Ladder-mounted ledge for holding tools and materials

A ladder-mounted ledge used for holding tools and materials. The ladder-mounted ledge provides a stable work surface, which minimizes the frequency of ascents and descents and facilitates efficient access to the tools and materials while using a ladder. The ladder-mounted ledge reduces the risk of falls during accessing the tools and materials, for example, various work tools, power tools, screwdrivers, and thereof. An embodiment of a first aspect, the ladder-mounted ledge comprises a body having an opening defined therein, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The body is configured to be removably attached to a ladder through the opening, with a ladder head positioned above the top surface of the body and ladder rungs positioned below the bottom surface of the body. The user can use the ladder-mounted ledge according to user preferences and application requirements.

The present disclosure relates generally to a ladder-mounted tray for holding tools and materials, and more particularly to a ladder-mounted tray for holding tools and materials that provides a stable work surface, thereby minimizing the frequency of ascents and descents and facilitating efficient access to tools and materials.

BACKGROUND

Ladders are indispensable tools for a myriad of applications, ranging from routine household operations to substantial construction endeavors. They serve as an ostensibly straightforward means of accessing elevated areas. Nevertheless, traditional ladders are encumbered by inherent constraints that can compromise safety and user satisfaction.

One significant issue pertains to the absence of a designated work surface. When climbing up or down a ladder, carrying tools and materials can be quite challenging in terms of ergonomics and stability. Holding onto tools can make it difficult to maintain the necessary “three-point contact” with the ladder (two hands and one foot), increasing the risk of slipping and falling.

Some ladder manufacturers provide ladders with flip-down shelves, but these shelves are often small and not very durable. When it comes to bucket attachments, they can help provide a container, but the act of reaching in and out can be quite challenging, particularly when the ladder is positioned at a considerable height. While bucket attachments provide some storage capacity, their size can affect the ladder's stability by widening its center of gravity. Moreover, reaching for tools from a bucket at a height can lead to awkward postures, causing strain and potential loss of balance. Although tool belts offer a hands-free solution for carrying tools, the added weight on one hip can result in muscular fatigue and imbalances, impacting balance and increasing the risk of falling.

Ladder manufacturers have attempted to address the issue of tool carrying by offering detachable trays. However, these solutions often fall short in terms of integration, user experience, and safety. A ladder with a separate detachable tray is present in market. The detachable tray is mounted on the ladder in any one of a variety of ways. The detachable tool tray is a separate component designed to integrate with the ladder structure. Mounting mechanisms can vary, offering flexibility based on user preference and application requirements. Certain designs utilize openings within the rungs themselves. The tray hooks or slots into these designated openings, providing a secure platform for tools. Brackets or fasteners can be attached directly to the rungs or ladder head. The tool tray then connects and locks onto these dedicated attachment points. Some designs incorporate grooves or tracks directly into the side rails. The tool tray slides and locks into these channels for secure positioning. Hybrid designs can combine elements of the aforementioned methods, leveraging rung openings, brackets, and side rail tracks for enhanced stability and load capacity. Generally, a user climbs to the upper end of the ladder to perform work. On a standard ladder there is nothing at the upper end of a ladder for carrying tools.

The primary function of the detachable tool tray is to provide a readily accessible platform for tools and materials while the user is positioned on the ladder. This eliminates the need to constantly climb up and down to retrieve necessary items, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of falls.

Many attempts have been made to provide some form of ladder tray for attachment to the upper end of the ladder for holding tools and materials. It is necessary for the user to position the ladder and climbed to the top to attach the ladder tray. Prior art devices require the user climbed to the top of the ladder and use fasteners or tools to attach a ladder tray.

Therefore, there is a need for a more secure and ergonomically optimized solution for users of ladders. There is also a need for a convenient tool and material holder that offers a stable work surface. There is also a need for a ladder-mounted tray that reduces the need for frequent climbing up and down the ladder, making tools and materials easily accessible and work more efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key nor critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.

The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a ladder-mounted tray or ledge that provides effective safety for a user. An embodiment of a first aspect, the ladder-mounted ledge comprises a body having an opening defined therein, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The body is configured to be removably attached to a ladder through the opening, with a ladder head positioned above the top surface of the body and ladder rungs positioned below the bottom surface of the body.

An embodiment of the first aspect, a plurality of slots are created on the body for securely holding a plurality of items. The slots comprise a shape including, but not limited to, a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, oval, and diamond. The slots are configured to hold the items. The items include, but are not limited to, various work tools, power and hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, and paint brushes.

An embodiment of the first aspect, one or more accessory holes are created on the body. The accessory holes are configured to receive and securely hold a mountable accessory through a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly comprises, but is not limited to, one or more connectors, nuts and bolts, clamps hooks, and threaded inserts. The fastening assembly is configured to enable a user to detachably connect the mountable accessory to the accessory holes. The mountable accessory is configured with at least one compartment to hold at least one accessory. The accessory includes, but is not limited to, a paint can, and other articles. The fastening assembly is configured to enable a user to detach and connect the current mountable paint accessory using the two accessory holes which are available for future attachments.

An embodiment of the first aspect, a support assembly is disposed on the bottom surface of the body. The support assembly is configured to secure the body to the ladder and prevent movement of the ladder relative to the body. The body is made of a material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, and wood.

In a preferred embodiment, the support assembly comprises one or more locking units and a ladder support brace. The locking units are configured to interlock with at least one rung of the ladder, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge. The locking units comprise, but are not limited to, clamps, clips, and latches thereof. The ladder support brace is configured to engage with a ladder cross brace of the ladder, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge.

An embodiment of a second aspect, an adjustable ladder-mounted ledge comprises a body having an opening defined therein, a top surface, a bottom surface, at least two sections, and at least two extendable platforms. The two sections are adjustably connected to each other through a slider assembly for altering the width of the body and the opening. The extendable platforms are attached to the top surface of the body through the fastening assembly. The extendable platforms are configured to movably connect the two sections with each other. In one embodiment, at least one extendable platform is the mountable accessory. The body is configured to be removably attached to a ladder through the opening, with a ladder head positioned above the top surface of the body and ladder rungs positioned below the bottom surface of the body.

An embodiment of the second aspect, a support assembly is disposed on the bottom surface of the body. The support assembly is configured to secure the body to the ladder and prevent movement of the ladder relative to the body. The body is made of a material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, and wood. In a preferred embodiment, the support assembly comprises one or more locking units and a ladder support brace. The locking units are configured to interlock with at least one rung of the ladder, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge. The locking units comprise, but are not limited to, clamps, clips, and latches thereof. The ladder support brace is configured to engage with a ladder cross brace of the ladder, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge.

An embodiment of a third aspect, a ladder-mounted ledge comprises a body having an opening defined therein, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front section, and a rear section. The body is configured to be removably attached to a ladder through the opening, with a ladder head positioned above the top surface of the body and ladder rungs positioned below the bottom surface of the body.

An embodiment of the third aspect, a hinge assembly is configured to movably attach the front section to the rear section, thereby allowing the ladder-mounted ledge to change from a fold position to an unfolded position.

An embodiment of the third aspect, a plurality of slots are created on the body for securely holding a plurality of items. The slots comprise a shape including, but not limited to, a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, oval, and diamond. The slots are configured to hold the items. The items include, but are not limited to, various work tools, power and hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, and paint brushes.

An embodiment of the third aspect, one or more accessory holes are created on the body. The accessory holes are configured to receive and securely hold a mountable accessory through a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly comprises, but is not limited to, one or more connectors, nuts and bolts, clamp hooks, and threaded inserts. The fastening assembly is configured to enable a user to detachably connect the mountable accessory to the accessory holes. The mountable accessory is configured with at least one compartment to hold at least one accessory. The accessory includes, but is not limited to, a paint can, and other articles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1Arefers to a front-top view of a ladder-mounted ledge or tray100.FIG.1Brefers to a bottom view of the ladder-mounted ledge100. In one embodiment, the ladder-mounted ledge100comprises a body102having an opening104defined therein, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The body102is configured to be removably attached to a ladder10through the opening104, with a ladder head12positioned above the top surface of the body102and ladder rungs14positioned below the bottom surface of the body102.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the body102of the ladder-mounted ledge100comprises a plurality of slots106for securely holding a plurality of items16. The slots106comprise a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, circle, triangle, square, rectangle, oval, diamond, star, heart, and thereof. The slots106are configured to securely hold the plurality of items16. The plurality of items16include, but are not limited to, various work tools, equipment, power and hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, and paint brushes, etc.

Referring toFIG.1B, one or more accessory holes108are formed on the body102. The accessory holes108are configured to receive and securely hold a mountable accessory110through a fastening assembly112, as shown inFIG.2A. The fastening assembly112comprises, but is not limited to, one or more connectors, nuts and bolts, clamps hooks, and threaded inserts. The fastening assembly112is configured to enable a user to detachably connect the mountable accessory110to the accessory holes108.

A support assembly (114A,114B) is disposed on the bottom surface of the body102, as shown inFIG.2C. The support assembly (114A,114B) is configured to secure the body102to the ladder10and prevent movement of the ladder10relative to the body102. The body102is made of a material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, and wood.

In a preferred embodiment, the support assembly (114A,114B) comprises one or more locking units114A and a ladder support brace114B. The locking units114A are configured to interlock with at least one rung of the ladder10, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge100. The locking units114A comprise, but are not limited to, clamps, clips, latches, and anti-tip clips. The ladder support brace114B is configured to engage with a ladder cross brace of the ladder10, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge100.

FIG.1Crefers to a front-top view of another embodiment of the ladder ledge100with a hinge assembly120.FIG.1Drefers to a bottom view of the ladder ledge100with the hinge assembly120. The ladder ledge100with the hinge assembly120can be referred as a foldable ladder ledge. The ladder ledge100comprises a body102having an opening104defined therein, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front section102A, and a rear section102B. The body102is configured to be removably attached to the ladder10through the opening104, with the ladder head12positioned above the top surface of the body102and ladder rungs14positioned below the bottom surface of the body102.

In one embodiment, the hinge assembly120is configured to movably attach the front section102A to the rear section102B, thereby allowing the ladder ledge100to change from a fold position to an unfolded position.

In one embodiment, the body102of the ladder ledge100comprises the slots106for securely holding a plurality of items. The slots106comprise a shape including, but not limited to, a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, oval, and diamond. The slots106are configured to hold the items16. The items16include, but are not limited to, various work tools, power tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers, paint brushes, and thereof.

Referring toFIG.1E, the mountable accessory110is configured with at least one compartment122to hold at least one accessory16. The accessory16includes, but is not limited to, a paint can, and other articles.

In one embodiment, the accessory holes108are formed on the body102. The accessory holes108are configured to receive and securely hold the mountable accessory110through a fastening assembly112. The fastening assembly112comprises, but is not limited to, one or more connectors, nuts and bolts, clamp hooks, and threaded inserts. The fastening assembly112is configured to enable a user to detachably connect the mountable accessory110to the accessory holes108. The mountable accessory110is configured with at least one compartment122to hold at least one accessory. The accessory includes, but is not limited to, a paint can, and other articles.

In one embodiment, the ladder ledge100has the body102that is movable between a folded position and an extended position, as shown inFIG.1CandFIG.1D. The ladder ledge100is configured for positioning on a fold down, forward shelf of the ladder10, as the forward shelf can provide support to the ladder ledge100. The forward shelf is configured to act as a support platform for the ladder ledge100, in an unfolded position or extended position.

ReferringFIG.1CandFIG.1D, the body102consists of the front section102A and the rear section102B. The front section102A and the rear section102B are connected together at a hinge line by the hinge assembly120, as shown inFIG.1D. The hinge assembly120is configured to allow the body102to fold into a foldable position. When folded, the overall size of the ladder ledge100reduces considerably. This allows users to easily store or place it in tight spaces, making it highly convenient for compact storage. When the body102is unfolded (extended position), the opening104is formed.

This foldability can allow for easier transport of and more secure storage of the ladder ledge10in, for example, truck boxes, job toolboxes, and other storage containers. The opening104is configured to receive a top portion of the ladder10and be supported by the ladder10in an open position.

As shown inFIG.1C, when supported by the ladder10, the body102now one piece by installation on the hinge assembly120is positioned horizontally or substantially horizontally to, for example, accommodate a variety of tools and materials thereon. In certain embodiments, the opening104is located closer to a first side to, for example, reduce any interference with use of ladder steps and maximize ledge space on an opposing second side, while in use with a ladder having a flip-down shelf, it will be appreciated, however, that a foldable ladder ledge frame is provided in any of a variety of suitable shapes and configurations. The foldable ladder ledge is formed from any of a variety of suitable materials as described above for the ladder ledge10.

In one embodiment, the front section102A and the rear section102B include the slots106and the accessory holes108. The slots106, as shown inFIG.1CandFIG.1D, is included in any of a variety of suitable shapes and configurations to secure and/or receive a variety of tools, containers, among other items.

The accessory holes108are provided in the body102for placement of, for example, an optional paint holder, as shown inFIG.1C, and/or a variety of other suitable attachments. Flip-down shelves can eliminate the need for the support assembly, as used inFIG.1D.

FIG.2Arefers to a perspective view of the ladder-mounted ledge100mounted on the ladder10.FIG.2Brefers to a perspective bottom view of the ladder-mounted ledge100mounted on the ladder10.FIG.2Crefers to a bottom view of the ladder-mounted ledge100depicting the ladder support brace114B.FIG.2Drefers to a bottom view of the ladder-mounted ledge100depicting the one or more locking units114A.

Referring toFIG.2C, the support assembly (114A,114B) is configured to secure the body102to the ladder10and prevent movement of the ladder10relative to the body102. The body102is made of a material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, and wood. In a preferred embodiment referring toFIG.2D, the locking units114A are configured to interlock with at least one rung of the ladder10, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge100. The locking units114A comprise, but are not limited to, clamps, clips, latches, and anti-tip clips. The ladder support brace114B is configured to engage with a ladder cross brace of the ladder10, thereby preventing movement of the ladder-mounted ledge100.

FIG.3Arefers to a front-top view of an adjustable ladder ledge300according to another embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment herein, the adjustable ladder ledge300comprises a body302having an opening304defined therein, a top surface, a bottom surface, at least two sections (302A,302B), and at least two extendable platforms (316A,316B). The body302is configured to be removably attached to a ladder10through the opening304, with a ladder head12positioned above the top surface of the body302and ladder rungs14positioned below the bottom surface of the body302, as shown inFIG.3C.

The two sections (302A,302B) are adjustably connected to each other through a slider assembly318for altering the width of the body302and the opening304. The extendable platforms (316A,316B) are attached to the top surface of the body302through the fastening assembly312. The extendable platforms (316A,316B) are configured to movably connect the two sections (302A,302B) with each other. In one embodiment, at least one extendable platform316A is the mountable accessory310, as shownFIG.3D.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the body302of the adjustable ladder ledge300comprises a plurality of slots306for securely holding a plurality of items16. The slots306comprise a shape including, but not limited to, a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, oval, and diamond, etc. The slots306are configured to hold the items16. The items16include, but are not limited to, various work tools, equipment, power tools, screwdrivers, hammers, paint brushes, and thereof.

An embodiment of the first aspect, one or more accessory holes308are formed on the body302. The accessory holes308are configured to receive and securely hold a mountable accessory310through a fastening assembly312. The fastening assembly312comprises, but is not limited to, one or more connectors, nuts and bolts, clamps hooks, and threaded inserts. The fastening assembly312is configured to enable a user to detachably connect the mountable accessory310to the accessory holes308. The mountable accessory310is configured with at least one compartment322to hold at least one accessory16. The accessory16includes, but is not limited to, a paint can, and other articles.

FIG.3Brefers to a bottom view of the adjustable ladder ledge300. An embodiment of the first aspect, a support assembly (314A,314B) is disposed on the bottom surface of the body302. The support assembly (314A,314B) is configured to secure the body302to the ladder10and prevent movement of the ladder10relative to the body302. The body302is made of a material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, and wood.

In a preferred embodiment, the support assembly (314A,314B) comprises one or more locking units314A and a ladder support brace314B. The locking units314A are configured to interlock with at least one rung of the ladder10, thereby preventing movement of the adjustable ladder ledge300. The locking units314A comprise, but are not limited to, clamps, clips, latches, and anti-tip clips. The ladder support brace314B is configured to engage with a ladder cross brace of the ladder10, thereby preventing movement of the adjustable ladder ledge300.

Referring toFIG.3A, the two sections (302A,302B) comprise a left frame section302A, and a right frame section302B. The slider assembly318integrates and secures the two sections (302A,302B) and the extendable platforms (316A,316B). In one embodiment, the slider assembly318comprises, but not limited to, one or more slider members designed to slide along designated edges. The slider members are attached to the edges of the two sections (302A,302B) and the extendable platforms (316A,316B). The slider members are configured to move along the designated edges. This adjustability allows for precise positioning of the two sections (302A,302B) relative to each other, potentially enabling customization of the overall size or configuration of the frame302.

In one embodiment, the extendable platforms (316A,316B) comprise a top extendable platform316A, and a bottom extendable platform316B. The extendable platforms (316A,316B) may vary in size and shape based on the requirements.

The left frame section302A and right frame section302B are connected using the extendable platforms (316A,316B). These extendable platforms (316A,316B) are mounted on top of both frame sections (302A,302B). The extendable platforms (316A,316B) are configured with one or more through holes that align with corresponding accessory holes308present on each frame section (302A,302B). The fastening assembly312is inserted through these holes and accessory holes308to secure the frame sections (302A,302B) together. In one embodiment, the fastening assembly312comprises wing nuts that are used to tighten and secure the bolts for a reliable connection.

FIG.3Crefers to a perspective view of the adjustable ladder ledge300mounted on the ladder10. In some embodiments, the opening304could be sized to the adjustable ladder ledge300to be sufficiently secured on the ladder10. The left frame section302A and the right frame section302B are flat or substantially flat panels. When supported by the ladder10, the adjustable ladder ledge300is positioned horizontally or substantially horizontally to, for example, accommodate a variety of tools and materials. The adjustable opening304is configured to receive a top portion12of the ladder10and be supported by the ladder10in an open position. For example, the adjustable ladder ledge300is adjusted to fit over the ladder10and be supported by the ladder supports314B. This adjustability of can allow for the adjustable ladder ledge300to work with multiple types of ladders (e.g., ladders of different sizes and brands).

In some embodiments, the two sections (302A,302B) connected through the extendable platforms (316A,316B) creates the opening304that is adjusted from about 14.5 inches to about 17.5 inches wide. In another embodiment, the adjustable ladder ledge300, and the opening304are provided in a wide range of sizes.

In one embodiment, the opening304is secured at resting points for the ladder support314B and the locking units314A, similar to the way depicted inFIG.1CandFIG.1D. Once the adjustable ladder ledge300is placed on the ladder10, the slider assembly318is attached to the edges of the left frame section302A, the right frame section302B, and the extendable platforms (316A,316B). This secures them together, enhancing the overall stability of the platform.

In one embodiment, the adjustable ladder ledge300comprises the slots306. The slots306is included in any of a variety of suitable shapes and configurations to secure and receive a variety of tools, containers, among other items. The adjustable ladder ledge300further includes the accessory holes308. In one embodiment, the accessory holes308are through holes and/or adjustment accessory holes, is utilized to accommodate any of a variety of attachment accessories.

FIG.3Drefers to a perspective view of the adjustable ladder ledge300connected to the mountable accessory310and mounted on the ladder10. The ladder ledges described herein further include attachment accessories. For example, and as shown inFIG.3D, depicts the adjustable ladder ledge300includes the mountable accessory310. The mountable accessory310is used with any other ladder ledge described herein, in order to secure a paint pail16. In use, the mountable accessory310is positioned horizontally and attached to, for example, adjustable ladder ledge300by using the accessory holes308. In certain embodiments, the mountable accessory310is used as the large extendable platform316A, as shown inFIG.3Dand allow the adjustable ladder ledge300to maintain its adjustability.

In some embodiments, the foldable ladder ledge100further includes the support assembly such as anti-tip clips, as described above, for an added secure placement.

In some embodiments, the foldable ladder ledge100further comprises a left frame section, a right frame section, and at least two extendable platforms, as described above inFIG.1A,FIG.1B.FIG.1CandFIG.1D. A slider assembly is configured to integrate and secure the left frame section, the right frame section, and the extendable platforms. In one embodiment, the slider assembly comprises, but not limited to, one or more slider members designed to slide along designated edges. The slider members are attached to the edges of the two sections and the extendable platforms.

The ladder-mounted ledge (100, and300) provides a stable work surface, which minimizes the frequency of ascents and descents and facilitates efficient access to the tools and materials while using the ladder. The ladder-mounted ledge (100, and300) reduces the risk of falls during accessing the tools and materials, for example, various work tools, power tools, screwdrivers, and thereof.

It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.