Ladder-Mounted Tote Lifting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Raising totes, boxes, and other cargo overhead for storage is hazardous due to the risk of injury from heavy lifting, twisting, and using ladders, and it is inefficient, especially when dealing with larger or heavier items.

Innovation Solution

A device that attaches to a standard ladder, allowing for the safe and efficient lifting of totes, boxes, or other cargo by pivoting around the ladder, enabling both upward and forward motion, thus reducing the risk of injury and improving storage efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a user manually lifts heavy cargo overhead while using a ladder, then the cargo can be stored on high shelves, but the risk of injury increases due to heavy lifting and twisting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo weightVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the cargo. The device includes a lifting mechanism with a chain and pulley system that mechanically assists in lifting heavy objects, distributing the load away from the user's body and eliminating the need to twist or strain while lifting overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device is divided into multiple functional components: a ladder attachment section, a lifting mechanism with chain and pulley, and a cargo attachment section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while working together to reduce overall injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If a user manually lifts large and bulky items, then storage capacity is utilized, but the grip becomes difficult and injury risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo volumeVSAvoidgrip security

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides an intermediary attachment mechanism that secures to the cargo regardless of its size or shape. The lifting handles and attachment points are designed to accommodate various cargo volumes, providing secure grip points that eliminate the need for the user to directly grasp large bulky items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If a user climbs a ladder to store items, then high storage locations are accessible, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder heightVSAvoidstorage time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is attached to the ladder in advance, creating a ready-to-use lifting mechanism before cargo is brought to the location. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for the user to manually lift cargo while balancing on the ladder, significantly reducing the time required for each storage operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device is designed to be self-operating through a chain and pulley system that automatically lifts cargo when the user pulls the lifting chain. This mechanical self-service reduces the physical effort and time required compared to manual lifting while balancing on a ladder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the lifting device is designed for specific cargo types, then lifting efficiency is optimized, but compatibility with standard ladders is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting efficiencyVSAvoidladder compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device incorporates universal attachment mechanisms that are compatible with standard ladder types. The ladder attachment section uses a simple clamp or attachment point that works with various ladder configurations, while the lifting mechanism remains optimized for efficient cargo handling across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device enables safe lifting of heavier and larger objects without twisting, reduces the risk of ladder-related injuries, and enhances storage efficiency by allowing deeper placement of items, all while being compatible with any standard ladder.

Implementation Method 1

This attaching mechanism allows the present invention to pivot around the ladder as a fulcrum during use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS20250162851A1Storage Tote Lifting Device

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 MCCOTTER DAVID W

AI summary

The storage tote lifting device is used to safely, efficiently, and effectively raise totes, boxes, or other cargo overhead for storage while using a ladder. It is compatible for use with any standard sized ladder. Using a plurality of different lifting handles, the storage tote lifting device can attach to different shapes and sizes of totes, boxes, or other cargo. The user attaches the storage tote lifting device to a ladder and attaches the device's lifting handles to a tote, box, or other cargo. The user can then pull down on the device's top handle to raise the tote, box, or other cargo by pivoting the device around the ladder.