Slidable Nested Single Rung Units Patents (Class 182/195)
  • Patent number: 11780373
    Abstract: Various vehicle systems are proposed for accessing and utilizing vehicle cargo spaces on vehicles equipped with a tailgate assembly. The vehicle systems may include deployable and/or rotatable stairgate systems, deployable step systems, etc. designed for the accessing the vehicle cargo spaces. The proposed systems may include various deployment mechanisms that enable the stairgate/step systems to slide, pivot, rotate, swing, and/or otherwise adjust for providing ease of access and increased flexibility when stepping up to access the vehicle cargo space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Dawn Piechocki, Dennis Yee, Darshan Arun Nayak
  • Patent number: 11591855
    Abstract: A pool ladder may have a first and second leg extension, each having a generally continuous profile; a first tread may comprise first and second through-holes, the first through-hole being sized to slidingly receive the generally continuous profile of the first leg extension, and the second through-hole being sized to slidingly receive the generally continuous profile of the second leg extension; and a first and second tread support. The first tread support may be engaged at a tread location on the first leg extension and may be separate from the first leg extension. The second tread support may be engaged at a tread location on the second leg extension and may be separate from the second leg extension. Each of the first and second tread supports may protrude from the respective leg extension a sufficient amount to prevent the first and second through-holes from sliding past the tread locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Frederick M. Pettit
  • Patent number: 11441354
    Abstract: A telescopically extendable and collapsible ladder assembly includes multiple collapsible ladder sections provided with an air damper at the bottom end of tubular stile members. The air dampers provide retardation of gravity induced velocity of the collapsible ladder sections upon collapse of the ladder sections. Multiple air dampers include a throttle valve securing device, for cooperating with a throttle valve of the air damper when the collapsible ladder section is in the collapsed position, to secure the throttle valve in its throttle position and/or an obturator device. The obturator device includes a first obturator member and a second obturator member where the first obturator member and the second obturator member are configured to, when the collapsible ladder section is in the collapsed position, in combination provide additional throttling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Lampe Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Cornelis Hooiveld
  • Patent number: 10995547
    Abstract: A telescoping ladder is provided, that includes a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion between a fully-extended position and a collapsed position. The columns are connected to rungs by way of connector assemblies. Each connector assembly has a locking pin moveable between an extended position or a retracted position for extending into or retracting out of openings of adjacent columns to selectively lock or release the columns respectively. The telescoping ladder includes a plurality of actuators that permit collapsing the ladder in a sequential manner, the sequence involving collapsing the columns on a lower portion of the ladder prior to collapsing columns immediately thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter
  • Patent number: 10703286
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure having a cargo structure, a retractable step and a handle assembly. The cargo structure has a floor, a first side wall and a tailgate. The retractable step is installed to the cargo structure beneath the floor and the first side wall and adjacent to the tailgate. The handle assembly has a base and a grip handle extending from the base. The base is attached to an upright surface of the first side wall. The base is shaped and contoured such that the grip handle is positioned adjacent to and spaced apart from an upper surface of the first side wall within the cargo area above the floor and above the step. An individual using the step to enter the cargo area grabs the grip handle for assistance in stepping up into the cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Patterson, Martin Petersen
  • Patent number: 10480245
    Abstract: A telescopically extendable and collapsible ladder assembly includes a top ladder section, a bottom ladder section, and one or more intermediate ladder sections. The assembly may include sliding automatic release actuators, having a slanted actuating surface for interaction with actuator surfaces of spacers provided at each end of a rung of an adjacent ladder section, such that, when a rung is moved towards the rung of an adjacent lower ladder section, the activation surfaces of the spacers push the release actuators into an unlocking position and subsequently position the rung at an anti-finger pinching distance. The top rung of the bottom ladder section may be provided with a centrally arranged grip element that forms a housing for manually operable release actuators provided at the bottom side of the rung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Lampe Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Caspar Bernard Lampe
  • Patent number: 10029599
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention related generally to ladders and ramps and, more particularly, to collapsible ladders and ramps for a vehicle tailgate and related systems. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising: a tailgate member for a vehicle, the tailgate member having: an interior wall; an exterior wall; and a cavity between the interior and exterior walls; at least one collapsible ladder device comprising: a pair of substantially parallel elongate members; a plurality of cross members, each of the plurality extending between and lying substantially perpendicular to the pair of substantially elongate members; and an attachment device for non-fixedly securing the at least one collapsible ladder device within the cavity of the tailgate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Michael J. Sindoni, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10005396
    Abstract: An apparatus for extending a vehicle bed includes a tailgate having first and second retractable members adapted for being recessed within the tailgate and for projecting therefrom in an extended position when the tailgate is lowered. A removable support is provided for connecting with the first and second retractable members in the extended position for extending the vehicle bed. The removable support may comprise a ladder supported by the tailgate. The ladder may assume a lowered position for use in stepping onto the tailgate using the retractable members as handles and a raised position substantially aligned with the retractable members for extending the vehicle bed. The removable support may also comprise a cross bar that connects with the retractable members to form the bed extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Robert Spahn, Pattrick Loew
  • Patent number: 9994263
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rearrangable vehicle tailgate for transporting an item within a bed of a vehicle, including a first and third section separated by a second section, the first and third section secured to a tailgate receiver associated with the vehicle and providing access to the bed, an enclosed compartment associated with each of sections and configured to receive a removable internal structure, where at least one controller is secured to the enclosed compartment by the removable internal structure and configured for receiving and storing an item during transport by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Burke Richter
  • Patent number: 9845640
    Abstract: An extension ladder includes sub-ladders and cushions. Each sub-ladder includes a rung s connected to two tubes. The tubes of each sub-ladder are telescopically connected to the tubes of an adjacent sub-ladder. Each cushion includes an air bag and a slow-release unit. The air bag includes an open end with a channel. The air bag of each cushion is inserted in a corresponding tube. The slow-release unit is operable to slowly release air from the air bag and includes a restraint and a membrane. The restraint is connected to the open end of the air bag. The membrane includes an aperture and is movable arranged between the restraint and the open end of the air bag, with the aperture in communication with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Dongguan Dinghan Aluminum Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 9302719
    Abstract: An integrated stepgate and handle assembly includes a tailgate, a displaceable ladder carried on the tailgate, a displaceable handle carried on the tailgate and a latch. The latch connects the ladder and the handle whereby the handle is partially deployed with the ladder. This partial deployment of the handle prompts the operator to fully deploy and use the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Ravikumar Ranganathan, Brandon Buckhalt, Thomas M. Herline
  • Patent number: 8939256
    Abstract: There is provided a collapsible ladder having several collapsible ladder sections, where each or at least part of the ladder sections comprises two hollow ladder bars arranged parallel to each other and interconnected at an upper end by a rung, and where each collapsible ladder section is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section. Each ladder bar of a collapsible ladder section has a locking hole adjacent the lower end part of the ladder bar and an extension below the locking hole, and retaining mechanisms are provided in at least part of the rungs for locking the collapsible ladder sections relative to one another when the collapsible ladder sections are extended. Each of or part of the retaining mechanisms comprises a locking pin, which can be brought into an extended and locked position in order to engage a corresponding locking hole provided in the ladder bar of a ladder section positioned there above, and a release part for bringing the locking pin into a retracted and un-locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Patentselskabet af 10. december 2010 ApS
    Inventor: Otto Martinus Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8869939
    Abstract: An extension ladder comprises a plurality of ladder sections, connection kits and transverse step beams. Each ladder section is a hollow rail, which can be interconnected by telescoping with each other. A snap-fit mechanism is provided between the upper ladder section and the lower ladder section to make them not slip when the ladder is extended. The upper end of each ladder section is provided with a connection kit. The upper end of the connection kit is provided with a fixed protuberant pin, an inside thereof is provided with a locking mechanism which is provided with a turning key. An outside of the connection kit is covered by the transverse step beam. When the upper and lower connection kits are close to each other, the protuberant pin of the lower connection kit pushes the turning key so that the locking mechanism of the upper connection kit can be unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Ching Yao Kuo, Norman William Liefke
  • Patent number: 8807278
    Abstract: A hunting stand apparatus includes a pair of posts each having a bottom end and a top end. Each of the posts is telescoping and includes a same number of a plurality of tubular members such that sets of tubular members are defined. Each of a plurality of rungs is attached to and extending between tubular members of each set. A plurality of locking members is provided for locking the sets in an extended position. A seat has a front edge pivotally coupled to an upper most one of the rungs. A pair of brackets is also provided. Brackets are attached to each of the posts. Each of a pair of supports is removably attached to and extends between one of the brackets and a back edge of the seat such that the seat is angled with respect to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin S. Galloway, David E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140190766
    Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 8708102
    Abstract: A ladder constructed for reaching an elevated surface or object and having a bow-shaped configuration so that the reach may extend further from the base on which the footing of the ladder rests, the ladder being configured to reach areas such as the roof of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Larry Mickens
  • Patent number: 8695760
    Abstract: An attic ladder system includes an upper portion that can be extended above the attic floor and a lower portion that can be extended into a room below the attic. The upper portion can extend automatically into the attic upon extension of the lower portion, or may be operated independently of the lower section. Ladder extension can be telescopic or by unfolding of sections. Retraction of either or both ladder portions may include a pivoting capability to reduce vertical height when stored. A gap can be provided between lowest the rungs to avoid danger to a user's hands. Embodiments can be used to access the top of a vehicle roof from within the vehicle. Embodiments can support a user weighing up to 300 pounds. A gas spring can assist in lifting and stowing the lower portion. Pivot latches can secure the ladder in its stowed and deployed configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Appropriate Combined Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Amos G Winter, IV
  • Patent number: 8622175
    Abstract: A ladder having several collapsible ladder sections (100), each comprising two hollow ladder bars (102, 103) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by a rung (104), where each collapsible ladder section is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section. Each ladder bar of a collapsible ladder section has a locking hole (111) and an extension (112) below the locking hole. Retaining mechanisms (106) are provided in the rungs for locking the collapsible ladder sections relative to one another, and the retaining mechanisms comprise a locking pin (108), which can engage a corresponding locking hole provided in the ladder bar of a ladder section positioned there above. At least part of the collapsible ladder sections have a non-locking slot or groove (101) formed in the extensions of the ladder bars, where the slot reaches from a distance below the ladder bar to the bottom of the ladder bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Patentselskabet af 10. december 2010 ApS
    Inventor: Otto Martinus Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8387753
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first column and a second column, the first column nesting in the second column, and a first rung coupled to, and extending from the second column. A ladder assembly bracket includes a collar portion, which extends about the second column, and a rung portion, which extends from the collar portion into the first rung. The collar portion may be gripped by a hand of an operator in order to position a thumb of the hand in engagement with a button to retract a locking pin of a latch assembly mounted within the rung portion of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Craig S. Aizman, Bruce A. Hillukka, Michael J. Kelly, Wayne A. Shakal
  • Patent number: 8348015
    Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • 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: 8215453
    Abstract: A ladder constructed for reaching an elevated surface or object and having a bow-shaped configuration so that the reach may extend further from the base on which the footing of the ladder rests, the ladder being configured to reach areas such as the roof of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Mickens
  • Patent number: 8104580
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a collapsible ladder (1) comprising several ladder sections (5), each ladder section comprising two ladder bars (2, 3) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected at one end by a rung to form a U-shaped ladder section, and where each ladder section (5) is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section to form a collapsible ladder (1), and where dampers (23) are provided at the lower end of the ladder bars (2, 3, and where the locking mechanism comprises retaining mechanisms (20, 41) provided on each ladder bar (2, 3), where a single pair of actuators of the locking mechanism can be arranged on any of the ladder sections (5) and still be able to collapse the entire ladder (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Telesteps AB
    Inventor: Per-Olof Eriksson
  • Patent number: 8074767
    Abstract: An extensible, vehicle-mounted ladder with movable rungs is used to aid in raising and lowering in rescue operations. The ladder includes a rotatable base having storage space to hold extra rungs supporting the variable extended positions of the ladder. The ladder includes a plurality of ladder units or extensible booms. Each ladder unit includes four C-rails. A first ladder unit is attached to the rotatable base and the others extensible therefrom. The ladder includes rungs that slidably engage within two of the C-rails. A drive cable connects the rungs in a closed loop and is powered to enable rung rotation in a closed loop around the ladder units within the C-rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Orville Douglas Denison
  • Patent number: 8074771
    Abstract: Safety ladders to provide egress from water to a dock or boat or the like are disclosed. Safety ladders in accordance with the present invention are mountable to a structure, upwardly collapsible to a first storage configuration, and downwardly extendible to a second climbing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: David A. Nickelson
  • Patent number: 8066099
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a retractable ladder which is a common climbing tool in daily life and engineering industry. The retractable ladder comprises a pedal operated unlock device, section-positioning lock devices and an accidental operation preventing device. The main components of the unlock device is disposed in the first ladder section and enclosure caps at upper ends of each ladder section, except for the uppermost ladder section, are provided with the lock devices and unlock nose spikes. The retractable ladder is changed from an extended state to a folded state simply by operating the unlock device with foot of the user so as to release the lock of the ladder. Consequently, the retractable ladder will automatically retract to descend all of the ladder sections from top to bottom in turn. When the ladder is changed from the folded state to the extended state, section-positioning pins are pulled out downwardly from the uppermost ladder section so as to lock the ladder sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Yaoguang Liang
  • Patent number: 8056679
    Abstract: A retractable ladder includes telescoping rail sections each having left and right side rail members. Each side rail member has two aligned locking holes. A control device includes a shaft disposed rotatably between the side rail members of one of the rail sections, and two locking units each having a controlled piece fixed to and rotatable along with the shaft, two abutment plates, two locking pins, and two spring members biasing the abutment plates to abut respectively against two opposite sides of the controlled piece. The controlled piece is rotatable between a pushing position to push the locking pins to project outwardly from the locking holes in said one of the rail sections and engage respectively the locking holes in the adjacent rail section, and a non-pushing position, where the locking pins are permitted to extend inwardly so as to disengage from the locking holes in the adjacent rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Rong-Tai Hong
  • Publication number: 20110247897
    Abstract: A ladder having several collapsible ladder sections (100), each comprising two hollow ladder bars (102, 103) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by a rung (104), where each collapsible ladder section is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section. Each ladder bar of a collapsible ladder section has a locking hole (111) and an extension (112) below the locking hole. Retaining mechanisms (106) are provided in the rungs for locking the collapsible ladder sections relative to one another, and the retaining mechanisms comprise a locking pin (108), which can engage a corresponding locking hole provided in the ladder bar of a ladder section positioned there above. At least part of the collapsible ladder sections have a non-locking slot or groove (101) formed in the extensions of the ladder bars, where the slot reaches from a distance below the ladder bar to the bottom of the ladder bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Otto Martinus Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20110240405
    Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 8028805
    Abstract: An access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor. The ladder comprises a plurality of sections which telescope open and closed, and from a bottom section each section telescopes open to positively lock to the section below it with plungers that lock and unlock each section in sequence as the sections open and close, respectively. A method for using an access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 8011475
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tianjin Kelin Mold Technic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kecheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20110192679
    Abstract: An extension ladder (1) comprises a plurality of ladder sections (2), connection kits (3) and transverse step beams (5). Each ladder section is a hollow rail having different caliber, which can be interconnected by telescoping with each other. A snap-fit mechanism is provided between the upper ladder section and the lower ladder section to make them not slip when the extension ladder is extended. The upper end of each ladder section is provided with a connection kit transverse provided. The upper end of the connection kit is provided with a fixed protuberant pin (300), an inside thereof is provided with a locking mechanism (4b). The locking mechanism (4b) is provided with a turning key (440). An outside of the connection kit is covered by the transverse step beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Chingyao Kuo, Norman William Liefke
  • Patent number: 7967110
    Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Publication number: 20100307870
    Abstract: A telescopic ladder having two mutually adjacent side rails and rungs disposed between the side rails, wherein the side rails include a plurality of substantially tubular, telescoping side rail portions and mutually adjacent side rail portions connected to one another by a rung wherein the side rail portions have a locking unit with which the side rail portions can be locked against the respectively next lower side rail portion in the extended setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Dirk Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100270106
    Abstract: A ladder is composed of a plurality of rung units and each unit includes two hollow tubes and a rung connected between the two hollow tubes. The hollow tubes of the rung units have gradually reduced outer diameters so that the hollow tubes can be telescopically received to form a compact size. The rung is connected to the two hollow tubes of each rung unit by two connectors and each connector includes two buttons which can be pushed in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the rung to release the interlock connection between the rung and the hollow tubes so as to easily collapse or extend the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: MEI-HUA CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100258379
    Abstract: A ladder constructed for reaching an elevated surface or object and having a bow-shaped configuration so that the reach may extend further from the base on which the footing of the ladder rests, the ladder being configured to reach areas such as the roof of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Larry Mickens
  • Patent number: 7748498
    Abstract: An access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor. The ladder comprises a plurality of sections which telescope open and closed, and from a bottom section each section telescopes open to positively lock to the section below it with plungers that lock and unlock each section in sequence as the sections open and close, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    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: 20100044155
    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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: CORE DISTRIBUTION, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Publication number: 20090050407
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a collapsible ladder (1) comprising several ladder sections (5), each ladder section comprising two ladder bars (2, 3) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected at one end by a rung to form a U-shaped ladder section, and where each ladder section (5) is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section to form a collapsible ladder (1), and where dampers (23) are provided at the lower end of the ladder bars (2, 3, and where the locking mechanism comprises retaining mechanisms (20, 41) provided on each ladder bar (2, 3), where a single pair of actuators of the locking mechanism can be arranged on any of the ladder sections (5) and still be able to collapse the entire ladder (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Telesteps AB
    Inventor: Per-Olof Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20080023269
    Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas W. Parker
  • Patent number: 7316293
    Abstract: An extension ladder with improved mechanism includes a plurality of ladder sections, connection kits, locking mechanism, and transverse step portions; wherein each ladder section is a hollow rung, and the caliber of the rung becomes smaller when it is in a higher location. The upper ladder section and lower ladder section can be interconnected and fit each other; said connection kits are horizontally provided in the upper end of said ladder section. The internal part of said connection kit is provided with a locking mechanism to snap-fit into the through hole of said ladder section to secure the extension between each ladder section. The outside of said locking mechanism is covered by the transverse step portion, by the improved locking mechanism, the extension ladder can be assembled easily and firmly for providing superior safety to people, even when an external force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventors: Kuo-Ching Yao, Norman William Liefke
  • Publication number: 20080000723
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first column and a second column, the first column nesting in the second column, and a first rung coupled to, and extending from the second column. A ladder assembly bracket includes a collar portion, which extends about the second column, and a rung portion, which extends from the collar portion into the first rung. The collar portion may be gripped by a hand of an operator in order to position a thumb of the hand in engagement with a button to retract a locking pin of a latch assembly mounted within the rung portion of the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Craig S. Aizman, Bruce A. Hillukka, Michael J. Kelly, Wayne A. Shakal
  • Publication number: 20070267252
    Abstract: An extension ladder with improved mechanism includes a plurality of ladder sections, connection kits, locking mechanism, and transverse step portions; wherein each ladder section is a hollow rung, and the caliber of the rung becomes smaller when it is in a higher location. The upper ladder section and lower ladder section can be interconnected and fit each other; said connection kits are horizontally provided in the upper end of said ladder section. The internal part of said connection kit is provided with a locking mechanism to snap-fit into the through hole of said ladder section to secure the extension between each ladder section. The outside of said locking mechanism is covered by the transverse step portion, by the improved locking mechanism, the extension ladder can be assembled easily and firmly for providing superior safety to people, even when an external force is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Kuo-Ching Yao, Norman William Liefke
  • Patent number: 7159693
    Abstract: A novel escape system comprised of a plurality of escape devices each which resemble a window shutter, are mounted on the outside of a building, adjacent the windows vertically above the next lower escape device. Since these take up no space inside of the building, and are aesthetically pleasing, they are less likely to be removed or overridden making them functional a greater percentage of the time. Each is comprised of a frame to hold a plurality of slats connected to a collapsible vertical connecting means a predetermined distance apart from the others. In its storage position, the slats are held in the frame in an angled position resembling louvers. When in the operational position, the slats are allowed to drop down out of the frame and extend down to the next lower escape device with the slats acting as steps of a ladder. The bottommost end of the escape device connects to the top of the next lower escape device to create a continuous escape system allowing egress from any floor to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Mark D. Mettler
  • Patent number: 7048094
    Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignees: Core Distribution, Inc., Urban Sporting Goods
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Wang Kuo Hua, Craig S. Aizman
  • Patent number: 6883645
    Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignees: Core Distribution, Inc., Urban Sporting Goods
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Wang Kuo Hua, Craig S. Aizman
  • Patent number: 6880675
    Abstract: A ladder assembly includes two symmetric support stands pivotally connected with each other. Each of the two support stands includes a main frame, an upper frame, a lower frame, a top bar, a retraction control unit, and four fixing devices. Thus, height of the ladder assembly can be adjusted easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the ladder assembly. In addition, the upper frame and the lower frame can be folded on the main frame, so as to reduce the volume the ladder assembly efficiently, thereby greatly facilitating storage and transportation of the ladder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Huang
  • Publication number: 20040195043
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible ladder (1) having hollow ladder bars (2, 3) and ladder pins (4). The bars are divided into sections, which are telescopically inserted into each other and which in pairs at their top are connected to each other via a ladder pin, ladder sections, positioned above each other, being formed. The ends of the ladder pins (4) each houses its retaining mechanism (6), which via a locking pin (8) is locked against the lower portion of a ladder section, positioned above, in a separated or in a activated position of two such sections, arranged after each other, and which is releasable in order to allow an insertion of said ladder section, positioned above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Kjell Johansson
  • Publication number: 20040144596
    Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Wang Kuo Hua, Craig S. Aizman