If you get a chance please check this out and let me know what you think?
During a recent basement project, I became frustrated with balancing expensive and dangerous tools on the top platform of my stepladder, so I designed this thing, applied for U.S. Patent, found a manufacturer, and currently in the process of finding a distributor. http://www.laddercradle.com
I have used it on all phases of interior construction and was beyond convinced that it has a market.
Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
Replies
Kirk.....looks like a great idea. Tools within reach while on a ladder is always an issue.
Couple of concerns....
First, I believe a similar product exists. "Ladder Buddy" or some such by the makers of the "Bucket Buddy" , I believe. Not sure how successful those things are.
Secondly, I'm not sure the building indusrty is the proper target. We have a history of being hard on tools and accessories. Doesn't appear that the design would hold up too well being tossed about on a jobsite.
Thirdly.....your own liability. I'm not sure what that might be. Folks are injured all the time by leaving tools on top of a ladder. Its one of the first things I try and drill into my guys heads when they start with me. This device almost encourages it.
All that said, I certainly wish you all the best! Innovation is the backbone of this country. You're certainly doing your part.
PS....Not sure how the mods feel about self promotion of products on this website. Might be an issue. Free advertising and all.
Oh how they pound, raising the sound,
o'er hill and dale, telling their tale,
Gaily they ring while people sing
songs of good cheer, Christmas is here....
Thank you very much for the feedback. Good points.
As far as the advertising goes, it is not yet for sale and FHB might be a good media for advertising the accessory when it goes to market. I have been a long-time subscriber to FHB, so I hope they give me a break here.
Edited 12/8/2006 10:28 am ET by kfisch
first your site wont load anything with firefox , I had to go to IE to see it
I wasn't impressed , there are several canvas versions on the market
that seem more versitle to me
such as
http://ladderboss.com/
I have a no name version that I find useful , one thing is being canvas I can roll mine up and stick it in the corner of the truck until I need it .
like the previous poster mentioned it might n0t market well to construction .
I can see it going thrugh infomercials or home shopper . seems like more of a DIY ...what do I buy dad for fathers day type thing
sort of like the two chucked drill
Thank you for the feedback. Good points.
I had seen the Ladder Boss at HD, however, I didn't want to carry my entire set of handtools up the ladder. The Ladder Cradle allowed me to have good access to my nailguns and drills freeing hands to set materials. I wouldn't stick a drill with attached bit, finish or brad nailer into a canvas bag, however the Ladder Cradle holds these tools in an ergonomic and relatively safe manner. Just my thoughts, thanks again!
all depends on use I guess , if I need a lot of tools up a ladder its nice to have a place for them not just up the ladder but with the 6 foot ladder its a secure , handy spot to keep tools without having to bend over and rummage through a toolbag often time the ladder stays set up ,unused most of the day on site as I said mine is flexible ,not as many pockets as the ladder boss but I just load what I need for a job the drill holster is open at the bottom so the drill with bit is securely held haven't used the nailgun since I got mine so I'm not sure how it will sit . but I would rather put either tool in a canvas bag than on a shelf with no stops on the sides
My comment is --- that I can access the link.
This message came up:
"This presentation contains content that your browser may not be able to show properly. This presentation was optimized for more recent versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
If you would like to proceed anyway, click here."
I am using Safari on a Mac, so I hope you'll talk to your web designer about fixing the site so those of us in the minority can get in.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Your product sort of reminds me of this: http://www.handypaintpail.com/2.01_about.html. The paint pail seems to be fairly successful. I have several myself and find them very useful.
I do think you've identified an opportunity. I've seen the semi-rigid bags that straddle the top of the ladder (such as the ladder boss). Those seem better for someone who has a standard set of tools that they bring up the ladder with them (like an electrician). Yours seems better suited for task-specific tools that you bring up as needed.
I could make good use of something like this. As a handyman, I'm always bringing up a different set of tools. I'm not sure I would pay as much as the suggested retail. I recognize the need to cover overhead, but it's really a fairly simple product. If I did buy it, the next thing I might do would be to make a tool caddy that fit the ladder cradle. Something like a mud pan, but with a handle. Of course, the handle would need to swing out of the way for when it's sitting in the cradle. Maybe that could be an "accessory".
I actually made something to serve the same purpose. It was basically a platform that bolted to the top of the ladder. I used it once. I thought it was brilliant. And I never used it again because it takes too long to bolt it on. I don't know why 3 minutes is too long, but it is. Maybe because every time I climb the ladder, I think I'll only be up there for 3 minutes anyway.
Good luck with your project.
-Don
Don - Thank you very much for your encouraging feedback. The Ladder Cradle rolls over the top of a plastic platform stepladder in one easy step with no attachments (the literature breaks it into three for better understanding of the fit)
I agree that there is opportunity for accessory attachment.
Like I said, I used the prototype for six months before applying for patent and absolutely love the thing for drills and nail guns. Especially nail guns doing detailed high finish work.
Thanks again.
I think it is a good idea. Considering how many ladders are being sold to homeowners at the big box stores, I think you have a great chance of success.
By the way, how did you go about getting a patent? I have a number of inventions but have never looked into actually getting a patent.
Thank you. Sorry I am responding so late. Once kids are all in bed, I have more time to do these things. Patent application can cost between $5 to $10k with an attorney. You can search for patent attorney's in your area. I would suggest consulting with one before proceeding and maybe request that they render an opinion before proceeding with an application. The initial consult should be no charge.
Before doing anything, search the USPTO website. A Google search will give you the URL.
Good Luck!
- Kirk
Thank you Kirk.
I will check into the process.
In version II of your adventure, you might consider extending the cage down the ladder. You could hang more things on down there. The main concern would be to allow the homeowner to open and close the ladder without removing your invention.
Although some of the other responders tried to warn you that there were other inventions out there that made your product less than unique, I would suggest that there are hundreds, even thousands of attempts to compete with current products every year. Just go to a big box and see how many different versions of flashlights are available. The flashlight is certainly not a new concept, and I have no idea about the patents involved. My point is: Keep going and evolve a good thing. Good luck!
One of my original prototypes was heavy duty 1/4" rod and built with a longer drop down the ladder to hold larger framing nailers, etc. The thing became awkward and non-ergonomic for the finish nailers mud pans and cordless drills.
I leave mine on the ladder and can fold it up with the cradle attached.
Thanks again and Happy Holidays!
Its not whether oter products exsist, its what share of the market YOU get.
Oh yeh, your web site has a few tech bugs.
Best to you and yours, Chris.
Some say I know too much.
Thank you Chris,
I apologize for the "temporary" website. I know, it is pretty pathetic. I dumped our PowerPoint presentation to HTML and posted with a cheap provider.
Happy Holidays,
Kirk
That looks like a good idea, even though I seldom stand on a ladder when nailing trim on windows or doors. To me it would serve as a shelf for the nail gun or drill on the 3 or 4' step ladder.
I dont like the weight of a drill or nail gun hanging from my tool belt and bending over to pick it up gets old after awhile. Right now I have a small folding table I use for trimming but there is no edge around it so the nailer can fall off if your not careful. I would probably try it out, Im a sucker for new gadgets, especially if they make the job go a little easier.