Combined ladder engageable tool carrier and step stool

A tool carrying device configured for removable engagement atop a stepladder and to provide elevated support for a user when the carrying device is positioned on the ground. A secure removable engagement with the top of the ladder is provided by walls descending from a top which form a skirt to surround the top end of the ladder and hold the device from sliding therefrom. Removable tool holders and shelves to hold and store tools are provided, allowing the user a secure tool box when atop a ladder and a slightly elevated working structure for tasks requiring a lower elevation for the user.

The present invention relates generally to tool containers and holders. More particularly, the disclosed device relates to a multi-function tool carrier providing, in one preferred as-used engaged mode, a ladder-engageable tool holder/container, and in a second preferred mode, a combined step stool and tool holder/container.

2. Prior Art

Service and maintenance industries including construction, demolition, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, janitorial, and the like conventionally require workers to use and thus carry many hand tools and other equipment through their workday. Conventional methods for the transport, carry, and organization of tools include tool boxes, belts, buckets, bags, packs and various others containers.

The typical tool belt provides a convenient means to carry tools on a user's body which can save quite a bit of time and effort when changing tools. The tool belt is often the most desired choice of carrying means by workers since it allows them to maintain most, if not all, needed tools close by and at all times. However, if a user has many tools, the belt can become heavy and undesirably bulky, and possibly interfere with the job at hand. As such, the tool belt which is a device that was meant to help with the job is merely interfering and slowing down the user.

Alternatively, the typical tool box provides a rigid box-like structure for containing tools and other equipment, and often employing a carrying handle and lockable lid. Such devices may be preferred for larger or more expensive equipment wherein the user may desire to lock the tools within for safe keeping. Further, although a tool box will similarly become quite bulky and heavy given a plurality of tools, a user will typically place the tool box in one location on a work site and simply return to the box as needed to acquire the correct tool.

However, while constant retrieving relieves the problem of carrying a plurality of heavy tools on their person, the task of continuously returning to the tool box wastes time, especially if an incorrect tool was chosen accidentally, or if the job at hand requires the user to change tools frequently. Further, the conventional tool box is limited to the formed compartments within the interior and is not easily modified to accommodate all types of tools.

As outlined above, conventional tool carrying devices fall short in providing convenient and effective tool carrying methods. These devices further inconvenience should user visits be required if positioning for the task at hand is more involved. Positioning for a particular task adds time to accomplishing the job if the user leaves and returns, such as when a user is working in an elevated position upon a ladder.

Construction and maintenance practices and tasks often require a user to scale a ladder as needed to work on a task at elevations which they cannot comfortably or physically reach from the ground. To comfortably perform a task at an elevated height, a means to elevate the user to the correct working height is required. Ladders are known to vary greatly in size and height and while even employing a ladder at low elevations, a conventional tool belt can become bulky and possibly interfere with safety when atop the ladder. Similarly, since the user cannot carry a heavy tool box in one hand and scale a ladder and perform a task, employing tools from the conventional tool box will require a user to repeatedly scale the ladder to return and retrieve the correct tool. Moving to and from the elevated job position upon the ladder is time consuming and can possibly compromise safety since each trip increases the chance of falling.

As a result, in an attempt to solve this problem, prior art has shown tool carrying devices and containers that are engageable to a ladder. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,581 to Christ et al. teaches a ladder-supported holding tray providing engagement to a ladder rung. However, the device merely provides a tray surface for paint or alternatively temporarily placing a tool and does not provide means for secured engagement, storage, or transport of various tools as may be desired.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,123,620 to Bourne; 5,333,823 to Joseph; and 5,950,972 to Irish teach detachable carrying containers providing engagement to the top platform of a conventional stepladder. These devices, however, are limited either by providing only a single tray or compartment or alternatively only a limited quantity of tools receiving cavities.

These, as well as other prior art tool containers, further fall short in that they lack utility required on a jobsite in that they only accomplish the task of holding or containing tools and equipment. As a result, the prior art devices themselves only add to the clutter of components a user or handyman already owns.

As such, there is a continuing and unmet need for a multi-function ladder engageable tool carrying device that additionally serves other purposes. Such a device should alleviate the need to carry tools and other items on a tool belt when climbing or situated atop a ladder in order to reduce hazards associated with such. Such a device should not require screws, clamps or other means of engagement to the ladder but should be easily engageable by a simple placement over the top platform of a conventional folding ladder. Such a device when in the engaged position atop the ladder, should not interfere with the stepping portion of the ladder.

Still further, such a device should be formed of rigid material such that in a secondary as-used mode, the device can replace a ladder for lower positioned jobs and tasks and can be employed on the ground or other support surface as a combination step stool and tool holder/container. In either position, in order to minimize the need to move between the job at hand and a tool box, such a device should comprise one or a combination of containers, compartments, holders, shelves, and the like as needed to organize, store, and permit transport of the device and operatively held tools for the intended task.

The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device herein disclosed and described provides a solution to the shortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted goals of multi-function and time saving through the provision of a multi-function tool container which can function in a first ladder engageable position as well as function to replace the ladder and function as a step stool for lower positioned tasks. Briefly, the device is formed of a rigid wall structure and includes sections employing one or a combination of shelves, compartments, holders, and containers for engaging, organizing, securing, and storing various tools and equipment thereto.

In a first preferred as used mode, which provides the user a stationary positioning for tools and the like at an elevated job height, the device is adapted for a simple non-attachment engagement over the top platform of a conventional folding step ladder. In this first mode, engaged upon the top platform and held in place by gravity and a skirt surrounding the platform, the device provides a hand accessible container for tools to be used, thus eliminating the need for a user to employ a tool belt when working atop the ladder. Since a number of tools may be held by the device engaged on the ladder, climbing of the ladder for tool retrieval once situated for the task at hand is eliminated or minimized.

In a second preferred as-used mode, the device provides a means for elevating the user for slightly elevated tasks where a ladder may previously have been employed. In such use, the device can be placed on the ground or support surface, and function as a combined tool holder and step stool. The top surface of the device is supported by sidewalls in an elevated position thereby providing a secure platform on a rigid structure formed to withstand the weight of a user.

In accordance with at least one preferred mode, the device includes a body portion defined by a plurality of rigid sidewalls, and a top surface. The body portion also has an exterior surface and an interior chamber or cavity having one or a plurality of tool supporting shelves therein.

The sidewalls defining the internal cavity of the device are preferably shaped to form a skirt with a wider mouth portion leading to the narrower top platform. This results in an interior surface of the skirt or sidewalls, configured at an angle adapted to match that of the top two legs of a ladder adjacent to the ladder platform. So configured with the narrowing skirt provides a means for engaging the device over the top platform of a conventional folding stepladder in a manner in which it is prevented from sliding and disengaging therefrom, but with no mechanical attachments such as screws, bolts, or clamps.

A conventional folding stepladder generally includes two halves formed by legs which are in a hinged engagement at a top portion with the ladder top platform. Such ladders can be unfolded to the as-used configuration formed to an inverted “V” shape, and held in place at a fixed angle. At least one half of this inverted V includes a climbing or stepping portion defined by several sequential stepping rungs engaged between two legs of the ladder half. Generally, the other half portion of the ladder includes structural supports not conventionally intended for supporting the weight of climbing user.

As noted the prior art ladder shelving uses clips, screws, and members and the like which must be engaged to the ladder while elevated. Such a time consuming engagement is eliminated in the device herein because engagement to the ladder may be accomplished by a simple lifting the mouth of the skirt formed by sidewall surrounding the top surface, up and over the top platform of the ladder. Then the device is simply lowered such that either the sidewalls of the skirt engage with the two vertical edges of the two halves of the ladder, and/or the lower side of the top surface of the device rests on the top step or platform of the ladder. Removal is a simple reverse of this action. During use, the top surface of the device rests on the top platform of the ladder, or it may rest slightly above it should the angle of the ladder halves cause a frictional engagement withing the skirt.

As such, in the first preferred as-used mode, the device is slidably engageable over the top of a ladder and requires no attachment components and rests in seated engagement upon the top platform of the ladder, or the surface of the two halves adjacent to the top surface, or both. Lateral movement horizontally and dismount is prevented by the skirt formed by the sidewalls which extend downward. The device is, thus, securely mounted atop the ladder in a manner which it will not dismount unless it is lifted by the user back over the top platform of the ladder.

In at least one other preferred mode of the device, the sidewall positionable adjacent and substantially parallel to the stepping side of the ladder, includes an aperture therein. This aperture provides a means for foot or hand access to the upper rung of the ladder so as to allow the user to access the stepping rung at or near the top platform. Similarly, the sidewall adjacent to the stepping side of the ladder can be omitted entirely to reduce weight, yet maintain structural rigidity and make mounting on a ladder easier. In this mode, means to prevent a sliding of the ladder through the open section is provided using a lip extending below the top of the device on the open side.

In another mode of the invention, the top surface of the device is employed as a bottom surface of a compartment component. As such a plurality of sidewalls extending opposite to those forming the skirt may extend around the peripheral edge of the top surface of the structure to define the storage compartment. There may be included a rotatably engaged lid portion employing a means for securement in the horizontal position to allow the user to close the compartment, and if desired, lock the lid in the closed position.

Further, the interior cavity may include a rotatably engaged shelf component that provides an additional compartment for transporting and storing tools and a platform for resting or placing tools atop. It is preferred that this shelf include an interior compartment defined by a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls. There is additionally included a rotatably engaged lid portion which may be closed with tools inside during transport, mounting, and dismounting. As such the shelf component provides both a storage compartment portion, and tool resting platform, when the lid is closed.

It is preferred that the shelf is rotatably engaged within the interior cavity of the device and therefor positionable to an upright substantially vertical position such as not to interfere with the engagement of the device over the ladder. Subsequent to engaging the device over the top of the ladder in the first as-used mode, the shelf can be rotated downward and supported substantially horizontal in an elevated useable position by any supporting means known in the art, such as flexible stays formed of cable or chain or polymer members and the like.

In yet another particularly preferred as-used mode, the top surface of the lid of the shelf may align in the horizontal plane with the step rung below the top platform, such that the step rung can provide an extension of the top surface of the shelf component. Alternatively, in another preferred mode, the shelf in the horizontal employable position, may have a lower surface rest on top of the step rung immediately below the top platform. This provides a means for supporting the shelf in the horizontal employable position, and eliminating the need for supporting the shelf using the cable stays.

The exterior surface of the skirt formed by the sidewalls of the device further include one or a plurality of means for removable engagement of tools or tool holding components. The tool holding components can be operatively shaped canvas pouches, rigid containers, or cavities engaged or generally formed on the exterior surface. In a particularly preferred mode, the tool holding components are removably engaged to the exterior surface by a means for removable engagement, such as but not limited to tab and slot type engagement, magnets, hooks, or clips. However, it is noted and anticipated that in other preferred modes of the invention, the tool holding components can be permanently engaged to the exterior surface such as by welding, riveting, screwing, or other suitable mechanical fastener.

It is particularly preferred that the tool holding components are individually formed to receive specific tools. However, the holding components can be any shape as needed for receiving and holding any type of tool and other equipment. For example, a particularly preferred tool holding component can be a substantially planar tray body, such as a paint tray for receiving paint, or simply provide a platform to rest tools on.

The device as noted is also employable as a step stool to replace the need for a ladder for lower elevation tasks which require elevation of the user to perform. The rigid sidewalls forming the skirt provide support for the top surface as to allow a user a supporting platform atop the device and elevated above the ground. Thus, for lower elevation tasks where the user needs elevation they may stand upon the top surface.

This means for an elevated support for the user to stand upon provides added utility which is especially advantageous over prior art. It allows the user to employ the device as a step stool to reach slightly elevated work areas instead of a large bulky ladder. Concurrently, it provides a means for carrying tools for use during the task. However, if for some reason the user is subsequently required to employ a folding stepladder, the device can then be easily engaged over the top of the stepladder in the first as-used mode as described, with no tools or mounting components needed.

It is an object of the invention to provide a ladder engageable tool holding device which will also function as a step stool, and concurrently provide tool transport and storage in one or a combination of shelves, compartment, tool holders, and tool containers.

It is a further object of the invention to provide means for removable engagement of tool holding components or tools, to the exterior of the device.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a tool holding device with an interior cavity employing a rotatably engageable shelf element for additional storage.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

Now then, referring to drawings inFIGS. 1-12, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen inFIG. 1an perspective view of a preferred mode of the device10which is employable as a step stool. As shown inFIG. 1, the device10in this mode when employed as a step stool, is placed on ground or other support surface where a step stool is desired. The sidewalls provide a rigid structure for the top wall20which provides a platform for supporting a users weight in an elevated position. In this mode, the device10is generally formed of a rigid durable sheet material such as steel, stainless steel, or aluminum or of a rigid polymer or plastic material. Further, it should be noted that all the various components of all modes of the device disclosed herein can be formed of conventional materials such as metal or plastic or other polymeric materials formed in a suitable manner for the purposes set forth in this disclosure.

In the mode ofFIG. 1, the device10consists generally of a rigid body structure12defined in a particularly preferred mode by a first sidewall14, a second sidewall16, a rear wall18, and a top wall20, forming the structure as shown in the drawings. The two sidewalls and rearwall in this mode combine to form a three-sided skirt section. The walls this skirt section further define are an interior chamber or cavity24and exterior surface34of the skirt or side portion of the structure12. In this mode meant primarily for low level support of the user, the structure12is preferable open at the front and at a mouth defined by bottom faces of the three walls, to provide access to the interior cavity24and to allow the device10to be operatively engaged over the top of a ladder if desired, as will be set forth shortly.

A forward-extending and descending lip22is provided as an extension from the top wall20. The lip22extends at a downward angle from the horizontal top wall20thereby placing the distal edge of the lip22lower than the top wall20. This configuration provides an opening employable as a means for engaging the top wall20over the edge of the top platform (FIG. 8) of the ladder, to the operatively engaged first as-used mode atop the ladder. One skilled in the art will immediately recognize that descending lip22component provides a means for preventing sliding of the device10in a direction away from the lip22when engaged upon the ladder, thereby preventing a dismount from a ladder given a sudden or jarring movement that may be encountered. Other means for prevention of translation and dismount from the ladder through the open side may be employed, and are anticipated, however the downward protruding lip22provides an excellent means for such securement in this mode and allowing the other three sides of the skirt, to prevent sliding dismount in directions opposite their respective positions. In this mode of the device10ofFIG. 1, the user need not lift the device10higher than the lowest distal edge of the lip22during the elevation and mounting upon the top of the ladder. It is thus easier to engage than the mode of the device10having four walls forming the skirt section descending from the top wall20.

Additional utility is provided by a rotatably engaged shelf component26located within the interior24of the structure12. The shelf component26further includes a lid28providing access to an interior compartment30(FIG. 5) as needed to contain various small tools or hardware. The shelf26is preferably rotatably engaged to the interior surface of the rear wall18by a means of rotational engagement such as a hinge27. The hinge27allows the shelf26to store into a substantially upright vertical position as needed to engage the device10over a ladder as will be set forth shortly inFIG. 7. Further, the as used substantially horizontal position of the shelf26as shown is provided by cable stays32, however those skilled in the art will appreciate other means to maintain the shelf26as such.

Further, the device10provides the user with means removable secure engagement of a plurality of various tools. Many prior art devices such as tool boxes or tool belts include tool holding components or compartments which are permanently engaged to a belt, thereby limiting the user to the number and variety of tools that can be carried. However, the present invention employs means for removable mounting or engagement of various tool holding components40. Currently this removable engagement is provided by cooperative fasteners such as a slot38and tab42style removable engagement. However, the means for removable engagement may be magnets, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, plastic fasteners, or other means for removable engagement that would be easily known to one skilled in the art. Further, it is noted and anticipated that the means for engagement may be permanent such as by welding, screws, rivets, or the like.

As is shown in the current figure, a particularly preferred tool holding component40is shown as in the form of a canvas pouch41which is dimensioned in a manner to cooperatively receive a hand drill or similarly shaped tool therein. Such as canvas pouch41may be similar to one found permanently engaged to a conventional tool belt (not shown). However, it is within the scope of the invention to employ any tool holding component40which has an operative removable engagement and is dimensioned to hold any shape and type of tool and consequently should not be considered limiting by the depictions.

As such the tool holding component40can employ any cooperative removable engagement fastener adapted to engage a likewise cooperative fastener of the device, and can be any type pouch, bag, container, pocket, hook, fastener, carrier, or strap of nearly any shape and form as needed to receive and contain any shape and form of conventional tools known in the art and are anticipated in this disclosure. It is the cooperative removable fastener system allowing means for engagement of any of a plurality of tool holding components40to be engaged upon the device as needed which provides particular utility since the user may engage the tool and tool holding component40and later change to an alternate tool and tool holding component40should a different task require a different tool. During use, the tool is securely engaged within arms reach. Given the wide variety of tools and other devises used in construction, it is therefor not possible within this disclosure to disclose each and every form of the tool holding component40, however those skilled in the art will recognize these.

As such, one skilled in the art will appreciate the variety of shapes and forms of conventional tools known in the art, such as those shown in the SEARS catalog, with a complimentary holding component40needed to contain them, are anticipated within the scope of this patent. Further, any cooperative fasteners to removably engage the holding component40such as fasteners shown in the 2011 GRAINGER catalog, as would occur to those skilled in the art are also anticipated within the scope of this patent. Further, the tool holding component in other modes may be of a more rigid material such as a polymeric material, textiles, or metal.

The device10is further depicted having a handle36shown engaged to the top wall20. However, it is within the scope of the invention that the handle36be engaged to any wall of the device10, such as the rear wall18or another wall forming the descending skirt, which would keep the top wall20unobstructed and more desirable during employment as a step stool.

In general the device10includes mounting mating fasteners to allow for an engagement of one or a plurality of tool holding components40. As shown for purposes of operation, the mating cooperative fasteners may be tab elements42for cooperative removable engagement with slot elements38engaged or otherwise formed on the exterior surface34of the body structure12.

As is shown in the front, rear, and side views ofFIG. 2,FIG. 3, andFIG. 4respectively, the device10preferably includes a plurality of mating fasteners such slot members38which allow any one or a plurality of tool holding components40to be removably and securely engaged to the device. Again noting that those skilled in the are will recognize that the means for removable engagement of the tool holding components40to the exterior34of the structure12may alternatively be magnets, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, or any mating fastener from the GRAINGER or similar catalog, or other means known in the art, while the tab and slot arrangement is shown merely as a particularly preferred mode.

An additional particularly preferred mode of the device10is shown inFIG. 5wherein the body structure12includes a partial front wall portion15of the formed skirt, communicating between the first sidewall14and second sidewall16preferably along the bottom edge defining the mouth of the skirt section. In this manner the front of the device10is configured with a partial front wall15and formed aperture46thereabove providing arms length access to the interior cavity24of the structure12when engaged upon a ladder. The bottom of the sidewalls forming the skirt structure is maintained open and defining a mouth of the skirt. Also, as is shown more clearly in this current figure, a lid28of the shelf component26is depicted as in the open mode wherein the interior compartment30is accessible by reaching through the aperture.

A still further particularly preferred mode of the device10is shown inFIG. 6. In this mode the body structure12further defines an aperture covering front wall17. In this manner the device10would not include the shelf component26as in this mode the interior cavity24is only accessible through the mouth section at the lower end of the skirt formed by the four walls. This mode may be preferred if the shelf component26is not desired and a particularly secure engagement atop the ladder is desired and which is provided by the four sided skirt descending well below the top of the ladder. Additional utility is found in that the exterior34of the front wall17may provide as a display means for advertisement such as the employment of indicia44of a company logo, for example. Further, the device10may be personalized individually with a user's personal indicia44as desired.

As mentioned previously in this disclosure, a user may often employ a ladder in order to reach elevated work areas which has been shown to cause difficulties for employment of the conventional tool belt or tool box. As such the device10provides a solution in that it may be operatively securely engaged over a conventional stepladder100without the need for fasteners or screws, or clamps and the like. Shown inFIG. 7is a partial view of a conventional “A” shaped stepladder100including top platform102and also showing the top stepping rung104.

As can be further seen in the figure, prior to engagement of the device10over the top platform102of the ladder100, the shelf component26if present, may be rotated to a substantially upright or vertical stored-position as needed. In the stored position, the interior cavity24can easily receive the top of the ladder100.FIG. 8shows the device10in an operative engagement over the ladder100wherein the top wall20of the structure12rests atop the top platform102. If the ladder has too wide of a stance, the skirt formed by the sidewalls may engage against the edges of the four legs of the ladder.

As can be further seen, the top lip22descends below and substantially hooks around one edge of the top platform102providing means for securement of the device10to the ladder100to prevent a sliding of the ladder through the formed front aperture46. Further, it is particularly preferred that the front aperture46is formed with a perimeter defining an area large enough to provide a means for the user to access the top stepping rung104with their foot or hands, as intended during conventional employment of the ladder100. This allows the user to step on the top run en route to an position higher than the top of the ladder if need be.

It must be noted that although the figures showing operative engagement of the device10with the ladder100depicts the mode ofFIG. 5, the mode ofFIGS. 1-4,6,11, and12may similarly employed as such. The mode shown inFIG. 1will ensure that the top stepping rung104is unobstructed no matter the location of the rung104relative the top platform102.

The first as-used mode of the device10atop a ladder, is shown inFIG. 9with the shelf component26in the as used substantially horizontal position and showing at least one tool holding component40removably engaged to the exterior34of the structure12. It is particularly preferred that the shelf26in the as used horizontal position be of sufficient length whereby at least a distal edge rests on a portion of the top stepping rung104of the ladder. This will allow the user to temporarily place tools or other equipment on the shelf26without compromising the integrity of the cable stays32. This further allows the user to more easily access the lid28as needed to retrieve or replace hardware from the interior compartment30.

As is shown in the as used mode ofFIG. 10, the device10may additionally include a removably engaged platform or tray51such as may be needed for holding paint and similar supplies. The tray50employs tab elements42for removable engagement to slots38on the exterior34of the rear wall18as was shown previously inFIG. 3. However the tray51may employ any means for removable engagement known in the art. Further shown are optional preferred hooks57providing additional means for removable engagement of tools or other equipment.

FIG. 11andFIG. 12show yet another preferred components in another mode of the device10which includes a top storage compartment48. In this mode, the top surface20of the structure12comprises a bottom surface of the compartment48. In addition, there can be seen a plurality of sidewalls50extending vertically around the peripheral edge of the top surface20to form a confined area for storage and means to prevent a sliding of a tool or stored item from the top of the ladder.

There is also shown a rotatably engaged lid portion52providing a means for closure of the compartment48for secure storage or transport of items therein without worry they will fall from the device during transport. The means for rotatable engagement may be a hinge54or the like. Further a handle36is shown engaged to exterior of the lid52, however could alternatively be engaged to the back wall18as chosen by the designer.

A lid securement or locking fastener56is also provided to secure the lid52in the closed position. The fastener56may be any conventional securing or locking fastener or latch known in the art, for example an over center locking latch, or a latch adapted to receive a security lock or a hook and loop.