Patent ID: 6089351
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: E06C

Abstract:
In combination, a step ladder and a tray for releasable attachment to the step ladder comprising:a step ladder including opposing side rails, a ladder top disposed between the opposing side rails, and a plurality of steps disposed between the opposing side rails, underneath the ladder top; wherein each step includes a flat top surface having a front and back edge, a front side comprising a surface attached to the flat top front edge and extending downwardly therefrom, a back side comprising a surface attached to the flat top back edge and extending downwardly therefrom, and wherein the front side and the back side each include a bottom edge; and wherein each step includes a width defined by the distance from the front surface to the back surface; and,wherein the area between the front side and the back side of each step is disposed in front of the back side of the step;a tray attached to a selected step of the step ladder, the tray comprising:at least one step engagement means disposed on the tray to permit secure temporary attachment of the tray to the ladder through secure temporary engagement to a single selected step of the step ladder; wherein the step engagement means alone are sufficient to provide secure temporary attachment of the tray to the step ladder; and wherein no additional engagement of the tray to the ladder, other than the step engagement means is needed for attachment;wherein the step engagement means includes an upward sloping surface to releasably engage and securely hook onto the selected step from a position underneath the selected step;wherein the step engagement means extends under the entire width of the step from a first position beneath the front side of the step proximate to where the step engagement means is attached to the tray; to a second position beneath the back side of the step where the step engagement means is separated from the tray by a step receiving recess, and, wherein the step engagement means is further attached to the tray only through the attachment proximate to the first position; and wherein the length of the step engagement means is larger than the entire width of the step; wherein the step engagement means extends past the second position beneath the back side of the step to a distal end which does not contact the top of the step; and, wherein the upward sloping surface slopes upwardly in relation to the flat top of the selected step;wherein the upward sloping surface begins at a location in front of the bottom edge of the back side of the step and wherein the upward sloping surface engages the bottom of the back side of the step.