GB2335697A

GB2335697A - Ladder ledge

Info

Publication number: GB2335697A
Application number: GB9806128A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Brian Ferrie; Jason Christopher Ferrie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-03-24
Filing date: 1998-03-24
Publication date: 1999-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-24
Also published as: GB2335697B; GB9806128D0

Abstract

A ladder ledge comprises a platform (12) supported by a base frame, the base frame in turn being connected via a flexible support (16) to a separate back frame (18). The platform (12) is releasably secured to the base frame, and the frames are detachably secured to the rungs of a ladder (10) on which the ledge is to be mounted. Means is provided for adjusting the angle of the platform (12) relative to the ladder (10). The frames may pivot relative to each other to accommodate different angles of adjustment. The area around the pivot may be roughened to improve the fitment of the invention to ladders having different rung spacings.

Description

1 2335697 THELADDERLEDGE This invention relates to a ladder ledge.

There are many different types of ladder in everyday use, step ladders and extension ladders are the most common.

Step ladders are free standing, the angle of ascent is fixed so the steps and platform remain horizontal. The other group has rungs, the angle of ascent is not fixed so there are no steps and no horizontal platforms on which to store items.

According to the present invention there is provided for a ladder structure and a ledge in the form of a platform supported by a base frame with flexible means of support to a back frame with means of adjusting the level and releasably securing the platform on the base frame and the frames on the rungs.

A specific enbodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig 1 shows in perspective a ladder ledge on the ladder rungs with the step platform in position on the base frame.

Fig 2 shows in perspective the frames on the rungs with the equipment base frame in position under the ladder structure.

Fig 3 illustrates the knurled pivot point on the back fi-ame.

Fig 4 shows the step base ftame.

Fig 5 shows the equipment platform being removed from it's base frame.

1 z Referring to the drawing Fig 1 of the ladder ledge comprising a ladder structure 10 and a ledge in the form of a platform 12 supported by a base frame 14 with flexible means of support 16 to a back frame 18 with means of adjusting the level and releasably securing the platform on the base frame and the frames on the rungs.

The platforms dimensions may vary to suit different materials and applications. Platforms used as steps Fig 1 should be similar in strength to the nings- Their width relates to the rung length. The step depth should be no greater than the normal ladder step so the feet remain in contact with the rung. The grooved surface of the step platform will be level with the top of the rung. The base frame Fig 4, 14S will be covered by the step platform. Normally this platform will remain in position on it's base frame but can be removed for replacement, by removing the W pins 30 from the chains.

Platforms for tools and equipment are positioned under the ladder structure. If the platforms are wider than the ladder structure the frame cannot fold so the platform has to be removed from the frame. The platforms depth should cover the frame, bevels and magnetic frames may be used to prevent items falling off the platform. Flanges 20 or similar means locate the platforms in the base frames in order to prevent twisting in the frames.

In order to remove the equipment platform from the base frame illustrated in Fig 5 the chains or similar means are slackened offby lifting the platform and moving the chains towards the junction of the tee-slot 22. The platform can now slide clear in the direction of the arrow.

To re-position the platform the above steps are reversed.

L -3 The frames are similar in design and dimensions may vary to suit different materials and applications. In order to improve the contact between frames at the pivot point 24 the base frame hooks 26 are grooved or knurled on the end radius, Figs 5, with similar treatment of the flat surface 24 of the back frame FIG 3.

The area so treated may allow for possible variation in step rise. There should be room for the operator to stand on the rung between the sides of the back frame.

In order to make full use of the chains Fig 2 or similar flexible means of support the two clearance holes 28 in the back frame are positioned half way between the rungs and two more are positioned in the base frame in a relatively siiffilar position.

To adjust the platforms Fig 2 to a level position R' pins 30 or similar means are used to pin the links whilst remaining fixed to the chain ends Fig 5.

To restrict the adjustment Fig 2 to a safe angle between the frames the chain links are blanked off towards the ends by filling with plastic 32 or similar substance.

The chain or similar flexible means will be locked under the base plate clearance holes by a ring stop 34 or similar device which can be used to attach a rope pulley for raising and lowering items to and from the platform.

3

Claims

1 A ladder ledge comprising a ladder structure and a ledge in the form of a platform supported by a base frame with a flexible means of support by a separate back frame with means of adjusting the level and releasably securing the platform on the base frame and the frames on the rungs.

2 A ladder ledge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flexible means of supporting the base frame co-operates with the adjustment means to level the platform.

3 A ladder ledge as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the platform can be separated from the base frame and the frames from each other by the flexible means of support.

4 A ladder ledge as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the adjustment means is fixed to the ends of the flexible means to ensure the correct alignment of the frames- A ladder ledge as claimed in claim 4 wherein the flexible means of support is adapted to co-operate with the adjustment means to limit the angle between the frames.

6 A ladder ledge as claimed in claim 5 wherein the flexible means of support cooperates with the tee-slot in the platform to releasably secure the platform.

7 A ladder ledge as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the two separate frames are magnetised with opposite poles.

8 A ladder ledge as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the pivot points between the frames can vary to allow for variations is distance between rungs.

4- r 9 A ladder ledge as claimed in claim 8 wherein an area around the pivot point is roughened to allow for variations in distance between rungs.

A ladder ledge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the back frame and base ftame clearance holes used by the flexible means of support relate to the centre line between adjacent rungs.

11 A ladder ledge as claimed in claim 10 wherein the clearance holes in the base frame relate as close as possible to the clearance holes in the back ftame.

12 A ladder ledge substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 - 5 of the accompanying drawings.