Modular ladder with central mast
OwnerCurt Davidsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular ladder having a single, central column for supporting radiating steps is shown and described. Steps are pivotally mounted on the central column to generate attachable modules. The steps fold up to a stowed position to minimize bulk when the ladder is not in use, and fold down to a nearly but not quite perpendicular position to facilitate climbing. The steps are held frictionally in the stowed position and by gravity in a deployed position when nearly perpendicular to the central mast. The ladder has a removable foot module for stability when propping the ladder on the ground. Each module bearing steps includes an integral loop for attachment of anchoring straps when desired.
Claims14
A modular ladder, comprising:
- a plurality of ladder segments each comprising:
- a central mast segment having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the central mast segment has a longitudinal axis extending from the upper end of the central mast segment and the lower end of the central mast segment;
- a plurality of projecting steps pivotally coupled to the central mast segment between the upper end and the lower end, wherein each said projecting step has a longitudinal axis, and wherein each said projecting step is movable between a stowed position abutting the central mast segment along a length of said projecting step, and a deployed position wherein the projecting step projects radially from the central mast segment, and each said projecting step is configured to limit pivot to a maximum of an acute included angle between the longitudinal axis of the central mast segment and the longitudinal axis of said projecting step, wherein for each a said projecting step further includes a retention element securing one of a said projecting step against the central mast segment in the stowed position, wherein the retention element includes
- a first finger projecting from the projecting step and a second finger projecting from the projecting step at a different point along a circumference of the central mast segment, and
- the central mast segment includes a recess for receiving and releasably engaging one of the first finger and the second finger;
- and
- a first coupling element at the upper end of the central mast segment enabling removable serial connection to a said lower end of another identical said ladder segment, and a second coupling element at the lower end of the central mast segment enabling removable serial connection to a said upper end of another identical said ladder segment,
- whereby the overall length of the modular ladder may be selectively increased by connecting additional said ladder segments at the upper end and at the lower end of the ladder segment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.