WINDSHIELD INSTALLATION LADDER

Abstract

The windshield installation ladder is adapted to service the windshield or engine of a tractor-trailer truck. Two ladders may be utilized together to enable efficient replacement of the windshield. A winded base positioned provides stability for the ladder and an open rear allows the ladder to be positioned close to a front wheel of the trailer cab. A platform of the ladder may be surrounded by a safety enclosure with an optional roller for helping to lift and position the windshield during replacement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/743,842, filed Jan. 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a ladder particularly suited for windshield replacement for a tractor-trailer truck. More particularly, the present application discloses a ladder with a widened base for stability and a roller for helping with positioning of the replacement windshield.

BACKGROUND

Large trucks, and in particular tractor-trailer trucks, require constant maintenance because they are typically used in long haul operations, such as shipping and delivery. As a result, the windshields of tractor-trailer trucks must constantly be replaced and repaired due to debris striking the windshield, often rendering them completely undriveable. The windshields of tractor-trailer trucks are much higher than those in standard trucks or cars, making access to them much more difficult. It can often require three or more people working in tandem to properly hoist a replacement windshield across the top of the hood and position it for replacement. Further, removal of damaged windshields is also difficult for since the seal must be removed, and the damaged windshield must be safely removed before a new one can be installed.

A stepladder is typically used to access the windshield, but they can become unstable easily because of the amount of movement that must occur during windshield replacement. This can lead to potential injury and/or unnecessary strain. Additionally, the replacement windshield can also become damaged which leads to additional expensive replacement costs. Therefore, a need clearly exists for a ladder which provides easier access to the vicinity of the windshields of tractor-trailer trucks that simplifies the entire removal and replacement process.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a ladder adapted to service the windshield or engine of a tractor-trailer truck. Two ladders may be utilized together to enable efficient replacement of the windshield. A winded base positioned provides stability for the ladder and an open rear allows the ladder to be positioned close to a front wheel of the trailer cab. A platform of the ladder may be surrounded by a safety enclosure with an optional roller for helping to lift and position the windshield during replacement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specifications and attached drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 depict perspective views of the ladder according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the ladder windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the ladder windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the ladder windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the ladder of windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the ladder of windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the ladder of windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9-14 depict the steps utilized to replace a windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15-16 depict a tow trailer for use in ladder transport in isolation windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 17-18 depict the tow trailer having a pair of ladders secured to the tow trailer windshield according to an embodiment of the invention.

In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each FIG. may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a FIG. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various implementations and is not intended to represent the only implementations in which the subject technology may be practiced. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described implementations may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

The embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of providing a description of the present subject matter, and it is understood that the subject matter may be embodied in various other forms and combinations not shown in detail. Therefore, specific embodiments and features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the subject matter as defined in the accompanying claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, depicted are various views of ladder 100. A front of ladder 100 comprises opposing rails 102 and 104 having therein between a plurality of rungs 106. The rails 102 and 104 may be parallel to each other or may be angled towards each other. If rails 102 and 104 are angled towards each other, rungs 106 have a decreasing width along a height of ladder 100 towards a top of ladder 100.

Rails 102 and 104 are preferably mirror images of each other and made from the same material, such as wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or another metal. Preferably, rails 102 and 104 are formed from cut or pressed aluminum.

Rungs 106 may be joined to rails 102 and 104 using any known techniques, such as welding or bolting. In the instant embodiment, three rungs 106 are shown joined to an interior channel within rails 102 and 104. The depicted rungs 106 are attached using welding. The vertical spacing or width of rungs 106 can be varied to accommodate different sized rails 102 and 104 or for different applications. Preferably, rungs 106 are formed from a similar material to that of rails 102 and 104. A top surface of rungs 106 is provided with a flat non-slip surface 108 that is corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping as is known in the art.

Each rung 106 is further provided with one or more angled braces 110 coupled to an interior of rails 102 or 104 and a bottom surface of rungs 106. Angled braces 110 provide extra support for weight placed on rungs 106. Particularly, in servicing windshields of tractor-trailer trucks, rungs 106 may need to bear the weight of a person far longer than a rung of a normal ladder as well as the weight of the replacement windshield. Angled braces 110 help to alleviate the extra weight, which may be experienced by rungs 106 in comparison to a typical ladder. However, depending upon the application, angled braces 110 may also be omitted if weight is of a concern. Angled braces 110 are preferably formed from wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or another metal.

The bottom of each rail 102 and 104 is fitted with feet 112 where contact is made with the ground. If ladder 100 is primarily used on a level surface, such as in a mechanic's garage, foot 112 may only serve to protect a bottom of rails 102 and 104 and can be affixed to rails 102 and 104 through a bolted or welded connection. The underside of feet 112 may comprise a gripping material to minimize slippage. For example, the gripping material could be a rubber pad, a smooth hard surface, or a spiked surface. In other embodiments, the underside of feet 112 may comprise a large planar foot surface to create a larger surface area to prevent sinking of ladder 100 (e.g., on dirt or sand). Depending on the choice of feet 112, the ladder 100 can be used on ground surfaces such as concrete, dirt, steel, tile, grating, brick, stone, and most floor materials.

Rail 102 is joined to rear rail 114 and rail 104 is joined to rear rail 116 using a bolted connection as depicted in FIG. 1. As shown better in FIG. 2, a pair of angled stabilizing beams 118 are coupled to cross beam 120 at a first end and either rear rails 114 or 116 at a second end to provide additional stability for ladder 100 and to maintain the spacing between rear rails 114 and 116. Cross beam 120 is preferably welded to rear rails 114 and 116, although a replaceable connection, such as a bolted connection, is also suitable. Rear rail 114, rear rail 116, stabilizing beams 118, and cross beam 120 are all preferably formed from wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or another metal.

A bottom of rear rail 114 is coupled to rail 102 just above foot 112 using beam 120. Similarly, a bottom of rear rail 116 is coupled to rail 104 just above foot 112 using beam 124 (see FIG. 4). The connection between rail 104, rear rail 116 and beam 124 forms a rigid triangle that provides stability to ladder 100. Likewise, the connection between rail 102, rear rail 114, and beam 122 forms another rigid triangle on the opposing side of ladder 100. Thus, both rear rail 114 and rear rail 116 do not extend all the way to the ground surface as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a first stabilizing foot 126 extends outward and rearward from beam 122 and a second stabilizing foot 128 extends outward and rearward from beam 124. First stabilizing foot 126 and second stabilizing foot 128 are substantially parallel to the ground and beams 122 and 124. Coupling beam 130 is coupled to first stabilizing foot 126, rear rail 114, rear rail 116, and second stabilizing foot 128 to provide additional stability and to reduce any wobble of ladder 100 during use. First stabilizing foot 126 comprises one or more feet 132 that contacts the ground surface when ladder 100 is in use. Second stabilizing foot 128 comprises one or more feet 134 that contact the ground surface when ladder 100 is in use (FIG. 1). Like feet 112, feet 132 or feet 134 may be of any size, shape, or composition as required during the use of ladder 100.

A first wheel 136 is coupled to a front surface of rail 102 is coupled to rail 102 and a second wheel 138 is coupled to a front surface of rail 104. First wheel 136 and second wheel 138 allow for easy transport of ladder 108 by tilting it forward so wheels 136 and 138 contact the ground. As better shown in FIG. 6, the edges of first wheel 130 and second wheel 132 need not be aligned.

A first platform beam 140 is coupled to an exterior of rail 102 as depicted in FIG. 2. First platform beam 140 has a length greater than that of beam 122 but does not extend rearward past first stabilizing foot 126. An angled support brace 142, coupled to an exterior of rear rail 114 and first platform beam 140, serves to support any significant weight and provides added stability to ladder 100.

A second platform beam 144 is coupled to an exterior of rail 104 and rear rail 116 as depicted in FIG. 1. Second platform beam 144 has a length greater than that of beam 124 but does not extend rearward past second stabilizing foot 128. An angled support brace 146, coupled to an exterior of rear rail 116 and second platform beam 144, serves to support any significant weight and provides added stability to ladder 100.

A platform 148 is provided between first platform beam 140 and second platform beam 144. The platform 148 may be a planar piece of metal that is slid between rails on first platform beam 140 and second platform beam 144. Alternatively, first platform beam 140, second platform beam 144, and platform 148 may all be integrally formed or joined as a single workpiece. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, opposing edges of a top surface of platform 146 may comprise lips 150. A front of platform 148 preferably serves as a top rung of ladder 100 and is parallel to a top surface of the highest rung 106 of ladder 100. And, like rungs 106, a top surface of platform 148 preferably comprises a gripping surface that is corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping as is known in the art.

Angled support brace 142 and angled support brace 146 support any weight that is placed on the top surface of platform 148 for extended periods of time. As will be shown later, a mechanic can stand on platform 148 comfortably for extended periods of time during windshield replacement on a tractor-trailer truck. Specifically, platform 148 can support a great deal of weight without the ladder 100 tipping due to the rearward placement of first stabilizing foot 126 and second stabilizing foot 128.

Rails 102 and 104 preferably comprise handrails 152 as depicted in FIG. 1. Handrails 152 may be coated with an anti-slip surface to provide better grip. Preferably, handrails 152 do not extend above a top surface of rails 102 or 104 to reduce obstruction for a person standing on platform 148.

Cage 154 preferably extends from a rear surface of rails 102 and 104 and a top surface or platform 148. Cage 154 creates a three-sided enclosed area above a top surface of platform 148. The top of cage 154 may be used as handholds for extra stability and/or provide a surface for a person to stabilize themselves against during windshield replacement. The depicted cage 154 is formed in a lattice structure from a plurality of beams.

A rear of cage 154 comprises roller 156 which can freely rotate clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, roller 156 is formed from an ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) polyethylene or a coated metal having similar properties. This allows roller 156 to be durable in construction while allowing a replacement windshield to safely be rolled along roller 156 without damage, even after multiple uses or if roller 156 is scuffed or damaged. Roller 156 may be suspended between opposing rails of cage 154 such that the entire roller 156 rotates during use. Alternatively, a center of roller 156 may be fixed and surrounded by a cylindrical roller (e.g., rotates using ball bearings around a fixed central axle).

To provide added stability to ladder 100, an interior of beam 120 is preferably coupled to an interior of beam 122 using first stabilizing beam 146. A second stabilizing beam 148 is coupled, on a first side, to an interior of beam 120 and rear rail 114, and, on a second side, to an interior of beam 122 and rear rail 116.

Referring next to FIGS. 9-14 depicted are the steps utilized to replace a windshield according to an embodiment of the invention. First, a ladder 100 is placed on each side of open hood 902 of truck 904 in the vicinity of windshield opening 906. As depicted, first stabilizing foot 126 extends further away from rail 102 than second stabilizing foot 128 extends away from rail 104 to allow for placement in front of tire 908. The placement of the second ladder 100 on the opposing side of hood 902 is arranged in a similar configuration to that depicted in FIG. 9. The second ladder 100 has a slightly different configuration to accommodate the tire 908 on the other side of the truck 904 which would be to the right side of the ladder 100 instead of to the left, thus requiring the first stabilizing foot 126 and second stabilizing foot 128 to be swapped in placement on the second ladder 100. That is, for the second ladder 100, the first stabilizing foot 100 is coupled to rail 104 and the second stabilizing foot 128 is coupled to rail 102.

As is known in the art, suction cups 908 are affixed to the front of replacement windshield 912 prior to installation to allow for easier handling. A first user 914 stands on platform 148 of ladder 100 while a second user 916 on the ground hands the windshield 912 to first user 914. The first user 914 sets a bottom of replacement windshield 912 on roller 156 as depicted in FIG. 10. The replacement windshield 912 is rolled along roller 156 until first user 112 can balance the windshield 912 on roller 156 while holding two suction cups 910 as depicted in FIG. 11. Once first user confirms that the replacement windshield 912 is in control and stable on roller 156, the second user 916 can move to the opposite side of open hood 902 as depicted in FIG. 12.

The second user 114 ascends to the platform 148 of second ladder 100 as depicted in FIG. 13 and the first user 914 rolls replacement windshield 912 across roller 156 until second user 916 can grab an edge of replacement windshield 912 or a section cup 910 and place it on the roller 156 of second ladder 100. This allows users 914 and 916 to easily move replacement windshield 912 across rollers 156 to align with windshield opening 906 as depicted in FIG. 14. The first user 914 and the second user 914 can then grasp suction cups 910 and move the replacement windshield 912 into windshield opening 906 as is known in the art. The replacement windshield 912 can then be affixed and sealed. To replace a damaged windshield 912, the steps depicted in FIGS. 11-14 can be reversed.

FIGS. 15-16 depict a tow trailer 1502 that can be utilized to transport a pair of ladders 100. Tow trailer generally comprises trailer coupler 1504, wheels 1506, bed 1508, and movable ramp 1510. Each side of bed 1508 comprises sidewalls 1512. A pair of ratchet straps 1514 are coupled to a first sidewall 1512 and a pair of loops 1516 are coupled to the opposing sidewall 1516 directly opposite each ratchet strap 1514. The ratchet straps 1514 can be attached to loops 1516 when not in use as depicted in FIG. 15.

A pair of brackets 1518 are coupled to bed 1508 in the vicinity of each ratchet strap 1514. The spacing between brackets 1518 is approximately the same as the spacing between the rear portions of first stabilizing foot 126 and second stabilizing foot 128. A tubular receiving structure 1520 is coupled to each bracket 1518 by a spring-loaded cotter pin 1522 placed through aligned openings in the bracket 1518 and tubular receiving structures 1520. This allows tubular receiving structures 1520 to be removed if needed by compressing the spring of spring-loaded cotter pin 1522 until the tubular receiving structure 1520 can be removed from bracket 1518. Alternatively, grenade pins or similar securement may be used in lieu of spring-loaded cotter pins 1522.

To secure and transport a ladder 100 using tow trailer 1502, each ladder is rolled up ramp 1510 and first stabilizing foot 126 and second stabilizing foot 128 are placed into tubular receiving structures 1520 as depicted in FIG. 17. The ratchet strap 1514 can then be placed through ladder over the top of angled support braces 142 and 146 and secured to loops 1516. The rachet strap 1514 can then be tightened to secure ladder 100 to bed 1508 for transport. After both ladders 100 have been secured, the movable ramp 1510 can be removed or lifted and secured to the front ladder 100 (e.g., to the rungs 106). The trailer coupled 1504 can be utilized to couple tow trailer 1502 to any vehicle capable of towing a trailer such as a truck or car with a standard hitch.

The first ladder 100 or second ladder 100 (with the slightly different configuration) can be secured to tow trailer 1502 in either order. As depicted in FIG. 18, the centers of each ladder 100 are offset from each other, but the same configuration can be used to secure each ladder since the distance between first stabilizing foot 126 and second stabilizing foot 128 is the same for each ladder 100.

In some embodiments, tow trailer 1502 may be a different type of trailer such as a four-wheeled trailed or a fully enclosed trailer. It should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that ratchet straps 1514, loops 1516, and receiving structures 1520 can be installed in the bed 1508 of tow trailer 1502 or that the walls of tow trailer 1502 can be completely enclosed with a rear door for access to the interior.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced other than as described. The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

Claims

1. A ladder comprising:

a first front side rail;

a second front side rail;

a plurality of rungs, wherein each rung is coupled to an inner surface of the first front side rail and an inner surface of the second front side rail;

a platform extending in a rearward direction away from the first front side rail and the second front side rail;

a first rear side rail coupled to the first front side rail or the platform;

a second rear side rail coupled to the second front side rail or the platform;

a first stabilizer beam extending in the rearward direction and coupled to the first front side rail and the first rear side rail;

a second stabilizer beam extending in the rearward direction and coupled to the second front side rail and the second rear side rail; and

a cage assembly coupled to the first front side rail, the second front side rail, and the platform.

2. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the cage assembly comprises:

a plurality of vertical supports coupled to the platform; and

a first plurality of horizontal supports coupled to at least two vertical supports of the plurality of vertical supports.

3. The ladder according to claim 2, wherein a first horizontal support of the first plurality of horizontal supports comprises a roller surface or a roller coupled to an exterior of the first horizontal support.

4. The ladder according to claim 3, wherein the first horizontal support is not directly coupled to the first front side rail or the second front side rail.

5. The ladder according to claim 2, wherein the cage assembly further comprises:

a second plurality of horizontal supports coupled to at least two vertical supports of the plurality of vertical supports.

6. The ladder according to claim 5, wherein the first plurality of horizontal supports is coupled to a top edge of the at least two vertical supports of the plurality of vertical supports.

7. The ladder according to claim 5, wherein the second plurality of horizontal supports are parallel to the plurality of horizontal supports.

8. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one roller surface along a top rear surface of the cage assembly.

9. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first handrail coupled to the first front side rail; and

a second handrail coupled to the second front side rail.

10. The ladder according to claim 9, wherein the first handrail and the second handrail extend above a top rung of the plurality of rungs.

11. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first stabilizing foot beam coupled to the first stabilizer beam,

wherein the first stabilizing foot beam comprises: a first section extending away from the first stabilizer beam; and a second section coupled to the first section extending in the rearward direction.

12. The ladder according to claim 11, wherein the second section of the first stabilizing foot beam is parallel to the first stabilizer beam.

13. The ladder according to claim 11, wherein the second section includes at least one stabilizing foot contacting a ground surface when the ladder is in use.

14. The ladder according to claim 11, further comprising:

a second stabilizing foot beam coupled to the second stabilizer beam,

wherein the second stabilizing foot beam comprises: a first section extending away from the second stabilizer beam; and a second section coupled to the first section extending in the rearward direction.

15. The ladder according to claim 14, further comprising:

a coupling support beam,

wherein the coupling support beam is coupled to the second section of the first stabilizing foot beam, the first rear side rail, the second rear side rail, and the second section of the second stabilizing foot beam.

16. The ladder according to claim 14, wherein an interior spacing between the second section of the first stabilizing foot beam and the second stabilizing foot beam is greater than a tractor trailer wheel.

17. The ladder according to claim 16, wherein the interior spacing is greater than 24.5″.

18. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first wheel coupled to the first front side rail below a first rung of the plurality of rungs; and

a second wheel coupled to the second front side rail below the first rung at a same height as the first wheel.

19. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first support brace coupled to the first stabilizer beam and a first side of the platform; and

a second support brace coupled to the second stabilizer beam and a second side of the platform.