Folding ladder

Abstract

A folding ladder having a feet section, first middle section, second middle section, and a top section. Two feet section hinges connect the foot section with the first middle section, two middle section hinges connects the first and second middle sections, and two top section hinges connect the second middle section with the top section. The foot section hinges only have one position, the extended position wherein they can be locked, while the other hinges allow for one or two positions.

Description

[0001] Title: folding ladder

[0002] The invention relates to a folding ladder.

[0003] Many types of ladders are known. For example, telescopic ladders, extension ladders, folding ladders, and step ladders. These ladders are all designed to enable a specific use.

[0004] Telescopic ladders are configured to provide a compact ladder that allows for easy storage and transportation. Extension ladders are configured to provide a large reach, i.e. are configured to enable working on large heights. Folding ladders are foldable ladders that are designed to be used in different configurations, and in particular to also be used as scaffolding. Step ladders are designed for providing a self-supporting ladder, i.e. a ladder that can be used without a direct support, e.g. a wall surface, for setting up the ladder against.

[0005] Each type of ladder has a specific configuration to enable a particular type of use. A folding ladder comprises four similar sized ladder sections that are connected via hinges. The hinges enable the ladder sections to be pivoted relative to each other, and to be locked relative to each other in specific positions. Locking the ladder sections at different angles relative to each other enables use of the ladder in different configurations. A folding ladder can typically be set up in a storage configuration, a ladder configuration, a wall-spacer configuration, an A-configuration, and a platform configuration. Folding ladders are for example known from DE1962648 and US5279387.

[0006] Pivoting the ladder sections of a folding ladder into a collapsed position, in which the sections are folded onto each other, provides the folding ladder with a compact configuration, i.e. the storage configuration. This compact configuration facilitates storage and transport of the ladder.

[0007] Folding the ladder sections into the extended position provides the folding ladder with a working configuration, i.e. the ladder configuration. When the ladder sections are locked in this extended position, the ladder is a straight ladder that can be set up against for example a wall surface.

[0008] The wall-spacer configuration of a folding ladder is similar to the working configuration, but with the top section set at an angle relative to the other three sections.

[0009] When in the A-configuration, the two outer sections, on opposite ends of the folding ladder, are in the extended position, forming two straight ladders that are hinged at their top end. In this configuration, the folding ladder functions as a step ladder.

[0010] In the platform configuration, the two middle sections are locked in the extended position, while the two outer sections are locked at an angle relative to the middle sections. In this scaffolding configuration, the two middle sections can support a working platform while the outer sections function as legs. It is noted that, each type of use necessitates the folding ladder to comply with specific requirements and regulations. In particular in the professional market, buyers want products to comply with safety regulations.

[0011] For example, because of the platform configuration, folding ladders are sold in combination with one or more platforms that, when the ladder is in the scaffolding configuration, are to be mounted on the middle sections to provide the user with a working platform. Thus, the platform configuration provides the user with a raised working platform. However, because the raised working platform is free of railings or other types of restrains, the hight of the platform preferably is kept within limits.

[0012] In Europe there is the norm EN131-4 2020 for professional folding ladders. This norm sets the maximum height of the working platform for folding ladders. In the norm it is specified that when the folding ladder is set up in the platform configuration, the maximum height of the raised working platform is 1 meter, while the angle that the outer ladder sections enclose with the support surface, i.e. the floor surface, is in the range of 65-75 degrees. With folding ladders, the platform configuration determines the length of the ladder sections. Therefore, folding ladders typically have a limited maximum reach compared to extension ladders.

[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide a folding ladder that has an increased working range, relative to the typical folding ladders, and that complies with safety norms for professional folding ladders.

[0014] This object is achieved with a folding ladder according to claim 1 .

[0015] Providing a folding ladder with reduced usability, more in particular by providing the ladder with hinges that prevent the user of setting it up in a platform configuration, allows for a folding ladder with increased length, and that does not contravene the EN131-4 2020 norm for professional folding ladders.

[0016] A foldable and portable ladder according to the invention is composed of:

[0017] - a foot section provided with a foot structure for supporting the ladder on a support surface;

[0018] - a first middle section;

[0019] - a second middle section; and

[0020] - a top section provided with a bumper structure for supporting the ladder against a wall surface; wherein each section has a front side and a back side, and each section comprises two stiles that each have a bottom end and a top end and that are connected to each other via multiple rungs, wherein two foot section hinges each connect a top end of one of the foot section stiles with a bottom end of one of the first middle section stiles, and wherein the foot section hinges are configured to pivot the foot section relative to the first middle section between a collapsed position, wherein the foot section is folded onto the first middle section, and an extended position wherein the first middle section forms an extension of the foot section, wherein two middle section hinges each connect a top end of one of the first middle section stiles with a bottom end of one of the second middle section stiles, and wherein the middle section hinges are configured to pivot the first middle section relative to the second middle section between a collapsed position, wherein the first middle section is folded onto the second middle section, and an extended position wherein the second middle section forms an extension of the first middle section, wherein two top section hinges each connect a top end of one of the second middle section stiles with a bottom end of one of the top section stiles, and the top section hinges are configured to pivot the second middle section relative to the top section between a collapsed position wherein the second middle section is folded onto the top section and an extended position wherein the top section forms an extension of the second middle section, wherein the foot section hinges are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative to each other when not in the extended position, and wherein the middle section hinges are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative to each other when not in the extended position, or are two-position hinges, each two-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position and when in an A-position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative each other when not in the extended position or in the A-position, and wherein the top section hinges are two-position hinges, each two-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position and in a wall-spacer position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative each other when not in the extended position or in the wall-spacer position.

[0021] The foldable ladder comprises multiple ladder sections that are connected to each other by hinges. The foldable ladder can be folded between a collapsed position, in which the sections are folded onto each other, and a working configuration, in which all ladder sections are all locked in the extended position. Folding the ladder sections into the collapsed position provides the folding ladder with a compact configuration. The compact configuration facilitates storage of the ladder. The compact configuration furthermore facilitates carrying of the ladder, and thus facilitates transport of the ladder.

[0022] Folding the ladder sections into the extended position provides the folding ladder with a working configuration, i.e. the ladder configuration. When the ladder sections are all locked in the extended position, the ladder is a straight ladder that can be set up against for example a wall surface.

[0023] In an embodiment, all the hinges of the ladder are one-position hinges. In such an embodiment, the ladder sections can only be locked relative to each other in an extended position. Thus the ladder can only be used as a straight ladder.

[0024] In an embodiment, the middle section hinges are two-position hinges. In such an embodiment, the first middle section and the second middle section can be locked relative to each other in an extended position and in an angled position that enables set up of the ladder in the A-configuration. Thus the ladder can be used as a straight ladder and as a free standing ladder, i.e. a step ladder.

[0025] In an embodiment, the top section hinges are two-position hinges. In such an embodiment, the second middle section and the top section can be locked relative to each other in an extended position and in an angled position that enables set up of the ladder in the wall-spacer position.

[0026] It is noted that the middle section hinges and the top section hinges of the ladder can be embodied as one position hinges and as multiple position hinges, for example two position hinges. However, with a folding ladder according to the invention, the foot section hinges are always one position hinges.

[0027] Because the foot section hinges are one-position hinges, the foot section and the first middle section can only be locked in the extended position. Thus, a folding ladder according to the invention can be set up in the storage configuration, the ladder configuration and optionally the A-configuration and / or the wall-spacer configuration, but not in the platform configuration. This allows for the sections, in particular the foot section and the top section of the ladder to be increased in length, and thus to increase the reach of the ladder, without providing scaffolding at a height that is not allowed under professional norms.

[0028] In an embodiment, wherein the rungs of the ladder, with all ladder sections in the extended position, are set at regular intervals, preferably at intervals in the range of 25 cm - 30 cm. Thus, when the ladder is in the working configuration, the ladder has a continuous spacing of the rungs along the entire length of the ladder.

[0029] In an embodiment, foot section, the first middle section, the second middle section and preferably the top section each have at least three rungs, preferably each have four rungs, more preferably each have five rungs. Providing the ladder sections with four or more rungs allows for ladder sections of an extended length compared to the ladder sections of known folding ladders, while providing the rungs at standardised mutual distances, e.g. at distances in the range of 25 cm - 30 cm.

[0030] In an embodiment, the sections each have an identical number of rungs. This allows for ladder sections of similar length with rungs set at regular intervals. The ladder sections having a similar length is preferred because this provides the ladder with the most compact configuration possible, when the ladder sections are folded into the collapsed position.

[0031] In an embodiment, the length of the foot section and the top section is at least 100 cm, preferably is in the range of 100 cm - 160 cm. Because the ladder according to the invention does not have a scaffolding configuration, the foot section and the top section can have a length larger than 100 cm without violating the EN131 -4 2020 norm according to which that length of these ladder sections should be restricted to a length of 1 meter.

[0032] In an embodiment, the length of each section is at least 100 cm, preferably the length of each section is in the range of 100 cm - 160 cm. The invention provides a foldable ladder can be composed of ladder sections having a length larger than 100 cm without violating the EN131-4 2020 norm. Therefore, the total length of the foldable ladder can be larger than the total length of a folding ladder which does have a scaffolding configuration. The invention thus provides a ladder with an increased reach compared to known folding ladders.

[0033] In an embodiment, the sections each have the same length. The ladder sections having a similar length is preferred because this provides the ladder with the most compact configuration possible, when the ladder sections are folded into the collapsed position.

[0034] Regarding the use of straight ladders, it is generally recommended to set-up a ladder at a 75-degree angle so that the base is positioned at one-quarter of the working length of the ladder. This is commonly referred to as the ‘1 in 4’ rule. This position is the most stable, and provides the user with a climbing angle of 75 degrees.

[0035] In an embodiment, the top section hinges are two-position hinges and, when the top section is locked in the wall-spacer position, the second middle section and the top section enclose an angle in the range of 100 degrees and 125 degrees, preferably in the range of 105 degrees and 1 15 degrees, for example an angle of 105 degrees. It is preferred that the second middle section and the top section enclose an angle of 105 degrees when the ladder is set-up in the wall-spacer position, because in this setup the top section is substantially horizontal while the foot section, first middle section and the second middle section are at an angle of 75 degrees with respect to the support surface, e.g. a floor surface. In an embodiment, when the sections are all in the collapsed position, the back side of the foot section faces the back side of the first middle section, the front side of the first middle section faces the front side of the second middle section, and the back side of the second middle section faces the back side of the top section.

[0036] In an embodiment, the foot section is provided with a stabiliser bar, e.g. the stabiliser bar is embodied as a transverse bar connected to the two stiles of the foot section, and the two ends of the transverse bar are provided with supporting feet members. Providing the ladder with a stabiliser bar allows for providing the ladder with additional stability.

[0037] In an embodiment, the hinges are auto lock hinges that are configured to automatically lock when the connected ladder sections are moved into a locking position, e.g. into the extended position, the A- position or the wall-spacer position. Thus, in such an embodiment, the hinges automatically lock the connected ladder sections in a fixed position relative to each other, for example when the connected ladder sections are moved in the extended position, the A-position or the wall-spacer position. It is furthermore preferred that the hinges are provided with a manual release that has to be actuated to enable the ladder sections to be moved out of the locking position, e.g. wherein the auto lock hinges comprise a user operable actuator to effect release of the auto lock hinge. Providing the hinges with an auto-lock configuration makes that the ladder is secured in a specific use configuration, e.g. the working configuration, even if a user forgets to employ a hinge lock or similar feature to secure the ladder sections after folding them in the correct position. It is submitted that auto locking hinges are known from the prior art, and that it is known to provide a folding ladder with such auto locking hinges.

[0038] In an embodiment, each stile of the foot section is provided with an extendable foot, optionally, the extendible feet are independently operable such that the effective length of each of the stiles are independently variable. The extendable feet enable an increased total height of the ladder, while independently operable feet allow the ladder to be used on uneven terrain, e.g. stairs.

[0039] In an embodiment, the ladder is provided with a hand grip and / or strap configured to enable the ladder to be carried by a person, e.g. in the compact configuration of the ladder. The person can thus carry the ladder using the grip and / or strap In an embodiment, the hand grip and / or strap is arranged on one of the stiles, e.g. on one of the stiles of the first or second middle section.

[0040] The invention further provides a package comprising the folding ladder according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the package consists of a folding ladder, optionally a manual, and packaging, and does not include any accessories such as platforms for providing scaffolding.

[0041] The invention further provides a foldable and portable ladder composed of:

[0042] - a foot section provided with a foot structure for supporting the ladder on a support surface;

[0043] - a first middle section; - a second middle section; and

[0044] - a top section provided with a bumper structure for supporting the ladder against a wall surface; wherein each section has a front side and a back side, and each section comprises two stiles that each have a bottom end and a top end and that are connected to each other via multiple rungs, wherein two foot section hinges each connect a top end of one of the foot section stiles with a bottom end of one of the first middle section stiles, and wherein the foot section hinges are configured to pivot the foot section relative to the first middle section between a collapsed position, wherein the foot section is folded onto the first middle section, and an extended position wherein the first middle section forms an extension of the foot section, wherein two middle section hinges each connect a top end of one of the first middle section stiles with a bottom end of one of the second middle section stiles, and wherein the middle section hinges are configured to pivot the first middle section relative to the second middle section between a collapsed position, wherein the first middle section is folded onto the second middle section, and an extended position wherein the second middle section forms an extension of the first middle section, wherein two top section hinges each connect a top end of one of the second middle section stiles with a bottom end of one of the top section stiles, and the top section hinges are configured to pivot the second middle section relative to the top section between a collapsed position wherein the second middle section is folded onto the top section and an extended position wherein the top section forms an extension of the second middle section, wherein the foot section hinges are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative to each other when not in the extended position, and wherein the middle section hinges are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative to each other when not in the extended position, or are two-position hinges, each two-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position and in an A-position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative each other when not in the extended position or in the A-position, and wherein the top section hinges are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative to each other when not in the extended position, or are two-position hinges, each two-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position and in a wall-spacer position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative each other when not in the extended position or in the wall-spacer position.

[0045] Advantageous embodiments of the folding ladder according to the invention are disclosed in the sub claims and in the description, in which the invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments, of which some are shown in the schematic drawing.

[0046] Whilst primarily presented for illustrative purposes with reference to one or more of the figures, any of the technical features addressed below may be combined with any of the independent claims of this application either alone or in any other technically possible combination with one or more other technical features.

[0047] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that a technical feature discussed herein as required or as optional with respect to one embodiment of the invention may be equally applicable to one or more other embodiments described herein, with the feature performing its designation function. Such combinations are all envisaged herein unless a combination would result in a technical impossible solution and / or not meet the desired functionality.

[0048] In the drawings;

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the ladder in the extended configuration;

[0050] Fig. 2a shows a schematic view of the ladder of Fig. 1 in the working configuration;

[0051] Fig. 2b shows a schematic view of the ladder of Fig. 1 in the wall-spacer configuration;

[0052] Fig. 2c shows a schematic view of the ladder of Fig. 1 in the A-configuration; and

[0053] Fig. 2d shows a schematic view of the ladder of Fig. 1 in the collapsed configuration.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a foldable and portable ladder 1 according to the invention in an extended position.

[0055] The foldable ladder 1 is composed of a foot section 2, a first middle section 3, a second middle section 4 and a top section 5. The ladder sections are connected to each other by hinges such that the ladder can be folded into different use configurations.

[0056] Figure 2a shows the ladder 1 folded into a working configuration. In this configuration, the ladder sections are all locked relative to each other in an extended position.

[0057] Figure 2d shows the ladder 1 folded into a collapsed configuration. In this configuration the ladder sections all are in a collapsed position. According to the invention the ladder can not be folded into a platform configuration, but can be folded in a wall-spacer configuration, shown in figure 2b. In this configuration the foot section, first middle section and the second middle section are folded relative to each other in the extended position, and the top ladder section is folded relative to the other ladder sections in a wall-spacer position, in which it is at an angle to the other three ladder sections.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the ladder can furthermore be folded into an A-ladder configuration, shown in figure 2c. In this configuration the two outer sections of the folding ladder are relative to each other in the extended position, and the first and second middle section are folded relative to each other in the A-position. In this configuration, the folding ladder functions as a step ladder.

[0059] With a ladder according to the invention, the foot section and the first middle section can only be locked relative to each other in the extended position. Thus, a folding ladder according to the invention can only be set up in the storage configuration, the ladder configuration and optionally the A- configuration and / or the wall-spacer configuration, and not in the platform configuration. This allows for the sections, in particular the foot section and the top section of the ladder, to be increased in length, and thus to increase the reach of the ladder, without providing scaffolding at a height that is not allowed under professional norms.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the foot section 2 is provided with a foot structure 6 for supporting the ladder on a support surface 7, e.g. a floor surface, while the top section 5 is provided with a bumper structure 8 for supporting the ladder 1 against a wall surface 9.

[0061] Each section 2, 3, 4, 5 has a front side and a back side, and each section comprises two stiles 10, 11 , 12, 13 that each have a bottom end 10a, 11 a, 12a, 13a and a top end 10b, 11 b, 12b, 13b and that are connected to each other via multiple rungs 14.

[0062] The ladder furthermore comprises two foot section hinges 15, two middle section hinges 16, and two top section hinges 17.

[0063] The two foot section hinges 15 each connect a top end of one of the foot section stiles 10b with a bottom end of one of the first middle section stiles 11 a. The foot section hinges 15 are configured to pivot the foot section 2 relative to the first middle section 3 between a collapsed position, wherein the foot section 2 is folded onto the first middle section 3, and an extended position wherein the first middle section 3 forms an extension of the foot section 2.

[0064] The two middle section hinges 16 each connect a top end of one of the first middle section stiles 11 b with a bottom end of one of the second middle section stiles 12a. The middle section hinges 16 are configured to pivot the first middle section 3 relative to the second middle section 4 between a collapsed position, wherein the first middle section 3 is folded onto the second middle section 4, and an extended position wherein the second middle section 4 forms an extension of the first middle section 3.

[0065] The two top section hinges 17 each connect a top end of one of the second middle section stiles 12b with a bottom end of one of the top section stiles 13a. The top section hinges 17 are configured to pivot the second middle section 4 relative to the top section 5 between a folded position wherein the second middle section 4 is folded onto the top section 5 and an extended position wherein the top section 5 forms an extension of the second middle section 4.

[0066] According to the invention, the foot section hinges 15 are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge 15 having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections 2, 3 relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections 2, 3 relative to each other when not in the extended position.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the middle section hinges 16 are two-position hinges. In an alternative embodiment, the middle section hinges 16 are one-position hinges.

[0068] When the middle section hinges 16 are one-position hinges, each middle section hinge has a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two middle sections 3, 4, i.e. the first middle section and the second middle section, relative to each other only when in the extended position. The one-position hinges are furthermore configured to allow free movement of the two middle sections 3, 4 relative to each other when not in the extended position. Thus, when not locked in the defined position, the ladder sections can be moved relative to each other.

[0069] When the middle section hinges 16 are two-position hinges, than each middle section hinge 16 has a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two middle sections 3, 4 relative to each other only when in the extended position and when in an A-position. The two-position hinges are furthermore configured to allow free movement of the two sections 3, 4 relative each other when not in the extended position or in the A-position. Thus, when not locked in one of the two defined positions, the ladder sections can be moved relative to each other.

[0070] The top section hinges 17 also are two-position hinges. Because the top section hinges 17 are two- position hinges, each top section hinge 17 has a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections 4, 5 relative to each other only when in the extended position and when in a wall-spacer position. The two-position hinges are furthermore configured to allow free movement of the two sections 4, 5 relative each other when not in the extended position or in the wall-spacer position. Thus, when not locked in one of the two defined positions, the ladder sections can be moved relative to each other. Figure 1 shows the ladder in the extended configuration, wherein all sections 2, 3, 4, 5 are in the extended position to form a straight ladder 1 which is supported on the support surface 7 by the foot structure 6 and against the wall surface 9 by the bumper structure 8.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the foot section 2, the first middle section 3, the second middle section 4, and the top section 5 each have five rungs 5. Each section 2, 3, 4, 5 has an identical number of rungs 14.

[0072] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the rungs 14 of the ladder, with all ladder sections in the extended position, are set at regular intervals, preferably at intervals in the range of 25 cm - 30 cm. Thus the ladder is provided with a continuous spacing of the rungs along the entire length of the ladder.

[0073] The length of the foot section 2 and the top section 3 preferably is at least 100 cm, more preferably is in the range of 100 cm - 160 cm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of each section 2, 3, 4, 5 is at least 100 cm, preferably is in the range of 100 cm - 160 cm.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sections 2, 3 ,4, 5 each have the same length.

[0075] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the top section hinges 17 are two-position hinges. When the top section 5 is locked in the wall-spacer position, the second middle section 4 and the top section 5 enclose an angle in the range of 100 degrees and 125 degrees, preferably in the range of 105 degrees and 1115 degrees, in the embodiment shown an angle of 105 degrees.

[0076] In the preferred embodiment shown, the hinges 15, 16, 17 are auto lock hinges that are configured to automatically lock when the connected sections are moved into a locking position, e.g. the extended position, the A-position or the wall-spacer position. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown the hinges 15, 16, 17 are provided with a manual release that has to be actuated to move the sections out of the locking position.

[0077] Each stile 10 of the foot section 2 is provided with an extendable foot, not shown, optionally, wherein the extendible feet are independently operable such that the effective length of each of the stiles are independently variable.

[0078] The ladder 1 is provided with a hand grip and / or strap, not shown, configured to enable the ladder to be carried by a person, e.g. in the collapsed configuration.

[0079] Figures 2a-d show the ladder 1 in different possible configurations. Because the foot section hinges 2 is a one-position hinge, the foot section 2 can only be locked in the extended position as shown in Figures 2a-c, the ladder can not be put in a scaffolding configuration. Figure 2a shows the ladder 1 in the extended configuration, wherein all the sections 2, 3, 4, 5 are in the extended position, forming a straight ladder, wherein the foot structure 6 supports the ladder 1 on the support surface 7 and wherein the bumper structure 8 supports the ladder 1 against the wall surface 9.

[0080] Figure 2b shows the ladder 1 in the wall-spacer configuration, wherein the first middle section 3 and second middle section 4 form an extension of the foot section 2 and the first middle section 3 respectively. The top section hinges 17 each are a two-position hinge, allowing the top section 5 to be locked at an angle with respect to the other sections 2, 3, 4. The top section 5 is locked relative the second middle section in a wall spacer position, such that a distance is created between the wall surface 9 and the other sections 2, 3, 4. The bumper section 8 of the top section 5 supports the ladder 1 against the wall surface 9. The foot section 2, the first middle section 3, and the second middle section 4 form a substantially straight part of the ladder which is set up at an angle of 75 degrees with respect to the support surface 7. The angle between the second middle section 4 and the top section 5 is 105 degrees, such that the top section 5 is horizontal.

[0081] Figure 2c shows the ladder in the A-configuration, wherein the foot section 2 and the top section 5 are in the extended position relative to the first middle section and the second middle section respectively. Thus, the first middle section 3 forms an extension of the foot section 2, and the second middle section forms an extension of the top section 5. Herein the middle section hinges 16 are locked in the A-position such that the first and second middle sections 3, 4 are angled with respect to each other. Furthermore, both the foot structure 6 and the bumper structure are supporting the ladder on the support surface 7, such that the ladder can function as a step ladder. The angle between the support surface 7 and the foot section and the top section preferably is 75 degrees, and the angle between the first and second middle section is 30 degrees.

[0082] Figure 2d shows the ladder 1 in the collapsed configuration, wherein the sections 2, 3, 4, 5 are folded onto each other. The back side of the foot section 2 faces the back of the first middle section 3, the front side of the first middle section 3 faces the front side of the second middle section 4, and the back side of the second middle section 4 faces the back side of the top section 5. In the collapsed configuration the ladder is compact, which facilitates storage and transport of the ladder.

Claims

C L A I M S1. Foldable and portable ladder composed of:- a foot section provided with a foot structure for supporting the ladder on a support surface;- a first middle section;- a second middle section; and- a top section provided with a bumper structure for supporting the ladder against a wall surface; wherein each section has a front side and a back side, and each section comprises two stiles that each have a bottom end and a top end and that are connected to each other via multiple rungs, wherein two foot section hinges each connect a top end of one of the foot section stiles with a bottom end of one of the first middle section stiles, and wherein the foot section hinges are configured to pivot the foot section relative to the first middle section between a collapsed position, wherein the foot section is folded onto the first middle section, and an extended position wherein the first middle section forms an extension of the foot section, wherein two middle section hinges each connect a top end of one of the first middle section stiles with a bottom end of one of the second middle section stiles, and wherein the middle section hinges are configured to pivot the first middle section relative to the second middle section between a collapsed position, wherein the first middle section is folded onto the second middle section, and an extended position wherein the second middle section forms an extension of the first middle section, wherein two top section hinges each connect a top end of one of the second middle section stiles with a bottom end of one of the top section stiles, and the top section hinges are configured to pivot the second middle section relative to the top section between a collapsed position wherein the second middle section is folded onto the top section and an extended position wherein the top section forms an extension of the second middle section, wherein the foot section hinges are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative to each other when not in the extended position, and wherein the middle section hinges are one-position hinges, each one-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative to each other when not in the extended position, orare two-position hinges, each two-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position and in an A-position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative each other when not in the extended position or in the A-position, and wherein the top section hinges are two-position hinges, each two-position hinge having a locking mechanism that is configured to lock two sections relative to each other only when in the extended position and in a wall-spacer position, and that is configured to allow free movement of the two sections relative each other when not in the extended position or in the wall-spacer position.

2. Folding ladder according to claim 1 , wherein the rungs of the ladder, with all ladder sections in the extended position, are set at regular intervals, preferably at intervals in the range of 25 cm - 30 cm.

3. Folding ladder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the foot section, the first middle section, the second middle section and preferably the top section each have at least three rungs, preferably each have four rungs, more preferably each have five rungs.

4. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sections each have an identical number of rungs.

5. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the foot section and the top section is at least 100 cm, preferably is in the range of 100 cm - 160 cm.

6. Folding ladder according to claim 5, wherein the length of each section is at least 100 cm, preferably is in the range of 100 cm - 160 cm.

7. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sections each have the same length.

8. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when the top section is locked in the wall-spacer position, the second middle section and the top section enclose an angle in the range of 100 degrees and 125 degrees, preferably in the range of 105 degrees and 115 degrees, more preferably an angle of 105 degrees.

9. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when the sections are all in the collapsed position, the back side of the foot section faces the back side of the first middle section, the front side of the first middle section faces the front side of the second middle section, and the back side of the second middle section faces the back side of the top section.

10. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the foot section is provided with a stabiliser bar.

11. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinges are auto lock hinges that are configured to automatically lock when the connected sections are moved into a locking position, e.g. the extended position, the A-position or the wall-spacer position, and are provided with a manual release that has to be actuated to move the sections out of the locking position.

12. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each stile of the foot section is provided with an extendable foot, optionally, wherein the extendible feet are independently operable such that the effective length of each of the stiles are independently variable.

13. Folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ladder is provided with a hand grip and / or strap configured to enable the ladder to be carried by a person.

14. Package comprising the folding ladder according to any of the preceding claims.

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