Electrical warning system for a climbable structure

A warning circuit for use on ladders includes a first sensor responsive to the placement of a first of a user's feet thereon and a second sensor responsive to the placement of a second of the user's feet thereon. The second sensor is electrically connected in series to the first sensor, and a relay is electrically connected in series to one of the first and second sensors. A power source has a power output terminal electrically connected in series to the other of the sensors connected in series. A sound device is electrically connected to a load output of the relay and to the power source. The load output of the relay is energized only when the first sensor is activated prior to activation of the second sensor whereupon the load output then energizes the sound device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for determining whether an individual is ascending or descending rungs of a ladder or other structures containing rungs, steps, stairs and the like. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to such apparatuses and methods incorporating a warning feature integrated with the structure, to provide a warning signal to an individual when approaching upper steps/rungs during ascent, or when approaching lower steps/rungs during descent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many situations where it would be useful to provide an individual ascending or descending a stepped apparatus with an indication that the individual is nearing an upper or lower portion of the stepped apparatus. As used herein, the term “stepped” is intended to include rungs. For example, such an indication would be very useful in the case of ladders. Ladders have become a useful tool to almost every individual in society and permit individuals to climb to heights unreachable without some such an aid. Individual ladders can range from small stepladders having 2-3 rungs allowing an individual to access that one item just out of reach to large extension ladders that can extend to 40 feet and more for scaling large walls, trees, and buildings. One or more ladders can be found in almost every household and are utilized by professional tradesmen of all types.

Unfortunately, the design and usage of a ladder also contributes to its inherent instability and danger. A ladder is typically constructed of two spaced apart vertical stiles with a plurality of regularly spaced rungs extending between the stiles. The bottom end of each stile also functions as the support foot for the ladder at its base. While the base of some ladders may be wider than the ladder top, the overall width of the ladder is relatively narrow when compared to its height. As the width to height ratio decreases (with increasing ladder height) the lateral stability of the ladder also decreases such that a minor lateral shift in the combined center of gravity of the ladder, including the user who is climbing the ladder, can result in an unwanted lateral shift of the ladder. As the user climbs the ladder the combined center of gravity also translates up the ladder, and consequently the danger from a minor lateral shift in the center of gravity increases proportionately as the center of gravity rises. In extreme cases, the unwanted lateral shift can and often does result in the ladder falling to the ground with the user suffering serious injuries as a result thereof. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that each year there are in excess of 150,000 emergency room-treated injuries in the U.S. relating to ladders. A significant portion of which are attributable to ladder falls.

These instabilities require the total concentration of the individual climbing or descending the ladder. Probably the greatest danger to a climber is when he is approaching the topmost or bottommost rungs. He is often unable to look down to determine on which rung he is standing. Consequently, while ascending, he may think he has more rungs on which he can step at the top of the ladder thereby resulting in the ladder tipping or losing a stable foothold resulting in the ladder tipping while at a significant height. Also, when descending, he may believe he is on the bottom rung and prepare his next step for dismounting from the ladder. If however, he has misjudged the rung, he may end up attempting to dismount from a rung higher on the ladder and then fall the remainder of the way to the ground.

The inability to determine the exact rung on which he is standing at the top while climbing or at the bottom when descending will very likely result in injury to the climber unless he is able to determine when he has reached a specific top or bottom rung. Therefore, there is a need for a warning system on the ladder to automatically indicate to the climber when he has reached the top or the bottom to prevent injury to the climber. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such a warning system is also applicable to a climber of a set of stairs or any other climbable structure incorporating steps, rungs and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to an electronic warning circuit for integration with a structure incorporating steps, rungs or the like, wherein the electronic warning circuit functions to determine whether an individual climbing upon the structure is in the process of ascending the structure or descending the structure.

In an initial exemplary implementation, such an electronic warning circuit is integrated with a ladder of the type having a plurality of spaced-apart rungs for warning a user that he is approaching an end of the ladder in a single direction. The warning circuit may include a first sensor responsive to the placement of a first of a user's feet thereon and a second sensor responsive to the placement of a second of the user's feet thereon. Preferably, the second sensor is electrically connected in series to the first sensor. A relay may be electrically connected in series with one of the first and second sensors, and a power source may be provided having a power output terminal electrically connected in series to the other of the first and second sensors connected in series. A device for providing a warning signal/indication (e.g. audible, visual or tactile) is preferably provided electrically connected to a load output of the relay and to the power source. Preferably, the load output of the relay is energized only when the first sensor is activated prior to activation of the second sensor, whereupon the load output then energizes the warning device.

In an aspect, the relay may be a single shot latching relay.

In another aspect, the load output, when energized, may be energized for a predetermined period of time and subsequently de-energized.

In another aspect, the first sensor may be a normally open push-to-make switch and the second sensor may be a normally open momentary push-to-make switch.

In a still further aspect, the single shot latching relay may include a start switch terminal, a common terminal, a power input terminal, and a load output terminal. The start switch terminal may be electrically connected to one of the sensors such that the power terminal of the power source, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the start switch terminal are electrically connected in series. The common terminal may be electrically connected to a common terminal of the power source and the power input terminal may be electrically connected to the power terminal of the power source. The load output terminal may be electrically connected to the warning signal indicator, such as, for example, a sound device, and the sound device (or other warning signal indicator) further connected to the common terminal of the power source.

In another aspect, the power source may be a battery, wherein the power output terminal of the power source is a positive terminal of the battery and the common terminal of the power source is a negative terminal of the battery.

In another aspect, the warning indication device may be a sound-emitting piezo sound generator, a light-emitting device and/or a tactile output device such as a vibration-emitting device.

In a further exemplary implementation, a safety ladder incorporating a warning circuit indicating the approach of an individual toward an end of the safety ladder may include a conventional ladder having two stiles laterally spaced-apart from one another, and a plurality of rungs substantially regularly spaced therealong. The rungs may have opposite ends affixed to and laterally extending between the stiles. An electronic warning circuit sensing a user approaching an end of the ladder and emitting a signal in the form of an audible warning in response thereto may include a first sensor affixed to a first of two adjacent rungs and responsive to the placement of a first one of a pair of a climber's feet thereon. A second sensor may be provided affixed to a second one of the two adjacent rungs and responsive to the placement of a second one of the climber's feet thereon, wherein the second sensor is electrically connected in series to the first sensor. A relay may be provided electrically connected in series to one of the first and the second sensors. A power source may be provided having a power output terminal electrically connected in series to the other of the sensors in series therewith, and warning signal indicator, for example, in the form of a sound-emitting device, electrically connected to a load output of the relay and to the power source. The load output of the relay is preferably energized only when the first sensor is activated prior to activation of the second sensor, whereupon the load output subsequently energizes the sound-emitting device.

In another aspect, the relay may be a single shot latching relay.

In another aspect, the load output, when energized, may be energized for a predetermined period of time and then de-energized.

In another aspect, the first sensor may be a normally open push-to-make switch and the second sensor a normally open momentary push-to-make switch.

In yet another aspect, the single shot latching relay may include a start switch terminal, a common terminal, a power input terminal, and a load output terminal. The start switch terminal may be electrically connected to one of the sensors such that the power terminal of the power source, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the start switch terminal are electrically connected in series. The common terminal may be electrically connected to a common terminal of the power source, and the power input terminal may be electrically connected to the power terminal of the power source. The load output terminal may be electrically connected to the sound-emitting device, with the sound-emitting device further connected to the common terminal of the power source.

In another aspect, the power source may be a battery, wherein the power terminal is a positive terminal of the battery and the common terminal is a negative terminal of the battery.

In still another aspect, the sound-emitting device may be an electrical acoustical device used to reproduce sound, such as, for example, a piezo sound generator.

In another aspect, the two adjacent rungs may be proximate to a top, or upper end, of the ladder, wherein the first rung is a lower one of the two adjacent rungs and the second rung is an upper one of the two adjacent rungs.

In a still further aspect, the two adjacent rungs may be the lowermost two rungs of the ladder, wherein the first rung is an upper one of the two adjacent rungs and the second rung is a lowermost rung of the two adjacent rungs.

In a further exemplary implementation, a safety ladder incorporating a warning circuit indicating when a user approaches a top or a bottom of the safety ladder may comprise a ladder having two stiles laterally spaced-apart from one another and having a plurality of spaced-apart rungs substantially regularly spaced therealong. The rungs may be affixed to, and laterally extend between, the stiles. An upper electronic warning circuit may be incorporated with two adjacent rungs proximate to a top or upper end of the ladder for sensing a user ascending the ladder. The upper electronic warning circuit may issue a warning signal, such as an audible warning alert, in response thereto, wherein the upper electronic warning circuit may include a first sensor affixed to a lower one of the two upper adjacent rungs and responsive to the placement of a first one of a pair of a climber's feet thereon. A second sensor may be affixed to an upper one of the two upper adjacent rungs and responsive to the placement of a second one of the climber's feet thereon, wherein the second sensor is electrically connected in series to the first sensor. A single shot latching relay may be provided electrically connected in series to one of the first or the second sensors, and a power source having a power output terminal that is electrically connected in series to the other of the sensors in series. A sound device may be electrically connected to a load output of the single shot latching relay and to the power source. Preferably, the load output of the relay is energized only when the first sensor is activated prior to activation of the second sensor, the load output subsequently energizing the sound-emitting device. A lower electronic warning circuit may similarly be incorporated with two adjacent lowermost rungs of the ladder for the purpose of sensing the user (i.e., climber) descending the ladder. The lower electronic warning circuit may issue, for example, an audible warning in response thereto, wherein the lower electronic warning circuit includes a first sensor affixed to an upper one of the two lowermost adjacent rungs and is responsive to the placement of a first of a user's feet thereon. A second sensor may be affixed to a lower one of the two lowermost adjacent rungs and responsive to the placement of a second of the user's feet thereon wherein the second sensor is electrically connected in series to the first sensor. A single shot latching relay may be electrically connected in series to one of the first and second sensors. A power source may be provided having a power output terminal electrically connected in series to the other of the sensors in series. A sound device may be electrically connected to a load output of the single shot latching relay and to the power source. The load output of the relay is preferably energized only when the first sensor is activated prior to activation of the second sensor, whereupon the load output then energizes the sound device.

In another aspect, the first sensor may be a normally open push-to-make switch and the second sensor may be a normally open momentary push-to-make switch.

In a still further aspect, the single shot latching relay may include a start switch terminal, a common terminal, a power input terminal, and a load output terminal. The start switch terminal may be electrically connected to one of the sensors such that the power terminal of the power source, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the start switch terminal are electrically connected in series. The common terminal may be electrically connected to a common terminal of the power source and the power input terminal may be electrically connected to the power terminal of the power source. The load output terminal is preferably electrically connected to the sound device and the sound device may be further connected to the common terminal of the power source.

In yet another aspect, the upper electronic warning circuit and the lower electronic warning circuit may be powered, for example, by a single battery.

Significantly, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in another aspect alternative electronic components may be employed without departing from the intended scope of the invention. For example, as used herein the term “normally open momentary switch” used to describe the second sensors associated with the most distal one of each of the upper and lower pairs of rungs is intended to describe an electronic component that produces a single, brief “on” pulse. Accordingly, by way of example, the respective second sensors may comprise piezo switches. Likewise, while the exemplary implementations generally refer to a “sound device,” such as a piezo sound generator, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that alternatively warning signal devices, such as light-emitting components and vibration-inducing components, may be incorporated in lieu of, or in addition to, sound-emitting devices, relays other than “non-latching relays” may be employed, and power sources other than “a battery” may be employed. Furthermore, while the present disclosure primarily refers to the incorporation of a warning system integrated with a conventional ladder, the present disclosure is not intended to be so limiting. For instance, the present invention may be incorporated into or integrated with any climbable structure incorporating “rungs,” “steps,” and “stairs,” including, for example, a step ladder, a stool and a stairwell, to name just a few examples of structures that could include treads. Furthermore, the purpose of integrating such a warning system into a climbable structure may be expanded beyond safety. That is, the apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated for any application where it may be beneficial to know whether an individual is ascending or descending a climbable structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS

In one exemplary implementation, a safety ladder100is shown inFIGS. 1-3, illustrating its various components where a ladder102is generally comprised of a left vertical stile104and a right vertical stile106laterally separated one from the other with a plurality of substantially regularly positioned rungs110affixed at opposite rung ends to stiles104and106and extending therebetween. The rungs110can also include treads112thereon to prevent a user from slipping. A foot108at the bottom of each stile104,106can help to stabilize the ladder102. In this exemplary implementation, the safety ladder100may include a single warning circuit140or, alternatively, a dual warning circuit130that substantially combines a lower warning circuit140with an upper warning circuit160(seeFIG. 5) to provide a user with a warning signal, such as an audible warning that the user has reached either an uppermost safe limit while ascending toward a top of the ladder or a lowermost safe limit while descending toward a bottom of the ladder.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3andFIGS. 5-6, the dual warning circuit130may be powered by a battery132having a power output terminal134(i.e. positive terminal) and a common terminal136(i.e. negative terminal). The lower warning circuit140functions to warn a user when he has reached a lower pair of rungs114,116of the safety ladder100while descending the safety ladder. A first sensor142may be affixed to, or otherwise integrated or coupled with, a first lower rung114(as shown the rung114is the second rung from the bottom), and as configured the first sensor142may be a normally open push-to-make switch. As used herein, the term “normally open push-to-make switch” is intended to refer to an electronic component that is normally in an open state, but remains in a closed state as long as there is the presence of a continuing force (e.g. the downward force of the weight of a person having a foot supported on the rung). A second sensor144is affixed to a second lower rung116below first lower rung114, and as configured the second sensor144may be a normally open momentary push-to-make switch. As used herein, the term “open momentary push-to-make switch” is intended to refer to an electronic component that is only momentarily closed and then returns to an “open” state despite the presence of a continuing force (e.g. the downward force of the weight of a person having a foot supported on the rung). By way of example, second sensor144may be a piezo switch. As should be well known to those skilled in the art, a piezo switch is an electrical switch based on the piezoelectric effect. The charge generated by the piezoelectric element in the switch is typically used to turn on an integrated semiconductor device such as a field effect transistor (FET), causing the switch assembly's output to be active, or “on.” When the FET is on, current can flow through it as with a conventional metal contact-based switch. After the voltage pulse is dissipated in the gate resistor, the FET turns back “off,” its normal high impedance state. The piezoelectric effect uses the fact that a force applied to certain materials causes stresses that generate the electric charge. In the case of piezo switches, the force could be compressive pressure (e.g. the aforementioned downward pressure of the foot of an individual standing upon a ladder rung) that causes the (typically disc-shaped) piezo element to bend very slightly like a drumhead. Thus, piezo switches produce a single, brief “on” pulse. This pulse can vary with the amount of pressure which is applied, since higher pressures generate higher voltages which take longer to dissipate. A capacitor may be used to store the charge in order to lengthen the time constant of the gate circuit and therefore the width of the pulse. With additional circuitry (as is well known in the art) this pulse can be extended further or used to change the state of an output from steady “Off” to steady “On” by toggling a flip-flop. Piezo switches have some advantages over their conventional mechanical counterparts. One is that there are no moving parts, just the small deformation on the front plate and the piezo element (typically a few micrometers). This means the lifetime of such a switch can be ensured to be tens of millions of operations, since there is no wear involved. Another advantage is that they may easily be completely sealed from the environment and thus made weatherproof. They are often constructed with stainless steel housings such that they are resistant to damage by vandals or heavy use.

The first sensor142and the second sensor144are preferably electrically connected one to the other in series. The first sensor142may also be connected to the positive terminal134of a power source, such as battery132. Preferably, the second sensor144is further connected to a start switch terminal152of a relay150, such as the exemplary single shot latching relay referenced herein. The relay150preferably includes a common terminal154connected to the negative terminal136of the battery132. A power input terminal156is connected to the positive terminal134of the battery132. The relay150may further include a load output terminal158which is connected to a climber warning device; for example, a sound device146such as a piezo sound generator. In this exemplary implementation, the sound device146is also connected to the negative terminal136of the battery132to complete the circuit. While the lower pair of rungs114,116is illustrated as the bottommost two rungs a different pair of lower rungs may be chosen for incorporation of the lower warning circuit140.

In similar fashion, the upper warning circuit160may function to warn a climber ascending the safety ladder100upon reaching an upper pair of adjacent rungs118,120. A first sensor162may be affixed to, or otherwise integrated or coupled with, a first upper rung118and as configured the first sensor162may be a normally open push-to-make switch. As used herein, the term “normally open push-to-make switch” is intended to refer to an electronic component that is normally in an open state, but remains in a closed state as long as there is the presence of a continuous force (e.g. the downward force of the weight of a person having a foot supported on the rung). A second sensor164may be affixed to, or otherwise integrated or coupled with, a second upper rung120above first upper rung118, and as configured the second sensor164may be a normally open momentary push-to-make switch. As used herein, the term “open momentary push-to-make switch” is intended to refer to an electronic component that is only momentarily closed and then returns to an “open” state despite the presence of a continuing force (e.g. the downward force of the weight of a person having a foot supported on the rung). By way of example, second sensor164may be a piezo switch.

The first sensor162and the second sensor164are preferably electrically connected one to the other in series. The first sensor162may also be connected to the positive terminal134of a power source, such as battery132. Preferably, the second sensor164is further connected to a start switch terminal152of a relay150, such as the exemplary single shot latching relay referenced herein. The relay150preferably includes a common terminal154connected to the negative terminal136of the battery132. A power input terminal156is connected to the positive terminal134of the battery132. The relay150may further include a load output terminal158which is connected to a climber warning device; for example, a sound device166such as a piezo sound generator. In this exemplary implementation, the sound device166is also connected to the negative terminal136of the battery132to complete the circuit. The upper pair of rungs118,120is typically not the uppermost pair of rungs110, but the rung pair is typically representative of the uppermost rungs to which a user may safely climb.

The functionality of the single shot latching relay150is illustrated inFIG. 6wherein step curve182illustrates the power input over time to the power input terminal156of the relay150. The step curve184illustrates the momentary power pulse to activate the load output of the relay150, and the step curve186illustrates the timed power output to the sound devices146,166.

In use, as illustrated inFIG. 4and also in reference toFIG. 5, a user climbs the safety ladder102. When approaching a top of the safety ladder100, the user's first, foot192steps on the first upper rung118which closes the normally open switch162. As the user continues to climb his weight is supported by the first foot192while his second foot194is raised to the second upper rung120. As he begins to shift his weight from his first foot192to his second foot194, switch164(e.g. a piezo electric switch) closes temporarily while the normally open switch162remains closed. The normally open momentary switch164only closes momentarily and then resets to an open state even though the user's second foot194continues to put pressure on the switch164. The momentary closing of the normally open momentary switch164is sufficient to complete the current path from the positive terminal134of the battery132to the start switch terminal152of the relay150thereby generating the step curve184to activate the load output of the relay150. The single shot latching relay150then generates the load output represented by the step curve186at load output terminal158which continues for a predetermined time duration that is longer than the time duration of the momentary triggering pulse184. The output load186drives the sound device166to provide an audible warning for the time duration of the output load represented by the step curve186thereby indicating that the user has reached the uppermost safety limit of the safety ladder100.

Similarly, when the user has completed his task at the top of the safety ladder100he begins to descend. When approaching a bottom of the safety ladder100, the user's first foot192steps on the first lower rung114, which functions to close the normally open switch142. As the user continues to descend, his weight is supported by the first foot192while his second foot194is lowered to the second lower rung116. As he begins to shift his weight from his first foot192to his second foot194, the normally open momentary switch144closes and the normally open switch142remains closed. The normally open momentary switch144only closes momentarily and then resets to an open state even though the user's second foot194continues to put pressure on the switch144. The momentary closing of the normally open momentary switch144is sufficient to complete the current path from the positive terminal134of the battery132to the start switch terminal152of the relay150thereby generating the step curve184to activate the load output of the relay150. The single shot latching relay150then generates the load output represented by the step curve186at the load output terminal158which continues for a predetermined time duration that is longer than the time duration of the momentary triggering pulse184. The output load186drives the sound device146to provide an audible warning for the time duration of the load output represented by the step curve186thereby indicating that the user has reached the bottom of the safety ladder100.