Ladder with remote locking actuator

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a ladder that includes an actuation member located at a distance above a lowest rung of the ladder. The ladder includes inner and outer sections, inner and outer rails, and inner and outer crosspieces. The ladder includes: a locking mechanism disposed within the inner guide rail, configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state for locking and unlocking; and an actuation member attached to an inner rung of the plurality of inner rungs located a distance above the lowest rung of the ladder.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 420,420, filed Oct. 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a locking member on a multi-purpose ladder. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to unlocking an inner section of a multi-purpose ladder relative to an outer section at a height above a first rung so that the length of the ladder can be adjusted to a more convenient height. Background Art

[0004] Ladders are used in many different ways. To avoid the need for a specific type of ladder for a specific type of job, a multi-purpose ladder can be used. The multi-purpose can be configured in different ways for different jobs in different locations.

[0005] In some examples, a ladder includes multiple sections, parts, and / or fittings that can be fixed relative to each other. As such, a fixing or locking mechanism can be employed to facilitate the fixing of various ladder parts or sections. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Reference is now made to the drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically:

[0007] Figure 1 Illustrates a multi-purpose ladder known in the prior art;

[0008] Figure 2 Illustrates a multi-purpose ladder in a stepped configuration according to various embodiments described herein;

[0009] Figure 3 Illustrates a portion of a locking mechanism according to various embodiments described herein;

[0010] Figure 4A Illustrates according to various embodiments described herein Figure 2 the inner section of a ladder;

[0011] Figure 4B Illustrates according to various embodiments described herein Figure 3 a close-up view of a portion of the inner section in a locked state;

[0012] Figure 5A Illustrates according to various embodiments described herein Figure 2 the inner section of a ladder;

[0013] Figure 5B A partial close-up view of the inner section of Figure 3 in an unlocked state according to various embodiments described herein;

[0014] Figure 6A An illustration of the inner section of a ladder Figure 2 according to various embodiments described herein;

[0015] Figure 6B A partial close-up view of the inner section of Figure 5A in an unlocked state according to various embodiments described herein;

[0016] Figure 6C A partial close-up view of the inner section of Figure 5A in an unlocked state according to various embodiments described herein;

[0017] Figure 7 An illustration of a portion of a locking mechanism according to various embodiments described herein;

[0018] Figure 8 An illustration of a portion of a locking mechanism according to various embodiments described herein;

[0019] Figure 9A An illustration of a portion of a locking mechanism according to various embodiments described herein;

[0020] Figure 9B An illustration of a locking mechanism in an unlocked state according to various embodiments described herein; Figure 9A ;

[0021] Figure 9C An illustration of a locking mechanism in a locked state according to various embodiments described herein; Figure 9A ;

[0022] Figure 10A An illustration of a portion of a locking mechanism according to various embodiments described herein; and

[0023] Figure 10B An illustration of a locking mechanism in an unlocked state according to various embodiments described herein; Figure 10A . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reconfigurable ladders (e.g., multi-position) ladders or extension ladders typically include one or more sections and / or fittings, including, for example, a first or inner section and a second or outer section. In one illustrative method, the inner section includes a first inner rail and a second inner rail spaced apart from the first inner rail, and a plurality of inner rungs attached to the first inner rail and the second inner rail. The plurality of inner rungs includes a first inner rung located at a first distance from one end of the inner section. Similarly, in one illustrative method, the outer section includes a first outer rail and a second outer rail spaced apart from the first outer rail, and a plurality of outer rungs attached to the first outer rail and the second outer rail, the outer section being attached to the inner section and in sliding engagement therewith. Additionally, in one exemplary embodiment, a locking assembly is employed to fix the parts (e.g., the inner and outer sections) relative to each other. Advantageously, several of the locking assemblies described herein are configured such that the various parts or sections of the associated ladder can be in various positions and even configurations. In one exemplary embodiment, a hinge lock is used to enable reconfiguring the ladder from a step configuration to a linear configuration.

[0025] In some methods, the locking mechanism is easily and / or quickly moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. Although actuation of the locking mechanism can be manual or automatic, it is beneficial for the user to be able to efficiently adjust the ladder because the portability of many such devices is highly regarded. Thus, users often seek ladders with devices or fittings that are easy to deploy.

[0026] By one method, the locking assembly is substantially disposed within the first inner rail and the second inner rail and is configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. Additionally, in some embodiments, the locking assembly includes: a latch; a cross pin that extends through an opening in the latch and is disposed inside the first inner rung; and an actuating lever attached to one of the plurality of inner rungs located at a second distance from the one end of the inner section, where the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0027] The ladders, components, and / or accessories described herein can be formed from a variety of materials and using a variety of manufacturing techniques. Such materials can include, for example, metals, plastics and other polymers, and / or composite materials. Additionally, some portions of the components of the ladder can be formed from one material and one or more other components or accessories can be formed from another similar or completely different material. In some configurations, the rails of the ladder can be formed from a composite material (such as fiberglass or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP)) and manufactured via a pultrusion process. The FRP material can include various plastic resins (such as polyurethane or polyethylene) or can include various glass materials. Considering that adjusting the FRP formulation to use different material combinations can reduce the material weight and / or cost. The rails can also be formed from a metallic material such as aluminum or aluminum alloy and manufactured via an extrusion process. After extrusion or pultrusion, the ladder rails are typically cut to a certain length. For box-shaped rails, a computer numerical control (CNC) machine can machine or form one or more holes in the rails. For other shaped rails such as C-shaped or I-beam shaped rails, other tools such as a punch press can be used to punch one or more holes into the rails.

[0028] The rungs of the ladder can be formed from a composite material (such as fiberglass or carbon fiber). In some methods, the rungs can also be formed from a metallic material (such as magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy). The rungs can be manufactured, for example, via an extrusion process and cut to a certain length. The rungs can take on various shapes and can be, for example, round, D-shaped, or triangular.

[0029] The rungs of the ladder can be attached to the rails in a variety of different ways. In one method, the rungs and rails are integrally forged, for example, by attaching the rungs to the rails via a direct molding connection. In the direct molding connection, a cold forming process is used to directly attach the rungs to the rails, where a moving die shapes the rungs around a pre-punched hole in the rails. An annealing operation can be used to soften the metal to prevent cracking. In other methods, the rungs are attached to the rails via a rung-plate connection and other attachment types. In the rung-plate connection, the rungs are attached to a plate, and the plate is attached to the rails via one or more rivets or other mechanical elements.

[0030] Other fittings and assemblies used in the ladder, such as foot pads, locking members, ropes, rope wheels, end caps, and / or knee supports, can be made of materials such as rubber or plastics (such as polypropylene) or any other suitable plastics. The plastic parts can be injection molded or insert molded. In some methods, fittings and assemblies such as guide brackets, foot pads, knee supports, and / or locking members can be formed, extruded, or stamped from metallic materials (such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or steel). The rubber foot pads can be riveted to the base of the ladder. The metallic locking members can be extruded and then cut to a certain length. The rope wheel can include an extruded metallic side portion and a plastic circular pulley formed by injection molded plastic, wherein the side portion and the pulley are held together by rivets. The end caps can be riveted or snap-fitted to the ladder during assembly. Similarly, the knee guards can be riveted to the ladder. Metallic cables can be used with and located within certain fittings of the ladder.

[0031] The reconfigurable ladder (such as the exemplary multi-position ladder shown in the figures and described herein) includes multiple sections. For example, one such ladder has an inner section that includes a first inner rail and a second inner rail spaced apart from the first inner rail, and a plurality of inner rungs attached to the first inner rail and the second inner rail. The plurality of inner rungs includes a first inner rung attached at a first distance from the first end of the first inner rail and the first end of the second inner rail, and a second inner rung attached at a second distance from the first end of the first inner rail and the first end of the second inner rail. The multi-purpose ladder also generally includes an outer section that has a first outer rail and a second outer rail spaced apart from the first inner rail, and a plurality of outer rungs attached to the first outer rail and the second outer rail. Additionally, the outer section is generally attached to the inner section and is in sliding engagement with the inner section. The reconfigurable ladder can include a first or front assembly that includes the first inner rail, the second inner rail, the first outer rail, and the second outer rail. Similarly, a second or rear assembly can include the first or front assembly that includes the first inner rail, the second inner rail, the first outer rail, and the second outer rail. The first assembly and the second assembly can be connected via a top. The top can include a hinge and a hinge locking member to enable reconfiguration of the multi-position ladder.

[0032] The multi-purpose ladder includes a locking assembly that fixes the inner section and the outer section relative to each other. In an illustrative configuration, the locking assembly engages with the first inner rung to lock the inner section and the outer section and unlock the inner section relative to the outer section. The multi-purpose ladder includes a remote actuator that is attached to the inner section at a third distance from the first inner rung, where the third distance is greater than or equal to the difference between the first distance and the second distance. The remote actuation lever unlocks the locking assembly when actuated, such that the outer section can move relative to the inner section. In some embodiments, the remote actuator preferably contacts the locking assembly directly through a cable or a rod.

[0033] The locking assembly includes a first latch and a second latch. When the inner section and the outer section are locked, the first latch extends into holes in the first inner guide rail and the first outer guide rail, and the second latch extends into holes in the second inner guide rail and the second outer guide rail. When the remote actuator is actuated, the first latch and the second latch can simultaneously withdraw from the first outer guide rail and the second outer guide rail respectively, and unlock the inner section relative to the outer section. The remote actuator can be attached to an inner rung above the first inner rung among the plurality of inner rungs. The first inner rung among the plurality of inner rungs can be closest to the first ends of the first and second inner guide rails. The outer and inner sections can form a first or front assembly (and include a top with a hinge, to which the inner section is attached), and a second or rear assembly, which is attached to the hinge such that the rear assembly can rotate relative to the front assembly about the top through the hinge.

[0034] A multi-purpose ladder having an inner section or a flyover section and an outer section or a base section is locked together using a locking mechanism composed of latches and a pinch lever. This locking mechanism provides the ability to retract the locking latch at a convenient point on the ladder at a certain distance away from the locking latch and further away from the ground. The latch retraction user interface is located at a convenient position approximately at shoulder height on the ladder. Otherwise, the user needs to bend down to actuate the latch retraction type pinch lever.

[0035] Reference Figure 1, showing an illustrative diagram of a known multi-position ladder 10 in a stepped configuration, which includes a locking member 12 disposed at the lowest inner rung. The locking member 12 is connected to a latch that holds the outer section in place relative to the inner section. In use, a person squeezes a lever to retract the latch so that the outer section can slide relative to the inner section. Typically, the user must bend down to the lowest inner rung to actuate the squeeze-type locking member 12 and unlock the inner section relative to the outer section. Additionally, in a stepped configuration, this requires multiple lower adjustments so that both sides of the ladder in the stepped configuration can be adjusted.

[0036] In the exemplary methods described herein, a ladder, such as a multi-position ladder according to the present disclosure, may include one or more mechanisms to facilitate easier and more convenient adjustment of the ladder. For example, one such ladder includes one or more remotely actuated levers mounted on a higher rung (such as the top rung of an inner ladder section). Actuating the remotely actuated lever causes one or more latches mounted on the lowest rung of the inner ladder to retract.

[0037] In one configuration, the remotely actuated lever includes the latch extended to lock the outer section relative to the inner section when at rest or in a first position. Conversely, when the lever has been raised / rotated to an actuated or second position and the latch has been retracted to unlock the outer section relative to the inner section, the inner section can then be raised relative to the outer section to a desired position.

[0038] In one exemplary configuration, by raising the remotely actuated lever, the user causes an associated cam to rise correspondingly, which in turn causes a cross pin and the latch to move towards the centerline of the ladder. In this configuration, as the cam rises, the cross pin moves along a curved slot, where the curved slot effectively pushes against the pin in an inward direction, thereby forcing the latch to move inward and out of a hole in the outer section, such that the inner section can move freely relative to the outer section. There are typically spaced-apart holes along the outer guide rail, so the latch can slide back into a desired hole at a desired height and thus lock the inner section to the outer section.

[0039] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a shaft and a crank attached to the remotely actuated lever. A rod, which may be mostly contained within a hollow ladder guide rail in some embodiments, engages the crank at its upper end. The lower end of the rod is connected to a cam. Thus, raising the remotely actuated lever causes the cam to rise and the latch to be retracted. Although not shown, a compression spring typically abuts one end of the latch to bias the latch towards the extended position.

[0040] In some embodiments, a multi-position ladder having remote actuation capabilities includes one or more pinch levers mounted in an upper rung and connected to a cable and a sheath. The cable and sheath extend through the rung and are connected to a locking latch. In some configurations, the rung is at least substantially hollow. Thus, when the levers are pinched together, the locking latch is retracted. In some methods, the levers can be offset from each other, so that when the pinch lever attached to the cable on the left side is moved to the right, the cable moves to the right, causing the other end of the cable attached to the locking latch on the right side to move left and inwards out of a hole in the outer rail. Additionally, the pinch lever on the right side is positioned behind the pinch lever on the left side and is attached to the sheath. When the right pinch lever is moved to the left, it causes the top of the sheath to move to the left and the other end of the sheath attached to the locking latch on the left side to move right and inwards out of a hole in the other outer rail.

[0041] In other embodiments, a handle can be disposed in the upper rung and is actuated by being pressed upwards. In this configuration, a gap is typically provided between the handle and the upper rung to allow the handle to move upwards. A strip having cams at its lower end is connected to the handle and cross pins extending from the latch on each side of the latch. The cams fit onto the cross pins radially on each side of the latch. When the cams rise, the latch is retracted by means of the cross pins on the latch. Springs on the handle and the latch bias the latch towards the extended position.

[0042] In another embodiment, the pinch lever is connected to a cam by a cable, and the pinch lever causes the latch coupled to it to retract. Additionally, the cam is configured to extend outwards from and along the side of the latch. By some methods, a wedge is attached to one end of each cable, so that when the wedge having a bevel surface moves upwards as the pinch levers are squeezed together, the wedge having a bevel surface pushes against the cam extending from the side of the latch, and the latch moves inwards out of a hole in the outer rail. Additionally, in these configurations, there is a spring to bias the latch towards the extended position.

[0043] Some embodiments can include a cable that causes the latch to rotate about its long axis. In an illustrative method, a helical surface on the latch causes the latch to retract as it rotates, effectively converting a vertical force into a linear force. Additionally, the cable can be wound around the latch and when the pinch lever is moved to the right, the cable causes the latch to rotate rapidly as the cable unwinds. Additionally, in this configuration, a spring biases the latch towards the extended position, causing the cable to rewind around the latch when the pinch lever is released.

[0044] Reference Figure 2, an illustrative multi-position ladder 100 is shown, which has a first part 114 and a second part 116 that are movable relative to each other via a top 101 (and more specifically, a hinge 118 and a hinge lock 119). The multi-position ladder 100 includes a first part 114 having an outer section 102 and an inner section 106. The outer section 102 includes a first outer rail 103 and a second outer rail 104. The first outer rail 103 and the second outer rail 104 are connected via a plurality of outer rungs 105. The inner section 106 includes a first inner rail 107 and a second inner rail 108. The first inner rail 107 and the second inner rail 108 are connected via a plurality of inner rungs 109. Similar to the first part 114, the second part 116 includes first and second inner rails, first and second outer rails, and a plurality of inner and outer rungs connecting the respective rails.

[0045] The first part 114 and the second part 116 are connected via the top 101. The top 101 includes a hinge 118 that enables the first part 114 and the second part 116 to move either individually or together. The hinge 118 includes a hinge lock 119. For example, the hinge lock 119 can be a squeeze-type lock that, when actuated, enables one or both of the first part 114 and the second part 116 to move. In this way, the multi-position ladder 100 can be reconfigured from the Figure 2 step configuration shown in to a linear or extended configuration. In the linear or extended configuration, one of the parts will rotate about the hinge 118 to be substantially in line with the other part.

[0046] In one aspect, the outer section 102 and the inner section 106 are slidably engageable with each other when the sections are not locked relative to each other. In some embodiments, the inner section 106 is nested inside the outer section 102 or a portion thereof. In this way, when the sections are unlocked relative to each other, the plurality of outer rungs 105 and the plurality of inner rungs 109 are configured to slide past each other.

[0047] The multi-position ladder 100 further includes a locking mechanism 110. The locking mechanism includes a manually manipulable grippable handle or actuation member 112 and is actuated or adjusted via it. In some embodiments, the actuation member 112 includes Figure 2the lever shown in, while other options include push or pinch mechanisms and many other mechanisms. To enable movement between the inner section 106 and the outer section 102, the locking mechanism 110 is unlocked. To unlock the locking mechanism 110, the actuating member 112 can be actuated, lifted, and / or adjusted. In this example, to manipulate the actuating member 112, the user rotates or lifts the actuating member 112 in the vertical direction. In some configurations, the actuating member 112 is rotated such that the distal end of the member is lifted above the associated coupling. During such operation, the latch 120 disposed inside one of the plurality of inner rungs 109 retracts from its opening, thereby enabling relative movement between the inner section 106 and the outer section 102.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 , showing the locking mechanism 110. The locking mechanism 110 includes the actuating member 112 discussed above. As shown, the actuating member 112 is coupled to the shaft 138, which extends along the entire length of one of the plurality of inner rungs 109 and into the first inner guide 107 and the second inner guide 108. For simplicity, the locking mechanism 110 is illustrated as being disposed on, in, and through one of the inner guides, however, the present disclosure contemplates that the locking mechanism 110 is disposed on, in, and through one or both of the inner guides. Additionally, the ladder can employ more than one locking mechanism 110.

[0049] In some ways, the shaft 138 includes connection members or cranks 140 disposed at each end of the shaft 138. The crank 140 generally includes an opening 142, in which the rod 148 is disposed within the opening 142 of the crank 140. The rod 148 is generally disposed inside, within, and / or through a portion of the inner guide. At the other end of the rod 148, the locking mechanism 110 includes a lug 128 coupled to the connecting member 126 and the cam 122. In some examples, the connecting member 126 can be a part of the rod 148. In some embodiments, the connecting member 126 can be a piece that connects the rod 148 to the lug 128.

[0050] To unlock the inner section 106 relative to the outer section 102, the lifting actuator member 112 is raised. This in turn rotates the shaft member 138 to rotate the crank 140 and the opening 142. This rotation of the opening 142 lifts the rod 148 upward. When the rod 148 is lifted, the lugs 128 and the connecting member 126 are lifted, which in turn lifts the pin housing or cam 122. The cam 122 includes a curved portion, such as the curved opening 130. The curved opening 130 is curved such that when lifted, the latch 120 is retracted. To operate thus, the latch 120 includes a cross pin 124 coupled to the latch 120 (e.g., by being disposed within the latch 120). The cross pin 124 also has a portion disposed within the curved opening 130. Since the curvature of the curved opening 130 includes a horizontal component, when the cam 122 is pulled upward, the cross pin 124 traverses the curved opening 130 and is pulled inward by the horizontal component of the curved opening 130, thereby retracting the latch 120.

[0051] Reference Figure 4A and 4B , the inner section 106 is shown in a locked state, which prevents the inner section 106 from moving relative to the outer section 102. The locked state includes the latch 120 extending beyond the edge of the inner section 106. As outlined above, to move the latch 120, the actuating member 112 is raised. A spring 125 (shown in Figures 9A - 9C ) may be disposed between each latch 120 and provides an outward force on the latch 120 to help maintain the locked state. The spring 125 may be coupled to the inner end of each latch 120.

[0052] Reference Figure 5A and 5B , the inner section 106 is shown in an unlocked state, which enables the inner section 106 to move relative to the outer section 102. The unlocked state includes the latch 120 being retracted into the first inner rail 107 and the second inner rail 108. The latch 120 is retracted into the opening 134 in the first inner rail 107. The cam 122 and the cross pin 124 may interact with a housing 132 attached to one of the plurality of inner crossbars 109. For example, when the cross pin 124 is moved to the unlocked state, the cross pin 124 fits into the housing 132.

[0053] In some embodiments, one of the plurality of inner rungs 109 that has a latch 120 disposed therein is the first or lowest inner rung. This first inner rung may be located at a first distance from the bottom or one end of the inner section 106. The actuating member 112 may be disposed at a second distance away from the first inner rung, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. In this way, the inner section 106 can be unlocked relative to the outer section 102 at a distance above the ground that is higher than the case of a known multi-position ladder 10 where a pinch lock 12 is disposed on the first inner rung. This enables unlocking of the multi-position ladder 100 at a more convenient or comfortable height. This further enables a user to unlock the multi-position ladder 100 and extend the sections relative to each other while remaining in a substantially standing position. This is in contrast to a known multi-position ladder 10 where a user may need to use the pinch lock 12 to unlock the known multi-position ladder 10 and then, while keeping the pinch lock 12 retracted, start extending the sections while still remaining in a bent or crouched position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the angle of the crank 140 and the length of the opening 142 of the crank can be changed relative to the actuating member 112 to change the amount of movement required to actuate the actuating member 112. Additionally, the shape of the curved opening 130 in the cam 122 can be modified to change the movement of the cross pin 124 disposed therein. The cross pin 124 can be press-fitted into the latch 120. Additionally or alternatively, the cross pin 124 can include a protrusion at one end to prevent the cross pin 124 from moving out of the latch 120. Further, openings and various types of split pins can be used on one or both ends of the cross pin 124 to similarly prevent the cross pin 124 from moving out of the latch 120.

[0055] As Figure 4B can be seen, the latch 120 extends beyond the first inner guide rail 107. The latch 120 extends into a corresponding opening in the first outer guide rail 103. In this way, since the latch 120 bears the shear force applied to the latch 120, the latch 120 blocks the first outer guide rail 103 from moving relative to the first inner guide rail 107.

[0056] Referring Figures 6A - 6C , there is shown the locking mechanism 110 in an unlocked state. There is an opening 146 at a second distance in the first inner guide rail 107 to enable vertical movement of the rod 148 to be formed by movement of the actuating member 112. Similarly, there is another opening 150 at a first distance in the first inner guide rail 107 to enable vertical movement of the rod 148 to be formed by movement of the actuating member 112.

[0057] Referring Figure 7, an embodiment of the locking mechanism 110 is illustrated. In this embodiment, for example, the actuating member 112 may be a pinch-type lock 160 disposed on the first inner crossbar of the inner section 106. One of the pinch-type locks is connected to the cable 162. The other pinch-type lock is connected to the sheath 164 surrounding the cable. Similarly, one of the two latches 120 is connected to the cable 162 at one end via a lug 166, and the other of the two latches 120 is connected to the sheath 164 at the other end via a lug 166. By actuating the pinch-type lock 160 (pulling it inwardly towards each other, as shown by the arrows in Figure 7 ), the left pinch-type lock pushes the cable 162 in the same direction as the left pinch-type lock is actuated. Similarly, the right pinch-type lock 160 pushes the sheath 164 in the same direction as the right pinch-type lock is actuated. The cable 162 and the sheath 164 are laid along one of the inner guide rails and coupled to the latches 120. By pushing the sheath 164 and the cable 162, both latches 120 are pulled inwardly and reach the unlocked state. As described above, this enables movement between the inner section 106 and the outer section 102.

[0058] Refer to Figure 8 , another embodiment of the locking mechanism 110 is illustrated. In this embodiment, for example, the actuating member 112 may be a handle 170 disposed on the first inner crossbar of the inner section 106. The handle 170 is connected to a strip 172 at one end. The strip 172 is disposed within the first inner guide rail 107 and the second inner guide rail 108 and passes downwardly towards the lowest inner crossbar. The illustrated locking mechanism 110 utilizes the cam 122 and the cross pin 124 described above. An upward movement on the handle 170 pulls the strip 172 upward, which in turn pulls the cam 122 upward. The curved opening 130 urges the cam 122 inwardly along the curve and retracts the latch 120, thereby enabling the inner section 106 and the outer section 102 to move relative to each other.

[0059] Refer to Figures 9A - 9C, illustrates another embodiment of the locking mechanism 110. In this embodiment, the actuating member 112 can be any of the actuating members discussed above. A cable 180 is utilized and is disposed within the first inner rail 107 and the second inner rail 108. By actuating the actuating member 112, the cable 180 is pulled upward. During such operation, the cable 180 pulls the wedge 182 upward. The wedge 182 is shaped in such a way that its upward movement drives the cross pin 124 inward (similar to the curved opening 130 of the cam 122). The wedge 182 can be disposed on one side of the latch 120, in the middle of the latch 120, or on both sides of the latch 120. Additionally, the wedge 182 can be surrounded by a housing 184 to assist in controlling the upward movement of the wedge 182 and thus maintain contact with the cross pin 124. A spring 125 is shown attached to the inner end of the latch 120, as described above, which helps maintain the locked state.

[0060] Reference Figure 10A and 10B , illustrates another embodiment of the locking mechanism 110. In this embodiment, for example, the actuating member 112 can be a pinch lock 190 disposed on the first inner crossbar of the inner section 106. Each of the pinch locks is connected to a cable 194 via a lug 192. The cable 194 is disposed within the first inner rail 107 and the second inner rail 108 and is coupled to and wound around the latch 120 at the other end. By actuating the actuating member 112, the cable 194 is pulled upward. During such operation, as the cable 194 unwinds from the latch 120, the cable 194 causes the latch 120 to rotate. The latch 120 includes threads 196 that engage mating threads coupled to the first inner crossbar. As the latch 120 rotates, it is constrained to linearly translate along its axis due to the thread engagement. Similar to above, a spring 125 can be utilized to help the locking mechanism 110 maintain the locked state.

[0061] Although the exemplary ladders illustrated herein include multi-purpose ladders with various locking mechanisms, other ladder types such as extension ladders can also incorporate one or more locking mechanisms therein.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, changes, and combinations can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications, changes, and combinations will be considered within the scope of the disclosed concepts.

Claims

1. A ladder, comprising: The first part and the second part, each part comprising: An inner section, which includes a first inner guide rail and a second inner guide rail spaced apart from the first inner guide rail, and a plurality of inner crossbars attached to the first inner guide rail and the second inner guide rail, the plurality of inner crossbars including a first inner crossbar located at a first distance from one end of the inner section; An outer section, which includes a first outer guide rail and a second outer guide rail spaced apart from the first outer guide rail, and a plurality of outer crossbars attached to the first outer guide rail and the second outer guide rail, the outer section being attached to the inner section and in sliding engagement with the inner section; And A locking mechanism, which is substantially disposed within the first inner guide rail and the second inner guide rail and is configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state to lock and unlock; And an actuating member, which is attached to one of the plurality of inner crossbars located at a second distance from the one end of the inner section, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, Wherein the first part and the second part are connected at the top including a hinge and a hinge lock.

2. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a latch; a cross pin extending through an opening in the latch and disposed inside the first inner cross member.

3. The ladder according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: the actuating member; a shaft connected to the actuating member, the shaft comprising a crank having an opening; a rod comprising a first end and a second end, the first end extending through the opening of the crank, and the second end coupled to a cam.

4. The ladder according to claim 2, wherein the actuating member is attached to a shaft disposed inside one of the plurality of inner cross members.

5. The ladder according to claim 4, wherein the shaft extends through openings in the first inner guide rail and the second inner guide rail.

6. The ladder according to claim 3, wherein the shaft comprises the crank disposed at one end of the shaft, and the crank has an opening therein.

7. The ladder according to claim 3, wherein the cam comprises a bracket attached to the rod.

8. The ladder according to claim 3, wherein the cam comprises a curved opening configured to slidably engage with the cross pin.

9. The ladder according to claim 8, wherein the actuating member is actuated such that the cam is pulled in a first direction, thereby causing the cross pin to slide in a second direction.

10. The ladder according to claim 9, wherein the latch moves from a locked position to an unlocked position due to the cross pin sliding in the second direction.

11. The ladder according to claim 3, wherein the actuating member is actuated to unlock the inner section relative to the outer section by moving the latch from an extended position to a retracted position.

12. The ladder according to claim 11, wherein a vertical movement of the actuating member causes a horizontal movement of the latch.

13. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inner cross members comprise a first end and a second end, and the first end and the second end each comprise the locking mechanism.

14. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein each of the first outer rail and the second outer rail includes an opening configured to receive the locking mechanism.

15. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the actuating member includes a pinch lock.

16. The ladder according to claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism includes a cable attached to a first pinch lock and a sheath attached to a second pinch lock.

17. The ladder according to claim 16, wherein moving the pinch lock causes the cable to retract and the sheath to extend, thereby enabling movement between the inner section and the outer section.

18. The ladder according to claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism includes a cable attached to each pinch lock.

19. The ladder according to claim 18, wherein the cable includes a first end disposed within the first inner rail and a second end disposed within the second inner rail, and wherein moving the pinch lock causes wedges attached to the first end and the second end to retract, thereby enabling movement between the inner section and the outer section.

20. The ladder according to claim 18, wherein the cable includes a first end disposed within the first inner rail and a second end disposed within the second inner rail, and wherein moving the pinch lock causes latches disposed at each end of the first inner rail to rotate, thereby enabling movement between the inner section and the outer section.

21. A ladder, comprising: An inner section, which includes a first inner guide rail and a second inner guide rail, including a plurality of inner crossbars extending between the first inner guide rail and the second inner guide rail; An outer section, which includes a first outer guide rail and a second outer guide rail, including a plurality of outer crossbars extending between the first outer guide rail and the second outer guide rail, wherein the outer section is in sliding engagement with the inner section; And A locking mechanism, which includes a lever attached to a shaft disposed within one of the plurality of inner crossbars, wherein lifting the lever raises a rod coupled to one end of the shaft and causes a latch of the locking mechanism to retract, thereby enabling the inner section to move relative to the outer section.

22. A remote locking mechanism configured to enable movement between different sections of a ladder, comprising: A lever, which is coupled to a shaft configured to be disposed inside a first rung of the ladder, wherein the shaft is configured to extend through an opening in the guide rail of the ladder; A crank, which is coupled to one end of the shaft, wherein the crank includes an opening configured to receive a rod, wherein the rod is configured to extend through the guide rail of the ladder; and A cam, which is coupled to one end of the rod and is configured to be disposed inside a second rung of the ladder, wherein the cam includes a curved opening configured to engage a cross pin of a latch, Wherein the latch is configured to move from a locked state to an unlocked state via the movement of the lever.

23. The ladder according to claim 22, wherein the movement of the lever causes the shaft and the crank to rotate, thereby lifting the rod and in turn lifting the cam.

24. The ladder according to claim 23, wherein lifting the cam causes the cross pin to slide along the curved opening and retracts the latch.

25. The ladder according to claim 22, wherein the movement of the lever is a vertical movement, which causes a horizontal movement of the latch.

Images