CA2690504A1 - "ladder-adder" ladder stabilizing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An extension ladder stabilizer that is comprised of two wooden planks, of a predetermined size and form, which are used as a main support structure in an "A--framed" style set-up, when viewed from the front. The supports are swivelly mounted upon rotatable hinge brackets that are then secured to the ladder outer frame rails via a predetermined hollow rung. The supports are also restrained from lateral movement, at the ground level, thru a desired angle that is perpendicular to the ground and fixed via the usage of two bungee cords. A set of leveling and angle of incline "indicators"
are provided to help align the initial ladder placement, before assembly set up.
The ensuing set-up, when correctly propped against a vertical surface, will conceivably remain perpendicularly balanced throughout most lateral motion near the ladder peak.
The entire assembly can be attached without drilling any bolt holes into the ladder frame.

Description

"Ladder-Adder" Ladder Stabilizing Device Field of the invention The present invention relates to a ladder stabilizer device for an extension ladder and provides an improved and simplified design.

Background The invention relates generally to extension ladders and a means to safely stabilize them against a possibility of a sideways collapse during an ascent. This insures against the likelihood of great injury or even death from a fall.
The device is specifically used on an extended extension ladder that is propped against a vertical surface (such as a tree or roof) for support and whereas the intended activity is beyond the reach of a conventional step ladder.
The device entails the use of two hinged wooden stabilizer supports that pivot to extend outwards from the frame rails of the ladder and are attached through a hollow rung at a predetermined location on the extension ladder base. Because the main hinge brackets are also allowed to swivel, as well as pivot, the wooden stabilizer supports can be better positioned to an angle that is advantageous to brace the assembly, regardless of the slope of the ground.

References Cited Some examples of similar and complex United States of America patents are as follows:
6672427 Sheffield, Lance Rodney 6527084 Hrincu, Viorel 4949809 Levi, Avraham Y. / Quarberg, Craig D.
7163084 Blehm, Berle G.

5868222 Charbonneau, Francois 4964488 Stewart, John V.

4723629 Vanden Hoek, Vernon M. / Maasdam, Leonard J.
5511632 Ermis, Jerry J.

Although several of these designs are very flexible and adaptable in their nature, their cost of manufacture and/or the set-up for the consumer is their biggest inadequacy.
Summary of the invention The basis of this invention was to create a very simple, sturdy and economical platform for securing the stability of the extension ladder. Most other patent examples relating to this design are sometimes extremely complex and probably very expensive to manufacture.
My design has relatively few parts and is easily reproduced with the principle of simple to construct and simple to use.
The use of wood as the material for the main stabilizer support is simply derived from the practiced uses of it in fabricating most children's playground sets that you see in parks and backyards throughout the country. Also its approved use in construction does not even require quoting of its resiliency, adaptability and ease of affordability & availability to the consumer.
Another valuable reason for the use of wood as a stabilizer support is the known fact that electricity will not conduct easily thru it, therefore making this device indispensable to workers of the electrical trade.

The entire assembly is not very cumbersome when attached and can be stored or transported together with the extension ladder to a desired work area with ease.
The simplicity of the entire design allows for ease of set-up and removal from the work area or even detachment of the assembly from the ladder itself, if necessary.
An improvement of the design, compared to most of the prior art, is the addition of two leveling indicators to assist with the initial alignment of the extension ladder. The indicators reflect the position of the ladder being perpendicular to the ground (plumb) and of also having the correct recognized angle of elevation to the ladder peak (15 ). The use of this alignment aid, in conjunction with a "ladder leveling device" on the base of the ladder, allows for a safer and steadier foundation of the whole assembly. This is especially noticeable when the ladder is erected on sideways' sloping ground.
The utilization of two flexible bungee cords to harness the wooden stabilizer supports to the correct angular aspect to one another is unique, as opposed to the varied complex and elaborate restraints incorporated from previous patents for their stabilizer support members.
The stabilizer support hinge design is simple and "self-centering" for use with most `hollow rung' extension ladder styles. Mounting the stabilizer support hinges to the ladder using an existing hollow `rung' location ensures that no additional holes will be drilled into the ladder frame. This preserves the structural integrity of the ladder and does no harm to its safety standards and warranty restrictions.
The wooden stabilizer support length is determined by the specific ladder length that the consumer owns. Therefore if the consumer decides to purchase a larger or smaller ladder in the future, the only item that will require exchange to suit this new ladder is the wooden stabilizer supports.
Also to allow flexibility, additional support strut extensions may easily be fastened with woodscrews to the stabilizer supports, as needed, to suit any drastic terrain difficulties.
All hardware fasteners used are of a standardized size and length to enable the consumer ease of availability in the case of loss or damage of the aforementioned mounting hardware.

Drawings The invention is described with reference to the following drawings:

Figure #1 is a Representative Drawing (3-D View) of an extended extension ladder coupled with the Ladder-Adder device and leaning against a building roofline.
The device is in the `open' (ready to use) stage of the set-up.

Figure #2 is an Exploded Representative View (3-D View) of the entire assembly of the Ladder-Adder device. The extension ladder is not shown.

Figure #3 is a Front View of an extended extension ladder coupled with the Ladder-Adder device and leaning against a cinder brick wall. The device is in the `open' (ready to use) stage of the set-up.

Figure #4 is a Side View of an extended extension ladder coupled with the Ladder-Adder device and leaning against a cinder brick wall. The device is in the `closed' stage of the set-up.

Figure #5 is a Side View of an extended extension ladder coupled with the Ladder-Adder device and leaning against a cinder brick wall. The device is in the `open' (ready to use) stage of the set-up.

Figure #6 is a Front & Side View of the main hinge bracket (pair) of the Ladder-Adder device assembly.

Figure #7 is a 3-D View of the hardware required to mount the wooden stabilizer support to both the main hinge and the ladder frame. It comprises: a length of threaded rod, a washer & self-locking nut (pair), and a bolt & self-locking nut (pair).

Figure #8 is a 3-D View of a wooden stabilizer support (pair) and all the itemized handiwork procedures entailed to produce it Figure #9 is a 3-D View of a plastic tie-wrap (pair).
Figure #10 is a 3-D View of a bungee cord (pair).

Figure #11 is a 3-D View of a woodscrew & a steel wire "indicator" (pair) that has been bent to the entailed shape.

*Photos* A thru Hare views describing the proper operative set up of an extension ladder and the Ladder-Adder device assembly.

Item Reference Numbers (drawings) #1 MAIN HINGE BRACKET - STAINLESS STEEL or MILD STEEL
#2 THREADED ROD - STAINLESS STEEL or ZINC PLATED

#3 HINGE MOUNTING HARDWARE (to suit Item #2) - TWO stainless flat washers - TWO stainless `nylock' nuts #4 SUPPORT MOUNTING HARDWARE (to suit Item #3) - TWO stainless hex bolts - TWO stainless `nylock' nuts #5 TWO 2x4 or 2x6 WOODEN STABILIZER SUPPORT PLANKS
(Length determined by ladder size) #6 TWO PLASTIC TIE-WRAPS

#7 TWO FLEXIBLE BUNGIE CORDS

#8 DRILLED HOLES - Thru wooden planks #9 45 MITRE CUT - Across wooden planks #10 DRILLED HOLES - Thru wooden planks #11 45 MITRE CUT - Across wooden planks #12 2 WOOD SCREWS

#13 2 BENT WIRE "INDICATORS" (clothes hanger material) #14 LADDER BASE FRAME RAILS

#15 LADDER BASE HOLLOW "RUNG"
Pase 1 Description To enable the full understanding of the "Ladder-Adder" Ladder Stabilizing Device, it will now be described with the assistance of the illustrated drawings, Figure's #1 thru 11 and Photo's A thru H.

Assembly of the device:

Referring strictly to FIGs. 1 & 2 to fully illustrate the attachment of the assembly, a conventional extension ladder raised to an extended position and propped to the side of a building is proposed .

- A pair of U-channeled steel or hinge brackets 1 are harnessed to this ladder via the ladder base section frame rails 14 at a predetemined ladder rung 15 location.
Refer also to FIG. 6.
- The hinges 1 are mounted to the hollow bore of rung 15 with the installment of a steel threaded rod 2 joining thru them, parallel to the ladder rails 14. Refer also to FIG. 7.
- The embossment of each steel hinge bracket 1 allows for self-centering in relation to the hollow bore of the rung 15. Refer also to FIG. 6.
- Hinge mounting hardware 3 is then fastened to both ends of the steel threaded rod 2 at a specified torque setting to allow the hinge brackets 1 to pivot as needed.
Refer also to FIG. 7.
- After determining the overall length of the supplied extension ladder, two wooden stabilizer support planks 5 are purchased by the consumer to suit the length and size requirements of the device (longer ladders will require longer and possibly "stiffer"
supports).
- The stabilizer support planks 5 are then sawed at mitre cut locations 9 & 11 and drilled thru at drilling locations 8 & 10 to the suit the specified requirements of the design. Refer also to FIG. 8.
- The stabilizer support planks 5 are then mounted into the hinges 1 using the support mounting hardware 4 in the drilled hole locations 10 of the planks 5.
- The support mounting hardware 4 is then fastened to a specified torque setting to allow the stabilizer support planks 5 to swivel outwards away from the ladder rails 14 as needed. Refer also to FIG. 7.
- The clearance gained by sawing the mitre cut 11 allows increased rotation of the stabilizer support planks 5 outwards from the ladder rails 14. Refer also to FIG. 8.
- The mitre cut 9 sawed at the bottom of the stabilizer support planks 5 allows for improved friction/ penetration of the surrounding terrain that the ladder will be used on.
Refer also to FIG. 8.
- A pair of plastic tie-wraps 6 are loosely attached to each of the stabilizer support planks using the drilled hole locations 8. Refer also to FIG's. 8 & 9.
- A pair of `level and angle of inclination' wire indicators 13 are bent to a desired shape and both are fastened loosely to a high location along the outer side of the stabilizer support planks 5 with the use of two wood screws. Refer also to FIG's. 4 & 11.
Pau 2 - The outer side of the stabilizer support planks 5 are also inscribed with a dark line to visually represent a 15 degree angle at the point where the wood screw 12 is fastened.
Refer also to FIG. 4.
- A pair of bungee cords _7 are connected to the pair of plastic tie-wraps 6 used near the bottom of the stabilizer support planks 5 to help maintain the assembly at a correct angular aspect. Refer also to FIG. 3.
- This pair of bungee cords 7 can also be used near the bottom of the stabilizer support planks 5 to help retain them alongside of the ladder base section frame rails 14 for storage & transport of the entire assembly. Refer also to FIG. 4.

Erection of the extension ladder:

- A suitable location to rest the ladder and device are determined, that are free of obstacles (overhead and at ground level).
- Ensure that the terrain is of adequate firmness to allow proper anchoring of both the extension ladder base rails 14 and the pair of wooden stabilizer support planks S (loose ground or sand may cause failure of the ladder/device operation creating a possibility of grave personnal injury - if in doubt, solidify using appropriate means such as laying down additional planking or plywood).
- Take notice of any angular variations (slope) of the ground level and be prepared to adjust the extension ladder base rails 14 accordingly to suit the ground profile.
- The assembled device and extension ladder are transported to the worksite area.
- Lay the "upper" extension ladder section down flat on the ground, ensuring that the ladder `foot' is against the base of the wall or vertical structure that you will be attempting to ascend (climb). If the foot cannot be anchored in this manner, a second person should be used to help secure it. Refer to PHOTO A.
- Lift the ladder's top section (at the peak) and maintain foreward pressure against the anchored foot. Refer to PHOTO B.
- Lift the ladder overhead to the highest point of reach with your hands and raise ladder towards the wall/vertical structure using a hand over hand method. Refer to PHOTO C.
- As you reach the mid point of the ladder, remain focused and continue to raise the top portion while increasing pressure against the foot/anchored point until the ladder is standing straight upright. Refer to PHOTO D.
- Rest the upper portion of the ladder against the wall/vertical structure while being careful to avoid any damage to glass or fragile surfaces. Then, lift the ladder base (foot) outwards and away from the wall/vertical structure approximately five feet (in length) away. Refer to PHOTO E.
- With care, lean back the upper section of the ladder away from the wall/vertical structure, until the ladder is standing straight upright again. Refer to PHOTO
F.
- Slowly, while anchoring the bottom rung of the ladder with your foot, carefully extend the ladder using its rope and pulley system until a desired length is established. Refer to PHOTO G.
NOTE: Ensure the top section (peak) of the extension ladder is to be extended no less than three rungs above the top edge of the wall/vertical structure. Refer to FIGs. 1 & 2.

- Carefully lay the top section (peak) of the extension ladder against the top edge of the wall/vertical structure. Refer to PHOTO H.

> The ladder is now ready for angular alignment & levelling with the use of the "Ladder-Adder" Ladder Stabilizing Device Operation of the device:

- Align the extension ladder frame 14 utilizing the bent wire "indicators" 13 that were mounted along the outside edge of the wooden stabilizer support planks f of the assembly. Ensure that the ladder frame 14 is plumb (perpendicular to the ground) and that its angle of inclination from foot to peak is set at 15 degrees. Adjust the ladder frame 14 accordingly determined by the reference of the indicators 13. Refer to FIG's.
1 & 4.
- Ensure that the anchoring of the extension ladder frame 14 is secure. If the ground is sloped or uneven,then level it using appropriate means (adjust the uneven ground, place wide shims under the floating ladder frame rail 14 or use a ladder levelling attachment).
Note: All extension ladder bases must be anchored properly prior to attempting any ascent.
- Release/remove the two bungee straps 7 from the "storage set up" (of the device assembly) and swing outwards the two wooden stabilizer support planks 5 away from the extension ladder frame 14. Refer to FIG. 3.
- Then, allow the stabilizer support planks 5 to `pivot' towards the wall/vertical structure until they can be lowered down plumb and on a plane parallel with the wall/vertical structure. Refer to FIG. 5.
The stabilizer support planks 5 are rotated/pivoted via the mechanics of the main hinge bracket 1 and the various fastening components 2, 3 & 4 listed previously in the `assembly of the device section'. Refer to FIG's 1, 3 & 5.
- The stabilizer support planks 5 will appear to spread out in a rough V-formation when viewed, depending on the slope of the terrain. Refer to FIG's.I & 3.
- If the slope is severe, then simply attach an appropriate extension strut plank to the wooden stabilizer support plank 5 that requires lengthening (allow these additional strut planks to overlap by a minimum of two feet in length and secure them together by fastening long woodscrews through them). Refer to FIG. 1.
- In order to help secure the wooden stabilizer support planks 5 from slipping, stretch the two bungee cords _7 together between the plastic tie-wraps 6 (located near the bottom of the wooden stabilizer support planks 5) and attach to each other. Refer to FIG's 1, 2 & 3.
- If the bungee cords 7 are of insufficient length, then simply incorporate a length of rope between the cords 7 to help adjust the tension to suit the specific ladder/assembly configuration (longer length extension ladders will require additional rope to be implemented due to a wider V-formation `spread' of longer wooden stabilizer support planks 5 used in the assembly).
- The geometry of the mitre cut tips 9 of the stabilizer support planks 5 allow for improved penetration/anchoring of the terrain when weight is applied to the ladder and device assembly. Refer to FIG's.I & 3.

Claims (5)

1. Stabilizer appliance for the support of a two legged extension ladder against sidewards and inverted movement, constituting in junction.

(a) First and second hinge brackets appendable to the outer side surfaces of the side frame rails of a two legged extension ladder imminent to the upper ends about 2/3rds thereof, each hinge bracket adjoining to said outer side surfaces of the side frame rails through a specifically designed embossment. These hinge brackets having an integrally formed, U-shaped channel projecting outwardly from the side plate surface at a deliberated acute angle, there being aligned slots formed centrally through the opposed sides of the said U-shaped channel.

(b) And, a detachable restraint member attached to wooden stabilizer support plank members at a location across one and another ends of said wooden stabilizer support plank members of said ladder for limiting the distance on to which either first or second stabilizer support plank members can be spread relative to said side frame rails of the extension ladder to which said stabilizer support plank members are hinged.

(c) The use of wood as a specific support medium is constituted by the fact of its excellent resistance to electrical conductivity throughout its entire body and its ease of availability and function.

2. The stabilizer appliance as in claim 1 wherein said stabilizer support plank members each include at least two segments joined in relation and means for temporarily locking the two segments together upon rotation of both segments relative to the other by a predetermined distance. The angle influenced by the stabilizer support plank members upon the extension ladder, when encompassed by the set up, restricts rotational stress of the ladder peak and reduces the risk of a fall.

3. A ladder assembly comprising;

(a) A pair of hinge brackets secured to said frame rails, each including a U-shaped channel attaching a wooden stabilizing support plank aligned at an established acute angle with adherence to the frame rail connected by a fastening device aligned through a ladder rung about 2/3rds the length of the ladder base section.

(b) Tow lengths of flexible bungee cord having one end of each fore mostly secured in respect to both of the stabilizer support receiving plastic tie wraps between said stabilizer supports to limit the extent to which said stabilizer supports can be spread relative to the frame rails at an established angle during use or to fold and secure the stabilizer supports against the frame rails for storage.

(c) The adoption of a unique aide and guide design of the device to enhance the alignment of the initial placement and set-up of the ladder is given. Included are the instructions of fabrication, placement and technique within the device scheme.
The advantage of use of this appliance is of unbelievable assistance to the consumer for safety purposes.

4. Another claim is the application of this device implemented with varying sizes of extension ladders to allow diversity and flexibility of use. A unique ability to have "one size fits all" is very fundamental within the scope of the consumer.

5. What is also claimed is the simplicity of design and setup of the device to ensure popularity and functionality within the construction trade and with the home buyer.
Included also is the technique requiring the addition of a mated supplemental wooden strut member to enhance the limited length of a wooden stabilizer support plank member when the device assembly is established upon sideways sloping ground.