Tool holding device for stepladder

Abstract

A storage device or tray is mounted on one step of a stepladder (usually the uppermost step) and is provided with removable trays, openings, etc. for holding objects such as small tools, small hardware, paint, etc in a position where they are readily available to a user supported on another step of the stepladder. The tray includes a clamp mounted on the tray which is adjustable relative to the tray for clamping against the step upon which the tray is mounted while the tray engages the upper side of the step, the clamp extending around one edge of the step. A removable peg, which extends through the tray and can be placed in any of multiple positions, engages the other side of the step for resisting movement of the tray while the tray is clamped to the step.

1 . Object holding device for mounting on one step of a stepladder having multiple steps for holding objects available to a user supported on another step of the stepladder, said one step having top and bottom sides and a pair of opposite edges connecting the top and bottom sides, comprising a tray, a clamp mounted on said tray and adjustable relative thereto for clamping against the one step while the tray engages the upper side of said one step, said clamp extending around one edge of said one step, and a member extending from said tray engaging the other side of the step for resisting movement of the tray while the tray is clamped to the one step.  
   
   
       2 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said one edge terminates in a corner, said clamp extending over said corner to clamp said tray on said one step.  
   
   
       3 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said clamp includes a pair of intersecting arms, one of said arms extending over said corner, and adjustment means adjustably mounting the other arm on said tray to permit adjustment of said clamp relative to said tray.  
   
   
       4 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said adjustment means includes a releasable fastener securing said other arm to said tray.  
   
   
       5 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said tray includes a tray bottom resting upon said one step when the tray is mounted on the step ladder, said member being a peg extending from said tray bottom for engagement with the other of said opposite edges to limit shifting of the tray relative to said one step when the clamp is installed around the one edge of said one step.  
   
   
       6 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said tray includes a tray bottom resting upon said one step when the tray is mounted on the step ladder, said member being a peg extending from said tray bottom for engagement with the other of said opposite edges to limit shifting of the tray relative to said one step when the clamp is installed around the one edge of said one step.  
   
   
       7 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said tray bottom includes multiple apertures at varying distances from said other opposite edge, whereby said peg can be installed in any of said apertures to accommodate steps of varying widths.  
   
   
       8 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said tray is defined by a tray bottom and side walls extending from said tray bottom and cooperating therewith to define a storage volume, said tray bottom engaging said one step when the tray is installed on the stepladder, said clamp being movable mounted on one of said walls to extend around the one edge of said step, and a releasable fastener securing said clamp immovable against said side when the tray is mounted on said one step.  
   
   
       9 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said one edge terminates in a corner, said clamp including a pair of intersecting arms, one of said arms extending over said corner.  
   
   
       10 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said tray includes parallel flanges extending from one of the other of said side walls, said flanges having registering apertures for storing elongated objects.  
   
   
       11 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said bottom is depression to receive a liquid container, said depression resisting tipping of said container.  
   
   
       12 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein an interior partition extends between two of said side walls to divide the volume defined by said side walls and tray bottom, said partition cooperating with corresponding side walls and a projection carried by said tray bottom to receive a liquid container having a substantially square cross section to thereby resist tipping of the container.  
   
   
       13 . Object holding device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said tray includes removable auxiliary trays supported in said tray.