FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a ceiling ladder that has a deep step with a width greater than the width of other steps, ceiling ladder. (As used herein, references to the “present invention” or “invention” relate to exemplary embodiments and not necessarily to every embodiment encompassed by the appended claims.) More specifically, the present invention is related to a ceiling ladder that has a deep step with a width greater than the width of other steps, ceiling ladder where the ladder has a plurality of sections in the sections are able to fold together and be stored above the ceiling without the deep step interfering with the sections when they fold together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention. The following discussion is intended to provide information to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that statements in the following discussion are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Ceiling ladders, also called attic ladders or sometimes access ladders, commonly are fixed to the ceiling and extends down from the ceiling so a user can climb the ladder into a room or space above the ceiling, such as an attic. For convenience and efficiency, the ceiling ladders are formed of sections which can be folded together and stored above the ceiling when not needed. There are times when the ladder extends down from the ceiling that the user only climbs part way up the ladder, far enough to simply place objects into the attic without actually having to climb all the way up the ladder into the attic. It would be safer for the user to stand on a step of the ceiling ladder whose width is as large as possible when only partly climbing the ladder to place objects in the attic.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a ceiling ladder. The ladder comprises a frame adapted to fit into the ceiling. The ladder comprises a door that fits into the frame. The ladder comprises a top section fixed to the door having a right top rail, a left top rail in parallel with and opposing the right top rail, and a plurality of top steps having a width attached to the right and left rails. The ladder comprises a second section rotatably attached to the top section having a right second rail, a left second rail in parallel with and opposing the right second rail, and a plurality of second steps attached to the right second rail and the left second rail. At least one of the second steps being a deep step having a width at least 1.5 inches longer than a width of at least another one of the second steps. The right top rail connected by a first hinge to the right second rail and the left top rail connected to the left second rail by a second hinge so the second section can fold onto the top section into a folded position; and unfold from the top section into and unfolded position. The ladder comprises a third section rotatably attached to the second section having a right third rail, a left third rail in parallel with and opposing the right third rail, and a plurality of third steps having a width attached to the right third rail and the left third rail. The right second rail connected by a third hinge to the right third rail and the left second rail connected to the left third rail by a fourth hinge so the third section can fold onto the second section into the folded position and the door can be closed into the frame with the top and second and third sections disposed above the ceiling, and unfold from the second section into the unfolded position. When in the unfolded position, the top and second and third sections align to form the ladder on which a user can climb reach the ceiling with the deep step located 2-5 feet below the ceiling. When in the folded position, the deep step fits between the top steps of the third section.

The present invention pertains to a deep step for a ceiling ladder. The ceiling ladder having a plurality of sections with a top section rotatably attached to the ceiling and a second section rotatably attached to the top section. The second section having a plurality of steps attached to a second right rail and a second left rail of the second section, with the deep step being one of the plurality of steps. The deep step comprises preferably a one-piece extrusion comprising a first flange whose right side is fastened to and inside of a front flange of the second right rail and whose left side is fastened to and inside of a front flange of the second left rail. The one-piece extrusion comprises a front horizontal portion that extends essentially at a right angle from a top of the front flange. The one-piece extrusion comprises a second flange which extends essentially at a right angle down from the front horizontal portion and whose right side is fastened to an inside of a rear flange of the second right rail and whose left side is fastened to an inside of a rear flange of the second left rail. The one-piece extrusion comprises a rear horizontal portion that extends from the front horizontal portion in a coplanar manner and from the second flange at essentially a right angle, and between and behind the second right rail and the second left rail, with the rear horizontal portion having a length which is shorter than a length of the front horizontal portion and a length of the second flange.

The present invention pertains to a method for placing objects above a ceiling from a floor. The method comprises unfolding a plurality of sections of a ladder having steps, which is attached to the ceiling, so a user can climb the ladder to above the ceiling from the floor. There is the step of a user climbing the ladder and standing on a deep step of the ladder with an object, which is located between about 2 feet and 5 feet above the floor and below the ceiling. The deep step having a width that is at least 1.5 inches longer than a width of other steps of the ladder. There is the step of the user placing the object above the ceiling while standing on the deep step. There is the step of the user climbing down off the ladder onto the floor. There is the step of the user folding the sections of the ladder together into a retracted position. There is the step of moving the sections of the ladder in the retracted position above the ceiling.

