CA2110206A1 - Collapsible ladder - Google Patents
Collapsible ladderInfo
- Publication number
- CA2110206A1 CA2110206A1 CA 2110206 CA2110206A CA2110206A1 CA 2110206 A1 CA2110206 A1 CA 2110206A1 CA 2110206 CA2110206 CA 2110206 CA 2110206 A CA2110206 A CA 2110206A CA 2110206 A1 CA2110206 A1 CA 2110206A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ladder
- flexible
- container
- collapsible
- collapsible ladder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C1/00—Ladders in general
- E06C1/52—Ladders in general with non-rigid longitudinal members
- E06C1/56—Rope or chain ladders
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C1/00—Ladders in general
- E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
- E06C1/34—Ladders attached to structures, such as windows, cornices, poles, or the like
- E06C1/36—Ladders suspendable by hooks or the like
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Ladders (AREA)
Abstract
A collapsible ladder. There is a flexible having steps attached to flexible carrying members. The flexible ladder is able to move from an extended position to a compact position. There is at least one draw-line to allow movement of the flexible ladder from the extended to the compact position. The flexible carrying members have suspension points and the apparatus can be mounted to an anchor point. The apparatus includes a device to drawing in of the draw-lines and move the flexible ladder to the compact position. The apparatus can deployed readily without kinking of the flexible carrying members and can be compacted to a small volume.
Description
2110~6 A COLLAPSIBLE LADDER
This invention relates to a collapsible ladder Collapsible ladders are quite well known. They are advertised for use as fire escapes for domestic houses, they are used in rescue operations, for example, suspended from a helicopter. Typically these ladders use flexible side members, for example chain, and can be rolled up. The ladders are normally provided with means to allow firm mounting, for example to a house in the case of a fire escape and to appropriate frame-works in the case of a ladder for use with a helicopter.
Perhaps the best known collapsible ladder to a layman is that advertised in the press for sale as a fire escape. However these ladders have not met with wide success. Deployment of the ladders in many cases is not ideal. Kinking of the side members of the ladder is fairly common, which means that the ladder may stop short of the ground. Furthermore, re-rolling of the ladder can be tedious. In general, a collapsible ladder is made collapsible so that it can be deployed only when required and withdrawn when not required, for example to prevent illicit access to a house. In the case of a fire escape, practising of escape procedures is clearly desirable. It is clearly preferable that if a fire should break out people attempting to escape from the house will be familiar with the procedure and not learning the procedure during the escape.
Flexible ladders also find application in rescue work on land, for example in the mountains, as a temporary access to upper levels in barns, lofts, warehouses and the like.
There is a need for a safe and effective ladder that can be deployed without risk and can also be compacted for storage. AS indicated compacting and withdrawal of 211~206 the ladder is essential otherwise undesirable access to the house is provided.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a collapsible ladder comprising a flexible ladder having steps attached to flexible carrying members, the flexible ladder being able to move from an extended position to a compact position; at least one draw-line to allow movement of said flexible ladder from the extended to the compact position; means to suspend said flexible carrying members; means to mount said apparatus to an anchor point; and means to allow drawing in of the draw-line to move the flexible ladder to the compact position.
The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a collapsible ladder according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is an section of the collapsible ladder of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a further method of mounting the collapsible ladder of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a further simplification of the embodiment of Figure 3;
Figure 5 illustrates a preferred method of attaching adjacent steps;
Figure 6 illustrates an alternative structure; and Figure 7 is a detail of a further aspect of the invention.
Figures 1 and 2 show a collapsible ladder comprising a flexible ladder. The ladder has steps 10 attached to flexible carrying members 12. It is desirable that the steps 10 be rigid but light. Flexible carrying members 12 are desirably elongated straps, for example woven straps of nylon or the like, ropes or cords.
The collapsible ladder includes a draw-line 14. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 two draw-lines 14 are shown, one at each side of the ladder, but that is not the only embodiment possible.
As shown in Figure 2, the flexible ladder is able to move from the extended position, which is the position shown in Figure 1, to a compact position to which the ladder of Figure 2 is partially withdrawn.
There is a container 16 to receive the flexible ladder when it is in its compact position. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container 16 is a generally rectangular box having an open top 18 and bottom 20. It is, of course, necessary that the container 16 be open at the bottom 20. There is a front wall 22, a rear wall 24 and side walls 26 to the container.
There are bearing members 28 extending across the container 16 to receive the flexible carrying members 12 as most clearly shown in Figure 2. Bracing members 30 are also shown extending between the bearing members 28.
The bearing members 28 are a pair of rods mounted in side walls 26 of the container 16.
The container 16 is capable of being mounted to a dwelling. Figure 1 shows merely the window sill 32 of one room of the dwelling. In this regard, the collapsible ladder will normally only be deployed in the window of a room. The container 16 is mounted by the provision of brackets 34 that extend from inside the dwelling to attach the container 16 to the dwelling. To allow fitting in any wall thickness, the brackets are preferably formed in two parts, one part 36 telescoping inside the other 38. There are alignable openings 40 in the telescoping parts 36 and 38 of the brackets 34. Thus a desired position can be achieved and a pin inserted 211020~
through aligned openings 40 to secure the bracket 34 in the desired extension.
The container 16 also includes means to allow drawing in of the draw-lines 14. In Figures 1 and 2 there is a rotatable shaft 42 extending across the container 16, parallel to the bearing members 28. The rotatable shaft 42 receives draw-lines 14 so that as the shaft 42 is rotated, the draw-lines 14 are drawn in to draw the flexible ladder into the container 16. The start of this procedure is shown in Figure 2. A handle 43 is mounted on the shaft 42, externally of the container 16, to facilitate rotation of the shaft 42.
Figures 1 and 2 show means to keep the flexible ladder in the container 16 when the flexible ladder is retracted to its compact position. Figure 1 shows a simple strap 44, mounted to wall 24 of the container 16 and extending across the open bottom 20 of the container 16. A hook 46 engages the upper edge of the outer wall 22 of the container 16. It is a simple matter to release the hook 46 by leaning from a window and disengaging the hook from the wall 22 of the container 16. Strap 44 may be replaced by, for example, a bracket able to prevent movement of shaft 42, for example, by engaging handle 43.
Hook 46 may be replaced by any appropriate fastener.
Figure 2 shows the use of stand-offs 48 which may be necessary to ensure adequate clearance of the steps 10 from a wall. The stand-offs 48 abut the wall and thus avoid the risk that there may not be sufficient space on the step for the foot of a user of the ladder.
Alternatively, steps 10 may be of differing widths. For example, alternate steps may be wide and narrow. In this way, the widest steps act as stand-offs for the narrower, steps.
2110~
The apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 is easy to use.
The container 16, with the flexible ladder folded inside, may be permanently mounted outside a window, or may be stored in a bedroom. The ladder is drawn into the container by rotating the handle 43, and thus the shaft 42, to pull in the draw-line 14 and compress the flexible ladder into the container 16. The strap 44 is moved across the open bottom 20 of the container 16 to hold the ladder in position. The brackets 34 may be left in place at sill 32 so that the container 16 is permanently left outside a window or, preferably, the device may be stored inside a building. To deploy the ladder, the brackets 34 are engaged on the sill 32, if necessary, with the container 16 on the outside. The strap 44 is released by unhooking hook 46 and the ladder ;r-~; ately extends. It is not necessary to rotate the handle 43. The weight of the ladder is sufficient to extend the ladder quickly but, if necessary, the bottom step 10 may be weighted as shown at 11.
It is possible to step over the container 16, onto the ladder to descend the ladder.
Bottom step 10 may also be dimensioned so that it fits the bottom 20 of container 16 and acts as a base for the container when the ladder is compacted. In this regard, a simple attachment may be provided through a wall of the container 16, contacting the underside of the bottom step when it is acting as a base. This pin will replace strap 44 and hook 46. Withdrawal of the pin allows the bottom step 10 to descend to extend the ladder quickly.
The container 16 should be as small as practical, principally to ensure that it may be stepped over easily by an escaper.
-The embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 features container 16 which can be useful, particularly with a top cover, for a permanent installation, in a relatively warm climate, where the container 16 may be left outside a window all the time.
The embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 omits the container 16. Referring particularly to Figure 3, there is shown a simple tubular bracket 50 with openings 52 to allow telescoping as in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. There are housings 54 at the outer end of the bracket 50 and these housings 54 receive a simple frame comprising tubular side members 56 with bearings members 58 extending between the side members 56. Otherwise the structure and operation is as shown in Figure 1 and the same reference numerals are used for common parts.
Figure 3 shows the use of a bracket 60, for example comprising a pair of spring clips, that can receive handle 43 to ensure that the ladder can be retained in the compact position by locking the handle 43 in position. To this end the mounting of the handle 43 on the shaft 42 can be by a simple pivotal joint to allow the handle 43 to be pivoted outwardly and then pressed inwardly into the spring bracket 60. Reels 62 are mounted on the shaft 42 in this embodiment to receive the draw-lines 14.
Figure 4 illustrates a variation of the embodiment of Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the use of hooks 64 which might be permanently mounted to a building, for example just outside and below a bedroom window. The hooks 64 are engaged by rings 66 which extend to bearing blocks 68 for the shaft 42. In this embodiment the flexible carrying members 12 extend around the shafts 42. The draw-lines 14 are again received on reels 62, as in Figure 3. The shaft 42 rotates in the bearing blocks 68.
Only one end of the shaft is shown. The other end is ~ 11020~
-precisely the same except that there is a handle, attached to the shaft 42 to facilitate rotation of the shaft as in Figure 3.
Again the apparatus may be retained in its compact position using the bracket 60 as shown in Figure 3 but, in this case, the bracket may be mounted on a bearing block 68.
The embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 have the advantage of being very compact, particularly the embodiment of Figure 4.
Figure 5 illustrates a preferred method of attaching the steps 10 to each other. The method uses either mutually engagable screw members 70 or simple rivets having a hole through the centre. Members 70 and open rivets are well known and are widely available. The draw-line 14 simply extends through the opening in the member 70. This method of attachment of the carrying members has the advantage of being even more compact.
Furthermore, the carrying members 12 bellow outwardly easily when the steps 10 are moved to the compact position so as not to interfere with the operation of the apparatus. It will be noted that in Figure 5 the carrying members 12 are attached to side members 56 of the upper frame.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment that permits movement of the apparatus to the compact position from below and also permits deployment of the apparatus from below.
Figure 6 is somewhat diagrammatic but the flexible carrying members 12 engage rings 66 that are received on hooks 64 mounted on the building as in Figure 4. The bottom step 10 has rollers 72 that receive draw-line 14.
That draw-line extends from an anchor point 73 on one ring 66, over sheaves 72, around a sheave 74 to a further 211020~
sheave 76 mounted on a larger sheave 78. A draw-cord 80 extends downwardly to a sheave 82 mounted near the ground. A brake member 84 is provided on the line 80.
This device can be operated from below. Pulling on the cord 80, or rotating the lower sheave 82 by a handle, acts to draw in the draw-line 14 onto sheave 76 to move the apparatus to the compact position. The brake 84 is operated to maintain the apparatus in the compact position. Any simple means of preventing movement of the line 80 will act as a brake. For example, a clamp will suffice. Alternatively line 14 can be braked.
The embodiment of Figure 6 can, of course, be extended from below simply by releasing the brake 84 when the apparatus is in its compact, stored position, that is in the raised position. Furthermore, the mode of operation shown in Figure 6, that is with the ability to control compacting and extension from the ground, is applicable to all embodiments of the present invention.
In general this can be achieved, for example, in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4 by replacing handle 43 on shaft 42 with a sheave and then using the line 80, sheave 82 and brake 84 of the Figure 6 embodiment.
Alternatively, a handle (not shown) can be mounted on the sheave 76 which can then be rotated from above to draw in draw-line 14. It will, of course, first be necessary to release the brake 84. When operating from above, a handle tanalogous to handle 43 described above) is preferred. Again a simple spring clip may be used to retain the handle in position to prevent downward movement of the ladder, that is brake 84 is not essential to this mode of operation.
21~0206 g The steps 10 may be aluminum or the like light-weight material. The flexible carrying members 12 are desirably flexible straps.
The majority of the drawings show the use of four 5 flexible members 12 but any number able to do the job is sufficient. Similarly, although two draw-lines 14 are shown, one, or any number, may be sufficient. The draw-line 14 may be positioned differently from those illustrated in the drawings. It should be noted that the 10 draw-lines 14 do not carry a load most of the time and never when the ladder is extended. Therefore their positioning in ensuring proper balance of the ladder is not critical.
If required, and as shown in Figure 7, the device 15 can use an electric motor, or any other appropriate source of power, coupled to shaft 42, to rotate the shaft 42. Figure 7 shows motor 86 mounted on a platform 88.
Figure 7 is also included to show that one draw-line 14, mounted on a single reel 62 on shaft 42, is sufficient.
In the use of a handle to draw in the draw-cords a simple gearing may be used to offer mechanical advantage.
The draw-line 14 can also be a simple pull cord or an endless cord.
An advantage of the present invention is that it "concertinas" together quickly. Storage is achieved in a compact position, not by rolling, so that kinking and jamming of the device does not take place.
The apparatus finds wide application. It can be used as a fire escape in domestic houses, it can be used as a rescue apparatus in difficult circumstances. In rescue apparatus on land it will normally be necessary to carry a portable frame to act as an anchor for the collapsible ladder but such a frame can be light-weight and can break down to a compact storage position.
Although the forgoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of underst~n~;ng, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
This invention relates to a collapsible ladder Collapsible ladders are quite well known. They are advertised for use as fire escapes for domestic houses, they are used in rescue operations, for example, suspended from a helicopter. Typically these ladders use flexible side members, for example chain, and can be rolled up. The ladders are normally provided with means to allow firm mounting, for example to a house in the case of a fire escape and to appropriate frame-works in the case of a ladder for use with a helicopter.
Perhaps the best known collapsible ladder to a layman is that advertised in the press for sale as a fire escape. However these ladders have not met with wide success. Deployment of the ladders in many cases is not ideal. Kinking of the side members of the ladder is fairly common, which means that the ladder may stop short of the ground. Furthermore, re-rolling of the ladder can be tedious. In general, a collapsible ladder is made collapsible so that it can be deployed only when required and withdrawn when not required, for example to prevent illicit access to a house. In the case of a fire escape, practising of escape procedures is clearly desirable. It is clearly preferable that if a fire should break out people attempting to escape from the house will be familiar with the procedure and not learning the procedure during the escape.
Flexible ladders also find application in rescue work on land, for example in the mountains, as a temporary access to upper levels in barns, lofts, warehouses and the like.
There is a need for a safe and effective ladder that can be deployed without risk and can also be compacted for storage. AS indicated compacting and withdrawal of 211~206 the ladder is essential otherwise undesirable access to the house is provided.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a collapsible ladder comprising a flexible ladder having steps attached to flexible carrying members, the flexible ladder being able to move from an extended position to a compact position; at least one draw-line to allow movement of said flexible ladder from the extended to the compact position; means to suspend said flexible carrying members; means to mount said apparatus to an anchor point; and means to allow drawing in of the draw-line to move the flexible ladder to the compact position.
The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a collapsible ladder according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is an section of the collapsible ladder of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a further method of mounting the collapsible ladder of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a further simplification of the embodiment of Figure 3;
Figure 5 illustrates a preferred method of attaching adjacent steps;
Figure 6 illustrates an alternative structure; and Figure 7 is a detail of a further aspect of the invention.
Figures 1 and 2 show a collapsible ladder comprising a flexible ladder. The ladder has steps 10 attached to flexible carrying members 12. It is desirable that the steps 10 be rigid but light. Flexible carrying members 12 are desirably elongated straps, for example woven straps of nylon or the like, ropes or cords.
The collapsible ladder includes a draw-line 14. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 two draw-lines 14 are shown, one at each side of the ladder, but that is not the only embodiment possible.
As shown in Figure 2, the flexible ladder is able to move from the extended position, which is the position shown in Figure 1, to a compact position to which the ladder of Figure 2 is partially withdrawn.
There is a container 16 to receive the flexible ladder when it is in its compact position. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container 16 is a generally rectangular box having an open top 18 and bottom 20. It is, of course, necessary that the container 16 be open at the bottom 20. There is a front wall 22, a rear wall 24 and side walls 26 to the container.
There are bearing members 28 extending across the container 16 to receive the flexible carrying members 12 as most clearly shown in Figure 2. Bracing members 30 are also shown extending between the bearing members 28.
The bearing members 28 are a pair of rods mounted in side walls 26 of the container 16.
The container 16 is capable of being mounted to a dwelling. Figure 1 shows merely the window sill 32 of one room of the dwelling. In this regard, the collapsible ladder will normally only be deployed in the window of a room. The container 16 is mounted by the provision of brackets 34 that extend from inside the dwelling to attach the container 16 to the dwelling. To allow fitting in any wall thickness, the brackets are preferably formed in two parts, one part 36 telescoping inside the other 38. There are alignable openings 40 in the telescoping parts 36 and 38 of the brackets 34. Thus a desired position can be achieved and a pin inserted 211020~
through aligned openings 40 to secure the bracket 34 in the desired extension.
The container 16 also includes means to allow drawing in of the draw-lines 14. In Figures 1 and 2 there is a rotatable shaft 42 extending across the container 16, parallel to the bearing members 28. The rotatable shaft 42 receives draw-lines 14 so that as the shaft 42 is rotated, the draw-lines 14 are drawn in to draw the flexible ladder into the container 16. The start of this procedure is shown in Figure 2. A handle 43 is mounted on the shaft 42, externally of the container 16, to facilitate rotation of the shaft 42.
Figures 1 and 2 show means to keep the flexible ladder in the container 16 when the flexible ladder is retracted to its compact position. Figure 1 shows a simple strap 44, mounted to wall 24 of the container 16 and extending across the open bottom 20 of the container 16. A hook 46 engages the upper edge of the outer wall 22 of the container 16. It is a simple matter to release the hook 46 by leaning from a window and disengaging the hook from the wall 22 of the container 16. Strap 44 may be replaced by, for example, a bracket able to prevent movement of shaft 42, for example, by engaging handle 43.
Hook 46 may be replaced by any appropriate fastener.
Figure 2 shows the use of stand-offs 48 which may be necessary to ensure adequate clearance of the steps 10 from a wall. The stand-offs 48 abut the wall and thus avoid the risk that there may not be sufficient space on the step for the foot of a user of the ladder.
Alternatively, steps 10 may be of differing widths. For example, alternate steps may be wide and narrow. In this way, the widest steps act as stand-offs for the narrower, steps.
2110~
The apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 is easy to use.
The container 16, with the flexible ladder folded inside, may be permanently mounted outside a window, or may be stored in a bedroom. The ladder is drawn into the container by rotating the handle 43, and thus the shaft 42, to pull in the draw-line 14 and compress the flexible ladder into the container 16. The strap 44 is moved across the open bottom 20 of the container 16 to hold the ladder in position. The brackets 34 may be left in place at sill 32 so that the container 16 is permanently left outside a window or, preferably, the device may be stored inside a building. To deploy the ladder, the brackets 34 are engaged on the sill 32, if necessary, with the container 16 on the outside. The strap 44 is released by unhooking hook 46 and the ladder ;r-~; ately extends. It is not necessary to rotate the handle 43. The weight of the ladder is sufficient to extend the ladder quickly but, if necessary, the bottom step 10 may be weighted as shown at 11.
It is possible to step over the container 16, onto the ladder to descend the ladder.
Bottom step 10 may also be dimensioned so that it fits the bottom 20 of container 16 and acts as a base for the container when the ladder is compacted. In this regard, a simple attachment may be provided through a wall of the container 16, contacting the underside of the bottom step when it is acting as a base. This pin will replace strap 44 and hook 46. Withdrawal of the pin allows the bottom step 10 to descend to extend the ladder quickly.
The container 16 should be as small as practical, principally to ensure that it may be stepped over easily by an escaper.
-The embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 features container 16 which can be useful, particularly with a top cover, for a permanent installation, in a relatively warm climate, where the container 16 may be left outside a window all the time.
The embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 omits the container 16. Referring particularly to Figure 3, there is shown a simple tubular bracket 50 with openings 52 to allow telescoping as in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. There are housings 54 at the outer end of the bracket 50 and these housings 54 receive a simple frame comprising tubular side members 56 with bearings members 58 extending between the side members 56. Otherwise the structure and operation is as shown in Figure 1 and the same reference numerals are used for common parts.
Figure 3 shows the use of a bracket 60, for example comprising a pair of spring clips, that can receive handle 43 to ensure that the ladder can be retained in the compact position by locking the handle 43 in position. To this end the mounting of the handle 43 on the shaft 42 can be by a simple pivotal joint to allow the handle 43 to be pivoted outwardly and then pressed inwardly into the spring bracket 60. Reels 62 are mounted on the shaft 42 in this embodiment to receive the draw-lines 14.
Figure 4 illustrates a variation of the embodiment of Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the use of hooks 64 which might be permanently mounted to a building, for example just outside and below a bedroom window. The hooks 64 are engaged by rings 66 which extend to bearing blocks 68 for the shaft 42. In this embodiment the flexible carrying members 12 extend around the shafts 42. The draw-lines 14 are again received on reels 62, as in Figure 3. The shaft 42 rotates in the bearing blocks 68.
Only one end of the shaft is shown. The other end is ~ 11020~
-precisely the same except that there is a handle, attached to the shaft 42 to facilitate rotation of the shaft as in Figure 3.
Again the apparatus may be retained in its compact position using the bracket 60 as shown in Figure 3 but, in this case, the bracket may be mounted on a bearing block 68.
The embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 have the advantage of being very compact, particularly the embodiment of Figure 4.
Figure 5 illustrates a preferred method of attaching the steps 10 to each other. The method uses either mutually engagable screw members 70 or simple rivets having a hole through the centre. Members 70 and open rivets are well known and are widely available. The draw-line 14 simply extends through the opening in the member 70. This method of attachment of the carrying members has the advantage of being even more compact.
Furthermore, the carrying members 12 bellow outwardly easily when the steps 10 are moved to the compact position so as not to interfere with the operation of the apparatus. It will be noted that in Figure 5 the carrying members 12 are attached to side members 56 of the upper frame.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment that permits movement of the apparatus to the compact position from below and also permits deployment of the apparatus from below.
Figure 6 is somewhat diagrammatic but the flexible carrying members 12 engage rings 66 that are received on hooks 64 mounted on the building as in Figure 4. The bottom step 10 has rollers 72 that receive draw-line 14.
That draw-line extends from an anchor point 73 on one ring 66, over sheaves 72, around a sheave 74 to a further 211020~
sheave 76 mounted on a larger sheave 78. A draw-cord 80 extends downwardly to a sheave 82 mounted near the ground. A brake member 84 is provided on the line 80.
This device can be operated from below. Pulling on the cord 80, or rotating the lower sheave 82 by a handle, acts to draw in the draw-line 14 onto sheave 76 to move the apparatus to the compact position. The brake 84 is operated to maintain the apparatus in the compact position. Any simple means of preventing movement of the line 80 will act as a brake. For example, a clamp will suffice. Alternatively line 14 can be braked.
The embodiment of Figure 6 can, of course, be extended from below simply by releasing the brake 84 when the apparatus is in its compact, stored position, that is in the raised position. Furthermore, the mode of operation shown in Figure 6, that is with the ability to control compacting and extension from the ground, is applicable to all embodiments of the present invention.
In general this can be achieved, for example, in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4 by replacing handle 43 on shaft 42 with a sheave and then using the line 80, sheave 82 and brake 84 of the Figure 6 embodiment.
Alternatively, a handle (not shown) can be mounted on the sheave 76 which can then be rotated from above to draw in draw-line 14. It will, of course, first be necessary to release the brake 84. When operating from above, a handle tanalogous to handle 43 described above) is preferred. Again a simple spring clip may be used to retain the handle in position to prevent downward movement of the ladder, that is brake 84 is not essential to this mode of operation.
21~0206 g The steps 10 may be aluminum or the like light-weight material. The flexible carrying members 12 are desirably flexible straps.
The majority of the drawings show the use of four 5 flexible members 12 but any number able to do the job is sufficient. Similarly, although two draw-lines 14 are shown, one, or any number, may be sufficient. The draw-line 14 may be positioned differently from those illustrated in the drawings. It should be noted that the 10 draw-lines 14 do not carry a load most of the time and never when the ladder is extended. Therefore their positioning in ensuring proper balance of the ladder is not critical.
If required, and as shown in Figure 7, the device 15 can use an electric motor, or any other appropriate source of power, coupled to shaft 42, to rotate the shaft 42. Figure 7 shows motor 86 mounted on a platform 88.
Figure 7 is also included to show that one draw-line 14, mounted on a single reel 62 on shaft 42, is sufficient.
In the use of a handle to draw in the draw-cords a simple gearing may be used to offer mechanical advantage.
The draw-line 14 can also be a simple pull cord or an endless cord.
An advantage of the present invention is that it "concertinas" together quickly. Storage is achieved in a compact position, not by rolling, so that kinking and jamming of the device does not take place.
The apparatus finds wide application. It can be used as a fire escape in domestic houses, it can be used as a rescue apparatus in difficult circumstances. In rescue apparatus on land it will normally be necessary to carry a portable frame to act as an anchor for the collapsible ladder but such a frame can be light-weight and can break down to a compact storage position.
Although the forgoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of underst~n~;ng, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
Claims (27)
1. A collapsible ladder comprising:
a flexible ladder having steps attached to flexible carrying members, the flexible ladder being able to move from an extended position to a compact position;
at least one draw-line to allow movement of said flexible ladder from the extended to the compact position;
means to suspend said flexible carrying members;
means to mount said apparatus to an anchor point;
and means to allow drawing in of the draw-line to move the flexible ladder to the compact position.
a flexible ladder having steps attached to flexible carrying members, the flexible ladder being able to move from an extended position to a compact position;
at least one draw-line to allow movement of said flexible ladder from the extended to the compact position;
means to suspend said flexible carrying members;
means to mount said apparatus to an anchor point;
and means to allow drawing in of the draw-line to move the flexible ladder to the compact position.
2. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 in which the steps are rigid.
3. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 2 in which at least one of the steps is weighted.
4. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 3 in which it is the bottom step that is weighted.
5. A escape ladder as claimed in claim 1 in which the flexible carrying members are elongate straps or lines.
6. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 having draw-lines at each side of the flexible ladder or in the middle.
7. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 including a container open at one surface, to receive the flexible ladder when the ladder is in the compact position.
8. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 7 in which the bottom step of the flexible ladder is dimensioned to act as a base for the container.
9. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 8 including a fastener to hold the bottom step in position when the flexible ladder is in the compact position.
10. A escape ladder as claimed in claim 7 in which there are bearing members in said container to suspend said flexible carrying members.
11. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 10 in which the bearing members are a pair of rods mounted in opposed ends of said container.
12. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 7 including means to mount said container to a dwelling comprising brackets able to extend from inside the dwelling to the container to attach the container to the dwelling.
13. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 12 in which the brackets are of adjustable length for different wall thicknesses.
14. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 13 in which there are two brackets, each bracket including a telescoping portion to allow for adjustment of length, and means to lock the brackets at a predetermined position.
15. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 7 in which the means to allow the drawing in of the draw-line comprises a rotatable shaft in said container, rotation of said shaft acting to draw in said line.
16. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 15 including a handle on said shaft to facilitate its rotation.
17. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 15 including a motor on said shaft to facilitate its rotation.
18. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 7 including means to keep the flexible ladder in said container when the flexible ladder is in the compact position.
19. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 18 in which the means to keep the flexible ladder in said container comprises a releasable strap to extend across an open bottom of the container.
20. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 including stand-offs to ensure adequate clearance of the steps from a wall.
21. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 20 in which the stand-offs comprise forming the steps of different widths whereby wider steps act as a stand-off for the narrower steps.
22. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 20 in which alternate steps are of the same width.
23. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to suspend said flexible carrying members comprises a frame able to engage a bracket attached at an anchor point, said frame comprising lateral and longitudinal members, the carrying members being mounted on said frame.
24. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 23 in which the means to allow drawing in of the draw-line comprises a rotatable shaft extending between the lateral members;
a handle on the shaft to facilitate rotation;
rotation of said shaft acting to draw in said draw-line
a handle on the shaft to facilitate rotation;
rotation of said shaft acting to draw in said draw-line
25. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to mount said apparatus at an anchor point comprises attachment means extending outwardly from the dwelling;
bearing blocks to be received by said attachment means;
a shaft to extend between, and be rotatable in, said bearing blocks;
said shaft receiving said flexible carrying members.
bearing blocks to be received by said attachment means;
a shaft to extend between, and be rotatable in, said bearing blocks;
said shaft receiving said flexible carrying members.
26. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 in which the flexible carrying members are riveted to said steps, said rivets including a central opening;
said central opening acting to receive said draw-line.
said central opening acting to receive said draw-line.
27. A collapsible ladder as claimed in claim 1 including means to allow drawing in and extension of the draw-line at ground level.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2110206 CA2110206A1 (en) | 1993-11-29 | 1993-11-29 | Collapsible ladder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2110206 CA2110206A1 (en) | 1993-11-29 | 1993-11-29 | Collapsible ladder |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2110206A1 true CA2110206A1 (en) | 1995-05-30 |
Family
ID=4152543
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2110206 Abandoned CA2110206A1 (en) | 1993-11-29 | 1993-11-29 | Collapsible ladder |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2110206A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013165258A1 (en) | 2012-05-04 | 2013-11-07 | Northwestcoast As | Ships ladder |
-
1993
- 1993-11-29 CA CA 2110206 patent/CA2110206A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013165258A1 (en) | 2012-05-04 | 2013-11-07 | Northwestcoast As | Ships ladder |
| CN104411579A (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2015-03-11 | 西北岸股份公司 | Ships ladder |
| EP2844546A4 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2015-12-09 | Northwestcoast As | Ships ladder |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |