Telescopic moving ladder

Abstract

1. A Telescopic moving ladder (1) comprising: - a plurality of extendable telescopic segments (2) configured to slide relative to each other to allow the ladder (1) to pass from a retracted to an extended configuration and vice versa; - a motorized winch (3) configured to wind and unwind a lifting cable (4) in order to extend or retract the telescopic segments (2); it being provided that the lifting cable (4) is guided by a system of pulleys (5) fixed to the extendable telescopic segments (2) to transfer the movement generated by the motorized winch (3) to said telescopic segments (2); the lifting cable (4) being a cable made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre and each pulley (5) which guides the cable (4) being arranged in a pocket (6) which envelops it and which has an opening (7) to allow the entry of said cable (4).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a telescopic moving ladder, according to claim 1.

[0002] Telescopic moving ladders are commonly used to facilitate the movement of furniture, appliances, and other bulky and heavy objects, often between upper floors of buildings and the street below. These devices are generally mounted on motorized vehicles, such as trucks or vans, and are designed to be extended to a height and then retracted for transport and storage.

[0003] The telescopic ladders currently in use are based on a system of telescopic segments, extendable by a towing mechanism using a rope or cable, often made of steel. This material is chosen for its traction strength and mechanical fatigue resistance, essential characteristics for ensuring safety during loading and unloading operations.

[0004] Typical operation involves a winch or electric motor that drives the rope, allowing the ladder segments to be raised or lowered.

[0005] However, this configuration has some limitations and disadvantages, including its heavy weight. Steel cables, while durable, add considerable weight to the overall system. This becomes particularly problematic when the ladder is mounted on motorized vehicles that must comply with road traffic weight limits. Exceeding these limits can result in fines, operational difficulties, and, in some cases, the need to reduce the transportable load to comply with legal requirements.

[0006] Furthermore, steel cables are subject to mechanical wear and, if not properly treated, corrosion due to exposure to the elements. The need for periodic inspections and replacements further increases operating costs and time.

[0007] Telescopic moving ladders typically consist of a main structure composed of telescopic segments made of materials such as aluminium or steel, chosen for their combination of lightness and strength. The segments are designed to slide inside each other via integrated lateral guides, allowing for smooth movement during extension and retraction. Once extended, the segments are locked in place by specific safety mechanisms that ensure the stability of the entire structure during use.

[0008] The ladder's movement system is based on a steel lifting cable. The cable is connected to a motorized winch powered by an electric or hydraulic motor that winds or unwinds the cable to control the movement of the telescopic segments. It is also equipped with automatic braking systems, which prevent accidental movement in the event of a power failure or interruption, thus improving the system's safety.

[0009] The cable is guided along the ladder structure through a series of pulleys. These pulleys are essential for evenly distributing traction forces and reducing friction during movement. Made of resistant materials, such as steel or reinforced polymers, the pulleys ensure the system's durability, minimizing wear and tear from intensive use. At the base of the ladder is a fixed frame that permanently connects it to the vehicle on which it is mounted. In some cases, this frame is equipped with a rotating platform that allows the ladder to be oriented in different directions, thus increasing operational versatility. To maintain stability during use, the frame is often equipped with adjustable outriggers, which can be adjusted to compensate for any unevenness in the ground and prevent the structure from tipping over.

[0010] The ladder is also equipped with a loading platform, designed to accommodate bulky items such as furniture and boxes. This platform slides along the ladder via a system of guides and wheels, allowing loads to be lifted and lowered with ease.

[0011] The interaction between all these components is designed to ensure smooth and efficient operation. When the operator activates the winch, the rope moves through the pulleys, transferring the force needed to extend the telescopic segments. Once the desired length is reached, the segments automatically lock into place. The loading platform, in turn, can be slid along the ladder to raise or lower materials, all while maintaining the stability and safety of the entire system thanks to the outriggers and integrated safety mechanisms.

[0012] As previously mentioned, this configuration may present issues related to the weight of the entire system.

[0013] The most important state-of-the-art document is patent KR 102 374 135 B1, which describes (the references in brackets refer to this document) a telescopic moving ladder comprising: a plurality of extendable telescopic segments (10) configured to slide relative to each other to allow the ladder to move from a retracted to an extended configuration and vice versa; a motorized winch (A) configured to wind and unwind a lifting cable (2) in order to extend or retract the telescopic segments (10); the lifting cable (2) being guided by a system of pulleys (21, 22) attached to the extendable telescopic segments (10) to transfer the movement generated by the motorized winch (A) to said telescopic segments (10).

[0014] This solution presents the problems cited above for solutions known in the art.

[0015] Other relevant prior art documents include patents DE 10 2022 105087 A1, US 4 396 093 A, and US 2024 / 240523 A1.

[0016] The purpose of this invention is to provide a telescopic ladder that is lighter than known solutions while maintaining similar mechanical and functional characteristics.

[0017] This particular result can be achieved by replacing the steel cable with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber cable.

[0018] To increase its strength, the cable can advantageously be covered with a polyester (PES) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) coating.

[0019] However, the use of a fiber cable introduces some technical challenges. Unlike steel, which is extremely resistant even under harsh working conditions, fiber cable is more delicate and sensitive to impurities. Debris, dust, or abrasive particles that would not affect the performance of a metal cable can seriously damage synthetic fibers, compromising their traction strength and reducing the overall lifespan of the component.

[0020] Precisely because of the technical challenges described above, fiber ropes have never been used in traditional telescopic moving ladders. Although they offer the advantage of significantly reduced weight compared to steel cables, their greater fragility and vulnerability to impurities represent a significant obstacle to their practical application in this sector.

[0021] Industry experts have always believed that the risk of fiber rope damage caused by exposure to dust, debris, or abrasive particles compromised the safety and reliability of the system. Steel cable, while heavier, offers the strength and durability that make it a more robust choice and suited to the typical operating conditions of telescopic moving ladders.

[0022] Therefore, until now, the use of fiber ropes has been considered unsuitable for applications where mechanical strength and tolerance to harsh working conditions are essential requirements.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the pulleys that guide the fiber cable are arranged in pockets so as to isolate them from the external environment. This prevents any debris from settling between the pulley and the cable, which could damage it.

[0024] Furthermore, guides are provided that allow the cable to be cleaned at the entrance and exit of the pocket, thus further reducing the risk of impurities.

[0025] Further advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more evident from the description of a possible embodiment, provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the attached drawings where: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a telescopic ladder according to the invention; Fig. 2A shows a side view of a telescopic ladder according to the invention installed on a vehicle; Fig. 2B shows a detail of the winch of the telescopic ladder of Fig. 2A; Fig. 3 shows a front view of a telescopic ladder according to the invention in its extended configuration; Fig. 4 shows a detail of Fig. 3; Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C show a series of detailed views of a pocket for housing a pulley included in a telescopic ladder according to the invention.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a telescopic ladder 1 for moving purposes comprising a plurality of extendable telescopic segments 2 configured to slide relative to each other to allow the ladder 1 to move from a retracted configuration (Fig. 1) to an extended one (Fig. 3) and vice versa.

[0027] Advantageously, the extendable segments 2 of the telescopic ladder 1 have a longitudinal structure, characterized by two long sides arranged parallel to each other.

[0028] These sides, generally straight, form the main framework of each segment and are designed to ensure the stability and rigidity of the system during use.

[0029] The long sides are joined by transverse or inclined cross-members, distributed along the length of the segment. These elements perform a structural function, helping to increase the mechanical strength of segment 2 and preventing unwanted deformation or bending during loading or movement.

[0030] The inclination or strategic arrangement of these elements allows for uniform distribution of stress along the structure, improving the capacity to support heavy loads. The long sides of each segment also include integrated guides, designed to allow the segments to mutually slide.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2B, a motorized winch 3 is configured to reel in and unreel a lifting cable 4 to extend or retract said telescopic segments 2.

[0032] The lifting cable 4 is guided by a system of pulleys 5 attached to the extendable telescopic segments 2 to transfer the movement generated by the motorized winch 3 to said telescopic segments 2.

[0033] As illustrated in Fig. 2A, the ladder 1 can advantageously be installed on a motorized vehicle for transport. Means may be provided to change the orientation of ladder 1 with respect to the vehicle to facilitate moving operations.

[0034] A basket 10 may be installed on ladder 1 to contain the items to be moved. Means may be provided to allow the basket 10 to be moved along the ladder; however, this type of means is well known in the art and is not the subject of this patent.

[0035] To reduce the overall weight of ladder 1, the lifting cable 4 is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber.

[0036] This material maintains the strength of steel, but weighs up to one-seventh that of a standard steel cable of the same length.

[0037] As previously mentioned, to increase the strength of cable 4, it can advantageously be covered with a polyester (PES) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) coating.

[0038] To address the issue of the greater fragility of fiber cable compared to steel cable, each pulley 5 that guides cable 4 is arranged in a pocket 6 that surrounds it and has an opening 7 to allow the entry of said cable 4.

[0039] Pocket 6 creates a physical barrier that prevents impurities, such as dust, debris, or abrasive particles, from coming into contact with cable 4 and the surface of pulley 5 itself.

[0040] The configuration of pocket 6 ensures that cable 4 can slide easily on pulley 5 without being damaged by the presence of foreign materials.

[0041] It is advantageous to provide guides 8 at the entry and exit points of cable 4 from pocket 6. These can advantageously comprise a body with a through hole through which cable 4 slides.

[0042] The guides 8 that facilitate the entry and exit of cable 4 from pocket 6 housing the pulley not only ensure proper alignment of cable 4 during movement, but also perform a cleaning function. These guides 8 are designed to remove any impurities, such as dust or debris, from cable 4 that could otherwise accumulate and interfere with the operation of the system.

[0043] Thanks to this configuration, cable 4 is kept clean before entering pocket 6, reducing the risk of foreign materials depositing on pulley 5 or compromising its movement.

[0044] This design feature helps preserve the integrity of cable 4 and pulley 5, ensuring smoother operation and increasing the overall durability of the system.

[0045] It is also advantageously provided that at least one extendable segment 2 includes at least one slider 9 along its body to guide the cable 4. Said slider 9 is advantageously made of nylon.

[0046] Said sliders 9 ensure correct alignment of the cable 4 during its movement, guiding it along the desired path, preventing it from coming into contact with sharp edges or other potentially damaging surfaces on the structure.

[0047] This configuration not only protects the cable from abrasions or cuts that could compromise its integrity but also ensures smooth and uninterrupted movement during the extension and retraction of the ladder. The sliders thus contribute to improving the overall reliability and durability of the system, minimizing the risk of damage caused by friction or unwanted impacts.

[0048] From the above, it is clear that the solution presented in the invention allows for the provision of a telescopic moving ladder with a reduced weight compared to those known in the art, while maintaining the same performance.

[0049] While the inventive concept has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, but illustrative. The invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Telescopic moving ladder (1) comprising: - a plurality of extendable telescopic segments (2) configured to slide relative to each other to allow the ladder (1) to pass from a retracted to an extended configuration and vice versa; - a motorized winch (3) configured to wind and unwind a lifting cable (4) in order to extend or retract the telescopic segments (2); it being provided that the lifting cable (4) is guided by a system of pulleys (5) fixed to the extendable telescopic segments (2) to transfer the movement generated by the motorized winch (3) to said telescopic segments (2); characterized in that the lifting cable (4) is a cable made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre and in that each pulley (5) which guides the cable (4) is arranged in a pocket (6) which envelops it and which has an opening (7) to allow the entry of said cable (4).

2. Telescopic moving ladder (1) according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that it includes guides (8) at the entry and exit points of the cable (4) from the pocket (6).

3. Telescopic moving ladder (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the guides (8) comprise a body equipped with a through hole through which the cable (4) slides.

4. Telescopic moving ladder (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one extendable segment (2) comprises at least one slide (9) along its body to guide the cable (4).

5. Telescopic moving ladder (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the slide (9) is made of nylon.

6. Telescopic moving ladder (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the cable (4) is covered with a polyester (PES) coating.

7. Telescopic moving ladder (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the cable (4) is covered with a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) coating.

8. Wheeled vehicle comprising a telescopic ladder (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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