Attachable Pad Device

Abstract

Disclosed is an attachable pad to attach to a ladder, including: a main frame including: a middle portion, and a first end portion attached to a first end of the middle portion. The first end portion is folded to a first folding degree outward of the first side of the middle portion. The main frame includes a second end attached to a second end of the middle portion, in which the second end portion is folded to the first folding degree outward of the first side of the middle portion. The attachable pad device includes a first bracket attached to an upper left portion of a second side of the middle portion, a second bracket attached to an upper right portion of the second side of the middle portion, and a mechanism to attach the first bracket and the second bracket to the second side of the middle portion.

Claims

1. An attachable pad to attach to a ladder, the attachable pad comprising: a main frame including a middle portion, the middle portion being substantially a flat surface, a first end portion attached to a first end of the middle portion, the first end portion folded to a first folding degree towards a first side of the middle portion, a second end attached to a second end of the middle portion, the second end portion folded to the first folding degree towards the first side of the middle portion, a first bracket attached to an upper left portion of a second side of the middle portion, a second bracket attached to an upper right portion of the second side of the middle portion, the second aperture being substantially same as the first aperture, and a mechanism to attach the first bracket and the second bracket to the second side of the middle portion.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a first cushion on the first side of the main frame and covering at least partially the first side of the main frame.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first cushion includes water resistance materials.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a second cushion on the second side of the main frame and covering at least partially the second side of the main frame.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second cushion includes a water resistance material.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a hole in the middle portion for handling the attachable pad.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a first plurality of holes in the middle portion to support a first kind of fasteners; and a second plurality of holes in the middle portion support a second kind of fasteners.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachable pad is attached to side rails of the ladder via the first aperture and the second aperture.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachable pad is attached to one or more rungs of the ladder via the first bracket and the second bracket.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first folding degree is about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least one of: one or more nuts and bolts, one or more screws, and one or more rivets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] that the present disclosure can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a more detailed description can be had by reference to aspects of some illustrative embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a front-view of an attachable pad to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 1B illustrates a back-view of an attachable pad to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 1C illustrates a side-view of an attachable pad to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an attachable pad to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary aperture for an attachable pad to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a ladder.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a ladder.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a ladder along line AA in FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a front-view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a back-view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a side-view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a top-view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a side-view of an embodiment of a bracket for attaching to the attachable pad of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a close up side view of an embodiment of a bracket for attaching to the attaching pad of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a close up side view of an additional embodiment of a bracket for attaching to the attaching pad of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a side view of an additional embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In accordance with common practice some features illustrated in the drawings cannot be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of some features can be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings cannot depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals can be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

[0038] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first device could be termed a second device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a first device, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first device and the second device are both devicees, but they are not the same device, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including”, “comprises”, and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0040] As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

[0041] It should be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment (as in any development project), numerous decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals (e.g., compliance with system and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one embodiment to another. It will also be appreciated that such development efforts might be complex and time consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art of image capture having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0042] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate different views of an attachable pad to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the attachable pad device 10 includes a main frame 100, a first aperture 120a, a second aperture 120b, and a first plurality of attachment mechanisms 114a and 114b. The main frame 100 includes a middle portion 110, first end portion 112a, and a second end portion 112b. The middle portion 110 is substantially a flat surface. The first end portion 112a is attached to a first end of the middle portion 110. The first end portion 112a is folded to a first folding degree 122 towards a first side of the middle portion 110 and in a direction perpendicular to the first side. The second end portion 112b is attached to a second end of the middle portion 110. The second end portion 112b is folded to the first folding degree 122 towards the first side of the middle portion 110 and in a direction perpendicular to the first side. In some embodiments, the first folding degree is about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees, as shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, the middle portion 110 has a length of about 9 inches to about 19 inches, and a width of about 14 inches to about 24 inches. The first end portion 112a and the second end portion 112b have a length of about 9 inches to about 19 inches, and a width of about 1 inch to about 7 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the middle portion 110 has a length of about 14 inches and a width of about 19 inches. The first end portion 112a and the second end portion 112b have a length of about 14 inches, and a width of about 4 inches.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first aperture 120a is same as the second aperture 120b. For sake of simplicity, both the first aperture 120a and the second aperture 120b are shown by a single aperture 20 shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the first aperture 120a is attached to an upper left portion of a second side of the middle portion 110. The second aperture 120b is attached to an upper right portion of the second side of the middle portion 110.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more attachment mechanism 114a of the first plurality of mechanisms attaches the first aperture 120a to the first side of the middle portion 110. In some embodiments, one or more attachment mechanism 114b of the first plurality of attachment mechanisms attaches the second aperture 120b to the second side of the middle portion 110. In some embodiments, the main frame 100 includes a hole 116. The hole 116 may be located in the middle portion 110. The hole 116 is used for handling the attachable pad 10. In some embodiments, the hole 116 is used as a handle to move the attachable pad 10. In some embodiments, the hole has a length of about 1 inch to about 7 inches, and a width of about 1 inch to about 4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the hole has a length of about 4 inches to about 5 inches, and a width of about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches.

[0045] FIG. 1B illustrates a back-view of an attachable pad 10 to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the attachable pad 10 includes the first aperture 120a and the second aperture 120b. The first aperture 120a and the second aperture 120b are used to attach the attachable pad 10 to a ladder. The first aperture 120a and the second aperture 120b are so designed that they grip to the ladder firmly, thus enable a user of the ladder to lean towards the attachable pad 10 securely.

[0046] In some embodiments, the middle portion 110 of the main frame 100 includes one or more second plurality of attachment mechanisms 118a and 118b. The one or more second plurality of attachment mechanism 118a and 118b is used to attach the attachable pad 10 to the ladder (not shown), in addition to the first and the second apertures 120a and 120b. In some embodiments, the one or more second plurality of attachment mechanism 118a and 118b include a first plurality of holes 118a in the middle portion 110 of the main frame 100. The first plurality of holes 118a supports a first kind of fasteners. In some embodiments, the one or more second plurality of attachment mechanism 118a and 118b include a second plurality of holes 118b in the middle portion 110 of the main frame 100. The second plurality of holes 118b supports a second kind of fasteners. In some embodiments, the first plurality of holes 118a and the second plurality of holes 118b includes at least one of: one or more nuts and bolts, one or more screws, and one or more rivets.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-view of an attachable pad 10 to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the attachable pad 10 includes a first cushion and a second cushion. The first cushion and the second cushion are used to add comfort to the user of the ladder. For example, when the user needs to brace the ladder for extended times, the user can brace towards the first cushion, or the second cushion, to become more comfortable and avoid the inevitable fatigue. This could improve safety of the user, avoid tiredness, and enables the worker to focus on his job. In some embodiments, a main portion 210 of the first cushion covers the first side of the middle portion 110. The main portion 210 covers at least partially the first side of the middle portion 110. In some embodiments, a first end portion 210a of the first cushion covers the first side of the first end portion 112a. The first end portion 210a covers at least partially the first side of the first end portion 112a. In some embodiments, a second end portion 210b of the first cushion covers the first side of the second end portion 112b. The second end portion 210b covers at least partially the first side of the second end portion 112b. The first cushion and the second cushion are used with a ladder to provide cushioning support, comfort, and protection to ladder users. In some embodiments, the first cushion and the second cushion include a rubber foam.

[0048] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a main portion 212 of the second cushion covers the second side of the middle portion 110. The main portion 212 covers at least partially the second side of the middle portion 110. In some embodiments, a first end portion 212a of the second cushion covers the second side of the first end portion 112a. The first end portion 212a covers at least partially the second side of the first end portion 112a. In some embodiments, a second end portion 212b of the second cushion covers the second side of the second end portion 112b. The second end portion 212b covers at least partially the second side of the second end portion 112b. In some embodiments, only one cushion is used.

[0049] To avoid undesired effect of exposing to water, while either using the ladder, storing the ladder in the storage, or shipping the ladder, the first cushion can include a water resistance material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second cushion can include a water resistance material. The first cushion and the second cushion may include different materials. Alternatively, the first cushion and the second cushion may include a same material. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, a single cushion may be used.

[0050] To avoid undesired effect of exposure to water, while either using the ladder, storing the ladder in the storage, or shipping the ladder, the first cushion can include a water resistance material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second cushion can include a water resistance material. The first cushion and the second cushion may include different materials. Alternatively, the first cushion and the second cushion may include a same material. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, a single cushion may be used.

[0051] FIG. 3, illustrates an exemplary aperture in accordance to some embodiments. In some embodiments the first aperture 120a, and similarly, the second aperture 120b includes a first flat portion 310a, a second portion 310b, a third portion 310c, a fourth portion 310d, and a fifth portion 310e. The first portion 310a is attached to a surface of the middle portion 110 via the attachment mechanism 114a and 114b. The second portion 310b is folded to a second folding degree 312a outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in a direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110. The third portion 310c is folded to a third folding degree 312b outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in the direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110. The fourth portion 310d is folded to a fourth folding degree 312c outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in the direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110. The fifth portion 310e is folded to a fifth folding degree 312d outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in the direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110. The first aperture 120a and the second aperture 120b are so designed to effectively attach the attachable pad 10 to the ladder. In a sense, the first aperture 120 and the second aperture 120b can be used as clamps to attach the attachable pad 10 to the ladder.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first flat portion 310a has a length of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, the second portion 310b has a length of about 0.75 inch to about 3 inches, the third portion 310c has a length of about 0.75 inch to about 2 inches, the fourth portion 310d has a length of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, and the fifth portion 310e has a length of about 1 inch to about 5 inches. The first portion 310a is attached to the middle portion 110 via the attachment mechanism 114a and 114b. In some embodiments, the second folding degree 312a is about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in the direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110. In some embodiments, the third folding degree 312b is about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in the direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110. In some embodiments, the fourth folding degree 312c is about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in the direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110. In some embodiments, the fifth folding degree 312d is about 140 degrees to about 180 degrees outward of the second side of the middle portion 110 and in the direction perpendicular to the second side of the middle portion 110.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second folding degree 312a is about 112 degrees. In some embodiments, the third folding degree 312b is about 115 degrees. In some embodiments, the fourth folding degree 312c is about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, the fifth folding degree 312d is about 160 degrees.

[0054] In some embodiments, attachable pad 10 is attached to side rails of the ladder via the first aperture 120a and the second aperture 120b. In some embodiments, the attachable pad 10 is attached to one or more rungs of the ladder via the first aperture 120a and the second aperture 120b.

[0055] FIGS. 4-6 illustrates an embodiment of the attachable pad 40 of the present invention being attached to a ladder 42. The ladder 42 is a standard ladder having two legs 44 having a plurality of rungs 46 extending between the legs. The attachable pad 40 has generally a main frame 400 and two brackets 420. The main frame 400 can be a cushion and rests along the legs 44 of ladder 42. The brackets 420 are configured to engage and rest against a rung 46 of ladder 42. This allows pad 40 to be removably secured to the ladder 42. Once in place, a user can rest a leg, knee or other body parts against the pad 40 and not directly against the ladder 42. The component being describe as the bracket 420 with these embodiments is also the same component that was described with the term aperture with the above embodiments.

[0056] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an additional embodiment of attachable pad of the present invention. In some embodiments, the attachable pad device 40 includes a main frame 400, a first bracket 420a, a second bracket 420b, and a first plurality of attachment mechanisms 414a and 414b.

[0057] The main frame 400 includes a middle portion 410, first end portion 412a, and a second end portion 412b. The middle portion 410 is substantially a flat surface. The first end portion 412a is attached to a first end of the middle portion 410. The first end portion 412a is folded to a first folding degree 422 towards a first side of the middle portion 410 and in a direction perpendicular to the first side. The second end portion 412b is attached to a second end of the middle portion 410. The second end portion 412b is folded to the first folding degree 422 towards the first side of the middle portion 410 and in a direction perpendicular to the first side. In some embodiments, the first folding degree is about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees, as shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the middle portion 410 has a length of about 9 inches to about 19 inches, and a width of about 14 inches to about 24 inches. The first end portion 412a and the second end portion 412b have a length of about 9 inches to about 19 inches, and a width of about 1 inch to about 7 inches. In an embodiment, the middle portion 410 has a length of about 14 inches and a width of about 19 inches. The first end portion 412a and the second end portion 412b have a length of about 14 inches, and a width of about 4 inches.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first bracket 420a is same as the second bracket 420b. For sake of simplicity, both the first bracket 420a and the second bracket 420b are shown by a single bracket 612 shown in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the first bracket 420a is attached to an upper left portion of a second side of the middle portion 410. The second bracket 420b is attached to an upper right portion of the second side of the middle portion 410.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more attachment mechanism 414a of the first plurality of mechanisms attaches the first bracket 420a to the first side of the middle portion 410. In some embodiments, one or more attachment mechanism 414b of the first plurality of attachment mechanisms attaches the second bracket 420b to the second side of the middle portion 410.

[0060] In some embodiments, the main frame 400 includes a hole 416. The hole 416 may be located in the middle portion 410. The hole 416 is used for handling the attachable pad 40. In some embodiments, the hole 416 is used as a handle to move the attachable pad 40. In some embodiments, the hole has a length of about 1 inch to about 7 inches, and a width of about 1 inch to about 4 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the hole has a length of about 4 inches to about 5 inches, and a width of about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a back-view of an attachable pad 40 to attach a ladder, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the attachable pad 40 includes the first bracket 420a and the second bracket 420b. The first bracket 420a and the second bracket 420b are used to attach the attachable pad 40 to a ladder 42. The first bracket 420a and the second bracket 420b are so designed that they grip to a rung 46 the ladder 42 firmly, thus enable a user of the ladder 42 to lean towards the attachable pad 40 securely.

[0062] In some embodiments, the middle portion 410 of the main frame 400 includes one or more second plurality of attachment mechanisms 418a and 418b. The one or more second plurality of attachment mechanism 418a and 418b is used to attach the attachable pad 40 to the ladder 42, in addition to the first and the second bracket 420a and 420b. In some embodiments, the one or more second plurality of attachment mechanism 418a and 418b include a first plurality of holes 418a in the middle portion 410 of the main frame 400. The first plurality of holes 418a supports a first kind of fasteners. In some embodiments, the one or more second plurality of attachment mechanism 418a and 418b include a second plurality of holes 418b in the middle portion 410 of the main frame 400. The second plurality of holes 418b supports a second kind of fasteners. In some embodiments, the first plurality of holes 418a and the second plurality of holes 418b includes at least one of: one or more nuts and bolts, one or more screws, and one or more rivets.

[0063] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-view of an attachable pad 40 to attach a ladder 42, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the attachable pad 40 includes a first cushion and a second cushion. The first cushion and the second cushion are used to add comfort to the user of the ladder. For example, when the user needs to brace the ladder for extended times, the user can brace towards the first cushion, or the second cushion, to become more comfortable and avoid the inevitable fatigue. This could improve safety of the user, avoid tiredness, and enables the worker to focus on his job. In some embodiments, a main portion 510 of the first cushion covers the first side of the middle portion 410. The main portion 510 covers at least partially the first side of the middle portion 410. In some embodiments, a first end portion 510a of the first cushion covers the first side of the first end portion 412a. The first end portion 510a covers at least partially the first side of the first end portion 412a. In some embodiments, a second end portion 510b of the first cushion covers the first side of the second end portion 412b. The second end portion 510b covers at least partially the first side of the second end portion 412b. The first cushion and the second cushion are used with a ladder to provide cushioning support, comfort, and protection to ladder users. In some embodiments, the first cushion and the second cushion include a rubber foam.

[0064] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a main portion 512 of the second cushion covers the second side of the middle portion 410. The main portion 512 covers at least partially the second side of the middle portion 410. In some embodiments, a first end portion 512a of the second cushion covers the second side of the first end portion 412a. The first end portion 512a covers at least partially the second side of the first end portion 412a. In some embodiments, a second end portion 512b of the second cushion covers the second side of the second end portion 412b. The second end portion 512b covers at least partially the second side of the second end portion 412b. In some embodiments, only one cushion is used.

[0065] To avoid undesired effect of exposing to water, while either using the ladder, storing the ladder in the storage, or shipping the ladder, the first cushion can include a water resistance material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second cushion can include a water resistance material. The first cushion and the second cushion may include different materials. Alternatively, the first cushion and the second cushion may include a same material. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, a single cushion may be used.

[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary bracket 612 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments the first bracket 420a, and similarly, the second bracket 420b includes a flat first portion 610a, an angled second portion 610b and a flat third portion 610c. The flat first portion 610a is attached to a surface of the middle portion 410 via the attachment mechanism 414a and 414b. The second portion 610b is directed in an angled direction away from the flat first portion 610a. The flat third portion 610c is substantially parallel with flat first portion 610a. The first bracket 420a and the second bracket 420b are so designed to effectively attach the attachable pad 40 to the ladder.

[0067] FIGS. 12 and 13 show embodiments of bracket 612 being secured to attachable pad 40 with a plurality of attachment mechanisms 414. In FIG. 12, the attachment mechanisms 414 are shown extending completely through attachable pad 40. In FIG. 13, the attachment mechanism 414 are shown to be embedded within attachable pad 40. Attachment mechanism 414 can be any type of fastener, such as a screw or bolt.

[0068] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the attachable pad 60 of the present invention being attached to a ladder 62. The ladder 42 is a standard multi-task ladder having a leg 64 having a plurality of rungs 66 extending between the legs. The attachable pad 60 has generally a main frame 600 and two brackets 620. The main frame 400 can be a cushion and and a support 630 which rests along the leg 64 of ladder 62. The brackets 620 are configured to engage and rest against a rung 66 of ladder 62. This allows pad 60 to be removably secured to the ladder 62. Once in place, a user can rest a leg, knee or other body parts against the pad 60 and not directly against the ladder 62. The component being describe as the bracket 620 with these embodiments is also the same component that was described with the term aperture with the above embodiments.

[0069] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best use the invention and various described embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.