zhongxinladder

In the case where the supporting member constitutes another ladder section, the two central members of the two ladder sections may have slidably cooperating parts to provide captive location of one central member behind the other during all, or subsequently all, of their relative movement. According to a preferred feature, the engaging means on the central stiles of the Household ladder sections may constitute a self-tightening latch which will be described in detail hereinbelow.

According to a further preferred feature of the present invention, the central stile of a ladder section may be constructed so that the steps are angled in the horizontal plane when in the erected position to accomodate the natural splay of the feet of a person using the ladder. According to another feature, the outer stiles may be constructed with a U shaped cross section so that the steps may be received within these stiles when folded to the storage position. Building a step ladder can be relatively simple. Step ladders can be quite useful, especially if there is no support to lean a regular ladder against. Step ladders can support themselves by spreading their weight and balancing through a scissor movement.

The Ladder Manufacturer according to the present invention may be supported on the ground in a number of ways. In one preferred embodiment the outer stiles of the supported section extend downwardly beyond the lower end of the central stile to support the ladder. In another preferred embodiment the support for the ladder is provided at the lower end of the central stile. This may be accomplished by providing at least two leg structures connected to the central stile adjacent its lower end. These leg structures are conveniently provided with means for adjusting the positions of their outer ends, thereby permitting individual height adjustment to adapt to an uneven supporting surface. Like the ladder itself, the leg structures may be constructed so as to be capable of folding to a storage position in which they lie generally parallel to the central stile. Preferably, the steps and outer members may be foldable upward and the leg structures foldable downward on the central stile to the storage position.

First, decide how high you would like to have your step ladder be, and obtain two ladders of that height. Take two long metal hinges, like the ones on gates, and attach them to both ladders at the top so that the ladders can swing apart pivoted at the point of the hinges.Using a saw, cut both the ladders across the jointed section at the top so that when they are opened out, a flat surface is formed. Attach a rope to the steps of the ladder, close to three-quarters of the height so that the ladder cannot open out further than this.

When two Aluminum step ladder sections are used together, it is advantageous to provide means for locking the second section to the first when the central stiles thereof are in an aligned, parallel configuration, to permit the two ladder sections to be conveniently transported.It will be appreciated that the ladder structure according to the present invention makes possible a so-called Uni-modular design whereby the ladder is comprised of one or more identical ladder sections. In this case, since it is necessary only to provide supporting leg structures for the lowest section, means may be provided on the central stile of each ladder section for detachably retaining such leg structures.

Next, attach by the hinges a flat piece of wood that will be the top step to the main side of the ladder at the top, so that when the ladder is opened, the hinged step can then swing down on top of the joint forming a safe area upon which to stand.If after you have made the step ladder you require a longer ladder that can extend to full length, simply ensure that the hinges used to join the ladders are the type that can swing all the way. To do this, detach the rope from the step, and open the ladder all the way. Using the hinged step board to secure the ladder, it can now be used at full length.For example, in this simplified ladder the front ladder section (which remains the lower section when the ladder is extended), need not be provided with a slanted or cut away portion at the end of the central stile, or with sliding grooves along the front side of the central stile. Further, since the ladder will not be extended beyond two sections, it may not be necessary to provide a self-tightening latch.

Similarly, in a two-section Aluminum ladders the rear section will, of course, not require a latch or any other means of support for retaining a further section on its rear side.

It will be appreciated that the ladder according to the present invention combines various features which contribute to making a common device extremely safe and useful. By forming the ladder of three parallel stiles, interconnected by transverse steps, the strength of the ladder is considerably increased. This structure also increases the user's safety because the feet of the person using the ladder are constrained to the space between the centre and outer stiles, and therefore cannot slide sideways as is possible with conventional two-stile ladders.

The foldability of the ladder according to the present invention has the obvious advantage of facilitating the portability of the ladder and minimizing the space required in storage.

Finally, the ability to support the upper end of the central stile of the ladder according to the present invention achieves three principal purposes: First, it increases the safety when the Household ladder is leaned against a building or other upright supporting surface because it utilizes the principle of the "three point" contact. Second, it frees the design of side or outer stiles so that they can be more particularly tailored to their function as handrails and support members for the individual steps. And third, it facilitates the construction of a Uni-modular ladder section which, when combined with other identical sections, form an extremely useful and flexible ladder system.

source:townhall|ladder manufacturer

A foldable ladder is disclosed having a central and two outer parallel support members or "stiles" and a plurality of steps connected between the central and the outer stiles. Each step is arranged to fold between an erected position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the stile to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the step lies generally parallel to the central stile with the outer stile to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central stile. Engaging means are provided adjacent the upper end of the central stile for holding cooperating engaging means of a supporting member such as another Household ladder section (forming an extension ladder) or a prop extending to ground (forming a step ladder).

A good-quality ladder is an essential tool for household maintenance, whether it's used for painting, cleaning gutters, or for a variety of other sundry chores. Positioning your ladder properly is the first step in using it safely.Be sure you have the proper ladder for the job. Ladder ratings are based on their weight-bearing capacity.When examining the area where you'll be positioning the ladder, check the surface the bottom of the ladder will be on. Proper locations will be firm, flat, and stable.When placing the ladder, position it using a 1 to 4 ratio. In other words, the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet it rises.Prevent movement of tall ladders by tying it securely to a solid object.

A foldable and extendable ladder having at least two ladder sections, each section comprising:
a central elongate support member and two outer elongate members arranged one on each side of, and substantially parallel to, the central member; a series of rungs disposed at spaced intervals on each side of the central member and foldably connected to the central member and one of the outer members, each rung being arranged to fold between an operative position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of each member to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the rung lies substantially parallel to the central member with the outer member to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central member;wherein the Ladder Manufacturer each have a front face and a rear face and are adapted to be moved relatively to one another between an aligned position one behind the other and a number of extended, partially overlapping parallel positions, the central support members having slidably cooperating parts to provide captive location of one central support member behind the other during their relative movement,whereby the rungs of each ladder section are capable of being in either the operative or storage positions in the relatively aligned and extended positions of the central support members.

Ladders are bulky, cumbersome and annoying but also often necessary. They can also break things, including your head, if you move them around without thinking. You can move ladders safely, serenely and without any shattered skulls if you use the following steps.Make sure the ladder is clear of anything hanging off it, propped against it or stuck on one of the steps or that platform that tells you "This is not a step."Clear the area surrounding the ladder and to which you wish to move the area of any debris. Also clear the pathway in between those two points.Check the height of the ladder versus what’s above it to ensure you do not crash it into any ceiling fans, garage overhangs or smoke detectors.If it’s not folded up already, fold the ladder shut.Grasp each side of the ladder firmly and slowly walk to your destination with the household step ladders held in front of you or slightly to your side.

The present invention relates generally to the art of ladders and, in particular, to ladders which may be folded to facilitate portability and storage.

As can well be imagined, the design and construction of ladders, in one form or another, may be included among man's oldest technological arts. Notwithstanding centuries of experimentation in this field, however, man has failed to arrive at the "ultimate" ladder: a ladder which may be extended by any number of available sections to reach any desired height; a ladder which may be opened into the "step- ladder" configuration; a ladder which may be stood securely on irregular surfaces or be leaned against an upright surface of any shape without deleterious effect on its stability; a ladder which may be folded to form a single pole which may be easily carried or stored; a ladder which provides non-slip surfaces and human-engineered handrails for safety and convenience of use; and, finally, a ladder which may be manufactured and sold in identical modular sections that can be assembled together to fulfill all of the user's needs, including needs that have never been met before.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ladder capable of meeting all of the requirements listed above.

This object, as well as other objects which will become apparent in the discussion that follows, are achieved, according to the present invention, by providing a foldable Aluminum step ladder having at least one section comprising a central elongate member and two outer elongate members arranged one on each side of, and substantially parallel to, the central member; a series of steps each foldably connected to the central member and one of the outer members, each step being arranged to fold between an erected position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of each member to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the step lies generally parallel to the central member with the outer member to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central member; and engaging means, disposed on the central member adjacent its upper end, for holding cooperating engaging means of a supporting member. The central and the two outer elongate members thus constitute the three "stiles" of the ladder.

The above construction of the ladder, according to the present invention, permits the central stile to be spaced from a supporting surface by the support member when the ladder section is in a substantially upright, working configuration. For example, the supporting member may be a second ladder section either identical or different from the first, but having also a central stile which may be held adjacent and substantially parallel to the central stile of the first ladder section at a number of extended, partially overlapping positions. The supporting member may also constitute a prop which is pivoted outward from the central stile of the Aluminum step ladder section to form a generally inverted V-shaped ladder configuration.

source:townhall|aluminum step ladder

This adjustment allows the tray support to accommodate most every sized article to be used by a worker. For example, should a quart paint can be placed in the tray it would be preferable to leave the tray in a closed position as the sidewalls will provide sufficient support to prevent tippage of the paint. If a one gallon paint can is needed, the sections of the tray can be placed in a semi-open position allowing the sidewalls to provide support to secure the paint in position. The support tray can be further opened holding a large variety of tools. If needed, a five gallon paint can may be placed in the tray for the weight of the can is directly over the A-frame structure providing superior support. Thus, working tools such as drills, hammers, nails, and the like can easily fit into the tray without need of weight management as the sidewalls prevent accidental droppage by directing the weight of the tools over the Household ladder frame.

In an alternative embodiment to the instant invention, the support tray of the instant invention is set upon an adjustable platform allowing the tray to be elevated over the top of the ladder. The elevation provides additional convenience to the operator should the operator choose to position himself on a higher portion of the ladder. The bracketry allows removal from the ladder by use of a bracket that accommodate both elevation and removal of the tray. As the tray can be positioned about the ladder top, a support platform provides the necessary surface area for support of materials when the tray is placed in an open spaced apart position. The support platform allows the tray to be raised or moved without dropping of smaller items.

It should be noted that the support shelf may open only one side at a time to avoid interfering with a worker who stands along an upper portion of the ladder. The tray may be formed of unequal dimensional aspects wherein one side of the support tray is moved while the remaining portion is in a fixed position further accommodating personal preference.

Another embodiment of the instant invention is to utilize a flat tray for the support shelf in place of a tray with sidewalls. This support platform has particular benefits when used on a stoop ladder allowing the Ladder Manufacturer to be used as a saw horse yet still provide an area that opens for holding items therebetween.

The instant invention includes the use of various accessories in addition to the removable ladder top allowing for the safety and convenience of the operator. The improved ladder includes a pre-wired electrical extension connection which allows the bottom of the ladder to be attached to an electrical cord with a pre-wired socket located along an upper portion of the ladder. This allows the operator to plug electric tools directly into the ladder so as to eliminate the need for an extension cord spanning the length of the ladder. Handles are available for placement on each side of the ladder allowing the operator to climb the steps while grasping the handles for safety. When the operator reaches the upper portion of the ladder, the handles on the tray accessory may be held using release grips allowing the tray to be lifted as the operator climbs to a higher step providing stability. Spring loaded wheels are also provided on the rear of the ladder allowing movement of the Ladder stabilizer under a no-load condition.

Thus an objective of the instant invention is to disclose an adjustable tray for placement on top of a conventional ladder wherein the tray can be expanded to accommodate various size articles without fear of weight management by positioning articles directly over the A-frame structure of the ladder.

Still another objective of the instant invention is to provide an adjustable tray that can be raised to various heights and removed from the ladder providing for operator safety and convenience.

Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose the use of a workable block support platform on top of a ladder having the attributes of a vise.

Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to set forth a ladder top having prescribed functionality to eliminate the need for the use of separate attachments or the expenditure of valuable storage space when the Aluminum step ladder is not in use.

Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose a ladder having safety improvements including the use of side mounted handles, an electrical socket which electrically couples the lower portion of a ladder to the upper portion of the ladder so as to prevent reaching of extension cords, and the use of wheels for movement of the ladder while in a unloaded condition.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. Receptacle is located along the bottom portion of side support and is electrically connected to a conventional wall type socket along the upper portion of the ladder allowing an individual to plug an extension cord into receptacle energizing the upper socket outlet for operation of power tools without the need for extending electrical cords along the height of the device. The receptacle and socket is electrically coupled by a sealed conduit, now shown, extending the length of the ladder.

In operation, an individual may move the household step ladders in an unloaded state by tipping the ladder and rolling the back wheels and along a surface for proper positioning. The operator may then plug an electrical cord, not shown, into receptacle so that the socket is available for use. An individual may then climb the rungs of the ladder grasping handle 268 for security. As the operator reaches the top of the platform he may grasp tray handles and raising the tray as he climbs providing stability in height. Socket is then available for plugging in devices without having the operator climbing down the ladder or attempting to use an electrical cord that may need to stretch ten or fifteen feet into the air.

It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described certain forms of my invention, it is not to be limited to specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

source:freepatentsonline

The instant invention is directed to increasing the safety of Aluminum step ladders and includes an accessory holder for the top of ladders forming a tray which expands in size allowing placement of working materials in the tray. The tray collapses into a size assimilating a conventional ladder top for compact storage. The tray can be raised to various heights and allows the operator to remove the tray in its entirety to carry items to the ladder providing for convenience and safety. An alternative embodiment provides for the use of solid portions in place of a tray allowing smaller ladders such as to be used as saw horses yet provide a means for forming a smaller tray for securement of miscellaneous working materials. The improved ladder employs handles that couple to each side limb of the ladder allowing an operator to grasp the handles while climbing. An electrical socket mounted in a limb provides for a prewired extension along the length of the limb providing an electrical connection near the top portion of the ladder. Biased wheels allow the ladder to be moved without lifting.

Using a Household ladder that's too short can put stress on your back as well as expose you to the danger of toppling. Always choose a ladder that allows you to reach your work area safely.Familiarize yourself with the ladder's load capacity. Light-duty ladders are designed to hold 200 lbs.; medium-duty ladders hold 225 lbs.; heavy-duty ladders hold up to 250 lbs.; and extra-heavy-duty ladders hold weights of up to 300 lbs.This invention relates to ladders and more particularly to improvement in ladders including a removable ladder top accessory.

 Ladders are used for performing tasks at an elevated stance. Conventional ladders are based on a collapsible A-frame structure having support rails that hold individual rungs allowing a person to climb up or down the ladder so as to position themselves at various heights. The top portion includes an area for pivoting the ladder support legs. Although not the intended purpose, this area is commonly used to support working materials lessening the need to climb up and down the ladder in order to obtain the necessary tools to perform a task.

While the primary intent of a ladder is to perform work at an elevated position, a problem arises from the lack of working space available to support tools. The top of the ladder may include holes for positioning of working tools such as hammers, screw drivers and electric drills.A paint tray support platform may also be used to support items but is designed to position a conventional roller paint tray having end hooks. In light of this lack of working area, various prior art devices have been patented in an attempt to address the minimal work area.

Use household step ladders for most household purposes. This type of ladder is available in heights of 4 to 16 feet and has a hand foldout shelf on the side opposite the rungs.Use an extension ladder outdoors to reach high branches or the roof. These are made to reach 20 to 40 feet.Try an articulated or multipurpose ladder for a variety of uses. This aluminum alloy ladder can be a stepladder or straight ladder or act as a scaffold, and comes in lengths of 12 to 16 feet.Step- and extension ladders are made of wood, aluminum or Fiberglas. Fiberglas is the best since it's lighter than wood and doesn't conduct electricity like aluminum does.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,620 discloses an accessory container for a ladder that mounts over the top of the ladder. The device is a single piece container that looks like a bucket and effectively provides an area for tools. The problem with the device is the necessity for removing the accessory when not in use, thus defeating the compactness of the conventional ladder.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,954 discloses a platform having support brackets that attach directly to the steps of a conventional aluminum ladder . The support structure relies upon the use of the hollow rungs that are spaced apart a predetermined distance so as to allow support of a back piece that also must be stored separately during storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,480 discloses an actual ladder top modified to accept various tools or hanging devices by use of a multi-function platform. Provisions are made for the device to replace the existing ladder top or attach directly to the existing ladder top.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,008 discloses yet another support platform that can be positioned anywhere along the longitudinal length of a ladder. This teaching requires a special shaped ladder having a handle area that extends above the top of the conventional A-frame support.

Thus, the prior art documents that a problem with ladders is the insufficient work area available for support of materials while working on the ladder. This becomes a special problem in holding larger items such as paint cans which have a level of instability. This instability can lead to disastrous results should the paint can tip over while placed on a Ladder stabilizer . For these reasons it would be most beneficial to have a ladder with a broad surface area to support various working materials yet does not require independent storage. The instant invention is an accessory for a conventional ladder that operates as an expandable tray for holding miscellaneous items at the top of a ladder. The tray is defined by a two piece section having four sidewalls to contain items within the boundaries of a conventional ladder top. Should additional surface area be necessary to support larger items, the tray can be expanded to increase the effective surface area of the platform.

For instance, when a one gallon can of paint is placed on a conventional ladder top, any movement of the ladder could cause the paint can to fall. By use of the tray of the instant invention, the tray will provide sufficient support to accommodate the pail wherein the sidewalls operate to contain the pail as well as paint spills.

The tray that is formed by the invention is defined by mirror image support platforms having a side wall, two end walls, and a free edge. When the free edge of each section is abutted, a tray is formed. The sections are coupled to the Household ladder by use of an attachment bracket with rivets allowing each section to slide along the length of the ladder top as defined by a slot positioned in the brackets.

from:townhall|household ladder