Patent Grant
7370725
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to ladders and, more specifically, to a motorized rungless ladder having a pair of rails joined by a plurality of panels. Within each rail is an actuatable drive mechanism having drive engaging members. At least one motor powered by AC and/or DC current engages an ascending/descending means driving the platform's drive engaging members. In addition, a portable handheld control can be used from a remote location to engage and disengage platform movement. The DC battery power may be rechargeable through removal of a battery pack or connectable to a charger.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous other ladder designed for the same purpose exist in the prior art. Typical of these are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,880,920; 2,965,192; 3,196,981; 3,799,289; 4,049,081; 4,396,093; 4,427,094; 4,512,440; and 6,095,284; German Patent No. DE4233648; DE19937590; and DE19938962; U.K. Patent No. GB2204628; and Japanese Patent No. JP11036763.
An extensible stepladder comprising an extensible ladder member and an extensible prop member, said ladder member and said prop member each comprising upper and lower linearly slidably interconnected sections, a horizontal shaft rotatably supported at the upper end of one of said upper sections, the other upper section being pivotally connected at its upper end to said first upper section for swinging movement about the axis of said shaft, a jack screw rotatably journalled and axially fixed on each said upper section, intermeshing gearing on said shaft and each of said screws operative to cause rotation together of said shaft and said screws, a nut fixed on each said lower section in threaded engagement with a screw of its respective upper section to cause simultaneous relative sliding movement between the sections of said members incident to rotation of said screws, and means for rotating said shaft.
In an aerial ladder comprising an upright pedestal, a ladder-supporting framework pivotally mounted on the pedestal for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, a main ladder section pivotally mounted on and carried by the framework for rocking movement about an axis transverse to the upright axis, said main ladder section being provided with edgewise aligned spaced pulleys, a second ladder section slidably mounted on the main ladder section for telescopic movement with respect thereto, and an endless driving cable connected to the second ladder section and operatively trained around the pulleys of the main ladder section, the combination with a reversible fluid-motor drivingly connected to one of said pulleys and adapted to have a maximum torque output for high loads and a torque output which adjusts to the requirements of the load when the maximum torque is not required, of means for supplying said motor with a fluid having constant volume flow under varying pressures for driving said motor, and means for cutting off the supply of fluid to said motor when the pressure of the fluid supplied to said motor exceeds a predetermined value.
An adjustable ladder comprising an upper section and a lower section, front stiles and rear stiles on each said section, the front stiles on the upper section slidably engaging the front stiles on the lower section, the rear stiles of the upper section slidably engaging the rear stiles of the lower section, a first hydraulic ram between the upper and lower front sections, a second hydraulic ram between the upper and lower rear sections, hydraulic pump means on the ladder, valve means between the pump means and the rams, valve control means at the upper end of the front ladder section, a series of rungs between said front stiles of said upper section, a pair of lower pulleys one on each of the lower ends of said front stiles on the lower section, a pair of upper pulleys attached to the upper end of said first hydraulic ram and a flexible ladder comprising flexible side members and rigid rungs; each flexible side member being secured at both its ends to the lower end of said upper section but passing over an upper and a lower said pulley.
A self-standing, collapsible stepladder including laterally spaced side members or rails supporting therebetween a platform for movement up and down along the rails for raising and lowering a load, and having actuating means accessible to an operator on the platform.
An elevatable operator-actuated lifting device, including a lower support frame and a platform section telescopically interfitted with the support frame as to be elevatable with respect thereto. Hydraulically actuated piston and cylinder means are provided for telescoping and de-telescoping the platform section with respect to the support frame, to enable elevation and lowering of the platform section. Means moveable with the platform section, including a manually actuated hydraulic pump, enable pressurization and de-pressurization of the piston and cylinder means, to thereby enable raising and lowering of the platform section by an operator standing thereupon.
A ladder or boom extension system includes a base section, at least one movable section in telescoping arrangement with the base section, and a piston rod fixedly connected longitudinally of the base section. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is movable relative to the piston rod in response to the application of hydraulic forces on either side of a fixed piston. A crosshead including cable carrying pulleys is affixed at each end of the hydraulic cylinder whereby the cylinder and the crossheads travel as a unit for extension and retraction while tensioning in response to hydraulic forces. Extension and retraction cables interconnect between the base section and the movable section and are trained about the crosshead pulleys to pull the movable section toward or away from the base section. The crosshead pulleys tension the cables upon longitudinal movement of the cylinder to either extend or retract the movable section or sections relative to the base section as the cylinder is longitudinally urged along the piston rod.
This invention is an electrically powered movable elevator device comprised of a base mounted on wheels upon which is mounted a substantially vertical hollow support member through which a screw passes. A support nut attaches to a platform and engages the screw. An electrical control system attached to the platform allows a person standing thereon to be raised or lowered by the rotation of the screw. A reversible electric motor is belt-coupled to the screw which may be made to rotate in either direction, by the electrical control system.
A rungless motorized ladder of a type having an elongated pole with a cable attached at the top thereof. At the bottom thereof, the cable is attached to a spool which is motorized. The spool is attached to a carriage having a place for receiving a person's feet. Foot controls are provided on such carriage for permitting persons utilizing the device to move the carriage up or down on the pole with a simple movement of one foot. Likewise, when the foot control is not being utilized, an automatic braking device is provided for holding the carriage securely in a stationary position.
An elevatable stand construction 10 for physically challenged hunters which includes a ladder style main framework member 20 supported in an upwardly angled disposition, a chair style platform member 30 slidably disposed on the main framework member 20, and a mechanized unit 13 for moving the platform member 30 in an up and down fashion relative to the main framework member 20. The mechanized unit 13 may comprise a manual version 40 or a motorized version 50.
The ends of the movable rung (3) are pref. fixed to sliding carriages or carriages slidable in the uprights (1). Each endface of the rung is mounted on at least two, spaced rollers (4) slidable along respective grooves (5) in the uprights. The drive is pref. provided by an electromotor (6) with its shaft rolling up a belt (7) coupled directly or indirectly to the rung. The motor is connected to the mains or an accumulator. Arrestors are activated when the motor is off. A tool holder (8) is provided in parallel with the rung and slidable up or down. The holder can have, or provide, an electrical connection.
ADVANTAGE—Easier to set up in confined space. Saves climbing up and down and carrying tools at the same time.
The ladder fixing system includes a belt (2), which is integrated at the top of the ladder (1), for fixing the ladder at a leaning point at a wall or similar. The belt can be secured by a buckle or by a felt fastener. An integrated small electric motor (4) is set in motion, at the part of the ladder using a fixing mechanism, which consists of several arc shaped parts (5). The power supply to the motor results using accumulators (6), which are located in the lower part of the ladder. An integrated illumination (7) is provided at the top part. A plug box is fitted for the current lead installed in the ladder, and the lead is not visible from the outside.
The mobile step ladder (100) has rollers (111) at the under side, powered by a drive (110) to move the ladder (100). A portable power tool, such as a power screwdriver (300), is connected to the drive (110) for the movement, from the tool holder (130) at the head (105) of the assembly. The roller drive (110) is a braked gearing, a friction drive or a self-locking gearing.
A roof ladder frame to fit onto a tower frame, has two adjustable legs 11 and a rotatable centre bar 14 onto which two lugs 13 are mounted for fitting of a ladder. A plate (20, FIG. 2) to accommodate a hydraulic piston (19) mounted thereon by a swivel pin (22) and onto the side of the roof ladder frame. The other end of the hydraulic piston (19) is connected to the swivel bar 14 into a bottom lug 17. When the hydraulic piston is fully extended, the lugs 13 will be in an upright position and the roof ladder frame is inserted onto the tower frame. The legs 11 are adjusted so that the centre bar 14 does not foul the roof. A ladder is secured to lugs 13. By releasing bleed screw (21), the ladder descends to the apex of the roof. To return the ladder the bleed screw (21) is closed. The pump handle 23 can fully extend the hydraulic piston, which is the horizontal position for the ladder.
To improve safety by surely supporting the body by hand up to a transfer onto an upper floor at the time of ascent to the upper floor from a lower floor, and to assume a lowering posture safely on the upper floor even at the time of lowering onto the lower floor from the upper floor.
In the automatic ladder device H, a peripherally moved chain device 2 for footsteps installed in the vertical direction, a plurality of footstep bars 26 mounted in the peripherally moved direction of a chain, a peripherally moved chain device 3 for handles set up in the vertical direction in the vicinity of the peripherally moved chain device 2 for the footsteps, a plurality of the handles 36 fitted in the peripherally moved direction of the chain and a driving device 4 peripherally moving the chains of the peripherally moved chain device 2 for the footsteps and the peripherally moved chain device 3 for the handles synchronously and controlling driving and stop are installed. The upper end section of the chain of the peripherally moved chain device 3 for the handles is set at a place higher than the upper end section of the chain of the peripherally moved chain device 2 for the footsteps, and set at a place higher than the floor face of an upper floor at the time of mooting.
The present invention relates generally to ladders and, more specifically, to a motorized rungless ladder having a pair of rails joined by a plurality of panels. Within each rail is an actuatable drive mechanism having drive engaging members. At least one motor powered by AC and/or DC current engages an ascending/descending means driving the platform's drive engaging members. In addition, a portable handheld control can be used from a remote location to engage and disengage platform movement. The DC battery power may be rechargeable through removal of a battery pack or connectable to a charger.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a ladder with a motorized platform that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.
Another, secondary object of the present invention is to provide a ladder with a motorized platform that selectively ascends and descends in response to user control.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized rungless ladder wherein the motorized platform is able to support a user weighing a predetermined amount.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized rungless ladder wherein the motorized platform includes at least one of a non-slip surface and toe guard abutment.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder formed from two rails secured together by a plurality of support panels each secured at a predetermined location along the length of the rails
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder including a power source.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder wherein the power source includes at least one of an AC power cord for connection to a wall outlet, and at least one DC rechargeable battery pack, and a 12V vehicle adapter port.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder wherein the rails each include a worm gear for driving the platform along the length of the rails.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder including a control mechanism for engaging and disengaging the motor.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder wherein the rails incorporate a kill switch for disengaging the motor.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder wherein the guide rails include hand rails connected on a first edge thereof for providing support to the user.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder wherein the control means includes a portable handheld remote control for selectively engaging the motor and causing the platform to move via the worm gears along the length of the guide rails.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder wherein the rails includes at least one of a tilt sensor, a comparator, and alarm mechanism.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide motorized ladder wherein the platform has a leveling mechanism ensuring horizontal pitch prior to operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized ladder wherein the rails include electromagnets for selectively causing the platform to move along the length of the guide rails.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a motorized rungless ladder having a pair of rails spaced apart and conjoined by a plurality of panels with a movable platform located between the rails and a handrail fastened to and coextending with the rails. The material used to manufacturer the ladder can be non-conductive to eliminate “shock” potential or shorting hazards to the user. Within each rail is an actuatable drive mechanism having drive engaging members on opposing ends of said platform and a control mechanism for activating and deactivating the movable platform. At least one motor powered by AC and/or DC current engages a drive mechanism which causes the platform to be moved along the length of the guide rails. In addition, a portable handheld control can be used from a remote location to engage and disengage platform movement. The DC battery power may be rechargeable through removal of a battery pack or connectable to a charger. Furthermore, the present invention provides platform leveling mechanism to compensate for site specific ladder pitch during use. Also, the present invention includes a sensor for detecting tilt and an alarm for warning of any detected tilt outside predefined parameters.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the motorized rungless ladder used to elevate an individual. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing Figures.
The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,
In the home improvement industry it is known that certain building supply features appeal to certain customers. The present invention relates to customers who desire ladders with platforms that can be automatically elevated along vertical supports to a specific height. It is known to those in the home improvement industry that climbing up and down a ladder is cumbersome, time consuming, and tiring. The present invention aims to solve that problem by providing a motorized rungless ladder.
At least one of an AC power cord 12 and DC rechargeable battery packs 14 are mounted on an edge opposite the channel 31 of each of the first guide rail 27 and second guide rail 28. The AC power cord 12 allows the user to plug the ladder into an outlet for providing power thereto while the DC rechargeable battery packs 14 allow for the ladder to be used when power outlets are not easily accessible. Additionally, the AC power cord 12 allows for the DC rechargeable battery packs to be charged when connected to an outlet.
Additionally, hand rails 20 are attached to each of the first and second guide rails 27 and 28, respectively, on an outer edge thereof. The hand rails 20 assist the user in maintaining his balance while standing on the elevator platform 34 when the platform 34 is at least one of locked in place and moving along the length of the channels 31. Furthermore, positioned along the top edge of the second guide rail 28 is a tilt sensor 18 for selectively monitoring the position of the motorized rungless ladder 10 of the present invention. The tilt sensor 18 is able to sense whether the ladder 10 tilts beyond a predetermined point and further includes an alarm mechanism (not shown) for alerting the user that the sensor 18 has detected a more than acceptable tilt level.
Additionally, hand rails 20 are attached to each of the first and second guide rails 27 and 28, respectively, on an outer edge thereof. The hand rails 20 assist the user in maintaining his balance while standing on the elevator platform 34 when the platform 34 is at least one of locked in place and moving along the length of the channels 31. Furthermore, positioned along the top edge of the second guide rail 28 is a tilt sensor 18 for selectively monitoring the position of the motorized rungless ladder 10 of the present invention. The tilt sensor 18 is able to sense whether the ladder 10 tilts beyond a predetermined point and further includes an alarm mechanism (not shown) for alerting the user that the sensor 18 has detected a more than acceptable tilt level.
The ladder 10 of the present invention further includes a remote control device 30. The remote control device 30 is utilized to at least one of engage and disengage the drive mechanism 32. The remote control device 30 causes the worm gear motor 32 to move the elevator platform 34 along the channel 31 of the guide rails 27, 28. The remote control device 30 provides a variable speed mode that controls the speed at which the platform 34 is moved along the length of the channel 31.
The ladder 10 of the present invention further includes feet 19 connected to a bottom edge of each of the first guide rail 27 and second guide rail 28 by a pivot 21. The feet 19 are placed on a flat surface thereby supporting the ladder 10 and any user on the platform 34. The feet 19 can selectively pivot about the pivot 21 thereby allowing for more stability. The ladder 10 of the present invention also includes wall brace 17 mounted on a top edge of each of the first guide rail 27 and second guide rail 28. The wall brace 17 contacts the surface of a structure which the user seeks to climb. Preferably, the feet 19 and the brace 17 are formed from non-slip materials that are not electrically conductive thereby preventing unwanted electrical shock that might result from movement of the ladder 10 in combination with the activity of the drive mechanism 32.
Additionally, hand rails 20 are attached to each of the first and second guide rails 27 and 28, respectively, on an outer edge thereof. The hand rails 20 assist the user in maintaining his balance while standing on the elevator platform 34 when the platform 34 is at least one of locked in place and moving along the length of the channels 31. Furthermore, positioned along the top edge of the second guide rail 28 is a tilt sensor 18 for selectively monitoring the position of the motorized rungless ladder 10 of the present invention. The tilt sensor 18 is able to sense whether the ladder 10 tilts beyond a predetermined point and further includes an alarm mechanism (not shown) for alerting the user that the sensor 18 has detected a more than acceptable tilt level.
The ladder 10 of the present invention further includes a remote control device 30. The remote control device 30 is utilized to at least one of engage and disengage the drive mechanism 32. The remote control device 30 causes the worm gear motor 32 to move the elevator platform 34 along the channel 31 of the guide rails 27, 28. The remote control device 30 provides a variable speed mode that controls the speed at which the platform 34 is moved along the length of the channel 31.
The ladder 10 of the present invention further includes feet 19 connected to a bottom edge of each of the first guide rail 27 and second guide rail 28 by a pivot 21. The feet 19 are placed on a flat surface thereby supporting the ladder 10 and any user on the platform 34. The feet 19 can selectively pivot about the pivot 21 thereby allowing for more stability. The ladder 10 of the present invention also includes wall brace 17 mounted on a top edge of each of the first guide rail 27 and second guide rail 28. The wall brace 17 contacts the surface of a structure which the user seeks to climb. Preferably, the feet 19 and the brace 17 are formed from non-slip materials that are not electrically conductive thereby preventing unwanted electrical shock that might result from movement of the ladder 10 in combination with the activity of the drive mechanism 32.
The elevator platform 34 is connected within the channels 31 by a leveling device 36. The platform leveling device 36 ensures that the elevator platform 34 remains flat such that the user can easily balance on the platform 34. The elevator platform 36 is covered in a non-slip surface 38 to provide traction for the user.
The drive mechanism 32 is connected on the outer edge of each of the first guide rail 27 and second guide rail 28 and includes a motor for causing the platform 34 to move along the length of the channel 31. Upon engagement of the motor of the drive mechanism 32, the platform 34 is caused to move. The leveling device 26 causes the platform 34 to move along the length of the channel 31 while maintaining the platform at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizon thereby ensuring that the user is balanced on the platform 34 as it moves.
The platform 34 is shown in cross section and includes a toe guard abutment 44 which prevents the user's foot from extending beyond a safe distance on the platform 34. The elevator platform 34 is connected between the first and second guide rails, 27 and 28, respectively by the leveling device 36 and a first guide member 46 via a platform pivot 42 positioned within the channel 31. The leveling device 36 is further connected to a second guide member 40 positioned within the channel 31. Both the first guide member 46 and the second guide member 40 include a guide channel 45 extending vertically therethough. The worm gear 48 is received through the guide channel 45 of each of the first guide member 46 and second guide member 40.
The worm gear motor 32 is affixed to the ladder vertical support 28. The drive mechanism 32 causes the worm gear 48 to be engaged. The worm gear 48 once engaged by the worm gear motor 32 provides the movable elevator platform 34 with the means to traverse the length of the channel 31. The drive mechanism 32 causes the worm gear 48 to rotate in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. Upon rotation of the worm gear 48, the first and second guide members, 46 and 40, respectively, are caused to move in a direction towards the wall brace 17 as shown in
The platform 34 is shown in cross section and includes a toe guard abutment 44 which prevents the user's foot from extending beyond a safe distance on the platform 34. The elevator platform 34 is connected between the first and second guide rails, 27 and 28, respectively by the leveling device 36 and a first guide member 46 via a platform pivot 42 positioned within the channel 31. The leveling device 36 is further connected to a second guide member 40 positioned within the channel 31. Both the first guide member 46 and the second guide member 40 include a guide channel 45 extending vertically therethough. The worm gear 48 is received through the guide channel 45 of each of the first guide member 46 and second guide member 40.
The worm gear motor 32 is affixed to the ladder vertical support 28. The drive mechanism 32 causes the worm gear 48 to be engaged. The worm gear 48 once engaged by the worm gear motor 32 provides the movable elevator platform 34 with the means to traverse the length of the channel 31. The drive mechanism 32 causes the worm gear 48 to rotate in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. Upon rotation of the worm gear 48, the first and second guide members, 46 and 40, respectively, are caused to move in a direction towards the wall brace 17 as shown in
A plurality of electromagnets 54 are positioned along the length of the channel 31 of each of the first guide rail 27 and second guide rail 28. The first and second guide members 46 and 40, respectively, connect the platform 34 between the guide rails 27,28. However, in this embodiment, the guide members 46, 40 are also electromagnets 54. The first guide member connects the platform 34 within the channel 31 and the second guide member connects the leveling device 36 between the platform 34 and the channel 31. Also attached to the elevator platform 34 is the toe guard abutment 44.
The drive mechanism 32 controls the polarity of each electromagnet 54 thereby ensuring that the guide members 46, 40 stay at a predetermined distance from the electromagnets 54 in the channel 31. As the polarity of the magnets along the channel 31 changes, it repulses the electromagnets 54 attached to the first and second guide members, 46 and 40, respectively, and causes the elevator platform 34 to move along the length of the channel 31.
The drive mechanism 32 controls the polarity of each electromagnet 54 thereby ensuring that the guide members 46, 40 stay at a predetermined distance from the electromagnets 54 in the channel 31. As the polarity of the magnets along the channel 31 changes, it repulses the electromagnets 54 attached to the first and second guide members, 46 and 40, respectively, and causes the elevator platform 34 to move along the length of the channel 31.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of devices differing from the type described above.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
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|---|---|---|
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| 19938962 | Feb 2001 | DE |
| 2.204.628 | Nov 1988 | GB |
| 11036763 | Feb 1999 | JP |
