Attic Door and Access Ladder Hand Tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handheld tool for opening or actuating attic doors and pulling down extendable attic access ladders therefrom. The tool features a handle/pole that includes a grip at one end, and a hook at the opposite end. The hook is configured to couple with an eyehook of an attic door, thereby enabling a user to pull the handle to open the door. The hook can be coupled to a side hook of the ladder to pull down the access ladder. The handle is extended towards the attic to couple or engage the hook with the eyehook and the side hook, and thereby enables a user to stand on the floor while opening the door and pulling the ladder. The aforementioned obviates the use of a stool, step ladder or any other makeshift elevation mechanism for accessing attic doors.

Claims

1. An attic door and ladder access device kit comprising: an elongated pole having a first end and a second end; wherein said first end includes an ergonomic grip; wherein said second end includes a wing nut and an eye hook; wherein said elongated pole includes a plurality of telescoping sections for varying a length of said elongated pole; a first hook for connecting to an attic door; a second hook for connecting to an extendable attic ladder; wherein said eye hook engageable to said first hook for opening said attic door; and wherein said eye hook engageable to said second hook for extending said attic ladder.

2. The attic door and ladder access device kit of claim 1, wherein said grip includes a strap for securing around a hand of a user.

3. The attic door and ladder access device kit of claim 2, wherein said wing nut integrally connected to said eye hook.

4. The attic door and ladder access device kit of claim 3, wherein said wing nut and said eye hook are replaceable.

5. The attic door and ladder access device kit of claim 4, wherein said plurality of telescoping sections includes three telescoping sections and three telescoping slots.

6. An attic door and ladder access device kit comprising: a telescoping pole having a first end and a second end; wherein said first end includes an ergonomic grip; wherein said second end includes an eye hook; wherein said telescoping pole includes a plurality of telescoping sections for varying a length of said telescoping pole; wherein said plurality of telescoping sections includes three telescoping sections and three telescoping slots; a first hook for connecting to an attic door; a second hook for connecting to an extendable attic ladder; wherein said eye hook engageable to said first hook for opening said attic door; and wherein said eye hook engageable to said second hook for extending said attic ladder.

7. The attic door and ladder access device kit of claim 6, wherein said grip includes a strap for securing around a hand of a user.

8. The attic door and ladder access device kit of claim 7, wherein said second end further includes a wing nut integrally connected to said eye hook.

9. The attic door and ladder access device kit of claim 8, wherein said wing nut and said eye hook are replaceable.

10. A method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder therefrom, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a first hook to an attic door; connecting a second hook to an extendable attic ladder; extending a telescoping pole having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end includes an ergonomic grip and said second end includes an eye hook; engaging said eye hook to said first hook; pulling downward on said telescoping pole for opening said attic door; disengaging said eye hook from said first hook; engaging said eye hook to said second hook; and pulling downward on said telescoping pole for extending said attic ladder.

11. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 10, wherein said telescoping pole includes a plurality of telescoping sections for varying a length of said telescoping pole.

12. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 11, wherein said plurality of telescoping sections includes three telescoping sections and three telescoping slots.

13. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 12, wherein said grip includes a strap for securing around a hand of a user.

14. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 13, wherein said second end further includes a wing nut integrally connected to said eye hook.

15. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 14, wherein said wing nut and said eye hook are replaceable.

16. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 10 further comprising a step of pushing upward on said telescoping pole for retracting said attic ladder.

17. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 16 further comprising a step of disengaging said eye hook from said second hook.

18. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 17 further comprising a step of engaging said eye hook to said first hook.

19. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 18 further comprising a step of pushing upward on said telescoping pole for closing said attic door.

20. The method for actuating an attic door and extending and retracting a ladder of claim 18, wherein said telescoping pole telescopes from a length from about three feet to about seven feet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an attic door and ladder access tool or device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art method of pulling the attic door without using the attic door and ladder access tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the use of the attic door and ladder access tool or device of the present invention to open the attic door in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the use of the attic door and ladder access tool of the present invention to pull the attic ladder and unfold or extend same in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps performed for accessing a foldable or extendable attic access ladder by a user while standing on the floor in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0025] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0026] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved device that facilitates opening of an attic door, pulling an access ladder, and unfolding or extending same in a safe manner. There is also a long felt need in the art for a device that enables individuals to easily access attic areas. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved attic access device that obviates the use of stepstools, ladders and other makeshift elevation tools for accessing the attic. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that enables individuals to open attic doors while standing on the floor. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved method of opening or actuating attic doors that does not require physical dexterity. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an attic access device that offers a safe and convenient method for actuating and closing the attic door; and, for pulling, unfolding/extending and retracting the access ladder without worry of injury or strain to a user.

[0027] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel attic door and access ladder opening tool. The tool includes a separate eyehook that is configured to attach or engage to an attic door and also engage to a side hook that is configured to attach to an attic access ladder. Further, the tool includes a pole that includes a hook at one end and a grip at the opposite end. The hook is locked or secured to the eyehook positioned on the attic door, enabling a user to pull down and open the door. The hook is further configured to lock or engage with the side hook of the access ladder, thereby enabling a user to pull down the ladder and access the attic.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of attic door and ladder access device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The attic door and ladder access device 100 of the present invention is designed to easily pull down an attic door and a ladder without using a stepstool or any makeshift elevation system. More specifically, the device 100 includes an elongated handle/pole 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106. The first end 104 includes an ergonomic grip 108 enabling a user to grip the device easily and comfortably 100. For further securing the grip of the user, a strap 110 is also disposed using the strap connectors 1100,1102. The second end 106 of the handle 102 includes a wing nut 114 integrally connected to an eye hook 112. The eye hook 112 and the wing nut assembly 114 can be removed from the second end 106 as per the requirement of the user in case the hook 112 gets physically damaged.

[0029] The eye hook 112 is configured to engage or secure to the hook embedded on the attic door for opening the door (as best shown in FIG. 3) and to a ladder eye hook for pulling the ladder (as best shown in FIG. 4). The device 100 is safe and comfortable for one-handed or two-handed operation, and obviates the need of a user to use a stepstool or any other elevation system as typically invoked in the prior art (shown in FIG. 2).

[0030] The handle 102 can be a telescoping handle with a plurality of telescoping slots 102a,102b,102c and telescoping sections 103a,103b,103c disposed along the length of the handle/pole 102. This enables a user to extend or retract the length of the tool 100, and enables use of the tool 100 for attics at various ceiling heights.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art method of pulling the attic door without using the attic door and ladder access tool 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the prior art as shown, a user 202 has to use a makeshift elevation mechanism such as a stepstool 204 for reaching the attic 208 positioned on a ceiling 206. The elevation tool is placed on the floor 216 and the user 202 stands on the stepstool 204. This way of opening the door 210 is dangerous as the stepstool 204 may tilt, causing the user 202 to fall. Further, the user 202 may have to stretch to reach the attic door 210 and the ladder 212 which is discomforting for the user. Retracting the door to the closed position is more difficult as the user 202 has to continuously put pressure and force onto the door 210 in order to close the door 210. In the prior art method, the user 202 manually holds the door eyehook 214 with a finger(s) for opening and closing the door 210, which can be painful to the finger(s) of the user.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the use of the attic door and ladder access tool 100 of the present invention to open the attic door 210 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The tool 100 is firmly grasped by the user 202 using a single hand or both hands from the grip portion 108. The second end 106 can be extended upwards to reach the door eyehook 214 of the attic 208. It should be appreciated that because of the extension of sections 103a,103b,103c and the elongated handle 102 of the tool 100, the user 202 can stand on the floor 216 and access the door eyehook 214. The hook 112, attached to the wing nut 114, can be secured/hooked to the door eyehook 214, thereby enabling the user to pull the attic door 210 down to access the attic 208. The telescopic nature of the handle 102 enables the user 202 to open doors of attics positioned at various ceiling heights. When the door 210 is pulled using the hook 112, the door 210 pivotally lowers along the hinged edge 302. The tool 100 obviates the need for users to elevate themselves to reach the door eyehook 214.

[0033] Similarly, after use of the attic 208, the ladder can be retracted and the door 210 can be positioned to close the attic 208, by pushing the door 210 from the lowered position using the tool 100. The hook 112 secured to the door eyehook 214 pushes the door 210 upward to close the attic 208 and the tool 100 can then be securely stored in the home. The hook 112 provides better control of the load of the door 210 without compromising the operator's 202 safety.

[0034] It should be appreciated that the present embodiment shows the use of the tool 100 for opening the attic door 210 of the attic 208 installed in a horizontal orientation. However, the tool 100 can be used for opening the attic door of an attic used in vertical orientation, such as for a knee wall.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the use of the attic door and ladder access tool 100 of the present invention to pull the attic ladder 212 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. A primary advantage of the tool 100 of the present invention is that it can be used for pulling down both the door 210 and the attic ladder 212 for accessing the attic 208. Once the door 210 is opened using the tool 100, the hook 112 is removed from the door eyehook and is then secured to a side hook 402 of the attic ladder 212. It should be noted the ladder side hook 402 can be integrated to the ladder 212 or can be retrofitted to the ladder 212 through a fastening mechanism such as drilling or welding. In cases where the ladder side hook 402 is retrofitted, the ladder side hook(s) 402 can be commercially packaged as a kit with the attic access tool 100 of the present invention.

[0036] Once the hook 112 is secured to the ladder side hook 402, the tool 100 is pulled by the user 202 using the handle 102 and thus the ladder 212 is lowered (i.e. extended) and accessed by the user 202. Thereafter, the ladder 212 can be fully telescopically extended by the user 202. Similarly, the ladder 212 can be retracted by the user 202 and then can be pushed back towards the door 208 by pushing upward using the tool 100 engaged with the side hook 402.

[0037] The hook 112 of the tool 100 provides a secure engagement with the ladder side hook 402 and provides an easy way for the user 202 to pull down and extend the ladder 212. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the attic access device 100 offers a safe and convenient method for actuating and closing the attic door without worry of any discomfort and injury to the user 202.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps performed for accessing a vertical or horizontal oriented attic by a user while standing on the floor in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, based on the distance of the attic door from the user, a length of the handle of the attic access tool is adjusted (Step 502) using telescoping sections 103a,103b,103c. Then, the hook of the tool is extended upwards to reach and engage with the attic door eyehook (Step 504). Thereafter, the door is pulled by applying a minimal pulling force by the user resulting in pivotally moving the attic door along a fixed-hinged edge (Step 506). Once, the door is properly opened, the hook of the tool is engaged to the attic ladder side hook (Step 508). Finally, the ladder is pulled and lowered (i.e. unfolded or extended) by pulling upon the tool 100, thereby enabling the user to access the ladder to climb to the attic (Step 510).

[0039] It should be noted that in one embodiment of the present invention, the tool 100, the door eyehook 214 and the ladder side hook 402 are commercially available as a kit and can be purchased together by consumers.

[0040] The handle 102 is made from a rust-free and lightweight material such as wood, aluminum or stainless steel. The handle 102 can be telescopic or can have a fixed length. The wing nut 114 is integrally connected to the hook 112, however, the wing nut 114 can be detached from the second end 106 of the handle 102. The handle 102 can have a length in the range from about three feet to about seven feet or can telescope in a range from about three feet to about seven feet.

[0041] Any or all of the exemplary embodiments and dimensions of the tool 100 can be modified or adapted to suit the user's requirements and the structural specifications of the building into which the attic is installed.

[0042] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “attic access tool”, “attic door and ladder access tool”, “tool”, “attic access hand tool”, “device”, and “portable attic access tool” are interchangeable and refer to the portable attic door and ladder access tool 100 of the present invention.

[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the portable attic door and ladder access tool 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the portable attic door and ladder access tool 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the portable attic door and ladder access tool 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the portable attic door and ladder access tool 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the portable attic door and ladder access tool 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0045] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.