Improvements in Step Ladders.
Year: 1893

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Step Ladders.
JOHN WILLIAM HARRISON, of 11 Hornby Street Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire,
Joiner, 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 particularly to improvements in step ladders which are
generally used for domestic or other light purposes, and which are generally con-
structed of two principle parts. The first part consisting of two side pieces between
which are fixed the steps or treads, and the second part consisting of a frame a
little shorter in length and fixed to the first part near the higher end by means of
hinges or the equivelent thereto, so that when out of use the two parts lay close
together so as not to take up very much room and to be of convienient form to carry
from place to place as required. When in use the two parts are brought apart at
the lower end and require to be held firmly at a certain distance apart, so as to
bring the steps or treads level and give good and firm foothold.
The object of this invention is to provide a simple and at the same time a certain
and firm arrangement for holding these two parts at the required distance from
each other at their lower ends, and to provide against any accident being caused by
the two parts sliding to far apart, I provide a stop which will not allow of them
moving beyond the prescribed distance.
In order that my said invention may be fully understood and carried into
practical effect I will now proceed to more particularly describe the same and for
that purpose shall refer to the several figures and letters marked upon the annexed
sheet of drawings.
Fig. 1 shows a sectional elevation of a step ladder fixed upen or as ready for use
fitted with my improvements.
Fig. 2 shows a back elevation of the same when closed.
Fig. 3 shows a side elevation also when closed.
In all the figs. the letters of referance show the same parts a being the side
frame into which is fixed the steps or treads b forming the first part of the step
ladder c being the side frame of the second part which is fastened together by
means of the cross rails d, e, and f, and is hinged to the first part by the rod g
passing through both parts, or may be hinged by any other convenient method.
The improvements consists of the stop piece which is hinged or pivoted to the
step or tread b¹ by means of the hinge i its duty being to stop the lower ends of
the two parts forming the step ladder from being brought to far apart by any
means.
In Fig. 1 the stop piece, has been sprung up a little to allow of the cross rail e
geting into the slot or recess k in the stop piece h, this also prevents the two parts
of the step ladder being brought together unless the stop piece is raised a little to
allow it to pass over the cross rail e. When this is done the two parts of the
ladder can be brought together as shown by Fig. 3. The stop piece having passed
over the cross rail then falls over hehind and hangs in the position shown by h in
Figs. 2 and 3. The hinge end of the stop piece coming in contact with the step
or tread will not allow the cross rail e to pass the stop at the end of h.
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
First. In step ladders the employment or use of the hinged stop piece fixed to a

page_text: step or tread as- herein described and for the purpose specified, or the equivalent
thereto.
Second. The arrangement and combination of parts constituting my improvements
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Dated this 26th day of June 1893.
JOSEPH HAWORTH CHURCH,
Agent for Applicant.