Multi-Position Ladder, Method of Using and Method of Making a Multi-Position Ladder

A multi-function ladder having a front section having a first front rail and a second front rail and rungs attached to and between the first front rail and the second front rail. The ladder having a rear section having a first rear rail and a second rear rail and rungs attached to and between the first rear rail and the second rear rail. The rear section having a telescoping section attached to the first rear rail and the second rear rail to vary a length of the rear section. The ladder having a first hinge attached to the first front rail and the first rear rail. The ladder having a second hinge attached to the second front rail and the second rear rail. Each hinge having a locked state and an unlocked state. The ladder having an actuator directly attached to the front section and remote and separate and apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. The actuator when actuated moving the first and second hinges between the locked state and the unlocked state. When the first and second hinges are in the unlocked state, the rear section can be moved between a leaning ladder mode, a step ladder mode, a stairway ladder mode and a straight ladder mode upon which each hinge goes into the locked state in the desired ladder mode. A method for using a multi-position ladder. A method for producing a multi-position ladder. An actuator for locking and unlocking a first hinge and second hinge of a ladder.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a multi position ladder having remote actuation of the hinges. (As used herein, references to the “present invention” or “invention” relate to exemplary embodiments and not necessarily to every embodiment encompassed by the appended claims.) More specifically, the present invention pertains to a multi position ladder having remote actuation of the hinges where the multi-position ladder may be in a leaning ladder mode, a stepladder mode, a stairway ladder mode and a straight ladder mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention. The following discussion is intended to provide information to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that statements in the following discussion are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Ladders are used in a multitude of different ways. To avoid necessarily having to have a specific type of a ladder for a specific type of job, a ladder that can be configured in different ways for different jobs in different locations is desirable. However, a multi-position ladder must be easy to reconfigure to be able to be used.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a multi-function ladder. The ladder comprises a front section having a first front rail and a second front rail and rungs attached to and between the first front rail and the second front rail. The ladder comprises a rear section having a first rear rail and a second rear rail and rungs attached to and between the first rear rail and the second rear rail. The rear section having a telescoping section attached to the first rear rail and the second rear rail to vary a length of the rear section. The ladder comprises a first hinge attached to the first front rail and the first rear rail. The ladder comprises a second hinge attached to the second front rail and the second rear rail, each hinge having a locked state in an unlocked state. The ladder comprises an actuator directly attached to the front section and remote and separate and apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. The actuator when actuated moving the first and second hinges between the locked state and the unlocked state. When the first and second hinges are in the unlocked state, the rear section can be moved between a leaning ladder mode, a step ladder mode, a stairway ladder mode and a straight ladder mode upon which each hinge goes into the locked state in the desired ladder mode.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a multifunction ladder. The method comprises the step of actuating an actuator attached to a front section of the ladder causing a first hinge to move between a locked state and an unlocked state and a second hinge to move between a lock state and an unlocked state. The first hinge attached to a first front rail of the front section of the ladder and a first rear rail of a rear section of the ladder. The second hinge attached to a second front rail of the front section of the ladder and a second rear rail of the rear section of the ladder. The actuator remote separate and apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. The rear section having a telescoping section. There is the step of moving the rear section relative to the front section about the first and second hinges when the first and second hinges are in the unlocked state to either a leaning ladder mode, a stepladder mode, a stairway ladder mode, and a straight ladder mode. There is the step of locking the rear section relative to the front section in the desired ladder mode.

The present invention pertains to a method for producing a multifunction ladder. The method comprises the steps of attaching an actuator to a rung on a front section of the ladder. The actuator causes a first hinge and a second hinge of the ladder to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. There is the step of attaching a first cable to the actuator and the first hinge and a second cable to the actuator and the second hinge, the first hinge and the second hinge attached to the front section and a rear section of the ladder.

The present invention pertains to a multi-position ladder. The ladder comprises a front section having a first front rail and a second front rail and rungs attached to and between the first front rail and the second front rail. The ladder comprises a rear section having a first rear rail and a second rear rail and rungs attached to and between the first rear rail and the second rear rail. The rear section having a telescoping section attached to the first rear rail and the second rear rail to vary a length of the rear section. The ladder comprises a first hinge attached to the first front rail and the first rear rail. The first hinge comprises a frame which is fixedly attached to the first front rail. The first hinge comprises a rear rail hinge portion fixedly attached to the first rear rail and pivotally attached to the frame to rotate relative to the bracket. The rear rail hinge portion having a perimeter and having a plurality of slots which extend from the perimeter. The slot of the plurality of slots corresponding with a desired position of the first rear rail relative to the front. The first hinge comprises a lock assembly disposed in the rear rail hinge portion. The lock assembly having a lock bar. When the lock bar is disposed in one of the plurality of slots, the lock bar locks the first rear rail into a locked state in a desired position relative to the first front rail so the first rear rail cannot move relative to the first front rail. When the lock bar is disposed outside of one of the plurality of slots, the lock bar unlocks the first rear rail into an unlocked state and the first rear rail can move relative to the first front rail. The ladder comprises a second hinge attached to the second front rail and the second rear rail. Each hinge having a locked state and an unlocked state. The ladder comprises an actuator which is attached to the lock bar to move the lock bar out of one of the plurality of slots in which the lock bar is disposed in a locked state, into an unlocked state.

The present invention pertains to a hinge attached to a first front rail and a first rear rail. The hinge comprises a frame which is fixedly attached to the first front rail. The hinge comprises a rear rail hinge portion fixedly attached to the first rear rail and pivotally attached to the frame to rotate relative to the bracket. The rear rail hinge portion having a perimeter and having a plurality of slots which extend from the perimeter. The slot of the plurality of slots corresponding with a desired position of the first rear rail relative to the front. The hinge comprises a lock assembly disposed in the rear rail hinge portion, the lock assembly having a lock bar, when the lock bar is disposed in one of the plurality of slots, the lock bar locks the first rear rail into a locked state in a desired position relative to the first front rail so the first rear rail cannot move relative to the first front rail, when the lock bar is disposed outside of one of the plurality of slots, the lock bar unlocks the first rear rail into an unlocked state and the first rear rail can move relative to the first front rail.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a multi-position ladder. The method comprises the steps of actuating an actuator attached to a front section of the ladder causing a first hinge to move between a locked state and an unlocked state and a second hinge to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. The first hinge attached to a first front rail of the front section of the ladder and a first rear rail of a rear section of the ladder. The second hinge attached to a second front rail of the front section of the ladder and a second rear rail of the rear section of the ladder. The actuator remote separate and apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. The rear section having a telescoping section. There is the step of moving the rear section relative to the front section about the first and second hinges when the first and second hinges are in the unlocked state to either a leaning ladder mode, a stepladder mode, a stairway ladder mode, and a straight ladder mode. There is the step of locking the rear section relative to the front section in the desired ladder mode.

The present invention pertains to a method for producing a multi-position ladder. The method comprises the steps of attaching an actuator to a rung on a front section of the ladder. The actuator causes a first hinge and a second hinge of the ladder to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. There is the step of attaching a first cable to the actuator and the first hinge and a second cable to the actuator and the second hinge, the first hinge and the second hinge attached to the front section and a rear section of the ladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically toFIGS. 6-8, 11 and 15thereof, there is shown a multi-position ladder10. The ladder10comprises a front section12having a first front rail14and a second front rail16and rungs18attached to and between the first front rail14and the second front rail16. The ladder10comprises a rear section20having a first rear rail22and a second rear rail24and rungs26attached to and between the first rear rail22and the second rear rail24. The rear section20having a telescoping section28attached to the first rear rail22and the second rear rail24to vary a length of the rear section20. The ladder10comprises a first hinge30attached to the first front rail14and the first rear rail22. The ladder10comprises a second hinge48attached to the second front rail16and the second rear rail24, each hinge having a locked state in an unlocked state. The ladder10comprises an actuator50directly attached to the front section12and remote and separate and apart from the first hinge30and the second hinge48. The actuator50when actuated moving the first and second hinges30,48between the locked state and the unlocked state. When the first and second hinges30,48are in the unlocked state, the rear section20can be moved between a leaning ladder mode, a step ladder mode, a stairway ladder mode and a straight ladder mode upon which each hinge goes into the locked state in the desired ladder mode.

The actuator50when actuated may simultaneously move the first and second hinges30,48between the lock state and the unlocked state. The ladder10may include a first cable45attached to the actuator50and to the first hinge30, and a second cable47attached to the actuator50and to the second hinge48. When the actuator50is actuated, the first cable45is pulled causing the first hinge30to move between the locked state to the unlocked state, and the second cable47is pulled causing the second hinge48to move between the locked state to the unlocked state. The actuator50may be attached to the front section12or the rear section20or to a rung or a rail of the front section12or the rear section20, as shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 23.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a multi-position ladder10. The method comprises the step of actuating an actuator50attached to a front section12of the ladder10causing a first hinge30to move between a locked state and an unlocked state and a second hinge48to move between a lock state and an unlocked state. The first hinge30attached to a first front rail14of the front section12of the ladder10and a first rear rail22of a rear section20of the ladder10. The second hinge48attached to a second front rail16of the front section12of the ladder10and a second rear rail24of the rear section20of the ladder10. The actuator50remote separate and apart from the first hinge30and the second hinge48. The rear section20having a telescoping section28. There is the step of moving the rear section20relative to the front section12about the first and second hinges30,48when the first and second hinges30,48are in the unlocked state to either a leaning ladder mode, a stepladder mode, a stairway ladder mode, and a straight ladder mode. There is the step of locking the rear section20relative to the front section12in the desired ladder mode.

The present invention pertains to a method for producing a multi-position ladder10. The method comprises the steps of attaching an actuator50to a rung on a front section12of the ladder10. The actuator50causes a first hinge30and a second hinge48of the ladder10to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. There is the step of attaching a first cable45to the actuator50and the first hinge30and a second cable47to the actuator50and the second hinge48, the first hinge30and the second hinge48attached to the front section12and a rear section20of the ladder10.

The present invention pertains to a multi-position ladder10that is type 1 AA ANSI rated for a 375-pound load. The multi-position ladder10may have built-in storage. The ladder10can be folded to a stowed and leaning position, configured like a step ladder, and moved to a straight ladder configuration, as shown inFIGS. 6-8 and 11. These different positions are controlled by locking hinges which connect the front and rear/fly ladder sections. The two hinges are unlocked through a remote cable system by squeezing the actuation levers with one hand, as shown inFIGS. 22 and 23. The actuation levers are positioned at a convenient height regardless of the size of the ladder10.

Storage bins160with hinged lids162are built into the ladder top15, as shown inFIG. 14. Additional storage compartments are in the telescoping portion of the rear/fly ladder section for use when the ladder10is in straight mode, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. The rear/fly ladder section is designed to both shorten and lengthen relative to the conventional step ladder length. The ability to shorten permits this ladder10to be used on stairways. The rear/fly section storage allows for better functionality and convenience to the user. One-handed hinge operation using cables provides added convenience when changing ladder10configurations. The shortening/lengthening rear section20design enables stairway mode to be added to any step ladder.

FIG. 1shows an overhead view of the multi-position ladder10in the stepladder mode.FIG. 2shows a front view of the ladder10.FIG. 3shows a side view of the ladder10in the stepladder bowed.FIG. 4shows a rear view of the ladder10.FIG. 5shows a perspective view of the ladder10in the stepladder mode and shows the cable routing in regard to the locking and unlocking of the hinges. As can be seen from these figures, the front section12has a first front rail14, a second front rail16in parallel and spaced relation with the first front rail14and rungs18attached to and between the first front rail14and the second front rail16. The rear section20has a first rear rail22and a second rear rail24in parallel and spaced relation with the first rear rail22and rungs26attached to and between the first rear rail22and the second rear rail24. The rear section20has a telescoping section28that fits to the rear section20with a Mock29to lock the telescoping section28to the rear section20at a desired position, as is well known in the art of multipurpose ladders. The telescoping section28has a first telescoping rail and a second telescoping rail in parallel and spaced relation with the first telescoping rail and rungs18attached to and between the first telescoping rail and the second telescoping rail. The rungs18are attached to flanges of the first and second telescoping rails with double rivets, as is well known in the art of multipurpose ladders. In addition, the telescoping section28may have a first angled piece and a second angled piece extending at an angle outward from the first telescoping rail and the second telescoping rail, respectively. There may be a rung attached to and between the first angled piece and the second angled piece.

FIG. 6shows the ladder10in the leaning ladder mode where the rear section20is folded to the front section12. The length of the rear section20is such that in the leaning ladder mode, the bottom of the rear section20clears the ground so the ladder top15can lean against a surface of an object, such as a wall, without any obstruction by the rear section20.

FIG. 7shows the ladder10in the stepladder mode where the rear section20forms an angle with the front section12, essentially having the shape of an upside-down V from a side view. It should be noted that inFIG. 6andFIG. 7showing side views of the ladder10in the leaning ladder mode and the stepladder mode, respectively, a telescoping section28of the rear section20is positioned so that the telescoping section28extends below at least one rung of the rear section20.

FIG. 8shows the ladder10in the stairway ladder mode where the rear section20forms an angle with the front section12, essentially having the shape of an upside-down V from a side view, but with the rear section20having a length which is shortened compared to the length of the rear section20in the stepladder mode, so the rear section20can rest on a step that has a higher elevation than the ground on which the front section12is resting. In the stairway ladder mode, the telescoping section28has been shortened by moving the telescoping section28upwards at least one rung relative to the rear section20, since in the leaning ladder mode or the stepladder mode, the telescoping section28extends below at least one rung of the rear section20, so there is space for this telescoping section28to move up when in the stairway ladder mode.

FIG. 9shows the rear section20in either the leaning ladder mode or the stepladder mode. The telescoping section28is extended by at least one rung below the rear section20. A J-lock29locks the telescoping section28in position by fitting into a hole in the desired rung, as is well known in the art.

FIG. 10shows the rear section20in the stairway mode. In the stairway mode, the J-lock29has been released so the telescoping section28can be moved up to the at least one rung below the rear section20in the stepladder mode, so the overall length of the rear section20is now shorter to accommodate the different elevations of the step on which the rear section20rest and the ground which the front section12rests. After the telescoping section28has been retracted and repositioned, the J-lock29is put back into the locked position.

FIG. 11shows a side view of a straight ladder mode of the ladder10, where the rear section20has been rotated essentially 180° relative to the front section12from the leaning ladder mode, in the rear section20she stands essentially straight upwards from the front section12so a user can climb the front section12and then continue climbing higher by climbing on the rear section20. In the straight ladder mode, the telescoping section28of the rear section20may be positioned as desired depending on the length desired of the overall ladder10in the straight ladder mode.

FIG. 12shows a sectional front perspective view of the telescoping section28of the ladder10in the straight ladder mode. The telescoping section28of the ladder10has open storage trays that may be used when the ladder10is in the straight ladder mode.FIG. 13shows a more detailed view of the storage trays, with a storage tray on either side of the telescoping section28above the top rung in the straight ladder mode. The storage trays may have tool openings152, a paintbrush holder154, and an open tray for holding small objects, such as screws or pins. The ladder top15, which is attached to the first and second front rails14,16of the front section12, may also have storage bins160in which objects may be placed, as shown inFIG. 14. The ladder top15may be directly attached to the first and second front rails14,16by rivets, bolts or screws. The storage bins160have lids which open and close, so that in the closed position, the surface of the ladder top15will essentially be flat so a user when climbing the ladder10in the straight ladder mode may actually step on the ladder top15, using it as a step, to move on to a rung of the rear section20without being concerned about slipping or catching on an opening or a lid. The actuator50housing51may be directly attached under the second or third rung of the front section12from the ladder top15.

The tray150at the bottom of the rear section20may be one continuous piece, for instance made of plastic, which extends between the first rear rail22and the second rear rail24. The tray150may have tool openings152for such tools as screwdrivers, pliers, drills, hammers, wrenches, awls or smart phones. There may be a paintbrush holder154and also a bin which can hold nuts, bolts, screws or clips. The tray150may alternatively be separated into separate sections, each section disposed adjacent one of the rear rails. The separate sections may hold the bin in one and the tool openings152, a paintbrush holder154in the other. The tray150, or the tray sections, fit under the bottom rung of the rear section20and in the C channel, form by the web and the flanges, of the rear rail to which it is adjacent, so the tray150or the tray sections are the most part protected by the rails in the rung. This architecture also serves to protect a user from catching or tripping on a portion of the tray150, and has no portion of tray150extend out beyond the width of the rung or the width of the C channel of the rail in which it is disposed. Additionally, in this way, the tray150or the tray sections do not interfere with the telescoping section28in sliding up and down.

The tray150, or the tray sections, may have a rectangular top surface and sidewalls which extend down from the top surface. The tool openings152, paintbrush holder154and bin are disposed in the top surface. The tool openings152and paintbrush holder154may extend entirely through or close to the bottom of the tray150, while the bin has a flat bottom surface so the items being held in the bin do not fall through the bin. The tray150or tray sections may be riveted or screwed to the rung.

FIG. 15shows the perspective view of the hinge. There are two hinges used with the ladder10. A first hinge30attaches to the first front rail14and the first rear rail22. A second hinge48attaches to the second front rail16and the second rear rail24. The first hinge30has hinge plates that are used to attach the first hinge30to the first rear rail22. The first hinge30has a front section12which is bolted to an inner flange of the first rear rail22. Alternatively, the first hinge30can be bolted to a bracket, which is in turn bolted to a web of the first rear rail22.FIGS. 24-26show various ways how the hinges may be bolted to the front rails.

FIGS. 16 and 17are cross-sectional details showing the hinge in a locked, leaning ladder mode and in an unlocked, leaning ladder mode, respectively. In the locked mode, as shown inFIG. 16, a lock guide52is positioned in between locking plates. A pivot pin57extends between the locking plates and a center point and through the lock guide52. The first rear rail22pivots about the pivot pin57when moved to different modes and the hinge is unlocked. In the lock guide52between the pivot pin57and the top surface of the lock guide52is a spring56. There is a lock bar46that fits into adjacent and corresponding slots in the lock plates to lock the hinge. A screw49or a rivet or a fastener attaches the lock bar46to the lock guide52. The screw49also holds the cable to the lock bar46. In the locked position, the lock bar46is seated inside the adjacent corresponding slots40and prevents the hinge plates from moving. To unlock the hinge, the cable is pulled causing the lock guide52to slide relative to the pivot pin57causing the spring56to be compressed by the top of the lock guide52moving down, and causes the lock bar46to separate and come out of the adjacent corresponding slots40so there is nothing to prevent the hinge plates from moving, and the hinge plates to which the first rear rail22is attached, are free to rotate to align with different adjacent corresponding slots40for different modes. SeeFIG. 17.FIG. 18shows a cross-sectional view of the first hinge30in a locked, stepladder mode.FIG. 19shows a cross-sectional view of the first hinge30in a locked, straight ladder mode.FIG. 20andFIG. 21Ashow a side view of the first hinge30in a locked and in an unlocked position, respectively.FIG. 21Bshows an assembly view of the first hinge30. The second hinge48is the same as the first hinge30.

FIG. 22is a front view of the front section12having a remote actuator50for unlocking both hinges at the same time so the rear section20can be changed to different modes. The path of each cable is shown as a dotted line between the actuator50and the hinge end extends along the inside of the respective front rail to the respective lock bar46.FIG. 6also shows this cable path. A hinge end of the first cable45is attached to the lock guide52, as explained above, and an actuator50end of the first cable45is attached to the actuator50.FIG. 23shows the actuator50, which is attached to a desired rung, which is easily accessible, and is remote and separate and apart from the first hinge30. The actuator50has a housing51which holds a first lever53and a second lever55that are adjacent and spaced apart from each other. The actuator50end of the first cable45is attached to the first lever53and the actuator50end of the second cable47is attached to the second lever55. The cable extends from the first lever53through the housing51into a cable sheath49, which protects the cable, to the first hinge30. When the first and second levers53,55are squeezed together, they cause the first and second cables45,47to become taut and pull on the lock guide52, causing the hinge to move to an unlocked position, as explained above. When the levers are released, the action of the return spring56pulls the first lever53back into the un-actuated position. The actuation of the second hinge48works the same way.

The present invention pertains to a multi-position ladder10, as shown inFIGS. 1-11. The ladder10comprises a front section12having a first front rail14and a second front rail16and rungs18attached to and between the first front rail14and the second front rail16. The ladder10comprises a rear section20having a first rear rail22and a second rear rail24and rungs26attached to and between the first rear rail22and the second rear rail24. The rear section20having a telescoping section28attached to the first rear rail22and the second rear rail24to vary a length of the rear section20. The ladder10comprises a first hinge30attached to the first front rail14and the first rear rail22. The first hinge30comprises a frame32which is fixedly attached to the first front rail14, as shown inFIG. 21B. The first hinge30comprises a rear rail hinge portion34fixedly attached to the first rear rail22and pivotally attached to the frame32to rotate relative to the bracket. The rear rail hinge portion34having a perimeter38and having a plurality of slots40which extend from the perimeter38. The slot42of the plurality of slots40corresponding with a desired position of the first rear rail22relative to the front. The first hinge30comprises a lock assembly44disposed in the rear rail hinge portion34. The lock assembly44having a lock bar46. When the lock bar46is disposed in one of the plurality of slots40, the lock bar46locks the first rear rail22into a locked state in a desired position relative to the first front rail14so the first rear rail22cannot move relative to the first front rail14, as shown inFIG. 20. When the lock bar46is disposed outside of one of the plurality of slots40, the lock bar46unlocks the first rear rail22into an unlocked state and the first rear rail22can move relative to the first front rail14, as shown inFIG. 21A. The ladder10comprises a second hinge48attached to the second front rail16and the second rear rail24. Each hinge having a locked state and an unlocked state. The ladder10comprises an actuator50which is attached to the lock bar46to move the lock bar46out of one of the plurality of slots40in which the lock bar46is disposed in a locked state, into an unlocked state.

The lock assembly44may include a lock guide52disposed in the rear rail hinge portion34. The lock guide52has a bar end54in which the lock bar46is disposed. The lock assembly44may include a spring56disposed in the lock guide52which biases the lock bar46into the locked state by maintaining the lock bar46in one of the plurality of slots40.

The rear rail portion may comprise a first hinge plate58and a second hinge plate60in spaced relation and in parallel and in alignment with the first hinge plate58. The first hinge plate58and second hinge plate60each having a head62and a tail64. The head62of the first hinge plate58having a first slot66, second slot68and a third slot70. The head62of the second hinge plate60having a first slot66, second slot68and a third slot70which align with the first slot66, second slot68and third slot70of the first hinge plate58, respectively, so that when the first front rail14and the first rear rail22are locked in a leaning ladder position, where the first rear rail22is adjacent to and in parallel with the first front rail14, as shown inFIG. 6, the lock bar46is disposed in the first slot66of the first hinge plate58and the second hinge plate60in the locked state. When the first front rail14and the first rear rail22are locked in a stepladder position, as shown inFIG. 7, or the stairway position, as shown inFIG. 8, where the first rear rail22forms an acute angle with the first front rail14, the lock bar46is disposed in the second slot68of the first hinge plate58and the second hinge plate60in the locked state. When the first front rail14and the first rear rail22are locked in a straight ladder position, as shown inFIG. 11, where the first rear rail22forms a straight angle with the first front rail14, the lock bar46is disposed in the third slot70of the first hinge plate58and the second hinge plate60in the locked state.

The frame32may have a front wall72which attaches to the first front rail14, a first side wall74which extends from the front wall72, and a second side wall76which extends from the front wall72and is in spaced relation with the first side wall74to create a gap78between the first side wall74and the second side wall76. The front wall72and the first side wall74and the second side wall76form a C shape, and each are basically flat. The head62of the first hinge plate58and the head62of the second hinge plate60are disposed in the gap78between the first side wall74and the second side wall76. The first side wall74and the second side wall76and the head62of the first and second hinge plates58,60each have a pivot hole80which align. The ladder10may include a pivot pin82which extends through the pivot hole80of the first and second side walls74,76and the head62of the first and second hinge plates58,60to attach and hold the frame32and the first and second hinge plates58,60together. The first and second hinge plates58,60able to rotate about the pivot pin57.

The tail64of the first hinge plate58and the tail64of the second hinge plate60may attach to the first rear rail22. The lock guide52may be disposed between the head62of the first hinge plate58in the head62of second hinge plate60and the pivot pin57extends through the lock guide52. The spring56may be disposed between the pivot pin57and an opposite end of the lock guide52from the bar end54of the lock guide52.

The actuator50may include a first connector84, such as a cable, attached to the lock bar46, as shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 23. When the actuator50is actuated, the first connector84pulls the lock bar46which causes the lock bar46to move down out of one of the plurality of slots40and out of the lock state and into the unlocked state. When the first connector84pulls the lock bar46down, the lock guide52is pulled down causing the opposite end of the lock guide52to compress the spring56against the pivot pin57, so that when the actuator50is released, the compressed spring56expands, pushing against the pivot pin57and the opposite end of the lock guide52causing the lock guide52to move back up and the lock bar46to move into one of the plurality of slots40and back into the locked state.

The first slot66and second slot68of the head62of the first hinge plate58may be adjacent each other and disposed in a lower left side of the head62of the first hinge plate58closest to the first wall when the first front rail14and the first rear rail22are in the leaning ladder position, and the third slot70of the first hinge plate58is disposed diametrically opposite the first slot66.

The first side wall74may have a first bar groove86and the second side wall76may have a second bar groove in alignment with the first bar groove86, as shown inFIGS. 20, 21A and 21B. The lock bar46is disposed in the first bar groove86and the second bar groove. When the lock bar46is disposed in either the first or second or third slots66,68,70, the lock bar46is positioned at a top of the first bar groove86and the second bar groove. When the first front rail14and the second front rail16are in the unlocked state, the lock bar46is positioned at a bottom of the first bar groove86and the second bar groove.

The first bar groove86and the second bar groove may be in linear alignment with the first slot66when the first front rail14and the first rear rail22are locked in the leaning ladder position. The actuator50when actuated may simultaneously move the first and second hinges30,48between the lock state and the unlocked state. The ladder10may include a second connector85attached to the actuator50and to the second hinge48. When the actuator50is actuated, the first connector84is pulled causing the first hinge30to move between the locked state in the unlocked state, and the second connector85is pulled causing the second hinge48to move between the locked state in the unlocked state.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuator50may include a shelf90having a first opening92and a second opening94, a plate98, a first assembly100attached to the first connector84and a second assembly102attached to the second connector85as shown inFIGS. 27-35. The first assembly100having a first base104attached to the first connector84and attached with a first fastener106to the plate98, with the shelf90disposed between the first base104and the plate98. The first fastener106disposed in the first opening92. The first assembly100having a first actuation lever108attached to the first base104and extending essentially perpendicular from the first base104. The second assembly102having a second base110attached to the second connector85and attached with a second fastener114to the plate98, with the shelf90disposed between the second base110and the plate98. The second fastener114disposed in the second opening94. The second assembly102having a second actuation lever116attached to the second base110and extending essentially perpendicular from the second base110. The shelf90of the housing51of the alternative embodiment is attached adjacent to and below the ladder top15with mounting brackets184,186and housing fasteners96as shown inFIGS. 27-29 and 41. A first mounting bracket184is directly attached to the first front rail14and to the underside of the shelf90. A second mounting bracket186is directly attached to the second front rail16and to the underside of the shelf90. Housing fasteners96directly attach the first mounting bracket to the first front rail14and the shelf90, and housing fasteners96also directly attach the second mounting bracket186to the second front rail16and the shelf90.

The actuator50may include a first spring118attached to the first actuation lever108and a second spring120attached to the second actuation lever116. When the actuator50is actuated causing the first hinge30and the second hinge48to move to an unlocked state, the first spring118and the second spring120are compressed by the first actuation lever108and second actuation lever116moving toward each other along the first opening92and the second opening94, respectively, into an unlocked state increasing a bias force against the first and second actuation levers108,116, as shown inFIGS. 32 and 33. When the first actuation lever108and second actuation lever116are released, as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31, the bias force from the springs causes the first hinge30and second hinge48to move back along the first opening92and the second opening94, respectively, into the locked state and for the actuation levers to move back into a locked state and be maintained in the locked state under the bias force of the first and second springs118,120. The connector may be a cable or linkage.

When the first hinge30is attached with the alternative actuator50embodiment, the operation of the hinge in conjunction with the actuator50is the same. Instead of a cable though with the first actuator50embodiment described above, there is a linkage comprising a first link188and a second link190. The first link188is fixedly attached to the first base104and to the second link190. The second link190is fixedly attached to the lock bar46at a tip191of the second link190. The second link190at its center is rotatably and fixedly attached to a post187, for instance, with a rivet or screw. The post187is fixedly attached to the shelf90with a rivet or screw49. The second link190rotates about the post187. When the first actuation lever108and the second actuation lever116are squeezed together, the first link188is pulled toward the center of the shelf90, causing the second link190to rotate about the post187and the tip191to move downwards, pulling the lock bar46out of whichever slot of the first hinge30the lock bar46is in, unlocking the first hinge30. When the first actuation lever108is released, the first spring118decompresses and moves the first base104along the first opening92back to the lock position, in turn causing the first link188to move the end of the second link190to which the first link188is attached downward, causing the second link190to rotate about its center and moving the tip191upwards, and thus the lock bar46attached to the tip191into the desired slot it is before, where it locks the first hinge30in place. The first link188is straight, and the second link190has a slight v shape with the apex of the v shape rotatably and fixedly attached to the post187so the second link190rotates about the post187causing the tip191to move upwards or downwards. The first spring118is wrapped around a pole198which extends from a stem203of the first base104and is disposed in a hole in a buttress194of the shelf90, as shown inFIG. 31. When the first actuation lever108is squeezed inwards, the pole198extends through the buttress194, but the first spring118is stopped by the buttress194, causing the first spring118to compress, as shown inFIG. 33. When the first actuation lever108is released, the pole198moves back to the locked position as shown inFIG. 31. The same applies for the operation of the second hinge48.

FIG. 27is a perspective front side view of an alternative embodiment of the actuator50with the ladder10in stepladder mode.FIG. 28is a perspective backside view of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50with the ladder10in the stepladder mode.FIG. 29is a front side view of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50in the straight ladder mode.FIG. 30is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50when the hinges are locked.FIG. 31is an overhead view of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50when the hinges are locked.FIG. 32is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50when the hinges are unlocked.FIG. 33is an overhead view of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50when the hinges are unlocked.

FIG. 34is a perspective overhead view of the housing51of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50when the hinges are locked. The second link190of each connector extends out the side of the housing51to connect with the lock bar46.FIG. 35is a perspective underside view of the housing51of the alternative embodiment of the actuator50when the hinges are locked. The actuation levers extend down through the plate98. There is a space196in the plate98between the actuation levers which allows the actuation levers to be squeezed together without any interference by the plate98.FIG. 36is a cross-sectional view of the first actuation lever108attached to the lock bar46.FIG. 37is a cross-sectional view of the first actuation lever108attached to the lock bar46.

FIG. 38shows a linker200between the first actuation lever108and the lock bar46. The linker200attaches to both the lock bar46and to the first actuation lever108to fixedly attach the first actuation lever108to the lock bar46, for instance, with a rivet or screw49.FIG. 39shows a perspective front side view of the upper portion of the ladder10.FIG. 40shows a perspective rear view of the upper portion of the ladder10.FIG. 41shows a front view of the upper portion of the ladder10.

The present invention pertains to a hinge attached to a first front rail14and a first rear rail22. The hinge comprises a frame32which is fixedly attached to the first front rail14. The hinge comprises a rear rail hinge portion34fixedly attached to the first rear rail22and pivotally attached to the frame32to rotate relative to the frame32. The rear rail hinge portion34having a perimeter38and having a plurality of slots40which extend from the perimeter38. The slot42of the plurality of slots40corresponding with a desired position of the first rear rail22relative to the front. The hinge comprises a lock assembly44disposed in the rear rail hinge portion34, the lock assembly44having a lock bar46, when the lock bar46is disposed in one of the plurality of slots40, the lock bar46locks the first rear rail22into a locked state in a desired position relative to the first front rail14so the first rear rail22cannot move relative to the first front rail14, when the lock bar46is disposed outside of one of the plurality of slots40, the lock bar46unlocks the first rear rail22into an unlocked state and the first rear rail22can move relative to the first front rail14.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a multi-position ladder10. The method comprises the steps of actuating an actuator50attached to a front section12of the ladder10causing a first hinge30to move between a locked state and an unlocked state and a second hinge48to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. The first hinge30attached to a first front rail14of the front section12of the ladder10and a first rear rail22of a rear section20of the ladder10. The second hinge48attached to a second front rail16of the front section12of the ladder10and a second rear rail24of the rear section20of the ladder10. The actuator50remote separate and apart from the first hinge30and the second hinge48. The rear section20having a telescoping section28. There is the step of moving the rear section20relative to the front section12about the first and second hinges30,48when the first and second hinges30,48are in the unlocked state to either a leaning ladder mode, a stepladder mode, a stairway ladder mode, and a straight ladder mode. There is the step of locking the rear section20relative to the front section12in the desired ladder mode.

The present invention pertains to a method for producing a multi-position ladder10. The method comprises the steps of attaching an actuator50to a rung on a front section12of the ladder10. The actuator50causes a first hinge30and a second hinge48of the ladder10to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. There is the step of attaching a first cable45to the actuator50and the first hinge30and a second cable47to the actuator50and the second hinge48, the first hinge30and the second hinge48attached to the front section12and a rear section20of the ladder10.