Abstract
A ladder apparatus has a first ladder section having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between the side rails, a second ladder section hingedly connected to the first ladder section adjacent an upper end of the first ladder section, and a latch mechanism affixed to one of the ladder sections and engageable with the other of the first and second ladder sections. The second ladder section is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch mechanism is adapted to secure the second ladder section in the retracted position. The second ladder section will extend in generally parallel relation to the first ladder section when in this retracted position. A ladder top is affixed to the upper end of the first ladder section and extends outwardly therefrom so as to have an end surface positioned away from the first ladder section.
Claims
1. A ladder apparatus comprising: a first ladder section having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between said pair of side rails; a second ladder section hingedly connected to said first ladder section adjacent an upper end of said first ladder section, said second ladder section being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said second ladder section being juxtaposed against said first ladder section in said retracted position, said second ladder section being pivoted outwardly in said extended position such that said first ladder section and said second ladder section are in an inverted V-shaped configuration; a latch mechanism cooperative with said first and second ladder sections to automatically secure said second ladder section in said retracted position, said latch mechanism comprising: a latch bar having a first portion and a second portion, said latch bar being unitary and entirely formed of a single piece of material, said first portion mounted to an inner wall of a channel of one of said first and second ladder sections, said second portion extending into a channel of another of said first and second ladder sections when said second ladder section is in the retracted position, said channel of another of said first and second ladder sections having a first side, a second side and a middle section therebetween, said second portion of said latch bar being V-shaped and having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second portion of said latch bar being in proximity to said first side of the channel of said another of said first and second ladder sections, said second end of said second portion of said latch bar extending outwardly beyond a plane extending across ends of said first side and said second side of the channel of said another of said first and second ladder sections, said second portion of said latch bar defining a space with respect to the second side and the middle section of the channel of said another of said first and second ladder sections, the space allowing a finger to engage with said second portion of said latch bar; a first strut pivotally connected to said first ladder section in a location between said upper end and a lower end of said first ladder section; and a second strut pivotally connected to said second ladder section in a location between an upper end and a lower end of said second ladder section, said first strut being pivotally connected said second strut.
2. The ladder apparatus of claim 1, said second ladder section being in generally parallel relation to said first ladder section when said second ladder section is in said retracted position.
3. The ladder apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge bar affixed adjacent said upper end of said first ladder section, said hinge bar having an end extending outwardly transverse to a longitudinal axis of said pair of side rails, said second ladder section being pivotally connected to said end of said hinge bar.
4. The ladder apparatus of claim 1, said first ladder section having a greater length than a length of said second ladder section.
5. The ladder apparatus of claim 1, said second ladder section having a bottom that is positioned at a level above a bottom of said first ladder section when said second ladder section is in said retracted position.
6. The ladder apparatus of claim 1, said latch mechanism being manually releasable to allow said second ladder section to move to the extended position.
7. The ladder apparatus of claim 1, said first ladder section being an extension ladder.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 shows the ladder apparatus the present invention in the extended position and functioning as a stepladder.
(2) FIG. 2 shows the stepladder apparatus of the present invention in a retracted position and functioning as a single ladder.
(3) FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing the latch mechanism of the present invention in which the first and second ladder sections are in the extended position.
(4) FIG. 4 shows the latch mechanism of the present invention in which the first and second ladder sections are in the retracted position.
(5) FIG. 5 is an end view of the side rail of the second ladder section showing a receptacle as mounted within the second ladder section.
(6) FIG. 6 is an end view showing a channel of the first ladder section and showing the latch mechanism as positioned within this channel.
(7) FIG. 7 is a detailed view showing the end of the latch bar of the latch mechanism of the present invention.
(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the ladder top as used on the ladder apparatus of the present invention.
(9) FIG. 9 is an illustration of the ladder top as used on the ladder apparatus of the present invention and as placed against an irregular surface.
(10) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional-sectional plan view showing a second embodiment of the latch bar of the present invention.
(11) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a third embodiment of the latch bar of the present invention.
(12) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a fourth embodiment of the latch part of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(13) Referring to FIG. 1, there shown the ladder apparatus 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ladder apparatus 10 is configured in the form of a stepladder. The ladder apparatus 10 includes a first ladder section 12 which includes a pair of side rails 14 and a plurality of rungs 16 extending between the pair of side rails. A second ladder section 18 is hingedly connected to the first ladder section 12 adjacent an upper end of the first ladder section 12. The second ladder section 18 is configured so as to be movable between an extended position (as shown in FIG. 1) and a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 2). A latch mechanism 20 is affixed to the first ladder section 12 and is engageable with the second ladder section 18 so as to secure the second ladder section 18 in a retracted position against the first ladder section 12.
(14) A hinge bar 22 is affixed to the upper end of the first ladder section 12. The hinge bar 22 includes an end 24 that extends outwardly generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the side rails 14. The second ladder section 18 is pivotally connected to the end 24 of the hinge bar 22.
(15) In FIG. 1, there is a ladder top 26 that is affixed to the top of the first ladder section 12. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the ladder top 26 includes a portion 28 that extends outwardly from the top of the first ladder section 12 at a generally obtuse angle with respect to the pair of side rails 12. This obtuse angle facilitates the ability for the ladder apparatus 10 to be placed against an extrinsic surface (such as shown in FIG. 2). In particular, the end surface 30 of the ladder top 26 can be formed of a rubber or polymeric or elastomeric material. This is configured so as to avoid any damaging contact with the extrinsic surface. The ladder top 26 is affixed to only the first ladder section 12 since the upper end of the second ladder section 18 is connected to the hinge bar 22 at a location below the ladder top 26. The positioning of the upper end of the second ladder section 18 in a location directly below the outwardly extending portion 28 of the ladder top 26 further facilitates the use of the ladder apparatus 10 in the form of a stepladder. As such, the second ladder section 18 provides strong stability and support for a user that would extend to a location generally above the ladder top 26.
(16) A first strut 32 is pivotally connected to the first ladder section 12 in a location between the upper end and the lower end of the first ladder section 12. A second strut 34 is pivotally connected to the second ladder section 18 in a location between the upper end and the lower end of the second ladder section. It can be seen that the first strut 32 is pivotally connected at 36 to the second strut 34. This pivotal connection will facilitate a scissors-like movement of the struts 32 and 34 so as to maintain the struts 32 and 34 in a linear orientation when the ladder apparatus 10 is in the stepladder configuration while facilitating the ability to fold the second ladder section 18 with respect to the first ladder section 12 when the ladder apparatus 10 assumes the single or extension ladder configuration (as shown in FIG. 2). The struts 32 and 34 serve as the spreader bar between the first ladder section 12 and the second ladder section 18.
(17) FIG. 2 shows the ladder apparatus 10 in its retracted position. In particular, in FIG. 2 the first ladder section 12 has its lower end 40 resting upon a floor (or other underlying surface) 42. The first ladder section 12 extends upwardly at an acute angle with respect to the floor 42 so as to have an upper end 44 positioned adjacent to a wall 46 (or other extrinsic surface). The ladder top 26 has its end surface 30 bearing against the wall 46. As such, the ladder apparatus 10 is illustrated in its configuration is functioning as a single ladder.
(18) So as to enhance the structural integrity of the ladder apparatus 10 and to avoid those problems caused by the swinging or releasing of the second ladder section 18, the lock mechanism 20 is engaged with the second ladder section 18 so as to maintain the second ladder section 18 adjacent to the first ladder section 12 in a generally parallel relationship with the first ladder section 12. As such, this will prevent the lower end 48 of the second ladder section 18 from swinging outwardly so as to contact the floor 42 and cause a possible dislodgment of the bottom 40 of the first ladder section 12.
(19) The first ladder section 12 of the ladder apparatus 10 of the present invention is formed of an extremely strong structural material such that the first ladder section, individually, can meet ANSI performance tests as two-legged single or extension ladder. This will serve to satisfy all require all ANSI performance requirements for use of the ladder apparatus 10 has a four-legged stepladder. This in inherently satisfies the ANSI performance tests since the user's weight would be distributed across all four legs when the apparatus 10 functions as a stepladder (as shown in FIG. 1).
(20) FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of the latch mechanism 20 as used on the ladder apparatus 10 of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3 shows a side rail 50 of the first ladder section 12 and shows a side rail 52 of the second ladder section 18. The side rail 50 of the first ladder section 12 includes a channel 54 formed therein and defined by sides 56 and 58. As such, the channel 54 is a U-shaped channel. Similarly, the side rail 52 of the second ladder section 18 includes a channel 60 that is formed with sides 62 and 64.
(21) The latch mechanism 22 includes a latch bar 66 that is pivotally mounted to the side rail 54 of the first ladder section 12. The latch bar 66 includes an arm 68 that extends outwardly beyond the side 58 of the channel 54. The latch bar 66 includes a portion 70 that extends outwardly beyond the side 56 of the channel 54 and in a direction toward the side rail 52 of the second ladder section 18. A finger 72 is formed at the end of the latch bar 66. The side rail 52 of the second ladder section 18 has a receptacle 74 formed therein. The receptacle 74, as will be described hereinafter, is an inverted U-shape member that has its free ends affixed to the side rail 52 within the channel 60.
(22) A stop 76 is positioned below the latch bar 66 within the channel 54 of side rail 50. Stop 76 serves to limit a downward movement of the latch bar 66. The latch bar 66 is resiliently mounted so as to be urged in a downward direction. The arm 68 allows the user to overcome this downward urging by pressing downwardly of the arm 68. As will be described hereinafter, a downward pressing of the arm 68 will allow the finger 72 to be freed from receipt within the receptacle 74.
(23) FIG. 4 illustrates the first ladder section 12 and the second ladder section 18 in which the second ladder section 18 is in its retracted position. In this configuration, it can be seen that the latch bar 66 has the finger 72 inserted within the receptacle 74. The resilient urging of the latch bar 66 to this lower position will retain the finger 72 within the receptacle 74 and, as such, the second ladder section 18 will remain in juxtaposition against the first ladder section 12. When it is desired to release this connection, a downward force can be placed upon the arm 68 so that the finger 72 travels upwardly and becomes free of the receptacle 74.
(24) FIG. 5 illustrates the receptacle 74 as positioned within the channel 60 of the side rail 52 of the second ladder section 18. In particular, the side rail 52 includes sides 62 and 64 that extend upwardly. The receptacle 74 is a square inverted U-shape configuration so as to define an interior 80. The finger 72 of the latch bar 66 will be retained within this interior 80 of the receptacle 74. The outer surface 82 of the receptacle 74 is located beyond the upper edges of the sides 62 and 68. As such, the interior 80 will be available for tight receipt of the finger 72 in the space within the interior 80 of the receptacle 74 beyond the upper edges of the sides 62 and 64.
(25) FIG. 6 shows the latch bar 66 as placed within the side rail 50 of the first ladder section 12. The side rail 50 includes sides 56 and 58. A support 90 is positioned within the channel 54 defined by the sides 56 and 58. In particular, the latch bar 66 will be rotatably mounted to the support 90. The latch bar 66 is in the nature of a planar member that extends slightly outwardly and beyond the upper edges of the sides 56 and 58. As such, the portion 70 of latch bar 66 extends outwardly of the side 56. The arm 68 of the latch bar 66 extends outwardly beyond the side 58. Sides 56 and 58 are juxtaposed against the inner surface of the latch bar 66 so as to provide structural support thereto.
(26) FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the end of the latch bar 66. In particular, the finger 72 includes a tapered surface 92 and an inset area 94. The tapered surface 92 at the end of the latch bar 66 can contact the outer surface of the receptacle 74 when the second ladder section 18 is moved toward the first ladder section 12. The tapered surface 92 will ride along the exterior surface of the receptacle 74 until the upper surface of the receptacle 74 passes along the curved surface at the bottom of the tapered surface 72. As such, the side of the receptacle 74 will enter the inset area 94 and the finger 72 will enter the interior 80 of the receptacle 74. This configuration assures that the second ladder section 18 will be securely locked against the first ladder section whenever the second ladder section 18 is in its retracted position. The resilient mounting of the latch bar 66 will create enough downward pressure so that the finger 72 will be locked into the receptacle 74 regardless of the orientation of the ladder apparatus 10. It is only when enough force is applied to the arm 68 that this connection is released and the second ladder section 18 is allowed to pivot away from the first ladder section 12.
(27) According to FIG. 8, there is shown the ladder top 26 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Ladder top 26 resembles the ladder top that is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,170 by the present applicant. This ladder top 26 includes an end surface 30 that has a V-shaped indentation 100. The end surface 30 can be formed of a polymeric material, rubber material, or an elastomeric material. As such, this avoids possible damaging contact with the extrinsic surface, such as the wall shown in FIG. 2. The ladder top 26 has a top surface 102 that includes trays 104, 106 and 108 therein. Slots 110 and 120 are formed through the top surface 102. Slots 110 and 112 facilitate the ability to insert straps in order to secure the ladder top 26 to an object, such as a pole, a tree, or other sort of upwardly extending member. The top surface 26 can also include a variety of holes used for retaining tools the area and a pocket for receiving items, such as nails, bolts or screws.
(28) As was described hereinbefore, the end surface 30 will extend outwardly for a significant distance away from the upper end of the first ladder section 12. The end surface 30 includes several ridges, longitudinal channels in vertical channels so as to enhance the ability to retain the ladder top 26 against the extrinsic surface.
(29) FIG. 9 illustrates the ladder top 26 as secured to an extrinsic surface such as pole 120. It can be seen that a pole 120 is received within the V-shape slot 100. A strap 122 has been placed through the slots 110 and 112. The strap 122 will serve to wrap around the pole 120. As such, the ladder top 26 can be securely retained against an irregular-shaped vertically-extending object, such as a pole or a tree.
(30) Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a second embodiment of the latch mechanism 200 as used in the present invention. The latch mechanism 200 is used in association with the first ladder section 202 and the second ladder section 204. The second ladder section 204 has a channel 206 therein. Channel 206 is of a square U-shaped configuration. In particular, a support 208 is provided having a square C-shaped configuration with the ends affixed to the wall of the channel 206. The support 208 includes a surface 210 that extends beyond the sides 212 and 214 of the channel 206. This surface 210 can also be flush with or slightly recessed within the sides 212 and 214. A latch bar 216 is provided having a first portion 218 that is mounted to the surface 210 of the support 208. The latch bar 216 has a second portion 220 of the capital V-shaped configuration which extends outwardly from the second ladder section 204 toward the first ladder section 202. When the first ladder section 202 is moved into a position juxtaposed against or adjacent the second ladder section 204, the end 222 of the second portion 220 will face one side 224 of the channel 226 of the first ladder section 204. As such, if there is an attempt to move the first ladder section 202 away from the second ladder section 204, this movement is blocked by the end 222 of the second portion 220 of the latch bar 216. The latch bar 216 is of a unitary construction and, preferably, formed of a steel or aluminum material. A space is defined between the vertex 228 of the second portion 220. As such, the user can insert a finger or a hand into the space between this vertex 228 and the side 230 of the channel 226. A lifting motion will cause the end of 222 to separate from the channel 226 in order to allow for the movement of the first ladder section 202 with respect to the second ladder section 204. Within this embodiment of the latch mechanism 200 of the present invention, the positions of the first portion and the second portion of the latch bar 216 can be reversed between the first and second ladder sections.
(31) FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the latch mechanism 300 of the present invention. Latch mechanism 300 include a latch bar 302 that has a first portion 304 mounted against the wall 306 of the channel 308 of the second ladder section 310. This first portion 304 will extend outwardly from the wall 306 so as to extend beyond the end of the side 312 of the first ladder section 310. The latch bar 302 also includes a second portion 314 that extends outwardly from the first portion 304. The second portion 314 has a V-shaped configuration. As can be seen, an end 316 of the second portion 314 faces the side 318 of the channel 320 of the first ladder section 322. As such, any movement between the first ladder section 310 and the second ladder section 322 will be resisted by contact between the end 316 and the side 318. In order to release the latch bar 312 from this locking position, it is only necessary for the user to insert his or her finger into the space between the vertex 326 of the second portion 314 of latch bar 302 and the side 328 of the first ladder section 322. A lifting motion will free the end 316 from the channel 320 so that the first ladder section 322 can be pivoted with respect to the second ladder section 310. The relative positions of the first portion 304 and the second portion 314 of the latch bar 302 can be reversed between the first ladder section 322 in the second ladder section 314 in accordance with the teachings of this third embodiment of the latch mechanism 300 of the present invention.
(32) FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the latch mechanism 400 in accordance with the present invention. The latch mechanism 400 includes a latch bar 402 that has a first portion 404 that is attached to the wall 406 of the channel 408 of the second ladder section 410. The first portion 404 will extend outwardly at an angle so as to extend beyond the side 412 of channel 408. This portion 404 of the latch bar 402 will extend outwardly so as to have the second portion 414 positioned within the channel 416 of the first ladder section 418. The second portion 414 is of an V-shaped configuration so as to have an inwardly inclined portion residing within the channel 416. A vertex 420 of this V-shaped configuration can ultimately bear against a wall 422 of the first ladder section 418. This V-shaped configuration of the second portion 414 includes an arm 424 that extends outwardly beyond the sides channel 416 of the first ladder section 418 so as to provide a surface whereby the user can use his or her fingers so as to manipulate the latch bar 402 so as to separate the latch bar 402 from the channel 416 of the first ladder section 418. Within the concept of this fourth embodiment of the latch mechanism 400, the first portion 404 can be mounted upon a support in the manner shown in FIG. 10. Additionally, the relative positions of the first portion 404 and the second portion 414 can be reversed between the first ladder section 418 and the second ladder section 410.
(33) In either of the embodiments of FIGS. 10-12, the latch bar is of a unitary construction and formed of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum. In each of these configurations, the engagement of the second portion with the wall of the channel assures that the ladder sections will not unintentionally separate from each other. The latch mechanism of FIGS. 10-12 is of a relatively inexpensive configuration and can be easily manufactured in association with the ladder apparatus of the present invention.
(34) Within the concept of the present invention, it can be seen from the previous figures that the latch mechanism is actually applied to the ladder sections. Within the concept of the present invention, it is possible that the latch mechanism can be utilized in association with the spreader bar so as to secure the ladder sections together.
(35) The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the present claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
