GB2539654A

GB2539654A - An aerodynamic ladder cover

Info

Publication number: GB2539654A
Application number: GB1510869.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Coff Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-19
Filing date: 2015-06-19
Publication date: 2016-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-19
Also published as: GB2539654B; GB201510869D0

Abstract

An aerodynamic ladder cover 10 secures and covers the leading edges of a ladder (L, Fig 5) during transport on the outside of a vehicle. It includes an aerodynamic cover-shell 12 with an open trailing end 14 that, in use, covers an end portion of the ladder. The cover has a lock 16 located within it that, in use, self-engages a rung of the ladder as it is pushed within the open trailing end. The lock has first and second locking member 18, 20 and during the self-engagement at least part of one or more of the locking members move apart, to allow secure engagement of the rung. The locking arms preferably present a mouth-shaped recess, that facilitates the self-engagement, and a resilient member (28, Fig 3) for reversing the movement apart and facilitating retention of the rung. The lock may be padlocked. Also claimed is a general ladder cover.

Description

An Aerodynamic Ladder Cover

Technical Field

The present invention provides a lockable ladder cover/mount for use with a vehicle, and in particular an aerodynamic ladder cover that facilitates transport of a ladder on the exterior of a vehicle with reduced fuel consumption.

Background An

Ladders are frequently transported by temporary attachment to the exterior of a vehicle; for example, on the roof rack of a van. Typically during such transport the ladder or ladders are secured to the roof rack using lockable clamps attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle roof. This arrangement results in a vehicle that is less aerodynamic than the same vehicle with just a roof rack; thus increasing air resistance (vehicle drag) and fuel consumption. This increase in fuel consumed per km (litres/km) can be several percent in magnitude. Some vehicles almost constantly carry ladders in this way, and over the course of a year the resulting increase in fuel consumption (litres) is significant both financially and environmentally.

Disclosure of Invention

An aim of the present invention is to provide means of securely locking an aerodynamic cover to ladders carried on exterior of a vehicle. A further aim to provide a cover that in use self-engages a leading rung of a ladder and thus facilitates rapid placement on the ladder(s). A further aim is to provide such a cover that can be readily locked or is self locking.

In one aspect the invention comprises an aerodynamic ladder cover/mount, for securing to a ladder (L) and covering the leading edges of a ladder (L) during transport on the outside of a vehicle comprising; an aerodynamic cover-shell with an open trailing end, that in use covers an end portion of said ladder (L); characterized in that said cover-shell has a lock located within that in use self-engages a rung of said ladder (L) as it is pushed within said open trailing end and: wherein said lock comprises a first locking member and a second locking member and where during said engagement at least part of one or more of said locking members move apart, one relative to the other, to allow secure engagement of said rung.

Preferably, at least one of said locking members is/are pivotally mounted within said lock. Preferably, at least one of said locking members comprises an arm. Preferably, said arm(s) is/are pivotally mounted within the lock near a first end of said arm. Preferably, a second end of at least one of said arms is configured, in use, to partly surround said rung of ladder. Preferably, both arms are pivotally mounted so that together they act like jaws.

Preferably, retaining means are provided to secure said locking members in place after said rung has been engaged. Preferably, these retaining means include an aperture in at least one of said arms that in use cooperate with a padlock.

Alternatively, the retaining means may comprise a user-operated lock, for example, comprising a key-engaging face of a cylinder lock located on the outer surface of said cover-shell.

Preferably, the cover comprises two arms where each arm is configured according to partly surround said rung of ladder. Preferably, in use, the arms present a mouth-shaped recess that facilitates said engagement.

Preferably, resilient means are provided such that after the locking members move apart to engage said rung they at least partly reverse this motion to facilitate at least part retention of said rung. Preferably, resilient means are provided to bias at least one of said locking members so that after they move apart to engage the rung (R) of a ladder said at least one locking member at least partly reverses said moving apart motion to facilitate secure retention of said rung.

Optionally, the aerodynamic ladder cover further comprising fixing means that facilitate attachment of said cover to a vehicle body.

In another aspect the invention comprises a ladder cover, for securing and covering the front-end of a ladder (L) during transport on the outside of a vehicle comprising; a cover-shell with an open trailing end; characterized in that said cover has a lock located within said cover-shell that in use engages a rung (R) of said ladder (L) and: wherein said lock (16) comprises a first locking member and a second locking member and where during said engagement at least part of one or more of said locking members move apart, one relative to the other, to allow engagement of said rung (R).

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following diagrammatic drawings illustrate salient features of the present invention; where: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerodynamic ladder cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the ladder cover illustrated in Figure 1, sectioned along the line X-X'; Figure 3 shows a sectioned side elevation of the locking mechanism illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a sectioned perspective view of the locking mechanism illustrated in Figures 1 and 3; Figure 5 shows a sectioned side view of the ladder cover shown in Figure 1 with the first rung (R) of a ladder (L) secured thereto; and Figure 6 shows a cover with an automatically engaging key-operated lock.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1-5.

The ladder cover (10) comprises an aerodynamic cover-shell (12) taking the form of an open-ended (14) box with has five exterior faces an upper face (40), a lower face (42), two side faces (44, 46), and a front face (48) that in use (during transport of a ladder) faces the direction of travel and acts as an aerodynamic surface; reducing drag. In the present example this is achieved by use of a sloping front face (48) and curved rather than sharp edged connecting this front face (48) to the other four faces (40, 42, 44, 46) of the cover-shell (12).

While the configuration of the front face described above and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, is preferred, the shape/profile of this leading face may differ, providing it results in an aerodynamic cover-shell (12).

Figure 2 shows a side view of the ladder cover illustrated in Figure 1, sectioned along the line X-X' of Figure 1. A locking device (16) is permanently attached to an inner face of the shell; in this case to the underside of the upper face (40) of the cover-shell (12). In outline, this locking device (16) comprises a first locking member (18) and a second locking member (20) mounted within the lock case such that during engagement of a ladder rung these locking members (18, 20) move apart, one relative to the other, to allow secure engagement of the rung. In this embodiment the locking members (18, 20) take the form of arms.

Figures 3 and 4 show the locking device (16) in greater detail. Figure 3 shows a (sectioned) side view of the locking mechanism. A first end of the first arm (18) is pivotally mounted (24) to the lock case such that it can (in use) pivot slightly upwardly (see arrow Al). The extent of this pivoting is limited by a resilient member (28), the purpose of which is explained below. A first end of the second arm (20) is pivotally mounted (26) to the lock case such that it can On use) pivot slightly downwardly (see arrow A2). The first arm (18) has an approximately semi-circular shaped (side profile) portion (30) and the second arm (20) preferably has a similar portion (32); these two portions (30, 32) present a space that in use will accept the leading rung of a ladder. Both arms (18, 20) have angled portions (34, 36), each with an approximately linear profile, that present a "mouth" that in use assists engagement of a ladder rung (see below). These angled portions (34,34) have a longitudinal axis that subtend at an acute angle (typically 400 -50°) to the longitudinal axis of the major part of the arm. A circular hole (38) is provided in each arm (18, 20) located between the main straight portion of the arm and the angled portion; in use these two holes cooperate in order to allow their locking together by a padlock or similar device.

The outer case of the locking device (see Figure 4) has two rectangular slots (42, 44) that allow the limited pivoting of the arms (18, 20) as described above. The case also has threaded holes (50), used with bolts (not shown) to fix the locking device to the cover-shell (12).

Figure 5 shows a pair of ladders (L) with a rung (R) engaged within the cover (10). The open ends of first and second locking members (18, 20) cooperate to present a mouth shaped recess into which the leading rung (R) of a ladder (L) can easily be aligned prior to pushing the ladder(s) further into the cover so that the mouth shaped recess temporarily opens by pivoting (see arrows Al, A2) about the pivot points (24, 26) in order to allow the rung to be firmly engaged within the semi-circular shaped (side profile) portions (30, 32). Preferably, they are held in such a closed position by means of a resilient member (28) or members. In the illustrated embodiment the arms (18, 20) are secured by means of a padlock inserted within the circular holes (38).

In use, as the vehicle transports a ladder held within the cover (10), air is diverted upwardly by the angled (aerodynamic) front face (48) of the cover-shell (12). This greatly reduces additional drag that results from carrying a ladder on the exterior of a vehicle and so advantageously reduces fuel consumption (litres/km). The front face (48) of the cover should not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ladder(s) (L) as this would not present an aerodynamic profile. However, many alternative shapes for the front face are possible, providing they result in reduced drag.

While the cover (10) is normally fitted over the end of ladders held on the roof of a vehicle it can also be used where ladders are held on the side of a vehicle. In this case it may also serve as a securing mount; being permanently attached to the side of the vehicle such that when ladders are engaged and locked the ladders are locked to the vehicle. Thus, the cover/mount also allows a ladder or pair of ladders to be easily and quickly secured to a vehicle. This saves user/operator time and also reduces the possibility of relatively expensive ladders being stolen whilst being carried on the vehicle.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention where, the arms (18, 20) are secured in a closed position by other means; for example a key may be used to activate such securing means; in this embodiment, by inserting the key within a keyhole (52) or key engaging face of a key cylinder located on the top upper face (40) or side face of the cover-shell (12). In such a case the lock (16) may securely engage a ladder(s) (so they cannot be removed) following insertion within the cover-shell (12) without the use of a key; the key optionally only being used to subsequently unlock the ladder(s).

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10), for securing and covering the leading edges of a ladder (L) during transport on the outside of a vehicle comprising; an aerodynamic cover-shell (12) with an open trailing end (14), that in use covers an end portion of said ladder (L); characterized in that said cover (10) has a lock (16) located within said cover-shell (12) that in use self-engages a leading rung (R) of said ladder (L) as it is pushed within said open trailing end (14) and: wherein said lock (16) comprises a first locking member (18) and a second locking member (20) and where during said engagement at least part of one or more of said locking members (18, 20) move apart, one relative to the other, to allow secure engagement of said rung.
2. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 1 wherein at least one of said locking members (18, 20) is/are pivotally mounted within said lock (10).
3. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of said locking (18, 20) members comprises an arm.
4. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 3 wherein said arm/arms (18, 20) is/are pivotally mounted within the lock (16) near a first end of said arm.
5. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any of Claims 3 to 4 wherein a second end of at least one of said arms is configured, in use, to partly surround said rung of ladder.
6. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim wherein retaining means are provided to secure said locking members (18, 20) in place after said rung has been engaged.
7. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 6 wherein said retaining means include an aperture in at least one of said arms that in use cooperate with a padlock.
8. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 6 wherein said retaining means comprise a key-operated lock located on the outer surface of said cover.
9. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) comprising two arms where each arm is configured according to Claim 5.
10. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 9 wherein, in use, the arms present a mouth-shaped recess that facilitates said engagement.
11. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim wherein resilient means are provided to bias at least one of said locking members (18, 20) so that after they move apart to engage the rung (R) of a ladder said at least one locking member at least partly reverses said moving apart motion to facilitate secure retention of said rung.
12. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim further comprising fixing means that facilitate attachment of said cover (10) to a vehicle body.
13. A ladder cover (10), for securing to and covering the front-end of a ladder (L) during transport on the outside of a vehicle comprising; a cover-shell (12) with an open trailing end (14); characterized in that said cover (10) has a lock (16) located within said cover-shell (12) that in use engages a rung (R) of said ladder (L) and: wherein said lock (16) comprises a first locking member (18) and a second locking member (20) and where during said engagement at least part of one or more of said locking members (18, 20) move apart, one relative to the other, to allow engagement of said rung (R).AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS CLAIMS1. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10), for securing and covering the leading edges of a ladder (L) during transport on the outside of a vehicle comprising; an aerodynamic cover-shell (12) with an open trailing end (14), that in use covers an end portion of said ladder (L); characterized in that said cover (10) has a lock (16) located within said cover-shell (12) that in use self-engages a leading rung (R) of said ladder (L) as it is pushed within said open trailing end (14) and: wherein said lock (16) comprises a first locking member (18) and a separate second locking member (20) and where during said engagement at least part of one or more of said locking members (18, 20) move apart, one relative to the other, to allow secure engagement of said rung.2. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 1 wherein at least one of said locking members (18, 20) is/are pivotally mounted within said lock (10). L.03. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim wherein at least o one of said locking (18, 20) members comprises an arm.4. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 3 wherein said arm/arms (18, C\I 20) is/are pivotally mounted within the lock (16) near a first end of said arm.5. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any of Claims 3 to 4 wherein a second end of at least one of said arms is configured, in use, to partly surround said rung of ladder.6. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim wherein retaining means are provided to secure said locking members (18, 20) in place after said rung has been engaged.7. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 6 wherein said retaining means include an aperture in at least one of said arms that in use cooperate with a padlock.8. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 6 wherein said retaining means comprise a key-operated lock located on the outer surface of said cover.9. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) comprising two arms where each arm is configured according to Claim 5.10. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to Claim 9 wherein, in use, the arms present a mouth-shaped recess that facilitates said engagement.11. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim wherein resilient means are provided to bias at least one of said locking members (18, 20) so that after they move apart to engage the rung (R) of a ladder said at least one locking member at least partly reverses said moving apart motion to facilitate secure retention of said rung.12. An aerodynamic ladder cover (10) according to any preceding claim further comprising fixing means that facilitate attachment of said cover (10) to a vehicle body.13. A ladder cover (10), for securing to and covering the front-end of a ladder (L) during LC) transport on the outside of a vehicle comprising; a cover-shell (12) with an open trailing end (14); characterized in that said cover (10) has a lock (16) located within said cover-shell (12) that in use engages a rung (R) of said ladder (L) and: wherein said lock (16) comprises a first locking member (18) and a separate second locking member (20) and where during said engagement at least part of one or more of said locking members (18, 20) move apart, one relative to the other, to allow engagement of said rung (R).