Ladder foot and climbing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foot, in particular a ladder foot, for a climbing device, such as a folding, leaning, step, foot ladder and / or a trestle ladder or a work platform, which can assume an active position with stiles spread apart and a stowed position with stiles approaching each other, comprising a fastening section for attachment to a stile of the climbing device, a support oriented essentially parallel to the ground in the active position, a stop inclined relative to the support, which is designed for contact, in particular, with a surface-level contact with a foot of an opposite stile of the climbing device, which is designed to be identically formed, and a support inclined relative to the support and the stop, which in the stowed position is oriented essentially parallel to the ground and is designed for contact, in particular, with a surface-level contact with the ground.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot, in particular a ladder foot, for a climbing device, such as a folding, leaning, standing, step and / or trestle ladder or a work platform, as well as a climbing device with such a foot.

[0002] Access equipment typically has a scaffold-like structure, consisting of stiles for setting the equipment down on the ground and rungs or steps supported by these stiles and connecting them. The stiles are usually made of metal, either hollow or C-shaped profiles, and are fitted with feet at their lower ends. These feet secure the stiles to the ground, preventing the metal profile from digging into the surface or damaging it, such as a floor in a house. The feet also ensure a secure grip on various surfaces.

[0003] For example, a folding stepladder is known from JP 2019 070 264 A, the feet of which are constructed in two parts. The lower part, which forms the standing surface, is made of a softer material than the upper part, which encloses the stile. Two differently designed feet are provided for each ladder. When the ladder is folded, opposite feet touch, with the opposing contact surfaces of the feet interlocking like a tongue-and-groove connection. This is intended to distribute forces acting laterally on one stile to both stiles when the ladder is in storage, thus preventing the stile from bending.

[0004] A particular disadvantage of the JP 2019 070 264 A ladder is that, when folded, it lacks stability and stands extremely unsteadily on the ground. Furthermore, it has been found that the tongue-and-groove engagement of the two opposing contact surfaces of the ladder feet requires a high degree of manufacturing precision to ensure reliable engagement. With a damaged ladder, under heavy load, and / or with slightly bent stiles, the tongue-and-groove engagement often fails, causing the ladder to occupy more space than necessary, as the contact surfaces rest against each other via their two protrusions.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantage of the prior art, in particular to create a ladder foot for improved stability of the ladder, especially in the various ladder positions.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a foot, in particular a ladder foot, is provided for a climbing device, such as a folding, leaning, step, foot ladder, and / or trestle ladder or a work platform, which can assume an active position with the stiles spread apart and a stowed position with the stiles brought close together. Climbing devices are generally constructed from two opposing pairs of two adjacent stiles, which are connected to each other by or support rungs or steps by means of which a user can ascend to a platform or step located at one upper end of the stiles. The stile pairs can be unfolded in the active position to provide a stable standing surface and folded together in the stowed position to allow for compact storage.

[0008] The foot includes a mounting section for attaching it to a stile of the climbing device. This mounting section ensures a secure and stable connection between the foot and the stile, thereby improving the overall stability of the climbing device. The mounting section can define a specific mounting direction, orientation, and / or final mounting position.

[0009] The foot also includes a support that, in the active position, is oriented essentially parallel to the ground. This support ensures that the foot has a stable and even contact with the ground in the active position. The support can have a flat contact surface or a support surface for placing the foot or the climbing device on the ground. Furthermore, the support can be provided with an interlocking layer of elastic material facing the ground to increase grip and slip resistance. This interlocking layer means that the contact surface of the support does not actually form full surface contact, but rather an interrupted strip contact.The toothing arrangement can be designed to be so elastically flexible that the teeth of the toothing arrangement give way and deform due to the weight of the climbing device or in the presence of an operator, so that each tooth is deformed and forms an elongated surface contact with the substrate, resulting in an interrupted surface contact with the substrate overall.

[0010] Furthermore, the foot includes a stop inclined relative to the support, designed for a surface contact with a foot of an opposite stile of the climbing device, which is designed to be identical in shape. The stop limits the folding angle of the climbing device in the stowed position and ensures that the stiles are arranged in a predefined position when stowed. This also has the advantage of reducing, and in particular eliminating, the risk of crushing between the opposing stiles. The stop can provide or have a surface contact area to achieve essentially surface contact with the foot located on the opposite stile. This surface contact also covers designs where, due to manufacturing tolerances and / or different sizes, a completely surface contact is not achieved.

[0011] Finally, the foot includes a support, particularly a flat one, inclined relative to the base and the stop. In the stowed position, this support is oriented essentially parallel to the ground and is designed to provide broad, flat support on the ground. This support ensures that the foot has a stable and even contact with the ground in the stowed position, thus increasing the safety and stability of the climbing device, even when folded. This prevents the climbing device from unnecessarily wobbling, tipping, or even falling over in the stowed position. The support can be designed such that it, or at least its contact surface projected onto the ground, extends in a plane.The support can be provided with a toothed layer made of elastic material facing the ground, meaning that the actual contact surface of the support does not form full surface contact, but rather an interrupted strip contact. The toothed layer can be designed to be so elastically compliant that the teeth of the toothed layer yield and deform due to the weight of the climbing device or the presence of an operator, causing each tooth to bend and form an elongated surface contact with the ground, resulting in an overall interrupted surface contact with the ground.

[0012] According to one exemplary design, the projected contact area of ​​the support in the stowed position is between 10% and 30% of the projected contact area of ​​the base in the active position. This area ratio ensures that the support in the stowed position offers a sufficiently large surface area to guarantee the stability of the climbing device without compromising its compactness and ease of storage. The projected contact area of ​​the support in the stowed position is smaller than the contact area of ​​the base in the active position.This ensures that the climbing device has a secure footing in the stowed position, resting on a surface large enough to prevent tipping or slipping, yet small enough to minimize the overall size of the device when stowed. This is important because the forces and loads acting on the device are greater in the active position than in the stowed position. This is particularly useful in confined storage areas or during transport. Furthermore, the defined size ratio of the contact surfaces ensures that the climbing device functions optimally in both positions—active and stowed—without the need for additional mechanisms or complex structures.

[0013] According to one exemplary embodiment, the stop is inclined relative to the base at a specific angle of 40° to 90°, particularly between 50° and 80° or between 60° and 70°. This means that the stop is positioned at an optimal angle to effectively limit the folding angle of the climbing device. Alternatively or additionally, the support is inclined relative to the base at a support angle of 10° to 40°, particularly between 15° and 35° or between 20° and 30°. This specific inclination of the support ensures that the climbing device has improved stability in the stowed position by achieving the largest possible contact area with the ground and thus the widest possible base.One advantage of this design is the increased safety and user-friendliness of the climbing device, as the specific angles reduce the likelihood of it tipping over or slipping. The specific angles of inclination of each functionally relevant section of the base ensure that the intended functions of each section are reliably achieved.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the centerline of the mounting section, which serves as a receptacle for receiving an end section of the stile, is inclined in a vertical cross-section relative to the vertical axis at an angle of 0° to 15°, particularly in the range of 3° to 12° or 6° to 9°. This inclination ensures structural integrity and stability of the climbing device in both its active and stowed positions. Furthermore, it helps to distribute the forces acting on the base and stile more evenly, thereby increasing the load-bearing capacity and durability of the climbing device, and, most importantly, its stability.

[0015] According to one exemplary embodiment, the foot is made from a single piece of plastic, in particular PVC or PP. In other words, the foot can be manufactured in one piece, especially by injection molding or 3D printing. Suitable plastics include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), such as rigid or flexible PVC, PP (polypropylene), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), or similar plastics with comparable mechanical and / or chemical properties. According to another exemplary embodiment, the foot has a separately attached ground contact layer made of a plastic with greater elasticity than the plastic of the foot itself, in particular an interlocking layer. In other words, the foot can be composed of two separate parts and / or manufactured, for example, using a two-component injection molding process. The ground contact layer can, in particular, completely cover the base and / or support of the foot.The use of a more elastic plastic for the base plate increases its elasticity and thus the grip of the foot on various surfaces, thereby improving slip resistance. This contributes to the safety of the climbing device by minimizing the risk of slipping on smooth or uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the elastic base plate dampens shocks and vibrations, increasing user comfort. It also protects the floor from damage that could be caused by hard plastic or metal feet. This is particularly important in sensitive environments such as indoors.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a foot, in particular a ladder foot, is provided for a climbing device, such as a folding, leaning, step, foot ladder, and / or trestle ladder or a work platform, which can assume an active position with the stiles spread apart and a stowed position with the stiles brought close together. Climbing devices are generally constructed from two opposing pairs of two adjacent stiles each, which are connected to or support rungs or steps by means of which a user can ascend to a platform or step located at one upper end of the stiles. The stile pairs can be unfolded in the active position to provide a stable standing surface and folded together in the stowed position to allow for compact storage.

[0017] The foot then comprises a receptacle for receiving an end section of a stile of the climbing device, with a wall extending longitudinally along the stile, in particular a completely enclosed wall, which defines a contact surface projected onto the ground. This wall ensures a stable attachment of the stile and guarantees that the foot is securely and firmly attached to the stile.

[0018] Furthermore, the foot comprises an extension projecting from the wall towards an opposite stile and / or a widening projecting from the wall away from the adjacent stile to increase the effective contact area compared to the projected contact area by at least 50%, in particular by at least 75% or at least 100%. The extension and / or widening contributes to significantly improving the stability of the climbing device in both the active and stowed positions. The increased effective contact area enhances the stability of the climbing device, which is particularly advantageous on uneven ground and / or under increased external forces. The wall extension and widening provide additional contact surfaces with the ground, thereby distributing the load more effectively and reducing the risk of tipping over.Similarly, the angle of the stiles can be reduced and / or the compactness of the climbing device improved if only the base has the necessary widening and the stiles do not need to be extended laterally. The wall design with extension and widening also ensures that the base of the climbing device remains stable even under lateral forces that may occur during use. For example, the receptacle has a square cross-section to accommodate the square stile precisely. The extension can be located, for example, on a short side of the receptacle extending lengthwise along the base, and / or the widening on a long side extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and widthwise.In the lateral direction, when assembled, another foot of the pair of stiles is located adjacent to the foot of the climbing device. These stiles move together when the device is pivoted between the active and stowed positions. In the longitudinal direction, another foot of the opposite pair of stiles is located opposite the foot of the climbing device. The foot of the climbing device moves relative to this second foot when it is pivoted between the active and stowed positions, and the foot of the climbing device rests against this second foot in the stowed position.

[0019] According to an exemplary design, the effective contact area is dimensioned and / or selected to achieve a moment equilibrium between a stabilizing moment and a tipping moment. The stabilizing moment is generated by the self-weight of the climbing device and a predetermined vertical load acting on it. The tipping moment results from a predetermined horizontal tensile force on the climbing device. According to the test based on the Finnish Government Decree on safety in construction work VNA 205 / 2009, the predetermined vertical load is 1.5 kN and / or the predetermined horizontal tensile force is 0.3 kN. This specific dimensioning of the contact area ensures that the climbing device remains stable under load and does not tip over. The effective contact area is selected to optimally distribute the forces acting on the climbing device and establish a balance between the moments.In this way, the base can be advantageously designed to meet safety requirements. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to design a climbing device that is as stable and secure as possible, depending on certain parameters such as the angle of support, ladder height and / or ladder width.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a climbing device, such as a folding, leaning, step, foot, and / or trestle ladder or a work platform, is provided, which can assume an active position with the stiles spread apart and a stowed position with the stiles brought close together. Climbing devices are generally constructed from two opposing pairs of two adjacent stiles, which are connected to each other by or support rungs or steps, by means of which a user can ascend to a platform or step located at one upper end of the stiles. The stile pairs can be unfolded in the active position to provide a stable standing surface and folded together in the stowed position to allow for compact storage.

[0021] According to this aspect of the present invention, the climbing device comprises two opposing pairs of stiles, each supporting at least one step or rung and / or a common platform, and made in particular of metal, plastic, or wood, such as a hollow metal profile. The use of hollow metal profiles for the stiles further contributes to weight reduction without compromising structural integrity, thus facilitating handling and transport. The stiles are designed to pivot relative to each other between an active position with the stiles spread apart and a stowed position with the stiles brought closer together. The ability to pivot the stiles relative to each other allows for simple and space-saving storage of the climbing device, which facilitates handling and transport.

[0022] Each of these stiles has a foot designed according to the invention attached to it. Attaching the feet according to the invention to the stiles improves stability in both the active and stowed positions, thereby reducing the risk of the climbing device tipping over or slipping, and effectively preventing damage to the ground. The combination of these features results in a versatile and robust climbing device suitable for various applications, whether as a folding, leaning, step, foot ladder, and / or trestle ladder, or as a work platform.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a climbing device, such as a folding, leaning, step, foot, and / or trestle ladder or a work platform, is provided, which can assume an active position with the stiles spread apart and a stowed position with the stiles brought close together. Climbing devices are generally constructed from two opposing pairs of two adjacent stiles, which are connected to each other by or support rungs or steps, by means of which a user can ascend to a platform or step located at one upper end of the stiles. The stile pairs can be unfolded in the active position to provide a stable standing surface and folded together in the stowed position to allow for compact storage.

[0024] According to this aspect of the present invention, the climbing device comprises two opposing pairs of stiles, each supporting at least one step, and in particular made of metal, such as a hollow metal profile. The use of hollow metal profiles for the stiles further contributes to weight reduction without compromising structural integrity, thus facilitating handling and transport. The stiles are designed to pivot relative to each other between an active position with the stiles spread apart and a stowed position with the stiles brought closer together. The ability to pivot the stiles relative to each other allows for simple and space-saving storage of the climbing device, which facilitates handling and transport.

[0025] Each of these stiles has a foot attached, designed specifically according to one of the aspects or exemplary designs described above. Attaching the feet to the stiles improves stability in both the active and stowed positions, thereby reducing the risk of the climbing device tipping over or slipping, and effectively preventing damage to the ground.

[0026] The foot also includes a support that, in the active position, is oriented essentially parallel to the ground. This support ensures that the foot has a stable and even contact with the ground in the active position. The support can have a flat contact surface or a bearing surface for placing the foot or the climbing device on the ground.

[0027] Furthermore, the foot includes a stop inclined relative to the support, designed for a surface contact with a foot of an opposite stile of the climbing device, which is designed to be identical in shape. The stop limits the folding angle of the climbing device in the stowed position and ensures that the stiles are arranged in a predefined position in the stowed position. The stop may provide or have a surface contact area to make surface contact with the foot located on the opposite stile.

[0028] Finally, the foot comprises a support, particularly a flat one, inclined relative to the stand and the stop, which, in the stowed position, can be oriented essentially parallel to the ground and can be designed to provide support, particularly a flat surface, on the ground. According to this aspect of the present invention, the climbing device is designed such that, in the stowed position, the stops of two opposing stiles engage in a stop contact to limit a swivel angle, so that the supports of the opposing feet, which engage in stop contact, are oriented essentially parallel to the ground in the stowed position. On the one hand, the support provides a reliable and stable base on the ground in the stowed position, so that the folded climbing device can be effectively prevented from falling over.Stability is achieved, among other things, by the fact that the support can have a significant surface area and, in its stowed position, is oriented parallel to the ground. This is accompanied by the stops coming into contact, thus defining the stowed position and the swivel angle. A further effect of the climbing device is that the opposing feet of two pairs of feet attached to stiles come into essentially full-surface contact. This establishes a defined end position, enabling space-saving storage of the climbing device. Furthermore, it ensures that, in this contact position—i.e., with the two opposing stops essentially parallel—the respective supports are also parallel to each other and, in particular, parallel to the ground.The flat contact also covers designs where, particularly due to manufacturing tolerances and / or different sizes, a completely flat contact is not achieved.

[0029] In one exemplary design, the stop is formed by a projection-recess structure. This structure consists of a projection that forms the contact surface with the opposite foot of the opposing stile. This contributes to the durability and ease of maintenance of the climbing device.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion-recess structures of two opposing feet, which come into contact when stowed, are aligned such that the protrusions and recesses face each other. The advantage of this design lies, among other things, in the increased stability and safety of the climbing device when folded. Because the protrusions and recesses face each other and no engagement of a protrusion in a predefined recess associated with that protrusion is necessary, the climbing device according to the invention is significantly more robust and durable with regard to functionality. The protrusion-recess structures do not need to be aligned to assume the stowed position. Therefore, the climbing device according to the invention can still be used reliably to a certain extent even if components are damaged and / or bent.

[0031] Further properties, features and advantages of the invention will be clarified below by describing preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, which show: Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a climbing device according to the invention with several feet according to the invention in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows the climbing device made of Figure 1 Rear view; Figure 3 the climbing device made of Figure 1 in side view; Figure 4 the climbing device made of Figure 1 in a side view in another position; Figure 5 an exemplary embodiment of a foot according to the invention in perspective view; Figure 6 the foot made of Figure 5 in side view; Figure 7 the foot from Figure 5 rear view; Figure 8 the foot out Figure 5 Rear view; Figure 9 shows a detail view of a stop contact of two opposing feet made of Figure 4Figure 10 shows another exemplary embodiment of a foot according to the invention in perspective view; Figure 11 shows the foot made of Figure 5 in side view; Figure 12 a detail view of a stop contact of two opposing feet made of Figure 10 ; and Figure 13, a detailed view of a stop contact of two opposing feet made of Figure 10 in a different version of a climbing device.

[0032] In the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, identical or similar components are provided with identical or similar reference numerals. Based on the Figures 1-4 An exemplary embodiment of a climbing device 1 according to the invention is described, with reference to the Figures 5-9Figures 10-13 describe exemplary embodiments of a foot 5, 5' according to the invention for a climbing device. The climbing device 1 according to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying figures is, for example, designed as a stepladder.

[0033] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a climbing device 1 comprising a platform 6, which consists of two, in particular identical, platform halves 7, 7', two pairs of stiles 3, 3', each supporting three steps 9, 9', in particular made of metal, such as a hollow metal profile, and feet 5, 5', in particular designed according to the invention, arranged on each stile 3, 3'. The platform 6 serves as a step and is attached to the upper ends of the stiles 3, 3'. The stiles 3 and 3' of a pair are connected by several steps 9, 9', which form a stable structure for the climbing device 1. Feet 5, 5' are attached to the lower ends of the stiles 3, 3', which ensure a secure stand for the climbing device 1. The platform halves 7, 7' are hinged to each other in order to fold the climbing device 1 ( Figure 1 , 3 ) and unfold ( Figure 2The pivoting is achieved via a joint 6, in particular a hinge joint. The stiles 3, 3' are connected by a spreader bar 11, which has two rods 13, 15 articulated together. This joint 8 allows the stiles 3, 3' to pivot and thus enables the climbing device 1 to assume different operating positions, as can be seen from a comparison of the Figure 1 , 3 and 4 emerges. Figure 3 shows the active position of the climbing device 1, in which the stiles 3 are spread apart, while Figure 4 The stowed position of the climbing device 1 is shown, in which the stiles 3 are brought close together.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2It can be seen that the stiles 3, 3' are inclined at an angle α in the range of 0° to 15° relative to the vertical in the rear view, here for example at approximately 9°. The consequence is that a width dimension of the step 6 is smaller than the distance between the feet 5, 5' of a pair of feet 5 or 5', which defines a contact width. Furthermore, it can be seen that the feet 5 project beyond the lateral dimension of the climbing device 1, which will be discussed later in relation to the Figures 5 ff. will be explained in more detail.

[0035] The Figures 1 to 3 Figures 1 show the active position of the climbing device 1, in which the stiles 3, 3' of the two opposing stiles are spread apart and the rods 13, 15 are arranged in parallel alignment.

[0036] Figure 4Figure 1 shows the stowed position of the climbing device 1, in which the stiles 3, 3' of the opposing pairs of stiles 3 and 3' are brought close together. The pivoting capability is achieved via the joint 8, whereby the articulated rods 13, 15 of the spreader follow the pivoting movement of the joint 8, particularly up to a predetermined limit angle, beyond which the spreader 11 is activated to prevent further pivoting. The stowed position facilitates, among other things, the storage and transport of the climbing device 1, as it takes up less space and is easier to handle.

[0037] The feet 5 are designed so that in the active position of the climbing device 1 they comply with the Figures 1 to 3a large-area support surface oriented essentially parallel to the ground. In the stowed position, the uprights 3 and 3' are brought close together, and the feet 5, 5' of the two opposing pairs of uprights 3 and 3' come into contact, which is described in detail with regard to Figure 9 The following is described. The stop contact defines a predefined operating position of the climbing device 1, whereby the stop contact serves to limit the swivel angle of the stile pairs. The feet 5 are designed to provide a stable base on the ground in both the active and stowed positions of the climbing device 1.

[0038] Furthermore, how from Figure 4As can be seen, the spreader lock 11 is designed in such a way that the rods 13, 15 do not protrude beyond the side dimension of the climbing device 1 in the side view, so that on the one hand the climbing device 1 can be stored as compactly as possible, on the other hand injuries to users or persons can be avoided and furthermore the rods 13, 15 are protected from damage since they do not protrude.

[0039] In the active position, as in Figure 3 As shown, the platform halves 7, 7' of the platform 6 are horizontally aligned to provide a stable standing surface. The steps 9 are also horizontally aligned and provide additional climbing and standing surfaces for the user. In the stowed position, as shown in Figure 4As shown, the stiles 3 are folded, giving the climbing device 1 a compact form that is easy to transport and store, and the platform 6 and the steps 9 are inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0040] The 5.5 foot comprises, according to the Figures 5 to 9The climbing device 1 comprises the following main components: a support 23, 23' oriented essentially parallel to the ground in the active position; a stop 25, 25' inclined relative to the support 23, 23', designed for contact, in particular, over a surface, with a foot 5, 5' of an opposing stile 3, 3' of the climbing device 1, designed to be identical in shape; and a support (27, 27') inclined relative to the support 23, 23' and the stop 25, 25', which, in the stowed position, is oriented essentially parallel to the ground and designed for contact, in particular, over a surface, with the ground. Furthermore, the foot 5, 5' includes a fastening section 17, 17' formed in the shape of a receptacle 19, 19', which serves for attachment to a stile 3, 3' of the climbing device.This recess 19, 19' has a fully enclosed wall 41, 41' extending in the longitudinal direction of the spar 3, 3', which fully encompasses a longitudinal end section of the spar 3, 3', and a base 45, 45' on which the corresponding spar 3, 3' rests.

[0041] To increase the effective bearing area compared to a bearing area projected from the wall 41, 41' onto the ground, the foot 5, 5' has an extension 39, 39' and / or a widening 37, 37' projecting from the wall 41, 41' towards an opposite or away from the adjacent beam 3, 3'. The extension 39, 39' is formed, among other things, by an inclined surface extending forward from an outer surface of the wall 41, 41', at the front end of which the stop 25, 25' is formed, which is oriented towards the beam 3, 3' of the opposite pair of beams 3 and 3'. This allows the overall longitudinal dimension of the foot 5, 5' to be increased by the length dimension a ( Figure 8) are increased. The widening 37,37' is formed, among other things, by the fact that from an outer surface of the wall 41,41', adjacent to the extension 39,39', a further inclined surface extends laterally away in order to increase the bearing surface of the foot 5,5' in the lateral direction. This allows the overall width dimension of the foot 5,5' to be increased by the width dimension b ( Figure 8 The wall 41, 41' transitions into the widening 37, 37' and elongation 39, 39' respectively without an undercut. The effective contact area, or a tipping line of the foot 5, 5' defined by the contact area, is selected such that a moment equilibrium exists between a stabilizing moment formed by the self-weight of the climbing device 1 and a predetermined vertical load acting on the climbing device 1, and a tipping moment formed by a predetermined horizontal tensile force on the climbing device 1.

[0042] Furthermore, a through hole 21,21' may be provided in the wall 41,41', which serves to attach a fastening means, such as a rivet, screw or bolt, in order to secure the inserted spar 3,3' in the receptacle 19,19'.

[0043] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a further detailed side view of the foot 5, 5', from which the advantageous structure of the foot 5, 5' according to the invention is particularly evident. The foot 5, 5' is located in the Figure 6The depicted position corresponds to the active position of the climbing device 1, in which the support 23, 23' is essentially parallel to the ground and rests on it essentially over its entire surface. It should be clear, without deviating from the inventive concept, that the support 23, 23' can be covered with a ground contact layer 45, 45', which may be made of a softer plastic than the rest of the foot and may be formed by a flexible serrated profile 31, 31'. The same applies to the support 27, 27', which may have a serrated profile 29, 29'.

[0044] In the illustrated position of the foot 5,5', the stop 25,25' is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and thus also relative to the plane in which the support 23,23' is located, by the stop angle β, which can be approximately 66°, for example. Furthermore, the support 27,27' is inclined at a support angle γ of, for example, approximately 23° relative to the horizontal direction, and thus also relative to the plane in which the support 23,23' is located. By combining the three defined sections and surfaces, arranged at specific angles to one another, a foot 5,5' or a climbing device can be created which has a secure footing in its various operating positions. This is particularly evident when considering Figure 9 , which lead to Figure 4 corresponds, clearly.

[0045] According to the exemplary embodiment of the foot 5,5' in the accompanying figures, the stop 25,25' has a projection 35, 35'-recess 33, 33' structure to achieve the desired stop contact. This structure allows the stops 25, 25' of two opposing beams 3, 3' to come into stop contact in the stowed position, whereby the supports 27, 27' are oriented essentially parallel to the ground ( Figure 9 Furthermore, the projection 35, 35'-recess 33, 33' structures of the two opposing feet 5, 5' which come into contact in the stowed position are coordinated such that the projections 35, 35' and the recesses 33, 33' are facing each other.

[0046] The foot 5, 5' is made from a single piece of plastic, in particular PVC or PP. A separately attached ground contact layer 45, 45', made of a plastic with greater elasticity than that of the foot 5, 5', covers the base 23, 23' and / or the support 27, 27'. This ground contact layer 45, 45' ensures improved adhesion and stability on the surface. Furthermore, the soft component of the adjustable foot extends over the surfaces 25 and 25' to enable the quietest possible closing of the climbing device 1.

[0047] From the Figure 7 and 8It is evident that, in the rear view, the longitudinal extension of the mounting 19,19' is inclined at an angle δ to the vertical direction when the foot 5,5' is in the active position of the climbing device 1, which may be, for example, 7-8°. It is clear that the adjacent foot 5 or 5' of the respective pair of feet 5 or 5' is inclined in a mirror image, thereby increasing the stability of the climbing device 1 in the active position.

[0048] Furthermore, in Figure 8 The recess 19,19' or its wall 41,41' is shown with dashed lines, so that it can be seen how far the beam 3,3' can be inserted into the corresponding recess 19,19' and how the dimension of the foot 5,5' relates to a dimension of the beams 3,3'.

[0049] Referring again to Figure 9, in which a detailed view of the feet 5.5' standing in a stop contact of two opposing stiles 3.3' in the stowed position of the climbing device 1 according to Figure 4As illustrated, two particularly advantageous effects of the inventive design of the feet 5, 5' can be seen. Firstly, the support 27 provides a reliable and stable support or base on the ground in the stowed position, so that the folded climbing device 1 can be effectively prevented from falling over. This stability is achieved, among other things, by the fact that the support 27, 27' has a significant surface area and is oriented in the stowed position such that it is essentially parallel to the ground.A further effect of the inventive structure of the feet 5,5' and the design of the climbing device 1 is that the opposing feet 5,5' of two opposing pairs of feet 5,5' attached to stiles 3,3' come into a substantially planar contact, thereby establishing a defined end position that enables space-saving storage of the climbing device 1, and is adjusted such that in the contact, i.e. with a substantially parallel orientation of the two opposing stops 25,25', the respective supports 29,29' are also oriented parallel to each other and, in particular, parallel to the ground.

[0050] In the Figures 10-13Another exemplary embodiment of a foot 5,5' according to the invention is shown in various views and in the state of a stop contact with an opposing foot on two different embodiments of climbing devices 1. The following description focuses mainly on the differences, whereby identical or similar components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals.

[0051] In contrast to the previous version, the widening and lengthening surfaces 37,37' and 39,39' are stepped, resulting in two sections 37.1,37.1' and 37.2,37.2' and 39.1,39.1' and 39.2,39.2' respectively, which are oriented at different angles to the horizontal plane.

[0052] When executing the foot 5.5' according to Fig. 10No end-face projection-recess structure is provided on the stop surface 25, 25'. The stop surface 25, 25' is essentially flat and has longitudinal grooves 53, 53', specifically five, extending along the underside of the foot 5, 5' along its longitudinal extent. These grooves are U-shaped in cross-section and extend into the stop surface 25, 25' and the support 27, 27'.

[0053] Another difference is evident with regard to the foot 23, 23', which is convexly curved. The foot 5.5' is therefore particularly well suited for stepladders, especially because the feet 5.5' must be usable for both stile variants, namely for the step stile and the support stile angled towards it.

[0054] Furthermore, instead of the serrated profile 29, a clearly different groove-like profile 47, 47' is provided on the underside. The groove-like depressions, which extend transversely to the longitudinal grooves 53, 53', can be designated as transverse grooves 51, 51', are each arranged between two adjacent support projections 49, 49' and are not serrated but rounded. The support projections 49, 49' have a flat extension in the longitudinal direction of the base 5, 5' in order to provide a flat bearing surface on a substrate. The support 27, 27' is free of the groove-like profile 47, 47', i.e., it has no transverse grooves 51, 51'. Figure 12 and 13 Figure 1 shows a folded position of a stepladder-type climbing device 1,1', in which the support stile is articulated relative to the step stile. The respective feet 5,5' are in contact, with the Figure 12The foot 5.5' of the support beam is in contact with the step beam. It can be seen that its contact surface 25.25' lies flat against the flat extension of the step beam. According to the variant Figure 13 The opposing feet, 5.5' apart, form the end contact.

[0055] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, figures and claims can be important for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list

[0056] 1 Climbing device 3, 3'Steel 5, 5'Foot 6Step 7, 7'Step half 8Joint 9, 9'Step 11Spreader 13, 15Rod 17, 17'Fastening section 19, 19'Receiver 21, 21'Through hole 23, 23'Support 25, 25'Stop 27, 27'Support 29, 29'Tooth profile 31, 31'Tooth profile 33, 33'Recess 35, 35'Protrusion 37, 37'Wideswing 37.1, 37.1'Wideswing 37.2, 37.2'Wideswing 39, 39'Extension 39.1, 39.1'Extension 39.2, 39.2'Extension 41, 41'Wall 43, 43'Bottom 45, 45'Soil contact 47, 47'Profile 49, 49'Support projections 51, 51'Transverse grooves 53, 53'Longitudinal grooves α Angle of support β Angle of stop γ Support angle δ Angle of inclination b Width of the widening a Length of the extension

Claims

1. Foot (5, 5'), in particular ladder foot, for a climbing device (1), such as a folding, leaning, step, foot ladder and / or trestle ladder or a work platform, which can assume an active position with stiles (3, 3') spread apart and a stowed position with stiles (3, 3') approaching each other, comprising a fastening section (17, 17') for attachment to a stile (3, 3') of the climbing device, a support (23, 23') oriented substantially parallel to the ground in the active position, a stop (25, 25') inclined relative to the support (23, 23') which is designed for contact, in particular, over a flat surface, with a foot (5, 5') of an opposite stile (3, 3') of the climbing device, and a support inclined relative to the support (23, 23') and the stop (25, 25'). (27, 27'), which in the stowed position is oriented essentially parallel to the ground and is designed to provide support, in particular over a large area, on the ground.

2. Foot (5, 5') according to claim 1, wherein a bearing surface of the support (27, 27') projected onto the ground in the stowed position is in the range of 10% to 30% of a bearing surface of the support (23, 23') projected onto the ground in the active position.

3. Foot (5, 5') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop (25, 25') is inclined relative to the support (23, 23') at a stop angle (β) in the range of 40° to 90°, in particular in a range of 50° to 80° or in a range of 60° to 70°, and / or the support (27, 27') is inclined relative to the support (23, 23') at a support angle (γ) in the range of 10° to 40°, in particular in a range of 15° to 35° or in a range of 20° to 30°.

4. Foot (5, 5') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a center line of the fastening section (17, 17'), which is designed in particular as a receptacle for receiving an end section of the spar (3, 3'), is inclined in a vertical cross-section with respect to the vertical axis in a range of 0° to 15°, in particular in the range of 3° to 12° or in the range of 6° to 9°.

5. Foot (5, 5') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot (5, 5') is made of a plastic piece, in particular of PVC or PP, wherein in particular the foot (5, 5') has a separately attached ground contact layer (45, 45') made of a plastic of greater elasticity than the plastic of the foot (5, 5'), wherein in particular the ground contact layer (45, 45') covers the stand (23, 23') and / or the support (27, 27').

6. Foot (5, 5'), in particular ladder foot, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for a climbing device, such as a folding and / or trestle ladder, which can assume an active position with stiles spread apart and a stowed position with stiles approaching each other, comprising a receptacle (19, 19') for receiving an end section of a stile (3, 3') of the climbing device with a wall (41, 41') extending longitudinally along the stile (3, 3'), in particular a fully enclosed wall, which defines a bearing surface projected onto the ground, and an extension (39, 39') projecting from the wall (41, 41') in the direction of an opposite stile (3, 3') and / or a widening (37, 37') projecting from the wall (41, 41') away from the adjacent stile (3, 3') to increase the effective The footprint is at least 50% larger than the projected footprint, in particular at least 75% larger or at least 100% larger.

7. Foot (5, 5') according to claim 6, wherein the effective contact area and / or a tilting line of the foot (5, 5') formed by an outer edge of the contact area is selected such that a moment equilibrium exists between a stabilizing moment formed by the self-weight of the climbing device (1) and a predetermined vertically acting load on the climbing device (1) and a tilting moment formed by a predetermined horizontal tensile force on the climbing device (1).

8. Climbing device (1), such as folding, leaning, step, foot and / or trestle ladder or work platform, comprising two opposing pairs of stiles (3, 3') in particular made of metal, such as a hollow metal profile, which are pivotable relative to each other between an active position with stiles (3, 3') spread apart and a stowed position with stiles (3, 3') brought close together and to which a foot (5, 5') designed according to one of the preceding claims is attached.

9. Climbing device (1), such as a folding, leaning, step, foot ladder and / or trestle ladder or work platform, in particular according to claim 8, comprising two opposing pairs of stiles (3, 3') each supporting at least one step (9, 9'), in particular made of metal, such as a hollow metal profile, which are pivotable relative to each other between an active position with stiles (3, 3') spread apart and a stowed position with stiles (3, 3') approaching each other, and on which a foot (5, 5') is attached, in particular designed according to one of the preceding claims, which has a support (23, 23') oriented substantially parallel to the ground in the active position, a stop (25, 25') inclined relative to the support (23, 23') and a support (27, 27') inclined relative to the support (23, 23') and the stop (25, 25'), wherein in the stowed position the stops (25, 25') of two opposing beams (3,3') to limit a swivel angle, they come into contact with a stop, so that the supports (27, 27') are oriented essentially parallel to the ground in the stowed position.

10. Climbing device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the stop (25, 25') is formed by a projection (35, 35')-recess (33, 33') structure.

11. Climbing device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the projection (35, 35')-recess (33, 33') structures of two opposing feet (5, 5') which come into contact in the stowed position are aligned such that the projections (35, 35') and the recesses (33, 33') are facing each other.

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