Abstract:
A ladder support assembly including a base frame having first and second ends and a pair of pivot supports extending from the base frame which support a rod configured to pivotally support a ladder relative to the base frame. A pivot frame is pivotally mounted to the base frame and is biased away from the base frame. A bracket assembly is pivotally mounted to the pivot frame and includes a pair of bracket plates. Each bracket plate has an inner flange and outer flange with a ladder rail receiving area between the inner and outer flanges. The ladder receiving area is configured such that the bracket plate is slidable relative to a respective ladder rail received therein. A crank assembly includes a spool rotatably supported on the base frame and a cord wound about the spool with a free end of the cord connected relative to the pivot frame.
Abstract:
Elevated work platform apparatuses, as well as associated methods, are provided. In one particular embodiment, an elevated platform apparatus is provided comprising a first assembly having a pair of rails coupled with a plurality of rungs, a second assembly hingedly coupled with the first assembly, a platform pivotally coupled with the first assembly and configured to extend to, and engage a portion of, the second assembly. The apparatus further includes a cage associated with the platform. The cage may include at least one bar and at least one gate, the at least one gate being configured to swing in a first direction upon a user stepping on to the platform from the first rail assembly, and then swing back to a closed position after the user is standing on the platform. Platform includes a toe-kick structure that is collapsible relative to the deck of the platform.
Abstract:
A ladder including a first stringer and a second stringer spaced transverse from each other is provided. Each of the first and second stringers defines a channel and includes a plurality of crosspieces disposed in the channels of the first and second stringers. A plurality of rungs are spaced along and coupled between the first and second stringers. Each of the rungs has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending from the first stringer to the second stringer. A plurality of ribs are spaced along and coupled between the horizontal and vertical portions of the rungs.
Abstract:
Ladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a first assembly hingedly coupled with a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with one or more rungs. The second assembly includes a pair of space apart rails with one or more bracing members extending therebetween. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. Upon rotation of the two assemblies relative to one another into a stowed condition, components of the second assembly engage undersurfaces of the rungs effecting rotation of at least a portion of each rung relative to the rails of the first assembly.
Abstract:
The present invention is used on stepladders that are structured to provide improved lateral stability, step support and equipment/supplies support for stepladder users. The stepladder may have a step element and a support element rotatably attached at a top platform or a first step element rotatably attached to a second step element adjacent a top step. A hinged strut may be attached at opposed ends between the opposed elements intermediate the ladder top and the ladder base. A plurality of steps may be spaced apart and attached between step rails of step elements. A lateral support leg may be rotatably attached at a top end to each of the step rails intermediate a second step and a third step from the ladder top and a hinged leg strut may be attached at opposed ends between each of the support rails and lateral support legs.
Abstract:
An indexing hinge may be used with ladders and the like and provides stops at various indexed locations using radially-moving indexing pins. The indexing structure is contained within the hinge body substantially without projecting elements other than one or more indexing rods used to actuate the internal indexing mechanism.
Abstract:
A packaging clip for maintaining a first side rail of a ladder adjacent a second side rail of a ladder. The clip comprises a first portion for removably holding the first side rail and a second portion for removably holding the second side rail. The clip also is comprised of a support element that is disposed such that it is common with the first portion and the second portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion includes a first opening for removably receiving the first side rail, and the second portion includes a second opening for removably receiving the second side rail. When the first side rail is inserted into the first opening of the first portion, and the second side rail is inserted into the second opening of the second portion, the clip limits and essentially eliminates the movement of the first side rail relative to the second side rail with respect to normal forces experienced during a given application. Thus, the ladder is not damaged by the first side rail moving excessively relative to the second side rail. In an alternate application, the first side rail of a ladder is maintained by the clip adjacent a second side rail of another ladder to facilitate transportation of the ladders.
Abstract:
A method of making foldable ladder structure wherein plastic material is injected and expanded in molds to form several parts of a foldable ladder which includes front and rear ladder sections that can be pivotally hinged at their upper portions, a collapsible shelf and spreader linkage to allow the sections to be relatively pivoted from collapsed face-to-face relation to erected position.