Ladder Apparatus and Method of Operating the same.
Year: 1893

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Ladder Apparatus and Method of Operating the same.
I, ALVIN KIRBY GOODWIN, a citizen of the United States of America, residing
at 353 West 21st Street, in the City of New York, County and State of New
York, Solicitor, 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 :-
My invention relates to ladder apparatus, more especially of that class used by
fire departments to save life and property and to help extinguish fires by special
service as a water tower and otherwise. In some of its principal features the
apparatus in smaller sizes makes a good movable ladder for painters, fruit pickérs
and others.
Probably the chief feature of my invention consists in a construction, and in a
mode of operation by either two or three principal and collectively novel move-
ments, whereby a ladder may be tilted over sidewise alongside its support or
wheeled truck and may then be raised edgewise before being inclined to the most
advantageous working position.
In the simplest and least desirable construction, the ladder is held to a turntable
device which is pivoted to a shaft ranging lengthwise of the ladder and this pivot
shaft is held in immovable bearings on the ladder supporting frame. In this case
the ladder has but two principal movements, viz.: it tilts over sidewise and then
rises edgewise, prior to inclining it to preferred working position.
The disadvantages of this simpler construction, especially in large and heavy
apparatus, are the following. If the ladder be pivoted to allow it to be tilted over
to either side of its truck or support, as should be done, the radial arm portions of
the ladder pivot bearings must be made quite long, in order to throw the tilted
ladder over sufficiently far at the side of the truck to allow the ladder, while being
subsequently raised edgewise, to properly clear the truck wheels without causing
its top to overhang the farther side of the truck; or, in other words, to allow the
ladder to describe as nearly as possible a vertical path as it rises edgewise to
approximate working position, and thereby permit more easy control of the rising
movement of the ladder. The long arc of sidewise tilting movement of the ladder,
especially a heavy fire ladder, carries the ladder downward edgewise alongside its
truck or support with great force liable to damage or break the ladder and its
operating mechanism. Furthermore, in this simpler construction, the standards
sustaining the ladder at places distant from its principal operating mechanism, do
not give the ladder such steady support flatwise and against rocking or sidewise
swaying movements as it should have when the apparatus is travelling on the road,
and the removable side stays for the ladder are not so easily and quickly adjusted
as is desirable. In the preferred construction wherein the ladder turntable has a
pivotal connection with a laterally movable traveller sustained on the truck, the
above named disadvantages are obviated. I have, therefore, in the following
Specification and drawings given prominence to this preferred construction and
modifications thereof.
In either or both of the above named constructions the following mechanisms or
appliances are provided, viz.: Removable side stays for the ladder permitting its
sidewise tilting movement; buffers easing said sidewise tilting movement; folding
props at the outer end of the ladder sustaining it from the ground when the ladder
is tilted sidewise; gearing at the turntable raising the ladder edgewise, and locking
devices at this gearing; tormentor poles assisting in raising or lowering the ladder
edgewise, and helping to support it when raised; an adjustable stay between the

page_text: '
butt of the ladder and the truck support, controlling edgewise rising movement of
the ladder and assisting in its adjustment when raised; a trailing wheel at the butt
of the ladder, facilitating change of position of the raised ladder; adjustable
ground screws or rests anchoring the raised ladder to the ground; a prop
sustaining from the truck axle that side of the truck at which the ladder is tilted,
to relieve the truck springs of side strains, and special fastenings securing the
ladder to its turntable support.
In modifications adapted to both constructions, two turntables may be used
between the ladder and its truck support to allow lateral adjustment of the top of
the raised ladder without moving the truck; and the ladder may be pivoted to a
platform which is fastened to the turntable to allow the top of the raised ladder to
be swung outward while the platform rests on the ground.
The preferred construction has the following special features, viz.: The buffer
devices easing sidewise tilting movement of the ladder are carried by the traveller
to which the ladder is pivoted; mechanism is provided for moving the traveller
laterally prior to tilting it sidewise, and a detent, preferably an automatic latch
bolt, is provided for locking the traveller and ladder at extremes of sidewise
adjustment.
The novel features are more particularly specified in claims at the end of this
Specification.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings in which similar numerals
indicate the same parts in the several views.
Figure 1, is a detail vertical sectional elevation of the principal mechanism of the
preferred form of apparatus..
Figure 2, is a vertical sectional view thereof, taken at right angles to Figure 1.
Figure 3, is a plan view of most of the parts shown in the preceding views.
Figure 4, is a detail plan view showing one of the traveller latches.
Figure 5, is a detail face view of the trailing wheel and stay at the butt of the
ladder.
Figure 6, is a vertical sectional view thereof.
Figure 7, shows the ladder adjusted for use.
Figures 8, 9, 10, are detail views of the removable side stays on the ladder
supporting standards.
Figures 11 to 15 are detail views showing modifications of the principal
mechanism.
prop
latch.
Figures 16 to 19 are detail views of the ladder
Figure 20, is a general side elevation of the preferred apparatus, showing also by
dotted lines the rear end or top portion of the ladder tilted over sidewise and
sustained by its unfolded prop; and
Figures 21 to 24 sufficiently illustrate the simpler construction of apparatus.
Referring first to the preferred construction, the numeral 1, indicates the body of
the wheeled truck or carriage of the apparatus. From 1, rise supports 2, which
preferably comprise two braced bar metal frames, see Figures 1, 2, 7, 15 and 20;
or may be one broad metal plate, see Figure 11. The supports 2, carry a bed
plate 3, which for large ladders is made of metal and has opposite front and rear
bars, 4, 4, and a center bar 5. The bars 4, are guides for a laterally adjustable
traveller 6, which carries the ladder. The traveller may move to either side
detent 7, 7, on the plate 3, and be there held by a self-acting latch 8. Each latch
moves in a slot of the plate 3, and is lifted by its spring 9, behind a cross-bar 10,
of the traveller, after said bar passes over it, see dotted positions of bars 10 in
Figures 2 and 4. The automatic latches 8, are but preferred forms of detents
holding the traveller and ladder at extremes of lateral movement to either side, as
any other suitable detents may be used for this purpose.
In the traveller 6, is journalled a shaft 11 on which are journalled the pivot
bearings 12, 12, of the turntable which supports the ladder 13. The bearings 12,
are held rigidly to that part 14, of the turntable on which its other parts 15, 15,
rotate, and the ladder is fastened to these revoluble parts 15.

page_text: For heavy large ladders, I provide mechanism moving the ladder to either side
by shifting the traveller which carries it; I also provide buffer devices easing
sidewise tilting movement of the laterally shifted ladder, and I also provide
mechanism for raising the ladder edgewise after it has been tilted sidewise. For.
smaller lighter ladders these ladder adjusting and buffer mechanisms need not.
be used.
A preferred mechanism for moving the ladder laterally, comprises a pinion 16,
fast on the shaft 11, and engaging a rack 17, on the center bar 5, of the bed
plate 3, said pinion being rotated by a crank applied to the shaft. Preferred. buffer
devices for easing sidewise tilting movement of the ladder, comprise four spiral
springs 18, held in cups or pockets 19, formed on or fixed to the traveller, and lugs
or projections 20, on the bearings 12, which strike the springs, two springs being
compressed as the ladder tilts to either side of the truck. Preferred mechanism
for raising the sidewise tilted ladder edgewise to approximate working position,
comprises a circular rack or toothed gear 21, on the relatively stationary part 14,
of the turntable and engaged by one or more pinions 22, journalled to the ladder.
Any other suitable means or mechanism may however he used for these
purposes.
The gear 21, is preferably formed at the outer edge of the turntable and the
pivot bearings 12, having solid buffer lugs are preferably cast separate from the
part 14, of the turntable, see Figures 1, 2, and 7, but the gear 21, may be formed
at the inner edge of the turntable and the bearings 12, may be cast solid with the
part 14, while the buffer lugs may be steel pins fitted in the bearings, see
Figures 11, 12 and 13, of the drawings. With the internal gear I provide an extra
pinion 23, engaged by a central pinion 22, to the shaft 24, of which a wrench is
applied when raising or lowering the ladder edgewise.
I also provide a suitable detent for holding the ladder in any position to which it
may be raised edgewise. This detent may be a sliding bolt 25, having suitable
wrench nut fastening and adapted to notches of a ratchet wheel 26, fast on the
shaft 24, see Figures 11, 12 and 13. A like detent may be applied to either or both
pinions 22 which engage the external gear 21, shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7.
I provide large heavy ladders near the top and preferably at each side with a
prop 27, which at 28 is hinged to one end to the ladder and swings downward
automatically as the ladder tilts over sidewise and gives support from the ground
to the overhanging outer part of the ladder. The prop thus relieves the turntable
mechanism of strains and also prevents fall of the outer end of the ladder to
the ground, thereby lessening the degree of edgewise movement required to raise
the sidewise tilted ladder to working position. The prop is especially valuable
when the detent or locking devices 25, 26, are not used at the ladder raising
gearing.
I also provide the hinged prop 27, with a suitable latch device preferably of
special construction and comprising a metal lug 29, on the ladder which enters a
recess in the prop or a metal casing 30, fitted therein. The lug sustains the prop
and relieves its hinge 28 of strains. A keyhole 31, cut from one edge of the prop
and through one side of the casing 30, and lug 29, allows entrance of a key 32,
having a bit 33, which normally falls into a recess in the lug 29, and behind a
wall or part of said lug, which prevents accidental loss of the key or unlocking
of the prop by jars of travel of the apparatus on the road. The key may be.
quickly withdrawn after turning it about half way around, and when removed to
unlock the prop it may be conveniently held in an extra hole 34, made in the prop,
see Figure 17. The key is preferably held to the prop by a chain.
A trailing wheel 35, is fitted to the butt of the ladder to run on the ground
with the wheeled truck or carriage after the ladder is raised and it is desired to
shift its top from one window to another or to different places of use. The wheel
axle may be immovable, but I prefer to support it in boxes 36, movable vertically
on housing plates 37, bolted to the ladder side bars. Suitable springs 38, are held.
above the boxes. The trailing wheel thus has a yielding or elastic support on the

page_text: ladder and travels easily over the ground without shock to the ladder or its
operating mechanism. There are two housing plates 37, each having one axle
box 36, and spring 38, and each plate has four points of connection to opposite side
bars of the ladder. The plates thus form substantial crosswise braces to the
ladder and prevent overstrain of it or its operating mechanism while the ladder is
being raised or lowered edgewise.
My invention includes the attachment of a supplemental trailing wheel
(preferably an elastically supported wheel) to the butt of a ladder pivotally
sustained in any manner by a truck or travelling support and adapted to be raised
to operative position on its pivotal connection, and so that as the truck moves
along over the ground, the trailing wheel also travels on the ground, and allows
the raised ladder to be adjusted laterally in its facial plane, and relieves the ruised
ladder, its pivotal connections, and the truck, of excessive strains, thereby greatly
facilitating various adjustments of the ladder and without lowering the ladder
from approximate working position, and without dismembering or otherwise specially
adjusting the travelling truck or support.
The front housing plates 37, also carry bearings 39, in which are fitted
screws 40, which are run down to the ground to help support the raised ladder
and relieve the operating mechanism. Tormentor poles 41, coupled to the ladder
may be used to assist in raising or lowering it edgewise, and also to support the
raised ladder from the ground, see Figure 7.
The front housing plates also carry a crossbar 42, having an eye 43, to which is
connected one end of a stay 44, which preferably is a rope rove through a pulley
block 45, held to an eye or support 46, on the truck body 1. The stay may be a
suitable rod or bar and may also be otherwise connected to the ladder and truck.
This stay is useful for holding the sidewise tilted ladder under control and
preventing its top falling outward as the ladder is being raised or lowered
edgewise and prior to adjusting the poles 41, to the ground. The stay also is
useful for hauling the raised ladder back from inclined position during readjust-
ment of the tormentor poles; or toward a vertical position to carry the trailing
wheel 35, to the ground after the screws 40, have been turned back, and the stay
also prevents edgewise turning of the ladder as the wheel 35 runs along the ground
during change of working position.
A number of standards 47, on the truck body 1, have upper crossbars on which
the ladder 13, rests and moves laterally. These crossbars are higher than the
supports 2, for the turntable mechanism. Four standards 47, are shown in
Figure 20, of the drawings. To hold the ladder properly and prevent sidewise
swinging of it on the truck when travelling on the road, and also to allow the
ladder to be moved sidewise on the standards, I use removable side stays at the
upper corners of the standards. These side stays may be simple pins or bars
having retaining devices but I prefer the special bolts 48; see Figures 7, 8, 9, 10
of the drawings.
As shown, the ladder sidebar partly overhangs the side upright of the standard
and the bolt 48, has a casing which for convenience is made in three parts 49, 50, 51.
The middle part, 49, has three recesses, two at the outer face, giving room for the
heads of two bolts 52, the bodies of which pass through the part 49, the
standard 47 and the inner casing part 50, thus holding the parts 49, 50, to
the light metal standard without weakening it. The third recess in part 49, is at
its inner face and gives room for the bit 53°, of a key 53, which is entered through
aligned key-holes 54, in the outer part 51, of the casing, in the bolt itself and in
the part 49. The key bit falls behind a wall of the part 49, and the key must be
turned partly around before it can be removed to allow the bolt to fall. The outer
part 51, of the bolt casing is held to its other two parts 49, 50, by bolts 55, passing
through lugs on all three parts of the casing and clear of the ladder standard. The
key 53, operates like the key 32, which secures the folding ladder prop 27. I
prefer to connect the key 53, and a protruding lug of the bolt by a chain.
I specially mention the fastenings holding the ladder to the turntable and shown

page_text: in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the drawings. These fastenings comprise clamp
plates 56, which overlie the tops of the ladder side bars and preferably have, at
opposite edges, pendent flanges 57, 58, which lap opposite sides of said bars. The
inner flange 57, is let in flush with the inner face of the ladder bar and therefore
does not interfere with proper close fitting of an extension ladder 13ª, upon the
main ladder 13, and the flange 57, also provides at its ends abutting shoulders which
prevent end wise slip of the ladder on the clamp plates. The ladder side bars also
rest between ribs or flanges 59, rising from the turntable. Two heavy bolts 60,
which would weaken the ladder if run through its side bar, are passed through
bosses on the clamp plate 56, and downward outside or clear of the ladder bar and
through the two parts 15, of the turntable, and two lighter bolts 60%, which do not
weaken the ladder bar, are passed through the plate 56, the bar and the parts 15,
of the turntable. A very strong and durable connection of the ladder and
turntable is thus assured.
As a further improvement, I make the bearings 61, for the shafts 24, of the
ladder raising pinions 22, which engage the external turntable gear 21, integral or
in one piece with the clamp plates 56. This maintains the turntable, the ladder
and the ladder raising gearing in proper mutual relation to assure positive and
correct working of these parts. A few small bolts 62, are passed through the
side and top flauges of the bearing 61, into the ladder bar.
I also provide a prop or brace to be placed between the body 1, of the wheeled
truck and its front axle to relieve the truck springs of side strains which otherwise
would be brought upon them by the laterally moved or raised ladder. This prop
or brace is preferably made adjustable vertically or with one or two screws.
The brace 75, shown in Figure 7, of the drawings, consists of aligned right and
left hand screws connected by a turnbuckle. This construction is preferred as its
action is quick and it is readily adjusted. Any other style of prop or brace may
however be used, such as the straight plain prop shown at the right hand in dotted
lines in Figure 7.
The operation of the preferred construction of apparatus is as follows:-After
reaching a fire, the keys 53 at one side of the ladder standards 47, are removed to
let the stay bolts 48 fall below the top cross bars of the standards, and the key 32,
of one side prop 27, will be removed from the ladder lug 28, and placed in the prop
hole 34. The prop or brace 75, will then be adjusted between the truck body and
axle at that side of the truck to which the ladder is to be shifted. A crank now
will be applied to the pivot shaft 11, to turn it and its pinion 16, which by engaging
the bed plate rack 17, will move the traveller 6, the turntable 14, 15, and the
ladder 13, over laterally to one side as the ladder slides on the standards 47, and
until the traveller strikes the bed plate detent 7, at one side of the truck, whereupon
the latch 8, at that side will automatically spring up behind the traveller crossbar 10,
and prevent backward or inward movement of the turntable and ladder. The
ladder now overhangs the side of the truck sufficiently to allow it to be easily
tilted downward sidewise by hand to the position indicated by dotted lines at the
right hand side of Figure 7, of the drawings.
As the ladder thus tilts downward sidewise, the turntable bearing lugs 20, will
strike and compress two of the buffer springs 18, to ease the tilting movement and
prevent undue shock to the apparatus and the firemen operating it. These buffer
devices allow the ladder to be tilted over sidewise quite quickly and carelessly
without damage to the parts. As the ladder thus tilts over sidewise, its unlatched
prop 27, automatically unfolds and falls upon its hinge 28, to the ground and
sustains therefrom the outer end of the ladder to relieve the turntable gearing and
hold the ladder about horizontal and edgewise alongside the truck.
Should the locking bolt detents 25, be used at the ladder raising gearing 21, 22,
they are released and thrown back, and after the stay 44, is connected to the ladder
and truck as shown in Figure 7, wrenches are applied to turn the shafts 24 of
pinions 22. These pinions by engaging the relatively stationary turntable
gearing 21, will turn or swing the ladder 13, upward edgewise to approximate

page_text: working position. During this upward edgewise movement the prop 27, auto-
matically folds flat to the ladder. When the ladder is thus raised edgewise it may
be inclined to reach any desired upper window or place, by easing the stay 44, and
at the same time the tormentor poles 41, will be adjusted to the ground to help
support the ladder, and when the ladder is properly adjusted its screws 40 will be
turned to bear on the ground and thus relieve the turntable gearing and the truck
of strains. The extension ladder section 13, gives access to high windows, roofs or
other places.
The ladder may be quickly and easily raised in this manner from or at either
side of the truck by first moving the traveller and ladder laterally to one side or
the other before tilting the ladder sidewise, thus allowing the ladder to be adjusted
to a burning building at either side of a street without regard to the direction of
approach of the apparatus to the building. When the ladder is raised and supported
as above described and after it may have been used to mount a high building or to
save life, it may be used as a water tower and without leaning it against the
building walls and while standing at a safe distance therefrom to avoid being
burned by outbursting flames. For this water tower service one or more lines of
hose will be run up the ladder and from their nozzles water will be discharged from
a height directly into the fire. The ease and rapidity with which the ladder may
be raised and its stability when raised, makes it possible to render this water
tower service at any or every fire, thus giving the apparatus the greatest possible
usefulness.
When the ladder is raised it may, without lowering it, be moved to adjust its top
to different windows or places. Before doing this, the screws 40, are to be raised
from the ground and the stay 44, should be hauled up to swing the ladder back to
nearly vertical position to carry the trailing wheel 35, to the ground and put its
springs 38 in tension to cause the wheel to give proper elastic support to the
ladder from the ground and relieve the turntable mechanism and the truck of
strains.
To replace the ladder in normal position on the truck, the screws 40, are first
turned back clear of the ground and the ladder is then hauled up by the stay 44,
nearly to a vertical position while it rocks on the shaft 11, as a fulcrum. After the
ladder is lowered edgewise by the gearing 21, 22, and is again sustained at its
outer end by the now unfolded prop 27, the stay 44, will be disconnected from the
ladder which then will be swung or tilted upward sidewise partly upon the
standards 47. By a new connection of the stay 44, it may be used to effect this
upward sidewise tilting movement of the ladder, which however may readily be
performed by hand. The latch 8, now is drawn downward by hand to release the
traveller 6, and the ladder, with the traveller, will be moved laterally inward by the
gearing 16, 17, and until the ladder strikes the farthest unremoved stay bolts 48,
whereupon the removed stays 48, will be shot upward outside the ladder to hold it
in place laterally and flat upon the truck standards 47. The keys 53, 32, will be
readjusted to hold the bolts 48 raised and to latch the prop 27 safely to the ladder,
and the prop 75 will be removed. The tormentor poles 41, may be handled by the
firemen, to assist in raising and lowering the ladder. The usual complement of
hand ladders are carried on the truck within the support 2, and standards 47, see
Figure 20 of the drawings.
In smaller apparatus of the preferred construction, all adjustments of the ladder
may be made by hand and the pinion and rack 16, 17, the turntable gearing 21, 22,
the buffer devices 18, 20, the props 27, and perhaps the trailing wheel 35 and
tormentor poles 41, may be omitted, and the laterally movable traveller carrying a
pivoted turntable to which the ladder is held, may be fitted to slide directly upon
the truck supports 2, or upon equivalent lighter supports made of wood.
Figure 11, of the drawings sufficiently shows a further improvement, which
consists in fastening the bed plate 3, which supports the laterally movable traveller 6ª,
and ladder 13, to the upper movable parts 63, of a lower auxiliary turntable, the
stationary disk portion 64, of which is bolted to the ladder support 2, on the truck.

page_text: The advantage here is, that after the ladder is raised to working position it may be
turned horizontally from side to side at the top for some distance, as the parts 63
of the lower turntable turn on the parts 64 thereof. This allows the top of the
raised ladder to be adjusted or swung sidewise to reach different windows of the
same floor of a building without requiring the wheeled truck to be moved.
Figure 14, shows how the traveller and attached ladder may be moved from side to
side by chain and sprocket wheel gearing 65, 66. In Figures 11 and 14, the
traveller 6, has somewhat different form from the traveller 6, shown in other views.
In the modification shown in Figure 15 of the drawings, the ladder 13 is pivoted
at 67 to one end of a platform 68, to which the laterally movable traveller and
turntable mechanism is connected instead of being held directly to the ladder
itself. In this case the ladder has a normal position relatively to the platform
shown by dotted lines and the platform and ladder are together moved laterally
and are then tilted sidewise and are afterward swung up together edgewise at
that side of the truck nearest the burning building. After the screws 40, in
this case fitted to the platform, are turned to the ground the ladder 13 is swung
off at the top to or toward the building either by tormentor poles 41, (not shown
in this view), which afterward support its top from the ground, or by means of
one or two screws 69, held to the platform and having nuts 70, connected by
rods 71, with a braced cross shaft or other fixture on the ladder. The screws 69,
are turned by bevel gearing 72, from a transverse shaft 73, on the platform..
In the simpler construction shown in Figures 21 to 24 of the drawings, the
longer bearings 12, fast to the part 14, of the ladder turntable, are mounted on
a shaft 11, which is held in boxes 11", rigidly fastened to the centers of the
supports 2, and the buffer springs 18, which the bearing lugs 20, strike as the
ladder tilts over sidewise, are held in cups or pockets 19", fixed to the rigid
supports 2.
After the ladder is tilted over to either side on the pivot shaft 11,
of its turntable 14, 15, the ladder will be raised edgewise on the turntable and
clear of the truck wheels in substantially the manner hereinbefore described.
In this simpler construction also, the standards 47%, which sustain the ladder
independently of its principal turntable mechanism, are curved at the top on an
arc struck from the center of the pivot shaft 11, and the ladder has cross
pieces 13, which rest and slide on the arched tops of the standards. The side
stays 48, are shown held at the outer corners of the standards by screws 74. Any
other fastenings permitting quick removal of the side stays may be adopted. These
stays 48", preferably have side flanges overlapping opposite edges of the standards.
and also have an end bearing in a recess of the standard which relieves the
fastenings of the stays from strains.
***
It will be understood that the modification shown in Figure 11, of a lower
auxiliary turntable 63, 64, is equally applicable when the upper turntable 14, 15,
is pivoted to tilt the ladder over sidewise, and the laterally movable traveller is.
dispensed with. The modification shown in Figure 15, of a platform held to the
turntable and carrying a pivoted ladder, may also be made when the turntable is
pivoted directly to a fixed support and the traveller 6 is not used.
Obviously, the standards 47, and removable side stays 48, of the preferred con-
struction first described, give better support to the ladder both vertically and
laterally when it is flat upon the truck, and the use of the traveller 6, allowing
lateral movement of the turntable and ladder prior to the sidewise tilting
movement, also promotes easier and more satisfactory working of the entire
apparatus.
I believe I am the first one to operate a ladder apparatus by tilting the ladder
directly over sidewise and then raising the ladder edgewise prior to inclining it'to
preferred working position, as in the simpler and last described construction. I
also believe that I am the first one to operate such apparatus by first moving the
ladder laterally on its supports and then tilting it over sidewise and then raising it.
edgewise prior to inclining it to working position, as in the herein described
preferred construction.

page_text: Ispecially state that by operating the ladder by a sidewise tilting movement
followed by an edgewise rising movement, injurious flatwise strains are not brought
upon the ladder while raising it, as during both of these movements the strains are
edgewise of the ladder or in its facial plane and the ladder by its own construction
is self-bracing edgewise as it is being raised to approximate working position.
I therefore consider that my invention includes the practical accomplishment
of either the two or the three above described successive and collectively
novel movements, of the result aimed at, namely the adjustment in a simple,
convenient and rapid manner of a ladder, and especially a heavy fire ladder from
the best and safest flat position on its truck or support to a raised position for
use. It is obvious therefore that my invention is not limited to the mere selection
or use of any particular means or mechanism whereby these two or three
collectively novel movements of the ladder may be performed. The pivoted
turntable mechanism herein described and shown in the drawings is considered a
desirable means of attaining a simple and practical embodiment of my invention.
I wish to clearly distinguish the simpler forin of my invention from the
apparatus shown in United States Patent, Number 280,227, issued June 26th,
1883, as follows:
This Patent describes an extensible ladder movable end wise on a turntable device
to which it may be clamped. The turntable is pivoted so as to be capable of
swinging over toward either side of the truck.
In operation the ladder is first
turned about one-quarter around and clear of its normal front support J, requiring
considerable space for this movement, and the ladder is then tilted downward at its
butt as it rises flatwise at the other end, and the ladder is then adjusted endwise on
the turntable prior to being clamped thereto in working position.
It will be seen that in my apparatus the ladder is immovable end wise on the
turntable, and the turntable tilts over sidewise with the ladder, and the ladder
is afterward raised edgewise and longitudinally of the truck, and is then inclined
to preferred working position. These adjustments may all be quickly effected in a
comparatively narrow space and with little labor and there is practically no danger
of the heaviest ladder slipping beyond easy control of the operators.
I also mention the importance of some special combinations of parts of my
apparatus, as follows: The adjustable stay combined with the pivoted ladder
carrying a trailing wheel, and operating to draw the raised ladder into approximate
vertical position to carry the trailing wheel to the ground and then facilitate travel
of the raised ladder on said wheel along with the truck; also the adjustable stay
combined with the pivoted ladder carrying a trailing wheel and ground screws,
whereby the ladder is controlled by the stay during transferrence of the weight
of the ladder from the trailing wheel to the screws or from the screws to the
wheel; and the combinations of these parts with the principal and novel ladder
holding turntable mechanism on the truck or travelling support.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
1. The combination, with a suitable frame, of a support pivoted thereto, and a
ladder immovable endwise on said support and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith
and then rise edgewise, substantially as described.
2. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, and a ladder
immovable endwise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith and
then be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, substantially as
described.
3. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder
held to the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith and then be raised
edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, and mechanism on the turntable
and ladder effecting edgewise rising movement of the ladder, substantially as
described.

page_text: 4. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder held
to the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith, and then be raised edgewise
during rotative action of the turntable, mechanism on the turntable and ladder
effecting edgewise rising movement of the ladder, and an adjustable detent locking
the raised ladder against edgewise movement by or with said mechanism, substantially
as described.
5. The combination, with a support, of a ladder movable laterally thereon, means
for tilting the laterally shifted ladder sidewise, and means for raising the tilted
ladder edgewise, substantially as described.
6. The combination, with a support, of a ladder movable laterally thereon,
mechanism effecting such lateral movement, means for tilting the laterally shifted
ladder sidewise, and means for raising the tilted ladder edgewise, substantially as
described.
7. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, and a ladder supported by or from the turntable,
substantially as described.
8. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon,
mechanism on the support and traveller effecting such lateral movement, a turntable
pivoted to the traveller, and a ladder supported by or from the turntable, sub-
stantially as described.
9. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon to a
stop, a detent preventing backward movement of the traveller from said stop, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, and a ladder supported by or from the turntable,
substantially as described.
10. The combination, with a support of a traveller laterally movable thereon to
a stop, a latch automatically engaging and holding the laterally moved traveller, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, and a ladder supported by or from the turntable,
substantially as described.
11. The combination, with a truck having supports on which the ladder or its
platform normally rests, of a guide or guides at a lower level than said ladder
supports, a laterally movable traveller on the guides, and a tilting turntable
connected to the traveller and ladder and interposed between the guides and ladder,
substantially as described.
12. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon, a
tilting turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turn-
table, and gearing at the turntable raising or lowering the tilted ladder edgewise,
substantially as described.
13. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon,
a turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turntable,
gearing at the turntable raising or lowering the ladder edgewise, and an adjustable
detent locking the ladder against movement by or with said gearing, substantially
as described.
14. The combination, with a ladder which tilts over sidewise from a flat or
horizontal position to an edgewise position alongside its truck or support, of
buffers easing said sidewise tilting movement, substantially as described.
15. The combination, with a ladder held to a pivoted turntable and which tilts
over sidewise from a flat or horizontal position to an edgewise position alongside its
truck or support, of buffers easing said sidewise tilting movement, substantially as
described.
16. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon,
a turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turntable,
and buffers easing sidewise tilting movement of the ladder, substantially as
described.
17. The combination, with a sidewise tilting ladder, of a folding prop at its
outer end sustaining it from the ground when the ladder is tilted, substantially as
described.
18. The combination, with a sidewise tilting ladder, of a folding prop thereon

page_text: sustaining its outer end from the ground when tilted, and a detent holding the
prop folded to the ladder, substantially as described.
19. The combination, with a sidewise tilting ladder, of a prop hinged thereto
and sustaining its outer end from the ground when tilted, the ladder having a lug
entering a recess of the prop and preventing its vertical movement, and relieving
its hinge of strains, and a detent holding the prop folded to the ladder, substan-
tially as described.
20. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder
immovable end wise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith and
then be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, and an adjustable
stay connecting the butt of the ladder with a relatively stationary support,
substantially as described.
21. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turntable,
and an adjustable stay connecting the butt of the ladder with a relatively
stationary support, substantially as described.
22. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder
immovable end wise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith and
then be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, and tormentor
poles at the ladder assisting the raising or lowering or supporting of it, substan-
tially as described.
23. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon,
a turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turntable,
and tormentor poles at the ladder assisting the raising or lowering or supporting
of it, substantially as described.
24. The combination, with a travelling support, and a ladder pivoted thereto
and adapted to be raised to operative position on its pivotal connection, of a
trailing wheel held to the butt of the ladder, and adapted for rotation in the facial
plane of the ladder, and facilitating change of position of the raised ladder, sub-
stantially as described.
25. The combination, with a travelling support, and a ladder pivoted thereto
and adapted to be raised to operative position on its pivotal connection, of an
elastically supported trailing wheel held to the butt of the ladder, and adapted for
rotation in the facial plane of the ladder, substantially as described.
26. The combination, with a travelling support, of a turntable pivoted thereto,
a ladder immovable endwise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise there-
with and then be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, and a
trailing wheel held to the butt of the ladder, substantially as described.
27. The combination, with a travelling support, and a ladder pivoted thereto
and adapted to be raised to operative position on its pivotal connection, of a
trailing wheel held to the butt of the ladder and adapted for rotation in the facial
plane of the ladder, and an adjustable stay connecting the ladder with a relatively
stationary support, substantially as described, whereby the stay controls the
raised ladder to make the trailing wheel operative, and then sustains the ladder, as
set forth.
28. The combination, with a travelling support, and a ladder pivoted thereto
and adapted to be raised to operative position on its pivotal connection, of a
trailing wheel held to the butt of the ladder and adapted for rotation in the facial
plane of the ladder, adjustable ground screws also at the butt of the ladder, and
an adjustable stay connecting the ladder with a relatively stationary support,
substantially as described, whereby the stay controls the raised ladder during
transferrence of its weight to either the trailing wheel or the screws, as set forth.
29. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon; a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turntable, and
a trailing wheel at the butt of the ladder; substantially 'as described.
30. The combination, with a travelling support, and a ladder pivoted thereto and
adapted to be raised to operative position on its pivotal connection, of a trailing

page_text: wheel held to the butt of the ladder by bearing or housing plates having a bracing
connection at four places with opposite side bars of the ladder, substantially as
described.
31. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder
immovable endwise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith and
then be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, and adjustable ground
screws or rests at the butt of the ladder, substantially as described.
32. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turntable, and
adjustable ground screws or rests at the butt of the ladder, substantially as
described.
33. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder
immovable end wise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith and then
be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, adjustable ground screws
or rests at the butt of the ladder, and tormentor poles at the ladder assisting in
raising or lowering the ladder and aiding the screws in supporting it when raised,
substantially as described.
34. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder
immovable endwise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith, and
then be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, and removable side
stays on the supporting frame which hold the ladder in normal position when out of
use, substantially as described.
35. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder sustained by or from the turntable, and
removable stays on the supporting frame which brace the ladder in normal position
when out of use, substantially as described.
36. The combination, with the ladder supporting standards, of side stays com-
prising sliding bolts each having a three-part casing, two parts of which are
fastened to the standard, and the third part to the other two parts, substantially as
described.
37. The combination, with the ladder supporting standards, of side stays com-
prising sliding bolts, each having a three-part casing, two parts of which are
fastened to the standard and the third part to the other two parts; the casing and
bolt having a key hole and the casing also having a recess; and a detachable key
entering the key hole and having a bit locking behind a wall or shoulder to hold
the bolt raised next the ladder, substantially as described.
38. The combination, with a support, of a ladder, and two turntables interposed
between them, the upper turntable supporting the ladder being pivoted, substan-
tially as described, whereby the ladder may be tilted sidewise and may then be
raised and afterward be adjusted horizontally at the top by action of the lower
turntable, as set forth.
39. The combination, with a support, of a turntable thereon, a guide on the
turntable, a traveller laterally movable on the guide, an upper turntable pivoted to
the traveller, and a ladder sustained by or from the upper turntable, substantially
as described, whereby the ladder may be moved bodily to one side on the support
and may then be tilted sidewise and may then be raised edgewise and may. then be
adjusted horizontally at the top by action of the lower turntable, as set forth.
40. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a platform
sustained by the turntable, and a-ladder pivoted to said platform and adjustable
outward on its pivot after being tilted sidewise and raised edgewise with the
platform, substantially as described.
41. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, a platform sustained by the turntable, and a
ladder pivoted to the platform and adjustable outward on its pivot after being
moved laterally and tilted sidewise and raised edgewise with the platform,
substantially as described.
42. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a platform

page_text: sustained by the turntable, a ladder pivoted to said platform and movable outward on
its pivot after being tilted sidewise and raised edgewise, and gearing at the
turntable raising and lowering the tilted ladder and platform edgewise, substantially
as described.
43. The combination, with a ladder sustained by a turntable, of fastenings for
the ladder comprising upper clamp plates and bolts passed through the plates and
turntable and clear of the ladder side bars, substantially as described.
44. The combination, with a ladder sustained by a turntable, of fastenings for
the ladder comprising upper clamp plates and bolts passed through the plates and
turntable and clear of the ladder side bars, and other bolts passed through the
clamp plates, the ladder bars and the turntable, substantially as described.
45. The combination, with a ladder sustained by a turntable provided with
flanges rising at the sides of the ladder bars, of fastenings for the ladder comprising
upper clamp plates having pendent flanges at the sides of the ladder bars, and bolts
passed through the plates and turntable and clear of the ladder side bars,
substantially as described.
46. The combination, with a ladder sustained by a turntable, of fastenings for
the ladder comprising upper clamp plates having a flange along the inner edge set
into the ladder bars, and bolts passed through the clamp plates and turntable and
clear of the ladder side bars, substantially as described.
47. The combination, with a ladder sustained by a turntable having gearing
adapted to raise the ladder edgewise, of fastenings for the ladder comprising
upper clamp plates bolted to the turntable, said plates formed integral with the
bearings of the pinion gearing of the ladder raising mechanism, substantially as
described.
48. The combination, with a support, of a turntable pivoted thereto, a ladder
immovable end wise on the turntable and adapted to tilt sidewise therewith and
then be raised edgewise during rotative action of the turntable, and a prop placed
between the truck body and axle and relieving the truck springs of side strains,
substantially as described.
49. The combination, with a support, of a traveller laterally movable thereon, a
turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder supported by or from the turntable, and
a prop placed between the truck body and axle and relieving the truck springs of
side strains, substantially as described.
50. The combination, with a wheeled truck, of supports 2, 47, thereon, guides on
the support 2, a traveller 6 on the guides, a turntable 14, 15, pivoted by a shaft 11,
to the traveller, and a ladder held to the turntable and adapted to the supports 47,
substantially as described.
51. The combination, with a wheeled truck, of supports 2, 47, thereon, guides
on the support 2, a traveller 6, on the guides, a turntable 14, 15, pivoted by a
shaft 11, to the traveller, gearing 16, 17, for laterally moving the traveller, and
a ladder held to the turntable and adapted to the supports 47, substantially as
described.
52. The turntable and ladder carrying traveller 6, adapted to a guide and pro-
vided with buffer spring receiving pockets 19, substantially as described.
53. The turntable and ladder carrying traveller 6, adapted to guides and pro-
vided with pockets 19, and springs 18 in said pockets, the turntable having lugs 20,
adapted to the buffer springs, substantially as described.
54. The combination with a wheeled truck, of supports 2, 47, thereon, guides on
the support 2, a traveller 6, on the guides and having pockets 19, buffer springs 18,
in said pockets, a turntable pivoted at 11, to the traveller, and having studs 20,
acting on the springs, and a ladder held to the turntable, substantially as
described.
55. The combination, with the ladder having a lug 29, of a prop 27, hinged at 28,
and having a recess or casing 30, which the lug 29, enters, a key-hole 31, being
made in the prop and lug, and a key 32, having a bit 33, all operating substantially
as described.

page_text: 56. The combination, with the ladder, of housing plates 37, fastened thereto,
boxes 36, movable in the plates, a trailing wheel 35, held to the boxes, and springs 38,
above the boxes, substantially as described.
57. The combination, with a wheeled truck, of supports 2, 47, thereon, guides
on the support 2, a traveller on the guides, a turntable 14, 15, pivoted to the
traveller and having a toothed gear 21, on its part 14, a ladder adapted to the
supports 47, and fastened to the part 15 of the turntable, and one or more
pinions held to the ladder and engaging the turntable gear 21, substantially as
described.
.58. The combination, with a wheeled truck, of supports 2, 47, thereon, guides
on the support 2, a traveller on the guides, a turntable 14, 15, pivoted to the
traveller and having a toothed gear 21, on its part 14, a ladder adapted to the
supports 47, and fastened to the part 15, of the turntable, one or more pinions held
to the ladder and engaging the turntable gear 21, and locking devices 25, 26, for
said pinions, substantially as described.
59. The combination, with the support 2, and guides having end stops 7, 7,
of a laterally movable traveller, a turntable pivoted to the traveller, a ladder
sustained by the turntable, and spring actuated latches 8, 9, automatically
engaging and holding the traveller at the end stops 7, substantially as described.
60. The combination, with supporting standards 47, and a laterally movable
ladder adapted thereto, of removable side stays for the ladder on the standards,
and comprising a bolt 48, fitted in a three-part casing, 49, 50, 51, the part 49,
having three interior recesses, two of them receiving bolts 52, holding the casing
to the standard, and the third recess adapted to receive a locking key bit; the
third casing part 51, being held by side bolts 55, to the parts 49, 50; a key-
hole 54 being made through the bolt 48, and the parts 49, 51; and a key, 53,
having a bit and adapted to hold and lock the bolt raised, substantially as
described.
61. The combination, with a wheeled truck having supports 2, 47, of a turn-
table 63, 64, held to the support 2, guides held to this turntable, a traveller on
said guides, an upper turntable 14, 15, pivoted at 11, to the traveller, and a ladder
sustained by or from the upper turntable, substantially as described.
62. The combination, with a wheeled truck and supports 2, 47, thereon, of guides
on the support 2, a traveller on said guides, a turntable pivoted at 11, to the traveller,
a platform 68, held to the turntable, and a ladder pivoted to the platform, substan-
tially as described.
63. The herein described method of operating ladder apparatus, which consists
in tilting the ladder over sidewise alongside its truck or support, and then raising
the ladder edgewise prior to inclining it to preferred working position, as herein
set forth.
64. The herein described method of operating ladder apparatus, which consists
in moving the ladder laterally on its supports while lying flatwise thereon, then
tilting the ladder downward sidewise, and then raising the ladder edgewise, as herein
set forth.
65. The herein described method of operating ladder apparatus, which consists
in moving the ladder laterally on its supports while lying flatwise thereon, then
tilting the ladder downward sidewise, then raising the ladder edgewise, and then
inclining the ladder to preferred working position, as herein set forth.
Dated this Tenth day of November 1893.
In presence of:
JAMES E. M. BOWEN.
DONN TWILCHELL.
ALVIN KIRBY GOODWIN.