CA2469100A1 - Support apparatus or accessory for a ladder - Google Patents
Support apparatus or accessory for a ladder Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2469100A1 CA2469100A1 CA 2469100 CA2469100A CA2469100A1 CA 2469100 A1 CA2469100 A1 CA 2469100A1 CA 2469100 CA2469100 CA 2469100 CA 2469100 A CA2469100 A CA 2469100A CA 2469100 A1 CA2469100 A1 CA 2469100A1
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- Prior art keywords
- ladder
- attachment member
- support
- peg
- socket
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Landscapes
- Ladders (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a support apparatus or accessory capable of attaching to an article, such as a ladder via mating and locking of a primary attachment member connected to the support and a complementary secondary attachment member securable to the ladder. In a preferred. form, the support is an adjustable length support for levelling a ladder on an uneven surface. The adjustable length support comprises a fixed component and a moveable component that moves relative to the fixed component to thereby adjust a length of the adjustable length support. The moveable member is securable at a desired length by a securing means.
Description
TITLE
"SUPPORT APPARATUS OR ACCESSORY FOR A LADDER"
FIFI~D OF THE INVENTION
THIS INV1ENTION relates to a support apparatus or accessory capable of use with an article such as a ladder. The support apparatus in a preferred form is an adjustable length support for levelling a ladder on an uneven space.
_ i ~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It may be necessary to adjust a length of an article, such as a ladder, when the ladder is located on uneven or on an incline surface. Use of a ladder on such a surface may pose a danger to a person climbing the ladder. In some situations it may be possible to level the contacting surface, for example, if the surface is dint or gravel, However, levelling a dirt or gravel surface may be time consuming and unstable.
In some situations the surface may not easily be levelled, for example concrete surfaces including steps. In the past, ~Slacing wood blocks or other objects as spacers under a ladder leg have been used to adjust the length of one ladder leg to thereby level the ladder. However, using such temporary means tend to be unstable and may be unsafe as the blocks could shift relative to the ladder causi~ag the ladder.and user to fall. To overcome this problem, ladders aad apparatus for adjusting ladders to be level on uneven or sloping surfaces have been developed.
A levelling apparatus attachable to a ladder to overcome the problems associated with temporary levelling means is described in PCT/AU02/00080, The described levelling apparaLvs comprises a tubular housing through which an inner leg telescopically moves to thereby adjust the extended length of the inner Ieg. The tubular housing is attachable to the ladder via a rod that extends at least partially through a rung of the ladder.
Although this levelling apparatus provides a means for levelling a ladder, attaching and removing the levelling apparatus from a ladder can be time consuming.
y Accordingly, a user may leave the levelling apparatus attached to the ladder when not in use, which can lead to damage to the levelling apparatus, for example dUIing transport and storage. Also, Leaving the levelling apparatus attached to a ladder requires individual Levelling apparatus for each ladder. This can be expensive, in particular in a situation where a pez~on or company has multiple ' ladders.
SUIyllVIARY OF THE INVENTION
It is ea object of the invention to provide a support apparatus ox accessory attachable to a ladder, which may alleviate one ox more of the limilntio~a~s of, improves upon, or provides au alternative to ~e abovementioned background art. The present invention provides a stable, simple and quick means of attaching a support apparatus in particular an adjustable length support, to a ladder and for levelling the ladder on an uneven surface.
In a ~urst aspect, the invention provides a support or accessory apparatus for a ladder or other article inoluding;
(a) a body;
(b) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
"SUPPORT APPARATUS OR ACCESSORY FOR A LADDER"
FIFI~D OF THE INVENTION
THIS INV1ENTION relates to a support apparatus or accessory capable of use with an article such as a ladder. The support apparatus in a preferred form is an adjustable length support for levelling a ladder on an uneven space.
_ i ~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It may be necessary to adjust a length of an article, such as a ladder, when the ladder is located on uneven or on an incline surface. Use of a ladder on such a surface may pose a danger to a person climbing the ladder. In some situations it may be possible to level the contacting surface, for example, if the surface is dint or gravel, However, levelling a dirt or gravel surface may be time consuming and unstable.
In some situations the surface may not easily be levelled, for example concrete surfaces including steps. In the past, ~Slacing wood blocks or other objects as spacers under a ladder leg have been used to adjust the length of one ladder leg to thereby level the ladder. However, using such temporary means tend to be unstable and may be unsafe as the blocks could shift relative to the ladder causi~ag the ladder.and user to fall. To overcome this problem, ladders aad apparatus for adjusting ladders to be level on uneven or sloping surfaces have been developed.
A levelling apparatus attachable to a ladder to overcome the problems associated with temporary levelling means is described in PCT/AU02/00080, The described levelling apparaLvs comprises a tubular housing through which an inner leg telescopically moves to thereby adjust the extended length of the inner Ieg. The tubular housing is attachable to the ladder via a rod that extends at least partially through a rung of the ladder.
Although this levelling apparatus provides a means for levelling a ladder, attaching and removing the levelling apparatus from a ladder can be time consuming.
y Accordingly, a user may leave the levelling apparatus attached to the ladder when not in use, which can lead to damage to the levelling apparatus, for example dUIing transport and storage. Also, Leaving the levelling apparatus attached to a ladder requires individual Levelling apparatus for each ladder. This can be expensive, in particular in a situation where a pez~on or company has multiple ' ladders.
SUIyllVIARY OF THE INVENTION
It is ea object of the invention to provide a support apparatus ox accessory attachable to a ladder, which may alleviate one ox more of the limilntio~a~s of, improves upon, or provides au alternative to ~e abovementioned background art. The present invention provides a stable, simple and quick means of attaching a support apparatus in particular an adjustable length support, to a ladder and for levelling the ladder on an uneven surface.
In a ~urst aspect, the invention provides a support or accessory apparatus for a ladder or other article inoluding;
(a) a body;
(b) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
(c) a secondary attachment member securable to the ladder; and (d) locking means for retaining the pzimaty attachment member and the secondary attachment member together.
The body may comprises a fixed component to wluich the primary attachment member is connected and a movable component capable of moving relative to the fixed component.
The fixed component preferably comprises a guiding means for w ~; guiding the movement of the movable component.
The guiding mews may comprises a housing, channel, bracket or the like.
In one form, the housing comprises an elongate continuous enclosed hollow tube.
The moveable member in one farm its an inner member capable of telescopic movement relative to the housing.
The movable mamber may be secured at a desired position relative to the fixed member by a securing means.
The securing means in one fog comprises a securing pin located on the fixed component and a mating aperture located ou the moveable component, wherein the secuang pin when inserted into the matting aperture secures the moveable member relative to the fixed member.
The primary attachment member may be connected to the body by a fastener.
Preferably, the fastener is a weld, rivet, bolt, screw or adhesive.
The secondary attachment member may be secured to a side rail of the ladder.
The secondary attachment member in. one form, is secured by a fastener that extends at least through the Side xail of the ladder.
The fastener may comprise a rod traversing the ladder from one side rail to another side rail.
The rod in one form is load within an adjacent rung of the ladder.
c' ~. The primacy attachment member and the secondary ,attachment member preferably engage in a male-female interaction.
9 0 The primary attachment member in one form is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket, The primacy attaehmerrt member in another form is a socket and the secondary attachment member is a pcg.
Suitably, the peg is slidable within the socket.
The locking means may comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
The locking means may comprise a locking ring or locking pin.
The locking ring in one form comprises a bent portion adapted to be inserted through said socket aperhue and securable within the peg aperture to thereby retain the socket peg together.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a ladder assembly comprising:
(i) a ladder;
(ii) a support apparatus or accessory comprising:
(1 ) a body;
(2) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
(3) a secondary attachment member securable to the ladder, and 5 (4) locking means for retaining the prinnary attachment member and the secondary attachment member together.
The support apparatus may comprises: an adjustable length 3 support, stabilizer, wall guard, hook, shelf, tray, paint can hanger or bucket hanger.
'i 0 . The primacy attachment member and the secondary attachment member preferably engage in a male-female interaction.
The primary attachment member in. one form is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket.
The primary attachment member in another form is a socket and the secondary a#achment member is a peg.
The locking means preferably comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
The locking means may comprise a locking zing or locking pin.
Although one preferred embodiment of the invention relates to use of the support apparatus with a ladder, it will be appreciated that features of the invention as described for a ladder may also be used for other articles, For example, a suitable article may include an article that requires adjustment of height relative to a srnrfa.ee that the article is located_ The invention is particularly suited for use with articles requiring repeated height adjustment, for example au article that is temporarily located on one uneven surface then moved to another _ surface that may be either uneven or level, Examples of such articles include:
ladders (inclusive of step ladders, extension ladders, step-extension ladders and the like), scaffolds, trestles, tables, benches, chairs, sawhorse or like article.
It will also be appreciated that the support apparatus may have uses other thaw an as adjustable length support. Other uses include, for example, as stabilizers, hooks or wall guards that typically are located art an upper end of a ladder to stabilize the ladder. Also, the apparatus of the invention may constitute an accessory to the ladder such as trays, shelves, paint can hangers, bucket hangers and the like.
Throughout this specification unless the context requires OthCt<xllSe, the word "COmprISC", and VSriBxLOnS Such aS "C0111pT1Ses" OI
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integers or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of 1 S integers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be readily understood anal put into practical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of exannple with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing two embodiments of adjustable length supports being attached to a ladder, FIG. 2 is a front view showing other embodiments of the adjustable length supports and fasteners fox securing a secondary attachment member to the ladder;
FIG. .3 is an isometric view of attaching two adjustable length supports to either side of a ladder, FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of a secondary axtachment member attached to a ladder as shown in FZG. 3; and FIG. 5 is an end view of another embodiment of the secondary attachment member, DE'TAZT.,ED ~ESCR1PT'ION OF THE INS . ON
FIG. 1 shows two rapport sppara~us 10 and 11.0 being attached to an article exemplified as a ladder 60. The support apparatus 10, 1 IO are shown as adjustable length supports for levelling the ladder 60 on an uneven surface.
T9re support apparaxus 10 comprises tvvo primary attachment members 21 connected to the body 1.1 by welds. The primary attachment members are shown as pegs 22. Each peg 22 is adapted to mate with a secondary '! 5 attachment member 40, shown in FIG. 1 as a socket 42, attached to the ladder 60.
Socket 42 comprises a hollow interior adapted to mate with peg 22. Pcg 22 is shown cylindrical and iateraally mates with socket 42, which has a complementary shape to that of the peg 22 so that the peg and socket may engage in a male-female interaction-Peg 22 has a peg aperture 23 that traverse an entire length thereof.
Socket 42 comprises two aligned socket apertures 43 located on opposed suzfaaes of the socket wall. When peg 22 is inserted into the socket 42, the peg apertures 23 and the socket xpertm~s 43 align. A locking means 50 is inserted into the aligned aperture to thereby lock the peg 22 and socket 42 together. The locating means 50 comprises a fastener having a locking pin 51, pivotable locking bar and biased means 53, shown as a coiled spring. In use, the locking means 50 is inserted into the aligned apertures 23, 43 and the pivotable locking bar 52 is pivoted to orientate the locking bar 52 perpendicular to the locking pie 51 to thereby secure the locking means 50 within the aligned apertures 23, 43, The biased means 53 applies a force so that the lockiag bar 52 is pressed against an adjacent outside part of the socket 42 to thereby secure the locking means 50 ia.
s :y place. To remove the attached adjustable length support 10 from the side rail 61 of the ladder 60, the above process is reversed. An optional cable or cord 54 is attached to the fixed component 20 and lockiag pin 51 to prevent loss of the locking means 50 when not inserted into the aligaed apertures 23, 43.
In another embodiment, the support apparatus 110 comprises two primary attachment members 21 in the form of pegs 122 welded to a faced component 20 of the body 11. The peg 122 differs from peg 22 by comprising a 1 S groove 123 that extends around the circumference of the peg 122. Peg I22 is adapted to slide into the socket 142 that is attached to the Ladder 60.
As shown in FIG. 4, socket 142 comprises a hollow interior body 130 for receiving the peg 122, an aperture 131 for housiag a fastener in the form of a locking pin 133 of locking means 150 anal an aperture 132 for inserting the locking pin 133 into aperture 131. The locking pin 133 comprises a body 134, a collar 135 and a knob 136. Locking pin 133 when located within the socket 142 is biased by coiled spring 137. To assemble the locking means 150, the body and coiled spring 137 are inserted through the aperture 132 and into the aperture 131. An end of the body k 34 outwardly extends from the aperdue 131 so that the knob 136 may be fastened thereto.
rn use, peg 122 is inserted into tho hollow interior body 130 of the socket 142 and the looking pin 133 is moved cleat of the hollow intcrior body by pulling on the lmob 136. Alternatively, a tapered head. of the peg 122 allows peg 122 to be inserted into the hollow interior body 130 and the locking pin 133 is displaced by a force of inserting the peg 122. The groove 123 on the peg 122 aligns with the loakeng pin 133 once the peg 122 has been inserted into the socket 142. The locking pin I33 retains the peg 122 and the socket 142 together by c...~
inserting into the groove 123. The coiled spring I37 applies a force on the locking pin 133 to remain in the groove 123. To remove the peg 122, the process is reversed and. the locking pin 133 is pulled otrt from groove 123 to thereby release the peg I22 from the socket 142.
FIG. 1 also shows an embodiment for attaching the secondary attachment member 40 to the ladder 60 having hollow rungs 63. The secondary attachment members 40 are attachcd to the side rails 61, 62 of the ladder 60 via threaded rod 44 (e.g. a long bolt) and mating nuts 45. Rod 44 traverses a hollow interioz of an entire length, of a ladder rung 63. Tightening nut 45 secures the secondary attachment members 40 to adjacent side rail 61. Passing rod. 44 through a hollow interior of the ladder rung 63 is an easy and convenient means for attaching the secondary attachment member 40 to the ladder, in particular for ladders having open ended rungs 63 with access to the hollow interior of the rung from the side rails. Aluminium, fibreglass and composite ladders commonly have access to a hollow interior of a rung. Rod 44 may refer to an axle, shaft, wand, stab pole, dowel, spdce or other such member either hollow or solid and io composed of any material. R.od. 44 is shown as a solid metal.
For ladders without direct access to the hollow interior of the rung, for example some fibreglass ladders, an aperture may be drlhed in the side rails 61, 62 of the ladder 60 to provide access to the hollow interior of the ladder rung 63. For a ladder without a rung having a hollow interior, for example some wood ladders, an aperhae may be drilled from the side rail 61, through the ladder rung 63 and through opposite side rail 62 to thereby form a passage of the rod A~..
Adjacent to each secondary attachment member 40 is an, optional support plate 48 located between the ladder side rail and each secondary attachment member 40. Support plate 48 is included in a preferred embodiment to provide a backing plate for each secondary axtaahment member 40 and is fomaed of a rigid material such a metal, fibreglass or composite maxerial. The support plaxe 48 may be included when securing the secondary attachment member 40 to any type of ladder, for example, fibreglass, wood, plastic axed metal. The support plate 48 is attached to the ladder side rail 61 via rivets, not shown, and is also retained by rod 44.
Each support apparatus 10 and 110 comprises a body 11, each comprising a fixed component 20 shown as a continuously enolosed elongate tabular, housing through which a moveable component 30 moves relative to the fixed component 20. The moveable component 30 is shown as an inner extendable member that telescopically extends by sliding within the fixed component 20, as shown by the double headed arrows. The Sxed component 20 is shown having a square cross-section and the moveable component 30 has a complementary shape to allow for the moveable component 30 to slide within the fixed component 20, The fixed component 20 guides the moveable component 30 in a linear longitudinal direction relative to the fixed component 20.
Fixed component 20 also comprises a securing means for securing the moveable component 30 relative to the fixed component 20. The securing means is provided as a securing member 24 comprising a securing pin ~28 that is insertable into one of a plurality of respective complementary apertures 31 located on the moveable component 30. The securing member 24 is generally described in PCT1AU02/00080, incorporated herein by reference. When the securing pin 28 is inserted into at1 aperture 3I, the moveable component 30 is secured at a desired '! 0 length extending outward relative to the fixed component 20. To adjust the moveable component 30 to a t length, securing pin 28 is pulled. out and removed fxom the compleme~n~ aperture 31 thereby allowing the moveable component 30 to telescopic~Ily move within fixed component 20 to a new length relative to the fixed component 20. A plurality of complementary apertures 31 arc linearly arranged along moveable component 30 to provide different securable lengths. Sparing between adjacent apertures 31 provides an incremental adjustment in extended Iengtb of the moveable component 30. Accordingly, the spacing may be selected by a skilled person. Securing pin 28 is biased for insertion into a coiuplementary aperture 31 using a compression coil spring, The support apparatus 10 comprises the securing member 24 orientated on the faced component 20 such that it extends perpendicular to the rungs 63 as shown in FIGr. 1. This allows for easy access by a user who will typically face the ladder at an angle wherein the securing member 24 faces the user. Accordingly, for this embodiment supports apparatus attached to the right ' I2 side rail and left side rail ate mirror images.
The support apparatus 110 comprises the securing pin 2~ located on a side of the fixed component 20 opposite pegs 122. This embodiment allows for the same support apparatus 110 to be attached to either right or left side rail of the ladder with the securing member facing away From the ladder side rail when attached to either right or left side rail.
Moveable component 30 comprises a support foot 32 that is r ~ pivotable relative to a bottom part of moveable component 30. Pivoting of the support foot 32 allows for the support foot 32 to contact a stufacc substantially flush or even and allows for the ladder 60 to lean at an angle relative to the surface. It will be appt~ciated that the support foot 32 may be fxed at any angle and need not be pivotable for all embodiments. For embodimeutg wherein the adjustable length support is symmetrical, the support foot 32 is also preferably symmetrical and pivotable so that the support foot 32 may be placed even with 't 5 the ground or surface when the adjustable length support is attached to either right or left side rail of the ladder and the ladder is positioned at an angle relative to a ~, bottom s~aface. Further, the support foot 32 comprses grooves or a rough bottom to lessen unwanted movement of the feet relative to surface 30.
FIG. 2 shows a Ladder boa. that does not comprise hollow rungs 63.
A wood ladder commonly Lacks hollow rungs, but ladders made of other materials may likewise lack hollow rungs. As shown for the bottom rung 63 in FIG. 2, the secondary attachment member 40 is secured to the ladder 60 by way o~ rod 44 that extends from side rail 61 to side rail 62 without passing though an interior of a ladder rung 63. For the embodiment wherein the and 44 does not traverse an interior of a nmg, aligned apefizres may be drilled in both sidc rails of the ladder 60a so that the rod 44 may pass there~rough. It will be appreciated that embodiments including a rod 44 may provide additional strength to the support apparatus.
In an eve embodiment shown on an upper portion of FIG. 2, the secondary atxachment members 40 is sec~acd to the side rails 61, 62 of a ladder 60 without rod 44. Ia this embodiment, a fastener 47 passes through an aperivre 49 locatcd on fiaage portion 46 of the structure attachment member 41.
a The fastener 47 is shown as a rivet.
FIG. 2 also shows another embodiment of the support apparatus 210, wherein the primary attachment member 21 comprise a socket 242 and the secondary axrachment member 40 comprise a pcg 222. The peg 222 is attached to the ladder 60a in a similar manner as described for attaching a socket the ladder by way of a fastener such as a and or rivet. The socket 242 is connected to a fixed component 20 of the body 221 of the sport apparatus 210 by a weld. The peg 222 and socket 242 may be locked together in a similar mamnet as described in .i FIG. 1. The locking means 250 shown on the right side of FIG. 2 is similar to the locking means 150 shown in FIG. 1. However, the locking means 250 is located on the primary attachment member 21 connected to the support apparatus 210 rather than the secondary attachment member 40 secured to the ladder_ Also, the location of the locking pin 233 is parallel with the Sxed component 20 so that the support apparatus 210 is b~ettcr adapted to be attached to either right or left side rail of the ladder.
The embodiment of the support apparatus 310 shown one the left side of ladder 60a in FIG. 2 is similar to support apparatus 210, however, the locking moans 250 is oriented so that the locking pin 236 extends perpendicular to the socket 242 and thereby faces towards a user when in typical use.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of two rapport apparatus 410 and 410a that are minor images of each other. The support apparatus 410, 410a are similar to the support apparatus 110 shown in FTG. 1, and each comprises a peg 122 wekded to the faced component 20 of the body 11. However, the securing member 24 is orie~d facing perpendicular to the pegs 122 so that when the support apparatus 410, 410a are attached to the ladder 60, the securing pin faces the user and may be easily pulled to adjust the length of the moveable component 30. Also, the locking pin 133 of the locking means faces the user.
FIG. 5 illustrates another ennbodiment of the secondary attachment member 40 shown as a socktt 642 that is sectued to the side rail 61 of a ladder 60.
The primazy attachment member that mates with socket 642 comprises a peg 122 that is the same as that described in FIG. I. In this-embodiment, the socket . , comprises a channel 641 extending substantially round a circumference of the . , socket 642 and adapted to receive a locking mesa 650 in the form of a fastener comprising a locking ring 633. The loctUng ring 633 comprises a curved portion 651, a peg engaging portion 652 and ant arm 653. The curved portion 6S 1 assists with retaining the locking ring 633 within the channel 641. The peg engaging portion 652 is shown comprising a bent portion 654 that is insertable through an aperture 643 located in the channel 641. The an'a 653 provides a leveraging point such that moving the arm 6S3 away from the curved portion 651 moves the bent portion 6S4 out from the aperture 643. The bent portion 654 is biased to extend is through the aperture 643 and if the peg 122 is located within the socket 642, it will be locked therein.
In use, the support apparatus is attached to the ladder 60 by inserting the peg 122 into the socket 642. 'Fhe bent portion 654 of the locking ring 633 is moved downward by pressing down on atm 653, the peg 122 is inserted into the socket 642 sad the sun 653 is released so that th.e bent portion 654 inserts into the ohannel 123 thereby retaining the peg 122 and socket 642 together.
It will be appreciated that any combination of embodiments of primary dent members and secondary attachnnent members is contemplated. Namely, when describing a preferred embodiment wherein a peg is located on the support apparatus and a soclect is located on tb~e ladder, the opposite arrangement is also contemplaxed and falls within the scope of the invontion_ 1 b It will also be appreciated that the support apparatus of the inveution may be symmetrical or non symmetrical.
i It will f>uther be apprthat embodiments of the Peg comprising a groove that extends the circumference of the peg, for example groove 123 of peg 122, the groove may extend only on a part of the circumference of the peg, as long as the locking ring 633 or locking pin I33 can be secured therein.
The present invention provides an apparatus, assembly and method for attaching an item to a plurality of articles in a quick and easy maimer.
For example, a user may have several ladders, but only a single ladder may be used at a given time. If each ladder has a secondary attachment member secured thereto, the user needs to only per, store and/or ~ansport a single or few adjustable length supports, which can be axtsched to the rive ladders vYhen needed Also, an ability to remove the adjustable length support from the ladder minimises damage to the adjustable length support during 'transport and storage. It is not uncommon for ladders attached to an exterior of a truck to experiearce damage during transport and when reanoving and placing the ladder on track racks.
. - .~ The primary attachment m~bers 2I, e.g. peg 22, 122 or socket i 42, 142, 642 are shown welded to the fixed component of the body of the support appargtus. However, the peg or socket may be formed integral with the body, or may comprise a portion to provide a suitable location to fastening the peg ox socket to the body, eg. via a bolt, rivet, adhesive or ofastener.
The pegs and sockets are sh~owa. cylindrical, but other shapes are contemplated, for example, square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal and the like.
Also, other attachmout members that preferably engage in a male-fennale interaction fall whhin the scope of the invention, for example, a bolt and nut, a peg and aperdue and the like.
Although two primary attachment members 21 and two mating secondary attachment members 40 are preferred, other suitable number of attachment members may be included, for example, one, three and more.
Preferably, the adjustable length support wmprises at least two primary attachment members to prevent rotation of the adjustable support relative to the ladder.
It will be appreciated that the body of the support apparatus may have a cross sectional shape other than square, including for example, round, oval, hexagonal or other geometrical shape. It will also be appreciated that although the fixed component is shown preferably as a continuous elongate hollow housing, the fixed component may have other suitable foruzs capable of guiding the movement of the moveable component. For example, an open channel, bracket or other guiding means.
The moveable component is shown extending longitudinally from 'l the fixed component and parallel relative to the side rail of the ladder.
The fixed component is shown attached substantially paxallel to the side rail, however, the f xed component nnay be mounted to eithor or both side sails at an angle other than 0° relative thereto, for example at 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° or other angle. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment wherein the moveable component extends parallel to the side rail of a ladder, the length. of the moveable component is not limited as the moveable component will not be obstructed by the side rail when retracted. For the embodiment wherein the faced component is attached to the side rail at an angle other than parallel or 0° relative to the side rail, the angle away from the adjacent side rail may provide lateral support for the ladder.
The present invention is not limited to the securing means described in the figures for adjusting and securing the moveable component zelative to the fixed component. The abovementioned pin-and-aperture type securing member is merely one securing means which may be used_ The moveable component may be secured relative to the fixed component by other means known in the art, including for example, by a plurality of teeth located on the moveable component and a pivotal pawl member located on the fixed 1g component as descn'bed in AU 76668/81, herein incorporated by reference. Other useful securing means include a plurality of spaced-apart sloping teeth on the fixed component and a pin member located on the moveable component that is capable of engaging the teeth as described is US Patent No. 5,335,754 and a T-shaped gripping device having a sharp edge which contacts a smooth surface of an adjacent slidable isil as described in US Patent No. 4,802,471; both patents herein incorporated by reference. Other methods for extending and securing the moveable component, for example those methods described in US Patent Nos.
., 4,606,432 and 4,607,726 may be used, and both patents are herein incorporated by reference.
It will be appreaated that a fastener rnay comprise, for example, bolt, screw, rivet and adhesive fasteners such as epoxy and glues. A person skilled in the art would be able to select a suitable fastener and the invention is not limited to the grefcrred exemplified fastener, ,;
Although tile iave~ion has been shown and described with exemplary embodiments thereofi~it should be understood by those sidlled iu the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
The disclosure of each patent and document referred to in this specification is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The body may comprises a fixed component to wluich the primary attachment member is connected and a movable component capable of moving relative to the fixed component.
The fixed component preferably comprises a guiding means for w ~; guiding the movement of the movable component.
The guiding mews may comprises a housing, channel, bracket or the like.
In one form, the housing comprises an elongate continuous enclosed hollow tube.
The moveable member in one farm its an inner member capable of telescopic movement relative to the housing.
The movable mamber may be secured at a desired position relative to the fixed member by a securing means.
The securing means in one fog comprises a securing pin located on the fixed component and a mating aperture located ou the moveable component, wherein the secuang pin when inserted into the matting aperture secures the moveable member relative to the fixed member.
The primary attachment member may be connected to the body by a fastener.
Preferably, the fastener is a weld, rivet, bolt, screw or adhesive.
The secondary attachment member may be secured to a side rail of the ladder.
The secondary attachment member in. one form, is secured by a fastener that extends at least through the Side xail of the ladder.
The fastener may comprise a rod traversing the ladder from one side rail to another side rail.
The rod in one form is load within an adjacent rung of the ladder.
c' ~. The primacy attachment member and the secondary ,attachment member preferably engage in a male-female interaction.
9 0 The primary attachment member in one form is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket, The primacy attaehmerrt member in another form is a socket and the secondary attachment member is a pcg.
Suitably, the peg is slidable within the socket.
The locking means may comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
The locking means may comprise a locking ring or locking pin.
The locking ring in one form comprises a bent portion adapted to be inserted through said socket aperhue and securable within the peg aperture to thereby retain the socket peg together.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a ladder assembly comprising:
(i) a ladder;
(ii) a support apparatus or accessory comprising:
(1 ) a body;
(2) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
(3) a secondary attachment member securable to the ladder, and 5 (4) locking means for retaining the prinnary attachment member and the secondary attachment member together.
The support apparatus may comprises: an adjustable length 3 support, stabilizer, wall guard, hook, shelf, tray, paint can hanger or bucket hanger.
'i 0 . The primacy attachment member and the secondary attachment member preferably engage in a male-female interaction.
The primary attachment member in. one form is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket.
The primary attachment member in another form is a socket and the secondary a#achment member is a peg.
The locking means preferably comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
The locking means may comprise a locking zing or locking pin.
Although one preferred embodiment of the invention relates to use of the support apparatus with a ladder, it will be appreciated that features of the invention as described for a ladder may also be used for other articles, For example, a suitable article may include an article that requires adjustment of height relative to a srnrfa.ee that the article is located_ The invention is particularly suited for use with articles requiring repeated height adjustment, for example au article that is temporarily located on one uneven surface then moved to another _ surface that may be either uneven or level, Examples of such articles include:
ladders (inclusive of step ladders, extension ladders, step-extension ladders and the like), scaffolds, trestles, tables, benches, chairs, sawhorse or like article.
It will also be appreciated that the support apparatus may have uses other thaw an as adjustable length support. Other uses include, for example, as stabilizers, hooks or wall guards that typically are located art an upper end of a ladder to stabilize the ladder. Also, the apparatus of the invention may constitute an accessory to the ladder such as trays, shelves, paint can hangers, bucket hangers and the like.
Throughout this specification unless the context requires OthCt<xllSe, the word "COmprISC", and VSriBxLOnS Such aS "C0111pT1Ses" OI
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integers or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of 1 S integers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be readily understood anal put into practical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of exannple with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing two embodiments of adjustable length supports being attached to a ladder, FIG. 2 is a front view showing other embodiments of the adjustable length supports and fasteners fox securing a secondary attachment member to the ladder;
FIG. .3 is an isometric view of attaching two adjustable length supports to either side of a ladder, FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of a secondary axtachment member attached to a ladder as shown in FZG. 3; and FIG. 5 is an end view of another embodiment of the secondary attachment member, DE'TAZT.,ED ~ESCR1PT'ION OF THE INS . ON
FIG. 1 shows two rapport sppara~us 10 and 11.0 being attached to an article exemplified as a ladder 60. The support apparatus 10, 1 IO are shown as adjustable length supports for levelling the ladder 60 on an uneven surface.
T9re support apparaxus 10 comprises tvvo primary attachment members 21 connected to the body 1.1 by welds. The primary attachment members are shown as pegs 22. Each peg 22 is adapted to mate with a secondary '! 5 attachment member 40, shown in FIG. 1 as a socket 42, attached to the ladder 60.
Socket 42 comprises a hollow interior adapted to mate with peg 22. Pcg 22 is shown cylindrical and iateraally mates with socket 42, which has a complementary shape to that of the peg 22 so that the peg and socket may engage in a male-female interaction-Peg 22 has a peg aperture 23 that traverse an entire length thereof.
Socket 42 comprises two aligned socket apertures 43 located on opposed suzfaaes of the socket wall. When peg 22 is inserted into the socket 42, the peg apertures 23 and the socket xpertm~s 43 align. A locking means 50 is inserted into the aligned aperture to thereby lock the peg 22 and socket 42 together. The locating means 50 comprises a fastener having a locking pin 51, pivotable locking bar and biased means 53, shown as a coiled spring. In use, the locking means 50 is inserted into the aligned apertures 23, 43 and the pivotable locking bar 52 is pivoted to orientate the locking bar 52 perpendicular to the locking pie 51 to thereby secure the locking means 50 within the aligned apertures 23, 43, The biased means 53 applies a force so that the lockiag bar 52 is pressed against an adjacent outside part of the socket 42 to thereby secure the locking means 50 ia.
s :y place. To remove the attached adjustable length support 10 from the side rail 61 of the ladder 60, the above process is reversed. An optional cable or cord 54 is attached to the fixed component 20 and lockiag pin 51 to prevent loss of the locking means 50 when not inserted into the aligaed apertures 23, 43.
In another embodiment, the support apparatus 110 comprises two primary attachment members 21 in the form of pegs 122 welded to a faced component 20 of the body 11. The peg 122 differs from peg 22 by comprising a 1 S groove 123 that extends around the circumference of the peg 122. Peg I22 is adapted to slide into the socket 142 that is attached to the Ladder 60.
As shown in FIG. 4, socket 142 comprises a hollow interior body 130 for receiving the peg 122, an aperture 131 for housiag a fastener in the form of a locking pin 133 of locking means 150 anal an aperture 132 for inserting the locking pin 133 into aperture 131. The locking pin 133 comprises a body 134, a collar 135 and a knob 136. Locking pin 133 when located within the socket 142 is biased by coiled spring 137. To assemble the locking means 150, the body and coiled spring 137 are inserted through the aperture 132 and into the aperture 131. An end of the body k 34 outwardly extends from the aperdue 131 so that the knob 136 may be fastened thereto.
rn use, peg 122 is inserted into tho hollow interior body 130 of the socket 142 and the looking pin 133 is moved cleat of the hollow intcrior body by pulling on the lmob 136. Alternatively, a tapered head. of the peg 122 allows peg 122 to be inserted into the hollow interior body 130 and the locking pin 133 is displaced by a force of inserting the peg 122. The groove 123 on the peg 122 aligns with the loakeng pin 133 once the peg 122 has been inserted into the socket 142. The locking pin I33 retains the peg 122 and the socket 142 together by c...~
inserting into the groove 123. The coiled spring I37 applies a force on the locking pin 133 to remain in the groove 123. To remove the peg 122, the process is reversed and. the locking pin 133 is pulled otrt from groove 123 to thereby release the peg I22 from the socket 142.
FIG. 1 also shows an embodiment for attaching the secondary attachment member 40 to the ladder 60 having hollow rungs 63. The secondary attachment members 40 are attachcd to the side rails 61, 62 of the ladder 60 via threaded rod 44 (e.g. a long bolt) and mating nuts 45. Rod 44 traverses a hollow interioz of an entire length, of a ladder rung 63. Tightening nut 45 secures the secondary attachment members 40 to adjacent side rail 61. Passing rod. 44 through a hollow interior of the ladder rung 63 is an easy and convenient means for attaching the secondary attachment member 40 to the ladder, in particular for ladders having open ended rungs 63 with access to the hollow interior of the rung from the side rails. Aluminium, fibreglass and composite ladders commonly have access to a hollow interior of a rung. Rod 44 may refer to an axle, shaft, wand, stab pole, dowel, spdce or other such member either hollow or solid and io composed of any material. R.od. 44 is shown as a solid metal.
For ladders without direct access to the hollow interior of the rung, for example some fibreglass ladders, an aperture may be drlhed in the side rails 61, 62 of the ladder 60 to provide access to the hollow interior of the ladder rung 63. For a ladder without a rung having a hollow interior, for example some wood ladders, an aperhae may be drilled from the side rail 61, through the ladder rung 63 and through opposite side rail 62 to thereby form a passage of the rod A~..
Adjacent to each secondary attachment member 40 is an, optional support plate 48 located between the ladder side rail and each secondary attachment member 40. Support plate 48 is included in a preferred embodiment to provide a backing plate for each secondary axtaahment member 40 and is fomaed of a rigid material such a metal, fibreglass or composite maxerial. The support plaxe 48 may be included when securing the secondary attachment member 40 to any type of ladder, for example, fibreglass, wood, plastic axed metal. The support plate 48 is attached to the ladder side rail 61 via rivets, not shown, and is also retained by rod 44.
Each support apparatus 10 and 110 comprises a body 11, each comprising a fixed component 20 shown as a continuously enolosed elongate tabular, housing through which a moveable component 30 moves relative to the fixed component 20. The moveable component 30 is shown as an inner extendable member that telescopically extends by sliding within the fixed component 20, as shown by the double headed arrows. The Sxed component 20 is shown having a square cross-section and the moveable component 30 has a complementary shape to allow for the moveable component 30 to slide within the fixed component 20, The fixed component 20 guides the moveable component 30 in a linear longitudinal direction relative to the fixed component 20.
Fixed component 20 also comprises a securing means for securing the moveable component 30 relative to the fixed component 20. The securing means is provided as a securing member 24 comprising a securing pin ~28 that is insertable into one of a plurality of respective complementary apertures 31 located on the moveable component 30. The securing member 24 is generally described in PCT1AU02/00080, incorporated herein by reference. When the securing pin 28 is inserted into at1 aperture 3I, the moveable component 30 is secured at a desired '! 0 length extending outward relative to the fixed component 20. To adjust the moveable component 30 to a t length, securing pin 28 is pulled. out and removed fxom the compleme~n~ aperture 31 thereby allowing the moveable component 30 to telescopic~Ily move within fixed component 20 to a new length relative to the fixed component 20. A plurality of complementary apertures 31 arc linearly arranged along moveable component 30 to provide different securable lengths. Sparing between adjacent apertures 31 provides an incremental adjustment in extended Iengtb of the moveable component 30. Accordingly, the spacing may be selected by a skilled person. Securing pin 28 is biased for insertion into a coiuplementary aperture 31 using a compression coil spring, The support apparatus 10 comprises the securing member 24 orientated on the faced component 20 such that it extends perpendicular to the rungs 63 as shown in FIGr. 1. This allows for easy access by a user who will typically face the ladder at an angle wherein the securing member 24 faces the user. Accordingly, for this embodiment supports apparatus attached to the right ' I2 side rail and left side rail ate mirror images.
The support apparatus 110 comprises the securing pin 2~ located on a side of the fixed component 20 opposite pegs 122. This embodiment allows for the same support apparatus 110 to be attached to either right or left side rail of the ladder with the securing member facing away From the ladder side rail when attached to either right or left side rail.
Moveable component 30 comprises a support foot 32 that is r ~ pivotable relative to a bottom part of moveable component 30. Pivoting of the support foot 32 allows for the support foot 32 to contact a stufacc substantially flush or even and allows for the ladder 60 to lean at an angle relative to the surface. It will be appt~ciated that the support foot 32 may be fxed at any angle and need not be pivotable for all embodiments. For embodimeutg wherein the adjustable length support is symmetrical, the support foot 32 is also preferably symmetrical and pivotable so that the support foot 32 may be placed even with 't 5 the ground or surface when the adjustable length support is attached to either right or left side rail of the ladder and the ladder is positioned at an angle relative to a ~, bottom s~aface. Further, the support foot 32 comprses grooves or a rough bottom to lessen unwanted movement of the feet relative to surface 30.
FIG. 2 shows a Ladder boa. that does not comprise hollow rungs 63.
A wood ladder commonly Lacks hollow rungs, but ladders made of other materials may likewise lack hollow rungs. As shown for the bottom rung 63 in FIG. 2, the secondary attachment member 40 is secured to the ladder 60 by way o~ rod 44 that extends from side rail 61 to side rail 62 without passing though an interior of a ladder rung 63. For the embodiment wherein the and 44 does not traverse an interior of a nmg, aligned apefizres may be drilled in both sidc rails of the ladder 60a so that the rod 44 may pass there~rough. It will be appreciated that embodiments including a rod 44 may provide additional strength to the support apparatus.
In an eve embodiment shown on an upper portion of FIG. 2, the secondary atxachment members 40 is sec~acd to the side rails 61, 62 of a ladder 60 without rod 44. Ia this embodiment, a fastener 47 passes through an aperivre 49 locatcd on fiaage portion 46 of the structure attachment member 41.
a The fastener 47 is shown as a rivet.
FIG. 2 also shows another embodiment of the support apparatus 210, wherein the primary attachment member 21 comprise a socket 242 and the secondary axrachment member 40 comprise a pcg 222. The peg 222 is attached to the ladder 60a in a similar manner as described for attaching a socket the ladder by way of a fastener such as a and or rivet. The socket 242 is connected to a fixed component 20 of the body 221 of the sport apparatus 210 by a weld. The peg 222 and socket 242 may be locked together in a similar mamnet as described in .i FIG. 1. The locking means 250 shown on the right side of FIG. 2 is similar to the locking means 150 shown in FIG. 1. However, the locking means 250 is located on the primary attachment member 21 connected to the support apparatus 210 rather than the secondary attachment member 40 secured to the ladder_ Also, the location of the locking pin 233 is parallel with the Sxed component 20 so that the support apparatus 210 is b~ettcr adapted to be attached to either right or left side rail of the ladder.
The embodiment of the support apparatus 310 shown one the left side of ladder 60a in FIG. 2 is similar to support apparatus 210, however, the locking moans 250 is oriented so that the locking pin 236 extends perpendicular to the socket 242 and thereby faces towards a user when in typical use.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of two rapport apparatus 410 and 410a that are minor images of each other. The support apparatus 410, 410a are similar to the support apparatus 110 shown in FTG. 1, and each comprises a peg 122 wekded to the faced component 20 of the body 11. However, the securing member 24 is orie~d facing perpendicular to the pegs 122 so that when the support apparatus 410, 410a are attached to the ladder 60, the securing pin faces the user and may be easily pulled to adjust the length of the moveable component 30. Also, the locking pin 133 of the locking means faces the user.
FIG. 5 illustrates another ennbodiment of the secondary attachment member 40 shown as a socktt 642 that is sectued to the side rail 61 of a ladder 60.
The primazy attachment member that mates with socket 642 comprises a peg 122 that is the same as that described in FIG. I. In this-embodiment, the socket . , comprises a channel 641 extending substantially round a circumference of the . , socket 642 and adapted to receive a locking mesa 650 in the form of a fastener comprising a locking ring 633. The loctUng ring 633 comprises a curved portion 651, a peg engaging portion 652 and ant arm 653. The curved portion 6S 1 assists with retaining the locking ring 633 within the channel 641. The peg engaging portion 652 is shown comprising a bent portion 654 that is insertable through an aperture 643 located in the channel 641. The an'a 653 provides a leveraging point such that moving the arm 6S3 away from the curved portion 651 moves the bent portion 6S4 out from the aperture 643. The bent portion 654 is biased to extend is through the aperture 643 and if the peg 122 is located within the socket 642, it will be locked therein.
In use, the support apparatus is attached to the ladder 60 by inserting the peg 122 into the socket 642. 'Fhe bent portion 654 of the locking ring 633 is moved downward by pressing down on atm 653, the peg 122 is inserted into the socket 642 sad the sun 653 is released so that th.e bent portion 654 inserts into the ohannel 123 thereby retaining the peg 122 and socket 642 together.
It will be appreciated that any combination of embodiments of primary dent members and secondary attachnnent members is contemplated. Namely, when describing a preferred embodiment wherein a peg is located on the support apparatus and a soclect is located on tb~e ladder, the opposite arrangement is also contemplaxed and falls within the scope of the invontion_ 1 b It will also be appreciated that the support apparatus of the inveution may be symmetrical or non symmetrical.
i It will f>uther be apprthat embodiments of the Peg comprising a groove that extends the circumference of the peg, for example groove 123 of peg 122, the groove may extend only on a part of the circumference of the peg, as long as the locking ring 633 or locking pin I33 can be secured therein.
The present invention provides an apparatus, assembly and method for attaching an item to a plurality of articles in a quick and easy maimer.
For example, a user may have several ladders, but only a single ladder may be used at a given time. If each ladder has a secondary attachment member secured thereto, the user needs to only per, store and/or ~ansport a single or few adjustable length supports, which can be axtsched to the rive ladders vYhen needed Also, an ability to remove the adjustable length support from the ladder minimises damage to the adjustable length support during 'transport and storage. It is not uncommon for ladders attached to an exterior of a truck to experiearce damage during transport and when reanoving and placing the ladder on track racks.
. - .~ The primary attachment m~bers 2I, e.g. peg 22, 122 or socket i 42, 142, 642 are shown welded to the fixed component of the body of the support appargtus. However, the peg or socket may be formed integral with the body, or may comprise a portion to provide a suitable location to fastening the peg ox socket to the body, eg. via a bolt, rivet, adhesive or ofastener.
The pegs and sockets are sh~owa. cylindrical, but other shapes are contemplated, for example, square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal and the like.
Also, other attachmout members that preferably engage in a male-fennale interaction fall whhin the scope of the invention, for example, a bolt and nut, a peg and aperdue and the like.
Although two primary attachment members 21 and two mating secondary attachment members 40 are preferred, other suitable number of attachment members may be included, for example, one, three and more.
Preferably, the adjustable length support wmprises at least two primary attachment members to prevent rotation of the adjustable support relative to the ladder.
It will be appreciated that the body of the support apparatus may have a cross sectional shape other than square, including for example, round, oval, hexagonal or other geometrical shape. It will also be appreciated that although the fixed component is shown preferably as a continuous elongate hollow housing, the fixed component may have other suitable foruzs capable of guiding the movement of the moveable component. For example, an open channel, bracket or other guiding means.
The moveable component is shown extending longitudinally from 'l the fixed component and parallel relative to the side rail of the ladder.
The fixed component is shown attached substantially paxallel to the side rail, however, the f xed component nnay be mounted to eithor or both side sails at an angle other than 0° relative thereto, for example at 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° or other angle. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment wherein the moveable component extends parallel to the side rail of a ladder, the length. of the moveable component is not limited as the moveable component will not be obstructed by the side rail when retracted. For the embodiment wherein the faced component is attached to the side rail at an angle other than parallel or 0° relative to the side rail, the angle away from the adjacent side rail may provide lateral support for the ladder.
The present invention is not limited to the securing means described in the figures for adjusting and securing the moveable component zelative to the fixed component. The abovementioned pin-and-aperture type securing member is merely one securing means which may be used_ The moveable component may be secured relative to the fixed component by other means known in the art, including for example, by a plurality of teeth located on the moveable component and a pivotal pawl member located on the fixed 1g component as descn'bed in AU 76668/81, herein incorporated by reference. Other useful securing means include a plurality of spaced-apart sloping teeth on the fixed component and a pin member located on the moveable component that is capable of engaging the teeth as described is US Patent No. 5,335,754 and a T-shaped gripping device having a sharp edge which contacts a smooth surface of an adjacent slidable isil as described in US Patent No. 4,802,471; both patents herein incorporated by reference. Other methods for extending and securing the moveable component, for example those methods described in US Patent Nos.
., 4,606,432 and 4,607,726 may be used, and both patents are herein incorporated by reference.
It will be appreaated that a fastener rnay comprise, for example, bolt, screw, rivet and adhesive fasteners such as epoxy and glues. A person skilled in the art would be able to select a suitable fastener and the invention is not limited to the grefcrred exemplified fastener, ,;
Although tile iave~ion has been shown and described with exemplary embodiments thereofi~it should be understood by those sidlled iu the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
The disclosure of each patent and document referred to in this specification is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Claims (11)
1. A support or accessory apparatus for a ladder or other article including:
(a) a body;
(b) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
(c) a secondary attachment member securable to the ladder or other article; and (d) locking means for retaining the primary attachment member and the secondary attachment member together.
(a) a body;
(b) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
(c) a secondary attachment member securable to the ladder or other article; and (d) locking means for retaining the primary attachment member and the secondary attachment member together.
2. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a fixed component to which the primary attachment member is connected and a movable component capable of moving relative to the fixed component.
3. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fixed component comprises a guiding means for guiding the movement of the movable component, wherein the guiding means is in the form of a housing, channel or at least one pair of brackets.
4. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 3 wherein the guiding means comprises a housing.
5. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 4 wherein the housing comprises an elongate continuous enclosed hollow tube.
6. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 5 wherein the moveable component is an inner member capable of telescopic movement relative to the housing.
7. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 6 wherein the movable component is securable at a desired position relative to the fined member by securing means.
8. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 7 wherein the securing means comprises a securing pin located on the fixed component and a mating aperture located on the moveable component, wherein the securing pin when inserted into the mating aperture secures the moveable component relative to the fixed component.
9. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 1 wherein the primary attachment member is connected to the body by a fastener or is welded thereto.
10. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 1 wherein the secondary attachment member is adapted to be secured to a side rail of the ladder.
11. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 10 wherein the secondary attachment member secured by a fastener that is adapted to extend at least through the side rail of the ladder.
primary attachment member is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket or the primary attachment member is a socket and the secondary attachment member is a peg.
16. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 15 wherein the primary attachment member is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket.
17. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 15 wherein the peg is slidable within the socket.
18. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 17 wherein the locking means comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
19. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 18 wherein said locking means comprises a locking ring or locking pin.
20. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 19 wherein said locking ring comprises a bent portion adapted to be inserted through said socket aperture and securable within the peg aperture to thereby retain the socket and peg together.
21. A ladder assembly comprising:
(i) a ladder;
(ii) a support apparatus or accessory comprising:
(1) abody;
(2) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
(3) a secondary attachment member secured to the ladder, and (4) locking means for retaining the primary attachment member and the secondary attachment member together.
22. The ladder assembly of claim 21 wherein the support apparatus comprises: an adjustable length support, stabilizer; wall guard, hook, shelf, tray, paint can hanger or bucket hanger.
23. The ladder assembly of claim 21 wherein the primary attachment member and the secondary attachment member engage in a male-female interaction.
24. The ladder assembly of claim 23 wherein the primary attachment member is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket or the primary attachment member is a socket and the secondary attachment member is a peg.
25. The ladder assembly of claim 24 wherein the locking means comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
26. The ladder assembly of claim 25 wherein the locking means comprises a locking ring or locking pin.
27. A support apparatus for a ladder including:
(A) a body comprising:
(i) a housing in the form of an elongate continuous enclosed hollow tube;
(ii) a movable component telescopically movable relative to the housing; and (iii) a securing means located on the housing, wherein the securing means comprises a securing pin insertable into a mating aperture located on the movable component to thereby secure the movable component relative to the housing;
(B) a peg connected to the housing;
(C) a socket securable to the ladder; and (D) locking means comprising a locking pin that is insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket to thereby secure the peg and the socket together.
28. A ladder assembly comprising:
(I) a ladder; and (II) a support apparatus comprising:
(a') a body comprising:
(i') a housing in the form of an elongate continuous enclosed hollow tube;
(ii') a movable component telescopically movable relative to the housing, and (iii') a securing means located on the housing, wherein the securing means comprises a securing pin insertable into a mating aperture located on the movable component to thereby secure the movable component relative to the housing;
(b') a peg connected to the housing;
(c') a socket secured to the ladder, and (d') locking means comprising a locking pin that is insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket to thereby secure the peg and the socket together.
primary attachment member is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket or the primary attachment member is a socket and the secondary attachment member is a peg.
16. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 15 wherein the primary attachment member is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket.
17. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 15 wherein the peg is slidable within the socket.
18. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 17 wherein the locking means comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
19. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 18 wherein said locking means comprises a locking ring or locking pin.
20. The support or accessory apparatus of claim 19 wherein said locking ring comprises a bent portion adapted to be inserted through said socket aperture and securable within the peg aperture to thereby retain the socket and peg together.
21. A ladder assembly comprising:
(i) a ladder;
(ii) a support apparatus or accessory comprising:
(1) abody;
(2) a primary attachment member connected to the body;
(3) a secondary attachment member secured to the ladder, and (4) locking means for retaining the primary attachment member and the secondary attachment member together.
22. The ladder assembly of claim 21 wherein the support apparatus comprises: an adjustable length support, stabilizer; wall guard, hook, shelf, tray, paint can hanger or bucket hanger.
23. The ladder assembly of claim 21 wherein the primary attachment member and the secondary attachment member engage in a male-female interaction.
24. The ladder assembly of claim 23 wherein the primary attachment member is a peg and the secondary attachment member is a socket or the primary attachment member is a socket and the secondary attachment member is a peg.
25. The ladder assembly of claim 24 wherein the locking means comprises one or more fasteners insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket.
26. The ladder assembly of claim 25 wherein the locking means comprises a locking ring or locking pin.
27. A support apparatus for a ladder including:
(A) a body comprising:
(i) a housing in the form of an elongate continuous enclosed hollow tube;
(ii) a movable component telescopically movable relative to the housing; and (iii) a securing means located on the housing, wherein the securing means comprises a securing pin insertable into a mating aperture located on the movable component to thereby secure the movable component relative to the housing;
(B) a peg connected to the housing;
(C) a socket securable to the ladder; and (D) locking means comprising a locking pin that is insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket to thereby secure the peg and the socket together.
28. A ladder assembly comprising:
(I) a ladder; and (II) a support apparatus comprising:
(a') a body comprising:
(i') a housing in the form of an elongate continuous enclosed hollow tube;
(ii') a movable component telescopically movable relative to the housing, and (iii') a securing means located on the housing, wherein the securing means comprises a securing pin insertable into a mating aperture located on the movable component to thereby secure the movable component relative to the housing;
(b') a peg connected to the housing;
(c') a socket secured to the ladder, and (d') locking means comprising a locking pin that is insertable through co-aligned apertures in the peg and the socket to thereby secure the peg and the socket together.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/735,529 US6948591B2 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2003-12-12 | Support apparatus or accessory for a ladder |
| US10/735,529 | 2003-12-12 | ||
| AU2003268629A AU2003268629C9 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2003-12-12 | Support apparatus or accessory for a ladder |
| US2003268629 | 2003-12-12 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2469100A1 true CA2469100A1 (en) | 2005-06-12 |
| CA2469100C CA2469100C (en) | 2013-08-06 |
Family
ID=34679560
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2469100A Expired - Fee Related CA2469100C (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-05-28 | Support apparatus or accessory for a ladder |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2469100C (en) |
-
2004
- 2004-05-28 CA CA2469100A patent/CA2469100C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2469100C (en) | 2013-08-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20180528 |