U.S. patent application number 12/356234 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-19 for sliding ladder and equipment rack.
Invention is credited to Eric Trusty, JASON TRUSTY.
Application Number | 20090283484 12/356234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34316505 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090283484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TRUSTY; JASON ; et
al. |
November 19, 2009 |
SLIDING LADDER AND EQUIPMENT RACK
Abstract
A ladder storage rack is provided that can be mounted to a
surface. The ladder storage rack includes at least one strut having
first and second opposing ends, a top side, a bottom side and a
means for substantially horizontally mounting the strut to said
surface, a sliding mount movably connected to the bottom of the at
least one strut that slideably moves horizontally between the first
and second ends of the strut, a fixed mount attached to the at
least one strut between the sliding mount and one of the first and
second ends and a means connected to the sliding mount for urging
the sliding mount towards the fixed mount.
Inventors: |
TRUSTY; JASON; (Chicago,
IL) ; Trusty; Eric; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Husch Blackwell Sanders, LLP;Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP Welsh & Katz
120 S RIVERSIDE PLAZA, 22ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
34316505 |
Appl. No.: |
12/356234 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10938109 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
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12356234 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/13.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06C 1/005 20130101;
E06C 7/50 20130101; E06C 1/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/13.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. A ladder storage rack that can be mounted to a surface,
comprising: at least one strut having first and second opposing
ends, a top side, a bottom side and a means for substantially
horizontally mounting the strut to said surface; a sliding mount
movably connected to the bottom of the at least one strut that
slideably moves horizontally between the first and second ends of
the strut; a fixed mount attached to the at least one strut between
the sliding mount and one of the first and second ends; and a means
connected to the sliding mount for urging the sliding mount towards
the fixed mount.
2. The ladder storage rack of claim 1 further comprising one or
more stopping means attached to the strut to limit the movement of
the sliding mount along the strut.
3. The ladder storage rack of claim 1 further comprising a
receiving head joined to the sliding front mount.
4. The ladder storage rack of claim 3 further comprising at least
one peg attached to the receiving head.
5. The ladder storage rack of claim 1 further comprising a catch
head joined to the fixed mount.
6. The ladder storage rack of claim 5 further comprising a catch
connected to the catch head.
7. The ladder storage rack of claim 1 wherein the means for urging
is a bungee cord.
8. The ladder storage rack of claim 7 wherein a first end of the
bungee cord is operably connected to the sliding mount and a second
end of the bungee cord is operably connected to the fixed
mount.
9. A ladder storage rack for mounting to a strut whereby the strut
has first and second opposing ends, a top side and a bottom side
and the strut top side is horizontally mounted to a surface,
comprising: a movable mount attached to the strut bottom side to
enable the mount to move horizontally along at least a portion of
the horizontally mounted strut between the first and second ends; a
fixed mount removably attached to the strut bottom side between the
movable mount and at least one of the first and second ends; and a
means connected to the movable mount for urging the movable mount
towards the fixed mount.
10. The ladder storage rack of claim 9 further comprising one or
more stopping means attached to the strut to limit the movement of
the sliding mount along the strut.
11. The ladder storage rack of claim 9 further comprising a
receiving head joined to the sliding front mount.
12. The ladder storage rack of claim 11 further comprising at least
one peg attached to the receiving head and within the peg can fit
into a hole located in the top platform of the ladder.
13. The ladder storage rack of claim 9 further comprising a catch
head joined to the fixed mount.
14. The ladder storage rack of claim 13 further comprising a catch
connected to the catch head and wherein the catch can accept and
hold the ladder rung.
15. The ladder storage rack of claim 9 wherein the means for urging
is a bungee cord.
16. The ladder storage rack of claim 15 wherein the first end of
the bungee cord is operably connected to the sliding mount and a
second end of the bungee cord is operably connected to the fixed
mount.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. A ladder storage rack that can be horizontally mounted to a
surface, comprising: at least one strut having first and second
opposing ends, a top side, a bottom side and a means for
horizontally mounting the at least one strut to a surface; a
sliding mount movably connected to the bottom side of the at least
one strut that slideably moves horizontally between the first and
second ends of the strut; a mount attached to the at least one
strut between the sliding mount and one of the first and second
ends; and a means for urging the sliding mount towards the sliding
mount.
26. The ladder storage rack of claim 25, whereby the means for
urging is a hydraulic device.
27. The ladder storage rack of claim 25, whereby the means for
urging is a pneumatic device.
28. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention is a sliding ladder rack for providing
an adjustable sliding mount that connects to universally available
hanger strut (some brands are commonly referred to as "Unistrut" or
"B-Line") to easily slide and hold a ladder inside a vehicle
without having to enter the vehicle or use additional straps or
clamping devices to maintain a secure mount. The ladder rack can be
used on the interior ceiling of a vehicle which is the area least
occupied on most vehicles, but may also be mounted in many other
environments and locations. Placing the ladder inside the vehicle
and near the roof of the vehicle keeps the ladder clean, and avoids
damage by not being in contact with other items being stored in the
same cargo space.
[0002] One problem with existing devices that store ladders inside
of or on vehicles is that mounting and removing the ladder can be
difficult in confined spaces, such as in the back of a vehicle,
where reaching hooks or other hanging devices may be impractical.
Another problem with existing devices are if a vehicle's
compartment is crowded with materials, usage of such products is
cumbersome and they don't provide both horizontal and vertical
mounting options to make full use of the cargo space. Another
problem with existing devices is that many ladder mounts are for
mounting ladders outside of the vehicle thereby exposing them to
the weather and increasing the likelihood of theft. Also, many
existing devices require additional clamping or strapping to hold a
ladder firmly in place.
[0003] The present invention overcomes the problems of existing
devices, the sliding ladder rack substantially departs from the
conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing
provides an apparatus developed for the purpose of providing an
adjustable sliding mount that connects to universally available
hanger strut to easily slide and hold a ladder inside a vehicle
without having to enter the vehicle or use additional means to hold
the ladder securing in position.
[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention generally comprises
a sliding front mount 20, adjustable receiving pin 22, a fixed
mount 30, adjustable catch 32, front stop 40, rear stop 46. An
elastic shock cord 60 is also provided as shown in FIGS. 4-6. The
sliding front mount 20 is designed to fit inside between the rails
on 15/8'' hanger strut and has an "H" section 24 that, when
inserted into a strut the "H" portion 24 cannot fall out of or rise
into the strut 10 but remains free to slide linearly along the
strut 10 rails. The opposite end of mount 20 has a slot 25 for a
bolt or other connector that connects the adjustable receiving pin
22 having a grooved mating surface 28 to prevent slippage. There is
also an attachment point for a shock cord 60 toward the top section
of the structure. The receiving pin 22 has a grooved peg-like
section 26 that is to be inserted into the ladder. The grooves aid
in holding the ladder to the receiving pin 22 during removal and
insertion. This receiving pin 22 has a slot or hole for a bolt or
other connector that connects to the sliding mount 20 and a grooved
mating surface to prevent slippage.
[0005] The fixed mount 30 is designed to be attached firmly to the
15/8'' strut 10 by means of bolting through 2 holes 34 in the top
of the mount 30. The lower portion has a grooved mating surface 36
to prevent slippage with the adjustable catch 32. It also has a
slot 38 along the center to accommodate a bolt or other connector
that tightens the adjustable catch 32 to the mount 30. The working
portion 33 has a "V" shape that physically holds the rung or rung
support to the ladder and includes notches to accommodate the
ladder rungs when the ladder is stored with the sides vertical.
This catch is wide enough to firmly hold the ladder rung within the
"V" and prevents a twisting motion during transit.
[0006] In one embodiment, the front stop 40 may be a large square
washer 15/8'' by 15/8'' that attaches to the strut 10 with standard
mounting hardware and limits the forward motion of the front
sliding mount 20. In one embodiment, the rear stop 46 may be a
large square washer 15/8'' by 15/8'' that attaches to strut 20 with
standard mounting hardware and limits the backward motion of the
sliding mount 20. The elastic shock cord 60 provides the tension
between the sliding mount 20 and the fixed mount 30.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
sliding ladder rack that will overcome the shortcomings of existing
devices.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding
ladder rack for providing an adjustable sliding mount that connects
to universally available hanger strut (some brands are commonly
referred to as "Unistrut" or "B-Line") to easily slide and hold a
ladder inside a vehicle without having to enter the vehicle or use
additional straps or clamping devices to maintain a secure
mount.
[0009] Another object is to provide a sliding ladder rack that
provides a sliding mount and hold method for ladders of various
sizes and includes both a horizontal and vertical mounting option
for ladders mounted within crowded vehicles.
[0010] Another object is to provide a sliding ladder rack that
allows a person to easily slide a ladder in or out of a very full
vehicle compartment.
[0011] Another object is to provide a sliding ladder rack that is
designed to utilize widely available one and five-eighths inch
hanger strut that is the industry standard for mounting various
systems and devices.
[0012] Another object is to provide a sliding ladder rack that
accepts a wide variety of ladder brands and sizes by adjusting the
mounting sections.
[0013] Another object is to provide a sliding ladder rack that
firmly holds a ladder in place by means of a clamping tension
between the top platform and any rung near or at the bottom of the
ladder.
[0014] Another object is to provide a sliding ladder rack that
allows a person to easily insert a ladder or remove a ladder from a
vehicle without having to enter the vehicle or significantly adjust
the contents of the vehicle.
[0015] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To
the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention
may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the
drawings are illustrative only of some embodiments, and that
changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention
without the shock cord.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the various components not
assembled.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an operational side view of the invention with the
sliding mount at the rear stop.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an operational side view of the invention with the
sliding mount between the front and rear stop.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an operational side view of the invention with a
ladder in the fully stowed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] As shown in the drawings is a sliding ladder rack, which
comprises in one embodiment, a sliding front mount 20, adjustable
receiving pin 22, a fixed mount 30, adjustable catch 32, front stop
40, rear stop 46. An elastic shock cord 60 is also provided as
shown in FIGS. 4-6. The front mount 20 is designed to fit inside
between the rails on 15/8'' hanger strut and has an "H" section 24
that, when inserted into a strut the "H" portion 24 cannot fall out
of or rise into the strut 10 but remains free to slide linearly
along the strut 10 rails. The opposite end of mount 20 has a slot
25 for a bolt or other connector that connects the adjustable
receiving pin 22 having a grooved mating surface 28 to prevent
slippage. There is also an attachment point for a shock cord 60
toward the top section of the structure. The receiving pin 22 has a
grooved peg-like section 26 that is to be inserted into the ladder.
The grooves aid in holding the ladder to the receiving pin 22
during removal and insertion. This receiving pin 22 has a slot or
hole for a bolt or other connector that connects to the sliding
mount 20 and a grooved mating surface to prevent slippage.
[0023] The fixed mount 30 is designed to be attached firmly to the
15/8'' strut 10 by means of bolting through 2 holes 34 in the top
of the mount 30. The lower portion has a grooved mating surface 36
to prevent slippage with the adjustable catch 32. It also has a
slot 38 along the center to accommodate a bolt or other connector
that tightens the adjustable catch 32 to the mount 30. The working
portion 33 has a "V" shape that physically holds the rung or rung
support to the ladder notches to accommodate the ladder rungs when
the ladder is stored with the sides vertical. This catch is wide
enough to firmly hold the ladder rung within the "V" and prevent a
twisting motion during transit.
[0024] In one embodiment, the front stop 40 may be a large square
washer 15/8'' by 15/8'' that attaches to the strut 10 with standard
mounting hardware and limits the forward motion of the front
sliding mount 20. In one embodiment, the rear stop 46 may be a
large square washer 15/8'' by 15/8'' that attaches to strut 20 with
standard mounting hardware and limits the backward motion of the
sliding mount 20. The elastic shock cord 60 provides the tension
between the sliding mount 20 and the fixed mount 30.
[0025] In one embodiment, there is also an attachment point for a
shock cord that extend on either side of the mount that serve to
keep the shock cord up and away from the receiving pin allowing for
the area to be clear of slack shock cord when placing the ladder
upon the receiving pin. The sliding mount 20 can be made from
plastic, metal or various other materials. It could have different
attachment points for the shock cord. It could be made adjustable
or non-adjustable for different types of ladders or other
equipment. It could be built to look different but still perform
the same task(s) and operate the same. It could be made to slide
using a different track. It could be made to slide using bearings
or rollers. It could be made to slide with less friction by
applying coatings to the rail or the mount itself. It could use
something other than a shock cord to provide holding tension.
[0026] The receiving pin 22 has a grooved peg-like portion 26 that
is to be inserted into the ladder as shown in FIGS. 4-6. The
grooves aid in holding the ladder to the receiving pin 22 during
removal and insertion. This receiving pin 22 section has a slot for
the bolt that connects to the sliding mount 20 and a grooved mating
surface to prevent slippage. The receiving pin 22 could be made of
a variety of materials. It could be made adjustable or
non-adjustable for different types of ladders or other equipment.
It could be built to look different but still perform the same
task(s) and operate the same. It could be fastened to the sliding
mount in a variety of different ways.
[0027] The fixed mount 30 is designed to be attached firmly to the
15/8'' strut by means of bolting or using other connectors through
2 holes in the top of the structure. The lower portion of the mount
30 has a grooved mating surface 36 to prevent slippage with the
adjustable catch 32. It also has a slot 38 along the center of this
section to accommodate a bolt that tightens the adjustable catch to
the fixed mount 30. The fixed mount could be made of a variety of
materials. It could have different attachment points for the shock
cord. It could be made adjustable or non-adjustable for different
types of ladders or other equipment. It could be built to look
different but still perform the same task(s) and operate the same.
It could be made to use a different type of track.
[0028] The working portion 33 has a "V" shape that physically holds
the rung or rung support the ladder notches to accommodate the
ladder rungs when the ladder is stored with the sides vertical.
This catch 33 is wide enough to firmly hold the ladder rung within
the "V" and prevent a twisting motion during transit has a "V"
shape on it's side that faces the receiving pin 26 and notches to
accommodate the ladder rungs when the ladder is stored with the
sides vertical. The adjustable catch could be made of a variety of
materials. It could be made adjustable or non-adjustable for
different types of ladders or other equipment. It could be built to
look different but still perform the same task(s) and operate the
same. It could be fastened to the fixed mount 30 in a variety of
ways.
[0029] In one embodiment, the front stop 40 is a large square
washer 15/8'' by 15/8'' it attaches to the strut with standard
mounting hardware and limits the forward motion (sliding
forward/away in front of the user) of the front sliding mount 20.
The front stop 40 could be made of a variety of materials. It could
be built to look different but still perform the same task(s) and
operate the same. It could be fastened to the rail in a variety of
ways. Other designs could eliminate the use of a stop entirely.
[0030] In one embodiment, the rear stop 46 is a large square washer
15/8'' by 15/8'' which attaches to the strut with standard mounting
hardware and limits the backward motion (sliding toward the user)
of the front sliding mount 20. The rear stop 46 could be made of a
variety of materials. It could be built to look different but still
perform the same task(s) and operate the same. It could be fastened
to the rail in a variety of ways. Other designs could eliminate the
use of a stop entirely.
[0031] In one embodiment, an elastic shock cord 60 provides the
tension between the sliding mount 20 and the fixed mount 30. It
could be made of varying size, strengths and material. There may be
one or more cords 60. It could be replaced entirely with any device
that provides the holding/return force required to operate the
present invention.
[0032] The sliding mount 20 is inserted into the strut channel 10
where it is free to slide. The sliding mount 20 and the adjustable
receiving pin 22 are connected together using a carriage bolt with
a mating surface 28 on each to prevent slippage. The fixed mount 30
is attached to the surface of the strut channel. The fixed mount 30
and the adjustable catch 32 are connected together using a carriage
bolt with a mating surface on each to prevent slippage. The front
stop 40 and rear stop 46 are affixed to the strut channel 10
according to the position necessary for proper operation which will
vary with different sizes and types of ladders. The shock cord 60
attaches between the sliding mount 20 and fixed mount 30 through
holes or notches formed in each. The present invention could be
built in various sizes. It could use differing materials for all
parts. It could be altered to hold many different types of
equipment aside from "A frame" ladders. The device providing
holding tension could be any mechanism suitable to perform the
task. This embodiment illustrates the 15/8'' strut standard, any
rail or strut dimension could be used provided the components are
sized accordingly.
[0033] During use, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the large tool hole found
common in the top platform of an "A frame" ladder, is aligned with
the receiving pin 26 that is attached to the sliding mount 20. The
operator moves the ladder away from himself/herself which causes
the sliding mount 20 to move along the rail toward the front stop
40. At this point the shock cord 60 is tensioning. As shown in FIG.
6, the sliding mount 20 hits the front stop 40 at which point the
operator lifts the ladder and aligns the rung or rung support with
the adjustable catch 33 which is fastened to the fixed mount 30.
After alignment with the adjustable catch 33, the operator allows
the tension of the shock cord 60 to return the ladder to the fully
stowed position. To remove the ladder from the stowed position,
simply reverse the process.
[0034] Specific embodiments of novel methods and apparatus for
construction of novel sliding ladder racks according to the present
invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the
manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be
understood that the implementation of other variations and
modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be
apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not
limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is
contemplated to cover the present invention any and all
modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true
spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and
claimed herein.
* * * * *