GB2614797A

GB2614797A - Improvements relating to ladder platforms

Info

Publication number: GB2614797A
Application number: GB2217108.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reid Ian; Renna Alessio; Hall Andrew
Original assignee: Merridian Ltd
Current assignee: Merridian Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-18
Filing date: 2022-11-16
Publication date: 2023-07-19
Also published as: GB2612992A; GB202217108D0; GB202116652D0

Abstract

A ladder platform 10 for mounting on a ladder with; a main frame 20 having a hanging mechanism at an upper portion for hanging on a rung of the ladder; a first support frame 30 mounted on an upper portion and extending away from the main frame, and a main standing platform 12 rotatably mounted on the first support frame at a hinge mechanism 70, with an axis of rotation extending away from the main frame. The main frame may be planar and lie alongside the ladder. It may have a lower portion 26 which engages the stiles, and the lower portion may be wider than the stiles 6. The main frame may have a support element 50 to attach to a downwardly angled second support frame 40, and the support element may have different locations to attach to the support element. The first support frame may have a rear platform 14 which rests between the stiles to the rear of the main frame. The hanging mechanism may comprise rigid hooks and the main frame may have at least one supplementary rung 28B. A ladder platform with a main frame with a hanging mechanism for a rung of a ladder and a first support frame, an openable platform and at least one supplementary rung is also claimed.

Description

Improvements Relating to Ladder Platforms

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to ladder platforms for a ladder, a method of manufacturing ladder platforms and a method of using such ladder platforms.

Background

Ladders have narrow rungs which provide a narrow standing area for feet, inducing pressure on the base of the feet which can be uncomfortable even after a short period. It is therefore desirable to provide a wider platform to stand upon.

CN112482973 HU describes a detachable working platform for a ladder with an 10 uppermost standing platform but it is not clear how someone can ascend or descend safely and further this is limited to a specific range of rung separations.

Similar to HU, U52871067 BROGDON describes a stand-on platform for a ladder with a hook attached to and just below a standing platform and a second lower hook for downward supports. It rotates to the rear of a ladder about an axis parallel to a rung and 15 is limited to a specific range of rung separations.

W02020118319 BRAWNER describes a lightweight ladder platform with two siderail clamps and a pivot pin at each side which allows the platform to slide along siderails and rotate to the rear side of the ladder about an axis parallel to a rung. Deploying it safely from above on descent appears challenging potentially trapping a user above it.

US4972923 KRAUSE describes a suspended ladder platform with a lower standing platform which is suspended from a rung above it recessed inside the ladder, causing undesirable bending moments on the rung above.

Similar to KRAUSE, U52019292850 WEYRAUCH describes a portable ladder platform with a hook above a lower standing platform suspended from a rung above it, the 25 platform recessed inwardly of the leaning ladder.

US4953661 HILTON describes a ladder attachment for use on a ladder having a frame and a lower movable structure which is pivotally mounted to move between a retracted and extended position about an axis parallel to a rung to provide a recessed step or tool support to the rear of the ladder.

W02007134043 BREEDLOVE shows a platform assembly suspended from a rope on a ladder assembly fixed to a tree having an opening part with a hinge remote from the ladder assembly. As well as undesirable bending moments, it is not clear how to open this from above on descent.

US4646878 MOYER describes a portable ladder platform attached to a ladder with brace members, one of which is a hook, below which is suspended a standing platform, another is pivotable, moving under the rung to prevent dislodgement. It is not clear how a user descends once the platform is deployed so as to address the issue of stepping over and away from the ladder to get past the deployed platform.

US3710894 ODELL describes a ladder platform with a frame having upper and lower hooks and a rotatable platform just below the upper hooks which rotates about a remote hinge axis parallel to the rungs potentially rendering the ladder unstable when open. This is designed for specific separation of rungs. Further, how ascent and, importantly, descent can be achieved safely is not clear.

U35975240 O'BRIEN describes a letter H-shaped platform with a standing area rotatably suspended on a hook somewhat above it. Bending moments on the upper rung during use can be significant. The shape of the platform may also be confusing to a user, as the platform has openings that can destabilise a user if they stand on these openings in error.

GB2161529 CATON describes a removable platform stand for a ladder with side supports having recesses which, when the stand is fitted to a ladder, receive adjacent rungs. The platform standing area can be split and pivoted (about an axis parallel to a rung) to allow a front part to be folded back over a rear part. This is limited to specific rung separations.

W09501495 GRAF describes a platform for ladders with a standing platform which can 25 be pivoted about a vertical axis (5) running beside the ladder in a counter clockwise direction from a position of use to a stand-by position. The platform to one side may be stood upon in error destabilising the ladder.

DE2055916 NYMAN describes a scaffolding framework with a wall-supportable ladder and platform adjustable for height via rollers with draw media, e.g. belt or loop, laid round 30 the shoulders of the user. The framework is movable up and down the ladder during use. This framework appears overly complicated and potentially unsafe.

US3115214A ROBERTS describes a platform with triangular side support plates formed at right angles to and extending down from a top plate having a rotatable hinged plate portion (with an axis parallel to a rung). When it is the operator's desire to descend, he can use the toe of the foot under the rear of the hinged plate and raise the hinged plate to the up position. The presence of the remaining portions of the platform when the plate is open may confuse a user with a moment's inattention that the whole plate is present. This is potentially unsafe.

CA2895601A1 NAJEY describes a platform 10 having rung-engaging surface with engaging teeth extending along it and two extending level adjusters 40. This appears 10 unstable and difficult to pass when descending from above.

U52151135 MOBERG describes a ladder platform having hinged floorboards extending from front to back on front to back hinges, leaving a standing area with an inner hole of variable size depending on which floorboards are open. The standing platform is suspended from chains about a rung above it causing significant bending moments on the ladder. It is not clear how the floorboards are opened on descent. U52019352965A1 GARAY describes suspended platform having an opening panel portion with an axis of rotation perpendicular to the rung. The platform is suspended below fasteners (hooks) at the end of arms somehow connected to the platform causing significant bending moments on the ladder and rungs. U52151135A MOBERG and U52019352965A1 GARAY both describe partially opening platforms with pivot axes perpendicular to a rung, and both can be confusing to a user because of the unopened remaining platform portions available to stand on. Further, both describe suspended platforms on thin elements suspended from a rung above causing significant bending moments on the rung and ladder.

GB2158498 RUSHTON describes a ladder platform with spaced apart higher and lower hooks for engaging ladder rungs of a particular spacing. This is undesirable and limits use. Two extension legs for engaging a wall either side of the ladder are used to support the ladder platform, limiting its use to solid walls. It appears difficult, if not impossible, to use near windows.

US4618030 CAMPBELL describes a ladder platform with higher and lower spaced apart hooks for engaging ladder rungs of a particular spacing, which is undesirable and limits its use.

The problems of the art also include: partially opening standing platforms e.g. causing confusion to a user, instability caused by open platforms, instability caused by the action of opening standing platforms due to the weight and motion of the standing platform and instability caused by trying to open a platform caused by the weight and motion of a user, difficulties in finding a rung below a user on descent risking a user falling, and one or more of significant bending moments on a ladder and/or rung and/or instability due to action of the weight of a user on the ladder when standing on the platform (for example due to bending moments), and/or limited use to particular ladder rung spacing and/or limited use near weak points in vertical walls e.g. windows. In various aspects, the present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the problems of the art such as those mentioned above and elsewhere in this document.

Statements of the Invention

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a ladder platform for mounting on a ladder (e.g. removably) comprising: a main frame (e.g. a generally planar main frame lying in or having associated with it a main plane (M1)) having a hanging mechanism (e.g. a rigid, or compact and rigid, hanging mechanism), which may preferably be at an upper portion (e.g. at an uppermost portion) thereof, for hanging the main frame on a rung of a ladder (e.g. so that the main frame lies alongside i.e. is, or lies, next to (e.g. immediately adjacent to) the ladder in use, and is preferably arranged so that the main frame and the ladder are more or less parallel in use); a first support frame mounted on a portion, which may preferably be an upper portion (e.g. on an upper half or an uppermost portion e.g. a front upper portion, a front upper half, or a front uppermost portion), of the main frame and extending away (e.g. laterally when viewed from the side and/or extending, in use, for example, generally or substantially horizontally) from the main frame; a rotatable main standing platform rotatably mounted on the first support frame at a hinge mechanism; an axis of rotation (A) of the hinge mechanism extending away (e.g. laterally when viewed from the side and/or extending, in use, for example, generally or substantially, horizontally) from the main frame (e.g. away from a plane (M1) associated with or 30 containing main frame or a main body portion of the main frame); whereby the main standing platform is rotatable (e.g. is rotatable in its entirety for example as a single unit such as a single, integral unit) about the hinge mechanism (e.g. to an upright position) to one side of the main frame (and so to one side of the ladder).

In a second aspect there is provided a ladder platform for mounting on a ladder (e.g. 5 removably) comprising: a main frame (e.g. a generally planar main frame lying in or having associated with it a main plane (M1)) having a hanging mechanism (which may be rigid, or compact and rigid and/or may comprise in some embodiments thin, elongate, rigid or flexible suspension mechanisms such as rods, ropes or chains although this is less preferred) (e.g. so that the main frame lies alongside i.e. is, or lies, next to (e.g. immediately adjacent to) the ladder in use, and is preferably arranged so that the main frame and the ladder are more or less parallel in use); a first support frame mounted on and extending away (e.g. laterally when viewed from the side, and/or extending, in use, for example, generally or substantially horizontally from 15 the main frame (optionally mounted on an upper e.g. uppermost portion of the main frame); a main standing platform mounted on the first support frame configured to be openable at least in part (e.g. to allow ascent and descent it could be openable in its entirety in one or more stages (e.g. parts), or in its entirety as one unit, or in part only, for example, only a 20 portion of the main standing platform could be openable); the ladder platform further comprising at least one supplementary rung.

In a third aspect there is provided a ladder platform for mounting on a ladder (e.g. removably) comprising: a main frame (e.g. a generally planar main frame lying in or having associated with it a main plane (M1)) having a hanging mechanism (e.g. a rigid, or a compact and rigid, hanging mechanism) which may be at an upper portion (e.g. at an uppermost portion) thereof for hanging the main frame on a rung of a ladder (e.g. so that the main frame lies alongside i.e. is, or lies, next to (e.g. immediately adjacent to) the ladder in use and preferably arranged so that the main frame and the ladder are more or less parallel in use); a first support frame, preferably mounted on an upper portion (e.g. on an upper half or an uppermost portion e.g. a front upper portion, a front upper half, or a front uppermost portion) of the main frame and extending (e.g. laterally when viewed from the side and/or extending, in use, for example, generally or substantially horizontally) away from the main frame; a rotatable main standing platform rotatably mounted on the first support frame at a hinge 5 mechanism; the main frame further comprising at least one supplementary rung.

In one or more embodiments in any aspect of the invention, the main frame of the ladder platform may lie alongside (e.g. close to and adjacent) the ladder (e.g. along their respective lengths).

Preferably the main frame is generally planar and configured to lie alongside a ladder, in use. The main frame preferably lies parallel, e.g. approximately parallel, to the ladder in use.

The main frame of the ladder platform may be rectangular having an elongate axis lying in a main plane (M1) of the ladder platform. The main frame may be configured such that, in use, its main plane (M1) and/or its elongate axis lies parallel e.g. approximately parallel (within a small angle) to a corresponding main plane and/or elongate axis of a ladder. The small angle, if present, is preferably 10°, more preferably 5° and, even more preferably, approximately 0° (zero degrees) e.g. within expected tolerances.

In one or more embodiments of any aspect of the invention, the one or more supplementary rungs are configured to be stood on, typically as an alternative to a main rung which may be somewhat inaccessible e.g. due to the main frame lying alongside (e.g. close to and adjacent) the ladder in use. The one or more supplementary rungs may have a flat upper surface, which is preferably of suitable traction, for receiving a foot. The upper surface of one or more of the supplementary rungs preferably remains unobstructed without any upstanding (in use) features which may prevent a foot finding a suitable foothold. The supplementary rungs, where present, may be used not only to be stood on, but also as a handle, or 'hand grab', for assisting during climbing and descending.

In some embodiments, the supplementary rungs of the ladder platform may be used as 30 an alternative to the rungs of the ladder. In some embodiments the supplementary rungs of the ladder platform may be used as well as the rungs of the ladder although in preferred embodiments not at the same time, as this may create instability, particularly if the main rung and supplementary rungs are not well aligned in a vertical and/or horizontal direction.

Indeed, in one or more embodiments, the ladder platform in any aspect of the present invention is not limited to use with a ladder having main rungs of particular spacing.

Rather, preferred embodiments of the ladder platform have a lower portion of the main frame, typically a cross bar, resting on the ladder. Preferably, these also have a flexible connection to, or clamping mechanism to the ladder, as described below, to enable a ladder platform to be used with ladders having a range of main rung separations, and yet facilitate the provision of, in certain embodiments, supplementary rungs.

In some embodiments, the one or more supplementary rungs of the ladder platform are separated by the same spacing as the ladder rungs and may or may not be in register, and may, or may not be, vertically (e.g. at the same height) and/or horizontally aligned with corresponding ladder main rungs, when in use.

Preferably, the supplementary rungs are spaced apart (e.g. proud) from the main rungs of 15 the ladder in use, so these are not stood upon, nor sought to be stood upon, at the same time as a corresponding rung on the ladder.

The ladder platform may be collapsible for easy transport (e.g. as shown in Figure 2).

The hanging mechanism may be of any suitable configuration, for example, it may be a hook, hooked plate, a plurality of hooks, a clamp, clamping plate, or a plurality of clamps.

It is preferably rigid and preferably also rigidly attached to the main frame, and relatively compact so it is positioned e.g. in its entirety, at an upper portion of the main frame. It is preferred it is not pendulous so does not comprise of thin, elongate, hanging straps.

The main frame may comprise a lower portion e.g. a lower cross bar configured, in use, to operatively engage (e.g. in a passive manner, for example, to rest) on the stiles of a 25 ladder.

A lower portion of the main frame, typically a lower cross bar, may rest, in use, on the stiles 6 of the ladder. Alternatively or in addition, it may rest on one or more rungs. The cross bar may be wider than the stiles of a ladder. The lower cross bar may be of a width W2, and the width W2 is greater than an outer width W5 of the stiles (preferably at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 25% greater so that in use the lower cross bar can operatively engage e.g. rest upon the stiles of a ladder with which it is being used).

The main frame may be generally rectangular having an outer width W2 of the main frame (e.g. between spaced apart side struts 22) is less than a width W2 of lower cross bar(. In other words, the width W2 of cross bar may be at least 10% or at least 20% or at least 30% e.g. 25% greater than the main width W1 of the main frame.

The first support frame may comprise e.g. have at least one arm (e.g. one or more arms) extending away from the main frame (e.g. laterally when viewed from the side, which may be in use generally or substantially horizontal) (e.g. a central arm or side arm) on which main standing platform is supported (e.g. in use).

The first support frame may have at least two spaced apart arms connected by a cross 10 strut (preferably by a rear cross strut forming a U-shape). The cross strut may be a rear cross strut forming a U-shaped first support frame having an access opening between spaced apart arms.

The cross strut may lie in, or adjacent to, or near to, a main plane (M1) of the main frame.

The main standing platform may be (e.g. in use) uppermost (e.g. the main standing 15 platform lies above the hanging mechanism). The main standing platform may be mounted on an uppermost part of main frame (e.g. in use).

A distal portion of the first support frame (e.g. the distal end(s) of one or more arm(s) of the support frame) may be supported by a downwardly depending second support frame configured to operatively engage e.g. be operatively supported on the main frame.

The main frame may comprise at least one support element (e.g. integral to or affixed to e.g. a main body portion of the main frame) for receiving (e.g. at least a portion of) the second support frame. The support element may be configured to receive the second support frame in a plurality of different locations with respect to main frame (e.g. to be adjustable, and/or repositionable, and/or have multiple receiving locations for second support frame), so as to adjust the angle of the first support frame with respect to (e.g. with respect to the plane (M1) of) main frame e.g. and so with respect to the ladder in use). Thus, the angle of the uppermost standing surface of the main standing platform with respect to the ladder can be varied. This allows the main standing platform (or at least its standing surface) to be kept more or less horizontal over a range of ladder lean angles. Typically, 2. 3, or 4 differing locations are provided.

The second support frame may comprise at least one downwardly depending (e.g. in use) leg and at a distal end thereof at least one lower cross strut receivable in the support element on the main frame.

The first support frame may support a supplementary rear platform for standing on, 5 arranged above the hanging mechanism and configured to rest between the stiles of a ladder to the rear of main frame (e.g. to the rear of plane (M1) of main frame).

The supplementary rear platform may be extendable to the rear of the main frame (e.g. and so also to the rear of the ladder in use).

The supplementary rear platform may comprise a front portion arranged above hanging mechanism and a rear portion pivotally (and/or slidably) mounted on the front portion for rotation about an axis of rotation lying in or generally parallel to (e.g. the main plane (M1) of) main frame (and/or slidable with respect on the front portion). Preferably this is configured to provide a continuous platform (e.g. substantially continuous platform) on one level (e.g. a continuous platform on one level with main standing platform when this is ready for standing on).

Preferably, supplementary rear platform is extendable/retractable (e.g. with a pivoting rear portion, or indeed, a sliding rear portion (not shown)) so that a movable ladder portion may be moved past another such portion to extend or retract it as part of an extendable ladder, as well known in the art. Preferably, front supplementary platform portion lies forwards of the rear most surface of the stiles to facilitate this. Further, preferably a rear supplementary platform portion lies above the front supplementary platform portion when not deployed so that a movable ladder portion can be moved past it.

The main platform may be constructed as a single, integrated unit so as to be rotatable 25 as a single item.

The hanging mechanism may be rigid and/or is rigidly attached to the main frame.

The hanging mechanism may comprise one or more rigid hooks for hanging on a rung.

The main platform may be formed from several components bolted or welded together into a single unit or may be formed as one piece. It is preferably rigid so that it provides a 30 rigid surface for standing on, indeed, supplementary platform or front and rear portions, where provided, are also preferably rigid.

Having a half platform there can be confusing, particularly on descending, when only a partial view of the platform may be available in any case when looking down from above, leading someone to think the platform is entirely there when it is not. One of the risks of ladder platforms is that a person above, on descending, glimpses a portion of a platform and then thinks the platform is there (present and available to be stood upon) when it is not. This can result in nasty falls. Therefore, in an example but highly desirable preferred embodiment, the entire main platform 12 is moved to one side.

It will be understood that, in the first aspect at least, the axis of rotation (A) of hinge mechanism is preferably generally or substantially perpendicular to main frame (e.g. to a main plane (M1) of the main frame when viewed from above. It may be at a slight angle e.g. 5° or 100 to the perpendicular when viewed from above. When viewed from the side, the angle will be less than perpendicular because of the angle of lean of the ladder. Nevertheless, in the first aspect at least, the axis of rotation (A), in use, extends away from the main frame so the platform can be rotated to one side of main frame.

In the second and third aspects of the invention, the axis of rotation (not labelled) of the hinge mechanism of rotatable main standing platform may be any angle with respect to main frame (e.g. to a main plane (M1) of main frame when viewed from above. Thus, the one or more supplementary rungs may be provided along with any kind of rotatable main standing platform, not only those illustrated in this disclosure.

In the first aspect, the ladder platform may comprise (e.g. affixed to or integral part ot) at least one supplementary rung (28). In one or more embodiments of any aspect of the invention, the main frame may comprise at least one supplementary rung (e.g. affixed to it or as an integral part of it). In one or more embodiments of any aspect of the invention at least two supplementary rungs (28A, 28B) may be provided. The one or more supplementary rungs may be provided elsewhere e.g. on another component of the ladder platform as would be understood by someone skilled in the art but this is less preferred.

The one or more supplementary rungs may be rigid. The one or more supplementary rungs may be rigidly attached to the ladder platform, e.g. to a main body of the main frame (or indeed to another component).

Advantageously, securing the supplementary rungs as part of the main frame mimics the provision of usual ladder rungs close to the ladder stiles. Since, preferably the main frame 35 is typically close to (e.g. alongside) a main plane (L1) of the ladder (and so ladder stiles and rungs), this keeps a user's weight and forces due to gravity when standing on the ladder platform and when using a supplementary rung on a main frame close to the usual foot print of the ladder which is desirable as this reduces the risk of unbalancing.

At least one supplementary rung may be proud of (e.g. spaced apart from) a main plane 5 (M1) of main frame. At least one supplementary rung may lie generally or substantially parallel to a main plane (M1) of main frame.

At least one supplementary rung may lie in a main plane (M1) of the main frame (20) (e.g. its central axis may lie substantially or generally within the main plane (M1). Alternatively or in addition, at least one supplementary rung may be proud of, or spaced apart from, a plane (M1) of, e.g. of a main body portion, of the main frame (20) (e.g. its central axis may be spaced apart from the main plane (M1)). The amount by which one or more supplementary rungs may be proud of, or spaced apart from, a main plane (M1), e.g. of a main body portion, of the main frame (20) may vary e.g. from one supplementary rung (28A) to the next supplementary rung (288). At least two supplementary rungs (28A, 28B) may be provided, with an upper supplementary rung (28A) spaced apart further from the main plane (M1) than a lower supplementary rung (28B).

At least one supplementary rung may be provided at a position generally or substantially corresponding to the expected position (e.g. height in use) of a rung (8) on a ladder and/or at separations from one rung (8) or supplementary rung (28) to the next, corresponding to the expected separations of rungs on a ladder with which it may be expected to be used. Thus, one or more supplementary rungs may be provided at the same or similar spacing (e.g. cadence) as the expected spacing and/or positions corresponding to rungs of a ladder e.g. with which it is expected to be used, for example at substantially or generally the same height).

Preferably, at least two (e.g. upper and lower) supplementary rungs are provided (e.g. in any aspect of the invention). The one or more, and preferably two or more, supplementary rungs may be provided at roughly e.g. generally or substantially at the same spacing (e.g. cadence) as rungs of a ladder with which it is to be used and preferably also at corresponding locations (height levels) to rungs of the ladder with which it is to be used. Thus, where one or more supplementary rungs are provided, preferably each one provided is in register (e.g. more or less in register) with an expected position of a corresponding rung of a ladder behind the main frame. It is preferred that there is a one-to-one correspondence between ladder rungs behind the main frame and any supplementary rungs on the main frame to reduce the risk of user confusion and increase the correspondence of the ladder platform structure to a user's expectation of a rung being there even when this is provided by a supplementary rung.

The at least one supplementary rung may lie in a plane (M1) of a main body of the main frame (e.g. more or less flush with the main frame) but it is preferred that at least one, and preferably some or all, supplementary rungs are proud (e.g. spaced apart) of the plane (M1) of a main body of main frame e.g. spaced apart from the plane (M1) of the main frame. In this way, the one or more supplementary rung(s) provide surprisingly useful, easy-to-find foot rests on descent and easy access (e.g. as hand grabs) from below on ascent.

The amount by which the one or more supplementary rungs lie proud of (e.g. spaced apart from) the main plane (M1) of a main body of main frame may vary from one supplementary rung to the next but it is preferably sufficient so that upon descent these are readily accessible to a user's foot (e.g. directly below) a user (as seen in Figure 3A). Typically, distances are about 5cm, about 10cm, between 5cm and 10cm (5cm x 10cm) where x is the perpendicular distance from a main plane M1 of the main frame to a supplementary rung.

In at least the second and third aspects, at least a portion of rotatable main standing platform (12) may be rotatably mounted on the first support frame (30), e.g. at a hinge mechanism (70), whereby at least a portion of the main standing platform is rotatable, e.g. about the hinge mechanism (70), to open the main standing platform and e.g. facilitate ascent and descent. Other opening mechanisms e.g. slidable, laterally moveable etc may be used as understood by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the opened portion of the standing platform remains attached to the ladder platform.

In a further aspect the invention comprises a method of manufacturing a ladder platform 25 comprising providing or constructing one or more ladder platform(s) as described herein. In a further aspect the invention comprises a method of using a ladder platform as described herein.

Several embodiments of the invention are described and any one or more features of any one or more embodiments may be used in any one or more aspects of the invention as 30 described above.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures.

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a ladder platform according to the invention, situated on a ladder, typically a leaning ladder, with the standing platform 5 closed.

Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the ladder platform of Figure 1A with the standing platform open, allowing ascent and descent of the ladder.

Figure 10 shows a close-up, perspective view of a first (upper) support frame 30 and standing platform 12, with the standing platform open.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the ladder platform of Figures 1A, 1B and 10 in a folded position, here on a leaning ladder, prior to placing the ladder against e.g. a wall.

Figure 3A shows a schematic, side elevation view of the ladder platform of Figure 1A with the standing platform closed.

Figure 3B shows a perspective view of a main frame of the ladder platform of Figures 1A 15 and 1B illustrating a hanging mechanism, e.g. a compact, rigid hanging mechanism here in the form of a wide, hook-shaped plate at an upper (e.g. uppermost) part of a main frame.

Figure 3C shows a perspective view of an alternative main frame and hanging mechanism for a ladder platform which uses a plurality of spaced apart, narrow, rigid 20 hooks, here formed from narrow hooked shaped plates.

Figures 4A and 43 show perspective views of a first (e.g. upper) support frame 30 and an optional, supplementary rear standing platform 14, which may be extendable as shown here, for use with the ladder platform of Figure 1A.

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ladder platform 25 according to the invention, situated on a ladder with the standing platform closed.

Figure 5B shows the ladder platform of Figure 5A with the standing platform open allowing ascent and descent of the ladder.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a ladder platform on a ladder in a further embodiment with strap bracket and straps attaching lower cross bar 26 of a main frame 20 to a lower ladder rung 8.

Figure 7 is a close-up perspective view of a strap bracket in Figure 6. 5 Detailed Description of the Invention It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any dimensions e.g. metres, degrees, and any structures and/or relative orientations such as planar, parallel, lower and higher, above and below, and any directions, such as vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, axial, radial, longitudinal, tangential, etc., referred to in this application are used with an understanding of, and within expected structural tolerances and limits for, the technical field(s) of the apparatus and methods described, and these should be interpreted with this in mind.

Figures 1A and 1B show a ladder platform 10, suspended on a ladder 4, here suspended in a removable manner on ladder 4, which will be described below. A strap and/or quick release clamp or other fixing mechanism (not shown) may be used to hold ladder platform 10 in position on ladder 4, whilst ladder 4 is being moved into position ready for use and/or in use. It will be understood that the various elements described can be used in respect of each of the various aspects of the invention as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

Typically, a ladder 4 may be placed in a location leaning against a structure such as a wall, and the ladder platform 10 located on the already leaning ladder. Alternatively, as seen in Figure 2 and usefully for higher work, the ladder platform may be attached to the ladder prior to leaning it up against a structure such as a wall.

Ladder platform 10 has a standing platform 12 which is seen closed ready for standing on 25 in Figure 1A and open ready for ascent or descent of a user in Figure 1B.

Ladder platform 10 comprises a main frame 20, a first On use upper) support frame 30 (seen in Figure 10), on which wide standing platform 12 rests in use, and a downwardly depending second support frame 40. Main frame 20 is typically generally rectangular, although it may be of other shapes. Here, it comprises two spaced apart side struts 22, an upper cross bar 24 and a lower cross bar 26 of width W2 that extends beyond an outer width W1 of side struts 22.

Bottom cross bar 26 is clamped or strapped or fixed (e.g. with a clamp or webbing strap or other the fixing mechanism) to the closest (e.g. the adjacent) ladder rung 8 during use. A quick release fastener (cam buckle) may be used e.g. with a webbing strap.

A flexible clamping mechanism of variable length and orientation may be used to clamp 5 the ladder platform at its lower end to the ladder. As seen in Figures 6 and 7, one or more and preferably two horizontally spaced apart (in use) strap brackets, here angle strap brackets 92, can be used with straps 94 preferably oriented in a generally vertical direction to wrap around a lower rung 8 on the ladder. The flexible clamping mechanism (here strap brackets 92 and straps 94), together with the hanging mechanism 80, clamps 10 the ladder platform to the ladder in both up/down and lateral directions with respect to the ladder.

It can be seen in Figure 1A that side struts 22 are spaced apart, roughly by the width of a rung 8 between stiles 6 of ladder 4, so that side struts 22 lie near or immediately adjacent to stiles 6 of ladder 4. The side struts 22 have an outer width of W1 (measured between the outer surfaces of the side struts 22). The ladder files 6 are separated by a width W4 (measured between the inner opposing surfaces of stiles 6). Typically, the outer width W1 of side struts 22 is less than the inner separation W4 of stiles 6 so the stiles rest on rungs 8. Alternatively, the side struts 22 of main frame 20 may be configured to rest upon stiles 6, but this is less preferred.

In this example embodiment, upper cross bar 24 extends between opposing inner surfaces of cross struts 22, and lower cross bar 26 lies immediately below the lowermost ends of side struts 22 and is wider than the ladder stiles 6. Thus, cross bar 26 can rest upon an uppermost surface of respective stiles 6 when ladder platform 10 is suspended on a ladder 4. In this way, lower cross bar 26 (and so main frame 20) is provided with some upward reaction force from stiles 6 when the ladder is leaning at an angle to the vertical. This helps reduce slightly the bending moments on the ladder rung on which the main frame 20 is suspended.

Cross bar 26 may be of any suitable cross-section but preferably has a flat rearmost surface for lying on exposed flat frontmost surface of stiles 6. A triangular corner plate 27 30 may be used to prevent a user from standing on cross bar 26 outside stiles 6.

Support frame 30 comprises two spaced apart arms 32, again of roughly the same separation as the width of a rung 8. It is preferred that the width of the arms 32 is as great as possible to support the widest possible standing platform 12, whilst seeking to comply with regulations which may limit the width of the platform 12 to be within that of stiles 6.

Support frame 30 has a rear cross strut 36 extending between arms 32. Rear cross strut 36 is pivotally mounted to main frame 20 at respective pivots 23 (seen in Figure 3A) at the top of side struts 22. Arms 32 are, in one example embodiment shown here, provided with a laterally extending section 34 in arms 32 to form a dog leg shape. In this way, rear 5 cross strut 36 can fit in between stiles 6 of the ladder 4 and dog leg section 34 follows the shape around the (horizontal) periphery of stiles 6 so that distal portions of arms 32 can be separated by a distance greater than the internal separation of stiles 6, preferably without any undesirable gaps. Thus, the periphery of the stiles 6 may be (generally or substantially) reflected in a correspondingly shaped periphery of a standing platform 12 10 (or of a main standing platform 12 and supplementary rear standing platform 14).

Main standing platform 12 is rotatably mounted on one of the side arms 32 of first frame 30 via hinge mechanism 70 which typically comprises one or more pivot elements such as hinges. In this example embodiment, a single hinge is shown, and for simplicity this will be referred to as hinge mechanism 70. It will be understood hinge mechanism 70 may comprise any kind of pivoting or hinged assembly capable of providing a rotatable support for standing platform 12 to rotate about a (e.g. generally or substantially) laterally extending axis into a preferably upstanding position. When upstanding the weight of the rotated standing platform 12, or action of rotating the standing platform 12, has a reduced affect on the stability of the ladder platform because the distance at which the relevant forces are applied to the ladder is (relatively) smaller, for example than it would be for a fully extended platform, so the associated bending moments are less.

Indeed, the positioning of a rear portion (e.g. a rear edge) of the standing platform 12 very close to the rung 8 on which it is supported, typically just above the rung 8, or just above and just in front of rung 8 (e.g. immediately adjacent and/or generally or substantially vertically above), reduces the distance that the weight (a force in a downwards direction) of a user on standing platform 12 acts on a rung 8 on which it hangs, so reducing the bending moment of the weight acting on that rung and indeed on ladder 6.

When main standing platform 12 has been raised to an open (preferably upstanding) 30 position about hinge mechanism 70, the gap between spaced apart side arms 32 in first support frame 30 provides an access opening 90 for ascent and descent.

One example of a shaped periphery that generally follows the periphery of stiles 6 is seen in Figure 1C as a 'bite' or cut-out here a tapered corner portion 18 of standing platform 12 which facilitates a lead-in to a supplementary standing platform 14 located between stiles 35 6 (in use). One or both rear corners may follow the peripheral shape of stiles 6 closely or generally as here. Supplementary standing platform 14 is typically situated close to and above (e.g. immediately adjacent, and/or generally or substantially vertically above) a rear cross strut 36 of first support frame 30.

It can be seen from Figure 3 that the supplementary standing platform 14 is immediately 5 and directly vertically above a central axis of hooked plate 80 of main frame 20 on a rung 8. It can also be seen that a rear edge of standing platform 12 is above a central axis of hooked plate 80 of main frame 20 on a rung 8 but slightly in front of it (here the rear edge is at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of hooked plate 80 and rung 8. Preferably, this angle is not exceeded. The 10 rear edge of main standing platform 12 is here vertically above the top of main frame side struts 22.

Supplementary standing platform 14 may be extendable having a front portion 14A located on (e.g. above) rear cross strut member 36 and a rear portion 14B here, for example, pivotally connected to front portion 14A via a pivot, here for example via one or 15 more hinges 16.

When main standing platform 12 is closed it forms a generally or substantially continuous platform with any supplementary standing platform 14 present. Here, front portion 14A is contiguous with main standing platform 12. Further, rear portion 14B is similarly contiguous with front portion 14A. These are contiguous in the sense that there is no, or minimal, change in level e.g. no trip hazards. The presence of any discontinuity in level that provides a raised tripping hazard from one platform section to the next (from 12 to 14 or 14A to 14B)) is preferably avoided. Small gaps between these portions and/or the main standing platform 12 are possible but less preferred as small items can be lost. Larger gaps are undesirable as these cause instabilities for a user's feet.

In other words, the standing surface provided by main standing platform 12 and rear platform 14 (optionally front portion 14A and rear portion 14B of rear platform 14, where provided) preferably (when deployed) all lie at the same common level so as to provide a common standing surface generally or substantially associated with a single plane. Thus, preferably the main standing platform, and any supplementary standing platform, are generally or substantially planar with their standing surfaces lying in a single plane. A slight articulation of the levels e.g. a shallow angle between the plane of main platform 12 and the plane of rear platform 14 is acceptable but less preferred.

It is preferred that the uppermost surface of main standing platform 12, and rear platform 14 where provided, are of similar materials. The standing platform 12 and supplementary standing platform 14 may be made of aluminium. The uppermost standing surface of platform 12 (and platform 14 where provided) may have friction features such as small raised grip features to reduce risk of slipping.

Second support frame 40 comprises two downwardly depending legs or side struts 42 5 spaced apart at a similar distance to side arms 32 of frame 30. Typically, it is made of aluminium. Each leg 42 depends from a distal end of side arm 32 at a pivot point 44. The lower distal end of side legs 42 are joined by a lower cross strut 46 which enhances stability and ease of adjustment of side legs 42. Cross strut 46 may be provided with any suitable cross-sectional shape. Here it is of a cylindrical cross-section. Other cross-10 sectional shapes may be used. The horizontal cross strut 46 is typically not designed for operators to stand on. Alternatively, horizontal cross strut 46 may be used as a supplementary rung 28 if specifically designed for this purpose.

Each side strut 22 of main frame 20 is provided with a support element 50, which is preferably adjustable, for receiving cross strut 46 of second support frame 40. The support elements are also referred as clamping elements or brackets and in example embodiments are generally E-shaped when viewed from the side as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

In Figures 1A and 13, two support elements 50 are provided as separate items attached to side struts 22 which can releasably hold cross strut 46 in at least one predetermined position. Each support element 50 may comprise part of a respective side strut 22 or may be attached, e.g. clamped or rivetted to welded, to respective side strut 22. The support elements 50 are typically made from stainless steel. They may be made from aluminium. Indeed, the various ladder components may each be made from any suitable materials such as metal such as stainless steel or aluminium, wood, plastic, etc. as would be understood by someone skilled in the art In this example embodiment, each adjustable support element 50 comprises two spaced apart support plates 52A and 52B clamped to side struts 22 by bolts or rivets (not labelled). Each pair of clamping plates 52A, 52B and corresponding recesses 56 provide, in effect, a slot (not labelled) for receipt of horizontal cross strut 46.

Support element(s) 50 may be adjustable, as shown here, being provided with three vertically separated slots defined in this example by opposing recesses 56 in opposing clamping plates 52A and 523 into which lower cross strut 46 can be received. The three positions shown provide three steps of, for example, 7° which means that the platform is typically only every 3.5° away from the horizontal. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish guidelines for the safe use of ladders. These guidelines include safe ladder angles to minimise risks and advise of a ladder angle of 65 -75 degrees to the horizontal when in use. This is also referred to as the 3 in 1 rule, i.e. for every 3 steps up it should be 1 step out and away from where the ladder is being used. In one or more example 5 embodiments, the ladder platform(s) of the invention has been designed to be adjustable so that the platform will always be no more than 3.5 degrees from level within the recommended range of 65 -75 degrees. In one or more example embodiments, the ladder platform(s) of the invention will also provide the user with two or three or four, preferably three, levels of adjustment, and a guide to setting the ladder within the 10 recommended safe angles, so that when the platform is level, the ladder is set within the recommended guideline angles by the HSE.

A clamping bar 58 is mounted on a (here) low pivot 54 between shaped clamping plates 52A and 52B. In Figure 1A the right-hand side clamping bar 58 has been omitted for ease of view. Clamping bar 58 rotates on pivot 54 and can be held in place at an upper part of adjustable support element 50 by a locking pin 59 (or vice versa). To unlock the adjustable brackets 50 an operator need only remove the two pins, one at the top of each bracket 50 and turn the aluminium bar 58 into the open position. The horizontal cross strut 46 can then be inserted into the desired slot (formed from co-operating pairs of recess 56 clamping plates 52A and 52B).

Support elements 50 may be thought of as rails, similar to a racked rail in a rack and pinion, providing several fixed positions along side struts 22 for receiving cross strut 46, so raising or lowering second support frame 40. As support frame 40 is raised or lowered, the distal ends of arms 32 of first support frame 30 are raised and lowered, so raising or lowering the distal end portion of standing platform 12 to adjust its angle with respect to main frame 20. Other types of support elements 50, or indeed mechanisms for raising and lowering standing platform 12, may be used.

Main frame 20 is preferably of generally planar construction and has a main plane M1 associated with it which, in use, lies substantially or generally parallel to a similarly defined main plane L1 of ladder 4. Thus, when rotation of the main standing platform 12 is achieved with respect to main frame 20, a similar change in angle is achieved with respect to a ladder 4 on which ladder platform 10 is mounted.

As seen in Figure 3A, in example embodiments, side struts 22 of main frame 20 have central, longitudinal axes which may define main plane M1 associated with main frame 20. Plane M1 is preferably substantially or generally parallel to comparable plane L1 35 (seen in Figure 3A) of ladder 4 defined, for example, by the central longitudinal axes of stiles 6. As explained above, there may be a slight angle between the respective main planes (M1, L1) of the main frame 20 and ladder 4. Typically this small angle is 510°, 55° or more preferably approximately 0° (within tolerances).

Main frame 20 may be made of aluminium and typically has rectangular cross-section 5 side legs 22. At the top of each side leg 22, simple pivoting fasteners e.g. clevis joints may be used to provide pivot(s) 23 joining the main frame 20 to the first support frame 30.

Upper cross bar 24 comprises or has attached to it a rigid compact hanging mechanism. Here, the hanging mechanism is in the form of a hook-shaped plate 80. Alternatively, separate hanging elements such as hooks (here hook shaped plates 180) acting together to provide the hanging mechanism 80, may be used as seen in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. Preferably, the hanging mechanism 80, 180 is located immediately next to and preferably immediately below the standing platform to assist in reducing bending moments on a ladder.

A compact (e.g. short) rigid hanging mechanism 80, 180 is preferred to keep the distance 15 of the downwards force due to weight on standing platform 12 close to the rung 8 on which the ladder platform 10 hangs and preferably as close as possible, so reducing bending moment on rung 8 Indeed, in preferred embodiments cross bar 26 is configured to actively interact with, in use, the uppermost surfaces of stiles 6 (by resting on one or both). This is so that some of the weight of the platform 10 and any person standing on standing platform 12 is carried not only by hanging mechanism 80 and rung 8 but is also transferred to the ladder stiles 6. The configuration of cross bar 26 may be a flat rear surface on it and/or a friction-enhanced surface such as a layer of rubber on a rear surface of cross bar 26. Other engagement features may be provided As can be seen in Figures 1B and 1C, and Figure 6, standing platform 12 can rotate sideways to one side of support frame 30 on a hinge mechanism 70 about axis A (see arrow 100 in Figure 1B). In use, axis A extends (e.g. laterally) away from the main frame 20 in a generally or substantially horizontal direction. Thus, axis A is generally or substantially perpendicular to plane M1 of main frame 20 in use, and so also to plane L1 which typically also contains the rungs of ladder 6.

Typically, hinge mechanism 70 is a friction hinge configured to provide sufficient friction to hold main standing platform 12 at a given angle. Other hinge mechanisms may be used, for example so that the main standing platform 12 is either fully closed or fully open and is not capable of being held at an intermediate position in between these. Alternatively, or in addition, a support member such as a latch (not shown) may be used to hold the main standing platform in a desired position e.g. an upright such as vertical or slightly tilted orientation.

One side (here a left-hand side seen in Figure 1A) of main platform 12 is provided with a small lifting tab 60. Tab 60 is preferably at a different level to (e.g. above or below) the standing level of main standing platform 12, and may alternatively or in addition also be at an angle to the horizontal, to discourage users from standing on it. The small lifting tab 60 can be hooked by a toe from above to raise main standing platform 12. Lifting tab 60 is used particularly on descent to raise the platform 12 to one side. Tab 60 is preferably quite close to the main frame 20, so that the distance to it from above is smaller and a user does not have to stretch out away from the ladder from above to engage it. It may be any suitable shape.

An upright rest element 62 may be provided on the other (e.g. right-hand) side of support frame 30 (e.g. on arm 32) to hold main support frame 12 in an upright position, here at a slight angle to the vertical (typically around 5 to 15°) to allow ascent and descent. This rest element 62, holding the platform upright and to one side of the access opening 90, facilitates a user being able to kick (e.g. an upper edge of) a raised, open main standing platform 12 down with one foot from above. Preferably, hinge mechanism 70 and/or the main platform 12 are damped so when the platform is knocked down or released from a raised position it does so relatively gently.

Main frame 20 may be provided with two supplementary rungs 28 (28A, 28B) for feet, mounted on, for example, laterally extending triangular-shaped plate support elements 29. Preferably, rungs 28 are situated at substantially or generally the same level(s) and/or the same spacing(s) as ladder rungs 8. This is because users can become confused when positioning of levels and/or spacing of supports for feet are different from that which is expected (and indeed when standing levels of standing platforms vary or have gaps).

Figure 2 shows ladder platform 10 in a collapsed configuration in which lower cross strut 46 of second support frame 40 has been removed from support elements 50 (here provided as adjustable clamping brackets) and pivots 44 extended so that first support frame 30 (here hidden beneath the extending platform 12) and second support frame 40 both lie alongside (e.g. generally parallel to) main support frame 20. A clamp or strap (not shown) may be used to hold the ladder platform in this collapsed configuration ready for placement on or removal from the ladder or, indeed, for placement of a ladder in a position ready for climbing.

Figure 3A shows a side elevation of the ladder platform of Figures 1A-1C and 2, in a deployed configuration ready to be stood upon. Figure 3B shows a main frame 20 illustrating the features particularly on its upper half. Hanging mechanism 80 is here provided by a rigid, hooked plate 80 rigidly welded or otherwise rigidly attached to upper cross bar 24 of main frame 20.

It can be seen from Figures 3A and 33 that main standing platform 12 is located immediately above hanging mechanism 80. In other words, the standing platform 12 lies adjacent to and above hanging mechanism 80. Indeed in use, main standing platform 12 is supported above rung 8, here for example, by at least four points at its respective four corners. Here, main standing platform 12 is supported on first (upper) support frame 30 which is itself supported at spaced apart pivot joints 23 on struts 22 of main frame 20 and on spaced apart pivots of second support frame 40. Thus, main standing platform 12 is here supported at four points above frame 20 and, preferably, also above rung 8 on which main frame 20 hangs.

The main standing platform 12 being uppermost, and yet close to hanging mechanism 80, assists in reducing the bending moments on rung 8 supporting the main frame. Furthermore, a lower portion of main frame 20 typically lower cross bar 26 rests on stiles 6 to provide two further points of stability of main frame 20 on the ladder 4. Friction-inducing surfaces, such as rubber, may be added to the inwardly-facing surface of cross bar 26 to provide additional friction between respective cross bar(s) 26 and stile(s) 6. Hanging mechanism 80 is preferably rigid, for example as shown here in Figure 3B as a rigid, shaped plate of half-cylindrical cross-section for mounting on and rotating about a rung 8 of a ladder, seen in cross-section in Figure 3A.

Figure 3C shows three spaced apart, individual hooks 180, here for example also formed from narrower curved plates and welded or bolted or otherwise rigidly attached to cross bar 24 to provide hanging mechanism 80. By providing a hanging mechanism with a lateral extent (here as a hooked plate 80, or wide hooks 180), the load on the rung 8 is spread over a wider area.

Thus, there is a reduction in bending moments on the rung 8 on which hanging mechanism 80 is suspended by three features of one or more example embodiments. The first feature is the compact size and location of the hanging mechanism 80, 180 just below (e.g. immediately below) the standing platform 12 in use when viewed from the side. The second feature is the presence of a wider lower portion, here rigid cross bar 26, rigidly forming part of the third feature, a generally planar main frame 20, lying alongside the ladder reducing bending moments, the lower rigid cross bar 26 also providing in use a small reaction force from the stiles of a tilted ladder back to the main frame 20 alleviating somewhat (e.g. a portion of) the force of the hanging mechanism 80 on the rung 8. Furthermore, the width of the hanging mechanism 80, 180 (e.g. a wide hooked plate or a plurality of wide hooks) also helps disperses forces across rung 8.

In a further embodiment, in Figure 3C, the adjustable support element 50' is formed as an integral part of side struts 22 of main frame 20.

In Figure 3A, lower supplementary strut 28B is just above cross bar 26, whereas in Figure 3B it is directly opposite it. Upper supplementary rung 28A is, in Figure 3A, slightly further out from the main portion of main frame 20 than lower supplementary rung 28. This is so that the supplementary rung 28B 'leads into' the actual ladder rung 8 immediately below it.

When the main frame hangs on any ladder, supplementary rungs 28 (28A, 28B) are typically more or less opposite the rungs 8 of the ladder 4, and preferably, where two or more supplementary rungs 28 are provided, these are separated at typically the same or 15 similar spacings as the rungs 8 of the ladder 6.

In the second and third aspects of the invention there is provided a ladder platform with supplementary rungs 28 and with a main standing platform which opens at least in part (not shown). The axis of rotation (not shown) of the at least one opening portion of the main standing platform 12 preferably extends away from the main frame 12 as described herein in respect of a first aspect, although in one or more embodiments it may do so. The axis of rotation of main standing platform 12 in the second and third aspects may be parallel (e.g. generally or substantially) to main frame 20. Or it may be vertical (e.g. generally or substantially) vertical so the it rotates to one side but remains level. Indeed, axis of rotation of main standing platform 12 may combine a plurality of directed axis of rotation, but this is less preferred. In first, second and third aspects, it is preferred that the standing platform 12 is removed in one action or in one motion, in its entirety, so that no part of the platform remains to be stood upon On case remaining part confuses a user, particularly on descent).

In Figure 3C, two (upper and lower) supplementary rungs 28A, 28B lie within main frame 20, here flush with a main plane M1 of frame 20. In Figures 3A and 33, supplementary rungs 28A and 28B lie proud of a main plane M1 associated with a main body of main frame 20. Supplementary rungs 28A and 28B are supported on side struts 22 by (here generally triangular-shaped) supports 29 which space apart supplementary rungs 28A and 28B from main plane M1 by differing amounts (e.g. X1 and X2, seen in Figure 3A).

Supplementary struts 28 are preferably parallel (e.g. generally or substantially) to a main plane M1 of main frame 20 and so, preferably, also parallel (e.g. generally or substantially), to a main plane L1 of ladder 6. One or more supplementary rungs 28 may be used in any of the aspects of the invention. Where two or more are provided, preferably these may be spaced apart from main frame 20 e.g. by the same distance, or preferably as shown in Fig 3A by slightly differing distances, so that the lowest supplementary rung 283 is closer to its respective actual ladder rung 8 than one or more higher supplementary rungs 28 above it are to its/their respective actual ladder rung 8. In this way, the lower rung 28B 'leads' into the rung 8 of the ladder 6 immediately below it.

Figures 4A and 4B show a close-up of support frame 30 and the articulated side portions of side arms 32. Also shown is a rear standing platform 14 comprising a first portion 14A fixed atop rear cross strut 36, and a rear portion 143 arranged at the same level and pivotally connected to front portion 14A using two spaced apart hinge plates 16. Here, the rear platform portions 14A and 143 may be formed by shaped plates and/or box sections to provide a level standing surface.

An alternative embodiment of the ladder platform 10A is shown in Figures 5A and 5B in which main standing platform 12 lies below hanging mechanism 80, part way down side struts 22 of main frame 20. Here, side struts 22 are spaced apart at a width W1 a little bit narrower than the separation W4 of stiles 6. The support frame 30 is provided at one side, here the right-hand side, with a generally C-shaped upwardly extending bar 62A which functions as a rest to hold main standing platform 12 in an open, upright position, albeit tilted slightly to one side of the ladder. A lifting spigot or lever 60A may be provided at one side (here on the left-hand side) on a pivot (not shown) to facilitate a user lifting main standing platform 12 from above (by pressing on the lifting lever 60A). Lifting lever 60A is preferably shaped and configured so as not to offer a platform for standing upon (here it is V-shaped in cross-section when seen from the front).

Main frame 20 is similar to that seen in Figures 1A and 1B. Here, cross bar 26 extends laterally beyond stiles 6, in a similar manner to that shown in Figures 1A and 1B. However, instead of a triangular corner plate 27, a rod 27A is provided extending at an acute angle between an end of cross bar 26 and side strut 22 to prevent someone standing on cross bar 26. Cross bar 26 provides a mechanism for passing a portion of the weight to the ladder and any user to stiles 6.

Upper first support frame 30 comprises side arms 32 but, here, rear cross strut 36A and the cross strut 24A between the side legs 22 of main frame 20 are provided by a single 35 element here labelled both 24A/36A. A downwardly depending second frame 40 is provided by co-operating downwardly depending side leg portions 42A and 42B at an angle to one another which co-operates with side strut 22 of main frame 20 to provide a generally triangular-shaped structure formed from a side leg upper portion 42A and side arm 32 of first generally horizontal support frame 30. Between the distal ends of side leg 5 upper portion 42A and side arms 32 an adjustable support element 50A is provided in the form of two spaced apart, co-operating arcuate plates each with corresponding holes for receiving a locking pin to lock the distal ends of side legs 42 (here, distal ends of side leg upper portions 42A) at a specific location and so at a specific angle. In this manner, the orientation of first frame 30 and main standing platform 12 with respect to main frame 20, 10 can be adjusted.

Figure 6 shows a ladder platform 10 in use with a ladder. A hanging mechanism (not labelled) but similar to the rigid half cylinder or rigid hooks seen in Figures 33 and 3C is used. A lower portion of the main frame, e.g. a lower cross bar 26, rests on the ladder stiles 6, typically passively. One or more, here two, spaced apart strap brackets 92 are provided on lower cross bar 26. The strap brackets 96 may be planar or, as shown here, with a slight bend (at angle a) between two planar portions, or indeed it may be curved. Angle a is typically 15° to 25°, more typically around 20°. Strap bracket 92 has a hole, here an elongate hole for receiving a clamping mechanism, here a closable strap 94 for connecting lower cross bar 26 to a lower main rung 8 of ladder 4, preferably below it e.g. more or less directly below it in use. Strap brackets 92 has, here, two fixing holes 95 for connecting to lower cross bar 26. Concave surface 97 faces lower cross bar 26 so that straps 94 are more or less vertical when the ladder is at about 70° lean. Typically, the platform is designed to offer 3 levels of adjustment so that the standing area will be level with a ladder lean angle of up to 65, 70 and 75 degrees maximum. Each strap has a releasable clamp 96 for applying sufficient tension to the strap, holding the lower cross bar 26 and ladder platform 10 in a stable position relative to the ladder, in effect clamped between an upper rung on which hanging mechanism 80 is located and a lower rung around which strap 94 is located.

Referring now to Figures 1A and 1B and 6, to ascend a ladder 4, a user first hangs a ladder platform 10 on a ladder 4 by hooking hanging mechanism 80 of main frame 20 (e.g. see Figure 2) over a rung 8. Next, a user places a clamp or strap or other fixing mechanism (not shown) where provided, to fix the ladder platform to the ladder to prevent the ladder platform being removed from the ladder. Then, a user deploys the ladder platform by locating the lower cross strut 46 of second support frame 40 into the adjustable support element 50 and locking it into position e.g. with retaining bar 58 and locking pin 59, so raising first support frame 30 and main standing platform 12 to a generally or substantially horizontal level. For lean to ladders, the lean of the ladder as well as the choice of position on support element 50 will determine the angle of the main standing platform with respect to the horizontal. To ascend the ladder, a user lifts main standing platform 12 and rests it to one side in an upright or slightly tilted position on rest 5 stop 62, so revealing access opening 90. A user ascends the ladder by stepping on rungs 8 and/or supplemental rungs 28 (28A, 28B) where provided. A user can deploy any extendable supplementary platform 14 by hand as they pass by, or by rotating it with a toe from above. Having passed the top of main frame 20 and the upright main standing platform 12, the main standing platform 12 can be pushed down into position by a foot to 10 rest upon first support frame 30 in a laterally extending, substantially or generally horizontal manner.

To raise the main standing platform 12 again upon descent, a user descends to a rung above the ladder platform 10 and uses their toe to raise lifting tab 60 On Figure 1C) or presses down with their foot to raise lever 60A (Figure 5A) to lift (or start to lift) the main standing platform 12 to an upright position. The platform itself may be engaged by a user's foot instead or as well as tab 60/60A. Once standing platform 12 is open (and preferably in a stable rest location e.g. against rest 62), a user may then freely descend through opening 90. The access opening 90 is very large, preferably as wide (W4) as the stiles 6 of the ladder whilst, at the same time, the main standing platform is as wide (W3) as possible.

Main standing platform 12 is preferably formed as one, single structure, e.g. a single unit, so that it is either present to be stood upon or it is not, significantly reducing the likelihood of confusion of the platform being there or not when looking down from above. By lifting an entire standing platform to the side (rather than merely a portion of a standing platform), here in one motion, the platform is either entirely open or entirely closed and the risk of confusion as to whether a platform is present or not is far less.

Thus, on descent, a user stands on a rung 8 above standing platform 12 and supplementary platform 14 (see Figure 3A). He then opens platform 12 using tab 60 with his foot rotating it to one side to rest upon rest 62. He steps down onto supplementary platform 14, where this is provided, or onto rung 8 on which the main frame 20 hangs, then onto upper supplementary rung 28A, then onto lower supplementary rung 28B, then onto a lower rung 8 below ladder platform 10 (and vice versa on ascent).

The ladder platform is typically used with leaning ladders but may also be used with other types of ladders, such as vertical or A-frame ladders as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

Other variations may be envisaged by those skilled in the art from the information 5 disclosed, for example variations in structure, or cross-sections or materials of components of ladder platform 10, 10A, without departing from the scope of this invention.

4 ladder 6 stile 8 rung 10, 10A ladder platform 11 strengthening bar 12 main standing platform 14 (14A, 143) rear platform 14, optionally extendable 14A, 143 16 hinge 18 tapered corner of standing platform 20 main frame (e.g. generally rectangular) 22 side strut / leg (of main frame 20) 23 pivot (at top of side strut! leg (of main frame 20) 24 upper cross bar (of main frame 20), 24A upper cross bar of main frame 26 lower cross bar (of main frame 20) 27 stand prevention element (e.g. rod, or 27A web or land 27 extending across corner) 28 supplementary rungs, 28A upper supplementary rung, 28B lower supplementary rung 29 support element for supplementary rung first (e.g. upper) support frame On use generally horizontal) 32 arm of first (e.g. upper) support frame 34 (dog leg, articulated) arm portion 36 rear cross strut of first support frame, 36A rear cross strut of first support frame second (e.g. lower downwardly depending) support frame (in use downwardly depending) 42 leg (side strut) of second support frame (42A, 42B side leg portions of second support frame in second embodiment) 44 pivot of leg of support frame 46 lower cross strut of second support frame 50, 50' support element, typically an adjustable support element e.g. generally E-shaped clamping mechanism 50A adjustment element (arc-shaped connecting distal ends of arms 32 and legs 42) 51 holes 52A, 523 shaped clamping plates (here arc-shaped connecting distal ends of arms 32 and legs 42) 54 pivot 56 recess (e.g. for receiving lower cross strut 46) 58 retaining bar 59 locking pin, 59A locking pin 60 lifting spigot, 60A lifting spigot or lever.

62 rest, 62A rest or lever hinge (e.g. a hinge such as a friction hinge) 80, 80' hanging mechanism (e.g. hanging element such as hook(s) or hooked plate) hooks 90 access opening in first support frame 92 strap brackets 93 throughhole for strap 94 strap attachment holes 96 strap clamp (e.g. spring loaded friction clamp) 97 inwardly facing (concave) fixing surface arrow A axis of rotation W1 outer width of main frame (measured between the outer surfaces of side struts 22) W2 width of lower cross bar 26 W3 width of main standing platform 12 W4 inner separation of stiles 6 (measured between inner surfaces of stiles 6) W5 outer width of stiles 6 (measured between outer surfaces of stiles 6) X1, X2 perpendicular distance(s) of (lower, upper) supplementary rung(s) from a main plane M1 e.g. of main body portion of main frame 20.

M1 main plane of main frame L1 main plane of ladder

Claims

Claims 1. A ladder platform (10, 10A) for mounting on a ladder comprising: a main frame (20) having a hanging mechanism (80, 180) at an upper portion thereof for hanging the main frame (20) on a rung of a ladder; a first support frame (30) mounted on an upper portion of the main frame (20) and extending away from the main frame (20); a rotatable main standing platform (12) rotatably mounted on the first support frame (30) at a hinge mechanism (70); an axis of rotation (A) of the hinge mechanism (70) extending away from the main frame (20), whereby the main standing platform is rotatable about the hinge mechanism (70) to one side of the main frame (20).
2. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 1 in which the main frame (20) is generally planar and configured to lie alongside a ladder in use. 15
3. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 1 in which the main frame (20) comprises a lower portion (26) configured, in use, to operatively engage on the stiles (6) of a ladder (4), or the main frame (20) comprises a lower portion (26) comprising a cross bar (26) configured, in use, to operatively engage on the stiles (6) of a ladder (4).
4. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 3 in which the lower portion (26) of the main frame rests on the stiles (6) of the ladder, in use.
5. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 3 or 4 in which lower portion (26) is wider than the stiles (6) of a ladder (4).
6. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 3 to 5 in which the lower portion (26) is of a width W2, and the width W2 is greater than an outer width W5 of the stiles (6).
7. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the main frame is generally rectangular having an outer width W2 of a main portion of the main frame (20) less than a width W2 of lower cross bar (26).
8. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the first support frame (30) comprises at least one arm (32) extending away from the main frame on which main standing platform (12) is supported (e.g. in use).
9. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 8 in which the first support frame (30) comprises at least two spaced apart arms (32) connected by a cross strut (36).
10. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 9 in which cross strut (36) is a rear cross strut (36) forming a U-shaped first support frame (30) having an access opening (90) between spaced apart arms (32).
11.A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claims 9 or 10 in which the cross strut (36) lies in, or adjacent to, or near to, a main plane (M1) of the main frame (20).
12. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the main standing platform (12) is uppermost.
13. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the main standing platform (12) is mounted on an uppermost part of main frame (20).
14. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which a distal portion of the first support frame (30) is supported by a downwardly depending second support frame (40) configured to operatively engage e.g. be operatively supported on the main frame (20).
15. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 14 in which the main frame (20) comprises at least one support element (50, 50', 50A) for receiving the second support frame (40).
16. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 15 in which the support element (50, 50', 50A) is configured to receive the second support frame (40) in a plurality of different locations with respect to main frame (20) so as to adjust the angle of the first support frame (30) with respect to main frame (20).
17. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 14 to 16 in which the second support frame (40) comprises at least one downwardly depending leg (42) and at a distal end thereof at least one lower cross strut (46) receivable in the support element (50, 50', 50A) on the main frame (20).
18. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the first support frame (30) supports a supplementary rear platform (14) for standing on, arranged above hanging mechanism (80, 180) and configured to rest between the stiles (6) of a ladder to the rear of main frame (20).
19.A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 16 in which the supplementary rear platform (14) is extendable to the rear of the main frame (20).
20. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 19 in which the supplementary rear platform (14) comprises a front portion (14A) arranged above hanging mechanism (80, 180) and a rear portion (14B) pivotally mounted on the front portion (14A) for rotation about an axis of rotation lying in or generally parallel to main frame (20).
21.A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which main platform (12) is constructed as a single, integrated unit so as to be rotatable as a single item.
22. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the hanging mechanism (70, 170) is rigid and/or is rigidly attached to the main frame (20). 25
23. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the hanging mechanism (70, 170) comprises one or more rigid hooks for hanging on a rung (8).
24. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any preceding claim in which the ladder platform (10, 10A), or the main frame (20) of the ladder platform (10, 10A), comprises at least one supplementary rung (28).
25. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 24 in which at least one supplementary rung is proud of a main plane (M1) of main frame (20).
26. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 24 or 25 in which at least one supplementary rung (28) lies generally or substantially parallel to a main plane (M1) of main frame (20).
27. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 24 to 26 in which at least one supplementary rung (28) is provided at a position generally or substantially corresponding to the expected position (e.g. height in use) of a rung (8) on a ladder and/or at separations from one rung (8) or supplementary rung (28) to the next, corresponding to the expected separations of rungs on ladder (6) with which it is expected to be used.
28. A ladder platform (10, 10A) for mounting on a ladder comprising: a main frame (20) having a hanging mechanism (80, 180) for hanging the main frame (20) on a rung of a ladder; a first support frame (30) mounted on and extending away from the main frame (20); a main standing platform (12) mounted on the first support frame (30) configured to be openable at least in part; the ladder platform (10, 10A) comprising at least one supplementary rung (28, 28A, 28B).
29. A ladder according to claim 28 in which the main frame (20) is generally planar and configured to lie alongside a ladder in use.
30. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 26 or 27 in which the main frame (20) comprises the at least one supplementary rung (28, 28A, 28B). 25
31. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 28 to 30 in which at least two supplementary rungs (28A, 28B) are provided.
32. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 28 to 31 in which one or more supplementary rungs are provided at the same or similar spacing as the expected spacing of rungs of a ladder.
33. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 28 to 32 in which one or more supplementary rungs (28, 28A, 28B) are provided at positions corresponding to expected rung positions of a ladder.
34. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 28 to 33 in which at least one supplementary rung lies in a main plane (M1) of the main frame (20).
35. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 28 to 34 in which at least one supplementary rung is proud, or spaced apart from, a plane (M1) of the main frame (20).
36. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 35 in which at least two supplementary rungs (28A, 28B) are provided and the amount by which one or more supplementary rungs is proud of, or is spaced apart from, a main plane (M1) of the main frame (20) varies from one supplementary rung (28A, 28B) to the next supplementary rung (28A, 28B).
37. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to claim 35 or 36 in which at least two supplementary rungs (28A, 28B) are provided, and an upper supplementary rung (28A) is spaced apart further from main plane (M1) than a lower supplementary rung (28B).
38. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 35 to 37 in which one or more supplementary rungs is 5cm, or is about 5cm, or is 10cm, or is about 10cm, or is between 5cm and 10cm from a main plane (M1) of the main frame (20).
39. A ladder platform (10, 10A) according to any of claims 28 to 38 in which at least a portion of rotatable main standing platform (12) is rotatably mounted on the first support frame (30) whereby at least a portion of the main standing platform is rotatable to open the main standing platform.