Triple-Hook Ladder Rail Support for Rung-Free Tool Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ladder hook devices are complex, limited to specific bucket types, and interfere with ladder rungs when used for suspending tools or buckets from side rails.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece hook support device with three hooks that attaches to ladder side rails, allowing secure suspension of tools and buckets without obstructing ladder rungs, featuring a longitudinal plate with hooks that engage both the outer and inner surfaces of the rail for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hook device is attached to a ladder rung or step, then it can suspend buckets and tools, but it limits the use of the rung or step for moving up and down the ladder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder mobilityVSAvoidsuspension function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook support device transitions from attaching to horizontal rungs (one-dimensional attachment) to attaching to vertical side rails (different dimension), allowing hooks to be positioned on the side rails while keeping rungs fully accessible for climbing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a complex design is used to insert into a paint bucket, then it can suspend the bucket, but it requires insertion of a complex design device which is harder to use than a simple hook

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket suspensionVSAvoidattachment simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the suspension function from the bucket itself and provides it through external hooks on the side rails, eliminating the need to insert complex devices into the bucket while maintaining reliable suspension capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses simple, inexpensive hook elements that can be easily attached and removed, replacing the need for complex, expensive insertion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If a rotatable link and hook-like clip are used, then it can suspend a paint can, but it becomes unnecessarily complex and unwieldly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaint can suspensionVSAvoidrod structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the rotatable link and complex clipping mechanism, extracting only the essential suspension function and implementing it through simple fixed hooks attached to the side rails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the suspension mechanism actively engage with the paint can through complex movements, the simple hooks passively provide suspension support, inverting the approach from active engagement to passive support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12460480B1One-piece tripe-hook support device for ladder side rails

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FOX JERRY

AI summary

A hook support device having a longitudinal plate with a top surface, a front side, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The first end has a first hook, the second end has a second hook, and the front side has a third hook. The top surface of the longitudinal plate is constructed to contact an outer surface of a side rail of a ladder. The first hook and second hook are mounted on the outer surface of the side rail. The third hook is constructed to simultaneously i) contact a front surface of the side rail, ii) hook the hook support device to the front surface and outer surface, and iii) prevent the hook support device from sliding down the side rail. The hooks do not interfere with the use of the steps or rungs of the ladder.