Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to ladder leveling platforms where, specifically, an ability for instantly quick deployment regardless of ground profile is required. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     The present invention is a ladder support device which can be leveled and which can be deployed on a solid surface of virtually any type and profile instantly quick and, metaphorically speaking, with a push of a button. 
     Numerous embodiments of ladders with integrated leveling means are found in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Application No. 20080078616 filed on Apr. 3, 2008 by Ursitti discloses a self leveling ladder system which comprises a ladder with a hydraulic leveling system and Japanese Patent Application No. JP2005061033(A) filed on Aug. 12, 2003 by Tatsuya Kenji discloses a leg length adjusting device for trestle comprising a stepladder with adjustable legs. However, integrated leveling means add weight to the ladder making it more difficult to carry it between locations, can not be reused with different ladders multiplying costs by each additional ladder, occupy extra storage space multiplied by each additional ladder; if the ladder is stored overhead, additional weight may require more than one person for handling; one should also consider extra weight since storing overhead creates an ideal arm position for tearing a bicep muscle (arms raised and bent at about 120 degrees); back problem is also probable. In addition, adjusting relatively heavy and/or large ladder may take too much time and tire a user, especially if user is a contractor readjusting the ladder often. 
     Despite that numerous ladder support platforms have been provided in prior art, none can deployed instantly quick. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,929 issued on Apr. 4, 2000 to Wishner, discloses a ladder leveling platform comprising a frame and adjustable legs. However, Wishner&#39;s ladder leveling platform has the following limitation: the adjustment of legs is not simultaneous and, therefore, is time consuming. 
     Consequently, there is a need for a ladder leveling platform which can automatically adjust to ground of any type and profile instantly quick. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
     To provide a time saving ladder support device which can be deployed instantly quick. 
     To provide a reliable ladder support device by using a small number of simple mechanical parts. 
     To provide a cost efficient ladder support device by using off-the-shelf parts. 
     To provide a safe ladder support device which can be easily visually inspected before every use. 
     To provide a convenient ladder support device which automatically adjusts to ground of virtually any type and profile by using a single release mechanism. 
     To provide a functional ladder support device which can be used inside and outside of dwellings. 
     To provide an adaptable ladder support device deployable on a solid surface of any type while preserving integrity of the surface. 
     To provide even more convenient ladder support device which can be positioned on the ground with or without a ladder. 
     To provide an accommodating ladder support device which allows a user to carry and to position the ladder support device with the ladder on top. 
     To provide an efficient ladder support device which can be leveled automatically without use of an inclinometer. 
     To provide a time efficient ladder support device which, when deployed without a ladder, allows to anticipate the position of the top portion of a ladder, thereby reducing time required for repositioning. 
     To provide a space efficient ladder support device which can be stored with or without a ladder. 
     To provide a practical ladder support device which can be used by a single person. 
     To provide an easy to maintain ladder support device which is waterproof for easy cleaning using a garden hose. 
     To provide an even more adaptable ladder support device which accommodates different size ladders. 
     To provide a multi-functional ladder support device which can support an object other than a ladder. 
     To provide an even more multi-functional ladder support device, a plurality of which can support any kind of a ladder: extension ladders, step-ladders, scaffolds, etc. 
     To provide yet more versatile multi-functional ladder support device, a plurality of which can simultaneously support an object other than a ladder. 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A ladder support device of the present invention comprises a ladder supporting platform and support elements which hold the ladder supporting platform above the ground when the ladder support device is deployed. All of the supporting elements of the ladder support device are adjusted simultaneously when released by a release mechanism for instantly quick deployment of the leveled ladder supporting platform over a solid surface of virtually any type and profile. 
     The features briefly described in this summary as well as other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a ladder standing on a ladder support device comprising three support elements; 
         FIG. 1B  is a partial side view of a latch engaged with a support element; 
         FIG. 1C  is a partial side view of a latch disengaged from a support element; 
         FIG. 1D  is a partial side view of a latch tooth engaged with a support element tooth shown without a side wall of the latch for clarity; 
         FIG. 1E  is a partial side view of a latch tooth disengaged from a support element tooth shown without a side wall of the latch for clarity; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 1A  without a ladder; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 2  shown without a vertical stopping element for clarity; 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are perspective views of the support platform of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 3  without the support elements; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 3  with the support platform shown without some of the walls and ribs for clarity; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the support platform depicted in  FIG. 6  demonstrating a latch with one tooth; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the support platform depicted in  FIG. 6  demonstrating a latch with two teeth; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a ladder support device comprising transparent plates and shown in a position where the latch teeth are disengaged from the support element teeth; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 9  without some of the walls and ribs for clarity; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a support element comprising a non-detachable shoe; 
         FIG. 11B  is a front view of the support element depicted in  FIG. 11A  shown without a portion of the wall for clarity; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a support element comprising a detachable shoe; 
         FIG. 12B  is an exploded view of the support element depicted in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is an exploded front view of the support element depicted in  FIG. 12A  shown without portions of the walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a support element comprising a detachable shoe and a detachable sole; 
         FIG. 13B  is an exploded view of the support element depicted in  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 13C  is a side view of the latch of the support element depicted in  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 13D  is an exploded perspective view of the latch depicted in  FIG. 13C ; 
         FIG. 13E  is an enlarged exploded view of the detachable shoe and the detachable sole depicted in  FIG. 13B ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a support element comprising a detachable shoe and an expander; 
         FIG. 14B  is an exploded view of the support element depicted in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 14C  is an exploded front view of the support element depicted in  FIG. 14A  shown without portions of the walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a ladder support device comprising three expanders; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of a ladder support device positioned on steps; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of a ladder support device leveled on an inclined surface; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial front view of the support platform with the release lever shown in a position where markings located on the handle are exposed; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial front view of the support platform with the release lever shown in a position where markings located on the handle are hidden; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of the handle and release lever assembly depicted in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a ladder support device comprising a flexible handle; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 21  shown without a vertical stopping element and some of the walls and ribs for clarity where the latch teeth are engaged with the support element teeth; 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 22  where the latch teeth are disengaged from the support element teeth; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a ladder support device comprising three support elements; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 24  shown without a vertical stopping element for clarity; 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 25  leveled on an uneven surface; 
         FIG. 27  is a front view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 25  with the support platform shown without some of the walls and ribs for clarity where the hydraulic valve is turned off; 
         FIG. 28  is a front view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 27  shown with the hydraulic valve turned on; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the release lever, handle, hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic valve, and hydraulic pressure tubes of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial side view of hydraulic pressure tubes connected to a hydraulic valve with a lever; 
         FIG. 31A  is a sectional view taken along line  31 A- 31 A of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 30  with the hydraulic valve turned on; 
         FIG. 31B  is the same view as depicted in  FIG. 31A  but with the hydraulic valve turned off; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial front view of a hydraulic pressure tube connected to a hydraulic pressure guide; 
         FIG. 33  is a sectional view taken along line  33 - 33  of the hydraulic pressure tube and the hydraulic pressure guide depicted in  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a ladder and a ladder support device comprising four support elements and two holders for holding the ladder in place where the outer guides are unfolded and the ladder support device is shown without dust covers and without some of the frame walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a ladder and a ladder support device comprising four support elements and two locking holders for securing the ladder in place where the outer guides are unfolded and the ladder support device is shown without dust covers and without some of the frame walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 36  is a front perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 35  shown without the ladder; 
         FIG. 37  is a back perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 36  shown with the flexible bar extended; 
         FIG. 38  is a front perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 36  shown with the outer guides folded; 
         FIG. 39  is a front perspective view of a ladder support device comprising transparent plates where the ladder support device is shown without dust covers and without some of the frame walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 40  is a back perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a back perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a front view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 36  leveled on an uneven surface; 
         FIG. 43A  is a partial perspective view of a ladder support device demonstrating the fully disengaged release pedal hiding the markings; 
         FIG. 43B  is a partial perspective view of a ladder support device demonstrating the fully engaged release pedal exposing the markings; 
         FIG. 43C  is a partial perspective view of a ladder support device demonstrating the partially disengaged release pedal exposing the markings; 
         FIG. 44  is a front view of one of the guide pairs of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 38  shown without some of the walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of arms connecting the guides of one of the guide pairs depicted in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a top view of the arms depicted in  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of the latches, cables, axes, and pulleys of the guide pair depicted in  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the latches, cables, axes, and pulleys of the guide pair depicted in  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a front view of a guide pair of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 36  shown without some of the walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 50  is a partial perspective view of the release pedal and one of the inner guides of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 36  shown without some of the walls and ribs for clarity; 
         FIG. 51  is an exploded view of the release pedal and the inner guide depicted in  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of the flexible bar depicted in  FIG. 41  shown only with a portion of the top rib and a portion of the frame wall for clarity; 
         FIG. 53  is an exploded view of the flexible bar depicted in  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of one of the locking holders depicted in  FIG. 36  shown in the locked position; 
         FIG. 55  is an exploded view of the locking holder depicted in  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 56A  is a side view of one of the locking holders depicted in  FIG. 36  shown in the unlocked position; 
         FIG. 56B  is a side view of one of the locking holders depicted in  FIG. 36  where the locking holder is about to be locked; 
         FIG. 56C  is a side view of the locking holder depicted in  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 36  shown with the covers and the dust covers; 
         FIG. 58  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 38  shown with the covers and the dust covers; 
         FIG. 59  is a front view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 57  leveled on an uneven surface; 
         FIG. 60  is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 24  shown with the foldable members folded; 
         FIG. 61  is a perspective view of the ladder support device depicted in  FIG. 60  shown with the foldable members unfolded; 
         FIG. 62  is an exploded perspective view of two ladder support devices and a leveler; 
         FIG. 63  is a front view of two ladder support devices standing on uneven ground with a leveler positioned on top; 
         FIG. 64  is a perspective view of two ladder support devices standing on uneven ground with a scaffold positioned on top; 
         FIG. 65  is a perspective view of a ladder support device standing on uneven ground with a seat positioned on top; 
         FIG. 66  is a perspective view of a latch shown without some of the body walls for clarity; 
         FIG. 67  is a front view of the latch depicted in  FIG. 66  shown with a portion of a foldable member about to be pressed against the inclined side of the locking member; 
         FIG. 68  is a front view of the latch and the foldable member depicted in  FIG. 67  shown in a position where the foldable member is secured underneath the locking member; 
         FIG. 69  is a front view of the latch and the foldable member depicted in  FIG. 67  shown in a position where the locking member is moved out of the way for the foldable member to be released. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1A-23  depict a sample embodiment of a ladder support device  10 . Ladder support device  10  ( FIG. 1A ) is used with a ladder  12  having spaced side rails  14  connected by spaced rungs  16 ; ladder  12  is leaned on wall  11 . Ladder support device  10  comprises a support platform  18  and three support elements  20 . Each of support elements  20  is longitudinal and comprises a cap  21  at the top and teeth  48  along the longitudinal dimension. For demonstrative purposes, each of support elements  20  is depicted as a square bar, although other shapes are acceptable. 
     Support platform  18  comprises handle  22  ( FIG. 3 ) fixed to its upward side, a release lever  24 , a work area  26  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ), and three guides  28  ( FIG. 4 ). Although, for demonstrative purposes, support platform  18  is chosen to be triangular, it can be circular, square, or have any other shape; and the number of support elements  20  and guides  28  can be more than three, if desired. 
     Work area  26  is a ladder-supporting area incorporating vertical stopping elements  30  ( FIG. 2 ) limiting the horizontal movement of a ladder lower end on the ladder-supporting area. 
     Each of the guides  28  comprises a latch  38  ( FIG. 7 ) and two openings  32  in the upward and bottomward sides of support platform  18  for directing movement of one of support elements  20  ( FIG. 6 ) perpendicularly to the upward side. Latch  38  comprises a tension spring  52  and one tooth  46  ( FIG. 7 ) or two teeth ( FIG. 8 ), although more teeth can be used if desired. Tension spring  52  is connected with one end to support platform  18  and with the other end to latch  38  (see also  FIGS. 1B-1E  and  6 ). Latch  38  is pivotally connected to support platform  18  with an axis  44 . 
     Release lever  24  is pivotally connected to handle  22  with an axis  34  (best seen in  FIGS. 18-20 ). One end of release lever  24  is kept above handle  22  ( FIG. 18 ) by a torsion spring  50  ( FIG. 20 ). Another end of release lever  24  is connected to all latches  38  ( FIGS. 6-8 ) with cables  40  routed through an opening  31  ( FIGS. 4 and 10 ) of support platform  18  using pulleys  42 . Cables  40  are attached to an axis  56  ( FIGS. 18-20 ) of release lever  24  with one end and to latches  38  with the other end. Each of the pulleys  42  is installed between ribs of support platform  18  (the ribs are not shown for clarity). 
     Tension springs  52 , when not pulled, keep teeth  46  of latches  38  engaged with teeth  48  of support elements  20  preventing movement of support platform  18  about support elements  20  standing on solid surface  60  due to a force of gravity (depicted as force F in  FIGS. 1B and 1D ) applied to support platform  18 . 
     In use, a user positions support platform  18  above solid surface  60  at a desired location using handle  22  and levels it horizontally using reading of an inclinometer  54  ( FIG. 2 ); then the user squeezes upper end of release lever  24  toward handle  22  ( FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  19 ); as a result, lever  24  is pivoted about axis  34  tensioning torsion spring  50  and pulling all cables  40  simultaneously which, in turn, pull all tension springs  52  causing pivotal movement of latches  38  about axes  44  and disengagement of all teeth  46  from teeth  48  ( FIGS. 1C ,  1 E,  9 , and  10 ); since support elements  20  are no longer fixated to support platform  18  with teeth  46 , support elements  20  move simultaneously toward solid surface  60  under force of gravity; when all of support elements  20  meet solid surface  60 , the user stops squeezing release lever  24 ; as a result, release lever  24  is pivoted by decompression force of torsion spring  50  releasing all cables  40  and allowing the release force of springs  52  to pivot latches  38  about axes  44  until all teeth  46  engage with teeth  48  fixating the position of leveled by the user support platform  18  about solid surface  60 , regardless of the profile of solid surface  60  ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ). If any tooth  46  is not engaged right away with teeth  48 , tension spring  52  is not fully released keeping torsion spring  50  from being released by cable  40  and resulting in partial return of release lever  24  hiding markings  58  ( FIG. 19 ) from being seen by the user; hidden markings  58  indicate to the user that the ladder support device is not ready; unrealized force of tension spring  52  will engage tooth  46  ( FIG. 1D , or teeth  46  in  FIG. 8 ) with teeth  48  as soon as the support element  20  is moved slightly about support platform  18 , for instance, when the user pushes support platform  18  toward solid surface  60  until markings  58  become visible ( FIG. 18 ) indicating to the user that the ladder support device is ready (deployed). Support elements  20 , due to their relative arrangement, provide a means for supporting orientation of the deployed ladder support device  10  when unattended. Markings  58  are located on both sides of handle  22  (only one marking  58  is visible in  FIGS. 18 and 20 ). If pushing support platform  18  toward solid surface  60  does not make the ladder support device ready, the user is able to examine the guides  28  through transparent plates  36  for the reason (an embodiment of support platform  18  with transparent plates  36  is shown only in  FIG. 9 ). 
     Support platform  18  must be positioned by a user close enough to solid surface  60  for all of support elements  20  to reach solid surface  60  when release lever  24  is squeezed. After support platform  18  stands on solid surface  60 , the user is able to readjust height and orientation of support platform  18  when squeezing release lever  24 . 
     When a user wants to reposition support platform  18 , the user removes ladder  12  and carries support platform  18  to a new location using handle  22 . As an option, the user is able to squeeze release lever  24  and move support platform  18  toward solid surface  60  resetting position of support elements  20  about support platform  18  simultaneously before carrying support platform  18  to a new location. 
     Since each of support elements  20  is moving independently toward solid surface  60  when release lever  24  is squeezed, the support platform  18  can be leveled above even or uneven solid surface  60  ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ). 
     Support platform  18  accommodates ladders with the distance between side rails  14  falling within a predetermined range limited by vertical stopping elements  30  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     In order to improve stability of ladder support device  10  and preserve integrity of solid surface  60 , each of support elements  20  comprises a non-detachable shoe  62  ( FIGS. 11A and 11B ) or a detachable shoe  63  ( FIGS. 12A-12C ). Shoe  62  is flexibly installed by a ball joint  66  secured between ribs  67  at the bottom end of support element  20  to provide support at any orientation of shoe  62  about solid surface  60 . 
     Detachable shoe  63  comprises a female assembly  84  at the top. Female assembly  84  is adapted to engage with a male assembly  86  installed at the bottom of support element  20 . Male assembly  86  comprises hollow section  88  and two balls  92  kept apart by compression spring  94  within hollow section  88  ( FIG. 12C ). Female assembly  84  comprises two opposing circular opening  98  (only one is seen in  FIG. 12B ) and a hollow section  96 . When detachable shoe  63  is snapped onto support element  20 , hollow section  96  slides over male assembly  86  causing balls  92  to go inside of hollow section  88  by compressing spring  94  until openings  98  are aligned with balls  92 . Decompression force of spring  94  forces balls  92  out of hollow section  88  and inside of openings  98  when openings  98  are aligned with balls  92 . Decompression force of spring  94  is enough to keep male assembly  86  attached to female assembly  84  despite force of gravity. A user detaches shoe  63  from support element  20 , for instance, by squeezing balls  92  and pulling female assembly  84  from male assembly  86  or by just pulling female assembly  84  from male assembly  86  with a force larger than force of gravity. 
     Either shoe  62  or detachable shoe  63  may comprise a detachable sole  64 . For demonstrative purposes  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, and  13 E depict detachable shoe  63  with a detachable sole  64 . Detachable shoe  63  comprises a slot  68  and a latch  70  comprising a lever  72  pivotal about an axis  73  and a torsion spring  74  ( FIGS. 13A-13E ). One end of torsion spring  74  is positioned in a hole  75  of axis  73  and the other end is positioned against inner wall of lever  72 . Detachable sole  64  comprises contact surface  78  adapted for a specific solid surface  60  and a profiled member  76  adapted to slide inside of slot  68  ( FIG. 13E ). 
     In use, a user pivots lever  72  compressing torsion spring  74  to fully expose slot  68 ; then the user slides profiled member  76  of detachable sole  64  inside of slot  68  and releases lever  72 ; decompression force of torsion spring  74  pivots back lever  72  preventing sole  64  from falling off detachable shoe  63 . Lever  72  is pivoted by a user again when sole  64  shall be removed or replaced ( FIG. 13E ). 
     It might be necessary to increase height and/or footprint of support platform  18  using expanders  80  attachable between support elements  20  and shoes  63  ( FIGS. 14A-14C ). Shape of expanders  80  depicted in  FIGS. 14A-16  is chosen for demonstrative purposes only; other shapes may be used, if desired. Top end of expander  80  comprises a female assembly  84 . Bottom end of support element  20  comprises male assembly  86 . Bottom end of expander  80  also comprises male assembly  86 . Attaching and detaching elements using assemblies  84  and  86  is described in paragraph [0127]. 
       FIGS. 21-23  depict embodiment demonstrated in  FIGS. 1A-20  but with handle  100  flexibly connected to support platform  18  with a ball joint  102 , release lever  104  pivotally connected to support platform  18  by an axis  106 . Ladder support device  10  is balanced about handle  100  in such way that gravity force keeps work area  26  horizontal regardless of orientation of handle  100  held by a user when support elements  20  are not touching a solid surface. This way user error when orienting support platform  18  horizontally and time required for the orientation are eliminated. In addition, an inclinometer is no longer necessary. 
       FIGS. 24-33  depict another embodiment of ladder support device  15 . Support platform  19  comprises handle  23  fixed to its upward side, a release lever  25 , a work area  27 , and three guides  29 . Although, for demonstrative purposes, support platform  19  is chosen to be triangular, it can be circular, square, or have any other shape; and the number of guides  29  can be more than three, if desired. Work area  27  is a ladder-supporting area incorporating vertical stopping elements  35  limiting the horizontal movement of a ladder lower end on the ladder-supporting area. 
     Each guide  29  ( FIG. 33 ) comprises a hydraulic cylinder  37 , a piston  39  movable within hydraulic cylinder  37  along guides  77 , piston  39  is sealed by O-ring  41  (although other sealing means, known in the art, for hydraulic applications can be used). Piston  39  is rigidly connected to a support element  33 . Support element  33  ends with a shoe  69  identical to shoe  62  depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  and described in paragraph [0126]. Lower end of support element  33  is connected to hydraulic cylinder  37  by a dust cover  65 . Ladder support device  15  further comprises a hydraulic valve  43  (see  FIGS. 31A and 31B ) comprising outer casing  49  and inner member  51  located inside of outer casing  49 . Outer casing  49  is connected to each of hydraulic cylinders  37  by a hydraulic pressure tubes  45 , at least one of hydraulic pressure tubes  45  comprises a fill and bleed access member  71  sealed by a cap  47 . Inner member  51  comprises a lever  55  protruding through a channel  57  of outer casing  49 . Inner member  51  further comprises three interconnected channels  53  leading to the outside surface of inner member  51 . Lever  55  is connected to release lever  25  by a cable  59  and is biased downward by a tension spring  61  keeping hydraulic valve  43  turned off. In the biased position inner member  51  blocks all hydraulic pressure tubes  45  ( FIG. 31B ) for preventing hydraulic fluid communication between hydraulic cylinders  37 . Squeezing release lever  25  toward handle  23  turns hydraulic valve  43  on ( FIGS. 28 and 29 ) by raising lever  55  which pulls tension spring  61  and pivots inner member  51  resulting in alignment of channels  53  with hydraulic pressure tubes  45  and hydraulic fluid communication between hydraulic cylinders  37 . Releasing lever  25  will allow unrealized force of spring  61  to pivot inner member  51  back to the biased position where channels  53  are not aligned with hydraulic pressure tubes  45  preventing hydraulic fluid communication between hydraulic cylinders  37 . 
     Therefore, a user is able to position the bottom ends of all of support elements  33  on the ground quickly, automatically, and regardless of the ground profile ( FIG. 26 ) by squeezing release lever  25  toward handle  23  ( FIG. 28 ) for redirecting the hydraulic liquid from hydraulic cylinders  37  of support elements  33  pressed against solid surface  60  to hydraulic cylinders  37  of support elements  33  which are not touching solid surface  60  until all of support elements  33  reach solid surface  60  equalizing pressure between hydraulic cylinders  37  where releasing lever  25  by the user fixates the position of support platform  19  about solid surface  60  since hydraulic liquid redirection between hydraulic cylinders  37  is no longer permitted. 
       FIGS. 34-59  depict another sample embodiment of a ladder support device  110 . Ladder support device  110  ( FIG. 34 ) is used with a ladder  12  having spaced side rails  14  connected by spaced rungs  16 . Ladder support device  110  comprises a flexible bar  112  (best seen in  FIG. 37 ), two short support elements  114  ( FIG. 36 ), two long support elements  116 , and a generally rectangular frame  120  formed by a support platform  118  at the bottom, by a rib  122  on the top, and by two guide pairs  124  on the sides. 
     For demonstrative purposes, each of support elements  114  and  116  is depicted as a square bar, although others shapes can be chosen. Each of short support elements  114  is longitudinal and comprises a cap  115  at the top and teeth  128  along the longitudinal dimension. Each of long support elements  116  is longitudinal and comprises a cap  115  at the top and teeth  128  along the longitudinal dimension. 
     Support platform  118  comprises a release pedal  130  and a work area  132 . Work area  132  is a ladder-supporting area incorporating vertical stopping elements  134  limiting the horizontal movement of a ladder lower end on the ladder-supporting area. 
     Each guide pair  124  comprises an inner guide  136  and an outer guide  138  connected to each other by two arms  140  at the bottom ends and pivotally connected to each other at the upper end with an axis  142 . Arms  140  are pivotal about axes  144 . User folds each guide pair  124  for storage ( FIG. 38 ) by rotating outer guides  138  toward inner guides  136  about axis  142  and rotating simultaneously arms  140  about axes  144 . User unfolds each guide pair  124  ( FIG. 36 ), when preparing ladder support device  110 , by rotating outer guides  138  from inner guides  136  about axis  142  and rotating simultaneously arms  140  about axes  144 . 
     Each of inner guides  136  comprises a U-shaped bar  146  ( FIG. 36 ), a latch  148  ( FIG. 39 ), a cover  150  ( FIG. 57 ) enclosing latch  148  and short support element  114 , and a dust cover  204  connecting the lower end of short support element  114  to the bottom of cover  150  (only  FIGS. 57-59  fully depict cover  150  and dust cover  204  where  FIGS. 34-44 , and  49 - 51  depict cover  150  with some of the walls removed for clarity). Cover  150  is removable and attached to U-bar  146 , for instance, with fasteners (not shown). 
     Each of outer guides  138  ( FIG. 39 ) comprises a U-shaped bar  156 , latch  148 , a cover  160  ( FIG. 57 ) enclosing latch  148  and long support element  116 , and a dust cover  204  connecting the lower end of long support element  116  to the bottom of the cover  160  (only  FIGS. 57-59  fully depict cover  160  and dust cover  204  where  FIGS. 34-42 ,  44 , and  49  depict cover  160  with some of the walls removed for clarity). U-shaped bar  156  comprises a limiting member  162  ( FIG. 36 ). Cap  115  limits movement of long support element  116  along the longitudinal dimension of U-bar  156  when cap  115  meets limiting member  162 . Each cover  160  comprises a handle  126  ( FIGS. 57 and 58 ). Cover  160  is removable and attached to U-bar  156 , for instance, with fasteners (not shown). 
     Latch  148  is identical to latch  38  of ladder support device  10  depicted in  FIGS. 1A-23 . Latch  148  comprises a tooth  164  (best seen in  FIGS. 47 and 48 ). Latch  148  is pivotally connected to its guide with an axis  166  and by a tension spring  152 . 
     Release pedal  130  comprises bottom axis  170  and top axis  172  (best seen in  FIG. 51 ). Release pedal  130  is pivotally connected to inner guides  136  with bottom axis  170 . Both ends of top axis  172  are positioned inside of arc-shaped channels  168  (best seen in  FIG. 43B ) of inner guides  136  limiting rotational movement of release pedal  130  about bottom axis  170 . Release pedal  130  is biased upward by two tension springs  174  connected to opposite ends of top axis  172  with one end (only one end of top axis  172  is shown in  FIGS. 50 and 51  for clarity) and to inner guides  136  with the other end. Each end of top axis  172  is also connected to both latches  148  of its own guide pair  124  by cable  176  routed by pulleys  178  ( FIGS. 47 ,  48 ,  50 , and  51 ) installed between ribs  180  (shown partially in  FIGS. 50 and 51  for clarity). 
     Tension springs  152 , when not pulled, ( FIGS. 44 and 47 ) keep teeth  164  of latches  148  engaged with teeth  128  of support elements  114  and  116  preventing movement of support elements  114  and  116  about support platform  118  (see also  FIGS. 1B and 1D ). 
     Flexible bar  112  is attached to the bottom side of rib  122  by a ball joint  182  and to frame  120  by a spring latch  184  (best seen in  FIGS. 52 and 53 ). 
     Frame  120  further comprises two holders  190  ( FIG. 34 ) and an inclinometer  192 . 
     Each inner guide  136  further comprises a laser guide  194  ( FIG. 36 ). 
     In use, a user unfolds guide pairs  124 , pulls bottom portion of flexible bar  112  from spring latch  184 , positions the ladder support device  110  on solid surface  60  at a desired location using, for instance, handles  126 , and levels it using reading of inclinometer  192  and laser beams of laser guides  194  indicating a location the top end of ladder  12  is about to be leaned on when ladder  12  is positioned on work area  132 ; next, the user presses upper portion of release pedal  130  ( FIG. 43B ); as a result, release pedal  130  is pivoted about bottom axis  170  extending tension springs  174  and pulling all cables  176  which, in turn, cause simultaneous pivotal movement of latches  148  and disengagement of all teeth  164  ( FIG. 48 ) from teeth  128  while pulling all tension springs  152 ; since support elements  114  and  116  are no longer fixated respectively to guides  136  and  138  with teeth  164 , support elements  114  and  116  move simultaneously toward solid surface  60  under force of gravity; when all of support elements  114  and  116  meet solid surface  60 , user stops pressing release pedal  130 ; as a result, release pedal  130  is pivoted by decompression force of springs  174  releasing all cables  176  which, in turn, allows the release force of springs  152  to pivot teeth  164  until they engage with teeth  128  fixating the positions of support elements  114  and  116  about solid surface  60  regardless of the profile of solid surface  60 . 
     If any tooth  164  is not engaged right away with teeth  128 , tension spring  152  is not fully released keeping tension spring  174  from being released by cable  176  and resulting in partial return of release pedal  130  exposing markings  158  ( FIG. 43C ); exposed markings  158  indicate to the user that the ladder support device is not ready; unrealized force of spring  152  will engage tooth  164  with teeth  128  as soon as the support element  114  ( 116 ) is moved slightly about support platform  118 , for instance, when the user pushes support platform  118  toward solid surface  60  to make sure that markings  158  are hidden ( FIG. 43A ). The hidden markings  158  indicate to the user that all teeth  164  are engaged with teeth  128  completely and that ladder support device  110  is ready (deployed) for ladder placement. Markings  158  are located on inner sides of inner guides  136  (only one marking  158  is shown in  FIGS. 43B and 43C  for clarity). 
     If pushing ladder support device  110  toward solid surface  60  does not make it ready, the user is able to examine the guides  136  and  138  through transparent plates  200  for the reason (an embodiment of ladder support device  110  with transparent plates  200  is shown, for instance, in  FIGS. 39 ,  41 , and  43 A- 43 C). After orientating ladder support device  110 , user pivots flexible bar  112  about ball joint  182  and positions lower end of flexible bar  112  behind frame  120  onto solid surface  60  to support the orientation of ladder support device  110  when user leaves for a ladder  12  (therefore, support elements  114 ,  116  and flexible bar  112 , due to their relative arrangement, provide a means for supporting orientation of the deployed ladder support device  110  without ladder  12  when unattended); lastly, user lowers ladder on support platform  118  in such way that predetermined rung  16  is lowered onto holders  190  until bottom ends of ladder  12  stand on work area  132  ( FIG. 34 ). Placing ladder  12  on work area  132  and using ladder  12  may cause temporary deformation of flexible bar  112  but, at this point, orientation of ladder support device  110  is supported by ladder  12  leaned on a vertical surface with upper ends of rails  14 . Flexible bar  112  will flex back as soon as ladder  12  is lifted off work area  132  regaining its function to support orientation of ladder support device  110  without the user when ladder is not positioned on work area  132 . 
       FIG. 35  depicts a variation of the embodiment of ladder support device  110  where frame  120  comprises locking holders  208  for securing ladder  12  to ladder support device  110  when ladder  12  is positioned on work area  132 . As seen in  FIGS. 54-56C , locking holder  208  comprises a latch  210  biased out of a cutout  212  of U-shaped bar  146  by a torsion spring  214  and a pivoting member  220  which pivots about an axis  222 . The pivoting member  220 , when pivoted down toward the latch  210  ( FIG. 56B ), forces latch  210  to go inside of cutout  212  compressing torsion spring  214 . When pivoting member  220  goes below threshold  216  of latch  210  ( FIG. 56C ), latch  210  goes out of cutout  212  under decompression force of torsion spring  214  locking ladder rung  16  by pivoting member  220  kept in position by threshold  216  ( FIGS. 54 and 56C ). At this point, the user is able to carry and to position ladder  12  and ladder support device  110  simultaneously. 
     This embodiment has advantages and disadvantages when compared to previous embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1A-23 . For instance, previous embodiments provide only vertical support to ladders, where this embodiment provides not only vertical support with short support elements  114  and long support elements  116  but also sidewise support with long support elements  116 . 
     As far as a disadvantage, if an angle between unfolded outer guides  138  is too big, then reducing height of work area  132  above solid surface  60  when long support elements  116  stand on solid surface  60  may not be possible by simply pushing frame  120  toward solid surface  60  when pressing release pedal  130 . If such angle is chosen intentionally by a designer for increased stability sidewise, one of the solutions is to press pedal  130  when frame  120  is turned upside down to allow support elements  114  and  116  to fall down simultaneously under force of gravity inside of their respective guides  136  and  138  before moving to other location. 
     A user carries ladder support device  110  to a new location using handles  126  without ladder  12  or with ladder  12  when ladder  12  is locked to leveling device  110  with locking holders  208 . 
     Since each of support elements  114  and  116  is moving independently toward solid surface  60  when pedal  130  is pressed, the support platform  118  can be leveled above even or uneven solid surface  60  ( FIGS. 42 and 59 ). 
     In order to improve stability of ladder support device  110  and preserve integrity of solid surface  60 , each of support elements  114  and  116  comprises a non-detachable shoe  62  described in paragraph [0126]. 
       FIGS. 60-69  depict a ladder support device  300  which is a modified embodiment of a ladder support device depicted in  FIGS. 24-33  (although the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1A-23  can be used as prototypes as well). The difference between the embodiments is that ladder support device  300  further comprises foldable members  304  and  306 . Foldable members  304  and  306  are pivotal about top side of support platform  19  by hinges  308  and  310  correspondingly. Foldable member  304  comprises a rigidity rib  312 , a cutout  302 , and two holes  314 . Foldable member  306  comprises a rigidity rib  313 , cutout  302 , and hole  314 . 
       FIG. 62  depicts a leveler  316  comprising inner telescopic part  317  and outer telescopic part  318 . Inner telescopic part  317  goes inside of outer telescopic part  318 . Each of telescopic parts  317  and  318  comprises an inclinometer  320  on the top side and a protruding member  321  on the bottom side. Inclinometers  320  and protruding members  321  are positioned at the far ends of leveler  316 . Relative movement of telescopic parts  317  and  318  is prevented by tightening a wing screw  322 . Inner telescopic part  317  also comprises measurement marks  324  indicating distance between protruding members  321  when aligned with an edge of outer telescopic part  318 . 
     When foldable members  304  and  306  of ladder support devices  300  are unfolded up about hinges  308  and  310  ( FIG. 61 ), they get secured in the up positions by latches  350 . Latches  350 , located on the top of ladder support devices  300 , secure foldable members  304  and  306  in unfolded (up) positions ( FIG. 61 ); and latches  350 , located on the sides of ladder support devices  300 , secure foldable members  304  and  306  in folded (down) positions ( FIG. 60 ). 
     Latch  350  (best seen in  FIG. 66 ) comprises a body  352  and a locking member  356  biased out of body  352  by a compression spring  358 . Locking member  356  comprises an inclined side  360 . Foldable member  304  or foldable member  306 , when pressing against inclined side  360  of locking member  356  ( FIG. 67 ), drives locking member  356  inside of body  352  compressing spring  358 . When foldable member  304  or foldable member  306  passes completely over inclined side  360 , the decompression force of spring  358  causes locking member  356  out of body  352  securing position of foldable member  304  or foldable member  306  ( FIG. 68 ). In order to release foldable member  304  or foldable member  306 , user moves locking member  356  out of the way by pressing on inclined side  360  ( FIG. 69 ). 
     In use, when foldable members  304  and  306  of any two ladder support devices  300  are unfolded ( FIGS. 62 , and  63 ), user inserts protruding members  321  of leveler  316  into holes  314  of both ladder support devices  300 ; then, the user positions, for instance, foldable members  306  of both ladder support devices  300  at the same height using reading of inclinometers  320  and levels work areas  27  (as previously described herin). If a certain distance between any two holes  314  of two ladder support devices  300  is desired, user adjusts leveler  316  to the distance first by relaxing wing screw  322 , adjusting relative position of telescopic parts  317  and  318  using measurement marks  324 , and tightening back wing screw  322 . The above described process can be repeated to bring a plurality of ladder support devices  300  to the same height regardless of ground profile where each pair of ladder support devices  300  is located at a predetermined distance from each other. 
     Such ability allows a user to position, for example, a step ladder, a table top, a scaffold  330  ( FIG. 64 ) on two ladder support devices  300  or a temporary floor on more than two ladder support devices  300 . In addition, a seat  340  ( FIG. 65 ) can be positioned on top of a single ladder support devices  300  converting it to a chair. Objects positioned on top of ladder support devices  300  may be secured using holes  314 . Scaffold  330  ( FIG. 64 ) and seat  340  ( FIG. 65 ), for instance, comprise bolts  332 . Bolts  332  go inside of holes  314  and can be secured by wing nuts or other similar means known in the art. 
     In addition, the described embodiments which use ordinary cables and pulleys for controlling the latches, may use instead Bowden cables or any other such means known in the art. 
     Those who are skilled in the art will readily perceive how to modify the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are to be construed to cover all equivalent structures which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Technology Category: e