Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention relates to fire escape, ladder, or scaffold. More specifically, platform with ladder as support.
Ladders of issue include one-fold A-frame folding ladders, straight ladders (slide or unfolding), and scaffold ladders, including pivotally connected ladders. Many such ladders are for building, repairing, painting and the like of vertical walls/surfaces, and surfaces near such vertical surfaces. Accessories for ladders include trays, (for supplies) and stabilizing supports.
Each ladder type has disadvantages. One-fold folding A-frame ladders have limited height, need sure footing for all four legs, & need a substantially level surface to correctly unfold its A frame. They have nearly no room for painting supplies and the like on the ladder platform. Inside floors provide for such secure footing, but outside ground can be uneven (like 2 legs on the sidewalk and two legs in the garden area abutting/near the building.
Straight ladders have disadvantages. To work on a vertical surface a user steps many steps down form the top of a ladder to be at a distance horizontally away from the vertical surface. Prior Art
A straight ladder is often 16 inches wide, and a user's arm can extend sideways an average of 2 to 2.5 feet, plus brush length. Most users paint with their favored hand, to do a good job. Prior Art
Prior Art
Straight ladders with and without standoffs have nowhere to mount a paint can or tool. When tools or paint cans are hung off the side of the ladder, that places an unbalanced weight sideways on the top part of the ladder. Both leaning to the side and having weight to one side is a common cause of a user on a ladder falling down sideways.
On exterior vertical surfaces, may buildings have eves which must be worked on. As eves overhang the vertical surfaces, a straight ladder is often not tall enough for a user to work on the eves without leaning back. This is shown in Prior Art
A ladder's force against a vertical surface, or horizontally-supporting structure, is calculated by equations for equilibrium. Referring to Prior Art
ΣFX=0=NA−μNB
ΣFY=0=NA=μNA−#
ΣMA=0=−#(0.5 L cos φ)+NB(L cos φ)−μNB(12 sin φ)
OSH recommends footing the ladder 1 meter out for every 4 meters tall. Footing a ladder means placing/weighting the lower end of the ladder on substantially horizontal ground.
Exterior work has the benefit of ground and cement, both highly frictional surfaces (μNB).
ANSI does bottom slip test for a leaning/straight ladder. Angle 75.5°, load (200-300#)—3rd step down, plywood floor & vertical surface, 50# pull 1″ above test surface. (75.5° is the 4 up to one out angle of lean.) A-frame folding ladders are not known to currently be ANSI specified for leaning against a vertical surface.
Pivotally-connected ladders have problems. U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,844 entitled FITTING FOR JOINTS OF LADDER SECTIONS, granted Aug. 12, 1980, by Klafs is an example of the locking joints that connect ladder sections for multiladders. The locking joints on these ladders must be fully and properly secured so they do not collapse, especially in use. The joints can easily rust, some say in just one year. (Likely because soft plating on joint parts rubs off when joints are rotated, which is aggravated by frequent use.) This rusting can prevent the joints from locking and/or unlocking. It can keep the ladder from unfolding or from fully folding the ladder back. Some users lay the ladder on the floor, stand on one section, and try to pry another section open or press it closed. A user's fingers can get cut up on the joints while trying to adjust/lock/unlock the joints or fold or unfold the ladder. When not properly locked, a ladder can collapse causing a fall. Many users find these problems frustrating enough to discontinue using such a ladder. (A homeowner who has fewer projects more often chooses a ladder that is simpler to use). Some pivotally-connected ladders may be assembled like an upside-down italic capital L, such that the ladder's top end is away from the vertical surface, which is desirous for working on trusses. Prior Art
Morawski's tray, as shown in his FIG. 2, has rubber feet 44 with a benefit detailed in specification P. 3, lines 22-32, which recites, “In order to improve the engagement between the frame 10 and the vertical surface . . . (legs with) resilient pads 44 formed of rubber . . . (are attached) so they may be replaced as they wear out”. (friction/padding benefit)
U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,620 entitled ACCESSORY CONTAINER FOR LADDER, granted Jun. 23, 1992, by Bourne is an example of a container supporting against the rear portion of the back rails of a ladder. Bourne's FIG-3 is redrawn here as Prior Art
Often painting requires about a one or two-foot lift before using a ladder. Some users stand on what looks like a stool, but does not meet OSHA standards to be called a stool. An example is the 16″ tall plastic SIDE TABLE #03937 by Syroco as seen on web site www.syroco.com. The surface area is a rough texture that is of benefit as a step stool but not so much as a table (rough surfaces collect dirt, and a recessed surface would better prevent slippage off a side table). Many purchasers of such items buy them to use them as a stool. They have 4 supporting feet, which is not often sure footing on outside ground which is rarely level.
Folding stools also have problems for use outside. Their small-diameter rod-like legs can sink into the ground. The stool steps are not deep, or their depth cannot be used without bumping ones chins. So the stool must be positioned just-so: away from an outside vertical surface such that one can balance on the balls of ones feet. Users may need to lean on the vertical surface they are painting. This may lead to transfer of paint or dirt between the user and the vertical surface.
Des. Pat. No. 340,773 entitled LADDER TOP, granted Oct. 26, 1993, by Bartnicki et al. shows a ladder top end with several through-and through holes for tools, and a round recessed platform portion of a size to support a quart of paint. Prior Art
A ladder top end surface design likely has to avoid being designed of a look to hold larger or more spillable objects than OSHA might allow. There is a narrow hook on the ladder back, of a size and shape to hang an object with a metal wire handle (plastic handles, like for spackle, don't fit on it). The only common item that could be hung from such a hook is a gallon can of paint (paint in quarts do not come with metal wire hangers). The hook is recessed into the ladder back, which allows the ladder to be leaned smoothly against a vertical surface, which shows the designer recognizes that a ladder is often leaned against a vertical surface. When a folding ladder is leaned against a vertical surface it is often leaned at an angle more severe than when opened as an A frame. This leaves the ladder top end tilted, versus being a level surface.
Many ladder manufacturers have through-and-through holes in their ladder top end. Manufacturers include Werner®, Husky®, & Green Bull™
Prior Art
The frame width near the base of prior art A-frame ladders is wider than near the top of same ladder. Most all ladders have steps/rungs 12″ apart (top of rung to top of rung). The ladder top end/platform of prior art A-frame ladders is often 13″ wide, and the top-most step/rung is one foot down. The ladder is often 14″ wide at that top step. Straight ladders are often closer to 16″ wide at the top, first crossbar/rung (like first rung C in Prior Art
A straight ladder often has two sections that slide apart to extend or reduce the length of the ladder. These two sections are substantially vertically parallel to each other. This can be seen in the RHS drawing of Prior Art
FIG. Prior Art 4a shows user with a closed prior art A-frame ladder against a surface, side view. OSHA Quick Card Ladder safety tips states, “Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position.” An A-frame ladder can be made to pass slip test with footing and ladder top end design. The ANSI test is where dead weight is placed on the ladder and 50 pounds of force pushes outward at the base of a ladder that is sitting on sanded plywood. The ladder should not move more than 0.25″.
A prior art cylindrical paint can has substantially an 8″ diameter.
A method of supporting ladder with box together against a substantially vertical surface. Box is substantially rectangular, having front side open and facing ladder. Box front-most top portion supports/mates with ladder top end. When ladder footed on horizontal ground and ladder with box are leaned against a vertical surface, top end of ladder supports horizontally against uppermost portions of the box, lower upper portion of ladder supports/braces horizontally against bottom portions of the box, and box back side supports horizontally and substantially flat against the vertical surface. Box top and bottom walls are substantially both perpendicular to box back side, for horizontal strength and use as platforms for supplies. Ladder leans substantially at the substantial angle recommended by a ladder regulatory agency. Box on ladder can distant ladder from the vertical surface, improving ladder utility and user safety.
Straight ladders, which tend to be much taller than A-frame ladders, are often needed to reach under eves. But because the ladder must fit on the vertical surface, eves cannot be reached, even if one straightens the ladder at a non-safe angle. The box extends the ladder's useful height. It provides 2 level shelves (one behind the ladder for safe storage). It provides a larger contact area against a vertical surface, and improved ladder safety. The box invention can just be thrown atop most straight or A-frame ladders. The box supports a ladder away from a supporting vertical surface, making the ladder function like a 3 to 6 foot taller ladder, yet without the upper rungs being obstructive in front. Two boxes fixedly attached together allows the ladder to function as an 8 to 12 foot taller ladder. The box(s) can be substantially lighter in weight than a ladder 4 to 12 feet taller. A user can reach higher areas without using a hard-to-balance, heavy, tall ladder. Areas of a building normally only accessible with scaffolding, or not accessible at all, can be worked on with ease. Eves can be worked on without leaning backwards. All painting can be done without dangerous leaning to the side. Because of level shelves (versus hanging a paint can on the side of a ladder) the ladder stays balanced, and isn't compromised sideways. Because the weight of the ladder above where a user picks it up is reduced, the user can more easily move and balance the ladder. Such improved ladder control reduces likelihood that the ladder will bump/ding siding, or fall and crash down on something or someone.
The box lets a user work on a vertical surface directly in front of them and to both sides. Comparatively, a straight ladder’ rungs are in the way, preventing all but painting to a user's favored side, tilting the ladder which can cause a ladder to fall/slip sideways. Painting a vertical surface directly in front of a user is easier and can allow a user to paint with wide strokes for a smoother finish. The invention makes working in tight spaces easier, accessible, and less dangerous, like under a home's eves. That is, some places under eves cannot be reached if a tall ladder were leaned against a vertical surface. It reduces the chance a user would lean backwards to paint or work on eves, (leaning can instigate a fall). The box adds, or deepens and makes more level, a ladder's top platform, for holding supplies. The wide frictional surface against a vertical surface improves ladder stability, and helps prevent siding from being marred. Many supplies can be safely stored under the ladder platform. The invention can be easily lifted off. When the box is off it may be used as a short stand-on platform, or three may be fixedly attached to make a taller step stool/platform. A rounded-edged, soft frictional (like rubber) backside keeps the siding from getting dinged, keeps the ladder from shifting, and adds friction when used off the ladder as a platform or as steps. Often painting requires one and two-foot lifts before using a ladder. One box can be used as a platform, perhaps 11″ high. As compared to balancing the balls of ones feet on a shallow step stool, the box as a platform supports the entire length of a users feet. When used indoors, or on smooth floor surfaces, frictional feet can be attached. Three boxes can be attached together like steps to make a really stable stool. When work, like painting, is finished, the box invention can be used to store supplies, like a prior art crate, and they can be stacked.
Most users, like homeowners, buy a simple A-frame, one-fold, all-purpose ladder. Sometimes they also get a small, like 20′, straight ladder. They may occasionally need a taller ladder or a specialty ladder. But they often compromise safety by stretching or bending backwards as compared to buying a specialized ladder for a not-so-often task. Since one or more boxes may be purchased long after the original ladder purchase, a user is more likely to buy the boxes to finish their project, and they do not have to worry about storing them. The box invention provides a potentially inexpensive way for a user to safely complete their project. A box may be designed to fit on only specific ladders, allowing the box maker to steer users to their ladders. Or a box can be made to fit most ladders.
The box invention allows a user to stay balanced and the optimal distance from a vertical surface, for easy sanding, painting, repairing, and more.
g shows a user painting high up on an exterior vertical surface of a building where a 6′ fence is a few feet from the building. Where normally expensive laborious scaffolding would be required, two lackeys (plus the neighbor's permission) can do the job!
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a is a box, cross-sectional view
b box of
bd is a detail of the box of
c is a box without any prop stop means, side/cross sectional view
d box of
bd is a detail of
e the box of
f is a box on an A-frame ladder
fd is a detail of the box of
a shows a user standing on one box, side view
b shows a user standing on a three-box formation, side view
c shows user & closed A ladder w/one box attached, side view
d shows user & straight ladder w/one box attached, side view
e shows a straight ladder with one box attached, side view
f shows user painting eves; ladder with 2 boxes attached, side view
g shows user & ladder with 2 boxes near fence obstruction, side view
h shows user & ladder with 2 boxes near house extension, side view
Prior Art
i shows the user & ladder with 2 boxes attached, side view
j shows the user next to three boxes stacked for storage, side view
a is a box with 4 feet, substantially rectangular, back view
a is a box with plank, side view
b is a box with a lower plank, side view
c is a box with alternative attachment means, side view
d straight ladder with hinged-out male ends, side view
Fig. X an A ladder with hinged-out paint tray, side view.
Fig. Xa Fig. X, shifting, side view.
a is a box, perspective view
b is a box, perspective view
c is a box with posts, perspective view
a is the box of
b is a box with plank
c is an with block extending the width of the box
d is the box of
e is the box of
a shows a leaning ladder where box backside is vertical, side view
b ladder where box top corner touches vertical surface, side view
c ladder where box bottom corner touches v. surface, side view
a shows how crate box bolts on P.A.
b shows how box bolts on a Werner ladder top end, top view
c shows how box bolts on a Husky ladder top end, top view
d shows how box bolts on a Green Bull ladder top end, top view
e shows how box clips on any ladder top end, top view
a shows a user, straight ladder with one box, side view
b an incorrectly tilted straight ladder with one box, side view
c shows a user, straight ladder with no box, side view
a shows a box secured on a straight ladder, side x-sectional view
b shows the box of
a shows a notched out bottom, front perspective view
a a box, top cross sectional view, with A-frame ladder
b a box front view, w/A-frame ladder
a box top cross-sectional view, w/straight ladder
b box front view, w/straight ladder
a shows an over-elongated box on a straight ladder, side view
a shows an overly short box on a straight ladder, side view
a shows a ladder rearward male end, side view
b shows a box without side walls, side view
a shows a user mating a box and ladder top end, side view
b shows a user leaning a ladder, side view
c ladder supported against box, box against surface, side view
a is a box, cross-sectional view. Box 4 has top wall 10, back wall 11, bottom wall 12, front/open side/absent wall 32, and bottom wall front portion/edge 13. Box is substantially rectangular with substantially planular sides. For drawing ease, top, and bottom walls are shown as being exactly parallel. Since molded crates require about a 4% taper to pull box off tool, box top and bottom are considered for claims ‘substantially parallel’. 8a is a RHS front surface, and 48 is LHS front surface. Together they are for horizontally supporting ladder top end. These front surfaces, together with front-most top portion 36, position substantially in the front uppermost portions (phantom line marked section 36 in
b is the box 4 of
bd is a detail of
c is a box, substantially the same as box 4, but without any mating between ladder top end and box (no front surfaces), so no horizontal support. Though initially friction may keep a leaning ladder positioned as in
d is box 4 of
Possible holes are like in Prior Art
As a leaning ladder is to pass the ANSI Bottom Slip Test, a closed A-frame ladder would require footing that could pass that test. Such footing is not part of this specification. However, a box can reduce slip due to its expansive and/or frictional surface against the vertical surface.
Both embodiments of 6b and 6f have the box weighted down/supported on the ladder. That is, front-most top portion holds down on ladder top end by gravity/weight of the box. So, ladder top end supports box front-most top portion. The box is further held in place by vertical weight of ladder with box against a vertical surface, and by lower upper portion of ladder against front portion of box bottom wall.
a is a box with 4 feet, substantially rectangular, back view. Foot 55 is a foot like the rubber feet similar to what is used on the bottom of counter top kitchen appliances. So even a crate-type box with grating on the back side could have feet attached, so contact to the vertical surface won't mar the often soft siding. The feet are best set closest to the four corners of the box back side, as that brings the most vertical and horizontal stability to a ladder with box embodiment.
a is a box with a pair of blocks, side view. Blocks are on RHS and LHS portions of the box to support LHS and RHS top end of a ladder. Their front surface horizontally supports prior art ladder 77 with its top end end caps. Front surface of blocks, like block 8b forces the ladder's top end (LHS & RHS top end caps) away from a vertical surface that horizontally supports the box and ladder. A single block could also extend the width (RHS to LHS) of the box (which would then be called a plank). So box front-most top portion, plus blocks, like block 8b, together form a partial female cavity for the male rail top end end caps. Similarly, the box could have LHS and RHS indents into the sides of the box to form such ‘blocks’
b is a box with plank 9b attached from one side to other side of a box/crate, but a bit down from the box top side.
c shows a box with alternative attachment means, side view. It shows three different means of attaching a box to ladder, that can also be used individually to create a ladder with box embodiment. This box is attached to ladder 89 (like a wooden ladder) by a pair of horizontal posts, like RHS post 97 (attaching ladder rails to sides of a box). Also attached by vertical posts or screws like RHS screw 98. Also attached by box holes, like RHS hole 99 can be for box and ladder attachment, horizontal and vertical support & centering.
Without a box, front portion of ladder end caps support against a vertical surface. But ladder end caps could be designed with an upper post extension, like post extension 78 in
A male portion could also be made as an extension or attachment that folds out of a ladder, but locks in place enough such that something like a standard crate (but with smooth backside) could then be placed on top. Such an example is shown in
Fig. X is a prior art A-frame ladder with hinged-out paint tray, side view, inside somewhat of a box shape. FIG. X IS NOT an embodiment. It shows approximately where a prior art paint tray TR would position inside an altered box. Such a tray would require major alteration of a box, plus a way to support the back extension of the tray. However, because there is only ONE in-line point of contact against the ladder (line x), it would be a VERY unstable, and NOT have top end support, just lower upper ladder support. With all the pressure against the tray, the box will tilt till the extension holding TR touches the vertical surface. Therein, this would NOT be an embodiment. A stable arrangement requires two substantially distant lines of support against a vertical surface (Support against the top end, and lower upper portions (at least 1′ down) is what can provide good support while keeping box short.)
Fig. Xa shows how with just one line of contact, and that being about 1 foot down from ladder top end, the box can easily tilt, jar off TR, where it then quickly collapses into the vertical surface, and at a very unsafe leaning angle. [A prior art paint tray is perpendicular to an A frame ladder top, approximately one foot down from the ladder top, with supporting brace about 2 ft. down from the ladder top end. The prior art tray brace is so low on the ladder to improve the vertical support against the weight of a paint can.]
a is a box, front perspective view, posts 7y & 7z, and plank 9x noted. Plank 9x is at least 2″ tall & can be 2″ deep. That is, these opposite (female/male) types of support can be used together if a ladder top end has holes to mate with the posts.
b is a box, front perspective view. If this box were injection molded, plank 9y and blocks like 8y could be molded like cavities into the box.
a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are various boxes, cross-sectional views. There are near limitless structure designs to create the box part of the invention. Though posts alone can be used to support a closed A-frame ladder, a straight ladder end caps could have holes in them to allow a straight ladder to be supported.
A box may be injection molded in a form and manner similar to prior art milk crates or storage crates. Prior Art
a-15c shows straight ladders with attached box leaning against a vertical surface, side view.
Exact grid pattern not claimed. A box may be made more useful by adding holes for tools, etc. One such box is shown in
Often a corded tool is needed for a repair up on a ladder, like a sander, drill, screwdriver, etc. Such tools can be attached to power (electrical or air) that is nearer the ground. Without support of a cord, like a cord catcher, the weight of the cord can fall down or pull an attached tool off the lackey. A cord could be, but is not limited to being, an electric extension cord, rope, an air hose, or any type cord needed by a user on the ladder. The
Two boxes can be clipped together (as suggested in
a shows how a crate box could bolt on P.A.
a shows a user on straight ladder with one box, side view.
a notation 65 shows the front-most top portion of the box shown in
Though semi-enclosed box side walls have been insinuated in all previously-shown boxes, a box does not need them to function with ladder as an embodiment.
a shows a notched out bottom 29, front perspective view. The confining center section 84 could confine the INSIDE sides of ladder rails from shifting sideways, (similar to what
One box can fit ladders with different ladder top ends.
Stability of ladder with box against wall increases with the distance between top line of force and bottom line of force. These lines of force are shown with the four arrows drawn in
a shows an over-elongated box on a straight ladder, side view. Such a top-to-bottom wall taller box would be heavier than a shorter (like 14″ tall) box, and the front of the box top wall would extend a bit intrusively over the ladder, as shown.
For most embodiments, the box can be of a size and shape to fit over a ladder top. Exceptions are shown in
Box interior width can be, but is not limited to being, 16-17″ if used for both an A-frame ladder and a straight ladder; narrower if just used for an A-frame ladder. Box interior height (top wall to bottom wall) can be, but is not limited to being 12″ or greater. In order to identify what part of ladder supports against bottom wall front portion has been approximated as being between first and second rails (lower upper portion), so claims say “substantially”. Box exterior depth can be, but is not limited to being 12″ (box depth becomes step height when used as a stool). Box posts may be, but are not limited to being, 2″ back (from the front edge of top wall). Planks, blocks, or bin front sides may be, but are not limited to being, 3-4″ back (from the front edge of top wall).
a shows a user mating a box and ladder top end, side view.
Items that visibly distinguish the invention from prior art include the box supported on ladder top end, positioned slightly inside a box at front-most top portion, and lower upper portions of ladder supported against bottom wall front portion, such that when ladder leaned against vertical surface box backside also supports substantially flat against that surface. An injection molded box would have a smooth or padded back side of back wall.
The box portion of the invention may be, but is not limited to being, constructed from plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass, or a combination thereof. Posts, if used, may be, but are not limited to being, constructed from plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass or a combination thereof. Planks/blocks, if used, may be, but is not limited to being, constructed from plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass, or a combination thereof. Ladder top end may have, but are not limited to having, end caps constructed from plastic, wood, metal, rubber, fiberglass, or a combination thereof
Milk crates of a size and shape to make a box have been around at least since milk was sold in bottles and carried in crates. Wood crates and ladders may have been around likely since man started building structures. Since the creation of crates or boxes, others have had the opportunity to screw an old wood straight ladder to a box/crate.
Prior art injection molded crates have had interior wall steps, the largest step known, from an interior wall towards the box center is ⅜″ within 1″ of the box rim. This prior art step has value to strengthen the box rim. No prior art injection molded crate was found to have a step exceeding 1.5″, or have a step 3″ or more back from a crate lip/edge. Such prior art steps are not far enough from the lip of a crate to position a ladder top end securely and at the proper angle. Such shallow prior art steps are not wall-to-center long enough to stop a ladder from slipping off RHS & LHS are the abbreviations used for right-hand side & left-hand side respectively. A-frame ladders are shown, and considered to be in all descriptions when leaned, in the closed position, where the rails of the ladder lay substantially parallel to each other.
The front/open side of a box is substantially parallel with the back side/back wall of the box in most boxes, though it is not necessary to function, but if not parallel it would not double as a step stool.
Lower upper portions of a ladder are defined for claims as between the first two rungs of a ladder. (
Ladder manufacturers, and manufacturers of ladder accessories (like standoffs) pay high insurance premiums, due to the high volume of ladder accidents. Hardware chain stores rarely buy a single item from a manufacturer, even an item as useful as the invention. So, though using the front side of LHS & RHS bins is the most universal version of the invention, it is highly likely that ladder manufacturers will add holes in the sides or top end end caps of a ladder, so that a substantially simple box can be used atop the ladder. As bins, posts, and holes are supporting means in prior art in other type structures, identifying one specific box unnecessarily limits the utility of the invention, much like saying sticky notes are for adhering to a computer or wall. If such identification were required, the following boxes could be dependently claimed: 1. The uppermost portions supporting the top end of the ladder being front sides of a pair of bins fixedly attached to the box; 2. The uppermost portions supporting the top end of the ladder being of a pair of posts fixedly attached to the box; 3. The uppermost portions supporting the top end of the ladder being a pair of holes in box top wall of a size and shape to restrain the ladder's top end; and 4. The uppermost portions supporting the top end of the ladder being a pair of holes in box top wall of a size and shape to restrain the ladder's top end.
Male/female is the mating to keep the ladder's top end from collapsing farther into the box. Male/female portions can be formed with posts, bins, planks, pins, a supporting hole in box top wall, ladder top end, altered ladder end caps, a hinged-out ladder portion, or undisclosed means. All boxes provide substantially a rectangular box, 5 walls, front side open/missing (ie, no lid, or tabs to close the box), back side substantially perpendicular to box top and bottom side. Other box sides may also be substantially open. This is a multi-value structure component: 1. Box back wall can support horizontally on a vertical surface, and box top and bottom sides provide substantially level surfaces to support tools and supplies. 2. Box front most top portion, and bottom wall front portion, provide two vertically distant lines of ladder support against a vertical surface. The advantages of this include: A. It presets the angle at which the ladder leans, helping prevent a ladder from being placed too close/too vertical against a vertical surface, B. Stabilizes both the box and the ladder against the vertical surface 3. Provides for a rectangular container that can alternatively be used for storage or a step stool.
There are various means to keep ladder top end slightly inside box and ‘propped’ away from box backside and the vertical surface, including but not limited to: holes in box top wall to match ladder end caps, posts protruding into box to fit into laddertop platform or altered ladder end caps, inward-protruding surfaces fixedly attached to upper portions of a box, or added hinged-out parts that support against upper portions of a box.
Box is considered for claims to be a substantially rigid structure, as it must support ladder away from vertical surface. A front restraint completes the front side of the female surround. The female front side has no force on it when ladder/box are leaned, but keeps box on ladder while box/ladder in transit. Gravity/the force/weight of the leaned ladder holds ladder horizontally against box (and therein box against vertical surface). Front restraint restrains the ladder from moving frontward off of box.
Boxes described and shown in this specification show a variety of ways the box and ladder can be formed to substantially confine ladder from shifting sideways within box. Including, but not limited to: posts in holes (ladder in box or box in ladder), end caps in box top wall holes, box sides against outside sides of ladder, or front-most bottom side notched out portions (in conjunction with outside confining edge or center section).
As stated in BACKGROUND, OSH recommends footing the ladder one meter out for every four meters tall, or one out to four tall. This recommended ladder angle is shown in
Box is substantially rectangular, rigid (as compared to cloth) and substantially has 6 sides, with front side open, facing ladder. The vertical surface is considered HORIZONTAL support, because it keeps the ladder (and box) from falling down into a horizontal position. A ladder's top end can be either an A-frame ladder's platform, or the top-most LHS and RHS ends of a straight ladder (end caps), both considered ladder “top end”.
Shown in
Mating front-most top portion (65) of box (4) with top end (2) of ladder (3); footing (5) the ladder on horizontal ground (6), leaning the ladder with the box at a substantial angle (U to O) against a vertical surface (17), wherein when the ladder with the box are leaning against the vertical wall, the top end of the ladder horizontally supports against front-most top portion of the box, upper portion of box back side (88t) horizontally supports against the vertical surface, lower upper portion (94) of the ladder horizontally supports against bottom wall front portion (13) of the box, and lower portion of box back side (88b) of the box horizontally supports against the vertical surface.
Method of placing front/open side (32) of a substantially rectangular box (4) over top end (2) of ladder (1); supporting (front-most top portion 65 of the box over the top end of the ladder. Further including the steps of:
forming box top wall (10) and bottom wall (12) substantially perpendicular to box back side (11b) (for top side of the top wall supporting supplies (P1), and top side of the bottom wall supporting supplies (P2). (That is, top wall used as a platform, and bottom wall used as a platform when holding supplies.) And for efficiently supporting the ladder away from the vertical surface). The front-most portion (65) of box top wall (10) supported on ladder top end (2). The ladder top end positions substantially inside box. The ladder lower upper portion (94) supports against box bottom wall front portion (13). Leaning the ladder (3) mated with box (4). Wherein, when the ladder with the box supported on the vertical wall, the ladder positioning at a substantial angle of 4-up-to-to-1-out angle (U to O angle) from the box back side (11b). Wherein, when the ladder with the box supported on the vertical wall, the ladder positioning at a substantial angle of 4-up-to-to-1-out angle (U to O angle) from the vertical wall (17). The ladder substantially leans at an angle recommended by a ladder regulatory agency. The ladder with the box leaned against an immobile vertical surface substantially confines the ladder from shifting sideways within the box. (EX:
A box of a size and shape such that, when box top wall is placed over (mated with) ladder top end, and ladder is footed on ground and leaned at 4-up-to-one-out against a vertical wall, box backside supports substantially flat against the vertical wall. And ladder top end positions/rests a substantial distance from vertical surface.
Front restraint (90) is a method of securing ladder top end from moving frontward away from box (4), for when ladder is moved or jarred. Front restraint forms a more complete female cavity. Front restraint can be, but is not limited to being, a bungee cord (
Further including the steps of portions of the box confining the ladder from substantially shifting sideways within the box. Such portions can be, but are not limited to being, post in hole combinations (
Further including the steps of forming the top and bottom walls of a front-to-back depth such that, the upwards projected line (
The invention is substantially a box and a ladder with male-female mating supporting them together. Box is weighted down (79) on ladder top end. The box has a substantially open front side (
(
Box to ladder top end attachment positions inside the box, which includes inside the box walls. Top end attachment often is 3-4″ back from the front/open side of a box, compared to bottom wall front portion, which contacts the lower upper portion of the ladder often zero inches back. This leans the ladder at the important substantial angle from the box. The following terminology has been added in case claims must be more descriptive: A box or ladders has proximal (next to/nearest points/centers), medial centers, distal sides, peripheral points away from centers. A box has interior wall surfaces. A box may have five sides, such sides being hollow, grid, solid, or combination thereof, and a sixth side is the open.
Footing the ladder against a vertical surface 1 meter out for every 4 meters tall is considered a substantial angle. The top end of a ladder is considered the ladder top end landing (LL on
A box is preferred light in weight because it is attached to the ladder before lifting and leaning the ladder. Having top and bottom of box extend the same distance forward allows the box to be alternately used as a step stool.
Supporting ladder top end “a substantial distance away” can be defined as wall top box being at least front-to-back deep enough to support a cylindrical gallon paint can on inside side of bottom wall. The ladder top end positions often about 2-4″ closer to the box back side than the ladder's lower upper portion. Though an A-frame platform can have a spot for a paint can, even if the platform were made deep enough to hold a gallon can, a folded A-frame has no “box substantially flat against the vertical surface”. Though the greatest advantage of the invention revolves around distancing the top of the ladder away from the vertical surface, having “box substantially flat against the vertical surface” and “at least front-to-back deep enough to support a cylindrical gallon paint can on bottom wall” is still an invention, as it still stabilizes and pads the ladder against a vertical surface, properly leans the ladder 1-to-4, provides safe storage of a paint can, AND BOX CAN BE LIFTED OFF. This fact is important to ladder regulations.
The box is supported against the vertical surface by the ladder and box together weighted (leaned) towards the vertical surface (plus weighted with the user), and the ladder is supported away from the vertical surface by the horizontal (front to back) strength of the box.
With the width of an A-frame and straight ladder having substantially similar lower upper portion widths, a box having substantially a 16″ inside width (from RHS to LHS) would substantially restrain a ladder from shifting sideways within the box. “Top end” is the end cap area of a ladder. CLAIM: A method of horizontally supporting a ladder with a box together against a substantially vertical surface, comprising the steps of: (1) Mating front-most top portion of a box with top end of a ladder (
Though steps 1-3 are generally the easiest order in which to accomplish the invention, they could be done out of order, especially with a ladder short enough to place the box on while holding a partially leaned ladder. However, step 4 is always the last step of these 4 steps. *Only the ladder is claimed leaned, for up till the box is against the vertical wall, the box may be at another angle, or straight up and down. **step 3 is the act of leaning the ladder, but ** substantiates that the angle of lean has been achieved, and that is where the ladder supports against the box and box supports against vertical surface.
DEPENDENT CLAIM “Further including the steps of: horizontally supporting top end of the ladder against upper portion of the box, horizontally supporting upper portion of back of the box against the vertical surface, and horizontally supporting lower upper portion of the ladder against bottom wall front portion of the box.” This defines that the top end of the ladder and lower upper portion of the ladder support against the box and wall at vertically distant points/lines.
CLAIM: “A method of horizontally supporting a ladder with a box against a substantially vertical surface, comprising the steps of:
vertically supporting front-most top portion of a box with a ladder at top end of the ladder, footing the ladder on substantially horizontal ground, leaning the top end at a substantial angle towards a vertical surface, then horizontally supporting the top end against the front-most top portion, horizontally supporting lower upper portions of the ladder against bottom wall front portions of the box, and supporting back side of the box horizontally and substantially flat vertically against the vertical surface.” The weight of the box is supported on the ladder top end. Supported at front-most top portion of box. AND, when ladder is leaned, the ladder top is also supported horizontally against front-most top portion. So front-most top portion provides both vertical and horizontal support components.
CLAIM: “A method of horizontally supporting a ladder with a box against a substantially vertical surface, comprising the steps of: placing top wall of a box over top end of a ladder, footing the ladder on substantially horizontal ground, and leaning the ladder top end at a substantial angle towards a vertical surface, then the top end horizontally supporting against the box, and back side of the box horizontally supporting substantially flat vertically against the vertical surface.” In most described embodiments, the box is placed over the ladder top end.
“The method of Claim A, further including the steps of:
placing and supporting front-most top portion of the top wall on the ladder top end, horizontally supporting the top end against uppermost portions of the box, and horizontally supporting lower upper portions of the ladder against bottom wall front portions of the box.” This dependent claim specifies more specific areas of support between ladder, box, and vertical surface.
This application claims priority of Provisional Application No. 60/714,446, file date: Sep. 6, 2005, application Ser. No. 11/512,959, and matter disclosed in Amend. dated Oct. 29, 2010, all by inventor Jean V. Rittmann