# US 2016/0257542 A1 · Stepless ladder assembly and methods of utilizing same

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- Number: US 2016/0257542 A1
- Document ID: US20160257542A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/063,506
- Filed: 2016-03-07
- Published: 2016-09-08
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-19
- Inventors: Thomas G. Duff
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20160257542A1

## CPC

- B66F 11/04: for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations ({Working platforms on fork-lift trucks B66F9/127; } vehicle aspects of service vehicles B60P3/14; platforms for cleaning windows A47L3/02; devices for rescuing persons from buildings A62B1/02; liftable or lowerable platforms for use on ladders E06C7/16; maintenance travellers for bridges E01D19/10; scaffolds on an extensible sub-structure E04G1/22)
- E06C 1/393: Ladders having platforms foldable with the ladder
- A63B 27/00: Apparatus for climbing poles, trees, or the like ({ropes A63B29/02;} safety belts for climbers A62B35/00)
- B66F: HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD ({invalid lifting devices A61G7/10; } mounting artificial islands on piles or like supports E02B17/00; scaffolding combined with lifting devices E04G1/22; lifting devices for sliding forms E04G11/24; lifting of buildings E04G23/06; shores or struts E04G25/00; lifts or other hoisting devices on ladders E06C7/12; props for mining E21D15/00)
- E06C: LADDERS (E04F11/00 takes precedence; step-stools A47C12/00; adaptation of ladders to use on ships B63B, to use on aircraft B64; scaffolding E04G)
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)

## Abstract

A stepless ladder is provided that may comprise a frame adapted to support the weight of a user, a track attached to a portion of the frame, an escalating member attached to the track, the escalating member for supporting the weight of the user, and an escalating assembly adapted to raise and lower the escalating member along the track.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A lifting mechanism comprising:
an escalating member attached to a track;
a lever;
an escalating assembly for moving the escalating member, wherein the direction of travel of the escalating member and the escalating assembly is determined by a range-of-motion imparted to the lever, the escalating assembly comprising:
a plurality of supports;
a first locking disc comprising portions adapted to engage the plurality of supports;
a second locking disc comprising portions adapted to engage the plurality of supports;
a link member connected to the second locking disc and the lever.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The lifting mechanism of claim 1, wherein lifting the lever up a predetermined distance and lowering the lever back down at least the predetermined distance raises the escalating member; and
wherein lifting the lever at a distance greater than the predetermined distance and lowering the handle back down at least the distance greater than the predetermined distance lowers the escalating member.