EP4386173A1

EP4386173A1 - Ladder safety step

Info

Publication number: EP4386173A1
Application number: EP22275162.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vincent Baiamonte
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-12-16
Filing date: 2022-12-16
Publication date: 2024-06-19

Abstract

A ladder safety step for use in conjunction with a step ladder having a first ladder rung and a second ladder rung that extend between side rails. The first ladder rung is lower than the second ladder rung when the step ladder is in a use orientation. The ladder safety step includes a lower rung panel, an upper rung panel and a connecting panel. The lower rung panel has a depth that is at least three times a depth of the first ladder rung. The connecting panel interconnects the lower rung panel and the upper rung panel to maintain the lower rung panel in a substantially horizontal configuration when the lower rung panel is placed on the first ladder rung, the upper rung panel is placed on the second ladder rung and the step ladder is in the use configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to ladders. More particularly, the invention relates to a ladder safety step.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One common type of ladder is a step ladder that includes two sides that are pivotally attached together so that the ladder sides can be pivoted away from each other to a use position and towards each other to a storage position.
At least one of the ladder sides includes two side rails and a plurality of rungs that extend between the side rails in a spaced-apart configuration. The person stands on one of the ladder rungs when using the ladder.
While ladders serve an important purpose of enabling a person to reach objects that the person cannot reach when standing, ladders present a significant potential for injury to the person using the ladder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a ladder safety step for use in conjunction with a step ladder having a first ladder rung and a second ladder rung that extend between side rails. The first ladder rung is lower than the second ladder rung when the step ladder is in a use orientation. The ladder safety step includes a lower rung panel, an upper rung panel and a connecting panel. The lower rung panel has a depth that is at least three times a depth of the first ladder rung. The connecting panel interconnects the lower rung panel and the upper rung panel to maintain the lower rung panel in a substantially horizontal configuration when the lower rung panel is placed on the first ladder rung, the upper rung panel is placed on the second ladder rung and the step ladder is in the use configuration.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of using a ladder safety step. A step ladder is provided having a first ladder rung, a second ladder rung and two side rails. The first ladder rung and the second ladder rung extend between the side rails. The step ladder is positioned in a use configuration where the first ladder rung is lower than the second ladder rung. A ladder safety step is provided that includes a lower rung panel, an upper rung panel and a connecting panel. The lower rung panel has a depth that is at least three times a depth of the first ladder rung. The connecting panel interconnects the lower rung panel and the upper rung panel. The lower rung panel is placed on the first ladder rung and the upper rung panel is placed on the second ladder rung so that the lower rung panel in a substantially horizontal configuration. At least one foot of a person is placed on the lower rung panel. The lower rung panel has a length that is greater than about 80 percent of a length of the person's foot.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a ladder system that includes a step ladder and a ladder safety step. The step ladder includes a first ladder side that is pivotally attached to a second ladder side for pivoting between a use configuration and a storage configuration. When in the use configuration, ends of the first ladder side and the second ladder side opposite the pivotal attachment are spaced apart from each other. The first ladder side includes a first ladder rung, a second ladder rung and two side rails. The first ladder rung and the second ladder rung extend between the side rails. When the step ladder is in the use configuration, the first ladder rung is lower than the second ladder rung. The ladder safety step includes a lower rung panel, an upper rung panel and a connecting panel. The lower rung panel has a depth that is at least three times a depth of the first ladder rung. The connecting panel interconnects the lower rung panel and the upper rung panel to maintain the lower rung panel in a substantially horizontal configuration when the lower rung panel is placed on the first ladder rung, the upper rung panel is placed on the second ladder rung and step ladder is in the use configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a ladder safety step according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a side view of the ladder safety step.
Fig. 3 is a front view of the ladder safety step attached to a ladder.
Fig. 4 is a side view of the ladder safety step attached to the ladder.
Fig. 5 is a front view of a person standing on the ladder safety step attached to the ladder.
Fig. 6 is a side view of the person standing on the ladder safety step attached to the ladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a ladder safety step as illustrated at 10 in Figs. 1 and 2. The ladder safety step 10 is designed for use in conjunction with a step ladder 12 having a first ladder side 13 and a second ladder side 14, which is pivotally attached to the first ladder side for pivoting between a use configuration and a storage configuration.
When in the use configuration, which is illustrated in Figs. 3-6, the first ladder side 13 is pivoted away from the second ladder side 14 so that ends of the first ladder side 13 and the second ladder side 14 that are opposite the pivotal attachment are spaced-apart from each other so that a person can stand on the step ladder 12. When in the storage configuration, the first ladder side 13 is pivoted towards the second ladder side 14 so that the first ladder side 13 and the second ladder side 14 are generally parallel to each other.
The first ladder side 13 has two side rails 26 and a plurality of ladder rungs 18 that extend between the side rails 26 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. The ladder rungs 18 are positioned in a spaced-apart configuration to facilitate a person 15 standing at different heights on the step ladder 12.
The ladder safety step 10 provides a surface with an increased depth, as compared to a depth of the ladder rung 18, on which the person 15 can place his/her foot 16 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. The ladder safety step 10 also provides a stop to prevent the person's foot 16 from moving off a front edge of the ladder rung 18. The ladder safety step 10 thereby enhances safety while using the ladder 12.
The ladder safety step 10 includes a lower rung panel 20 and an upper rung panel 22 that are interconnect with a connecting panel 24. The lower rung panel 20 is fabricated with a width that is less than a distance between side rails 26 on the step ladder 12 so that the ladder safety step 10 can be moved between the side rails 26 when being attached to the ladder 12. On the other hand, the lower rung panel 20 should be fabricated with a width that is at least as wide as a width of the person's two feet 16 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 to provide the person 15 with a high level of stability when standing on the lower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, the width of the lower rung panel 20 is at least 50 percent of the width of the ladder rung 18.
Forming the lower rung panel with this width enables the person 15 to place substantially all of a width of both of the person's feet 16 on the lower rung panel 20. Forming the lower rung panel 20 with this width also reduces the potential of the ladder safety step 10 sliding laterally when used in conjunction with the step ladder 12 or at a minimum, a distance that the ladder safety step 10 is laterally slidable with respect to the step ladder 12 is limited.
In certain embodiments, the width of the lower rung panel 20 is sufficiently large so that the person 15 can place both feet 16 when adjacent to each other substantially all the way on the lower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, greater than about 80 percent of the width of the person's feet 16 can fit on the lower rung panel 20. Optimally, the width of the lower rung panel 20 is greater than the width of the person's feet 16. In other embodiments, the width of the lower rung panel 20 is at least about 20 percent larger than the width of both of the person's feet 16.
The lower rung panel 20 has a depth that is at least about three the depth of the ladder rung 18. In certain embodiments, the depth of the lower rung panel 20 is sufficiently large so that the person 15 can place the entire foot 16 from the heel to the toe substantially all the way on the lower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, greater than about 80 percent of the length of the person's feet can be placed on the lower rung panel 20. Optimally, the depth of the lower rung panel 20 is greater than a length of each of the person's feet 16. In other embodiments, the depth of the lower rung panel 20 is at least about 20 percent larger than the length of each of the person's feet 16.
An upper surface of the lower rung panel 20 may have a texture to reduce the potential of the person's feet 16 from slipping when the person's feet 16 are placed on the upper surface of the lower rung panel 20. Another technique that may be used to reduce slipping of the person's feet 16 with respect to the upper surface of the lower rung panel 20 is to provide at least one opening 30 in the lower rung panel 20 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The at least one opening 30 may allow moisture on the person's feet 16 to pass through the at least one opening 30 and thereby the moisture does not remain on the upper surface of the lower rung panel 20.
The at least one opening 30 may be positioned at least partially under the person's feet 16 when the person 15 is standing on the ladder safety step 10. However, the at least one opening 30 should be sufficiently small to minimize the potential of the person's feet moving into or snagging in the at least one opening 30.
The at least one opening 30 comprises a plurality of openings such that any one of the openings 30 is relatively small when compared to the length and the width of the person's foot 16. Each of the plurality of openings 30 has an area that is less than about 10 percent of an area of each of the person's feet 16. In other embodiments, the area of each of the openings 30 is less than about 5 percent of the area of each of the person's feet 16.
In certain embodiments, the plurality of openings 30 extends over about 50 percent of the length of the lower rung panel 20 and the plurality of openings 30 extends over about 50 percent of the width of the lower rung panel 20. In other embodiments, the plurality of openings 30 extend over at least about 75 percent of the width of the lower rung panel 20.
The plurality of openings 30 may also function to identify a trademark associated with the ladder safety step 10. In certain embodiments, the plurality of openings 30 is in the form of the letters STEP and ON where STEP is positioned above ON.
To restrict movement of the lower rung panel 20 with respect to the ladder rung 18, a lower rung end panel 32 extends downwardly from the lower rung panel 20. The lower rung end panel 32 may have a height that is similar to a height of the ladder rung 18 on which the lower rung panel 20 is placed.
The lower rung end panel 32 may be oriented at an angle of between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees with respect to the lower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, the lower rung end panel 32 is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the lower rung panel 20.
While the lower rung end panel 32 is illustrated as having a width that is similar to the depth of the lower rung panel 20, it is possible for the lower rung end panel 32 to have a width that is different than the depth of the lower rung panel 20.
The ladder safety step 10 may also include an intermediate extension 34 that extends from a lower surface of the lower rung panel 20. The intermediate extension 34 may have a height that is similar to the height of the ladder rung 18.
The lower rung panel 20, the lower rung end panel 32 and the intermediate extension 34 thereby define a recess 36 that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the ladder rung 18. A spacing between the intermediate extension 34 and the lower rung end panel 32 may be similar to a depth of the ladder rung 18 on which the ladder safety step 10 is placed. The intermediate extension 34 thereby restricts movement of the ladder safety step 10 with respect to the ladder rung 18 as such movement could impair the stability of the person standing on the ladder safety step 10.
In certain embodiments, the intermediate extension 34 is oriented from the front of the lower rung panel 20 to the back of the lower rung panel 20 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4. Using such a configuration enhances a structural rigidity of the lower rung panel 20 to reduce the potential of the lower rung panel 20 bending during use of the ladder safety step 10.
To further reduce the potential of the ladder safety step 10 moving with respect to the ladder rung 18, an enhanced friction material may be placed on the lower surface of the lower rung panel 20 that is adjacent to the ladder rung 18 when the ladder safety step 10 is attached to the ladder 12. An example of one suitable enhanced friction material is rubber.
The upper rung panel 22 extends over a ladder rung 18 that is above the ladder rung 18 on which the lower rung panel 20 is placed when the ladder safety step 10 is placed on the ladder 12. While it is illustrated that the ladder rung 18 on which the upper rung panel 22 is placed is adjacent to the ladder rung 18 on which the lower rung panel 20 is placed, it is possible for there to be at least one ladder rung 18 between the ladder rung 18 on which the upper rung panel 22 is placed on the ladder rung 18 on which the lower rung panel 20 is placed.
In certain embodiments, the upper rung panel 22 may be formed with a depth that is approximately equal to the depth of the ladder rung 18 on which the upper rung panel 22 is placed.
To restrict movement of the upper rung panel 22 with respect to the ladder rung 18, an upper rung end panel 42 extends downwardly from the upper rung panel 22. The upper rung end panel 42 may have a height that is similar to a height of the ladder rung 18 on which the upper rung panel 22 is placed.
The upper rung end panel 42 may be oriented at an angled of between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees with respect to the upper rung panel 22. In certain embodiments, the upper rung end panel 42 is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the upper rung panel 22.
While the upper rung end panel 42 is illustrated as having a width that is that same as the width of the upper rung panel 22, it is possible for the upper rung end panel 42 to have a width that is different than the width of the upper rung panel 22.
To further reduce the potential of the ladder safety step 10 moving with respect to the ladder rung 18, an enhanced friction material may be placed on the lower surface of the upper rung panel 22 that is adjacent to the ladder rung 18 when the ladder safety step 10 is attached to the ladder 12. An example of one suitable enhanced friction material is rubber.
Extending between a back edge of the lower rung panel 20 and a back edge of the upper rung panel 22 is the connecting panel 24. The connecting panel 24 retains the lower rung panel 20 in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the upper rung panel 22.
While the connecting panel 24 is illustrated as having a width that is that same as the width of the lower rung panel 20 and the upper rung panel 22, it is possible for the connecting panel 24 to have a width that is different than the width of at least one of the lower rung panel 20 and the upper rung panel 22.
It is also possible for the width of the openings 36, 46 to be adjustable so that the ladder safety step 10 can be safely used with ladders having ladder rungs 18 of various depths. An example of one technique that may be used to adjust the depth of the openings 36, 46 is a screw that extends through the lower rung end panel 32 or the upper rung end panel 42.
Another feature of the connecting panel 24 is that the connecting panel 24 prevents the person's feet 16 from moving off of the back edge of the lower rung panel 20. Such a configuration enables the person to place his/her feet 16 onto the lower rung panel 20 without looking at the lower rung panel 20
The connecting panel 24 also restricts movement of the upper rung panel 22 with respect to the ladder rung 18 because a spacing between the upper rung end panel 42 and the connecting panel 24 may be similar to the depth of the ladder rung 18. The upper rung panel 22, the upper rung end panel 42 and the connecting panel 24 thereby define a recess 46 that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the ladder rung 18.
The ladder safety step 10 may be fabricated from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. In certain embodiments, the ladder safety step 10 is fabricated from a metallic material. The lower rung panel 20, the lower rung end panel 32, the connecting panel 24, the upper rung panel 22 and the upper rung end panel 42 may be fabricated from a single piece of a metallic material that is bent into the illustrated shape of the ladder safety step 10.
It is also possible to fabricate the ladder safety step 10 from other materials using the concepts of the invention. Examples of such alternative materials include plastic, fiberglass and wood.
In use, the ladder safety step 10 is moved into position with respect to a back side of the ladder 12 so that the lower rung panel 20 extends over one of the ladder rungs 18 and the upper rung panel 22 extends over another ladder rung 18 that is above the ladder rung 18 that is adjacent to the lower rung panel 20.
This movement is continued until the ladder rung 18 is positioned between the lower rung end panel 32 and the intermediate extension 34 and the ladder rung 18 is positioned between the upper rung end panel 42 and the connecting panel 24 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. The person 15 can then place his/her feet 16 on the ladder safety step 10. As described above, the connecting panel 24 prevents the person's feet 16 from moving off of the back edge of the lower rung panel 20. Both of the person's feet 16 should be substantially on the lower rung panel 20 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. The ladder safety step 10 thereby enables the person to experience enhanced stability as compared to using the ladder 12 without the ladder safety step 10.
It is also possible for the person to stand on the upper rung panel 22 if the person needs to reach an object or perform a task at a height that is greater than possible if the person is standing on the lower rung panel 20.
In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading," "trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

Claims

A ladder safety step for use in conjunction with a step ladder having a first ladder rung and a second ladder rung that extend between side rails, wherein the first ladder rung is lower than the second ladder rung when the step ladder is in a use orientation and wherein the ladder safety step comprises:
a lower rung panel having a depth that is at least three times a depth of the first ladder rung;

an upper rung panel; and

a connecting panel that interconnects the lower rung panel and the upper rung panel to maintain the lower rung panel in a substantially horizontal configuration when the lower rung panel is placed on the first ladder rung, the upper rung panel is placed on the second ladder rung and the step ladder is in the use configuration.
The ladder safety step of claim 1, and further comprising:
a lower rung end panel that extends from an end of the lower rung panel opposite the connecting panel, wherein the lower rung end panel extends from the lower rung panel in a direction that is generally opposite to a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the lower rung panel; and

an upper rung end panel that extends from the upper rung panel opposite the connecting panel, wherein the upper rung end panel extends from the upper rung panel in a direction that is generally aligned with a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the upper rung panel.
The ladder safety step of claim 2, wherein the lower rung end panel has a height that is approximately equal to a height of the first ladder rung, wherein the ladder safety step further comprises a lower rung bottom panel that extends from an end of the lower rung end panel opposite the lower rung panel and wherein a distance between the upper rung end panel and the connecting panel proximate attachment to the upper rung panel is approximately equal to a depth of the second ladder rung.
The ladder safety step of claim 1, and further comprising:
a lower rung end panel that extends from an end of the lower rung panel that is opposite the connecting panel, wherein the lower rung end panel extends from the lower rung panel in a direction that is generally opposite to a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the lower rung panel; and

an intermediate extension that extends from a lower surface of the lower rung panel, wherein a recess is defined between the lower rung end panel and the intermediate extension that receives at least a portion of the first ladder rung.
The ladder safety step of claim 1, wherein the lower rung panel has a plurality of openings formed therein and wherein each of the plurality of openings has an area that is no greater than 10 percent of an area of a user's foot or wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the lower rung panel to extend over at least 50 percent of a width of the lower rung panel, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the lower rung panel to extend over at least 50 percent of a length of the lower rung panel and wherein the plurality of openings identify at least one of a design, a word and a trademark.
A method of using a ladder safety step comprising:
providing a step ladder having a first ladder rung, a second ladder rung and two side rails, wherein the first ladder rung and the second ladder rung extend between the side rails;

positioning the step ladder in a use configuration where the first ladder rung is lower than the second ladder rung;

providing a ladder safety step comprising a lower rung panel, an upper rung panel and a connecting panel, wherein the lower rung panel has a depth that is at least three times a depth of the first ladder rung and wherein the connecting panel interconnects the lower rung panel and the upper rung panel;

placing the lower rung panel on the first ladder rung and placing the upper rung panel on the second ladder rung so that the lower rung panel in a substantially horizontal configuration; and

placing at least one foot of a person on the lower rung panel, wherein the lower rung panel has a length that is greater than about 80 percent of a length of the person's foot.
The method of claim 6, wherein the connecting panel limits a distance that the person's foot can be extended onto the lower rung panel and further comprising restricting movement of the ladder safety step with respect to the step ladder by providing a distance between the upper rung end panel and the connecting panel proximate attachment to the upper rung panel that is approximately equal to a depth of the second ladder rung.
The method of claim 6, and further comprising restricting movement of the ladder safety step with respect to the step ladder by:
providing a lower rung end panel that extends from an end of the lower rung panel opposite the connecting panel, wherein the lower rung end panel extends from the lower rung panel in a direction that is generally opposite to a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the lower rung panel; and

providing an upper rung end panel that extends from the upper rung panel opposite the connecting panel, wherein the upper rung end panel extends from the upper rung panel in a direction that is generally aligned with a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the upper rung panel.
The method of claim 8, and further comprising restricting movement of the ladder safety step with respect to the step ladder by:
providing the lower rung end panel with a height that is approximately equal to a height of the first ladder rung; and

providing a lower rung bottom panel that extends from an end of the lower rung end panel opposite the lower rung panel.
The method of claim 6, and further comprising restricting movement of the ladder safety step with respect to the step ladder by:
providing a lower rung end panel that extends from an end of the lower rung panel that is opposite the connecting panel, wherein the lower rung end panel extends from the lower rung panel in a direction that is generally opposite to a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the lower rung panel; and

providing an intermediate extension that extends from a lower surface of the lower rung panel, wherein a recess is defined between the lower rung end panel and the intermediate extension that receives at least a portion of the first ladder rung.
The method of claim 6, and further comprising reducing slippage of a person's foot that is place on the lower rung panel by providing a plurality of openings in the lower rung panel, wherein each of the plurality of openings has an area that is no greater than 10 percent of an area of a user's foot or wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the lower rung panel to extend over at least 50 percent of a width of the lower rung panel, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the lower rung panel to extend over at least 50 percent of a length of the lower rung panel and wherein the plurality of openings identify at least one of a design, a word and a trademark.
A ladder system comprising:
a step ladder comprising a first ladder side that is pivotally attached to a second ladder side for pivoting between a use configuration and a storage configuration, when in the use configuration, ends of the first ladder side and the second ladder side opposite the pivotal attachment are spaced apart from each other, wherein the first ladder side comprises a first ladder rung, a second ladder rung and two side rails, wherein the first ladder rung and the second ladder rung extend between the side rails and wherein when the step ladder is in the use configuration, the first ladder rung is lower than the second ladder rung; and

a ladder safety step comprising:
a lower rung panel having a depth that is at least three times a depth of the first ladder rung;

an upper rung panel; and

a connecting panel that interconnects the lower rung panel and the upper rung panel to maintain the lower rung panel in a substantially horizontal configuration when the lower rung panel is placed on the first ladder rung, the upper rung panel is placed on the second ladder rung and step ladder is in the use configuration.
The ladder system of claim 12, and further comprising:
a lower rung end panel that extends from an end of the lower rung panel that is opposite the connecting panel, wherein the lower rung end panel extends from the lower rung panel in a direction that is generally opposite to a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the lower rung panel;

an upper rung end panel that extends from the upper rung panel opposite the connecting panel, wherein the upper rung end panel extends from the upper rung panel in a direction that is generally aligned with a direction from which the connecting panel extends from the upper rung panel; and

an intermediate extension that extends from a lower surface of the lower rung panel, wherein a recess is defined between the lower rung end panel and the intermediate extension that receives at least a portion of the first ladder rung.
The ladder system of claim 13, wherein the lower rung end panel has a height that is approximately equal to a height of the first ladder rung, wherein the ladder safety step further comprises a lower rung bottom panel that extends from an end of the lower rung end panel opposite the lower rung panel and wherein a distance between the upper rung end panel and the connecting panel proximate attachment to the upper rung panel is approximately equal to a depth of the second ladder rung.
The ladder system of claim 12, wherein the lower rung panel has a plurality of openings formed therein and wherein each of the plurality of openings has an area that is no greater than 10 percent of an area of a user's foot or wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the lower rung panel to extend over at least 50 percent of a width of the lower rung panel, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the lower rung panel to extend over at least 50 percent of a length of the lower rung panel and wherein the plurality of openings identify at least one of a design, a word and a trademark.