Plural Element Stile Patents (Class 182/161)
  • Patent number: 10221624
    Abstract: A ladder includes a rung, two front legs and two rear legs, the front portions at the two sides of the rung are respectively hinged to the two front legs, wherein a hinged connection element comprises a connecting rod and two connection pieces, two connecting pieces are symmetrically attached to the two ends of the connecting rod, each connecting piece comprises a hinged portion, a pivot portion and a fixation portion, the fixation portion is connected to the connecting rod, the hinged portion is hinged to the central portion of the side edge of the rung and to the rear leg, the connecting rod is supported on the bottom of the rung when the rung is unfolded. The connecting piece is hinged to the rung and the rear leg. The fixation portion is fixedly connected to the connecting rod, the connecting rod rotates when the rung is unfolded or folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • 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
  • 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: 8291841
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight collapsible motorcycle stand and method of use is presented. The motorcycle stand comprises a platform, two support members rotatably affixed to opposite outer edges of the platform, and a shelf for storing tools and the like. The shelf reversible affixes to cross bars located on the two support members. The shelf is removable, thereby enabling collapsing of the motorcycle stand. The shelf is secure to the collapsed stand via shelf hooks and the entire apparatus is lock into a collapsed position through use of a cross bar hook. Alternate embodiments and their method of use are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: José Ricardo Gonçalves Correia de Castro, Sérgio Bruno de Oliveira Tavares
  • Patent number: 8225906
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8127890
    Abstract: A step unit includes right and left step frames and two steps coupled to the right and left step frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Meyers, Paul F. Meyers
  • Patent number: 8002084
    Abstract: A stepladder has a front frame, a rear frame, a bracket and multiple steps. The front frame has two front side rails and multiple rungs mounted between the front side rails. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the front frame and has two rear side rails, a crossbeam and a lock. The lock is mounted pivotally on the crossbeam. The bracket is connected pivotally and slidably to the rear frame and has multiple pivot pins. The steps are mounted pivotally on the bracket and are selectively and engaged respectively with the rungs of the front frame. The lock selectively hooks a pivot pin to stably lock the bracket for improved safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Chin Yin Huang
  • Patent number: 7984790
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a step stool, and particularly to a folding step stool including legs that fold between an opened, use position and a collapsed, folded position. The present disclosure also relates to a tray assembly that moves relative to the legs and is used for storing or holding articles associated with use of the step stool. The step stool includes a mechanism to coordinate the movement of the tray assembly and a step of the step stool when the step stool is moved between the opened and collapsed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Meyers, Todd C. Midkiff
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7931123
    Abstract: A ladder includes a first section having at least one step. The ladder includes a second section having a least one step. The ladder includes a platform attached to the first and second sections. The ladder includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first section and second section, about which the first section and second section move between an open state, where the first and second sections are in an angular relationship for use, and a folded state where the first and second sections and the platform are essentially in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.The ladder includes a foldable tray mechanism attached to the hinge mechanism about which the foldable tray mechanism moves between the open state independently of the first and second sections, where the foldable tray is in an angular relationship with the first and second sections for use, and a folded state where the foldable tray essentially forms a plane with the first section. A hinge for a stepladder. A step to a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Jason R. Moldthan, Thomas W. Parker, Jack Warren Gee, II, David Andrew Winslow, Kyle G. Astor, Timothy James Brookbank
  • Publication number: 20110024234
    Abstract: A ladder chair comprises a retaining unit disposed in a first step plate, and the retaining unit includes a knob, a spring, and a fastening piece; wherein the fastening piece is inserted in a notch and a recess of the first step plate, and one end of the fastening piece is connected with the knob, and the other end thereof engages with the first rear pivot of the first step plate by using a U-shaped hook; the knob is inserted in a cutout and extends out of the first step plate. Therefore, no matter the ladder chair is in expanding or retracting state, the ladder chair is locked securely as the knob is not pressed to obtain safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Chen-Hsiung Lin
  • Publication number: 20080251319
    Abstract: A step unit includes right and left step frames and two steps coupled to the right and left step frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Meyers, Paul F. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7370727
    Abstract: A step ladder includes a frame having a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for movement relative to the front leg between an opened position and a collapsed position. A pivot support mount of the step ladder supports a handle of the step ladder for pivotable movement on the front leg about a pivot axis. The step ladder further includes a retainer member coupled to the handle to move therewith about the pivot axis. The retainer member is arranged to lock the front leg to the rear leg when the front and rear legs are in the collapsed position. A guide of the step ladder is coupled to the pivot support mount and configured to engage the rear leg and maintain the rear leg in alignment with the front leg when the frame is in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul K Meeker
  • Patent number: 7159694
    Abstract: A step stool includes a frame and a tray coupled to the frame. The tray includes a pair of container receivers. Each container receiver is adapted to receive a container on the container receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Gibson
  • Patent number: 7104362
    Abstract: A step ladder includes a frame having a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for movement relative to the front leg between an opened position and a collapsed position. A pivot support mount of the step ladder supports a handle of the step ladder for pivotable movement on the front leg about a pivot axis. The step ladder further includes a retainer member coupled to the handle to move therewith about the pivot axis. The retainer member is arranged to lock the front leg to the rear leg when the front and rear legs are in the collapsed position. A guide of the step ladder is coupled to the pivot support mount and configured to engage the rear leg and maintain the rear leg in alignment with the front leg when the frame is in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul K. Meeker
  • Patent number: 6991063
    Abstract: A stowable or foldable ladder is configured for installation in an opening between one floor or space and another floor or space. An upper ladder section includes a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section left ladder rail to the lower ladder section left ladder rail and rotatably connecting the upper ladder section right ladder rail to the lower ladder section right ladder rail, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper pair of ladder rails and the lower pair of ladder rails. The steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Brett A. Latimer, Ronald K. Burig, Christine A. Brown, David E. Plotner, John J. Fiumefreddo, Roy B. Bendickson
  • Publication number: 20040007424
    Abstract: A stepladder that includes a first frame, a second frame, a step, a utility tray and a support arm. The second frame is pivotally attached to the first frame. The step is operably connected to the first frame and the second frame. The step pivots with respect to at least one of the first frame and the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame. The utility tray is pivotally connected to the second frame and includes a top panel and a side panel. The top panel has a first end and a second end. The side panel extends from the top panel along a side of the top panel that extends between the first end and the second end. The side panel has a slot formed therein. The side panel has a detent formed therein. The detent is in communication with the slot. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the second frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Tricam Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Simpson
  • Patent number: 6651774
    Abstract: A combined stepladder and hand truck assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a first frame having two side rails, a second frame pivotally attached to the back side of the first frame and having two side rails, and a third frame pivotally attached to the front side of the first frame and having two side rails. Steps and bars are provided so that they form a parallel link together with the side rails of the first frame. Two casters attached at the lower end of the first frame. A tool tray is provided at the lower end of the third frame. The tray is kept vertical to the frames when the assembly is used as a hand truck, and is kept horizontal when the assembly is used as a stepladder and the third frame is rotated upward to support the tool tray in a high position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Hoe Gwan Yoo
  • Patent number: 6550579
    Abstract: A method for assembling a step stool includes the step of providing a frame including a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for pivotable movement between an opened use position and a collapsed storage position, a step coupled to the front leg for pivotable movement between a horizontal use position and a storage position, and a link including a body, a pivot coupled to the body and the step, and a connector coupled to the body. The method further includes the step of snapping the connector into engagement with the rear leg for movement of the rear leg from its opened use position to its closed storage position in response to movement of the step from its horizontal use position to its storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique Giner
  • Patent number: 6536557
    Abstract: A step stool includes a frame having legs movable relative to each other between an opened use position and a collapsed storage position. The frame includes an upper portion and a lower portion. A tray assembly is provided having a fixed tray mounted to the upper portion and a movable tray coupled to the fixed tray for movement relative to the fixed tray, the movable tray having an opened use position and a closed storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique R. Giner
  • Publication number: 20030029676
    Abstract: A step stool includes a frame having legs movable relative to each other between an opened use position and a collapsed storage position. The frame includes an upper portion and a lower portion. A tray assembly is provided having a fixed tray mounted to the upper portion and a movable tray coupled to the fixed tray for movement relative to the fixed tray, the movable tray having an opened use position and a closed storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique R. Giner
  • Patent number: 6454050
    Abstract: A step stool includes a foldable frame having a front leg and a rear leg movable relative to the front leg and a carrying handle supported for pivotable movement on one of the legs about a pivot axis. A retainer member is coupled to the handle to move with the handle about the pivot axis to lock the front leg to the rear leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique R. Giner, Maria Antonieta Moreno-Giner
  • Patent number: 6443261
    Abstract: A step stool includes a frame including a front leg and a rear leg movable relative to the front leg and a leg lock coupled to the frame and arranged to retain the rear leg in a fixed position relative to the front leg upon movement of the rear leg to an opened use position lying at an angle to the front leg. The leg lock includes a button receiver coupled to the front leg and a button supported for movement on the rear leg from a released position arranged to disengage the button receiver to allow relative movement of the front and rear legs and a locked position engaged to the button receiver to retain the rear leg in the fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique R. Giner
  • Patent number: 6390237
    Abstract: A step stool or ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The first frame member includes a safety hoop at which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder or step stool. The frame also includes a cross member which spans a portion of one of the frame members. The ladder or step stool has one or more steps. At least one of the steps is supported primarily by the cross member in its unfolded position in which a user can ascend on the steps of the stool or ladder. One or more other steps may be attached to step which is primarily supported by the cross member. The step that is primarily supported by the cross member includes a latch that has a first curved end which engages the cross member to prevent the step primarily supported by the cross member from disengaging the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tricam Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wan Soo Kim, Ping-Jan Chiu, Todd Meyers, Franny Chen
  • Patent number: 6390238
    Abstract: A step stool includes a frame including a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for movement relative to the front leg, a handle supported for pivotable movement on the front leg about a pivot axis, and a retainer coupled to the handle to move therewith about the pivot axis and arranged to trap a portion of the rear leg between the handle and the retainer upon movement of the handle to a predetermined position relative to the rear leg to lock the front leg to the rear leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique R. Giner, Maria Antonieta Moreno-Giner
  • Publication number: 20020043431
    Abstract: A method for assembling a step stool includes the step of providing a frame including a front leg and a rear leg coupled to the front leg for pivotable movement between an opened use position and a collapsed storage position, a step coupled to the front leg for pivotable movement between a horizontal use position and a storage position, and a link including a body, a pivot coupled to the body and the step, and a connector coupled to the body. The method further includes the step of snapping the connector into engagement with the rear leg for movement of the rear leg from its opened use position to its closed storage position in response to movement of the step from its horizontal use position to its storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique Giner
  • Patent number: 6347687
    Abstract: A novel compact collapsible step ladder that can be efficiently, easily and practically stored in space limited locations or areas when not in use. The compact collapsible step ladder when folded, and not in use, is no thicker that the combined thickness of its adjacent and substantially parallel front and rear ladder legs. The collapsible step ladder comprises a pair of pivotally connected ladder legs, a pivoting step with rear opposing pegs engaging rear ladder channel guides, and at least one ladder pivoting rung connected to the step through connecting rods. The connecting rods synchronize the movement of the pivoting step and the at least one pivoting rung as the ladder assumes the open and closed positions. In the ladder open position, the step and at least one ladder rung assume substantially horizontal orientations. In the ladder closed position the step and the at least one ladder rung are substantially parallel to the ladder legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: PT Indal Aluminum Industry TBK.
    Inventor: Prakasa Alim
  • Publication number: 20020017431
    Abstract: A step stool includes a foldable frame having a front leg and a rear leg movable relative to the front leg and a carrying handle supported for pivotable movement on one of the legs about a pivot axis. A retainer member is coupled to the handle to move with the handle about the pivot axis to lock the front leg to the rear leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: William R. Gibson, Enrique R. Giner, Maria Antonieta Moreno-Giner
  • Patent number: 6026933
    Abstract: A step stool comprising a frame having a front leg and a rear leg, a step having a top surface and a bottom surface and an opening in the top surface extending through to the bottom surface wherein the step is coupled to the front leg and coupled to the rear leg, and wherein there is a step blocker movable between an engaged position in which the blocker engages the frame and a retracted position in which the blocker does not engage the frame and an actuator grip to operate the block which grip is accessible from the top surface of the step through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond P. King, Charles E. Schroer
  • Patent number: 6012548
    Abstract: A ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The step of the is provided with one or more keyhole-shaped openings in which the bottom of the keyhole-shaped opening is open. The first frame member includes at least one cross member for supporting each of the one or more steps of the ladder. The cross members also provide a pivot axis about which the step rotates when folding or unfolding the ladder. The cross member has a circular cross-section at each of the ends where it is attached to the first frame member. Inboard from the circular cross member ends, is a crimped portion or portions. The crimped portion or portions of the cross member are dimensioned so that the crimped portion can pass through the open end of the keyhole openings in the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: R.M.M., Inc.
    Inventor: Wan Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 5992567
    Abstract: A foldable frame includes a pair of upright supporting rods, a pair of prop members, upper and lower crosspieces, right and left linking arms, and a pair of guiding members. The supporting rods are parallel to each other and extend in a first longitudinal direction. The prop members are also parallel to each other but extend in a second longitudinal direction. Each prop member has a second upper connecting portion pivotally connected to a first upper connecting portion of a respective supporting rod to enable the supporting rods to move from a folded position to a straddling position. The crosspieces are disposed transverse to the supporting rods, and are pivotally mounted thereon. The linking arms have upper and lower end portions respectively pivoted to rear sides of the upper and lower crosspieces, and are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction, and are parallel to the supporting rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Ping-Jan Chiu
  • Patent number: 5762163
    Abstract: The invention relates to platform step stools wherein a top step of the stool is movable from its top position to a position in alignment with the step below it to provide for a wider platform than a single step and in particular, to a particular single handle actuated locking mechanism for securing the top step both in its top and alignment height positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Kain
  • Patent number: 5757650
    Abstract: The disclosed is a method comprising the steps of displaying entirely a plurality of storehouse facilities in the form of a plan view; informing a storage abnormality when the actual storage location and stock condition are different from that displayed in parallel with displaying the stock condition at each instant; and correcting the stock condition at the time the storage abnormality is informed. Shelves are distinguished using displayed figures in accordance with shelves in which already stored, shelves still remaining empty, and shelves for which storage is prevented; and the stock condition of the storehouse facilities is displayed by specifying any of the facility on the displayed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomimasa Yamashita, Takio Okuno, Katsuhiro Hagino
  • Patent number: 4750587
    Abstract: An escape ladder at rest is an elongated cylindrical body divided lengthwise with a plurality of rung devices hingeably attached between rear quadrants and between front quadrants lockable in a horizontal position and foldable into the tubular body when left and right quadrants and mated together. Right quadrants and left quadrants are interlocked together to allow the interlocked quadrants to slideably move only lengthwise in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: William A. McAllister
    Inventors: William A. McAllister, Frederick Schindler
  • Patent number: 4723631
    Abstract: A ladder made of a rectangular main frame, spaced parallel rods interconnecting the two long side legs of the ladder, and step panels each pivotally mounted at its front corners to one rod for pivotal action within the ladder frame. A rigid link pivotally interconnects the rear corners of the step panels on each side thereof. Short lever arms also pivotally interconnect the rear portion of the side edges of the topmost step panel to the interior face of the respective side legs. Each short lever arm has a central longitudinal slot slidingly engaged by a pivot pin projecting from the frame side legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: Raymond Tremblay
  • Patent number: 4712647
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible platform (10) designed to be hung to a set of attachment hooks (30) that are attached to a stationary structure such as a wall, beam or building eaves. The platform (10) includes a pair of inward vertical members (12), and a pair of outward vertical members (14) that are rotatably connected by a plurality of horizontal members (16) and a pair of angular support members (18). On top of the horizontal member pairs is placed a utility platform (20) that allows a worker to stand or sit. The collapsible feature of the invention is easily performed by pressing inwardly against the outward vertical members (14) until all the outward members (14), (16), (18)are nested within the inward vertical members (12). Once collapsed, the inward and outward vertical members (12), (14) are locked in place by a locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Richard A. Romine
  • Patent number: 4560030
    Abstract: A folding ladder comprising two pairs of uprights hinged at their top and a plurality of rungs connected to said uprights, in which each rung is formed from two equal portions hinged together and is connected to the other rungs at said point of mutual hinging by a rod parallel to the uprights. Moreover the rungs are hinged at their ends to said uprights for passing from the working configuration of the ladder in which they are orthogonal to the uprights, to the folded configuration of the ladder in which they are substantially parallel to the uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Metarplastic S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aldo Mucelli
  • Patent number: 4502564
    Abstract: A stepladder having a pair of legs and two or more steps wherein the steps are pivoted to one of the legs and to guide members. Each of the legs includes a pair of side members. The guide members are spaced from and parallel to the side members of the first leg. When the ladder is in a position of use a latching device locks the second leg and the guide members together and helps transmit a load on the steps to the second leg. When the ladder is in a transport position the tread surface of the steps is disposed in a plane that is common to the plane formed by a rear surface of the second legs. The pivot connections between the steps and the first and second legs and the dimensions therebetween assure the same security in using the stepladder as is obtained by using fixed steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventors: Walter K/u/ mmerlin, Nikolaus A. K/u/ mmerlin
  • Patent number: 4485892
    Abstract: A step stool has a top step that is foldable alongside a next lower step to form a large platform. The platform stool has a pair of hinged frame assemblies that are laterally spaced apart to embrace a plurality of uniformly ascending elevated steps disposed therebetween. A first step and a second step situated above the first step are journaled for pivotal movement to the frame assemblies. A pair of laterally spaced-apart step linkages support the first and second elevated steps. A third elevated step is supported between the frame assemblies. A pair of laterally spaced-apart platform linkages support the third elevated step in either a top position above the second step or a lower position alongside the second step. A pair of platform brackets can be mounted on the rear legs substantially adjacent to the second elevated step. The stool can further include a pair of latch assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Maloney, Charles E. Schroer
  • Patent number: 4016954
    Abstract: A foldable ladder is disclosed having a central and two outer parallel support members or "stiles" and a plurality of steps connected between the central and the outer stiles. Each step is arranged to fold between an erected position, in which it extends generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the stile to which it is connected, and a storage position in which the step lies generally parallel to the central stile with the outer stile to which it is connected extending parallel to and in close juxtaposition with the central stile. Engaging means are provided adjacent the upper end of the central stile for holding cooperating engaging means of a supporting membersuch as another ladder section (forming an extension ladder) or a prop extending to ground (forming a step ladder).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Assignee: Inventec International Limited
    Inventor: Ronald Price Hickman