GB2424441A - Apparatus for restricting access to a ladder - Google Patents
Apparatus for restricting access to a ladder Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2424441A GB2424441A GB0505406A GB0505406A GB2424441A GB 2424441 A GB2424441 A GB 2424441A GB 0505406 A GB0505406 A GB 0505406A GB 0505406 A GB0505406 A GB 0505406A GB 2424441 A GB2424441 A GB 2424441A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- ladder
- access hatch
- hatch cover
- frame
- ladder access
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/006—Devices for preventing access
Abstract
Apparatus for restricting access to a ladder comprises a frame with upper and lower parts 50, 52, which by means of a padlock 28 can be secured to cover rungs of a ladder 5 to prevent climbing, and a ladder access hatch cover 30. This may slide along runners 21 and be pivoted at 40 so that it can be moved into an opening 100 and a hook 34 can be padlocked, 38, to a scaffolding pole 110 to close the opening so as to deny access to trespassers.
Description
A Portable Cover for a Ladder and Ladder Access Hatch The present
invention relates to security/safety equipment for use with ladders.
Ladders are commonly used in the construction industry to provide access to raised scaffolding platforms or crane cockpits. It is common practice to leave access ladders in place whilst a construction project is in progress; and the presence of such ladders on unattended construction sites has proven to be tempting to trespassers.
A particular problem associated with unauthorised access onto scaffolding is that trespassers are often not familiar l with the layout of the scaffolding. This cari lead to serious or fatal accidents if a trespasser should fall through a ladder access hatch. This danger is increased if trespassers are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
A further problem exists due to the fact that unattended scaffolding, particularly scaffolding which is erected on residential or commercial buildings, provides thieves with a quick and often unseen route into a building. Scaffolding ladders provide a quick and convenient entry and escape route for thieves.
One solution to the above mentioned problems is to block the ladder access hatch with a cover. GB 2372528 discloses a ladder access hatch cover which is attached to the raised platform and which closes around the ladder to block the access hatch. Whilst an access hatch cover such as this may solve the problems outlined above, it is not an ideal solution since the access hatch cover becomes an obstacle during normal use of the scaffolding by construction A device to prevent the unauthorised use of a ladder is disclosed in US 2002/0092704. In this case a frame is attached to the ladder and extends outwardly from the ladder thus preventing access to the portion of the ladder above the frame. Whilst this apparatus may reduce the problem of unauthorised access, it does not solve the problem of trespassers falling through the open ladder access hatch.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for restricting the use of a ladder, comprising a frame, wherein the frame is releasably attachable to a ladder and wherein the frame has a planar portion which, in use, extends along the ladder to the extent that it substantially covers at least some of the rungs of the ladder.
The planar portion of the frame which extends along the ladder provides the benefit that it stops the ladder being used in a conventional manner, thereby making it difficult for trespassers to climb the ladder and gain access to buildings and/or raised platform structures.
In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the apparatus comprises at least one runner, and the apparatus further comprises a ladder access hatch cover; wherein the ladder access hatch cover is connected to the at least one runner for rotational movement relative to the frame, and wherein the ladder access hatch cover comprises a hanger for engaging with a portion of the perimeter of a ladder access hatch such that the ladder access hatch cover can be deployed to substantially close the ladder access hatch.
This preferred embodiment provides a number of additional benefits. It prevents trespassers from gaining access to the raised platform structure through the ladder access hatch, it also prevents trespasses who have gained access to the raised platform via another route, for example through a window, from falling through the ladder access hatch. A further benefit is that the apparatus is not permanently fixed to the ladder, or to the raised platform; this has the advantage that the apparatus will not cause an obstruction or safety risk to construction workers during normal In one embodiment, the ladder access hatch cover is also connected to the at least one runner to allow translational movement. In a further embodiment, the frame comprises at least a pair of runners.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a ladder access hatch cover locking means for lockably securing the hanger of the ladder access hatch cover to the portion of the perimeter of the ladder access hatch. This increases the security of the raised platform by making it more difficult for trespassers to remove the ladder access hatch cover.
In a preferred embodiment, the hanger of the ladder access hatch cover is moveable relative to the ladder access hatch cover. More preferably, the ladder access hatch cover is slidable relative to the ladder access hatch cover. More preferably still, the hanger of the ladder access hatch cover is rotatable relative to the ladder access hatch cover. These preferred embodiments increase the adaptability of the apparatus by enabling it to be used to cover ladder access hatches of differing dimensions.
In one embodiment, the ladder access hatch cover comprises a rounded shape to better facilitate the use of the apparatus with crane ladder access hatches.
The ladder access hatch cover is preferably moveable to a position that is substantially parallel to the frame. This allows the apparatus to be flat packed and has the advantage that the apparatus relatively easy to handle, store and transport.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a frame locking means for lockably securing the frame to a ladder. This increases the security of the raised platform by making it more difficult for trespassers to remove the frame.
In a preferred embodiment the frame comprises two separate parts, thereby increasing the ease with which the frame may be fitted to ladders with restricted access. Alternatively, the frame may comprise two parts which are hinged together.
The frame preferably comprises a frame hanger which allows the apparatus to be hung on a suitable structure in the vicinity of the ladder when the apparatus is not in use; for example, on the scaffolding structure.
In a particularly preferred example a ladder is provided with the apparatus of the present invention releasably attached thereto.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention attached to a scaffolding ladder with the ladder access hatch cover in the open position.
Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 with the ladder access hatch cover in the closed position blocking the ladder access hatch.
Figure 3 is a reverse end view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the ladder access hatch cover in the flat packed position.
Figure 4 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention attached to a ladder with the ladder access hatch cover removed for clarity.
Figure 5 is an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 4 attached to a ladder with the ladder access hatch cover in the flat packed position.
Figure 6 is a plan view of the ladder access hatch cover of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a plan view of an alternative configuration for the ladder access hatch cover of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of the present invention attached to a scaffolding ladder with the ladder access hatch cover in the open position.
Figure 9 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a partial side view of the apparatus of Figure 8.
Figure 1 shows a ladder 5 with a lowermost end 6 and an uppermost end 8. The lowermost end 6 stands on the ground 7 and the uppermost end 8 projects through and rests against a ladder access hatch 100 in scaffolding structure 105. The scaffolding structure 105 comprises scaffolding poles 110 and scaffolding boards 120. The scaffolding boards 120 form a raised platform 115.
Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 6, an apparatus 10 for covering the rungs of the ladder 5 and for covering the ladder access hatch 100 is shown. The apparatus 10 comprises a frame 20 and a ladder access hatch cover 30.
The frame 20 comprises a pair of runners 21 to which the ladder access hatch cover 30 is rotatably connected (as described below) . The frame 20 further comprises a frame locking assembly 55.
The ladder access hatch cover 30 comprises a slot 35 and a ladder access hatch cover locking assembly 56 which passes through and is slidable along the slot 35. The ladder access hatch cover 30 further comprises a ladder access hatch cover hanger 34.
In use, the apparatus 10 is releasably attached to the ladder 5 by placing the frame 20 around the ladder 5 and locking the frame locking assembly 55. The ladder access hatch cover 30 is rotated upwards about its connection to the runners 21 into a position such that it substantially covers the ladder access hatch 100. The ladder access hatch cover locking assembly 56 is slid along the slot 35 until the ladder access hatch cover hanger 34 aligns with a scaffolding pole 110. The ladder access hatch cover hanger 34 is then hooked over the scaffolding pole 110 and the ladder access hatch cover locking assembly 56 is locked in place.
In the embodiment described above, the ladder access hatch hanger 34 locates with a scaffolding pole 110 to hold the ladder access hatch cover 30 in place. However, the ladder access hatch hanger 34 may engage with some other portion of the scaffolding structure 105 on the perimeter of the ladder access hatch 100.
In this embodiment, the ladder access hatch cover 30 substantially blocks off, but does not seal, the ladder access hatch 100. However, it is not necessary to completely block off the ladder access hatch 100. The ladder access hatch cover 30 need only constrict the ladder access hatch 100 by an amount sufficient to prevent a trespasser from passing through the ladder access hatch 100 and from releasing the ladder access hatch cover hanger 34 from engagement with the scaffolding pole 110.
In this embodiment, the frame 20 is made of injection moulded plastic and the cover 30 is made of plywood.
However, any other suitable material may be used for the frame 20 such as mild steel or carbon fibre composite.
Similarly, the cover 30 may be made from any suitable rigid material such as plastic or mild steel.
The frame 20 comprises an upper half 50 and a lower half 52.
Two embodiments of the frame 20 are shown in the Figures.
In the first embodiment, shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the upper half 50 and the lower half 52 do not meet one another when the apparatus is attached to the ladder 5. However, in the second embodiment, shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the upper half 50 and the lower half 52 meet one another when the apparatus is attached to the ladder 5.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the upper half 50 is of greater overall length than the lower half 52 such that a larger number of ladder rungs are covered by the upper half 50. However, in the second embodiment, the upper half 50 and the lower half 52 are of equal lengths. Due to the similarity if these two embodiments, like reference numerals have been used to identify like components.
As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, a pair of runners 21 are attached to the outer edges 53 of the upper frame half 50.
The runners 21 extend in the lengthwise direction of the ladder 5 and comprise an upper channel 22 and a lower channel 23. The upper channel 22 is closed at each end by the material of the runners 21. The lower channel 23 is closed at its uppermost end 29 by the material of the runners 21 and at its lowermost end by a plastic stopper 25.
The frame 20 further comprises four frame hangers 49 located on the outer edges 54 of the lower frame half 52.
As shown in Figure 4, the frame 20 comprises a lengthwise slot 19. A frame locking assembly 55 is located on the frame 20. The frame locking assembly 55 comprises two mild steel screw plates 24a, 24b located on either side of the frame 20. A hole 18 is defined in the lowermost screw plate 24b. A threaded bar 27, comprising a plurality of holes 17, is welded to the lower side 45b of uppermost screw plate 24a. The threaded bar 27 passes through the slot 19 and the hole 18, the lowermost screw plate 24b is secured by means of a washer 46 and a butterfly clamp 26. A padlock 28 is passed through the hole 17 closest to the butterfly clamp 26.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the frame locking assembly 55 is orientated such that the padlock 28 is located on the underside of the ladder 5. However, the frame locking assembly 55 may be inverted such that the padlock 28 is located on the upper side of the ladder 5.
Preferably the padlock is located on the underside of the ladder 5 as shown so that it may not be used as a foothold for trespassers.
Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5, the cover 30 comprises a lengthwise slot 35. A cover locking assembly 56 is located on the cover 30. The cover locking assembly 56 comprises two mild steel screw plates 32a, 32b located on either side of the cover 30. A hole 33 is defined in the lowermost screw plate 32b. A ladder access hatch cover hanger 34 is welded to the upper side 44a of the uppermost screw plate 32a. A threaded bar 37, comprising a plurality of holes 39, is welded to the lower side 44b of uppermost screw plate 32a. The threaded bar 37 passes through the slot 35 and the - 10 - hole 33, the lowermost screw plate 32b is secured by means of a washer 43 and a butterfly clamp 36. A padlock 38 is passed through the hole 39 closest to the butterfly clamp 36.
The cover 30 further comprises two threaded bolts 42 located at the upper corners 47 of the cover 30 and two threaded bolts 41 located at the lower corners 48 of the cover 30.
The upper bolts 42 fit in and are able to slide along the upper runner slot 22, and the lower bolts 41 fit in and are able to slide along the lower runner slot 23. Each bolt 41, 42 has a nut 40 to secure it in place.
The frame hangers 49 allow the apparatus 10 to be conveniently stored close to the ladder 5 when not in use by hanging the apparatus 10 on the scaffolding structure 105.
As shown in Figure 5, the assembly 10 is capable of being flat packed. This is achieved by removing the plastic stoppers 25 from the lower slot 23 of the runners 21 and sliding the cover 30 along the runners 21 until the lower bolts 41 pass the end of the runners 21. The lower bolts 41 are then located inside the lower runner slot 23 and the plastic stoppers 25 replaced. The cover 30 may be put in this position whilst the apparatus 10 is in place on the ladder 5 or when removed from the ladder 5 for storage or transportation.
Figure 7 shows an alternative ladder access hatch cover 60.
In this case the edge 61 furthest from the frame 20 is of a rounded shape. The ladder access hatch cover 60 is suitable for use with ladder access hatches of cranes.
- 11 - Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10 show an alternative embodiment to the embodiments described above. For clarity, in cases where like components to those described above are shown, the same reference numerals have been used.
Figure 8 and Figure 9 show an apparatus 200 comprising a frame 220 and a ladder access hatch cover 230. The frame 220 comprises a central runner 221 and a frame locking assembly 55. The ladder access hatch cover 230 is rotatably attached to the runner 221 via a slider 260 and a resilient connector 270 as described below. The ladder access hatch cover 230 comprises a slot 235 and a ladder access hatch hanger assembly 234 which is able to slide along the slot 235.
In use, the apparatus 200 is releasably attached to the ladder 5 by placing the frame 220 around the ladder 5 and locking the frame locking assembly 55. In this embodiment the ladder access hatch cover 230 is initially above the ladder access hatch 100. The ladder access hatch cover 230 is rotated downwards about its connection to the runner 221 into a position such that it substantially covers the ladder access hatch 100. The ladder access hatch cover hanger assembly 234 is slid along the slot 235 until it is within engagement range of the perimeter of the ladder access hatch 100. The ladder access hatch cover hanger assembly 234 is then engaged with the perimeter of the ladder access hatch as will be described later thus preventing the ladder access hatch cover from passing through the ladder access hatch 100.
- 12 - The ladder access hatch cover hanger assembly 234 is engaged with a portion of the perimeter of the ladder access hatch by pivoting a locking bar 255 into the position shown in ghost in Figure 9. The locking bar 255 is then secured in place between two padlocks 238. An advantage of this embodiment is that the ladder access hatch cover hanger assembly 234 can engage with items other than scaffolding poles, for example it can engage with scaffolding boards.
In contrast to the embodiments described above, the frame 220 is of a box cross-section as shown in Figure 9. The frame 220 comprises an upper half 250 and a lower half 252.
The upper half 205 and the lower half 252 are placed around the ladder 5 in order to block off the rungs of the ladder.
The frame is then locked in place by means of locking assembly 55 as described earlier. The runner 221 is attached to the centre of the upper frame half 250. The runner 221 extends in the lengthwise direction of the ladder and is substantially in the form of an I-beam. Each end of the runner 221 is closed by means of plastic stoppers 225.
The ladder access hatch cover 230 is rotatably and slidably attached to the runner 221 by means of a slider 260 and a resilient connector 270. The resilient connector 270 is made of a resiliently deformable steel. The ladder access hatch cover 230 comprises a slot (not shown) into which one end of the resilient connector 270 is placed. The resilient connector 270 is then secured in place by means of bolts 271 and self tapping nuts 272. The other end of the resilient connector 270 is spot welded to the slider 260.
- 13 - The ladder access hatch hanger assembly 234 comprises two mild steel screw plates 232a and 232b located above and below the ladder access hatch cover 230 respectively. The ladder access hatch hanger assembly 234 further comprises the locking bar 255. A bolt (not shown) is welded to the lower screw plate 232b, the bolt passes through the slot 235 and through holes in both the upper screw plate 232a and the locking bar 255. The bolt is secured by a self tapping nut 256. The locking bar 255 is thus able to pivot about the upper screw plate 232a. The ladder access hatch cover 230 comprises the padlocks 238.
Claims (14)
- - 14 - Claims: 1. An apparatus for restricting the use of a ladder,comprising: a frame, wherein the frame is releasably attachable to a ladder and wherein the frame has a planar portion which, in use, extends along the ladder to the extent that it substantially covers at least some of the rungs of the ladder.
- 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least one runner, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a ladder access hatch cover, wherein the ladder access hatch cover is connected to the at least one runner for rotational movement relative to the frame, and wherein the ladder access hatch cover comprises a hanger for engaging with a portion of the perimeter of a ladder access hatch such that the ladder access hatch cover can be deployed to substantially close the ladder access hatch.
- 3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the ladder access hatch cover is also connected to the at least one runner to allow translational movement.
- 4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the frame comprises at least a pair of runners.
- 5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 comprising a ladder access hatch cover locking means for - 15 - lockably securing the hanger of the ladder access hatch cover to the portion of the perimeter of the ladder access hatch.
- 6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the hanger of the ladder access hatch cover is moveable relative to the ladder access hatch cover.
- 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the hanger of the ladder access hatch cover is slidable relative to the ladder access hatch cover.
- 8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the hanger of the ladder access hatch cover is rotatable relative to the ladder access hatch cover.
- 9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the ladder access hatch cover comprises a rounded shape.
- 10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the ladder access hatch cover is moveable to a position that is substantially parallel to the frame.
- 11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a frame locking means for lockably securing the frame to a ladder.
- 12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the frame comprises two separate parts.- 16 -
- 13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the frame comprises a frame hanger.
- 14. A ladder with the apparatus of any preceding claim releasably attached thereto.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0505406A GB2424441A (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2005-03-16 | Apparatus for restricting access to a ladder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0505406A GB2424441A (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2005-03-16 | Apparatus for restricting access to a ladder |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0505406D0 GB0505406D0 (en) | 2005-04-20 |
| GB2424441A true GB2424441A (en) | 2006-09-27 |
Family
ID=34509172
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0505406A Withdrawn GB2424441A (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2005-03-16 | Apparatus for restricting access to a ladder |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2424441A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11692395B1 (en) | 2020-02-25 | 2023-07-04 | Robert Wade Bullock | Ladder blocking device |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5441126A (en) * | 1994-02-25 | 1995-08-15 | Orrick; James | Ladder guard |
| FR2817902A1 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2002-06-14 | Coutier Ind | Secure locking device for access to ladder safety hoop comprises movable cover with panel, covering ladder immediately below hoop, carrying hoop obturator at upper end |
| GB2373016A (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2002-09-11 | Andrew Bufton | Ladder access prevention unit |
-
2005
- 2005-03-16 GB GB0505406A patent/GB2424441A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5441126A (en) * | 1994-02-25 | 1995-08-15 | Orrick; James | Ladder guard |
| FR2817902A1 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2002-06-14 | Coutier Ind | Secure locking device for access to ladder safety hoop comprises movable cover with panel, covering ladder immediately below hoop, carrying hoop obturator at upper end |
| GB2373016A (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2002-09-11 | Andrew Bufton | Ladder access prevention unit |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11692395B1 (en) | 2020-02-25 | 2023-07-04 | Robert Wade Bullock | Ladder blocking device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0505406D0 (en) | 2005-04-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |