Ladder Patents (Class 182/180.1)
  • Patent number: 11540505
    Abstract: A motorized stand for attachment to a tree includes a stand assembly, a carrier assembly, and an elongated track assembly. The stand assembly includes a motor and a platform, with the carrier assembly releasably coupling with the stand assembly and the elongated track. The elongated track includes a plurality of track assemblies that are connectable to one another via complementary structure at the ends of each track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Shawn Allen Booth
  • Patent number: 11441321
    Abstract: A work platform includes a frame and a deck. The frame has a plurality of frame members that are interconnected. The frame members define a trough that extends a length of the frame and is configured to accommodate a refueling boom of an aircraft such that the refueling boom extends through the frame within the trough. The deck is mounted to the frame to provide a stand. The deck includes a first deck panel and a second deck panel spaced apart from each other to define an opening to the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joshua Patrick Fleming, Brian Lam
  • Patent number: 9016434
    Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including various embodiments of a combination ladder. In some embodiments, a platform is provided that is fixedly coupled with a rail assembly of a combination ladder. The platform may pivot between a useable position or state and a stowed or stored position or state. The platform may maintain a position relative to certain rungs of the rail assembly while being displaceable relative to other rungs of the rail assembly. A hand rail may be coupled to the rail assembly and a tray may be coupled with the hand rail. The tray and the platform may be configured to maintain a constant distance between one another while the rail assembly is adjusted for height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Sean Peterson, Brian Russell
  • Patent number: 8997931
    Abstract: A stepladder includes a front section having a first front leg and a second front leg and a step attached to the first front leg and the second front leg and a latch engaged with the step. The stepladder includes a rear section having a first rear leg and a second rear leg and a cross bar attached to the first rear leg and the second rear leg. The rear section has a first stud which extends from the first rear leg toward the second rear leg and separate and apart and not in contact with the second rear leg and not in contact with the cross bar. The latch is engaged with and latched to the first stud to define an engaged position where the first front leg and the first rear leg are in an open position and form an inverted v shape and are prevented from folding together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Parker, Brian A. Wong Shui, Devin Lee Moore, Christian M. Otis, Erick E. Rios
  • Publication number: 20150090533
    Abstract: A step ladder includes a first assembly having a first pair of spaced apart rails, a second assembly having at least one rail, and a top cap coupled with the first assembly and the second assembly. At least one of the first and second assemblies may be pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly includes a plurality of rungs coupled with the rails and may exhibit a vertical spacing of a first distance between adjacent rungs, a vertical spacing equal to the first distance between the lowermost rung and a supporting surface (e.g., the ground), and a vertical spacing between the uppermost rung and the top cap that is greater than the first distance. In one particular embodiment, the vertical spacing between the uppermost rung and the top cap is twice the distance of the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Benjamin L. Cook, Sean R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8955644
    Abstract: A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventor: Chi Yin Alan Leung
  • Publication number: 20140262621
    Abstract: A folding step ladder includes a climbing part pivotally connected to a supporting part. Each foot of the ladder has a first part and a second part. The first part has first connecting structures to connect to one of the side members of the step ladder, and second connecting structures to connect to the second part. The second part has connecting structures for connection to the second connecting structures and a standing surface via which the ladder foot rests on the underlying surface. All of the first parts and at least two second parts of the feet are identical; moreover, in relation to the second parts of the ladder feet on the supporting part, the second parts of the ladder feet on the climbing part are fitted on the first parts of the ladder feet such that they have been rotated through 180° in relation to the first parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gerhard Müller, Rudolf Pfeifer, Gerd Weinhold
  • Publication number: 20140224585
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Wing Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Russell, Sean Peterson, Kristopher Jones, Bryan Wright
  • Publication number: 20140209412
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Peter A. Zorney, William J. McMaster, Ankur Bhosale
  • Patent number: 8720645
    Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Publication number: 20130327593
    Abstract: A double-sided step ladder is provided comprising a first frame having a plurality of spaced apart steps and a second frame having a plurality of spaced apart steps. The plurality of steps on the first frame includes a bottom step located at a first height relative to the base of the ladder with each successive step being spaced apart along the frame at various heights relative to the bottom step of the first frame. The plurality of steps on the second frame also includes a bottom step, the bottom step of the second frame being located at a second height relative to the base of the ladder with each successive step being spaced apart along the frame at various heights relative to the bottom step of the second ladder. The plurality of steps on the first frame and the second frame are located such that the heights of the plurality of steps on the first frame are staggered relative to the heights of the plurality of steps on the second frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Perkins
  • Patent number: 8490748
    Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 8430205
    Abstract: A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventor: Chi Yin Alan Leung
  • Patent number: 8381875
    Abstract: A lambdoidal ladder comprises front struts (100), back struts (200), treads (500), a folding device) 400, a connection device (600) and a platform (300). Wherein the platform (300) is connected to the front strut (100) and the back strut (200), and the structure between the front strut and the back strut is a rotatable connection; the platform (300) comprises a body (310) and a transverse rod (320) which goes through the front strut (100), an orientation slot (314) matching to the transverse rod (320) is set under the body (310); the folding device (400) fixed to the middle part of the front strut and the back strut is constructed a hinge with a H figuration; the tread (500) is fixed to the front and back struts by the connection device (600).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 8376291
    Abstract: A-frame carriers are used to support slabs and bundles of stone, cases of glass and many more items. A foldable and collapsible A-frame carrier, which is easily assembled for use or disassembled for storage or transport provides more effective support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Henry R. Groves
  • Publication number: 20120211305
    Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including various embodiments of a combination ladder. In some embodiments, a platform is provided that is fixedly coupled with a rail assembly of a combination ladder. The platform may pivot between a useable position or state and a stowed or stored position or state. The platform may maintain a position relative to certain rungs of the rail assembly while being displaceable relative to other rungs of the rail assembly. A hand rail may be coupled to the rail assembly and a tray may be coupled with the hand rail. The tray and the platform may be configured to maintain a constant distance between one another while the rail assembly is adjusted for height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Wing Enterprises, Incorporated
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Sean Peterson, Brian Russell
  • Publication number: 20120205196
    Abstract: A spa or hot tub stair assembly or apparatus having at least one step which is convertible by repositioning to provide different shaped sides. The different shaped sides can be used to better fit the outer shape of the associated spa. The individual step or steps are removable and have connection features which detachably connect with connection features upon one or more pieces forming a base. The base may be provided in the form of a pair of upright supports upon which one or more steps are supported. The assembly may advantageously be provided with one or more storage drawers or other bins which are preferably slidable for easy access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Michael C. Genova
  • Patent number: 8191681
    Abstract: An A-frame ladder has a first ladder and a second ladder. The first ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a first set of grooves that receive a tambour device that inhibits a person from using the first ladder's steps. The second ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a second set of grooves, interconnected to the first set of grooves, that receive the tambour device so the first ladder and the second ladder can be used and inhibits a person from entering the area between the first ladder and the second ladder through the second ladder's steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daid J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 8146710
    Abstract: A step stool includes a first section having at least a first step. The step stool includes a hinge bracket connected to the first section. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge bracket having a crossbar; and a platform having a latch that moves only in translation to lock the platform to the cross bar when the platform is in a horizontal position and prevents the first section and second section from folding when the first and second sections are in an open state. A method for establishing a step stool includes the steps of moving a latch of a platform only in translation away from a crossbar of a second section that the platform rests on in a horizontal position. There is the step of placing the second section and a first section having at least one step together into a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Jason R. Moldthan, Timothy J. Brookbank
  • Patent number: 7967111
    Abstract: A stepladder includes a step frame having legs and steps and a tray unit coupled to the step frame. The tray unit includes a utility tray mounted for pivotable movement relative to the step frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Meyers, Wyatt Compton, Paul T. Zink
  • Patent number: 7963369
    Abstract: A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Publication number: 20100133041
    Abstract: An extension ladder, including multiple ladder sections, each including a pair of pin holes, a pair of columns, and a rung, including a pair of pins, a pair of springs, a gear, a pair of gear racks, and a pair of mounting rings, wherein the columns of adjacent ladder sections are fit with each other, diameters of the columns of the ladder sections increase from the top to the bottom, the pin holes are disposed on the columns, and operate to receive the pins, the pins are coaxial, the gear is disposed on a side wall of the rung and engaged with the gear rack, one end surface of the gear sticks out from the side wall of the rung, a key hole is disposed on the end surface of the gear, the mounting ring operates to fix the pin, and the spring is contacted with the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Kecheng WANG
  • Publication number: 20100116592
    Abstract: A stepladder with four individually adjustable, self-locking rails so that the ladder can be placed on uneven terrain then safely adjusted to maintain level orientation. The ladder rails will consist of four pairs of outer and inner rails. Each outer and inner rail pair is designed with profiles that when brought together will lock into one another providing stability yet minimal friction. Each inner rail is held in place by a spring-loaded lever with attached hooks. The spring forces the hooks to be engaged with an adjustment bracket that is fixed to the outer rail. A foot will be fixed to the bottom of each inner rail. Each foot will have arched surfaces along 2 perpendicular horizontal axes so that consistent surface area contact is maintained with the ground regardless of the angle of the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Clements, Rodney Wayne Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 7621236
    Abstract: A folding pet ramp and step apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a frame supporting an upper platform member and a lower platform member. The lower platform member has a lower riser and a lower runner. The upper platform member has an upper riser and an upper runner which are movable between a ramp mode and a step mode. The upper riser fixedly supports the upper runner against the frame when in the step mode, and is moveable from the fixedly supported position to permit the upper runner to move to the ramp mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Sue Steffey, Brooks Rorke
  • Publication number: 20090229918
    Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, adjustable stepladders are provided which include locking mechanisms that enable height adjustment of the ladder through application of a force towards the rails of the ladder. In other embodiments, spreader mechanisms are provided with cross bracing located and configured to provide additional stability to the ladder while also incorporating a handle that enables efficient collapsing of the ladder while reducing the potential of pinching ones hands or fingers. In another embodiment, a device is provided for selective coupling with the ladder that includes a support or safety rail and an adjustable tray. The device may be coupled with the ladder in a number of different positions including a stowed position. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided having a magnetic component configured to be magnetically coupled with and temporarily store an object on the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: WING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Ryan Crawford, Keith Emmel
  • Publication number: 20080142301
    Abstract: A stepladder includes a step frame having legs and steps and a tray unit coupled to the step frame. The tray unit includes a utility tray mounted for pivotable movement relative to the step frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Meyers, Wyatt Compton, Paul T. Zink
  • Patent number: 7182176
    Abstract: A foldable step stool includes pivotable front and rear leg units and steps coupled to the front leg unit. A utility tray pivots relative to the front leg unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Paul K. Meeker
  • Patent number: 6886659
    Abstract: A convertible ladder including a first ladder portion, a second ladder portion and a static hinge mechanism. The first ladder portion has a first locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The second ladder portion has a second locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the first ladder portion with the first locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the second ladder portion with the second locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism maintains the first ladder portion in a stationary relation with respect to the second ladder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Tricam Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Simpson
  • Patent number: 6695528
    Abstract: A method of constructing catwalks and building scaffolds without cutting slopes, and without damaging mountainous areas, comprising the steps of 1) dropping at least two vertical ropes along a slope; 2) joining the vertical ropes by a set of upper and lower horizontal ropes, at a predetermined spaced interval; 3) joining these horizontal ropes to bar-like base structures; 4) erecting at least one pillar on the first base structure joined to the lower rope; 5) and placing and fixing plate-like structures on the second base structure joined to the upper horizontal rope and joined on the pillar or pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Tomio Fukui