Shoulder protector device for carrying a ladder

Abstract

A shoulder protector device that is releasably attachable to a ladder. The shoulder protector device includes a body having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion disposed between and integral with the first portion and the second portion. The protector device further includes a first longitudinal portion spanning the longitudinal length of the body and an opposed second longitudinal portion spanning the longitudinal length of the body. The first longitudinal portion includes a slot. The slot has a first section provided in the first portion of the body and a second section provided in the second portion of the body. The first section of the slot is configured to receive an edge of a rung of a ladder and the second section of the slot is configured to receive an edge of a rail of the ladder such that the edge of the rung and the edge of the rail can concurrently be disposed within the first section of the slot and second section of the slot, respectively.

Claims

1. A shoulder protector device, releasably attachable to a ladder, comprising: a body having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion disposed between and integral with the first portion and the second portion; wherein the body has a longitudinal axis having a first section defined by the first portion, a second section defined by the second portion and a third section defined by the third portion; wherein the first section of the longitudinal axis and the second section of the longitudinal axis are at an angle relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees; wherein the body has a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion; wherein the first longitudinal portion includes a slot having a first section, a second section and a third section provided in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the body, respectively, wherein the first section of the slot is adapted to receive an edge of a rung of a ladder and the second section of the slot is adapted to receive an edge of a rail of the ladder; whereby the shoulder protector device is capable of having the edge of the rung and the edge of the rail being simultaneously disposed within the first section of the slot and the second section of the slot, respectively; and wherein at least a portion of the third section of the slot has a width greater than the width of the first section of the slot.

2. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the third section of the longitudinal axis is curved.

3. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first section and second section of the longitudinal axis are linear.

4. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal portion has an outer surface comprised of a first section, a second section and a third section intermediate the first section and the second section, wherein the third section of the second longitudinal portion has a longitudinal length and is concave along its longitudinal length.

5. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the third section of the second longitudinal portion is curved about the third section of the longitudinal axis.

6. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first section of the slot and second section of the slot has a width of at least 1/16 inch.

7. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first section of the slot and second section of the slot has a width in a range of 1/16 inch to ¼ inch.

8. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first section of the slot and the second section of the slot are at an angle relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees.

9. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis has an averaged first section defined by a linear line of best fit of the first section of the longitudinal axis and an averaged second section defined by a linear line of best fit of the second section of the longitudinal axis, wherein the averaged first section and the averaged second section, are at an angle relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees.

10. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 9, wherein the averaged first section of the longitudinal axis and the first section of the longitudinal axis coincide.

11. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 9, wherein the averaged first section of the longitudinal axis and the first section of the longitudinal axis do not coincide.

12. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 9, wherein the averaged first section of the longitudinal axis and the first section of the longitudinal axis are skewed relative to each other.

13. A shoulder protector device, comprising: a body having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion disposed between and integral with the first portion and the second portion; wherein the body has a longitudinal axis having a first section defined by the first portion, a second section defined by the second portion and a third section defined by the third portion; wherein the first section of the longitudinal axis and the second section of the longitudinal axis are at an angle relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees; wherein the body has a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion; wherein the first longitudinal portion includes a slot having a first section, a second section and a third section provided in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the body, respectively, wherein the first section of the slit is adapted to receive an edge of a rung of a ladder and the second section of the slot is adapted to receive an edge of a rail of the ladder; whereby the shoulder protector device is capable of having the edge of the rung and the edge of the rail being simultaneously disposed within the first section of the slot and the second section of the slot, respectively; wherein at least a portion of the third section of the slot is laterally offset from the first section of the slot; and wherein at least a portion of the third section of the slot has a width greater than the width of the first section of the slot.

14. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 13, wherein the at least a portion of the third section of the slot has a width of at least ⅛ inch.

15. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 13, wherein the shoulder protector device is capable of being releasable attached to the ladder via an interference fit with the ruing and the rail of the ladder.

16. The shoulder protector device in accordance with claim 13, wherein the at least a portion of the third section of the slot is laterally offset from the second section of the slot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The aforementioned objects, features and attendant advantages of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view illustrating a shoulder protector device attached to a ladder according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

(3) FIGS. 2 and 2A are environmental perspective views illustrating the shoulder protector device attached to a ladder and being used by a person in carrying the ladder according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a right side perspective view of the shoulder protector device of FIG. 1. The left side of the shoulder protector device is the mirror image of the right side of the protector device.

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the shoulder protector device of FIG. 4.

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the shoulder protector device of FIG. 4.

(7) FIG. 6 is an environmental perspective view illustrating a shoulder protector device attached to a ladder according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

(8) FIG. 7 is a top view of the shoulder protector device of FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 8 is a front view of the shoulder protector device of FIG. 7.

(10) FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of the shoulder protector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The left side of the shoulder protector device is the mirror image of the right side of the protector device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(11) The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the several views of the drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts.

(12) FIGS. 1-9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a shoulder protector device, designated generally by reference character 10, according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, the shoulder protector device 10 facilitates the carrying of a ladder 12 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 6) on a shoulder 13 of a person 14 (see FIG. 2 in which the person is in the foreground and the shoulder protector device 10 is on the right shoulder of the person 14).

(13) The shoulder protector device 10 includes a body 16 having a first end portion 18, a second end portion 20, and an intermediate third portion 22 between and integral with the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20.

(14) The body 16 has a longitudinal axis 24 along its centerline. The longitudinal axis 24 is comprised of three sections 24a, 24b, 24c.

(15) Referring to FIG. 3, the first section 24a is linear and is defined by the first end portion 18 of the body 16, the second section 24b is linear and is defined by the second end portion 20 of the body 16, and the third section 24c is curved and is defined by the intermediate third portion 22 of the body 16. It is within the scope of this invention that the third section 24c may have a shape other than being curved; for example, the third section 24c may be linear and angled between the first section 24a and second section 24b.

(16) Referring to FIG. 3, the first section 24a of the longitudinal axis 24 has an averaged first section 24aa. As used herein, the averaged first section 24aa is a linear line of best fit of the first section 24a. Likewise, the second section 24b of the longitudinal axis 24 has an averaged second section 24bb. As used herein, the averaged second section 24bb is a linear line of best fit of the first section 24b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the averaged first section 24aa and averaged second section 24bb are the same as the first section 24a and second section 24b, respectively. The averaged first section 24aa and the averaged second section 24bb are at an angle θ.sub.1 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(17) Depending on the shape of the body 16, the first section 24a and/or second section 24b of the longitudinal axis 24 may not be linear. For example and referring to FIG. 9, in an embodiment in which the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 22 are curved, then the first section 24a and second section 24b of the longitudinal axis 24 are also curved. As another example, in an embodiment in which the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 22 are saw toothed (not illustrated), then the first section 24a and second section 24b of the longitudinal axis 24 may be undulating. In embodiments where the first section 24a is not linear and/or second section 24b is not linear then the averaged first section 24aa (i.e. linear line of best fit of the first section 24a) and the averaged second section 24bb (i.e. linear line of best fit of the second section 24b) are at an angle θ.sub.1 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(18) This method of determining the angle θ.sub.1 between the averaged first section 24aa (i.e. linear best fit line of the first section 24a of the longitudinal axis 24) and the averaged second section 24bb (i.e. linear best fit line of the second section 24b of the longitudinal axis 24) is not limited to the exemplary embodiments herein. For example, this method is used when the first section 24a of the longitudinal axis 24 and/or the second section 24b of the longitudinal axis 24 has combination of linear and curved portions, a plurality of linear portions, or a plurality of curved portions.

(19) Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the body 16 includes a first longitudinal portion 25 and an opposed second longitudinal portion 28. The first longitudinal portion 25 spans the longitudinal length of the body 16 and includes a longitudinal slot 30. The first longitudinal portion 25 has an outer surface 26 comprised of three sections 26a, 26b, 26c. In the longitudinal direction, the first section 26a is linear and is a part of the first end portion 18 of the body 16, the second section 26b is linear and is a part of the second end portion 20 of the body 16 and the third section 26c is curved and is a part of the intermediate third portion 22 of the body 16. It is within the scope of this invention that the third section 26c may have a shape other than being curved; for example, the third section 26c may be linear and at an angle between the first section 26a and second section 26b.

(20) The first section 26a of the first longitudinal portion 25 has an averaged first section 26aa. As used herein, the averaged first section 26aa is a linear line of best fit in the longitudinal direction of the first section 26a. Likewise, the second section 26b of the first longitudinal portion 25 has an averaged second section 26bb. As used herein, the averaged second section 26bb is a linear line of best fit in the longitudinal direction of the second section 26b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the averaged first section 26aa and averaged second section 26bb are the same as the first section 26a and second section 26b, respectively. The averaged first section 26aa and the averaged second section 26bb are at an angle θ.sub.2 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(21) In a preferred embodiment the third section 26c has a length of a range of 4 inches to 12 inches, and more preferably in a range of 6 inches to 10 inches, as measured along its outer surface in the longitudinal direction. And, each of the first section 26a and the second section 26b has a length in the range of ½ inch to 6 inches, and more preferably in a range of 2 inches to 5 inches, as measured along their respective linear line of best fit.

(22) Depending on the shape of the body 16 the first section 26a and/or second section 26b of the first longitudinal portion 25 may not be linear in the longitudinal direction. For example and referring to FIG. 9, in an embodiment in which the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 22 are curved in the longitudinal direction, then the first section 26a and second section 26b of the first longitudinal portion 25 are also curved. As another example, in an embodiment in which the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 22 are saw toothed (not illustrated), then the first section 26a and second section 26b of the first longitudinal portion 25 are saw toothed. In embodiments in which the first section 26a is not linear and/or second section 26b is not linear then the averaged first section 26aa (i.e. linear line of best fit of the first section 26a) and the averaged second section 26bb (i.e. linear line of best fit of the second section 26b), respectively, are at an angle θ.sub.2 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(23) In embodiments in which the first section 26a is not linear, then the length of the first section 26a is considered to be as measured in a straight line along the averaged first section 26aa. Likewise, in embodiments in which the second section 26b is not linear, then the length of the second section 26b is considered to be as measured in a straight line along the averaged second section 26bb. For such embodiments, preferably the third section 26c has a length in a range of 4 inches to 12 inches, and more preferably in a range of 6 inches to 10 inches, as measured along its outer surface 26 in the longitudinal direction. And, each of the first section 26a and the second section 26b has a length in the range of ½ inch to 6 inches, and more preferably in a range of 2 inches to 5 inches, as measured along their respective the linear line of best fit.

(24) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the slot 30 extends for at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the body 16 and preferably extends the full longitudinal length of the body 16. The slot 30 is comprised of three sections 30a, 30b, 30c. For purposes of the present invention, the first section 30a, second section 30b, and third section 30c of the slot 30 are considered to be the same as the first section 26a, second section 26b and third section 26c, respectively, of the first longitudinal portion 26 with regards to whether the slot sections 30a, 30b, 30c are linear, curved or a combination of being linear and curved in the longitudinal direction and also with regards to an angle θ.sub.2 that the first section 30a and second section 30b of the slot 30 are relative to each other. As such and referring to FIG. 3, in the longitudinal direction the first section 30a is linear and is provided in the first end portion 18 of the body 16, the second section 30b is linear and is provided in the second end portion 20 of the body 16, and the third section 30c is curved and is provided in the intermediate third portion 22 of the body 16. In the longitudinal direction, the first section 30a and the second section 30b are at an angle θ.sub.2 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(25) Depending on the shape of the body 16 the first section 30a and/or second section 30b of the slot 30 may not be linear in the longitudinal direction. For example and referring to FIG. 9, in an embodiment in which the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 22 are curved in the longitudinal direction, then the first section 30a and second section 30b of the slot 30 are also curved. As another example, in an embodiment in which the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 22 are saw toothed (not illustrated), then the first section 30a and second section 30b of the slot 30 are saw toothed. In an embodiment in which the first section 30a is not linear and/or second section 30b is not linear then the first section 30a is considered to be the same as the averaged first section 26aa (i.e. linear line of best fit of the first section 26a) and the averaged second section 26bb (i.e. linear line of best fit of the second section 26b), respectively, of the outer surface 26 of the first longitudinal portion 25, which as previously described herein are at an angle θ.sub.2 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(26) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the slot 30 has a depth of at least ⅛ inch and more preferably has a depth at least ¼ inch into the body 16, and has a width of at least 1/16 inch with a preferred width in a range of 1/16 inch to ¼ inch. In the preferred embodiment the body 16 is tubular and has an exterior wall 32 that defines a hollow interior 34. Where the slot 30 extends through the exterior wall 32 and into the hollow interior 36, the depth of the slot 30 is considered to include the hollow interior 34. It is contemplated and within the scope of the invention that the body 16 may not have a hollow interior 34.

(27) In the preferred embodiment the slot 30 is continuous. Notwithstanding, it is contemplated and within the scope of the invention that the slot 30 may be discontinuous, such as for example at a mid-section of the intermediate third portion 22 of the body 16. It is further contemplated and within the scope of the invention that the slot 30 may be discontinuous at the first portion 18 and/or second portion 20. For example, where the first portion 18 and/or second portion 20 has extensive curvature, or configured in saw tooth form with large amplitude, then the slot 30 may need only to be provided in a portion of the first portion 18 and second portion 20 in order to have sufficient depth to releasably attach the shoulder protector device 10 to a ladder 12.

(28) Referring to FIG. 3, the second longitudinal portion 28 includes an outer surface 40 that spans the longitudinal length of the body 16. The outer surface 40 is comprised of three sections 40a, 40b, 40c. In the longitudinal direction, the first section 40a is linear at the first end portion 18 of the body 16, the second section 40b is linear at the second end portion 20 of the body 16 and the third section 40c is curved at the intermediate third portion 22 of the body 16. It is within the scope of this invention that the third section 40c may have a shape other than being curved; for example, the third section 40c may be linear, angled between the first section 40a and second section 40b.

(29) Referring to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment the first section 40a and the second section 40b are at an angle θ.sub.3 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(30) The first section 40a of the second longitudinal portion 28 has an averaged first section 40aa. As used herein, the averaged first section 40aa is a linear line of best fit in the longitudinal direction of the first section 40a. Likewise, the second section 40b of the second longitudinal portion 28 has an averaged second section 40bb. As used herein, the averaged second section 40bb is a linear line of best fit in the longitudinal direction of the second section 40b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the averaged first section 40aa and averaged second section 40bb are the same as the first section 40a and second section 40b, respectively. The averaged first section 40aa and the averaged second section 40bb are at an angle θ.sub.3 relative to each other in a range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, preferably in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(31) Depending on the shape of the body 16 the first section 40a and/or second section 40b of the outer surface 40 of the second longitudinal portion 28 may not be linear in the longitudinal direction. For example and referring to FIG. 9, in an embodiment where the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 are curved in the longitudinal direction, then the first section 40a and second section 40b of the outer surface 40 are also curved. The angle θ.sub.3 that the first section 40a and second section 40b are relative to each other is measured between a linear best fit line of the first section 40a of the outer surface 40 of the second longitudinal portion 28 and a linear best fit line of the second section 40b of the outer surface 40 of the second longitudinal portion 28. As determined in this manner, the angle θ.sub.3 is in a range of 70 degrees to 120 degrees and more preferably in a range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

(32) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, preferably the third section 40c of the outer surface 40 of the second longitudinal portion 28 has a length of a range of 3½ inches to 11 inches, and more preferably in a range of 5 inches to 9 inches. And preferably, each of the first section 40a and the second section 40b of the outer surface 40 of the second longitudinal portion 28 has a length in the range of ½ inch to 6 inches, and more preferably in a range of 2 inches to 5 inches, as measured along their respective the linear line of best fit.

(33) Referring to FIGS. 6-8, an exemplary embodiment of the shoulder protector device 10 is illustrated. This embodiment is the same are described herein with regards to FIGS. 1-5 and FIG. 9, except that at least a portion 46 the third section 30c of the slot 30 is laterally offset from the first and second sections 30a, 30b of the slot 30. Preferably, the offset portion 46 has a width 47 of at least 1/16 inch, more preferably at least ⅛ inch and most preferably at least ¼ inch to accommodate a greater variety of ladders. The offset portion 46 accommodates a structural bracket 48 that is provided between a rail 50 and rung 52 on some ladders 12.

(34) The shoulder protector device 10 is preferably tubular with an exterior surface curved around the longitudinal axis 30 and thusly forming a convex outer surface in order to avoid having ridge lines which could otherwise engage against a person's shoulder 13 or neck while using the device 10 to carrying a ladder 12. And, in the longitudinal direction the third section 28c of the second longitudinal portion 28 is concave which improves comfort of the device 10 and assists in maintaining the device 10 in position on the shoulder 13 of a person 14. Optionally, padding (not illustrated) may be provided on the second longitudinal portion 28 to further comfort and protect the shoulder 13 of a person using the device 10 while carrying a ladder 12.

(35) The shoulder protector device 10 is made of a durable rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similarly suitable material.

(36) In use, the shoulder protector device 10 is applied to an inwardly directed edge 54 of a rail 50 (for example left rail 50a as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 or right rail 50b as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3) and also to a downwardly directed edge 56 of a rung 52 of a ladder 12. The edges 54, 56 are typically at an angle θ.sub.4 relative to each other in the range of 90 degrees to 110 degrees and the shoulder protector device 10 is configured to receive these edges 54, 56 in the slot 30. In particular, the first section 30a of the slot 30 receives a portion of the edge 56 of the rung 52 and the second section 30b of the slot 30 receives a portion of the edge 54 of the rail 50. The intermediate third portion 30c of the slot 30 may also receive a portion of the edge 56 of the rung 52 and/or edge 54 of the rail 50. As such, a portion of the edge 56 of the rung 52 and edge 54 of the rail 50 are simultaneously positioned within the slot 30. Preferably, edges 54, 56 of the ladder 12 are engaged within the slot 30 in an interference fit thereby keeping the shoulder protector device 10 from freely disengaging from the ladder 12. The interference fit may be caused by, for example and without limitation: i) the slot 30 having a width narrower than the edges 54, 56 of the ladder 12 and wherein the protector device 10 resiliently accommodates insertion of the edges 54, 56 therein, ii) the slot 30 having a width corresponding to the width of the edges 54, 56 whereby the edges 54, 56 can be disposed therein in tight relationship, or iii) the first longitudinal portion 28 having a resilient layer made of rubber, foam or other suitable material on its inward facing wall(s) which accommodates insertion of the edges 54, 56 into the slot 30 and holds the protective device 10 in place onto the ladder 12. The interference fit is easily overcome by a person 14 in order to put the shoulder protector device 10 on, or remove the shoulder protector device 10 from, the ladder 12. Optionally, the protector device 10 may receive edges 54, 56 of the ladder 12 without being in an interference fit such that the device 10 slides into use position where it is held in place during use by a person's shoulder 13. The shoulder protector device 10 may be selectively applied to an edge 56 of the rung 52 and either edge 54 of the right rail 50a or left rail 50b so that a person 14 may use the device 10 carry the ladder 12 with either the left or right shoulder 13.

(37) Regardless of the foregoing detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the optimum dimensional relationships for the individual components of the invention, including variations in size, shape, thickness, form, materials, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, as well as equivalents thereof, are deemed to be readily apparent and understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, equivalent relationships to those shown in the accompanying drawing figures and described in the written description are intended to be encompassed by the invention, the foregoing being considered as illustrative only of the general concept and principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the invention to the specific configuration, construction, materials and operation shown and described. Instead, all reasonably predictable and suitable equivalents and obvious modifications to the invention should be construed as falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims given their broadest reasonable interpretation in view of the accompanying written description and drawings.