Patent ID: 7328772
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: E06C

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a ladder, comprising: positioning a ladder having first and second pairs of legs in an operating position suitable for supporting a user; providing a removable ladder support assembly clampably coupled to the ladder, the ladder support assembly including at least one elongated member extending between a respective one of the first and second pairs of legs of the ladder, the elongated member being clampably coupled to the respective one of the first and second pairs of legs of the ladder by first and second coupling assemblies positioned at spaced-apart positions on the elongated member, the elongated member comprising a channel diposed therein; slideably positioning the first and second coupling assemblies into the channel of the elongated member; and supporting the ladder with the ladder support assembly, wherein the channel comprises an elongated channel having a bottom surface and a pair of lateral side surfaces, and wherein at least one of the first and second coupling assemblies includes; a base slidably engaged into the channel, the base including a rail member projecting outwardly from the base along a length of the channel and engaged against a lateral surface of an associated one of the first and second pair of legs; and a support plate coupled to the base and including a locking member projecting outwardly from the support plate and engaged against a second lateral surface of the associated one of the first and second pair of legs, wherein the base and the support plate clampably couple the associated one of the first and second pair of legs to the at least one elongated member such that the rail member clampably engages the associated one of the legs against one of the lateral side surfaces of the channel and the locking member clampably engages the associated one of the legs against the bottom surface of the channel.