Patent Application
20200115961
The present disclosure relates generally to a ladder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a top cap for a multi-position ladder providing a tool or material work surface when the ladder is in stepladder mode and providing a structurally sound, stable step when the ladder is in extension mode.
Portable ladders are commonly used for a variety of applications, with several different styles being used. The two best known designs are extension ladders, which must be leaned against a vertical surface for support, and step ladders, which are free standing. For some time it has been known that constructing ladders with two sections that are slidably mounted with respect to each other enables the overall length of the extension ladder to be varied depending upon the desired use of the extension ladder. This feature is particularly useful for transporting the ladder to a desired use location. However conventional extension ladders do not have the ability to stand up without being leaned against another object. In certain circumstances it is not possible to lean the extension ladder against other objects. To overcome this shortcoming, Kummerlin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,143, pivotally attaches two extension ladders together. This ladder retained the benefits of being able to adjust the height of the ladder while adding the benefit that the ladder could remain erect without leaning against other objects. Multi-position ladders have become very popular in recent years because of their versatility, and are being used for a variety of applications by members of the construction trade, maintenance personnel, and homeowners, among others.
Many improvements have been made to the design of multi-position ladders. Simpson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,503, is directed to a multi-position ladder that is versatile, light weight, and relatively low in cost. A common element of most multi-purpose ladders is the hinge assembly, which enables the adjustability of the ladder's position while also contributing to its stability while in a working position. Hinges in multi-position ladders are designed to ensure ease of adjustment between a step-ladder position and an extension ladder position. Generally, multi-position ladders do not have a top cap or a top step coupled to the hinge mechanism. The multi-position ladders disclosed by the prior art have a hinge at the top around which the ladder can rotate to adjust between a step ladder position and an extension ladder position. Thus, there is a need in the art for a top cap capable of providing a tool tray when the multi-position ladder is in a step ladder position and a step when the multi-position ladder is in an extension position.
The present invention is directed to an improved top cap for a multi-position ladder that meets the objectives of low cost, durability, and safety. The top cap of the present invention provides a significant improvement over the prior art in terms of its ease of use, providing a rigid frame between hinges, improving the strength and durability of the hinges and the ladder. In one embodiment, the top cap includes a tool or material work surface when the ladder is in the stepladder position, and acts as a step when the ladder is in the extension ladder position.
Embodiments of the present invention may be a combination of a tool or material work surface and a step. The top cap can be manufactured of any formable durable material, such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass. Preferably, the tool or work surface can be made of plastic or other lightweight, inexpensive material while the stop portion is formed of aluminum or other heavy-duty, durable material. In alternative embodiments, the entirety of the top cap can be formed of a single material, such as plastic or aluminum.
In preferred embodiments, the stop portion may be connected to the hinges on each side of the multi-position ladder to add stiffness to the hinge and ladder and to provide a step when the ladder is in the extension position. The preferred embodiment further contemplates the tool or tool tray being attached to the step portion using rivets. The stop portion may be riveted or welded to the hinges, or may be extruded or otherwise formed as a part of the hinges.
The summary above is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
The disclosure can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure, in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof shown by way of example in the drawings will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.
Preferred embodiments for the improved top cap for a multi-position ladder are a rigid frame between the adjustable hinges of a ladder capable of operating in multiple positions, for example, in a stepladder position and an extension ladder position. Construction and operation of such multi-position ladders is well known in the art. In embodiments, the multi-position ladder presently provided generally comprises two hinges, matably attached to four rails, the rails being attached to a plurality of rungs that provide stepping surfaces, and a top cap. According to this embodiment, each hinge 106 generally includes two hinge extensions 180 and an inside surface 190. The hinges 106 may be configured to adjust the multi-position ladder between a stepladder position 100 and an extension position 200. When the multi-position ladder is positioned in a stepladder position 100, the hinge extensions 180 of each hinge 106 may generally form an angle between zero degrees and 180 degrees. When the multi-position ladder is in an extension position 200, the rails 108 are generally coplanar.
A plurality of rungs 108 may be arranged at approximately equal distances along the legs 116, coupled to the inner surfaces of legs 116 and providing generally parallel, planar surfaces. Adjustable rail brackets 120 may be positioned along the outside of legs 116, generally positioned on the opposite side of legs 116 from each rung 108 that is closest to top cap 102.
Top cap 102 generally comprises a rigid frame 154 having two ends, each end coupled to respective inside surfaces 190 of hinges 106. Top cap 102 may include a utility or tool tray 128 and a step surface 160, with both tool tray 128 and step surface 160 presenting generally planar surfaces on opposing sides of top cap 102. When the multi-position ladder is in a stepladder position 100, tool tray 128 is oriented upward to provide a generally planar surface parallel to the rungs 108. When the multi-position ladder is in an extension position, step surface 160 may generally be oriented upward, positioned to provide a generally planar surface that is parallel to the rungs 108. In operation, step surface 160 can operate as an additional rung 108 between hinges 106.
As shown in
Referring to
For example, tool tray 128 may be coupled to a skirt 132 that may provide additional useful features for top cap 102. Skirt 132 may be permanently or removably attached to tool tray 132, extending perpendicularly from main compartment 130. Skirt 132 may include a variety of features, similarly to tool tray 128. For example, apertures 136 may be positioned on skirt 132 so that the handles of tools may extend below the rigid frame 154 between hinges 106. Skirt 132 may also include a handle or hanger 138 configured to securely hold paint cans, buckets, power tools, construction materials, or other items.
Referring to
As shown in
Rigid frame 154 may comprise one or more trusses 156 extending between hinges 106, coupled to a ledger 158 and hinges 106 by rivets 152. For example, frame 154 may comprise three trusses 156. Alternate numbers of trusses 156 may extend between hinges 106, but are configured to provide a stable, rigid surface that increases the stiffness between hinges 106. In exemplary embodiments, trusses 156 are coupled to ledger 158 and hinges 106 by alternative means, such as welding, or may be extruded or otherwise formed of a single piece. Ledger 158 may be positioned an adequate distance from lock bracket 150 to permit lock bracket 150 to rotate, or to permit a user's hand to grasp lock bracket 150 and push or pull lock bracket 150 when adjusting the position of the multi-position ladder. As shown in
For example,
It should be understood that the various components disclosed in the drawings and descriptions may be substituted with equivalent components (e.g., the components can be constructed of metal, plastic, fiberglass, and other similar materials or combinations thereof) and are not to be considered limiting. For example, top cap 102 may be formed of a single material, such as plastic or aluminum. Alternatively, top cap 102 may be formed from a combination of materials. In such embodiments, for example, rigid frame 154 and step surface 160 may be formed of aluminum while tool tray 128 may be formed of a different material such as plastic. In preferred embodiments, step surface 160 may be connected to hinges 106 on each side of the multi-position ladder to add stiffness to the hinges 106 and ladder 100, 200, while providing a step when the multi-position ladder is in an extension position 200. Preferred embodiments also contemplate that tool tray 128 be attached to the step surface 160 by rivets 152, but other attachment mechanisms known in the art may also be used. For example, the entirety of top cap 102 may be formed of a single material, such that tool tray 128 and step surface 160 comprise a single, permanently coupled article. In embodiments, step surface 160 can be riveted or welded to hinges 106, but alternative embodiments comprise step surface 160 that is extruded or otherwise formed as part of hinges 106.
It should be understood that the individual steps used in the methods of the present teachings may be performed in any order and/or simultaneously, as long as the teaching remains operable. Furthermore, it should be understood that the apparatus and methods of the present teachings can include any number, or all, of the described embodiments, as long as the teaching remains operable.
Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.
Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.
Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.
Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.
For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/746,278, filed Oct. 16, 2018, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62746278 | Oct 2018 | US |
