Compact truck tailgate and general purpose utility ladder

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment sets forth an apparatus, including a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising: a pair of opposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step; a coupler adapted to couple the apparatus to an edge of a horizontal surface; and a height adjustable user-support arm, coupled to one of the side rails with a rotatable coupling, wherein the user-support arm is moveable between a support position and a storage position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 133,353, filed May 20, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to ladders, and more particularly, to a ladder suitable for use as a ladder for vehicles having a tailgate or flatbed, and as a general purpose free-standing ladder. [0004] 2. Related Art[0005] Pickup tailgate-type vehicles, for example, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUV), and station wagons, in today's world have become a vehicle of choice for a variety of reasons that were not as apparent in the past. A vehicle with a tailgate was considered a “work” type vehicle used in construction, farming, and industry. [0006] Now there are extended cabs, four-door models with luxurious interiors with many features that were previously only found in fine...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Accordingly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a non-collapsible staircase-type step assembly that can be coupled to an outside vertical edge of a tailgate or vehicle flatbed, and that has height adjustable support arms. The step assembly may also have telescoping adjustable feet at the underside of the bottom step. The step assembly can be free-standing with a pair of ladder support legs, designed to steady and position the ladder steps (when in the user open position) in a precise horizontal position ready for use. The ladder support legs may also have telescoping adjustable feet attached to the bottom end of the legs. A pair of wheels or casters at the backside of the siderails at the bottom end of the ladder may allow for easy movement of the ladder in a closed position. When coupled to a tailgate, the ladder may leave the tailgate totally clear and unencumbered. The ladder may be easily removed for its many other diversified uses, and is not limited to just being attached to a tailgate or vehicle flatbed.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention may provide for much safer access to the tailgate of a pickup truck when the tailgate is in the horizontal open position and / or the flatbed of a vehicle. With an exemplary riser height of 7 to 8 inches, embodiments of the present invention provide a very uniform standard type design to fit all vehicle tailgate or flatbed configurations.

[0017] The user comfort support railings may be permanently attached to the step assembly so they cannot be forgotten or left behind, and may be height adjustable.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support legs are extended, the apparatus is capable of standing freely without being coupled to the horizontal surface.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotatable coupling may include a curved slot disposed in said side rail; a rotation rivet coupled to said user support arm and disposed in said curved slot, adapted to move freely in said curved slot; a coupling adapted to couple said user-support arm to said side rail and to allow said user-support arm to rotate between said support position and said storage position; and means for preventing said user-support arm from moving when in said support position or said storage position.

Problems solved by technology

When coupled to a tailgate, the ladder may leave the tailgate totally clear and unencumbered.

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