Automatic Ladder for Attic Access
AssigneeJean-Pierre Lair
InventorJean-Pierre Lair
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An access panel is shown in the present invention to provide easy and safe access to an attic space or elevated structure. The access panel is fully automatic. During opening, the access panel only uses gravitational forces for opening a cover. Only during closing is the access panel motorized. The gravitational forces are used to both open the cover and extend the ladder sections, while the motor is only used to retract the latter sections and close the cover. A stow latch keeps the cover closed during non-use. A safety switch keeps the access panel from accidentally opening and the ladder sections from lowering if the stow latch is released. A mechanical lock keeps the cover open when the ladder sections have been lowered.
Claims21
An automated access panel having an energy source for installation in an opening in a ceiling to provide access to an attic type space comprising:
- framing structure for installation in said opening;
- a cover for said opening, said cover being pivotally attached to a first end of said framing structure;
- a plurality of slidably extendable ladder sections, a first of said slidably extendable ladder sections being mounted on said cover and a second of said slidably extendable ladder sections being slidable with respect to said first of said slidably extendable ladder sections;
- motor connected to said energy source and secured to said framing structure;
- cable connecting between a reel and said plurality of said slidably extendable ladder sections;
- and
- free wheeling gear located between said motor and said reel, said free wheeling gear (a.) allowing for gravity to open said cover and lower said plurality of said slidably extendable ladder sections when rotating in a lowering direction, but (b) locking when rotating in a raising direction by said motor to wind said cable about said reel which retracts said plurality of said slidable extendable ladder sections;
- and
A method of installing and operating an automated access panel located in an opening in a ceiling to allow entry into an attic, said method consisting of the following steps:
- installing a framing structure of an access panel in said opening, said access panel having a lower cover on which slidably extendable ladder sections are mounted;
- stowing said slidably extendable ladder sections in said attic by securing said lower cover closed against said framing structure with a stow latch;
- releasing said stow latch to allow said lower cover to pivot at one end thereof with respect to said framing structure to open by gravity;
- sliding said slidably extendable ladder sections by gravity with respect to each other with a first section thereof being attached to said cover and a last section extending to a floor;
- mechanically locking said lower cover open when said last section is extending;
- retracting said slidably extendable ladder sections by reeling in a cable attached between said last section and a reel;
- turning said reel during said retracting step with a motor connected to a power source to wind said cable around said reel;
- raising said lower cover against said framing structure;
- and
- closing said stow latch to secure said lower cover against said framing structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.