A New or Improved Apparatus capable of being used either as a Pair of Steps or as a Ladder.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Oct., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 9th July, 1892-Accepted, 13th Aug., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Apparatus capable of being used either as a
Pair of Steps or as a Ladder.
I, ANDREW BARR of Camphill Cottage, Bothwell, Carpenter, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
This invention relates to an apparatus which can, as desired, be used either as a
pair of steps or as a ladder.
In constructing the apparatus I make one part or half in the usual step form.
At or near the upper end of this part is, preferably, a metal plate or plates at
each side having a hole in or through them. In these holes is carried a bar or
its equivalent to which the second ladder part or half of the apparatus is hinged
or jointed. This second part or half has in it, at each side, a slot or groove in
which is inserted the ends of a metal bar. forming the core of one of the rungs.
When the apparatus is to be used as a ladder the two parts are brought in line; and,
preferably, the ends of the metal core are made to fall or catch in cuts or recesses
inade in the top of the step part of the apparatus so as to hold the parts firmly in
line. The sides of the ladder part are preferably also cut at their lower end so as
to fit on and grip one or more of the steps of the step part and thus aid in
strengthening the apparatus when being used as a ladder.
When the apparatus is being used as a pair of steps the ladder part is bent down
and the parts are retained in an A shape by means of one or more hinged and
hooked bars which are fitted on to the step part and hook on to one or more of the
rungs of the ladder part or in eyes.
The hinges on the bars enable the apparatus to be easily folded up.
If desired parallel motion hand rails may be fitted to the apparatus.
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
70, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Apparatus capable of being used either as a
Pair of Steps or as a Ladder.
I, ANDREW BARR of Camphill Cottage, Bothwell, Carpenter, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to.be.
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to an apparatus which can, as desired, be used either as a
pair of steps or as a ladder.
In constructing the apparatus I make one part or half in the usual step form.
At or near the upper end of this part is, preferably, a metal plate or plates at
each side having a hole in or through them. In these holes is carried a bar or
its equivalent to which the second ladder part or half of the apparatus is hinged
or jointed. This second part or half has in it, at each side, a slot or groove, in
which is inserted the ends of a metal bar forming the core of one of the rings.
When the apparatus is to be used as a ladder the two parts are brought in line wind,
preferably, the ends of the metal core are made to fall or catch in cuts or recesses

page_text: made in the top of the step part of the apparatus so as to hold the parts firmly in
line. The sides of the ladder part are preferably also cut at their lower ends so
as to fit on and grip one or more of the steps of the step part and thus aid in
strengthening the apparatus when being used as a ladder.
When the apparatus is being used as a pair of steps the ladder part is bent down
and the parts are retained in an A shape by means of one or more hinged and
hooked bars which are fitted on to the step part and hook on to one or more of the
rungs of the ladder part or in eyes.
The hinges on the bars enable the apparatus to be easily folded up.
If desired parallel motion hand rails may be fitted to the apparatus.
The apparatus may be altered in its details.
And in order that my said invention may be properly understood, I have hereunto
appended an explanatory sheet of drawings, whereon :-
Fig. 1 is a side view of the step-ladder, when used as a pair of steps.
Figs. 2 and 3 are front and side views of the step-ladder, when used as a ladder.
Figs. 4, 5 and 6, are enlarged detail views.
Fig. 7 is a side view and Fig. 8 a plan, of a rest or platform, which can be fitted
on the steps.
Referring to the drawings, whereon the same reference numerals, wherever
repeated, indicate similar or like parts :-
The improved step-ladder is made in two parts 1, 2, the upper part or extension 2
being hinged to the lower part 1, by means of the bolt or bar 3, which is passed
through the upper end of the part 1. 5 and 6 are metal plates or bearings, for the ends
of the bolt-3. 7 and 8 are pieces of metal, secured to the part 2, and having holes
in them, through which the bolt 3 is passed. These pieces serve as hinges for the
part 2.
The upper end of the part 1 is provided with two recesses 9 and 10. 11 and 12
are metal plates, fitted at the outer ends of the recesses, for the purpose of
preventing wear and to strengthen the sides of said recesses. The part 2 has a
rung 13, which is formed, preferably, of a wooden cylinder, through which is passed
a metal bar or core 14. 15, 15, are metal washers, placed between the ends of
the wooden cylinder 13 and the sides of the step-ladder. The ends of the bar 14
project through slots 16, 16, made in each side of the part 2. The bar 14 can
move up and down in the slots 16, 16. The slots may be lined with metal, if so
desired.
The upper ends of the part 1 are rounded off, as shown, whilst the lower ends of
the part 2 are angled, so as to grip or catch against one of the steps 17, when the
step-ladder is extended.
18 is a hook, which can be placed on the rung 13, so as to hold the parts 1, 2,
firmly together, when the step-ladder is being used as a pair of steps.
If desired, a small platform 19 may be hinged, at 22, to stays 20, secured to the
part 1. When the step-ladder is used as a pair of steps, the recess 21, on its under
side, catches on the rung 13. The platform can be used for supporting a paint
pot, brushes etc. When the platform is fitted to the ladder, the connecting hook 18
can be dispensed with.
When it is desired to convert the step-ladder into a long ladder, as at Figs. 2
and 3, the part 2 is turned upwards on the hinge 3, 7, 8, until the ends of the bar 14
override the top of the part 1, and fall into the recesses 9, 10. The slots 16 are
for the purpose of allowing sufficient movement or play to the bar 14, to enable
it to override the top of the part 1. When it is desired to again convert the ladder
into a pair of steps, the bar 16 is pushed upwards in the slot, until it clears the
recesses 9, 10, when the part 2 can be brought down to the position shown at
Fig. 1.
Rungs may be fitted in the part 1, in lieu of the steps, or both parts may have
steps.
The rung 13 may be formed merely by the bar 14, if so desired.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
▲ convertible step-ladder, constructed substantially as hereinbefore described,
with reference to the drawings annexed.
Dated this 8th day of Tul 1800
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
70, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Agent.