Removable RV Step Ladder With Integrated Travel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicle owners face challenges in storing a removable step ladder due to limited space, and securing it can impair the vehicle's main ladder, create an unsightly appearance, or pose a hazard during travel.
Innovation Solution
A removable ladder system with upper and lower mounting arrangements that allows the ladder to be attached to and detached from the recreational vehicle, featuring pivotally mounted legs, expandable brackets, and tubular members for secure attachment, enabling it to function as both a vehicle-mounted ladder and a standalone step ladder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a step ladder is stored in the recreational vehicle, then access to elevated positions is enabled, but storage space is consumed and secure mounting is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The step ladder is merged with the recreational vehicle's main ladder structure. The step ladder legs are received within the main ladder legs, and both are mounted to the vehicle using common mounting arrangements (brackets, fasteners, receivers), effectively combining two ladder functions into one integrated structure without requiring separate storage space
Solution Approach 2:
The main ladder structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary access ladder for the recreational vehicle and as the structural framework for the removable step ladder. The mounting arrangements and receivers are designed to accommodate both the main ladder and step ladder components, creating a universal mounting system
2Adaptability or versatility
If the step ladder is mounted to the recreational vehicle's attached ladder, then storage space is saved, but the use of the main ladder is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system is segmented into distinct functional components: the main ladder structure, the step ladder legs, and separate mounting arrangements. The step ladder can be independently mounted or removed, allowing the main ladder to function independently when the step ladder is not in use. This segmentation enables both ladders to operate independently without interfering with each other's usability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the step ladder is secured to the exterior of the recreational vehicle, then storage is enabled, but an unsightly appearance is created
Solution Approach 1:
The step ladder legs are nested within the main ladder legs when not in use. The receivers and mounting arrangements are positioned to allow the step ladder components to be contained within or adjacent to the main ladder structure, creating a compact integrated appearance that does not protrude unsightly from the vehicle exterior
4Adaptability or versatility
If the step ladder is mounted to the recreational vehicle, then storage is enabled, but a hazard is created if it becomes dislodged during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses localized receivers positioned at specific points on the main ladder structure where the step ladder legs connect. These receivers provide concentrated secure attachment points that prevent dislodgement during travel. The expandable brackets and fasteners create strong localized connections at critical mounting locations
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a ladder and method for removably mounting the ladder on a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The ladder may be removed and used as a standard step ladder. The ladder includes a top end and two pairs of legs extending downward from the top end. At least one of the pairs of legs is pivotally mounted to the top end, and a pivoting limiting mechanism is provided to allow the pairs of legs to fold adjacent one another or unfold to a use position as a step ladder. An upper mounting arrangement is attached to the recreational vehicle. The arrangement includes two free ends extending downwardly therefrom; and the top end of the ladder includes receivers for receiving free ends of the upper mounting arrangement.