EP4386173A1 - Ladder safety step - Google Patents
Ladder safety step Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4386173A1 EP4386173A1 EP22275162.0A EP22275162A EP4386173A1 EP 4386173 A1 EP4386173 A1 EP 4386173A1 EP 22275162 A EP22275162 A EP 22275162A EP 4386173 A1 EP4386173 A1 EP 4386173A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rung
- panel
- ladder
- extends
- lower rung
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002783 friction material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/16—Platforms on, or for use on, ladders, e.g. liftable or lowerable platforms
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to ladders. More particularly, the invention relates to a ladder safety step.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- a step ladder 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the first ladder side 13 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.
- the first ladder side 13 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the plurality of openings 30 is in the form of the letters STEP and ON where STEP is positioned above ON.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the connecting panel 24 retains the lower rung panel 20 in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the upper rung panel 22.
- 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.
- the width of the openings 36, 46 may 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the ladder safety step 10 from other materials using the concepts of the invention.
- Examples of such alternative materials include plastic, fiberglass and wood.
- 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.
- the person 15 can then place his/her feet 16 on the ladder safety step 10.
- 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.
- the person can 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.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ladders (AREA)
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
- The invention relates generally to ladders. More particularly, the invention relates to a ladder safety step.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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. - An embodiment of the invention is directed to a ladder safety step as illustrated at 10 in
Figs. 1 and 2 . Theladder safety step 10 is designed for use in conjunction with astep ladder 12 having afirst ladder side 13 and asecond 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 , thefirst ladder side 13 is pivoted away from thesecond ladder side 14 so that ends of thefirst ladder side 13 and thesecond ladder side 14 that are opposite the pivotal attachment are spaced-apart from each other so that a person can stand on thestep ladder 12. When in the storage configuration, thefirst ladder side 13 is pivoted towards thesecond ladder side 14 so that thefirst ladder side 13 and thesecond ladder side 14 are generally parallel to each other. - The
first ladder side 13 has twoside rails 26 and a plurality ofladder rungs 18 that extend between theside rails 26 as illustrated inFigs. 3 and 4 . Theladder rungs 18 are positioned in a spaced-apart configuration to facilitate aperson 15 standing at different heights on thestep ladder 12. - The
ladder safety step 10 provides a surface with an increased depth, as compared to a depth of theladder rung 18, on which theperson 15 can place his/herfoot 16 as illustrated inFigs. 5 and 6 . Theladder safety step 10 also provides a stop to prevent the person'sfoot 16 from moving off a front edge of theladder rung 18. Theladder safety step 10 thereby enhances safety while using theladder 12. - The
ladder safety step 10 includes alower rung panel 20 and anupper rung panel 22 that are interconnect with a connectingpanel 24. Thelower rung panel 20 is fabricated with a width that is less than a distance betweenside rails 26 on thestep ladder 12 so that theladder safety step 10 can be moved between theside rails 26 when being attached to theladder 12. On the other hand, thelower rung panel 20 should be fabricated with a width that is at least as wide as a width of the person's twofeet 16 as illustrated inFigs. 5 and 6 to provide theperson 15 with a high level of stability when standing on thelower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, the width of thelower rung panel 20 is at least 50 percent of the width of theladder 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'sfeet 16 on thelower rung panel 20. Forming thelower rung panel 20 with this width also reduces the potential of theladder safety step 10 sliding laterally when used in conjunction with thestep ladder 12 or at a minimum, a distance that theladder safety step 10 is laterally slidable with respect to thestep ladder 12 is limited. - In certain embodiments, the width of the
lower rung panel 20 is sufficiently large so that theperson 15 can place bothfeet 16 when adjacent to each other substantially all the way on thelower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, greater than about 80 percent of the width of the person'sfeet 16 can fit on thelower rung panel 20. Optimally, the width of thelower rung panel 20 is greater than the width of the person'sfeet 16. In other embodiments, the width of thelower rung panel 20 is at least about 20 percent larger than the width of both of the person'sfeet 16. - The
lower rung panel 20 has a depth that is at least about three the depth of theladder rung 18. In certain embodiments, the depth of thelower rung panel 20 is sufficiently large so that theperson 15 can place theentire foot 16 from the heel to the toe substantially all the way on thelower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, greater than about 80 percent of the length of the person's feet can be placed on thelower rung panel 20. Optimally, the depth of thelower rung panel 20 is greater than a length of each of the person'sfeet 16. In other embodiments, the depth of thelower rung panel 20 is at least about 20 percent larger than the length of each of the person'sfeet 16. - An upper surface of the
lower rung panel 20 may have a texture to reduce the potential of the person'sfeet 16 from slipping when the person'sfeet 16 are placed on the upper surface of thelower rung panel 20. Another technique that may be used to reduce slipping of the person'sfeet 16 with respect to the upper surface of thelower rung panel 20 is to provide at least oneopening 30 in thelower rung panel 20 as illustrated inFigs. 1 and 2 . The at least oneopening 30 may allow moisture on the person'sfeet 16 to pass through the at least oneopening 30 and thereby the moisture does not remain on the upper surface of thelower rung panel 20. - The at least one
opening 30 may be positioned at least partially under the person'sfeet 16 when theperson 15 is standing on theladder safety step 10. However, the at least oneopening 30 should be sufficiently small to minimize the potential of the person's feet moving into or snagging in the at least oneopening 30. - The at least one
opening 30 comprises a plurality of openings such that any one of theopenings 30 is relatively small when compared to the length and the width of the person'sfoot 16. Each of the plurality ofopenings 30 has an area that is less than about 10 percent of an area of each of the person'sfeet 16. In other embodiments, the area of each of theopenings 30 is less than about 5 percent of the area of each of the person'sfeet 16. - In certain embodiments, the plurality of
openings 30 extends over about 50 percent of the length of thelower rung panel 20 and the plurality ofopenings 30 extends over about 50 percent of the width of thelower rung panel 20. In other embodiments, the plurality ofopenings 30 extend over at least about 75 percent of the width of thelower rung panel 20. - The plurality of
openings 30 may also function to identify a trademark associated with theladder safety step 10. In certain embodiments, the plurality ofopenings 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 theladder rung 18, a lowerrung end panel 32 extends downwardly from thelower rung panel 20. The lowerrung end panel 32 may have a height that is similar to a height of the ladder rung 18 on which thelower 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 thelower rung panel 20. In certain embodiments, the lowerrung end panel 32 is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to thelower rung panel 20. - While the lower
rung end panel 32 is illustrated as having a width that is similar to the depth of thelower rung panel 20, it is possible for the lowerrung end panel 32 to have a width that is different than the depth of thelower rung panel 20. - The
ladder safety step 10 may also include anintermediate extension 34 that extends from a lower surface of thelower rung panel 20. Theintermediate extension 34 may have a height that is similar to the height of theladder rung 18. - The
lower rung panel 20, the lowerrung end panel 32 and theintermediate extension 34 thereby define arecess 36 that is adapted to receive at least a portion of theladder rung 18. A spacing between theintermediate extension 34 and the lowerrung end panel 32 may be similar to a depth of the ladder rung 18 on which theladder safety step 10 is placed. Theintermediate extension 34 thereby restricts movement of theladder safety step 10 with respect to the ladder rung 18 as such movement could impair the stability of the person standing on theladder safety step 10. - In certain embodiments, the
intermediate extension 34 is oriented from the front of thelower rung panel 20 to the back of thelower rung panel 20 as illustrated inFigs. 2 and4 . Using such a configuration enhances a structural rigidity of thelower rung panel 20 to reduce the potential of thelower rung panel 20 bending during use of theladder safety step 10. - To further reduce the potential of the
ladder safety step 10 moving with respect to theladder rung 18, an enhanced friction material may be placed on the lower surface of thelower rung panel 20 that is adjacent to the ladder rung 18 when theladder safety step 10 is attached to theladder 12. An example of one suitable enhanced friction material is rubber. - The
upper rung panel 22 extends over aladder rung 18 that is above the ladder rung 18 on which thelower rung panel 20 is placed when theladder safety step 10 is placed on theladder 12. While it is illustrated that the ladder rung 18 on which theupper rung panel 22 is placed is adjacent to the ladder rung 18 on which thelower rung panel 20 is placed, it is possible for there to be at least oneladder rung 18 between the ladder rung 18 on which theupper rung panel 22 is placed on the ladder rung 18 on which thelower 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 theupper rung panel 22 is placed. - To restrict movement of the
upper rung panel 22 with respect to theladder rung 18, an upperrung end panel 42 extends downwardly from theupper rung panel 22. The upperrung end panel 42 may have a height that is similar to a height of the ladder rung 18 on which theupper 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 theupper rung panel 22. In certain embodiments, the upperrung end panel 42 is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to theupper rung panel 22. - While the upper
rung end panel 42 is illustrated as having a width that is that same as the width of theupper rung panel 22, it is possible for the upperrung end panel 42 to have a width that is different than the width of theupper rung panel 22. - To further reduce the potential of the
ladder safety step 10 moving with respect to theladder rung 18, an enhanced friction material may be placed on the lower surface of theupper rung panel 22 that is adjacent to the ladder rung 18 when theladder safety step 10 is attached to theladder 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 theupper rung panel 22 is the connectingpanel 24. The connectingpanel 24 retains thelower rung panel 20 in an orientation that is substantially parallel to theupper rung panel 22. - While the connecting
panel 24 is illustrated as having a width that is that same as the width of thelower rung panel 20 and theupper rung panel 22, it is possible for the connectingpanel 24 to have a width that is different than the width of at least one of thelower rung panel 20 and theupper rung panel 22. - It is also possible for the width of the
openings ladder safety step 10 can be safely used with ladders havingladder rungs 18 of various depths. An example of one technique that may be used to adjust the depth of theopenings rung end panel 32 or the upperrung end panel 42. - Another feature of the connecting
panel 24 is that the connectingpanel 24 prevents the person'sfeet 16 from moving off of the back edge of thelower rung panel 20. Such a configuration enables the person to place his/herfeet 16 onto thelower rung panel 20 without looking at thelower rung panel 20 - The connecting
panel 24 also restricts movement of theupper rung panel 22 with respect to the ladder rung 18 because a spacing between the upperrung end panel 42 and the connectingpanel 24 may be similar to the depth of theladder rung 18. Theupper rung panel 22, the upperrung end panel 42 and the connectingpanel 24 thereby define arecess 46 that is adapted to receive at least a portion of theladder rung 18. - The
ladder safety step 10 may be fabricated from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. In certain embodiments, theladder safety step 10 is fabricated from a metallic material. Thelower rung panel 20, the lowerrung end panel 32, the connectingpanel 24, theupper rung panel 22 and the upperrung end panel 42 may be fabricated from a single piece of a metallic material that is bent into the illustrated shape of theladder 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 theladder 12 so that thelower rung panel 20 extends over one of theladder rungs 18 and theupper rung panel 22 extends over another ladder rung 18 that is above the ladder rung 18 that is adjacent to thelower rung panel 20. - This movement is continued until the
ladder rung 18 is positioned between the lowerrung end panel 32 and theintermediate extension 34 and theladder rung 18 is positioned between the upperrung end panel 42 and the connectingpanel 24 as illustrated inFigs. 3 and 4 . Theperson 15 can then place his/herfeet 16 on theladder safety step 10. As described above, the connectingpanel 24 prevents the person'sfeet 16 from moving off of the back edge of thelower rung panel 20. Both of the person'sfeet 16 should be substantially on thelower rung panel 20 as illustrated inFigs. 5 and 6 . Theladder safety step 10 thereby enables the person to experience enhanced stability as compared to using theladder 12 without theladder 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 thelower 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 (15)
- 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; anda 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; andan 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; andan 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; andplacing 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; andproviding 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; andproviding 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; andproviding 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; anda 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; anda 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; andan 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.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22275162.0A EP4386173A1 (en) | 2022-12-16 | 2022-12-16 | Ladder safety step |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22275162.0A EP4386173A1 (en) | 2022-12-16 | 2022-12-16 | Ladder safety step |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4386173A1 true EP4386173A1 (en) | 2024-06-19 |
Family
ID=84537957
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22275162.0A Pending EP4386173A1 (en) | 2022-12-16 | 2022-12-16 | Ladder safety step |
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EP (1) | EP4386173A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3503468A (en) * | 1968-07-22 | 1970-03-31 | Earl W Solomon | Platform attachment for ladders |
DK200900061U3 (en) * | 2009-03-24 | 2010-07-09 | Lem Maskinvaerksted As | Ladder step, a step you hooked on existing ladders and knock down a step or platform that you can stand on. |
EP3911832A1 (en) * | 2020-04-06 | 2021-11-24 | iKamper Co., Ltd. | Safety device for ladder |
US20220356764A1 (en) * | 2021-05-04 | 2022-11-10 | Richard J. Boyington | Ladder Arch Support Extension |
-
2022
- 2022-12-16 EP EP22275162.0A patent/EP4386173A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3503468A (en) * | 1968-07-22 | 1970-03-31 | Earl W Solomon | Platform attachment for ladders |
DK200900061U3 (en) * | 2009-03-24 | 2010-07-09 | Lem Maskinvaerksted As | Ladder step, a step you hooked on existing ladders and knock down a step or platform that you can stand on. |
EP3911832A1 (en) * | 2020-04-06 | 2021-11-24 | iKamper Co., Ltd. | Safety device for ladder |
US20220356764A1 (en) * | 2021-05-04 | 2022-11-10 | Richard J. Boyington | Ladder Arch Support Extension |
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