Deep Ladder Tray With Hinged In-Boundary Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility trays for ladders are inconvenient to attach or remove, require separate storage, and often interfere with ladder use or are limited in size due to their location, necessitating a need for a tray integrated into the ladder structure that provides a larger work area without increasing storage space.
Innovation Solution
A folding tray that is hinged to the stepladder structure, allowing it to be folded within the ladder's boundaries when not in use, providing a deeper work and storage area without increasing storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a removable utility tray is used with a ladder, then tools and materials can be stored on the ladder, but the tray is difficult to attach or remove and requires separate storage
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is permanently integrated into the ladder structure through the top cap, eliminating the need for separate attachment and removal operations. The tray becomes an inherent part of the ladder assembly, allowing tools and materials to be stored without the complexity of removable tray mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a tray is located at the top of a ladder, then tools can be accessed easily, but the tray interferes with ladder use and is limited in size
Solution Approach 1:
The tray utilizes the vertical space above the ladder steps by extending upward from the top cap, rather than only expanding horizontally. This vertical dimension allows the tray to provide additional storage capacity without protruding beyond the ladder's width boundaries, thus avoiding interference with ladder use while maintaining tool accessibility.
3Quantity of substance
If a deeper tray is provided to increase storage capacity, then more tools can be stored, but the tray cannot be stored within the ladder boundaries when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with a hinged connection to the top cap, allowing it to rotate between a horizontal working position and a vertical folded position. This dynamic mechanism enables the tray to provide deep storage capacity during use, then fold upward against the top cap to fit within the ladder's boundaries for compact storage and transport.
4Reliability
If a tray is permanently attached to the ladder structure, then the tray is always available for use, but the tray cannot be stored separately when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged connection allows the tray to be permanently attached to the ladder structure while remaining movable between horizontal and vertical positions. The tray is always available for use in the horizontal position, but can be folded upward against the top cap when not needed, eliminating the need for separate storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for a stepladder is disclosed. The tray provides an area for work space or for storage of tools or materials in addition to that provided by the stepladder by itself. The tray is configured to fit within the boundaries of the stepladder when the stepladder is in its stored orientation.