GB2400886A

GB2400886A - A ladder rung accessory

Info

Publication number: GB2400886A
Application number: GB0404044A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Reynolds
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-25
Filing date: 2004-02-24
Publication date: 2004-10-27
Also published as: GB0404044D0

Abstract

A ladder rung accessory comprising a flexible hollow tubular pad 1 to be fitted over a ladder rung 4. The pad has a longitudinal slit 3 which allows it to be fitted to the rung, and which is sealed with a sealing element 2. The rung pad offers comfort to the user by alleviating point contact pressure on the knees.

Description

A LADDER ACCESSORY

This invention is an accessory for use with any standard "lean to" ladder and is used for the purpose of protecting the knees of the person using the ladder.

It is well known that anyone, whose work involves the regular use of a "lean to" type of ladder, stands a very high chance of suffering from painful knees as a result of the position of the body in relation to the ladder.

This problem is particularly pronounced in the case of persons who use the ladder as a working platform where they carry out tasks from a position where their body is in a position where they will have climbed at least part way up the ladder.

When such person has mounted the ladder and reached a point above ground which is appropriate for the task to be undertaken, it is usual to place both feet on the same rung and to rest the knees on a slightly higher rung.

The net effect of this position is that considerable pressure is placed on the knees and this generates extreme discomfort eventually leading to permanent damage to the knees.

Various solutions to the problems caused by handling and working with ladders have been proposed some examples of which are as follows: FR 2 729 180 combines the design of a ladder tray with that of a footrest. An accessory is proposed which clips on to a ladder rung and forms a flat horizontal surface on to which items can be placed. Alternatively the tray can be positioned so as to allow the feet to be place in part on the tray, therefore relieving the stress to the foot caused by the normal ladder rung. This position also relieves stress to the knees but is not a complete solution and the inventor in this case did not suggest it was a solution to problems with the knees. It is also entirely unsuitable for circumstances where the ladder is frequently moved.

US 2002/0046904 introduces into the art a pad which is placed on to a ladder in order to spread the weight of the ladder when resting on the shoulder. This patent recognises that pressure from the ladder on to a part of the body can be a problem but does not suggest a solution to the problem of pressure on the knees.

GB 501 557 Provides for an anti slip cover for ladder rungs. The invention attaches to a ladder rung and provides an anti slip surface but does not offer a solution to the problem of damage to the knees. Though the invention is similar to the present invention nothing in the text anticipates the current invention.

GB 2 339 827 Provides for a padded member, which can be attached to the ladder as a rest for the legs. The text of this application recognises the problem of painful knees but the solution offered is difficult to transport so is more applicable in situations where the ladder is left in one place for a considerable period of time.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution which alleviates point contact pressure on the knees and at the same time is easily installed and is extremely transportable.

According to the invention there is provided a flexible hollow tubular member of resilient material, the length of which is equal to or less than the length of the ladder rung having an inside diameter such that it can be fitted over the rung. To assist in fitting a slot is cut into the tube parallel to the axis extending along the whole length of the tube and the resilience of the tube allows the slot to be stretched in width to allow it to pass over the rung so that the rung enters the inside diameter of the tube. Sealing the slot in the tube on to the rung may be by means of a joining member.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows the ladder accessory attached to a ladder rung Referring to Figure 1, it will be seen that a typical ladder is shown with two of it's rungs visible. One rung 5 is a normal rung and not protected with the invention. A higher rung 4 is shown with the invention attached. In order to fit the invention to the ladder sealing element 2 is de-activated, unsealed or wholly or partially removed and the slot 3 is expanded so the resilient tube 1 can be fitted over the rung 4. When the tube is in position the seal can be re made using sealing element 2. Not all examples of the invention will be equipped with sealing element 2.

It will be understood that the tube may not be circular at it's outside diameter but may be conveniently formed to any desired shape. Also the tube may be formed from one or more segments which when assembled form a tube.

Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the drawing, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus unless expressly stated otherwise each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments, the invention relates to any novel one or any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification including any accompanying claims and drawings.

Claims

1 A flexible hollow tubular member of resilient material which in use is fitted over a ladder rung.

2 A flexible hollow tubular member as described in claim 1 which in use acts as a pad for the knees 3 A flexible hollow tubular member as described in claims 1 and 2 which has a slot parallel to it's axis which in use allows said slot to be expanded so that the tube may be fitted over a ladder rung 4 A flexible hollow tubular member as described in claims 1, 2 and 3 which is equipped with a sealing element which in use keeps the said slot closed.

A flexible hollow tubular member as described in any previous claim which has a length equal to or less than the length of any ladder rung on which it is to be used.