US6779632B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable leveling stepladder
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1999-04-26
•
Granted: 2004-08-24
•
Expires: 2019-04-26
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable leveling stepladder is provided with telescopically adjustable support legs that allow it to be positioned on uneven surfaces. A pair of bubble levels that are used to indicate proper and safe horizontal positioning in two dimensions.
Inventors
- 👤 Claude A. Parks, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 20:20
CPC Classifications
E; E06; E06C; E06C7/00; E06C7/003; E06C1/00; E06C1/02; E06C1/38; E06C1/39; E06C7/42; E06C7/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
364 words
An adjustable leveling ladder, said adjustable leveling ladder comprising: a vertical step assembly comprising a first and second parallel support legs having a plurality of step plates traversing between said support legs and secured thereto, said support legs having a tubular cross-section with a telescoping support member inserted therein, said telescoping support member secured by a rung rail locking mechanism that allows for rung rail configurations of variable length and having a surface engaging foot pivotally attached to an end thereof for securably engaging a ladder support surface; a vertical support assembly comprising a first and second parallel housing support members having at least one stabilizing cross member traversing between said housing support members and secured thereto, said housing support members having a tubular cross-section with a telescoping support member inserted therein, said telescoping support member secured by a support rail locking mechanism that allows for housing support member configurations of variable length and having a surface engaging foot pivotally attached to the end thereof for securably engaging a ladder support surface; a top plate having a front edge opposite a rear edge wherein said front vertical step assembly is pivotally attached to said front edge and said rear vertical support assembly is pivotally attached to said rear edge; a first folding stabilizer cross member in combination with a second folding stabilizer cross member, said first folding stabilizer cross member traversing between said first support leg and said first support rail and pivotally attached thereto, and said second folding stabilizer cross member traversing between said second support leg and said second housing support member and pivotally attached thereto, said first and second folding stabilizer cross members capable of locking said vertical step assembly and said vertical support assembly in an extended position; lateral stability indicating means secured to said top plate; and longitudinal stability indicating means secured to said top plate; wherein the length of said support legs and said housing support members can be adjusted in order to accommodate placing said adjustable leveling ladder on uneven surfaces, said lateral stability indicating means and said longitudinal stability indicating means providing indication of when said adjustable leveling ladder has achieved a position of safe operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
364 words
An adjustable leveling ladder, said adjustable leveling ladder comprising: a vertical step assembly comprising a first and second parallel support legs having a plurality of step plates traversing between said support legs and secured thereto, said support legs having a tubular cross-section with a telescoping support member inserted therein, said telescoping support member secured by a rung rail locking mechanism that allows for rung rail configurations of variable length and having a surface engaging foot pivotally attached to an end thereof for securably engaging a ladder support surface; a vertical support assembly comprising a first and second parallel housing support members having at least one stabilizing cross member traversing between said housing support members and secured thereto, said housing support members having a tubular cross-section with a telescoping support member inserted therein, said telescoping support member secured by a support rail locking mechanism that allows for housing support member configurations of variable length and having a surface engaging foot pivotally attached to the end thereof for securably engaging a ladder support surface; a top plate having a front edge opposite a rear edge wherein said front vertical step assembly is pivotally attached to said front edge and said rear vertical support assembly is pivotally attached to said rear edge; a first folding stabilizer cross member in combination with a second folding stabilizer cross member, said first folding stabilizer cross member traversing between said first support leg and said first support rail and pivotally attached thereto, and said second folding stabilizer cross member traversing between said second support leg and said second housing support member and pivotally attached thereto, said first and second folding stabilizer cross members capable of locking said vertical step assembly and said vertical support assembly in an extended position; lateral stability indicating means secured to said top plate; and longitudinal stability indicating means secured to said top plate; wherein the length of said support legs and said housing support members can be adjusted in order to accommodate placing said adjustable leveling ladder on uneven surfaces, said lateral stability indicating means and said longitudinal stability indicating means providing indication of when said adjustable leveling ladder has achieved a position of safe operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
The adjustable leveling stepladder of claim 1 wherein said rung rail locking mechanism further comprises an adjustment aperture in said support leg at an end opposite said top plate and a series of adjustment apertures spaced along the length of said telescoping support member, wherein a threaded locking pin is passed through linearly adjustment locking apertures in said support leg and said telescoping support member and secured by a locking nut.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The adjustable leveling stepladder of claim 2 wherein said support rail locking mechanism further comprises a support aperture in said housing support member at the end opposite said top plate and a series of adjustment apertures spaced along the length of said telescoping support member, wherein a threaded locking pin is passed through linearly aligned adjustment apertures in said housing support member and said telescoping support member and secured by a locking nut.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The adjustable leveling stepladder of claim 3 wherein the spacing of said locking apertures along said telescoping support members is between 0.5 and 1.5 inches providing a high degree of adjustability in said supporting legs and said housing support members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The adjustable leveling stepladder of claim 1 wherein said lateral stability indicating means and said longitudinal stability indicating means further comprise a bubble level measuring device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-08-24 | 2008-02-23 | 2008-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-08-24 | 2012-02-23 | 2012-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-08-24 | 2016-02-23 | 2016-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |