GB2539304A

GB2539304A - Ladder attachments

Info

Publication number: GB2539304A
Application number: GB1604041.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gordon Rilstone Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-09
Filing date: 2016-03-09
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-09
Also published as: GB201604041D0; GB201503915D0; GB2539304B

Abstract

A ladder attachment comprising an adjustable leg that can slide over the lower end of a leg of a ladder and a pressure-applying lever 18 moveable between a first position in which sliding movement of the leg relative to the ladder is permitted and a second position in which it is prevented. The attachment may optionally include a mechanism 14 with an adjuster screw 15 to enable use with ladder of varying dimensions. The adjustable leg may optionally include a housing 10 of rectangular cross-section with elongated openings 13 on two opposed sides of the housing so the adjustable leg can be fitted around the lower leg of the ladder then moved upwardly to accommodate the lower stile of the ladder.

Description

LADDER ATTACHMENTS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to ladder attachments and is concerned with the provision of an improved degree of safety when using a ladder on sloping ground, on steps or on stairs.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of ladder attachment.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a ladder attachment comprising an adjustable leg that can be fitted slidably over the lower end of a leg of a ladder and a pressure-applying lever arranged for movement between a first position in which sliding movement of the adjustable leg relative to the leg of the ladder is permitted and a second position in which the sliding movement of the adjustable leg relative to the leg of the ladder is prevented.

A mechanism including an adjuster screw is preferably provided for enabling the adjustable leg to be used on ladders of different dimensions.

The adjustable leg preferably includes a housing that is of rectangular form in cross-section and of such dimensions that it can readily be fitted over a leg of a ladder, with elongated openings in two opposed sides of the housing so that the adjustable leg can be fitted around the lower end of the leg of the ladder and then moved upwardly so that the lowermost stile of the ladder can be moved into one of the openings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a side view of an adjustable ladder leg, Figure 2 is a view of the other side of the adjustable ladder leg, Figure 3 is a front view of the adjustable ladder leg, and Figure 4 is a rear view of the adjustable ladder leg.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The adjustable ladder leg shown in the drawings includes a housing 10 in the form of a hollow rectangular leg with an inclined base 11 the outer surface of which is provided with a rubber tread formation 12 to provide additional grip. At the top of the adjustable leg, and on each side thereof, there is a U-shaped cut-out 13 that allows the adjustable leg to be fitted over the bottom of a leg of a ladder and then slide upwardly above the lowermost rung of the ladder, if so required.

The adjustable leg is for use when the ladder is being used on steps or on sloping ground. The adjustable leg is moved or slid into a position relative to the leg of the ladder such that it projects downwardly the required amount, depending on the height of each step or the degree of the slope. The user will then check that the ladder is now level, i.e. that the position of the adjustable leg accurately compensates for the height of the step or the inclination of the ground.

The locking mechanism used to hold the adjustable leg in the required position comprises a metal hoop 14 that effectively fits over the adjustable leg and a screw-thread mechanism 15 to allow for fitment of the adjustable leg over the lower ends of the legs of ladders of different dimensions and for gentle clamping engagement with the leg of the ladder.

There is an elongated, generally horizontal slot 16 in each side wall of the housing 10 and the ends of a pivot pin 17 connected to the metal hoop 14 are engaged in the two slots 16. The arrangement is such that, when the adjustable leg is fitted over the lower end of the leg of the ladder, the screw-thread mechanism 15 is operated so that the pivot pin 17 is in firm contact with the adjacent face of the ladder leg.

A lever 18 is secured to the pivot pin 17 and is movable from a first or lower position (shown in Figures 1 and 2) through an angle of substantially 90° into a second or upper position. There is a cam mounted on the combination of the lever 18 and the pivot pin 17 and the arrangement is such that, as the lever 18 is moved upwardly, the engagement of the cam with the adjacent face of the ladder leg ensures that there is a secure clamping engagement of the adjustable leg with the leg of the ladder, i.e. there is no possibility of movement of the ladder relative to the adjustable leg.

As will be appreciated, the adjustable leg can be kept with the ladder so that it is always available for use; it is simple to use, simple to make and eminently affordable ensuring the safety of the user of the ladder when working on sloping ground, on steps or on stairs.

As there is a U-shaped cut-out 13 at each side of the housing 10, the adjustable ladder leg can be attached to either side of a ladder.

Claims

Claims:- 1. A ladder attachment comprising an adjustable leg that can be fitted slidably over the lower end of a leg of a ladder and a pressure-applying lever arranged for movement between a first position in which sliding movement of the adjustable leg relative to the leg of the ladder is permitted and a second position in which the sliding movement of the adjustable leg relative to the leg of the ladder is prevented.
2. A ladder attachment as claimed in Claim 1, in which a mechanism including an adjuster screw is provided for enabling the adjustable leg to be used on ladders of different dimensions.
3. A ladder attachment as claimed in either of the preceding claims, in which the adjustable leg includes a housing that is of rectangular form in cross-section and of such dimensions that it can readily be fitted over a leg of a ladder, with elongated openings in two opposed sides of the housing so that the adjustable leg can be fitted around the lower end of the leg of the ladder and then moved upwardly such that the lowermost stile of the ladder can be moved into one of the openings.
4. A ladder attachment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.