Ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly and method

Abstract

A ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly and method for operating a ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly. The equipment holding assembly provides an elongated mount sleeve that is configured to slidably fit through the holes in the sides of a ladder, and receive a corresponding rung in the ladder. A pair of caps serve to centrally fasten the mount sleeve to the rung. The caps have clips that align with corresponding tracks formed in the mount sleeve. Interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories detachably attach to the free ends of the mount sleeve. The anchoring accessories comprise eclectic shapes and dimensions, such as threaded pipes, hooks, rings, and clips. The anchoring accessories serve to hold a corresponding equipment in an accessible position for a user working on the ladder. The equipment includes paint buckets, brushes, and tools pertinent to operations on ladder.

Claims

1. A ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly, the assembly being attachable to a ladder which comprises an upper region and a lower region, two parallel legs defined by spaced-apart holes formed along the length of the legs, and multiple rungs aligned with the spaced-apart holes, the rungs disposed in a perpendicular arrangement relative to the legs, the assembly comprising: at least one elongated mount sleeve defined by a channel, a pair of free ends, and a track disposed near an end of the mount sleeve; at least one cap having a biased lever, the cap having a hole through which the lever penetrates and engages the track, the cap having a cavity, the cap adapted to slidably fit to the free ends of the mount sleeve, the cap having a locking mechanism; multiple interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories, each anchoring accessory being detachably attachable to one of the free ends of the mount sleeve via the locking mechanism; and wherein the mount sleeve is configured to slide into at least one rung of the ladder via a spaced-apart hole on one of the legs of the ladder; wherein the biased lever comprises teeth that mate with corresponding teeth in the track of the mount sleeve.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel at the free ends of the mount sleeve is threaded.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one cap has a cross section with a perimeter comprising a curved side and a flat side.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cavity of the at least one cap is configured to slidably receive the free ends of the mount sleeve.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking pin.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one anchoring accessory is detachably attachable to one of the at least one cap, via a pin passageway configured to receive the locking pin.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchoring accessories include at least one of the following: a spring-loaded clip, a ring, a magnet, a cube, and an L-shaped pipe having a threaded free end.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchoring accessories comprise a flange terminating at a hook and a ring.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchoring accessories comprise a cylinder defined by a slot.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchoring accessories are operable to hold multiple equipment.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the equipment includes at least one of the following: a drill, tool, hammer, a scraper holder, a paint bucket, a caulk holster, a paint roller, a paper roll, a paint sprayer, a magnetic brush holder, and a window-washing bucket.

12. A ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly, the assembly being attachable to a ladder which comprises an upper region and a lower region, two parallel legs defined by spaced-apart holes formed along the length of the legs, and multiple rungs aligned with the spaced-apart holes, the rungs disposed in a perpendicular arrangement relative to the legs, the assembly comprising: at least one elongated mount sleeve defined by a channel, a pair of free ends, and a track disposed near an end of the mount sleeve; at least one cap having a biased lever, the cap having a hole through which the lever penetrates and engages the track, the cap having a cavity, the cap adapted to slidably fit to the free ends of the mount sleeve, the cap having a locking mechanism; multiple interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories, each anchoring accessory being detachably attachable to one of the free ends of the mount sleeve via the locking mechanism; and wherein the mount sleeve is configured to slide into at least one rung of the ladder via a spaced-apart hole on one of the legs of the ladder; wherein the cap is configured to slide onto the sleeve in one continuous movement via a ratcheting of the biased lever over the track.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly and method for operating a ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly attached to a ladder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary mount sleeve and a pair of caps, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mount sleeve and pair of caps shown in FIG. 2, coupled to a rung of a ladder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 4 is a close up view of the caps and an exemplary locking pin detached from the mount sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 5 is a close up view of the caps and an exemplary locking pin, showing the locking pin fastening the caps to the mount sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory, such as a pull ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory, such as a spring-loaded clip holding a paint bucket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory, such as a magnet holding a paint brush, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory, such as an L-shaped pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory, such as a flange with hook and ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory, such as a cube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory, such as a cylinder with slot, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(13) FIG. 13 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for operating a ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIGS. 14-17 are perspective views of exemplary anchoring accessories.

(15) FIG. 18 is a cross section view of a mount sleeve and end cap connection.

(16) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchoring accessory comprising a speaker.

(17) FIG. 20 is an alternative embodiment of the cap and sleeve connection comprising a pin and passageway system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(18) At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention.

(19) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(20) Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly 100 and method 1300 of operation. The ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly 100, hereafter “assembly 100” provides an elongated mount sleeve 102 that is configured to slidably fit through the holes in the sides of a ladder 110, and slide into a corresponding rung in the ladder 110. A pair of caps 106a serve to centrally fasten the mount sleeve 102 to the rung via a clip mechanism. In a variant, the clip mechanism comprises a clip and a track. The caps 106a have biased levers 206a, 206b, for example, alligator clips that have rectangular teeth, that align with corresponding teeth on tracks 202a, 202b formed in the mount sleeve 102. The clips 206a, 206b couples the caps 106a, 106b to free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102 end. Furthermore, multiple interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 detachably attach to the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102 when a cap 106a or 106b (or both) is attached. The anchoring accessories comprise various shapes and dimensions, such as threaded pipes, hooks, rings, and clips. The anchoring accessories serve to hold equipment and tools in an accessible position for a user working on the ladder 110. For example, the equipment may include a paint bucket, a paint brush, a roller, and other tools pertinent to operations on ladder 110.

(21) The assembly 100 is operable with a ladder 110 to hold equipment that is commonly used by ladder operators, in a proximal, accessible position at any of the rungs 118a-h along the ladder 110. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ladder 110 comprises an upper region 112 and a lower region 114. The ladder 110 includes two parallel legs 116a, 116b defined by spaced-apart holes form along the length of the legs 116a, 116b. Multiple rungs 118a-h are aligned with the spaced-apart holes formed in the legs 116a-b. The rungs 118a-h are disposed in a perpendicular arrangement relative to the legs 116a, 116b. The assembly holds equipment near the ends of the rungs, along the legs 116a-b of the ladder 110.

(22) As referenced in FIG. 2, the assembly 100 provides at least one mount sleeve 102 that detachably joins with the ladder 110, and specifically one of the rungs 118a-h of the ladder 110. The mount sleeve 102 can join with any one of the rungs 118b that traverse the legs 116a-b. The mount sleeve 102 has a flat side and a curved side to match the cross section of the ladder rung. By allowing the mount sleeve 102 to selectively join with any of the rungs 118a-h, the equipment can be selectively accessed from multiple heights along the ladder 110.

(23) In some embodiments, the mount sleeve 102 is defined by a channel 200 that slides into the rungs 118a-h. In one possible embodiment, the channel 200 is threaded from either free end 104a, 104b of the mount sleeve 102. In one non-limiting embodiment, the threaded channel 200 may include a male thread that rotatably couples with a female thread of an equipment anchoring accessory, as described below.

(24) The mount sleeve 102 also includes a pair of free ends 104a-b, extending out from the ends of the corresponding rungs 118a-h. Thus, the mount sleeve is dimensioned longer than the width of the ladder. The other components of the assembly 100 attach to the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102. In one non-limiting embodiment, the mount sleeve 102 is elongated, and has a cylindrical, or a half cylinder shape. Suitable materials for the mount sleeve 102 may include, without limitation, a rigid plastic, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, wood, and rubber.

(25) Furthermore, as FIG. 2 illustrates, tracks 202a, 202b are formed near ends of the sleeve 102 where caps 106a, 106b can clip onto. Caps 106a, 106b have pin passageways 217 that are sized and dimensioned to enable passage of a locking pin 108a-b, as described below. In one non-limiting embodiment, a right free end 104b of the mount sleeve 102 has a track 202a-n than a left free end 104a of the mount sleeve 102. The length of tracks 202a-b near the ends 104a-b of the sleeve 202 allows the caps 106a-b to slide as needed, to length-adjust for various width ladders.

(26) Referring to FIG. 3, the assembly 100 provides a pair of caps 106a, 106b that detachably fit at the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102. The caps 106a are configured to cover the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102, which extend past ends of the rungs 118a-h. In one embodiment, the caps 106a comprise an open end and an opposing closed or sealed or covered end. A cavity 204a-b is formed between the ends of the cap 106a-b to enable entry of the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102. Receiving the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102, the cavity 204a-b is sized to slidably receive the free ends 104a-b, fitting the cap to the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102.

(27) Referring to FIG. 18, which illustrates a cross section view, the caps have a hole 109 that allows the clip 206a-b to penetrate through the cap into the cavity 204a-b. When a cap 206a-b receives the mount sleeve 102, the track on the sleeve ratchets along the cap, engaging the clip via track teeth 205 until the desired position is reached. In one non-limiting embodiment, the caps 106a are defined by a half cylinder shape to match the shape of the sleeve and ladder rung. Other cross section shapes are suitable.

(28) FIGS. 4-5 illustrate, the assembly 100 with caps inserted onto the sleep and also caps disengaged from the sleeve. The assembly 100 utilizes a clip and track that works to fasten the caps 106a to the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102. Once a cap is inserted onto the sleeve, it may be released by pressing on the lever arm of the clip to disengage the clip from the track.

(29) As discussed above, the assembly 100 is unique in that equipment, related to operations on a ladder 110, are detachably attachable along the length of the ladder 110. The assembly 100 provides multiple interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories that are detachably attachable to one of the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102. However, the equipment anchoring accessories are also attachable to the caps 106a when fitted to the mount sleeve 102. The interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories may also secure to the caps 106a while coupled to the mount sleeve 102. In any case, the equipment anchoring accessories allow equipment to be detachably attached, and easily accessible while working on the ladder 110.

(30) Referring to FIGS. 6-9, each unique shape of equipment anchoring accessory is designed to hold a corresponding equipment. The equipment includes a tool, container, etc., that is used in conjunction with operations of a ladder 110. In one example, the anchoring accessory is a ring 600. The ring 600 has a circular member defined by an annular surface area for hanging equipment, and an extending pole that passes through the pin hole and the pin passageway to fasten the ring 600 to the mount sleeve 102. Various nuts, bolts, and washers can be used to hold the ring to the free end of the mount sleeve 102. Different types of equipment may be hung onto the ring for easy access thereof near the legs 116a, 116b of the ladder 110 (FIG. 6).

(31) In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the anchoring accessory is a spring-loaded clip 700, allowing for easy ingress/egress for equipment to hang on the clip 700. For example, a paint bucket 702 can hand by a handle from the clip. However, other types of equipment may also be hung from the clip 700 in similar fashion. In yet another embodiment, the clip 700, itself, hangs from the ring 600. Turning now to the illustration in FIG. 8, the anchoring accessory may include a magnet 800 fitted to the end of the mount sleeve 102. In this example, the magnet 800 is configured to retain a paint brush 802; whereby the paint brush has a corresponding magnet integrated therein. In another embodiment, the magnet 800 connects to a magnet on a male screw-on adapter. The adapter accepts a weenie roller. This attachment may also comprises a material strap that is configured to attach to a human wrist.

(32) Another unique anchoring accessory is a pipe with a 90 degree bend (L-shaped) 900 having a threaded free end (See FIG. 9). A correlating equipment with threaded end, such as a handle of a paint roller 902 can attach thereto. Continuing with the anchoring accessories, FIG. 10 shows a unique anchoring accessory comprising a flange 1000 that terminates at a hook 1002 and a ring 1004. The hook 1002 and/or ring 1004 is configured to support a support band 1006, bucket, or other types of equipment.

(33) Turning now to FIG. 11, the anchoring accessory is a tray for storing nails, screws, or similar objects 1100 having a support pad 1102. The support pad 1102 can be used as a flat surface for supporting equipment. And as FIG. 12 illustrates, the anchoring accessory comprises a cylinder 1200 defined by a slot 1202. The cylinder 1200 is configured to receive a holster that can hold multiple caulking tubes, paper rolls, and various lengths of plastic rolls. An empty tube can also be replaced while a user grabs a new one in the caulking holster. In yet another embodiment, a caulk holster, or other similar equipment may be fitted into the cylinder, with the lever passing through the slot 1202.

(34) In other embodiments, the equipment may include, without limitation, a drill, tool, hammer, a scraper holder, a paint bucket, a caulk holster, a paint roller, a paper roll, a paint sprayer, a magnetic brush holder, and a window-washing bucket. In any case, the equipment is attached at the ends of the rungs 118a-h, and at a desired height along the ladder 110 for facilitated access. Also, the attachability of the equipment to the anchoring accessory is sufficiently easy to enable quick detachment for use of the equipment.

(35) FIG. 14 illustrates an anchoring accessory comprising L shaped member with holes for hanging various objects therefrom. The anchoring accessory is configured to be received into the cap and locks into place via pin and passageway. FIG. 15 illustrates an anchoring accessory comprising a roll dispenser. FIG. 16 illustrates an anchoring assembly two cylindrical slots for holding, for example, caulking tubes. FIG. 17 illustrates the cap disengaged from the sleeve. FIG. 19 illustrates an anchoring accessory is a blue tooth speaker that can connect to a user's phone to play music or phone calls. The speaker connects to the cap via an end connection that is sized and shaped to be received into the cap and locked into place via a pin passageway and pin connection.

(36) In a variant, FIG. 20 illustrates a cap with two pin passageways and two pins, one for connection to the sleeve which also has pin passageways to connect with the cap via a pin. The second pin on the cap is for connection to an anchoring accessory.

(37) FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 1300 for operating a ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly. The method 1300 allows the ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly 100 to hold equipment along the length of the ladder 110 for easy access. The method 1300 may include an initial Step 1302 of aligning at least one mount sleeve with a rung from a ladder, the mount sleeve defined by a channel, a pair of free ends, and locking mechanism. The method may further comprise a Step 1304 of sliding the mount sleeve through the rung.

(38) In some embodiments, a Step 1306 includes coupling a pair of caps to the free ends of the mount sleeve. The pair of caps 106a, 106b detachably fit at the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102. The caps 106a are configured to cover the free ends 104a-b of the mount sleeve 102, and also cover the ends of the rungs 118a-h. In other embodiments, a Step 1308 comprises fastening, with a locking pin, the caps to the free ends of the mount sleeve. In fastening operations, the locking pin 108a-c passes through the aligned holes. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the locking pin 108a is axially displaced through the pin hole and pin passageway.

(39) A Step 1310 includes attaching one or more interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories to one of the caps and the free ends of the mount sleeve. The interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories may secure to the caps 106a while coupled to the mount sleeve 102. In any case, the equipment anchoring accessories allow equipment to be detachably attached, and easily accessible while working on the ladder 110. In some embodiments, the method 1300 may include a Step 1312 of holding multiple equipment with a corresponding anchoring accessory. Each unique shape of equipment anchoring accessory is designed to hold a corresponding equipment. A final Step 1314 includes accessing the equipment while operating on the ladder. The proximity of the equipment to the ends of the rungs facilitates this access.

(40) Referring to FIG. 20, a variant of the ladder-mounted equipment holding assembly provides an elongated mount sleeve that is configured to slidably fit through the holes in the sides of a ladder, and slide into a corresponding rung in the ladder. A pair of caps serve to centrally fasten the mount sleeve to the rung. In a variant, the caps have a pin hole that aligns with corresponding pin passageways formed in the mount sleeve. At least one locking pin couples the caps to the mount sleeve ends. Furthermore, multiple interchangeable equipment anchoring accessories 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 detachably attach to caps via pin and passageways in the accessories. The anchoring accessories comprise eclectic shapes and dimensions, such as threaded pipes, hooks, rings, and clips. The anchoring accessories serve to hold a corresponding equipment in an accessible position for a user working on the ladder 110. The equipment may include a paint bucket, a paint brush, a roller, and other tools pertinent to operations on ladder 110.

(41) Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process

(42) These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

(43) Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence

(44) The present invention contemplates that many changes and modifications may be made. Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of the system has been shown and described, and several modifications and alternatives discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claims.