GB2279102A

GB2279102A - Ladder head

Info

Publication number: GB2279102A
Application number: GB9325511A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edwin Busenhart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-06-16
Filing date: 1993-12-14
Publication date: 1994-12-21
Also published as: EP0598874A1; DE59305140D1; WO1993025793A1; AU669908B2; JPH06509853A; CA2115752A1; AU4304793A; DK0598874T3; ES2096919T3; EP0598874B1; GB9325511D0; ATE147829T1

Abstract

A ladder (1) is provided with a multi-purpose head (19) which may be fixed on the ladder by means of two transition pieces (101/101'). The head (19) has supporting paws (29) which allow not only the secure positioning of the ladder on straight wall faces, internal corners and external corners but additionally increase the security for the user. Additional bearing faces may be provided to allow stable support on ledge-like wall projections. Vertically and horizontally acting bearing faces are used for this purpose. The multi-purpose head may be fastened in a selectable height position on the ladder via rapid gripping elements. <IMAGE>

Description

Ladder, kit, and positioning support for ladder Technical field: The invention relates to ladders with two stringers or stiles which are connected by rungs and which form a foot end and an opposite upper application end, and are adapted to be leaned against wall surfaces.

Ladders are probably amongst the oldest aids for workmen, and more and more for domestic and leisure use as well, for carrying out quickly small tasks at heights which the average person cannot reach.

State of the art: Very many different kinds of ladder are produced.

From for example very simple wooden ladders, aluminium ladders, stepladders, to complicated ladders for example combined extension and step ladders. Simple lean-on ladders have the advantage that positioning them at an inclination against the wall results in putting the user at a certain distance from the wall, so that, depending on the length of the ladder, articles of furniture, or some body, or for example a strip of garden in a lower corner region between ground and wall are bridged and do not cause trouble. For lean-on ladders there is an optimum angle of lean of about 700, this corresponding to safety-technology standards and regulations.

The accident risk rises with the height to which the person using the ladder has to climb, but there are more particularly especial risks with smooth ground surfaces and walls, since in such cases there is often only slight adhesion, because the contact surfaces on the ladder are very small and hard. The predominantly vertically acting forces emanating from the ladder user divide of course into a vertical force normal to the ground and a horizontal sliding force which, in the event of insufficient adhesion between ladder end and ground, on for example polished floors, can result in the ladder slipping away, which can be prevented only by a second person exerting counter-pressure on the foot end. When carrying out cleaning work on glass surfaces the risk of ladders slipping off is often obviated by using pairs of steps, or step ladders, which are independent of walls.But on the other hand a step ladder also has considerable other disadvantages, in fact, since it has only limited stability, and the working distances when carrying out work on walls are usually disadvantageous as well.

Slipping-away of a ladder at the foot end can be prevented by additional safety measures; on the other hand, sideways slipping-away of the upper application end of a ladder on the wall is a further danger. However, the general experience is that going up ladders does not present great risks provided that regulations for use are observed: for example correct angle of lean, examination of ground friction conditions, considering the nature of the wall surface, satisfactory application of the upper ladder application ends against vertical surfaces and the lower foot ends against the ground.

Thus, dangers when using ladders result not only from weight loads but more particularly from the lateral actions of forces emanating from the activity of the person on the ladder. The stiles of a ladder are usually of slightly elastic construction, so that small unevennesses, or where floor and wall do not precisely form two surfaces at right angles, are equalised-out elastically by ladder torsion.

But in many cases it is not possible to eliminate relatively large deviations in that way. In actual practice, therefore, desirable ideal conditions for the positioning of ladders are unfortunately not provided, so that the user often makes risky compromises. For example he or she goes up the ladder even when only the more or less hard, pointcontact application end of one stile is bearing against the wall. The other application end is then constrained by slight twisting of the ladder, though unsafely, to abut on the wall. Then especially if the user does not have a good natural technical sense, an unstable situation develops, since the action of the user's force co-operates with the

internalpreload of the ladder, with an only limited pressureapplication adhesion.In addition, when such stresses occur the two foot ends also receive destabilising unfavourable force effects, resulting in danger/ accident situations.

Further sources of danger lie in the fact that conditions may be disadvantageous to virtually impossible for positioning ladders in certain space circumstances such as external and/or internal corners formed by walls, and this is often neglected by ladder users.

A normal ladder also cannot, without additional securing arrangements, be leaned on posts or columns of less than 40 cm diameter. Many accident-prevention authorities and ladder manufacturers issue instruction literature indicating that such risky uses are forbidden, to avoid corresponding considerable risks of accident.

Besides known accident risks, ladder users come up against a further large problem area, that of damage to wall and ground or floor surfaces by scratching, rubbing and pressure marks, for example in the case of delicate colour coatings, glass, stone, wood surfaces, etc.

Representation of the invention An embodiment of the invention improves safety for ladder users, so that accidents connected therewith can be prevented as far as possible, also to considerably widen the safe range of possible uses for lean-on ladders and also to obviate damaging buildings, without complicating the work carried out standing on ladders or complicating the use of ladders. An embodiment of the invention makes it possible for existing ladders to be provided with subsequent equipment, or refitted, in a simple and safe manner, and for use-specific various ladder application systems to be interchanged quickly, e.g. in seconds within the context of a modular system.

The solution according to the invention is characterised in that the two upper application ends have pairwisearranged bearing contact surfaces which can be effective in or brought into two spatial directions.

The inventor perceived that hitherto the problem of ladders was so to speak seen only in one plane, or in two, as far as the manufacturer was concerned.

In normal use a lean-on ladder is placed on the ground and positioned against the wall at an angle of 70". The ladder is dimensioned in accordance with given loads. The rest is up to the user.

For special uses it is known to provide at the application ends for example screw connections for example according to US PS No. 4 143 743. For normal lean-on ladders the manufacturers did not take into their considerations the third plane, a transverse plane perpendicular to the wall, although it is precisely in this plane that the most problems can be eliminated, such as: - risks of accidents to users, - damage to objects and articles.

To ensure safe support of the upper application ends against wall surfaces, simply bearing contact zones acting perpendicularly against the wall are not adequate. It is more particularly preferred according to the invention to arrange the bearing contact surfaces such that they contact the wall over a full surface and are constructed for example as interchangeable intensive-adhesion studs with circular bearing contact surfaces.

If additional bearing contact surfaces are arranged to act in other spatial directions it is also possible to counteract the various forces acting from the work being performed. It is proposed to arrange the individual bearing contact surfaces in paired/mirror-image situations relatively to a plane wall surface and/or to the two surfaces of an internal and/or external corner, and especially preferably the bearing contact surfaces are constructed as adhesion elements whose directions of action are situated in a common plane of action - for multifunctional usability for plane wall surfaces and for internal and external corners.

It has been found, surprisingly, that according to the invention not only is great additional safety achieved in normal cases of use against plane wall surfaces but for the first time, contrary to what is prescribed in the state of the art hitherto, the use of ladders on internal and external corners is made possible, and even offers greater safety than when using ladders on a straight wall.

Many tests have shown a positioning safety even in many extreme situations such as could not be achieved hitherto by means of lean-on ladders of known type.

Advantageously the common plane of action of the bearing contact surfaces is situated transversely to the two stiles, or it is adapted to be brought into a transverse plane which forms an angle of preferably about 110 relatively to the stiles. The application ends can be constructed as angled-over fixed extensions of the two stiles and the bearing contact surfaces arranged on the application ends.

The invention also relates to a ladder with two stiles which form a foot end and an upper lean-on or application end, and is characterised in that the two stiles comprise an articulation for a pivot pin in the region of the upper application ends.

In a further especially advantageous feature of the invention the application end is constructed as a positioning prop or support which is connectable via the articulations to the stiles, the articulations forming preferably an axis of rotation parallel to the rungs of the ladder.

In the fitted state the positioning support is angled at about 1100 relatively to the stiles, and is so limited in both directions of rotation by abutments that it can be lifted and lowered readily about the axis of rotation. Tests have shown that by means of an articulated connection the user-caused vertical spring moment of a lean-on ladder is oscillated-out, and instead of an adhesion-reducing slipping of the bearing contact surfaces an adhesion-intensive permanent pressing-on of the bearing contact surfaces is ensured. As a result, risks of accident or damage to wall surfaces are reduced or excluded. The bearing contact surfaces are constructed from individual, preferably interchangeable, rubber or plastics-type adhesion elements, for example as rubber studs.The bearing contact surfaces can be constructed as round or multi-face shaped elements, the bearing contact surfaces consisting of individual surface elements directed in various spatial directions.

According to a further feature it is proposed to construct the application ends as continuations of the two stiles, which are adjustable by means of hinge-type articulations into a position angled relatively to the stiles, and preferably the two application ends are positioning supports forming a rotatable unit.

The invention further relates to a kit for a ladder having two stiles constituting a foot end and an upper application end, and is characterised in that the kit comprises at least two transition pieces which in the region of the application end are connectable to the two stiles, and preferably have articulations.

Often, new inventions bring actual progress in the sense that, with an insignificant outlay, considerable damage, accident risks, trouble etc. could be avoided and/or rational and economic aspects are massively improved. But since an invention is connected fundamentally with products, all previous old products not having the new inventive quality should be replaced or discarded. But, on rational grounds, in actual practice this is only done to a small extent, which hinders real technical progress.In the case of ladders this problem could be solved in a surprisingly simple way with the idea according to the invention of the kit with the central element comprising two transition pieces which are fixable to the stiles, assemblable with force-locking connections with lean-on ladders by means of a pin and hole pattern system even over ranges of many different rung spacings and rung dimensions. Each transition piece can be of twopart construction; an articulation head part securely attachable on or to the stile end, and a second clamping part adapted to be connected to said articulation head part and adapted to be clamped fast along the stiles preferably with respect to a rung. 80 to 90 % of all existing ladders, or lean-on ladders, can be refitted in this way.Thus existing ladders retain their material value entirely, and canberefitted with the new ladder addition system according to the invention by means of small holes at the two stile ends.

For the basic application function the kit has paired protective caps made preferably of rubber-type or synthetic plastic material type material, these being connectable at the articulations by means of rapid-action fastenings to the transition pieces and thus the lean-on ladder.

As a further main element it comprises a positioning support for a multifunctionally extended ladder use range, this being connectable via the articulations to the transition pieces and being constructed as a positioning element against internal wall corners and external wall cor -ners and also as an application element for normal walls.

A securing element, preferably a rapid clamping element, for rapid assembly or disassembly and/or interchanging of various positioning supports or protective caps.

The interchangeable modular-type multifunctional positioning supports usually have preferably for both stiles pivot pins with surplus length for assembly with ladders of differing widths.

In an especially advantageous feature of the invention in the form of a positioning support this is characterised in that it has a plurality of elastic bearing contact surfaces which are arranged on two supporting arms pairwise in each case. Preferably there are arranged on each supporting arm at least three elastic bearing contact surfaces whose directions of action form an angle, preferably of twice 45" in each case, constructed as a 3-function head.

It has been found that a lean-on ladder with a positioning support not only provides greater safety for the user but affords also the quite special advantage of greater/optimum spacing between ladder and wall in the uppermost region even with the greater safety achieved.

It is also proposed that the positioning support has a pivot pin or two pivot pins arranged on the opposite side from the bearing contact surfaces, and preferably situated in a common plane with the bearing contact surfaces.

Advantageously the bearing contact surfaces are constructed with variously orientated bearing contact surfaces, or as individual studs with an annular bearing contact surface.

In a further advantageous feature the positioning support, secured movably on a central pivot pin, has four pivotably secured supporting arms. The four supporting arms can be brought each by means of 90" locating arrangements integral with the pivot pin into three different positions and used fivefold-functionally through 450angled bearing studs. The preferably soft individual bearing contact studs are made of rubber and/or soft synthetic plastic material, so that together with up to 8-fold positioning surfaces only optimum-reduced and careful pressure application forces result against highly vulnerable backgrounds such as for example glass. Especially preferably the supporting arms are arranged to be individually pivotable for a multifunctional use capability on plane surfaces and/or internal and external wall corners.

In the following the invention will now be described with the use of a plurality of examples of embodiment with further details.

Short description of the invention In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a classic simple lean-on ladder; Fig. 2 is a side view of a refitted ladder embodying

the invention; plan plan Fig. 2a is a/view thereof positioned against a straight wall; Fig. 2b is a plan view when the ladder is positioned against an internal corner; Fig. 2c is a plan view when the ladder is positioned against an external corner; Fig. 3 shows a flat positioning support; Fig. 3a shows a rubber stud with an annular bearing contact surface; Figs. 4, 4a, 4b, 4c show similarly to Figs. 2 a simple positioning support with fixed angled upper stile ends in the three basic forms of use; Figs. 5 and 5a show angled supporting arms which are connectable securely to the stiles; Figs. 6 and 6a correspond to Figs. 4, 4a, 4b;; Figs. 7 and 7a show angled supporting arms which are connected to the stiles by means of a hinge; Figs. 8 and 8a show angled supporting arms which are connected to the transition pieces/stiles by means of a pivot pin; Figs. 9, 9a, 9b and 9c show the use of pairwisearranged one-piece supporting paws with variously orientated bearing contact surfaces in the three basic kinds of use; Figs. 10, 10a, lOb and lOc show similarly to Fig. 9 pairwise-arranged one-piece supporting paws but in circular-disc form; Figs. 11, lla, 11b and 11c show various elements of a modular system, especially with a transition piece; Figs. 12, 12a, 12b and 12c show various positions of protective caps; Figs. 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and 13e show a positioning support with four supporting arms for surface support.

Figure 14 shows a conventional simple adjustable ladder.

Figure 14a shows a ladder with an adjustable head mounted thereon embodying the novel invention.

Figure 15 shows a plane supporting head with two supporting paws embodying the invention.

Figure 15a shows a rubber peg with an annular supporting face.

Figure 15b shows the fastening of the adjustable support via a hinge pin to a transition piece on the uprights of a ladder.

Figures 16, 16a, 16b, 16e show a simple ladder head designed embodying the invention, the supporting paws being designed as a continuation of the upper ends of the uprights.

Figure 17 shows a conversion system embodying the invention for ladders in a side view consisting of transition piece and supporting head with supporting paws designed as a threepurpose head.

Figure 17a is a plan of Figurel7.

Figure 18 shows a complete ladder adjustable head with rapid gripping means (s-s) for the transition pieces and rapid locking means (S-F-K) for the supporting head.

Figures 18a and 18b show, roughly schematically the mounting of a transition piece and of the supporting head.

Figure 18c shows a transition piece including rapid closure means.

Figures 19 and 19a are a side view and plan of a supporting head mounted directly on a ladder.

Figure 20 shows a different design of the shaped member or attaching elements.

Figure 20a shows a supporting paw as a partial plan of Figure 20.

Figure 21 shows the adjusting of a ladder to a ledge-type building projection.

Figure 2lais a plan of Figure 21.

Figure 22 shows an example of the use of the ladder according to Figure 21 on a low building.

Figure 23 shows an extendable ladder adjusted and supported on a wall ledge.

Figures 24, 24a, 24b and 24c show schematically a supporting head and supporting paws in the three basic applications.

Figure 24d shows an articulated head with a hinge pin.

Figures 25 to 25c show a further design of shaped members and supporting paws Figures 26 to 26c show the use of a paired integral supporting paw with bearing faces orientated in different ways in the three basic applications.

Figures 27 to 27c show spherical supporting paws.

Figures 28 and 28a show a ladder head connected rigidly to the uprights.

Figures 29 and 29a show an angled ladder head which is connected to the two uprights by a hinge.

Figure 30 shows a press mould for the supporting head.

Figure 30a shows a stamping mould for the supporting head according to Figure 30 prior to pressing Figure 30b shows the finished supporting head according to Figures 30 and 30a.

Figure 30c is a section B-B from Figure Figures 31 to 31e show an adjustable head with its contact faces which are arranged in two parallel planes.

Ways of carrying out the invention Fig.l shows a conventional simple lean-on ladder 1

which is supported

on a floor 4 by means of a foot end 2 and is leaned against a flat wall 5 by means of an upper application end 3. The lean-on ladder 1 has two stiles 6 and 6' respectively and a plurality of rungs 7. The stiles 6 and 6' of the lean-on ladder 1 are leaned at an inclination against the wall 5 at an angle of about 700 to the floor 4. Considered ideally a weight G corresponding to the weight of a user divides into a vertical force V and a horizontal force H on the floor, and an application force AW against the wall 5. The lean-on ladder 1 is first placed vertically on the floor 4 and then leaned against the wall 5 parallel to the wall 8 through a vertical plane 8' through an imaginary central line 9.

The two application ends 3 of the stiles 6 and 6' bring about the application force AW, these forces acting in substantially the same directions in a horizontal imaginary transverse plane 10. The corresponding angle supplements the angle being about 1100 relatively to the two stiles 6 and 6'. When being positioned against and taken away from the wall 5 the lean-on ladder 1 basically carries out a movement according to arrow AB. It is assumed that at least during use the lean-on ladder 1, or the upper application end 3, carries out no lateral movement S within the transverse plane 10.

Fig. 2 should now be referred to, this showing an example of embodiment of the new invention, with the three most important varieties of use. Fig. 2 is a side view of a ladder 1 against a wall 5. The ladder 1 is leaned against the wall 5 via a positioning prop or support 20.

Fig. 2a is a plan view of Fig. 2 and shows the ladder 1 used at a flat vertical wall surface 5. Fig. 2b is also a plan view on to Fig. 2 but shows the use of the ladder 1 on an internal corner 21 formed by two corresponding wall surfaces 21' and 21" respectively situated at an angle of 900 to one another. Fig. 2c is a further plan view on to Fig. 2, showing the ladder 1 used at an external corner 22 which is again formed by two corresponding wall surfaces 22' and 22" situated at an angle of 900 relatively to one another.

The positioning support 20 is shown on a larger scale in Fig. 3 and comprises two supporting arms 23, 23' respectively which are formed in mirror-image relationship with respect to a plane of symmetry 24 and are connected securely by means of screws 25 to form one unit. Arranged at the two supporting arms 23, 23' respectively are a plurality of bearing contact surfaces 26, which are formed by individual rubber studs 27. The rubber stud 27 has a direction of action R1 parallel to the vertical plane 8', and brings about substantially a perpendicular positioning force AW and is intended for positioning against a flat wall 5. An example of a rubber stud 27 is shown in perspective in Fig. 3a and on a larger scale again. The positioning force AW is transmitted to the wall 5 via an annular bearing contact surface 26.Here, normal forces AN and friction forces AR resulting from the lateral force actions AB, AB' respectively from the user are brought about, in accordance with the static friction between the material of the rubber stud 27 and the nature of the wall 5. Thus the stud 27 takes over very considerable lateral forces which emanate from the actions of force AB, AB' respectively. The rubber stud 27 is pressed preferably interchangeably into suitable holes 28 in the positioning support 20. The rubber stud 27' is directed to deviate at an angle of 450 from the direction of action of the positioning force AW, and is intended as a bearing contact surface 26 for an internal corner 21. Here the positioning force AW divides into a direction of action R2 and a direction of action R2' offset by 900, over the two supporting arms 23, 23' respectively.It will also be discerned from Fig. 3 that depending on the action of force AB, or AB' respectively by the rules of statics a greater normal force is exerted either on the left-hand rubber stud 27' or on the right-hand rubber stud 27'. As a result,in accordance with the increase in the normal force on the rubber stud 27' the friction force increases, and thus the static friction is increased through the corresponding surface 26. Thus within a normal working action an increase in the lateral sliding force when using the ladder in a corner results in increasing the safety level of the ladder supporting forces. Analogously the force actions AB in the case of the rubber studs 27" result in an increase in the ladder supporting forces likewise when using the ladder at an external corner. To increase safety the studs 27" can be arranged double in each case.

The rubber studs 27"' come to be used when the ladder 1 is positioned against an upright or post. The effect in this case is identical to the action of the rubber studs 27".

In Fig. 3 an irregular line indicates a supporting paw 29 of the supporting arm 23'. At that side of the positioning supports 20 which is opposite from the rubber studs 27 there are arranged two pivot shafts 30, 30' respectively with a common axis of rotation 31, these being mounted rotatably by means of supporting bolts 32.

Figs. 4, 4a, 4b and 4c will now be referred to, these showing analogously to Figs. 2 to 2c the use of a ladder 1 on a flat wall 5 and on an internal corner 21 and external corner 22 respectively. Here the supporting paws 29 are identical to the construction shown in Fig. 3. But in Figs. 4, 4a, 4b, 4c the two supporting paws 29 constitute a prolongation of the stiles 6, 6' respectively, the app -lication end 3 being angled-over at an angle ss of about 1100. The transition arc 40 can be part of the stile profile itself. This solution is especially suitable for rather short, one-piece, very economically priced ladders.

Figs. 5 and 5a show a variant of Figs. 4, with a positioning element 20'connected securely to the stiles for example by screwed connections.

Figs. 6 and 6a correspond to Fig. 4.

Figs. 7 and 7a have a hinge 41 which establishes the connection of the positioning element 20" to the stiles 6, 6'. The hinge 41 can be put into an extended position (dashed line) when the ladder is not in use, so that only a small amount of space is required for storage. In the angled-over position (full-line position) a stop or abutment 42 secures in the working position.

Figs. 8 and 8a show the use of the positioning supports 20 in the case of a ladder 1 with an arrangement fastening by means of the pivot pins 30, 30' respectively. Fig.

8 shows that various ladder widths LB can be connected with the pivot pins 30, 30', since the corresponding dimensions Spi and Spa respectively of the pivot pins 30, 30' are designed in accordance with the largest and smallest ladder widths.

Figs. 9, 9a, 9b and 9c show a simplified form of the supporting paws 29a, the supporting paw 29a being formed here of a single body made of rubber or synthetic plastic material. The supporting paw 29a has an inside, front, and outside bearing contact surface 50, 51, 52 respectively, the inside bearing contact surface 50 forming an angle ff of about 90" relatively to the outside bearing contact surface 52.

In Figs. 10, lOa, lOb and lOc a disc-shaped supporting paw 29b has been used.

Figs. 11 and 11a show the upper application end 3 of a ladder 1. On each of the two stiles 6, 6' a transition piece 60 is mounted, at the head top and along the inside of the stiles 6, 6'. Each transition piece 60 consists of a joint head upper part 61 and a clamping part 62. The joint head upper part 61 is given a shape adapted to the head top, and can be secured by means of a cotter pin 63 in the stiles 6, 6' respectively. The clamping part is connected by means of dogs 64 to the joint head upper part 61, and is clamped by means of a clamping nut 65 to the joint head upper part 61 against a rung 7. The joint head upper part 61 has at the end an articulation 66 which is constructed for securing for example the pivot pins 30, 30', in accordance with Figs.

2 and 3. Each pivot pin 30, 30' (axis of rotation 31) is secured against the transition piece 60 by means of a rapid action clamping element 67. Figs. llb, 11c and ild have

section three different forms of transition/pieces 68, 68', 68" res- pectively so that the transition piece can also be adapted to various stile forms and/or types. A rubber abutment 69 is also securely mounted on the transition piece 6(). The rubber abutment 69 has a double function : firstly it consti tutesanon-damaging bearing contact support on a flat wall 5, and secondly the rubber abutment 69 serves as an abutment for the positioning support 20 also (Fig. 2, 2a, 2b, 2c).

Figs. 12, 12a, 12b and 12c show the use of protective caps 70 which can be mounted on each stile 6, 6' for example in place of the positioning supports 20, with the same kind of securing arrangement, by means of rapid-action clamping elements 67. The protective caps allow the application of the ladder against highly vulnerable surfaces such as to avoid damage and protect the transition pieces 60 from fouling.

Figs. 13, 13a to 13e show a face support 80 which in an analogous manner to Figs. 2, 2a to 2c, is securable by means of an axis of rotation 31 or pivot pin 30,30' to the transition piece of a ladder 1. The face support 80 shows the double use of the supporting arms which here are arranged as a pair in each case offset vertically. The upper support part 81 and lower support part 82 are adjustable by means of in each case a spacing-pattern pivot 84/85 and secured on the connecting rod 83. Fig. 13a shows the use of the face support on a flat wall 5, Fig . 13b on an internal corner, and Fig. 13c on an external corner. The two support parts 81 and 82 according to a further feature are adapted to move pivotally about a vertical pivot point 84, 85 respectively outwardly and inwardly. Fig. 13d shows the support parts 81 and 82 in the pivoted-in position on a straight wall 5. Fig. 13e shows the swung-out position wherein the supporting surface is almost doubled as compared to Fig.

13d. The solutions of Figs. 13d and 13e are suitable especially for leaning the ladder directly against glass or other highly vulnerable surfaces.

Further arrangements and embodiments can be seen from Figures 14 to 31.

Claims

1. Ladder, with two stiles connected by rungs and forming a foot end and an opposite upper application end, which can be leaned against wall surfaces, characterised in that the two upper application ends have pairwise-arranged bearing contact surfaces which can be brought into or are effective in two spatial directions.

2. Ladder according to claim 1, characterised in that the individual bearing contact surfaces are situated in oppositely identical situations congruently to a plane wall surface and/or to the two surfaces of an internal or external corner.

3. Ladder according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the bearing contact surfaces are constructed as adhesion elements whose directions of action are situated in a common plane of action, for multifunctional use for plane wall surfaces and also for internal and external corners.

4. Ladder according to claim 3, characterised in that the common plane of action of the bearing contact surfaces is arranged transversely with respect to the two stiles, or can be brought into a transverse plane which forms with the stiles an angle in the range of about 100 - 1200, preferably about 110.

5. Ladder according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterised in that the application ends are constructed as angled-over extensions of the two stiles, and the bearing contact surfaces are arranged on the application ends.

6. Ladder with two stiles which form a foot end and an upper application end, preferably according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterised in that the two stiles have in the region of the upper application ends an articulation for a pivot pin.

7. Ladder according to claim 6, characterised in that the application end is constructed as a positioning support which is connectable via the articulations to the stiles and the articulations preferably form an axis of rotation parallel to the rungs of the ladder.

8. Ladder according to claim 7, characterised in that the positioning support in the mounted state projects approximately at right angles to the stiles, and can be readily lifted and lowered about the axis of rotation in both directions of rotation to an extent limited by abutments.

9. Ladder according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterised in that the bearing contact surfaces are formed from individual, preferably interchangeable, adhesion elements of rubber and/or synthetic plastic material type, and are constructed for example as rubber studs.

10. Ladder according to one of claims 1 - 9, characterised in that the bearing contact surfaces are constructed as round or multi-surface shaped bodies, the bearing contact surfaces consisting of individual surface elements directed in various spatial directions.

11. Ladder according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterised in that the application ends are constructed as prolongations of the two stiles, adjustable by means of hingetype articulations into positions angled relatively to the stiles individually, and preferably the two application ends form a rotatable unit, as a positioning support.

12. Kit for a ladder with two stiles which form a foot end and an upper application end, preferably according to one of claims 1 - 11, characterised in that the kit consists of at least two transition pieces which are variably connectable to the two stiles in the region of the application end, and preferably have articulations.

13. Kit according to claim 12, characterised in that it has protective caps preferably made of material of rubber or synthetic plastic material type, these being connectable to the transition piece by means of the articulations.

14. Kit according to claim 13, characterised in that it has a positioning support which is connectable to the transition piece by means of the articulations, and is constructed to be multifunctional as an internal wall corner support and external wall corner support and as a face support.

15. Kit according to one of claims 12 - 14, characterised in that it has securing elements preferably rapid-action clamping elements for rapid mounting and demounting and/or interchanging of various positioning elements.

16. Kit according to one of claims 12 - 15, characterised in that the positioning support has a pivot pin with some overlength preferably for both stiles, for mounting on stiles/stile spacings of differing widths.

17. Kit according to one of claims 12 - 16, characterised in that each transition piece is constructed in two parts : a fork-shaped joint head part adapted to be fitted to or on the stile end securely, and a second fork-shaped clamping part which is connectable thereto and which is adapted to be clamped securely along the stiles preferably opposite a rung. Head part and clamping part with a correctfit pin-and-hole locating system for allowing various rung dimensions and rung spacings to be comprehended.

18. Positioning support for ladders, characterised in that it has a plurality of elastic bearing contact surfaces which are arranged each pairwise on at least two supporting arms.

19. Positioning support for ladders, characterised in that there are arranged on each supporting arm preferably at least three elastic bearing contact surfaces whose directions of action form an angle preferably of in each case twice 45 , with construction as a three-function head.

20. Positioning support according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that it has one or two pivot pins arranged at the opposite side of the positioning support and being situated in a common plane with the bearing contact surfaces preferably.

21. Positioning support according to one of claims 18 20, characterised in that the bearing contact surfaces are constructed as interchangeable adhesion elements made integrally with variously orientated bearing contact surfaces, or as individual studs.

22. Positioning support according to one of claims 18 21, characterised in that it has four supporting arms connectable pivotally to a ladder, with bearing contact surfaces arranged pairwise in each case, giving flat support.

23. Positioning support according to claim 22, characterised in that the supporting arms are individually pivotally movable for allowing multifunctional use on plane surfaces such as for example highly vulnerable window surfaces, and also on internal and external corners formed by walls.

24. Ladder with two stiles connected by rungs and forming a foot end and an opposite upper application end, which is adapted to be leaned by means of a positioning support freely against wall surfaces, characterised in that the positioning support (20) has two supporting paws (29, 29a, 29b) on which shaped elements (27) are arranged (at least) pairwise in oppositely-identical situations, with (contact or) bearing contact surfaces (26, 50, 51, 52) directed to be effective in at least two spatial directions each, for allowing multifunctional use of the ladder (1).

25. Ladder according to claim 24, characterised in that the shaped elements (27) are constructed as interchangeable adhesion elements of rubber stud type preferably, and their bearing contact surfaces (26, 50, 51, 52) are arranged congruently with respect to a plane wall surface (5) and/or to the two surfaces of an internal corner (21) and/or external corner (22).

26. Ladder according to claim 24 or 25 charactertised in that the directions of action (R1, R2, R3) of the bearing contact surfaces (26, 50, 51, 52) are situated in a common plane of action or in parallel action planes, for threefunctional usability of the ladder, for plane wall surfaces (5) as well as for internal corners (21) and external corners (22).

27. Ladder according to one of claims 24 to 26 characterised in that the supporting paws (29, 29a, 29b) form angled-over extensions of the two stiles (6, 6'), such that the plane or planes of action of the bearing contact surfaces is/are arranged transversely to the two stiles (6, 6') or bringable into a transverse plane (10) which forms with the stiles (6, 6') an angle in the range of about 100 to 1200, preferably about 110 .

28. Ladder according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterised in that the positioning support (20) is connectable to the ladder (1) by means of articulations (30, 30', 41) arranged parallel to the rungs (7) and in the mounted state projects at an angle from the stiles(6, 6'), limited by abutments (42).

29. Ladder according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterised in that the bearing contact surfaces (26, 50, 51, 52) are formed on individual adhesion elements of rubber or synthetic plastic material type, for example on rubber studs (27), or as round or multi-surface shaped elements whose bearing contact surfaces (50, 51, 52) consist of individual surface elements directed in various spatial directions.

30. Kit for a ladder with two stiles which form a foot end and an upper application end with a positioning support, preferably according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterised in that the kit comprises at least two

transition pieces (60) and has two supporting paws (29, cnn ec- 29a, 29b), adapted to be /ted as a positioning support (20) with the transition pieces (60) and usable multifunctionally as a wall internal corner and wall external corner support and also as a face support.

31. Kit according to claim30, characterised in that it has securing elements, preferably rapid-action clamping elements (67) for rapid mounting or demounting with clamping parts which are adapted to be clamped fast preferably opposite rungs (7).

32. Kit according to one of claims 30 or 31, characterised in that the positioning support (20) has a securing arrangement for example a pivot pin (30) having some overlength, for mounting on stiles/stile spacings of various widths.

33. Positioning support for ladders, preferably according to one of claims 24 to 32, characterised in that it has two supporting paws (29, 29a, 29b) with elastic shaped elements or adhesion elements arranged thereon having at least three each bearing contact surfaces (26, 50, 51, 52) whose directions of action form an angle preferably of twice 45 each, and especially preferably are situated in a common plane, for use as a three-function head.

34. Ladder with two uprights which are connected by rungs and form a foot end and an opposing upper adjustable end which is freely adjustable on walls or wall corners via elastic bearing means1 characterised in that it has two supporting paws (29, 29a, 29b) on which shaped members (27) are arranged symmetrically in pairs, with contact faces (26, 50, 51, 52) which are orientated so as to act in at least two respective spatial directions and may be elastically adapted to the wall face.

35. Ladder according to claim 34, characterised in that the contact faces (26, 50, 51, 52) are arranged congruently to a plane wall face (5) and/or to the two faces of an internal corner (21) and/or external corner (22) and/or ledge-type wall corners.

36. Ladder according to claim 34 or 35, characterised in that the shaped members (27) are designed as crown-shaped, rubber peg-like and preferably exchangeable attaching elements.

37. Ladder with two uprights which are connected by rungs and form a foot end and an opposing upper adjusting end which is freely adjustable on walls or wall corners via elastic bearing means, characterised in that it has two supporting paws (29, 29a, 29b) with contact faces (26, 50, 51, 52) which are arranged symmetrically in pairs and of which the working direction (R1, R2, R3) lies in a common working plane or in parallel working planes for the selective usability of the supporting paws for plane wall faces (5) and for internal corners (21) and external corners (22).

38. Ladder according to one of claims 34 to 37, characterised in that, as viewed from a centre line of the ladder, the contact faces for an external corner are arranged internally, the contact faces for an internal corner are arranged externally and the contact faces for plane wall faces are arranged therebetween, the three contact faces adopting a working direction preferably of 450 in two respective cases and particularly preferably lying in a common plane.

39. Ladder according to one of claims 34 to 38, characterised in that the shaped members are formed as plastics or rubber peg-like members on which the contact faces (26, 50, 51, 52) form individual attaching elements adaptable to the respective wall face, preferably with annular contact faces, the individual contact face particularly preferably being identical to or smaller than the heel of a ehoe.

40. Ladder according to one of claims 34 to 38, characterised in that the supporting paws are designed as round or multifaced shaped members of which the contact faces (50, 51, 52) consist of individual face elements orientated in different spatial directions, preferably with car tyre-like surf ace profiling.

41. Ladder according to one of claim 34 to 40, characterised in that vertically downwardly directed or working as well as horizontally directed contact faces are arranged in the region of the underside of the supporting paw for adjusting the ladder on a substantially horizontal or only slightly inclined wall face or on components projecting in the manner of a ledge.

42. Ladder according to claims 34 to 41, characterised in that the supporting paws are designed as part of a multi-purpose head, as a non-twisting U-shaped supporting head, the contact surfaces being arranged so as to project symmetrically on the two respective arms.

43. Ladder according to one of claim 34 to 42, characterised in that the supporting head may be connected to the ladder (1) via articulations (30, 30', 41) arranged parallel to the rungs (7) of the ladder (1).

44 Ladder according to one of claims 34 to 43, characterised in that the supporting head or multi-purpose head may be connected to transition pieces and has rapid gripping means for the non-twisting fixing of the transition pieces in the region of the two uprights, for example by fastening via two adjacent rungs, preferably at selectable points on the ladder.

45. Ladder according to one of claims 34 to 43, characterised in that the articulations have locking means for instantaneous, tool-free fastening of the supporting paws or of the multi-purpose head on the ladder.

46. Ladder according to one of claims 34 to 45, characterised in that the supporting head has vertically downwardly directed bearing faces and downwardly projecting shaped members or attaching elements and the horizontally directed bearing faces are preferably designed as shaped members or attaching elements arranged so as to project horizontally on the transition pieces.

47. Ladder according to one of claims 34 to 43, characterised in that the supporting paws (29, 29a, 29b) form angled projections of the two uprights (6, 6') such that the working plane of the bearing faces is arranged transversely to the two uprights (6, 6') or, in the case of a hinged connection, may be brought into a transverse plane (10) which assumes an angle in the region of about 100 or 1200, preferably of about 1100 to the uprights (6, 6').

48. Adjustable head for ladders, in particular for the conversion of adjustable ladders, characterised in that it is designed as a multi-purpose securing head with two symmetrical supporting paws, each supporting paw having contact faces which are arranged inwardly, outwardly and forwardly in three spatial directions and of which only the respective contact face of one spatial direction is actively in use in a normal application.

49. Adjustable head according to claim 48, characterised in that it is designed as a three-purpose securing head with a non-twisting U-shaped supporting head, the contact faces each being arranged so as to project on the two arms.

50. Adjustable head according to claim 48 or 49, characterised in that one or two bridging rails or hinge pins extending parallel to the rungs of the ladder are arranged on the adjustable head for fixing in a respective articulation or recess of the uprights or in transition pieces to the ladder.

51. Adjustable head for ladders according to one of claims 48 to 50, characterised in that it has transition pieces which may be arranged on the ladder, a bridging rail or shaft preferably being arranged on the U-shaped supporting head for the connection of supporting head and transition piece and for fastening to existing manufactured ladders of various dimensions.

52. Adjustable head for ladders according to one of claims 48 to 51, characterised in that the articulations have rapid locking means for the instantaneous application of the multipurpose securing head to the ladders, for example on the uprights or two transition pieces.

53. Adjustable head according to one of claims 48 to 52, characterised in that the transition pieces have rapid gripping means for fixing the transition pieces on the ladder, preferably for fastening via two selectable rungs.

54. Adjustable head according to one of claims 48 to 53, characterised in that the adjustable head has connecting means which may be arranged on ladders of different widths, wall supporting faces which are preferably active and passive preferably being arranged on the two arms of the adjustable support: internally for an external corner, centrally for a straight wall face and externally for an internal corner; the contact faces for an external corner particularly preferably being arranged substantially in alignment with the uprights of the broadest possible ladder.

55. Use of the adjustable head according to one of claims 48 to 54, characterised in that it may be attached by means of rapid gripping elements and transition pieces and a bridging rail or bridging shaft on existing adjustable, extendable and double ladders.

56. Kit for a ladder with two uprights which form a foot end and an upper adjustable end with an adjustable head preferably according to one of claims 34 to 55, characterised in that the kit consists of at least two transition pieces (60) and has two supporting paws (29, 29a, 29b) which may be connected as adjustable security head (20) to the transition pieces (60) and may be used selectively in a multi-purpose manner as wall internal corner or wall external corner support or as face support.

57. Kit according to claim 56, characterised in that it has rapid locking means for the instantaneous application of the supporting paws to the transition pieces and gripping elements (67) for mounting the transition pieces on the ladder, for example for fastening via two selectable rungs of the ladder.

58. Kit according to one of claims 56 or 57, characterised in that the adjustable support (20) has a fastening, for example a hinge pin (30) or bridging rail with excess length for mounting on uprights/upright intervals of different widths.

59. A ladder having a head for resting against a wall, the head having abutment means having one or more resilient abutment surfaces oriented to enable the abutment means to bear against a wall extending as a vertical plane parallel to the rungs and against a wall in at least one other orientation or configuration, such as an inside corner, an outside corner, or in a horizontal plane.

60. A head for a ladder according to claim 59.

61. A kit for converting a ladder into a ladder according to claim 59.

62. A ladder, a head or a kit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.