Herringbone ladder pivot and locking mechanism

Abstract

A ladder with a lockable pivot arrangement is disclosed. A lockable pivot arrangement is located and connected between the two elongate ladder portions. And at least two jacks are arranged in each pair of end shells. A pivot mechanism is connected between the end shells that rotate in unison and also allow a pair of end shells to rotate relative to the housing. A locking mechanism within the housing has at least two locking members, each locking member having an actuator, each actuator having a free end. There is an elastic biasing element that biases the two locking members and the corresponding free ends and actuators apart from each other, the positions of the two actuators biased apart allowing single hand actuation to overcome the bias to unlock the rotation of the housing.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2019903477, filed on 18 September 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to ladders, and more particularly to a device for pivoting and locking an elongated ladder section to facilitate placement of the ladder during use and storage. Background Technology

[0003] In the following discussion, certain articles and methods are described for background and introductory purposes. Nothing in this document shall be construed as an "admission" of prior art. The applicant expressly reserves the right, if necessary, to demonstrate that the articles and methods cited herein do not constitute prior art under applicable law.

[0004] As is well known, the pivots located between the sections of a ladder allow the sections to move relative to each other. This feature is typically used to fold ladders for storage, but in some newer designs, a single ladder can be configured to fit a variety of shapes and expand its functionality by hinges and manually fixing the hinge angles of the sections.

[0005] As is well known, to lock the relative positions of the pivot parts of a folding ladder, one part can be selectively moved through the pivot part to prevent the pivot from rotating, thereby locking the relative positions of the two parts in place. Figure 1 Figure 4 shows an example of such a pivot locking device, but it is certainly not the only device suitable for locking the relative positions of two pivot parts relative to each other.

[0006] Figure 1 Figure 4 (Prior Art) shows a pivot for allowing two sections 300 and 302 of a ladder (not shown) to move relative to each other. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (the prior art), Figure 1The pivot shown illustrates the release and locking component 580A, which, in this device, needs to be pushed outward by pushing the locking component 508B from the other side of the pivot. A thrust applied to the locking component 508B overcomes a bias (spring 520), and the movement of each locking component intersects the axis of rotation of the pivot. Once the locking component 580A has passed the pivot and exited the hole, the pivot is free to rotate and can thus be operated to rotate, allowing the parts to rotate relative to each other. The thrust against the bias applied to the locking component 508B is maintained until the pivot rotates to a position allowing the locking component 580A to re-enter the pivot and pass through the predetermined holes. Once re-entry is possible, the biasing force helps pull the locking component 580A into these holes as the locking component 580A aligns with two of those predetermined holes, thus preventing the pivot from rotating and thereby locking the pivot's movement. The user-operated pivot and reciprocating locking components 580A and 502B allow the angle between parts 300 and 302 to be adjusted to different preset angles defined by the positions of the predetermined holes.

[0007] In use, the lockable pivot mechanism described above allows the ladder to be folded and stored, and as... Figure 4A and 4B As shown in the prior art, when the lockable pivot is used on both side rail components, it can also be rotated to extend the ladder for use. Clearly, the user must operate one pivot locking device on one side of the ladder with one hand and the other pivot locking device on the other side with the other hand. Therefore, both hands must be used simultaneously to coordinate the unlocking and relocking of the pivot locking devices. Otherwise, the two parts 400 and 402 cannot rotate relative to each other.

[0008] Figure 5The mechanical and construction details of the pivot described and disclosed include an outer frame 200, which includes a central bore 206 and a pair of locking bores 204. An inner frame 300, rotatable with the outer frame, includes a central bore 306 and a pair of locking bores 404. A rotating plate 400 rotatably located between the frames has locking bores 304 and a generally flat rotary spring 410, one end of which is mounted on the inner frame 300 and the other end on the rotating plate 400. A hub member 560 rotatably connects the frames about the central bores (206 and 306), having a hub member locking end 564 on one side (the unlocking end 566 is locked by a locking ring 540). A locking member extends into the locking bores (204 and 304) to fix the angle of the frames relative to each other. A pressing shaft 500, connected to a locking member, passes through a hub member 560 and includes a bearing end 506 and a spring 520 located between a locking end 564 of the hub member 550 and the bearing end of the pressing shaft 500. This exemplary prior art device operates by controllingly fixing the pivot between relatively moving parts, either immovably or movablely, by operating a locking pivot with one hand; however, when using this exemplary pivot on each side of the ladder, two hands are required.

[0009] In other systems requiring locking mechanisms to secure two sections of a ladder (which can move relative to each other), manually operable side hooks or arms are provided on both sections to insert pins into appropriate holes in the other section of the ladder, rather than into a pivot. Such a mechanism maintains the relative position of the two pivoting sections; otherwise, the pivot would remain free to rotate. Operating the side hooks or arms requires the simultaneous use of both hands and good hand-eye coordination.

[0010] Existing devices for locking and unlocking the pivoting parts of a ladder require good hand-eye coordination and two-handed operation to unlock and lock these parts, thereby setting the ladder in different positions for storage and use. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This summary section is provided to introduce some selected concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description section below. This summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other features, details, uses, and advantages of the claimed subject matter, including those shown in the drawings and defined in the appended claims, will become clear from the following detailed description section.

[0012] In one aspect, a lockable pivot device is provided for a ladder having two elongated ladder sections, each elongated ladder section having at least one step, the lockable pivot device being located and connected between the two elongated ladder sections. The lockable pivot device includes: a housing connected to a first elongated ladder section; a pair of end housings connected to a second elongated ladder section, each end housing having at least two insertion holes inside; a pivot mechanism connected between the end housings such that the end housings rotate uniformly and also allow the pair of end housings to rotate relative to the housing; and a locking mechanism housed within the housing and having at least two locking members, each locking member having an actuator, each actuator having a free end. A resilient biasing element is provided to bias the two locking members, along with their respective free ends and actuators, apart from each other, the position of the two actuators when biased apart allowing single-handed actuation to overcome the bias. Wherein, when the free end of the locking member enters the corresponding socket located inside the corresponding end housing, the rotation of the housing and the pair of end housings is locked; wherein, when each end of the sliding locking mechanism is actuated by the corresponding actuator to overcome the bias, the rotation of the housing and the pair of end housings is unlocked, so that the pair of ends move toward each other, thereby causing the free end to leave the socket located inside the corresponding end housing, so as to allow the corresponding elongated trapezoidal portion to be connected to rotate.

[0013] In one aspect, a ladder is provided, comprising a first elongated ladder section having at least one step and a second elongated ladder section having at least one step, and including a lockable pivot device as claimed in claim 1, the lockable pivot device being connected to the first elongated ladder section and the second elongated ladder section, the connected first elongated ladder section and the connected second elongated ladder section of the human-shaped ladder being movable about the lockable pivot device between an open state, wherein the first and second elongated ladder sections are adjustable to an angular relationship and also adjustable to a folded state, in which the first and second elongated ladder sections are substantially parallel to each other.

[0014] Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure herein is not limited to the specific applications described. The invention is also not limited to its preferred embodiments regarding the specific elements and features described or illustrated herein. It should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the one or more embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous reconfigurations, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope set forth and defined in the claims.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand that the uses of the embodiments are not limited to the specific applications described. The presented embodiments are not limited to any particular elements and features described or illustrated herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the disclosed principles. Therefore, the embodiments should be understood to include all such modifications within their scope.

[0016] The foregoing summary is provided to introduce some conceptual choices in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A lockable pivot device (prior art) is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 Showing the locked state Figure 1 A cross-sectional view (AA) of a lockable pivot device (prior art);

[0019] Figure 3 Showing the unlocked state Figure 1 A cross-sectional view (AA) of a lockable pivot device (prior art);

[0020] Figure 4A Showing the folded state with Figure 1 Human-shaped ladder with a lockable pivot device (prior art);

[0021] Figure 4B The image shows the product in its folded state. Figure 1 Human-shaped ladder with a lockable pivot device (prior art);

[0022] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 Exploded view of the components of the unlocking and locking pivot device (prior art);

[0023] Figure 6A An exemplary humanoid ladder in use is shown, having an embodiment of a one-handed unlocking and locking pivot device connected to a first elongated section and a second elongated section of the ladder.

[0024] Figure 6B An exemplary humanoid ladder in a folded state is shown, having an embodiment of a one-handed unlocking and locking pivot device connected to a first elongated section and a second elongated section of the ladder.

[0025] Figure 6CAn exemplary humanoid ladder in an extended state is shown, having an embodiment of a one-handed unlocking and locking pivot device connected to a first elongated section and a second elongated section of the ladder.

[0026] Figure 7 A perspective rear view of a portion of a humanoid ladder is shown, featuring an embodiment of a one-handed unlocking and locking pivot device connected to a first and second elongated section of the humanoid ladder.

[0027] Figure 8 A partial perspective rear view of the human-shaped ladder is shown, in which... Figure 7 The unlocking and locking pivot device in the embodiment is partially exposed;

[0028] Figure 9 A partial perspective rear view of the human-shaped ladder is shown, in which... Figure 7 The unlocking and locking pivot device of the embodiment is partially exposed, and a transparent cover is shown that exposes one side of the pivot and locking mechanism.

[0029] Figure 10 A partial perspective front view of the human-shaped ladder is shown, which has... Figure 7 The embodiment of the unlocking and locking pivot device shows a transparent end shell exposing the locking mechanism in the unlocked state;

[0030] Figure 11 The assembled state of the housing is shown, which houses a one-handed unlocking and locking (unlocking and engaging) mechanism, but the pivot mechanism along which the locking mechanism slides is not shown.

[0031] Figure 12 Showing containment Figure 11 An exploded view of the housing of the one-handed unlocking and locking mechanism shown;

[0032] Figure 13 Show Figure 6A , 6B The cross-section of the housing of the single-handed unlocking and locking pivot device in the embodiment of 6C;

[0033] Figure 14 An end view of the locking component is shown;

[0034] Figure 15 Two end shells are shown, each of which is connected to the end of a corresponding section of the human-shaped ladder;

[0035] Figure 16 The internal end view of the end shell is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The singular forms “a” and “the” used in the specification and claims include plural references unless the context otherwise requires.

[0037] Regarding the components of this invention and other methods or elements described herein, the invention may use the terms "comprising" (open-ended) or "substantially comprising." As used herein, "comprising" means the stated element or its structural or functional equivalent plus any other unstated element. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "having" and "comprising" should also be interpreted as open-ended. As used herein, "substantially comprising" means that the claimed apparatus, method, and system may include components other than those recited in the claims, provided that the additional components do not substantially alter the essential and novel features of the claim.

[0038] As used herein, the term "and / or," when applied to two or more listed items, means that any one of the listed features may be present, or any combination of two or more of the listed features may be present. For example, if a step is described as containing features A, B, and / or C, then the step may contain only feature A, only B, only C; a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0039] The present invention includes various embodiments of a lockable pivot device (release and assisted re-engagement) that can be operated with one hand, allowing products with articulated portions to be quickly and safely configured into multiple predetermined different articulated positions.

[0040] Through such Figure 6AThe non-limiting example shown is the human ladder embodiment 600, illustrating a lockable pivot device 610 operated with one hand for unlocking and locking (releasing and assisted re-engaging) to connect the various parts of the human ladder. The human ladder includes a first elongated ladder section 620 having at least one step 622. The human ladder also includes a second elongated ladder section 630 having at least one step 632. The human ladder may include a platform (not shown) connected between, or to either, the first and second elongated ladder sections to provide a horizontal working surface at a height greater than the step surface, which is fixed when the platform is in use; otherwise, the platform would be placed in an inconvenient storage location, and the human ladder would be used when no platform is available. Each section has two vertical frames (624a, 624b and 634a, 634b) and one or more steps 622 and 632 (sometimes referred to as treads or steps), which are fixed between the vertical frames and spaced along the frames a distance suitable for a person to move up and down while using the ladder. Human-shaped ladders typically have only one or two steps, but can have more. The length of one or two vertical frames can be adjusted, but this is not illustrated in this arrangement by the sliding interaction of a set of vertical frames. In one embodiment, a platform is connected to first and second elongated ladder sections, wherein the first and second sections are adjustable to an angular relationship, and the platform can be adjusted to a substantially horizontal orientation for use. A folded state also exists, in which the first and second elongated ladder sections and the platform are substantially parallel to each other.

[0041] Figure 6B An exemplary humanoid ladder is shown, featuring an embodiment of a one-handedly operated pivot device 610 connected to a first and second elongated ladder section, displayed in a folded state suitable for transporting and storing the ladder. The one-handedly operated unlocking and locking (release and assisted re-engagement) lockable pivot device can operate as described below to allow the two elongated ladder sections to rotate relative to each other. Figure 6BAs shown, the first elongated ladder section 620 and the second elongated ladder section 630 are parallel to each other. A tab 640a extends outward from the inside of the lowest step 622. The shape of the tab allows the inner edge of the vertical frame 634a of the second elongated ladder section 630 to slide on the front surface 642 of the tab when the tab bends to allow the vertical frame to pass through. The inner edge of the vertical frame is then received in a groove 644 of the tab. For example, the tab is made of a flexible, bendable material such as a sheet of metal or a suitable plastic so that the tab can bend as the inner edge of the vertical frame 634a slides into or out of the groove. Another similar tab 640b extends outward from the inside of the lowest step 622 on the other side of the step to receive and accommodate the inner edge of the vertical frame 634b of the second elongated ladder section 630. These tabs are used to accommodate the parallel first elongated ladder sections 620 and 630 of the ladder, as a locking pivot device may not lock in this position. Lockable pivot device locking in the position is one embodiment, but the two elongated trapezoidal sections can easily rotate relative to each other without having to unlock the lockable pivot device for convenience.

[0042] Figure 6C An exemplary humanoid ladder is shown, having an embodiment of a one-handedly operated pivot device 610 connected to a first and second elongated section of the ladder in an extended state. The one-handedly operated unlocking and locking (release and assisted re-engagement) lockable pivot device can operate as described below to allow the two elongated sections to rotate relative to each other. Figure 6C As shown, the first elongated ladder section 620 and the second elongated ladder section 630 are parallel to each other, but each elongated ladder section is offset such that the step 632 of the elongated ladder section 630 is located above and outside the step 622 of the elongated ladder section 620 (in this figure). The position of the first elongated ladder section 620 relative to the second elongated ladder section 630 is accommodated by a lockable pivot device providing a locked state in this position. Further accommodating devices may be provided to enhance the function of the lockable pivot device.

[0043] The disclosed embodiment is a human-shaped ladder 600, including a lockable pivot device 610 that connects a first elongated ladder section to a second elongated ladder section, the first and second elongated ladder sections being in an open state around the pivot device (e.g., Figure 6A As shown, the first and second slender trapezoidal sections are used in an angular relationship), in a folded state (as shown). Figure 6B As shown, the first and second stair sections are parallel to the platform), and in parallel and extended states (as shown). Figure 6C Move between (as shown).

[0044] External perspective view of the lockable pivot device 610 as shown Figure 7As shown, a housing 710, generally cylindrical in shape, is connected along its length to a portion 712 of a bracket 760. The cylindrical housing 710 can be connected to and attached to the portion 712 of the bracket 760, or directly connected to a portion 620 of the ladder 600. In this embodiment, a bracket 760 is located between vertical frames 624a and 624b, to which the protruding portion 712 is connected. Various connection methods are possible, including bolts and nuts (not shown). Other methods may include rivets, screws, or even welding. As described herein, the aforementioned and other forms of connection can be used when connections are required between components, and the suitability of the connection or other aspects depend on design and engineering choices. The housing 710 can also be connected between vertical frames (not shown).

[0045] The housing 710 is hollow, thus accommodating the sliding locking device. Only a portion of the manual actuators 740 and 750 is located inside the housing 710; the majority of the actuators are located outside the housing. The housing also houses element devices that allow the actuators to slide (arrows indicate inward movement). Actuators 740 and 750 slide along corresponding slots 742 and 752 in the housing (…). Figure 12 And slides within it, with its sliding parallel to the rod 800, which is coaxially positioned with respect to the cylindrical housing 710. Each actuator is connected to a corresponding sliding locking element 1210 and 1220 (see...). Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 ). Through the elastic biasing element 1230 (in this embodiment, a spring) Figure 12 The sliding locking components are biased against each other, causing the connected actuators and sliding locking components to be pushed outwards relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. Therefore, when not operated, the actuators are in a separated position and are ready to engage against the bias provided by the elastomeric biasing element. The sliding locking mechanism, in this embodiment, includes two sliding locking components 1210 and 1220, but may include more sliding locking components. In this embodiment, both sliding locking components have free ends 1210a and 1220a. Figure 11 ) and a resilient biasing element 1230, the function of which is to bias and separate the pair of free ends. When forcibly separated by biasing, the free ends are connected to at least one socket 1600 ( Figure 16 In this embodiment, the socket 1600 is a slot, but the socket can have other shapes formed in the end housing, or the socket can be a mechanism that allows the free end of a locking mechanism to be inserted and removed (or actively encapsulated). The socket is located in the respective end housings 810 and 820 by forming multiple walls. Figure 7 , 8Within (9, 10, and 15), the dimensions of these walls allow free ends to enter and exit the space formed by these walls. Once the free end of the corresponding sliding locking mechanism is in the corresponding socket, the sliding locking mechanism is rotate-locked, thereby ensuring that the rotation of the corresponding connected ladder parts is synchronized. The disclosed embodiment is an example of a clutch stop device in which two other rotating components are engaged by interference, such that once engaged, when one component rotates, the other component also rotates at the same speed without slippage, and the two components are locked together in the locking mechanism.

[0046] When actuators 740 and 750 are squeezed approximately by the thumb and forefinger of one hand to overcome the biasing force, the corresponding sliding locking elements 1210 and 1220 are also pulled towards each other along with the actuators, and the free ends of the sliding locking elements separate from the sockets 1600 in the respective end housings. Thus, the sliding locking mechanism is actuated by the corresponding actuators to overcome the bias, moving a pair of free ends 1210a and 1220a to separate them from at least one corresponding socket 1600 located inside the end housings 810 or 820. Once the free ends 1210a and 1220a of the sliding locking elements are completely removed from the corresponding sockets, there is room for relative rotation between housing 710 and the pair of end housings, as well as the respective connected ladders.

[0047] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A partial perspective rear view of the human-shaped ladder is shown, which has... Figure 7 The embodiment features a lockable pivot device, utilizing the illusion of a transparent end housing 810 to expose the insertion hole of the end housing. There are two end housings, 810 and 820, one function of which is to connect to corresponding vertical frames 634a and 634b of the elongated trapezoidal portion 630. This connection is shown in the figure as a pop-rivet, but many other fastening methods discussed above may also be applicable.

[0048] A lockable pivot mechanism allows each end housing 810 and 820 to rotate together with respect to the housing 710. This is achieved by using a rod 800 between the centers of each end housing and positioning it thereon. Figure 8 This allows for consistent rotation of the end shells. Figure 16 An internal end view of the end housing is shown, showing the square end of the rod inserted into a square hole. This ensures that both end housings rotate simultaneously in the same direction relative to the housing 710.

[0049] Another function of the lever 800 is to support the sliding locking elements 1210 and 1220, which can slide easily along the cylindrical portion of the lever between the ends of the lever. Figure 14 The diagram shows an end view of a sliding locking component. The center of the sliding locking component is a hole 1410 through which a rod passes. The hole is circular and located in the middle of the square end of the rod. Figure 12 The rod is not shown in the diagram, but Figure 8 , 9 The rod is shown in 10.

[0050] Figure 10 The arrangement of multiple sockets 1600 is clearly illustrated, the size of which allows the free end (1210a or 1220a) of the sliding locking element (1210 or 1220) to slide into and out of the corresponding socket. Figure 10 A partial perspective rear view is also shown, exposing the interior of the end-shell 810 device and the radial array of sockets. Figure 15 and 16 The internal end view of the end shell is shown, and only in Figure 16 For example, there are eight radially arranged insertion holes 1600 at the inner end of the end housing. The insertion holes do not extend to the full depth of the end housing, allowing the housing 710 to slide into the outside of the end housing and rotate within it when performing a pivoting function, thereby allowing the connected elongated ladders 620 and 630 to move. The strength of the insertion portion is critical, as the one-piece form of the insertion portion in this embodiment contributes to its strength.

[0051] In the disclosed embodiments, the free ends 1210a and 1220a of the sliding locking elements 1210 and 1220 are sized the same as the rest of the sliding locking elements, as this maintains the strength of the elements, which are also incorporated into the housing 710, which rotates with the connected ladder portion 620. The majority of the material used in the lockable pivot assembly is UV-resistant polyoxymethylene (PA), as this material is lightweight, hard, ridged, low-friction, dimensionally stable, and possesses the required strength. This material, supplied in granular form, can be heated and formed into relevant shapes using known two-piece injection molding and blow molding techniques, as well as extrusion and rotational molding; other materials may also be used provided the strength and durability requirements are met. The springs are made of spring steel. As previously mentioned, the various connecting and securing elements are corrosion-resistant metals, typically used to secure plastic to plastic or to aluminum portions of the ladder, possessing the required shear and tensile strength to ensure the long-term secure fixation of the lockable pivot assembly and various components of the ladder.

[0052] like Figure 8 , 9 10, 12 and Figure 14 The end view of the sliding locking element 1220 is shown. Each sliding locking element 1210 and 1220 is shaped to slide into the four sockets 1600 of the end housings 810 and 820 simultaneously. Figure 14The four ridges 1402, 1404, 1406, and 1408 on the apex of the elongated body 1420, which has a substantially square cross-section, are clearly shown. These four ridges are 90 degrees to each other about the central longitudinal axis of the sliding locking element body. These four ridges not only slide into the insertion holes of the end housing but also slide along the channels 1302, 1304, 1306, and 1308 provided inside the housing 710, as... Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 A cross-section of the cylindrical housing 710 is shown. Similarly, the strength of the insertion portion is critical, as the integral form of the insertion portion in this embodiment contributes to its strength.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, a connection exists between the housing 710 and the portion 620, which in this embodiment is via a bracket 760 between the vertical frames 634a and 634b. Therefore, the housing, the associated lockable pivot device, and the connector bear the full force exerted on the elongated ladder portion 620 by the upper end of the elongated ladder portion 630. This force varies with the relative angle between the elongated ladder portions 620 and 630, which are positioned by the lockable pivot device. Since the connection between these portions may be made solely through the housing (however, additional supports may be used between the elongated ladder portions 620 and 630 to prevent them from separating too far beyond the position of the lockable pivot device), the connection between the housing and the portion 620 must be sufficiently robust to withstand the forces involved. These forces involve first supporting the human-shaped ladder frame, but more importantly, supporting one or two people using the ladder, as well as any required safety factors related to the static and dynamic loads of the ladder. Despite warnings and recommended operating procedures, if both people are on a humanoid ladder above the locking pivot device, it is desirable that the locking pivot device and the corresponding connections of the ladder parts be strong enough to support the relevant load.

[0054] The pivot can also allow the slender ladder sections 620 and 630 to rotate, making them parallel, so that one ladder section sits on top of the other, thus transforming the human-shaped ladder into an extension ladder with a height almost twice that of the other ladder section. In this case, the forces involved are different, but still quite large, and the strength of the connections and all components that must withstand the forces involved need to take into account the materials used, environmental conditions, stresses that vary over time, and many other characteristics that are typically specified in standards.

[0055] The described embodiments provide a one-handed locking and unlocking device that allows products with articulated sections to be quickly and securely configured into multiple predetermined different articulated positions. The features disclosed in this specification are applicable to any product requiring locking and unlocking of articulated sections, including but not limited to multi-purpose, modular, dual-purpose, double A-frame and single A-frame, step, inclined, and upright ladder products.

[0056] Although preferred forms have been disclosed, the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The applicant considers the subject matter of the invention to encompass all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and properties disclosed herein. No single feature, function, element, or property of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The appended claims define specific combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and properties considered novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and sub-combinations may be claimed in this application or related applications by amending existing claims or by filing new claims. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, identical, or different in scope than the original claims, are considered to be included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed by the applicant.

Claims

1. A ladder, comprising: A first ladder section and a second ladder section, each of the first ladder section and the second ladder section having a first rail section and a second rail section and at least one step connecting the first rail section and the second rail section; and A lockable pivot assembly connecting the first ladder section and the second ladder section and enabling selective rotation of the second ladder section relative to the first ladder section, the lockable pivot assembly comprising: A long, slender shell connected to the first ladder section; A first plate and a second plate, connected to the second ladder portion and pivotally coupled to the elongated housing at opposite ends, each defining a plurality of openings for locking the second ladder portion relative to the first ladder portion at multiple different locations, wherein the first plate defines a base plate and an elongated rod, the base plate having a central hole for a pivot pin, the elongated rod for engaging a rail portion of the second ladder portion, wherein the center of the elongated housing is substantially aligned with the center of the base plate; and A locking assembly, at least partially located within the elongated housing, and comprising: The first locking component and the second locking component are respectively used to engage and disengage the plurality of openings in the first plate and the second plate; A first actuator mechanically coupled to the first locking component and a second actuator mechanically coupled to the second locking component, the first actuator having a first handle and the second actuator having a second handle; A biasing element that biases the first locking member and the first actuator away from the second locking member and the second actuator; The lockable pivot assembly is provided in an unlocked state when the first and second actuators move toward each other and resist bias, such that the first and second locking components disengage from the plurality of openings in the first and second plates to allow the second ladder to rotate relative to the first ladder; and When the first actuator and the second actuator engage at least one of the plurality of openings in the first plate and the second plate, a locked state is provided for the lockable pivot assembly.

2. The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot pin extends through the first plate and into the elongated housing.

3. The ladder of claim 2, wherein the elongated shell has a height approximately equal to the height of the substrate.

4. The ladder of claim 2, wherein the elongated shell has a width approximately equal to the width of the substrate.

5. The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated support is connected to the side of the elongated housing.

6. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the first handle and the second handle are positioned to allow single-handed actuation when biased apart.

7. The ladder of claim 1, comprising a pivot pin, the pivot pin including a rod located between the first plate and the second plate.

8. The ladder of claim 1, further comprising a platform connected to the first ladder section and the second ladder section, and the ladder being configurable for use and folding, wherein in the use state the first ladder section and the second ladder section are at an angle to each other and the platform is substantially horizontal; and in the folding state the first ladder section, the second ladder section, and the platform are substantially parallel to each other.

9. A ladder, comprising: A first ladder section and a second ladder section, each of the first ladder section and the second ladder section having a first rail section and a second rail section and at least one step connecting the first rail section and the second rail section. and A lockable pivot assembly connecting the first ladder section and the second ladder section and enabling selective rotation of the second ladder section relative to the first ladder section, the lockable pivot assembly comprising: An elongated shell connected to the first ladder and having a first cavity; A first plate and a second plate, connected to the second ladder portion and pivotally coupled to the elongated housing at opposite ends thereof, wherein a pivot pin extends through the first plate and into a first cavity of the elongated housing, and wherein each of the first and second plates defines a plurality of openings for locking the second ladder portion relative to the first ladder portion in a plurality of different positions; and A locking assembly, at least partially located within the elongated housing, and comprising: A first locking member and a second locking member, which at least partially extend within the first cavity, are respectively used to engage and disengage the plurality of openings in the first plate and the second plate.

10. The ladder of claim 9, wherein the pivot pin extends into the center of the elongated housing.

11. The ladder of claim 9, wherein the first plate defines a base plate and an elongated rod, the base plate having a central hole for the pivot pin, and the elongated rod for engaging the rail portion of the second ladder section.

12. The ladder of claim 11, wherein the elongated shell has a height approximately equal to the height of the substrate.

13. The ladder of claim 11, wherein the elongated shell has a width approximately equal to the width of the substrate.

14. The ladder of claim 11, wherein the elongated shell is aligned with the center of the substrate.

15. The ladder of claim 9, wherein the elongated support is connected to the side of the elongated housing.

16. The ladder of claim 9, wherein the first locking member is mechanically coupled to the first handle, and the second locking member is mechanically coupled to the second handle.

17. The ladder of claim 16, wherein the first handle and the second handle are positioned to allow single-handed actuation to engage and disengage the first locking member and the second locking member from the plurality of openings in the first plate and the second plate, respectively.

18. The ladder of claim 9, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are respectively biased toward the first plate and the second plate.

19. The ladder of claim 9, wherein the pivot pin extends between the first plate and the second plate.

20. The ladder of claim 9, further comprising a platform connected to the first and second ladder sections, and the ladder being configurable for use and folding, wherein in the use state the first and second ladder sections are angled relative to each other and the platform is substantially horizontal; and in the folded state the first and second ladder sections and the platform are substantially parallel to each other.

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