Methods and apparatus for mounting a work platform to a ladder

Fire escape – ladder – or scaffold – Ladder and platform – Platform with ladder as support

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C182S121000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06286624

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to mounting systems and, more particularly, to mounting systems for mounting a work platform to a ladder.
When performing work around a building, it is often desirable to use a scaffold or an extension ladder to work on areas of the building that are elevated from the ground. However, most scaffolds are relatively complex structures which are relatively expensive, difficult to move, and difficult to assemble. Furthermore, extension ladders do not provide a large work platform, are awkward to work from, and must be moved frequently if the work area is large. Additionally, it is often difficult to make the scaffold or the extension ladder stand steady, particularly when the ground adjacent the building is uneven.
As a result, combination ladder and scaffold systems are used. Combination systems typically include two ladders which each support one end of a board or work platform. Typically, the work platform merely rests on the rungs of the two ladders, and is subject to slipping from the rungs. Such systems are intrinsically unsafe, provide work platforms which are awkward to work from, and are unreliable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment, a mounting system for mounting a work platform to a ladder includes a support system, a rod, and a suspension mount. The support system includes a plurality of members which attach to the work platform and attach to the ladder. The rod is configured to attach the support system to the ladder and is further configured to extend through one of the ladder rungs. The suspension mount attaches to the support system and to the ladder rung.
In operation, the suspension mount is attached to the ladder rung with a hook assembly. The support system includes a first member which is suspended generally perpendicularly to the ground from the hook assembly. A second member is mounted substantially perpendicularly to the first member and is easily adjustable. A third member extends generally perpendicularly from the second member towards an upright rail on the ladder. A fourth member extends generally perpendicularly from the second member towards the opposite upright ladder rail. A rod is extended through the third member, the ladder rung, and the fourth member. As a result, the mounting system eliminates more costly and more complicated known work platform positioning systems and provides a mounting system that is highly reliable, cost-effective, and easily assembled.


REFERENCES:
patent: 328999 (1885-10-01), Ballmann
patent: 510194 (1893-12-01), Sellers
patent: 2485685 (1949-10-01), Armstrong
patent: 4179011 (1979-12-01), Morawski
patent: 1363224 (1974-08-01), None
patent: 2194983 (1988-03-01), None
patent: 6280383 (1994-10-01), None

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