Ladder Tool Holder with Cord Passage and Gravity Safety Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers using extension ladders face hazards due to tools with cords or hoses stored on rungs, which can trip or damage equipment, and tools without cords can fall, causing injury when used on ladders.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support that fits into a hollow ladder rung, featuring a tool holder with a shape allowing secure storage and easy access for tools, preventing cords or hoses from interfering with workers and providing stability for tools without cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools with cords or hoses are stored on ladder rungs, then tools are readily accessible, but cords or hoses hang down and create tripping hazards or can be stepped on causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful element (cord or hose) from the ladder rung environment by providing a dedicated passage through the support structure. The cord passes through a passage in the support, keeping it elevated and away from the worker's feet, thereby eliminating the tripping hazard while maintaining tool accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the tool holder and the ladder rung. It provides a controlled environment with a dedicated passage that mediates the cord's position, keeping it safely elevated and organized rather than allowing it to hang freely down the ladder.
2Ease of operation
If tools without cords are stored on ladder rungs, then tools are readily accessible, but tools can fall and cause injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a nested structure where the support structure is inserted into the hollow ladder rung, and the tool holder is attached to the support. This nested arrangement provides stable, enclosed storage for tools within the ladder structure itself, preventing them from falling while maintaining easy accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-installed in the ladder rung before use, creating a prepared and stable storage environment. This preliminary action ensures that tools have a secure, predetermined location that prevents falling while allowing quick access when needed.
3Ease of operation
If tools are balanced on ladder rungs during use, then tools remain accessible, but worker must constantly maintain balance increasing fatigue and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder provides self-service by automatically securing tools in a fixed position within the ladder structure. The tool rests in the holder without requiring the worker to actively balance or adjust it, thereby reducing worker effort and fatigue while maintaining accessibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are brought up the ladder, then workers have all necessary equipment, but the ladder becomes cluttered increasing hazard and reducing mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure with tool holder provides a universal storage solution that can accommodate multiple different tools within the single ladder rung. This multi-functional storage system consolidates various tools in an organized manner, preventing clutter while maintaining availability of all equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder tool is disclosed and is useful for supporting tools safely, including tools with hoses or cords attached to them. Disclosed embodiments include a support for inserting into a hollow ladder rung, and a tool holder attached to the support structure. The tool holder has an incomplete polygonal shape and provides an opening for the hose or cord to enter and exit the tool holder, so that the operation of passing the hose or cord through the opening can be performed with one hand. The disclosure also includes a support extension that passes clear through the hollow rung of a ladder has a safety tab that rotates down by gravity to prevent the ladder tool from accidently being pulled out or displaced from the ladder rung.