GB2323625A - Height-adjustable ladder support - Google Patents

Abstract

A ladder support comprises a height-adjustable support unit, having attachment means (10) adapted to releasably secure the support unit to a side-rail of the ladder. The ladder support may be arch shaped and may be asymmetric. Laterally extending support means may be provided to stabilize the support unit, and the support may have a length-adjustable base (1, 7, 8). One support may be provided on each side of a ladder, and they may be employed as a pair, or singly on eg a stairway.

Description

LADDER SUPPORT The present invention relates a support for a ladder, enabling the ladder to be stably supported on uneven or angled surfaces such as stairways.

There has long been a need, particularly among those who carry out D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) projects such as painting and decorating in the home, for a device which will enable the D.I.Y-er safely to use a ladder on steps or stairs. This particularly arises in the case of work needed to the stairwell walls, when a ladder is often precariously balanced on one step, facing at right angles to the rise of the stairway, having one ladder foot on the step, with the other 'floating off the step and supported on a pile of bricks or the like placed on the immediately preceding or lower step.

Some ladders have been proposed which aim to avoid this problem by having rails telescqpically-adjustable at the ladder foot, to enable the rails to be effectively adjusted so that each foot rests on adjacent steps. However, the primary need is for a separate device which can be used with the D.I.Y.er's existing ladder or, indeed, adaptable to be used with various types of ladder which may be employed from time to time. Some devices have been proposed, but many can be used only with certain types of ladder such as only those with hollow rails and/or rungs. And many such devices can effectively be employed on only certain types of stairway/step arrangements, for example because they attach across the ladder rails parallel to the bottom rung and are therefore unsuitable for narrow or shallow stairways. There is therefore a need for a universallyadaptable device for ladders which also renders the ladders safe in use on stairs.

In a first aspect, the invention provides support arrangement for a ladder7 the support arrangement comprising a height-adjustable ladder support unit in the form of a substantially arch shaped bar; and a ladder-attachment means mounted on, or forming an integral part of, the ladder support unit and adapted to releasably secure a side-rail of said ladder.

The support arrangement preferably also comprises stabilizing means adapted to stabilize the support unit.

Stabilizing means' may be attached at either end of the arch, and preferably both.

The geometry of the arch of the support unit will conveniently be adapted to allow it to support the weight of a ladder together with a person using the ladder and without bending or bowing out. We have found that a particularly preferred arrangement is a non-symmetric arch wherein the slope from one end of the arch base to its apex is of a shallower gradient than the slope from said apex to the other end.

In such an arrangement, the shallower slope may be for example from about 25 to about 50 degrees to the horizontal, preferably from around 30 to 45 degrees, when the arch is positioned for use on a stair.

The other part of the arch is preferably an irregular profile such that the end of the bar is substantially vertical when the arch is positioned for use on a stair.

The height adjustment means may be that as described herein below for the further embodiment of the invention which includes the length adjustable base member. By providing the height adjustment means at the end of the arch which is positioned in use in a substantially vertical alignment, the height adjustment means may be telescopically slidable as mentioned below, or comprise a threaded bolt which may adapted to be screwed into a correspondingly threaded nut fixed in the base of the arch.

In all embodiments of the invention described herein, the height adjustment means may also form the stabilising means by virtue of its shape. Typically the stabilizing means will be a foot of a larger cross section than the support unit, a bar held, or positionable in use, perpendicular to a line formed between the two ends of the support unit, or the like.

Similar stabilizing means may be present at the other end of the arch, in which event they may be of a similar arrangement to the other end, or different.

Generally the arrangement of the stabilizing means, when present, at the end of the bar which is not height adjustable can be more flexible since it is not constrained by the need to be compatible with height adjustability. Thus it can be a means including those mentioned above or simply an arrangement of L-shaped plates sited either side of the foot of support unit such that the unit is held by means of a bolt or other linkage(s) to the verticals of the plates, the feet of the plates facing outwards to form a stable base.

A preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention is illustrated below in Figure 5. In this embodiment there is provided an adjustable framework for a ladder, said framework comprising a height-adjustable ladder support unit in the form of a substantially arch shaped bar, the profile of said bar having being nonsymmetric arch wherein the slope from one end of the arch base to its apex is of a shallower gradient than the slope from said apex to the other end, the slope of the other part of the arch being irregular in profile such that the end of the bar is substantially vertical when the arch is positioned for use on a stair said end including a height adjustment means, the means forming a stabilizer for the arch; a further stabilizer means at the other end of the arch; and a ladder-attachment means mounted on the ladder support unit and adapted to releasably secure a side-rail of said ladder.

Two or more support arrangements of the invention may be used in tandem, preferably being joined as a unit e.g. by a bar or bars joining the supports and/or the stabilizers, for engaging both side rails of a ladder, e.g. to support the ladder on an uneven surface or for holding the upper end of the ladder spaced from a surface against which it is leaning. When used in this manner, ie. as a support for both side rails at the top or bottom of the ladder, it is not essential that the support framework are height adjustable, although this is preferred.

The above described embodiments of the invention are particularly suitable for domestic use, having relatively few parts and being convenient and economical to manufacture. However for commercial, or some domestic uses, it is desirable that the support arrangement is more robust and can be more securely positioned on stairs, particularly when in use outside.

Thus in accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is therefore provided an adjustable support framework for a ladder comprising substantially parallel side-rails separated by a plurality of substantially parallel rungs attached to the side-rails, which support framework comprises: a lengthadjustable base member; stabilizing means associated with the base member and adapted to stably support the base member; a height-adjustable ladder support unit associated with the base member; and a ladder-attachment means mounted on the ladder support unit and adapted to releasably secure a side-rail.

The ladder support unit may comprise a ladder support member and adjustable support means which are preferably combined into an integral support unit such as a substantially arch-shaped bar. In this preferred embodiment, the device in use is substantially truncated A-shaped and is positioned on a lower step so that the plane of the device is substantially at right angles to the plane of the ladder which is situated on an adjacent higher step. The bottom end of the 'floating' side--rail can then be secured in the ladder attachment means, the weight thereof then being supported by the ladder support unit.

Alternatively, the ladder support member may comprise a bar pivotally secured at its one end towards one end of the base member and having at its other end both the ladder attachment means and the adjustable support means. In this embodiment, the support means is preferably height adjustable to enable the device to compensate for varying step heights. In this embodiment, the ladder attachment means may form an integral part of the ladder support member such as a box-shaped housing formed integrally with an elongate, box-section ladder support member.

In either embodiment, height adjustment of the ladder support unit is preferably achieved at its end remote from its end at which it is connected to the base member. More preferably, height adjustment is by means of telescopically slidable elements whereby an inner element is slid out from an outer element to increase height and vice-versa. The inner element preferably ends in a non-slip foot for resting, in use, on the lower step. As the inner element is let out, the height of the ladder attachment means relative to the lower step is increased and the ladder support member or unit is pivoted about its point of connection to the base member, thereby increasing its angle of elevation. Conveniently, the angle formed in use between the ladder support member or equivalent part of the ladder support unit and the base member is about 450. Conveniently, in use, the adjustable support means or equivalent part of the ladder support unit is substantially vertical.

The ladder attachment means is preferably adjustably secured to the ladder support unit towards it highest, in use, point (such as at the top of the substantially truncated A-shaped device). More preferably, the ladder attachment means comprises a channel member, pivotably secured to the ladder support unit whereby the angle of the channel can be brought into correspondence with the angle of the side-rail.

The ladder attachment means is provided with means for holding the side-rail in position in the channel or housing such as springs, bolts, straps or the like.

Alternative ladder attachment means such as a clamp may also be employed.

Conveniently, there is associated with the ladder support unit, a further support member (the upper support member), adapted to protrude at right angles from the device and, in use, to rest on the upper step substantially parallel to the ladder rungs.

Preferably, the upper support member is secured to the ladder support unit towards its highest, in use, point and more preferably close to the point of securement of the ladder attachment means.

Conveniently, the upper support member is pivotably attached.

The base member is length-adjustable to enable it to fit different stair widths. Again, adjustment is preferably by means of telescopically slidable elements and/or screw-threaded elements. More preferably, inner such elements have attached to their outer ends nonmarking stoppers to enable the base member to be secured against side walls of the stairwell in a manner similar to that of removable child safety gates or barriers for stairs.

The device according to the invention may comprise any suitable material such as box-section metal bars or tubing. Preferably, steel tubing is employed with adjustment taking place by means of tube grips or the like.

The device of the present invention can be adapted for use not only in a domestic environment but also for commercial use. It will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective scheme of a first embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment in use; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment in use; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment according to the invention; and Fig. 6 is a plan view (on an enlarged scale) of the ladder attachment clamp used in the embodiment of Fig. 5.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, this framework comprises a positioning and width adjustable base (1 and 21), which can be releasably secured to the staircase by, for example, one or two bolts, catches, or similar means at either one or both ends (7 and 27) and (8 and 28).

Located underneath the positioning and width adjustable base (1 and 21) are stabilizing bars (2 and 22) and (3 and 23) which are shown as boxed-shaped in Fig. 1 but could be flat, round or similar. Fig. 3 shows a framework comprising tubular steel.

Referring now to Fig. 1: Attached to one end of the positioning width adjustable base (1) is a movable horizontal bar (4) which is hinged, bolted riveted or secured by a strap or other similar means (not shown) to the base (1). At the tip of the horizontal bar (4) is provided a housing (10) which, in use, facilitates the support of the floating ladder leg. The housing (10) could be adjustable by using springs, bolts, straps or similar means (not shown).

Secured to the horizontal bar (4) at the location of the housing (10) is a horizontal support (5) which accommodates the weight of the ladder user by locating on the stair. The bar (4) is strategically angled at 450 facing into the stairwell.

Located vertically below support (5) is a vertical bar (9) which aids the support of the horizontal bar (5).

The vertical bar (9) may be height-adjustable by a bolt, sliding bar, nut, clamp or similar device (not shown).

In the second embodiment, Figure 3, the bars (4 and 9) of the first embodiment are replaced by a single arch-shaped unit (29) whose lower limb (24) is pivotably secured at one end to the base (21). At its other end, a vertical limb (26) is telescopically height-adjustable and ends in a rubberised foot (31).

A U-shaped channel (30) is pivotably mounted on one side of the point of curvature of the unit (29), performing the same function as the housing (10) of the first embodiment. The horizontal upper support bar (25) is likewise pivotably mounted to the other side of the point of curvature of the unit (29).

Referring to Figures 2 and 4, in order to install the framework, the positioning and adjustable base (1 and 21) is placed on the tread of the stair; the bar (4 and 24) is then raised and positioned on the stair by using support (5 and 25). The 'floating' ladder leg is then placed in the housing or channel (10 and 30) and the adjustable positioning width base (1 and 21) is then secured into place against the stairwell sides (14 and 34) using releasably securing mechanism (7 and 8 & 27 and 28). To remove the ladder framework, these steps are carried out in reverse sequence.

Turning to the embodiment of Fig. 5, there is.shown an example of a support according to the invention that does not use a base member (1,21) to laterally secure the support on a step, as in the previous two embodiments.

In this respect the support if Fig. 5 is of simpler construction and therefore more appropriate for the domestic market.

The support 40 includes an asymmetric support arch 42, the shallow sloping arm 44 of the arch being at an angle a of about 30-400 to the horizontal and the steeper arm 46 being generally upright. The shallow sloping arm 44 terminates in a laterally extending foot 48 with rubber friction elements 49 on either end, which in this example is formed integrally with the support arch 42. A similar foot 50 (also with friction elements 51) is provided at the other end of the arch, but this foot 50 is mounted to the arch 42 by a screw threaded connection 52, whereby the height of the end 54 of the arch 42 above the foot 50 can be adjusted to provide height adjustment of the apex 56 of the arch relative to the surface on which the support is placed in use.

The support arch 42 and feet 48,50 are formed of circular section steel tube of about 25mm diameter, but other suitable materials and forms will be readily apparent.

Near the apex 56 of the arch 42 there is a cup 58 for receiving the foot 60 of a ladder side rail 62. As seen best in Fig. 6, the cup 58 is pivotally mounted to the arch 42 by a bolt 64 so that the base of the cup can be aligned with the foot 60 of the ladder so that it can be securely seated. The cup 58 comprises a generally Ushaped plate 66 and a flat clamping plate 68 mounted within the U-shape plate on a pair of bolts 70. In use, the foot 60 of the ladder is located in the cup 58 and the bolts 70 are tightened to draw the clamping plate 68 towards the outer arm 72 of the U-shape plate, clamping the ladder foot 60 therebetween.

In use, the support 40 is placed on one step of a staircase for example and the adjustable foot 50 is extended or retracted to bring the cup to the same height as, typically, the next step up of the staircase. The ladder is then positioned with one side rail seated on the upper step and the other side rail seated in the cup of the support.

It will be appreciated that various modifications to and variations from the specifically described example are possible. For example, one of the lateral support members (e.g. feet 48 and 50 in Fig. 5) can be dispensed with and the embodiment of Fig. 5 can be provided with an adjustable base member as in the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 3. The ladder engaging and clamping cup of Fig. 6 can also be used with the Fig. 1 and 3 embodiments and the tightening bolts 70 of that clamp arrangement may be substituted or supplemented with other suitable means, for example springs urging the clamping plate towards the outer arm of the U-shape plate.

As mentioned above, it is also possible to use a pair of the ladder supports together, preferably joining them as a unit using one or more linking cross-members, to provide support for both side rails of a ladder, e.g..

to support a ladder on uneven ground or to hold the top end of a ladder spaced from a wall.

Claims (12)

1. A ladder support comprising a height-adjustable ladder support unit, and ladder-attachment means mounted on, or forming an integral part of, the ladder support unit and adapted to releasably secure a side-rail of the ladder.

2. A ladder support according to claim 1, wherein the ladder support unit is in the form of a substantially arch shaped bar.

3. A ladder support according to claim 2, wherein the arch shaped bar is asymmetric, one side of the arch being generally upright.

4. A ladder support according to claim 3, wherein the other side of the arch is at an angle of between 25 and 500 to the horizontal.

5. A ladder support according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising laterally extending stabilizing means to stabilize the ladder support unit.

6. A ladder support according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a length-adjustable base member associated with the ladder support unit.

7. A ladder support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ladder-attachment means comprise a channel member for receiving a foot of the ladder side rail, the channel member being pivotally mounted on the ladder support unit.

8. A ladder support according to claim 7, comprising means for releasably securing the ladder foot in the channel member.

9. A ladder support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ladder support unit comprises an extendable leg to provide said height adjustability.

10. A ladder support according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a support arm extending laterally from the ladder support unit to provide support in use by resting on a step of a staircase above the step on which the ladder support unit stands.

11. A ladder support arrangement comprising two ladder supports according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged to receive respective side rails of a ladder.

12. A ladder support substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, Figs. 3 and 4 or Figs. 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.