Asymmetric damping block adapted to be placed in a damping device for a folding ladder, folding ladder, and method for placing a damping device in a folding ladder

Abstract

There is provided a damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) for a folding ladder (1). The folding ladder comprises an inner ladder tube section (40a) and an outer ladder tube section (40b) having an inner sidewall (44b), the inner ladder tube section (40a) being slidably disposed with the outer ladder tube section (40b). The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) comprises a main body (121) having a top portion adapted to be at least partially disposed within the inner ladder tube section (40a), at least one attachment means (122; 422), and an asymmetric damping block (140; 550; 550'; 550") adapted to be disposed within the attachment means (122; 422), the asymmetric damping block having at least one surface (142) which slidably abuts the inner sidewall (44b) of the outer ladder tube section (40b) when disposed within the folding ladder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a folding ladder. More specifically, the present invention relates to a damping device for use in a folding ladder.

Background Art

[0002] As is well known to those skilled in the art of folding ladders, such ladders typically include several tube portions having various diameters that can be inserted into each other in a nested manner. The upper ends of any of the tube portions are all fixed to one end of a ladder step or rung, and the other end of the ladder step is fixed to the upper end of a tube portion having the same diameter. Two tube portions and a ladder step form a ladder section, and the tube section can be inserted into an adjacent ladder section including a tube portion having a larger diameter.

[0003] As a result, the resulting ladder can accordingly be folded by inserting a higher ladder section into a lower ladder section. The ladder can correspondingly be extended by extending the upper ladder section from the lower ladder section. Pins extending through holes in the outer walls of two adjacent tube portions can lock the tube portions and prevent the extending ladder from collapsing. Ladders having collapsible and expandable ladder sections are used, for example, to make the ladder smaller so that the ladder can be more easily stored and / or transported.

[0004] Generally, it is beneficial for ladder tubes to descend and fold rapidly to achieve easier handling of the ladder. However, if the descent is too fast, or if the user is positioned improperly on the ladder, there is a risk that the user's fingers or other body parts may be pinched or crushed. For example, with other ladders used to reach attics of houses, the gravity and weight of the ladder can cause it to extend rapidly, and therefore, this extension can damage the floor or injure the user. Conventional solutions have consequently applied damping solutions to provide safety to the user and those around when handling folding ladders.

[0005] However, prior art attenuation solutions are limited in some embodiments. The shortcomings of the current solution include, to name a few, poor compatibility with different types of folding ladders, difficulty in adjusting the damping effect of folding ladders, a complex and / or expensive structure, and unfavorable solutions.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved damping device for folding ladders. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide damping devices, asymmetric damping blocks, folding ladders, and methods for arranging folding ladders, which solve or at least mitigate one or more of the problems or drawbacks identified in the background art section above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a first embodiment, a damping device for a folding ladder is provided. The folding ladder comprises an inner ladder tube section and an outer ladder tube section having an inner side wall, the inner ladder tube section being slidably arranged together with the outer ladder tube section, and the damping device comprises a main body having a top portion adapted to be at least partially positioned within the inner ladder tube section, at least one mounting means, and an asymmetric damping block adapted to be positioned on the at least one mounting means, the asymmetric damping block having at least one surface that slidably abuts against the inner side wall of the outer ladder tube section when positioned within the folding ladder.

[0009] Damping devices offer several advantages. The mounting mechanism allows for the placement of a damping block without requiring further components such as different types of fastening means. This improves time efficiency, saves materials, and reduces costs and environmental impact.

[0010] Furthermore, since the damping block is independent of the shape and / or dimensions of the ladder pipe, it can be used with different types of ladder pipes. This provides a robust solution that is not too sensitive to different tolerances.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the asymmetric damping block positioned in the receiving portion is asymmetric with respect to a central axis extending horizontally from the center point from the inside of the ladder tube section to the outside of the ladder tube section.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the asymmetric damping block is positioned to cause one of at least two different damping behaviors for the ladder pipe section.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the asymmetric damping block is positioned to cause one of at least two different damping behaviors for the ladder pipe section.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the orientation, position, and / or size of the asymmetric damping block positioned on the mounting means to the inner side wall causes at least one of two different damping behaviors.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, each damping behavior includes a first effect and a second effect, the first and second effects being distinct from each other.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a first orientation, position, and / or size of the asymmetric damping block causes a first damping behavior of the ladder tube section, and a second orientation, position, and / or size of the asymmetric damping block causes a second damping behavior of the ladder tube section.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, in the first damping behavior, inward retraction of the inner ladder tube section relative to the outer ladder tube section produces a second effect, which forces the asymmetric damping block to move and causes a damping effect in the ladder tube section, while outward extension of the inner ladder tube section relative to the outer ladder tube section produces a first effect, which releases the damping effect caused by the asymmetric damping block.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, in the second damping behavior, the inward retraction of the inner ladder tube section relative to the outer ladder tube section produces a first effect, which releases the damping effect caused by the asymmetric damping block, and the outward extension of the inner ladder tube section relative to the outer ladder tube section produces a second effect, which forces the asymmetric damping block to move and causes a damping effect in the ladder tube section.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first damping behavior includes a damping effect caused in the downward direction, and the second damping behavior includes a damping effect caused in the upward direction.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, at least one mounting means comprises a cavity or slot facing the inner sidewall, and the asymmetric damping block is adapted to fit at least partially within the cavity.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the damping device comprises two mounting means each having a cavity, and two damping blocks, each cavity facing a different circumferential position around the inner sidewall, and the asymmetric damping blocks are each adapted to fit at least partially within each respective cavity.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the asymmetric damping block is adapted to fit within the cavity by clamping.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the asymmetric damping block is a single integrated preformed block.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the asymmetric damping block is made of a flexible homogeneous material.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the damping device is disposed at least partially inside the inner ladder tube section.

[0026] In a second aspect, a folding ladder is provided. The folding ladder comprises a plurality of ladder sections, each ladder section being arranged parallel to one another and comprising two ladder tubes interconnected by stringers to form each ladder section, each ladder tube being telescopically inserted into the ladder tube of the lower section to form the folding ladder. Each ladder section comprises a damping device according to either the first aspect or an embodiment dependent thereon.

[0027] In a third aspect, an asymmetric damping block adapted to be disposed in a damping device for a folding ladder is provided. The folding ladder includes an inner ladder tube section and an outer ladder tube section having an inner sidewall, the inner ladder tube section being slidably disposed with the outer ladder tube section, and the damping device including at least one mounting means. The asymmetric damping block is adapted to be disposed within at least one mounting means, the asymmetric damping block comprising at least one surface that slidably abuts the inner sidewall and causing one of at least two different damping behaviors for the ladder tube section.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, a method for disposing a damping device on a folding ladder is provided. The method includes steps of disposing a damping device on a first ladder tube section, the damping device including at least one mounting means (1510); disposing at least one asymmetric damping block within at least one mounting means; and slidably inserting the first ladder tube section into a second ladder tube section, such that at least one surface of the asymmetric damping block slidably abuts the inner sidewall of the second ladder tube section, forming a first part of the ladder section.

[0029] As used herein, the term "comprising" is to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component but not precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "one [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" should be construed broadly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless specifically stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] The above information will become clear from the following more specific description of exemplary embodiments, as shown in the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference letters refer to the same parts across different figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather the emphasis is on illustrating exemplary embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 1a] This shows a front view of an extended ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 1b] This shows a front view of a ladder folded to its maximum extent according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] An isometric view of Lang according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 3a] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 3b] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 3c] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 3d] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 3e] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 3f] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 3g] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 3h] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device for a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Figure 4a] This is a schematic diagram of damping devices arranged in different orientations according to one embodiment. [Figure 4b] This is a schematic diagram of damping devices arranged in different orientations according to one embodiment. [Figure 5a] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device that produces a first damping behavior according to one embodiment. [Figure 5b] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device that produces a first damping behavior according to one embodiment. [Figure 6a] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device that produces a second damping behavior according to one embodiment. [Figure 6b] This is a schematic diagram of a damping device that produces a second damping behavior according to one embodiment. [Figure 7a] These are isometric views of asymmetric damping blocks according to different embodiments. [Figure 7b] These are isometric views of asymmetric damping blocks according to different embodiments. [Figure 7c] These are isometric views of asymmetric damping blocks according to different embodiments. [Figure 8a] These are isometric views of ladder pipes according to different embodiments. [Figure 8b] These are isometric views of ladder pipes according to different embodiments. [Figure 8c] These are isometric views of ladder pipes according to different embodiments. [Figure 9a] Isometric view of one embodiment of a damping device [Figure 9b] This is a top view of one embodiment of a damping device. [Figure 9c] This is a top view of one embodiment of a damping device. [Figure 9d] Isometric view of one embodiment of a damping device [Figure 9e] Isometric view of one embodiment of a damping device [Figure 10a] This is an isometric view of a damping device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10b] This is an isometric view of a damping device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11a] This is an isometric view of a damping device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11b] This is an isometric view of a damping device according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for arranging a damping device on a folding ladder according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to ensure that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terms used in the detailed description of the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0033] The object of the present invention is to provide a damping device for use in the ladder sections of folding ladders, which improves the manufacturing process by reducing the complexity of the damping device and the number of parts. Thus, a more cost-effective damping device is provided. More specifically, the novel damping device reduces the need for screws or similar mounting means. This provides both the benefit of cost reduction by increasing the manufacturing process with fewer processing steps, and environmental benefits. Furthermore, the asymmetrical properties of the damping block disclosed herein are particularly advantageous in terms of adaptability and versatility to different types of ladders relating to different damping requirements.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a damping device applicable to any type of folding ladder. The damping behavior of the damping device can be adjusted depending on the orientation of the asymmetric damping blocks arranged in the damping device. Thus, the desired damping effect can be achieved both when extending and folding the folding ladder. Thus, the damping device is a multi-purpose damping device. For example, in the case of a folding ladder positioned to reach the attic of a house, it is desirable that the ladder extends automatically, for example, when the ceiling hatch is opened. When using such a ladder, it is desirable that a damping effect occurs when it extends so that the ladder does not, for example, hit the user's head or damage the floor or other objects in the house. In the case of other folding ladders, it is desirable that the damping effect occurs instead when it folds, as a result of preventing danger such as the user getting their fingers caught.

[0035] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure, the appended claims, and the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features.

[0036] Figure 1a shows the folding ladder 1 in its fully extended state. The folding ladder 1 comprises several ladder sections 5a-j, each ladder section 5a-j comprising two ladder tubes 10, 12 and one lung 20a-k. The ladder sections 5a-j are U-shaped, with the two ladder tubes 10, 12 positioned parallel to each other and interconnected at one end by one lung 20a-k. The lungs 20a-k are positioned horizontally between the vertically positioned ladder tubes 10, 12, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the ladder tubes 10, 12. The ladder tubes 10, 12 are divided into ladder tube sections 40a-j, which extend and retract relative to each other. A ladder tube section 40a-j positioned higher than another ladder tube section 40a-j, for example, a section 40a positioned higher than section 40b, has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the lower section 40b. As a result, the upper section 40a can extend and retract between an extended state and a folded or retracted state inside the lower section 40b.

[0037] Each ladder tube section 40a-k can be made of a different material, for example, it can be formed as an extruded aluminum profile. The appropriate length of each ladder tube section 40a-k may vary depending on the national standard and the design of ladder 1. The length of each ladder tube section 40a-k may also depend on the desired distance between the lungs 20a-k. The distance between the lungs 20a-k may be controlled by different standards; for example, the recommended distance between lungs according to European standards is 250-300 mm.

[0038] The ladder 1 in its most folded state is shown in Figure 1b. In this state, the ladder 1 is easily transportable between locations or can be properly stored. The lowest ladder section 6 is equipped with a fixed rung 21 at the bottom of the ladder, which is designed to provide additional foot support and make the lowest ladder section 6 more stable. As seen in Figure 1b, the lowest ladder section 6 is stationary and cannot be nested inside the other sections 5a-j. This facilitates the transport of the ladder 1. The lowest ladder section 6 may be equipped with two rungs, namely the fixed rung 21 and the rung 20k.

[0039] The ladder tubes 10 and 12 may be provided with end sections 13 on which the ladder stands. Thus, the end sections 13 are located at the bottom of the ladder tubes 10 and 12. The end sections 13 may be made of a high-friction material, thereby reducing the risk of the ladder 1 moving during use.

[0040] A locking or retaining mechanism may be provided for folding and extending the ladder 1 in a nested manner. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1a-b, the retaining mechanism comprises a plurality of actuators 30 positioned on each individual lung 20a-k to release each section 5a-j. The retaining mechanism comprises a spring-loaded locking pin (not shown) which locks ladder section 5a against another adjacent ladder section 5b by being inserted into a locking hole in the ladder tubes 10, 12. Each section 5a-j is released individually by using actuators 30 (such as rotary buttons or slide buttons) positioned on either side of the lungs 20a-k. By using the actuators 30, for example by sliding the slide buttons toward each other, the locking pin is pulled out from the respective locking holes in the ladder tubes 10, 12.

[0041] In one embodiment, the ladder 1 comprises only a pair of actuators 30. The pair of actuators 30 may be positioned in front of the second lowest rung 20k. The pair of actuators 30 can still fold the entire ladder 1. Alternatively, the ladder 1 comprises a first pair of actuators 30 positioned on the second upper rung 20b, and a second pair of actuators 30 positioned on the rungs 20b-j located between the second upper rung 20b and the second lowest rung 20k. The second pair of actuators 30 enables the lower part of the folding ladder 1 to descend, and the first pair of actuators 30 enables the upper part of the folding ladder 1 to descend. Such actuators 30 are described in European Patent No. 1728966, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the pins of the lowest ladder section 6 can be pulled out of interaction with the respective holes in the tubes of the adjacent ladder section 5j by operating a foot control unit which is positioned and deployed to be operated by the user's foot using the ladder 1.

[0043] While only a few types of locking / retaining mechanisms are mentioned herein, it should be noted that any type of mechanism suitable for folding and extending a folding ladder may be used.

[0044] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the lung 20. The lung 20 comprises a main section 22, a first bracket section 24a, and a second bracket section 24b. The first and second bracket sections 24a and 24b are positioned at each end of the lung 20 to receive the respective ladder tubes 10 and 12. Each bracket section 24a and 24b is positioned with openings 26a and 26b having the same cross-sectional shape as the corresponding ladder tubes 10 and 12. The cross-sectional shapes of the ladder tubes 10 and 12 may have distinctive shapes. The cross-sectional shape of the openings 26a and 26b in Figure 2 is triangular. The shape of the openings 26a and 26b of the lung 20 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the ladder tubes 10 and 12.

[0045] In other embodiments, if the ladder tubes 10 and 12 have different cross-sectional shapes, the shapes of the openings 26a to b may differ. For example, in one embodiment, each opening 26a to b comprises a total of six sections, which are straight sections and five additional convex sections.

[0046] The lung 20 may be supplied as a single, integrated unit, with the main section 22, the first bracket section 24a, and the second bracket section 24b being a single part. The main section 22 and the first and second bracket sections 24a-b may be formed from the same material. The material may be a thermoplastic material such as polyamide (nylon). The material may be reinforced by adding a glass fiber composition. In another embodiment, the first bracket section 24a and the second bracket section 24b are supplied as separate units attached to the main section 22 of the lung 20, for example, by press-fitting.

[0047] Although not shown in Figures 1a-b, the ladder tubes 10, 12, and therefore the ladder tube sections 40a-k, may have any number of mounting holes. The holes may be manufactured, for example, by punching, drilling, milling, or electrical discharge machining. Each mounting hole corresponds to a lung projection located on each bracket section 24a, 24b of the lung 20, and the cooperation between the mounting holes and the lung projections ensures that the lung 20 is securely positioned on the ladder tubes 10, 12. It should also be noted that the tubes 10, 12 may have more holes, for example, fastening holes for devices to prevent the ladder from being accidentally pulled apart, or fastening holes for bracket sections used to connect a stabilization system.

[0048] The damping device and how it is arranged in the ladder tube sections 40a-k will be described in detail here with reference to different embodiments shown in Figures 3-12. For brevity, several general illustrative abstractions are taken into consideration. Although not explicitly visualized, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments defined herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. For example, the damping device may be arranged in any ladder tube section, provided that it is arranged in the inner ladder tube section relative to the corresponding outer ladder tube section. Furthermore, the receiving means, mounting means, receiving portion, and asymmetric damping block are shown as each comprising two units. However, the concept of the present invention is equally applicable to one or more of these units.

[0049] Here, a first embodiment of the damping device 120 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figures 3a to 3h show isometric views of the ladder tube sections 40a and 40b arranged with the damping device 120. The damping device 120 is generally positioned between the ladder tube sections 40a and 40b of the collapsible ladder 1, as shown, for example, in Figure 3g. More specifically, the damping device 120 is positioned between the inner ladder tube section 40a and the outer ladder tube section 40b, with the inner ladder tube section 40a being slidably positioned within the outer ladder tube section 40b (extendably insertable). The inner ladder tube section 40a is partially positioned inside the outer ladder tube section 40b. For brevity, the examples of damping devices 120 described herein mainly concern a single damping device 120 positioned between the inner and outer ladder tube sections 40a and 40b. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, in order to produce a damping effect on each of the ladder pipe sections 40a to k, the damping devices 120 may be placed between one or more ladder pipe sections 40a to k, as described with reference to Figure 1a. The lowest ladder pipe section 40k may be placed without a damping device 120. In a preferred embodiment, each damping device 120 is placed in each of the multiple ladder pipe sections 40a to k in order to achieve a damping effect on all of the ladder pipe sections 40a to k.

[0050] As best shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the inner ladder tube section 40a has a body extending as an elongated portion, an inner side wall 44a, an upper end portion (not shown), and a lower end portion 43a. The upper end portion is positioned opposite the lower end portion 43a. In one embodiment, the damping device 120 is adapted to be attached to the lower end portion 43a.

[0051] Similar to the inner ladder tube section 40a, the outer ladder tube section 40b has a body that extends as an elongated portion. As described above, the diameter of the body is slightly larger than the diameter of the main body. The outer ladder tube section 40b has an inner side wall 44b. When the ladder tube sections 40a and 40b are placed in the ladder, the inner side wall 44b of the outer ladder tube section 40b is slidably positioned outside the inner ladder tube section 40a so as to partially enclose the inner ladder tube section 40a.

[0052] In some embodiments, the inner ladder tube section 40a is arranged with at least one receiving means 42a. The receiving means 42a may be in the shape of a closing opening. In one embodiment, the receiving means 42a is a hole configured to receive fastening means for further fastening the damping device 140. Preferably, the receiving means is located near one end of the inner ladder tube section 40a. The ladder tube section 40a may have two receiving means.

[0053] As best seen in Figures 3a–h, the damping device 120 comprises at least one mounting means 122 adapted to receive an asymmetric damping block 140. The mounting means 122 may include a cavity 123. The asymmetric damping block 140 is adapted to be positioned on the mounting means such that at least one of its surfaces 142a–b slidably abuts against the inner side wall 44b of the outer ladder tube section 40b around a circumferential position. The terms “abut,” “contact,” and “engage” are used interchangeably herein in this setting.

[0054] The position of one or more mounting means 122 depends on the cross-sectional shape of the ladder tubes 10 and 12. As shown in Figure 3a, in a triangular cross-section, there are two mounting means 122, which is beneficial when the mounting means 122 are positioned at two of the triangular edges. In a preferred embodiment, the two mounting means 122 are positioned spaced apart from each other. In this way, sufficient damping is achieved on the ladder tube sections 40a and 40b.

[0055] The mounting means 122 may have a slot facing the inner side wall 44b of the outer ladder pipe section 40b. The slot may face the inner side wall 44b around any circumferential position. The slot has a cavity, and the asymmetric damping block 140 is fitted to fit into the cavity. A different way of describing the cavity is that the cavity is located within the mounting means 122 or forms part of the mounting means.

[0056] The mounting means 122 may have two or more slots or cavities 123 facing different circumferential positions around the inner side wall 44b of the outer ladder tube section 40b. Each slot 123 may be fitted to receive an asymmetric damping block 140. Alternatively, two or more separate asymmetric damping blocks 140 can be fitted into a single slot. Additional asymmetric damping blocks 140 typically generate a higher frictional force against the ladder tube sections 40a-b. Thus, the damping effect can be adjusted to suit different types of ladders by adjusting the number of asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b and slots in the damping device 120. Embodiments in Figures 3a-b show two slots or cavities 123a-b.

[0057] The fitting of the asymmetric damping block 140 into the cavity can be easily automated during the manufacturing of the ladder 1 and / or the damping device 120. Furthermore, such a solution makes the damping device 120 independent of specific screws and corresponding apertures, as well as other similar fixing structures, and thus allows it to be installed on multiple different types of ladder tube modules.

[0058] Depending on how the asymmetric damping block 140 is positioned within the mounting means 122, different damping behaviors can be achieved. This is particularly useful because it allows for adjustment of the damping behavior depending on the type of ladder 1 used for which purpose. In some embodiments, the asymmetric damping block 140 may be movably positioned within the mounting means 122, which allows for damping behavior adjustment, thereby achieving any desired damping in the ladder 1. In general terms, the damping behavior corresponds to how the asymmetric damping block 140 acts when it contacts the inner side wall 44b when the inner ladder tube section 40a is extending outward or retracting inward relative to the outer ladder tube section 40b. In other words, the damping behavior of the asymmetric damping block 140 corresponds to a specific frictional force that occurs during slidable contact between at least two surfaces, in this case at least one surface 142a-b of the asymmetric damping block 140 and the inner side wall 44b of the outer ladder tube section 40b. The specific frictional force may be predetermined based on a defined shape of the asymmetric damping block 140. The damping behavior will be further explained with reference to Figures 5a-b and 6a-b.

[0059] One embodiment of the damping block is shown in Figure 3c. The main body 141 of the asymmetric damping block 140 includes at least two damping surfaces 142a-b. The two damping surfaces 142a-b may face in different directions from each other. Preferably, each damping surface 142a-b comprises at least two surface portions 144a, 144b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3c, the first damping surface 142a comprises four surface portions 144a, and the second damping surface 142b comprises four surface portions 144b. As can be understood, different numbers of surface portions are also possible and within the scope of the present invention. The surface portions 144a, 144b may be positioned at different heights from each other.

[0060] The damping device 140 has advantages because it provides an alternative means for generating optional damping directions with the same device. This eliminates the need to store two types of manufacturing tools or two different types of components, thus saving costs related to the manufacturing process and warehousing.

[0061] The asymmetric damping block 140 includes a first bent portion 148 that connects at least two damping surfaces 142a to b. The first bent portion 148 may be positioned toward the inner wall 44b of the outer ladder pipe section 40b when the asymmetric damping block 140 is located within the damping device 120 and the damping device 120 is located within the inner ladder pipe section 40a.

[0062] The main body 141 further comprises an upper surface 141a and a lower surface 141b. The lower surface 141b is located opposite the upper surface 141. Note that once the damping block is rotated, the upper surface may face the ground and the lower surface may face the ground. Therefore, the upper and lower surfaces should be considered as first and second surfaces positioned opposite each other.

[0063] The main body 141 further comprises an end portion 149. The end portion 149 is positioned opposite the bent portion 148. The end portion 149 is positioned opposite the damping surfaces 142a and 142b. The end portion 149 is configured to be positioned within the mounting means 122 of the damping device 120. This is shown in Figure 3d.

[0064] When the surfaces 142a-b of the asymmetric damping block 140 slidably contact the inner side wall 44b, a frictional force is generated between the surface of the asymmetric damping block 140 and the inner side wall 44b, thereby producing a damping effect on the ladder pipe sections 40a-b. The asymmetric damping block 140 may be removably inserted into the mounting means 122, and the same asymmetric damping block 140 may be used to achieve adjustment of the damping effect.

[0065] The asymmetric damping block 140 may be made of a flexible, homogeneous material, such as a plastic and / or rubber composition. The material may be, for example, an elastomer or a polymer material. The asymmetric damping block 140 may be a single, integrated, pre-molded block.

[0066] The pre-formed block does not depend on any fastening means such as screws, bolts, or knobs, or on any associated aperture, so that it can be placed within the cavity 123. Therefore, the manufacturing procedure for the asymmetric damping block 140, and thus the damping device 120, is simplified. Furthermore, the asymmetric damping block 140 is an acceptable damping solution because it does not depend on the specific dimensions of the ladder tube sections 40a-b.

[0067] Returning to Figures 3a and 3b, we will now describe the further parts of the damping device 120.

[0068] The damping device comprises a main body 121. Preferably, the main body 121 has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the ladder pipe section 40a in which it is to be placed. The damping device 120 may further comprise an inclined surface or a chamfered surface 130. The inclined surface or chamfered surface 130 extends in the same direction as the arrangement of the cavities 123. In other words, the inclined surface or chamfered surface 130 has an extension in the direction facing the outer ladder pipe 40b.

[0069] When the ladder section 40a reaches the locking pin, the inclined or chamfered surface 130 of the damping device 220 interacts with the locking pin so that the locking pin is pushed. This allows the ladder section to pass the locking pin. Also, only the chamfered end of the locking pin holds the bar section in place, and the weight of the ladder section pushes the locking pin further away from the pipe section, thus disengaging the lock of the lower ladder section held by the retaining mechanism and the locking pin.

[0070] The damping device 120 may further include an engaging surface 125 configured to engage with the inner ladder tube 40a. In the illustrated embodiment, the damping device 140 includes two engaging surfaces 125, 125. The engaging surfaces 125, 125 are positioned above the respective cavities 123a, 123b. The engaging surfaces 125 extend in the opposite direction to the arrangement of the cavities 123 compared to the main body 121. The engaging surfaces 125 are positioned opposite to the inclined or chamfered surface 130, if present. In other words, the engaging surfaces 125 extend in the direction facing the inner ladder tube 40a.

[0071] The engaging surface 125 is positioned together with the engaging means 128. The engaging means 128 may be any type of projection adapted to engage with the opening of the inner ladder tube section 40a or the receiving means 42a. When the engaging surface 125 is positioned in the inner ladder tube section 40a, it is positioned on the outside of the inner ladder tube 40a. This is shown in Figures 3d-3e.

[0072] The damping device 120 may further include a mounting projection 129. The mounting projection 129 can be, for example, a pig protruding from the main body 121 or other similar structure. The mounting projection 129 is configured to help secure the damping device 120 within the inner ladder tube 40a. The mounting projection 129 is tightened inside the inner ladder tube 40a.

[0073] The damping device 120 preferably comprises one or more protrusions 124a to i. The protrusions 124 extend from the main body 121 and constitute part of the top portion of the damping device 120. The protrusions 124a to i are preferably arranged to be in contact with the inner tube 40a. The protrusions 124a to i are arranged to be tightened inside the inner surface of the inner tube 40a. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3b, a plurality of protrusions 124a to i are arranged on the damping device 120. The number of protrusions 124a to i may vary, for example, there may be nine. As shown in Figures 3a to h, if the ladder tube is rectangular in shape, the damping device 120 has three protrusions on each side, and therefore up to nine additional protrusions can be added. However, of course, other numbers and configurations of protrusions are also possible.

[0074] In one embodiment, the protrusion 122 is positioned on a raised support structure 121a that is placed on the main body 121. When present, the raised support structure 121a does not directly contact the inner ladder pipe 40a. However, as described above, when the support structure 121a is positioned together with the protrusion 122, they come into contact with the inner ladder pipe 40a.

[0075] The damping device 120 may further include guide means, which can be arranged to guide the inner ladder tube 40a and its damping device 120 into the outer ladder tube 40b. The guide means may be a protruding portion. The guide means may be a flap. If the damping device 120 includes two mounting means 122a-b, the guide means is preferably arranged between the two mounting means 122a-b. The length of the guide means is preferably the same as the length of the guide means.

[0076] The main body 121 of the damping device 120 may further include a through hole 126. The through hole 126 is preferably located in the center of the main body. In a preferred embodiment, the through hole 126 is arranged with a projection extending along the circumference of the hole 126. The hole 126 may be used during the manufacture and / or installation of the damping device 120.

[0077] Figures 3a, 3d, 3e, and 3g further illustrate how the damping device 120 is positioned on the ladder. In Figure 3a, an inner ladder tube section 40a and the damping device 120 are provided. The damping device 120 comprises mounting means 122a-b adapted to receive damping blocks 140. The mounting means 122a-b have at least one cavity 123a-b. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3a-g, the damping device 120 comprises two mounting means 122a-b, each mounting means 122a-b comprising a cavity 123a-b. Each cavity is positioned to at least partially enclose each asymmetric damping device 140a-b.

[0078] When the damping device 120 is pushed into the inner ladder tube 40a, the engaging surface 125 and its respective engaging means 128 engage with the receiving means 42a of the inner ladder tube section 40a. Furthermore, the mounting projection 129 further secures the damping device within the inner ladder tube 40a. In addition, the protrusions 124a~i contact the inner surface 44a of the inner ladder tube 40a.

[0079] Figure 3d shows two asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 140b. The asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 140b are adapted to be positioned within the cavities 123a and 123b, for example, by tightening. The asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 140b may be advantageously positioned at various locations within the cavities, having various orientations and various sizes. This will be further explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0080] Figures 3e and 3f show two asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 140b located within the cavities 123a and 123b of the damping device 120, which are located within or outside the inner ladder tube section 40a. As shown in the figures, at least one surface 142a and 142b of the asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 140b protrudes at least partially from the cavities of the damping device 120. These surfaces should slidably contact the outer ladder tube section 40b to enable damping behavior in the corresponding steps.

[0081] In Figures 3g and 3h, the inner ladder tube section 40a is slidably inserted into the outer ladder tube section 40b.

[0082] The asymmetric damping block 140 can be positioned in at least two different orientations within the cavities 123a and 123b of the mounting means 122a and 122b. Different orientations of the damping block result in different damping behaviors.

[0083] Figures 4a and 4b show two different orientations of the damping block 140. In Figure 4a, the damping block 140 is positioned in the first orientation, and in Figure 4b, the damping block 140 is positioned in the second orientation. The second orientation may correspond to a rotation of approximately 180° of the damping block compared to the first orientation.

[0084] The damping blocks 140a to b comprise a plurality of surfaces 142a to i. At least one of these surfaces, in this case 142a, is slidably in contact with the inner side wall 44b of the outer ladder tube section 40b at two different circumferential positions.

[0085] The asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b are asymmetric with respect to a central axis extending horizontally from the center point C, from the inside to the outside of the ladder tube sections 40a-b. In some embodiments, the asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b may also be asymmetric with respect to a central axis extending vertically.

[0086] In some embodiments, the damping behavior is determined during the manufacturing of the ladder 1 and / or damping device 120. The desired damping behavior is obtained by inserting asymmetric damping blocks 140 having a specific size, orientation, and position. Different damping behaviors of the inner ladder tube section 40a may, in different embodiments, depend on the orientation, position, and / or size of the asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b located within the cavities 123a-b.

[0087] Here, the damping behavior and damping effect caused by the damping block 140 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In summary, the damping block 140 can be arranged in at least two different orientations, as shown in Figures 4a to 4b. The different orientations produce at least two damping behaviors, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. Each damping behavior has at least two effects: a first damping behavior as shown in Figures 5a to 5b and a second damping behavior as shown in Figures 6a to 6b. The effect may be to dampen or not dampen the ladder pipe.

[0088] In Figure 4a, the first orientation of the asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b causes the first damping behavior of the ladder pipe sections 40a-b. This behavior may correspond to the behavior shown in Figures 5a-b. In Figure 4b, the second orientation of the asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b causes the second damping behavior of the ladder pipe sections 40a-b. This behavior may correspond to the behavior shown in Figures 6a-b.

[0089] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, at least surface 142a is in slidable contact with the inner wall 44b in both cases. When the damping device 120 is positioned in the orientation shown in Figure 4a, a space 127 is formed between the outer ladder tube section 40b and the damping block 140. When the damping block is forced to move, it moves into the space 127. The movement or rotation produces a damping effect on the ladder tube. When the damping block 140 is stationary, no damping force is generated on the ladder tube. Figures 5a and 5b show the first damping behavior, and Figures 6a and 6b show the second damping behavior. The arrows in the figures indicate the ongoing movement of the ladder tube sections 40a and 40b relative to each other. Upward arrows correspond to the outward expansion of the inner ladder tube section 40a relative to the outer ladder tube section 40b. Downward arrows correspond to the inward retraction (or collapse) of the inner ladder tube section 40a relative to the outer ladder tube section 40b.

[0090] The asymmetric damping block 140 positioned on the mounting means 122 produces predictable damping behavior under given conditions. Each damping behavior includes a first and a second effect, respectively. These effects are caused by the interaction of the damping block and the relative motion of the ladder tube sections 40a-b, i.e., expansion or retraction. The first and second effects are typically opposite effects, such as with and without damping, and will be further explained shortly.

[0091] Figures 5a and 5b show the damping block in the first orientation (or position). Figure 5a shows the outward extension of the inner ladder pipe section 40a relative to the outer ladder pipe section 40b. The outward extension of the inner ladder pipe section 40a relative to the outer ladder pipe section 40b releases the damping effect caused by the asymmetric damping block 140. In other words, the damping effect caused by the asymmetric damping block 140 is released. This is called the first effect.

[0092] In Figure 5b, the inward retraction of the inner ladder tube section 40a relative to the outer ladder tube section 40b forces the asymmetric damping block 140 into contact with the inner side wall of the outer ladder tube section 40b. Consequently, the asymmetric damping block 140 moves more and more, increasing the frictional force generated by the asymmetric damping block 140. This movement may optionally be accompanied by a slight deformation of the damping block 140. This is referred to as the second effect.

[0093] Figures 6a and 6b show the damping block in the second orientation (or position). Figure 6a shows the outward extension of the inner ladder pipe section 40a relative to the outer ladder pipe section 40b. The outward extension of the inner ladder pipe section 40a relative to the outer ladder pipe section 40b forces the asymmetric damping block 140 to move, causing a damping effect in the ladder pipe sections 40a and 40b. This is called the second effect.

[0094] Figure 6b shows the inward setback of the inner ladder pipe section 40a relative to the outer ladder pipe section 40b. This inward setback of the inner ladder pipe section 40a relative to the outer ladder pipe section 40b releases the damping effect caused by the asymmetric damping block 140. This is referred to as the first effect.

[0095] As should be noted by those skilled in the art, different damping behaviors may be exhibited for the same motion of the ladder tube sections 40a and 40b depending on how the asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 40b are arranged within the cavity 123.

[0096] As described above, the asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 140b can produce multiple different damping behaviors depending on their respective orientations. For example, each 45° can correspond to specific damping behaviors, namely 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°. Other behaviors can be realized for asymmetric damping blocks 140a and 140b with other asymmetric characteristics.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the size of the asymmetric damping block 140 positioned in the mounting means 122 causes damping behavior. The size of the asymmetric damping block 140 will cause its larger or smaller portion to contact the outer ladder tube sections 40a-b, thereby increasing or decreasing the frictional force generated. Sizing of the asymmetric damping block 140 may be achieved by providing an asymmetric damping block 140 comprising a flexible homogeneous material such as those described above. Alternatively, the asymmetric damping block 140 may consist of a completely flexible homogeneous material. The flexible material can bend when a force is applied to temporarily reduce its dimensions in order to position the asymmetric damping block 140 within the mounting means 122. In other embodiments, the damping device 120 may use a spring-based system that allows for temporary reduction of dimensions. Alternatively, the flexible material may be temperature-sensitive such that a dominant temperature, or possibly humidity, temporarily decreases or increases the size of the asymmetric damping block 140.

[0098] In addition to the damping block 140 described with reference to Figures 3 to 6, other embodiments are possible. Figures 7a to 7c show additional embodiments 550; 550'; 550”. The asymmetric damping blocks 550; 550'; 550” in Figures 7a to 7c each comprise a main body 551. The main body 551 of the asymmetric damping block 550; 550' comprises at least two first damping surfaces 552a to b. The two first damping surfaces 552a to b may face in different directions from each other. The asymmetric damping block 550; 550'; 550” may further comprise at least one secondary damping surface 554. Each secondary damping surface 554 is located below its respective first damping surface 552a to b. The first damping surfaces 552a to b extend further away from the main body 551 than the second damping surfaces 554a to b.

[0099] The asymmetric damping block 550;550' comprises a first bent portion 558 connecting at least two first damping surfaces 552a-b. The first bent portion 558 may be positioned toward the inner wall 44b of the outer ladder pipe section 40b when the asymmetric damping block 550;550' is located within the damping device 120 and the damping device 120 is located within the inner ladder pipe section 40a.

[0100] The embodiment shown in Figure 7b is similar to the embodiment in Figure 7a, but differs mainly in that it has more damping surfaces. The asymmetric damping block 550' comprises four first damping surfaces 552a-b and four second damping surfaces 554, two of which are located on either side of the first bent portion 558.

[0101] The embodiment shown in Figure 7c shows an asymmetric damping block 550” having one first damping surface 552a. The asymmetric damping block 550” may further have one secondary damping surface 554. In this embodiment, the asymmetric damping block 550” does not have any bent portions 558.

[0102] The asymmetric damping blocks 550, 550', and 550'' shown in Figures 7a to 7c can be used with the defined damping device 120, or with any of the damping devices 120; 220; 320; or 420 described later with reference to Figures 8 to 12.

[0103] Before looking at further embodiments of the damping device, two further embodiments of the inner ladder tube section 40a will be described with reference to Figures 8a-c. In some embodiments, the inner ladder tube section 40a comprises receiving means 42 arranged to receive the damping device 120. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 8a, the inner ladder tube section 40a comprises two receiving means 42a, 42b, both of which have a closed opening shape. The openings of the receiving means 42a, 42b are slightly larger in dimensions than the corresponding mounting means 122a, 122b of the damping device 120. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8a, the receiving means 42a, 42b are rectangular in shape. However, the receiving means 42a, 42b may have other shapes depending on the shape of the damping device 120 and the cross-sectional shape of the ladder tube sections 40a-b.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8b, the inner ladder tube section 40a' may have receiving means 42a'~b' that form an open opening such as a recess. Yet another embodiment is shown in Figure 8c.

[0105] Preferably, the receiving means 42a-b are positioned near one end of the inner ladder tube section 40a. In embodiments where the receiving means 122a-b are closed openings, the distance between the top of the opening and one of the end portions 43a-b of the inner ladder tube section 40a is about 0.5-6 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, and more preferably 2-3 mm. However, as described in other embodiments, the receiving means 42a-b may be non-closed openings such as recesses.

[0106] The positions of the two receiving means 42a-b depend on the cross-sectional shape of the ladder tubes 10 and 12. In a triangular cross-section, it is beneficial to position the two receiving means 42a-b at two of the triangular edges, as shown in Figure 8a. In a preferred embodiment, the two receiving means 42a-b are positioned spaced apart from each other. In this way, sufficient damping is achieved on the ladder tube sections 40a-b.

[0107] The inner ladder tube section 40a may further comprise a recess 46 for receiving an inclined or chamfered surface. The recess 46 is preferably located between two receiving means 42a-b.

[0108] Next, different embodiments of the damping device will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, a portion of the damping device is positioned above one edge of the inner ladder tube section, extending beyond the inner side wall. In one or more embodiments, the damping device is positioned so that its dimensions can be temporarily reduced to fit into the inner ladder tube section. In one or more embodiments, the damping device includes a flexible material. In one or more embodiments, the damping device includes a spring-based mechanism that allows for a change in dimensions when a force is applied. In one or more embodiments, the damping device includes at least one pivot point that allows for a temporary change in the dimensions or size of the damping device. In one or more embodiments, the at least one pivot point is a movable arm that allows for press-fitting or tightening the damping device into the inner ladder tube section. In one or more embodiments, the receiving means is a closed opening, a partially closed opening, or a recess. In one or more embodiments, the damping device includes a plurality of protruding portions for attachment to the receiving means.

[0110] Figures 9a to 9d show embodiments of the damping device 220. The damping device 220 comprises a main mounting body 221 having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the ladder tube section 40a in which it is installed. The damping device 220 can be constructed from any suitable plastic material.

[0111] As shown in Figure 9a, the damping device 220 comprises two mounting means 122a, 122b (122a is obscured due to the isometric view showing only one side). When the damping device 220 is positioned in the inner ladder tube section 40a, the two mounting means 122a, 122b are positioned together with the receiving means 42a, 42b of the inner ladder tube section 40d. The number of mounting means 222 typically corresponds to the number of receiving means 42 of the ladder tube section.

[0112] The mounting means 222a-b may have recesses or indentations within the main body 221, which are arranged to receive the respective asymmetric damping blocks, as described herein. In some embodiments, the mounting means 222a-b may have through holes instead of recesses or indentations.

[0113] Mounting means 222a-b may be arranged together with upper projection 224a and lower projection 224b. These projections are positioned on the opposite side of the openings of mounting means 222a-b in the extension / retraction direction of the ladder tube. The projections 224a-b can help maintain the damping device 220 in place within the ladder tube section 40a.

[0114] The lower projection 224a and the upper projection 224b, together with the main body 221, form a protruding surface 226. The protruding surface 226 and the mounting means 222a and 222b are configured to receive their respective asymmetric damping blocks (not shown).

[0115] Figure 9b is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9a. The main body comprises a movable arm 228 having a first portion 228a and a second portion 228b. The first portion 228a of the arm 228 is preferably connected to the main body 221 by a pivot point (not shown). Thus, the first portion 228a is positioned as a pivot point, around which the arm 228 pivots. The second portion 228b is pivotable between a first position P1 shown in Figure 9b and a second position P2 shown in Figure 9c. The pivot point helps to reduce the diameter of the main body 221 when the arm 228 is positioned in the first position P1.

[0116] In the first position P1, the arm 228 is pivoted toward the inside of the damping device 220. This position of the arm 228 makes it possible to reduce its dimensions so that the damping device 220 can move within the ladder tube sections 40a-k to position it correctly. Therefore, this position is used only during the installation and removal of the damping device 220.

[0117] In the second position P2, the arm 228 is pivoted outward toward the inner ladder tube section 40a in which it is positioned. In this position, the damping device 220 is locked within the inner ladder tube section 40a by clamping. When the arm 228 is moved to the second position P2, the dimensions of the damping device 220 are such that it clamps toward the inner wall of the inner ladder tube section 40a; that is, the width of the damping device 220 is slightly smaller than the width of the inner ladder tube section 40a.

[0118] The main body 221 is positioned with at least one pivot point 225. In the embodiments shown in Figures 9a-d, the main body 221 is positioned with two pivot points, a central pivot point 225 and a pivot point between the two arm portions 228a-b. The central pivot point 225 helps to further reduce the diameter of the main body 221 when the arm 228 is positioned in the first position P1.

[0119] Although the above has been described using the pivot arm 228, it should be noted that the damping device 220 may have other types of features that can reduce the size of the device. The damping device 220 may include, for example, a flexible material that flexes when force is applied, resulting in a temporarily reduced size for mounting the damping device 220 to the ladder tube sections 40a-k. In other embodiments, the damping device 220 may use a spring-based system that can temporarily reduce its size.

[0120] Referring again to Figures 9a to d, the main body 221 may further include one or more inner recesses 227 for connecting different parts of the main body 221.

[0121] As can be seen further in Figures 9a and 9b, the damping device 220 may be positioned with an inclined or chamfered surface 230. When the ladder section 40a reaches the locking pin, the inclined or chamfered surface 230 of the damping device 220 interacts with the locking pin so that the locking pin is pushed. This allows the ladder section to pass the locking pin. Also, only the chamfered end of the locking pin holds the bar section in place, and the weight of the ladder section pushes the locking pin further away from the pipe section, thus disengaging the lock of the lower ladder section held by the retaining mechanism and the locking pin.

[0122] The damping device 2120 may be located inside the inner ladder tube section 40a. As shown in Figure 9e, the damping device 220 comprises two mounting means 2122a-b that receive the respective asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b. In Figure 9e, the two asymmetric damping blocks 40a-b are positioned in their respective damping positions, and thus the inner ladder tube section 40a is ready to receive the outer ladder tube section (not shown). The asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b are attached to the damping device 220 when the damping device 220 is positioned in its inner ladder tube section 40a. As described above, the attachment may be done by tightening; therefore, screws or other fastening mechanisms are not required. As seen in Figure 9e, the damping device 120 is attached inside the inner ladder tube section 40a. The damping device 120 is axially locked with the inner ladder tube section 40a. The asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b are attached from the outside into the mounting means 222a-b. The mounting means 222a-b may be, for example, slots in the main body 221 of the damping device, each having a cavity. The asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b are fixed in both the axial and radial directions by the mounting means 222a-b. In one embodiment, the asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b are mounted in the mounting means 222a-b, which may be through holes in the main body 121. The above section relating to the arrangement of the damping blocks applies to all embodiments of the damping devices 120, 220, 320, and 420 disclosed herein.

[0123] The damping device 220 may further comprise a plurality of locking shoulders 229 positioned on the upper and lower projections, as shown in Figure 9d. The locking shoulders 229 help to secure the damping device 220 to the inner ladder tube section 40a'. This embodiment of the damping device 220 is particularly useful when the inner ladder tube section 40a' has receiving means 42a'~b' that form an open opening such as a recess. Each recess is formed by a lower end 48 and two sides 45 positioned opposite each other. Opposite the lower end 48 are two extension elements 47 which partially enclose the recess. The locking shoulders 229 of the damping device 220 are positioned to connect with the two extension elements 47.

[0124] Figures 10a and 10b show a third embodiment of the damping device 320. The damping device 320 is preferably located within the inner ladder tube section 40a” shown in Figure 8c. The third embodiment of the damping device 320 is similar to the second embodiment of the damping device 220, except that the main body lacks a movable arm. Instead, the damping device 320 is connected to the inner ladder tube section 40a” by screws, nails, or other members that are not attached to the receiving means 42a” and 10b” (which here take the form of recesses forming an open opening).

[0125] Figures 11a-b show another embodiment of the damping device 420. This damping device 420 can be positioned in the inner ladder tube section 40a, for example, as shown in Figure 8a. The damping device 420 comprises a main body 421, the main body 421 having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the ladder tube section 40a in which it is positioned. The damping device 420 comprises two mounting means 422a-b. The mounting means 422a-b are positioned together with an upper projection 424a and a lower projection 424b. These are positioned opposite each opening of the mounting means 422a-b in the direction of the ladder tube extension. These projections 424a-b can help to maintain the damping device 420 in place within the ladder tube section 40a. Together with the main body 421, the projections 424a-b form their respective protruding surfaces 426. The protruding surfaces 426 and mounting means 422a-b are configured to receive the respective asymmetric damping blocks 140a-b. The main body 421 has a first vertical end 422a and a second vertical end 422b. The main body 421 is preferably made of a material that is at least partially flexible, so that the damping device 420 can be fitted into the ladder tube section 40a.

[0126] The damping device 420 may be arranged with an inclined or chamfered surface 430 having the same function as described in relation to Figures 9a to e. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 430 is located on the upper surface of the main body 421 of the damping device 420 and as a result extends above the upper end of the damping device 420 and above the end of the inner ladder tube section 40a to which the damping device 120 is attached.

[0127] The damping device 420 shown in Figure 11a has an inclined surface 430 located on the upper surface of the damping device 420, so there is no need to provide a recess in the ladder pipe section 40a.

[0128] Figure 11b shows a situation in which the damping device 420 has an inclined surface 430 that extends upward from the top of the damping device 420.

[0129] Figure 12 shows a schematic flowchart of method 1500 for arranging a damping device within a folding ladder 1 according to one embodiment. In method 1500, one ladder section 5a-j,6 is arranged at once, and each subsequent ladder section 5a-j,6 is arranged below the previous ladder section 5a-j,6. Method 1500 may further include one or more embodiments as described throughout this disclosure.

[0130] Method 1500 includes a first step 1510 of arranging damping devices 120;220;320;420 in a first ladder pipe section 40a, wherein the damping device 120 comprises at least one mounting means 122.

[0131] Method 1500 includes the next step 1520 of positioning at least one asymmetric damping block 140 within the mounting means 122.

[0132] Method 1500 includes the next step of slidably inserting the first ladder tube section 40a into the second ladder tube section 40b so that at least one surface 142 of the asymmetric damping block slidably abuts against the inner side wall 44b of the second ladder tube section 40b. Thus, the first part of the ladder sections 6, 5a-j is formed.

[0133] Then, repeat steps 1510, 1520, and 1530 to form the second parts of ladder sections 6, 5a-j.

[0134] Once the first and second parts of ladder sections 6, 5a-j are formed, these parts are interconnected by the lances 20a-k and 21 in 1550 to assemble ladder sections 6, 5a-j.

[0135] Next, steps 1510, 1520, 1530, 1540, and 1550 are repeated until several additional ladder sections 6, 5a-j are assembled, as defined by the size of the completed folding ladder 1. The difference is that each subsequent damping device 120;220;320;420 in step 1510 is instead placed in the lowest (i.e., second) ladder tube section 40b instead of the first ladder tube section 40a.

[0136] In an alternative arrangement, the entire ladder tubes 10, 12 are arranged individually and then interconnected by the lungs 20a-k, 21. Those skilled in the art can realize an alternative manufacturing procedure in which the damping devices 120; 220; 320; 420 are arranged according to the subject disclosed herein.

[0137] Herein, a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is summarized. A damping device for a telescopic ladder is provided, comprising an inner ladder tube section and an outer ladder tube section, wherein the inner ladder tube section is slidably arranged together with the inner and outer tube sections, and the damping device comprises a mounting member having at least one mounting means, the at least one mounting means configured to receive the respective damping blocks.

[0138] A damping device for a telescopic ladder is provided. The damping device comprises an inner ladder tube section and an outer ladder tube section having an inner side wall, the inner ladder tube section being slidably arranged together with the inner outer tube section, the inner ladder tube section being arranged with at least one receiving means, and the damping device comprises a mounting member having at least one mounting means. The at least one mounting means is configured to be positioned on at least one receiving means of the inner ladder tube, and the at least one mounting means is configured to receive each damping block having at least one damping surface.

[0139] A damping block is provided. The damping block is for a damping device for a telescopic ladder comprising an inner ladder tube section and an outer ladder tube section, wherein the inner ladder tube section is slidably arranged together with the inner outer tube section, and the damping block is configured to dampen movement between the inner and outer ladder tube sections.

[0140] The damping block is asymmetrical. The damping effect of the damping block can be changed by reversing its orientation. The damping surface of the damping block is positioned so that it abuts against the inner side wall of the outer ladder tube section when the ladder tube section is slidably positioned.

[0141] The damping device may comprise two mounting means, each configured to receive one damping block. The inner ladder tube section may be arranged with two receiving means, each configured to receive the respective mounting means of the damping device.

[0142] The damping device may be located at least partially inside the ladder tube section. In one embodiment, the entire damping device is located inside the ladder tube section. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the damping device is located on one of the edges of the ladder tube section and extends beyond the inner wall of the ladder tube.

[0143] The damping device is preferably positioned so that its dimensions can be temporarily reduced to fit into the ladder tube section. This may be achieved in many ways, for example, by using a flexible material for the damping device and / or by using a spring-based mechanism that allows for a change in dimensions when force is applied. Additionally or alternatively, the damping device may have at least one pivot point that allows for a temporary change in the dimensions or size of the damping device. The pivot point may be in the form of a pivotable arm. The pivot point allows the damping device to be press-fitted or tightened into the inner ladder tube section.

[0144] The receiving means for the ladder tube may be a closed opening, a partially closed opening, or a recess.

[0145] The mounting means for the damping device may include a recess in the main body.

[0146] The damping device may have multiple protruding parts to facilitate attachment to the receiving means.

[0147] The present invention has been described above primarily with reference to several embodiments. However, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, other embodiments not disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) for a folding ladder (1) comprising an inner ladder section (40a) and an outer ladder section (40b) having an inner side wall (44b), wherein the inner ladder section (40a) is slidably arranged together with the outer ladder section (40b), and the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) A main body (121) having a top portion adapted to be at least partially positioned within the inner ladder pipe section (40a), and at least one mounting means (122; 422), An asymmetric damping block (140; 550; 550'; 550") adapted to be positioned on the at least one mounting means (122; 422), wherein the asymmetric damping block (140; 550; 550'; 550") comprises at least one surface (142) that slidably abuts against the inner side wall (44b) of the outer ladder tube section (40b) when positioned within the folding ladder, Equipped with, The asymmetric damping blocks (140; 550; 550'; 550") are arranged, when positioned within the mounting means (122; 422), to cause one of at least two different damping behaviors for the ladder pipe sections (40a-b). The first orientation or position of the asymmetric damping block (140; 550; 550'; 550") causes the first damping behavior of the ladder tube section (40a-b). The second orientation or position of the asymmetric damping block (140) causes a second damping behavior of the ladder tube section (40a-b) of the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420).

2. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1, wherein the asymmetric damping blocks (140; 550; 550'; 550") are asymmetric with respect to a central axis extending horizontally from the center point (C) inside the ladder pipe section (40a-b) toward the outside of the ladder pipe section (40a-b).

3. The orientation of the asymmetric damping block (140; 550; 550'; 550") with respect to the inner side wall (44b) causes one of at least two different damping behaviors, according to the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) of claim 1.

4. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1, wherein the position of the asymmetric damping block (140) when positioned within the receiving portion (123) causes at least one of two different damping behaviors.

5. The damping device according to claim 1 (120; 220; 320; 420), wherein each damping behavior includes a first effect and a second effect, the first effect and the second effect being different from each other.

6. In the first damping behavior described above, The inward retraction of the inner ladder pipe section (40a) relative to the outer ladder pipe section (40b) produces a second effect, which forces the asymmetric damping block (140) to move, causing a damping effect in the ladder pipe sections (40a-b). The outward extension of the inner ladder pipe section (40a) relative to the outer ladder pipe section (40b) produces a first effect, the first effect which releases the damping effect caused by the asymmetric damping block (140), according to the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) of claim 1.

7. In the second damping behavior described above, The inward retraction of the inner ladder pipe section (40a) relative to the outer ladder pipe section (40b) produces a first effect, which releases the damping effect caused by the asymmetric damping block (140). The outward extension of the inner ladder pipe section (40a) relative to the outer ladder pipe section (40b) produces a second effect, the second effect of forcing the asymmetric damping block (140) to move and causing the damping effect in the ladder pipe sections (40a-b), according to claim 1 (120; 220; 320; 420).

8. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting means (122; 422) comprises a cavity facing the inner side wall (44b), and the asymmetric damping block (140) is adapted to fit at least partially into the cavity.

9. The damping device according to claim 8 (120; 220; 320; 420), comprising two mounting means (122; 422) each having a cavity, and two damping blocks (140), wherein each cavity faces a different circumferential position around the inner side wall (44b), and the asymmetric damping blocks (140) are each adapted to fit at least partially into each of the respective cavities.

10. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 8, wherein the asymmetric damping block (140) is fitted into the cavity by tightening.

11. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1, wherein the asymmetric damping block (140) is a single, integrated, pre-molded block.

12. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1, wherein the asymmetric damping block (140) is made of a flexible, homogeneous material.

13. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1, wherein the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) is at least partially located inside the inner ladder pipe section (40a).

14. The damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1, wherein a portion (125, 128) of the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) is positioned outside the inner ladder pipe section (40a) to further fix the damping device (120) to the inner ladder pipe section (40a).

15. A folding ladder (1) comprising a plurality of ladder sections (6, 5a-j), wherein each ladder section comprises two ladder tubes (10, 12) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by lungs (20a-k, 21) to form each of the ladder sections, each ladder tube (10, 12) is nested into the ladder tube (10, 12) of the lower section to form the folding ladder (1), and each ladder section (6, 5a-j) comprises the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) according to claim 1.

16. A method (1500) for arranging damping devices (120; 220; 320; 420) on a folding ladder (1), Step (1510) of arranging damping devices (120; 220; 320; 420) in a first ladder tube section (40a), wherein the damping devices (120; 220; 320; 420) include at least one mounting means (122; 422), Step (1520) of placing at least one asymmetric damping block (140) on the at least one mounting means (122; 422), Step (1530) of slidably inserting the first ladder tube section (40a) into the second ladder tube section (40b), such that at least one surface (142) of the asymmetric damping block (140) slidably abuts against the inner side wall (44b) of the second ladder tube section (40b), forming the first part of the ladder sections (6, 5a-j), Includes, The asymmetric damping blocks (140; 550; 550'; 550") are arranged, when positioned within the mounting means (122; 422), to cause one of at least two different damping behaviors for the ladder pipe sections (40a-b). The first orientation or position of the asymmetric damping block (140; 550; 550'; 550") causes the first damping behavior of the ladder tube section (40a-b). The second orientation or position of the asymmetric damping block (140) causes a second damping behavior of the ladder tube section (40a-b), method (1500).

17. An asymmetric damping block (140) adapted to be placed within a damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) for a folding ladder, wherein the damping device (120; 220; 320; 420) includes mounting means (122; 422), The asymmetric damping block (140) is adapted to be positioned within the mounting means (122; 422), The asymmetric damping blocks (140; 550; 550'; 550") are arranged, when positioned within the mounting means (122; 422), to cause one of at least two different damping behaviors for the ladder pipe sections (40a-b). The first orientation or position of the asymmetric damping block (140; 550; 550'; 550") causes the first damping behavior of the ladder tube section (40a-b). The second orientation or position of the asymmetric damping block (140) causes a second damping behavior of the ladder pipe section (40a-b).

Images