Wan Kim

US Patent:

6390237, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Jan 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/483195

Inventors:

Wan Soo Kim - Hacienda Heights CA
Ping-Jan Chiu - Taichung Hsien, TW
Todd Meyers - Plymouth MN
Franny Chen - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Tricam Industries, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

E06C 100

US Classification:

182161, 182129, 182165

Abstract:

A step stool or ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The first frame member includes a safety hoop at which the user can easily grab while on the step or rung of the ladder or step stool. The frame also includes a cross member which spans a portion of one of the frame members. The ladder or step stool has one or more steps. At least one of the steps is supported primarily by the cross member in its unfolded position in which a user can ascend on the steps of the stool or ladder. One or more other steps may be attached to step which is primarily supported by the cross member. The step that is primarily supported by the cross member includes a latch that has a first curved end which engages the cross member to prevent the step primarily supported by the cross member from disengaging the cross member. The latch has a curved end which engages the cross member.

US Patent:

60125489, Jan 11, 2000

Filed:

Feb 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/257570

Inventors:

Wan Soo Kim - La Mirada CA

Assignee:

R.M.M., Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

E04C 1383

US Classification:

182165

Abstract:

A ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The step of the is provided with one or more keyhole-shaped openings in which the bottom of the keyhole-shaped opening is open. The first frame member includes at least one cross member for supporting each of the one or more steps of the ladder. The cross members also provide a pivot axis about which the step rotates when folding or unfolding the ladder. The cross member has a circular cross-section at each of the ends where it is attached to the first frame member. Inboard from the circular cross member ends, is a crimped portion or portions. The crimped portion or portions of the cross member are dimensioned so that the crimped portion can pass through the open end of the keyhole openings in the step. The crimped portion or portions are spaced inboard from the ends of the cross member so that once the cross member passes through the keyhole, the step can be positioned over the circular portion of the keyhole shaped opening in the step.