GB2327974A

GB2327974A - Ladder stabiliser with workstation

Info

Publication number: GB2327974A
Application number: GB9716737A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hugh Stjohn Boileau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-08-08
Filing date: 1997-08-08
Publication date: 1999-02-10
Also published as: GB9716737D0

Abstract

A ladder stabiliser and stand - off has splayed tubular U - shaped frame with legs 10 having non-slip pads 11, and comprises a workstation in the form of a platform 14; the device is attached to the ladder by co-operation of hooked plate 12 and angled plate 13, whose mutual spacing is adjusted by screw 16 rigidly to attach the device to a ladder rung as shown.

Description

STABILISING ANGLED LADDER BRACE & WORKSTATION DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a stabilising, angled ladder brace and workstation.

Ladder accessories have existed in one form or another for years but have only ever been of single purpose, of partial effect and generally concerning stabilising feet or stand-offs fitted to the top of ladders to hold the ladder away from a wall but without significantly adding to a ladders stability.

The invention is a stabilising, angled ladder brace with workstation designed to fit onto any rung of any ladder. The device comprises a splayed tubular U-shaped frame, with non-slip pads, upon which is mounted a work tray and a rigid angled stressing plate designed to allow the ladder to operate within accepted angles of lean. Fitting is by adjustable bracing clarnp. The splayed arms ending in non-slip pads support the ladder a given distance away from the wall (or structure) making the points of contact much wider greatly increasing all round stability. Stability is further enhanced by utilising the ladder users weight to exert pressure on the splayed legs of the device as it presses against the wall (or structure). It provides a sturdy workstation between the wall (or structure) at the height of use. This device enables a ladder to be placed exactly where required, protecting, for example, guttering and windows from damage by the ladder itself.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the multi-function ladder accessory, complete but unattached to a ladder.

Figure 2 illustrates the underside of the multi-function ladder accessory, showing the shape of the splayed legs and the fixing mechanism.

Figure 3 illustrates in cross-section the secure fixing mechanism of the device to any rung of any ladder.

Figure 4 illustrates the multi-function ladder accessory attached to a rung of a ladder and placed for convenience directly under a window, clearly illustrating the stability enhancement of splayed legs with rubber feet and the recessed work tray.

Figure 5 illustrates in profile, the versatility of fixing of the multi-function ladder accessory to allow work to carry on at any level and the devices ability to hold the ladder away from windows and gutters, for example.

Referring to the drawing the multi-function ladder accessory comprises a splayed Ushaped frame 10 with non-slip pads 11 fixed to a rigid angled back plate 13 fitting is by adjustable bracing clamp 12, a recessed rigid work tray 14 and ancillary hooks 15 on either side.

In order to attach the device to any ladder the one bolt fixing 16 is unscrewed releasing the adjustable bracing clamp 12 allowing it to be hooked over any rung of any ladder.

When the one bolt fixing 16 is tightened by hand, the multi-function ladder accessory becomes immovably attached to the ladder at a set angle as prescribed by the angled back plate 13. The correctly fitted device then forms a horizontal platform with splayed arms 10, non-slip pads 11 and a rigid work tray 14 between the ladder and wall (or structure) when used within the accepted angles of lean of normal ladder usage as in fig 5.

To remove or re-site the accessory the one bolt fixing is unscrewed and the device simply remounted on another rung. When not in use the device may be removed from the ladder and stored separately.

Claims

1 The invention is a stabilising, angled ladder brace with workstation designed to fit onto any rung of any ladder. The device comprises a splayed tubular U-shaped frame, with non-slip pads, upon which is mounted a work tray and a rigid angled stressing plate designed to allow the ladder to operate within accepted angles of lean.

Fitting is by adjustable bracing clamp. The splayed arms ending in non-slip pads support the ladder a given distance away from the wall (or structure) making the points of contact much wider greatly increasing all round stability. Stability is further enhanced by utilising the ladder users weight to exert pressure on the splayed legs of the device as it presses against the wall (or structure). It provides a sturdy workstation between the wall (or structure) at the height of use. This device enables a ladder to be placed exactly where required, protecting, for example, guttering and windows from damage by the ladder itself.

2 A multi-function ladder accessory as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the ladder accessory becomes an angled stressed member of the ladder, providing stability and significantly reducing ladder flex in both horizontal and vertical planes.

3 A multi-function ladder accessory as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein, a shaped ladder rung clamp secures the device stressing it to the ladder by a hand tightened threaded fixing.

4 A multi-functional ladder accessory as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein a recessed rigid work tray is provided between the splayed U-shaped arms extending from the ladder to the wall or structure.

5 A multi-function ladder accessory as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 and Claim 4 wherein the splayed U-shape of the device gives a wider point of contact than a ladder normally would and is also closer to the base of the ladder where the user is working.

6: A multi-function ladder accessory as claimed in claim in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the device holds the ladder a minimum of 45cm from a wall or structure.

7: A multi-function ladder accessory as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is provided with at least one broad, rigid hook on each side enabling the suspension of tools and other items.