to the end of the tray) to fit within the frame. This adds to the width of the folded ladder.
Another problem is that when a user folds the tray he or she typically holds the end while pushing or rotating it into a folded position. Many times the user's hand is pinched or wounded by folding the tray to its stored position. The user will continue to hold the end and pinch or smash his or her hand. Still another problem is that the tray extends too far over the steps of the ladder or step stool. The user then strikes his or her calves on the tray when they are on the ladder.
Another problem is that the trays of most ladders are flat. Tools tend to fall off the flat tray. Buckets also have a greater tendency to fall off the tray. Another problem is that ladders typically are difficult to carry when in a folded position. Some users will grab the frame. Others will grab the top portion. Others will grab the rungs or steps of the ladder. What is needed is a ladder that is thin when in a folded position and which is easy to store within the house. The tray should be dimensioned such that the tray folds to a position within the frame. The tray should also have a recess and hand grip that will allow the user to hold the ladder as well as fold the tray into its storage position without pinching or hurting their hands. The tray also needs to be positioned with respect to the user so that the tray does not interfere with the users calves. The tray should also be provided with various recesses so that tools and buckets normally used for household chores can be held on the tray. The ladder should also have a grip to enable carrying the ladder.
Summary of the Invention The disclosed ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The first frame member includes a safety hoop at which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder. The ladder is also provided with a handle or grip attached to a step to enable carrying the ladder at or near its midpoint in height. The handle or grip also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position. The ladder contains a tray dimensioned so that it, like the second frame member, folds to a position within the confines of the frame. The tray has a recess which provides a hand grip to allow the user to fold the ladder to a stored position without pinching or hurting their hands. The tray also includes a recess on the end attached nearest the first frame member. The recess prevents the user from hitting their calves on the tray. The user minimizes interference with the tray that may cause spills or falls of tools from the tray. The tray is also provided with various recesses in the surface so that tools and buckets normally used for household chores can be held more securely on the tray. The recess in the tray also allows taller users to carry the tray by the safety loop near the top of the frame. Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a project ladder.
Figure 2 is a top view of a tray associated with the project ladder.
Figure 3 is a front view of a project ladder in its folded position.
Figure 4 is a side view of a project ladder in its folded position.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a three-step ladder.
Figure 6 is a front view of a three-step ladder in its folded position.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a two-step ladder. Figure 8 is a front view of a two-step ladder in its folded position.
Description of Preferred Embodiment
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which foim a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Figures 1-4 show a project ladder 100. The project ladder 100 has a first frame member 110 and a second frame member 120. The second frame 120 member folds to a position within the confines or thickness of the first frame member 110 to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The first frame member 110 includes a safety hoop 112 which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder. The ladder 100 includes three rungs or steps 114, 115, and 116 which are pivo tally attached to the first frame member 110. The step 114 folds onto a cross member 122. The remaining steps 115 and 116 are attached to a first rod 130 and a second rod 132. The project ladder 100 also includes a tray 140. The tray 140 is pivotally attached to the first frame member 110. The rods 130 and 132 are also attached to the tray 140. The rods 130 and 132 provide support for the tray 140 as do the pivotal attachment points 141 and 142 to the frame 110. The tray 140 is dimensioned so that the tray 140 folds to a position within the confines or thickness of one of the first frame member 110 or the second frame member 120. The tray 140 also has a first recess 144 which allows the user to fold the ladder to a stored position without pinching or hurting their hands. The tray also includes a second recess 145 on the end attached nearest the first frame member. The second recess 145 prevents the user from hitting their calves on the tray 140. As a result, the user minimizes interference with the tray 140 that may cause spills or falls of tools from the tray 140.
As shown in Figure 2, the tray 140 is also provided with a plurality of recesses 160 in the surface for receiving tools and buckets normally used for household chores. Surface recesses 160 hold tools more securely than the more common flat trays associated with folding ladders. As shown in Figure 3, the ladder 100 is also provided with a handle 170 or grip to enable carrying the ladder at near its midpoint in height. The handle 170 is attached to step 114. The first recess 144 in tray 140 also allows taller users to carry the project ladder 100 by safety hoop 112 of the first frame member 110. The handle 170 or grip on the stair step 114 also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position. Figures 3 and 4 show the project ladder in its folded position.
Figures 5 and 6 show a three step ladder 200. The three step ladder 200 has a first frame member 210 and a second frame member 220. The second frame 220 member folds to a position within the confines or thickness of the first frame member 210 to provide a thin, easily stored step ladder for use within a household. The first frame member 210 includes a safety hoop 212 which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder. The ladder 200 includes three rungs or steps 214, 215, and 216 which are pivotally attached to the first frame member 210. The step 214 folds onto a cross member 222. The remaining steps 215 and 216 are attached to a first rod 230 and a second rod 232. The ladder 200 is also provided with a handle 270 or grip to enable carrying the ladder at near its midpoint in height. The handle 270 is attached to step 214. The handle 270 or grip on the stair step 214 also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position. Figure 6 shows the ladder 200 in its folded or stored position.
Figures 7 and 8 show a two step ladder 300. The two step ladder 300 has a first frame member 310 and a second frame member 320. The second frame 320 member folds to a position within the confines or thickness of the first frame member 310 to provide a thin, easily stored two step ladder for use within a household. The first frame member 310 includes a safety hoop 312 which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder. The ladder 300 includes two rungs or steps 314 and 316 which are pivotally attached to the first frame member 310. The step 314 folds onto a cross member 322. The remaining step 316 is attached to a first rod 330 and a second rod 332. The ladder 300 is also provided with a handle 370 or grip to enable carrying the ladder at nearer its midpoint. The handle 370 is attached to step 314. The handle 370 or grip on the stair step 314 also provides for a more intuitive indicator for moving the ladder from its unfolded position to its stored position. Figure 8 shows the ladder 300 in its folded or stored position.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A ladder comprising: a first frame member; a second frame member which folds to a position wherein the first frame member and the second frame member have a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the first frame member or the second frame member.
2. The ladder of claim 1, further comprising: a tray that folds to a position within the thickness of the first frame member or the second frame member.
3. The ladder of claim 2 wherein the tray is pivotally attached to the first frame member, said tray having a first recess therein positioned along an edge near the pivotal attachment point.
4. The ladder of claim 2 wherein the tray is pivotally attached to the first frame member, said tray having a second recess therein positioned along an edge distant from the pivotal attachment point.
5. The ladder of claim 4 wherein the second recess is dimensioned to accommodate a users hand.
6. The ladder of claim 2 wherein the tray is provided with a plurality of surface recesses for holding tools.
7. The ladder of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of steps, at least one of said steps provided with a handle.
8. The ladder of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of steps pivotally attached to the first frame member, each step folds to a position within the thickness of the first frame member or the second frame member. 7
9. The ladder of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of steps has a handle.
10. The ladder according to claim 8, further comprising: at least one rod for supporting at least one said step, the rod pivotally attached to an end of the step away from the end of the step pivotally attached to the first frame member.
11. The ladder according to claim 1 , wherein the first frame member includes a safety hoop.
12. A ladder, comprising: at least one frame member; and a tray pivotally attached to one of the frame members, the tray having a recess positioned along an edge distant from the pivotal attachment point.
13. The ladder according to claim 12, wherein the recess is dimensioned to accommodate a user's hand.
14. The ladder according to claim 13, wherein the tray is provided with surface recesses for holding tools.
15. The ladder according to claim 12, wherein the tray folds to a position within the thickness of one of the frame members.
16. A ladder, comprising : a first frame member; a second frame member attached to the first frame member; and a plurality of steps pivotally attached to the first frame member, each step folds to a position within the thickness of the first frame member or the second frame member. 8
17. The ladder according to claim 16, further comprising a handle attached to one of said steps.
18. The ladder according to claim 16, further comprising: at least one rod for supporting at least one said step, the rod pivotally attached to an end of the step away from the end of the step pivotally attached to the first frame member.
PCT/US1999/005823 1998-03-19 1999-03-18 Ladder with handle and ledge WO1999047783A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU30958/99A AU3095899A (en) 1998-03-19 1999-03-18 Ladder with handle and ledge

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7864898P 1998-03-19 1998-03-19
US60/078,648 1998-03-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999047783A1 true WO1999047783A1 (en) 1999-09-23

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/005823 WO1999047783A1 (en) 1998-03-19 1999-03-18 Ladder with handle and ledge

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3095899A (en)
WO (1) WO1999047783A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2324855A1 (en) * 1975-09-17 1977-04-15 Especialidades Ornamentacion P Twin platformed folding step ladder - has forward and rear stepped frames hinging together with upper and lower folding platforms
EP0065492A2 (en) * 1981-04-30 1982-11-24 Antonio Rapisarda Foldable stepladder
EP0504548A1 (en) * 1991-03-22 1992-09-23 Hailo-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG Stepstool
US5722507A (en) * 1996-01-11 1998-03-03 Cosco, Inc. Step stool assembly

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2324855A1 (en) * 1975-09-17 1977-04-15 Especialidades Ornamentacion P Twin platformed folding step ladder - has forward and rear stepped frames hinging together with upper and lower folding platforms
EP0065492A2 (en) * 1981-04-30 1982-11-24 Antonio Rapisarda Foldable stepladder
EP0504548A1 (en) * 1991-03-22 1992-09-23 Hailo-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG Stepstool
US5722507A (en) * 1996-01-11 1998-03-03 Cosco, Inc. Step stool assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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