Patent Publication Number: US-2019169933-A1

Title: Pipe Tradesman&#39;s Ladder and Method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/416,967 filed May 3, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,208,538, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/358,626 filed Feb. 21, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,872 issued Feb. 15, 2011; and is also related to U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 11/416,961 filed May 3, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,313 issued Jul. 3, 2012, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to a pipe tradesman ladder. More specifically, the present invention is related to a pipe tradesman ladder preferably having a pipe/tube holder, a utility hook and a strap bender. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For years, stepladders have been designed for the general construction and painting professionals needs. Bauer Corporation provides a ladder vise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,454 that attaches to a stepladder to hold materials securely. This vise requires the user to first operate the vise on one side and place the conduit in and then open the opposite side and place the conduit in to hold it firmly. This holder is a spring loaded sliding design that will hold a variety of materials. 
     For years, stepladders have been designed for the general construction and painting professionals needs. The new Werner Pipe Trade ladder is designed for the specific needs of the Pipe Tradesman. New features have been added to aid in the installation of piping tubing, and slots and hooks for tool storage. These added features help make the user&#39;s job safer and more efficient. 
     Bauer ladders developed and patented a Ladder Vise in 1981, U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,454. Their design requires the user to first operate the vise on one side and place the pipe/tube in and then open the opposite side and place the other end of the pipe/tube in to hold it firmly. Their holder is a spring-loaded sliding design that will hold a variety of materials. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder comprises a front side. The front side comprised of a first front rail, and a second front rail in parallel with the first front rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side also comprised of a plurality of front rungs or steps. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail and the second front rail and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder comprises a rear side. The rear side comprised of a first rear rail and a second rear rail in parallel with the first rear rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung or horizontal is connected to the first rear rail and the second rear rail and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder comprises a top. The front side and rear side fixedly attached to the top such that the front side and rear side can be folded together into a closed position where the front side and rear side are essentially in parallel or opened about the top into an operational position where the front side and rear side are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder comprises a pipe/tube holder attached to the rear side for holding pipe. 
     The present invention pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder comprises a front side. The front side comprised of a first front rail, and a second front rail in parallel with the first front rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side also comprised of a plurality of front rungs. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail and the second front rail and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder comprises a rear side. The rear side comprised of a first rear rail and a second rear rail in parallel with the first rear rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung connected to the first rear rail and the second rear rail and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder comprises a top. The front side and rear side fixedly attached to the top such that the front side and rear side can be folded together into a closed position where the front side and rear side are essentially in parallel or opened about the top into an operational position where the front side and rear side are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder comprises a utility hook attached to the rear side. 
     The present invention pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder comprises a front side. The front side comprised of a first front rail, and a second front rail in parallel with the first front rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side also comprised of a plurality of front rungs. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail and the second front rail and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder comprises a rear side. The rear side comprised of a first rear rail and a second rear rail in parallel with the first rear rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung connected to the first rear rail and the second rear rail and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder comprises a top. The front side and rear side fixedly attached to the top such that the front side and rear side can be folded together into a closed position where the front side and rear side are essentially in parallel or opened about the top into an operational position where the front side and rear side are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder comprises a strap bender attached to a rail or a rear rung through which a strap is inserted to be bent. 
     The present invention pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder comprises a front side. The front side comprised of a first front rail, and a second front rail in parallel with the first front rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side also comprised of a plurality of front rungs. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail and the second front rail and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder comprises a rear side. The rear side comprised of a first rear rail and a second rear rail in parallel with the first rear rail and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung connected to the first rear rail and the second rear rail and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder comprises a top. The front side and rear side fixedly attached to the top such that the front side and rear side can be folded together into a closed position where the front side and rear side are essentially in parallel or opened about the top into an operational position where the front side and rear side are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder comprises a pipe/tube holder attached to the rear side for holding pipe. The stepladder comprises a strap bender attached to a rail or a rear rung through which a strap is inserted to be bent. The stepladder comprises a utility hook attached to the rear side. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for cutting a pipe. The method comprises the steps of moving a pipe/tube holder of a rear side of a stepladder into an open position. There is the step of placing the pipe on the pipe/tube holder. There is the step of cutting the pipe while it is on the pipe/tube holder. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for using a tool. The method comprises the steps of taking the tool off of a utility hook attached in proximity to a center of a rung of a rear side of a stepladder. There is the step of using the tool on an object. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for bending a strap. The method comprises the steps of placing a first end of a strap into an opening of a strap bender on a rail or rear rung of a stepladder. There is the step of bending the strap while its first end is in the strap bender. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a stepladder of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of a pipe/tube holder with pipe. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a pipe/tube holder in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of the ladder with the utility hook. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of the strap bender. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of the pipe/tube holder. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of the pipe/tube holder. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the pipe/tube holder. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the pipe/tube holder in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the pipe/tube holder in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to  FIG. 1  thereof, there is shown a stepladder  100 . The stepladder  100  comprises a front side  25 . The front side  25  is comprised of a first front rail  4   a,  and a second front rail  4   b  in parallel with the first front rail  4   a  and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side  25  is also comprised of a plurality of front rungs. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail  4   a  and the second front rail  4   b  and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a rear side  27 . The rear side  27  comprised of a first rear rail  4   c  and a second rear rail  4   d  in parallel with the first rear rail  4   c  and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side  27  also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung connected to the first rear rail  4   c  and the second rear rail  4   d  and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a top  1 . The front side  25  and rear side  27  fixedly attached to the top  1  such that the front side  25  and rear side  27  can be folded together into a closed position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are essentially in parallel or opened about the top  1  into an operational position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder  100  comprises a pipe/tube holder  5  attached to the rear side  27  for holding pipe. 
     Preferably, the pipe/tube holder  5  includes a first side shield and a second side shield attached to the first rear rail  4   c  and the second rear rail  4   d  respectively, to protect the respective rear rail. The pipe/tube holder  5  preferably includes a first hook and a second hook, and a stamping  12  to which the first and second hooks are connected in alignment with each other; by moving the stamping  12 , the first and second hooks move in unison with the stamping  12  between a retracted position and an open position. Preferably, the pipe/tube holder  5  includes a first mounting bracket connected to the first rear rail  4   c  and the first hook, and a second mounting bracket connected to the second rear rail  4   d  and the second hook. The stamping  12  preferably includes a scallop portion  8  upon which pipe can rest. 
     The present invention pertains to a stepladder  100 . The stepladder  100  comprises a front side  25 . The front side  25  comprised of a first front rail  4   a,  and a second front rail  4   b  in parallel with the first front rail  4   a  and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side  25  also comprised of a plurality of front rungs. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail  4   a  and the second front rail  4   b  and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a rear side  27 . The rear side  27  comprised of a first rear rail  4   c  and a second rear rail  4   d  in parallel with the first rear rail  4   c  and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side  27  also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung connected to the first rear rail  4   c  and the second rear rail  4   d  and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a top  1 . The front side  25  and rear side  27  fixedly attached to the top  1  such that the front side  25  and rear side  27  can be folded together into a closed position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are essentially in parallel or opened about the top  1  into an operational position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder  100  comprises a utility hook  11  attached to the rear side  27 . 
     Preferably, the utility hook  11  is attached to the rear in proximity to the center of a rung of the rear side  27 . 
     The present invention pertains to a stepladder  100 . The stepladder  100  comprises a front side  25 . The front side  25  comprised of a first front rail  4   a,  and a second front rail  4   b  in parallel with the first front rail  4   a  and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side  25  also comprised of a plurality of front rungs. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail  4   a  and the second front rail  4   b  and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a rear side  27 . The rear side  27  comprised of a first rear rail  4   c  and a second rear rail  4   d  in parallel with the first rear rail  4   c  and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side  27  also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung connected to the first rear rail  4   c  and the second rear rail  4   d  and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a top  1 . The front side  25  and rear side  27  fixedly attached to the top  1  such that the front side  25  and rear side  27  can be folded together into a closed position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are essentially in parallel or opened about the top  1  into an operational position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder  100  comprises a strap bender  16  attached to a rail or a rear rung through which a strap  17  is inserted to be bent. 
     The present invention pertains to a stepladder  100 . The stepladder  100  comprises a front side  25 . The front side  25  comprised of a first front rail  4   a,  and a second front rail  4   b  in parallel with the first front rail  4   a  and in spaced relationship therewith. The front side  25  also comprised of a plurality of front rungs. Each front rung being connected to the first front rail  4   a  and the second front rail  4   b  and perpendicular thereto. Each front rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other front rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a rear side  27 . The rear side  27  comprised of a first rear rail  4   c  and a second rear rail  4   d  in parallel with the first rear rail  4   c  and in spaced relationship therewith. The rear side  27  also comprised of a plurality of rear rungs. Each rear rung connected to the first rear rail  4   c  and the second rear rail  4   d  and perpendicular thereto. Each rear rung in parallel and in spaced relationship with the other rear rungs. The stepladder  100  comprises a top  1 . The front side  25  and rear side  27  fixedly attached to the top  1  such that the front side  25  and rear side  27  can be folded together into a closed position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are essentially in parallel or opened about the top  1  into an operational position where the front side  25  and rear side  27  are at an angular relationship and a workman can climb to a desired rung and perform whatever work is desired. The stepladder  100  comprises a pipe/tube holder  5  attached to the rear side  27  for holding pipe. The stepladder  100  comprises a strap bender  16  attached to a rail or a rear rung through which a strap  17  is inserted to be bent. The stepladder  100  comprises a utility hook  11  attached to the rear side  27 . 
     The present invention pertains to a method for cutting a pipe. The method comprises the steps of moving a pipe/tube holder  5  of a rear side  27  of a stepladder  100  into an open position. There is the step of placing the pipe on the pipe/tube holder  5 . There is the step of cutting the pipe while it is on the pipe/tube holder  5 . 
     The present invention pertains to a method for using a tool. The method comprises the steps of taking the tool off of a utility hook  11  attached in proximity to a center of a rung of a rear side  27  of a stepladder  100 . There is the step of using the tool on an object. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for bending a strap  17 . The method comprises the steps of placing a first end of a strap  17  into an opening  15  of a strap bender  16  on a rail or rear rung of a stepladder  100 . There is the step of bending the strap  17  while its first end is in the strap bender  16 . 
     In the operation of the invention, the Pipe Trade stepladder  100  is a new ladder design based off of the IAA platform. There are new and innovative features that make up the new design. The new design has a plastic top  1  of  FIG. 1 , with features designed to benefit a plumber, as described in concurrently filed U.S. patent application titled “Pipe Tradesman Ladder Top”, a pipe/tube holder  5  with side shields  10 , and a utility hook  11 . 
     The top  1  of  FIG. 1  has many new features designed especially for the electrician. The top  1  has screw driver holes two hammer/drill holster and includes the Werner Tool Lasso system. Each of the features has a raised icon next to it for easy identification. 
     The pipe holder  5  of  FIG. 2  is designed to hold various sizes of pipe/tubing  7  up to 2 inches in diameter.  FIG. 3  shows the pipe/tubing holder  5  with pipe  7  in use. The hooks are connected by a steel stamping  12  and are mounted to the side rail  4  of the ladder with the mounting brackets  13 . The steel stamping  12  connecting the two hooks  14  allows the user to operate both hooks  14  with one hand. This one-handed operation allows for safer handling of materials and tools. Attached to the rail  4  are side shields  10 . The side shields  10  wrap around the inside and the outside of the rail  4  and protect the rail  4  from being damaged by the pipe/tubing  7  or an errant cut by a hacksaw or PVC saw. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the pipe  7  can be held by the pipe holder  5  and another pipe  7  can be laid perpendicular to it resting on the front step  3  and the scallop portion  8  of the pipe holder  5 . This allows the user a place to create and hold the necessary joints and fittings needed. 
     The pipe holder  5 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , is designed to hold various sizes of pipe  7  up to one inch in diameter. The hooks  14  are connected by a stamping  12  and are mounted to the side rails  4  of the ladder  100  with the mounting brackets  9 . The stamping  12  allows the user to operate both hooks  14  with one hand. This one-handed operation allows for safer handling of materials and tools. To use the pipe holder  5 , the user has to pull the hooks  14  toward himself and then place the pipe  7  in the hooks  14 . The pipe  7  then rests on the side shields  10 . Once the pipe  7  is pulled out of the hooks  14 , the hooks  14  will retract. 
     The pipe holder  5  is further described in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The hooks  14  are welded to the stamping  12  which makes them move together. The pivot point  34  attaches the hooks  14  to the rail  4 . The user will grab the hook  14  and pull it towards himself. The spring  35  automatically retracts the whole assembly when the user is done. 
     The pipe holder  5  is limited by the step  3 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The front of the step  3  will stop the holder when it is coming forward and the rear of step  3  will stop it when it retracts. 
     The new integrated pipe/tube holder  5  secures the work piece between the pipe/tube holder  5  hooks  14  and the protective rail shield for easy and safer cutting. The holder  5  can also be used to assemble and weld or glue pieces together prior to the final installation. 
     Mounted on the rear horizontal  6  of  FIG. 4  is the utility hook  11 . This hook  11  is mounted on the 5 th  rear horizontal from the bottom. The hook is designed to hold up to 35 pounds and has a variety of uses. 
     Users will tape or screw hooks  14  onto the outside of their ladder rail to hold tools and buckets when not in use. These hooks  14  are often mounted on the outside of the rail. They will then hang heavy tool belts and buckets that could tip the ladder over. The integrated utility hook  11  is placed in the inside of the frame on the center of the step  3  of the ladder so not to create a tipping hazard and is firmly secured to the step  3 . 
     The strap bender  16  of  FIG. 5  can be located on a horizontal  6  or a rail  4 . The strap  17  that is to be bent is slid into the opening  15  on the strap bender  16 . The user then bends the strap  17  to a 90-degree angle. 
     The strap bender  16  is a smaller steel part attached to the ladder. It is used to bend a 1 inch 90-degree end on a thin steel strap  17 . These straps  17  are used on the heating and air conditioning ducts. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the pipe holder is designed to hold various sizes of pipe/tubing  7  up to 3 inches in diameter.  FIG. 8  shows the pipe/tubing holder with pipe  7  in use. The hooks  30 ,  34  are connected by a steel stamping  32 . The steel stamping  32  connecting the two hooks  30 ,  34  allows the user to operate both hooks with one hand. This one handed operation allows for safer handling of materials and tools. Attached to the rail are side shields  33 ,  36 . The side shields  33 ,  36  wrap around the inside and the outside of the rail and protect the rail from being damaged by the pipe/tubing  7  or an errant cut by a hacksaw or PVC saw. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the pipe  7  can be held by the front step  3  and the scalloped divot  31  in the steel stamping  32 . This allows the user a place to create and hold the necessary joints and fittings needed prior to installation. The hooks  30 ,  34  rotate on  35  outward creating a “V” for the pipe  7  to rest between the hooks  34 ,  30  and the rail shields  33 ,  36 , as shown in an open position in  FIG. 10 . The hooks  34  and  30  may have notches and or round cuts in them to better hold a pipe or bar shape. The hooks are shown in a retracted position in  FIG. 9 . 
     Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.