(12) United States Patent
`MOSS et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,163,455 B2
`Oct. 20, 2015
`
`USOO91 63455B2
`
`(54) LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS AND
`RELATED METHODS
`
`(56)
`
`(75) Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Mapleton, UT (US);
`RVan Crawford, Spanish Fork, UT
`y
`, Sp
`s
`(US); Keith Emmel, Orem, UT (US)
`(73) Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc., Springville, UT
`(US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`N
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`600,196 A
`607,808 A
`
`3/1898 Duryea.
`7, 1898 Tiefel
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`of:
`
`k 1628.
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/480,897
`(22) Filed:
`May 25, 2012
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2012/0228061 A1
`Sep. 13, 2012
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 12/399,815, filed on
`Mar. 6, 2009, now Pat. No. 8,186,481.
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/068,656, filed on Mar.
`7, 2008.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`E06C 700
`E06C I/8
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC. E06C I/18 (2013.01); E06C I/22 (2013.01);
`E06C 704 (2013.01); E06C 7/14 (2013.01);
`E06C 7/50 (2013.01); Y10T 16/522 (2015.01);
`Y10T 29/49826 (2015.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC .......... 182/129, 165, 180.1, 175, 25, 21, 176:
`248/210, 238, 309.1; 292/204
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`International Search Report dated Oct. 27, 2009 for International
`Application No. PCT/US2009/036402 (3 pages).
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Daniel Cahn
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Holland & Hart, LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Ladders, ladder components and related methods are pro
`vided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are pro
`vided which include locking mechanisms that enable height
`adjustment of the ladder through application of a force
`towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments,
`spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located
`and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder
`while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient col
`lapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching
`ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is
`provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a
`Support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may
`be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions
`including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge
`assembly is provided having a magnetic component config
`ured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily storean
`object on the ladder.
`7 Claims, 23 Drawing Sheets
`
`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 1 of 31
`
`

`

`US 9,163,455 B2
`Page 2
`
`(51) Int. C.
`E. ze
`E06C 7/50
`E06C I/22
`
`3.08:
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(56)
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`KR
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`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Supplementary European Search Report for corresponding European
`Patent Application No. 09718143, mailed Jul. 15, 2014.
`Search Report for corresponding Chinese Patent Application No.
`201310495421.1, issued Jan. 22, 2015.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 2 of 31
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 1 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 3 of 31
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 2 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 4 of 31
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 3 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 5 of 31
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 4 of 23
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`
`
`FIG 4
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 6 of 31
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 5 of 23
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`
`
`FIG. 5
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 7 of 31
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 6 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 7 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`
`
`N wa
`
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`SS
`RSFSe
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`
`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 9 of 31
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 9,163,455 B2
`US 9,163,455 B2
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`
`
`
`
`FIG 8A
`FIG. 8A
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 10 of 31
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`US. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 9 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`FIG. 83
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`Tricam — Exhib 111111
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`US. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 10 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`FIG. 9A
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`FIG. QB
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 14 of 23
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 15 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`"Sex
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`g
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
`Page 17 of 31
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`F.G. 14
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 18 of 23
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`N
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`N
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`US. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 19 of 23
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`US. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`Sheet 20 of 23
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`US 9,163,455 B2
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`FIG. 18
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 20, 2015
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`

`1.
`LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS AND
`RELATED METHODS
`
`US 9,163,455 B2
`
`2
`Additionally, the structural stability of ladders is always an
`area for improvement. For example, in stepladders, a hinged
`or collapsing spreader conventionally extends between
`opposing rails on each lateral side of the ladder. Little else is
`used to maintain the opposing ladder rails in a desired rela
`tionship or to otherwise reduce or minimize “ladder walk’ as
`will be recognized by most users of ladders.
`Considering the desire within the industry to continually
`improve the safety, functionality and efficiency of ladders, the
`present includes a number of embodiments that provide
`enhanced ease of use, stability and safety in the use of ladders.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Ladders, ladder components and related methods are pro
`vided in accordance with various embodiments of the present
`invention. In one embodiment, a ladder includes a first assem
`bly having a pair of inner rails and a pair of outer rails. The
`pair of inner rails is slidably coupled with the pair of outer
`rails. At least one locking mechanism is coupled to an outer
`rail, the locking mechanism including a lever and an engage
`ment pin coupled therewith. The lever is located and config
`ured to pivot relative to the outer rail Such that, upon appli
`cation of a force to a portion of the lever in a first direction
`towards the outer rail, the engagement pin is retracted in a
`direction that is different from the first direction. In one
`embodiment, the engagement pin is pivotally coupled with
`the lever.
`In another embodiment, a ladder is provided that includes
`a first rail assembly, including at least one pair of rails and a
`plurality of rungs coupled therewith, and a second rail assem
`bly including at least one pair of rails. A top cap is coupled to
`the first rail assembly and the second rail assembly and a
`device is configured to be selectively coupled to the top cap in
`at least two different positions. The device includes a rail and
`a tray movably coupled to the rail. The ladder may further
`include at least one bracket coupled to the second rail assem
`bly and configured for cooperatively coupling with the device
`to place the device in a stowed State.
`In another embodiment a ladder includes a first rail assem
`bly including at least one pair of rails and a plurality of rungs
`coupled therewith and a second rail assembly including at
`least one pair of rails. A spreader mechanism is disposed
`between, and coupled with, the first rail assembly and the
`second rail assembly. The spreader mechanism includes cross
`bracing configured to be selectively positioned between a
`deployed State and a hingedly collapsed State. At least one
`handle is coupled with the cross bracing. In one embodiment,
`the at least one handle is oriented and configured to extend in
`a direction that is Substantially orthogonal to a direction in
`which the plurality of rungs each extend.
`In accordance with yet another embodiment, a ladder
`includes a first rail assembly including at least one pair of rails
`and a plurality of rungs coupled therewith and a second rail
`assembly including a first pair of rails and a second pair of
`rails slidably coupled with the first pair of rails. A locking
`mechanism is configured to selectively engage the first pair of
`rails and the second pair of rails of the second rail assembly to
`lock the first pair of rails relative to the second pair of rails.
`The locking mechanism includes a pivoting structure dis
`posed between the first pair of rails of the second rail assem
`bly, a handle coupled with the pivoting structure and a pair of
`pins selectively displaceable and configured to engage
`aligned openings in respective inner and outer rails of the
`second rail assembly. The locking mechanism may further be
`associated with a cross-brace, wherein the handle is selec
`tively positionable between a first position and a second posi
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 12/399,815, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,481
`entitled LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS AND
`RELATED METHODS, filed Mar. 6, 2009, which claims the
`10
`benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/068,656
`entitled LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS AND
`RELATED METHODS, filed Mar. 7, 2008, the disclosures of
`which are each incorporated by reference herein in their
`entireties.
`
`15
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates generally to ladders, ladder
`systems, ladder components and related methods and, more
`specifically, to adjustable rail configurations, rail structures,
`locking mechanisms, trays and platform configurations,
`hinge configurations and related methods of manufacturing
`and operating the same.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Ladders are conventionally used to provide a user thereof
`with improved access to locations that might otherwise be
`inaccessible. Ladders come in many shapes and sizes, such as
`straight ladders, Straight extension ladders, Stepladders, and
`combination step and extension ladders. So-called combina
`tion ladders incorporate, in a single ladder, many of the ben
`efits of other ladder designs.
`Ladders are common tools for professional tradesman and
`homeowners alike. Sometimes the use of a ladder can be an
`awkward experience, even for those who use ladders on a
`regular basis, when certain tasks are to be performed while
`standing on a ladder. For example, it can be easy to lose one's
`balance on a ladder while working on an overhead project
`(e.g., painting a ceiling, changing a lightbulb, etc.) Moreover,
`when one needs to utilize tools or access other resources (e.g.,
`hardware, paint, etc.) while working on a ladder, temporary
`storage of Such tools or other items is often problematic.
`Often, the user of a ladder may have to make many trips up
`and down the ladder to exchange tools or other equipment
`during the performance of a particular job making the use of
`the ladder less efficient than it could be.
`Additionally, operation of some ladders is not always
`simple, efficient or safe. For example, in collapsing the
`spreaders of an A-frame type stepladder can result in the
`pinching of ones fingers or hands. Similarly, when ladders are
`adjustable in height or adjustable from one configuration to
`another, the associated actuation mechanism used to effect
`the adjustments may result in pinched hands or fingers or, in
`many cases, just difficulty in efficiently effecting the actua
`tion at all.
`For example, in some ladders, such as combination lad
`ders, the height of the ladder may be adjusted by actuating
`locking members (sometimes referred to as “lock tabs') on
`the sides of the ladder. The action of actuating Such locking
`members usually requires a lateral displacement of the lock
`ing members outward, or away from, the side rails of the
`ladders. Such an action can be awkward and difficult for some
`people to perform. In many cases, such as when Smaller users
`are trying to adjust the height of the ladder, significant effort
`may be required.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`Tricam - Exhibit 1018
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`

`

`US 9,163,455 B2
`
`3
`tion, the handle having a shoulder portion that abuts an under
`surface of the cross-brace when in the first position.
`Additionally, at least one pin ma be associated with the
`handle, wherein the at least one pin is sized, located and
`configured to engage an opening in the underSurface of the
`cross-brace when the handle is in the first position.
`In accordance with another embodiment of the present
`invention, a hinge assembly is provided. The hinge assembly
`includes a first hinge component and a second hinge compo
`nent pivotally coupled with one another. A mechanism is
`configured to selectively lock and disengage the first hinge
`component relative to the second hinge component. A magnet
`is associated with the mechanism, wherein the magnet is
`located and configured to exerta Sufficient magnetic force on
`a specified object such that the object is held against the
`mechanism without aid of additional structure.
`In accordance with another embodiment of the present
`invention, a method of adjusting a ladder is provided, wherein
`the ladder has an assembly with inner rails slidably coupled
`with outer rails. The method includes locking an inner rail
`relative to an associate outer rail by engaging aligned aper
`tures in the inner and outer rails with an engagement pin,
`coupling a lever to the engagement pin, and applying a force
`to the lever in a direction of the outer rail and displacing the
`engagement pin in Substantially opposite direction.
`In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
`invention, a method of temporarily storing an object on a
`ladder is provided. The method includes magnetically cou
`pling the object with a portion of the ladder such that the
`object is maintained in a Substantially constant position rela
`tive to the ladder without the aid of additional structure being
`the force of the magnetic coupling.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4
`FIG. 12 shows a side view of the ladder shown in FIG. 1
`including an enlarged view of a component or mechanism in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIGS. 13A and 13B show a front view of the ladder shown
`in FIG. 1 including the component or mechanism shown in
`FIG. 12 in first and a second states or positions, respectively,
`and FIGS. 13C and 13D schematically show the component
`or mechanism in its first and second states, corresponding
`with the states shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively;
`FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly view of the component or
`mechanism shown in FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B in accordance
`with an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 15 is an enlarged view from the rear of the ladder
`shown in FIG. 1 showing another component or mechanism
`in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 16 shows operational aspects of the component or
`mechanism shown in FIG. 15:
`FIG. 17 is a perspective view, from below, of the compo
`nent or mechanism shown in FIG. 15:
`FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views of ladder in accor
`dance with another embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 20 is a hinge assembly that may be used with a ladder
`in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
`and
`FIG. 21 is perspective view of a hinge assembly in accor
`dance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a ladder 100 is shown in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
`ladder 100 is shown as a stepladder and includes a first assem
`bly 102 including inner rails 101 having a plurality of rungs
`103 extending between, and coupled to, the inner rails 101.
`The first assembly 102 further includes outer rails 105 con
`nected by a plurality of rungs 107. The inner and outer rails
`101 and 105 are slidably connected to each other such that
`they may be extended or retracted to exhibit different heights.
`One such assembly is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,210.224 to
`Kummerlin, the disclosure of which is incorporated by refer
`ence herein in its entirety. The first assembly 102 further
`includes a locking mechanism 104 coupled with the outer
`rails 105 and configured to engage or release the inner rails
`101 from the outer rails 105 so that they may be selectively
`displaced relative to one another and effect different ladder
`heights. The locking mechanism 104 will be discussed in
`further detail hereinbelow.
`The ladder 100 further includes a second assembly 106
`which may also include inner rails 109 and outer rails 111
`slidingly coupled to one another. In the embodiment shown,
`the second assembly 106 includes cross bracing to stiffen the
`second assembly 106 and provide desired structural rigidity.
`However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the
`second assembly 106 does not include rungs for a user to
`climb on. Such a configuration is conventional for many
`stepladder configurations. However, it is noted that in other
`embodiments, the second assembly 106 may include rungs
`and may be configured, for example, similar to the first
`assembly 102.
`Another locking mechanism 108 may be used to selec
`tively lock and release the inner rails 109 relative to the outer
`rails 111 of the second assembly 106. The locking mechanism
`108 will be described in further detail below.
`The first and second assemblies 102 and 106 may each be
`coupled to a top cap 110. One of the first and second assem
`blies 102 and 106 (or both) may be configured to pivot relative
`to the top cap 110 such that the assemblies 102 and 106 may
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`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:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ladder in accordance with
`an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is side perspective view of the ladder shown in FIG.
`1 with a component shown in a first position or state;
`FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the ladder shown in
`FIG. 1 with a component shown in a second position or state;
`FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the ladder shown in
`FIG. 1 with a component shown in a third position or state;
`FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the ladder shown
`in FIG. 1 with a component in a stored state;
`FIGS. 6A-6E are various views of a component of the
`ladder shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of
`the present invention;
`FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective and front views, respec
`tively, of a subcomponent of the component shown in FIGS.
`6A-6E:
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`FIGS. 8A and 8B are front and rear views, respectively, of
`the component shown in FIGS. 6A-6E:
`FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective and top views, respec
`tively, of a top cap assembly that may be used with a ladder in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 10 is a perspective, exploded view of a mechanism of
`the laddershown in FIG.1 inaccordance with an embodiment
`of the present invention;
`FIG. 11 is an enlarged, side perspective view of the ladder
`shown in FIG. 1, showing portions of the mechanism shown
`in FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention;
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`be displaced toward each other for compact storage and as
`will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The
`top cap 110 may include a number of features to enhance the
`efficiency and usability of the ladder 100 as will be described
`in further detail hereinbelow.
`The ladder 100 further includes a spreader mechanism 112
`coupled between the first and second assemblies 102 and 106
`which extends therebetween to provide desired structural sta
`bility to the ladder 100 when in use, while also being config
`ured to fold, Such as by pivots orhinges, enabling the first and
`second assemblies 102 and 106 to collapse toward one
`another (with at least one of the assemblies 102 and 106
`pivoting relative to the top cap 110) to place the ladder 100 in
`a stored state. Further details of the spreader mechanism 112
`will be described hereinbelow.
`The ladder 100 additionally includes a component 114 or
`mechanism that is releasably attached thereto and which pro
`vides multiple functions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2
`and 3, the component 114 may be selectively installed or
`coupled with the ladder 100 (e.g., coupled with the top cap
`110 of the ladder) such that a rail 116 may extend upward
`from the top cap 110, at an angle that is generally acute
`relative to a horizontal line (with the ladder in an orientation
`of intended use), and provide Support to a user, whereina user
`may grasp or lean on the rail 116 to brace themselves or help
`Support them when working at elevated heights on the ladder
`100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rail 116
`is shown as extending in a plane that is Substantially parallel
`with a plane defined by the outer rails 103 of the first assembly
`102, although it may be configured to extend at other angles
`if desired. Additionally, the component 114 may include a
`tray118 or platform that may be selectively positioned, such
`as shown in FIG. 3, to hold tools, hardware, paint or other
`items in a convenient and organized manner as shall be dis
`cussed in further detail herein.
`The component 114 may be selectively coupled with the
`ladder 100 in other positions. For example, as shown in FIG.
`4, the component may extend Substantially horizontally or
`laterally from the top cap 110 (with the ladder in an orienta
`tion of intended use) so that the tray 118 may be selectively
`positioned to hold various items, but at a different elevation as
`compared to the configuration that is shown in FIG. 3.
`As seen in FIG. 5, the component 114 may be removed
`from the upper portion of the ladder and then stored, such as
`with one or more brackets 120 coupled to, for example, inner
`45
`or outer rails of the second assembly 106. Thus, the compo
`nent 114 may be selectively deployed in a number of usable
`configurations or in a stowed configuration depending on the
`specific needs of the user at a given time.
`FIGS. 6A-6D show various views of the component 114 in
`a deployed configuration, Such as the configuration shown in
`FIG.3 with the rail 116 extending upward from the ladder and
`the tray 118 being positioned relative to rail 116 to extend
`laterally, or substantially horizontally, therefrom. In other
`embodiments, the tray may be positioned to extend Substan
`tially parallel to, or lie within, a plane defined by the rail 116.
`As seen more clearly in FIG. 6E, the component 114 may
`include one or more locking mechanisms 121 configured to
`selectively lock the component 114 in place relative to a
`portion of the ladder 100. The locking mechanism 121 may
`include, for example, an engaging pin 122 or other structure
`that is selectively displaceable by a user of the ladder and
`configured to engage mating openings or apertures in various
`portions of the ladder 100 (e.g., the top cap).
`FIGS. 7A and 7B are rear perspective and front views of the
`tray 118 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention. Additionally, FIGS. 8A and 8B show front and rear
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`views of the component 114 with the tray 118 being posi
`tioned to lie substantially in plane with the rail 116. The tray
`118 may include a plurality of openings 124 for holding
`various tools or other equipment. For example, Some of Such
`openings 124 may be sized to pass a portion of a screwdriver
`therethrough while holdingaportion of the screwdriver above
`the tray 118 providing ready access to the tool for a user. The
`openings 124 may be variously sized to accept and Support
`different types of tools (e.g., hammers, pliers, etc.). A rela
`tively large opening may be formed in a portion of the tray
`118 to accommodate temporary storage or holding of for
`example, a power tool such as a drill. In the embodiment
`shown, a cap 126 is placed over the larger opening, and a
`recess is formed thereabout, to accommodate, for example,
`the holding of a paint can. Other recesses 128 may be formed
`in the tray 118 to temporarily hold or store other loose items
`(e.g., Screws, nails, various tools, etc.). Magnets 130 may be
`disposed beneath or adjacent Such recesses to provide further
`securement of such loose items. The tray 118 may further
`include slotted apertures, for example adjacent the peripheral
`edges of the tray118, to hold various items such as the end of
`an extension cord or the end of a lanyard coupled to a tool or
`other item.
`Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a top cap 110 may be
`configured to include various features similar to that of the
`tray 118. For example, various openings, recesses, slotted
`apertures, or combinations thereof, may be formed in the top
`cap 110. Thus, the top cap 110 and the tray 118 may provide
`a substantial amount oftemporary storage for tools, hardware
`and other equipment Such that the user need not make numer
`ous trips up and down the ladder to exchange tools or other
`equipment while performing a given task.
`Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a spreader mechanism 112 is
`shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention. The spreader mechanism 112 includes two outer
`structures 140A and 140B that are configured to hingedly
`transition between a collapsed or folded state (not shown) and
`an extended or deployed state (such as shown in FIGS. 10 and
`11) as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
`The spreader mechanism 112 further includes two inner
`structures 142A and 142B that are similarly configured to
`transition between a collapsed or folder state and an extended
`or deployed state. The inner structures 142A and 142B are
`coupled to one another and are coupled to corresponding
`outer structures 140A and 140B such that all of the structures
`extend and collapse as a unit. In other words, the inner struc
`tures 142A and 142B fold in a manner similar to the outer
`structures 140A and 140B. Inner structures 142A and 142B of
`the spreader mechanism 112, when in an extended or
`deployed State, act as cross-braces for the spreader mecha
`nism 112 providing added support and stability to the ladder
`100 as compared to conventional spreaders used in a steplad
`der.
`A handle 144 is coupled to the inner structures 142A and
`142B of the spreader mechanism 112 without curtailing the
`folding nature of the inner structures 142A and 142B. In the
`embodiment shown, the handle 144 is oriented to extend in a
`direction substantially orthogonally to the direction in which
`the rungs of the ladder 100 extend (see also FIGS. 1-4). Such
`a configuration enables a user of the ladder 100 to collapse the
`spreader mechanism 112 by, for example, reaching between
`the rails of the first assembly 102, and between rungs of the
`first assembly 102, and pulling on the handle 144 in a direc
`tion that is generally upwards and towards the user when the
`ladder 100 is in an intended in-use orientation. Such a con
`figuration enables collapsing of the ladder 100 by a user
`without the need to reach around, or walk around, the side of
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`the ladder 100 to displace the spreaders. Additionally, the use
`of the handle 144 helps to prevent the possibility of a user
`pinching their hands or fingers in the hinge of a spreader or
`spreader mechanism.
`Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B and 14, a locking
`mechanism 104 is shown. FIG. 12 shows a side view of a
`ladder 100 including the locking mechanism 104. FIGS. 13A
`and 13B show front views of a ladder 100 including the
`locking mechanism 104 in a first position or state (FIG. 13A)
`and a second position or state (FIG. 13B). FIG. 14 is an
`exploded assembly view of the locking mechanism 104
`according to one embodiment of the present invention.
`The locking mechanism 104 includes an engagement pin
`150 that selectively engages, for example, apertures formed
`in the inner and outer rails 101 and 105 of the first assembly
`102 when Such apertures are aligned. The locking mechanism
`104 includes a lever 152 pivotally coupled with the pin 150.
`The lever 152 is configured to pivot or “rock” relative to the
`outer rails 105 of the first assembly 102 between the first and
`second positions or states. When the locking mechanism 104
`is in the first state (as shown in FIG. 13A), the pin 150 is
`engaged with, or passes through, aligned apertures of the
`inner and outer rails 101 and 105 preventing the inner rails
`101 from being slidingly displaced relative to the outer rails
`105.
`Whenauser desires to displace the inner and outer rails 101
`and 105 of the first assembly 102 relative to each other, the
`user may, for example, grasp the lower portion of the lever
`152 in their palm, grab a portion of the inner and outer rails
`101 and 105 with their fingers, and squeeze so as to displace
`the lower portion of the l