GB2605352A

GB2605352A - Ladder support

Info

Publication number: GB2605352A
Application number: GB2100746.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robinson Graham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-20
Filing date: 2021-01-20
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: GB202100746D0

Abstract

A system comprising a pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 for a pair of footings of a ladder, wherein each apparatus comprises a base member (12, fig 2) providing a ground contacting surface (16, fig 3) and a ladder contacting surface 24. On an upper side of the base member is provided an abutment member 28 against which a footing of the ladder can abut. The apparatus may receive a stabilizer bar attached to the ladder, and may comprise a grouping of spikes (20, fig 5) or an elastomeric mat on the ground contacting surface and ladder contacting surface. The apparatus may comprise a handle 14 formed in the base member, and the base may be flexible for use on uneven ground. Preferably the apparatus is made from a plastic, polypropylene material.

Description

LADDER SUPPORT

This disclosure concerns means for supporting a ladder, and particularly but not exclusively a system for helping to reduce ladder slippage on the ground in use.

Ladders are commonplace items in virtually every home and workplace. This, and their simplicity, generates the false impression that ladder work requires no special knowledge or skills, when in fact the opposite is true.

Problems can be encountered with the feet of ladders slipping on the ground, and especially where the ground is slippery. This can cause the ladder to fall with potentially serious consequences for anybody on the ladder. Also, with soft ground a ladder can often penetrate into the ground a significant distance, which may damage for instance a lawn. Also, if only one leg of the ladder penetrates the ground to a significant degree, this could cause the ladder to fall over.

Various solutions have been proposed to these problems, including the permanent fixing of a ladder to the structure to be climbed, or if a portable ladder is required, the use of a ladder support apparatus, such as a mat, on which the both feet of a portable ladder are placed, or the fitment of a ladder stabilization bar to the base of the portable ladder.

Indeed, the use of some of these solutions may be a legal requirement in some countries, with for example, EN131 mandating the use of a ladder stabilization bar in EU countries when working at a height above 3m.

There therefore exists a desire to produce an improved means of ladder support.

According to the present invention there is provided a system according to the appended claims.

It may be desirable for a user to apply multiple ladder safety solutions, to achieve a cumulative reduction in risk. For example, a further reduction in risk may occur if a stabilization bar is attached to a ladder, with the ladder and attached stabilization bar placed on a ladder support apparatus.

The system provides a ladder support that can be used with a ladder that has, or does not have, a stabilization bar attached.

The term 'footing' is used to refer to a lowermost support of a ladder. The support can be provided directly through the ladder and/or indirectly, for example, though a stabilizer bar attached to a ladder. A footing can therefore be a foot of a ladder. A footing can therefore be a foot of a stabilization bar attached to a ladder.

The inventors have recognised that combining ladder safety solutions is not always practical.

A ladder stabilization bar, fixedly attached to the feet of a ladder, and running laterally from the feet of the ladder on either side of the ladder, stabilises a ladder by widening the effective width of the ladder relative to its actual width. Hence, if a ladder fitted with a ladder stabilization bar were to be supported by a single ladder support apparatus, the size of the ladder support apparatus must be at least as wide as the stabilization bar. The resulting ladder support apparatus would therefore be larger and heavier than a ladder support apparatus configured to support a ladder that is not fitted with a ladder stabilization bar.

This would increase the size and weight of the ladder support apparatus configured to be used with a stabilization bar, making it less attractive to a user because more space would be required to store it, while more physical effort would be required in transporting it.

Furthermore, the length of a ladder stabilization bar is dependent upon the length of the ladder to be supported, with longer ladder stabilization bars used with longer ladders. A user, with multiple ladders, each of different length, would therefore either require multiple ladder support apparatuses, each sized for the length of the ladder stabilisation bar to which it is to be used, or a single ladder support that is sized for the length of their longest ladder stabilisation bar.

A user is therefore potentially less inclined to use a ladder support apparatus in conjunction with a stabilization bar, despite the safety benefits of doing so.

The inventors have realised that increasing the size of a ladder support apparatus (for example, its width) so that it can accommodate a ladder fitted with a stabilization bar, results in a level of grip against the ground being more than is required.

The inventors have also realised that a ladder support apparatus does not provide a uniform level of grip over its entire ground contacting surface.

This is because the contact forces between the ladder support apparatus and the ground can be greatest at the areas of a ladder support apparatus on which a ladder footing is placed.

Peak frictional forces (level of grip) are therefore also greatest in this area.

For a single ladder support apparatus, supporting a pair of ladder footings, the area between the ladder footings therefore generates a reduced degree of grip relative to the areas close to the ladder footings. The inventors have therefore realised that this mid-section may therefore be removed without significantly reducing the degree of grip.

A pair of smaller ladder supports apparatuses, each of which is placed underneath the foot of a ladder stabilization bar, therefore produces a high level of support, but without the size and weight penalty of a single ladder support apparatus, configured to be used with a ladder fitted with a ladder stabilization bar. Additionally, this pair of ladder support apparatuses may be used with different lengths of ladder stabilisation bar.

Advantageously, the pair of ladder support apparatuses may also be used with a ladder that is not fitted with a ladder stabilisation bar by placing one foot of the ladder on each ladder support apparatus According to examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising a pair of ladder support apparatuses for a pair of footings of a ladder, wherein each of the pair of ladder support apparatuses comprises a base member, 12 the base member 12 providing a ground contacting surface 16 on an underside of the base member and a ladder contacting surface 24 on an upper side of the base member, wherein said upper side of the base member is provided with an abutment member 28, upstanding from the upper side of the base member 12, against which a footing of the ladder can abut.

An embodiment will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying Figs., in which: -Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a system, comprising a pair of ladder support apparatuses for a pair of footings of a ladder; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of one of the pair of ladder support apparatuses; Fig. 3 is a view from below of one of the pair of ladder support apparatuses of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of one of the pair of ladder support apparatuses of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a detail of one of the pair of ladder support apparatuses of Fig. 1.

Fig 1 shows an example of a system 1, comprising a pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 for a pair of footings 32 of a ladder 30. The ladder 30 comprises two footings 32. The term 'footing' is used to refer to a lowermost support of a ladder 30. The support can be provided directly through the ladder 30 and/or indirectly, for example, though a stabilizer bar 50 attached to a ladder 30. A footing 32 can therefore be a foot of a ladder 30. A footing 32 can therefore be a foot of a stabilization bar 50 attached to a ladder 30.

In Fig. 1, a ladder stabilization bar 50 is fitted to the base of the ladder 30. In Fig 1, the footing 32 is therefore the foot of the stabilization bar 50 attached to the ladder 30. Support is therefore provided indirectly through the stabilizer bar 50 attached to the ladder 30.

The ladder support apparatuses 10 of Fig1 will now be described with reference to Figs. 2 -30 5.

A ladder support apparatus 10 comprises a base member 12. The base member 12 of the ladder support apparatus 10 may be flexible, so as to adopt at least partially to a profile of underlying even ground 2.

The base member 12 may be formed from wood, engineered timber product, elastomer, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic or metal.

In this example, but not necessarily all examples, the base member 12 of the ladder support apparatus 10 may be made of plastic, for example, formed by injection molding. The plastic may be polypropylene.

In some but not necessarily all examples, the plastic comprises at least one additive. The at least one additive may be added to alter at least one property of the plastic.

In this example, but not necessarily all examples, the base member 12 is mainly rectangular or square in shape, when viewed in a direction normal to the base member 12, but has an extension of one of the longer sides which includes an elongate opening therethrough to provide a handle 14.

A ground contacting surface 16 is provided on the underside of the base member 12. In this example, but not necessarily all examples, the ground contacting surface 16 covers the majority of the underside of the member 12.

In this example, but not necessarily all examples, the ground contacting surface 16 comprises a first metallic plate 18. The first metallic plate 18 may be a pressed galvanised steel plate 18 which provides a first grouping of spikes 20 upstanding from the first metallic plate 18 formed by pressing holes 22 in the plate and then sharpening the two projections produced by forming the hole. The first metallic plate 18 has approximately 2000 spikes. More or less spikes can also be used. In some examples, the first grouping of spikes is a single spike. In some examples, the first grouping of spikes is a first plurality of spikes. A range of 1-2000 first grouping of spikes 20 can be used. A more detailed view of the first grouping of spikes 20 is shown in Fig. 5.

The ground contacting surface 16 may alternatively comprise a first elastomeric mat 19. The first elastomeric mat 19 may be made from rubber. The surface of the first elastomeric mat that contacts the ground may be smooth. Alternatively, the surface of the first elastomeric mat that contacts the ground may have a textured or profiled surface.

The first metallic plate 18 or first elastomeric mat 19 can be mounted on the base member 12 by any suitable means such as screws, rivets, bolts or adhesive. In some but not necessarily all examples, the first metallic plate 18 or first elastomeric plate 19 may be formed as part of 35 the base member 12.

A ladder contacting surface 24 is provided on the upper side of the base member 12.

In this example, but not necessarily all examples, the ladder contacting surface 24 comprises a second metallic plate 26 which is similar to the first metallic plate 18 but smaller, i.e., the ladder contacting surface 24 of each ladder support apparatus 10 comprises a second metallic plate 26 which provides a second grouping of spikes 27 upstanding from the second metallic plate 26. The design of the second grouping of spikes 27 is similar to the first grouping of spikes 20. The first and second grouping of spikes are formed in the same manner.

The second metallic plate 26 has approximately 900 spikes. More or less spikes can also be used. In some examples, the second grouping of spikes is a single spike. In some examples, the second grouping of spikes is a second plurality of spikes. A range of 1 -900 second grouping of spikes can be used.

The ladder contacting surface 24 may alternatively comprise a second elastomeric mat 29.

The second elastomeric mat 29 may be made from rubber. The surface of the second elastomeric mat 29 that is in contact with the ladder footing 32 may be smooth. Alternatively, the surface of the second elastomeric mat 29 that is in contact with the ladder footing 32 may have a textured or profiled surface.

The second metallic plate 26 or second elastomeric mat 29 can be mounted on the base member 12 by any suitable means such as screws, rivets, bolts or adhesive. In some but not necessarily all examples, the second metallic plate 26 or second elastomeric plate 29 may be formed as part of the base member 12.

In some examples, but not necessarily all examples, one of the ladder contacting surface 16 and the ground contacting surface 16 comprises spikes 20, 27 whereas the other comprises a mat 19, 29. In other examples, but not necessarily all examples, both of the ladder contacting surface 16 and the ground contacting surface 16 comprises spikes 20, 27 or comprises a mat 19,29.

In the illustrated example, but not necessarily all examples, an abutment member 28, upstanding from the upper surface of the base member 12, is provided against which the footing 32 of the ladder 30 can abut. The abutment member 28 provides for correct positioning of the ladder footing 32. The abutment member 28 is in the form of an upstanding wall 31.

The height of the abutment member 28 is in some examples in the range of 4-15cm. The height of the abutment member 28 may be any suitable height. The abutment member 28 may be aligned along an axis that is substantially parallel to the major axis 13 of the base member 12. The surface 33 of the abutment member 28 against which the footing 32 of the ladder 30 can abut may be planar. The surface 33 of the abutment member (28) against which the footing 32 of the ladder 30 can abut may be substantially perpendicular to the ladder contacting surface 16.

An edge of the second elastomeric mat 29 may abut the abutment member 28. Alternatively, the second elastomeric mat 29 may cover the upstanding wall 31 of the abutment member 28 and the upper surface of the base member 12.

In use each ladder support apparatus 10 can be located where it is required to place the footing 32 of a ladder 30 (used as a pair of ladder support apparatuses with one ladder support apparatus 10 under each foot of the ladder 30 or stabiliser bar 50).

The ground contacting surface 16 of each ladder support apparatus provides for a grip on a wide range of surfaces. For example, if the ground contacting surface 16 comprises a first metallic plate 18 with a first grouping of spikes 20, it is suitable for use on outdoor surfaces such as tarmac, grass, ice or snow. It may additionally be used on carpeted surfaces. Alternatively, if the ground contacting surface 16 comprises a first elastomeric mat 19, the ladder support apparatus 10 is suitable for use on hard surfaces such as marble or tiled surfaces that would potentially be damaged by the first grouping of spikes 20 of the first metallic plate 18.

Referring back now to Fig 1, in use, each footing of a ladder 30 is placed on the ladder contacting surface 24 of one of a pair of ladder support apparatuses 10, towards or abutting against the abutment member 28. The ladder contacting surface 24 provides a grip on the footing of a ladder 30.

The alignment of the abutment member 28 and ladder contacting surface 24 of each of the pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 provide an open corridor for receiving a stabilizer bar of the ladder that extends between the pair of ladder support apparatuses. The corridor is open because no part of the abutment member 28 obstructs the stabilization bar 50.

In some examples, but not necessarily all examples, the pair of ladder support apparatuses are aligned so that the principal axis of the ladder stabilisation bar is parallel or substantial parallel to the abutment members of the pair of ladder support apparatuses.

The ladder 30 (with or without stabilization bar 50) can now be used with the pair of footings 32.

In some examples, but not necessarily all examples the base member 12 is flexible allowing a certain amount of flex, and therefore at least partially adopts to any underlying uneven ground 2. The handle 14 allows the apparatus 10 to readily be carried to wherever required.

In some examples, but not necessarily all examples each of the pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 is configured to support either of the pair of footings 32 of the ladder 30. In other words, the pair of ladder supports are not handed, and are used interchangeably with either foot of the ladder 30 or ladder stabilization bar 50.

In some examples, but not necessarily all examples, the ladder support apparatuses 10 of the pair of ladder support apparatuses are identical.

When not in use, the pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 may be stored in a storage box. Alternatively, the pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 may be strapped together. The pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 may be stored in a storage bag, or hung on a wall elsewhere.

In some examples, but not necessarily all examples, when strapped together, the ground contacting surfaces 16 of each ladder support apparatus 10 are facing each other. The ground contacting surfaces 16 of each ladder support apparatus 10 may be in direct contact. A cushioning material may alternatively be provided between the ground contacting surfaces 16. Mounting features may be provided on each ladder support apparatus 10. The mounting features enable the pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 to be strapped together. The mounting features may include slots in the base member through which at least one strap 60 may pass or at least one trough on the upper surface of the baseplate, in which the at least one strap 60 may lie.

In some examples, but not necessarily all examples, each of the at least one strap 60 comprise a buckle 62. The buckle 62 permits the adjustment, tensioning and securing of each of the at least one strap 60 around the pair of ladders support apparatuses 10. The buckle 62 may be a quick release type. The buckle 62 may be a ratchet strap. The buckle 62 may be made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material.

There is thus described a pair of ladder support apparatuses 10 which provide grip on the ground 2 and also the footing 32 of a ladder 30 or stabiliser bar 50, but which is yet simple to use.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the ground contacting surface 16 and/or ladder contacting surface 24 may take a different form and may have a differing number of projections. Different materials could be used in the construction of the various components of the apparatus 10.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/ or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

INVe claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (1), comprising a pair of ladder support apparatuses (10) for a pair of footings (32) of a ladder (30), wherein each of the pair of ladder support apparatuses (10) comprises a base member (12), the base member (12) providing a ground contacting surface (16) on an underside of the base member (12) and a ladder contacting surface (24) on an upper side of the base member (12), wherein said upper side of the base member (12) is provided with an abutment member (28), upstanding from the upper side of the base member (12), against which a footing (32) of the ladder (30) can abut.
2. A system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the abutment member (28), upstanding from the upper side of the base member (12), is configured to support a foot of the ladder (30) or support a foot of a stabilizer bar (50) attached to the ladder (30).
3. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an alignment of the abutment member (28) and ladder contacting surface (24) of each of the pair of ladder support apparatuses (10) provide an open corridor for receiving a stabilizer bar (50) of the ladder (30) that extends between the pair of ladder support apparatuses (10).
4. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a surface of the abutment member (28) against which the footing (32) of the ladder (30) can abut, is planar.
5. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the pair of ladder support apparatuses (10) is configured to support either of the pair of footings (32) of the ladder (30).
6. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ladder support apparatuses (10) of the pair of ladder support apparatuses (10) of the pair are identical.
7. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ground contacting surface (16) of each ladder support apparatus (10) either comprises a first metallic plate (18) which provides a first grouping of spikes (20) upstanding from the first metallic plate (18), or comprises a first elastomeric mat (19).
8. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ladder contacting surface (24) of each ladder support apparatus (10) either comprises a second metallic plate (26) which provides a second grouping of spikes (27) upstanding from the second metallic plate (26), or a second elastomeric mat (29).
9. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each ladder support apparatus (10) comprises a handle (14).
10. A system (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the handle (14) is in the form of an opening in the base member (12).
11. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base member (12) of each ladder support apparatus (10) is flexible so as to adopt at least partially to a profile of underlying uneven ground (2).
12. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base member (12) of each ladder support apparatus (10) is made of plastic material.
13. A system (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base member (12) of each ladder support apparatus (10) is made of polypropylene.