Abstract:
A moveable climbing system includes at least one step, a first set of legs, a second set of legs, a first set of wheels operatively connected to the first set of legs, a second set of wheels operatively connected to the second set of legs, and a motor operatively connected to the first set of wheels, configured to rotate the first set of wheels. The climbing system may further include a battery for providing electric supply for the motor. The at least one step may include a rung of a ladder. The at least one step may include a board of a scaffold. The climbing system may further include a motor box housing the electric motor, wherein the motor box may be configured to operatively connect to and disconnect from the at least one step.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Technical Field 
         [0002]    The embodiments herein generally relate to climbing systems, and more particularly to ladders and scaffolding systems. 
         [0003]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Equipment such as ladders or scaffolds allow for the performance of tasks at heights not normally reachable by a worker. However, when using conventional ladders or scaffolds, the worker&#39;s horizontal reach is generally limited to the worker&#39;s arms&#39; span. In order to reach a further distance, the worker may need to stop work and relocate the ladder. For example, when installing weirs or pipes at high places using a conventional ladder, workers may need to periodically stop work. Alternatively, workers may require assistance of others or may need to use other expensive tools to do the required job. It would be desirable to use systems that allow for extending the reach of the worker while on top of a ladder or a scaffold. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a moving ladder system comprising: a ladder, a first set of legs, a second set of legs, a first set of wheels configured to operatively connect to the first set of legs, a second set of wheels configured to operatively connect to the second set of legs, a movement mechanism configured to rotate the first set of wheels, and a steering mechanism configured to steer the second set of wheels. 
         [0006]    The movement mechanism may comprise an electric motor operatively connected to the first set of wheels. The ladder system may further comprise a motor box housing the electric motor, wherein the motor box is configured to operatively connect to and disconnect from the ladder. The first set of wheels and the second set of wheels may be configured to disconnect from the first set of legs and the second set of legs respectively. The first set of wheels and the second the of wheels, when disconnected from the first set of legs and the second set of legs respectively, may be configured to operatively connect to and disconnect from the motor box, when the motor box is disconnected from the ladder. The motor box may be configured to move using the first set of wheels and the second set of wheels, when the motor box is detached from the ladder, and when the first set of wheels and the second set of wheels are operatively connected to the motor box. 
         [0007]    The ladder system may further comprise a remote controller configured to remotely control movement of the motor box. The remote controller may comprise a wireless joystick, and the motor box may comprise a wireless receiver configured to receive control signals for remotely controlling movement of the motor box. The motor may comprise a brake. The steering mechanism may comprise a joystick configured to send steering signals to the motor. The joystick may send the steering signals to the motor wirelessly. 
         [0008]    Another embodiment provides a moveable climbing system comprising: at least one step, a first set of legs, a second set of legs, a first set of wheels operatively connected to the first set of legs, a second set of wheels operatively connected to the second set of legs, and a motor operatively connected to the first set of wheels, configured to rotate the first set of wheels. The climbing system may further comprise a battery for providing electric supply for the motor. The at least one step may comprise a rung of a ladder. The at least one step may comprise a board of a scaffold. The climbing system may further comprise a motor box housing the electric motor, wherein the motor box may be configured to operatively connect to and disconnect from the at least one step. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment provides a moving climbing system comprising: at least one step, a first set of legs, a second set of legs, a first set of wheels operatively connected to the first set of legs, a second set of wheels operatively connected to the second set of legs, a first handle operatively connected to the first set of wheels by a first shaft and an axle, wherein the first handle is configured to steer the first set of wheels, and a second handle operatively connected to the second set of wheels by a second shaft, wherein the second handle is configured to rotate the second set of wheels. The first shaft may be operatively connected to a climax, and the climax may be configured to operate as a brake for the first set of wheels when the first handle is pushed down. The at least one step may comprise a rung of a ladder. The at least one step may comprise a board of a scaffold. 
         [0010]    These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating a ladder according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating another view of the ladder of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a motor box according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic diagram illustrating another view of the motor box of  FIG. 3A  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a motor system according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a ladder according to another embodiment herein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a control box and a charger according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating a ladder according to another embodiment herein; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating ladder wheels according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating battery connections according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating a control system according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating a ladder according to another embodiment herein; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating a ladder according to another embodiment herein; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating a steering mechanism according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating a scaffold according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating a bar according to an embodiment herein; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating another scaffold according to an embodiment herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 
         [0030]    The embodiments herein generally relate to systems and methods for a user of a ladder or a scaffold to move around without stepping down and relocating the ladder or scaffold. In embodiments, the ladder may be any type of manual or powered move-on ladder or scaffold. The embodiments herein are not limited to any particular design, shape, or size of the ladder or scaffold. In one embodiment, the ladder is an “A” frame step ladder. Embodiments herein save production time by adding wheels to the ladder and controlling the wheels manually or by an electric motor. Embodiments herein provide manual or power wheel ladder. The manual or power wheel ladder is much easier to use on a work site compared to conventional ladders. It is convenient and provides time savings to the worker because it safely keeps the worker on the ladder while relocating/moving. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 through 16 , where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an “A” frame ladder  100  according to an embodiment herein. In an embodiment, the ladder  100  has a height in a range from approximately 6 feet to approximately 12 feet, although other heights could be used. The ladder  100  may include adjustable wheels  102   a  and  102   b.  The ladder  100  may include a motor box  106  connected to the wheels  102   a  and  102   b.  In an embodiment, each of the wheels  102   a  and  102   b  has an approximately 10-inch diameter, although other configurations and sizes are possible. The ladder  100  may include a joystick  110 . In an embodiment, the joystick  110  is configured to control movement of the ladder  100 . Joystick  110  may control the movement of the ladder  100  via wire connection, or wirelessly. In an embodiment, the joystick  110  may be detached from the ladder  100  and configured to control the movement of the ladder  100  wirelessly and remotely. 
         [0032]    Ladder  100  may include free wheels  104   a  and  104   b.  In an embodiment, each of the wheels  104   a  and  104   b  has an approximately 4-inch diameter, although other configurations and sizes are possible. In an embodiment, the ladder  100  includes pipes  108   a  and  108   b.  In an embodiment, the pipes  108   a  and  108   b  are connected to the wheels  104   a  and  104   b.  In an embodiment, the pipes  108   a  and  108   b  are configured to connect the wheels  104   a  and  104   b  to the ladder  100 . In an embodiment, each of the pipes  108   a  and  108   b  is approximately four inches long and has an approximately 1-inch diameter, although other configurations and sizes are possible. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2 , with reference to  FIG. 1 , is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of the ladder  100  without the motor box  106 , the wheels  102   a  and  102   b,  and the wheels  104   a  and  104   b,  according to an embodiment herein. The ladder  100  may include a light  204 , and a light switch  202  for controlling the light  204 . The ladder  100  may include an electric outlet  206  for connecting to the joystick  110 . The ladder  100  may include an electric outlet  210  for powering electric tools used by a user of the ladder  100 . 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, the ladder  100  includes a flanged cast housing  208 . The flanged cast housing  208  may include mounted bearings. In an embodiment the mounted bearings are approximately ⅝-inch bearings, although other configurations and sizes are possible. Moreover, other configurations of the ladder  100  could be utilized including leaning ladders such that the wheels  102   a  and  102   b  may be configured to provide for proper balancing when being moved/translated. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3A , with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , is a schematic diagram illustrating the motor box  106  according to an embodiment herein. The motor box  106  may include a back panel  306 . The back panel  306  may be configured to connect to the motor box  106  by screws  312  or other connection mechanisms. The motor box  106  may include air lines  302  configured to allow air circulation in the motor box  106 . 
         [0036]    In an embodiment a flanged cast housing  308  is configured to connect to the wheel  102   a  using a shaft  310 . The flanged cast housing  308  may include mounted bearings. In an embodiment the mounted bearings are approximately ⅝-inch bearings, although other configurations and sizes are possible. A similar flanged cast housing on the opposite side of the motor box  106  (not shown) is configured to similarly connect to the wheel  102   b.  In an embodiment, hooks  304   a  and  304   b  are configured to attach to the pipe  108   a  and the wheel  104   a.  A similar pair of hooks on the opposite side of the motor box  106  may be configured to similarly attach to the pipe  108   b  and the wheel  104   b.    
         [0037]      FIG. 3B , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3A , is a schematic diagram illustrating the motor box  106  according to an embodiment herein. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3B , the wheels  102   a  and  102   b  are connected to the motor box  106 , using the flanged cast housing  308  and the shaft  310 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3B , the wheels  104   a  and  104   b  are connected to the motor box  106  using the pipes  108   a  and  108   b  and the hooks  304   a  and  304   b.  Using this embodiment, a worker may drive the motor box  106  from a vehicle to a construction site using the wheels  102   a  and  102   b  and  104   a  and  104   b.  The embodiments allow the worker to simply install the wheels  102   a  and  102   b  and  104   a  and  104   b  on the motor box  106  for driving the motor box to the proximity of the ladder  100  and then simply installing the motor box  106  and the wheels  102   a  and  102   b  and  104   a  and  104   b  on the ladder  100  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In an embodiment, motor box  106  includes a wireless receiver  314 . Movement of the motor box  106  may be controlled remotely using a wireless controller  316 . In an embodiment, wireless controller  316  may be configured as a wireless joystick. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3B , is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the motor box  106 . In an embodiment, motor box  106  includes motors  408   a  and  408   b,  batteries  402   a  and  402   b,  a battery charger  404 , a motor controller  420 , and axles  410   a  and  410   b.  In an embodiment, the motors  408   a  and  408   b  may include brake systems  422   a  and  422   b  for safety. The axles  410   a  and  410   b,  may include pins  416 . Pins  416  may be configured to fit pin holes  414  on female axles  412   a  and  412   b,  connected to the wheels  102   a  and  102   b  respectively. In an embodiment, climaxes  418   a  and  418   b,  are attached to the axles  412   a  and  412   b,  respectively. 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, the axles  412   a  and  412   b  are longer than the axles  410   a  and  410   b  (e.g., two inches longer in one embodiment, although other configurations and sizes are possible). In an embodiment, each of the axles  410   a  and  410   b  has a diameter of ½ inch, although other configurations and sizes are possible. In an embodiment, the axels  412   a  and  412   b  are ⅝ inch in exterior diameter and ½ inch in interior diameter, although other configurations and sizes are possible. In an embodiment, each of the climaxes  418   a  and  418   b  are ⅝ inch in diameter, although other configurations and sizes are possible. In an embodiment, the motor box  106  is controlled using wired communication. As such, motor box  106  may include joy stick connector  406 . In an embodiment, the motor box  106  may be controlled wirelessly. In such embodiment, motor box  106  may include wireless receiver  314  as described in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , is a schematic diagram illustrating a ladder  500 , according to an embodiment herein. The ladder  500  may include fixed motor hub wheels  502   a  and  502   b.  The motor hub wheels  502   a  and  502   b  may include a brake system for safety. In an embodiment, ladder  500  may include batteries  508  and  510 . In an embodiment, batteries  508  and  510  are mounted under a step of ladder  500 . In an embodiment, the batteries  508  and  510  comprise lithium ion rechargeable batteries. In an embodiment, the batteries  508  and  510  are 24V batteries, although other configurations and voltages are possible. The battery  510  may be located under a step  514  of the ladder  500 . The battery  508  may be located under a step  516  of the ladder  500 . The ladder  500  may include a charger  506 . The charger  506  may be located under a step  518  of the ladder  500 . 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, the ladder  500  may include a control box  504 . The control box  504  may be mounted under a step of ladder  500 . The control box  504  may be configured to control the motor hub wheels  502   a  and  502   b.  In an embodiment, ladder  500  may include a joystick  512 , configured to communicate with the control box  504 . The joystick  512  may communicate with the control box  504  via wire, or wirelessly. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6 , with reference to  FIG. 5 , is a schematic diagram illustrating the control box  504  and the charger  506  mounted under the step  518 , according to an embodiment herein. A wire  602  may connect to the motor hub wheel  502   a.  A wire  604  may connect to the wheel  502   b.  The step  518  may include wire holes basses  606   a  and  606   b.  A wire  608  may connect to the joystick  512 . Wires  610   a  and  610   b  may connect to the batteries  508  and  510 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 7 , with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , is a schematic diagram illustrating the ladder  500 . The ladder  500  may include front wheels  704   a,    704   b.  In an embodiment, the joystick  512  is configured to wirelessly and remotely control the motor hub wheels  502   a  and  502   b.  The ladder  500  includes climbing legs  706   a,    706   b.  The ladder  500  includes front legs  708   a  and  708   b.    
         [0044]      FIG. 8 , with reference to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , is a schematic diagram illustrating the motor hub wheel  502   a  and the front wheel  704   a  according to an embodiment herein. The motor hub wheel  502   a  may be connected to the climbing leg  706   a.  The front wheel  704   a  may be connected to the front leg  708   a.  A wire  802  may connect the motor hub wheel  502   a  to the control box  504 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 8 , is a schematic diagram illustrating battery connections system  900  according to an embodiment herein. In an embodiment, battery connections system  900  includes batteries  902   a  and  902   b.  In an embodiment, the batteries  902   a  and  902   b  are the batteries  402   a  and  402   b  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In an embodiment, the batteries  902   a  and  902   b  are batteries  508  and  510  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In an embodiment, battery connection system  900  includes fuse  904   a  and fuse  904   b.  In an embodiment, the fuses  904   a  and  904   b  are each a 50-Amp fuse, although other configurations are possible. In an embodiment, battery connection system  900  includes a charge plug  906  connected to the fuses  904   a  and  904   b  and an inhibit  908 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 10 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 9 , is a schematic diagram illustrating wiring system  1000 . Wiring system  1000  may be used in the ladder  100  of  FIG. 1  or in the ladder  500  of  FIG. 5 . A joystick  1002  may be connected to a controller  1006  via wired or wireless connection  1012 . The controller  1006  may be connected to a charger  1004 , a battery  1010 , and motors  1008   a  and  1008   b.    
         [0047]      FIG. 11 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 10 , is a schematic diagram illustrating a manual wheel ladder  1100  having a manual system for moving the ladder  1100 . In an embodiment, the ladder  1100  includes a crank handle  1106  located on top of the ladder  1100  and a steering handle  1108  located on a side of the ladder  1100 . The ladder  1100  may include front wheels  1104   a  and  1104   b.  The ladder  1100  may include wheels  1102   a  and  1102   b.  The ladder  1100  may include a front axle  1110  and a rear axle  1112 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 12 , with reference to  FIG. 11 , is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of a manual wheel ladder  1200  according to an embodiment herein. In an embodiment, the steering handle  1108  has a steering position  1208   a  and a brake position  1208   b.  The steering handle  1108  may work as a brake if bushed down. In an embodiment, a crank handle  1206  is located on top of the ladder  1200 . In an embodiment, moving the crank handle  1206  counterclockwise, moves the ladder  1200  forward and moving the crank handle  1206  clockwise, moves the ladder  1200  backward. In an embodiment, moving the crank handle  1206  clockwise, moves the ladder  1200  forward and moving the crank handle  1206  counterclockwise, moves the ladder  1200  backward. In an embodiment, the ladder  1200  includes a u-joint  1210 . The ladder  1200  may include a driving shaft  1212 . The ladder  1200  may include a steering shaft  1218 . The ladder  1200  may include differential gearbox  1214  connected to an axle  1216 . In an embodiment, the axle  1216  is a ⅝-inch axle, although other configurations and sizes are possible. In an embodiment, the ladder  1200  includes 10-inch wheels  1202   a  and  1202   b,  although other configurations and sizes are possible. 
         [0049]      FIG. 13 , with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , is a schematic diagram illustrating a steering and brake system  1300 . In an embodiment, the steering shaft  1218  moves the front axle  1110  using gears  1304 . In an embodiment, the shaft  1218 , gears  1304 , and axle  1110  transmit rotation of the handle  1108  to the wheels  1104   a  and  1104   b.  In an embodiment, wheels  1104   a  and  1104   b  are connected to the ladder  1200  using a plate  1302 . In an embodiment, the steering and brake system  1300  includes braking mechanism  1306 . Braking mechanism  1306  may include the shaft  1218 , the axle  1110  and a climax  1308 . In an embodiment, the axle  1110  is connected to the shaft  1218  using the climax  1306 . In an embodiment, when the handle  1108  is in the brake position  1208   b,  the climax  1308  engages the axle  1110  in order to lock and prevent its movement, hence functioning as a brake for the wheels  1104   a  and  1104   b.    
         [0050]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating a scaffold  1400  according to another embodiment herein. In an embodiment, the scaffold  1400  includes a platform or board  1402 , and a plurality of bars including adjustable tie bars  1404   a,    1404   b  (collectively referred to as tie bar  1404 ). The various connections points (labeled A through H in  FIG. 14 ) represent connection points for various bars in the scaffold  1400 . In an embodiment, the board  1402  is used by a worker to stand upon or for the placing of equipment thereupon. In an embodiment, a motor box  1406  is connected to the scaffold  1400 . The motor box  1406  may be connected to wheels  1410   a,    1410   b  of the scaffold  1400  and may be configured to rotate the wheels  1410   a,    1410   b  for moving the scaffold  1400 . Wheels  1410   a,    1410   b  may be the motorized wheels and wheels  1411  may be non-motorized, in one embodiment (note in  FIG. 14 , only one wheel  1411  is shown due to the angle of the view; however the scaffold  1400  contains a pair of wheels  1411  configured on opposite ends (e.g., one at position E and one at position F). The motor box  1406  may be controlled using a joystick  1412 , which may be configured on the board  1402 . In an embodiment, the joystick  1412  is connected to the motor box  1406  using a wire  1408 . In an embodiment, the joystick  1412  is connected to the motor box  1406  wirelessly. 
         [0051]      FIG. 15 , with reference to  FIG. 14 , is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustable tie bar  1404  (e.g., tie bars  1404   a,    1404   b  of  FIG. 14 ), according to an embodiment herein. In an embodiment, the adjustable tie bar  1404  is configured to safely hold bars  1414 ,  1416  of the scaffold  1400 . In an embodiment, the length of the adjustable tie bar  1404  may be adjusted to securely hold the bars  1414 ,  1416  at appropriate widths. 
         [0052]      FIG. 16 , with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , is a front view of a scaffold  1600  according to an embodiment herein. In an embodiment, the scaffold  1600  includes boards  1602  to accommodate a user/worker  1601 . The scaffold  1600  further includes motor hub wheels  1602   a,    1602   b.  The motor hub wheels  1602   a,    1602   b  may be configured to lock-in the adjustable jacks  1604   a,    1604   b.  In an embodiment, the jacks  1604   a,    1604   b  are configured to level the scaffold  1600 . The jacks  1604   a,    1604   b  can be adjusted manually or automatically by the joystick  1612  to make the scaffold  1600  level while it is moving. The motor hub wheels  1602   a,    1602   b  may be connected to a battery/control box  1606 . In an embodiment, the battery/control box  1606  is configured to control movements of the motor hub wheels  1602   a,    1602   b  using wires  1608 . In an embodiment, the wheels  1602   a,    1602   b  have a diameter greater than approximately twelve inches, although other sizes and configurations are possible in accordance with the embodiments herein. Unlike conventional approaches where workers need to surround the entire building or structure with scaffolding, the moving scaffolds  1400 ,  1600  of  FIGS. 14 through 16  allow the workers to use one scaffold and be able to move around a building or structure. 
         [0053]    The ladders  100 ,  500 ,  1100 ,  1200 , and the scaffolds  1400 ,  1600  may be used at any location including, but not limited to, a construction site, a warehouse, a library, home, business, and a store. The ladders  100 ,  500 ,  1100 ,  1200 , and the scaffolds  1400 ,  1600  may also be used by filmmakers by placing camera equipment or the cameraman on the ladder or scaffold. The embodiments disclosed herein may be used to save production time. 
         [0054]    All dimensions mentioned herein are only exemplary and for illustration purposes. It is obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the art that other dimensions may be used based on any specific application of the embodiments herein. The embodiments herein may be used in connection with other tools, accessories, and parts used, for example, in a construction site. 
         [0055]    The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.