AU8930598A - Ladder guard - Google Patents

Description

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S F Ref: 439602

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 C0MPLEM SPECIFCAllou FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Ladder Guard Pty Limited 37 Nordlingen Drive Wagga Wagga New South Wales 2650

AUSTRALIA

Peter Maria Van Lierop Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Ladder Guard ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICAION DETAILS [31] Application No(s) [33J Country P09784

AU

[32] Application Date 14 October 1997 The follIowing statement is a full description of this invention, Including the best method of performing it known to melus:- -i -1- LADDER GUARD FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to supporting and securing devices and, in particular, discloses such a device configured for use with a ladder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ladders are often used in the building trades and typically includes step ladders I which incorporate an A-frame, one side of which includes a pair of stringers and rungs.

The other type of ladder often used is a straight or extension ladder which includes only I to the stringers and rungs. The step ladder is inherently stable when properly erected, Swhereas a straight extension ladder requires that the ladder be leant against some fixed S. structure (eg. a building) prior to the ladder being able to be climbed.

SDifficulties arise with the use of straight and extension ladders where the point of contact with the building or other structure is unsound, possibly due to the length of the ladder, its erected angle or the surface upon which the ladder rests. In some Sinstances, it is a necessary safety practice to tie the ladder to the structure in order to prevent its movement. However, where the ladder is required to be moved on a number of occasions, the tying and consequential untying of the ladder can be time consuming and annoying. It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative means for S 20 securing a ladder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed support apparatus for a ladder, said apparatus including an adjustable frame, having portions configured to engage said ladder to operatively secure the apparatus to said ladder, and attachment means extending from said frame and said ladder configured to positionally secure the frame and hence said ladder against a structure.

Preferably, said attachment means comprises a (first) pair of laterally spaced hooks configured to engage said structure.

JIn:Jibppl00712:jls Preferably, said portions include first and second portions. from which extends a pair of hooks (second and third pairs) configured to engage one of adjacent rungs of said ladder, said portions being telescopically coupled together, the engagement hooks being oriented in an opposite direction to the attachment hooks with respect to the portions.

Typically the first portion includes at least one elongate tubular section into which an elongate member of the second portion is insertable to telescopically vary a distance between the second and third pairs of hooks permitting emplacement and engagement thereof about and with said rungs.

So Preferably. the portions are resiliently linked by spring means that joins the portions.- :Advantagously, the portions are formed by frame members each having one of said second and third pair of hooks and one of said tubular section(s) and complementary elongate member(s), and said spring means envelopes at least one of 5 said tubular members and is fastened at each end to said frame members.

Typically, the first pair of hooks is permanently secured to one of said frame members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. I is a perspective view of a ladder guard of one preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but illustrating the extension of the ladder guard of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 illustrates the ladder guard of Figs. 1 to 4 in use; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ladder guard; Fig. 7 is a side elevation view of Fig. 6; 1 a

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r: L i ilr; ~Bld~FI~L~~- Fig. 8 is a front elevation view of Fig. 6: Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but illustrating the extension of the ladder guard of Fig. 6; and Fig. 10 illustrates the ladder guard of Figs. 6 to 9 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

Figs. I to 4 show a ladder guard 1 formed by two telescopically interengaged frame members 2 and 3 that form a polygonal-shaped frame. The frame member 2 includes two substantially parallel J-shaped bracket members 4 interconnected by a 10 telescopically extendible transverse brace 5. The bracket members 4 each incorporate a hook portion 6 configured to engage a structure upon which a ladder (not illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4) is to be used. Extending from each of the bracket members 4, proximate a welded interconnection with the transverse brace 5, is a hook portion 7 that lies in the same plane as the hook portion 6 but extends in an opposite direction and which forms a handle for manipulation of the ladder guard 1.

As best seen in Fig. 4. extending from each of the bracket members 4 and securely fixed thereto, for example by welding, is an elongate tubular member 8.

The frame member 3 is of similar construction to the frame member 2 and includes two bracket members 9 each of which are substantially T-shaped, being 2o formed by opposing hook portions 10 and 11. As with the frame member 2, the frame member 3 includes a transverse telescopic brace 12 interconnecting the bracket members 9. As best seen in Fig. 4, extending from each of the bracket members 9 is a elongate member 13 configured to be slidably locatable within the corresponding tubular member 8 of the frame member 2.

In this manner, the frame member 3 is slidably engageable within the frame member 2 to thus permit variation of the distance between the hook portions 7 and 11, and the hook member 6 and Encircling each of the tubular members 8 and the complementary elongate members 13 is a coil spring 14 fastened at its ends to a corresponding one of the [l;'aibplO071 2:ji1

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4bracket members 4 and 9. As best seen in Fig. 3, the springs 14 are fastened using nut and bolt connections As also best seen in Fig. 3, each of the transverse braces 5 and 12 includes a square sectioned outer tube 16 into which is slidably arranged an inner member 17 whereby the relative positioning between the outer tube 16 and inner member 17 may be secured by means of a screw connector 18 which causes positive engagement Ibetween the outer tube 16 and inner member 17.

As seen in Figs. 3 and 4. the hook portions 6 may be provided with rubber end caps 19 to protect a surface engaged or contacted by the ladder guard 1.

Sto Turning now to Fig. 5, the ladder guard I is seen in use arranged with a ladder 20 having elongate stringers 21 and transverse interconnecting rungs 22. In this S:particular example, the ladder 20 is seen erected against the side of a building structure 23 and in particular rests against a stormwater gutter 24.

In use, the frame members 2 and 3 are spread apart against the resilient action of the coil springs 14 to permit the hook portions 7 and 11 to resiliently engage I adjacent rungs 22 of the ladder 20. In this fashion, the ladder guard 1 becomes i resiliently affixed to the ladder 20 whereupon the hook portions 6 can be engaged to i overlap in contact with the gutter 24. It will be thus apparent to those skilled in the art that using the arrangement of Fig. 5, the ladder 20 cannot be accidentally removed from the gutter 24 merely by the ladder 20 falling or sliding away therefrom. In order Sto emplace the ladder 20 to which the ladder guard I is configured, it is necessary for Sthe ladder guard to be lifted over and into the gutter 24 to cause engagement. Not seen in Fig. 5, but as would be apparent to those skilled in the art, the transverse braces and 12 are configured to be extended so that the sides of the ladder guard 1 contact the inner sides of the stringers 21 in an interference fit thus ensuring that the ladder guard 1 is held between the two rungs 22 and the two stringers 21 of the ladder SiIn use, the hook portions 10 form handles or fingergrips that allow the ladder guard 1 to be grasped for emplacement onto or removal from the ladder 20. In particular, the hook portions 7 are placed over the rung 22 by pulling downwards upon the hook portions (handles) 10 to permit the hook portions 11 to be placed under and engage the adjacent (lower) rung 22. The hooks (handles) 10 are provided as a convenient part of the frame member 3 that can be grasped to readily extend the springs 14, and thus the distance between the hooks 7 and 11, when the ladder guard 1 is a s emplaced on the ladder The ladder guard 1 can be affixed to the ladder 20 on the ground.

Alternatively it can be done in the upright position whilst the ladder 20 is in use and without increased danger as the user must have both hands at the back (behind) the ladder 20 in order to pull down on the hooks (handles) 10 to engage the hooks 11 with to the rung 22. In this manner, the user effectively grasps, or substantially envelopes his S arms about the ladder As illustrated, each of the hook portions 6, 7, 10 and 11 may be enveloped by SIa tubular plastics or rubber material 26 seen in Fig. The material 26 is advantageous in that it can provide for electrical insulation of the ladder from the structure upon which it is being mounted and may thus aid in preventing electrical shock to users of the ladder 20 and ladder guard 1. Further, the materials 26 may ameliorate damage to the structure (eg. the gutter) that may otherwise be caused by scratching from a metallic or wooden ladder.

SAs seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the hook portions 6 may be provided with rubber end caps 19 to protect a surface engaged or contacted by the ladder guard 1.

Figs. 6 to 10 show a second embodiment in which equivalent items have been I assigned a designation number which is increased by 100. The ladder guard 101 is similarly formed by two telescopically interengaged frame members 102 and 103 to Sform a polygonal-shaped frame. The frame member 102 includes two substantially parallel bracket members 104 interconnected by a telescopically extendible transverse brace 105 and each bracket member including opposing hook portions 106 and 107.

SThe frame member 103 is of similar construction to the frame member 102 and Sincludes two bracket members 109 each being formed by a hook portion 111.

In'ibpplO071 2:jis -6- Encircling each of the tubular members 108 and the complementary elongate member 113 is a rubber sleeve 114 fastened at its ends to a corresponding one of the bracket members 104 and 109 by clamps 115. Each of the transverse braces 105 and 112 includes a tubular outer member 116 into which is slidingly arranged an inner s member 117.

The ladder guards 1 and 101 may be manufactured from a variety of materials such as stainless steel, galvanised steel, aluminium or moulded plastics material such as R {polypropylene. In particular, it is preferred that each of the members be manufactured of tubular substrate thus ensuring a strong but lightweight structure.

i o Further, it will be appreciated hy those skilled in the art that other resilient U arrangements can be provided to limit the extension between the frame members 2 and 3. For example, the springs 14 may be substituted or replaced by a turnbuckle arrangement using a right hand and left hand tread on the bracket members.

Alternatively a ratchet mechanism or a simple pin and eyelet arrangement can he used.

15 However the later two alternative configurations are not preferred as they only provide specific distances of extension and not a substantially infinite grade of extension as afforded by the springs 14. rubber sleeves 114 or turnbuckle and thread arrangements.

:1 The foregoing describes only two embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims (9)

1. A support apparatus for a ladder, said apparatus including: an adjustable frame, having frame members configured to engage said ladder to operatively secure the apparatus to said ladder: and attachment means extending from said frame configured to positionally secure the frame and hence said ladder against a structure.

2. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 1. wherein said attachment to means comprises a pair of laterally spaced hooks.

3. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2. wherein there are first and second frame members from which extends a pair of hooks configured to engage one of adjacent rungs of said ladder, said frame members being telescopically coupled together, the engagement hooks being oriented in an opposite direction to the attachment hooks with respect to the frame members.

4. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 3. wherein said first frame member includes at least one elongate tubular section into which an elongate member of the second frame member is insertable to telescopically vary a distance between said engagement hook pairs, permitting emplacement and engagement of said engagement hooks about said rungs of said ladder. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said frame members are resiliently linked by spring means that is fastened at each end to said frame members.

6. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said spring means is a coil spring that envelopes at least one of said elongate tubular sections.

7. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 5.wherein said spring means is a tubular elastic rubber that envelopes at least 4:ne of saidi elongate tubular sections. 58, A support apparatus as claimed in clatim 3. wherein said first frame member include at least one elongate section. joined to ain elongaie member of the second frame memnber througah a turnbuckle. wherein said complementary elegonate sections have oppositely diyectioned threat to. when the turnbuckle is rotated, vary a disanc btwen aidenagement hook pairs. permitting emplacement and engagement of said engagement hooks about said rungs of said ladder.

9. A support apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceeditig claims, wvherein the frame membhers are width -adjustable.

10. A support apparatus as claimed in claimi 5. 6 or 7, wherein one of said frame members having a pair of grasping handles extending from it-

11. A support apparatus for a ladder, substantially as described herein in relation to any one of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this Fourteenth Day of October 1998 Ladder Guard Pty Limited Patent Attorneys for-the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON inzFIhpp007t 2:cinS