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WO2006012561A2 - Chariot echelle automatique et procede associe - Google Patents

Chariot echelle automatique et procede associe Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006012561A2
WO2006012561A2 PCT/US2005/026167 US2005026167W WO2006012561A2 WO 2006012561 A2 WO2006012561 A2 WO 2006012561A2 US 2005026167 W US2005026167 W US 2005026167W WO 2006012561 A2 WO2006012561 A2 WO 2006012561A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dolly
ladder
configuration
movable
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2005/026167
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006012561A3 (fr
Inventor
Kenneth Gayle Sebastian
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2006012561A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006012561A2/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2006012561A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006012561A3/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
    • E06C1/38—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders
    • E06C1/397—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders characterised by having wheels, rollers, or runners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B1/00—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor
    • B62B1/26—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape
    • B62B1/262—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape the objects being of elongated shape, e.g. fishing rods, golf clubs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0083—Wheeled supports connected to the transported object

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to an accessory for any type of ladder, and specifically to a device that, with a single motion, can be attached or detached from any type of ladder, and while attached can be utilized in conjunction with the ladder as a hand truck.
  • Service persons such as electricians, plumbers, and heating and air conditioning mechanics, often work at sites remote from their shops or offices.
  • tools and materials are transported to the work site using a service truck.
  • stepladder Once the service truck is driven and parked close to the work site, the stepladder, tools, and materials for the specific job must be carried from the service truck to the work site. When working in a location that is remote from the parking area, significant time is spent carrying the stepladder, tools, and materials to and from the work site. For example, one trip between an upper floor of a high rise building and a remote parking location can take more than half an hour. If several trips are required to bring the stepladder, all the necessary tools, and materials to the work site, the total cost of the work is greatly increased. This results in either higher costs to the customer or losses for the service company.
  • a hand truck enables the service person to carry multiple items with less exertion on the part of the service person.
  • use of a hand track requires carrying the hand truck in the service track, which takes up precious space. In fact, it is well known that this space is often completely accounted for in accommodating the necessary ladder(s), tools, and materials.
  • the present invention relates to an accessory for any type of ladder, and specifically to a device that may be attached to or detached from any ladder by a single motion, and while being attached can be utilized in conjunction with the ladder as a hand truck.
  • the easy separability of the ladder from the accessory makes the present invention useful for converting between the separated state and the combined state.
  • the accessory may be a dolly that is clampingly attached to any of a variety of ladders in a movable position for enabling wheeled transport of the dolly and a ladder attached thereto in combination.
  • the accessory or dolly thus has a fixed frame and a moveable frame that may be clamped together on the ladder in the moveable dolly configuration.
  • the fixed frame and the moveable frame are released from the ladder in a stationary configuration in which the accessory is separated from the ladder for placement on a floor or the ground as a step or seat.
  • the accessory may be a convertible dolly for reliable transport of equipment.
  • the dolly may include a fixed frame and a movable frame movably connected to the fixed frame and movable between a stationary configuration and a movable dolly configuration.
  • the dolly may further include a pair of wheels that are rotatably supported on the movable frame.
  • the dolly may include a deployable platform that is pivotally mounted on the movable frame and is movable between a seat position when the movable frame is in the stationary configuration and a deployed position when the movable frame is in the moveable dolly configuration.
  • the deployable platform may generally overlie and rest on the fixed frame in the seat position and may lie completely outside a perimeter of the fixed frame in the deployed position.
  • the pair of wheels may be supported in a retracted position generally within a perimeter of the fixed frame when the movable frame is in the stationary configuration.
  • the pair of wheels may be supported in an protracted position extending generally outside the perimeter of the fixed frame when the dolly is in the dolly configuration.
  • One of the fixed frame and the movable frame may include at least one retaining member.
  • the dolly may further include an adjustable tension member that is adjustably supported on one of the fixed frame and the movable frame for adjustably varying a space between the adjustable tension member and the retaining member.
  • the fixed frame may have at least one retaining member for engagement with a first side of a ladder
  • the movable frame may have at least one tension member for engagement with a second side of the ladder opposite to the first side. Movement of the movable frame from the stationary configuration to the movable dolly configuration may reduce a space between the retaining member and the tension member for clamping the ladder between the retaining member and the tension member in the dolly configuration.
  • the invention in another simple form, includes a dolly combinable with a ladder for conversion between a stationary support and a wheelable support.
  • the dolly may include a first portion, a second portion, and an actuation mechanism interconnecting the first portion and the second portion.
  • the actuation mechanism may cause at least one tension member adjustably supported on one of the first and second portions to be moved relative to at least one retaining member of the first portion in order to move the members between an attaching configuration and a release configuration for attaching and releasing the ladder.
  • the actuation mechanism may include a pivot connection pivotally connecting the first portion to the second portion along a first axis.
  • At least one arm may form part of the second portion.
  • the arm may be connected to and extend from the pivot connection. Movement of the arm may cause movement of the second portion relative to the first portion between the attaching and release configurations.
  • the second portion may include at least one bracket interconnecting the pivot connection and the arm.
  • a wheel may be rotatably supported by the bracket on a second axis offset from the first axis. Movement of the arm may rotate the bracket and move the wheel between a wheelable position extending outside a perimeter of the first portion and a stationary position within the perimeter.
  • the second portion may further include the tension member.
  • the tension member may be rotatably supported on the first portion.
  • the tension member may be engaged directly or indirectly by the bracket and moved thereby between the attaching configuration and the release configuration.
  • the pivot connection may be a first of a pair of pivot connections
  • the arm may be a first of a pair of arms
  • the bracket may be a first of a pair of brackets
  • the wheel may be a first of a pair of wheels.
  • the dolly may further include a foldable platform interconnecting the pair of arms and rotatably movable between a stowed position superposed on the first portion and a deployed position in which a substantial portion of the platform extends away from the first portion.
  • the dolly may further include at least one latch pivotally connected to at least one of the arms.
  • the latch may have an engaging portion for lockingly engaging a pin on the second portion. Thus, the latch may engage and lock the second portion in the attaching configuration.
  • the engaging portion may be a first engaging portion
  • the pin may be a first pin.
  • the latch may further include a second engaging portion for lockingly engaging a second pin on the second portion. Thus, the latch may engage and lock the second pin on the second portion by the second engaging portion in the release configuration.
  • the latch may further include a main body and a flange extending from the main body. The flange may have a width extending from the main body in a range from approximately one half inch to approximately three inches to facilitate pressing engagement by a user's hand or foot.
  • the invention includes a method of transporting equipment to or from a work site.
  • the method may include attaching a ladder to a convertible dolly by a single manual motion, using the ladder to control the dolly, and moving the ladder and the dolly together as a unit.
  • the method may include converting the dolly from a stationary support configuration to a movable dolly configuration.
  • the step of converting the dolly may include the step of attaching the ladder by moving one portion of the dolly relative to another portion of the dolly to engage the ladder therebetween.
  • the step of converting the dolly may include the step of protracting a pair of wheels from a position generally within a perimeter of the dolly to a position extending out of the perimeter to wheelably engage the ground.
  • the step of attaching the ladder may include moving one portion of the dolly relative to another portion of the dolly to engage the ladder therebetween.
  • the step of converting the dolly may include actuating an attaching mechanism. Actuating the actuating mechanism may simultaneously: move one portion of the dolly relative to another portion of the dolly to engage the ladder therebetween; protract a pair of wheels; and move a foldable platform from a position superposed on a remainder of the dolly corresponding to the stationary support configuration into a movable dolly configuration extending away from the dolly.
  • the method may further include supporting at least one object on the platform in the movable dolly configuration and moving the ladder, the object, and dolly together as a unit to or from the work site.
  • the advantages of the present invention include the provision of a device that may instantly attach itself during a single manual motion to any of variety of ladders. Likewise, the device advantageously instantly detaches itself from any of the variety of ladders during a single manual motion by a user.
  • the accessory portion of the present invention once attached to any type of ladder may be utilized for carrying tools, equipment, and/or materials between two locations. When attached to any type of ladder, the accessory will regularly project laterally and provide a wider wheelbase for better balancing of objects being transported by the combination device over any type of terrain.
  • the accessory Once detached from any type of ladder, the accessory may be folded into a configuration adapted to form a step or seat. Alternatively or additionally, the accessory may be folded down in size for convenience of moving or storing the accessory.
  • the integrity of any of a variety of ladders is not compromised by attaching or detaching the accessory therefrom.
  • a height and depth of the accessory is automatically adjusted during attachment of a ladder thereto.
  • the automatic adjustment accommodates typical obtrusions common to most stepladders or extension ladders. That is, step ladders typically have top plates and extension ladders typically have feet with a deeper extension that would otherwise obstruct proper clamping of the accessory on the ladders.
  • the automatic height adjustment advantageously raises the accessory and avoids interference with these obstructions and enables direct, unobstructed, and flush attachment of the accessory to the vertical members of almost any ladder.
  • the accessory advantageously automatically readjusts to an open state by following the same path of motion in a reverse direction that once again avoids interference with the typical obstructions of most ladders.
  • the accessory may include latches to hold it in a clamped position
  • the accessory may also advantageously use a weight of an object being transported to create a tension to securely attach the accessory to any of a variety of ladders.
  • the accessory may be advantageously and securely attached to any of a variety of ladders due to the configuration of the accessory and associated mechanical forces that are automatically exerted by the accessory when it is clamped on a ladder for the sole purpose of moving the ladder itself, for example.
  • the accessory may be quickly attached and detached from any type of ladder without the use of any tools or hardware.
  • the accessory of the present invention is removable together with its wheels so that the ladder may be used without the wheels protruding and interfering with the work, mobility, or safety of a service worker.
  • wheels placed at an upper step that would otherwise encroach on the user's upward movement are removed before use of the ladder.
  • encroachment on a user's space by such permanently mounted wheels may have otherwise caused the user to lean away from the stepladder instead of into it.
  • Such encroachment and leaning presents a safety hazard, especially as the user ascends higher on the ladder. Therefore, the present invention advantageously provides easily removable wheels that will not remain and encroach on a user's space.
  • the capability of removing the accessory and wheels is also important because wheels that are permanently attached near a top plate of a ladder for a hand track configuration will almost surely protrude, push against a user's body, and/or interfere with the user's attempts to reach the sides of the ladder with his or her hands. In this way, permanently mounted wheels may present additional safety issues. Furthermore, such permanently attached wheels would have the disadvantage of protruding above the top of the ladder and would interfere with placement of objects on the top plate of the ladder as is typical when using stepladders. Thus, the easily removable accessory and wheels of the present invention advantageously free up this important space.
  • the separability of the accessory of the present invention from a ladder further provides the advantage of facilitating storage and transport of both the ladder and the accessory.
  • the ladder(s) used with the present invention will not have an aggregated size in the separated state.
  • the ladder(s) may be placed on a standard ladder rail that is typically provided on the top or side of a service truck. Li short, each of the ladder(s) and the accessory of the present invention are more easily stored and transported.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device including a combination of an accessory and a ladder according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the accessory configured according to an embodiment of the present invention and disposed in a stationary state;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the accessory configured according to an embodiment of the present invention and disposed in an intermediate receiving state;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the accessory configured according to an embodiment of the present invention and disposed in a movable state;
  • FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the accessory configured according to an embodiment of the present invention and in the stationary state similar to Figure 2, yet having a platform portion removed for clarity;
  • FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the accessory configured according to an embodiment of the present invention and in the movable state similar to Figure 3, yet having the platform portion removed for clarity;
  • FIG. 7A is a front plan view of the accessory in the stationary state
  • FIG. 7B is a side plan view of the accessory of Figure 7 A;
  • FIG. 8 A is a front plan view of the accessory in the intermediate receiving state
  • FIG. 8B is a side plan view of the accessory of Figure 8A;
  • FIG. 9A is a front plan view of the accessory in the movable state
  • FIG. 9B is a side plan view of the accessory of Figure 9A;
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a first portion of the accessory.
  • FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the second portion and the platform portion of the accessory.
  • embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory for any type of ladder, and specifically to a device that, with a single motion, can be attached or detached from any type of ladder, and while attached can be utilized in conjunction with the ladder as a hand truck.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • An overall device 5 may include an accessory 7 in the form of a self-attaching dolly for ladders.
  • the accessory has a ladder 62 attached thereto to permit the device 5 to advantageously be used as a hand truck for supporting and carrying equipment on the platform 54 and the ladder 62 in its engaged condition when the device is in its movable state.
  • the accessory can be converted into a stationary state as shown in Figure 2 by releasing the ladder 62 and folding the platform 54 into an overlying position for advantageous use as a step or seat.
  • the structure that provides these advantageous results includes a frame 10 including at least first and second frame members or portions, a carriage 12 including the foldable platform, and an adjustable tension bar 48.
  • the first portion or frame member may include a left vertical support 14 and a right vertical support 14, spacer bars 16, top and bottom retaining bars 18, 20, and an alignment brace 22.
  • An end of each of a plurality of retaining bar spacers 16 may be attached to one of a top and a bottom of each vertical support 14 at a rear of the frame 10. To this end, each retaining bar spacer 16 may be welded to the inside faces of the vertical supports.
  • a top retaining bar 18 and bottom retaining bar 20 may be attached perpendicular to and flush with the end of the retaining bar spacers 16.
  • an alignment brace 22 may be attached to the spacers 16 and/or the vertical support bars 14 at a backside of vertical supports 14.
  • the alignment brace 22 may include or have mounted thereto one or more accessory connection structure or point 74, which may be welded or otherwise fixed to the alignment brace 22 between each vertical support 14 for receipt of a handle or other additional accessory for the device 5.
  • the accessory connection structure may include a simple sleeve, a threaded connection, or a snap lock connection, for example.
  • the carriage 12 may be composed of or include a second portion or frame member of the frame 10.
  • This second portion of the frame 10 may include the platform arms 30, the multi-purpose brackets 28, the tension brackets 40, 42, the tension bar 48, and the foldable platform 54.
  • a carriage catch pin 24 may be attached to bottom left and/or right retaining bar spacers 16 for retaining the carriage 12 relative to the first portion of the frame 10 in the movable state, as shown.
  • a carriage retaining pin 26 may be attached to one of the vertical supports 14 for retaining the carriage 12 in a stationary or stowed state.
  • a left tension bracket 40 and a right tension bracket 42 may attach an adjustable tension bar 48 to the vertical supports 14.
  • the tension bar 48 may be advantageously adjustably supported on the tension brackets 40 and 42 as shown and described with regard to Figure 10 below.
  • the left tension bracket 40 and the right tension bracket 42 could also be spring loaded to provide self adjusting of the tension bar.
  • the left and right tension brackets 40, 42 could be replaced by springs pivotally mounted on the vertical supports 14 and attached at first ends to respective ends of the tension bar 48.
  • the second ends of the springs may engage in the multipurpose bracket and be pivotally moved similar to the tension brackets shown and described. This configuration would also advantageously provide automatic adjustment of the tension bar 48 relative to a thickness of a ladder engaged thereby.
  • Figures 2-4 show three different positions or states for the ladder dolly or accessory 7.
  • the first position is the stowed position shown in Figure 2.
  • the folding platform 54 is folded over the top of the frame 10 and rests on the retaining bar spacers 16 and the top retaining bar 18.
  • the carriage 12 is rotated up with the platform arms 30 extending forwardly and upwardly at approximately forty- five degrees, in which position the dual latch 39 may be held in the locked position by one or more latch springs 72 against the carriage retaining pin(s) 26, (see also the exploded view of Figure 11.)
  • the accessory 7 may be used as a step stool, a small seat, or a surface on which to support materials or tools by clamping or under the influence of gravity.
  • Figure 3 shows the ladder dolly or accessory 7 in an open or intermediate position with the foldable platform 54 oriented generally vertically.
  • the accessory 7 is prepared to receive a ladder that may be inserted through a top of the frame 10 and rested on an underlying ground surface.
  • the platform 54 and platform arms 30 may be rotated downward in a single movement to engage the accessory on the ladder and place the combination accessory 7 and ladder 62 in a movable condition to operate as a unitary device 5 as shown in Figure 1. Latched locking of the carriage in a position of use in the movable state in this manner will be described in greater detail below.
  • Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of the accessory of Figure 2 without the platform 54 for clarity.
  • Figure 5 provides an view for better understanding the operation of adjustable tension bar 48.
  • the adjustable tension bar 48 is positioned outside the frame 10 and the tension brackets extend at approximately forty-five degrees relative to the frame 10.
  • Multi-function brackets 28 are rotatably supported on the frame 10 and have the platform arms 30 fixed thereto.
  • the multi-function brackets 28 include return tabs 58.
  • Figure 5 also shows follower pins 44 in positions between return tabs 58 and the rest of multi-function brackets 28.
  • the surfaces between the return tabs and the rest of the multi-function brackets form surface cam areas of the multi-function brackets 28.
  • Figure 5 further shows the platform arms 30 extending approximately forty-five degrees upwardly towards the front of frame 10.
  • the wheels 32 are generally centered relative to a front and back direction of the frame 10.
  • the user simply pushes down on the tab of the dual latch 38 with his hand or foot to disengage dual latch 38 form carriage retaining pin 26.
  • the user can continue to push down with his hand or foot until at least one of the single latch 39 and the dual latch 38 move into a locked position engaged with at least one of the carriage catch pins 24 to retain the carriage 12 in the position shown in Figure 4.
  • This one simple maneuver performs several different functions. As shown in figure 4, the outer ends of platform arms 30 are flush with the ground and platform 54 is in the movable and/or loading position.
  • the multi-function bracket 28 and platform arms 30 will have rotated approximately ninety degrees relative to the vertical supports 14. This rotation causes the follower pin 44 to ride the cam surface area of the multi-function bracket 28 thereby forcing the left tension bracket 40 and the right tension bracket 42 to pivot forwardly. This in turn causes the adjustable tension bar 48 to push forward inside of frame 10 applying pressure to any vertical members of any ladder that has been placed inside the frame 10. It is to be understood that while the tension brackets 40, 42 and the tension bar 48 have been shown as separate members that are movably mounted relative to the multi-function brackets 28 and the platform arms 30, these members could be formed integrally or as one piece with each other without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
  • adjustable tension bar 48 can be rotated on its eccentric axes to accommodate the different thicknesses in ladders in accordance with the structure to be described with regard to Figure 10 below. This will ensure the proper tension to hold a ladder of a particular thickness in place.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the position of the tension bar in the final position after the ladder has been placed and engaged by the accessory or ladder dolly 7.
  • the relative positions of the pivot holes 64, 65 and axle holes 66 have changed. This change moves the axle bolt 34 and wheels 32 from a retracted position within an outline of the frame 10 into a projected position in which the wheels 32 at least partially extend downwardly and to the rear outside the frame 10. This position of the multi-function brackets 28 and the wheels 32 corresponds to the movable state of the ladder dolly or accessory 7. Furthermore, the relative positioning of the pivot holes 64, 65 and the axle holes 66 results in the proper position of the wheels that is consistent with the leverage required for the device 5 to act as a hand truck.
  • a related function and advantage of the multi-function bracket 28 is that when moved to the relative positions of the pivot holes 64, 65 and axle holes 66 shown in Figure 6, the wheels 32 lift the frame 10 to a predetermined height off the ground.
  • Lifting the frame 10 off the ground advantageously accounts for and accommodates obtrusions such as a deeper top plate or feet that are common with most step ladders or extension ladders. The deeper top plates or deeper feet would most likely inhibit the flush attachment of the accessory or dolly 7 to the vertical members of such ladders.
  • the wheels raise the frame 10 during deployment of the foldable platform into the movable state, the frame moves upwardly above such deeper structures as the top plate or feet and engages on the vertical members of the ladder that present a generally uniform thickness.
  • the alignment brace 22 assists in keeping the frame 10 in the same general vertical orientation and forward as the frame 10 is lifted from the ground by the wheels 32. Specifically, this action by alignment brace 22 may lift the bottom retaining bar 20 out and over any obstacles such as the top plate or feet of an associated ladder.
  • Figures 7 A, 8 A, and 9 A are front views and Figures 7B, 8B, and 9B are respective side views that illustrate the placement of the frame 10 and wheel 32 in the open stationary position, the intermediate receiving position, and the closed movable position, respectively.
  • Figures 3, 4, 8B, and 9B also show the position of the dual latch 38 and single latch 39 to lock the carriage 12 in respective stowed stationary and a movable transport positions.
  • the dolly or accessory 7 of the present invention has been converted into the movable state for conversion of an ordinary stepladder 62 or extension ladder into a fully functional hand truck device 5.
  • FIGs 7A-9B illustrate three positions of the self attaching dolly as have been described, including repositioning of the wheels relative to the frame 10, the raising of the frame, and the activation of the tension bar 48.
  • the tension bar 48 is moved forwardly as the platform arms 30 and platform 54 are moved into the deployed movable position.
  • the tension bar 48 will clamp any ladder inserted into the frame 10 between the tension bar 48 and the retaining bars 18 and 20, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the ladder 62 may simply be removed by pushing both single latch 39 and dual latch 38 with a hand or foot and by raising the folding platform 30 back to the open position. Once the right platform arm 30 is returned to its position extending forty-five degree upward and to the front, the dual latch 38 may engage the carriage retaining pin 26 and lock the accessory 7 in its open stationary position again.
  • Placement of the carriage 12 in the stowed stationary state including lifting the carriage 12 is generally performed by reversing the steps for placing the platform in the downwardly deployed and movable state. Placing the carriage 12 into the stowed stationary state causes the multi-function bracket 28 to rotate approximately ninety degrees in the opposite direction to its original position. This movement repositions the pivot holes 64, 65 and axle hole 66 relative to each other, thereby retracting the wheels 32 and lowering frame 10 back into the stowed position generally within a perimeter of the frame 10. Thus, the frame 10 rests on the ground in an immobile or stationary state. One relative position that may not be reversed exactly is the position of the adjustable tension bar 48.
  • the follower pin 44 is pushed back to its original position by the return tab 58.
  • This rotates the left and right tension brackets 40 and 42 back approximately ninety degrees, thereby retracting the adjustable tension bar 48 and freeing any vertical members of a ladder that would otherwise remain clamped inside of the frame 10.
  • the ladder dolly or accessory 7 can be used once again as a step stool, seat, and/or a small bench. Alternatively, the accessory 7 may simply be stowed away.
  • the user may leave the ladder clamped in frame 10 and just lift the folding platform 54 to lie generally adjacent the front of the accessory 7. In this position, the ladder 62 and the accessory 7 may be stored together in an narrow space.
  • the combined device with the platform folded up adjacent to the accessory may be stored in an upright position and placed against any vertical flat surface.
  • Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the first portion of frame member of the ladder dolly or accessory 7 together with the tension bar 48 and its associated mounting components.
  • the tension bar 48 and its associated mounting components are shown in an exploded view including one end of the tension bar having a threaded mounting hole 70 located eccentrically within the tension bar 48. This structure is utilized for adjustment of the tension bar 48.
  • Each end of the tension bar may have an eccentric hole 70.
  • a left tension bracket 40 and a right tension bracket 42 each have an elongated adjustment pin 46 fixed thereto and extending perpendicularly from an inside face of left and right tension brackets 40 and 42.
  • the adjustment pins 46 may be made from a right hand threaded bar.
  • each adjustment pin 46 may be screwed all the way into each eccentric hole 70 in both ends of the tension bar 48 until it abuts a maximum depth and comes to a stop therein. Then one adjustment pin 48 may be rotated back out of the eccentric hole 70 approximately one turn or 360 degrees before being mounted. This allows the user to twist the tension bar 48 in either direction in a range between approximately zero and approximately 360 degrees. This twisting of the tension bar 48 causing any one of the four surfaces of the tension bar 48 to selectively face forward and provide four different depths between the tension bar and the retaining bars 18 and 20.
  • This adjustable relationship is enabled by the eccentric hole 70, and provides the advantage of accommodating ladders of different thicknesses.
  • a follower pin 44 may be fixed to extend perpendicularly from the opposite face for engagement and actuation by the multi-function bracket 48 to automatically cause movement of the tension bar 48 when the platform arms 30 are moved.
  • This actuation has been described above with regard to the platform arms 30, multi-function brackets 28, and the return tabs 58.
  • Figure 11 also shows these elements in an exploded perspective view of the carriage 12.
  • the pivot holes 65 may be drilled near the cam surface of the multi-function bracket 28 at a position generally centered relative to a width of the platform arms 30.
  • the multi-function bracket 28 may include an L-shaped plate that is generally positioned upside down when the accessory 7 is in the movable position as shown in Figure 11.
  • Axle holes 66 may be placed through the L-shaped plates in a bottom front portion of the upside down L-shaped portion of the multi function bracket 28.
  • the return tab 58 may be welded or otherwise fixed at a forty-five degree angle on the top of the L-shaped portion of the multi-function bracket 28 above pivot hole 65.
  • the platform arms 30 may be welded or otherwise fixed to a front face of multi function bracket 28 in downwardly and forwardly extending positions that may be parallel to the return tabs 58.
  • the multi-function brackets 28, which may be considered to include the retaining tabs 58, and the platform arms 30 may be formed integrally or as one piece members that each includes a platform arm 30 and a bracket 28 having a return tab 58.
  • a single latch 39 may be attached to one or both of the platform arms 30. Additionally or alternatively, a dual latch 38 may be attached to the other or both of the platform arms 30. Each latch may be attached with a latch bolt 35 and a latch locknut 37.
  • a latch spring 72 may be located between each latch 38, 39 and a corresponding platform arm 30 to apply a biasing force in a locking direction.
  • the platform arms pivotally support the platform thereon.
  • respective ones of the platform arms 30 support a hinge pin 52 that is received in a hinge housing 50 of the foldable platform 54.
  • the hinge pin 52 may be placed through holes at the end of platform arm 30 and through the hinge housing 50 to form a hinge between the platform arms 30 and the platform 54.
  • the hinge housing 50 may be formed directly in a material of the platform 54, or may be welded or otherwise fixed to the platform.
  • the hinge pin 52 can be fixed to one of the platform 54 and the platform arms 30 such as by spot welding, for example. The hinge pin can thus rotate relative to the other of the platform 54 and the platform arms 30.
  • a platform support bar 55 may be attached to each of the platform arms 30 and extend therebetween behind the hinge housing 50 to limit travel of folding platform 54.
  • the carriage 12 may be installed on the frame 10 on the outside face of vertical supports 14 by aligning pivot holes 65 on multi function bracket 28 and pivot holes 64 on the vertical supports 14.
  • Spacers 60 may be placed on the inside and outside of the vertical supports 14 before aligning the left tension bracket 40, the right tension bracket 42, and the carriage 12. All of these components may be attached by inserting respective pivot bolts 36 through the tension brackets 40, 42, the multi ⁇ function bracket 28, the spacers 60, and the vertical supports 14, as shown.
  • the wheels 32 may be mounted in axle hole 66 on multi function bracket 28 by the axle bolts 34.
  • the axle bolts may be welded or otherwise affixed directly to the multi function bracket 28.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ladders (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un chariot échelle automatique transformable et combinable. Le chariot échelle fonctionne comme une plateforme ou comme un banc dans une configuration fixe et comme partie d'un chariot de manutention dans une configuration mobile. La plateforme ou le banc du chariot échelle peuvent être transformés en partie d'un chariot de manutention quand n'importe quel type d'échelle est placé dans le châssis du chariot échelle et quand la fonction pinçage du chariot échelle s'enclenche automatiquement lorsqu'un utilisateur passe de la configuration chariot échelle à la configuration mobile. Le châssis s'élève à mesure que les roues sortent quand la plateforme est ouverte en position d'extension vers l'avant dans la configuration mobile. Lorsque l'échelle est fixée, la combinaison échelle et chariot échelle forment un chariot de manutention permettant de transporter aisément l'échelle et d'autre matériel sur et depuis un chantier.
PCT/US2005/026167 2004-07-22 2005-07-21 Chariot echelle automatique et procede associe Ceased WO2006012561A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US59082804P 2004-07-22 2004-07-22
US60/590,828 2004-07-22
US95677704A 2004-09-30 2004-09-30
US10/956,777 2004-09-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006012561A2 true WO2006012561A2 (fr) 2006-02-02
WO2006012561A3 WO2006012561A3 (fr) 2009-04-09

Family

ID=35786742

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/026167 Ceased WO2006012561A2 (fr) 2004-07-22 2005-07-21 Chariot echelle automatique et procede associe

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Country Link
WO (1) WO2006012561A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2017154881A (ja) * 2016-03-04 2017-09-07 株式会社タダノ 脚立の収納構造
US20210070337A1 (en) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-11 Frank Randolph Bowen, III Hand truck to ladder dolly adaptor
CN113085981A (zh) * 2021-04-23 2021-07-09 罗泽芳 一种基于重力进行侧壁固定使用的建筑工程板材运输器

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3788659A (en) * 1972-06-05 1974-01-29 B Allen Hand truck
US3865392A (en) * 1973-05-17 1975-02-11 James W Hartway Collapsible luggage handcart
US4235449A (en) * 1978-06-19 1980-11-25 Tarran Phil K Combined hand truck and step stool
DE3725021A1 (de) * 1987-07-29 1989-02-09 Voegele Wolfgang Dipl Designer Mehrzweck-handkarren
US4934485A (en) * 1988-02-08 1990-06-19 Robert Pease Combination ladder and hand truck
US5382032A (en) * 1993-06-11 1995-01-17 Wilson; James R. Stepladder dolly
US5727799A (en) * 1995-10-13 1998-03-17 Peter DiSario-RPM Painting Ladder caddy
US6173811B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2001-01-16 Dean Tornabene Combination hand truck, stepladder and basket carrier
US6474663B1 (en) * 2000-07-07 2002-11-05 Jimmy J. Becker Combined pair of ladders and transportation dolly device

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2017154881A (ja) * 2016-03-04 2017-09-07 株式会社タダノ 脚立の収納構造
US20210070337A1 (en) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-11 Frank Randolph Bowen, III Hand truck to ladder dolly adaptor
CN113085981A (zh) * 2021-04-23 2021-07-09 罗泽芳 一种基于重力进行侧壁固定使用的建筑工程板材运输器
CN113085981B (zh) * 2021-04-23 2022-09-30 罗泽芳 一种基于重力进行侧壁固定使用的建筑工程板材运输器

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