Folding attic stairway transport system

Abstract

A device and system for transporting items up and down a folding attic stairway in a building, such as a residential structure, and into an attic space finally resting securely on the floor of the attic.

Claims

1. A Transport System for a folding attic stairway that operates between a lower floor and an attic floor and that is comprised of: (a) a base assembly made of durable materials with a platform, an end, runners, and a guiding system; (b) a cable system between the platform and a winch; wherein the cable system is further comprised of a pulley system with a plurality of pulleys configured such that a cable encircles around the pulleys and guides the cable to the location of the winch; wherein at least one of the plurality of pulleys resting on the attic floor; and (c) the winch wherein the base assembly of the transport system is suspended by the cable of the cable system and the cable is lengthened and shortened by an operation of the winch and wherein the platform of the base assembly moves up and down an extended configuration of the folding attic stairway which permits the platform while carrying a load and during the operation of the winch, to reach and to rest on the attic floor and then to return back downward on the extended configuration of the folding attic stairway to reach the lower floor.

2. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 1 wherein the motion of moving the platform assembly is by means of a powered winch.

3. The powered winch according to claim 2 is operated by an electric motor.

4. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway in claim 1 wherein the durable materials of the platform of the base assembly is selected from the group consisting of wood, wood substitute, pressed wood, metals, aluminum, steel, steel alloys, durable plastics, and composite materials.

5. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the cable is selected from the group consisting of eyelets and bolts; a single shank ball and washer; and clamps and thimbles.

6. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 1 wherein the cable is selected from the group consisting of high tensile strength stranded metals, composite materials, high strength plastics, or strong rope.

7. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 1 wherein the winch is selected from the group consisting of a manual crank, a mechanically assisted ratchet, an electrical motor, a hydraulic powered system; and a pneumatic powered system.

8. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 7 wherein the powered winch is activated by a means selected from the group consisting of simple switch, a key, a key fob, a tethered switch; and remote control device.

9. A Transport System for a folding attic stairway that operates between a lower floor and an attic floor and that is comprised of: (a) a base assembly made of durable materials with a platform, an end, and a pair of runners; (b) a guiding system for the platform comprised of a lower section pair of guide rails, an upper section pair of guide rails, and a means for connecting each of the upper and lower section pair of guide rails to a stile of the stairway whereby the bottom surface of the runners of the platform slide contiguously on a top surface of the upper pair of guide rails and beside the lower section pair of guide rails; (c) a cable system comprised of a cable with two ends, a means to connect one end of the cable to the to the platform, a means for connecting the opposite end of the cable to a winch, a cable wear strip/angle, and runner wear pads/strip or angle; wherein the cable system is further comprised of a pulley system with a plurality of pulleys configured such that the cable encircles around the pulleys and guides the cable to the location of the winch; wherein at least one of the plurality of pulleys resting on the attic floor; and (d) the winch wherein the base assembly of the transport system is suspended by a cable of the cable system and the cable is lengthened and shortened by an operation of the winch and wherein the platform of the base assembly moves up and down an extended configuration of the folding attic stairway which permits the platform while carrying a load and during the operation of the winch, to reach and to rest on the attic floor and then to return back downward on the extended configuration of the folding attic stairway to reach the lower floor.

10. The system according to claim 9 wherein the motion of moving the platform assembly is by means of a powered winch.

11. The powered winch according to claim 10 is operated by an electric motor.

12. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 9 wherein the means for connecting the upper and lower section guide rails to the platform is selected from the group consisting of adhesives, threaded bolts/nuts, threaded screws, nails, pins and heavy tacks for wood, welding, brazing, forming for metals, and molding process for composites and plastics.

13. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway in claim 9 wherein the durable materials of the platform of the base assembly is selected from the group consisting of wood, wood substitute, pressed wood, metals, aluminum, steel, steel alloys, durable plastics, and composite materials.

14. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 9 wherein the means for connecting the cable is selected from the group consisting of eyelets and bolts; a single shank ball and washer; and clamps and thimbles.

15. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 9 wherein the cable is selected from the group consisting of stranded metals, high tensile strength stranded metals, composite materials, high strength plastics, or strong rope.

16. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 9 wherein the winch is selected from the group consisting of a manual crank, a mechanically assisted ratchet, an electrical motor, a hydraulic powered system; and a pneumatic powered system.

17. The Transport System for a folding attic stairway according to claim 16 wherein the powered winch is activated by a means selected from the group consisting of simple switch, a key, a key fob, a tethered switch; and a remote control device.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIGURES

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the device that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Folding Attic Stairway Transport System. It is understood, however, that the Folding Attic Stairway Transport System is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective views of a transport system constructed and operated in accordance with the present invention, where the transport device is in a lowered position.

(3) FIG. 1 A shows the system incorporated with the attic floor and the stairway resting on the lower floor such as a garage floor.

(4) FIGS. 1 B and 1 C show section views of runners and guides.

(5) FIGS. 2 A through 2 D show various perspective views of the transport device in its final horizontal position in its upper location in the attic.

(6) FIGS. 3 A and 3 B show various perspective views of the transport device including runners and attachment point for the cable.

(7) FIGS. 4 and 4 A show a top perspective view of the attic pulleys on the mounting board and details thereof.

(8) FIG. 5 shows the top view of an alternative placement for the winch in the attic rather than attached to the attic cover next to the stairway rail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

(9) The following list refers to the drawings:

(10) TABLE-US-00002 No. Description 10 transport assembly/device 10 for a folding attic stairway 70 11 lower section guide rails 11 rectangular structure attached contiguously to side of stairway stile 83 12 upper section guide rails 12 angular structure attached contiguously to upper surface of stairway stile 83 13 cable 13 14 pulley system 14 comprised of pulleys 42 and cable 13 15 a slot 15 cut out of the attic cover 75 for the cable 13 to pass through to the winch 16 16 winch device 16 (powered or other) 17 cable 13 connection point 17 on platform 35 to transport device 10 18 transport device guides 18 19 cable guide 19 19A cable wear strip or angle 19A 20 runner 32 wear pads/strip or angle 20 21 upper location in the attic 21 22 handle 22 for transport assembly 23 winch 16 and/or pulley 42 mounting board 23 31 angle straps 31 as a means to secure end plate 36 to platform 32 lower runners 32 under transport platform 35, inset from edge of platform 35 35 transport platform 35 36 transport end plate 36 37 means for securing 37 lower runners 32 to platform 35 42 attic pulleys 42 51 alternative placement 51 for the winch/hoist 16 in the attic 70 folding attic stairway 70 72 hinge points 72 on side rails 83 73 structure/joists 73 of attic floor 80 around the perimeter of the stairway 70 75 ceiling cover structure 75 of folding attic stairway 70 80 attic floor 80 81 opening 81 of attic floor 80 83 stairway stile/side rails 83 84 stairway treads/steps 84 85 means 85 for attaching rail guides 11, 12 to stile 83 90 garage or lower surface floor 90 91 means 91 for connecting cable 13 to platform 35 such as eyelets and bolts; a single shank ball and washer; and clamps and thimbles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(11) This present invention relates generally to a device for transporting materials up a folding overhead stairway or ladder. More particularly, the device relates to a transport device with a powered or manual winch to enable the movement of the materials in a safe and efficient manner.

(12) There are shown in FIGS. 1-5 a description of the Folding Attic Stairway Transport System. The advantages and benefits include, but are not limited to: A. Provides ability to store and retrieve multiple items, awkward items, bulky items and heavy items from an attic B. Adapts to use conventional folding stairway devices. C. Maintains existing stairway capability without interference. D. Can be installed with new or existing folding attic stairways. E. Can be used by a single person to store or retrieve objects without a second person. F. Keeps the same visual garage or room image and ceiling appearance. G. Is ergonomically correct and reduces stress and strain of back and leg muscles. H. Is a safer way to transport by keeping the user's hands-free of the material. I. Provides an unload surface at the top of the stairway. J. Provides optional powered or manual (crank) winch to move material. K. Maintains the ability for ladder to fold and stairs to close. L. Provides ease in retrieving/storing items in attic. M. Eliminates the risk of dropping items. N. Eliminates the risk of personal injury from losing balance while carrying objects up/down stairway. O. Eliminates the need for person to be in attic and reaching down to lift object from person coming up stairs. P. Provides a capability to move items safely and efficiently up and down stairway to/from attic. Q. Allows stairway to be device-free (due to resting destination in attic) for person to climb stairway and load/unload items. R. Allows the transport system installation not to infringe on a person choosing to use the attic stairway without the transport system. S. Is a safe adaptation to existing folding attic stairs T. Uses Simple tools for assembly U. Can be made with readily available processes and materials V. Can be manufactured at relatively low costs W. Maximizes the use of the materials with minimal scrap

(13) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment and examples of uses. The preferred embodiment is a Transport System for a folding attic stairway comprised of (a) a base assembly made of durable materials with a platform, an end, and a pair of runners; (b) a guiding system for the platform comprised of a lower section pair of guide rails, an upper section pair of guide rails, runner wear pads/strip or angle, and a means for connecting each of the upper and lower section pair of guide rails to a stile of the stairway whereby the bottom surface of the runners of the platform slide contiguously along the upper and lower section pair of guide rails; (c) a cable system comprised of a cable with two ends, a means to connect one end of the cable to the to the platform, a means for connecting the opposite end of the cable to a winch device, a cable wear strip/angle cable wear strip/angle, and runner wear pads/strip or angle; and (d) the winch device wherein the transport device moves up and down the extended folding stairway; and wherein the folding stairway maintains its capability and use when the transport device is resting on the attic floor. An alternative embodiment is the system wherein the winch is located in the attic and the motion of moving the platform assembly is by means of a powered winch. Another alternative embodiment is the system wherein the cable system is further comprised of a pulley system with a number of pulleys configured such that the cable encircles around pulleys and guides the cable to the location of the winch.

(14) The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing the Folding Attic Stairway Transport System can be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of folding stairways for attics and the like.

(15) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a transport system 10 constructed and operated in accordance with the present invention, where the transport device is in a lowered position. FIG. 1 A shows the system incorporated with the attic floor and the stairway resting on the lower floor such as a garage floor. FIGS. 1 B and 1 C show section views of runners and guides which help make-up a guiding system. In FIG. 1, there it shows a perspective view of the transport system, the transport device 10 for attic stairways 70, a set/pair of lower section guide rails 11 attached to stairway rail 83 between hinges 72, an upper section guide rails 12 attached to stairway rail between upper hinge and top of stairway, and a cable 13 connected at point 17 of platform 35 to transport device 10. A winch device 16 is attached to the stairway cover 75 and a slot 15 cut out of the attic cover 75 for the cable 13 to pass through to the winch 16. The cable 13 is used to raise and lower the transport device 10 by means of the winch 16. As winch 16 is turned cable 13 that is attached to the device pulls the transport device 10 up into the attic entry opening 81, between the transport device guides 18, and over runner 32 wear pads/strip or angle 20. The pulley system shown is a cable 13 that passes over the cable wear strip or angle 19A, around pulleys 42 in attic, passes through opening in attic cover 15, is guided by the cable guide 19 and ultimately attaches to the winch 16. The device (winch) 16 that is used to raise and lower transport device is shown as a manual crank. It should be understood that other types of raising and lowering the transport device can be employed such as pulleys, electric motors (connected to line power or batteries), hydraulic motors, or the like. The powered winch/hoist or manual winch can be placed on the attic cover, on a garage wall, or in the attic. See FIG. 5 for an alternative winch location. Winch 16 and/or pulley 42 are fixed securely to a mounting board 23. One notes the powered winch can be activated by a means selected from the group consisting of simple switch, a key, a key fob, a tethered switch; and a remote control device like a garage door opener. FIG. 1 A shows the transport device 10 for a folding attic stairway 70, the attic floor 80; the opening 15 of attic floor 80; and the garage or lower surface floor 90. FIGS. 1 B and 1 C show a guiding system. FIG. 1 B shows the section view of the stairway and upper section guide rails 12 angular structure attached contiguously to upper surface of stairway stile 83. One notes the guide rails 12 angular structure, a means 85 for attaching guide rails 12 to stile 83, the platform 35, lower runner 32 (with rounded edges and ends and inset from edge of platform 35) and means for connecting 37 the platform 35 and runner 32. One also notes in FIG. 1 C is shown the pair of guide rails 11 rectangular structure, a means 85 for attaching rail guides 11 to stile 83, the platform 35, lower runner 32 (inset from edge of platform 35) and means for connecting 37 the platform 35 and runner 32. For the most part the runners 32 rest on the top surface of the pair of lower guide rails 11 and upper guide rails 12.

(16) FIGS. 2 A through 2 D show various perspective views of the transport device 10 in its final horizontal position in its upper location in the attic 21. Shown here are the transport device 10 for a folding attic stairway 70; cable 13; a means 91 for connecting/securing at point 17 of platform 35 the cable 13 to the platform 35 of the transport device 10; upper location in the attic 21; structure/joists 73 of attic floor 80 around the perimeter of the stairway 70; angle straps 31 as a means to secure end plate 36 to platform; transport platform 35; transport end plate 36; means for securing 37 lower runners 32 to platform 35; a mounting board 23 winch 16 and/or pulley 42; and attic pulleys 42. FIG. 2 D shows the platform 35, lower runner 32 (inset from edge of platform 35) and means for connecting 37 the platform 35 and runner 32.

(17) FIGS. 3 A and 3 B show various perspective views of the transport device 10 including runners 32 and attachment points 17 for the cable 13. Demonstrated in these views are transport device 10 for a folding attic stairway 70; cable 13; angle straps 31 as a means to secure end plate 36 to platform 35; lower runners 32 under transport platform 35; point connection point 17; means 91 for connecting cable 13 to platform 35 such as eyelets and bolts, a single shank ball and washer, and clamps and thimbles; transport platform 35; and transport end plate 36.

(18) FIGS. 4 and 4 A show a top view of the attic pulleys 42 on the mounting board 23 and details thereof. These drawings show transport device 10 for a folding attic stairway 70; cable 13; attic entry transport 10 device guides 18; a mounting board 23 winch 16 and/or pulley 42; runner 32 wear pads/strip or angle 20; and attic pulleys 42.

(19) FIG. 5 shows the top perspective view of an alternative placement for the winch 16 in the attic rather than attached to the attic cover next to the stairway rail. Provided in these sketches are an opening 81 of attic floor 80; a cable 13; a means 91 for connecting/securing cable 13 at connection point 17 of platform 35 to secure cable 13 to transport device 10 (not shown); a transport device guides 18; a mounting board 23 for the winch 16; runner 32 wear pads/strip or angle 20; and an alternative placement 51 for the winch/hoist 16 in the attic.

(20) The details mentioned anticipate various material options and alternative embodiments. The transport device 10 for a folding attic stairway 70 can be made of a durable material such as wood, wood substitute, pressed wood, metals like aluminum, steel, steel alloys, etc., durable plastics, and composite materials or the like. The cable 13 can be made of various stranded metals, high tensile strength metals or composite materials or high strength plastics, strong rope, or the like. The winch 16 anticipates a manual crank, a mechanically assisted ratchet, an electrical motor, a hydraulic powered system, a pneumatic powered system, or other means for providing power to move the cable 13. The means for attaching and securing 37, 85 anticipate a secure fastening meansremovable or permanentmatched to the materials used. Adhesives, threaded bolts/nuts, threaded screws, nails, pins and heavy tacks for wood; welding, brazing or forming for metals, and adhesives or molding process for composites and plastics. The cable 13 connection point 17 anticipates a means 91 for securing and connecting the ends of the cable 13 such as eyelets and bolts; a single shank ball and washer; and clamps and thimbles or the like.

(21) The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific processes, methods, and manners specific to this Folding Attic Stairway Transport System can be added to by a person skilled in the art of folding stairways for attics and other access and material transport methods and apparatuses.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(22) The new application is for the Folding Attic Stairway Transport System called the LADCAD. The preferred embodiment is a Transport System for a folding attic stairway comprised of (a) a base assembly made of durable materials with a platform, an end, and a pair of runners; (b) a guiding system for the platform comprised of a lower section pair of guide rails, an upper section pair of guide rails, runner wear pads/strip or angle, and a means for connecting each of the upper and lower section pair of guide rails to a stile of the stairway whereby the bottom surface of the runners of the platform slide contiguously along the upper and lower section pair of guide rails; (c) a cable system comprised of a cable with two ends, a means to connect one end of the cable to the to the platform, a means for connecting the opposite end of the cable to a winch device, a cable wear strip/angle cable wear strip/angle, and runner wear pads/strip or angle; and (d) the winch device wherein the transport device moves up and down the extended folding stairway; and wherein the folding stairway maintains its capability and use when the transport device is resting on the attic floor. An alternative embodiment is the system wherein the winch is located in the attic and the motion of moving the platform assembly is by means of a powered winch. Another alternative embodiment is the system wherein the cable system is further comprised of a pulley system with a number of pulleys configured such that the cable encircles around pulleys and guides the cable to the location of the winch.

(23) In operation, a person places load on transport device 10 while it is in its lower position as shown in FIG. 1. The load is secured in some manner by straps, ropes, bands, and the like in the usual manner. Next, the cable 13 is tensioned by the turning of the winch 16. The load and transport device travel upward along the stairway and lower 11 and upper 12 guides and attic entry guides 18 to its final upper position shows in FIG. 2C. The person can now ascend attic stairway and remove load from transport device. To bring a load from attic down stairway, a person places load on transport device 10 while it is in its upper location on the attic floor as shown in FIGS. 2 A through 2 C. The load is secured in some manner by straps, ropes, bands, and the like in the usual manner. The person then positions the device in preparation for the transport system to lower it out of the attic. The person descends the attic stairway. Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the cable 13 is tensioned by the turning of the winch 16. The load and transport device 10 travel downward along the stairway and upper guides 12 and lower guides 11 to its lower position as shown in FIG. 1. The person can now remove load from transport device 10. If automated winch/hoist is attached in attic rather than on attic cover the same above steps can be accomplish with one person. If winch in attic is a manual crank two people will be needed to accomplish operation. One person needs to be at bottom of stairway and one person in the attic.

(24) With this description it should be understood that the Folding Attic Stairway Transport System is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The system called the LADCAD is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

(25) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All patents and publications mentioned herein, including those cited in the background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

(26) The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present inventions are not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

(27) Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

(28) Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless explicitly so stated, but rather one or more. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.

(29) The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

(30) As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as left, right, front, back, and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawing FIGS. However, it is to be understood that the subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein (i.e., in the claims and the specification), articles such as the, a, and an can connote the singular or plural. Also, as used herein, the word or when used without a preceding either (or other similar language indicating that or is unequivocally meant to be exclusivee.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x or y means one or both x or y). Likewise, as used herein, the term and/or shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x and/or y means one or both x or y). In situations where and/or or or are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all of the items together, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, terms used in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, and including should be construed to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising.

(31) Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.