AU2019101542A4

AU2019101542A4 - Ladder accessory

Info

Publication number: AU2019101542A4
Application number: AU2019101542A
Authority: AU
Inventors: George Economou
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-12-20
Filing date: 2019-12-09
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-09

Abstract

The present invention provides a ladder-mountable accessory comprising: a ladder engagement member; an elongate support member; and a tool cradle, wherein: the ladder engagement member is adapted to releasably fasten the accessory to a ladder; the elongate support member has an upper end and a lower end; the ladder engagement member is positioned near the lower end of the elongate support member; and the tool cradle is positioned at or adjacent the upper end of the elongate support member. 60 00 Figure 3 300 - 500

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a ladder. More particularly, this invention relates to an accessory that allows a worker to readily support and employ a heavy power tool while positioned on a ladder.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Ladders are conventionally utilized to provide a user thereof with improved access to elevated locations that might otherwise be inaccessible. Ladders come in many shapes, sizes and configurations, such as straight ladders, extension ladders, step ladders, and combination step and extension ladders.

[0003] Ladders known as step ladders are generally self-supporting and are commonly used where a straight or extension ladder cannot be used because of a lack of supporting structure. Once a worker has climbed a ladder, the centre of gravity of the ladder changes and the ladder becomes inherently unstable. This dangerous situation is exacerbated when the worker carries tools up the ladder and starts moving to operate the tools in order to carry out work.

[0004] There is a continuing desire in the industry to provide improved functionality of ladders while also improving the safety and stability of such ladders. The present invention seeks to provide an accessory that improves worker safety on ladders.

[0005] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a ladder-mo untable accessory that allows a worker to readily support and employ a power tool while positioned on a ladder.

-32019101542 09 Dec 2019 [0007] In one embodiment, although it need not be the only or broadest form, the present invention provides a ladder-mountable accessory comprising: a ladder engagement member; a support member; and a tool cradle. Preferably, the ladder engagement member is adapted to releasably fasten the accessory to a ladder. Preferably, the elongate support member has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the ladder engagement member is located at or near the lower end of the elongate support member, and the tool cradle is positioned at or adjacent the upper end of the elongate support member.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a ladder-mountable accessory, wherein the ladder engagement member comprises a clamp which is adapted to engage a side rail of a ladder.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a ladder-mountable accessory, wherein the elongate support member is pivotably adjustable relative to the ladder engagement member, whereby the elongate support member may be oriented substantially vertically.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a ladder-mountable accessory, wherein the tool cradle is pivotable about an axis substantially parallel to the elongate support member.

[0011] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a ladder-mountable accessory comprising a height adjustment means, whereby the tool cradle may be positioned at different heights above a ladder to which the accessory is fixed.

[0012] Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is an illustration of a prior art step ladder, to which an accessory according to the present invention may be attached.

-42019101542 09 Dec 2019 [0015] Figure 2 is an illustration of a prior art hedge trimmer comprising an extension arm, as discussed herein.

[0016] Figure 3 is an illustration of an accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A depicts the upper region of the accessory; Figure 3B depicts the lower region of the accessory; and Figure 3C shows a cross-section of a ladder engagement member according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0017] Figures 4, 5 and 6 show photographs of a further embodiment of an accessory according to the present invention when attached to a step ladder.

[0018] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0019] The following description below will focus on a specific embodiment and variations thereto. These specific embodiments are provided and described by way of example only and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. While the invention will be described with respect to a step ladder and a hedge trimmer, the invention is not to be so limited, and the skilled addressee will readily appreciate the potential for broad application of the present invention.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory for a ladder that allows a worker to readily support and employ a tool while positioned on a ladder. In many situations, it is necessary to set up two step ladders and position a plank therebetween in order to provide a stable working platform. While such an arrangement allows the worker to stand more stably, it does not provide the worker with safe and stable support for a power tool.

[0021] The present invention seeks to provide a support that will allow a worker to more readily complete tasks while standing on a step ladder 100. The present invention may find particular use and application when used in conjunction with a hedge trimmer, especially a hedge trimmer 200 comprising an extension arm 210. The skilled person would recognise

-52019101542 09 Dec 2019 that working on a ladder 100 with a heavy and long hedge trimmer 200 is at least cumbersome, since the worker must keep the hedge trimmer 200 cutting the hedge along a particular line, whereby a professional straight edge may be achieved. In many situations, the worker is a gardener and must use a step ladder 100 since there is typically no support for an extension ladder when working in a garden setting.

[0022] Advantageously, the present invention provides the skilled person with a support that allows the skilled person to concentrate on using the hedge trimmer 200, rather than concentrating on holding the hedge trimmer 200 in a suitable position to make the desired cut.

[0023] The present invention provides a ladder-mountable accessory 300 comprising: a ladder engagement member 400; an elongate support member 500; and a tool cradle 600, wherein: the ladder engagement member 400 is adapted to releasably fasten the accessory to a ladder 100; the elongate support member 500 has an upper end 510 and a lower end 520; the ladder engagement member 400 is located near the lower end 520 of the elongate support member 500; and the tool cradle 600 is positioned at or near the upper end 510 of the elongate support member 500.

[0024] Preferably, the ladder engagement member 400 comprises at least one clamp 410 adapted to releasably engage a side rail 120 of a ladder 100. Illustrated in Figure 3B is an exemplary ladder engagement member 400 comprising one clamp 410 that is adapted to releasably engage a side rail 120 of a ladder 100. The illustrated ladder engagement member 400 is further adapted to further comprises an outer face 420 and an inner face 430, wherein the side rail 120 of the ladder 100 lies therebetween, when in use.

[0025] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the ladder engagement member 400 comprises at least one clamp 410 that is adapted to releasably fasten the ladder engagement member 400 to the side rail 120 of a ladder 100, preferably a step ladder. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention a single clamp 410 is shown, the clamp 410 may comprise a threaded portion 412 that passes through a correspondingly threaded aperture 414 in the ladder engagement member 400 whereby rotation of the threaded portion 412 causes the clamp 410 to bear against the side rail 120 of the ladder and releasably fasten the ladder engagement member 400 to the side rail 120 of a ladder. In an alternative

-62019101542 09 Dec 2019 embodiment, the threaded aperture 414 may be provided by a threaded nut fixed to the ladder engagement member 400.

[0026] In order to assist in holding the accessory 300 in the desired position on the ladder 100, the ladder engagement member 400 may further include a step abutment member 440 that, in use, rests upon a step 130 of the ladder 100. The step abutment member 440 may prevent the accessory 300 sliding down the side rail 120 of the ladder 100 when a heavy piece of equipment is being used in conjunction with the accessory 300.

[0027] Since not all ladders form the same angle with the ground when in use, it is desirable to have a means of adjusting the angle of the elongate support member 500 relative to the ladder 100, whereby a user may ensure that the elongate support member 500 is oriented substantially vertically. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the elongate support member 500 may be adjustably fastened to the ladder engagement member 400 by a clamp 450, such as a saddle clamp shown in Figure 3B, wherein the clamp 450 fits snugly over the elongate support member 500 to substantially restrict rotational movement of the elongate support member 500 relative to the ladder engagement member 400. Preferably, the clamp 450 includes one more adjustment apertures 452, preferably two, that are adapted to receive threaded projections 460 that are fixed to the ladder engagement member 400. In order to fix the elongate support member 500 at a specific angle relative to the ladder engagement member 400, the elongate support member 500 is positioned between the clamp 450 and the ladder engagement member 400, the threaded projections 460 are passed through the adjustment apertures 452 and threaded fixing nuts 454 are used in conjunction with the threaded projections 460 to hold the clamp 450 to the ladder engagement member 400. The angle of the elongate support member 500 may be adjusted as required, prior to tightening the threaded fixing nuts 454. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the threaded fixing nuts 454 may be wing nuts or similar to allow easy loosening and tightening by the user.

[0028] In alternative embodiments, the threaded projections 460 may be replaced by threaded apertures and the threaded fixing nuts 454 replaced by threaded fixing bolts, or similar. Again, the purpose to this feature is to allow the user to readily adjust the angle of the elongate support member 500 relative to the ladder 100 whereby a user may ensure that the elongate support member 500 is oriented substantially vertically.

2019101542 09 Dec 2019

-7 [0029] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the height of the tool cradle 600 above the ground may be adjusted. Such adjustment may be desirable in order to achieve a desired height of cutting or trimming. Height adjustment may be achieved using a number of different mechanisms, those described herein should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment the elongate support member 500 may be telescopic, wherein an upper portion 530 of the elongate support member 500 may slidably receivable within a lower portion 540 of the elongate support member 500 and the lower portion 540 may include a fixing clamp 550 to hold the upper portion 530 at a fixed, but adjustable, position within the lower portion 540. In a further embodiment, the saddle clamp 450 may include a fixing clamp 456 that, when released, allows the elongate support member 500 to be moved vertically relative to the saddle clamp 450, and then when tightened, holds the elongate support member 500 at a fixed, but adjustable, position.

[0030] Preferably, the tool cradle 600 is adapted to receive and/or support a power tool to facilitate use of the power tool while a worker is standing on a ladder.

[0031] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the tool cradle 600 is pivotable about an axis substantially parallel to the elongate support member 500. In order to achieve such an arrangement, it is preferred that the tool cradle 600 includes a tool cradle shaft 610 that is receivable within the upper end 510 of the elongate support member 500, or within a tool bracket 620 located at or near the upper end 510 of the elongate support member 500. It is preferred that the tool cradle shaft 610 and the elongate support member 500 or tool bracket 620 are substantially circular in cross-section to facilitate rotation of the tool cradle shaft 610 within the elongate support member 500 or tool bracket 620. It is also preferred that the tool cradle shaft 610 includes a bearing 630 to further facilitate rotation of the tool cradle shaft 610 within the elongate support member 500 or tool bracket.

[0032] In further embodiments of the present invention, the tool cradle 600 may further include friction reduction members to permit a tool resting thereon to be easily movable within the cradle, to allow the user to adjust the position of the tool during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the friction reduction members are in the form of small wheels 640 between which an extension arm 210 of a hedge trimmer 200 may be positioned. When used in conjunction with such a hedge trimmer 200, a user may readily reposition the hedge trimmer 200 as required to trim a hedge.

2019101542 09 Dec 2019

- 8 [0033] A preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used in a method of trimming a hedge, the method comprising the steps of: installing a ladder accessory according to the present invention onto a ladder; resting an extension arm of a hedge trimmer on the tool cradle; and operating the hedge trimmer to trim the hedge. In particular, the operator of the hedge trimmer may use the fixing clamp to adjust the height of the tool cradle to match the desired height of the hedge. Once at the chosen height, the operator may rest the extension arm of the hedge trimmer on the tool cradle and begin to trim the hedge. The tool cradle is able to be rotated relative to the elongate support member, via the bearing, allowing the operator to trim a large area of the hedge. Similarly, the presence of small wheels (in the illustrated embodiment) allows the operator to readily reposition the hedge trimmer as required to trim the hedge.

[0034] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0035] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A ladder-mountable accessory comprising:

a ladder engagement member;

an elongate support member; and a tool cradle, wherein:

the ladder engagement member is adapted to releasably fasten the accessory to a ladder;

the elongate support member has an upper end and a lower end;

the ladder engagement member is positioned near the lower end of the elongate support member; and the tool cradle is positioned at or adjacent the upper end of the elongate support member.
2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein:

• the ladder engagement member comprises a clamp adapted to releasably engage a side rail of a ladder; and/or • the elongate support member is pivotably adjustable relative to the ladder engagement member, whereby the elongate support member may be oriented substantially vertically; and/or • the tool cradle is pivotable about an axis substantially parallel to the elongate support member.
3. The accessory of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a height adjustment means, whereby the tool cradle may be positioned at different heights above a ladder to which the accessory is fixed.
4. The accessory of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tool cradle comprises a tool cradle shaft that is receivable within the upper end of the elongate support member, and optionally wherein the tool cradle shaft includes a bearing to facilitate rotation of the tool cradle shaft within the elongate support member.

-102019101542 09 Dec 2019
5. A method of trimming a hedge, the method comprising the steps of:

• installing a ladder accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4 onto a ladder;

• resting an extension arm of a hedge trimmer on the tool cradle; and • operating the hedge trimmer to trim the hedge.