Ladder step extension platform
View Patent ↗A step extension platform for attachment to a ladder step having a step including a main body having a platform for supporting a user thereon. A first segmented portion is secured to the platform by a first hinge, and the first hinge has an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform. A second segmented portion is secured to the second segmented portion by a second hinge, and the second hinge has an axis of rotation extending along the width of the platform. The platform, the first and the segmented portions each being pivotal between an open storage position and a closed working position to form a step channel adapted to surround and accommodate the ladder step. A bracket is secured to the second segmented portion and defines a space adapted to contain at least a portion of the ladder step.
1 . A step extension platform for attachment to a ladder having a step comprising:
a main body having a platform for supporting a user thereon;
a first segmented portion secured to the platform by a first hinge, the first hinge having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform;
a second segmented portion secured to the first segmented portion by a second hinge, the second hinge extending along a length of the first segmented portion and having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the second segmented portion;
the platform, the first and second segmented portions being pivotal between an open storage position and a closed working position in which a step channel that is adapted to surround and accommodate the ladder step is formed; and
a bracket secured to the second segmented portion and defining a space adapted to contain therein at least a portion of the ladder step, wherein the bracket has a first elongate portion adapted to extend between a ladder step top surface and under the platform when the step platform is in the closed working position.
2 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 1 , wherein the main body includes a first extension member translatably secured to the main body and translatable between a retracted and an extended position, wherein the first extension member projects beyond a width of the platform, the extension member having an upper surface adapted to directly support a user and an opposed bottom surface, the main body supporting the first extension member below the platform and beyond the ladder step wherein the first extension member bottom surface does not engage the ladder step.
3 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 2 , including a second extension translatably secured to the main body and translatable between a retracted and extended position, the first and second extensions extendable in opposed directions along a common longitudinal transverse axis.
4 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 2 , wherein the main body includes a housing depending from an undersurface of the platform, the housing having an interior in which the first extension member translates, the housing having a wall and the bracket resiliently engages the wall to secure the first and second segmented portions in the closed working position.
5 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 3 , wherein the first and second extension members terminate in an end member, each end member having a lug projecting therefrom, the lug adapted to engage at least an upper edge portion of the step and resisting rotation of the platform about the first hinge.
6 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 4 , wherein the wall forms an acute angle with the platform.
7 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 1 , wherein the bracket includes at least two spaced elements each defining the space for containing the at least a portion of the step.
8 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 3 , wherein the platform in the working position is generally parallel with the step surface and the first and second segmented portions form an enclosed step channel having open ends adapted to enclose a step therein.
9 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 8 , wherein the platform in the storage position is generally perpendicular to the step surface, and the first and second extension members are extended to engage the ladder side rails.
10 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 8 , wherein the first and second extension members each include an end plate secured to a distal end thereof, a latching member is pivotally secured to each endplate, the latching members include a portion extending outwardly beyond the end plate.
11 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 1 , further including a spacer disposed between the platform and the second segmented portion, the second segmented portion retaining the spacer below the ladder step.
12 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 1 , wherein the bracket is adapted to engage the step when the platform is in the storage position.
13 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 1 , wherein the second segmented portion includes tapered side edges.
14 . A step extension platform for attachment to a ladder having a step, the step extension platform comprising:
a main body having a platform for supporting a user thereon;
a first extension member translatably secured to the main body and translatable between a retracted and an extended position within an extension member housing secured to a bottom surface of the platform, wherein the first extension member projects beyond a width of the platform;
a first segmented portion secured to the platform by a first hinge, the first hinge having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform;
a second segmented portion secured to the first segmented portion by a second hinge, the second hinge having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform;
a bracket secured to the second segmented portion and defining a space adapted to contain at least a portion of the ladder step; and
the first and second segmented portions being pivotal between an open storage position and a closed working position in which a step channel that is adapted to surround and accommodate the ladder step is formed, wherein the platform in the working position is generally parallel with a top step surface and the bracket resiliently engages the extension member housing, and the platform in the storage position is generally perpendicular to the top step surface and the bracket is out of engagement with the extension member housing and is adapted to remain secured to the ladder step.
15 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 14 , wherein the extension member includes a distal end and a latching member is pivotally secured to the distal end, the latching member includes a portion projecting outwardly beyond the end plate that is adapted to engage a ladder side rail.
16 . The step extension platform as defined in claim 14 , further including a spacer disposed between the platform and the second segmented portion, the spacer being adapted to be inserted below the ladder step.
17 . A method of securing a step extension to a ladder having a step supported between two side rails comprising:
obtaining a step extension having a main body having a platform for supporting a user thereon; a first segmented portion secured to the platform by a first hinge, the first hinge having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform; a second segmented portion secured to the first segmented portion by a second hinge, the second hinge having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform; the platform, the first and second segmented portions being pivotal between an open storage position and a closed working position to form a step channel adapted to surround and accommodate the ladder step; and a bracket secured to the second segmented portion and defining a space adapted to contain at least a portion of the ladder step;
placing the bracket around a ladder step; and
rotating the platform relative to the first and second segmented portion until the main body engages the bracket and the platform extends across a top of the ladder step and the platform is parallel to the top surface of the ladder step.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the step extension includes a first and second extension members translatably secured to the main body and translatable between a retracted and an extended position wherein the first and second extension members project beyond a width of the platform, and extending the first and second extension members outwardly into engagement with the ladder side rails.
19 . The method as defined in claim 17 , including rotating the platform relative to the first and second segmented portion away from the step into a storage position and extending the first and second extension members into engagement with the ladder side rails.
20 . The method as defined in claim 18 , wherein the first and second extension members each include a latching member rotatably secured thereto, and rotating the latching members into engagement with the side rails.
21 . A step extension platform for attachment to a ladder having a step, the step extension platform comprising:
a main body having a platform for supporting a user thereon;
a first segmented portion secured to the platform by a first hinge, the first hinge having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform;
a second segmented portion secured to the first segmented portion by a second hinge, the second hinge having an axis of rotation extending along a width of the platform;
the platform, the first and the second segmented portions being pivotal between an open storage position and a closed working position to form a step channel adapted to surround and accommodate the ladder step; and
a bracket secured to the second segmented portion and defining a space adapted to contain therein at least a portion of the ladder step, and wherein upon rotation of the platform relative to the first and second segmented portion, the main body engages the bracket and the platform extends across a top of the ladder step wherein the platform is parallel to the top surface of the ladder step.