AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT LADDER STABILIZING ATTACHMENTS The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of perfonning it known to us.
Ladder Stabilizing Attachments Inventors - W & R Cooper- (Pages 1 - 14, Figs 1 - 18) The current design of ladders presents a number of potential hazards to the users, mainly from overbalancing, and the slide out movement of the ladder to the side or away from its vertical 5 support. Also tilting caused by rotation about its upper support (such as a pole or a tree) and the recommended angle of 75 degrees to the horizontal, (or 4 to 1), for ladder placement, designed to minimize the chance of slipping, can create a further hazard. This invention is designed to give stability to the whole ladder, help to prevent sideways or 10 backward movement, slippage of the base and reduce tilting or rotation due to unsatisfactory support. It will also allow a smaller angle of placement, with accompanying improvement in the users safety It is designed so that it can be built into new ladders as well as being easily fitted and adapted to 15 existing ladders, It can be a permanent attachment, and / or fitted as a separate detachable unit (with or without a permanently attached unit) if special features for special purposes are required It is simplistically designed for quick and easy use, light in weight and unobtrusive in ladder stacks. (Fig 2) 20 The ladder stabilizing invention basically is made up of two or more long stabilizing legs attached to the upper part of a ladder by universal joints and capable of forming a triangular or multi angular pyramid with the ladder. The universal joints allow the stabilizing legs (SLs) to be positioned laterally when the ladder is in situ against a wall, thereby reducing the possibility of lateral movement of the ladder from side to side, and when placed at an angle from the vertical 25 and towards the ladder, the tendency for the base of the ladder to slip outwards from the wall. The SLs are designed to stabilize rather than take the full weight from the ladder, and so are fitted with a spring loaded foot socket designed to absorb overloading due to ladder flexing and sagging and to prevent SL movement due to irregular movements of the operator. For simplicity the special case when only two Sis are fitted will be described but the design, the 30 principles and the functioning applies to the fitting of any number of SLs. It is recognized that ladders can be used on many different surfaces, soft and hard, rough and smooth, and the basic structural principal can be varied to minimize presenting hazards. On soft Ladder Stabilizing Attachments 2 ground a base plate can be used below the foot socket. Fig (7). On smooth or low friction surfaces rigid strip ties Fig (3) can be fitted to the SLs and ladder to reduce the possibility of outward slip, and / or the universal joints can be rigidly clamped. With the two SLs angled away from the wall in the direction of the ladder base the, the potential 5 outward slip of the ladder is reduced, and the 75 degree angle of the ladder to the ground can be reduced with increased convenience and safety. Construction: The stabilizing legs (S.Ls.) Fig (1) 1 are connected to the ladder by universaljoints 2 on either 10 side attached to a connecting support bar 20, that goes through the centre hollow space in a rung. They are made of strong light metal, fiberglass, plastic, or other rigid material capable of standing the stresses involved. On the lower ends they have a spring loaded foot socket 3 as well as, if necessary, a foot plate.4 . The SLs can be folded along the length of the ladder, Fig (2) and held in place with retaining clips for easy handling and storage. The SLs can have rigid hinged ties fitted 15 to reduce the possibility of outward slippage on low friction surfaces Fig (3) 5 that can be folded away when not in use Alternately a cord attached to the ladder and each SL to hold the three units in a triangular configuration may be satisfactory. 20 The foot sockets 3 are constructed of metal or other rigid material of the same profile as the SLs but slightly larger so that the SLs will slide easily within the unit Figs (5) and (6) and the foot socket thereby forms a loosely fitting casing around the lower end of the SL.. The lower end of foot socket is sealed 8 and encased by a rubber, or soft non skid material surround. 9. The lower end of the SL is sealed 10 and between this and the sealed end of the foot socket 8 is a coiled 25 compression spring. 11. A longitudinal guide slot 12 is cut in the side of the foot socket outer casing and a guide pin 13 fitted through this slot into the enclosed SL. This mechanism now allows the SL to move up and down within the limits of the guide slot to a lower position where the spring is completely compressed to an upper position where the SL is up to several cms above the spring. The function of this unit 3 is to minimize overloading and 30 movement due to the ladder flexing and producing either increased or decreased pressure along the SLs. A foot plate Fig (7) 14 may be necessary as a separate adjunct on soft or slippery surfaces (such as grass). It is considerably larger than the foot socket, is recessed deeply 15 to take the foot socket, and has one or more holes 16 through it to take securing spikes, 17 The bottoms are ridged rubber or other non skid material. 18, Alternately a fixed foot plate could be used with other means of attachment Fig (8) such as a ball joint ending to the foot socket 19 inset and secured into a spherical recessed foot plate.20 5 The upper end of the each SL Fig (9) and (10) is connected to the support bar 20 by a universal joint. 2 The universal joints fit closely to the ladder 21 with sufficient clearance to allow completely free movement of the S.Ls, but minimal sideways movement of the support bar within 10 the rung. Position of Support Bar:: For Single steps or a folding step ladder, The support bar may be inserted through the centre of any rung. If the rungs are irregular, then through the cavity in the rung, or if the rungs are solid, a male threaded attachment would be 15 affixed on either side of the ladder or the support bar clamped to the ladder. The SLs with foot socket attached, can be made or cut to any length, but preferably about 5 to 10cms shorter than the distance from the top universal to the bottom of the ladder. For best stability, if possible, the bar should be inserted on the top rung of single steps or a stepladder. Fig (1) 20 Extension Ladder: As a permanent fixture the bar should be fitted preferably to the top rung of the lower section, and the SL.s. should be made or cut to approximately 5-1 Ocms shorter than the distance from the top universal to the bottom of the ladder. For storage and handling, and when not in use, the S.Ls. 25 should be folded close to, and in line with the outer side beam of the ladder, and held in place at the lower end by a Velcro fastener or a holding clip. Fig (2) An extension ladder if required can be fitted with a second set of stabilizing legs closer to the top of the extension section. The second support bar would be fitted to a selected rung in the upper portion, and a longer set of 30 SLs made or cut so that their length is approximately the corresponding distance to the base of the ladder when extended. These longer SLs, being considerably longer than the ladder when not extended, can be attached to or detached from the support bar either before or after the ladder has been extended, by inserting or removing the SL pivoting bolts. Fig (9). Alternately telescopic Ladder Stabilizing Attachments 4 extendable SLs can be fitted to a support bar in an upper rung of the extension, which, when collapsed are no longer than the un-extended ladder, to allow for easier storage and handling. Universal Joints 5 The Universal Joints as shown in the diagrams Figs (9 & 10 ) are made up of a universal end bearing 26 slotted at one end to the width of the SL, 23 and having a hollow (female) socket at the other end threaded to the size of the threaded end of the support bar.24 Each slotted end is drilled to accommodate the SL pivoting bolt 22 which secures the similarly drilled stabilizing leg. 1. The slot is sufficiently deep so that the SL can freely rotate through 180 10 degrees about the SP pivoting bolt. Both universal joints are similar. The diameter of the support bar 20 should be such that it loosely fits the hollow centre of the ladder rung, and is free to rotate within the rung. The bar should be of sufficient length that when fitted to the ladder the thread protrudes sufficiently on both sides for the end bearing to be screwed on securely. 15 One end bearing has a locking screw 24 which, when the bearing has been securely screwed onto the support bar, locks it tightly onto the bar. When assembling, the other end bearing is screwed up firmly against the ladder and loosened by rotating it anti-clockwise by % of a turn. The movement of the SLs foreward and backwards is now facilitated by the unpinned end bearing 20 rotating on the support bar while the lateral movement of the SLs takes place about the SL pivoting bolts. If special circumstances require, the second end bearing can also be secured with a locking device, temporally locking the end bearing onto the support bar 25 thereby preventing it's rotation relative 25 to the opposite end bearing. Should the support bar be replaced by two universal joints, one fitted to either side of the ladder, a locking device would be used for both sides. This invention is not confined to the use of only two stabilizing legs as described, nor to the use of only an extra two SLs on the upper section of an extension ladder. A second pair of SLs can be 30 attached to any support bar. Similarly at any other point along the ladder, additional SLs can be positioned, forming an array of SLs , all capable of individual positioning Figs (11) and (12) S Variation of Universal joints for a plurality of SLs on both ends of the support bar Fig (I) Alternate method of single SL or multiple SL universaljoint attachments to each end of the support bar The support bar (20) is internally threaded (28) at both ends, and at each end a Support Sockets "-SS" (29) is similarly externally threaded (30) at one end Fig (13).to fit the support bar. The Support Socket is internally threaded (31) at the other end, such that a similar thickness second socket (32) threaded externally at one end and internally at the other can be screwed into internal thread of the support socket (29)and have a further similar socket threaded into the other end forming multiple universal joints-. Each supporting socket is drilled to create a pivot for the SLs (33).Each SL so attached would require two support flanges (46) to allow longitudinal rotation on the sockets (29) and (30).
Ladder Stabilizing Attachments FIG. (15) (16) & (17) These Figures show a wholistic embodiment of the invention and its preferred method of assembly but this does not exclude other variations in design, having similar functions. 5 A one piece stabilizing leg (1.1) is shown and is the preferred embodiment for smaller ladders up to approximately 13 metres, or for the lower section of extension ladders. An extendable stabilizing leg (1.2), a variation of the telescopic leg, is the preferred embodiment for step ladders and extension ladders when fitted above 1.3 metres, and when SLs are fitted to the upper portion of an extension ladder , or when SLs are required to be longer than the distance to from the end bearing (26) or Support Socket (29) to the base of the ladder, when the ladder is in its retracted position, so that the S Ls when folded against the ladder, do not protrude past the ladder base. Fig (15) shows the hollow centre of a rung (35)of a ladder to which the invention is attached with 15 the support bar (20) passing through it's centre, being slightly longer than the rung, and being internally threaded (28) at both ends. Into these ends are screwed through a washer (45) which is wider in diameter than the support bar (20) a support socket (29) externally threaded (30)at one end to fit the support bar (20) and internally threaded at the other end (31) to accept a second support socket (32). The second support socket is again internally threaded (31) at the other end to 20 accept a further socket and could be similarly added to form an array of SLs as required. Attached to each support socket with a pivoting bolt (22) through the pivot hole (33) is a stabilizing leg SL (1). The SLs can be of any profile, but the preference to a square profile will be described. 25 The upper end of each SL, having a similar profile to the Support Sockets, have rigidly attached on either side, a support flange (46) through which a quick action pivoting bolt (22) attaches it through the pivot hole (33) to the Support Socket. To facilitate the lateral rotation of the SL on the Support Socket the top of the SL is trimmed at an angle of approximately 25 degrees (47) 30 The embodiment of the Support Bar,(20), the Support Sockets (29),(32) allowing for further sockets similar to (32) to be attached, forms a multiple array of universal joints on which a plurality of SLs can be attached to either or both ends the support bar. This design does not exclude alternately designs serving the same purpose.
l-auucr ataummy rinliu 7 The lower end of each SL fits into a foot socket (3) whose outer casing (7) is slightly larger, and of similar profile to the SL, so that the SL has free movement up and down within the limits of the Guide pin (13) and the Guide Slot (12). Below its sealed base (10) and above the sealed base of the foot socket (8) is a compression spring (11) and surrounding the base of the foot socket (3) is a 5 non skid soft surround (9). The foot socket is an important part of the invention such that it allows compression of the spring (11), thus allowing sagging or flexing of the ladder without producing excessive load on the SL. It allows also free movement upwards of approximately 3 cms. of the SL above the spring. This maintains the foot socket in contact with the ground due to its weight and to gravity, thereby io maintaining the SL in its position , which otherwise, because it is free to rotate, may change it's placement on the ground causing instability of the ladder. A foot socket positioning clip (37) allows the operator when positioning the stabilizing leg to lift the socket (3) with the operators foot so that the SL's end (10) is lightly in contact with the spring (11). (the spring contact position), and is an anchor location for securely locating the foot socket 15 on the ground if required. Fig (16) Is an end view of Fig (15) showing the Second Socket (32) internally threaded (31) with support flanges (46) attached to a stabilizing leg (1.1) the top of which is cut at an angle of approx. 25 degrees (47). 20 The support flanges (46) are attached to the second socket (32) by pivoting bolt (22) through pivoting Hole (33). FIG. (17) Is a further embodiment used when variable length SLs are required (1.2). It is demonstrated with square section structured SLs in two sections, the upper part being attached to a 25 support socket (29) as previously described and the lower section fitted to a foot socket (3) as previously described. The upper and lower sections overlap one another for any distance required (38) and are positioned and held tightly in place by two compression locking clamps (39) The bottom clamp is rigidly attached to the bottom of the upper SL Section, while the top clamp is rigidly attached to 30 the top of the bottom SL Section (42) The opposing SL Sections can slide freely past one other when the Screws (41) are loosened, or are held tightly together when the screws (41) are tightened against the pressure bars (40).
Laauer tanmzuimg mLiUum The minimum overlap of the upper and lower SL Sections should be approximately 15 cms The combined length when fully extended depends on the ladder rung selected in the upper or lower section of an extension ladder in which a support bar is fitted, and should be in excess of the distance from the support bar to the base of the ladder. In it's minimum length position it should 5 be shorter than the distance between the support bar and the base of the ladder This arrangement allows the extendable legs, when collapsed, to be folded against and clipped to the side beams of the ladder when not in use and to not protrude past the ends of the ladder for easy handling and erection. 10 15 i0 25 30 Ladder Stabilizing Attachments 9 Mode of use and function of Components. Figure 12 shows an array of six stabilizing legs which when not in use would all fold up against and be clipped to the side beams of the extension ladder. One piece or variable length SLs would 5 be used, but for the upper Section of the ladder a variable length SL would be used, so that when collapsed, it would not protrude past the base of the ladder for transporting. The ladder is placed in position against a wall and extended to the height required. Left side or Right side SLs can be positioned separately. For Left side first: The operator should unclip the outer smaller SL (Fig 12) and move it laterally 10 and forward towards the wall to be approximately in a vertical line below it's support bar in the ladder. He should then adjust the foot socket position so that the SL is firmly pressing on the compression spring (the spring contact position) with the foot socket firmly on the ground. This positioning creates lateral stability for the ladder. Similarly position the right outer small SL on the opposite side of the ladder. 15 Now unclip the second left smaller SL moving it laterally and forward (between the vertical plane of the support bar and the ladder base) and again place the foot socket in the spring contact position on the ground. Similarly position the second right smaller SL on the opposite side of the ladder. The small SLs, now pointing laterally, but forward towards the base of the ladder, creates lateral 20 stability and also a reduction in slip out possibility of the ladder base, thereby allows for a flatter slope of the ladder to the wall. The longer SLs (Fig 12) are moved laterally and placed firmly on the spring of their foot socket which is located firmly on the ground and the hand clamping screws (41) tightened. These long SLs as depicted now, because of their higher attachment give greater lateral stability to the ladder. 25 The SLs on the left side and the opposing right side are now similarly positioned in approximately mirrored positions about the ladder, now forming a multi triangular supporting array to the ladder. An alternate type of universal joint attaching the Stabilizing legs to the Support Bar is depicted in Fig (18) which serves the same purpose as the universal joints previously described but is made of 30 nylon or other suitable material, pivoted on the support bar as before but not requiring threading. Fig (18) also depicts an alternate method of attaching the support bar to a ladder if the bar can not be threaded through a rung of the ladder.
L~aager atumzing maunm to Drawing Labels 1. Stabilizing legs (Fig 1) 28 SB Internally threaded. (FiG 13 & 14) 2. Universal Joints 29 Support Socket 3, Spring loaded Foot Socket 30 S.S. externally threaded 4. Foot Plate 31 S.S. internally threaded 5. Rigid Hinged Ties 32 Second Socket 6. Ties Folded Away. 33 Pivot hole for SLs. 7. Foot Socket Outer Casing 34 Bolted ladder attachment 8. Foot Socket Sealed Base 35 Hollow rung of ladder (Figs 15, 16 &17) 9. Foot Socket Rubber Surround 36 Side beam of ladder 10. Lower End of SL Sealed 37 Foot socket positioning clip 11. Compression Spring 38 Alternate length adjuster for Stabil. legs 12. Guide Slot 39 Compression locking clamps 13. Guided Pin 40 Pressure bar 14. Foot Plate] 41 Hand clamping screw 15. Deeply Recessed Foot plate 42 Securing screws 16. Spike Holes 43 Front view if length adjuster 17. Spikes 44 Side view of length adjuster 18. Non Skid Material 45 Washer 19. Ball Joint Ending Foot Socket 46 Support flanges Figs (9) & (10) Universal Joint 47 SL top at angle 25 degees 20 Support Bar 21 Close Fitting to Ladder 22 SL Pivoting Bolts 23 Universal End Bearing Slotted 24 Locking Screw 25 Locking Device 26 End Bearing 27 Multipleray3of SLSP Fig (11) & (12).