AU2003100014B4 - Ladder-Safe - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT LADDER SAFE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: The idea for this invention came about due to the inherent insecure, and therefore unsafe, nature of ladders in elevated positions. This is particularly so when any force is applied to the ladder in the fore, aft, lateral or torsional directions in the process of mounting or alighting.

This device is designed to be used on a variety of surfaces including, but not exclusively, Gutter Profiles, Fascias, Cliplock Roofing and other building structures.

In these days of ever-increasing Public Liability Insurance costs and Occupational Health and Safety requirements, this device creates a stable and, therefore, safer platform from which to conduct various operations. We believe that the use of our device will create a higher level of confidence and worker safety than what was possible without this device or previous types of this technology.

I I 2 The basis for this device is very simple. It consists of two Clamps, including but not exclusively G-type, Spring, Ratchet or similar made of any suitable material such a metal or plastic modified with two plastic/rubber pads on their clamping surfaces to protect whatever surface it is attached to and provide increased grip.

These clamps are joined by a length of resilient strapping including, but not exclusively, Nylon Webbing or similar with Strap-Adjusters where they attach so as to allow for varying sizes of clamp. The strapping and adjustment also allow for various sizes of ladder and positions of attachment.

Overall tension of the strapping is provided by a Strap Tensioner of the types including, but not exclusively, Quick Release Cam Buckle, Ratchet Strap Tensioner or similar located approximately at the mid point of the ladder styles.

Method Of Use 1. Ladder is raised to desired position on a level surface with all usual precautions utilised.

2. On the initial climb, the user attaches the Ladder Safe clamps to the bearing surface close to the ladder on the outside and adjacent to the frame.

3. When firm attachment of the clamps is made, the user then tensions the webbing with the free end of the webbing through the Cam-Buckle thus providing inward pressure onto the bearing surface.

4. The ladder is now secure and safe to use.

To release Ladder Safe, the climber descends to a point on the ladder where the Strap-tensioner is readily accessed. Pressing the release Mechanism on the Straptensioner releases the strap tension thus allowing easy removal of the clamps.

Attachments To assist with understanding of the invention reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show one example of the invention.

Figure 1 Shows one example of "Ladder Safe" according to the invention.

Figure 2 Shows one application of the "Ladder Safe" device attached to the gutter of a house.

FIGURE 1 1. Soft rubber/plastic pads to prevent chipping or scratching of clamped surfaces.

2. Sliding handle on clamp to allow close clamping proximity to ladder on the bearing surface.

3. Modifed G-Type clamp (in this example).

4. Stitched loop around clamp fed through a strapping adjuster (see Strapping adjuster to allow for different dimension of clamp to be utilised.

6. Example of industrial type stitching to be used when a loop is required as in this example fastened to the quick release cam buckle (see 7).

7. Quick release cam buckle.

8. Excess strapping tied up to prevent fouling. To be used for wider ladders or different attachment points.

9. Shows allowable movement of the strap within the clamp so the strap remains in the optimum position to secure the ladder with various angles of ladder and clamp adjustment.

Threaded shaft of G-Clamp.

FIGURE 2 1. Position of clamps in relation to gutter profile and ladder styles.

2. Position of strap tensioner in relation to ladder styles.

3. Ladder placed in elevated position.

4. Gutter Profile in relation to 'Ladder Safe' and ladder.

Claims (4)

1. A ladder restraining device consists of two clamps joined together by a length of adjustable strapping to restrain fore, aft, torsional and lateral movement of a ladder in an elevated position by the strapping holding both lateral rails of the ladder firmly against a gutter or fascia board or similar elevated part of a building structure, the clamps clamping onto the gutter, fascia board or the like, thus the strapping between the clamps holds the ladder and both lateral rails of the ladder against the gutter.

2. The ladder restraining device, according to any claims in Claim 1 the clamps may be made of any suitable material such as metal or moulded plastic with the strapping manufactured to be resilient and adjustable.

3. The ladder restraining device, according to any claim in Claims 1 and 2 the use of Strap-adjusters where the Strapping attaches to the Clamps allowing for varying sizes of Clamp, varying sizes of ladder and varying positions of attachment.

4. The ladder restraining device, according to any claims in Claims 1, 2 and 3 overall tension of the Strapping during engagement will be provided by a Strap-tensioner located at a convenient point on the Strapping between the Clamps. The ladder restraining device, as described above and in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. Disclaimer This device is not designed as a load-bearing instrument in its own right, but only as a stabiliser to help prevent movement of the ladder when used in accordance with the ladder manufacturers' specifications.