GB2330611A

GB2330611A - Ladder stabilising apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2330611A
Application number: GB9722307A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Cooper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-10-23
Filing date: 1997-10-23
Publication date: 1999-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-23
Also published as: GB9722307D0; GB2330611B

Abstract

An apparatus for stabilising a ladder comprises a ground engageable support framework (10, 12, 14) and a ladder locating tray (38) for locating the lower end of a ladder (36) thereon. Pivot bolts which extend through apertured lugs (32) and aligned apertures in respective side walls (42) of the tray (38) permit the tray to pivot with respect to the support framework. The tray can be fixed in a plurality of positions with respect to the support framework by means of retaining plates (44, 46) and securing pin (50). A strap (64) is used to secure the lower end of the ladder (36) to the tray (38). Feet (26) can be freely adjusted on a ball joint (28) to cope with uneven ground levels. If desired, holding down pegs (68) can be driven into the ground to hold the apparatus in position.

Description

Ladder Stabilising Apparatus This invention relates to apparatus for stabilising a ladder or the like.

Despite numerous accessories designed to cooperate with ladders, slipping of ladders on the ground is still a significant safety problem. The use of ladders along the gradient of sloping ground also presents stability problems which are difficult to overcome.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for stabilising a ladder, the apparatus comprising ground engageable support means, ladder locating means for locating a lower end of a ladder thereon, means for pivotally mounting the locating means on the support means, and means for retaining the locating means in a selected one of a plurality of positions to which the latter can be pivoted, whereby the locating means, and thereby the ladder thereon, can be supported in a desired relation to ground engaged by the support means.

Preferably the support means comprises a framework providing a plurality of spaced, ground engageable feet, preferably four feet. Each foot may have a non-slip ground engaging face, provided for example by a ribbed rubber pad thereon. Each foot may be mounted on a shank by way of a ball joint whereby the foot is freely adjustable to accommodate uneven ground, and each shank may be adjustably mounted on the framework whereby to vary the spacing between the foot and the frame.

The support framework preferably further provides an elongate frame, on one end of which the ladder locating means is pivotally mounted.

Preferably, towards the other end of the elongate frame the retaining means is pivotally mounted on the elongate frame and provides a pair of apertured plates spaced apart to be able to locate at respective sides of the elongate frame.

A selected aligned pair of apertures in the plates is preferably able to be aligned with apertures in the elongate frame, whereby a pin located through all the aligned apertures connects the retaining means to the ladder locating means.

Preferably the ladder locating means has the form of an upwardly open tray, with a pair of aligned apertures for receiving the retaining pin being formed in opposed side walls thereof. At a substantially central position within the tray, there may be provided a fixing point to which can be attached a clamp which can also clamp onto a lower rung of the ladder. The clamp may be in the form of a flexible strap.

The support framework may be provided with further frame members providing through holes for receiving respective securing pegs which can be located through the holes into the ground.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which is a perspective view of an apparatus for stabilising a ladder, shown in use with a lower end of a ladder.

Referring to the drawing, a ladder stabilising apparatus has a ground engageable support framework providing an elongate frame 10 of two spaced parallel frame members 12, 14 which extend between a pair of transverse frame members 16, 18. A reinforcing web 20 extends between the frame member 12 and each of the transverse frame members 16, 18 towards each end of the frame member 12, and provides a through aperture 22 therein for a purpose hereinafter described. Similarly an apertured reinforcing web 20 extends between the elongate frame member 14 and each of the transverse frame members 16, 18.

Towards each end of each of the transverse frame members 16, 18 there is provided a downwardly extending foot assembly 24 having a foot 26 of circular configuration, with a non-slip lower surface, for example defined by a ribbed rubber pad. The foot 26 is mounted on a pivoting ball joint 28 at the lower end of a threaded shank 30, whereby the foot 26 can freely adjust on the ball joint 28 to cope with uneven ground levels, and the shank 30 can be adjusted on the respective frame member 16, 18 to vary the spacing of the foot 26 from the latter.

Each of the elongate frame members 12, 14 is provided with an upstanding apertured lug 32 at one end thereof and another upstanding apertured lug 34 towards the other end thereof. For locating a lower end of a ladder 36, an upwardly open elongate tray 38 is pivotally mounted on the frame 10 by way of pivot bolts 40 extending through the apertured lugs 32 and aligned apertures in respective side walls 42 of the tray 38.

A tray retainer comprises a pair of plates 44, 46 which are pivotally connected to the frame 10 by pivot bolts extending therethrough and through the respective lugs 34. The plates 44, 46 are interconnected at their ends remote from the pivot points, whereby to pivot as a unit on respective sides of the tray 38. Each of the plates 44, 46 has a plurality of through apertures 48 aligned with corresponding apertures in the other plate.

Towards the end remote from the pivot locations, the tray 38 is provided with through apertures aligned with one another in the side walls 42. The tray apertures and the apertures 48 are preset, calibrated apertures to enable a securing pin 50 to pass therethrough. When a selected pair of the apertures 48 aligns with the apertures in the tray 38, the pin 50 can pass through the plate 46, the walls 42 of the tray 38, and the plate 44. A head 52 on the pin 50 provides a stop at one end and the other end of the pin 50 has a through hole for receiving a pin 54 of a cotterpin 56. The latter is secured to the tray 38 by a safety chain 58, and the pin 50 is also secured to the tray 38 by a safety chain 60.

The tray 38 provides therein, and substantially centrally thereof, an upstanding handle 62. When the lower end of a ladder 36 locates in the tray 38 as shown in the drawing, a clamp in the form of a flexible strap 64 can extend between the handle 62 and a lower rung 66 of the ladder 36 whereby to retain the ladder in the tray.

When the stabilising apparatus is to be used on level ground, the plates 44, 46, together with the tray 38, are pivoted to their substantially horizontal positions, whereby the securing pin 50 can extend through appropriate aligned apertures to lock the tray in the substantially horizontal position. Any unevenness of the substantially level ground will be accommodated by the freely movable feet 26, and the possibility of adjustment of the latter relative to the frame 10. The strap 64 is used to secure the lower end of the ladder 36 to the tray 38. The non-slip surfaces of the feet 24 will hold the ladder firmly on hard surfaces such as paving, slabs etc. The stabilising apparatus substantially increases the footprint and grip relative to a ladder itself. If required, a holding down peg 68 may be located through each or a respective one of the webs 20, 22 to peg into soft ground and further stabilise the ladder.

When the ladder is required to be used along the gradient of sloping ground, the stabilising apparatus is positioned with the end of the tray 38 which is permanently pivoted to the frame 10 facing uphill. The tray 38 is then pivoted to a substantially horizontal position, and the retaining plates 44, 46 are pivoted until a respective pair of apertures 48 aligns with the apertures in the tray 38 so that the securing pin 50 can locate therethrough and be secured by the cotterpin 56. A lower end of the ladder 36 can then locate in the tray 38, which is substantially horizontal, and be secured thereto by way of the strap 64.

Again, the feet 26 can be adjusted as necessary, and also the holding down pegs 68 may be used if desired.

The stabilising apparatus does not have a complex construction and is inexpensive to manufacture. The apparatus is also extremely simple to use and yet, by substantially increasing the footprint and grip relative to the ladder itself, can substantially reduce the risk of a ladder slipping, regardless of the contours of the ground or the type of ground. The apparatus can be used with any types of ladders and can be designed, for example, to adjust to variable sloping ground conditions from level to 1 in 3.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the design and construction of the various features of the apparatus may differ from those described and shown. It will be appreciated for example that, other than a strap, any other suitable means may be provided for securing the ladder to the tray.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention 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.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for stabilising a ladder, the apparatus comprising ground engageable support means, ladder locating means for locating a lower end of a ladder thereon, means for pivotally mounting the locating means on the support means, and means for retaining the locating means in a selected one of a plurality of positions to which the latter can be pivoted, whereby the locating means, and thereby the ladder thereon, can be supported in a desired relation to ground engaged by the support means.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the support means comprises a framework providing a plurality of spaced, ground engageable feet.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein four feet are provided.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein each foot has a nonslip ground engaging face.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 4 wherein the non-slip ground engaging face is provided by a ribbed rubber pad thereon.
6. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 5 wherein each foot is mounted on a shank by way of a ball joint whereby the foot is freely adjustable to accommodate uneven ground.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein each shank is adjustably mounted on the framework whereby to vary the spacing between the foot and the frame.
8. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 7 wherein the support framework further provides an elongate frame, on one end of which the ladder locating means is pivotally mounted.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein towards the other end of the elongate frame the retaining means is pivotally mounted on the elongate frame and provides a pair of apertured plates spaced apart to be able to locate at respective sides of the elongate frame.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 9 wherein a selected aligned pair of apertures in the plates is able to be aligned with apertures in the elongate frame, whereby a pin located through all the aligned apertures connects the retaining means to the ladder locating means.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the ladder locating means has the form of an upwardly open tray, with a pair of aligned apertures for receiving the retaining pin being formed in opposed side walls thereof.
12. Apparatus according to Claim 11 wherein at a substantially central position within the tray, there is provided a fixing point to which can be attached a clamp which can also clamp onto a lower rung of the ladder.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the clamp is in the form of a flexible strap.
14. Apparatus according to any of Claims 10 to 13 wherein the support framework is provided with further frame members providing through holes for receiving respective securing pegs which can be located through the holes into the ground.
15. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the drawing.
16. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.