阅读说明：本技术 梯子、用于梯子的支脚机构和相关方法 (Ladder, leg mechanism for ladder and related method ) 是由 B·斯科特·马克斯菲尔德 加里·M·乔纳斯 N·瑞安·莫斯 布赖恩·B·鲁塞尔 于 2018-02-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及梯子、用于梯子的支脚机构和相关方法。具体地,本文提供了梯子、梯子支腿、梯子支脚、用于梯子的支脚机构和相关方法的各种实施例。在一个实施例中,支脚在第一位置和至少第二位置之间相对于梯子的支腿或轨道枢转。偏压力被施加到支脚以将支脚维持在使用者选择的任一位置中,直到施加了力以使支脚枢转到另一个位置。在一个实施例中,将支脚维持在期望位置处的支脚机构可以包括将支脚联接到另一个构件(例如外罩部件、插件或梯子的轨道)的一对销。在支脚的枢转期间,该两个销中的至少一个销可相对于另一个销移位。(The invention relates to a ladder, a foot mechanism for a ladder and a related method. In particular, various embodiments of ladders, ladder legs, ladder feet, foot mechanisms for ladders, and related methods are provided herein. In one embodiment, the foot pivots between a first position and at least a second position relative to the leg or rail of the ladder. A biasing force is applied to the legs to maintain the legs in any position selected by the user until a force is applied to pivot the legs to another position. In one embodiment, the foot mechanism that maintains the foot at the desired position may include a pair of pins that couple the foot to another component (e.g., a rail of a housing component, insert, or ladder). During pivoting of the foot, at least one of the two pins may be displaced relative to the other pin.)

1. A ladder, comprising:

a first assembly having a first pair of spaced apart rails and a first plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails;

an adjustable foot mechanism associated with the first component, the adjustable foot mechanism comprising:

a housing member defining at least one channel;

a foot coupled with the enclosure member and pivoting relative to the enclosure member between a first position and a second position;

a first pin coupling the enclosure member with the foot;

a second pin coupling the enclosure member with the foot, wherein movement of the foot from the first position to the second position effects displacement of the second pin relative to the first pin;

a seat member slidably positioned relative to the housing member and having a first portion disposed in the at least one channel, the second pin extending through an opening formed in the seat member;

at least one biasing member positioned in the channel and configured to maintain a biasing force between the cover member and the seat member at each of the first and second positions.

2. The ladder of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one channel comprises a first channel and a second channel;

a first portion of the seat member disposed in the first channel;

a second portion of the seat member disposed in the second channel;

the at least one biasing member includes a first biasing member disposed in the first passage and a second biasing member disposed in the second passage.

3. The ladder of claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion each include an elongated protrusion.

4. The ladder of claim 3, wherein a first elongated projection engages the first biasing member and a second elongated projection engages the second biasing member.

5. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the adjustable foot mechanism is coupled with one of the first pair of spaced apart rails.

6. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the adjustable foot mechanism is coupled with an adjustable leg member pivotally coupled with one of the first pair of spaced apart rails.

7. The ladder of claim 1, wherein:

the leg includes at least one sidewall having an opening and a cam groove formed therein;

the first pin extends through the cam groove; and is

The second pin extends through an opening in the at least one sidewall.

8. The ladder of claim 7, wherein the cam groove includes a first curved path configured to effect displacement of the second pin when the leg is rotated from the first position to the second position.

9. The ladder of claim 8, further comprising a first end notch at a first end of the cam groove, wherein the second pin engages the first end notch when the leg is in the second position.

10. The ladder of claim 8, wherein the cam groove includes a second curved path configured to effect displacement of the second pin relative to the first pin as the leg rotates from the first position to a third position.

11. The ladder of claim 10, wherein the first curved path joins the second curved path at an inverted apex.

12. The ladder of claim 10, wherein the enclosure member includes a first traction surface configured to engage a support surface when the foot is in a third position relative to the enclosure member.

13. The ladder of claim 12, wherein the foot includes a second traction surface configured to engage a support surface with the foot in the first position, and wherein the foot includes at least one engagement surface configured to engage a support surface with the foot in the second position.

14. The ladder of claim 10, wherein the enclosure member includes at least one wall having an elongated slot and an opening formed therein, wherein the first pin extends through the opening and the second pin extends through the elongated slot.

15. The ladder of claim 1, wherein the at least one biasing member includes at least one coil spring.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a ladder, a foot mechanism for a ladder and a related method.

Background

Ladders have traditionally been utilized to provide their users with improved access to elevated locations that may otherwise be inaccessible. Ladders come in a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations, such as straight ladders, extension ladders, stepladders, and stepladders and extension ladder combinations (sometimes referred to as articulated ladders or multi-purpose ladders). So-called combination ladders can combine many of the advantages of the multi-ladder design in a single ladder.

Ladders known as straight ladders and extension ladders are ladders that are not conventionally self-supporting but are instead positioned against an edge of an elevated surface such as a wall or roof to support the ladder at a desired angle. The user then steps up the ladder to reach an elevated area, such as to an upper area of a wall or to a ceiling or roof. A pair of feet or shims, each coupled to the bottom of an associated rail of the ladder, are conventionally used to engage the ground or some other support surface. The feet or shims are typically either fixed (i.e., they do not move relative to the rails to which they are coupled) or they are configured to pivot between one position in which the relatively flat shim engages the ground and another position (sometimes referred to as a "pick-up" position) in which one or more spikes on one end of the foot are positioned to penetrate or dig into the ground when the ladder is in the orientation for its intended use.

The telescopic ladder provides a power tool to the elevated area while being relatively compact for storage and transport purposes. However, there are several areas in which improvements are needed in various types of ladders, including conventional extension ladders. For example, conventional pivoting feet on extension ladders are often difficult to hold in a desired position (e.g., a standard position or "pick-up" position) while transporting and setting the ladder for use. Thus, typically when a user desires to set the ladder while the foot is in a standard position (e.g., such that the flat portion of the foot is engaged with the ground), the foot inadvertently pivots to the pickup position, and vice versa. Typically, one leg may pivot to one position while the other leg pivots in other positions (or remains in other positions). These scenarios may not only be a nuisance or annoyance, they can become a safety hazard if the wrong position is used (depending on the floor or type of support surface used), and in some cases can lead to damage to the support surface (e.g. wood floor in a residential building) or the feet themselves when one or both feet are inadvertently pivoted to the wrong position.

There is a continuing desire in the industry to provide improved functionality of ladders while also improving the safety and stability of such ladders.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure includes various embodiments of ladders, ladder legs, ladder feet, foot mechanisms for ladders, and related methods. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ladder leg is provided that includes a rail member, a cover member coupled with the rail member, and a foot coupled with the cover member. The foot is pivotable relative to the cover member between a first position and at least a second position. The at least one biasing member is configured to maintain a biasing force between the housing member and the leg at each of the first and second positions.

In one embodiment, the ladder leg further comprises a first pin and a second pin, the first pin coupling the enclosure member and the foot with the rail member, and the second pin coupling the foot with the enclosure member.

In one embodiment, a biasing force is applied between the first pin and the second pin.

In one embodiment, the distance between the first pin and the second pin changes as the foot pivots from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the ladder leg further comprises a seat member disposed between the first pin and the at least one biasing member.

In one embodiment, the enclosure member includes at least one wall having an elongated slot and an opening formed therein, wherein the first pin extends through the elongated slot, and wherein the second pin extends through the opening.

In one embodiment, the leg includes at least one sidewall having an opening and a cam groove formed therein, wherein the first pin extends through the opening of the at least one sidewall and the second pin extends through the cam groove.

In one embodiment, the cam groove includes a curved path configured to effect a change in distance between the first pin and the second pin as the leg rotates from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the ladder leg further comprises a first end recess at a first end of the cam groove, wherein the second pin engages the first end recess when the foot is in the second position.

In one embodiment, the legs pivot between the first position, the second position and at least a third position, and wherein the at least one biasing member is configured to maintain a biasing force between the housing component and the legs at the third position.

In one embodiment, the ladder leg further comprises an end recess at the second end of the cam groove, wherein the second pin engages the second end recess when the foot is in the third position.

In one embodiment, the foot comprises a traction surface configured to engage the support surface when the foot is in the first position, and wherein the foot comprises at least one engagement surface configured to engage the support surface when the foot is in the second position.

In one embodiment, the housing includes a traction surface configured to engage the support surface when the foot is in the third position relative to the housing component.

In one embodiment, the at least one biasing member is disposed in a channel formed in the housing member. In one embodiment, an abutment shoulder is formed at one end of the passage to provide a stop for the sleeve or seat member to be positioned against the biasing member.

In one embodiment, the ladder leg further comprises an insert, wherein the at least one biasing member is disposed in a channel formed in the insert.

In one embodiment, the at least one biasing member comprises at least two coil springs.

In one embodiment, the rail member is directly coupled with the plurality of rungs.

In another embodiment, the rail member is configured as an adjustable leg and is pivotably coupled with another rail member.

According to one embodiment, a ladder is provided that may include ladder legs according to any of the above embodiments.

According to one embodiment, a ladder is provided that includes a first assembly having a first pair of spaced apart rails and a first plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the pair of first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes an adjustable leg mechanism associated with the first assembly. The adjustable leg mechanism includes a housing member, a leg coupled with the housing member and pivoting relative to the housing member between at least a first position and a second position, and at least one biasing member configured to maintain a biasing force between the housing member and the leg at each of the first position and the second position.

In one embodiment, the ladder further comprises a first pin coupling the cover member with the foot and a second pin coupling the cover member with the foot.

In one embodiment, a biasing force is applied between the first pin and the second pin.

In one embodiment, an adjustable foot mechanism is coupled with one of the first pair of rails.

In one embodiment, the adjustable foot mechanism is coupled with an adjustable leg member that is pivotally coupled with one of the first pair of rails.

In one embodiment, the distance between the first pin and the second pin changes as the foot pivots from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the leg includes at least one sidewall having an opening and a cam groove formed therein, wherein the first pin extends through the opening of the at least one sidewall and the second pin extends through the cam groove.

In one embodiment, the cam groove includes a curved path configured to effect a change in distance between the first pin and the second pin as the leg rotates from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the ladder further comprises a first end recess at a first end of the cam groove, wherein the second pin engages the first end recess when the foot is in the second position.

In one embodiment, the housing includes a traction surface configured to engage the support surface when the foot is in the third position relative to the housing component.

Features, elements, and aspects of any one embodiment described herein may be combined with features or aspects of other embodiments without limitation.

Drawings

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a telescopic ladder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of a telescopic ladder according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged perspective views of a foot of a ladder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the foot in a first position and a second position, respectively;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the foot shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIGS. 5A-5C are partial cross-sectional views of the foot of FIGS. 3A and 3B, with the foot in different positions or states;

fig. 6A and 6B are front and upper perspective views of a foot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

7A-7C are perspective views of another foot for a ladder according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the foot in various positions or states;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the foot of FIGS. 7A-7C; and is

Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foot of figures 7A-7C.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, a ladder 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ladder 100 is configured as a telescopic ladder and includes a first assembly, which may be referred to as a pull tab 102, and a second assembly, which may be referred to as a base 104. The pull knob 102 is slidably coupled with the base 104 to adjust the ladder 100 to various lengths (or more specifically heights). The tension link 102 includes a pair of spaced apart rails 106A and 106B (which may be referred to herein generally as 106 for convenience) and a plurality of rungs 108 extending between and coupled to the rails 106. Similarly, the base 104 includes a pair of spaced apart rails 110A and 110B (which may be referred to herein generally as 110 for convenience), with a plurality of rails 112 extending between and coupled to the rails 110.

The rails 106 and 110 may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the rails may be formed of a composite material, including a fiberglass composite material. In other embodiments, the rails 106 and 110 may be formed of a metal or metal alloy, including, for example, aluminum and aluminum alloys. The rails 106 and 110 may be formed using various manufacturing techniques depending on various factors including the material from which they are formed. For example, when formed as a composite part, the rails may be formed using pultrusion or other suitable processes associated with composite manufacturing. In one embodiment, the tracks 106 and 110 may be generally formed as C-shaped channel members exhibiting a substantially "C-shaped" cross-sectional geometry. In other embodiments, the tracks may be formed as closed channels such that they present a cross-sectional profile that is, for example, rectangular.

The rungs 108 and 112 can also be formed from a variety of materials using a variety of manufacturing techniques. For example, in one embodiment, the rungs 108 and 112 may be formed of an aluminum material through an extrusion process. However, such examples should not be considered limiting, and as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, many other materials and methods may be utilized. In one embodiment, the rungs 108 and 112 may include flange members (also referred to as transoms) for coupling to the associated rails 106 and 110. For example, the flanges may be riveted or otherwise coupled with their associated rails 106 and 110. Examples of rails and flanges according to certain embodiments are described in U.S. patent application publication No.2016/0123079, published 5/2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

One or more mechanisms, commonly referred to as a bail latch 114, may be associated with the pull tab 102 and the base 104 to enable the pull tab 102 to be selectively positioned relative to the base 104. This makes it possible for the ladder 100 to assume a variety of lengths (or more precisely, heights when the ladder is in the intended operating orientation) by sliding the pull knob 102 relative to the base 104 and locking the two assemblies in the desired position relative to each other. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, by selectively adjusting the two rail assemblies (i.e., the pull knob 102 and the base 104) relative to each other, the length of the ladder may extend to approximately twice its height as compared to its collapsed or shortest state. The rung locks 114 are cooperatively configured with the drop link 102 and the base 104 such that when the drop link 102 is adjusted relative to the base 104, the associated rungs 106 and 110 maintain a consistent spacing (e.g., 12 inches between rungs immediately above or below a given rung). An example of a rung lock according to some embodiments is described in previously incorporated U.S. patent publication No. 2016/0123079. However, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, other types of rung locks may also be used.

Other features and mechanisms described in the previously incorporated U.S. patent publication No.2016/0123079 may also be included in the ladder 100. For example, the knuckles 102 and bases may be arranged (including the rails and rungs of each respective section) to provide a ladder with a low profile or small overall thickness or depth from the front surface of the track 106 of the knuckle to the rear surface of the track 110 of the base 104. In one embodiment, the rear surface of the rail 106 of the pull tab 102 may be located approximately halfway between the front and rear surfaces of the rail 110 of the base 104.

The ladder 100 additionally includes legs 116 and associated mechanisms 120 that are coupled to the lower end of each of the rails 110A and 110B of the base 104 to support the ladder 100 on the ground or other surface. As will be discussed in further detail below, the foot 116 may be configured such that it may be selectively adapted for use on various surfaces (e.g., interior surfaces such as the floor of a building, or the ground adjacent to a building or other structure).

Referring to FIG. 2, a ladder 100' in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The ladder 100' includes many of the same components as the ladder 100 shown in figure 1, including the knuckles 102 with their rails 106 and rungs 108, the base 104 with its rails 110 and rungs 112, and the rung locks 114. The ladder 100' also includes adjustable legs 130 positioned along a lower portion of the rails 110 of the base 104. Swing arm 132 is pivotably coupled to base 104 (e.g., via bracket 134) and is also pivotably coupled to a portion of adjustable leg 130. A foot 116 may be coupled to a lower end of each leg 130 to support the ladder 100 on the ground or other surface. As will be discussed in further detail below, the foot 116 may be configured such that it may be selectively adapted for use on an interior surface (e.g., the floor of a building) or on a surface such as the ground. The adjustable leg 130 may be configured such that the first end is hingedly coupled with an adjustment mechanism 140, the adjustment mechanism 140 being slidably coupled with the track 110 of the base 104. Thus, the adjustment mechanism 140 enables the upper end of the adjustable leg 130 to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of its associated track 110. When the upper portion of the adjustable leg 130 is displaced relative to its associated track 110, the lower portion of the leg 130, including its foot 116, swings laterally inward or outward due to the arrangement of the swing arm 132 coupled between the leg 130 and the track 110. Examples of adjustable legs 130 and associated adjustment mechanisms 140 are described in U.S. provisional patent application No.62/404,672, filed on 5/10/2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Other examples of adjustable legs and associated components (e.g., adjustment mechanisms) are described in U.S. patent No.8, 365, 865 issued to Moss et al on 5.2.2013, Worthington et al on 29.9.2015, and U.S. patent application publication No.2015/0068842 issued on 12.3.2015, 3.2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring to fig. 3A, 3B and 4, the ladder foot 116 and associated mechanism 120 are shown. Note that for convenience, the legs 116 and mechanism 120 are described as being associated with the track 110, but this could also be associated with the adjustable leg member 130 as described above.

The legs 116 themselves comprise a pair of side walls 200 or flange members, each side wall 200 having a cam groove 202 or (cam slot) and a pivot opening 204. As will be described in further detail below, these features help to enable the foot 116 to be selectively positionable between at least two positions, including, for example, a standard or default position (see FIG. 3A) and a position that may be referred to as a "pickup" position (FIG. 3B). The first surface 150 (e.g., traction surface) of the foot 116, which may include a padded, cushioned, and/or slip-reducing material 152, is configured to engage a support surface when the foot 116 is in the standard or first position. For example, standard positions may be used when the ladder is to be positioned on a hard surface such as a concrete, wood or tile floor, or even a carpeted surface. When the foot 116 is in the pickup position, the first surface 150 is flipped up at an angle (relative to the standard position) such that when the ladder is placed on ground soil and oriented for an intended use, one or more spikes 154, piles or other penetrating features are oriented to penetrate or "dig" into the ground soil. The feet 116 of the present disclosure also include components and features that maintain the feet in any one of the selected positions (e.g., the standard position shown in fig. 3A or the pick-up position shown in fig. 3B).

Referring more particularly to FIG. 4, the foot 116 is associated with an assembly having a housing member or sleeve 160, an insert or plug 162, one or more pins 164 and 166 (which may also be referred to as upper pin 164 and lower pin 166 for clarity), a biasing member 168, such as a coil spring, and a sleeve member 170 (or bushing or other seating member). In one embodiment, the biasing member may comprise a conical coil spring. For example, in one particular embodiment, the conical spring may be about 1.5 inches in height, having a minor diameter (e.g., upper coil diameter) of about 0.375 inches and a major diameter (e.g., lower coil diameter) of about 0.975 inches. The spring may be made of a stainless steel material with a wire diameter of about 0.055 inch and a spring constant of about 9 lb/inch. Of course, other configurations of springs and other types of biasing members may be used. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, the pins 164 and 166 may include rivets, bolts, or other fastening components.

In one embodiment, the cover member 160 may be configured as a section of a channel (e.g., presenting a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile) having a front wall 172, a rear wall 174, and two opposing side walls 176 and 178 defining an interior space. In one particular embodiment, the sidewalls 176 and 178 may have lower portions that extend downward into an inverted apex 180. Openings 182 may be formed in the lower portions of sidewalls 176 and 178. Elongated or longitudinally extending slots 184 (e.g., having a length greater than its width and a length substantially parallel to the length of the associated rail 110) are also formed in the side walls 176 and 178 of the housing part 160. The cover member 160 may be sized and configured to slide over the ends of the associated rails 110 of the base 104, such as shown in fig. 3A, 3B, and 5A-5C. In one embodiment, the cover member 160 may be formed from a metallic material (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metal or metal alloy). In other embodiments, the cover member 160 may be formed of a plastic or composite material.

The insert 162 includes a body portion 185, and in one embodiment, the body portion 185 is sized and configured to be inserted into an interior region defined by the track 110 of the base 104. For example, the rails 110 of the base 104 may be formed as closed channels, such as C-shaped channels, or they may exhibit other cross-sectional profiles with substantially open interior regions. The body portion 185 (or a portion thereof) may be configured to fit conformally within the interior region of such a track profile. As noted above, in some embodiments, a portion of insert 162 may be configured to be inserted into an interior portion of adjustable leg member 130.

The insert 162 may include a flange 186 configured to abut a lowermost edge of the rail 110 (e.g., a lower edge of the front wall 172 and the rear wall 174) into which it is inserted (e.g., see fig. 3A). The insert 162 may also include a downwardly extending portion 188 having an aperture 190 extending therethrough. An elongated slot 192 may also be formed in the body portion 185 of the insert 162.

When assembled with the casing member 160, the aperture 190 of the insert 162 may be aligned with the opening 182 of the casing member 160. Likewise, when assembled, the slot 192 of the insert 162 may align with the elongated slot 184 of the cover member 160. The insert 162 may additionally include a pair of inner walls 194 and 196 positioned adjacent the slot 192 and defining a channel sized and configured to receive the biasing member 168 and the sleeve member 170 therebetween. An abutment shoulder 197 or other wall member may also be formed adjacent the upper end of the slot 192 to abut the sleeve member 170 and act as a stop when the upper pin member 164 is displaced upwardly. In one embodiment, the insert 162 may be formed from a plastic material. In other embodiments, composite or metallic materials may be used to form insert 162.

When assembled, the body portion 185 of the insert 162 (or at least a portion thereof) is inserted into the casing member 160 such that the shoulder portions 186 abut the lower edges of the front wall 172 and the rear wall 174, as noted above. The cover member 160 and the insert 162 may be coupled to the rail by fastening members (e.g., rivets, bolts, screws) through openings 206 in the cover member and aligned openings 208 in the insert 162.

The upper pin 164 extends through the slot 184 of the cover member 160, through the slot 192 of the insert 162, and through the opening 204 in the side wall 200 of the leg 116. A washer 198 may be placed on the upper pin 164 and positioned to abut a portion of the insert when the pin 164 is displaced within the slot 192 of the insert as will be shown below. The addition of washer 198 may provide added strength to the assembled mechanism and facilitate sliding displacement of upper pin 164 within slot 192. Of course, washers and other similar structures may be used with the lower pin 166 and its connection to the various components (e.g., between and in contact with the head of the pin 166 and the side wall 200 of the foot).

The lower pin 166 extends through the opening 182 of the cover member 160, the opening 190 of the insert 162, and the cam groove 202 of the leg 116. The biasing member 168 is located laterally between the two inner walls 194 and 196 and also between the lower wall 207 or floor of the insert 162 and the sleeve member 170 through which the upper pin 164 passes. In some embodiments, the sleeve member 170 does not include a tubular member, but rather may be a component that is located between the biasing member 168 and the upper pin 164 and is configured with, for example, a concave surface to engage the upper pin 164 or receive the upper pin 164. Note that in this particular embodiment, neither pin 164 or 166 extends through any portion of the track 110, but in other embodiments, at least one of them may extend through the track, as described below. It is further noted that when the upper pin 164 is removed from the assembly (e.g., replacement of the foot 116 due to wear), the biasing member 168 pushes the sleeve member 170 up against the abutment shoulder 197, thereby holding the biasing member 168 and the sleeve member 170 in place, making reassembly (and even initial assembly) of the foot 116 and foot mechanism 120 with the ladder 100, 100' simpler and more efficient.

When assembled, the biasing member 168 maintains a biasing force between the two pins 164 and 166, thereby causing the foot 116 to remain in a desired position, whether this position is the standard or pick-up position as described above with respect to fig. 3A and 3B or another position as will be described in further detail below.

Referring to fig. 5A-5C, the legs 116 and leg mechanism 120 are shown in partial cross-sectional views, with portions of the legs 116 (e.g., the sidewalls 200) presented in a partially translucent or transparent manner, depicting the operation of the mechanism 120 as the legs 116 transition from one position or state to another. As shown in FIG. 5A, the biasing member 168 provides a biasing force between the two pins 166 and 164 when the foot 116 is in the standard or default position. Due to the arrangement of the various components, this biasing force results in a force being applied between the lower pin 166 and the upper pin 164 that is translated into a force applied between the insert 162 and the leg 116. The biasing force causes the legs 116 to naturally rotate such that the lower pins 166 are located at the lower end of the cam groove 202-at the "V" or transition between the cam groove 202 and the end notch 230-which may be considered to be the "minimum" defining the curve or path of the cam groove. The biasing force maintains the standoffs in the default position until an external force is applied to the standoffs 116 to cause them to rotate relative to the insert 162, the cover member 160, and the track 110, as discussed in further detail below.

Note that this position may be associated with a particular angle of the ladder when in the orientation for the intended use. For example, in one embodiment, when the lower pin 166 is positioned at a "V" between the cam groove 202 and the end notch 230, the foot 116 is positioned at an angle relative to the rail 110 to accommodate a ladder positioned at, for example, 75.5 relative to a horizontal support surface on which the ladder is placed. In one embodiment, the end notches 230 provide some slight variation from a desired default position to accommodate different terrain and support structures as necessary.

When a sufficient force is applied to the legs 116 (e.g., such as the force represented by arrows 220), the legs begin to rotate relative to the insert 162, the cage member 160, and the track 110. However, the path of the cam groove 202, in combination with the arrangement of the pins 164 and 166, is such that the legs do not rotate about a fixed point relative to the other components (i.e., the track 110, the housing member 160, or the insert 162). Conversely, as can be seen in fig. 5B, as the leg 116 rotates, the cam groove 202 slides along the lower pin 166 (which is fixed relative to the insert 162 through the opening 190), causing the side wall 200 of the leg 116 to pull downward on the upper pin 164, which in turn is displaced within and along the slots 184 and 192 (see fig. 4), compressing the biasing member 168 as the upper pin 164 is displaced closer to the lower pin 166. Note that the exemplary force 220 is not intended to be limiting, and a force may be applied to other portions of the legs 116 to effect rotation thereof.

As seen in fig. 5C, when the leg 116 has been rotated into the pickup position, due to the path of the cam groove 202, the upper pin 164 displaces along the slots 184 and 192 so that it is in turn closer to the lower pin 166, compressing the biasing member 168, and positioning the leg 116 such that the end notch 222 (see fig. 4, 5A, and 5B) extending from the cam groove 202 is pushed up against the lower pin 166 in an engaged or locked manner, thereby maintaining the leg 116 in the pickup position until the user applies sufficient force to move the leg 116 in a direction to disengage the lower pin 166 from the end notch 222 so that it is once again within the cam groove 202, wherein the leg 116 can again be rotated back toward the default position. Note that if the legs 116 are not positioned such that the lower pins 116 engage within the end notches 222, the biasing force of the springs 168 will return the legs 116 to the default position as shown in FIG. 5A. Thus, the foot 116 will always be maintained in the desired position, whether that position is the standard/default position or the pickup position, regardless of which position is selected by the user.

Referring briefly to fig. 6A and 6B, other aspects and features of the foot 116 can be seen. For example, in one embodiment, the traction surface 150 of the leg 116 may be formed to have a substantially arcuate profile across its width. For example, the first segment 250 of the width of the traction surface 150 may be substantially flat, or it may exhibit a relatively large radius curve as shown, while the two outer segments 252 of the profile may exhibit a smaller radius curve. Further, the profile of the traction surface 150 across its width is substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane extending longitudinally through the traction surface and dividing the traction surface into substantially equal halves (e.g., two sides, one of each of which is half of the first section 250 and one of the outer sections 252). The symmetrical configuration of the profile of the traction surface 150 provides a significant benefit in being able to manufacture a single foot 116 that can be used on either the track 110 or the adjustable leg 130. In other words, the legs need not be manufactured as "right-handed" or "left-handed" pieces. This provides particular advantages for embodiments such as that described with respect to fig. 2, in which the adjustable legs 130 may be positioned at various angles, including substantially vertical (where the first section 250 of the traction surface 150 has primary contact with the ground) or at some other angle relative to its associated track (where one of the two outer sections 252 may have primary contact with the ground). Note that the peg 154 or penetrating portion of the foot 116 may likewise be configured to be symmetrical such that the peg 154 or penetrating portion maintains effectiveness in engaging the ground even when the adjustable leg 130 is positioned at any of a variety of different angles relative to the ground or support surface.

Referring now to fig. 7A-7C, a foot 300 and associated mechanism 302 are shown according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The foot 300 may be configured substantially similar to the foot 116 described above, with a sidewall 304, a lower traction surface 306, a plurality of pegs 308 or penetrations, and an opening 310 for receiving a first upper pin 312, and a cam groove 314 for receiving a second lower pin 316. The cam groove 314 is configured to have a different curve or path than that shown and described above with respect to the leg 116. The cam groove 314 includes a first path 320 leading to a first end notch 322 and a second path 324 leading to a second end notch 326, wherein the first path 320 and the second path 324 join at an inverted apex 328.

The foot 300 is configured to be selectively maintained in one of three different positions. For example, the first location is a location that may be referred to as a standard or default location as shown in FIG. 7A. As already described above, the traction surface 306 is configured to engage the ground or support surface when the foot 300 is in the default position. The foot 300 may be rotated in a first direction relative to its track 110 into a second position, which may be referred to as a pick-up position, as shown in fig. 7B. As described above, when in the pick-up position, the foot 300 is configured to engage the ground or support surface with the peg 308 or other penetrating structure. The foot 300 may also be rotated relative to the track 110 in a second direction (opposite the first direction) to a third position, referred to as a stowed position, as shown in fig. 7C. When the feet 300 are in the stowed position, the feet 300 do not engage the ground or a support structure when the ladder 100 is in the orientation for the intended use. Conversely, the traction surface 330, which may be associated with the housing member 332 (of the foot mechanism 302), engages the ground or support surface. In other words, when in the stowed position, the foot 300 is rotated to a position such that it is above the lowermost portion (e.g., the traction surface 330) of the cover member 332 (or associated track or adjustable leg).

Such a configuration enables a user of the ladder 100 to utilize the ladder in an outdoor or other environment where the feet 300 may be soiled (e.g., the feet 300 in the default or pickup position are used on grass, dirt, or other soiled environment), and also to subsequently use the ladder 100 in a clean environment, such as the interior of a house or office space, by placing the (potentially soiled) feet 300 in the stowed position and engaging the ground with the uncontaminated traction surface 330 of the enclosure member 332.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, additional features and components of the foot 300 and associated mechanism 302 are described. The mechanism 302 includes one or more biasing elements 340 that are located in associated channels 342 formed in the interior of the housing part 332. A displaceable insert or seat member 344 is also located in an interior portion of housing member 332 and includes an elongated protrusion 346 configured to engage biasing member 340 and an opening 348 configured to receive upper pin member 312 therethrough. As described above with respect to other embodiments, the cover member 332 further includes an opening 350 and a slot 352 formed in a sidewall 356 thereof. Likewise, respective openings 357 and slots 358 are formed in the side wall or walls of the track 110 (depending on, for example, whether the cross-sectional profile of the track is an open channel configuration or a closed channel configuration).

When assembled, the upper pin 312 extends through the opening 310 of the foot 300, the slot 352 in the side wall 356 of the cover member 332, the slot 358 in the side wall of the track 110, and the opening 348 of the seat member 344. The lower pin 316 extends through the cam groove 314 of the foot 300, the opening 350 of the housing member, and the opening 357 of the sidewall of the track 110. One or more washers 360 may be located on either or both of the pins 312 and 316 in a manner such as discussed above with respect to other embodiments. The foot 300 and associated mechanism 302 operate substantially similar to what has been described above, such that the upper pin 312 is displaced along the channels 352 and 358 as the foot 300 rotates due to the curved path of the cam groove 314. The displacement of the upper pin 312 within the channel controls the compression of the biasing member 340, maintaining a desired level of force on the foot 300, thereby maintaining the foot 300 in one of the depicted positions.

More specifically, when the foot is in the position shown in FIG. 7A (the default position), the biasing member 340 causes the foot to maintain this position by applying a biasing force between the two pins 312 and 316 such that the inverted apex 328 of the cam groove 314 maintains engagement with the lower pin 316.

When the foot 300 is rotated to the position shown in fig. 7B (the picking position), the arrangement of the various components is such that the lower pin 316 engages the first notch 322, thereby maintaining the foot 300 in the picking position until a user applies sufficient force to the foot 300 to disengage the lower pin 316 from the first notch 322 and rotate it to a different position.

When the foot 300 is in the position shown in fig. 7C (the stowed position), the arrangement of the various components is such that the lower pin 316 engages the second notch 326, thereby maintaining the foot 300 in the stowed position until a user applies sufficient force to the foot 300 to disengage the lower pin 316 from the second notch 326 and rotate it to a different position.

The arrangement of the components results in the foot 300 being maintained in any of the selected positions (default, pickup or stowed positions) until the user affirmatively rotates the foot 300 to a different selected position. Thus, prior to setting the ladder on a selected support surface, a user is able to position the ladder with confidence that the feet are in the desired position and do not randomly pivot or rotate to a different (undesired) position.

Note that the legs described herein may also include other features or aspects. For example, the legs 116 and 300 may include fastening features for fastening the legs relative to the support surface. For example, in one embodiment, the fastening feature can include an open faced notch or slot 360 formed in the front surface of the leg 116 or 300. The slot 360 (see, e.g., fig. 3A and 4) may be sized and configured to receive a fastening element, such as a screw, nail, bolt, rod, post, or some other retaining member. In one example, a user of the ladder may position the ladder 100 relative to a structure to be accessed via the ladder 100 and then pass screws, nails, or other elements through the slots 360 into the ground. For example, a user may place nails or screws into the subfloor of a newly constructed house or other structure. Because the slots are open-faced (e.g., not a closed curve), a user may remove the ladder 100 from screws, nails, or other fastening elements by sliding the legs 116 or 300 of the ladder 100 forward and away from the fastening elements remaining in place in the support surface. If desired, the user may leave the fastening element in the support surface (e.g., when working briefly at another adjacent location), and then return the ladder to its position to be fastened again by the fastening element (e.g., a nail or screw) by sliding it back out of the slot 360 to engage with the fastening element. Examples of such fastening features may be found, for example, in previously incorporated U.S. provisional patent application No.62/404,672.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Indeed, the features or elements of any disclosed embodiment may be combined with the features or elements of any other disclosed embodiment without limitation. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.