Stepping system and step ladder

Abstract

The present invention provides a step system in which a post step is used as a footrest for a user, facilitating the user to work at height and enabling storage on the post. [Solution] The present invention discloses a step system and a stepladder. The step system includes a post and a post step that is fitted to the post and supported by the post. The post step can be switched between different positions by rotating around the post at a predetermined angle along a circumferential direction or by folding or unfolding relative to the post. The post step of the present invention is used as a footrest for a user, making it easier for the user to work at height and also enabling storage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of stepladders, and in particular to a step system and a stepladder. [Background technology]

[0002] Stepladders are an effective tool for working at heights in factories, gardens, orchards, pruning seedlings and trees, etc. Conventional stepladders occupy a large space when in use, which makes them inconvenient to use and disadvantageous to users when working at heights. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the problem that conventional stepladders are inconvenient to use. The present invention provides a step system. The step in the step system is a support post step that is used for a user's foot to facilitate working at heights and can be stored in the support post. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention discloses, as an embodiment, a step system including a post and a post tread fitted to and supported by the post, the post tread being switchable between different positions by rotating around the post at a predetermined angle along a circumferential direction or by folding or unfolding relative to the post.

[0005] By using the above-mentioned embodiment, the stepladder's support tread is used as a footrest for the user, facilitating the user to work at height, and can be stored by rotating or folding relative to the support, thereby reducing the space occupied. By storing the support tread, it is possible to prevent damage due to falling or impact.

[0006] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the post step can be folded or unfolded relative to the post to switch between different positions including a storage position and a footrest position, in which the post step is parallel to the post and in which the post step is used for a user's footrest.

[0007] According to another specific embodiment of the invention, the post step is adapted to be switched between different positions including a storage position and a foothold position by rotating around the post in a circumferential direction through a predetermined angle, in which the post step is directed towards the ladder and in which the post step is adapted for a user's foothold.

[0008] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the number of foot positions is at least two.

[0009] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined angle is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 360°.

[0010] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the predetermined angle is 180°.

[0011] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the pillar tread is switched between different positions by moving upward along the extension direction of the pillar, rotating around the pillar by a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction, and then moving downward along the extension direction of the pillar, wherein the movement of the pillar tread before switching between different positions and the movement of the pillar tread after switching in the circumferential direction are restricted.

[0012] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a fixed seat having at least two locking grooves along the circumferential direction is protruded from the outer surface of the support. Each of the locking grooves extends along the extension direction of the support and has a support part at its lower end. At least one locking block that locks into the locking groove is protruded from the inner wall of the support tread. The support tread before switching between the different positions and the support tread after switching are provided such that the inner wall of the support tread is fitted into the outer surface of the fixed seat, and the locking block is located in the locking groove and supported by the support part. The inner wall of the support tread moves upward relative to the fixed seat along the extension direction of the support until the locking block and the locking groove are separated, and then rotates around the outer surface of the support by a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction, and then moves downward along the locking groove until the locking block is supported by the support part.

[0013] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the number of the locking blocks is one, two, three or four.

[0014] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the number of the locking grooves includes any one of two, three, four, and eight.

[0015] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least two locking grooves are disposed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0016] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the fixing seat is fixed to the outer surface of the support rod when the fixing seat moves a predetermined distance along the extension direction of the support rod.

[0017] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the distance from the support tread to the upper end of the support in the extension direction of the support is 250 mm to 500 mm.

[0018] The present invention further provides a stepladder comprising a ladder and any of the above-mentioned step systems, wherein the upper ends of the posts in the step system are rotatably connected to the ladder, so that the stepladder can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the ladder includes two end pieces at the lower end of the ladder and a ladder rung between the upper end of the ladder and the two end pieces. The lower end of the support pole is provided with an end piece, which is used for contacting the ground when the ladder is in the unfolded state.

[0020] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the ladder is provided with a top plate which is rotatably connected to the upper end of the support column.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the ladder and the posts are made of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy or steel.

[0022] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a restricting member is provided between the support and the ladder for restricting the maximum extension angle of the stepladder.

[0023] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the regulating member is a chain having two ends connected to the post and the ladder, respectively. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a support of a stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a support of a stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a support tread of a stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a fixed base of a stepladder support according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to specific examples, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the description in this specification. The present invention will be described using preferred examples, but this does not mean that the features of the present invention are limited to the embodiments. Rather, the purpose of describing the present invention using the embodiments is to cover other options or improvements that are developed based on the claims of the present invention. In the following description, many specific details are included to facilitate a deeper understanding of the present invention. The present invention can be practiced without the use of such detailed descriptions. In addition, in order to avoid misunderstanding or ambiguity of the gist of the present invention, some specific details are omitted. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other as long as they are not contradictory.

[0026] It should be noted that in this specification, like symbols and alphabets represent like things in the following figures, so that once defined in one figure, further definition or explanation in subsequent figures is omitted.

[0027] In order to make the objectives, embodiments and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following provides a more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0028] 1 to 3, the present application provides a stepladder 1. The stepladder 1 of the present application will be described using a tripod folding stepladder as an example, but is not limited to the tripod folding stepladder, and may be another type of stepladder, such as a four-legged stepladder, as long as a step system described later can be attached to it. The stepladder 1 includes a ladder 10 and a support 20 of the step system. The material of the ladder 10 and the support 20 is, for example, an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or steel. The ladder 10 of the present application includes, for example, two end members 11 provided at the lower end of the ladder 10, and a ladder rung 12 provided between the upper end of the ladder 10 and the two end members 11. The shape and number of the ladder rungs 12 of the present application are not limited, and four ladder rungs 12 are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. In some possible embodiments, the ladder rungs 12 may be provided in other numbers according to the demands of high-altitude work. In the case of four ladder rungs 12, they are installed parallel to each other. Both ends of the ladder rung 12 are connected to ladder posts of the ladder 10, and the ladder posts extend, for example, from the lower end to the upper end of the ladder 10.

[0029] The upper end of the support 20 is rotatably connected to the ladder 10, so that the stepladder 1 can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state (as shown in Figs. 1 and 3), and one end fitting 21 is provided at the lower end of the support 20. The support 20 can be switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, for example, by rotating relative to the ladder 10.

[0030] When packed for transport or not in use, the stepladder 1 is folded, and the support poles 20 and the ladder 10 are in contact with each other, thereby reducing the space occupied by the stepladder 1. When the stepladder 1 is in use, the stepladder 1 is unfolded, and the stepladder 1 touches the ground by means of the end fittings. When the stepladder 1 is unfolded, the included angle between the extension direction of the support poles 20 (X direction shown in FIG. 1) and the extension direction of the ladder 10 (Y direction shown in FIG. 1) is an acute angle. The support poles 20 are, for example, cylindrical or elliptical.

[0031] Continuing to refer to Figs. 1 to 3, the stepladder 1 of the present invention further includes a support step 30 of a step system that is fitted to the support 20 and supported by the support 20. The support step 30 is, for example, perpendicular to the support 20. Here, the support step 30 switches between different positions by rotating around the support 20 at a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction (direction B in Fig. 2). The support step 30 is used for a user's footrest, and when the stepladder 1 is in an unfolded state, for example, when working at height in a garden, an orchard, or pruning seedlings or trees, one foot can be placed on the ladder step 12 of the ladder 10 and the other foot on the support step 30, which makes it easier to work at height.

[0032] In addition, in the extension direction of the support 20, the distance of the support step 30 to the upper end of the support 20 is 250 mm or more and 500 mm or less. If it is within this parameter range, the user can easily place his / her foot on the support step 30.

[0033] The different positions include a storage position (shown in FIG. 1) and a footrest position (shown in FIG. 3). The support rail 30 can be rotated to switch from the storage position to the footrest position or vice versa. The footrest position is a position where a user places their footrest when the stepladder 1 is in an unfolded state, and the storage position is a position where the stepladder 1 is in a folded state and stored.

[0034] In this way, when the stepladder 1 is packed and transported or is not in use, the support bar 30 can be rotated and stored in the storage position to reduce the space occupied by the stepladder 1. In addition, the stored support bar 30 can be prevented from being damaged due to falling or impact.

[0035] 1, the support rung 30 is disposed facing the ladder 10 in the stored position. Referring to FIG. 3, the support rung 30 is used for a user's footrest in the footrest position.

[0036] In some possible embodiments, the post tread 30 can be switched between different positions by folding or unfolding relative to the post 20. Similarly, the different positions include a storage position and a footrest position, where the post tread 30 is parallel to the post 20 and where the post tread 30 is used for a user's footrest.

[0037] The present application describes, by way of example, that the post tread 30 rotates around the post 20 to switch between different positions.

[0038] In some possible embodiments, the predetermined angle by which the post tread 30 rotates around the post 20 is between 0° and 360°, excluding 0°. That is, the post tread 30 switches between different positions by rotating around the post 20 along the circumferential direction at any angle between 0° and 360°, excluding 0°. Examples of the predetermined angle include 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 180°, 210°, etc.

[0039] In the present application, the predetermined angle is described as 180°. With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the support bar 30 is switched between the storage position and the footrest position by rotating 180° around the support 20 along the circumferential direction. That is, when the support bar 30 is in the storage position (shown in FIG. 1), it becomes the footrest position (shown in FIG. 3) when it is rotated 180° around the support 20 along the circumferential direction. Also, when the support bar 30 is in the footrest position (shown in FIG. 3), it becomes the storage position (shown in FIG. 1) when it is rotated 180° around the support 20 along the circumferential direction. The support bar 30 can be switched between the storage position and the footrest position by rotating 180° around the support 20 in the forward or reverse direction along the circumferential direction. In this way, the convenience and stability of the footrest for the user can be improved.

[0040] In some possible embodiments, at least two foot positions are provided. That is, the support bar 30 rotates in a circumferential direction from the storage position to different foot positions, so that the user can easily adjust the foot position according to the demands of the work at height. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which there are three foot positions. For example, when the support bar 30 rotates 90° around the support 20 in a circumferential direction from the storage position, it switches to a first foot position. Also, when the support bar 30 rotates 120° around the support 20 in a circumferential direction from the storage position, it switches to a second foot position. Also, when the support bar 30 rotates 180° around the support 20 in a circumferential direction from the storage position, it switches to a third foot position.

[0041] In this manner, the user can switch the support tread 30 from the stored position to any one of the first footrest position, the second footrest position, or the third footrest position depending on the demands of the work.

[0042] 1 to 3, in addition to what is shown in Figures 4 to 8, the post tread 30 of the present application switches between different positions by moving upward (direction A shown in Figures 2 and 4) along the extension direction of the post 20, rotating around the post 20 by a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction (direction B shown in Figures 2 and 4), and then moving downward (direction C shown in Figures 3 and 4) along the extension direction of the post 20. The movement of the post tread 30 in the circumferential direction is restricted before and after the post tread 30 switches between different positions.

[0043] That is, in the process of switching the post step 30 of the present application between different positions, first, the post step 30 is lifted upward (step 1 shown in FIG. 4), then rotated at a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction, and finally, the post step 30 is lowered downward (step 2 shown in FIG. 4). When the switching between different positions is completed, that is, when the post step 30 reaches a corresponding position such as the stored position or the footrest position, the post step 30 is supported by the post 20 and no circumferential movement relative to the post 20 occurs. This improves the stability of the connection of the post step 30 to the post 20, and the position of the post step 30 does not easily change, and no abnormal noise (for example, a sound caused by the contact of the post step 30 with the post 20 or the ladder 10) is generated.

[0044] There is no limitation on the method of connecting the support tread 30 and the support 20, and as long as the above-mentioned movement operation (shown in FIG. 4) can be realized, it is within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] 2, 5, 7 and 8, in some possible embodiments, a fixed seat 22 having at least two locking grooves 221 along the circumferential direction is protruded from the outer surface of the present support 20, and each locking groove 221 extends along the extension direction of the support 20 and has a support part 222 at its lower end. At least one locking block 31 that locks into the locking groove 221 is protruded from the inner wall of the support bar 30. Before the support bar 30 switches between different positions and after the support bar 30 switches between different positions, the inner wall of the support bar 30 is fitted into the outer surface of the fixed seat 22, and the locking block 31 is located in the locking groove 221 and supported by the support part 222.

[0046] The inner wall of the support post tread 30 moves upward relative to the fixed seat 22 along the extension direction of the support post 20 until the locking block 31 and the locking groove 221 separate (as shown in FIG. 2), and the locking block 31 also moves upward relative to the locking groove 221 accordingly. After the support post tread 30 rotates around the outer surface of the support post 20 in the circumferential direction by a predetermined angle, the locking block 31 is aligned with the locking groove 221 and moves downward along the locking groove 221 until the locking block 31 is supported by the support portion 222, thereby switching between different positions.

[0047] That is, when the support bar 30 is used, i.e., when it is switched from the stored position to the footrest position, the support bar 30 is lifted upward from the fixed seat 22, rotated outward, and then lowered downward to be fitted into the fixed seat 22 and fixed therein.

[0048] When the support bar 30 is not used, i.e., when it is switched from the footrest position to the storage position, the support bar 30 is lifted upward from the fixed seat 22, rotated inward, and then lowered downward to be fitted into the fixed seat 22 and fixed.

[0049] 7(a) to 7(d) respectively show that the number of locking blocks 31 is 1, 2, 3, and 4. Figures 8(a) to 8(d) respectively show that the number of locking grooves 221 is 2, 3, 4, and 8. The numbers of locking blocks 31 and locking grooves 221 in the present application are not limited to these numbers, and may be provided according to the angle at which the support tread 30 rotates in the circumferential direction.

[0050] In the present application, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the angle of rotation of the post tread 30 in the circumferential direction is 180°, the number of locking blocks 31 is four (as shown in Fig. 7(d)), and the number of locking grooves 221 is also four (as shown in Fig. 8(c)). The four locking grooves 221 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. When the post tread 30 is in the storage position and the foothold position, the four locking blocks 31 are located in the corresponding four locking grooves 221, respectively. Therefore, there are three foothold positions. For example, when the post tread 30 is rotated forward by 90° around the post 20 along the circumferential direction from the storage position, it switches to the first foothold position. Also, when the post tread 30 is rotated forward by 180° around the post 20 along the circumferential direction from the storage position, it switches to the second foothold position. Furthermore, when the support post tread 30 is rotated 270° in the forward direction around the support post 20 from the stored position along the circumferential direction, it switches to the third footrest position.

[0051] In some possible embodiments, as shown in Fig. 8(a), the number of locking grooves 221 is two, and the two locking grooves 221 are equally spaced along the circumferential direction, and the number of locking blocks 31 can be one (as shown in Fig. 7(a)) and one foothold position, or the number of locking blocks 31 can be two (as shown in Fig. 7(b)) and one foothold position.

[0052] In some possible embodiments, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the number of locking grooves 221 is three, the three locking grooves 221 are equally spaced along the circumferential direction, the number of locking blocks 31 can be one (as shown in Fig. 7(a)) and the number of foothold positions can be two, or the number of locking blocks 31 can be three (as shown in Fig. 7(c)) and the number of foothold positions can be two.

[0053] In some possible embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8(d), the number of locking grooves 221 is eight, and the eight locking grooves 221 are equally spaced along the circumferential direction, and the number of locking blocks 31 can be one (as shown in FIG. 7(a)), and the number of foothold positions can be seven. Alternatively, the number of locking blocks 31 can be two (as shown in FIG. 7(b)), and the number of foothold positions can be seven. Alternatively, the number of locking blocks 31 can be three (as shown in FIG. 7(c)). Furthermore, the number of locking blocks 31 can be four (as shown in FIG. 7(d)).

[0054] In addition, the fixing seat 22 and the support part 222 are connected to the outer surface of the support 20 by welding, which simplifies the process and makes processing easy. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and in some possible embodiments, the fixing seat 22 and the support part 222 can be connected to the outer surface of the support 20 by screws, rivets, pop rivets, press undercuts, etc.

[0055] In some possible embodiments, the fixed seat 22 can be fixed to the outer surface of the support pole 20 after moving a predetermined distance along the extension direction of the support pole 20. That is, the fixed seat 22 can change its position on the support pole 20, and therefore the position of the support pole step 30 on the support pole 20 can be changed. This makes it easier for the user to place their foot on the support pole step 30 by determining the position to install the support pole step 30 according to the user's height, and makes it easier to work at height.

[0056] In some possible embodiments, the pole 20 is provided with multiple pole steps 30, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, the pole 20 is provided with two pole steps 30. In this way, multiple foothold positions are provided for the user, making it easier for the user to work at height.

[0057] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the upper end of the ladder 10 of the present invention is provided with a top plate 13 that is rotatably connected to the upper end of the support 20. This makes it easier to fold the stepladder 1 and reduces the space it occupies.

[0058] 1 to 3, in some possible embodiments, a restricting member 40 is provided between the support 20 and the ladder 10 to restrict the maximum extension angle of the stepladder 1. In other words, the restricting member 40 acts to control the included angle between the support 20 and the ladder 10, preventing the support 20 and the ladder 10 from being extended at an excessive angle, which causes the stepladder 1 to be unable to be stably placed on the ground.

[0059] The restricting member 40 is a chain whose two ends are connected to the support 20 and the ladder 10, respectively. The chain restricts the maximum extension angle of the stepladder 1 by pulling the support 20 and the ladder 10, respectively. The maximum extension angle of the stepladder 1 is an acute angle such as 30° or 45°.

[0060] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described through several preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the above content is merely a more detailed description of the present invention using specific embodiments, and the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art may make various changes in form and details, including making some simple inferences or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. The pillars and a support tread fitted to the support and supported by the support, A step system in which the post treads are switched between different positions by rotating around the post at a predetermined angle along a circumferential direction or by folding or unfolding relative to the post.

2. The support treads can be folded or unfolded relative to the support posts to switch between different positions, including a stowed position and a foothold position; In the storage position, the support tread is parallel to the support, The tread system of claim 1 , wherein in the foothold position, the support tread is used for a user's foothold.

3. The support tread is switched between different positions including a storage position and a foothold position by rotating around the support by a predetermined angle along a circumferential direction; In the storage position, the support rungs are provided toward the ladder, The tread system of claim 1 , wherein in the foothold position, the support tread is used for a user's foothold.

4. The tread system of claim 3 , wherein the foot placement locations are at least two.

5. 5. The tread system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 360°.

6. 6. The tread system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined angle is 180 degrees.

7. The support tread moves upward along the extension direction of the support, rotates around the support by a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction, and then moves downward along the extension direction of the support, thereby switching between different positions; The tread system according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 6, wherein movement in the circumferential direction between the support tread before switching and the support tread after switching between the different positions is restricted.

8. a fixing seat having at least two locking grooves formed along the circumferential direction is protruded from an outer surface of the support; Each of the locking grooves extends along the extension direction of the support column, and has a support portion at a lower end thereof. At least one locking block is protruding from the inner wall of the support tread to be locked into the locking groove, Between the different positions, the inner wall of the support tread before switching and the support tread after switching are fitted onto the outer surface of the fixed seat, and the locking block is located in the locking groove and supported by the support part; 8. The tread system according to claim 7, wherein the inner wall of the support post tread moves upward relative to the fixed seat along the extension direction of the support post until the locking block and the locking groove are separated, rotates around the outer surface of the support post along the circumferential direction by a predetermined angle, and then moves downward along the locking groove until the locking block is supported by the support portion, so as to switch between different positions.

9. The tread system according to claim 8, wherein the number of the locking blocks is one, two, three, or four.

10. The tread system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the number of the locking grooves is any one of two, three, four, and eight.

11. The tread system according to claim 10 , wherein the at least two locking grooves are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

12. The tread system according to claim 8, wherein the fixing seat is fixed to the outer surface of the support pole after moving a predetermined distance along the extension direction of the support pole.

13. A ladder and The tread system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The stepladder can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state by pivotally connecting the upper ends of the supports in the step system to the ladder.

14. The ladder has: Two end fittings provided at the lower end of the ladder; and a ladder rung provided between the upper end of the ladder and the two end fittings, The stepladder according to claim 13, wherein the lower end of the support pole is provided with an end fitting, and the end fitting comes into contact with the ground when the stepladder is in the unfolded state.

15. The stepladder according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a top plate is provided at the upper end of the ladder and is rotatably connected to the upper end of the support pole.

16. The stepladder according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a restricting member is provided between the support and the ladder to restrict the maximum extension angle of the stepladder.

17. The stepladder according to claim 16, wherein the restricting member is a chain having both ends connected to the support and the ladder, respectively.

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