Latch for ladder or step stool
AssigneeTricam Industries, Inc.
InventorsDennis D. Simpson, Yongxue Lu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A step stool or ladder includes a latch that engages a cross member to prevent a step from disengaging from the cross member. The curved end of the latch has a tail that provides additional weight to the end of the latch that engages the cross member and allows for decreased tolerances in manufacturing the latch. The other end of the latch has a knob that extends through an opening in the step so that the latch is accessible and to give visual cues to the user. The knob also maintains the latch in its position in the opening in the step. A bent out portion of the latch midsection serves to limit the amount of travel between the knob and the bent portion. The latch rotates on the portion of the latch between the bent portion and travel limiter and the knob attached to the latch.
Claims18
A ladder comprising:
- a first frame member;
- a second frame member further including a cross member;
- at least one step pivotally attached to the first frame member having a back edge with an opening therein, the at least one step supported by the cross member of the second frame member;
- and
- a latch pivotally attached to the at least one step, wherein the latch is adapted to fit within the opening in the step, the latch having a first end and a second end, the second end which releasably engages the cross member and the second end having a tail extending therefrom, wherein the latch further includes a longitudinal axis extending along a plane and the first end of the latch includes a longitudinal axis extending along the plane, the longitudinal axis of the first end being offset from the longitudinal axis of the latch.
A ladder comprising:
- a first frame member;
- a second frame member further including a cross member;
- at least one step pivotally attached to the first frame member having a back edge with an opening therein, the at least one step supported by the cross member of the second frame member;
- and
- a member latching the ladder in an open position, wherein the member is pivotally mounted to the at least one step and includes a first end and a second end, the second end which releasably engages the cross member and the second end having a tail extending therefrom, wherein the member further includes a longitudinal axis extending along a plane and the first end of the member includes a longitudinal axis extending along the plane, the longitudinal axis of the first end being offset from the longitudinal axis of the member.
A step stool comprising:
- a first frame member;
- a second frame member further including a cross member;
- at least one step pivotally attached to the first frame member, the at least one step supported by the cross member of the second frame member;
- and
- a latch pivotally attached to a back edge of the at least one step, the latch having a first end, a second end which releasably engages the cross member and the second end having a tail, wherein the latch further includes a longitudinal axis extending along a plane and the first end of the latch includes a longitudinal axis extending along the plane, the longitudinal axis of the first end being offset from the longitudinal axis of the latch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.