Tray mechanisms for ladders, ladders incorporating tray mechanisms, and related methods

Abstract

The present disclosure provides ladder configurations and components including a first rail assembly and a second rail assembly pivotable relative to each other between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. A tray rotatably connected to a top cover of the ladder may include a convertible compartment, a pair of clips, an attachment point, and a ferromagnetic component. The tray is rotatable relative to the top cover by operating an adjustment member that locks or unlocks the tray. Rotation of the tray may position the tray in an upright position substantially parallel to the first rail assembly, and in a storage position substantially parallel to and rearward of the first rail assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 429,386, filed on December 1, 2022, entitled "TRAY MECHANISMS FOR LADDERS, LADDERS INCORPORATING SAME, AND RELATED METHODS", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to ladders, ladder systems, ladder components, and related methods, and more particularly to trays, top covers, handles, grippers, and related methods of manufacturing and operating trays, top covers, handles, grippers in ladders, stools, and related devices. Background Art

[0004] Conventionally, ladders are used to provide access to positions that may otherwise be inaccessible to their users. Ladders come in many shapes and sizes, such as straight ladders, straight extension ladders, step ladders, and combination step and extension ladders. So - called combination ladders incorporate many of the benefits of other ladder designs in a single ladder.

[0005] Ladders are common tools for professional tradesmen and homeowners, among others. Sometimes, using a ladder can be an awkward experience, even for those who use ladders frequently, when standing on the ladder to perform certain tasks. For example, when performing elevated projects (e.g., painting a ceiling, changing a light bulb, etc.), it is easy to lose balance on a ladder. Additionally, carrying and holding various tools and supplies on a ladder can be challenging. There is also an opportunity to improve the ergonomics, manufacturability, and stability of ladders for various applications. For these and other reasons, there has been a continuing need for improvements to ladders and related components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ladder, comprising: a first assembly including a first pair of rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of rails; a second assembly including a second pair of rails pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of rails between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration; a top cover coupled to the first pair of rails; and a tray coupled to the top cover and extending rearwardly from the top cover, wherein the tray includes a convertible compartment having a bottom aperture and a panel rotatable between a first position exposing the bottom aperture and a second position covering the bottom aperture and defining a bottom surface of the convertible compartment.

[0007] In some embodiments, the panel includes a table that can be inserted into a retaining groove formed in the tray. A portion of the panel can be elastically deflected to lock the panel relative to the tray. The tray can further include a set of attachment points located at a top end of the convertible compartment.

[0008] May include at least one clamp that can move between a retaining position and a release position relative to the top cover or the tray. The at least one clamp can rotate between the release position and the retaining position. The at least one clamp can be locked in the retaining position, can be positioned above the top surface of the tray adjacent to the convertible compartment, or can be positioned on a front surface of the top cover.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ladder can further include a ferromagnetic component located adjacent to the convertible compartment. The ferromagnetic component can be located on or in a sidewall of the convertible compartment.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ladder that includes: a first assembly including a first pair of guide rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of guide rails; a second assembly including a second pair of guide rails that can be pivotally displaced relative to the first pair of guide rails between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; a top cover coupled to the first pair of guide rails; a tray coupled to the top cover and extending rearward from the top cover; and a pair of clamps coupled to the top cover or the tray, the pair of clamps being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0011] In some embodiments, each clamp of the pair of clamps can be pivotally coupled to the tray. Each clamp of the pair of clamps can be pivotally coupled to the top cover. The pair of clamps can pivot about a corresponding pair of horizontal pivot axes. The pair of clamps can pivot about a corresponding pair of vertical pivot axes.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tray for a ladder that includes: a body that can be attached to a top cover of the ladder; a convertible compartment formed in the body and having a bottom aperture; and a panel located in the convertible compartment and rotatable between a first position covering the aperture and a second position exposing the bottom aperture, wherein the panel can be locked relative to the body in the second position.

[0013] The body may include at least one hinge portion configured to be rotatably coupled to the top cover. The panel may be locked relative to the body in the first position. The tray may further include at least one elongate member pivotally coupled to the body and movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings and figures illustrate several exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with this specification, these drawings show and explain the various principles of the disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like components or features may have the same reference numerals.

[0015] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a ladder in which the tray is in a horizontal configuration.

[0016] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a rear view of the ladder of

[0017] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a left side view of the ladder of

[0018] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a front view of the ladder of

[0019] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a right side view of the ladder of

[0020] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a top view of the ladder of

[0021] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a bottom view of the ladder of

[0022] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the tray and the top cover.

[0023] Figure 9 is Figure 8 an isometric view of the tray and the top cover of

[0024] Figure 10 is Figure 8 a top view of the tray and the top cover of

[0025] Figure 11 is Figure 8 an isometric view of the tray and the top cover of

[0026] Figure 12 is Figure 8Isometric view of the tray and the top cover.

[0027] Figure 13 Is a Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the tray and the top cover taken along the section line 13-13 in

[0028] Figure 14 Isometric front view of the ladder with the tray in the upright configuration.

[0029] Figure 15 Is Figure 14 Isometric rear view of the ladder.

[0030] Figure 16 Is Figure 14 Rear view of the ladder.

[0031] Figure 17 Is Figure 14 Left side view of the ladder.

[0032] Figure 18 Is Figure 14 Front view of the ladder.

[0033] Figure 19 Is Figure 14 Right side view of the ladder.

[0034] Figure 20 Is Figure 14 Top view of the ladder.

[0035] Figure 21 Is Figure 14 Bottom view of the ladder.

[0036] Figure 22 Isometric front view of the ladder with the tray in the stored configuration.

[0037] Figure 23 Is Figure 22 Isometric rear view of the ladder.

[0038] Figure 24 Is Figure 22 Rear view of the ladder.

[0039] Figure 25 Is Figure 22 Left side view of the ladder.

[0040] Figure 26 Is Figure 22 Front view of the ladder.

[0041] Figure 27 Is Figure 22 Right side view of the ladder.

[0042] Figure 28 IsFigure 22 Top view of the ladder.

[0043] Figure 29 is Figure 22 Bottom view of the ladder.

[0044] Figure 30 Isometric view of the top end of the ladder with the tray in a horizontal configuration.

[0045] Figure 31 is Figure 30 Top view of the top cover and tray of the ladder.

[0046] Figure 32 is Figure 30 Isometric view of the top end of the ladder.

[0047] Figure 33 is Figure 30 Detailed isometric view of the hinge area (indicated by area 33 in Figure 30 ) of the tray and top cover of the ladder.

[0048] Although the embodiments described herein are susceptible to 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 particular forms disclosed. Rather, this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms falling within the scope of the appended claims. Detailed Description

[0049] This specification provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Accordingly, it will be understood that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements discussed, and various embodiments may appropriately omit, substitute, or add other processes or components. For example, the methods described may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.

[0050] Figures 1 to 7Illustrates various isometric and side views of a ladder 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ladder 100 may include a first assembly 102 (i.e., a first rail assembly or a front rail assembly), the first assembly including a first pair of rails 101 (e.g., front rails or main rails) and a plurality of rungs 103 (i.e., steps or lateral supports) extending between and coupled to the first pair of rails 101. The ladder 100 may further include a second assembly 106 (i.e., a second rail assembly or a rear rail assembly), the second assembly including a second pair of rails 109 (e.g., rear rails or support rails) and one or more cross braces 111 (e.g., rear horizontal struts or lateral supports). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the second assembly 106 does not include rungs for a user to climb. Such a configuration is conventional for many stepladder configurations. However, in other embodiments, the second assembly 106 may include rungs and may be configured to support a user, e.g., similar to the first assembly 102. The rungs 103 and the cross braces 111 may reinforce the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106, respectively, and may provide structural rigidity to the ladder 100.

[0051] The first pair of rails 101 may be coupled to a top cap 110. One (or both) of the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106 may be configured to pivot relative to the top cap 110 such that the assemblies 102 and 106 may move towards each other into a compact storage configuration (i.e., a flattened, folded, or collapsed configuration in which the front and rear feet 105 of the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106 are close), as will be understood by those skilled in the art benefiting from the present disclosure. Figure 1 An independent configuration (i.e., an A-frame, deployed, or extended configuration) is shown. The top cap 110 may include a plurality of features to enhance the efficiency and usability of the ladder 100, such as tool and part receptacles, handles, grips, safety alarms, and other features. A platform 108 may be coupled to the first assembly 102 and may move between Figures 1 to 7 the illustrated storage position and the deployed / standing position. When in the deployed / standing position, the platform 108 may lock the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 106 relative to each other in their respective standing positions. The rear rails 109 may be pivotally coupled to the front rails 101 at a pair of hinges 114 extending rearward from the front rails 101.

[0052] The top cap 110 may be pivotally coupled to a tray 112, the tray being configured to provide a variety of functions and support tools, supplies, and users in various configurations. In one configuration, the tray 112 may have a body structure that extends rearward in a substantially horizontal direction from the back side of the top cap 110, e.g., as Figures 1 to 7As shown. The tray 112 can also pivot between a horizontal position (i.e., platform position), a raised position (i.e., handle or user support position), or a lowered position (i.e., storage or retracted position). Figures 8 to 13 A detailed isometric view and side view of the tray 112 are shown. The tray 112 is Figures 14 to 21 shown in an upwardly extending configuration, and it is Figures 22 to 29 shown in a folded or retracted downwardly extending configuration.

[0053] The tray 112 can include an adjustment member 120 (e.g., a shaft, pin, handle, or button) that can be operated between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position of the adjustment member 120, pivoting of the tray 112 relative to the top cover 110 can be prevented. The adjustment member 120 can cause mechanical interference with the tray 112, which holds the tray in its current orientation relative to the top cover 110. In the unlocked position of the adjustment member 120, the adjustment member 120 can be moved relative to the locked position and, thus, rotation of the tray 112 relative to the top cover 110 can be allowed. For example, when the adjustment member 120 is in the unlocked position, the tray 112 can move from the Figure 14 position shown to the Figure 1 or 22 position shown. In some embodiments, by axially pushing or pulling the adjustment member 120, the adjustment member 120 can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the user may only need to operate the adjustment member 120 with one hand to move it between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0054] The tray 112 can include a convertible compartment 122 that can be configured in a through configuration and a holding configuration. In Figures 8 to 10 , the convertible compartment 122 is shown in a through configuration (e.g., an open configuration), and in Figures 11 to 12 , the convertible compartment is shown in a holding configuration (e.g., a closed configuration). The convertible compartment 122 can include a rotatable panel 124 that can be pivotally coupled to the lateral side and / or bottom side of the compartment 122. For example, the rotatable panel 124 can include a pair of pivot posts 125 that are configured to be inserted into a corresponding pair of pivot openings 126 in the side of the convertible compartment 122. See Figure 8 , 10 , 12, and 13. When in a substantially horizontal position, the rotatable panel 124 can act as the bottom panel or bottom support of the convertible compartment 122. When in an upwardly rotated position, the rotatable panel 124 can expose an aperture 128 through the top end of the convertible compartment 122 (see Figure 10)。Therefore, when the rotatable panel 124 covers the aperture 128, the convertible compartment 122 can be in the holding configuration, and when the rotatable panel 124 exposes the aperture 128, the convertible compartment can be in the through configuration.

[0055] When in the holding configuration, the convertible compartment 122 can be used to hold objects (e.g., tools, supplies, trash, etc.) on the tray 112, and those objects will not fall through the tray 112. In some embodiments, a paint cup or tray can be placed in the convertible compartment 122 while being supported from below by the rotatable panel 124. The rotatable panel 124 can include a tab 130 that can be inserted into a retaining groove 132 located on a side of the convertible compartment 122 opposite the pair of pivot posts 125 and the pair of pivot openings 126. The tab 130 (or a larger portion of the rotatable panel 124) can be elastically deflected such that it "snaps" or elastically bends or compresses to lock the rotatable panel 124 in a horizontal position relative to the remainder of the convertible compartment 122. The elasticity of the tab 130 or the panel 124 may require a minimum threshold force or moment applied to the rotatable panel 124 in order to "snap" or remove the tab 130 from the retaining groove 132. This can advantageously ensure that the panel 124 does not swing relative to the tray 112 when the ladder 100 is being carried or when the tray 112 is repositioned to a raised or lowered position.

[0056] When the rotatable panel 124 is in the open position (i.e., as Figure 10 shown), the convertible compartment 122 can also advantageously serve as a location for supporting large or long tools. The handle, shaft, or other elongated portion of the tool can be inserted through the aperture 128 while the broader or wider portion of the tool is supported by the top surface of the tray 112. In some embodiments, the aperture 128 can accommodate a bag or other flexible receptacle. The bag can be suspended through the aperture 128 to increase the volume of objects that can be stored at the convertible compartment 122. The tray 112 can include a set of attachment points (e.g., hooks (e.g., 133), clamps (e.g., 134), slots (e.g., 136), magnets (e.g., 138), similar features, or combinations thereof; see Figure 10 ), which surround the top opening of the convertible compartment 122, and the side or open end of the bag can be attached to the attachment points while the bottom of the bag extends through the aperture 128. In this way, the weight of the bottom of the bag can be supported by the bag via the attachment points and the bag can be prevented from falling through the aperture 128.

[0057] The convertible compartment 122 can be positioned at a ferromagnetic component 138 located adjacent to or on the surface of the tray 112. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic component 138 can include a permanent magnet configured to emit a magnetic field through the sidewall of the convertible compartment 122 or through the top surface of the tray 112 at a point on the upper perimeter of the convertible compartment 122. The ferromagnetic component 138 can have a magnetic field strength sufficient to magnetically couple a typical hand-held paintbrush (e.g., a paintbrush with a width between about 1 inch and about 3 inches) to the sidewall of the convertible compartment 122 or to the ferromagnetic component 138 itself such that the bristles of the paintbrush hang above the rotatable panel 124. Additionally, the paintbrush can be positioned horizontally above the ferromagnetic component 138 with its bristles hanging at the upper end of the convertible compartment 122. Thus, the paint on the brush can drip into the convertible compartment 122 (e.g., into a cup or bag located within the convertible compartment 122), which can help the user prevent spills or other unwanted paint drips onto other areas. Additionally, even if the tray 112 or the ladder 100 is repositioned, the magnetic attraction of the brush to the component 138 can help hold the brush in place.

[0058] A pair of clamps 134 (e.g., lockable doors, clips, or retainable hooks) can be located at the end of the tray 112 opposite the top cover 110. See also Figures 30 to 3 the clamp 3034 in 4 and the related descriptions elsewhere herein of the features and characteristics of the clamp 134 that can be implemented. Each of the clamps 134 can be in Figures 8 to 10 the unlocked position shown (i.e., the raised, open, or released position) and Figures 11 to 13 the locked position shown (i.e., the closed, lowered, or retained position). Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 13-13 in Figure 10 (but with the clamps 134 rotated to their locked positions). The clamps 134 can be generally elongate and can extend in opposite directions from each other and away from the midpoint between opposite directions on the tray 112. The outer ends of the clamps 134 can snap-fit or interference-fit into recesses or protrusions in the tray 112 such that a minimal amount of force or torque is required to pivot the clamps 134 away from their locked positions.

[0059] Hook-shaped feet or tabs on the roller brush paint tray can be captured between the clamp 134 and the top surface of the tray 112 to prevent the paint tray from falling off the top of the ladder tray 112. To this end, the clamp 134 can have its pivot end 140 coupled to the tray 112 at its lateral inner end such that a user can press the clamp 134 into its locked position from the lateral outside of the tray 112 (and the paint tray). Typically, the paint tray will have a bottom panel that will cover the center of the tray 112, and in this way it is more challenging to couple the clamp 134 to the tray 112 when the paint tray is in that position. The pivot end 140 of the clamp 134 can pivot between its locked and unlocked positions about a substantially horizontal pivot axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the top surface of the tray 112). The clamp 134 can hold down the feet of the paint tray (or another horizontal member located between the clamp 134 and the tray 112), and thus can prevent the feet from moving upward away from the tray 112.

[0060] In some configurations, the clamp 134 can be used to couple a bag or other hanging object to the tray 112. For example, when a portion of the object is located between the clamp 134 and the tray 112, the clamp 134 can be pressed into its locked position, and holding the outer clamp end on the tray 112 can cause the clamp 134 to apply pressure to the object to hold it in place relative to the tray 112.

[0061] In addition, as Figures 11 to 13 shown, the pivot end 140 of the clamp 134 can be formed with a cylindrical portion that is configured to slide into a partially cylindrical channel in the tray 112. The diameter of the pivot end 140 can be substantially similar to the diameter of the channel, and the top opening of the channel can be smaller than the diameter. Thus, the clamp 134 can be simply and easily inserted and installed onto the tray 112 while also preventing it from being vertically pulled out of the channel.

[0062] As Figures 14 to 21 shown, the vertical rotation position of the tray 112 illustrates that in addition to the top cover 110, the tray 112 can also be used as a handle or gripper for the top end of the ladder 100, and the tray vertically extends above the top cover 110. The rear or distal end of the tray 112 can have a thickness that is configured to be accommodated within a typical user's hand gripper. Thus, the tray 112 in an upright position can improve the stability and comfort of a user when using the ladder 100.

[0063] As Figures 22 to 29 shown, the downward rotation position of the tray 112 can reduce the overall external dimensions of the ladder 100, thereby improving portability and reducing the packaging and shipping size of the ladder 100. As Figure 23As shown, the tray 112 can have a first width that is substantially similar to the width of the top cover 110 and a second distal width that is narrower than the first width. The second width can enable the tray 112 to fold downward between the rear rail 109 and the hinge 114. Thus, the narrower second width of the tray 112 can enable the tray 112 to have a length that is just greater than the distance between the top cover 110 and the hinge 114.

[0064] Figures 30 to 33 Illustrates exemplary features related to another embodiment of the top cover 3010 and tray 3012 of the ladder 3000. As Figures 30 to 33 shown, various combinations of the features and elements of the top cover 110 and tray 112 described above can also be implemented in the top cover 3010 and tray 3012. Similarly, the features and elements of the ladder 3000 can be implemented in the ladder 100.

[0065] The top cover 3010 can include a pair of clamps 3034 on the opposite side of the top cover 3010 relative to the tray 3012, i.e., on the user-facing side of the top cover or opposite the hinge (e.g., at the adjustment member 3020) that couples the tray 3012 to the top cover 3010. As described elsewhere herein, the clamps 3034 can operate similarly to the clamps 134. Additionally, the positioning of the clamps 3034 can allow a user to attach a paint tray or similar object to the user-facing side of the top cover 3010, which is useful for improving accessibility due to the expected location being closer to the user. Further, when the tray 3012 rotates to the downward / retracted / stored position (e.g., a position similar to Figure 27 the position shown), the clamps 3034 can be used to attach an object to the top cover 3010.

[0066] The fixture 134 can be configured to rotate upward / away from the top plane of the tray 112, and the fixture 3034 can be configured to rotate forward / away from the front plane of the top cover 3010. The axis of rotation (i.e., the pivot axis) of the fixture 3034 can be substantially perpendicular or parallel to the front of the top cover 3010. The fixture 134 can support and clamp an object vertically positioned between the tray-facing inner surface of the fixture 134 and the fixture-facing surface of the tray 112. Similarly, the fixture 3034 can support and clamp an object horizontally positioned between the top-cover-facing inner surface of the fixture 3034 and the surface of the top cover 3010 facing the fixture 3034. Thus, the fixture 3034 can assist in supporting vertically oriented thin objects (i.e., they elongate in the up / down direction and flatten in the horizontal direction), and the fixture 134 can support horizontally oriented thin objects (i.e., they elongate in the front / back direction and flatten in the vertical direction). Additionally, the fixture 3034 can resist horizontal movement of an object held on the top cover 3010 by the fixture 3034. This can be beneficial compared to resisting vertical movement (as in the case of the fixture 134) because the weight of the object held by the fixture 3034 can bear down against the top cover 3010 and can pull up on the top cover 3010 (e.g., if inserted into a groove or opening in the front of the top cover 3052 where the fixture 3034 is located), rather than pressing or pulling on the fixture 3034, which could cause accidental detachment or unlocking of the fixture 3034.

[0067] In some embodiments, the top cover 3010 can include a set of retaining surfaces 3050a - 3050d. The retaining surfaces 3050a - 3050d can be formed on a set of corresponding protrusions that extend upward (in the case of surfaces 3050a - 3050b) or laterally (in the case of surfaces 3050c - 3050d) from the top cover 3010. A pair of upper retaining surfaces 3050a - 3050b can have a tapered distance between each other. In other words, the pair of upper retaining surfaces 3050a - 3050b can taper toward each other along their horizontal length. Similarly, a pair of lower retaining surfaces 3050c - 3050d can have a tapered distance that separates them, although the distance is less than that of the upper retaining surfaces 3050a - 3050b. In each case, the tapered distance allows a user to horizontally slide and insert a cup, bucket, or other removable receptacle between a pair of retaining surfaces 3050a - 3050b or 3050c - 3050d to couple the receptacle to the top cover 3010. Each pair of retaining surfaces 3050a - 3050b or 3050c - 3050d can be configured to hold a receptacle of a generally predetermined size, such as a gallon-sized paint can designed to be held by the upper surface and a quart-sized paint can designed to be held by the lower surface. Similar retaining surfaces 150 with these features are indicated in Figure 10 in. As Figure 30As shown, the main top surface 3011a of the top cap 3010 may have upper / wider retaining surfaces 3050a to 3050b defined on projections extending vertically upward from the main top surface 3011a, and lower / narrower retaining surfaces 3050c to 3050d located vertically below the main top surface 3011a, such as on opposite sides of the secondary or lower top surface 3011b.

[0068] The tapered shape of the retaining surface 3050 allows the top cap 3010 to be clamped against the bottom edge or side of the receptacle, such as when the receptacle is generally cylindrical (e.g., a paint can). The surfaces 3050a to 3050d may define a hanging or other hooked shape such that the bottom lip or lateral projecting edge of the receptacle can be held by the surfaces 3050 and prevent vertical removal from the top cap 3010 via an interference fit. Thus, the receptacle can be at least partially inserted under the downward-facing portions of a pair of retaining surfaces 3050a to 3050b or 3050c to 3050d.

[0069] In the top cap 110, the retaining surface 150 may be located adjacent to the rear wall 152 of the top cap 110. The rear wall 152 helps to restrict the entry of liquid or other small debris from the top surface of the top cap 110 into the tray 112. In the top cap 3010, the front wall 3052 may restrict the movement of objects or liquid away from the front end of the top cap 3010 (i.e., toward the crossbar). Thus, the rear side of the top cap 3010 may not have a rear wall (e.g., similar to 152), thereby allowing effluent to move from the top cap 3010 into the tray 3012 (e.g., to the receptacle 3054).

[0070] The receptacle 3054 may include a reinforcing web 3056 to reinforce the front wall and the bottom wall of the receptacle 3054 and provide stability for the tray 3012 and the objects supported by the tray 3012. Thus, the web 3056 may have a triangular shape so as to extend from the front wall and the bottom wall of the receptacle 3054 and be integrated with or adhered to the front wall and the bottom wall. The reinforcing web 3056 may also at least partially divide the receptacle 3054 into sections where small objects (e.g., screws and nails) may be sorted into different lateral sides of the receptacle 3054. Additionally, the tray 3012 may be tilted upward at its outer rear end (e.g., the outer side opposite the top cover 3010 may be higher than its inner side coupled to the top cover), so that the objects in the receptacle 3054 may be configured to roll toward the top cover on either side of the web 3056 and thereby remain sorted into their respective partitions of the receptacle 3054. The outward upward tilt of the tray 3012 may also allow the tray 3012 to support more weight without sagging below a horizontal angle, which otherwise might be possible. In other words, a downward force (e.g., a weight load) on the tray 3012 may cause the tray 3012 to rotate or bend downward at least partially at the outer end, and the slightly upward angle of the tray 3012 relative to the hinge or relative to the top cover 3010 may help prevent the objects from rotating, sliding, or rolling out of the tray 3012 excessively, etc.

[0071] The tray 3012 may also include at least one end hook 3058. The end hook 3058 may be located at the outer corner of the tray 3012 opposite the hinge and the top cover 3010. The end hook 3058 may project upward and provide a location for hanging an object (e.g., an object suspended by a cord or a loop) from the tray 3012. For example, a bag (e.g., a plastic bag) may have a handle or a strip that hooks onto the end hook 3058 to be suspended below the convertible compartment 3022 of the tray 3012. The convertible compartment 3022 may have the same features and characteristics as the convertible compartment 122.

[0072] In some embodiments, the tray 3012 may include at least one tray stop 3060 configured to extend upward from the hinge portion 3062 of the tray 3012 adjacent to the top cover 3010 at the top cover stop 3064. Figure 33 detailed view (at Figure 30 in the box 33 in) shows the interface of the tray stop 3060 and the top cover stop 3064 at the hinge portion 3062 that connects the tray 3012 to the top cover 3010. The tray stop 3060 may act as a protrusion or a blocking member that projects radially away from the axis of rotation of the tray 3012 relative to other nearby portions of the hinge portion 3062 (e.g., the circular end surface of the hinge portion 3062 shown in the figure). Thus, the tray 3012 may be in a retracted or downward folded position relative to the top cover 3010 (similar to Figure 22)rotates between the horizontally deployed position ( Figure 33 position) without preventing rotation of the circular surface of the hinge portion 3062. When the horizontally deployed position is reached, the tray stop 3060 is movable into contact with the top cover stop 3064, thereby mechanically interfering with any further upward rotation of the tray 3012 relative to the top cover 3010 (e.g., to Figure 14 position). Thus, the tray stop 3060 and the top cover stop 3064 can be configured to contact each other to limit the tray 3012 relative to the top cover 3010 beyond a predetermined range of rotation of the tray 3012. The predetermined range of rotation can be limited to a small amount of upward rotation of the tray 3012 beyond the exact horizontal (as described above, allowing a few degrees of upward tilt), and significant rotational displacement, such as to a position parallel to the front guide rail, is not allowed. In some embodiments, in the locked position of the tray 3012 relative to the top cover 3010, the maximum upward tilt is limited to a position within a range of approximately 1 degree to approximately 5 degrees. In some embodiments, the upward tilt can be limited to approximately 10 degrees or less, or within a range of approximately 1 degree to approximately 10 degrees.

[0073] In some embodiments, the top cover stop 3064 can be formed as a hanging member having an open lower side (i.e., lower side surface 3066). The lower side surface 3066 can be vertically downward and cover the open space 3068 between the tray 3012 and the top cover 3010. Thus, the top cover stop 3064 can help prevent objects, debris, appendages, etc. from entering the open space 3068.

[0074] 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 inventions disclosed herein, as the inventions set forth in the following claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the disclosed inventions without departing from the spirit of the inventions. 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 including a first pair of guide rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of guide rails; A second component including a second pair of guide rails pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of guide rails between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration; A top cover coupled to the first pair of guide rails; and A tray coupled to the top cover and extending rearwardly therefrom, the tray including a convertible compartment having a bottom aperture and a panel rotatable between a first position exposing the bottom aperture and a second position covering the bottom aperture and defining a bottom surface of the convertible compartment.

2. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the panel includes a table that can be inserted into a holding groove formed in the tray.

3. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the panel elastically deflects to lock the panel relative to the tray.

4. The ladder according to claim 1, wherein the tray further includes a set of attachment points located at a top end of the convertible compartment.

5. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising at least one clamp that is movable between a holding position and a release position relative to the top cover or the tray.

6. The ladder according to claim 5, wherein the at least one clamp is rotatable between the release position and the holding position.

7. The ladder according to claim 5, wherein the at least one clamp can be locked in the holding position.

8. The ladder according to claim 5, wherein the at least one clamp is located above a top surface of the tray adjacent to the convertible compartment.

9. The ladder according to claim 5, wherein the at least one clamp is located on a front surface of the top cover.

10. The ladder according to claim 1, further comprising a ferromagnetic member located adjacent to the convertible compartment.

11. The ladder according to claim 10, wherein the ferromagnetic member is located on or in a sidewall of the convertible compartment.

12. A ladder, comprising: A first component including a first pair of guide rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of guide rails; A second component including a second pair of guide rails pivotally displaceable relative to the first pair of guide rails between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration; A top cover coupled to the first pair of guide rails; A tray coupled to the top cover and extending rearwardly therefrom; And A pair of clamps coupled to the top cover or the tray, the pair of clamps movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

13. The ladder according to claim 12, wherein each of the pair of clamps is pivotally coupled to the tray.

14. The ladder according to claim 12, wherein each of the pair of clamps is pivotally coupled to the top cover.

15. The ladder according to claim 12, wherein the pair of clamps are pivotable about a respective pair of horizontal pivot axes.

16. The ladder according to claim 12, wherein the pair of clamps are pivotable about a respective pair of vertical pivot axes.

17. A tray for a ladder, comprising: A body attachable to a top cover of a ladder; A convertible compartment formed in the body and having a bottom aperture; A panel located in the convertible compartment and rotatable between a first position covering the aperture and a second position exposing the bottom aperture; Wherein the panel is lockable relative to the body in the second position.

18. The tray according to claim 17, wherein the body includes at least one hinge portion configured to be rotatably coupled to the top cover.

19. The tray according to claim 17, wherein the panel is lockable relative to the body in the first position.

20. The tray according to claim 17, further comprising at least one elongate member pivotally coupled to the body and movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position.

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