Multifunctional button for ladder adjustment

Abstract

The ladder has a first assembly and a second assembly including a pair of guide rails forming a pair of hinges rotatable about a pivot axis. The hinges include at least one retainer that is movable between axial positions along the pivot axis. The at least one retainer includes a body and a support arm coupled with the body. The arm is pivotable relative to the body between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The support arm can support an object when a user is located at a higher position on the ladder.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 346,420, filed on May 27, 2022, entitled “MULTIFUNCTION BUTTON FOR LADDERADJUSTMENT,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to ladders, and more particularly to components for adjusting ladders while also providing other functions. Background Art

[0003] Ladders are commonly used to provide users with further access to higher locations that might otherwise be difficult to access. Ladders exist in many shapes and sizes, such as straight ladders, telescopic ladders, stepladders, and combined stepladders and telescopic ladders. Combination ladders and articulated ladders can combine many of the benefits of multiple types of ladder designs in a single ladder.

[0004] A straight ladder, telescoping ladder, or combination ladder (when configured as a straight ladder or telescoping ladder) is a ladder that is typically positioned against a higher surface (e.g., a wall or roof edge) to support the ladder at a desired angle. The user then climbs the ladder to access a higher area, such as to access an upper area of ​​a wall or to access a roof. A pair of feet or pads (one of which is coupled to the bottom of each side rail) are typically used to engage the ground, floor, or some other supporting surface.

[0005] Stepladders / free-standing ladders and combination ladders (when configured as stepladders / free-standing ladders) are generally considered self-supporting because they include a first rail assembly that includes steps or rungs that are coupled to a second rail assembly or other support structure. The first rail assembly and the second rail assembly are generally positioned at an acute angle relative to each other so that there are multiple legs or support members (at least three but typically four) to support the ladder in a free-standing position. Thus, the ladder rungs can be climbed to higher positions without the need to rest the ladder against a wall or other vertical support structure.

[0006] There is a constant need to improve the utility and user experience provided by ladders, scaffolding, and related components. Summary of the invention

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ladder, comprising: a first assembly, the first assembly comprising: a first pair of rails, the first pair of rails being spaced apart from each other; a first set of rungs, the first set of rungs being coupled to and extending between the pair of rails; a first pair of hinge portions, the first pair of hinge portions being coupled to the first pair of rails; and a second assembly, the second assembly comprising: a second pair of rails, the second pair of rails being spaced apart from each other; a second pair of hinge portions, the second pair of hinge portions being coupled to the second pair of rails; wherein the first pair of hinge portions and the second pair of hinge portions are pivotally coupled to each other to form a pair of hinges that can rotate about a pivot axis; and at least one retainer, the at least one retainer being movable between a first axial position along the pivot axis and a second axial position along the pivot axis, the first assembly being capable of rotating relative to the second assembly when the at least one retainer is in the first axial position, and the at least one retainer preventing the first assembly from rotating relative to the second assembly when the at least one retainer is in the second axial position; wherein the at least one retainer comprises: a body; and a support arm coupled to and extending from the body.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least one retainer includes a pin portion extending from the body into at least one of the pair of hinges.

[0009] In some embodiments, the body is reversibly removable from the pin portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support arm is pivotable relative to the body between an extended position and a folded position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support arm is selectively biased into an extended position and a folded position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the deployed position is substantially vertically offset from the folded position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the body includes a protrusion that limits rotation away from the deployed position when the support arm is in the folded position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support arm is substantially aligned with a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis when in the folded position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one retainer is movable between a first axial position and a second axial position in response to application of an axially-directed force to a substantially axially-facing surface of the body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support arms form a loop with the body when in the deployed position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the loop includes at least three straight line segments.

[0018] In some embodiments, the body includes at least one support surface that engages a downwardly facing surface of the support arm when the support arm is in the deployed position.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one support surface is inclined toward a centerline of the body.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first pair of rails and the second pair of rails are movable relative to the pivot axis between at least a free-standing configuration and a collapsed configuration.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the first pair of rails and the second pair of rails are in a free-standing configuration on the substantially horizontal support surface, the support arm extends substantially horizontally relative to the substantially horizontal support surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the top surface of the body includes at least one hole extending perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support arm is pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a button for a locking mechanism, the button comprising: a body having a first side surface, a second side surface positioned opposite the first side surface, and at least one side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface; a support arm coupled to the body and capable of pivoting relative to the body about a pivot axis intersecting the at least one side surface, the support arm being capable of pivoting about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position; wherein in the folded position, the support arm is located between a first plane defined by the first side surface of the body and a second plane defined by the second side surface of the body; and wherein in the extended position, the support arm extends from the second side surface in a direction extending away from the first side surface. The button may be directly coupled to an adjustment mechanism of the ladder.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a button for a locking mechanism, the button comprising: a main body having a first side surface attachable to an axis, a second side surface positioned opposite to the first side surface, and at least one side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface; a support arm connected to the main body and capable of pivoting relative to the main body around a pivot axis intersecting the at least one side surface, the support arm capable of pivoting around the pivot axis between an expanded position and a folded position; wherein in the expanded position, a substantially upward portion of the at least one side surface limits the rotation of the support arm around the pivot axis.

[0026] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The following figures and detailed description more particularly exemplify one or more preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. These drawings, together with the description, demonstrate and explain the various principles of the present disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be achieved by reference to the following drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ladder in a free-standing configuration.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the hinge mechanism of the ladder.

[0030] Figure 3A It is in locked state Figure 2 Front view of the hinge mechanism.

[0031] Figure 3B It is in unlocked state Figure 3A Front view of the hinge mechanism.

[0032] Figure 4 is in an extended configuration Figure 1 perspective view of a ladder.

[0033] Figure 4A yes Figure 4 Front view of the hinges of a ladder.

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a button of a ladder with the support arms in a folded configuration.

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a button of FIG. 1 with the support arm in an expanded configuration.

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Front view of the button.

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Front view of the button.

[0038] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A front cross-sectional view of a button, as shown by Figure 8 As indicated in Box 9 in FIG.

[0039] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Front cross-sectional view of a button with the support arm loaded.

[0040] Fig.11 yes Figure 5 Right side view of the button.

[0041] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 Right side view of the button.

[0042] Fig.13 yes Figure 5 A detailed perspective view of a portion of a button body of a button.

[0043] Fig.14 yes Figure 5 A top view of the button.

[0044] Fig.15 yes Figure 6 A top view of the button.

[0045] Fig.16 yes Figure 5 Rear perspective view of the button.

[0046] Fig.17 is through Fig.15 Rear perspective cross-sectional view taken along section plane 17 in FIG.

[0047] Fig.18 is a perspective view of another button for a ladder with the support arm in the storage position.

[0048] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Right side view of the button.

[0049] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 A perspective view of a button of FIG. 1 with the support arm in an extended position.

[0050] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Right side view of the button.

[0051] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20 A top view of the button.

[0052] Although the embodiments described herein allow for various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Ladder users often carry tools and other objects to be used at higher locations. For example, painters often carry brushes, paint cans, knives, power tools, and similar objects for use while standing on the rungs. Construction workers often carry power tools, fasteners, and other materials with them on ladders.

[0054] Articulated ladders and convertible / combination ladders generally lack convenient areas for supporting such objects, particularly if there is no canopy or other platform area extending between the rail assemblies or rungs. However, the hinges and locking mechanisms of adjustable and combination ladders are generally within reach of the user when the user is in the upper position of the ladder because the hinges and locking mechanisms are located near the top of the ladder when in the stepladder / free-standing ladder state and near the center of the vertical length of the ladder when in the telescoping / straight ladder state. In addition, the locking mechanisms that secure the inner rails relative to the outer rails of the front or rear assemblies are also generally accessible to the user when the user is in the upper position.

[0055] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a ladder and a button attached to the ladder, the ladder and the button being configured to add functionality to the locking mechanism of the ladder by providing a support arm (e.g., a ring, tray, rod, hook, or similar support structure) for carrying the weight of tools, fasteners, and other objects at a higher position when the ladder is used in a free-standing state or an extended state. The support arm can be a fixed part of the button, such as a hook, ring, cup holder, or similar structure that is integrated into the body of the button and is not repositionable relative to the body. The support arm can be movable between a folded position and an extended position, the folded position minimizing the outer profile of the ladder, and the extended position extending from the ladder (e.g., laterally away from the hinge pivot axis of the ladder) and facilitating support of the object when in these positions. In any case, the support arm can form an opening for receiving a tool handle, a distal end of a power tool, a cup, a fastener, and other elongated shafts or tool bodies, while the wider portion of the object is supported by the top surface of the support arm.

[0056] The support arm can be configured to resist disengagement from the body of the button and can be configured to minimize breakage of the support arm if the ladder falls onto the support arm or the button. The support arm can also provide features for biasing the support arm in the folded and deployed positions to increase the stability of the support arm and help guide the user. Other features of the button can facilitate assembly and durability of the body and support arm.

[0057] This description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability or configuration set forth in the claims. Therefore, it should be understood that the functions and arrangements of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and various embodiments may appropriately omit, replace or add other processes or components. For example, the method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described in certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 , an articulated ladder 100 is shown. The articulated ladder 100 includes a first rail assembly 102, which includes an inner assembly slidably coupled to an outer assembly. The inner assembly includes a pair of spaced rails 104 coupled to a plurality of rungs 106. Similarly, the outer assembly includes a pair of spaced rails 108 coupled to a plurality of rungs 110. The rails 104 of the inner assembly are slidably coupled to the rails 106 of the outer assembly. The inner assembly and the outer assembly can be selectively locked relative to each other via a locking mechanism 112 so that one or more of their respective rungs 106 and 110 are aligned with each other. The locking mechanism 112 can be configured to engage a portion of the inner rail assembly and the outer rail assembly so as to selectively lock the two assemblies relative to each other. Although the locking mechanism 112 can be provided on each side of the ladder 100, and in some cases, the two locking mechanisms 112 may need to be unlocked to move the rails of the inner assembly relative to the rails of the outer assembly. The buttons and related components described herein can be used with the locking mechanism 112.

[0059] The articulated ladder 100 also includes a second rail assembly 114 that includes an inner assembly slidably coupled to an outer assembly. The inner assembly includes a pair of rails 111 coupled to a plurality of rungs and is constructed similarly to the inner assembly of the first rail assembly described above. Likewise, the outer assembly includes a pair of rails 113 coupled to a plurality of rungs and is constructed similarly to the outer assembly of the first rail assembly described above. A locking mechanism 124 may be associated with the inner and outer assemblies and enables the inner assembly to be selectively positioned relative to the outer assembly, as described above with respect to the first rail assembly 102. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 124 (or 112) may be an adjustment mechanism for adjustably retaining components (such as accessories, tools, and other equipment) to the ladder 100. Thus, the locking mechanism may be used for purposes other than locking rails or hinges and may be used to adjust the positioning of components on the ladder.

[0060] An exemplary locking mechanism that can be used with the first guide rail assembly 102 and the second guide rail assembly 114 is described in U.S. Patent 8,186,481, issued on May 29, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Although the locking mechanism described in U.S. Patent 8,186,481 is generally described in conjunction with an embodiment of an adjustable stepladder, such a locking mechanism can also be easily used with an embodiment of a combination ladder such as the presently described. It should also be noted that in one embodiment, the guide rail assemblies 102 and 114 can be constructed similar to those described in U.S. Patent 4,210,224 to Kummerlin, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other configurations of guide rail assemblies can be used.

[0061] The first track assembly 102 and the second track assembly 114 are coupled to each other by a pair of hinge mechanisms 126. Each hinge mechanism 126 may include a first hinge component (e.g., 132) coupled to the track 104 of the inner assembly of the first track assembly and a second hinge component (e.g., 134) coupled to the corresponding track of the inner assembly of the second track assembly. The hinge components of each hinge mechanism 126 are pivoted about a pivot member (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The hinge mechanism 126 may be configured to lock its respective hinge components (and thus the associated rails to which they are coupled) at a desired angle relative to one another. An example of a suitable hinge mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,045 to Boothe, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art and those having the benefit of this disclosure, other configurations of hinge mechanisms are also contemplated and may be used.

[0062] The articulated ladder 100 may be configured to assume a variety of states or configurations. For example, the use of a locking mechanism (112 or 124) to adjust the rail assembly (102 or 114) enables the ladder 100 to be adjusted in height. More specifically, with respect to the first rail assembly 102, when the rail assembly 102 is adjusted, the outer assembly is displaced relative to the inner assembly, and the associated locking mechanism 112 engages the inner and outer assemblies when they are in a desired relative position, wherein the rungs (106 and 110) of the inner and outer assemblies are at a desired vertical spacing relative to each other. At some of the adjusted heights of the rail assembly 102, at least some of their respective rungs (106 and 110) are aligned with each other (such as Figure 1 ). The second rail assembly 114 may be adjusted in a similar manner.

[0063] Considering Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, adjustment of the rail assemblies 102 and 114 enables the ladder 100 to be configured as a stepladder (eg, Figure 1 102 and 114. In one embodiment, the stepladder may be configured as a stepladder having five, six, seven, or eight active rungs, depending on the relative positioning of the inner and outer assemblies. However, it should be noted that the inner and outer rail assemblies may be configured with more or fewer than four rungs. It should also be noted that the first and second rail assemblies 102, 114 do not have to be adjusted to similar heights (i.e., have the same number of active rungs). Instead, if the ladder is to be used on an uneven surface (e.g., on a staircase), the first rail assembly 102 may be adjusted to one height and the second rail assembly 114 may be adjusted to a different height in order to compensate for the slope of the support surface, for use on a set of stairs, or in various other scenarios where the ground or support surface may exhibit a change in height between the first and second rail assemblies 102, 114.

[0064] In addition, the hinge mechanism 126 provides additional adjustability of the ladder 100. For example, the hinge mechanism 126 enables the first rail assembly 102 and the second rail assembly 114 to be adjusted to various angles relative to each other. Figure 1 As shown, first rail assembly 102 and second rail assembly 114 may be configured at an acute angle relative to one another so that the ladder may be used as a self-supporting or "free-standing" ladder similar to a stepladder. However, first rail assembly 102 and second rail assembly 114 may be rotated or pivoted about hinge mechanism 126 so that they extend in substantially the same plane as one another (i.e., exhibit a substantially 180° angle relative to one another), wherein hinge mechanism 126 locks them in such an orientation, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 4A When configured in this manner, the ladder 100 can be used as a telescoping ladder or a "straight ladder." Furthermore, each of the first and second components 102, 114 remains adjustable with respect to its length (i.e., by relative longitudinal displacement of its respective inner and outer components). It should also be noted that the rungs of the various components (e.g., rungs 106, 110) are configured to have support surfaces on both the top and bottom thereof so as to enable them to be used in either a stepladder configuration or a telescoping ladder configuration.

[0065] Figure 2An exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism 126 is shown, which includes a pivot pin 128, a sleeve 130 or bushing, a set of slidable / rotatable guide plates 132, 134 (which are part of the first guide assembly 102 and the second guide assembly 114, respectively), a biasing member 136 or spring, a button body 138, a button plate 140, a button fastener 142, and a support arm 144. The pivot pin 128 can be attached to the button body 138 while extending through the guide plates 132, 134, the sleeve 130, and the biasing member 136. The sleeve 130 can include a hardened barrel that holds the guide plates 132, 134 together and aligns the guide plates. In some embodiments, the sleeve 130 can serve as a pivot for the hinge assembly and can allow the hinge to remain in an unlocked position (via a detent mechanism). For example, the pivot pin 128 may be inserted into an inwardly opening hole or recess in the button body 138 and may be secured in place to the button body 138 by a fastener or clamp. As also described in conjunction with U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,045, the pivot pin 128 may be integrally formed with (or coupled to via a bracket 145) a pair of locking pins 146, 148 that may be selectively inserted and (at least partially, if not completely) withdrawn from a corresponding pair of locking holes 150, 152 extending through each of the guide plates 132, 134. When the guide plates 132, 134 are in a set of predetermined orientations relative to each other (e.g., in a free-standing or telescoping ladder position), the locking holes 150, 152 may be aligned with each other to form a continuous passage through the guide plates 132, 134.

[0066] Therefore, if Figure 3A As shown in the front plan view of FIG. 1 , the hinge mechanism 126 may have a locked position in which the locking pins (e.g., 146, 148) extend through the locking holes (e.g., 150, 152) to prevent the guide plate 134 associated with the first assembly 102 from rotating relative to the guide plate 132 associated with the second assembly 114. Figure 3B As shown, the hinge mechanism 126 can be laterally / axially transformed to an unlocked position in which the locking pins 146, 148 are removed from the locking holes 150, 152 (or at least from the locking holes in the central guide plate 132 and the laterally outermost guide plate 134, for example, similar to the pins in U.S. Patent 4,407,045), thereby allowing the first guide plate 132 to rotate relative to the second guide plate 134 about the rotation axis 135 (i.e., the pivot axis or hinge axis) of the shaft extending centrally through the pivot pin 128.

[0067] For example, when unlocked, the first component 102 can be moved relative to the second component 114. Figure 1 The stepladder configuration is rotated to Figure 4The push button body 138 is an extended configuration or a storage configuration (ie, a folded configuration) in which the guide rails of the first component 102 and the second component 114 are parallel to each other and adjacent to each other. A laterally inwardly directed force can be applied to the axially facing surface 156 of the button body 138 (see Figure 2 ), to move the pivot pin 128 and the locking pins 146, 148 laterally inward by overcoming the biasing force applied to the button body 138 by compressing the biasing member 136. When in the unlocked state, the biasing member 136 can apply a laterally outward biasing force to the button body 138 when the holes of the two sets of plates 132, 134 are aligned (i.e., when the ladder 100 is in Figure 1 The upright configuration or Figure 4 104 ), the laterally outward biasing force biases the locking pins 146, 148 laterally outward via the pivot pin 128 and into the locking holes 150, 152. As used herein, a "lateral" direction refers to a direction parallel to the axis 135, "laterally inward" refers to a lateral direction oriented toward the center of the ladder (i.e., the vertical centerline between the rails 104), and "laterally outward" refers to a lateral direction oriented away from the center of the ladder.

[0068] When ladder 100 is at Figure 1 When in the self-supporting configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, the button body 138 on each hinge mechanism 126 can be oriented relative to the ground plane (i.e., the horizontal support surface positioned below and supporting the first and second components 102, 114) so ​​that the support arms 144 on each side are arranged to be in a state of being unfolded (i.e., in a state of being ... Figure 1 100) have a width portion 154 extending horizontally. In other words, when in the upright configuration, the tops of the buttons 138 can all face the same direction (e.g., vertically upward), and the support arms 144 can all be deployed downwardly (e.g., vertically downward) and laterally outwardly in a mirrored manner, with the width portions 154 of the arms 144 parallel to the ground / ladder support surface below the feet of the ladder 100. As further explained below, the support arms 144 can thus be configured to support tools or other objects for easy access by a user when the user has climbed up the upright ladder. In some embodiments, the support arms 144 can be configured to remain in a permanent position relative to their respective button bodies 138, such as by being an integral part of the button body structure 138 or by being adhered, fastened, or otherwise permanently attached in the deployed position.

[0069] The support arm 144 may include a C-shaped or U-shaped profile with an end 223 configured to fit into the opening 214 in the button body 138. Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 8 and Figures 11 to 16In some embodiments, support arm 144 may have straight portions (e.g., width portion 154 and / or side rails 228) extending between curved corner portions (e.g., as shown) or sharp corner portions. Support arm 144 may be sized sufficiently so that three sides of support arm 144 (e.g., 154 and 228) allow support arm 144 to rotate to a storage configuration or a folded configuration ( Figure 5 ), wherein the horizontal width portion 154 is positioned above the top surface of the button body 138. In other words, the entire thickness of the support arm 144 can be located between two parallel planes defined by the axially outwardly facing surface and the axially inwardly facing surface (i.e., 156 and 1600) of the body 138. Fig.15 ), support arm 144 may have straight sides to maximize the size of the opening defined by support arm 144 and body 138 (and / or plate 140). The large opening may enable a variety of tools or other objects to be supported by button 200, including, for example, a chuck or large handle of an electric drill. In addition, the straight sides of arm 144 may allow a user to hang a clamp or hook on arm 144 that cannot be hung on a curved rod, such as a belt clip for a tool or a clamp that is configured to be held to a substantially flat (or flattenable) support member / belt. In addition, by having three straight sides, arm 144 may support such a clamp or hook on three different sides of arm 144 when it is extended.

[0070] In some embodiments, the arm 144 may have a curved profile with zero, one, or two straight portions. A more curved profile may minimize the size of the button 200 when the arm 144 is in the folded configuration. For example, the arm 144 may have an outer perimeter that substantially conforms to the side surfaces (e.g., 220, 222, 240) of the body 138 or a shape that is slightly larger than the body 138. Additionally, the arm 144 may have more than three straight portions, such as four or more, if the straight portions are shorter (e.g., the width portion 154 is shorter in length) or if the arm 144 extends further from the body 138 when in the folded position.

[0071] Additionally, arm 144 is shown as having a generally circular cross-sectional profile (see, e.g., Figures 9 and 10 ), but its cross-sectional profile may also or alternatively be tubular, square, triangular, combinations thereof, or the like. A curved profile (e.g., round) may facilitate easier insertion and removal of objects from arm 144, and a sharper or more angular profile may facilitate more secure retention of items.

[0072] The hinge mechanism 126 may be configured with a button 138 that rotates synchronously with at least the lateral inner hinge plate 134 and its corresponding pivot pin 128. In one of the hinge mechanisms 126, the lateral inner hinge plate 134 is part of the first component 102, and in the other hinge mechanism 126, the lateral inner hinge plate 134 is part of the second component 114. Figure 4A As shown in the figure, the figure is when Figure 4 1 is a front view of the ladder 100 at the hinge mechanism 126 when the ladder 100 is in the extended configuration. Therefore, when the ladder 100 is transformed into the extended configuration, one of the buttons 138 can be rotated about 180 degrees with the second component 114, such as Figure 4A To this end, in some configurations, the buttons 138 may have different orientations from one another, such as being flipped about 180 degrees relative to one another when the ladder 100 is in the extended configuration compared to when the ladder is in the upright configuration. Additionally, the support arm 144 may be in a free-standing configuration ( Figure 1 ), but may be at least partially angularly offset from the ground support plane of the ladder 100 when in the telescoping ladder configuration because the telescoping ladder may be tilted to various angles relative to the ground support plane. At least one of the support arms 144 may be parallel to the ground support plane in at least one of the tilt angles of the telescoping ladder configuration, which corresponds to the angle of the guide rail relative to the ground support plane when the ladder 100 is in the free-standing configuration. Additionally, in the telescoping ladder configuration, one of the support arms 144 may be transitioned to deployed by rotating downward (as indicated by arrow 158), and one of the support arms 144 may be transitioned to extended by rotating upward (as indicated by arrow 160).

[0073] Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 is a perspective view of a button 200 that can be used as part of a locking mechanism (e.g., 126) of a ladder (e.g., 100). In some embodiments, the button 200 can be used as an external portion, handle, or grip of the rail assembly length locking mechanism 112, 124. The button 200 can include a button body 138 and a support arm 144. The support arm 144 can pivot relative to the body 138 about a pivot axis 202. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the support arm 144 is in a folded, substantially planar, position relative to the body 138, and in Figure 614, the support arm 144 is in an extended, open, angled position relative to the body 138. When in the extended position, a user object (e.g., a tool, a supply, a hook, a cup, etc.) can be supported by the support arm 144, such as by resting, clamping, or hanging a portion of the user object on the support arm 144. The body 138 can be coupled to a pin or shaft (e.g., pivot pin 128) that extends toward the rest of the locking mechanism 126 of the ladder so that the body 138 can support the support arm 144 while the support arm 144 supports the user object. In some embodiments, a bolt or other fastener can be inserted through the body 138 (e.g., through the longitudinal opening 203; see also, e.g., through the longitudinal opening 203). Fig.15 The cross-sectional plane 17 in Fig.17 The fastener is a rear cross-sectional view of the push button body 138 and passes through an opening in the pivot pin 128 to couple them to each other. The fastener may be removable so that the button body 138 can be reversibly removed from the pivot pin 128. Therefore, the button body 138 and the pivot pin 128 may be separable independent parts that can be reversibly removed from each other, or may be coupled and attached to each other by a fastener and a corresponding coupling member. Figures 7 and 8 shows a front side view, Figure 11 to Figure 12 A right side view is shown, and Figure 14 to Figure 15 A top side view of the button 200 is shown in respective folded and unfolded states. Fig.16 A rear perspective view of the button 200 is shown in a folded state.

[0074] The body 138 may include a first side surface (eg, Fig.16 The inner axially facing surface 1600 and the second side surface (eg, Figure 5 The user can press on the outer axially facing surface 156 to compress the biasing member 136, thereby moving the button 200 from Figure 3A The lateral outward locking position is changed to Figure 3B In some embodiments, the size and shape of surface 156 can be designed to comfortably receive pressure from the palm or fingers of a user's hand. Therefore, button body 138 can be referred to as a button, switch, compression surface, or compression button of locking mechanism 126.

[0075] The body 138 may include a pair of support surfaces 204 (or one support surface 204 on each opposing side between the first side surface 1600 and the second side surface 156 of the body 138) that are provided when in Figure 6 In the extended position, the support arm 144 can rest and engage on the pair of support surfaces, such as Figure 8Thus, the support surface 204 may face upward or be oriented substantially upward. The support surface 204 may provide resistance to downward angular rotation of the support arm 144 beyond the predetermined deployment angle 206, such as Fig.12 The deployment angle 206 can be defined relative to a vertical direction or an axis lying in a plane defined by the outer axially facing surface 156. In some embodiments, the deployment angle 206 can be about or exactly 90 degrees, such as in the range of about 88 degrees to 91 degrees, wherein the side rails 228 of the support arm 144 are about or exactly horizontal and parallel to the horizontal ground support surface of the ladder 100 when deployed.

[0076] In some embodiments, the deployed angle 206 can be less than 90 degrees relative to vertical, such as between about 75 and 85 degrees. This configuration can advantageously allow the support arm 144 to bend downward slightly (e.g., when loaded with an object) without bending more than 90 degrees, thereby eliminating or at least limiting the possibility that the support arm 144 will rotate downward and allow an object to fall from the support arm 144. In addition, if the ladder 100 is tipped sideways and falls to the ground with the button 200 having the support arm 144 deployed (the deployed angle 206 is less than 90 degrees), the arm 144 will rotate back toward the folded or stored position under the weight of the rest of the ladder 100 ( Fig.11 ). With the arm 144 at 90 degrees, the arm 144 itself and the opening 214 supporting the arm 144 will experience more impact force and more likely cause damage to the arm 144 or the body 138.

[0077] In some embodiments, the support surface 204 may define an inwardly inclined angle, such as Fig. 9 (This figure is as shown in Figure 8 9 in the detailed view of the button 200, and wherein the support arm 144 is shown in a cross-sectional view of its contact surface 204) is shown at an angle 208 and the angle is shown at Figure 7 and Figure 8 When support arm 144 is deployed, it can rest on support surface 204, and the weight of an object supported by arm 144 can pull downward on arm 144 to rotate the arm toward the deployed position. Fig. 9 210) when applied to the support surface 204 can drive the arm 144 in an inward direction (ie, in direction 212; down the ramp and toward the centerline of the body 138 between the support surfaces 204), such as Fig.10 As shown, the figure shows the arm 144 relative to Fig. 9 This movement can reduce or eliminate the possibility that the arms 144 will bend laterally outward at the support surface 204 when weighted downward and then potentially rotate beyond the deployed angle 206 or become detached from the body 138 (e.g., by moving away from the support surface 204). Fig.11 Thus, any bend in the support arm 144 can be biased inwardly by the angle of inclination of the support surface 204, thereby tightening the grip and attachment between the support arm 144 and the body 138, rather than potentially loosening the grip.

[0078] In some embodiments, the button plate 140 can be included on the laterally outward side 156 of the button body 138. A portion (eg, a middle or center portion) of the button plate 140 can be spaced apart from the axially facing surface 156, such as Figure 14 to Figure 15 The gap 216 between the button plate 140 and the button body 138 can receive and hold a thin object, such as a spatula, paper, or the end hook portion of a tape measure.

[0079] The end of the button plate 140 can be attached to the body 138 and can have a top surface or top edge 218 (see Fig.13 ), the top surface or the top edge is configured to engage the support arm 144 when the arm is in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the button plate 140 may include a more rigid material than the button body 138, so that when the arm 144 is loaded with user items, the top edge 218 can help limit the amount of downward flexure that the support surface 204 and the arm 144 may undergo. In some embodiments, the button plate 140 may be at least partially co-molded or formed as an integral part of the body 138. Therefore, the button plate 140 and the body 138 may be formed of different materials with different weights, strengths, and flexibility, such as the button plate 140 includes a metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, magnesium, similar metals, alloys, or combinations thereof) and the body includes a plastic (e.g., polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), similar plastics, or combinations thereof).

[0080] The side surfaces 220, 222 of the body 138 may have side openings 214 formed therein to receive the ends of the support arms 144. One or both of the side surfaces 220, 222 may also include a set of protrusions 224, 226 that are configured to face away from the center of the body 138 and engage the support arms 144. The vertical protrusions 226 on each side may limit angular rotation of the support arms 144 about the arm pivot axis 202 in a lateral inward direction beyond a predefined in-plane storage position (e.g., as Fig.11 Thus, the normal operating range of motion of the support arm 144 can be achieved by contacting the support surface 204 at one end (e.g., Fig.12 ) and by contacting the vertical protrusion 226 on the opposite end (e.g., Fig.11In some embodiments, the support arm 144 may include a flexible material, shape, and size that allows the support arm to at least temporarily expand and bend so that its end 223 (see Fig.16 ) is pulled out from the side opening 214 and its side rails (e.g., Fig.11 228) away from the vertical protrusion 226 for removing the support arm 144 from the body 138. For example, the bending direction is Fig.16 Similarly, the support arm 144 can be configured in a manner that allows it to bend when mounted to the body 138 to pass through the vertical protrusion 226. The side opening 214 can be formed in a recessed portion (e.g., Fig.13 230 ) in the body 138 so that the end 223 of the support arm 144 does not have to expand outwardly to possibly cause plastic deformation or fracture of the support arm 144 when it is installed to (or removed from) the body.

[0081] The central protrusion 224 of the side surfaces 220, 222 can provide an inclined surface that biases the side rail 228 of the support arm 144 on one end to a storage position ( Fig.11 ) and in the case of the central protrusion 224, biased on the opposite end to the deployed position ( Fig.12 Thus, the central protrusion 224, the vertical protrusions 226, and the support surface 204 may form a pair of grooves in the side surface (eg, 220), with one groove corresponding to the storage position and one groove corresponding to the deployed position. Fig.13 The projections 224, 226 and the support surface 204 are shown, with exemplary folded arm recesses 232 and deployed arm recesses 234 indicated. The support arm 144 may include an elastically deformable material (e.g., spring steel) configured to bend outwardly and away from the side surfaces 220, 222 to move from a low potential energy position in a recess (e.g., 232) to a higher potential energy position (e.g., engaging a protruding portion of the projection 224 between the recesses 232, 234), and then be elastically biased back into the lower potential energy position upon reaching the other recess (e.g., 234) as the arm 144 rotates about the axis 202. Thus, the support arm 144 may be biased into the recesses 232, 234 and may resist rotation away from the recesses 232 / 234 due to friction with the central projection 224, but may rotate away from the recesses 232 / 234 when sufficient torque is applied to overcome the friction and expand the side rails 228 away from the side surfaces 220, 222.

[0082] In some embodiments, the vertical protrusions 226 may protrude further from the side surface 220 than the central protrusion 224. Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 14 to Figure 15Thus, the extension required for support arm 144 to rotate over central projection 224 is less than the extension required for support arm 144 to rotate past vertical projection 226. This can help limit over-rotation of support arm 144, whereby arm 144 would move outside of the above-described range of motion.

[0083] Fig.14 and Fig.15 The top view of the button body 138 particularly shows that the button body 138 may include a top surface 240. When the ladder 100 is in a free-standing configuration and is on a horizontal ground support surface, the top surface 240 can be configured to face vertically upward on average. The button body 138 may include a set of item holding holes 242, 244 (or recesses) extending through (or back into) the top surface 240. The holding holes 242, 244 can be generally circular in cross-section and can provide an opening into which an elongated item can be inserted through the top surface 240, such as a screwdriver, an awl, a fastener (e.g., a nail or screw), a fork, a brush, or the like. In addition, in some embodiments, the holding holes 242, 244 can be used to attach accessories to the body 138, such as, for example, a shelf or cup holder having a hook or other elongated rod that can be inserted into the holding holes 242, 244, so that the accessory can be supported at least temporarily by the button body 138. Additionally, accessories (eg, shelves, cup holders, tool organizers, etc.) may be attached to the outer axially facing surface 156 through the at least one axially oriented opening 150 (eg, using fasteners entering the opening 250). Figures 5 to 8 and Fig.16 .

[0084] In some embodiments, at least one retaining hole (e.g., 242 or 244) can be vertically aligned with an internal hole (e.g., 246 or 248) extending through a web or other structural feature within the button body 138, such as Fig.16 Thus, an elongated article may extend through and be positioned within both the retaining aperture and the interior aperture for increased support and stability of the article while it is held in place.

[0085] Figures 18 to 22 An embodiment of a button 300 is shown having the same features as the button 200 described above and indicated using similar reference numerals. The button 300 includes a support arm 344 having partially curved and angled portions connected to each other by a straight width portion 354. Thus, the support arm 344 may include a C-shaped or U-shaped profile configured with an end that fits into a side opening in the button body 338 in the manner described above in conjunction with the opening 214. In some embodiments, the support arm 344 has a straight side rail portion 328 that is configured to slide against and engage the side protrusion 324 of the button body 338 and fit within a storage groove and a deployment groove on the end of the side protrusion 324.

[0086] A set of scooped or curved portions 380 may be positioned in the support arm 344 between the side rail portion 328 and the width portion 354. Fig. 22 As noted, the curved portion 380 may be located in planes 376, 378 that are parallel to the side surfaces 320, 322 of the button body 338, respectively. Fig.19 and Fig.21 As shown, the curved portions 380 can each form a recessed profile of the arm 344 that is vertically offset (e.g., offset downwardly by a distance 382) relative to a horizontal (or substantially horizontal) top surface plane 384 of the straight sidebar portion 328 when the arm 344 is extended. In some embodiments, the sidebar portion 328 may not be straight, and the recessed profile at the curved portion 380 can be vertically offset downwardly from a horizontal plane tangent to the highest point proximate the opening (e.g., 214) in which the arm 344 is coupled to the button body 338. The recessed profile can be advantageously used to support and hold long, narrow, cylindrical, tubular, etc. objects, such as pipes or tubes, located above the curved portion 380 and extending across the horizontal plane of these recessed profiles between the width portion 354 and the body 338. Example Object C at Figure 21 to Figure 22 As shown, since the concave profile receives the bottom portion of the object C, the object C can rest on the arm 344 without rolling off the arm 344, regardless of its circular profile. Therefore, the concave profile of the arm 344 can help retain objects that may be prone to rolling off the arm 144.

[0087] The curved portion 380 and the width portion 354 may also form a raised distal portion of the arm 344, such as Fig.21 Horizontal plane 386 tangential to (or generally parallel to) the top surface of width portion 354 may be vertically offset (e.g., offset distance 388) from horizontal (or substantially horizontal) top surface plane 384. Thus, curved portion 380 may position width portion 354 to act as a guide or raised distal support that may help prevent an object (e.g., object C) from moving distally away from arm 344 due to the distal end (at portion 354) being vertically higher than the proximal end (e.g., at side rail portion 328) when deployed, thereby mechanically interfering and forming a barrier to the object sliding or rolling in the distal direction. In addition, in combination with the body 338 and the recessed profile described above, the arm 344 can form a side cup-shaped profile (e.g., defined between the plane 386 and the top surface of the arm 344 and the outer axially facing surface of the body 338) that can receive and support objects of various sizes across both side portions of the arm 344 (i.e., across portions 328 and 380). The annular shape of the arm 344 and the body 338 can also define a hole through the arm 344, such as Fig. 22In some embodiments, the arm 344, body 338, or plate 340 may define a bottom surface or support portion that extends below the hole through the arm 344 and limits downward movement of an object through the hole. For example, the plate 340 may provide bottom support for a cup or other object placed in the hole of the loop of the arm 344.

[0088] The size of the support arm 344 can be sufficient so that the three main portions of the support arm 344 (eg, 354 and each pair 328 / 380) allow the support arm 344 to be rotated to a storage configuration or a folded configuration ( Figure 18 to Figure 19 ), wherein the width portion 354 is positioned above the top surface of the button body 338. In other words, the entire thickness of the support arm 344 can be located between two parallel planes defined by the outer axially facing surface and the inner axially facing surface of the body 338 (ie, corresponding to 156 and 1600).

[0089] Additionally, the arms 344 are shown as having a generally circular cross-sectional profile, but their cross-sectional profiles may also or alternatively be tubular, square, triangular, combinations thereof, or the like. A curved profile (e.g., circular) may facilitate easier insertion and removal of objects from the arms 344, and a sharper or more angular profile may facilitate more secure retention of items.

[0090] Various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, as those set forth in the following claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the disclosed invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. The terms "including" and "having" as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term "comprising".

Claims

1. A ladder comprising: A first component, the first component comprising: a first pair of guide rails, the first pair of guide rails being spaced apart from each other; a first set of crosspieces coupled to and extending between a pair of rails; a first pair of hinge portions, the first pair of hinge portions coupled to the first pair of rails; A second component, the second component comprising: a second pair of rails, the second pair of rails being spaced apart from one another; a second pair of hinge portions coupled to the second pair of rails; wherein the first pair of hinge parts and the second pair of hinge parts are pivotally coupled to each other to form a pair of hinges rotatable about a pivot axis; and at least one retainer, the at least one retainer being movable between a first axial position along the pivot axis and a second axial position along the pivot axis, the first component being capable of rotating relative to the second component when the at least one retainer is in the first axial position, and the at least one retainer preventing the first component from rotating relative to the second component when the at least one retainer is in the second axial position; wherein the at least one retainer comprises: the subject; and A support arm is coupled to and extends from the body.

2. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer comprises a pin portion extending from the body into at least one of the pair of hinges.

3. The ladder of claim 2, wherein the body is reversibly removable from the pin portion.

4. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the support arm is pivotable relative to the body between a deployed position and a collapsed position.

5. The ladder of claim 4, wherein the support arm is selectively biased into the deployed position and the collapsed position.

6. The ladder of claim 4, wherein the deployed position is substantially vertically offset from the collapsed position.

7. The ladder of claim 4, wherein the body includes a protrusion that limits rotation away from the deployed position when the support arm is in the folded position.

8. The ladder of claim 4, wherein the support arm is substantially aligned with a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis when in the folded position.

9. The ladder of claim 4, wherein the support arm forms a loop with the body when in the deployed position.

10. The ladder of claim 9, wherein the loop comprises at least three straight segments.

11. The ladder of claim 1 , wherein the body includes at least one support surface that engages a downwardly facing surface of the support arm when the support arm is in the deployed position.

12. The ladder of claim 11, wherein the at least one support surface is inclined toward a centerline of the body.

13. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the first pair of rails and the second pair of rails are movable relative to the pivot axis between at least a free-standing configuration and a collapsed configuration.

14. The ladder of claim 13, wherein when the first pair of rails and the second pair of rails are in the free-standing configuration on a substantially horizontal support surface, the support arm extends substantially horizontally relative to the substantially horizontal support surface.

15. The ladder of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the body includes at least one hole extending perpendicular to the pivot axis.

16. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the support arm is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis.

17. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer is movable between the first axial position and the second axial position in response to application of an axially directed force to a substantially axially facing surface of the body.

18. A button for a locking mechanism, the button comprising: a body having a first side surface, a second side surface positioned opposite to the first side surface, and at least one side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface; a support arm coupled to the body and pivotable relative to the body about a pivot axis intersecting the at least one side surface, the support arm pivotable about the pivot axis between a deployed position and a folded position; wherein in the folded position, the support arm is located between a first plane defined by the first side surface of the body and a second plane defined by the second side surface of the body; and Wherein in the deployed position, the support arm extends from the second side surface in a direction extending away from the first side surface.

19. The button of claim 18, wherein the body is directly coupled to an adjustment mechanism of a ladder rail.

20. A button for a locking mechanism, the button comprising: a body having a first side surface attachable to the shaft, a second side surface positioned opposite the first side surface, and at least one side surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface; a support arm coupled to the body and pivotable relative to the body about a pivot axis intersecting the at least one side surface, the support arm pivotable about the pivot axis between a deployed position and a folded position; Wherein in the deployed position, a substantially upwardly facing portion of the at least one side surface limits rotation of the support arm about the pivot axis.

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