THE
`
`NATIONAL MAN
`
`T
`
`US009784033B2
`
`TALK
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Moss et al .
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
`* Oct . 10 , 2017
`
`( 72 )
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 54 ) LADDERS , LADDER COMPONENTS AND
`RELATED METHODS
`( 71 ) Applicant : Wing Enterprises , Incorporated ,
`Springville , UT ( US )
`Inventors : N . Ryan Moss , Mapleton , UT ( US ) ;
`Ryan Crawford , Spanish Fork , UT
`( US ) ; Keith Emmel , Orem , UT ( US )
`Wing Enterprises , Incorporated ,
`Springville , UT ( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 43 days .
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis
`claimer .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 14 / 886 , 566
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Oct . 19 , 2015
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2016 / 0138335 A1 May 19 , 2016
`Related U . S . Application Data
`Continuation of application No . 13 / 480 , 897 , filed on
`May 25 , 2012 , now Pat . No . 9 , 163 , 455 , which is a
`( Continued )
`
`( 63 )
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( Continued )
`
`@ ( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`
`E06C 1 / 30
`E06C 7 / 06
`( 52 ) U . S . CI .
`CPC
`E06C 1 / 18 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E06C 1 / 22
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; E06C 7 / 04 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E06C 7 / 14
`( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`( Continued )
`( 58 )
`Field of Classification Search
`and
`ar
`CPC . . . F16B 7 / 105 ; E06C 7 / 00 ; E06C 7 / 04 ; E06C
`7 / 50 ; E06C 1 / 22 ; E06C 1 / 30 ; E06C 1 / 12 ;
`( Continued )
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3 / 1898 Duryea
`600 , 196 A
`607 , 808 A
`7 / 1898 Tiefel
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2081878 U
`7 / 1991
`2674056 Y
`1 / 2005
`( Continued )
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Supplementary European Search Report for correspoindng Euro
`pean Patent Application No . 09718143 , mailed Jul . 7 , 2014 .
`( Continued )
`
`CN
`CN
`
`Primary Examiner — Daniel Cahn
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Holland & Hart
`
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`Ladders , ladder components and related methods are pro
`vided . In some embodiments , adjustable stepladders are
`provided 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 effi
`cient collapsing 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 mag
`netic component configured to be magnetically coupled with
`and temporarily store an object on the ladder .
`
`9 Claims , 23 Drawing Sheets
`
`116
`
`118
`
`114
`
`BEER
`
`121R
`
`110
`
`104
`
`102
`
`112
`- 109
`
`111
`
`105
`
`Tricam - Exhibit 1024
`Page 1 of 31
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`

`

`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
`Page 2
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`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 .
`
`. . . . . . . . . . .
`
`E06C 7 / 182
`182 / 106
`
`E06C 1 / 22
`182 / 166
`
`E04G 1 / 15
`182 / 223
`
`. . . . . . . . . .
`
`E04G 1 / 24
`182 / 141
`
`CN
`DE
`EP
`GB
`JP
`JP
`KR
`NL
`WO
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Search Report for corresponding Chinese Patent Application No .
`201310495421 . 1 , issued Jan . 22 , 2015 .
`International Search Report dated Oct . 27 , 2009 for International
`Application No . PCT / US2009 / 036402 .
`Extended European Search Report for corresponding European
`Patent Application No . 16155292 . 2 , mailed Apr . 29 , 2016 .
`* cited by examiner
`
`7 / 2003 Devine
`6 , 587 , 022 B1
`8 / 2003 Warren
`6 , 607 , 053 B1 *
`9 / 2003 Winnard
`6 , 614 , 337 B1
`6 , 637 , 548 B2 10 / 2003 Pass
`6 , 698 , 550 B2 *
`3 / 2004 Crain
`6 , 698 , 699 B1
`3 / 2004 Bailey
`6 , 874 , 598 B1
`4 / 2005 Baker
`6 , 986 , 405 B2
`1 / 2006 Meeker
`6 , 997 , 282 B1
`2 / 2006 Sharp et al .
`7 , 000 , 732 B1
`2 / 2006 Briggs Jr .
`7 , 032 , 711 B1
`4 / 2006 Katz
`7 , 114 , 592 B1 10 / 2006 Gibson et al .
`7 , 128 , 187 B2 10 / 2006 Simpson
`7 , 310 , 035 B2 12 / 2007 Wooten
`D576 , 290 S
`9 / 2008 Meyers et al .
`7 , 849 , 967 B2 12 / 2010 Gibson et al .
`7 , 931 , 123 B2
`4 / 2011 Moldthan et al .
`8 , 042 , 653 B2 *
`10 / 2011 Grebinoski
`8 , 186 , 481 B2 . 5 / 2012 Moss et al .
`2002 / 0084143 AL
`7 / 2002 Roy
`2004 / 0200669 Al 10 / 2004 Saccente et al .
`2004 / 0238278 Al 12 / 2004 Gibson
`2005 / 0121261 AL 6 / 2005 Moss
`2005 / 0186023 A1 *
`8 / 2005 Lee
`F16B 7 / 105
`403 / 109 . 3
`2006 / 0006024 A11 / 2006 Till
`2006 / 0124397 A1 *
`6 / 2006 Vosbein - Jensen . . . . . . . E06C 1 / 20
`182 / 165
`2006 / 0169539 A1 *
`8 / 2006 Grebinoski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E04G 1 / 15
`182 / 223
`2006 / 0249331 AL 11 / 2006 Meeker
`2007 / 0120028 A1 5 / 2007 Kane
`2007 / 0181368 AL
`8 / 2007 Simpson
`2007 / 0181369 AL
`8 / 2007 Gibson
`2009 / 0078503 A1 *
`3 / 2009 Eriksson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E06C 1 / 125
`182 / 18
`2009 / 0283361 A1 11 / 2009 Gibson et al .
`2010 / 0282540 Al 11 / 2010 Moss et al .
`2011 / 0011678 A1 *
`1 / 2011 Sheffield . . . . .
`2011 / 0127110 A1
`6 / 2011 Trang
`E06C 1 / 22
`2012 / 0211305 A1 *
`8 / 2012 Moss .
`182 / 106
`2015 / 0267468 A1 *
`9 / 2015 Moss
`E06C 1 / 12
`182 / 209
`B25G 1 / 04
`2016 / 0023347 A1 *
`1 / 2016 Ho . . . . . . . . . . . .
`16 / 429
`F16B 7 / 105
`2017 / 0058930 A1 *
`3 / 2017 Liu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`. . . . .
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`101050687 A
`10 / 2007
`4403001 A1
`8 / 1994
`2169175 A1
`3 / 2010
`2305956 A1
`4 / 1997
`4 / 1998
`10 - 088949
`2000054616 A
`2 / 2000
`20 - 0412244
`3 / 2006
`6 / 1977
`7614042 A
`9902915 A1
`1 / 1999
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 58 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`*
`
`*
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`
`( 51 ) Int . Cl .
`E06C 7 / 50
`E06C 1 / 18
`E06C 7 / 04
`F16B 7 / 10
`E06C 7 / 14
`E06C 1 / 22
`E06C 7 / 16
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E06C 7 / 16 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E06C7 / 50
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; F16B 7 / 105 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; Y1OT
`16 / 522 ( 2015 . 01 ) ; Y1OT 29 / 49826 ( 2015 . 01 )
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . E04G 25 / 04 ; E04G 2025 / 045 ; E04G 25 / 061 ;
`E04G 25 / 06
`USPC
`. . . . 403 / 109 . 3
`See application file for complete search history .
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`*
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`
`E06C 1 / 32
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`E06C 1 / 125
`182 / 195
`
`E06C 1 / 12
`182 / 163
`
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`atent
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`Oct . 10 , 2017
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`Sheet lof 23
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`US 9 . 784 . 033 B2
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`6?
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`- - - - - -
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`
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`
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`
`107 .
`
`03
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`105
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`FIG . 1
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`Oct . 10 , 2017
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`Sheet 2 of 23
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`- 116
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`118 118
`1148
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`FIG . 2
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`116
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`FIG . 3
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`110
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`FIG . 4
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`Sheet 6 of 23
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`_ US 9 , 784 . 033 B2
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`FIG . 94
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`110
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`FIO . 9B
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`140B
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`DS 142B
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`FIG . 10
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`144
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`I TOO _
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`140B
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`142B
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`FIG . 11
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`FIG . 12
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`102
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`FIG . 13A
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`109
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`FIG . 15
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`106 , 109 , 111
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`162A
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`178
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`174
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`FIG . 17
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`160
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`202
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`201 AAA LALAL
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`204
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`203
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`FIG . 18
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`200
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`his
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`203
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`203
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`– 204
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`201
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`FIG . 19
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`226
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`222B - 222AH
`222A
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`FIG . 20
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`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
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`220
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`FIG . 21
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`5
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`20 20
`
`LADDERS , LADDER COMPONENTS AND
`RELATED METHODS
`
`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 ,
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`significant effort may be required .
`Additionally , the structural stability of ladders is always
`APPLICATIONS
`an area for improvement . For example , in stepladders , a
`hinged or collapsing spreader conventionally extends
`The present application is a continuation of U . S . patent
`between opposing rails on each lateral side of the ladder .
`application Ser . No . 13 / 480 , 897 entitled LADDERS , LAD
`Little else is used to maintain the opposing ladder rails in a
`DER COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS , filed
`on May 25 , 2012 , which claims the benefit of U . S . patent 10 desired relationship or to otherwise reduce or minimize
`application Ser . No . 12 / 399 , 815 entitled LADDERS , LAD
`" ladder walk ” as will be recognized by most users of
`DER COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS , filed
`ladders .
`Mar . 6 , 2009 , now U . S . Pat . No . 8 , 186 , 481 , which claims the
`Considering the desire within the industry to continually
`benefit of U . S . Provisional Application No . 61 / 068 , 656
`improve the safety , functionality and efficiency of ladders ,
`entitled LADDERS , LADDER COMPONENTS AND 15 the present includes a number of embodiments that provide
`RELATED METHODS , filed Mar . 7 , 2008 , the disclosures
`enhanced ease of use , stability and safety in the use of
`of which are each incorporated by reference herein in their
`ladders .
`entireties .
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`Ladders , ladder components and related methods are
`provided in accordance with various embodiments of the
`The present invention relates generally to ladders , ladder
`present invention . In one embodiment , a ladder includes a
`systems , ladder components and related methods and , more
`first assembly having a pair of inner rails and a pair of outer
`specifically , to adjustable rail configurations , rail structures ,
`locking mechanisms , trays and platform configurations , 25 rails . The pair of inner rails is slidably coupled with the pair
`hinge configurations and related methods of manufacturing
`of outer rails . At least one locking mechanism is coupled to
`an outer rail , the locking mechanism including a lever and
`and operating the same .
`an engagement pin coupled therewith . The lever is located
`BACKGROUND
`and configured to pivot relative to the outer rail such that ,
`30 upon application of a force to a portion of the lever in a first
`Ladders are conventionally used to provide a user thereof
`direction towards the outer rail , the engagement pin is
`with improved access to locations that might otherwise be
`retracted in a direction that is different from the first direc
`inaccessible . Ladders come in many shapes and sizes , such
`tion . In one embodiment , the engagement pin is pivotally
`as straight ladders , straight extension ladders , stepladders ,
`coupled with the lever .
`and combination step and extension ladders . So - called com - 35
`In another embodiment , a ladder is provided that includes
`bination ladders incorporate , in a single ladder , many of the
`a first rail assembly , including at least one pair of rails and
`a plurality of rungs coupled therewith , and a second rail
`benefits of other ladder designs .
`Ladders are common tools for professional tradesman and
`assembly including at least one pair of rails . A top cap is
`homeowners alike . Sometimes the use of a ladder can be an
`coupled to the first rail assembly and the second rail assem
`awkward experience , even for those who use ladders on a 40 bly and a device is configured to be selectively coupled to
`regular basis , when certain tasks are to be performed while
`the top cap in at least two different positions . The device
`standing on a ladder . For example , it can be easy to lose
`includes a rail and a tray movably coupled to the rail . The
`one ' s balance on a ladder while working on an overhead
`ladder may further include at least one bracket coupled to the
`project ( e . g . , painting a ceiling , changing a light bulb , etc . )
`second rail assembly and configured for cooperatively cou
`Moreover , when one needs to utilize tools or access other 45 pling with the device to place the device in a stowed state .
`resources ( e . g . , hardware , paint , etc . ) while working on a
`In another embodiment a ladder includes a first rail
`ladder , temporary storage of such tools or other items is
`assembly including at least one pair of rails and a plurality
`often problematic . Often , the user of a ladder may have to
`of rungs coupled therewith and a second rail assembly
`make many trips up and down the ladder to exchange tools
`including at least one pair of rails . A spreader mechanism is
`or other equipment during the performance of a particular 50 disposed between , and coupled with , the first rail assembly
`job making the use of the ladder less efficient than it could
`and the second rail assembly . The spreader mechanism
`includes cross bracing configured to be selectively posi
`be .
`Additionally , operation of some ladders is not always
`tioned between a deployed state and a hingedly collapsed
`state . At least one handle is coupled with the cross bracing .
`simple , efficient or safe . For example , in collapsing the
`spreaders of an A - frame type stepladder can result in the 55 In one embodiment , the at least one handle is oriented and
`pinching of ones fingers or hands . Similarly , when ladders
`configured to extend in a direction that is substantially
`are adjustable in height or adjustable from one configuration
`orthogonal to a direction in which the plurality of rungs each
`to another , the associated actuation mechanism used to effect
`extend .
`the adjustments may result in pinched hands or fingers or , in
`In accordance with yet another embodiment , a ladder
`many cases , just difficulty in efficiently effecting the actua - 60 includes a first rail assembly including at least one pair of
`tion at all .
`rails and a plurality of rungs coupled therewith and a second
`For example , in some ladders , such as combination lad -
`rail assembly including a first pair of rails and a second pair
`ders , the height of the ladder may be adjusted by actuating
`of rails slidably coupled with the first pair of rails . A locking
`locking members ( sometimes referred to as “ lock tabs ” ) on
`mechanism is configured to selectively engage the first pair
`the sides of the ladder . The action of actuating such locking 65 of rails and the second pair of rails of the second rail
`members usually requires a lateral displacement of the
`assembly to lock the first pair of rails relative to the second
`locking members outward , or away from , the side rails of the
`pair of rails . The locking mechanism includes a pivoting
`
`Tricam - Exhibit 1024
`Page 26 of 31
`
`

`

`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
`
`10
`
`FIGS . 9A and 9B are perspective and top views , respec
`structure disposed between the first pair of rails of the
`tively , of a top cap assembly that may be used with a ladder
`second rail assembly , a handle coupled with the pivoting
`in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention ;
`structure and a pair of pins selectively displaceable and
`FIG . 10 is a perspective , exploded view of a mechanism
`configured to engage aligned openings in respective inner
`and outer rails of the second rail assembly . The locking 5 of the ladder shown in FIG . 1 in accordance with an
`mechanism may further be associated with a cross - brace ,
`embodiment of the present invention ;
`FIG . 11 is an enlarged , side perspective view of the ladder
`wherein the handle is selectively positionable between a first
`shown in FIG . 1 , showing portions of the mechanism shown
`position and a second position , the handle having a shoulder
`in FIG . 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`portion that abuts an undersurface of the cross - brace when
`invention :
`in the first position . Additionally , at least one pin ma be
`sition Abitionellot lost ona min mo h
`FIG . 12 shows a side view of the ladder shown in FIG . 1
`associated with the handle , wherein the at least one pin is
`including an enlarged view of a component or mechanism in
`sized , located and configured to engage an opening in the
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention ;
`undersurface of the cross - brace when the handle is in the
`FIGS . 13A and 13B show a front view of the ladder shown
`first position .
`15 in FIG . 1 including the component or mechanism shown in
`In accordance with another embodiment of the present
`FIG . 12 in first and a second states or positions , respectively ,
`invention , a hinge assembly is provided . The hinge assembly
`and FIGS . 13C and 13D schematically show the component
`includes a first hinge component and a second hinge com
`or mechanism in its first and second states , corresponding
`with the states shown in FIGS . 13A and 13B ;
`ponent pivotally coupled with one another . A mechanism is
`configured to selectively lock and disengage the first hinge 20
`FIG . 14 is an exploded assembly view of the component
`component relative to the second hinge component . A mag -
`or mechanism shown in FIGS . 12 , 13A and 13B in accor
`net is associated with the mechanism , wherein the magnet is
`dance with an embodiment of the present invention ;
`located and configured to exert a sufficient magnetic force on
`FIG . 15 is an enlarged view from the rear of the ladder
`a specified object such that the object is held against the
`shown in FIG . 1 showing another component or mechanism
`mechanism without aid of additional structure .
`25 in accordance with the present invention ;
`In accordance with another embodiment of the present
`FIG . 16 shows operational aspects of the component or
`invention , a method of adjusting a ladder is provided ,
`mechanism shown in FIG . 15 ;
`wherein the ladder has an assembly with inner rails slidably
`FIG . 17 is a perspective view , from below , of the com
`coupled with outer rails . The method includes locking an
`ponent or mechanism shown in FIG . 15 ;
`inner rail relative to an associate outer rail by engaging 30
`FIGS . 18 and 19 are perspective views of ladder in
`aligned apertures in the inner and outer rails with an engage
`accordance with another embodiment of the present inven
`ment pin , coupling a lever to the engagement pin , and
`tion ;
`applying a force to the lever in a direction of the outer rail
`FIG . 20 is a hinge assembly that may be used with a
`and displacing the engagement pin in substantially opposite
`ladder in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`direction .
`35 invention ; and
`In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
`FIG . 21 is perspective view of a hinge assembly in
`invention , a method of temporarily storing an object on a
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention .
`ladder is provided . The method includes magnetically cou
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`pling the object with a portion of the ladder such that the
`INVENTION
`object is maintained in
`a substantially constant position 40
`relative to the ladder without the aid of additional structure
`being the force of the magnetic coupling .
`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
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`45 assembly 102 including inner rails 101 having a plurality of
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`rungs 103 extending between , and coupled to , the inner rails
`The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
`101 . The first assembly 102 further includes outer rails 105
`become apparent upon reading the following detailed
`connected by a plurality of rungs 107 . The inner and outer
`description and upon reference to the drawings in which :
`rails 101 and 105 are slidably connected to each other such
`FIG . 1 is a perspective view of a ladder in accordance with 50 that they may be extended or retracted to exhibit different
`heights . One such assembly is described in U . S . Pat . No .
`an embodiment of the present invention ;
`FIG . 2 is side perspective view of the ladder shown in
`4 , 210 , 224 to Kummerlin , the disclosure of which is incor
`FIG . 1 with a component shown in a first position or state ;
`porated by reference herein in its entirety . The first assembly
`FIG . 3 is a side perspective view of the ladder shown in
`102 further includes a locking mechanism 104 coupled with
`FIG . 1 with a component shown in a second position or state ; 55 the outer rails 105 and configured to engage or release the
`FIG . 4 is a side perspective view of the ladder shown in
`inner rails 101 from the outer rails 105 so that they may be
`FIG . 1 with a component shown in a third position or state ;
`selectively displaced relative to one another and effect
`FIG . 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the ladder
`different ladder heights . The locking mechanism 104 will be
`shown in FIG . 1 with a component in a stored state ;
`discussed in further detail hereinbelow .
`FIGS . 6A - 6E are various views of a component of the 60
`The ladder 100 further includes a second assembly 106
`ladder shown in FIG . 1 in accordance with embodiments of
`which may also include inner rails 109 and outer rails 111
`the present invention ;
`slidingly coupled to one another . In the embodiment shown ,
`FIGS . 7A and 7B are perspective and front views , respec -
`the second assembly 106 includes cross bracing to stiffen the
`tively , of a subcomponent of the component shown in FIGS .
`second assembly 106 and provide desired structural rigidity .
`6A - 6E ;
`65 However , in the embodiment shown in FIGS . 1 through 4 ,
`FIGS . 8A and 8B are front and rear views , respectively , of
`the second assembly 106 does not include rungs for a user
`the component shown in FIGS . 6A - 6E ;
`to climb on . Such a configuration is conventional for many
`
`Tricam - Exhibit 1024
`Page 27 of 31
`
`

`

`US 9 , 784 , 033 B2
`
`extend laterally , or substantially horizontally , therefrom . In
`stepladder configurations . However , it is noted that in other
`other embodiments , the tray may be positioned to extend
`embodiments , the second assembly 106 may include rungs
`substantially parallel to , or lie within , a plane defined by the
`and may be configured , for example , similar to the first
`assembly 102 .
`rail 116 .
`As seen more clearly in FIG . 6E , the component 114 may
`Another locking mechanism 108 may be used to selec - 5
`tively lock and release the inner rails 109 relative to the outer
`include one or more locking mechanisms 121 configured to
`rails 111 of the second assembly 106 . The locking mecha
`selectively lock the component 114 in place relative to a
`nism 108 will be described in further detail below .
`portion of the ladder 100 . The locking mechanism 121 may
`The first and second assemblies 102 and 106 may each be
`include , for example , an engaging pin 122 or other structure
`coupled to a top cap 110 . One of the first and second 10 that is selectively displaceable by a user of the ladder and
`assemblies 102 and 106 ( or both ) may be configured to pivot
`configured to engage mating openings or apertures in vari
`relative to the top cap 110 such that the assemblies 102 and
`ous portions of the ladder 100 ( e . g . , the top cap ) .
`106 may be displaced toward each other for compact storage
`FIGS . 7A and 7B are rear perspective and front views of
`and as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
`art . The top cap 110 may include a number of features to 15 the tray 118 in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention . Additionally , FIGS . 8A and 8B show front
`enhance the efficiency and usability of the ladder 100 as will
`and rear views of the component 114 with the tray 118 being
`be described in further detail hereinbelow .
`The ladder 100 further includes a spreader mechanism
`positioned to lie substantially in plane with the rail 116 . The
`112 coupled between the first and second assemblies 102
`tray 118 may include a plurality of openings 124 for holding
`and 106 which extends therebetween to provide desired 20 various tools or other equipment . For example , some of such
`structural stability to the ladder 100 when in use , while also
`openings 124 may be sized to pass a portion of a screwdriver
`being configured to fold , such as by pivots or hinges ,
`therethrough while holding a portion of the screwdriver
`enabling the first and second assemblies 102 and 106 to
`above the tray 118 providing ready access to the tool for a
`collapse toward one another ( with at least one of the
`user . The openings 124 may be variously sized to accept and
`assemblies 102 and 106 pivoting relative to the top cap 110 ) 25 support different types of tools ( e . g . , hammers , pliers , etc . ) .
`to place the ladder 100 in a stored state . Further details of the
`A relatively large opening may be formed in a portion of the
`spreader mechanism 112 will be described hereinbelow .
`whelow .
`tray 118 to accommodate temporary storage or holding of ,
`The ladder 100 additionally includes a component 114 or
`for example , a power tool such as a drill . In the embodiment
`mechanism that is releasably attached thereto and which
`shown , a cap 126 is placed over the larger opening , and a
`provides multiple functions . For example , as shown in 30 recess is formed thereabout , to accommodate , for example ,
`FIGS . 2 and 3 , the component 114 may be selectively
`the holding of a paint can . Other recesses 128 may be formed
`installed or coupled with the ladder 100 ( e . g . , coupled with
`in the tray 118 to temporarily hold or store other loose items
`the top cap 110 of the ladder ) such that a rail 116 may extend
`( e . g . , screws , nails , various tools , etc . ) . Magnets 130 may be
`upward from the top cap 110 , at an angle that is generally
`acute relative to a horizontal line with the ladder in an 35 35 disposed beneath or adjacent such recesses to provide fur
`ther securement of such loose items . The tray 118 may
`orientation of intended use ) , and provide support to a user ,
`further include slotted apertures , for example adjacent the
`wherein a user may grasp or lean on the rail 116 to brace
`themselves or help support them when working at elevated
`peripheral edges of the tray 118 , to hold various items such
`heights on the ladder 100 . In the embodiment shown in
`as the end of an extension cord or the end of a lanyard
`FIGS . 2 and 3 , the rail 116 is shown as extending in a plane 40 coupled to a tool or other item .
`that is substantially parallel with a plane defined by the outer
`Referring to FIGS . 9A and 9B , a top cap 110 may be
`rails 103 of the first assembly 102 , although it may be
`configured to include various features similar to that of the
`configured to extend at other angles if desired . Additionally ,
`tray 118 . For example , various openings , recesses , slotted
`the component 114 may include a tray 118 or platform that
`apertures , or combinations thereof , may be formed in the top
`may be selectively positioned , such as shown in FIG . 3 , to 45 cap 110 . Thus , the top cap 110 and the tray 118 may provide
`hold tools , hardware , paint or other items in a convenient
`a substantial amount of temporary storage for tools , hard
`and organized manner as shall be discussed in further detail
`ware and other equipment such that the user need