GB2585941A - Alert device for a ladder - Google Patents

Abstract

An alert device 1 for a ladder comprising means to attach to a ladder 3, a sensor 2, a rung cover 9 and an alert means (fig 2, 11). The sensor is configured to sense pressure and activates the alert means when a person is on the rung. The alert means and sensor may be housed within the rung cover and the sensor and alert means may be a deformable valve. The attachment means may be hook and loop fasteners located at the ends of the rung, and the rung cover may be extendable. The device may be placed on a rung (typically the penultimate rung) between an upper and lower ladder to alert a user to the gap. The alert means may be audible, visual or wirelessly transmitted and the device may be incorporated into a ladder at assembly.

Description

ALERT DEVICE FOR A LADDER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an alert device for a ladder, in particular for a step of a ladder; more particularly but not exclusively for a multipartite ladder.

Background

Increasing numbers of people are liable to improve or modify property, for example decorating or doing maintenance. The work may often be carried out by amateurs for example homeowners, as professionals become increasingly prohibitively expensive in many societies.

Much of this work is often high up or elevated. This is therefore accomplished using ladders.

Use of ladders, particularly multipartite ladders, can be dangerous and problematic, particularly for amateurs. For example if such a user is not accomplished to the change 20 between the bottom rung of a higher ladder section and the top rung of a lower ladder section the change can be hazardous.

Prior Art

US 2014 0 231 170 (FRAME et al) discloses a step sensor for mounting on a ladder having a step. The step sensor adapted to be mounted to the ladder and includes a housing that holds a power source and electronic circuitry. An emitter is connected to the electronic circuitry and emits a light source over a top surface of the step. A sensor is also connected to the electronic circuitry and receives reflected light from the light source that is reflected by an object on the step. A noise generator generates an alert noise in response to the reflected light being detected by the light sensor, whereby the presence of an object is detected on the step and the alert is generated by the noise generator. A ladder including such a step sensor.

US 2010 0 018 800 (VENTURA et al) discloses a system and method for providing a warning to ladder users as to hazardous locations such as where two ladder sections join or the bottom rung, step or tread of a ladder or the ladder's top rung, step or tread all these being at some point along the rungs, steps or treads of the span of a ladder when it is erected and in use and this system is comprising: A contact strip or contact device located at or in a specific rung, step or tread of the ladder and located in close proximity to the hazardous location that when engaged by the weight of a person stepping on said strip or device on or within the rung, step or tread of the ladder the contact strip or device is engaged, activating an electronic warning signal detectable to the ladder user. A light beam transmitter of either visible for invisible light that generates a concentrated-beam form of light across the width of the ladder to a reflector unit opposite the location of the beam transmitter and this is located in close proximity to the hazardous location on or near a rung, step or tread of the ladder that when said beam is interrupted by the presence of the foot of a person using the ladder this interruption causes the activation of an electronic warning signal detectable to the user of the ladder.

GB 2 296 933 (HOBBS) discloses an audible warning system for ladders consisting of more than one section, comprises a pressure plate remains inactive until depressed by the persons foot, using the ladder. The plate is situated on the last double rung of the extendible section of the ladder and connected to audible warning device retained within a case on the ladder stile. An incline angle finder in the case remains inactive when ladder is at a safe working angle as no electrical current flows to warning device. When the ladder is at an unsafe angle the liquid retained within the angle finder contacts the electrical poles allowing current to flow from the power pack, to the incline angle finder, and warning device retained within the case A fail safe switch is provided which when depressed causes an audible sound and a light emitting diode to light up thus, showing effectiveness of the device.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an alert device for a ladder, comprising a ladder securement mechanism arranged to secure the device to the 35 ladder, a sensor, an alert means, and a rung cover, wherein the rung cover is arranged to cover the ladder's rung in use, the sensor is arranged to sense pressure of a user on said rung, and the alert means is arranged to provide an alert when the sensor senses the user on the rung.

In some embodiments the device is incorporated into a ladder, wherein the apparatus 5 is formed at manufacture.

In other embodiments the device is added to the ladder in use, wherein the device comprises an independent separate or separable device, which may be available independently so as to allow for aftermarket fitting.

In some embodiments the device comprises a visual alert means.

In some embodiments the device comprises an audible alert means.

In some embodiments the device comprises a wirelessly transmitted alert means.

In this way the device may be situate in use on a rung of a ladder, for example a bottom rung, or a bottom rung of a section of a multi-partite ladder. In this way the alert means may be arranged to warn a user of the ladder that they have reached or are approaching a dangerous part of the ladder so that they can adjust or modify their behaviour accordingly.

In some embodiments the ladder securement mechanism comprises a temporary securement mechanism, such that the device may be easily added or subtracted from 25 a ladder in use, according to usage pattern or so as to allow use on more than one ladder or rung as required.

In some embodiments the mechanism is arranged to secure the device to the rung. In other embodiments the mechanism may be arranged to secure the device to one or more of the stiles. In some embodiments the device may secure to both one or more rungs and one or more stiles, so as to limit or prevent movement in more than one direction.

In some embodiments the mechanism may be arranged to provide minimal 35 securement parts on the top face of the rung or rungs, so as to minimally affect the user in use. In some embodiments the mechanism may be arranged to extend laterally minimally from the stile or stiles such that the space between the stiles is minimally affected and the user's foot space is not minimised in use.

In some embodiments the sensor is arranged on the top face of the rung or rungs so 5 as to register the footstep of the user in use. The top face may comprise the sensor whereas the underside, side face(s) and/or lower face of the rung may comprise other parts of the device, for example the securement mechanism and/or the alert means.

In some embodiments the alert means may be displaced from the device or sensor, so 10 as to provide more space for a loudspeaker or similar.

In some embodiments the sensor may comprise a mechanical sensor, for example arranged to transmit a signal when weight of the user is applied to the rung. For example the sensor may comprise a displaceable, compressible or fluid filled part, whereby the sensor instigates movement. This movement may be so as to actuate the alert means. For example the movement may comprise movement of fluid or a compressed part that moves into an alert means so as to mechanically provide actuation.

In some such embodiments the sensor may comprise a clapper or ringer where the alert means comprises a bell. In some other such embodiments the sensor may comprise a fluid filled bag, where the alert means comprises a pipe or similar, such that the fluid is pushed through the pipe by the user stepping on the rung cover. In still further embodiments the alert means may comprise a valve, which may be embedded in the rung cover wherein deformation of the rung cover provides the sensor, and the deformation of the valve provides the alert means.

In some embodiments the rung cover may cover all of the top face of the rung. It may be envisaged that it is highly desirable that the rung cover remains fixed in place, so 30 as to limit or prevent slippage of the user's foot on the rung.

In some embodiments the device is arranged to be substantially or wholly waterproof, so as to allow external repeated use.

In some embodiments therefore the device of the present invention may be envisaged to be a device for double or triple ladders that makes a noise when suppressed, which device may be located in use for alerting the user of the ladder that they are about to step between ladders.

Embodiments of the device are fitted by the user and may thereby be envisaged to 5 secure safely, easily and reliably to the ladder, and preferably with the ability to stretch across various width steps.

The device is arranged to make an audible noise when stepped on, loud enough to alert the user. This should be achieved through a squeaker or small air holes formed 10 in a resiliently deformable jacket or envelope or bladder which contains air.

In some embodiments the alert means is provided by a reed valve connected to the jacket or envelope or bladder, which when compressed forces air through the reed valve in order to generate an audible alert. The pitch of the alert can be easily altered 15 by adjusting the reed, as demonstrated in pitch pipes.

The device may be envisaged to be ideally resistant to water and light or UV degradation due to likely environmental conditions of use.

The device may furthermore preferably be non-slip for use in the wet.

To ensure the device can be successfully fitted to the large variety of ladders on the market, the device may be provided with a securement mechanism comprising two hook and loop strips that can wrap to various strut profiles and sizes.

A metal frame alternative to hook and loop uses clamps to secure the foot press to various size ladder struts.

The two-part hook and loop design maximises surface contact with the ladder, whilst 30 minimising the height and set up time of the product.

The lower grip component uses industrial grade hook and loop to hold the presser foot securely in place. This is weather resistant and highly durable.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment generally comprising an alert device 99 for a ladder (not shown), comprising a ladder securement mechanism 1 arranged to secure the device to the ladder, a combined sensor and alert means 2, and a rung cover 9, wherein the rung cover 9 is arranged to cover the ladder's rung in use, the sensor is arranged to sense a user on said rung, and the alert means is arranged to provide an alert when the sensor senses the user on the rung.

The embodiment is secured in use to the ladder stiles by two sets of two outermost Velcro (RTM) straps typically, which straps extend sideways from vertical strut members 10 extending upwards from the sides of the rung cover 9 in use. However for a more permanent solution, the user can bolt the embodiment to their ladder using bolt holes 4 in the vertical side members 10.

The embodiment comprises the following parts: TPE foot press 5 on the top face of the rung cover 9 Squeaker valves 11 inset in the press 5 Industrial hook and loop strips 12 like Velcro (RTM) to secure the press 5 to the top face of the rung cover 9 Slider supports 8 for the vertical strut members 10, which slide in the rung cover 9 Allen key screw bolts 6 travelling in slots 7 in the rung cover 9 to secure the sliders in 5 the rung cover The press 5 is textured rubber and contains squeakers 11 that sound upon compression, such that when used on an extension ladder, this warns the user that they are approaching the last step of the top ladder.

In typical use on an extension ladder, the step is fastened to the penultimate ladder strut, before the ladders change. The embodiment can be extended in width to fit a wider range of ladders.

The user fastens the aluminium upright strut members 10 to the ladder with the hook and loop straps to attach and detach the embodiment quickly and easily where for a more permanent solution, the user may drill into their ladder and bolt the device in place.

The ladder is used as normal, with the user stepping on the device as they switch between ladders. When they step on the device the press 5 is compressed which causes the internal squeakers to sound and alert the user of the ladder change.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated 25 that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Variation may be made to the invention by including a light which is energised when a 30 user steps on the rung by way of a pressure switch and a battery. Additionally, or alternatively, a buzzer or other audible alarm may be incorporated in the device.

Claims (9)

1. Claims 1. An alert device for a ladder, comprising a ladder securement mechanism arranged to secure the device to the ladder, a sensor associated with a rung cover and an alert means, wherein the rung cover is arranged to cover a rung of the ladder, the sensor is configured to sense pressure of a user on the said rung, and the alert means is operative to provide an alert when the sensor senses the user on the rung.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is housed within the rung cover.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the alert means is housed within the rung cover.
4. 4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the alert means, and sensor are housed in a single housing in the rung cover.
5. 5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the rung cover comprises a displaceable foot pressure means.
6. 6. A device according to any preceding claim comprising at least one deformable valve providing the sensor and alert means.
7. 7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the securement mechanism comprises hook and loop portions like Velcro (RTM).
8. 8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the rung cover is extendable in length.
9. 9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the securement mechanism is located at ends of the extendable rung cover.