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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/175,731 filed on May 5, 2009, entitled LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS, LADDER ACCESSORIES, LADDER SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Ladders are conventionally utilized to provide a user thereof with improved access to elevated locations that might otherwise be difficult to reach. Ladders come in many sizes and configurations, such as straight ladders, straight extension ladders, stepladders, and combination step and extension ladders. So-called combination ladders may incorporate, in a single ladder, many of the benefits of other ladder designs. 
         [0004]    Additionally, various accessories are utilized with ladders to make ladders more efficient, more effective, or to otherwise enhance a user&#39;s experience in using a ladder. For example, planks or other structures are sometimes combined with two or more ladders to act as a platform or scaffolding. For example, so-called ladder jacks are often utilized in conjunction with a pair of ladders to provide a support for one or more wooden planks (e.g., 2×10 or 2×12 planks). Such a configuration enables a user to work on a platform of a defined width rather than having to move a ladder multiple times. However, breaking down or disassembling such a configuration, moving all of the components and then setting them up again can be time consuming and require considerable effort. 
         [0005]    Another ladder accessory is one which provides storage for, and ready access to, a desired resource while one is working on a ladder. For example, it is often desirable to keep multiple tools readily accessible while on a ladder. However, ladders don&#39;t typically have much storage space for many tools or other items. Step ladders, for example, may have a limited surface on the top cap for placing a tool or other resource, but such is extremely limited in space. Extension ladders, on the other hand, typically have no space for storing tools or supplies. Thus, for example, when one is using a ladder for painting, it is desirable to keep a source of paint close by, but it is awkward to try and keep a conventional paint bucket or roller tray on a ladder. 
         [0006]    Moreover, while the top cap of a stepladder provides a limited amount of storage space for one&#39;s tools or supplies (as mentioned above), when one uses a combination ladder, no such top cap is available for even that limited storage space. 
         [0007]    As such, the industry is continually looking for ways to improve the experience of using a ladder and to provide ladders, ladder systems and related components and accessories that make the use of ladders more efficient and effective. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates generally to ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods. 
         [0009]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided comprising at least two step ladders and a platform. The platform includes a body portion and at least two coupling mechanisms for coupling with the at least two step ladders. Each coupling mechanism includes at least one bracket fixedly coupled to the body portion and at least one other bracket movably coupled to the body portion. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another embodiment, another system is provided including at least two step ladders and a platform having a body portion and at least two coupling mechanisms. Each coupling mechanism comprises at least one bracket fixedly coupled to the body portion, at least one other bracket movable coupled to the body portion, a lever pivotally coupled with the body portion, and a linkage member coupled between the lever and the at least one other bracket. The lever is configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position and, when in the second position, is substantially flush with a working surface of the body portion of the platform. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a storage device for use with a ladder is provided. The storage device includes a main body portion formed of a flexible fabric and having two opposing sides defining in part an opening at a top of the main body portion. Each of a pair of brackets are coupled to a different one of the two opposing sides of the main body portion. Each bracket is sized and configured to selectively engage a rung of a ladder, wherein the main body portion is configured to collapse such that two brackets are displaced towards each other when the main body portion is in a collapsed state. 
         [0012]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a storage device for use with a multipurpose ladder lacking a top cap is provided. The storage device comprises a main body portion formed of a flexible fabric and a pair of brackets coupled with the main body portion. Each bracket is sized and configured to engage one of two adjacent rungs of opposing rail assemblies of the multipurpose ladder, wherein the main body portion is configured to collapse when the opposing rail assemblies of the ladder are folded against one another. 
         [0013]    In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a ladder system is provided. The ladder system includes a ladder having a first assembly and a second assembly, the first and second assemblies being pivotally coupled with one another. A storage device has a main body portion formed of a flexible fabric and includes two opposing sides defining in part an opening at a top of the main body portion. A first side of the two opposing sides is coupled with a rung of the first assembly and wherein a second side of the two opposing sides is coupled with a rung of the second assembly. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a paint tray for use with one or more ladders is provided. The paint tray includes a body portion defining a volume for containing a liquid therein. Each of a pair of brackets is selectively coupled with the body portion in at least two positions including a first position wherein the bracket exhibits a first orientation relative to the body portion and a second position wherein the bracket exhibits a second orientation relative to the body portion, the second orientation being different than the first orientation. 
         [0015]    In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, another paint tray for use with one or more ladders is provided. The paint tray includes a body portion and a pair of brackets. Each bracket comprises a first member coupled with the body portion and a second member selectively coupled with the first member such that, when in a first position, the first member and second member form an angle relative to one another that is greater than 90° and, when in a second position, the first member and the second member form an angle relative to one another that is less than 90°. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a ladder system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a ladder system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3A-3C  are side views of certain portions of the ladder system shown in  FIG. 1  during various states of use; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are top, front and perspective views of a ladder accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the ladder accessory shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C  attached to a ladder in one configuration; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the ladder accessory shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C  attached to a ladder in another configuration; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are side, back perspective, and top perspective views of a ladder accessory in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show another embodiment of a ladder accessory; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is an explode view of certain components of the ladder accessory shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ; and 
           [0026]      FIGS. 10A-10C  are back, side and front views of another embodiment of a ladder accessory that may be used in conjunction with the accessories shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C ,  8 A and  8 B. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a ladder and platform system  100  is shown and described. The system  100  includes, for example, two or more base members configured as step ladders  102 , and one or more planks  104  or other structures coupled with the ladders  102 . The planks  104  provide a working surface to support a user at an elevated position while working or performing some other activity. Use of a plank  104  or similar structure for a working surface provides a user with increased mobility and movement while at the elevated position compared to the use of only a ladder. In one embodiment, the body  105  of the planks  104  may be, for example, formed of an aluminum material. In other embodiments, other metals or metal alloys may be used. Additionally, other materials, including wood, composites, or combinations of various materials may be used to form the body  105  of the planks  104 . 
         [0028]    The planks  104  are selectively coupled to the ladders  102  so as to enable a plank to be positioned at a plurality of heights relative to an underlying supporting surface (e.g., the ground) as indicated by the references H 1 , H 2  and H 3  in  FIG. 1 . Thus, the planks  104  may be coupled to a top cap  106  of each ladder  102 , or to one of the rungs  108  of each ladder. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a series of planks  104  may be used to establish working surfaces at desired elevations along a substantial width or distance. While  FIG. 2  shows the use of three ladders  102  and two planks  104 , additional components may be added if needed or desired for a given situation. Thus, for example, three planks  104  coupled between four spaced-apart ladders  102  may be used (or five planks  104  with six spaced-apart ladders  102 , etc.). Additionally, while  FIG. 2  shows the use of two planks  104  at different elevations, the planks  104  could be at the same elevation to provide an extended working surface at a common height or elevation above a supporting surface. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3C , an example of a coupling or locking mechanism  110  used to couple a plank  104  with a ladder  102  is shown. The coupling mechanism  110  may include one or more stationary brackets  112  which may be configured as hooks or L-shaped members in one embodiment. The stationary brackets  112  may be coupled to the longitudinal end of the body  105  of the plank  104 . In the presently described embodiment, two stationary brackets  112  are located generally at each longitudinal end of the body  105  of the plank  104 . 
         [0030]    A moveable bracket  114  is moveably coupled with the body  105  of the plank  104  and is configured to move relative to the stationary bracket  112 . In one embodiment, the moveable bracket  114  may be slidable relative to the body  105  of the plank  105  between two positions such as described below. An actuator  116  is coupled with the moveable bracket  112  and, in one embodiment, may include a lever  118  that is pivotally coupled with the plank  104 , and a linkage member  120  coupled between the lever  118  and the moveable bracket  114 . 
         [0031]    When the lever  118  is displaced, the movement is transferred through the linkage member  120  to effect displacement of the moveable bracket  114 . Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , as the lever  118  moves from an “open” position ( FIG. 3A ) to a “closed” position (FIG.  3 C—with  FIG. 3B  showing an intermediate position of the lever), the moveable bracket  114  is displaced to the left (in the orientation shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B ) to effect engagement of an associated ladder  102 . 
         [0032]    Thus, to selectively couple the plank  104  to the top cap  106  of a ladder  102 , the moveable bracket  114  is placed in the open position (i.e., as shown in  FIG. 3A , or in position H 3  shown in  FIG. 3 ), and the stationary brackets  112  are positioned in corresponding holes or slots  124  formed in the top cap  106  of the ladder  104  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The lever  118  is then displaced and the moveable bracket  114  is correspondingly displaced from an open position to a closed position so as to engage the top cap  106  as indicated in  FIG. 3C . One the coupling mechanism  110  has engaged the top cap  106 , an affirmative connection is formed such that, if one were to pick up the plank  104 , the ladder  102  would remain coupled to the plank  104  and be picked up with the plank  104 . It will be understood that a coupling mechanism  110  positioned at each end of the plank  104  enables each end of the plank  104  to be coupled with a separate ladder  102  such as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0033]    It is noted that the embodiment shown includes two stationary brackets  112  at each end and a single associated moveable bracket  114 . The stationary brackets  112  are spaced apart across a width of the plank  104  with the moveable bracket  114  positioned generally in the center. Such a configuration provides substantial stability with the three brackets (two stationary  112  and one moveable  114 ) forming a triangle about either the top cap  106  or the rung  108  with which they are engaged. However, other arrangements of the stationary brackets  112  and the moveable brackets  114 , including positioning and numbers of brackets, are also contemplated. 
         [0034]    The movable bracket  114  may exhibit other configurations in accordance with other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the movable bracket  114  may be pivotally coupled with the body  105  of the plank  104  and be selectively positionable between open and closed positions for coupling with an associated ladder  102 . In another embodiment, the movable bracket  114  may be displaced longitudinally (i.e., in a direction along the length of the plank  104  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3C ) as well as being substantially simultaneously displaced elevationally (i.e., up or down when considering the orientation shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C ). For example, such may be accomplished using a cam mechanism or actuator in association with the movable bracket  114 . 
         [0035]    While not specifically shown, the sequence of engaging and coupling a plank  104  with a rung  108  of a ladder  102  is a similar sequence to that which is described above with respect to the top cap  106 . The main difference, however, is that the stationary brackets  112 , rather than being inserted through holes or slots, simply engage the back and underside of the rung  108 . Regardless of whether the plank  104  is coupled with a top cap  106  or a rung  108  of a ladder  102 , actuation of the moveable brackets (for engagement or disengagement) is simple and may be effected through single handed operation. 
         [0036]    The actuating mechanism  110  may be configured so that, when in a closed or locked position, none of its components are obtrusive to a user of the system  100 . Thus, for example, the lever  118  may be depressed or positioned in a recess of the body  105  of the plank  104  so that a user does not inadvertently trip or stumble on it when using the system  100 . 
         [0037]    The system  100  may be made of components such that the total weight of, for example, two ladders  102  and an attached plank  104 , enables a user to pick up the entire system and move it at will, without disassembly or uncoupling of the plank  104  from the ladders  102 . In one embodiment, such a system  100  (including two ladders  102  and a plank  104 ) may weigh approximately 35 pounds or less (e.g., the ladders  102  weighing approximately 10 pounds each, and the plank  104  weigh approximately 15 pounds) with the ladders  102  being approximately 32 inches tall and the plank  104  having a length (extending between the two ladders  102 ) of approximately 6 feet. In one embodiment, such a configuration could support, for example, 250 pounds or more. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4C , a storage device  200  for use with ladders is shown. The storage device  200  includes a main portion  202  that may be formed as a bag or a sack. The main portion  202  defines a volume in which tools, parts, supplies or other resources may be stored while one is working on a ladder. The main portion  202  may be formed of a flexible, collapsible material, such as a durable canvas, nylon or other suitable material. Inside the volume defined by the main portion  202 , a plurality of loops  204  may be configured to hold various tools (e.g., screw drivers, pliers, hammers, etc.). In one embodiment, some of the straps may be formed, for example, of an elastic material. However, the straps may be formed of other materials as may be desired. For example, a hammer loop may be formed on the outside of the main portion and formed of a nylon strap or other appropriate material. 
         [0039]    Other pockets and pouches may be formed in the interior, or on the exterior, of the main portion. For example, a divider  203  is shown in  FIG. 4A  which may be used to subdivide the volume of the main portion into multiple zones or areas within the main portion  202 . Additionally, One or more handles  205  may also be formed in the main portion  202  for carrying and handling of the storage device  200 . While the handles  205  are shown as openings in the main portion  202 , handles may be formed as straps, brackets or other structures as appropriate. A pair of brackets  206  are also coupled to the main portion  202  and are configured to be coupled with a portion of a ladder with each bracket  206  being coupled with one side of the main portion  202 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the brackets  206  may be configured to engage one or more rungs  208  of a ladder  210 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the storage device  200  may be configured to hang from a single rung  208  of a ladder  210  on an exterior portion of the ladder  210 . Additionally, the storage device  200  may be coupled to adjacent rungs  208  of opposing rung/rail assemblies  212  of, for example, a multipurpose ladder  210  which conventionally lacks a top cap, such as shown in  FIG. 6  (and in dashed lines in  FIG. 5 ). Moreover, when coupled with adjacent rungs  208  as shown in  FIG. 6 , since the main portion  202  is formed of a flexible, collapsible material, the storage device  200  may stay attached to the adjacent rungs  208  when the ladder is folded or collapsed for transportation or storage. Additionally, the top of the main portion  202  may be configured to close and encompass any contents contained therein when it collapses with a folded ladder. In one embodiment, additional structure or mechanisms may be associated with the main portion  202  to keep the top closed. For example, Velcro®, snaps, magnets, zippers or other structures may be used to help keep the top of the main portion  202  closed when the main portion  202  is in a collapsed state. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C , a paint tray  300  or container for use with a ladder  302  is shown. The paint tray  300  includes a body portion  304  configured to hold a desired volume of paint. For example, in one embodiment, the body portion  304  may be configured to hold approximately ¾ of a gallon of paint without the concern of spilling out of the paint tray when a paint roller is placed within the body portion  304 . 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the body portion  304  is configured to exhibit substantial depth so that a paint roller may be disposed therein and rolled against an interior wall of the body portion  304 . Inside the body portion  300 , a plurality of protrusions  306  may be formed along a wall thereof to help spread or distribute paint on to paint roller as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. A handle  307  is coupled to the body portion  304  for carrying and handling of the paint tray  300 . 
         [0043]    One or more brackets  308  are coupled with the body portion  304 . In one embodiment, the brackets  308  are configured to cooperatively engage corresponding slots or openings in the top cap  310  of a ladder  302 . Thus, for example, the paint tray  300  may be coupled on the back side of a ladder  302 , by way of the top cap  310 , so that a user may stand on the ladder  302  and access the paint tray  300  over the top of the ladder  302  while painting (see  FIG. 7A ). The main body portion  304  also includes a base portion  312  which is configured to support the paint tray  300  on a supporting surface (e.g., the ground, a table, a plank, etc.) without added assistance. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , another embodiment of a paint tray  400  is shown. The paint tray  400  is similar to the paint tray  300  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-7C , but has selectively adjustable brackets  402 . The brackets  402  include a first portion  402 A coupled to the main body  404 . A second portion  402 B is selectively coupled with the first portion  402 A. In one embodiment, the first portion  402 A of the bracket may be integrated with the main body portion  404  and the second portion  402 B of the bracket. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, the first portion  402 A of the bracket may be separate from, and removably coupled with, a portion of the main body  404 . For example,  FIG. 9  shows and example of first and second portions  402 A and  402 B which may be used in conjunction with the paint tray  400 . The first portion  402 A may include a first body portion  410  configured to extend through an opening  412  of the second portion. The first portion  402 A may also include a latching or securing portion  414  for coupling with the main body  404  of the paint tray  400 . For example, the latching portion  414  may have a lip  416  configured to extend within an opening within the main body  404  (or within a bracket formed on, or coupled to, the main body). The latching portion  414  may be biased such that the lip  416  abuts a peripheral wall of an opening associated with the main body  404 . 
         [0046]    Still referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , when coupled together in a first manner, such as shown in  FIG. 8A , the second portion  402 B of the bracket forms an angle A 1  relative to the first portion  402 A of the bracket, which angle A 1  may be described as being obtuse or greater than 90° enabling the paint tray  400  to be securely coupled with the top cap of a ladder (e.g., such as shown in  FIG. 7A ). When coupled in a second manner, such as shown in  FIG. 8B , the second portion  402 B forms a different angle A 2  relative to the first portion  402 A which may be described as being acute or less than 90° and which enables the paint tray  400  to be securely coupled with the rung of a ladder. This enables the paint tray to be used effectively with a variety of different types and models of ladders. For example, the paint tray may be utilized in conjunction with step ladders, extension ladders, straight ladders and combination ladders. 
         [0047]    It is also noted that the second portion  402 A of the brackets may have ribs, ridges, channels or other surface features  418  formed thereon. Such surface features  418  may be configured to engage certain components or structures of a ladder. Thus, for example, channels may be formed so as to engage a portion of a top cap or a ladder rung to enhance security and stability of the paint tray  400  when coupled with a ladder. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10C , a holder  420  is shown that may be coupled with the paint tray  400  (or paint tray  300 ). In one embodiment, the holder  420  includes a body portion  422  having a slot  423  or other structure defined at a lower end thereof, for example, for coupling with the main body  404  of the paint tray  400 . For example, the slot  423  may be positioned over the upper edge of a wall forming the main body  404  such that the body portion  422  of the holder  420  effectively extends upward from the wall of the paint tray  400 . The holder  420  includes structure such as a pair of spaced-apart bracket arms  424  protruding or extending from a face of the body portion  422 . The arms  424  are positioned and configured so that a paint roller may be placed along the top edges  426  of the arms  424  with the handle of the paint roller being positioned against body portion  422  between the two arms  424 . The holder  420  may also include a bracket or other structure for holding a brush. For example, a magnet  428  may be coupled with the body portion  422  so that the metal casing of a paint brush may be placed adjacent the magnet  428  to hold the paint brush against the face of the body portion  422 . 
         [0049]    While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

Summary:
Various embodiments of ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a ladder and platform system is provided having at least two ladders and a platform or plank. The platform or plank has coupling mechanisms that provide adjustable but secure coupling of the platform to the ladders, either with the top cap or with the rungs. Other embodiments include storage devices and paint trays for use with ladders and ladder systems incorporating such devices.