GB2435489A

GB2435489A - Stabiliser for base of ladder

Info

Publication number: GB2435489A
Application number: GB0603742A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Ellison Freeland; Stuart Freeland
Original assignee: SARAH BATEMAN
Current assignee: SARAH BATEMAN
Priority date: 2006-02-24
Filing date: 2006-02-24
Publication date: 2007-08-29
Also published as: GB0603742D0

Abstract

A ladder stabiliser includes a support base 2, having a stop member 10 on its upper surface and a plurality of depending spikes, a cover element 4 hinged 6 to a first edge of the base is closable to cover the spikes. Preferably the first edge of the stabiliser is the front edge and also has a carrying handle located adjacent to it. A latch may be provided for the cover in the closed position. The cover may include non-slip elements for engaging an under-floor surface when the stabiliser is used with the cover closed. The spikes may be punched from a metal plate member, which may be attached to the support base by moulded plastic formations. The spikes each may include a curved wall, preferably being frusto-conical. The stop member may include an upstanding wall that extends transversely across the base. Preferably it also has adjustable side stops 50 which can be locked into position on the base. Locking formations may be provided in the form of vertical splines on the support base and on the transversely extending wall. In use the side stops define pockets for each ladder foot. Also claimed is a stabiliser wherein the stop member is an upstanding wall, a stabiliser having the spikes provided on a metal plate and stabiliser with incremental markings on the base.

Description

I

Ladder Stabiliser The present invention relates to a ladder stabiliser.

It is well known that ladders can be dangerous if used incorrectly. For example, if the ladder is placed on a loose or slippery surface, the feet of the ladder may slip in use, causing the ladder to fall. If the ladder is placed on a soft surface such as a lawn, the feet may sink into the surface, again causing the ladder to tip or fall. The surface of the lawn may also be damaged by the feet of the ladder.

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In order to reduce these risks, it has been common practice in the building trade for many: ..

years to use a ladder stabiliser. This is usually a rather rough-and-ready device, consisting: * of a rectangular sheet of plywood, which has a piece of 2" x 2" (50mm x 50mm) timber.:.

nailed to the upper face to act as a stop, and a few spiked truss plates nailed to the lower *: :: face. The feet of the ladder are placed on the upper face of the stabiliser, against the

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wooden stop, and the spiked truss plates face downwards against the ground. I'he stabiliser * * S...

prevents the ladder from slipping and from sinking into the ground. .. : However, although such stabilisers are useful in certain situations, they have a number of drawbacks. In particular, if the stabiliser is carelessly left the wrong way up with the spikes facing upwards, this can cause a serious injury to anyone who accidentally steps on them.

The spikes of the truss plates can also easily become bent in use, reducing the effectiveness of the stabiliser. Also, the stabiliser is not suitable for use on ground surfaces that are either very hard and smooth (for example polished stone floors), or easily damaged floors (for example polished wood).

Various custom-designed stabilisers have also been proposed, some of which are discussed below.

W02004/048742A describes a ladder stabiliser having a plate with a U-shaped stop on its upper surface. Spikes are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate. As with the stabiliser described above, these spikes create an injury hazard. Furthermore, the spikes on the upper surface may penetrate the rubber insulating feet of a metal ladder, giving rise to an electrical shock hazard. I'he spikes may also bend in use. The spikes are also not suitable for use on hard and smooth surfaces, or on easily damaged floor surfaces. The support apparatus is provided with a carrying handle, but this is located in a position where a user would be likely to tread when descending from a ladder, causing a potential trip hazard.

EP 0329422A describes a ladder stabiliser having a rigid base plate, a stop that extends upwards from the base plate, and rubber pads on the lower surface of the base plate. The stabiliser does not have lateral supports to prevent sideways movement of the ladder and the rubber pads may not provide sufficient grip on certain surfaces. .:.

GB 2286621A describes a ladder stabiliser comprising a base plate with a three-sided stop: and a non-slip base attached to the underside of the base plate. Separate pins may be inserted through holes in the base plate when it is to be used on soft surfaces. Although the three-sided stop is intended to prevent sideways movement of the ladder, it cannot be:.:: adapted to ladders of different sizes. The requirement for separate pins makes the device *....* inconvenient to use and it may be impossible to insert the pins into certain ground surfaces. * It is an object of the present invention to provide a ladder stabiliser that mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of the earlier stabilisers described above.

According to the present invention there is provided a ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face, and a cover element that is pivotally attached to the support base, wherein the cover element is hinged to a first edge of the base member and is adjustable between a closed condition in which it lies adjacent the lower face and covers the spikes, and an open condition in which the spikes are uncovered.

The ladder stabiliser provides a firm base for the ladder, preventing the feet of the ladder from slipping or sinking into the ground. The stability of the ladder is therefore greatly improved, allowing the ladder to be used much more safely. The cover element is designed to cover the spikes when the stabiliser is not in use, thereby preventing injury and accidental damage to other objects. The hinged connection of the cover element to the base member allows for very simple operation.

Advantageously, the ladder stabiliser includes a releasable latching mechanism for latching the cover element to the support base in the closed condition. This prevents the cover element from opening accidentally and therefore provides increased protection against injury.

The ladder stabiliser may include a carrying handle located adjacent the first edge of the base member. This location of the carrying handle ensures that the cover element closes automatically to cover the spikes when the stabiliser is lifted up after use. * The first edge preferably comprises the front edge of the base member: i.e. the edge that in: use lies closest to the object against which the ladder is leant. This provides the advantage.: that during use the handle is located beneath the ladder in a position where the user will not *: : a: normally tread, thereby avoiding a trip hazard. a.,. a S S..

The cover element may include one or more non-slip elements for engaging an underlying * : :: floor surface when the stabiliser is in use with the cover element in a closed condition. This allows the ladder stabiliser to be used on surfaces that are not suitable for engagement by the spikes: for example hard, smooth floor surfaces such as polished stone, or easily damaged surfaces such as wooden floors.

The spikes are preferably provided on a metal plate member attached to the lower face of the base member. The plate member may be attached to the base member by means of moulded plastics formations, for example using a process of sonic welding. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

The spikes are preferably formed in the metal plate by punching. Advantageously, each spike includes a curved wall portion. Preferably, each spike is substantially frusto-conical in shape. This provides very strong spikes and reduces the risk of the spikes bending or deforming in use.

The stop member preferably includes an upstanding wall that extends transversely across the base member. This prevents the feet of the ladder from slipping backwards, away from a supporting structure.

The stop member may include one or more side stops that extend perpendicular to the upstanding transverse wall, to prevent lateral movement of the ladder. The stop member may include two side stops that define a pocket for receiving one foot of a ladder.

Alternatively, or in addition, the stop member may include one or more adjustable side stops. these features allow the stabiliser to be used with ladders of different widths.

Preferably, each adjustable side stop includes locking formations for engagement with complementary locking formations on the support base. The complementary locking formations are preferably provided on the support transverse wall. Advantageously, the.. : locking formations and the complementary locking formations comprise vertical splines. :* These formations allow the side stops to be adjusted and locked in position simply and effectively, without requiring the use of tools.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, SI..

a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that.

extend downwards from the lower face, wherein the stop member includes an upstanding wall that extends transversely across the base member and one or more side stops that extend perpendicular to the upstanding transverse wall to prevent sideways movement of a ladder, said side stops being arranged to accommodate ladders of different widths.

The stop member may include two side stops that define a pocket for receiving one foot of a ladder. The other foot may be received in another pocket, or it may simply rest against the transverse wall. The pocket may be fixed or it may be adjustable in position relative to the transverse wall. Alternatively, the stop member may include one or more adjustable side stops, which may include locking formations for engagement with complementary locking formations on the support base.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face, wherein each spike includes a curved wall portion.

Preferably, each spike is substantially frusto-conical in shape.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face, wherein the spikes are provided on a metal plate member attached to the lower face of the base member by means of moulded plastics formations. I. * * S S a as

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ladder stabiliser including:..

a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that * extend downwards from the lower face, wherein the support base carries incremental * *: : markings to indicate central positioning of a ladder on the support base. *:::: SI'S Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with..

reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of the ladder stabiliser in an opened configuration; Figure 2 is a cross-section on line 11-Il of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side section on line 111-111 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side section showing the ladder stabiliser in a closed configuration; Figures 5 and 6 are side sections at an enlarged scale, illustrating a method ofjoining two components of the ladder stabiliser; Figure 7 is an isometric view showing part of a second ladder stabiliser according to the invention; Figure 8 is an isometric view of part of the second ladder stabiliser; Figures 9 and 10 are isometric views of parts of a third ladder stabiliser according to the invention; Figures 11 and 12 are isometric views of parts of a fourth ladder stabiliser; Figure 13 is an isometric view of part of a fifth ladder stabiliser; Figures 14 and 15 are isometric views of parts of a sixth ladder stabiliser; Figure 16 is an isometric view of part of a seventh ladder stabiliser; Figure 17 is an isometric view of part of an eighth ladder stabiliser; Figure 18 is an isometric view of part of a ninth ladder stabiliser; and * :* Figure 19 is a top plan view of part of a tenth ladder stabiliser; * .:* Figure 20 is a side view of an eleventh ladder stabiliser in a partially open configuration; S Figure 21 is a side view of the eleventh ladder stabiliser in a closed configuration, and S... S * S...

Figure 22 is an isometric view of the eleventh ladder stabiliser in a fully open configuration: :: : supporting a ladder.

The ladder stabiliser shown in Figures 1-6 includes a support base 2 and a cover element 4 that is pivotally attached to the support base 2 by four hinges 6. The hinges 6 may take any suitable form and number.

The support base 2 preferably comprises a substantially rigid plastics moulding that includes a planar base plate 8 and an upstanding support element 10. The support element 10 includes a transverse wall 12 that extends across the width of the base plate 8, left and right lateral side stops 1 4a, 1 4b and an intermediate side stop 16 located between the left and right lateral side stops I 4a, 1 4b. In this case, the intermediate side stop 16 is located off-centre, towards the right lateral side stop I 4b.

The lateral and intermediate side stops I 4a, I 4b, 16 are connected to the transverse wall 12 and extend substantially perpendicular thereto, thus acting as buttresses to support the transverse wall 12.

A first pocket 18, which in use receives one foot of a ladder, is defined by the right lateral side stop I 4b, the intermediate side stop 16 and the transverse wall 12. The other foot of the ladder is received in a second pocket 20 defined by the left lateral side stop 1 4a, the intermediate side stop 16 and the transverse wall 12. A number of ribs 22 are formed on the upper surface of the base plate 8 in both pockets 18,20 to provide a non-slip surface.

The surface of the base plate 8 may also be roughened in these areas, for example it may be provided with a sparked finish.

The transverse wall 12 divides the base plate 8 into a front portion 24 that includes the lateral and intermediate side stops 1 4a, 1 4b, 16 and the ribs 22, and a rear portion 26 on the: . . opposite side of the transverse wall 12. In use, the feet of the ladder are placed on the front: * .* portion 24, so that they abut the wall 12 within the smaller and larger pockets 18,20. The front portion 24 of the base plate 8 therefore lies underneath the ladder, closer to the: :: structure against which the ladder is leant. The rear portion 26 is located on the climbing **** side of the ladder, and a user therefore steps over this rear portion 26 when ascending or. ... ****

descending the ladder. A handle 28 for carrying the ladder stabiliser is provided in the front. : portion 24 of the base plate 8, adjacent the edge that carries the hinges 6.

Attached to the underside of the base plate 8 is a spiked anti-slip plate 30. The anti-slip plate 30 is preferably made of sheet metal, for example galvanised steel, and carries a large number of downwardly pointing spikes 32 (typically 500-1000 spikes, although there may be more or fewer than this). Preferably, the spikes 32 are formed by punching and have an open-ended truncated conical form, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. This form is very strong, giving the spikes 32 extremely good resistance to deformation.

The anti-slip plate 30 is preferably attached to the base plate 8 with moulded spigots 34, using a method as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this method, the spigots 34 are moulded on the underside of the base plate 8. The anti-slip plate 30 has corresponding holes 36, which are located over the spigots, as shown in Figure 5. The ends of the spigots 34 are then heated and deformed as shown in Figure 6, for example by sonic welding, to form enlarged heads 38 that attach the anti-slip plate 30 to the base plate 8.

i'he cover element 4 comprises a lid 40 with a peripheral rim 41 that extends downwards when the cover element is open and the stabiliser is in use. The cover element 4 may be pivoted about the axis of the hinges 6 from the open configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to a closed configuration as shown in Figure 4, in which the cover element encloses the spiked anti-slip plate 30. This prevents any risk of injury by accidentally stepping on the stabiliser and it also prevents the spikes 32 from causing damage to other nearby articles when being stored or transported. A locking mechanism (not shown), for example a mechanical latching mechanism, moulded interlocking parts or a magnetic latch, may be provided to retain the cover element 4 in a closed condition.

A recess 42 is provided in the hinged edge of the cover element 4, to allow access to the: *: handle 28 when the cover element 4 is closed. * Rubber feet 44 are provided on the exterior surface of the lid 40. The stabiliser may be * used in a closed condition with the rubber feet facing downwards so that they engage the *. .* floor. The rubber feet then prevent the stabiliser from slipping. This is particularly useful *

. when the stabiliser is being used on hard, smooth surfaces (for example polished stone) or on easily damaged surfaces (for example polished wood), for which the spikes 32 are..DTD: unsuitable.

In the first embodiment described above, rearwards movement of the ladder is prevented by the transverse wall 12, whereas sideways movement is prevented by the lateral and intermediate side stops I 4a, I 4b, 16. In use, one foot of the ladder is placed in the small pocket 18, whereas the other is in the large pocket 20. The small pocket prevents sideways movement of the ladder, while the large pocket allows the stabiliser to accommodate ladders of different widths.

After use, when the stabiliser is lifted by the handle 28 the cover element 4 automatically closes over the spikes 32 and latches in the closed position, thus preventing accidental injury or damage to other articles.

Various alternative embodiments of the invention, which are also designed to accommodate ladders of different widths, are shown in Figures 7-19. It should be noted that in each of these figures, the cover element 4 has been omitted for clarity.

In the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 7 and 8, the intermediate side stop 16 is omitted and instead a pair of adjustable side stops 50 are provided. Each adjustable side stop 50 includes a clamping member 52 and a vertical wall 54 that extends forwards from the clamping member. The clamping member 52 has a vertical slot 56 that fits over the transverse wall 12. The wall 12 and the slot 56 are provided with complementary vertical splines 58,60 that prevent sideways movement of the side stop 50 relative to the wall 12. The side stops may however be repositioned by lifting them off the wall and then reattaching them in new locations. The vertical walls 54 of the adjustable side stops 50 engage the inner or outer faces of the ladder legs in use to prevent movement. :* The third embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 is broadly similar to the second: ..

embodiment, except that the wall 12 and the side stops 50 are provided with external.:.

dovetail joints 62,64 on their complementary surfaces. The side stop also includes two: vertical walls 54, which define a pocket for receiving a foot of the ladder.

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In the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the adjustable side stop 50 has a slot * : : :: 66 for engagement with the transverse wall 12, the wall 12 and the slot 66 being provided with complementary dovetail joints 68,70. Again, the adjustable side stop 50 has two vertical side walls 54 defining a pocket for receiving a foot of the ladder.

The side stop 50 shown in Figure 13 is similar to that shown in Figure 12, except that the side walls 54 are connected to one another by a base plate 72, on which the ladder stands.

Figures 14 and 15 show another variant, in which the adjustable side stop 50 is provided with dovetail joints 74 on the base plate 72, which engage complementary joints 76 provided on the upper surface of the base plate 8.

Figures 16 and 17 show other variants, in which the side stops 50 are connected by bolts 78 to the base plate 8 and the transverse wall 12 respectively, the bolts extending through a slot 80,82 that allows the position of the side stops 50 to be adjusted.

Figure 18 shows yet another variant, in which adjustable side stops are omitted. The support element 10 consists simply of a transverse wall 12 and left and right lateral side stops 14a,14b. If desired, markings may be provided on the upper edge of the wall 12, as shown in Figure 19, allowing the ladder to be located centrally with regard to the support element 10.

Figures 20-22 show yet another variant, which is similar in many respects to the second stabiliser shown in figures 7 and 8. The support element 10 consists of a transverse wall 12 with left and right lateral side stops 14a,14b and two adjustable side stops 50. Figures and 21 show the ladder support in partially open and closed configurations respectively.

It will be appreciated that when the stabiliser is closed, the cover element 4 will cover the spikes (not shown), which are located on the underside of the support base 2. In use, the adjustable side stops 50 engage the inner faces of the legs of a ladder 80 as shown in figure: * . : 22, to prevent sideways movement of the ladder 80. : **

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Claims

CLAIMS

1. A ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from t)e upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face4nd a cover element that is pivotally attached to the support base, wherein the over element is hinged to a first edge of the base member and is adjustable between a closed condition in which it lies adjacent the lower face and covers the spikes, and an open condition in which the spikes are uncovered.
2. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 1, including a releasable latching mechanism for latching the cover element to the support base in the closed condition. : .
3. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 1 or claim 2, including a carrying handle: located adjacent the first edge of the base member. S...

4. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 1, wherein the first edge comprises the front.... 4I**

edge of the base member. .. : 5. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element includes one or more non-slip elements for engaging an underlying floor surface when the stabiliser is in use with the cover element in a closed condition.

6. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spikes are provided on a metal plate member attached to the lower face of the base member.

7. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 6, wherein the plate member is attached to the base member by means of moulded plastics formations.

8. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the spikes are formed in the metal plate by punching.

9. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein each spike includes a curved wall portion.

10. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 9, wherein each spike is substantially frusto-conical in shape.

11. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop member includes an upstanding wall that extends transversely across the base member.

12. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 11, wherein the stop member includes one or more side stops that extend perpendicular to the upstanding transverse wall.

13. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 12, wherein the stop member includes two side stops that define a pocket for receiving one foot of a ladder. . : 14. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the stop member includes one or more adjustable side stops.

15. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 14, wherein each adjustable side stop includes S...

locking formations for engagement with complementary locking formations on the S...

support base.

16. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 15, wherein the complementary locking formations are provided on the support transverse wall.

17. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 16, wherein the locking formations and the complementary locking formations comprise vertical splines.

18. A ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face, wherein the stop member includes an upstanding wall that extends transversely across the base member and one or more side stops that extend perpendicular to the upstanding transverse wall to prevent sideways movement of a ladder, said side stops being arranged to accommodate ladders of different widths.

19. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 18, wherein the stop member includes two side stops that define a pocket for receiving one foot of a ladder.

20. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 1 8 or claim 19, wherein the stop member includes one or more adjustable side stops.

21. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 20, wherein each adjustable side stop includes locking formations for engagement with complementary locking formations on the support base.

22. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 21, wherein the complementary locking formations are provided on the support transverse wall. : : : : 23. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 22, wherein the locking formations and the complementary locking formations comprise vertical splines. : * S.. S * S *5 5

24. A ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base S...

member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the. * S...

upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face, . . : wherein each spike includes a curved wall portion.

25. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 24, wherein each spike is substantially frusto-conical in shape.

26. A ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face, wherein the spikes are provided on a metal plate member attached to the lower face of the base member by means of moulded plastics formations.

27. A ladder stabiliser including a support base that includes a substantially planar base member with upper and lower faces, a stop member that extends upwards from the upper face and a plurality of spikes that extend downwards from the lower face, wherein the support base carries incremental markings to indicate central positioning of a ladder on the support base.

28. A ladder stabiliser substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated by Figs. 1-6,7-8,9-10, 11-12, 13, 14-15, 16, 17, 18, 19or20-22ofthe accompanying drawings. * . . * ** S. * * * . * *. * *5* * * S *. S S... * S *S.. * *

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