Ladder assembly

An apparatus includes a ladder assembly configured to be used with a vertically-extending wall assembly of a building having a window assembly installed to the vertically-extending wall assembly. The ladder assembly includes a housing assembly configured to be fixedly received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly, to be mounted to the vertically-extending wall assembly, and to extend (at least in part) into the vertically-extending wall assembly of the building. A support assembly is configured to be fixedly attached to the housing assembly, and to extend (at least in part) into the housing assembly in such a way that the support assembly bisects the housing assembly. The support assembly, in use, provides any one of a handhold and a foothold configured for usage by a user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) an apparatus including a ladder assembly configured to use with a vertically-extending wall assembly of a building.

BACKGROUND

A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps. There are two types of ladders: rigid ladders that can be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rope ladders that are hung. The vertical members of a rigid ladder are called stringers, rails or stiles. Rigid ladders are usually portable, but some types are permanently affixed to buildings. They are commonly made of metal, wood, or fiberglass, and tough plastic.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with the existing ladders (also called the existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:

The existing ladder may be used for escaping a fire (from a building). It may be inconvenient to deploy the existing ladder for such a purpose (so that the user may escape from a burning building or may simply exit from the building for other reasons), etc.

What is needed is a ladder system that is convenient and relatively easy to install and/or deploy in comparison to the existing ladder, and more preferably, a ladder that enables children and/or adults to safely escape from a window, and more preferably a ladder that reduces the possibility of injury or confusion in an escape situation from a building, and does not impede daily use (of the building).

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes a ladder assembly configured to use with a vertically-extending wall assembly of a building having a window assembly installed to the vertically-extending wall assembly. The ladder assembly includes a housing assembly configured to be fixedly received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly, and to be mounted (at least in part) to the vertically-extending wall assembly of the building. A support assembly is configured to be fixedly attached (at least in part) to the housing assembly, and to extend (at least in part) into the housing assembly in such a way that the support assembly bisects the housing assembly. The support assembly, in use, provides any one of a handhold and a foothold configured for usage by a user.

Other aspects are identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter, and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.

FIG. 1depicts a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of an apparatus including a ladder assembly102.

In accordance with the first embodiment as depicted inFIG. 1(and is applicable to all other embodiments as depicted in the FIGS.), the apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a ladder assembly102. The ladder assembly102is configured to use with a vertically-extending wall assembly900of a building (known and not depicted) having a window assembly904installed to the vertically-extending wall assembly900. The ladder assembly102includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of a housing assembly104and a support assembly120(also called a rung assembly or a shelf assembly, etc.). The housing assembly104is configured to be fixedly received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly900, and to be fixedly mounted to (at least in part) the vertically-extending wall assembly900, and to extend (at least in part) into the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building. More preferably, the housing assembly104is configured to be fixedly received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly900, and to be fixedly mounted (at least in part) to the vertically-extending wall assembly900, and to extend entirely into the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building (if so desired). The support assembly120may be called a crosspiece, a horizontal support, a tubular member, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The support assembly120is configured to be fixedly attached (at least in part) to the housing assembly104, and to extend (at least in part) into the housing assembly104. This is done in such a way that the support assembly120bisects the housing assembly104. The support assembly120, in use, provides any one of a handhold and a foothold configured for usage by a user910.

Preferably, the ladder assembly102is configured to be used as a fire escape (leading to a window, so that the user may escape from the building or to simply exit the building). It will be appreciated that the ladder assembly102may be used for other types of situations.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the ladder assembly102is flush mounted with (flush mounted to) the vertically-extending wall assembly900. The ladder assembly102enables children and adults to safely escape from a window. The ladder assembly102solves the possibility of injury or confusion in an escape situation from a building. The ladder assembly102may be installed in a relatively straightforward manner, and the ladder assembly102does not impede daily use (of the building). Once the ladder assembly102is installed, there is no need for existing ladders (existing technology), etc. It will be appreciated that the ladder assembly102may be used for difficult to access areas, etc.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, the housing assembly104is configured to accommodate the size of a fire department boot used by a firefighter. Preferably, the support assembly120includes a plate body configured to be received in the interior of the housing assembly104, and the support assembly120provides (defines) a hand-holding groove121(also called, a channel or a recessed handle, etc.) that faces any one of upwardly and downwardly, etc. The hand-holding groove121is positioned proximate to the frontal section of the support assembly120(and proximate to the frontal section of the housing assembly104once the support assembly120is received in the housing assembly104).

FIGS. 2 and 3depict frontal perspective views of a second embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

In accordance with the second embodiment as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3(and is applicable to all other embodiments as depicted in the FIGS.), the apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a ladder assembly102configured to use with a vertically-extending wall assembly900of a building having a window assembly904installed to the vertically-extending wall assembly900. The ladder assembly102includes a synergistic combination of a housing assembly104and a support assembly120. The housing assembly104is configured to be fixedly received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly900, and to be mounted to (to be fixedly mounted to, at least in part) to the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building, and to be positioned below the window assembly904; this is done in such a way that the housing assembly104(A) extends (at least in part) into an interior of the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building, and (B) is spaced apart from the window assembly904once the housing assembly104is fixedly received by (and mounted to) the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building. The support assembly120is configured to be fixedly attached (at least in part) to the housing assembly104, and to extend (at least in part) into the housing assembly104. This is done in such a way that the support assembly120bisects the housing assembly104. The support assembly120, in use, provides any one of a handhold and a foothold configured for usage by any one of a hand906and a foot908of a user910(this is done in such a way that the user910uses the support assembly120to climb toward the window assembly904installed in the vertically-extending wall assembly900and above the housing assembly104).

It will be appreciated that since the window assembly904is known, the details regarding the window assembly904, such as a user handle, etc., are not depicted, and that the window assembly904is not part of the apparatus.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 2, the housing assembly104is configured to be installed to, and to span between, wall studs901of the vertically-extending wall assembly900. For instance, the ladder assembly102is installed in any one of the basement and the second floor (or any floor higher than the first floor) of a building (wherever needed or required).

As depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, the ladder assembly102is installable on an inside wall section of the building (and faces the interior of the building).FIGS. 2 and 3depict the case for dry wall installation of the ladder assembly102.

FIGS. 4 to 8depict views of a third embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.FIGS. 4 and 5depict frontal perspective views.FIG. 6depicts a top view.FIGS. 7 and 8depict side views.

In accordance with the third embodiment as depicted inFIGS. 4 to 8(and is applicable to all other embodiments as depicted in the FIGS.), the apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a ladder assembly102. The ladder assembly102is configured to be used with a vertically-extending wall assembly900of a building having a window assembly904installed to the vertically-extending wall assembly900. The ladder assembly102includes a synergistic combination of a housing assembly104and a support assembly120. The housing assembly104is configured to be fixedly received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly900, and to be mounted to (at least in part) the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building, and to be positioned below the window assembly904. This is done in such a way that the housing assembly104extends, at least in part, into an interior of the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building and is spaced apart from the window assembly904(once the housing assembly104is fixedly received, at least in part, in the vertically-extending wall assembly900, and mounted to, at least in part, the vertically-extending wall assembly900of the building). As depicted inFIGS. 6-8, the housing assembly104forms an entrance channel106leading to a housing cavity108defined by the housing assembly104. The housing assembly104includes opposite lateral side walls110(also called lateral vertical walls), a top wall112, a bottom wall114and a back wall116(that is, five sides or five walls), which define the housing cavity108.

The support assembly120is configured to: (A) be fixedly attached to the opposite lateral side walls110of the housing assembly104, and (B) extend (at least in part) into a mid-section of the housing cavity108of the housing assembly104. This is done in such a way that the support assembly120(A) bisects the housing assembly104, and (B) extends between the opposite lateral side walls110of the housing assembly104, and (C) is spaced apart from, and is positioned between, the top side114and the bottom side116of the housing assembly104, and (D) extends, at least in part, into the housing cavity108of the housing assembly104. The support assembly120, in use, provides any one of a handhold and a foothold configured for usage by any one of a hand906and a foot908of a user910in such a way that the user910uses the support assembly120to climb toward the window assembly904installed in the vertically-extending wall assembly900and above the housing assembly104.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 4, the housing assembly104includes a frame assembly126that extends along the outer periphery of the housing assembly104. Preferably, the housing assembly104includes a frame assembly126configured to fit and cover the lower open section that is positioned below the support assembly120. Preferably, the support assembly120includes a non-slip surface123configured to resist slippage between the user and the support assembly120. The frame assembly126defines (provides) spaced-apart mounting holes127positioned on the outer-facing edge of the frame assembly126. Preferably, the support assembly120includes a step assembly that is configured to be inserted into the housing assembly104, and to be fixedly attached thereto (once inserted therein).

In accordance with an option, the support assembly120is mounted with the housing assembly104in an off-centered orientation in such a way that the space above the support assembly120is relatively larger than the space located below the support assembly120. In accordance with an option, the housing assembly104includes a lamp device142(such as a light emitting diode, etc., and any equivalent thereof). The lamp device142may be battery powered with a control switch, etc. The bottom section located below the support assembly120may be fitted with a see-through panel129(for allowing visual access for the lamp device142).

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 6, the support assembly120is inserted into the interior of the housing assembly104. A connector144is configured to securely connect the support assembly120to the lateral side walls110of the housing assembly104. In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 7, the support assembly120defines receiving holes145configured to receive the connector144(as depicted inFIG. 6). In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 8, a connector146is used to affix the frame assembly126to the housing assembly104.

FIG. 9depicts a frontal perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 9, the housing assembly104further includes a frame assembly126. Preferably, the frame assembly126defines no mounting holes, and the housing assembly104is configured to be received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly900.

FIG. 10depicts a frontal perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 10, the ladder assembly102is installable to the vertically-extending wall assembly900(in which the vertically-extending wall assembly900includes an exterior wall of a building, and the ladder assembly102opens to the exterior of the building). The vertically-extending wall assembly900includes a concrete wall, a brick wall, etc., and any equivalent thereof.

FIGS. 11 and 12depict frontal perspective views of a sixth embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 11, the housing assembly104further includes a frontal face plate130configured to cover the peripheral front edges of the housing assembly104. Preferably, the frontal face plate130does not define mounting holes. Located below the support assembly120, there is an open space between the frontal face plate130and the support assembly120. In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 11, the housing assembly104further includes a front panel128. The front panel128is configured to fit and cover the open space positioned below the support assembly120(between the support assembly120and the bottom section of the frontal face plate130). In accordance with an embodiment as depicted inFIG. 11, the housing assembly104further includes a safety belt hook132. The safety belt hook132is fixedly mounted to any one of the housing assembly104and the frontal face plate130. The safety belt hook132is configured to assist the user to climb the ladder assembly102. The safety belt hook132may be installed for interior or exterior installations of the ladder assembly102.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 12, the housing assembly104further includes a lock panel134having a lock device136installed thereto. A key138is configured to lock and unlock the lock device136. The lock device136is configured to securely lock the position of the lock panel134to any one of the housing assembly104and the frontal face plate130. The lock device136is used to prevent unauthorized usage of the ladder assembly102(for the case where the ladder assembly102is installed outdoors).

For the case where the ladder assembly102is installed to an exterior wall of the building, the front panel128and/or the lock panel134define a drainage portal140(for allowing rain water to exit from the interior of the housing assembly104).

FIGS. 13 to 16depict views of a seventh embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.FIGS. 13 and 14depict frontal perspective views.FIGS. 15 and 16depict side views.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted inFIGS. 13 to 16, the housing assembly104further includes a mounting bracket assembly124. Preferably, the mounting bracket assembly124includes an L-shaped body. The mounting bracket assembly124is configured to attach to the housing assembly104(specifically, to the lateral side walls110of the housing assembly104). The mounting bracket assembly124is also configured to be fixedly attached to the wall studs901. More preferably, two instances of the mounting bracket assembly124are configured to be fixedly attached to respective spaced-apart instances of the wall studs901. The wall studs901are attached to or placed against a wall (or form part of a wall) of the building. For instance, the frame assembly126includes mounting holes configured to receive a wood screw (and any equivalent thereof) that may be used to fixedly attach the mounting bracket assembly124to the wall studs901. The frame assembly126is configured to be retractable relative to the housing assembly104.

The housing assembly104further includes a frame assembly126. The frame assembly126is configured to be received (at least in part) in the front entrance of the housing assembly104. In accordance with an option, the frame assembly126includes an outer peripheral flange portion that abuts the peripheral edge surfaces leading to the entrance of the interior of the housing assembly104. In accordance with an option, the frame assembly126may be fixedly attached to the housing assembly104by using connectors (such as, screws), and any equivalent thereof. In accordance with an option, the frame assembly126slides into (at least in part) the front entrance of the housing assembly104, and is held in place by a snap-click (snap fit) connector (known and not depicted).

FIGS. 17 to 20depict views of an eighth embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.FIGS. 17 and 18depict frontal perspective views.FIGS. 19 and 20depict side views taken along the cross-sectional line A-A shown inFIG. 17.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted inFIGS. 17 to 20, the housing assembly104further includes a drawer assembly122. The drawer assembly122is configured to be received in a position that is located below the support assembly120, in an open zone positioned bellow the support assembly120and the housing assembly104. The drawer assembly122is configured to be slidably received in the housing assembly104. A handle may be attached to the face of the drawer assembly122that faces outwardly from the housing assembly104.FIG. 17depicts the drawer assembly122partially extending from the interior of the housing assembly104.FIG. 18depicts the drawer assembly122fully extended from the housing assembly104.FIG. 19depicts the drawer assembly122fully received in the housing assembly104.FIG. 20depicts the drawer assembly122partially extended from the interior of the housing assembly104. The drawer assembly122is configured to hold objects, such as, keys, identification papers, etc.

FIG. 21depicts a frontal perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted inFIG. 21, the support assembly120further includes (and is not limited to) a cylindrical rung (also called a tubular member or a ladder rung) that is configured to be fixedly mounted to (and span between) the opposite lateral side walls110of the housing assembly104. The support assembly120is mounted to the frontal section of the housing assembly104(preferably, at a position that is proximate to the entrance of the housing assembly104).

It will be appreciated that the description identifies and describes options and variations of the apparatus, regardless of whether the description identifies the options and/or variations of the apparatus by way of explicit terms and/or non-explicit terms. Other options for the apparatus as identified in this paragraph may include any combination and/or permutation of the technical features (assemblies, components, items, devices, etc.) as identified in the detailed description, as may be required and/or desired to suit a particular technical purpose and/or technical function. It will be appreciated, that where possible, any one or more of the technical features and/or any one or more sections of the technical features of the apparatus may be combined with any other one or more of the technical features and/or any other one or more sections of the technical features of the apparatus in any combination and/or permutation. Any one or more of the technical features and/or any one or more sections of the technical features of the apparatus may stand on its own merit without having to be combined with another other technical feature. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that technical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible) in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that other options would be possible for the configuration of the components of the apparatus (if so desired) to adjust to manufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope of the invention as described in at least one or more of the claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.