GB2417281A

GB2417281A - Apparatus and method to prevent ladder use`

Info

Publication number: GB2417281A
Application number: GB0417417A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Ernest Allen; Ernest William Allen
Original assignee: NEALLEN Ltd
Current assignee: NEALLEN Ltd
Priority date: 2004-08-05
Filing date: 2004-08-05
Publication date: 2006-02-22
Also published as: GB0417417D0

Abstract

Ladder apparatus 10 comprises securement means to removably secure the ladder apparatus to a ladder 16. The ladder apparatus 10 is arranged to disable the ladder by shielding or guarding a number of rungs of the ladder such that a user cannot locate a foot on the ladder. The securement means includes first securement means 12 to secure the ladder apparatus 10 to an upper rung 18 whilst second securement means 14 secures the ladder apparatus 10 to a lower rung 20 at the ladder 16. A locking mechanism is integral with the ladder apparatus 10 in order to lock the ladder apparatus to the ladder 16.

Description

1 2417281

LADDER DISABLING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ladder apparatus, an assembly comprising a ladder and ladder apparatus and a method of disabling a ladder.

Background to the Invention

Construction sites generally comprise scaffolding structures having a number of platforms at different levels in order to enable workmen to work at different heights on a building or other structure. Generally, this work is conducted over a relatively long period of time and, therefore, the scaffolding structure is semi- permanent or at least temporary for a significant period of time. The workmen may not continually use the platforms, and, also, the construction site may not be permanently guarded. Accordingly, unauthorized users may climb onto the construction site and may also gain access to the scaffolding structure.

The different platforms are generally connected and accessed using ladders which extend from the ground or a lower platform Level to an upper platform level. In order to prevent access to the upper levels, the ladders must be removed. However, this is time-consuming for the workmen since there may be numerous ladders on the construction site which would need to be removed and stored.

Accordingly, it is generally not practical for all the ladders to be removed and stored. In addition, if the ladders are fixed or otherwise secured to the scaffolding structure then this will increase the time required to remove the ladders.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided ladder apparatus to prevent use of a ladder, the ladder apparatus comprising securement means to removably secure the ladder apparatus to the ladder, the ladder apparatus further comprising guard means which is arranged to prevent use of a plurality of rungs of the ladder when the ladder apparatus is secured to the ladder.

Preferably the ladder apparatus comprises ladder safety apparatus.

Preferably the ladder apparatus comprises ladder disabling apparatus.

Preferably the ladder apparatus is arranged, in use, to disable a ladder.

Preferably the ladder apparatus is arranged, in use, to prevent unauthorized use of the ladder.

Preferably the securement means comprises first or upper securement means and second or lower securement means.

Preferably the upper securement means is arranged, in use, to secure the ladder apparatus to a first or an upper rung of a ladder.

Preferably the lower securement means is arranged in use, to secure the ladder apparatus to a second or a lower rung of a ladder.

Preferably the ladder apparatus is arranged, in use, to prevent use of the rungs of the ladder located between the first (upper) rung and the second (lower) rung.

Preferably, the ladder comprises a plurality of rungs located between the first (upper) rung and the second (lower) rung.

Preferably the guard means, in use, shields a plurality of rungs of the ladder.

Preferably the guard means prevents a user being supported on a shielded or guarded rung.

Preferably the guard means prevents a foot of a user being located on a rung which is shielded or guarded.

Preferably the first securement means is movable relative to the second securement means.

Preferably the first securement means is spaced from the second securement means by an adjustable distance.

Preferably the first securement means comprises a first shaped member which is arranged to co-operate and/or engage a rung of a ladder. The first shaped member may locate over or under a rung of a ladder. Preferably the first shaped member may comprise a hook portion and may preferably comprise an elongate hook portion. Preferably the first shaped member comprises a channel portion.

Preferably the first shaped member extends over an upper rung, in use.

Preferably the second securement means comprises a second shaped member which is arranged to co-operate and/or engage a rung of a ladder. The second shaped member may locate over or under a rung of a ladder. Preferably the second shaped member may comprise a hook portion and may preferably comprise an elongate hook portion. Preferably the second shaped member comprises a channel portion.

Preferably the second shaped member extends over an upper rung, in use.

Preferably the guard means comprises a panel. Preferably the panel is a continuous panel. The panel may be substantially rectangular.

The panel may have a longitudinal length greater than 1 metre and preferably greater than 1.5 metre. The longitudinal length of the panel may be substantially 2 metres.

The panel may be arranged, in use, to extend over substantially the full longitudinal length of the rungs of the ladder.

Preferably the panel comprises a metal.

Preferably the first securement means and the second securement means are movable from a first configuration in which the first and second securement means are lockable over a plurality of rungs of a ladder to a second configuration in which the first securement means and the second securement means are not locked over the plurality of rungs of the ladder. Preferably the ladder apparatus is removable from the ladder in the second configuration.

Preferably the first securement means and the second securement means are lockable in the first configuration.

Preferably the first securement means and the second securement means are movable from the first configuration to the second configuration whilst locking means are secured to the ladder apparatus.

Preferably the ladder apparatus is lockable to the ladder in order to prevent unauthorized removal of the ladder apparatus from the ladder. Preferably the ladder apparatus is lockable by locking means. Preferably the locking means is integral with the ladder apparatus.

Preferably the locking means is secured to the ladder apparatus in the locked and unlocked configurations.

Preferably the elements of the locking means are connected (not removed from) the ladder apparatus in the locked and unlocked configurations. The locking apparatus is preferably locked and unlocked by an actuating member.

The actuating member is separate or separable from the ladder apparatus. The actuating member may comprise a tool or a key.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a ladder apparatus and a ladder wherein the ladder apparatus is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably the ladder apparatus is locked or lockable to the ladder.

Preferably locking means is integral with the ladder apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of disabling a ladder comprising securing ladder apparatus to a ladder wherein the ladder apparatus is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

The method may comprise locking ladder apparatus to the ladder.

The method may comprise moving first securement means towards or away from second securement means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of ladder apparatus.

Figure 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of ladder apparatus.

Figure 3 is a partial front perspective view of part a preferred embodiment of ladder apparatus.

Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an assembly comprising a preferred embodiment of ladder apparatus secured to a ladder.

Figure 5 is a partial rear view of an alternative embodiment of ladder apparatus.

Figure 6 is a front view of another embodiment of ladder apparatus.

Figure 7 is a side view of another embodiment of ladder apparatus. l

Figure 8 is a rear view of another embodiment of ladder apparatus.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising another embodiment of ladder apparatus secured to a ladder.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the ladder apparatus 10 comprises securement means to removably secure the ladder apparatus 10 to a ladder 16. The ladder apparatus is arranged to disable the ladder by shielding or guarding a number of rungs of the ladder such that a user cannot locate a foot on the ladder in order to be supported thereby. The securement means comprises first securement means 12 and second securement means 14. The first securement means 12 is movable relative to the second securement means 14 in order for the ladder apparatus to be secured to a ladder 16. The ladder 16 may be either temporary, semi-permanent or permanent and generally comprises two vertical side members or rails having a plurality of horizontal support members providing rungs extending therebetween. The rungs extend longitudinally between the side members.

The first securement means 12 secures the ladder apparatus to a first, and in particular an upper, rung 18 of the ladder 16 whilst the second securement means 14 secures the ladder apparatus 10 to a second, and in particular a lower, rung 20 of the ladder 16. Once the ladder apparatus 10 is secured to the ladder 16, the ladder apparatus 10 prevents the use of a number of rungs of the ladder 16 and in particular at least the rungs of the ladder located between, and possibly including, the upper rung 18 and the lower rung 20 to which the ladder apparatus 10 is secured. As shown in Figure 4, the upper (or first) rung may still be operational but the other rungs, including the lower rung 20, are all guarded by guard means in the form of a panel 22. The panel 22 prevents a user from being able to step on and to be supported by those rungs which are guarded. Accordingly, the panel 22 effectively shields a number of rungs of the ladder and may substantially enclose at least a part or section of the ladder 16. In use, a number of rungs are covered and the panel extends over a number of rungs sufficient to prevent an unauthorized person simply stepping over the covered rungs. In particular, the vertical height of the panel may be 2 metres.

The panel 22 extends between the first securement means 12 and the second securement means 14. The panel 22 comprises a continuous metal panel 22 which has an aperture and preferably a slot 24 defined therein which cooperates with the second securement means 14.

The first securement means 12 comprises a shaped member 26 which is arranged to locate over, and engage with, an upper rung 18 of the ladder 16. The shaped member 26 provides rung engagement means. The shaped member 26 comprises an elongate hook portion or a shaped portion and provides a shaped surface which substantially co-operates with the surface of the rung 18 of the ladder 16. In particular, the shaped portion is arranged to extend over the upper surface of the rung 18 and then at least extend partially downwardly adjacent to an inner surface of the rung 18 of the ladder 16. The panel 22 extends adjacent to the outer surface of the rung.

Similarly, the second securement means 14 comprises a shaped lower member 28 which is arranged to locate over and engage with a lower rung 20 of the ladder 16. The shaped member 28 provides rung engagement means. The shaped member 28 comprises an elongate hook portion or a shaped portion and provides a shaped surface which substantially co-operates with the surface of the lower rung 20 of the ladder 16. In particular, the shaped portion 28 is arranged to extend under the lower surface of the rung 20 and then at least extend partially upwardly adjacent to an inner surface of the rung 20 of the ladder 16. The panel 22 extends adjacent to the outer surface of the rung 20. Accordingly, in use, once both the first securement means 12 and the second securement means 14 are engaged with the respective rungs 18, 20 the ladder apparatus 10 cannot simply be moved away from the ladder.

The second securement means 14 and in particular the shaped member 28 is movable relative to the first securement means 12 and in particular the shaped member 26 and, in addition, is movable in relation to the panel. It is appreciated that the first securement means 12 and second securement means 14 could be reversed in order for the upper securement means 12 to be movable relative to the panel 22. Accordingly, the separation distance between the first shaped member 26 and the second shaped member 28 is adjustable in order for the ladder apparatus to be engaged and secured to a ladder 16 and also disengaged and removed from the ladder 16.

The shaped member 28 is mounted on mounting means including a projecting portion 30 which extends through a slot provided in the panel. A securement member 32 locates on the opposite side of the panel 22 relative to the shaped member 28 and is operational to secure the shaped member 28 relative to the panel 22. In particular, the securement member 32 comprises a nut 32 and the projecting member 30 comprises a threaded screw 30.

Accordingly, the nut 32 can be tightened in order to secure the shaped member 28 relative to the panel 22 and prevent relative movement therebetween which thereby prevents relative movement between the first securement means 12 and the second securement means 14 which effectively clamps or locks the ladder apparatus 10 to the ladder 16.

The securement member 32 can be loosened but not necessarily removed from the projecting member 30 in order to enable the shaped member 28 to move relative to the first securement means 12 and the panel 22. Specifically, the locking mechanism is integral with the ladder apparatus and no element of the locking mechanism is removed in either the locked position or in the unlocked position. On construction sites it can be easy to lose elements in particular in small elements, for example locking nuts or padlocks. Furthermore, the weather may be cold and this can make it difficult for construction workers to use, operate and keep relatively small elements.

The ladder apparatus 10 comprises locking means to prevent unauthorized use of the ladder apparatus 10. In particular, the securement member 32 may comprise locking means which requires the use of a specific tool or an actuating member (e.g. a key) in order to loosen and/or tighten the securement member 32 to enable or prevent movement of the shaped member 28 relative to the first securement means 12 and/or the panel 22.

As shown in Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of ladder apparatus comprises an upper shaped member 40 which is provided on the inner surface of the panel 22 and is spaced from the upper edge of the panel 22. In the preferred embodiment, the upper edge of the panel 22 is simply bent over or shaped in order to provide the shaped member 26. However, in the alternative embodiment, the shaped member 40 is provided by a separate portion which is attached or secured to the panel 22.

In another embodiment the first securement means 12 comprises a first shaped member 60 and a second shaped member 52 which are spaced apart laterally on the inner face of the panel 22 as shown in Figures 6 to 9. Both the first shaped member 50 and the second shaped member 52 are spaced from the upper edge of the panel 22 and both are arranged to engage the same rung.

In use, the first securement means 12 is located on an upper rung 18 of the ladder 16. The second securement means 14 is then moved upwardly and towards the first securement means 12 until the second securement means 14 engages a lower rung 20. The second securement means 14 is then secured and locked in position to prevent unauthorized removal of the ladder apparatus 10 from the ladder 16. l

Once the ladder apparatus 10 is secured to a ladder 16, a user cannot climb up the ladder conventionally by stepping on the surfaces of the rungs of the ladder 16 since the panel 22 prevents access to the rungs of the ladder. The panel 22 provides an outer smooth surface which a user cannot climb on and which does not provide a series of steps.

The opposite face or inner face of the ladder 16 is preferably generally inaccessible to an unauthorized user, for example intruders or vandals.

Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to a removable ladder (temporary ladder) or a semi-permanent ladder, it could also be used in relation to permanent ladders, for example ladders or similar access apparatus attached to swimming pools, storage tanks, chimneys, smoke stacks, towers, television towers, aerials, floodlights, buildings, bins, silos and other support structures.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) 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 embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. Ladder apparatus to prevent use of a ladder, the ladder

apparatus comprising securement means to removably secure the ladder apparatus to the ladder, the ladder apparatus further comprising guard means which is arranged to prevent use of a plurality of rungs of the ladder when the ladder apparatus is secured to the ladder.
2. Ladder apparatus according to claim 1 in which the securement means comprises first or upper securement means and second or lower securement means.
3. Ladder apparatus according to claim 2 in which the upper securement means is arranged, in use, to secure the ladder apparatus to an upper rung of a ladder.
4. Ladder apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which the lower securement means is arranged in use, to secure the ladder apparatus to a lower rung of a ladder.
5. Ladder apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in which the ladder apparatus is arranged, in use, to prevent use of the rungs of the ladder located between the upper rung and the lower rung.
6. Ladder apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the guard means, in use, shields a plurality of rungs of the ladder.

e ë. . . .
7. Ladder apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim dependent upon claim 2 in which the first securement means is movable relative to the second securement means.
8. Ladder apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim dependent upon claim 2 in which the first securement means comprises a first shaped member which is arranged to co- operate and/or engage a rung of a ladder.
9. Ladder apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim dependent upon claim 2 in which the second securement means comprises a second shaped member which is arranged to co-operate and/or engage a rung of a ladder.
10. Ladder apparatus according to any preceding claim in which guard means comprises a panel.
11. Ladder apparatus according to claim lO in which the panel is a continuous panel.
12. Ladder apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 in which the panel is arranged, in use, to extend over substantially the full longitudinal length of the rungs of the ladder.
13. Ladder apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim dependent upon claim 2 in which the first securement means and the second securement means are movable from a first configuration in which the first and second securement means are lockable over a plurality of rungs of a ladder to a second configuration in which the first securement means and the second securement means are not locked over the plurality of rungs of the ladder.

e e - . e - . .
14. Ladder apparatus according to claim 13 in which the ladder apparatus is removable from the ladder in the second configuration.
15. Ladder apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14 in which the first securement means and the second securement means are lockable in the first configuration.
16. Ladder apparatus according to claim 15 in which the first securement means and the second securement means are movable from the first configuration to the second configuration whilst locking means are secured to the ladder apparatus.
17. Ladder apparatus according to claim 16 in which the locking means is integral with the ladder apparatus.
18. Ladder apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17 in which the locking means is secured to the ladder apparatus in the locked and unlocked configurations.
19. Ladder apparatus according to claim 18 in which the elements of the locking means are connected (not removed from) the ladder apparatus in the locked and unlocked configurations.
20. Ladder apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19 in which the locking means is locked and unlocked by an actuating member.
21. Ladder apparatus according to claim 20 in which the actuating member is separable from the ladder apparatus.

. . . . e .- . e - .
22. An assembly comprising a ladder apparatus and a ladder wherein the ladder apparatus is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 21.
23. An assembly according to claim 22 in which locking means is integral with the ladder apparatus.
24. A method of disabling a ladder comprising securing ladder apparatus to a ladder wherein the ladder apparatus is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 21.
25. Ladder apparatus to prevent use of a ladder substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
26. An assembly comprising ladder apparatus and a ladder substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
27. A method of disabling a ladder substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.

. . e e e e e e e e.- ë e e e e -e e