Step ladder

Abstract

Step ladder (1) with a ladder element (2) having two first stiles (3) connected by fixed steps (4), and with a ladder support element (6) having two second stiles (7) connected by fixed connecting means (8), wherein the ladder support element (6) is movably connected to the ladder element (2) by means of two bearings (9) and by means of at least one locking means about a horizontal axis (10), and wherein in the use position of the step ladder (1) the ladder element (2) and the ladder support element (6) are folded open at an acute angle, and in the non-use position of the step ladder (1) the ladder element (2) and the ladder support element (6) are folded together and arranged next to each other, characterized in that in the non-use position of the step ladder (1) a part of each step (4) is located between the second stiles (7) of the ladder support element (6).

Description

[0001] The innovation relates to a step ladder according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Step ladders of this type are known in a wide variety of designs. These ladders are used to perform work at heights. For safety reasons, the aim is generally to make the steps as large as possible. However, the design of existing step ladders limits this aim, which has led to the development of step-enlarging devices that, as separate components, can be optionally and subsequently attached to the steps. For example, in the brochure of the company Munk, Günzburger Steigtechnik, one finds such devices as the "MaxxStep step module," which can be placed on the rungs of ladders. The brochure also mentions a "clip-step relax" step pad with padding and a "clip-step R13" step pad with slip-resistant properties.In addition, there is the "R13 hook-on platform" and the "R13 hook-on step," which can be attached to steps. The step module and the step supports only slightly increase the tread surface of the steps, while the hook-on platform and the hook-on step guarantee large tread surfaces, but are only intended for a single step of a step ladder and must be removed when folding the step ladder.

[0003] Hailo is known for a step ladder that also consists of a ladder section and a ladder support section. To meet safety requirements, the steps of this step ladder are particularly large. This is made possible because each step is mounted on the ladder section and can move around its own horizontal axis, and a sliding joint mechanism is used to which each step is connected. When this step ladder is folded, the steps pivot upwards around their respective horizontal axes using the sliding joint. When the step ladder is unfolded, the steps pivot back into their working position together.

[0004] Based on the described state of the art, the task of the innovation is to further develop a step ladder of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that the tread surface of all steps belonging to a step ladder can be enlarged even more than is currently possible with the state of the art.

[0005] The solution to the problem is described in the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0006] The decisive advantage of the solution lies in the fact that when the stepladder is folded into its non-functional position, a portion of each step is accommodated by the previously unused space between the second set of stiles. This, in turn, significantly increases the surface area of ​​each step. For the user of the innovative stepladder, larger treads not only provide greater stability while working, but also reduce stress on the user's knees and ankles, thus preventing joint damage, which can be particularly noticeable with age. The previously unavoidable need to constantly adjust one's balance on the relatively narrow steps to achieve sufficient stability is reduced.The proposed solution allows the steps to be significantly lengthened towards the ladder support element, resulting in a substantial increase in the tread surface area of ​​each step. The front section of each step can either taper towards the opposite ladder support element, becoming progressively narrower, or it can be narrower than the rest of the step.

[0007] The innovation is explained in more detail using two examples. It shows Fig. 1. Side view of an unfolded stepladder in use position; Fig. 2 in top view and section the folded step ladder according to Fig. 1 in non-use position as well as Fig. 3 also in top view another contour of the front section of a step.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of an unfolded stepladder 1, which is thus in its operating position. The stepladder 1 comprises a ladder element 2 and a ladder support element 6. The ladder support element 6 is movably connected to the ladder element 2 about a horizontal axis 10 by means of two bearings 9. The ladder element 2 has two first stiles 3, which are fixedly connected to each other by steps 4. The ladder support element 6 has two second stiles 7, which are also fixedly connected to each other by at least two connecting means 8. At least one locking means is provided, which ensures that the stepladder 1 can only be unfolded to a predetermined opening angle and thus assume its operating position. Each step 4 has a front section 5, and each front section 5 faces the opposite ladder support element 6.In the operating position of the step ladder 1, each step 4 is arranged horizontally. Steps 4 are known in a wide variety of designs. They can also be combined with known rungs that connect the stiles 3. The step ladder 1 described so far is representative of all other and differently designed step ladders 1 and corresponds to the state of the art.

[0009] Fig. 2 shows in a top view and in a section view the in Fig. 1. Step ladder 1 is described. The step ladder 1 is folded and thus in its unused position. The first two stiles 3 of the ladder element 2 are shown. Between the first two stiles 3 is a step 4, which applies to all further steps 4 of the step ladder 1. The clear width between the first two stiles 3 is marked with dimension A. The drawing also shows the second two stiles 7 of the ladder support element 6. The clear width between the second two stiles 7 is marked with dimension B. In this example, dimension B is larger than dimension A. However, dimensions A and B can also be the same. Each of the first two stiles 3 has a bearing 9 in which the ladder support element 6 is movably connected to the ladder element 3 about the horizontal axis 10.A rectangular area 11 is depicted between the two second stiles 7. This area is shown as a dashed line in the drawing and represents the space between the second stiles 7. The front section 5 of each step 4 tapers towards the opposite ladder support element 6, thus forming a trapezoidal shape. This is evident from the two slanted and mirror-image side sections 5a of each step 4. The trapezoidal front section 5 of each step 4, which features these two slanted side sections 5a, is located between the two second stiles 7 in this example. In the drawing, the front section 5 partially covers the area 11, which is true for all other front sections 5 of all steps 4 of this stepladder 1.According to the invention, when the stepladder 1 is not in use, a portion of each step 4 is located between the second stiles 7 of the ladder support element 6. Each front section 5 can also be arranged to project beyond the two second stiles 7, and thus beyond the surface 11, when the stepladder 1 is not in use. In this case as well, according to the invention, a portion of each step 4 is located between the second stiles 7 of the ladder support element 6 when the stepladder 1 is not in use. The front section 5 of each step 4 is that area which, when the stepladder 1 is not in use, is located between the stiles 7 or projects beyond them. In this example, the front section 5 is an integral and permanently molded component of each step 4, which can expediently be made from an extruded profile.

[0010] Based on the drawing, it is easy to imagine that the proposed solutions allow for a significant increase in the tread area of ​​each step 4. An increase in tread area of ​​approximately 30% is quite achievable.

[0011] In Fig. Figure 3 shows another form of a step 4. Instead of two sloping side sections 5a, the front section 5 of each step 4 is rectangular. This design of the front section 5 allows the clear distances A and B of the first and second stringers 3 and 7 to be equal. The width a of the front section 5 is smaller than the equal clear distances A and B, see Figure 3. Fig. 2. The alternative trapezoidal ground plan of the front section 5 is indicated again by a dash.

[0012] The front section 5 can be a separate part, for example made of plastic and thus saving weight, which can also be attached to a step 4 in a suitable manner afterwards, for example by clipping it on, screwing it on or riveting it.

Claims

[1] Step ladder (1) with a ladder element (2) having two first stiles (3) connected by fixed steps (4) and a ladder support element (6) having two second stiles (7) connected by fixed connecting means (8), wherein the ladder support element (6) is movably connected to the ladder element (2) by means of two bearings (9) and at least one locking means about a horizontal axis (10), and wherein in the use position of the step ladder (1) the ladder element (2) and the ladder support element (6) are folded open at an acute angle, and in the non-use position of the step ladder (1) the ladder element (2) and the ladder support element (6) are folded together and arranged next to each other, characterized by , that in the non-use position of the step ladder (1) a part of each step (4) is located between the second stiles (7) of the ladder support element (6). [2] Step ladder according to claim 1, characterized by , that the clear distance between the two second beams (7) is equal to or greater than the clear distance between the two first beams (3). [3] Step ladder according to claim 1, characterized by , that a front section (5) of each step (4) is trapezoidal when viewed from above. [4] Step ladder according to claim 1, characterized by , that a front section (5) of each step (4) is rectangular when viewed from above. [5] Step ladder according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the front section (5) is an integral and therefore inseparable part of each step (4). [6] Step ladder according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the front section (5) is a separate part that can be attached to each step (4).

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