PORTABLE LADDER WITH A STAND OFF DEVICE

The present invention relates to a telescopic A-frame ladder.

A-frame ladders are self-supporting ladders, meaning they do not need to be leaned against a wall or other structure for stability.

A-frame ladders can be set up in an inverted V-shaped configuration, in which the ladder is free standing. In addition, some A-frame ladders can also be set up into a straight configuration, in which the two ladders are folded against each other, and in which the ladder is setup against a vertical surface, e.g. a wall.

A-frame ladders typically comprises a ladder and a frame, wherein the frame is hingedly connected to the ladder. The frame is configured to fit the ladder, when in the straight configuration, enabling the frame to be positioned closely against, and partially receive, the ladder, providing a compact configuration. Thus, the Ladder can be set up against a wall surface when in the straight configuration.

A-frame ladders that comprise two ladders, instead of a ladder and a frame, are also known. These ladders typically only allow for a set up in the A-configuration. In the straight configuration, the ladders are positioned adjacent to each other, which does not allow for the compact configuration that can be attained with an A-ladder comprising a frame.

Furthermore telescopic A-frame ladders are known, i.e. A-frame ladders comprising two telescopic ladder assemblies. The telescopic ladder assemblies have multiple ladder sections, each ladder section comprising two tubular stile members arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by at least one ladder rung, The stile members of the ladder sections are telescopically inserted into each other, so that the ladder sections can be moved relative to each other between an extended position and a collapsed position.

Prior art publications US2827216, US4989692 and EP1686233 show A-frame ladders comprising two telescopically extendable and collapsible ladder sections. When set up in the inverted V-shaped configuration, the A-frame ladders are free standing. To enable the ladder to be set up against a wall, in the straight configuration the ladders are either folded in alignment with each other or are folded onto each other with one ladder partially collapsed. The prior art designs have details that are not satisfactory, either with regard to their construction and/or their practical use. The object of the present invention is to overcome at least some the disadvantages and problems with the prior art A-frame ladders by providing an A-frame ladder that is easy and safe to handle.

The invention therefore provides an A-frame ladder according to claim 1 .

The A-frame ladder according to claim 1 comprises two telescopically extendable and collapsible ladder assemblies. The A-frame ladder can be set up in an inverted V-shaped configuration, in which the ladder is free standing, and into a straight configuration, in which the ladders are folded onto each other.

According to the invention, the hinge axis is positioned relative to the top rung of the first and second ladder such that, when the two telescopic ladder assemblies are folded onto each other, both the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly can be in the extended configuration. Therefore, the ladder can be set up against a wall with both telescopic ladder assemblies in the extended configuration.

Thus, when both ladder assemblies are fully extended, and the ladder assemblies are in the straight configuration, the first ladder assembly provides the support, i.e. is supported at both ends. The first ladder assembly is at one end supported by the floor, and is at an opposite end supported by the wall, via the stand off device that is fixed to the first ladder assembly, while the second ladder assembly does not engage the floor or the wall. This provides for a stable set up.

Furthermore, switching from the A-configuration to the straight configuration does not require the user to unlock and partially collapse the second ladder assembly. Thus, the A-frame ladder can be quickly and easily changed between the A-configuration and the straight configuration.

Furthermore, the configuration of a ladder according to the invention enables easy collapsing the ladder when in the straight configuration, when the manually operable release actuators on the bottom ladder sections are substantially level, and can thus be easily activated synchronous.

The present invention therefore provides an A-frame ladder that overcomes some the disadvantages and problems with the prior art A-frame ladders, and in particular provides an A-frame ladder that is easy and safe to handle.

An A-frame ladder according to claim 1 comprises: - a first telescopic ladder assembly and a second telescopic ladder assembly that are hingedly connected such that the second ladder assembly is pivotal about a hinge axis relative to the first ladder assembly between a straight configuration, in which the ladder assemblies are parallel to each other for leaning the ladder against a wall, and an A-configuration, in which the ladder assemblies form an inverted V for a free standing set up on a floor, the collapsible ladder assemblies each having multiple ladder sections, each ladder section comprising two tubular stile members arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by at least one ladder rung, wherein the ladder rung is provided with a grip surface, and wherein the stile members of the ladder sections are telescopically inserted into each other, so that the ladder sections can be moved relative to each other between an extended position and a collapsed position;

-a stand off device for supporting the ladder in the straight configuration against a wall, the stand off device comprising two stand off arms, that each have a base end, fixed to a top end of the first ladder assembly, and a bumper end for engaging the wall;

- a spreader assembly for securing the second ladder assembly against spreading away from the first ladder assembly, when in the A-configuration; and

- a lock assembly, for securing the second ladder assembly relative to the first ladder assembly in the straight configuration; wherein the second ladder assembly, at a top end thereof, is hingedly connected to the stand off arms, between the base end and the bumper end thereof, such that the hinge axis is in line with the stile members of the second ladder assembly, and wherein the hinge axis, in a longitudinal direction of the respective ladder assemblies, is spaced relative to a top rung of the first ladder assembly at a first pivot distance, and is spaced relative to a top rung of the second ladder assembly at a second pivot distance, and wherein the second pivot distance is smaller than the first pivot distance, wherein the rungs of the second ladder assembly are level with the rungs of the first ladder assembly when the first and second ladder assembly are each extended and the ladder is set up on a floor in the A-configuration, and the ladder is thus supported by both the first and the second ladder assembly on the floor, and wherein the rungs of the second ladder assembly are staggered relative to the rungs of the first ladder assembly, in the longitudinal direction of the ladder assemblies, when the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly are each extended and the ladder is set up against a wall in the straight configuration, and the ladder is thus supported on the floor by the first ladder assembly only.

It is submitted that the ladder assemblies each comprise ladder rungs, i.e. horizontal tubular members dimensioned and configured to support a person, and provided with a grip surface that provides a foot support. An A-frame ladder according to the invention therefore differs from a step ladder comprising a ladder and a frame, which does not function as a ladder.

It is submitted that with a ladder according to the invention, the rungs of the second ladder assembly are staggered relative to the rungs of the first ladder assembly, in the longitudinal direction of the ladder assemblies, when the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly are each collapsed, and the ladder is in the straight configuration, i.e. when the ladder is in the storage configuration.

According to the invention, the ladder comprises a lock assembly that secures the second ladder assembly relative to the first ladder assembly in the straight configuration. Thus, the second ladder assembly is held, while in the extended position, adjacent the first ladder assembly when the ladder is set up against a wall.

Preferably, the lock assembly is configured for securing the second ladder assembly against pivoting away from the first ladder assembly, when both ladder assemblies are collapsed and in the straight configuration, i.e. when the ladder is in the storage configuration. In an alternative embodiment, a securing device, e.g. a strip or bracket, is provided for securing the collapsed ladders relative to each other.

For economic reasons, the two ladder assemblies preferably are substantially identical. In an embodiment, the ladders only differ at the lower ends, i.e. the configuration of the floor supports.

It is submitted that while the second ladder assembly is pivotable connected with the stand off device, the position of the first ladder assembly relative to the stand off device is fixed.

In an embodiment, the stand off device comprises two mounts, each for engaging a ladder stile of the first ladder assembly, the mounts having a cylindrical shape for either receiving or being inserted into a tubular top end of the stile members. The cylindrical shapes have a central axis that extends parallel to the ladder styles and at an angle with the stand off arms. In an embodiment, the stand off device is provided with mounts for receiving top ends of the stile members of the respective ladder assemblies. In such an embodiment the mounts for receiving the stile members of the second ladder assembly are hinged relative to the rest of the stand of device, more in particular can be hinged about the hinge axis, and thus hingedly connect the second ladder assembly with the stand off device and the first ladder assembly.

Preferably, the two telescopic ladder assemblies comprise identical top ends. In such an embodiment, the stand off device, comprising mounts to secure the top ends of the respective ladder assemblies to the stand off device, is configured to position the hinge axis, in a longitudinal direction of the respective ladder assemblies, at different pivot distances relative to the top rung of the respective ladder assemblies.

It is submitted that the pivot distance, i.e. the distance between the top rung of a ladder assembly and the hinge axis, is defined in the longitudinal direction of the respective ladder assemblies, i.e. in a direction parallel to the stile members of the respective ladder assembly, and with the ladder in the straight configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which the stile members of the first ladder assembly are parallel to the stile members of the second ladder assembly.

In an embodiment, the first pivot distance is substantially the same or larger than the distance between two ladder rungs of the ladder assembly when in the extended configuration.

In an embodiment, the ladder, in the straight configuration, i.e. with both ladder assemblies fully extended, can be set up against the wall at an angle of at least 15 degrees, preferably at least 20 degrees, for example 25 degrees, with only the first ladder assembly supporting the A-frame ladder. In such an embodiment, the ladder can be positioned with the stand off device against the wall, more in particular with the bumper end of the stand off device against the wall, the ladder enclosing an angle of at least 15 degrees, while the ladder is supported by the first ladder assembly only. Thus, even at this angle, only the first ladder assembly engages the floor while both ladder assemblies are fully extended.

In an embodiment, the stand off arms are connected by one or more cross bars, the one or more cross bars running parallel to the rungs of the A-frame ladder, the one or more cross bars forming a surface, for example a platform or tool tray, and the rungs of the top ladder sections are spaced from the one or more cross bars. In such an embodiment, the stile members of both ladder assemblies extend beyond the upper rungs of the respective ladder assemblies. Preferably, the distance between the upper rungs and the one or more cross bars is about the same or smaller than the distance between the rungs of the respective ladder assemblies when in the extended configuration. In an embodiment, the distance between the upper rungs and the one or more cross bars is similar to the distance between the rungs of the respective ladder assemblies when in the extended configuration.

In an embodiment, the stand off arms of the stand of device and the platform are integrated into a single piece, e.g. are combined with cross bars that connect the two stand off arms. In such an embodiment, the stand off device may comprise a single body to which the ladder assemblies are connected.

The ladder rungs are provided with top surface, i.e. a grip surface configured a person using the ladder to stand on, that is substantially horizontal when the ladder is in the A-configuration. Furthermore, when the ladder is in the A-configuration, the grip surfaces of the rungs of the first ladder assembly are substantially horizontal and are level with the grip surfaces of the rungs of the second ladder assembly.

In an embodiment, the stand off arms extend at an angle to the stile members of the first ladder assembly, and the bumper ends are configured such that when the ladder is set up in the straight configuration against a wall, the grip surfaces of the rungs of the first ladder assembly are substantially horizontal. Thus, a person using the ladder is provided with substantially horizontal grip surface when the ladder is set up in the A-configuration and when the ladder is set up in the straight configuration.

In an embodiment the stand off arms are connected by one or more cross bars that run parallel to the rungs and that form a surface that is substantially parallel to the grip surface of the ladder rungs of the first ladder assembly, when the ladder is in the straight configuration and when the ladder is in the A- configuration. In such an embodiment, the surface that is formed by the cross bars is substantially horizontal when the ladder is in the A-configuration and when the ladder is set up in the straight configuration.

In an embodiment, the telescopic ladder assemblies each have at least three ladder sections, each of said ladder sections having two tubular stile members arranged parallel to each other and interconnected at one end by a ladder rung to form a U-shaped ladder section, the stile members of each ladder section being telescopically inserted into the stile members of an adjacent ladder section. The ladder assemblies typically comprises automatic latch mechanisms for locking the telescopically inserted stile members relative to one another when the ladder sections are extended, the latch mechanisms of each ladder section being associated with one or more actuators for unlocking the stile members in order to allow for collapsing of the ladder assembly.

In an embodiment, the spreader assembly comprises a first spreader arm, which first spreader arm is at a first end hingedly connected to the first ladder assembly and a second spreader arm, which second spreader arm is at a first end hingedly connected to the second ladder assembly, and wherein the first spreader arm and the second spreader arm are each at a second end hingedly connected to each other, such that the spreader arms can be hinged between a deployed position, in which the spreader arms are extended, preferably are overextended, to secure the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly in the A-configuration, and a folded position, for when the A-frame ladder is in the straight configuration, in which folded position the spreader arms extend upwards from the ladder rungs and between the stile members of the top ladder sections. When the spreader arms are in the extended position, they are essentially in line with each other. When overextended, the hinge point at which the spreader arms are connected to each other, is moved beyond the point at which the spreader arms are aligned. In this configuration, an extra effort is required to move the arms from the deployed position into the folded position.

In a further embodiment, the first spreader arm is at a first end hingedly connected to the top rung of the first ladder assembly and the second spreader arm is at the first end hingedly connected to the top rung of the second ladder assembly.

In a further embodiment, the spreader arms of the spreader assembly are shorter than the first pivot distance, and preferably, when the A-frame ladder is in the straight configuration, the spreader arms do not extend beyond a top end of the stile members.

In addition or as an alternative, the spreader assembly comprises a hand grip, which hand grip enables a user to pull the spreader arms from the extended position, preferably from the overextended position, into the folded position, using the handgrip, and thus to move the ladder assemblies from the A- configuration into the straight configuration.

In an embodiment, the hand grip is oriented to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the rungs of the ladder extend. Such a configuration facilitates a user of the ladder to collapse the spreader assembly by reaching between the stile members of the first ladder assembly, and pulling the hand grip in a direction that is generally upwards and towards the user when the ladder is in the A- configuration. Such a spreader assembly furthermore enables bringing the ladder from the A- configuration into the straight configuration by a user without the need to reach around, or walk around, the side of the ladder to displace the spreaders. Additionally, the use of the hand grip helps to prevent the possibility of a user pinching their hands or fingers in the hinge of a spreader or spreader.

In a further embodiment, the spreader assembly comprises two parallel first arms, and two parallel second arms, the first arms each being connected at a first end to the top rung of the first ladder assembly and two parallel second arms each being connected at a first end to the top rung of the second ladder assembly, and wherein the first arms are each at a second end connected to a second end of one of the two second arms, and wherein the hand grip is provided between the two first arms, preferably near the second ends thereof.

In a further embodiment, the handgrip is connected to the first arms, preferably near the second ends thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, the first arms are hingedly connected to the second arms via a hinge axle, and the hand grip preferably is mounted on the hinge axle.

In an embodiment, the length of the first spreader arms differs from the length of the second spreader arms, such that, when the ladder is in the straight configuration, the spreader arms extend at an angle to the stile members of the first ladder assembly and extend beyond the stile members of the first ladder assembly, such that the handgrip is positioned outside the ladder, more in particular in front of the first ladder assembly, to enable a user to carry the ladder, in the collapsed and straight configuration, using the handgrip.

In an embodiment, the spreader assembly is provided with locks for securing the spreader arms in the extended position.

In an embodiment, the first and the second ladder assembly each comprise a top ladder section, a bottom ladder section, and multiple intermediate ladder sections.

In a further embodiment, the stile members of the top ladder section and the intermediate ladder sections are telescopically inserted into the stile members of an adjacent lower ladder section, the adjacent lower ladder section being one of the intermediate ladder sections or the bottom ladder section, so that the one or more intermediate ladder sections and the top ladder section can be collapsed in a collapsing direction towards the bottom ladder section.

In a further embodiment, the top ladder section of each of the ladder assemblies has two tubular stile members arranged parallel to each other that are interconnected at an intermediate section by a ladder rung.

In a further embodiment, the intermediate ladder sections each have two tubular stile members arranged parallel to each other that are interconnected at a top end by a ladder rung,

In a further embodiment, the bottom ladder sections each have two tubular stile members arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by a top ladder rung and a bottom ladder rung, In an embodiment, the lock assembly is configured for securing the second ladder assembly against pivoting away from the first ladder assembly, when both ladder assemblies are collapsed and in the straight configuration, i.e. when the ladder is in the storage configuration.

Thus the lock assembly is configured to be used when the ladder assemblies are extended and when the ladder assemblies are collapsed. Preferably, the ladder assembly can be extended and collapsed while the lock assembly is active, i.e. the ladder assemblies remain locked in the straight configuration when the ladder assemblies are collapsed or extended.

In an embodiment, the lock assembly is provided on the lowest ladder section of the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly. This provides a user of the ladder with easy access to the lock assembly when the ladder assemblies are extended. In an alternative embodiment, the lock assembly is integrated in the spreader assembly. In such an embodiment, the spreader assembly preferably is provided at n intermediate ladder section, i.e. a ladder section that not comprises the top ladder rung or the bottom ladder rung.

In an embodiment, the difference between the first pivot distance and the second pivot distance is in the range of 3-8 cm, preferably is in the range of 4-7 cm, for example is 6 cm.

With an A-frame ladder according to the invention, the stile members of the first ladder assembly and the stile members of the second ladder assembly do not extend beyond the hinge axis. Thus, the hinge axis more or less forms the pinnacle of the a-frame ladder when for example set up in the A-configuration. It is submitted that this feature is typical for A-frame ladders in general. It is however possible that a supper structure is provided that does extend above the hinge axis, however, for example a frame to provide grip support for a user standing on the ladder. This supper structure is not a continuation or extension of the stile members of the ladder and does not comprise ladder rungs.

In an embodiment, the first and the second ladder assembly each comprise a top ladder section, a bottom ladder section, and multiple intermediate ladder sections, and the stile members of the top ladder section extend on opposite sides, i.e. below and above, of a top ladder rung, providing the top ladder section with a H-shape, and preferably the stile members of the top sections of the first and the second ladder assembly have the same length.

In such an embodiment, the top ladder section of the ladder assemblies only partially collapse, i.e. only the part of the stile members below the top ladder rung is telescopically received in the stile members of an intermediate ladder section. This is in particular beneficial when the spreader assembly is provided between the top rungs of the ladder assemblies, preferably comprises first and second spreader arms that are connected to the top ladder rungs, Providing the top ladder section with stile members that extend upward form the top ladder rung, thus provide a window, defined by the top ladder rungs, the part of the stile members extending upward from the top ladder rungs and optimally one or more cross bars of the stand off device, that can house the spreader arms, or at least part thereof, when the ladder is in the straight configuration.

In an embodiment, the length of the first ladder assembly is identical to the length of the second ladder assembly.

In an embodiment, the bottom ladder section and the intermediate ladder sections are provided with automatic latch mechanisms, said automatic latch mechanisms being adapted for automatically locking the stile members of the adjacent higher ladder section, the higher ladder section being one of the intermediate ladder sections or the top ladder section, in a fully extended position of said adjacent higher ladder section.

In a further embodiment, the automatic latch mechanisms of the intermediate ladder sections are each associated with a release actuator for unlocking the stile members of an adjacent higher ladder section in order to allow for automatic release and collapsing of the ladder assembly, and the automatic latch mechanism of the bottom ladder section is associated with a manually operable release actuator for unlocking of the stile members of an adjacent higher ladder section, the adjacent higher ladder section being one of the multiple intermediate ladder sections, by a user in order to allow for a manually release and collapsing of the ladder assembly.

In an embodiment, the length of the first ladder assembly is identical to the length of the second ladder assembly.

In an embodiment, the rungs are connected with plastic connectors to the stile members, and the connectors of the first ladder assembly, due to the second ladder assembly being staggered relative to the first ladder assembly, are not level with the connectors of the second ladder assembly, and vice versa, when the ladder is in the straight configuration. Instead, the connectors of the second ladder assembly are located at least partially above the connectors of the first ladder assembly.

In an embodiment, the hinge axis is aligned with a central axis of the stile members of the second ladder assembly.

The invention furthermore provides a method for using a ladder according to the invention, the method comprising: - locking the second ladder assembly relative to the first ladder assembly and extend the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly; and

- setting up the ladder, with both ladder assemblies extended, in the straight configuration against a wall.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises the steps:

- extending first ladder assembly and extending second ladder assembly;

- setting up the ladder in the A-configuration;

- setting up the ladder in the straight configuration with both ladder assemblies extend;

- lock the second ladder assembly relative to the first ladder assembly; and

- set up the ladder, with both ladder assemblies extended, in the straight configuration against a wall.

According to a second aspect, the inventio furthermore provides an A-frame ladder, the ladder comprising:

- a first telescopic ladder assembly and a second telescopic ladder assembly that are hingedly connected such that the second ladder assembly is pivotal about a hinge axis relative to the first ladder assembly between a straight configuration, in which the ladder assemblies are parallel to each other for leaning the ladder against a wall, and an A-configuration, in which the ladder assemblies form an inverted V for a free standing set up on a floor, the collapsible ladder assemblies each having a top ladder section, a bottom ladder section, and multiple intermediate ladder sections, each ladder section comprising two tubular stile members arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by at least one ladder rung, wherein the ladder rung is provided with a grip surface, and wherein the stile members of the ladder sections are telescopically inserted into each other, so that the ladder sections can be moved relative to each other between an extended position and a collapsed position, wherein the stile members of the top ladder section extend on opposite sides, i.e. below and above, of the ladder rung, the ladder rung being the top ladder rung, providing the top ladder section with a H- shape, and preferably the stile members of the top ladder sections of the first and the second ladder assembly have similar lengths,

- a spreader assembly for securing the second ladder assembly against spreading away from the first ladder assembly, when in the A-configuration, wherein the spreader assembly comprises two parallel first spreader arms, which first spreader arms are at a first end hingedly connected to the top rung of the first ladder assembly and two parallel second spreader arms, which second spreader arms are at a first end hingedly connected to the top rung of the second ladder assembly, and wherein each of the first spreader arms is at a second end hingedly connected to a second end of one of the second spreader arms, such that the spreader arms can be hinged between: the deployed position, in which the spreader arms are extended, preferably are overextended, to secure the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly in the A-configuration, a folded position, for when the A-frame ladder is in the straight configuration, in which folded position the spreader arms extend upwards from the ladder rungs and between the stile members of the top ladder sections, and wherein a hand grip is provided between the two first arms, preferably near the second ends thereof, which hand grip enables a user to pull the spreader arms from the extended position, preferably from the overextended position, into the folded position, using the handgrip, and thus to move the ladder assemblies from the A-configuration into the straight configuration.

Providing the top ladder section with stile members that extend upward form the top ladder rung, thus provide a window, defined by the top ladder rungs, the part of the stile members extending upward from the top ladder rungs and optimally one or more cross bars of a stand off device, that can house the spreader arms, or at least part thereof, when the ladder is in the straight configuration. Thus locating the spreader arms between the stile members allows for a compact and practical configuration of the A- ladder.

Furthermore, an A-ladder according to the second aspect of the inventio is provided with a spreader assembly comprising a hand grip or handle that is coupled to spreader arms without curtailing the folding nature of the spreader arms. In an embodiment, the hand grip is oriented to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the rungs of the ladder extend. Such a configuration facilitates a user of the ladder to collapse the spreader assembly by reaching between the stile members of the first ladder assembly, and pulling the hand grip in a direction that is generally upwards and towards the user when the ladder is in the A-configuration. Such a configuration enables bringing the ladder from the A-configuration into the straight configuration by a user without the need to reach around, or walk around, the side of the ladder to displace the spreaders. Additionally, the use of the hand grip helps to prevent the possibility of a user pinching their hands or fingers in the hinge of a spreader or spreader. In an embodiment the hand grip is provided between the two first arms, preferably near the second ends. In a further embodiment the handgrip is connected to the first arms. In an alternative further embodiment, a pin that forms the pivot axis of the first and second spreader arms, extends between the first spreader arms, and the hand grip is mounted on the pin.

In such embodiments, the handle acts as cross-braces for the spreader assembly, providing added support and stability to the ladder as compared to conventional spreaders used in a A-frame ladder.

In an embodiment, the length of the first spreader arms differs from the length of the second spreader arms, such that, when the ladder is in the straight configuration, the spreader arms extend at an angle to the stile members of the first ladder assembly and extend beyond the stile members of the first ladder assembly, such that the handgrip is positioned outside the ladder, more in particular in front of the first ladder assembly, to enable a user to carry the ladder, in the collapsed and straight configuration, using the handgrip.

In an embodiment, the spreader arms of the spreader assembly are shorter than the first pivot distance, and preferably, when the A-frame ladder is in the straight configuration, the spreader arms do not extend beyond a top end of the stile members.

In an embodiment, the A ladder according to the second aspect furthermore comprises a lock assembly for securing the second ladder assembly relative to the first ladder assembly in the straight configuration

In an embodiment, the A-frame ladder according to the second aspect is furthermore provided with a stand off device, the stand off device comprises one or more cross bars, e.g. wherein the stand off arms are connected via a platform, the one or more cross bars running parallel to the rungs of the A-frame ladder, the one or more cross bars forming a surface, for example a tool tray, and wherein the rungs of the top ladder sections are spaced from the one or more cross bars.

In an embodiment, wherein the stand off arms are connected via e.g. a platform, the one or more cross bars and the stile members and rung of the first ladder section form a window, through which window a user can engage the handgrip when the A-frame ladder is in the A-configuration, and wherein the user can pull the handgrip towards the window to move the spreader arms into the folded position.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that a technical feature discussed herein as required or as optional with respect to one embodiment of the invention may be equally applicable to one or more other embodiments described herein, with the feature performing its designation function. Such combinations are all envisaged herein unless a combination would result in a technical impossible solution and/or not meet the desired functionality.

Whilst primarily presented for illustrative purposes with reference to one or more of the figures, any of the technical features addressed below may be combined with any of the independent claims of this application either alone or in any other technically possible combination with one or more other technical features.

Advantageous embodiments of the A-frame ladder according to the invention and the method according to the invention are disclosed in the sub claims and in the description, in which the invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments, of which some are shown in the schematic drawing. In the figures, components corresponding in terms or construction and/or function are provided with the same last two digits of the reference numbers.

In the figures,

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an A-frame ladder according to the invention in a free standing A-configuration;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the A-frame ladder of Fig. 1 in a straight configuration set up against a wall;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a top of the A-frame ladder of Fig. 1 in a straight configuration wherein pivot distances are indicated;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a top of the A-frame ladder of Fig.1 , showing a spreader assembly;

Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the A-frame ladder according to Fig. 1 with both ladder assemblies collapsed and in a straight configuration; and

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the A-frame ladder according to Fig. 1 with both ladder assemblies collapsed and in a A-configuration.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an A-frame ladder 1 according to the invention in a free standing A-configuration. Fig. 2 shows the same ladder in a straight configuration.

The A-frame ladder 1 comprises a first telescopic ladder assembly 2 and a second telescopic ladder assembly 3. The telescopic ladder assemblies are hingedly connected such that the second ladder assembly 3 is pivotal about a hinge axis 4 relative to the first ladder assembly 2 between the A- configuration and the straight configuration. In the A-configuration, the ladder assemblies form an inverted V. This configuration enables a free standing set up on a floor.

In the straight configuration, the ladder assemblies are parallel to each other. This configuration enables a set up of the A-frame ladder against a wall, which will be discussed in more detail below.

The collapsible ladder assemblies each have multiple ladder sections 5. Each ladder section comprises two tubular stile members 6 arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by at least one ladder rung 7. These ladder rungs are provided with a grip surface 8.

The ladder assemblies each comprise ladder rungs, i.e. horizontal tubular members dimensioned and configured to support a person, and provided with a grip surface that provides a foot support. An A-frame ladder according to the invention therefore differs from a step ladder comprising a ladder and a frame, which does not function as a ladder.

The stile members 6 of the ladder sections 5 are telescopically inserted into each other, so that the ladder sections can be moved relative to each other between an extended position and a collapsed position. The ladder of Fig. 1 is for example shown in an extend configuration in Fig. 1 and fig,. 2 and in a collapsed configuration in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

The A-framer ladder is furthermore provided with a stand-off device 9, a spreader assembly 10, and a lock assembly 11 .

The stand off device 9 is configured for supporting the ladder 1 in the straight configuration against a wall. The stand off device 9 comprises two stand off arms 12, that each have a base end 13, fixed to a top end of the first ladder assembly, and a bumper end 14 for engaging the wall.

The spreader assembly 10 is configured for securing the second ladder assembly 3 against spreading away from the first ladder assembly 2, when the ladder 1 is set up in the A-configuration. Thus, the spreader assembly secures the second ladder assembly relative to the first ladder assembly in the A- configuration, and prevents the ladder assemblies from pivoting away from each other when the ladder is loaded, e.g. by a person climbing the ladder.

The lock assembly 11 is configured for securing the second ladder assembly 3 relative to the first ladder assembly 2 in the straight configuration. Thus, when the ladder is set up against a wall, the second ladder assembly stays positioned adjacent the first ladder assembly. According to the invention, the second ladder assembly 3, at a top end thereof, is hingedly connected to the stand off arms 12, between the base end 13 and the bumper end 14 thereof, such that the hinge axis 4 is in line with the stile members 6 of the second ladder assembly 3. In the particular embodiment shown, the hinge axis 4 is furthermore aligned with a central axis 15 of the stile members of the second ladder assembly 3.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the hinge axis 4, in a longitudinal direction of the respective ladder assemblies, is spaced relative to a top rung 16 of the first ladder assembly 2 at a first pivot distance 18, and is spaced relative to a top rung 17 of the second ladder assembly 3 at a second pivot distance 19, wherein the second pivot distance 19 is smaller than the first pivot distance 18, see Fig. 3.

It is submitted that the pivot distance, i.e. the distance between the top rung of a ladder assembly and the hinge axis, is defined in the longitudinal direction of the respective ladder assemblies, i.e. in a direction parallel to the stile members of the respective ladder assembly, and with the ladder in the straight configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which the stile members of the first ladder assembly are parallel to the stile members of the second ladder assembly.

The rungs 7 of the second ladder assembly 3 are level with the rungs 7 of the first ladder assembly 2 when the first and second ladder assembly are each extended and the ladder is set up on a floor 20 in the A-configuration. In this condition, the ladder 1 is thus supported by both the first ladder assembly 2 and the second ladder assembly 3 on the floor 20, see Fig .1 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first pivot distance 18 is substantially the same or larger than the distance between two ladder rungs of the ladder assemblies when in the extended configuration.

Furthermore, with an A-frame ladder according to the invention, the rungs 7 of the second ladder assembly 3 are staggered relative to the rungs 7 of the first ladder assembly 2, in the longitudinal direction of the ladder assemblies, when the first ladder assembly 2 and the second ladder assembly 3 are each extended and the ladder is set up against a wall 21 in the straight configuration, see Fig. 2. According to the invention, the A-frame ladder in this condition is thus supported on the floor 20 by the first ladder assembly 2 only. The bottom end of the lower stile members 6 of the second ladder assembly 3 do not engage the floor.

Thus, when an A-frame ladder according to the invention is in the straight configuration set up against a wall, the first ladder assembly is at one end supported by the floor, and is at an opposite end supported by the wall, via the stand off device that is fixed to the first ladder assembly, while the second ladder does not engage the floor or the wall. This provides for a stable set up, while both ladder assemblies are fully extended.

According to the invention, the hinge axis 4 is positioned relative to the top rung 16 of the first ladder assembly 2 and second ladder assembly 3 such that, when the two telescopic ladder assemblies are folded onto each other, i.e. in the straight configuration, both the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly can be in the extended configuration. Therefore, the ladder can be set up against a wall with both telescopic ladder assemblies in the extended configuration.

Thus, when both ladder assemblies are fully extended, and the ladder assemblies are in the straight configuration, the first ladder provides the support, i.e. is supported at both ends. The first ladder is at one end supported by the floor, and is at an opposite end supported by the wall, via the stand off device that is fixed to the first ladder, while the second ladder does not engage the floor or the wall. This provides for a stable set up.

Furthermore, the A-frame ladder 1 thus allows for switching from the A-configuration to the straight configuration without the user having to unlock and partially collapse the second ladder assembly. Thus, the A-frame ladder can be quickly and easily changed between the A-configuration and the straight configuration.

Also, the configuration of the a-frame ladder 1 facilitates collapsing the ladder when in the straight configuration, because the manually operable release actuators on the bottom ladder sections are substantially level, and can thus be easily activated synchronous.

The first ladder assembly 2 and the second ladder assembly 3 each comprise a top ladder section 29, a bottom ladder section 30, and multiple intermediate ladder sections 31 .

The stile members 7 of the top ladder section 29 and the intermediate ladder sections 31 are telescopically inserted into the stile members of an adjacent lower ladder section, the adjacent lower ladder section being one of the intermediate ladder sections or the bottom ladder section, so that the one or more intermediate ladder sections and the top ladder section can be collapsed in a collapsing direction towards the bottom ladder section.

In the particular embodiment shown, the stile members 6 of the top ladder section 29 extend on opposite sides, i.e. below and above, of a top ladder rungs. Thus, the top ladder sections are provided with a Flshape. In such an embodiment, the top ladder section 29 of the ladder assemblies only partially collapse, i.e. only the part of the stile members below the top ladder rung is telescopically received in the stile members of an intermediate ladder section. This is in particular beneficial because the spreader assembly 10 is provided between the top rungs of the ladder assemblies and comprises first and second spreader arms that are connected to the top ladder rungs,

Providing the top ladder section with stile members that extend upward form the top ladder rung, provides a window, defined by the top ladder rungs, the part of the stile members extending upward from the top ladder rungs, and, in the embodiment shown, the cross bar of the stand off device, the window houses part of the spreader arms, when the ladder is in the straight configuration.

In the embodiment shown, the bottom ladder section 30 and the intermediate ladder sections 31 are provided with automatic latch mechanisms. The automatic latch mechanisms are adapted for automatically locking the stile members of the adjacent higher ladder section, the higher ladder section being one of the intermediate ladder sections or the top ladder section, in a fully extended position of said adjacent higher ladder section.

The automatic latch mechanisms of the intermediate ladder sections are each associated with a release actuator for unlocking the stile members of an adjacent higher ladder section in order to allow for automatic release and collapsing of the ladder assembly. The automatic latch mechanism of the bottom ladder section is associated with a manually operable release actuator 32 for unlocking of the stile members of an adjacent higher ladder section, the adjacent higher ladder section being one of the multiple intermediate ladder sections, by a user in order to allow for a manually release and collapsing of the ladder assembly.

The lock assembly is configured for securing the second ladder assembly against pivoting away from the first ladder assembly, when both ladder assemblies are collapsed and in the straight configuration, i.e. when the ladder is in the storage configuration. Thus the lock assembly is configured to be used when the ladder assemblies are extended and when the ladder assemblies are collapsed. Preferably, the ladder assembly can be extended and collapsed while the lock assembly is active, i.e. the ladder assemblies remain locked in the straight configuration when the ladder assemblies are collapsed or extended.

In the embodiment shown, the stand off device 9 is provided with mounts 22 for receiving top ends of the stile members 6 of the respective ladder assemblies. The mounts 22 have a cylindrical shape for receiving a tubular top end of the stile members. The cylindrical shapes have a central axis that extends parallel to the ladder styles. The two mounts 22 for engaging the stile members of the first ladder assembly 2 extend and at an angle with the stand off arms 12. The two mounts 22 for receiving the stile members of the second ladder assembly 3 are hinged, more in particular can be hinged about the hinge axis 4, and thus hingedly connect the second ladder assembly 3 with the stand off device 9 and the first ladder assembly 2.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the two telescopic ladder assemblies comprise identical top ends. It is the stand off device, comprising the mounts 22 to secure the top ends of the respective ladder assemblies to the stand off device, that is configured to position the hinge axis 4, in a longitudinal direction of the respective ladder assemblies, at the different pivot distances relative to the top rung of the respective ladder assemblies.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stand off arms 12 are connected by a cross bar 23. The cross bar 23 runs parallel to the rungs 7 of the A-frame ladder 1 , and forms a platform with a tool tray 25. The rungs 7 of the top ladder sections are spaced from the cross bar. In this embodiment, the stile members 6 of both ladder assemblies extend beyond the top, or upper, rungs 16,17 of the respective ladder assemblies.

The cross bar 23 runs parallel to the rungs 7 and forms a platform, with the tool tray at its centre, that is substantially parallel to the grip surface 8 of the ladder rungs of the first ladder assembly 2, when the ladder 1 is in the straight configuration and when the ladder is in the A-configuration. The platform that is formed by the cross bars is substantially horizontal when the ladder is in the A-configuration and when the ladder is set up in the straight configuration.

The stand off arms 12 extend at an angle to the stile members 6 of the first ladder assembly 2, and the bumpers, more in particular the bumper ends, are configured such that when the ladder is set up in the straight configuration against a wall, the grip surfaces 8 of the rungs 7 of the first ladder assembly 2 are substantially horizontal. Thus, a person using the ladder is provided with substantially horizontal grip surface when the ladder is set up in the A-configuration and when the ladder is set up in the straight configuration.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spreader assembly 10 comprises two parallel first spreader arms 26, which first spreader arms are at a first end hingedly connected to the top rung 16 of the first ladder assembly 2, and two parallel second spreader arms 28, which second spreader arms are at a first end hingedly connected to the top rung 17 of the second ladder assembly 3. Each of the first spreader arms 26 is at a second end hingedly connected to a second end of one of the second spreader arms 27, such that the spreader arms can be hinged between a deployed position and a folded position. In the deployed position the spreader arms 26, 27 of the spreader assembly 10 are extended, preferably are overextended, to secure the first ladder assembly 2 and the second ladder assembly 3 in the A- configuration, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. When the spreader arms 26, 27 are in the extended position, they are essentially in line with each other. When overextended, the hinge point at which the spreader arms are connected to each other, is moved beyond the point at which the spreader arms are aligned. In this configuration, an extra effort is required to move the arms from the deployed position into the folded position.

In the folded position the spreader arms extend upwards from the ladder rungs 7 and extend between the stile members 6 of the top ladder sections, when the A-frame ladder 1 is in the straight configuration, see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5. In the folded position, the spreader arms are hinged towards each other, such that they extend substantially parallel to each other, or at a shape angle to each other, providing a V-shape when seen in side view.

A hand grip 24 is provided between the two first spreader arms 26, near the second ends thereof. The hand grip 24 enables a user to pull the spreader arms from the extended position, preferably from the overextended position, into the folded position, using the handgrip 24, and thus to move the ladder assemblies from the A-configuration into the straight configuration.

The hand grip or handle 24 is coupled to spreader arms without curtailing the folding nature of the spreader arms. In the embodiment shown, the hand grip 24 is oriented to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the rungs 7 of the ladder extend. Such a configuration facilitates a user of the ladder to collapse the spreader assembly by reaching between the stile members 6 of the first ladder assembly 2, and pulling the hand grip 24 in a direction that is generally upwards and towards the user when the ladder is in the A-configuration. Such a spreader assembly furthermore enables bringing the ladder from the A-configuration into the straight configuration by a user without the need to reach around, or walk around, the side of the ladder to displace the spreaders. Additionally, the use of the hand grip helps to prevent the possibility of a user pinching their hands or fingers in the hinge of a spreader or spreader.

In the embodiment shown, the spreader arms of the spreader assembly are shorter than the first pivot distance, and, when the A-frame ladder is in the straight configuration, the spreader arms do not extend beyond a top end of the stile members, see Fig. 2

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the length of the first spreader arms 26 differs from the length of the second spreader arms 27, such that, when the ladder 1 is in the straight configuration, the spreader arms extend at an angle to the stile members 6 of the first ladder assembly 2 and extend beyond the stile members 6 of the first ladder assembly 2, such that the handgrip 24 is positioned outside the ladder, more in particular in front of the first ladder assembly, to enable a user to carry the ladder, in the collapsed and straight configuration, using the handgrip.

In an embodiment, the lock assembly is provided on the lowest ladder section of the first ladder assembly and the second ladder assembly. This provides a user of the ladder with easy access to the lock assembly when the ladder assemblies are extended. For example, the lock assembly may comprise a hook that is resiliently mounted on a ladder section of the first ladder assembly, that, similar to a click finger, hooks behind a notch mounted on the second ladder assembly. Many alternative embodiments are also possible. In an embodiment, the lock assembly is integrated in the spreader assembly. In such an embodiment, the spreader assembly preferably is provided at n intermediate ladder section, i.e. a ladder section that not comprises the top ladder rung or the bottom ladder rung.

The stile members 6 of the first ladder assembly 2 and the stile members 6 of the second ladder assembly 2 do not extend beyond the hinge axis 4. Thus, the hinge axis 4 more or less forms the pinnacle of the a-frame ladder when for example set up in the A-configuration, see Fig. 1 . It is submitted that this feature is typical for A-frame ladders in general.

In the embodiment shown, the length of the first ladder assembly 2 is identical to the length of the second ladder assembly 3.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the rungs 7 are connected with plastic connectors 28 to the stile members 6. Due to the second ladder assembly 3 being staggered relative to the first ladder assembly 2, the connectors 28 of the first ladder assembly are not level with the connectors of the second ladder assembly when the ladder is in the straight configuration and vertical. Instead, the connectors of the second ladder assembly are located at least partially above the connectors of the first ladder assembly.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hinge axis 4 is aligned with a central axis of the stile members 6 of the second ladder assembly 3. reference signs

01 A-frame ladder

02 first ladder assembly

03 second ladder assembly

04 hinge axis

05 ladder sections

06 stile member

07 rung

08 grip surface ladder rung

09 stand off device

10 spreader assembly

11 lock assembly

12 stand off arms

13 base end stand off arms

14 bumper end stand off arms

15 central axis of stile members second ladder assembly

16 top rung first ladder assembly

17 top rung second ladder assembly

18 first pivot distance

19 second pivot distance

20 floor

21 wall

22 mounts stand off device

23 cross bar

24 hand grip

25 tool tray

26 first spreader arm

27 second spreader arm

28 plastic connectors

29 top ladder section

30 bottom ladder section

31 intermediate ladder section

32 manual operable release actuator