BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing a top view of the present invention
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the front side of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is another perspective view showing the back side of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention mounted to the side rails of a ladder.
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the underside of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention mounted to the rails of a ladder and resting on a corner.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention mounted to the rails of a ladder and resting on a pole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows top view of the ladder top contemplated by the present invention. The ladder top has a top panel 10 that has a combination of holes, slots, and recessed areas that enable the ladder top to hold tools and accessories. The top panel 10 is divided into three sections: a first recessed pan 12a, a second recessed pan 12b, and a third recessed pan 12c. The first recessed pan 12a of the top panel 10 has a rim 11 extending therearound and a slot 13 for holding tools and accessories. The first recessed pan 12 has a plurality of holds. Two smaller holes 14a and two larger holes 14b are aligned in series along the rim 11 of the first recessed pan 12a near the edge of the top panel 10. A large hole 14c with a raised lip 14e is positioned inwardly from the two smaller holes 14a and two larger holes 14b. A small hole 14d is positioned in the corner of the first recessed pan 12a near the second recessed pan 12b. The second recessed pan 12b of the top panel 10 is formed adjacent to the first recessed pan 12a and is positioned centrally of the top panel 10. The second recessed pan 12b also has a rim 11 extending therearound. A V-shaped indentation 18 extends into this second recessed pan 12b from the front side 16 of the ladder top. Two small holes 14d are positioned in the corners of the second recessed pan 12b opposing the V-shaped indentation 18 from the front side 16. The third recessed pan 12c is formed adjacent the second recessed pan 12b on a side of the top panel 10 opposite the first recessed pan 12a. The third recessed pan 12c has a rim 11 extending therearound and a slot 15 generally adjacent to the front side wall 16 for holding tools and accessories.
Referring to FIG. 2, the ladder top of the present invention has a front side 16 having a first portion 24 and a second portion 25 extending in generally coplanar relation on respective opposite sides of the V-shaped indentation 18. The front side 16 has ribs 21 extending transversely thereto in generally parallel spaced relation to each other. A first side wall 20 extends perpendicular between the front side 16 and the back 22 of the ladder top. First side wall 20 has a portion 23 near the back 22 that extends downwardly further than the rest of the first side wall 20.
Referring to FIG. 3, the ladder top of the present invention has a back side 30 and a second side wall 32. The back side 30 extends downwardly from the top panel 10 for a distance greater than the distance that the front side 16 extends downwardly from the top panel 10. The back side 30 has a space 31 suitable for display of indicia thereon such as advertising, marketing, and safety information. The second side wall 32 extends perpendicular between the front side 16 and the back side 30 of the ladder top. The second side wall 32 has a portion 33 adjacent the back side 30 that extends downwardly further than the rest of the second side wall 32. The back side 30 also tapers outwardly at an angle greater than ninety degrees with respect to the top panel 10.
FIG. 4 shows the ladder top of the present invention mounted to the upper end of a first side rail 40 and to the upper end of a second side rail 41 of a ladder. The ladder has rungs 42 extending between the first side rail 40 and second side rail 41.
FIG. 5 shows the underside 52 of the ladder top of the present invention. Interior portions 50 near the side walls 20 and 32 of the ladder top are suitable for receiving the upper ends of the side rails 40 and 41 of the ladder therein. A plurality of criss-crossing ribs 51 are formed on the underside 52 so as to enhance the structural integrity of the ladder top.
FIG. 6 shows the ladder top of the present invention mounted to the side rails 40 and 41 of a ladder. The ladder top is resting against a corner 60 of a building. In particular it can be seen that the V-shaped indentation of the top panel receives the corner 60. The ribs 21 on the front side 16 create a gripping force against this corner 60 in order to enhance the capacity of the ladder top to retain itself against the corner 60. Because the ladder top is flexible, the front side will tend to “mold” itself around the corner 60 so as to enhance the security and safety of the ladder when it is in such a position.
FIG. 7 shows the ladder top of the present invention mounted to the side rails 40 and 41 of a ladder. The ladder top is resting against a round pole 70. In particular it can be seen that the V-shaped indentation of the top panel receives the pole 70. The ribs 21 on the front side 16 create a gripping force against this pole 70 in order to enhance the capacity of the ladder top to retain itself against the pole 70. Because the ladder top is flexible, the front side will tend to “mold” itself around the pole 70 so as to enhance the security and safety of the ladder when it is in such a position.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.