Integrated Ladder Hooks for Tool Storage Without Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ladder storage solutions are inconvenient due to their removable nature, often requiring separate storage and increasing the size or weight of the ladder, and can interfere with ladder operation.

Innovation Solution

Integrated ladder storage devices, such as hinge buttons, slots, rail hooks, and side hooks, that are built into the ladder structure to securely hold tools and equipment without increasing the ladder's size or weight, and designed to avoid interference during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If removable tool holders or trays are used with ladders, then tools and equipment can be stored on the ladder, but the tool holders or trays are difficult to attach or remove and must be stored separately, taking up additional space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates storage devices directly into the ladder structure, merging the ladder and storage functions into a single unified system. The storage devices are built into the ladder rails and rungs, eliminating the need for separate removable holders or trays, thereby simplifying attachment while maintaining storage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If removable tool holders or trays are used with ladders, then tools and equipment can be stored on the ladder, but the tool holder or tray and ladder usually must be stored separately, taking up additional space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage devices are integrated into the ladder structure itself, combining the ladder and storage functions into one unit. This eliminates the need for separate storage of tool holders, reducing the total space required for storage when the ladder is not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If removable tool holders or trays are used with ladders, then tools and equipment can be stored on the ladder, but the tool holder or tray may need to be removed and carried separately because of weight or awkward transport configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidtransport convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage devices are permanently integrated into the ladder structure, merging the storage function with the ladder itself. This eliminates the need to separately carry removable tool holders during transport, improving convenience by reducing the number of separate components that need to be moved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If integrated storage devices are built into the ladder structure, then the ladder's size and weight are not increased, but storage for tools and equipment is provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidladder weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage devices are integrated into specific local areas of the ladder structure, such as the rails and rungs, utilizing existing structural components. This allows storage functionality to be added without significantly increasing the overall weight of the ladder, as the storage elements are distributed throughout the structure rather than added as a separate heavy component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260035996A1Ladder storage devices
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 TRICAM IND LLC
  • US20260035996A1 patent drawing
  • US20260035996A1 patent drawing
  • US20260035996A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various devices and methods for hanging tools or other items from a ladder are disclosed. The devices may be incorporated into parts of the ladder itself or be separate add-on devices for use with assorted ladders. The devices include a hinge button hook, a hinge button, a foot hook, and a rail hook.