Ladder with folding rungs

Abstract

The present invention comprises a ladder (1) wherein the ladder (1) has the following: - a first ladder part (3) comprising: - a first stile (10) and a second stile (20); - at least one hinged rung (30) arranged between the first stile (10) and the second stile (20), wherein the rung (30) has a bearing (42) along a pivot axis (40) on the respective stiles (10, 20) so that the rung (30) is rotatably mounted relative to the stiles (10, 20); - a guide element (50) arranged on each side (32) of the hinged rung (30), the respective side (30) facing the corresponding stile (10, 20), - wherein the guide element (50) has at least one recess (52); - at least one first bolt (60) arranged on each of the stiles (10, 20) for each of the at least one hinged rung (30), wherein the first bolt (60) is designed such thatthat in a first position it engages with at least one recess (52) and holds at least one hinged rung (30) in the first position, wherein the hinged rung (30) in the first position has a horizontal tread (34) with a depth (t) of at least 8 cm and the first bolt (60) is designed to absorb a weight force (f) acting on the at least one hinged rung (30) and on the tread (32), wherein the first bolt (60) is further designed such that by applying a force opposite to the weight force (f) the engagement between the respective recess (52) and the first bolt (60) can be released, so that the at least one hinged rung (30) can be folded into a second position, wherein in the second position the respective tread (34) is arranged substantially parallel to the stiles (10, 20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ladder.

[0002] Ladders are known in various designs. In particular, a ladder is characterized by the easy possibility of transporting it from a storage location to an assembly site. A ladder must therefore correspond to the conditions required at the assembly site. In addition, with regard to safety, requirements are placed on the width of the rungs depending on the length of the ladder. In particular, as the length of the rungs increases and thus when climbing to an increasing height with each rung of the ladder, a specified width must be maintained. However, this specified width can far exceed the width of the ladder stile, so that the width of a ladder is no longer determined by the stile itself but by the rung arranged between the stiles. This reduces the handleability of the ladder. This also leads to a less compact arrangement during transport.This is particularly noticeable with stepladders, which are characterized by at least two ladder sections connected to each other, each section having rungs. This can lead, in particular, to the fact that when the stepladder is folded, the stiles of the first and second sections no longer touch each other, but are spaced apart due to the width of the rungs.

[0003] Although step ladders are known from the state of the art, such step ladders have a large pack size, making transport difficult.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a ladder with the smallest possible packing dimensions.

[0005] The problem is solved by independent claim 1, which provides a ladder. The dependent claims comprise advantageous developments of the ladder.

[0006] According to claim 1, a ladder is proposed, the ladder comprising: a first ladder part comprising: a first stile and a second stile; at least one foldable rung arranged between the first stile and the second stile, wherein the rung has a bearing along a rotation axis on the respective stiles, so that the rung is rotatably mounted relative to the stiles; a guide element arranged on a respective side of the foldable rung, wherein the respective side faces the corresponding stile, wherein the guide element has at least one recess;at least one first bolt which is arranged on each of the stiles for each of the at least one foldable rung, wherein the first bolt is designed such that, in a first position, it engages with the at least one recess and holds the at least one foldable rung in the first position, wherein the foldable rung in the first position has a horizontal tread with a depth of at least 8 cm and the first bolt is designed to absorb a weight force acting on the at least one foldable rung and on the tread, wherein the first bolt is further designed such that, by the action of a force opposite to the weight force, the engagement between the respective recess and the first bolt can be released, so that the at least one foldable rung can be folded into a second position, wherein in the second position the respective tread is arranged substantially parallel to the stiles;

[0007] The ladder can serve various purposes. A ladder with only a first section consisting of at least two stiles is conceivable. However, a ladder can also be understood as a ladder with multiple sections. For example, the ladder can be an extendable ladder or a trestle ladder.

[0008] The ladder can be made of aluminum, for example. However, it would also be conceivable for the ladder to be made of steel, magnesium, or a metal alloy. In particular, the stiles and the folding rungs can be made of such a material. The stiles are intended to have a rectangular cross-section. In particular, the stiles have a length that is a width and a depth of the stile. Accordingly, a longitudinal direction is arranged along the length. Furthermore, the stiles can be hollow. This means that the stiles are formed by a wall.

[0009] A folding rung is located between the stiles. "Between the stiles" means that the rung is essentially located between the stiles.

[0010] To ensure the rung's foldability, it has a pivot axis. The pivot axis can be formed by a rod. It is also conceivable, however, for the rung to have a projection, such as a pin or a cylindrical element, on the side panels facing the stiles, so that the projection engages with the respective stiles. This allows the rung to rotate relative to the stiles between which it is mounted. In particular, the rung is arranged so that it can rotate relative to the stiles.

[0011] The rung may be hollow inside. This means that the rung is essentially formed by a wall.

[0012] Accordingly, the rung has a guide element on each side facing the stiles, which forms the wall of the rung on the sides facing the stiles. The guide element is designed to have a recess. Furthermore, the guide element has a passage for the rotation axis, so that the rotation axis runs from the rung through the guide element into the stiles.

[0013] The recess in the guide element is particularly designed such that it can be engaged with a first bolt that is arranged in the stiles between which the rung is arranged. "Engaged" means in particular that a force can be transferred from the recess in the guide element to the first bolt. In particular, the force to be absorbed can be a weight that acts on the rung. Furthermore, the first bolt is arranged so that it can be moved relative to the stile. In particular, the bolt can be arranged so that it can be countersunk into the stile. This allows the recess to be released from the first bolt, so that after release, the rung is interlocked and is the axis of rotation. For example, the bolt can be provided with a spring mechanism.The spring mechanism can be designed such that, after pushing the bolt into the spar to release the bolt's engagement in the recess, the spring mechanism then pushes it out again after the bolt has been released. Consequently, to engage the bolt, the guide element can first be pushed into the spar, and as soon as the recess aligns with the position of the first bolt, the bolt can be pushed out again by the spring mechanism and engage with the recess.

[0014] The bolt can be cylindrical. In particular, the bolt can also be a pin. It is also conceivable for the bolt cross-section to be rectangular. Furthermore, the bolt can be provided with a phase. This phase can, in particular, enable the guide element to press the bolt into the stile when the rung is rotated about the rotation axis. Furthermore, a further phase can be provided so that the engagement of the bolt with the recess can be released by applying a force counter to a weight force.

[0015] In this case, the rung is interlaced from a second position into a first position. In the second position, the rung is arranged such that the tread of the rung is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge of the stile. In particular, the tread of the rung can be aligned with the treads of the other rungs of the ladder section. Furthermore, the second position is a different position from the first position. In particular, the second position can be a position such that the rung does not protrude beyond the width of the stile.

[0016] In a first position, the rung is essentially horizontal. In other words, the rung is parallel to the ground or horizontal. The first position can also be understood to mean that the ladder can be climbed by one person. In particular, the first position is characterized by the rung or tread being wider than the stile. The tread is intended to have a width of at least 8 cm. The width is a length of the tread in the first position, which is different from a distance between the stiles. In other words, the length of the tread is the shorter side of the tread. The width can also be >8 cm or exactly 8 cm. For example, the width can be intended to be 8.1 cm. The width can also be intended to be 9, 10 or 11 cm. This list is not exhaustive.

[0017] "Foldable" refers in particular to a rotational movement or the rotatable rung around a rotational axis. In particular, "foldable" means that the rung is held in a first position, a second position, or a third position. "Foldable" therefore means in particular that the rotational movement is caused by the action of an external force. In particular, the external force is different from a weight force. Preferably, the external force is opposite to the weight force. This can prevent the rung from folding due to the action of a weight force, such as a person stepping onto the rung.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, each of the bars further comprises at least one second bolt for each of the at least one foldable rung, so that a surface opposite the tread surfaces and / or the respective guide element rests at least partially on the second bolt in the first position.

[0019] The second bolt in the respective stile of the first ladder section can be designed such that a surface opposite the supporting surface rests on the second bolt in a first position of the foldable rung. As a result, the second bolt, in addition to the first bolt, can absorb a weight force that, for example, acts on the actionable rungs, in particular on the tread, when the tread is stepped on. In other words, both the first bolt and the second bolt absorb the weight force acting on the rung. This allows the acting weight force to be better distributed by the bolts across the stiles, in particular across the walls of the rooms. This means that the walls can be thinner, so that the weight of the ladder can be reduced. It can also be provided that the respective guide element additionally or alternatively rests on the second bolt.

[0020] Partially resting means that the tread or guide element does not rest fully on the bolt.

[0021] For example, the second bolt can be designed analogously to the first bolt. In particular, the second bolt can also have a spring mechanism, allowing the second bolt to be retracted. It is also conceivable for the second bolt to be designed such that it can engage with the recess of the guide element, so that the rung can be selectively engaged with the first bolt or the second bolt by means of the recess. This has the advantage that the rung can be adjusted according to the ladder's installation angle.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ladder has a second ladder section, allowing the ladder to be extended. The second ladder section has the following: a third spar and a fourth spar; at least one rung which is firmly connected to the third spar and fourth spar and is arranged outside a space spanned by the third spar and fourth spar; wherein each of the spars of the second ladder part is designed to receive one of the spars of the first ladder part.

[0023] Furthermore, in addition to the first ladder section, the ladder can also have a second ladder section. In this case, the first ladder section is different from the second ladder section. In particular, the second ladder section is formed by a third stile and a fourth stile. The third stile and the fourth stile are designed such that they can each accommodate the stile of the first ladder section at intervals. This means that, for example, the first stile can be accommodated by the third stile and the second stile by the fourth stile. In other words, this means that the outer dimensions of a stile of the first ladder section are smaller than the dimensions of a stile of the second part. Consequently, the spaces of the first ladder section can be moved together relative to the stiles of the second ladder section.

[0024] Furthermore, it is provided that a fixed rung is arranged between the third and fourth stiles. In contrast to the foldable rung, which is arranged between the first or second further stiles, the fixed rung is not arranged within a space spanned between the third and fourth stiles, but outside this space. In particular, the fixed rung is arranged outside a space between the third and fourth stiles. This has the advantage that when the first ladder section is pushed together into the second ladder section, the foldable rungs can be pushed past the fixed rungs of the second ladder section.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first conductor part is adjustable relative to the second conductor part in advanced positions.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bolts can be countersunk into the respective beams of the first ladder part.

[0027] The first and second bolts of the respective stiles of the first ladder section can be countersunk. This has the advantage that when the step is pivoted from the third position to the first position, the respective bolt is first pressed into the stile by the guide element or rung. Then, as soon as the recess is in a position that aligns with the bolt, the bolt can be brought into engagement with the recess.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third stile and the fourth stile have, on a side facing the other stile, a recess along a longitudinal direction of the respective facing side, so that when the ladder parts are pushed together by inserting the respective stile of the first ladder part into the corresponding stile of the second ladder part, the bearing of the respective foldable rung of the respective stile is received in a recess of the stiles on the respective facing side.

[0029] It can be provided that the third stile and the fourth stile each have a recess. The recess is arranged on the side facing the other stile of the second ladder part. In particular, the recess runs along a longitudinal direction of the respective stile. The longitudinal direction is the direction in which the respective stile extends the longest. In other words, it has the longest side. For example, it can be provided that at one end of the stile the recess has a rounded area on one side of the recess so that the bolts are guided into the recess. Accordingly, it is provided that the bolts and the rotation axis are received in the recess. This enables the first ladder part to be pushed together into the second ladder part.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, each of the guide elements has a thickening, so that the respective rung is received in the recess by the thickening when the ladder parts are pushed together and is thus held in a second position.

[0031] The guide element can have a thickened portion. The thickened portion is designed such that it can be accommodated by the recess. In particular, the thickened portion is designed such that it enables the respective folding rung to be locked when the first ladder section is pushed together into the second ladder section. This has the advantage that the rung is held in a predetermined position during transport. In particular, the thickened portion can be less than the wall thickness of the second ladder section. However, the thickened portion is at least thick enough to engage with the recess when pushed together.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least one foldable rung of the first ladder part in the second position and the at least one rung of the second ladder part in a retracted state form a common rung.

[0033] It can be provided that the foldable rung, in the second position intended for transport, in a collapsed state, i.e. when the first ladder section has been completely or as completely as possible taken up by the second ladder section, forms a common rung with the respective fixed rung. This means that the foldable rung is flush with the fixed rung at least with regard to one surface. Furthermore, it is provided that the foldable rung is not offset from the fixed rung in the longitudinal direction of the stiles. This has the advantage that the ladder can be climbed when collapsed. This therefore enables the ladder to be used even when collapsed.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bolts are cylindrical.

[0035] The bolts can have different shapes. In particular, they can have different shapes with respect to a cross-section that runs parallel to the facing side of the spar. For example, the cross-section can be triangular, circular, or rectangular. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. For example, the bolt can also be cylindrical. The cylindrical design of the bolt has the advantage that engagement is always possible when the bolt is rotated relative to the recess, provided the recess and the bolt are aligned.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bolts are brought into engagement with the respective recess by means of a spring mechanism, wherein the respective bolt is first pressed into the respective beams by the respective guide element.

[0037] It can be provided that the bolt is countersunk into the respective stile. In order for the bolt to come out of the countersunk position again, a force must return the bolt to its original position. This can be done, for example, by means of a spring mechanism. In one example, the spring mechanism can have a spring that is fastened at a predetermined position and transfers a spring force between a side of the stile and an end of the bolt to the bolt, so that the bolt is moved back into its original position along its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the mechanism is designed such that it not only returns the bolt to its original position, but also brings it into engagement with the recess in the guide element. This has the advantage that the rung is automatically locked relative to the stile.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first bolt and the second bolt of the corresponding foldable rung of the respective spar are arranged on a movement element.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be provided that one end of the first bolt and one end of the second bolt are each connected to one another by a movement element. This means in particular that the first bolt can only be moved in relation to the second bolt. In particular, this means that the first bolt cannot be moved relative to the second bolt. The movement element can be made of plastic, wood or metal, for example. In particular, the movement element is designed such that it can absorb forces acting on the first and second bolts. Furthermore, it is provided that the movement element is arranged inside the respective bar. This has the advantage that a transmission of force between the first bolt and the second bolt is enabled.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ladder further comprises a rod guide which is arranged internally in the respective stiles, wherein the respective first bolt is arranged in a second recess and the respective second bolt in a respective third recess, wherein the second recess and the third recess are arranged on a side facing the respective other stile, so that each of the rungs is movable between the first position and a third position, wherein the first bolt of one foldable rung is connected in a force-fitting manner to the second bolt of the respective adjacent foldable rung.

[0041] On a respective facing side of the first spar and the second spar, a recess can be provided for both the first bolt and the second bolt. Each recess defines a range of motion for the first bolt and the second bolt. Furthermore, the first bolt is connected to the second bolt by means of the movement element, so that the first bolt and the second bolt can be moved together along the respective recesses. This has the advantage that the bolts, and thus also the foldable rung, can also be moved into a third position, which is different from the first position and the second position.

[0042] It is further provided that the ladder has a rod guide. The rod guide is arranged internally in each of the first stile and the second stile. Furthermore, the rod guide is designed such that a respective rod is connected to the first bolt of a moving element and a second bolt of an adjacent moving element. In particular, it is provided that the rod guide is designed such that it can absorb a force acting on the first and second bolts. This means, in particular, that the rod guide is in a fixed position relative to the moving element. In other words, the rod guide is not movable relative to the moving element. Although it can be provided that the rod guide is movable relative to a wall of the stile, the rod guide is not movable relative to the bolts or the moving element.This allows the rod guide to absorb any force acting on the bolt.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, the respective rod guide in each of the bars can be fixed jointly or individually in the first position or the third position, so that the rod guide absorbs a weight force acting on the at least one foldable rung by means of the respective bolts.

[0044] The rod guide can have a fixing device. In particular, it can be provided that each of the movement elements has a fixing device. Furthermore, it can be provided that each of the rod guides has a single, independently formed fixing device. However, it is preferably provided that the rod guides of the respective stile have a common fixing device. In particular, the fixing device is designed such that the fixing device prevents movement of the rod guide relative to the stile. This means that the fixing device can absorb a force acting on the respective rungs and transmitted to the rod guide via the bolts and the movement element.

[0045] For example, such fixation can be achieved using a bolt or a hook.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least one foldable rung can only be folded when it is outside the recess by pulling the first ladder part out of the second ladder part.

[0047] This has the advantage that the actionable rung is held in the second position, so that in the second position only unwanted movement of the rung, such as rattling during transport, is prevented.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment, one end of the respective stiles of the first ladder part is connected to a respective end of a third ladder part, which corresponds to the second ladder part, and / or a fourth ladder part, which corresponds to the first ladder part, in a rotatable manner relative to one another, so that the ladder parts form a trestle ladder.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, two first ladder parts, which are referred to below as the first ladder part and the fourth ladder part, with the fourth ladder part corresponding to the first ladder part, can be connected in such a way that they together form a trestle ladder. In particular, it can be provided that the respective ends of the first ladder part and the fourth ladder part are connected to one another by means of a joint. The joint can, for example, be designed such that the fourth ladder part can be moved about the joint relative to the first ladder part. Furthermore, the joint can have a locking mechanism so that the first ladder part can be locked relative to the fourth ladder part, i.e. can be held in a previously brought position. For example, it can be provided that only the first ladder part is connected to the fourth ladder part. Such a combination results in a trestle ladder.Furthermore, it can be provided that a second ladder section is also arranged in addition to the first ladder section. This has the advantage that the stepladder can be extended on at least one side. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the fourth ladder section also has a third ladder section, so that both sides of the stepladder are extendable.

[0050] A step ladder has the advantage of standing on the ground and not having to be leaned against another object. This expands the range of applications for such a ladder.

[0051] According to an advantageous embodiment, the foldable rungs of the first ladder part and the fourth ladder part are arranged in a first position or the foldable rungs of the first ladder part are arranged in the first position and the foldable rungs of the fourth ladder part are arranged in the third position, wherein the treads of the foldable rungs of the first ladder part and the fourth ladder part are substantially horizontal.

[0052] The rungs of the first ladder part and the fourth ladder part can be moved independently of one another. For example, it can be provided that the rungs of the first ladder part are in a first position and the rungs of the fourth ladder part are in a second position. It can also be the case that the rungs of the first ladder part are in a first position and the rungs of the fourth ladder part are in a third position. In other words, the positions of the rungs of the first ladder part and the fourth ladder part can be adjusted independently of one another. It is preferably provided that the rungs of the first ladder part and the fourth ladder part are arranged in a first position. However, it can also be provided that the rungs of the first ladder part are arranged in the third position and the rungs of the fourth ladder part are arranged in the second position.Preferably, the treads of the rungs of the first ladder section and the fourth ladder section can be arranged parallel to one another. In particular, all rungs, i.e., the folding rungs, can be arranged in a position different from the second position, and the fixed rungs can be arranged parallel to one another.

[0053] The invention is explained in more detail using the attached figure as an example. It shows: Figure 1 a schematic representation of a folding rung, Figure 2 a schematic representation of a first ladder part, Figure 3 a schematic representation of folding rungs with a rod guide Figure 4 a schematic representation of a first ladder section with internal rod guide Figure 5 a schematic representation of a first ladder section and a second ladder section with a recess Figure 6a - 6c a schematic representation of various arrangements of the first ladder section relative to the third ladder section Figure 7a - 7d schematic sequence of images of a folding of the foldable rung

[0054] The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0055] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0056] Figure 1shows a foldable rung 30. The foldable rung 30 has a guide element 50 on each of two opposite sides. Each of the guide elements 50 has a recess 52. Furthermore, each of the guide elements 50 has a thickened portion 55. Preferably, the thickened portion 55 can be arranged in a center of the guide element 50. The thickened portion 55 can extend in particular from a center of the guide element towards an edge, in particular towards a tread surface 34. In particular, the recess 52 can be arranged in the thickened portion 55. Furthermore, an edge or the opposite edges of the thickened portion can run parallel to the tread surface 34. The tread surface 34 can run in particular along a longest side of the guide element 50. In particular, a length of the tread surface 34 can correspond to the length of the longest side of the guide element 50. In particular, the tread surface 34 can have a length of at least 8 cm.The foldable rung 30 further has a rotation axis 40. The rotation axis 40 runs through the guide element 50. In particular, the recess 52 and the rotation axis 40 can be arranged along a direction that runs parallel to the tread 34. The recess 52 is designed to be brought into engagement with the first bolt 60. In one example, the bolt 60 can be part of a movement element 110. In particular, it can be provided that the first bolt is not part of the movement element 110. Furthermore, it is provided that the recess 52 is relatively rotatable about the bolt 60. For example, the recess can be cylindrical in shape so that a cylindrical first bolt 60 can rotate in the recess 52. Furthermore, the movement element 110 can have a second bolt 62.In one embodiment, it may be provided that the first bolt 60 is in engagement with the recess 52 and a side opposite the tread rests on the bolt 62, so that the bolts 60 and 62 hold the step.

[0057] Figure 2 shows a ladder 1, in particular a first ladder part 3. The first ladder part 3 has a first stile 10 and a second stile 20. The Figure 2 In particular, it shows a side view of the beams, so that either the first beam 10 or the second beam 20 is shown. The beam 10, 20 is connected to the rung 30. In particular, the beam 10, 20 accommodates the rung 30 by means of a pivot axis 40, which allows it to rotate relative to the spaces 10, 20. The pivot axis 40 can be accommodated, for example, by an insert 42 in the beam 10, 20.

[0058] First, the part of the Figure 2, which shows the rung 30 in a third position, in which the tread surface 34 is arranged parallel to the edge of the rail 10, 20. In this case, the recess 52 of the guide element 50 is not engaged with one of the bolts 60, 62. In particular, a surface of the rung 30 which is perpendicular to the tread surface 34 and is substantially horizontal in the third position, or runs horizontally in the illustration, has a width which is less than the width of the rail. In particular, no rung 30 can be narrower than the rail 10, 20 in the third position.

[0059] In addition, Figure 2the rung 30 also in a second position. In this case, the rung 30 is also connected to the rails 10, 20 via a pivot axis 40. By applying an external force, the rung 30 can be pivoted from a third position to a first position. Furthermore, the tread 34 rests on the second bolt 62 opposite the side of the rung 30.

[0060] Furthermore, it is shown that the first bolt 60 is movable in a first recess 12 and the second bolt 62 is movable in a second recess 22. In particular, the first bolt is guided through the recess 12 and the second bolt through the recess 22. In particular, the recess can specify a range of motion for the respective bolts. A rod guide 120 (not shown here) is designed to hold both the first bolt 12 and the second bolt 22 in position.

[0061] In a second position, not shown here, the bolts 60, 62 can be moved along the recess so that they are held at the other end of the recess 12, 22. In this position, the tread 34 is substantially perpendicular to an edge of the rail.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of foldable rungs 30 with a rod guide 120. In Figure 3 Several foldable rungs 30 are shown, which are arranged between the beams 10, 20 (not shown here). The foldable rungs 30 have the Figure 1 described characteristics.

[0063] As already explained, the rotation axis 40 of the rung 30 is arranged in the respective spaces 10, 20 by means of an insert 42. In the third position shown here, the bolt 60 is not in engagement with the recess 52. In particular, in the position shown here Figure 3It is provided that the bolts 60 and 62 are arranged on a movement element 110. The movement element 110 connects the respective parts of the rod guide. In particular, it can be provided that one rod is connected to the first bolt of the movement element and another rod is connected to the second bolt of the movement element. In this case, it is provided in particular that the first rod is not connected to the second bolt 62 and the second rod is not connected to the first bolt 60. In particular, it can be provided that the movement element 110 is displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the bars 10, 20. It can also be provided that the rod guide is formed by a single element in which the movement element 110 with the bolts 60, 62 is arranged. By forming the rod guide 120 as a single element, twisting of the respective rods relative to one another can be prevented.

[0064] In particular, it is provided that the rod guide 120 is arranged in both the first bar 10 and the second bar 20. This prevents the rung 30 from tilting when folding.

[0065] Furthermore, the rod guide 120 is provided with a fixing device (not shown here). This is necessary so that the bolts 60, 62, which are arranged in the recesses 12, 22, can be fixed in place, so that this bolt can absorb a weight force (f) acting upon engagement with a floor (not shown here).

[0066] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a first ladder part 10 with internal rod guide 120. In particular, Figure 4 similar features as Figure 3 It can be seen that the rod guide is arranged inside the beam 10, 20. In particular, the beams 10, 20 can be hollow.

[0067] Figure 5shows a schematic representation of a first ladder part 3 and a second ladder part 5 with recess 72,82. The first ladder part 3 has a first beam 10 and a second beam 20. For example, in Figure 5 one of the beams 10, 20. Furthermore, the second ladder part 5 has a third beam 70 and a fourth beam 80. For example, in Figure 5one of the spars 70, 80 is shown. The spars 70, 80 have a recess 72, 82. The recess is arranged along an inner side of the spars 70, 80. The inner side of the spars is the spar side 100 facing the respective other spar 70, 80. The recess 72, 82 runs along a longitudinal direction of the spar 70, 80. In particular, the recess 72, 82 is designed such that the recess 72, 82 can accommodate the thickened portion 55 of the foldable rung 30 when the foldable rung 30 is in the third position. In particular, during the pushing-together process, which involves pushing the first ladder section 3 into the second ladder section 5 or the first stile 10 into the third stile 70 and the second stile 20 into the fourth stile 80, the recess 55 can be received in the cutout 72, 82. In particular, the rung 30, which is arranged in the third position, can be guided along the cutout 72, 82 by means of the recess 55.This prevents any unintentional movement of the rung 30 in the third position. In particular, the third position is a position in which the rung 30 is locked, allowing the ladder 1 to be transported without any unintentional movement of the rung 30.

[0068] Furthermore, the second ladder section 5 has a fixed rung 90. The fixed rung 90 is arranged between the third stile 70 and the fourth stile 80. In particular, the fixed rung 90 is arranged such that it is located outside a gap between the stiles 70, 80. Preferably, the fixed rung 90 is arranged such that, when pushed together, the foldable rung can be pushed past the fixed rung 90 in a third position. For example, it can be provided that a surface perpendicular to the tread, which is a substantially horizontal surface in the third position, is aligned with the substantially horizontal surface of the fixed rung. In this way, the ladder 1 can be used in a retracted state.

[0069] Figures 6A-6C show a schematic representation of various arrangements of the first conductor part 3 relative to the third conductor part 130.

[0070] 6A shows a stepladder. The stepladder is formed by a first ladder section 3, which is connected to the third ladder section 130 by means of a joint so that it can move relative to each other. The joint can have a locking mechanism so that the first ladder section is fixed in an advanced position relative to the third ladder section. In particular, both the first ladder section 3 and the third ladder section 130 have rungs 30. The rungs 30 are each arranged such that the tread surface 34 is horizontal. In particular, the tread surfaces 34 of the respective ladder sections 3, 130 are aligned. The rungs 30 are arranged in the first position.

[0071] Figure 6Balso shows a trestle ladder, wherein the first ladder section 3 essentially forms an L-shape with the third ladder section 130. One end of the third ladder section 130 can, for example, be leaned against a wall. Here, too, the joint fixes the third ladder section 130 relative to the first ladder section 3. Such an arrangement is provided, in particular, so that the rungs 30 of the first ladder section 3 can be walked on. In this respect, the rungs 30, in particular the tread 34, are arranged essentially horizontally to a floor (not shown here). In this respect, the rung 30 of the third ladder section is arranged perpendicular to the floor. In particular, the tread of the rungs 30 of the first ladder section 3 is arranged perpendicular to the tread 34 of the rungs 30 of the third ladder section 130. Both the rung 30 of the first ladder section 3 and the rung of the third ladder section 130 are in the first position.

[0072] Figure 6Calso shows a trestle ladder in which the first ladder section 3 is arranged with the third ladder section 130 such that the two ladder sections form a straight line. To ensure that both the rungs 30 of the first ladder section 3 and the rungs 30 of the third ladder section 130 are substantially horizontal, the rungs of the first ladder section 3 are arranged in the first position, whereas the rungs of the third ladder section are arranged in the second position. In other words, the treads 34 of the rungs 30 of the first ladder section 3 and the rungs 30 of the third ladder section 130 are parallel to one another.

[0073] The Figures 7A-7C show schematically in a sequence of images a folding of the folding rungs 30.

[0074] Figure 7Ashows a stepladder. The stepladder has a first ladder section 3, which is receivably arranged in the stiles 70, 80 of the second ladder section 5. Furthermore, the ladder has a third ladder section 130, which is receivably arranged in the fourth ladder section 140. Not shown is that the first ladder section 3 is connected to the third ladder section 130. The rungs 30 of the first and third ladder sections are in a first position. In this case, the bolt 60 is in engagement with the recess 52. Furthermore, the side opposite the tread 34 rests on the bolt 62. Furthermore, the Figure 7A a rung 30, wherein the tread of the rung 30 is aligned with the fixed rung 90. Furthermore, the unfolding of this rung 30, which is currently aligned with the tread of the fixed rung 90, is described.

[0075] To get from the Figure 7Ashown position of the rung 30 to the position of the rung 30 which Figure 7C To achieve this, the first ladder section 3 can be pulled out of the second ladder section 5. In particular, it can also be provided that only the first ladder section is pulled out of the second ladder section, whereas the third ladder section is not pulled out of the fourth ladder section 140. By pulling out the rung 30, the thickened portion 55 leaves the recess 72, 82, so that the rung 30 is now rotatable about the rotation axis 40. In particular, the rung 30 can be rotated clockwise so that the recess 52 is brought into engagement with the bolt 60.

[0076] Figure 7Cshows the rung 30, while the tread surface 34 moves from a third position, in which the tread surface is arranged substantially parallel to the edge of the stile 10, 20, to the second position. The rotation can be effected by the action of an external force. In particular, the rotation of the rung 30 is only possible when the recess 55 has left the cutout 72, 82. "Leaving" means that the cutout 72, 82 releases the thickened portion 55.

[0077] The Figure 7B shows the rung 30 in the second position. The tread 34 of the rung is essentially horizontal to the ground. In particular, the tread of the rungs 30 is arranged parallel to a tread of the fixed rung 90. Figure 7D that an extension of the first conductor part 3 from the second conductor part 5 is independent of the extension of the third conductor part 130 from the fourth conductor part 140. Reference symbol list

[0078] 1 ladder 3 first ladder section 5 second ladder section 10 first stile 12 second recess 14 end 20 second stile 22 third recess 24 end 30 folding rung 32 side of the folding rung 34 tread 40 pivot axis 42 bearing 50 guide element 52 recess 55 thickening 60 first bolt 62 second bolt 70 third stile 72 recess 80 fourth stile 82 recess 90 fixed rung 100 facing stile side 110 movement element 120 rod guide 130 third ladder section 140 fourth ladder section tDepth fWeight

Claims

1. Ladder (1), the ladder (1) comprising: - a first ladder part (3) comprising: - a first stile (10) and a second stile (20); - at least one foldable rung (30) arranged between the first rail (10) and the second rail (20), wherein the rung (30) has a bearing (42) along a rotation axis (40) on the respective rails (10, 20), so that the rung (30) is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the rails (10, 20); - a respective guide element (50) arranged on a respective side (32) of the foldable rung (30), wherein the respective side (30) faces the corresponding rail (10, 20), - wherein the guide element (50) has at least one recess (52); - at least one first bolt (60) arranged on each of the rails (10, 20) for each of the at least one foldable rung (30), wherein the first bolt (60) is designed such thatthat in a first position it is engaged with the at least one recess (52) and holds the at least one foldable rung (30) in the first position, wherein the foldable rung (30) in the first position has a horizontal tread surface (34) with a depth (t) of at least 8 cm and the first bolt (60) is designed to absorb a weight force (f) acting on the at least one foldable rung (30) and on the tread surface (32), wherein the first bolt (60) is further designed such that by the action of a force opposite to the weight force (f), the engagement between the respective recess (52) and the first bolt (60) can be released, so that the at least one foldable rung (30) can be folded into a second position, wherein in the second position the respective tread surface (34) is arranged substantially parallel to the bars (10, 20).

2. Ladder (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the stiles (10, 20) further comprises at least one second bolt (62) for each of the at least one foldable rung (30), so that a surface opposite the tread surface (34) and / or the respective guide element (50) rests at least partially on the second bolt (62) in the first position.

3. Ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ladder (1) has a second ladder part (5) such that the ladder (1) is extendable, wherein the second ladder part (5) has the following: - a third stile (70) and a fourth stile (80); - at least one rung (90) which is firmly connected to the third stile (70) and fourth stile (80) and is arranged outside a space spanned by the third stile (70) and fourth stile (80); - wherein each of the stiles (70, 80) of the second ladder part (5) is designed to receive one of the stiles (10, 20) of the first ladder part (3) within it.

4. Ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolts (60, 62) are countersunk into the respective stiles (10, 20) of the first ladder part (3).

5. Ladder (1) according to claim 3, wherein the third stile (70) and the fourth stile (80) have, on a side facing the respective other stile (70, 80), a recess along a longitudinal direction of the respective facing side (100), so that when the ladder parts (3, 5) are pushed together by inserting the respective stile (10, 20) of the first ladder part (3) into the corresponding stile (70, 80) of the second ladder part (5), the bearing (42) of the respective foldable rung (30) of the respective stile (10, 20) is received in a recess (72, 82) of the stiles (70, 80) on the respective facing side (100).

6. Ladder (1) according to claim 5, wherein each of the guide elements (50) has a thickening (55) so that the respective rung (30) is received in the recess (72, 82) by the thickening (55) when the ladder parts (3, 5) are pushed together and is thus held in a second position.

7. Ladder (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the at least one foldable rung (30) of the first ladder part (3) in the second position and the at least one rung (90) of the second ladder part (5) in a retracted state form a common rung.

8. Ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolts (60, 62) are cylindrical.

9. Ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolts (60) are brought into engagement with the respective recess (52) by means of a spring mechanism, wherein the respective bolt (60) is first pressed into the respective stiles (10, 20) by the respective guide element (50).

10. Ladder (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first bolt (60) and the second bolt (62) of the corresponding foldable rung (30) of the respective spar (10, 20) are arranged on a movement element (110).

11. Ladder (1) according to claim 10, wherein the ladder (1) further comprises a rod guide (120) which is arranged internally in the respective stiles (10, 20), wherein the respective first bolt (60) is arranged in a second recess (12) and the respective second bolt (62) is arranged in a respective third recess (22), wherein the second recess (12) and the third recess (22) are arranged on a side (100) facing the respective other stile (10, 20), so that each of the rungs (30) is movable between the first position and a third position, wherein the first bolt (60) of one foldable rung (30) is force-fit connected to the second bolt (62) of the respective adjacent foldable rung (30).

12. Ladder (1) according to claim 11, wherein the respective rod guide (120) in each of the stiles (10, 20) can be fixed jointly or individually in the first position or the third position, so that the rod guide (120) absorbs a weight force (f) acting on the at least one foldable rung (30) by means of the respective bolts (60, 62).

13. Ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one foldable rung (30) is foldable only when it is outside the recess (72, 82) by pulling the first ladder part (3) out of the second ladder part (5).

14. Ladder (1) according to claims 1, 2 and one of claims 3 to 11, wherein one end (14, 24) of the respective stiles (10, 20) of the first ladder part (3) is connected to a respective end of a third ladder part (130), which corresponds to the second ladder part (5), and / or a fourth ladder part (140), which corresponds to the first ladder part (3), so that the ladder parts (3, 5, 130, 140) form a trestle ladder.

15. Ladder (1) according to claim 14, wherein the foldable rungs (30) of the first ladder part (3) and the fourth ladder part (140) are arranged in a first position or the foldable rungs (30) of the first ladder part (3) are arranged in the first position and the foldable rungs (30) of the fourth ladder part (140) are arranged in the third position, wherein the treads (34) of the foldable rungs (30) of the first ladder part (3) and the fourth ladder part (140) are substantially horizontal.

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