The present invention relates generally to ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods
Ladders are conventionally utilized to provide a user thereof with improved access to elevated locations that might otherwise be difficult to reach. Ladders come in many sizes and configurations, such as straight ladders, straight extension ladders, stepladders, and combination step and extension ladders. So-called combination ladders may incorporate, in a single ladder, many of the benefits of other ladder designs.
Additionally, various accessories are utilized with ladders to make ladders more efficient, more effective, or to otherwise enhance a user's experience in using a ladder. For example, planks or other structures are sometimes combined with two or more ladders to act as a platform or scaffolding. For example, so-called ladder jacks are often utilized in conjunction with a pair of ladders to provide a support for one or more wooden planks (e.g., 2×10 or 2×12 planks). Such a configuration enables a user to work on a platform of a defined width rather than having to move a ladder multiple times. However, breaking down or disassembling such a configuration, moving all of the components and then setting them up again can be time consuming and require considerable effort.
Another ladder accessory is one which provides storage for, and ready access to, a desired resource while one is working on a ladder. For example, it is often desirable to keep multiple tools readily accessible while on a ladder. However, ladders don't typically have much storage space for many tools or other items. Step ladders, for example, may have a limited surface on the top cap for placing a tool or other resource, but such is extremely limited in space. Extension ladders, on the other hand, typically have no space for storing tools or supplies. Thus, for example, when one is using a ladder for painting, it is desirable to keep a source of paint close by, but it is awkward to try and keep a conventional paint bucket or roller tray on a ladder.
Moreover, while the top cap of a stepladder provides a limited amount of storage space for one's tools or supplies (as mentioned above), when one uses a combination ladder, no such top cap is available for even that limited storage space.
As such, the industry is continually looking for ways to improve the experience of using a ladder and to provide ladders, ladder systems and related components and accessories that make the use of ladders more efficient and effective.
The present invention relates generally to ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided comprising at least two step ladders and a platform. The platform includes a body portion and at least two coupling mechanisms for coupling with the at least two step ladders. Each coupling mechanism includes at least one bracket fixedly coupled to the body portion and at least one other bracket movably coupled to the body portion.
In accordance with another embodiment, another system is provided including at least two step ladders and a platform having a body portion and at least two coupling mechanisms. Each coupling mechanism comprises at least one bracket fixedly coupled to the body portion, at least one other bracket movable coupled to the body portion, a lever pivotally coupled with the body portion, and a linkage member coupled between the lever and the at least one other bracket. The lever is configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position and, when in the second position, is substantially flush with a working surface of the body portion of the platform.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a storage device for use with a ladder is provided. The storage device includes a main body portion formed of a flexible fabric and having two opposing sides defining in part an opening at a top of the main body portion. Each of a pair of brackets are coupled to a different one of the two opposing sides of the main body portion. Each bracket is sized and configured to selectively engage a rung of a ladder, wherein the main body portion is configured to collapse such that two brackets are displaced towards each other when the main body portion is in a collapsed state.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a storage device for use with a multipurpose ladder lacking a top cap is provided. The storage device comprises a main body portion formed of a flexible fabric and a pair of brackets coupled with the main body portion. Each bracket is sized and configured to engage one of two adjacent rungs of opposing rail assemblies of the multipurpose ladder, wherein the main body portion is configured to collapse when the opposing rail assemblies of the ladder are folded against one another.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a ladder system is provided. The ladder system includes a ladder having a first assembly and a second assembly, the first and second assemblies being pivotally coupled with one another. A storage device has a main body portion formed of a flexible fabric and includes two opposing sides defining in part an opening at a top of the main body portion. A first side of the two opposing sides is coupled with a rung of the first assembly and wherein a second side of the two opposing sides is coupled with a rung of the second assembly.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a paint tray for use with one or more ladders is provided. The paint tray includes a body portion defining a volume for containing a liquid therein. Each of a pair of brackets is selectively coupled with the body portion in at least two positions including a first position wherein the bracket exhibits a first orientation relative to the body portion and a second position wherein the bracket exhibits a second orientation relative to the body portion, the second orientation being different than the first orientation.
In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, another paint tray for use with one or more ladders is provided. The paint tray includes a body portion and a pair of brackets. Each bracket comprises a first member coupled with the body portion and a second member selectively coupled with the first member such that, when in a first position, the first member and second member form an angle relative to one another that is greater than 90° and, when in a second position, the first member and the second member form an angle relative to one another that is less than 90°.
The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
Referring generally to
The planks 104 are selectively coupled to the ladders 102 so as to enable a plank to be positioned at a plurality of heights relative to an underlying supporting surface (e.g., the ground) as indicated by the references H1, H2 and H3 in
Referring now to
A moveable bracket 114 is moveably coupled with the body 105 of the plank 104 and is configured to move relative to the stationary bracket 112. In one embodiment, the moveable bracket 114 may be slidable relative to the body 105 of the plank 105 between two positions such as described below. An actuator 116 is coupled with the moveable bracket 112 and, in one embodiment, may include a lever 118 that is pivotally coupled with the plank 104, and a linkage member 120 coupled between the lever 118 and the moveable bracket 114.
When the lever 118 is displaced, the movement is transferred through the linkage member 120 to effect displacement of the moveable bracket 114. Thus, as shown in
Thus, to selectively couple the plank 104 to the top cap 106 of a ladder 102, the moveable bracket 114 is placed in the open position (i.e., as shown in
It is noted that the embodiment shown includes two stationary brackets 112 at each end and a single associated moveable bracket 114. The stationary brackets 112 are spaced apart across a width of the plank 104 with the moveable bracket 114 positioned generally in the center. Such a configuration provides substantial stability with the three brackets (two stationary 112 and one moveable 114) forming a triangle about either the top cap 106 or the rung 108 with which they are engaged. However, other arrangements of the stationary brackets 112 and the moveable brackets 114, including positioning and numbers of brackets, are also contemplated.
The movable bracket 114 may exhibit other configurations in accordance with other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the movable bracket 114 may be pivotally coupled with the body 105 of the plank 104 and be selectively positionable between open and closed positions for coupling with an associated ladder 102. In another embodiment, the movable bracket 114 may be displaced longitudinally (i.e., in a direction along the length of the plank 104 as described above with respect to
While not specifically shown, the sequence of engaging and coupling a plank 104 with a rung 108 of a ladder 102 is a similar sequence to that which is described above with respect to the top cap 106. The main difference, however, is that the stationary brackets 112, rather than being inserted through holes or slots, simply engage the back and underside of the rung 108. Regardless of whether the plank 104 is coupled with a top cap 106 or a rung 108 of a ladder 102, actuation of the moveable brackets (for engagement or disengagement) is simple and may be effected through single handed operation.
The actuating mechanism 110 may be configured so that, when in a closed or locked position, none of its components are obtrusive to a user of the system 100. Thus, for example, the lever 118 may be depressed or positioned in a recess of the body 105 of the plank 104 so that a user does not inadvertently trip or stumble on it when using the system 100.
The system 100 may be made of components such that the total weight of, for example, two ladders 102 and an attached plank 104, enables a user to pick up the entire system and move it at will, without disassembly or uncoupling of the plank 104 from the ladders 102. In one embodiment, such a system 100 (including two ladders 102 and a plank 104) may weigh approximately 35 pounds or less (e.g., the ladders 102 weighing approximately 10 pounds each, and the plank 104 weigh approximately 15 pounds) with the ladders 102 being approximately 32 inches tall and the plank 104 having a length (extending between the two ladders 102) of approximately 6 feet. In one embodiment, such a configuration could support, for example, 250 pounds or more.
Referring now to
Other pockets and pouches may be formed in the interior, or on the exterior, of the main portion. For example, a divider 203 is shown in
Referring to
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the body portion 304 is configured to exhibit substantial depth so that a paint roller may be disposed therein and rolled against an interior wall of the body portion 304. Inside the body portion 300, a plurality of protrusions 306 may be formed along a wall thereof to help spread or distribute paint on to paint roller as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. A handle 307 is coupled to the body portion 304 for carrying and handling of the paint tray 300.
One or more brackets 308 are coupled with the body portion 304. In one embodiment, the brackets 308 are configured to cooperatively engage corresponding slots or openings in the top cap 310 of a ladder 302. Thus, for example, the paint tray 300 may be coupled on the back side of a ladder 302, by way of the top cap 310, so that a user may stand on the ladder 302 and access the paint tray 300 over the top of the ladder 302 while painting (see
Referring to
In another embodiment, the first portion 402A of the bracket may be separate from, and removably coupled with, a portion of the main body 404. For example,
Still referring to
It is also noted that the second portion 402A of the brackets may have ribs, ridges, channels or other surface features 418 formed thereon. Such surface features 418 may be configured to engage certain components or structures of a ladder. Thus, for example, channels may be formed so as to engage a portion of a top cap or a ladder rung to enhance security and stability of the paint tray 400 when coupled with a ladder.
Referring to
While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.
This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/175,731 filed on May 5, 2009, entitled LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS, LADDER ACCESSORIES, LADDER SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61175731 | May 2009 | US |