Convertible Ladders and Steps.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Oct., 1890-Accepted, 15th Nov., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Convertible Ladders and Steps.
I, CHARLES WARD, of Louth, Lincolnshire, Builder, 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 a convertible extensible ladder and distensive double treau
steps usable also as separate ladders, the parts being adapted and combined in the
manner hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
the improved device is illustrated in front elevation in Fig. 1; in side elevation in
Fig. 2, both as in condition for transit; in perspective view in Fig. 3, extended as in
use as a ladder; and in sectional side elevation in Fig. 4, distended as in use as a
pair of double tread steps.
The improved device is constructed with co-acting ladders 5, 6, respectively adapted
as hereinafter described, combined with adjustable bolts and an adjustable strut or
stay all as hereinafter more particularly referred to.
The ladders 5, 6, may be made of any desired length (being preferably of the same
length) and with any required number of treads, 7. (having preferably the same
number in each) which may be placed at any required intervals apart, preferably
equidistant apart and in common level vide Figs. 1, and 2.
The inner sides of the uprights of the ladder 5, at opposite parts, in front of the
line of the series of treads of such ladder, are formed with grooves 8, extending from
end to end of the uprights, and the uprights are pierced with opposite bolt-holes 9.
in the line of the grooves 8, at any required intervals apart, and at such a distance
below the level of the nearest adjacent treads 7, as to allow of the bolts 10, (which
are passed through such bolt-holes) being manipulated by hand, and so as also not to
be likely to interfere with the feet in ascending or descending the ladder, and such
bolt-holes may be fitted with tubular ferules 11, those in the one upright being plain
ferules recessed and adapted to receive the shanks and heads of the bolts passed
therethrough so as that the heads thereof will lie flush with the outer side of the
relative upright of the ladder, and those in the other upright being tapped and
adapted to receive the other and screwed ends of such bolts.
The outer sides of the uprights of the ladder 6, are distanced apart so as to freely
enter between the uprights of the ladder 5, but they are fitted at opposite parts, in
the line of the series of treads of such ladder 6, and at a suitable interval apart, with
framed pulleys or runners 12, the frames of which are let into the outer sides of the
uprights of such ladder so as that the runners 12, will project sufficiently to engage
with the aforesaid grooves 8, formed in the inner sides of the uprights of the ladder 5.
The uprights of the ladder 6, are also formed with opposite bolt-holes 15, (respectively
opposite those 9, formed in the ladder 5) such bolt-holes being made in the line of
the series of treads of the ladder 6, which is coincident with that of the grooves 8, of
the ladder 5, and adapted with ferules 16, as aforesaid relatively to the ladder 5.
those in the one upright being plain ferules recessed and adapted to receive the head
and to permit of the passing of the shank of a bolt 17, which extends only the width
of the ladder G, and those in the other upright being tapped and adapted to receive
the screwed end of such bolt 17, and all of such ferules permitting of the passage of
the shanks of the bolts 10.
18, represents the aforesaid strut or stay which may be made of any required length
and is fitted with terminal sockets 19, through which the shanks of the bolts 10, 17,
may be passed.
Figs. 1 and 2, represent the duplicate ladders secured together as in condition for
transit-to use them as an extended ladder, vide Fig. 3, the two bolts 10, and the
bolt 17, are withdrawn, the stay 18, is removed, and the ladder 6, slid up the groove

page_text: of the ladder 5, to the required elevation; the ladders are then secured by the bolts 10,
inserted through and screwed into the opposite bolt-holes 9-15 and ferules 11-15.
To use the device as distended steps vide Fig. 4* after the bolts 10, 17, are withdrawn
and the stay 18, is removed, while the device occupies the position represented in
Figs. 1 and 2, the top bolt. 10, is replaced and then acts as a hinge about which the
ladders 5, 6, may be opened to any required angular distance, and may then be
secured therein by inserting the hottom bolt. 10, in the opposite holes, 9, of the
ladder, 5, and the bolt 17, in opposite holes 15, of the ladder 6, passing each bolt
through one of the terminal sockets 19, of the stay 18, which thus retains the
distended ladders in position as double tread steps. For the purpose of allowing of
this angular movement of the ladders hinged by the top bolt 10, the front of the
ladder 5, is notched as at 20, at the parts opposite the runners 12, of the ladder 6,
when both ladders are resting on the ground, ride Figs. 1 and 2.
The top ends of the ladders may be extended sufficiently to cross each other when
in use as steps, vide Fig. 4, which will render the improved devices of still further
utility as supports for the top horizontal pole of a marquee or tent.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
1 claim is:
A convertible extensible ladder and distensive double tread steps usable also as
separate ladders, consisting of co-acting ladders respectively adapted as hereinbefore
described combined with adjustable bolts and an adjustable strut or stay, all substan-
tially as herein before described.
Dated this 6th day of October 1890.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.