US 5,971,102 AGranted

Ladder including storage compartments

OwnerNorma Browninventor

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Abstract

A ladder including storage areas for allowing access to an area out of reach of a user. A tool box is removably connected at a top end of the ladder so as to be easily accesible to a user of the ladder. The ladder includes a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs extending at an adjustable angle to the first pair of legs. A plurality of steps extend between the legs of the first pair of legs and a storage compartments is positioned below each of the plurality of steps. The storage compartments are each movable between a first position completely contained beneath its respective step and a second position extending out from its respective step providing access to a storage area. Adjustable feet positioned on a base side of each leg of the ladder. The adjustable feet are both angularly adjustable and height adjustable to adapt the ladder to the terrain on which it is to sit. A pressure sensitive alarm is positioned to generate an audible alarm when a user applies pressure to the bottom step. A retaining device is also provided adjacent the work area for retaining a tool or supply necessary for the user in an easily accessible location. Alternatively, an alternate workpiece such as a paint tray may be releasably connected at the position of the toolbox.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A ladder including storage areas comprising:

a) a first pair of legs;
b) a second pair of legs extending at an adjustable angle to said first pair of legs;
c) a plurality of steps extending between said legs of said first pair of legs;
d) a plurality of storage compartments, each of said plurality of storage compartments positioned below a respective one of said plurality of steps and movable between a first position completely contained beneath its respective step and a second position extending out from its respective step providing access to a storage area,
e) a tool box including a tool retaining section, a top cover pivotally connected to said tool retaining section and a recess extending into a side of said tool retaining section on a base side of said toolbox providing a top step on which the user may step;
and
f) means for releasably connecting said tool box in a work area of said ladder and easily accessible to a user, wherein each leg of said first and second pairs of legs include a connection nub extending therefrom, each connection nub including a recess extending therethrough and said tool box further includes at least two protrusions extending from an underside thereof, said at least two protrusions being removably received by a respective one of said recesses in said connection nub when said tool box is connected in the work area.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/134,958Filed 17 Aug 1998
Granted: 26 Oct 1999
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

E06C 7/081
Special construction of longitudinal members, or rungs or other treads: rungs or other treads comprising anti-slip features
E06C 7/003
Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories: indicating devices, e.g. user warnings or inclinators
E06C 7/084
Connections between rungs or treads and longitudinal members: rungs comprising projecting tabs or flanges
E06C 7/14
Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories: holders for pails or other equipment on or for ladders