GB2539398A - Laddermates - Google Patents

Abstract

A device that slots onto the framework and rungs of narrow edged ladders, which creates a larger, more comfortable surface area for the parts of the ladders coming into contact with the person carrying them. The device may be relocated from one place on the ladder to another, and may be made from waterproof material.

Description

Laddermates This invention relates to a device that assists with the manual carrying of ladders.

When carrying many types of ladders, there are narrow edges on the ladders (on the rungs and framework) that 'dig-in' to ones fingers or shoulders, causing discomfort. This problem naturally becomes worse the turther one needs to carry the ladders or the heavier they are.

To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes a device that is IP of fitting onto different ladders on a rung or rungs and also the framework of the ladders at points of the users' discretion.

This laddermate device increases the surface area of the ladder coming into contact with the users body i.e. fingers or shoulders and therefore make it easier to carry the iatitiers.

The laddermate devices should slot onto the ladder and grip of its own accord without the need for adhesive or additional fixtures but will still be able to be removed and relocated without too much difficulty.

Figure 1, laddermate devices are slotted onto a ladder so as the ladder can be more comfortably carried in the vertical position.

Figure 2, a laddermate device is slotted onto the framework of the ladder so the ladder can be more comfortably carried in the horizontal position.

Figure 3, a laddermate device.

In figure 1 with the laddermate devices in place at points x and y, the idea is for the ladders to be carried over the shoulder with point x resting on the shoulder and point y gripped by the fingers. The surface areas of the ladders coming into contact with the shoulder and fingers would be increased from just a few millimetres without the devices (from the vertical edges of the steps) to 10mm or more with them, allowing the ladders to be carried over a longer distance before discomfort occurs.

In figure 2 with the laddermate device in place at point x on the framework of the ladder, the ladder can be gripped in the horizontal position. It could be ideal to have the combination of laddermate devices from figures 1 and 2 simultaneously.

Figure 3 is a diagram of a laddermate device showing the approximate size and shape. The slot running down the centre is cut slightly narrower than the materials used to manufacture ladders so is self-gripping onto the ladders, VaiiOUS Catild us.ad LO make' vv;th PVC / cubbei arid compressed foam being examples. The laddermate device should grip soundly but be capable of being removed without the need for tools.

Claims (5)

1. Claims.1. A device to assist with making carrying ladders more comfortable.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 that can be slotted onto ladder rungs or the framework of a ladder.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 that will grip to the ladder by itself i hout the need for extra materials.
4. 4. A device according to claim 1 that can be relocated to other parts of the ladder and/or removed at the discretion of the user to suit their needs.
5. 5. A device according to claim 1 that could be made trom a waterproof material to protect from the weather.

   6, A device according to claim 1 that allows someone to carry ladders further without experiencing discomfort than without the device attached.