TOP COVER AND ACCESSORY TRAY FOR LADDERS AND LADDERS INCORPORATING THE SAME

Abstract

This document provides various ladder configurations, top caps, and ladder accessories. According to one configuration, a ladder includes a first pair of separate rails having one or more rungs extending between and engaged with the first pair of separate rails. The ladder further includes a second pair of separate rails. A top cap is engaged with either the first pair of separate rails or the second pair of separate rails. The top cap includes one or more retaining elements, which may include a side groove (e.g., a side wall and an associated flange or protrusion) configured to secure a container such as a paint can. The retaining structure may be configured to hold the container in place even if the ladder is inadvertently tipped over or shaken to one side.

Description

TOP COVER AND ACCESSORY TRAY FOR LADDERS AND STAIRS THAT INCORPORATE THE SAME Cross-reference with related application This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 088,239, filed on October 6, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background of the Invention The present invention relates in general to ladders and more particularly to top covers, accessory trays or accessories and ladders incorporating the same. Ladders are conventionally used to provide a user with improved access to elevated places that would otherwise be inaccessible. Ladders come in many shapes and sizes, such as straight ladders, straight extension ladders, step ladders, and combination step and extension ladders. So-called combination ladders can incorporate, in a single ladder, many of the benefits of multiple ladder designs. Ladders known as stepladders are self-supporting, meaning they don't need to lean against a wall, post, or other structure for stability. Instead, stepladders can be placed on a floor (or similar surface) so that at least three, and conventionally four, legs of the ladder provide a stable support structure for a user to climb, even in an open space (e.g., outside or in the middle of a room), without requiring a wall, ceiling, post, or other structural support. It is often desirable for a user to handle multiple items while standing on a ladder, including tools (e.g., screwdrivers, putty knives, paintbrushes, hammers, wrenches, power tools, etc.) and supplies (nails, screws, paint, etc.). The ability to keep tools and supplies with a person while on a ladder, so they don't have to keep going up and down to change tools or get new supplies, saves the user time and effort and also provides a safer experience. The industry is constantly striving to provide ladders and ladder components that are safe, efficient, and effective tools for users. Significant efforts have been and continue to be made to improve ladder performance, enhance associated manufacturing processes, and provide end users with a positive experience when using ladders. Brief Description of the Invention Embodiments of the present invention include ladders, top caps, and ladder accessories. In one embodiment, a stepladder may include a first pair of separate rails, at least one rung extending between and engaged with the first pair of separate rails, a second pair of separate rails, and a top cap comprising at least one of the first pair of separate rails and the second pair of separate rails. The top cap includes a retaining structure, which includes a first side wall extending from a portion of the floor and a first flange adjacent to the first side wall. In one embodiment, the retaining structure includes a second side wall extending from the floor portion and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall. In one version, the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle between approximately 8 degrees and approximately 12 degrees. In one version, the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle of approximately 10 degrees. In one version, the first side wall and the second side wall are separated to receive a cylindrical boat between them. In one embodiment, the first side wall and the second side wall are separated to receive a cylindrical boat that has a volume of approximately 3,785 liters (one gallon). zfrQLQn / eznz / q / Y In one form, the first side wall includes a first section and a second section; the first section and the second section are joined by an arched section. In one embodiment, the first flange is placed next to the first section and where a second flange is placed next to the second section. In one embodiment, the top cover of the staircase further comprises a second retaining structure that includes a second side wall extending from a second portion of floor and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall. In one embodiment, the top cover of the staircase further comprises a third retaining structure that includes a third side wall extending from a third portion of floor and a third flange adjacent to the third side wall. In one embodiment, the first retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 3.785 pounds (one gallon); the second retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 946 milliliters (one quart); and the third retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 568 milliliters (one pint). In one embodiment, the top lid includes at least one storage compartment. The first side wall may include a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is substantially straight and the second portion is curved or angled with respect to the first portion. In one embodiment, the top cover includes at least one opening formed in a front face of the top cover. In one embodiment, which further comprises a pair of hinges coupled to the second pair of rails separated from the first pair of rails. In one mode, where the top cover does not make contact with the second pair of separate rails. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a top cover for a ladder is provided. The top cover comprises a body that is dimensioned and configured to engage with a pair of separate rails and a retaining structure formed in the body. The retaining structure includes a first side wall extending from a portion of the floor and a first flange adjacent to the first side wall. The first side wall and the first flange define a lateral groove. In one configuration, the body is sized and configured to fit with an adjustable tray. In one embodiment, the retention structure includes a second side wall extending from the floor portion and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall. In one version, the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle of between approximately 8 degrees and approximately 12 degrees. In one version, the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle of approximately 10 degrees. In one form, the first side wall includes a first section and a second section; the first section and the second section are joined by an arched section. In one modality, where the first flange is placed adjacent to the first section and where a second flange is placed adjacent to the second section. In one embodiment, the top cover further comprises a second retaining structure that includes a second side wall extending from a second floor portion and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall. In one embodiment, the top cover further comprises a third retaining structure that includes a third side wall extending from a third floor portion and a third flange adjacent to the third side wall. In one embodiment, the first retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 3.785 liters (one gallon); the second retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 946 milliliters (one quart); and the third retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 568 milliliters (one). In one version, the top lid includes at least one storage compartment. In one embodiment, the top cover includes at least one opening formed in a front face of the top cover. The top cover may include a second retaining structure comprising a second side wall extending downward from the floor portion; the second side wall includes a second projection extending horizontally from the second side wall. It will be noted that the aspects, characteristics, and components of a described modality can be combined with aspects, characteristics, or components of other modalities defined herein. Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become evident from reading the following detailed description and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y stepladder according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the stepladder shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of a top cover that can be used with the ladder shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a front view of the top lid shown in Figure 3 with a boat attached to the top lid; Figure 5 is a front top perspective view of the top cover shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the top cover shown in Figure 3; Figure 7 is a top view of the top cover shown in Figure 3; Figure 8 is a top view of the top lid shown in Figure 3 with a boat attached to the top lid; Figure 9 is a side view of the top cover shown in Figure 3; Figure 10 is a detailed view of a portion of the top cover shown in Figure 3 viewed from the front side of the top cover; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an enlarged detail of the top cover shown in Figure 3; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y ladder with an attached accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a ladder 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The ladder 100 shown in Figure 1 is generally configured as a platform-type stepladder and includes a first assembly 102 having a pair of separate rails 104 and a plurality of rungs 106 extending between and coupled to the rails 104 (for example, by mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or material joining techniques). The rungs 106 are substantially evenly spaced, parallel to each other, and configured to be substantially level when the ladder 100 is in an orientation for its intended use, so that they can be used as rungs to support a user as they ascend the ladder 100, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.In several configurations, the top surface of the 106 rungs may include traction features (e.g., grooves and ridges, grip tape, rubber or latex coatings, or other anti-slip features) to provide traction to a user while standing on the 106 rungs. Staircase 100 also includes a second set 108 which has a pair of separate rails 110. The second set zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y 108 may also include crossbars or other structural components that span between the rails 110 to provide a desired level of structural support and strength to the separated rails 110. In some embodiments, the crossbars of the second assembly 108 may be configured as rungs to support a user. The second assembly 108 may therefore be used to help support the ladder 100 when it is in an intended operating state, as generally shown in Figure 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the hinged or pivoting connections 114 (also referred to as hinges) couple the first set of rails 102 and the second set of rails 108 such that the two sets 102 and 108 can be folded or folded into a stowed or stored state. When stowed, the first set of rails 102 and the second set of rails 108 lie adjacent to each other in a relatively slim profile, as those experienced in the art will appreciate. It is observed that in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rails 104 of the first assembly 102 extend substantially beyond the hinged connections 114 and are coupled with the top cap 116. In this embodiment, the extended rails 104 and the top cap 116 can be used as a storage tray for tools, supplies, or other materials, as will be explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the top cap 116 can be used as a handrail to assist in supporting or balancing a user when standing on the ladder 100.However, it will be noted that the various features and aspects of the present invention are applicable and contemplated being incorporated with other types of ladders, including, for example, stepladders having a conventional top cap that is directly coupled to the first and second assemblies (e.g., at least one of the first and second assemblies is pivotally coupled to the top cap), as well as with extension ladders, straight ladders, combination ladders, or other types of ladders. Some non-limiting examples of stepladders and related components that may be used according to embodiments of the present invention include those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2018 / 0298691, published October 18, 2018, and U.S. Patent No. 9,422,767, issued August 23, 2016, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, a platform 118 is placed on the steps 106 and extends from the rails 104 of the first assembly 102 to the rails 110 of the second assembly 108. The platform 118 can be configured to support all or at least a substantial portion of a user's feet, thus providing a comfortable and safe working surface. In the currently described embodiment, the platform 118 is hinged to the rails 104 of the first assembly 102 and coupled to a crossbar associated with the second assembly 108. In one embodiment, the platform 118 can simply rest on the associated crossbar. In another embodiment, a locking element can be used to selectively couple the platform 118 and the associated crossbar in an extended state or position.In some embodiments, an actuatable latch element 120 can be used to selectively lock (and release) the platform 118 with respect to the second assembly 108 in the position shown in Figure 1. The first and second assemblies 102 and 108 can be formed from a variety of materials and using a variety of manufacturing techniques. For example, in one embodiment, rails 104 and 110 can be formed from a composite material, such as fiberglass, while the rungs and other structural components can be formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In other embodiments, substantially all components of the assemblies can be formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In still other embodiments, assemblies 102 and 108 (and their various components) can be formed from other materials, including other composites, plastics, polymers, various metals, and metal alloys. zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y The 100 ladder may also include various reinforcements, structural reinforcement elements, and other components such as those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2018 / 0298691 and U.S. Patent No. 9,422,767 incorporated above. The ladder 100 may further include an accessory, also referred to as tray 122, coupled with the top cover 116. In some embodiments, tray 122 can be coupled to the rails 104 of the first assembly 102 at a location between the hinges 114 and the top cover 116. Tray 122 can be selectively positioned and held in a variety of positions, including, for example, a first position in which tray 122 extends upward from the top cover 116, a second position in which tray 122 extends laterally outward (generally horizontally) from the top cover 116, and a third position in which tray 122 extends downward from the top cover 116 (for example, as shown in Figure 1), such that it is positioned immediately adjacent to (and may even abut) the upper portions of the rails 104 of the first assembly 102 above the hinges 114.A non-limiting example of such an accessory is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 891,937, filed June 3, 2020, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. With reference to Figures 3-11, a top cover according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The top cover 116 can generally be formed as a body 130 configured to connect to the rails of one or more ladder assemblies (e.g., rails 104 of the ladder 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2) and include a variety of features as discussed herein. For example, the body 130 can include or define several openings or through-holes. In some embodiments, these can include one or more elongated openings or through-holes 132a and 132b that can be configured to receive a portion of the tool, such as the blade of a spatula or a scraper. These openings 132a and 132b can be large enough to receive one portion of the tool (e.g., a blade) while preventing the passage of another portion of the tool (e.g., a handle attached to a blade).Thus, a user of ladder 100 can store tools at the top of the ladder, where they will want to access them periodically while working on a particular project. In one embodiment, these elongated through-holes can be positioned in the side edges of the top cap 116, near where the top cap meets the ladder rails. zfrQLQn / eznz / q / Y The body 130 of the top cover 116 may include or define a variety of other through-hole openings, such as through-hole 134, through-holes 136a and 136b, through-holes 138a-138c, and through-holes 140a and 140b. In some embodiments, these through-holes may be used to hold or store various tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, paintbrushes, etc.). In some examples, some of the through-holes (e.g., through-holes 140a and 140b located on the front face of the body 130) may be configured to receive a clip or carabiner for attaching other tools or supplies to the top cover 116 for storage. Another through-hole 142 may be sized to receive larger items for storage, including, for example, the chuck end of an electric drill.In some embodiments, one or more through-holes 144 may have an open (i.e., not closed) periphery, allowing the reception of an enlarged element (e.g., a knot formed in a rope, a ball, or a knob attached to a section of a cable) along with some other object. For example, a looped elastic cord may be attached to a tool, and a ball or knob attached to the elastic cord may be retained in the open-sided through-hole 144, holding the tool (or other object) from the top cap 116. zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y In addition to the through-holes or openings, one or more closed-bottom compartments or recesses 146a and 146b can be formed in the body 130 of the top cover 116 for storing various items (e.g., screws, nails, other tools or devices, etc.). A storage compartment 146a can be positioned between the side walls (e.g., 162a) of at least one of the retaining structures (e.g., 160a). In some embodiments, one or more retaining structures (e.g., 160b, 160c) can be positioned between the side walls (e.g., 162a) of a retaining structure (e.g., 160a).Furthermore, the additional retaining structures (e.g., 160b, 160c) can be positioned offset from a centerline of the first retaining structure, or in other words, the additional retaining structures can have centerlines between their sidewalls (e.g., each pair of sidewalls 162b and 162c) that are separated from a centerline between the sidewalls (e.g., 162a) of the first retaining structure, as shown at least in Figure 7.By being positioned off-center from the centerline of the larger retaining structure (e.g., 160a) and asymmetrically away from the centerline of the top cover as a whole, the space within the larger retaining structure can serve multiple purposes, such as containing the smaller nested retaining structures and at least one gap, compartment, or through-hole (e.g., 146a) that is not within one of the smaller retaining structures. Thus, a user can simultaneously retain a smaller container within a smaller retaining structure and can use compartment 146a when a larger container is not in use (e.g., retained by the larger retaining structure 160a). Other features of body 130 may include portions for rail attachment (e.g., portions 148) and portions for attachment to accessory tray 122 (e.g., portions 150). In some embodiments, it will be noted that the top cover 116 may not be configured to be mounted with an accessory tray 122. Such attachment of the top cover 116 to an accessory tray 122 is described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 891,937, incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the top cover 116 may be configured to attach to rails of the front and rear rail assemblies and, furthermore, may be configured to pivotally attach to some of the rails. Additional features of the top lid 116 may include configured retention structures, for example, to couple a paint can or similar structure with the top lid 116. Such a feature may be configured to prevent a paint can from tipping over or spilling while being placed at the top of stairs, for example; the retention features may include one or more grooves and protrusions formed in a portion of the side wall of the body 130. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 3-11, three separate retaining structures 160a, 160b, and 160c are provided, each configured to support or retain a boat or container of a different size. Each of the retaining structures 160a, 160b, and 160c may include one or more side walls 162a, 162b, and 162c, and each of the side walls may have an associated flange or protrusion 164a, 164b, and 164c positioned at the upper end of the side wall (upper being a relative term when considering the top lid 116 in an orientation of intended use, as shown in Figures 1-2). Taking the second retaining structure 160b as an example, the side wall 162b may include a first segment and a second segment that extend upwards from a region of floor 165 and be oriented at a defined angle β to each other.For example, a first substantially linear segment 166a and a second substantially linear segment 166b can be extended at an angle of approximately 10 degrees. In other embodiments, these two segments can be extended to form an angle of approximately 9 degrees to approximately 11 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the two segments can form an angle of approximately 8 degrees to approximately 12 degrees. A third sidewall segment 166c can be extended between and connect the first two segments 166a and 166b. In one embodiment, the third segment 166c can include an arcuate segment (e.g., a semicircle), and the three segments 166a–c can be configured to provide a substantially continuous sidewall.In other embodiments, the retaining structure may include two separate side walls with associated flanges or stop protrusions as shown with respect to the first retaining structure 160a (e.g., the arched segment is not present in the first retaining structure 160a in the embodiment depicted in Figures 3-11). The two walls may be positioned relative to each other at an angle β as described above. In some embodiments, the flange or protrusion 164b may be placed above the entire side wall 162b (i.e., extending along the entire length of each segment 166a-c). In other embodiments, the flange or protrusion 164b may be placed over a portion of one or more segments. In some embodiments, a flange or protrusion is a structure that extends perpendicular to another surface (e.g., a side wall). The flange or protrusion may also be defined as a portion of material that cantilevers from another surface or extends laterally over a substantially vertical side wall surface. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the protrusion 164b may include a first segment or portion that extends along the first side wall segment 166a and extends partially along the third segment.The protrusion 164b may include a second segment or portion that extends along the second sidewall segment 166b and partially into the third sidewall segment 166c. A portion of the third sidewall segment 166c has no protrusion or flange along its upper edge. In some embodiments, the protrusion 164b may extend only partially along the first sidewall segment 166a and / or only partially along the second sidewall segment 166b. For example, a portion of one or both sidewall segments 166a and 166b may lack a protrusion or flange along its upper edge near the front of the top cover instead of extending fully to the front edge as shown in Figures 5 and 6.This limited shoulder length can facilitate the insertion of a container into the 160 retaining structures by allowing vertical insertion at the front of the top cover followed by horizontal insertion below the 164b shoulder. In some embodiments, the other retaining structures 160a and 160c can be configured in a manner generally similar to the 160b retaining structure. For example, each of the 160a and 160c retaining structures includes side walls that have segments extending at an angle to each other (e.g., substantially at the same angle as that of the 160a retaining structure). For the 160a retaining structure, the two side wall segments are not connected by a third segment to provide a single continuous side wall. However, each side wall segment can include a linear portion and an arched portion, as depicted in the drawings. As shown in Figures 4 and 8, a container or can can be coupled to the top lid 116 using one of the retaining structures. For example, a paint can 170 may include a lower flange 172 that slides laterally (e.g., from the front side of the top lid 116 in a direction toward the rear of the top lid 116) into the side groove formed by the side wall 162a and associated flange or protrusion 164a, thereby coupling the paint can 170 to the top lid 116. In some embodiments, the angled configuration of the retaining structure 160a allows the paint can 170 to fit between the side wall segments, creating an interference fit in addition to capturing the lower flange 170 within the side wall groove. In addition, the side wall 160a may include a first portion that is substantially straight zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y and a second portion that is curved or angular with respect to the first portion.The flange or protrusion on the side wall may also include adjacent straight and curved or angled segments. As shown, for example, in Figure 7, a portion of the side wall 162a near the front of the top lid 116 (i.e., at the bottom of the figure / front face of the top lid and on the side that includes the side openings for the retaining structures 160b and 160c) may be substantially straight and may transition to a curved or slightly sloping portion near the opposite end of the side wall 162a (i.e., on the rear face of the top lid). This allows a paint can 170 or other container to be securely fastened on top of the top lid 116, even if the ladder were to tilt slightly to one side or the other.The angled or curved parts of the side walls 162a, 162b, 162c can also help improve the wedging of a container and prevent the container from passing completely through the retaining structure 160a. Each of the retaining structures 160a-c can be configured to accept a container of a different size. For example, the first retaining structure 160a can be configured to receive a gallon-sized paint can, the second retaining structure 160b can be configured to receive a quart-sized paint can, and the third retaining structure 160c can be configured to receive a pint-sized paint can. Other sizes can, of course, be accommodated as desired. A first retaining structure, or top retaining structure 160a, can have one open end on the front face of the top lid and one open end on the back face of the top lid, while the second and third retaining structures 160b and 160c can have open ends on only one of the front or back faces.In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the second and third retaining structures 160b and 160c have openings in the front face of the top lid to facilitate insertion of the bottom of a can or container from the front side of the ladder (i.e., the side facing the user while ascending the rungs in an atypical use case). The upper or highest retaining structure 160a may have an open end on the rear face of the top lid to allow the reception and securing (via the rim or protrusion) of cans or containers that are large enough to protrude from the rear face of the top lid while being secured by the retaining structure 160a. While the modality shown in Figures 3-11 represents retaining structures formed by side walls and projecting flanges or protruding portions, in other modality(ies) the retaining structures may have a different shape or exhibit different configurations. For example, in one modality, the retaining structures may comprise side walls that extend upward from the floor (e.g., side wall 164b extending from floor 165) to form an acute angle between them. Thus, the retaining structure may form an overall V-shaped groove (e.g., as when viewed in profile) rather than the overall C-shaped profile shown in Figures 3-11. Such a profile would still capture and retain a flange or other feature of a paint can or similar container to keep it stable.In other forms, the retaining structures can be formed as a lateral slot that has an arched cross-section profile. The top cover 116 can be formed from a variety of materials using a variety of manufacturing techniques. In one embodiment, the top cover 116 can be formed as a single, homogeneous element of a material such as plastic using an appropriate molding process. In other embodiments, the top cover 116 can be formed either as a single element or from multiple individual components of any of a variety of materials, including, for example, plastics, metals, composites, or combinations thereof. Although the retention structures zfrQLQn / eznz / q / Y have been described 160a-c are associated with the top cover 116, can be alternatively or additionally formed on the tray 122 or otherwise associated with it, such that when the tray 122 is in the desired position with respect to the top cover 116 or the associated rails (e.g., 104), a container or can can be stably attached and supported by the tray 122. Furthermore, retaining structures may be formed in or associated with another fitting, including a removable or detachable fitting. For example, Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a ladder 200 comprising a first assembly 202 having a pair of separate rails 204 and a plurality of rungs 206 extending between and coupled to the rails 204. For convenience, the rungs 206 and rails 204 of the first assembly 202. The rungs 206 are spaced apart, substantially parallel to each other, and configured to be substantially level when the ladder 200 is in its intended orientation so that the rungs 206 can be used as steps for a user to ascend the ladder 200, as those skilled in the art will appreciate. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the rungs 206 may include traction features (e.g., grooves and ridges, grip tape, or other anti-slip features) to provide traction to a user while standing on the rungs 206. The ladder 200 also includes a second set 208 having a pair of separate rails 210. A plurality of rungs 212 extend between and are coupled to the separate rails 210. The rungs 116 of the second set 208 are spaced, substantially parallel to each other, and configured to be substantially level when the ladder 200 is in an orientation for its intended use, such that the rungs 212 can be used as steps for a user to ascend the ladder 200. In various embodiments, the upper and lower surfaces of the rungs 212 may include traction features (e.g., grooves and ridges, grip tape, or other anti-slip features) to provide traction to a user while standing on the rungs 212. A top cap 216 can be attached to the upper portions of the rails 204 of the first assembly and configured to support the weight of a user should a user stand on top cap 216. The top surface of top cap 216 may also include traction or anti-slip features to provide traction to a user while standing on them. The second assembly 208 is pivotally coupled to the first assembly 202 by means of a pair of hinge assemblies 220 (sometimes referred to herein as hinges for brevity). In the embodiment shown, the hinges 220 are separated from the top cover 216 along the front rails 204 of the first assembly 202. The hinges 220 can be configured to selectively lock the first assembly 202 and the second assembly 208 in one or more desired positions relative to each other. Thus, for example, in Figure 12, the first and second assemblies 202 and 208 are locked in such a way that the rails 210 of the second assembly 208 extend at an angle of substantially 180 degrees from the front rails 204. In other words, the front rails 204 and the rear rails 210 extend generally parallel to each other, with a significant portion of the second assembly 208 extending upward and beyond the top cover 216.This configuration, which can be considered a straight ladder configuration, provides the user with the ability to reach extended heights (beyond the stepladder configuration) when the 200 ladder is leaned against an appropriate support surface (e.g., a wall or the edge of a roof). The hinges 220 also allow the second assembly 208 to be selectively rotated relative to the first assembly 202 such that the rear rails 210 can be positioned (and locked) to extend at an acute angle to the front rails 204, placing the ladder in a ladder-like configuration. In yet another configuration, the hinges 220 allow the second assembly 208 to be selectively rotated relative to the first assembly 202 such that the rear rails 210 can be positioned (and locked) to extend downward, away from the top cap 216, with the rails 202 and 210 of each assembly being positioned immediately adjacent to each other, placing the ladder in a folded, stored condition. In U.S. Patent Application Publication No.US2019 / 0376341, published on December 12, 2019, describes several other details and examples associated with such a staircase, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The ladder 200 also includes an accessory 230 coupled with the rails 210 of the second assembly 208. In one embodiment, the accessory 230 may include a pair of recesses or notches formed in its body to receive and connect a pair of ladder rails (e.g., ladder rails 210 of the second assembly 208) to attach the accessory 230 to a ladder. In some embodiments, the accessory 230 can be removably coupled to the rails 210 of the second assembly 208 (using a removable screw, bolt, or locking device) and then used or removed as desired by the ladder user.In some cases, the accessory 230 can be positioned next to a rung 212 or even take the place of such a rung and be effectively fixed to the rails 210 zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y of the second assembly 208 in such a way that a user cannot easily remove the accessory 230 non-destructively (e.g., by piercing rivets or other fasteners or destroying an adhesive or material bond between the accessory and the rails). Therefore, when the ladder 200 is in a stepladder configuration or a stored configuration, the accessory 230 is positioned toward the bottom of the second assembly 208. Furthermore, the accessory 230 is sized, shaped, and positioned so that it does not cause interference between the second assembly 208 and the first assembly 202 when they are in the stored state.In one embodiment, the 230 accessory may include one or more retaining structures, similar to those described above (e.g., retaining structures 160a-c), configured to securely and stably hold a container, such as a paint can or similar structure, on its upper or lower surface. While the invention may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms described. Furthermore, the features of one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments without limitation. The invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following appended claims.

Claims

1. A ladder, characterized in that it comprises: a first pair of separate rails; at least one rung extending between and coupled with the first pair of separate rails; and a second pair of separate rails and a top cap coupled with at least one of the first pair of separate rails and the second pair of separate rails, wherein the top cap includes a retaining structure, the retaining structure includes a first side wall extending from a portion of the floor and a first flange adjacent to the first side wall.

2. The ladder of claim 1, characterized in that the retaining structure includes a second side wall extending from the floor portion and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall.

3. The staircase of claim 2, characterized in that the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle between approximately 8 degrees and approximately 12 degrees.

4. The staircase of claim 2, characterized in that the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle of approximately 10 degrees.

5. The ladder of claim 2, characterized in that the first side wall and the second side wall are separated by 32 to receive a cylindrical boat between them.

6. The ladder of claim 2, characterized in that the first side wall and the second side wall are separated to receive a cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 3.785 liters (one gallon).

7. The staircase of claim 1, characterized in that the first side wall includes a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section being joined by an arched section.

8. The ladder of claim 7, characterized in that the first flange is located adjacent to the first section and wherein a second flange is placed adjacent to the second section.

9. The ladder of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a second retaining structure including a second side wall extending from a second floor portion and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall.

10. The ladder of claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a third retaining structure including a third side wall extending from a third floor portion and a third flange adjacent to the third side wall.

11. The ladder of claim 10, characterized in that: the first retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 3.785 liters (one gallon); the second retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical container having a volume of approximately 946 milliliters (one quart); and the third retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 568 milliliters (one pint).

12. The ladder of claim 1, characterized in that the first side wall includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being substantially straight, the second portion being curved or angular with respect to the first portion.

13. The ladder of claim 1, characterized in that the top cover includes at least one opening formed in a front face of the top cover.

14. The ladder of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a pair of hinges coupling the second pair of separate rails to the first pair of separate rails. zfrQLon / eznz / q / Y 15. The ladder of claim 13, characterized in that the top cover does not make contact with the second pair of separate rails.

16. A top cap for a staircase, the top cap being characterized in that it comprises: a body that is dimensioned and configured to engage with a pair of separate rails and a retaining structure formed in the body, the retaining structure including a first side wall extending from a portion of the floor and a first flange adjacent to the first side wall, the first side wall and the first flange defining a lateral groove.

17. The top cover of claim 16, characterized in that the body is further sized and configured to accommodate an adjustable tray.

18. The top cover of claim 16, characterized in that the retaining structure includes a second side wall extending from the floor portion and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall.

19. The top cover of claim 18, characterized in that the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle of between approximately 8 degrees and approximately 12 degrees.

20. The top cover of claim 18, characterized in that the first side wall is separated from the second side wall to define an angle of approximately 10 degrees.

21. The top cover of claim 16, characterized in that the first side wall includes a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section being joined by an arched section.

22. The top cover of claim 21, characterized in that the first flange is located next to the first section and wherein a second flange is placed adjacent to the second section.

23. The top cover of claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises a second retaining structure including a second side wall extending from a second floor portion and a second flange adjacent to the second side wall.

24. The top cover of claim 23, characterized in that it further comprises a third retaining structure including a third side wall extending from a third floor portion and a third flange adjacent to the third side wall.

25. The top lid of claim 24, characterized in that: the first retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 3.785 liters (one gallon); the second retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical container having a volume of approximately 946 milliliters (one quart); and the third retaining structure is sized and configured to retain a substantially cylindrical can having a volume of approximately 568 milliliters (one pint).

26. The top cover of claim 16, 10 characterized in that the top cover includes at least one storage compartment.

27. The top cover of claim 16, characterized in that the top cover includes a second retaining structure including a second side wall 15 extending downwards from the floor portion, the second side wall including a second protrusion extending horizontally from the second side wall.

Images