• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    This invention relates to ladder accessories, in particular a handle device which is attached to the ladder and can be moved upwardly or downwardly along the ladder as the ladder user ascends or descends. The device includes a mechanism for gripping both side rails of the ladder and a mechanism for releasably engaging holes formed in one side of one of the side rails. A handle member is rigidly attached to the gripping mechanism and permits a user to manually hold onto the device. The preferred engaging mechanism is a pivotable engagement member mounted on one side of the gripping mechanism and a spring which biases the engagement member to a position where one end thereof engages a side of one of the holes in the side rail. The preferred gripping mechanism includes two connecting bars that extend horizontally and are adjustable in length.
    公开号:CA2251073A1
    申请号:C2251073
    申请日:1998-10-20
    公开日:2000-01-10
    发明作者:Jason D.S. Mcculloch
    申请人:Jason D.S. Mcculloch；Searle, Paul J.；
    IPC主号:E06C7-14
    专利说明:
    HANDLE DEVICE FOR A LADDER This invention relates to ladders used for climbing and, in particular, devices used to assist a ladder user. Ladder attachments and aids are well known in the prior art. Some particular attachments include a safety strap, a handle and load receiving attachments. United States Patent No. 4,991,808 issued February 12, 1991 to Paul LaChance describes a movable utility bracket for ladders. The utility bracket is secured to the rungs of a ladder by J shaped strips of metal. These are secured to a larger elongate angle member to which is attached a handle for adjusting the position of the utility bracket. In one embodiment, a hand railing can be attached to the utility bracket by bolts or screws. In another version, there is a U-shaped bracket for supporting a utility tray attached to the side of the utility bracket. United States patent No. 4,130,177 issued December 19, 1978 to James E. Pandolph describes a ladder climber's safety device that grips onto the sides of a ladder. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, one handle grip device is attached to each side of the ladder. The handle grip device which fits onto each side of the ladder is formed in such a way that it almost completely encloses the side of the ladder. The handle grip devices include gripping teeth adapted to engage their respective ladder rails for preventing free downward movement along the rails. Two rollers are mounted on each device to run along the narrow faces of the side of the ladder for smooth adjustment of the ladder climbing device. According to one aspect of the present invention, a handle device for a ladder having two side rails and a number of rungs extending between the side rails comprises means for gripping at least one side rail of said ladder, the gripping means including means for releasably engaging holes formed in one side of one of the side rails and a handle member attached to the gripping means, the handle permitting a user to manually hold onto the handle device when the handle device is attached to the ladder. Preferably the engaging mechanism includes a pivotable engagement member mounted on one side of the gripping mechanism and a spring which biases the engagement member to a position where one end thereof engages a side of one of the holes when this one end is aligned with the hole. According to a further aspect of the invention, a ladder apparatus comprises a ladder having rungs and side rails connected to the rungs, means for gripping at least one side rail of the ladder, said gripping means including means for releasably engaging holes formed in one side of one of the side rails and a handle attached to the gripping means. This handle permits a user to manually hold onto the handle and attached gripping means for support purposes.According to still another aspect of the invention, a support device for a ladder comprises means for gripping both side rails of a ladder, said gripping means including means for releasably engaging one side of one of the rails and means for supporting an object in an elevated position on the ladder. There are also means for securing the supporting means on the gripping means. The gripping means includes two spaced apart gripping devices that extend along the side rails and at least one elongate bar member extending horizontally and rigidly connecting together the gripping devices. Preferably the support device includes a handle attached to the gripping mechanism with a portion of the handle extending perpendicular to rungs of the ladder. According to a further aspect of the invention, a movable handle device for use on a ladder having two side rails comprises two elongate, spaced-apart slidable members each adapted to engage a respective one of the side rails, at least one rigid, elongate connecting member extending between and rigidly connecting the slidable members and means for releasably holding the handle device by engagement with one of said side rails in order to prevent downward sliding movement of said slidable members. When the handle device is slidably mounted on the ladder, a person climbing the ladder can manually hold onto the handle device for support purposes.According to one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder handle device generally comprises top and bottom plates with a handle coupled to both plates to connect them together. Each of the plates has a pair of spaced apart guide rails for inserting into the side channels of the side flanges of a side rail of the ladder when the first surfaces of the plates are positioned adjacent the side rail of the ladder. The top plate has an elongate cutout and a support block is coupled to the top plate adjacent the cutout. An upper region of an engagement member is pivotally coupled to the support block so that the engagement member is positioned in the cutout of the top plate. An arm portion of the engagement member projects inwardly from the first surface of the top plate and a main portion of the engagement member extends outwardly from the second surface of the top plate. A lever member is pivotally coupled to an outer region of the engagement member. The lever member has an abutment portion which abuts the top plate when the lever member is pivoted to a first position and is spaced apart from the top plate when the lever member is pivoted to a second position. The arm portion of the engagement member is designed for inserting into a hole at one end of a step rung of the ladder. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device is entirely one unit. The device can grip both sides of the ladder by means of elongate inner flanges which extend under flanges formed along the sides of the ladder. When the device is attached to the ladder, the device provides at least one handle member that runs parallel to the ladder. Whereas the rungs of a ladder are located between the side rails of the ladder, the handle in the present device can be out substantially from the sides of the ladder, thereby providing a ladder climber with a better means for holding onto the ladder than, for example, the ladder rungs themselves. A preferred form of the handle member includes two connecting bars.The connecting bars are adjustable in length because each is made with two telescoping members. This adjustability of the bars permits the device to be used on ladders of different widths. A pivotable engagement member is provided in a preferred embodiment and this member is. arranged to engage holes in one side of one of the ladder's side rails. The engagement member can include an engagement wheel rotatably mounted at the inner end thereof. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a ladder handle device; Figure 2 is a front view of the first embodiment; Figure 3 is a side view of the first embodiment; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment taken from line 4-4 on Figure 2; Figure 5 is an elevational view of a ladder showing handle devices at two locations on the ladder; Figure 6 is a side view of a side rail of two adjacent side rails of a ladder on which the present handle device can be used; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the two side rails taken from line 7-7 of Figure 6;
    Figure 8 is a front elevational view of a second preferred embodiment of the ladder handle device of the invention; Figure 9 is a rear elevational view of the second embodiment; Figure 10 is a right side elevational view of the second embodiment; Figure 11 is a rear detail view illustrating the engagement member and its biasing spring; and Figure 12 is a transverse cross-section of one half of another form of extension ladder, this view showing two interconnected side rails on one side of the ladder. A ladder handle device 10 constructed in accordance with a first variant of the invention is shown in figures 1 through 5. In use, the handle device 10 is designed for mounting to a ladder 1, in particular, an aluminum ladder, having a pair of spaced apart elongate side rails 2,3 and a plurality of spaced apart tubular step rungs 4 extending between the side rails 2,3. Each side rail has a pair of spaced apart side flanges 5,6 extending along the length of the side rail. Each side flange can have a generally L-shaped cross section as shown to define side channels 7,8 which face towards each other. Each of the side rails 2,3 also has a plurality of generally circular holes 9 into the interior of the step rungs 4 with one hole 9 into each step rung 4. The holes 9 can also be non-circular in cross-section, for example they can be flattened on one side to form a stepping surface on the exterior. While Figures 5, 6, and 7 illustrate an extension ladder, it should be understood that the handle device may be used on a regular, non-extension type aluminum ladder. As best illustrated in Figures 1 through 5, a first embodiment of the handle device for a ladder 10 comprises top and bottom plates 20,30 with a handle 15 coupled to both plates 20,30 to connect them together. Each of the plates 20,30 has a pair of spaced apart guide rails 25,26,35,36 for inserting into the side channels 7,8 of the side flanges 5,6 of the side rail of the ladder 1 when first or inner surfaces of the plates 20,30 are positioned adjacent the side rail.The top plate 20 has an elongate cutout 28 and a support block 17 is coupled to the top plate 20 adjacent the cutout 28. An upper region 42 of a pivotable engagement member 40 is pivotally coupled to the support block 17. The engagement member 40 is positioned in the cutout 28 of the top plate 20 with a lower arm portion 44 of the engagement member 40 extending from the inner surface 21 of the top plate 20, and the upper region 42 of the member 40 outwardly extending from the second surface 22 of the top plate 20. A lever or arm member 46 is pivotally coupled to a central region 43 of the engagement member 40. The lever member 46 has an abutment portion 47 which abuts the top plate 20 when the lever member 46 is pivoted to a first position and is spaced apart from the top plate 20 when the lever member 46 is pivoted to a second position. The arm portion 44 of the engagement member 40 is arranged for inserting into an aligned hole 9 formed at the end of step rung 4 of the ladder I.Each plate 20,30 is generally rectangular and has substantially flat inner and outer surfaces 21,31,22,32, and generally straight upper and lower end edges 23,33,24,34. The inner surfaces 21,31 of the top and bottom plates 20,30 are positioned in use adjacent a side rail of a ladder 1. The top plate 20 is located closer to the top end of the ladder 1 while the bottom plate 30 is located below the top plate and closer to the bottom end of the ladder 1. Preferably, an elongate tie bar 11 connects the plates 20,30 together with the upper end of the tie bar 11 coupled to the inner surface 21 of the top plate 20 and the lower end of the tie bar I I coupled to the inner surface 31 of the bottom plate 30. Also coupled to the top and bottom plates 20,30 is an elongate handle 15 having top and bottom ends. The top end of the handlel5 is coupled to the top _7_ plate 20 and the bottom end of the handle 15 is coupled to the bottom plate 30. In the preferred embodiment, an upper mounting bracket 12 is coupled to the second or outer surface 22 the top plate 20 and is positioned adjacent the lower end edge 24 of the top plate 20. In this preferred embodiment, a lower mounting bracket 13 is coupled to the second or outer surface 32 of the bottom plate 30 and is positioned adjacent the upper end edge 33 of the bottom plate 30. The top end of the handle 15 is coupled to the upper mounting bracket 12 and the bottom end of the handle 1 S is coupled to the lower mounting bracket 13. Ideally, the handle 15 is generally cylindrical and if desired, it can have an outer padded portion 16 for providing comfort and aiding grip when a user grasps the handle 15. A utility hook 14 for hanging items thereon can be mounted to the lower mounting bracket 13, if desired. Each of the plates 20,30 has a pair of spaced apart guide rails 25,26,35,36 coupled to the first or inner surface 21,3 1 of the respective plate. Each of the guide rails 25,26,35,36 has a length extending between the upper and lower end edges 23,33,24,34 of the respective plate. Preferably. the lengths of the guide rails 25,26,35,36 of each respective plate are generally parallel to each other. The guide rails 25,26,35,36 each have an outwardly extending flange portion 27 such that each guide rail has a generally L-shaped cross section taken generally perpendicular to the length of the guide rail. The flange portions 27 of the guide rails 25,26,35,36 of each respective plate are orientated to face outwards away from each other. In particular, the flange portions of the guide rails 25,26 of the top plate 20 face outwards away from each other and the flange portions of the guide rails 35,36 of the bottom plate 30 face outwards away from each other. In use, the guide rails 25,26,35,36 are designed for inserting into the side channels 7,8 of the side flanges 5,6 of a side rail of the ladder 1 when the inner surfaces of the plates 20,30 are positioned adjacent the _g_ side rail of the ladder 1. In particular, the flange portion of one of the guide rails of each of the plates is adapted for inserting into the side channel of one of the side flanges of the side rail of the ladder 1 while the flange portion of the other guide rail of each of the plates 20,30 is adapted for inserting into the side channel of the other side flange of the side rail. In use, the guide rails are designed and arranged to hold the handle device 10 to the side rail 2,3 of the ladder 1. The top plate 20 has a generally rectangular elongate cutout 28 extending between the first and second surfaces 21,22 of the top plate 20. The cutout 28 has a length extending from the upper end edge 23 of the top plate towards the lower end edge 24 of the top plate 20. Preferably, the cutout 28 of the top plate 20 is positioned between the guide rails 25,26 of the top plate 20.The upper end edge 23 of the top plate 20 is inserted into a lower slot 18 of the support block 17 such that the support block 17 extends upwards from the 1 S upper end edge 23 of the top plate 20. The support block 17 is coupled to the top plate 20 and is preferably positioned adjacent the cutout 28 of the top plate 20. The arm portion 44 of the engagement member 40 extends inwardly and downwardly as shown in Figure 1. The engagement member 40 is positioned in the cutout 28 of the top plate 20 such that the arm portion 44 projects from the inner surface 21 of the top plate 20 towards the side of the ladder and the upper region 42 outwardly extends from the second surface 22 of the top plate 20. The upper region 42 of the engagement member 40 is pivotally mounted to the side of the support block 17 by a pivot pin 50 extended through the engagement member 40 and the support block 17. The lever member 46 is pivotally coupled to the central region 43 of the engagement member 40 by a pivot pin 51 extending through the engagement member 40 and the lever member 46. The abutment portion 47 of the lever member 46 abuts the second surface 22 of the top plate 20 when the lever member 46 is in the first position. In this position, the abutment portion 47 of the lever member 46 prevents the pivoting of the arm portion 44 of the engagement member 40 upwards towards the upper end edge 23 of the top plate 20. When the lever member 46 is pivoted towards the second position, the abutment portion 47 is spaced apart from the second surface 22 of the top plate 20 and the engagement member 40 is pivoted counter clockwise (as seen in Figure 1). In this way, the arm portion 44 of the engagement member 40 is pivoted downwards and disengages from the hole 9. In use, the lever member 46 can be pivoted by the thumb of a user grasping the handle 15 by pushing up or pulling down the outer end of the lever member 46. The lever member 46 is biased towards the first position. Preferably, a spring 48 biases the lever member 46 towards the first position. The spring 48 is coupled to the 1 S connecting pin 51 extending through the engagement member 40 and to a holding pin 52 on the second surface 22 of the top plate 20. Note that the inner rounded end section 114 of the lever member acts as a cam member as it engages the adjacent side of the support block 17. Thus as the lever member 46 is pivoted upwardly, engagement between the end section 114 and the support block 17 will force the pivot pin to move outwardly along with the attached engagement member 40. Thus the arm portion 44 is swung out of the hole 9 in the side of the ladder. The arm portion 44 of the engagement member 40 has a roller 45 that is rotatably mounted thereto for free rotation. In use, the arm portion 44 is designed and adapted for inserting into the hole 9 into the interior of a step rung 4 of the ladder 1 when the first or inner surface 21 of the top plate 20 is positioned adjacent the side rail of the ladder land the arm portion 44 is aligned with that particular hole. When the arm portion is inserted into the hole 9, the roller 45 also moves into the aligned hole 9. The roller 45 is designed for aiding insertion and removal of the arm portion 44 into and out of each hole 9 as the handle device 10 is moved up or down the length of the side rail of the ladder 1. In one embodiment, the roller 45 comprises hard rubber to prevent damaging of the side of each hole 9 as the arm member is inserted into the hole 9 of the step rung 4. As illustrated, various members are depicted as coupled together by fasteners extending through holes in the members. It should be understood that in the case of rigid ,connections, the members can also be welded together or even integrally connected to each other.In use, as the handle device 10 is moved towards the top end of the ladder l, the roller 45 rolls along the side rail until a hole 9 into a step rung 4 is reached. The arm portion 44 is then biased into the hole 9 to hold the handle device 10 in a fixed position on the side rail of the ladder 1. In other words, downward movement of the handle device is normally prevented by the engagement between the arm portion 44 and the side of the hole in which it is located. As the handle device 10 is moved upwards, the arm portion 44 is pivoted out of the hole 9 and can move up to the next opening into the next higher step rung. However, pulling downwards on the handle device 10 does not result in the lever portion 44 being removed from the hole 9 because the abutment portion 47 of the lever member 46 when in the first position prevents pivoting of the arm portion 44 towards the upper end edge 23 of the top plate 20. To move the handle device 10 downwards, the lever 46 must be pivoted to the second position, thereby pivoting the arm portion 44 downwards and out of the hole 9. This pivoting step is carried out each time a hole 9 is engaged in order to move the handle device down a ladder. Figure 5 illustrates a ladder 1 to which has been attached several of the aforementioned handle devices 10, these handle devices being shown both near the top and lower down on the ladder and being shown attached to each of the side rails 2, 3. Thus, it is possible for the handle device to be detachably mounted on either the left or the right side rail depending on the preference of the user. As illustrated at the bottom of Figure 5, it is also possible to connect two of the described handle devices 10 rigidly together so that they move up and down the ladder as a single unit, one on each side rail. There are means for rigidly connecting two handle or gripping devices 10 together. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, there are two rigid connecting bars 110, 112 shown in dashed lines. The ends of these bars can be welded or otherwise rigidly connected to the upper and lower mounting brackets 12, 13. With this version, although it is possible to have pivotable engagement members on each of the two handle devices 10, it is also possible to construct the apparatus where only one of the handle devices has a pivotable engagement member 40 and attached lever member 46 because it is only necessary to engage one hole 9 on one side of the ladder in order to prevent unwanted downward movement of the complete handle apparatus. It will also be appreciated that the aforementioned connecting bars 110, 112 can be constructed or formed so that they are suitable for horizontal handles that can be manually gripped by a user of the ladder in addition to the vertically extending handles 15. Another handle device 60 for a ladder is illustrated in Figures 8 to 10. As with the first embodiment, this handle device is also designed for use with a ladder having two side rails and a number of rungs extending between the side rails, for example, the ladder shown in Figure 5. The handle device 60 is designed to slide up or down the ladder as the user moves up or down the ladder and unwanted downward movement of the handle device 60 along the side rails is prevented by engaging holes formed in one side of one of the side rails by means of a pivotable engagement member 62. The preferred engagement member 62 is shown separately in Figure 11 and it is made from a flat metal plate, for example steel, cut to the illustrated shape. The engagement member has a short arm portion 120 and a main section 122. The main portion 122 is cut out at 124 forming an angle A of approximately 90 degrees. The cut out forms an abutment surface for a biasing spring 66 as explained further hereinafter. The main portion 122 has straight edges at 126 to 128. Rotatably mounted on the outer end of the arm portion 120 is an engagement wheel or roller 76 which can be made of metal or hard rubber. The handle device 60 has means for gripping both sides of the ladder and, as indicated, the gripping means includes means for releasably engaging holes formed on one side of one of the side rails, the engaging means including the engagement member 62. The preferred gripping means includes two spaced apart gripping devices indicated generally at 130 and 132. These gripping devices extend along the side rails of the ladder and at least one elongate connecting bar member 78, preferably two such bar members 78 as illustrated, rigidly connect together the gripping devices. Preferably the length of the two connecting bars 78 is adjustable so that the handle device 60 can be used on ladders of different widths. The slidable gripping devices 130, 132 as shown are two metal angle members, each of which forms a right angle in cross-section and each of which has a length at least equal to the distance between two adjacent rungs 4 of the ladder. The distance between adjacent rungs typically on a standard ladder is about one foot. Thus, each gripping device 130, 132 includes an inwardly extending flange section 86 and a forwardly extending flange section 87. Each of the forwardly extending flanges 87 is rigidly attached, such as by welding, to the two connecting bars 78. Located on the outside of each flange 87 is a handle 74 which can generally be in the shape of a wide U with two horizontally extending, relatively short end sections 140, 142 and a much longer handle section 144 that extends perpendicular to the rungs of the ladder when the handle or support device is attached to the ladder.If desired, the end sections 140, 142 can be integral extensions of the connecting bars 78. Thus, the preferred handle device 60 provides easily grippable handles on both sides of the device which handles are located outwardly from the side rails of the ladder. It will also be understood that the inwardly extending flanges 86 are arranged to engage elongate, longitudinal flanges formed on the side rails of the ladder, for example, the side flanges 5 or 6 illustrated in Figure 7. Each of the connecting bars 78 is spaced a short distance from the adjacent flanges 86, thus 1 S creating a slot through which the outwardly projecting longitudinal flanges 5 or 6 on the ladder can be fed or inserted. In this way, the handle device 60 is effectively mounted for sliding movement along the aluminum ladder. It will also be understood that the distance X (illustrated in Figure 8) between the forwardly extending flanges 87 is slightly greater than the width of the ladder or ladder section on which the handle device is mounted. In order to permit adjustment of the length of the connecting bars 78, each bar can be made of two telescoping bar sections indicated at 78a and 78b. As illustrated, the section 78a can have a coaxial extension outlined in dash lines at 150 in Figure 9, which extension has a slightly smaller diameter than the interior diameter of the tube that forms section 78b. Mounted on this extension is an outwardly projecting threaded fastener or bolt 80 on which is mounted a suitable nut 81. The bolt 80 extends through an elongate, straight slot 82 that extends along the bar section 78b. It will be appreciated that in order to adjust the width of the handle device 60, that is the distance X, the nuts 81 are loosened, thus permitting section 78b to slide relative to section 78a. Once the handle device has been arranged at the correct width, the nuts 81 are then tightened again in order to prevent relative movement of the two sections 78a and 78b. Returning now to the construction of the means for releasably holding the handle device 60 by engagement with one of the side rails of the ladder, the aforementioned engagement member 62 is pivotably mounted on a flat, rectangular support plate 68 which is rigidly connected to the gripping device 132. The engagement member 62 is pivotably mounted by means of a pivot pin 77 in a slot or cut-out 152 that extends downwardly from upper edge 154 of the plate. The pivot pin 77 extends through a hole formed in the end 156 of the support plate 68. In order to permit manual disengagement of the member 62 from a hole 9, there is provided a releasing rod or handle 70 having a bottom end section 160 which is located close to the bottom end of the handle device and which curves around one of the handle members 74 as shown. The section 160 is integrally connected to a L-shaped central section 162 which in turn is integrally connected to a connecting hook section 164. The hook section 164 extends through a hole formed in engagement member 62. It will be appreciated that the hook section 164 can be mounted in one of two ways in order to permit the handle 70 to pivot engagement member 62 clockwise (as shown in Figure 9). Firstly, the hook member 164 can be rigidly connected to the engagement member 62 so that pivoting the releasing rod 70 upwards from the position shown in the drawings will cause the arm portion 120 and wheel 76 to be pulled out of the hole in the ladder. Alternatively, the releasing rod 70 could be pivotably mounted in the engagement member, in which case when the releasing rod 70 is pivoted upwardly and then pulled outwardly, again the arm portion 120 and wheel 76 will be pulled from the hole in the ladder. As in the first embodiment, a spring 66, in this case a flat spring, biases the engagement member 62 so that one end of the engagement member (that is the end with the wheel 76) moves into one of the holes in the side of the ladder when this one end is aligned with this one hole. One end of flat spring 66 can be firmly attached to the support plate 68 by means of a bolt 69 that extends into a hole formed in the plate. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the flat spring is bent to form a substantially U-shaped curve and the end of the spring opposite the bolt 69 presses against the engagement member 62 in the cut-out 124. The preferred handle device 60 is equipped with means for supporting an object in an elevated position on the ladder and means for securing this supporting means on the gripping means. As illustrated, the securing means comprises a support bracket 98 which can be made of a suitable metal such as steel. This bracket is attached to one of the gripping devices, in this case the device 132 by means of suitable bolts 170 and wing nuts 90 threaded thereon.The illustrated object supporting means is a shelf unit 100 which may comprise a rectangular grate made of interconnected wire members. This shelf unit is rigidly connected to an upper end section of the bracket 98. The shelf unit can be considered a form of utility device. If the shelf unit is being attached to the handle device, it should be connected in such a manner that it extends generally horizontally when the handle device 60 is mounted on a vertically extending ladder. It will be appreciated that a variety of possible utility devices can be connected in a similar fashion to the handle device 60. For example, one could attach a bucket or container to the handle device in order to permit the user to hold small objects or possibly tools. Alternatively, a specialized holding device, such as a device for holding sheet materials, can be connected to the handle device in a similar manner as the shelf unit. The particular utility device that is attached to the handle device will depend upon the requirements of the job for which the ladder is being used.It should be noted here that if one attempts to slide the handle device 60 downwardly on the ladder without pulling on or pivoting the releasing rod 70, the arm portion 120 and wheel 76 will engage the side of the aligned hole 9 in the ladder and downward movement of the handle device will effectively be prevented. Note here that counterclockwise movement of the engagement member 62 (as shown in Figure 9) will be prevented by the hook section 164 of the releasing rod 70. This hook section will press against the side of the support plate 68 if the engagement member 64 attempts to pivot counterclockwise. The support plate 68 is preferably adjustable mounted on its gripping device 132 by means of bolts 102. As shown in Figure 10, a few holes 180 can be provided near the top and near the bottom of the support plate 68.Depending on which holes are chosen, the plate 68 can be positioned further to the rear or forwardly on the adjoining gripping device 132. In this way, the handle device 60 is better able to fit different types of ladders wherein the distance from the front surface of the ladder to the center axis of the holes differs. If desired, an object hook 83 can be welded to or otherwise attached to one of the handle members 74. The hook 83 could, for example, be used to support a paint pail by means of its wire handle. Figure 12 illustrates part of another form of aluminum extension ladder with which the handle device 60 can be used. Figure 12 illustrates two of the side rails of the extension ladder, these rails being identified as 190 and 192.The two interconnected side rails have a number of rungs 4 attached thereto in the usual manner. However, with this ladder, only the extension section 190 has two outwardly extending longitudinal flanges 194 and 195.Each of these flanges has a short longitudinal end flange 196. It will be appreciated that the handle device 60 as described can be detachably connected to the ladder extension section 190. In order to do so, the inwardly extending flanges 86 are placed under or behind the flange 194 with the connecting bars 78 extending over and adjacent to outer surface 198 of the flange. It will thus be seen that a handle device 60 constructed in accordance with the invention can be detachably connected to different types of extension ladders, including ladders of different widths and ladders in which the depth of each hole 9 formed at the end of the rungs 4 from the front surface of the ladder varies. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (32)
    [1] 1. A handle device for a ladder having two side rails and a number of rungs extending between said side rails, said handle device comprising:means for gripping at least one side rail-of said ladder, said gripping means including means for releasably engaging holes formed in one side of one of said side rails; and a handle member attached to said gripping means, said handle member permitting a user to manually hold onto said handle device when said handle device is attached to said ladder.
    [2] 2. A handle device according to claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes a pivotable engagement member mounted on one side of said gripping means and a spring which biases said engagement member to a position where one end of said engagement member engages a side of one of said holes when said one end is aligned with said one hole.
    [3] 3. A handle device according to claim 2 wherein said engagement member includes an engagement wheel rotatably mounted at said one end of the engagement member, said wheel having a diameter smaller than the width of said holes formed in said one side.
    [4] 4. A handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said gripping means is adjustable with respect to its width to permit said handle device to be used with ladders of different widths.
    [5] 5. A handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 including a rubber or rubberlike covering on said handle member.
    [6] 6. A handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising means for securing one or more utility devices for use by a person on the ladder.
    [7] 7. A handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said gripping means grips both side rails of said ladder.
    [8] 8. A ladder apparatus comprising:a ladder having rungs and side rails connected to said rungs;means for gripping at least one side rail of the ladder, said gripping means including means for releasably engaging holes formed in one side of one of said side rails; and a handle attached to said gripping means, said handle permitting a user to manually hold onto the handle and attached gripping means for support purposes.
    [9] 9. A ladder according to claim 8 wherein said gripping means includes a pivotable engagement member mounted on one side of said gripping means and a spring which biases said engagement member to a position where one end of said engagement member engages a side of one of said holes when said one end is aligned with said one hole.
    [10] 10. A ladder according to claim 9 wherein said engagement member has an engagement wheel mounted on said one end thereof, said wheel having a diameter sufficiently small to enable said wheel to move into said one hole.
    [11] 11. A ladder apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said gripping means grips both side rails of the ladder and comprises two elongate slidable gripping devices each adapted to grip a respective one of said side rails and means for rigidly connecting said gripping devices together.
    [12] 12. A ladder according to claim 11 wherein said connecting means is adjustable with respect to its width to permit said gripping means and attached handle to be mounted on ladders of different widths.
    [13] 13. A ladder according to any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein said gripping means has means for securing one or more utility devices for use by a person on the ladder.
    [14] 14. A support device for a ladder comprising:means for gripping both sides rails of a ladder, said gripping means including means for releasably engaging one side of one of said side rails; and means for supporting an object in an elevated position on said ladder; and means for securing said supporting means on said gripping means, wherein said gripping means includes two spaced apart gripping devices that extend along said side rails and at least one elongate bar member extending horizontally and rigidly connecting together said gripping devices.
    [15] 15. A support device according to claim 14 further comprising a handle attached to said gripping means with a portion of the handle extending perpendicular to rungs of said ladder when said support device is attached to said ladder, said handle permitting a person to manually hold the support device when the person is climbing said ladder.
    [16] 16. A support device according to claim 14 or 15 wherein said engaging means includes a pivotable engagement member mounted on one side of said gripping means and a spring which biases said engagement member to a position where one of said engagement members engages a side of one of a number of holes formed in said one side of said side rail.
    [17] 17. A support device according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein each gripping device is adapted to engage a respective one of said side rails and said gripping means includes two connecting bars joining said two gripping devices together, the length of said connecting bars being adjustable.
    [18] 18. A movable handle device for use on a ladder having two side rails, said handle device comprising:two elongate, spaced-apart slidable members each adapted to engage a respective one of said side rails;at least one rigid, elongate connecting member extending between and rigidly connecting said slidable members; and means for releasably holding said handle device by engagement with one of said side rails in order to prevent downward sliding movement of said slidable members, wherein, when said handle device is slidably mounted on said ladder, a person climbing said ladder can manually hold onto said handle device for support purposes.
    [19] 19. A movable handle device according to claim 18 wherein said slidable members are two metal angle members each having a length at least equal to the distance between two adjacent rungs of said ladder and each slidable member is adapted to engage a longitudinal flange formed on its respective side rail, said flange extending outwardly from an outwardly facing side of the side rail.
    [20] 20. A movable handle device according to claim 18 or 19 wherein there are two parallel, rigid connecting members extending between and connecting said slidable members, said connecting members being located respectively adjacent upper and lower ends of said slidable members.
    [21] 21. A movable handle device according to any one of claims 18 to 20 including two handle portions rigidly connected to said slidable members and positioned on opposite sides of the handle device, each handle portion having a handle section that extends parallel to an adjacent one of said slidable members.
    [22] 22. A movable handle device according to any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein said releasable holding means includes a pivotable engagement member arranged and adapted to engage a side of one of a number of holes formed in one side of said one side rail and a spring biasing said engagement member so that one end of said engagement member moves into one of said holes when said one end is aligned with said one hole.
    [23] 23. A movable handle device according to any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein the length of said at least one elongate connecting member is adjustable in order to permit said handle device to be slidably mounted on ladders having different widths.
    [24] 24. A movable handle device according to any one of claims 18 to 23 including means for supporting an object in an elevated position on said ladder, said supporting means being attached to one of said slidable members
    [25] 25. A movable handle device according to claim 24 wherein said supporting means is a shelf unit attached by a support bracket to said one slidable member and arranged to extend generally horizontally when said handle device is mounted on a vertically extending ladder.
    [26] 26. A movable handle device for use on a ladder having side rails each with an outwardly projecting longitudinal flange, said handle device comprising:two elongate, spaced-apart slidable members each having an inwardly extending longitudinal flange adapted to engage a respective one of the flanges on said side rails;at least one rigid, elongate connecting member extending between and rigidly connecting said slidable members;means for releasably holding said handle device by engagement with one of a series of holes in an outer side of one of said side rails in order to prevent downward sliding movement of said slidable members; and handle means connecting to said slidable members to permit a user to manually grip said handle device when he or she is using said ladder.
    [27] 27. A movable handle device according to claim 26 wherein there are two rigid, elongate connecting members extending between and connecting said slidable members.
    [28] 28. A movable handle device according to claim 26 or 27 wherein the length of said at least one elongate connecting member is adjustable in order to permit said handle device to be slidably mounted on ladders having different widths.
    [29] 29. A movable handle device according to any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein said at least one elongate connecting member comprises two co-axial, telescoping connecting sections which are slidable relative to each other in order to adjust the length of the connecting member.
    [30] 30. A movable handle device according to any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein said handle means comprises two handle sections located on opposite sides of said handle device with each handle section disposed outwardly from a respective adjacent side rail.
    [31] 31. A movable handle device according to any one of claims 26 to 30 including an object holder mounted on one of said slidable members.
    [32] 32. A movable handle device according to claim 31 wherein said object holder is a shelf unit attached by a support bracket to said one slidable member and arranged to extend generally horizontally when said handle device is mounted on a vertically extending ladder.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    2003-10-20| FZDE| Dead|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US10545398A| true| 1998-07-10|1998-07-10||
    US09/105,453||1998-07-10||
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