GB2330612A

GB2330612A - Ladder stabiliser

Info

Publication number: GB2330612A
Application number: GB9822735A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernard Sandham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-10-23
Filing date: 1998-10-19
Publication date: 1999-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2018-10-19
Also published as: GB2330612B; GB9822735D0

Abstract

A ladder stabiliser comprises a support member attached at one end to a rung (R) of the ladder (L), the other end resting on a surface remote from the ladder. Adjustable means is provided for securing the member at a given angle relative to the ladder, for example a chain (35) and hook (31). The support member may be rotatable with respect to the ladder and may comprise one or more legs (22). The support member may be supplied as a kit for a ladder, wherein the attachment to the rung is via a semi-cylindrical crossbar.

Description

Title: Ladder stabiliser DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for stabilising a ladder.

The use of ladders for leaning against a wall or other upright surface to enable a person to reach high objects, such as windows and roofs, is commonplace. The ladder is placed at an angle against the surface to prevent it toppling over and a person is able to climb up the rungs of the ladder. However, often the ladder feels unstable under foot and the base of the ladder may slide way from the upright surface, especially at certain angles of inclination of the ladder. Hence, a person may employ the services of another individual to hold the base of the ladder or stand on the lower rungs thereof whilst the person clirnbs the ladder. This is undesirable since it necessitates the presence of a second person to assist in carrying out a particular job but if the base of the ladder is not held in place, the ladder may slip a way from the upright surface possibly causing injury to the climber.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to assist in stabilisation of a ladder to overcome the abovementioned drawbacks.

Accordingly, the first aspect of the present invention provides an improved apparatus for stabilisation of a ladder comprising a support member attached at one end to a rung of the ladder, the member extending away from the ladder whereby the free end thereof rests on a surface remote from the base of the ladder and having adjustable means for securing the member at a given angle relative to the ladder.

The support member is preferably in the form of one or more legs. The member may be permanently attached to a rung of the ladder or be detachable therefrom. If the member is permanently attached to a rung, it is preferably rotatable to allow the free end of the member to be extended outwards from the ladder. For example, the member may be attached to a cylindrical tube which is fitted around a rung, the tube being of a larger diameter than the rung to allow rotation thereof.

The support member may comprise two parallel, spaced apart legs, a single leg or a pair of diverging legs. The legs may be, for example, circular or rectangular in cross section. Preferably, if more than one leg is provided, one or more cross members are provided between the legs, such as a rod, pole or sheet of material to fix the legs in a parallel spaced apart position with respect to each other. It is preferable that the legs are orientated obliquely.

Preferably, the leg widens towards the base thereof to form a foot. Preferably the foot is provided with a non-slip surface, such as ribbing. The foot may be movably attached to the support member to allow the angle of the foot relative to the support member to be altered. For example, the foot may be hingedly mounted to support member. Fixing means may be provided to fasten the foot at a desired angle relative to the member. Alternatively, the support member may be attached to the foot such that rotation of the member relative to the foot is possible over a predetermined range, such as over 45". For example, the base of the support member may be mounted in a suitably dimensioned arcuate slot provided in a section of the foot to allow movement of the support member relative thereto. The base of the support member is preferably provided with an enlarged region to retain the member in the slot. The foot may be telescopically extendable.

It is preferable to provide a telescopically extendible support member, for example, by the provision of two hollow cylinders, one of which is dimensioned to slide within the other, each cylinder being provided with a series of complimentary holes whereby a companion pin may be fitted through aligned holes to maintain the member at a given length.

Preferably, the member is between 80 and 150cm in length. The member may be made of any suitably strong material but preferably is made of wood or a metal alloy, such as steel.

The support member may be temporarily attached to the rung of a ladder by the provision of a semi-cylindrical crossbar which transverses the top end of the leg for supporting a rung of the ladder. The crossbar is preferably between 20 and 30cm in length and between 15mm and 50mm in diameter. Preferably, the internal surface of the crossbar is provided with a non-slip surface, such as rubber.

Alternatively, the upper surface of the top of the leg or legs may be provided with a recess therein for placing around the rung of a ladder. Preferably, the recess is in the shape of a U. If the recess is provided in wooden legs, it is preferable to provide a metal U-shaped plate to reinforce the recess to protect against wear and prevent splitting of the wood under extreme pressure. The plate may be fastened to the recess by any suitable means, such as nails or countersunk screws.

The means for securing the member at a preferred angle relative to the ladder is preferably in the form of an adjustable chain. It is preferable that the member is secured substantially perpendicularly to the ladder. Preferably, the chain is placed around a lower rung of the ladder, especially the bottom rung, and secured to the member, for example, by means of a hook. However, other means may be provided, such as an adjustable strap made of a suitably strong material or a telescopic member attached at one end to the support member and having means at the other end for attachment to a rung of the ladder.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for forming a stabiliser for a ladder comprising a semi-cylindrical crossbar for receiving a rung of a ladder, at least one leg for attachment to the crossbar and a foot for attachment to the base of the leg, the leg being provided with adjustable means for securing the stabiliser, in the assembled state, at a given angle relative to the ladder.

Preferably, the crossbar is provided with a socket for receiving an end of the leg and preferably, the leg is comprised of at least two parts for fixing together. The foot may be in the form of a cylindrical tube, preferably being provided with gripping means around its surface. An end of the leg may be provided with a transverse bore or hollow cylindrical tube for receiving the cylindrical foot. Preferably, the parts are fastened together by means of locking wing bolts. Alternatively, the component parts my be dimensioned to be interconnectable without the need for additional fastening means. For example, the component parts may be provided with a male and/or female end for attaching to the complimentary end of an adjacent component. The various parts may also be adjustable in length.

The foot is preferably movably attached to the leg to allow the angle of the foot to be altered relative to the leg. Preferably, the foot may only be rotated over a limited range of degrees. It is preferable that the foot is provided with an extension for insertion in an adapter for attachment to a leg part. The extension is smaller in cross-section than the adapter and is retained therein by means of a gudgeon pin which allows movement of the foot relative to the adapter and leg over approximately 30". A locking mechanism, such as a key, may be provided to keep the foot at the desired angle relative to the leg. Alternatively, the adapter may be inserted into a hollow extension of the foot having a larger cross section than the adapter, being secured therein by a gudgeon pin.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the base of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention attached to the base of a ladder; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 3 shown detached from the ladder; Figure 5 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the present invention attached to the base of a ladder; Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated. The apparatus comprises a conventional telescopic ladder L adapted with means 2 for stabilisation thereof. A lower rung R of the ladder is provided with an extension comprising a pair of legs 6 joined by a horizontal bar 8 provided at the top of each leg which is rotatably attached to a lower rung of the ladder. A second bar 10 extends between the legs near to the base of the extension and is provided with a hook 12 in the centre thereof. An adjustable chain 14 is provided at the base of the ladder for securing to the hook.

In use, the upper end of the ladder is leant against an upright surface, such as a wall W and the extension 4 is rotated outwards from the main body of the ladder such that the base of the legs 6 contact the ground. The legs are then held in position by the provision of the chain 14 which is fastened between the base of the ladder and the lower bar of the extension. The chain is fastened such that it is taut between the ladder and the extension to prevent further movement of the extension away from the ladder. Preferably, the angle 8 between the lower part of the ladder and the legs is approximately 90" to provide maximum stabilisation of the ladder. However, this may not always be possible, for example, if the ladder too close to the wall W. In this manner, the lower end of the ladder is prevented from slipping away from the surface when a person climbs to the top thereof. The provision of an adjustable chain allows the extension to provide effective stabilisation at any angle of inclination of the ladder. When the ladder is not in use, the extension is simply pushed back in towards the body of the ladder for convenient storage.

Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings show a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention which may be temporarily attached to the rungs of any ladder to assist in the stabilisation thereof when in use. The attachment comprises two spaced apart parallel legs 22 each having means 26 at the top thereof for temporary attachment to a rung R of a ladder L. The legs are orientated obliquely and are provided with a horizontal base. The means for attachment comprises a Ushaped recess 27 provided in the upper surface of the legs which is reinforced with a metal plate 28 attached thereto. The legs are kept in a spaced apart, parallel position by the provision of two cross members, in the form of sheets of material 29a and 29b, which are attached to opposite faces of both legs by suitable fastening means, such as screws 30. A hook bolt 31 is provided through the centre of the cross member and secured in place by means of a nut and washer 32. The base of the legs are provided with gripping means 34 to prevent slippage thereof when in use.

The apparatus is attached to a rung near the base of the ladder by slotting the U-shaped recesses of the legs around the rung. In this respect, the recesses should be approximately 1" in diameter to allow the rung to sit therein. The legs are then placed at an angle relative to the ladder for providing maximum stabilisation thereof, preferably being 90 . The legs are maintained in this position by passing a chain 35 around the bottom rung of the ladder and securing the ends of the chain to the hook such that the chain is kept taut between the legs and the ladder. The apparatus may be removed after use and be re-attached, when required. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used for stabilisation of a different ladder.

It is to be appreciated that the cross member between the legs of the apparatus may alternatively be in the form of a rod or pole. Likewise, the adjustable chain may be replaced by a rope, strap or other adjustable securing means, such as a telescopic member attached at one end to the apparatus and having means at the other end for attachment to a rung of the ladder. The apparatus may be made of any sufficiently strong material, but is preferably of wood or a reinforced metal alloy.

Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings illustrates yet a further embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention for stabilisation of a ladder during use. The apparatus is in the form of a T-shaped element 40 having a cylindrical leg 41 for supporting the weight of the ladder L and a crossbar 42 for attachment to a rung R of the ladder. The crossbar is semi-cylindrical such that its fits around the underside of a rung thereby supporting the ladder. The leg 41 is telescopically extendable by providing two hollow cylinders 43a, 43b, one of which is dimensioned to slide within the other, each cylinder being provided with a series of complimentary holes therethrough whereby a companion pin 45 may be fitted through aligned holes to maintain the leg at a required height. The base of the leg is preferably provided with a foot 44 having gripping means on the underside thereof, such as ribbing. An adjustable chain 46 is also provided attached to a hook (not visible in Fig. 5) provided on the leg 41. Thus, the apparatus may be attached to any ladder and adjusted such as to provide adequate stabilisation thereof.

Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a single non-extendible leg having a non-slip foot at the base thereof and a semicylindrical crossbar for supporting a rung of the ladder. The leg may be in the form of a cylindrical pole or rectangular block section. The crossbar is preferably between 20 and 30cm in length and the height of the leg is preferably between 80 and 150cm.

The inside of the crossbar may be provided with a non-slip surface to assist in preventing movement of the ladder relative to the attachment.

Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings shows another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprising a kit of parts which may be fined together by fastening means to form a ladder stabiliser 50. The stabiliser has a semicylindrical crossbar 52 for attachment to a rung of a ladder and a socket 53 in the centre thereof for receiving the end of a first leg member 55 in the form of a hollow rectangular block. The member 55 is secured in the socket by means of a wing bolt 54. A second leg member 56, being dimensioned at one end to fit into the end of the first leg member opposite the crossbar, is provided with a transverse cylindrical bore 57 at its other end for mounting on a cylindrical foot 58 provided with gripping means. The second leg member is secured to the first leg and foot by wing bolts 54.

The length of the foot and legs may be adjustable. The second leg member is also provided with a hook 59 for securement of a chain 60 passed around the bottom rung of the ladder when in use.

In an alternative embodiment, the leg member may be made up of multiple sections 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d as shown in Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

One end of each member is indented to form a socket for receiving an opposite end 72 of an adjacent member. The opposite ends 72 are dimensioned to fit snugly within the socket to form a complete leg member. The number of sections fitted together to form the leg may be varied depending upon the required length, thereby resulting in the apparatus being appropriate for use on any rung of a ladder which is supported on any type of surface. The apparatus is again provided with a semi-cylindrical crossbar 74 for supporting the rung of a ladder, the inner surface of the bar having a nonslip rubber surface. This is provided with a block 76 for insertion into the receiving socket provided in a leg section. One of the leg sections 70a is provided with a hook 73 for securement of the chain (not shown) when the apparatus is in use. The hook 73 is detachable from the leg section to assist in storage.

Additionally, the apparatus is provided with a detachable foot 78 in the form of a cylindrical tube 79, which has a non-slip rubber surface. The centre of the tube 79 is provided an extension 80 which is fixed relative to the tube 79. An adaptor 81 allows the foot to be inserted into a socket of a leg section 70a to form the fully assembled ladder stabiliser. The extension 80 is retained in the adapter 81 by means of a gudgeon pin 83 to allow rotation of the foot relative to the support member. The adapter 81, being of a larger cross-section than the extension 80, allows rotation of the extension, and therefore the foot, to rotate approximately 30D relative to the support member. This allows alteration of the angle of the foot relative to the leg which assists in the stabilisation of the ladder when used on non-horizontal or uneven surfaces. A locking mechanism, such as a key (not shown) may be provided to prevent rotation of the foot thereby increasing lateral stability, when required.

It is to be appreciated that alternate means may be provided to allow rotation of the foot relative to the support member, such as the provision of a suitably dimensioned arcuate slot provided in a section of the foot. The base of the support member is provided with an enlarged region to retain the member in the slot and locking means are provided to retain the foot at a desired angle.

The components of the ladder stabiliser are preferably stored in a suitable housing, such as a portable case made of a rigid plastics material. This allows the stabiliser to be broken down into its component parts and conveniently stored in the case when not in use. The case can then be carried to the required location and assembled on site.

It is to be appreciated that a rotatable foot at the base of the stabiliser may be provided on any of the embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention to assist in stabilisation of the ladder.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for stabilisation of a ladder comprising a support member attachable at one end to a rung of a ladder, the member extending away from the ladder whereby the free end thereof rests on a surface remote from the base of the ladder and having adjustable means for securing the member at a given angle relative to the ladder.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member is permanently attached to the rung of the ladder.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the member is rotatable relative to the rung to allow the free end thereof to be extended outwards from the ladder.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the member is attached to a cylindrical tube which is fitted around the rung, the tube being of a larger diameter than the rung to allow rotation thereof.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member is detachable from the rung of a ladder.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support member is in the form of one or more legs.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the support member comprises two parallel, spaced apart legs.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one cross member is provided between the legs to fix the legs in the parallel spaced apart position.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the legs are orientated obliquely.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the support member is provided with a foot.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the base of the foot is provided with gripping means.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the foot is movably attached to the support member to allow the angle of the foot relative to the support member to be altered.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the foot is hingedly mounted to the support member.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein fixing means is provided to fasten the foot at a desired angle relative to the member.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the support member is attached to the foot such that rotation of the member relative to the foot is possible over a predetermined number of degrees.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the base of the support member is mounted in a suitably dimensioned arcuate slot provided in a section of the foot to allow movement of the support member relative thereto, the base of the support member being provided with an enlarged region to retain the member in the slot.
17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the foot is telescopically extendable.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is telescopically extendible.
19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 18, wherein the support member is provided with a semi-cylindrical crossbar for attachment to the rung of a ladder.
20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 18, wherein the support member is provided with a U-shaped recess in an upper surface thereof for placing around the rung of a ladder.
21. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for securing the member at a desired angle relative to the ladder is in the form of an adjustable chain for placing around a lower rung of the ladder and fastening to the support member such that the chain is taut.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein a hook is provided on the support member for securing the chain thereto.
23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the means for securing the member at a preferred angle relative to the ladder is in the form of an adjustable strap.
24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the means for securing the member at a preferred angle relative to the ladder is a telescopic member attached at one end to the support member and having means at the other end or attachment to a rung of the ladder.
25. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4 or 5 of the accompanying drawings.
26. A kit of parts for forming a stabiliser for a ladder comprising a semicylindrical crossbar for receiving the rung of a ladder, at least one leg for attachment to the cross bar and a foot for attachment to the base of the leg, the leg being provided with adjustable means for securing the stabiliser, in the assembled state, at a given angle relative to the ladder.
27. A kit as claimed in claim 26, wherein the crossbar is provided with a socket for receiving an end of a leg.
28. A kit as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the leg is comprised of at least two parts for fixing together to the crossbar and foot.
29. A kit as claimed in claim 26, 27 and 28, wherein the foot is in the form of a cylindrical tube.
30. A kit as claimed in claim 29, wherein an end of the leg is provided with a transverse bore or hollow cylindrical tube for receiving the cylindrical foot.
31. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein locking wing bolts are provided for fastening the parts together to form the assembled stabiliser.
32. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the parts are dimensioned to be interconnectable without the need of additional fastening means.
33. A kit as claimed in claim 32, wherein the parts are provided with a male and/or female end for attaching to the complimentary end of an adjacent component.
34. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the length of the parts is adjustable.
35. A kit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot is movably attached to the leg to allow the angle of the foot to be altered relative to the leg.
36. A kit as claimed in claim 35, wherein the foot is provided with an extension for insertion of an adapter for attachment to the leg part, the extension being smaller in cross-section than the adapter and being retained therein by a pin to allow movement of the foot relative to the adapter and leg over a limited range of degrees.
37. A kit as claimed in claim 35, wherein the foot is provided with an extension for insertion of an adapter for attachment to the leg part, the adapter being inserted into a hollow extension of the foot having a larger cross section than the adapter, being secured therein by a pin.
38. A kit as claimed in claim 35, 36 or 37 wherein a locking mechanism is provided to maintain the foot at a desired angle relative to the leg.
39. A kit of parts for forming a stabiliser for a ladder substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 of the accompanying drawing.