GB2614764A

GB2614764A - Ladder

Info

Publication number: GB2614764A
Application number: GB2204868.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daws Oscar
Original assignee: Henchman Ltd
Current assignee: Henchman Ltd
Priority date: 2022-04-04
Filing date: 2022-04-04
Publication date: 2023-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2042-04-04
Also published as: GB202204868D0; GB2614764B

Abstract

A ladder comprising a pair of side rails 12 and a plurality of rungs 20, a pair of primary support legs 22, 24 pivotable relative to the side rails between a stowed and extended configuration, and a pair of secondary support legs 28 pivotally mounted to a respective side rail or primary support leg and configured to move between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration in which the secondary support legs define a ground engaging portion with a greater width than when stowed. The ladder may comprise a tubular member 44 receiving a pair of slidable braces 46, movable as the secondary support deploys. Further disclosed is a locking mechanism (42, fig 5) and a ladder (100, fig 15) comprising a tripod support leg 104 and an extensible ladder section (112, fig 15) movable relative to an associated side rail or tripod support leg and selectively lockable in a plurality of indexed positions.

Description

LADDER

FIELD

The present invention relates to ladders and access platforms.

BACKGROUND

Conventional stepladders, tripod ladders and access platforms comprise left side and right-side rails and a plurality of rungs rigidly attached between the side rails. Ladders that are used in connection with activities such as hedge trimming, and tree pruning are often positioned on uneven ground. This poses a substantial risk of serious injury. Certain ladder types have been developed such that the base of the ladder is wider than the top of the ladder. This provides increased stability at the base without increasing the size of the rest of the ladder. While ladders of this type are somewhat effective at increasing stability, it is at the cost of a small space envelope. The wider ladder base requires more storage space than a conventional ladder with parallel rails along their length. Furthermore, the wider ladder base may prove difficult to fit through tight spaces and it may not be possible to use the ladder in certain locations. In addition, many ladders still have a fixed base that has no, or limited, adjustability. This can still result in instability where the ladder is to be used on a slope or rough terrain.

It is against this background that the present invention has arisen.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention a ladder comprises a pair of side rails spaced apart in a parallel arrangement by a plurality of rungs arranged transverse to the side rails, each end of the plurality of rungs being rigidly attached to a respective side rail; a pair of primary support legs configured to pivot relative to the side rails between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration; and a pair of secondary support legs, each of the pair of the secondary support legs being pivotally mounted to a respective side rail or primary support leg and configured to be moveable between a stowed configuration in which the secondary support legs define a ground engaging portion having a first width and an extended configuration in which the secondary support legs are moved outwardly relative to the respective side rails or primary support leg such that the ground engaging portion has a second width, great than the first width.

As described above, prior art ladders either have a narrow ground engaging portion that can contribute to instability of the ladder on uneven ground, or they have a ground engaging portion of fixed width that can be difficult to navigate through tight spaces. The present invention provides a ground engaging portion of variable width that is moveable between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration. This provides the benefit of a small space envelope during storage and a stable base when the ladder is in an extended configuration.

In one embodiment ladders according to the invention may further comprise a tubular member extending between a lower end of the primary support legs, a cut-out through each of the primary support legs congruent with the tubular member, and a pair of braces, each of the pair of braces being connected to a lower end of a respective secondary support leg such that a free end of each brace is inserted into an end of the tubular member and selectively slidable in and out of the tubular member as the secondary support member is moved between the stowed configuration and extended configuration.

The claimed configuration of secondary support legs provides a very stable support surface due to the lateral movement capability of the secondary support legs being limited to movement in a fixed direction. This ensures that once the secondary support legs are deployed, they cannot inadvertently be moved in another direction. Furthermore, when stowed the secondary support legs are difficult to dislodge from their stowed position.

In one embodiment ladders according to the invention may further comprise an extensible leg section associated with each of the side rails and the secondary support legs, wherein the extensible leg section is moveable relative to a respective side rail or secondary support leg between a plurality of indexed longitudinal positions.

The provision of extensible leg sections allows for adjustment of the length of each of the ladder side rails and secondary support legs. This is particularly useful where the ladder is being used on uneven ground In one embodiment ladders according to the invention may further comprise a locking mechanism associated with at least one of the extensible leg sections, the locking mechanism being configured to allow movement of the extensible leg section relative to either a side rail or a secondary support leg when disengaged to restrict movement of the extensible leg section relative to a side rail or secondary support leg when engaged.

The locking mechanism ensures that individual ladder components can be locked in position to allow for adjustability of various ladder components and to ensure that ladder components are unable to move during use. The locking mechanism thus contributes to safe use of the ladder and providing a highly adjustable platform for use on differing terrain and for various applications.

The locking mechanism may comprise a handle to which a pin is fixedly attached and a housing through which the pin is free to pass, the pin being formed from a machined bar defining a shoulder at a transition between a first diameter and a second diameter, and a coil spring surrounding the second diameter and being compressed between the shoulder and the housing, wherein application of a tensile force to the handle causes the spring to compress against the housing and allow the pin to move out of engagement with a ladder component and releasing the handle returns the pin to its original position relative to the housing and back into engagement with the ladder component.

The particular design of locking mechanism invented by the applicant provides a highly reliable, simple to operate way of locking the position of various ladder components. The locking mechanism provides a safety fall-back position in that the locking pin is biased into a locked position. To unlock the locking mechanism, the user must first apply positive force to disengage the locking pin from a locking hole of a ladder component. Upon releasing the handle of the locking mechanism, the pin automatically engages with a locking hole of a ladder component. This automatic engagement also provides both an audible and tactile indication to the user that the locking pin has engaged.

The handle of the locking mechanism is at least partially recessed within the housing when the pin is in its original position relative to the housing.

By recessing the handle of the locking mechanism into the housing, the risk of inadvertent operation of the locking mechanism is diminished. A user is required to rotate the handle and pull outwardly to cause the locking pin to disengage from a locking hole of a ladder component.

In one embodiment ladders according to the invention may further comprise a plurality of ground engaging members, each ground engaging member comprising a foot and a rod pivotally connected thereto, the rod being configured for insertion into an elongate ladder component such that length of the side rails, primary support legs and/or secondary support legs and the angle of the foot are both independently variable.

Prior art ladders tend to have feet that are angularly fixed as part of the side rails and/or support legs. Ladders according to the present invention may comprise feet that have angular adjustment such that a secure footing can be provided on any surface, no matter how uneven the surface is.

In one embodiment ladders according to the invention may further comprise telescopic ladder portion formed from a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs rigidly attached therebetween, the telescopic ladder portion being configured to slide along the ladder side rails between a first position and a second position such that when the extensible portion is in the second position the overall length of the ladder side rails is extended.

Ladders that are provided with extensible leg portions generally have a large gap from the ground to the first ladder rung, when the extensible leg portions are extended. The telescopic ladder section is operable to bridge the gap between the ground and the first rung when extended thus improving the usability and safety of the ladder.

In one embodiment a pair of wheels may be positioned at a lower end of the primary support legs and moveable between a deployed configuration in which the pair of wheels extends transversely from the primary support legs to a stowed configuration in which the pair of wheels is arranged parallel to the primary support legs.

In one embodiment a wheel support member may extend horizontally between the pair of primary support legs to mount the pair of wheels thereto.

In one embodiment the pair of wheels may be selectively attached to and detached from the wheel support member.

In one embodiment the ladder may further comprise an extender that is configured to extend the length of both the pair of primary support legs and of the secondary support legs, the extender a pair of extender primary support legs and a pair of extender secondary support legs, the pair of extender primary support legs being configured to engage with respective primary support legs and the pair of extender secondary support legs being configured to engage with respective secondary support legs.

In one embodiment the extender may further comprise a tubular member extending between the extender primary support legs, a cut-out through each of the primary support legs congruent with the tubular member, and a pair of braces, each of the pair of braces being connected to a lower end of a respective extender secondary support leg such that a free end of each brace is inserted into an end of the tubular member and selectively slidable in and out of the tubular member as the extender secondary support member is moved between the stowed configuration and extended configuration.

Another aspect of the invention provides a locking mechanism comprising to which a pin is fixedly attached and a housing through which the pin is free to pass, the pin being formed from a machined bar defining a shoulder at a transition between a first diameter and a second diameter, and a coil spring surrounding the second diameter and being compressed between the shoulder and the housing, wherein application of a tensile force to the handle causes the spring to compress against the housing and allow the pin to move out of engagement with a ladder component and releasing the handle returns the pin to its original position relative to the housing and back into engagement with the ladder component.

Another aspect of the invention provides ladder comprising a pair of side rails spaced apart by a plurality of rungs arranged transverse to the side rails, each end of the plurality of rungs being rigidly attached to a respective side rail; and a tripod support leg configured to pivot relative to the side rails between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration; wherein at least of one of the side rails and/or tripod support leg is provided with an extensible ladder section that is moveable relative to an associated side rail or tripod support leg so as to adjust the length of the side rail or tripod support leg, wherein the extensible ladder section is selectively lockable in a plurality of indexed positions relative to an associated side rail or tripod support leg.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended to be given by way of example only.

FIGURES

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of reference to the following figures.

FIG.1 illustrates an isometric view of a ladder according to embodiments of the present invention when deployed for use.

FIG.2 illustrates an isometric view of a ladder according to embodiments of the present invention when in a stowed configuration.

FIG.3 illustrates an isometric view of a ladder according to embodiments of the present invention with support legs deployed.

FIG.4 illustrates an isometric view of a ladder according to embodiments of the present invention with support legs stowed.

FIG.5 illustrates a first view of a locking mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.6 illustrates a second view of a locking mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third view of a locking mechanism according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG.8 illustrates a first view of a ground engaging member according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.9 illustrates a second view of a ground engaging member according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a third view of a ground engaging member according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a first view of a ladder having transported wheels fitted thereto according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a second view of a ladder having transport wheels fitted thereto according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a third view of a ladder having transport wheels fitted thereto according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a ladder in which the transport wheels may be detached from the ladder and in which an extender is fitted to the ladder.

FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of another ladder according to embodiments of the invention when deployed for use.

FIG.16 illustrates an isometric view of the ladder of FIG.10 when stowed.

DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

FIGs.1-4 illustrate an isometric view of a ladder (10) in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. The ladder (10) comprises a first ladder section (12) and second ladder section (14). The first ladder section (12) comprises a first side rail (16) and second side rail (18) and a plurality of rungs (20) extending between the side rails (16, 18). The second ladder section (14) comprises a first side rail (22) and second side rail (24) with at least one brace (26) extending between the first and second side rails (22, 24). The first ladder section (12) and second ladder section (14) are hingedly attached at an upper end thereof such that the first ladder section (12) and second ladder section (14) are hinged and moveable relative to one another between a first, deployed configuration and a second, stowed configuration. The deployed configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1 and the stowed configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2. The ladder (10) is lockable in the stowed and/or deployed configuration by a catch (19) between respective pairs of first side rails (16, 22) and second side rails (18, 24) of the first ladder section (12) and second ladder section (14) respectively.

The ladder (10) further comprises a pair of extensible support legs (28) that are pivotally attached to the side rails (22, 24) of the second ladder section (14). Each support leg (28) defines a pivotal connection (30) at a first end thereof. The pivotal connection (30) connects to an attachment point on respective side rails (22, 24). A second end of each support leg (28) defines an opening configured to receive an extensible leg section (32). The extensible leg section (32) comprises an elongate bar (34) with a plurality of equally spaced locking holes (36) therein. A foot (40) is attached to a free end of the extensible leg section (32). The extensible leg section (32) may be moved in and out of a support leg (28) to vary the length of the support leg (28) as needed for different terrain. A locking mechanism (42), as described in more detail below, is provided to allow the position of the extensible leg section (32) to be locked relative to a support leg (28).

Each side rail (22, 24) of the second ladder section (14) defines a cut-out which is configured to receive a primary horizontal bar (44) therethrough such that the primary horizonal bar (44) extends between the side rails (22, 24). The primary horizontal bar (44) is thin walled to define an opening at each end and a channel therethrough. Secondary horizontal bars (46, 48) are connected to each of the support legs (28) in the vicinity of the foot (40) and are inserted into a respective end of the primary horizontal bar (44). Each secondary horizontal bar (46, 48) has an outer perimeter that is less than the inner perimeter of the primary horizontal bar (44). This allows the secondary horizontal bar (46, 48) of each support leg (28) to move in and out of the primary horizontal bar (44) as each support leg (28) is moved between its stowed and deployed configurations. Locking mechanisms (42) are provided on each side rail (22, 24) of the second ladder section to lock the position of the secondary horizontal bars, and consequently the support legs (28) relative to the primary horizontal bar (44). FIG. 3 shows the support legs (28) in the deployed configuration. FIG. 4 shows the support legs (28) in the stowed configuration.

The side rails (16, 18) of the first ladder section (12) are thin walled such that a lower end thereof defines an opening for receiving an extensible leg section (50), as shown in FIG. 1. A foot (40) is attached to the free end of the extensible leg section (50). The extensible leg section (50) defines a plurality of equally spaced locking holes (52) therein. The extensible leg section (50) is inserted into a side rail (14, 16) and can be slid in and out of the side rail (14, 16) as needed. A locking mechanism (42) is provided on each side rail (14, 16) such that the position of the extensible leg section (50) can be locked relative to the side rail (14, 16).

A telescopic ladder section (52) is provided as part of the first ladder section (12). This is shown extended in FIG. 1 and stowed in FIGs. 2-4. The telescopic ladder section (52) comprises a pair of opposed side rails (54, 56) with at least one ladder rung (58) extending between them. A pair of guides (60) are provided on the side rails (16, 18) of the first ladder section (12) and act to restrain lateral movement of the side rails (54, 56) of the telescopic ladder portion (52). A locking mechanism (62) locks the telescopic ladder portion (52) in either an extended or stowed configuration. When the extensible leg sections (50) of the first ladder portion (12) are extended, the telescopic ladder portion (52) may be extended such that a gap between a lower end of the first ladder portion (12) and the ground is bridged by the rungs (58) of the telescopic ladder portion (52). When the telescopic ladder portion (52) is stowed, the rungs (58) sit adjacent to the rungs (20) of the first ladder portion (12).

The ladder (10) further comprises a platform (64) that bridges the first ladder portion (12) and second ladder portion (14). The platform (64) is pivotally connected to either the first ladder portion (12) or second ladder portion (14) and engages a retention interface (not shown) provided as part of the other of the first ladder portion (14) or second ladder portion (16) when the ladder is in the deployed configuration. When the ladder is in the stowed configuration, the platform is pivoted so that it is sandwiched longitudinally between the first ladder portion (12) and second ladder portion (14).

A support structure (66) is provided at the top of the ladder (10) and is defined by a series of tubes forming a generally square or rectangular shape. The support structure (66) can be moved laterally relative to the first ladder portion (12) and second ladder portion (14) such that a user of the ladder (10) may be positioned within the support structure (66), or he/she may use the support structure (66) as a hand support. When the ladder (10) is stowed, the support structure is pivoted such that it is oriented in the same orientation as the first ladder portion (12).

As shown in FIGs. 5-7, the locking mechanism (42) comprises an extrusion (68) that is attached, i.e., welded, riveted, or screwed, for example, to a frame part of the ladder (10). The extrusion (68) comprises a cut-out through opposing faces to enable a pin (70) to pass through the extrusion (68) and into a locking hole defined by the frame part of the ladder (10) to which the extrusion (68) is attached. The pin (70) comprises a first part (72) having a first outer diameter and a second part (74) having a second outer diameter, greater than the first outer diameter. A spring (76) surrounds the pin (70) and is compressed between a shoulder (78) defined between the first part (72) and second part (74) of the pin (70) and the extrusion (68). A handle (80) is attached to the outward facing end of the pin (70). The spring (76) biases the pin (70) in an engaged position such that it is normally engaged with a locking hole of the ladder frame part. The extrusion (68) is profiled to substantially house the handle (80) when it is in a first position. The handle may be rotated through ninety degrees to facilitate releasing of the locking mechanism (42) by the user pulling the handle toward himself/herself. This act causes the strength of the spring (76) to be overcome and the pin (70) moving out of engagement with a locking hole of the ladder frame part. Releasing the handle (80), causes the pin (70) to move back into engagement with a locking hole of the ladder frame part. Multiple locking mechanisms (42) may be provided to allow selective locking and unlocking of certain parts of the ladder (10).

As shown in FIGs. 8-10, feet (40) as used in ladders (10) of the present invention comprise a substantially planar base with ribs (82) transitioning from the edge of the foot (40) to a pivotal connection point (84). The pivotal connection point (84) joins the foot (40) to an extensible leg section (50) such that the angle of the foot (42) may be adjusted to provide a stable base on uneven ground. The feet (40) may be formed from metal, plastic or any other suitable material.

As shown in FIGs 11-14, ladders (10) in accordance with embodiments of the invention may be fitted with a pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b). The pair of transport wheels may be attached to a wheel support member (84) that extends between the side rails (22, 24) of the second ladder section (14). The pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b) may be hingedly attached to the wheel support member (84) such that each of the pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b) may be moved from an extended configuration in which each of the pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b) extends away from the wheel support member (84) to a stowed configuration in which each of the pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b) is parallel to the wheel support member (84). As shown in FIGs 11 and 12, the pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b) may be left in the extended configuration when the ladder (10) is in use and/or being transported. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b) may be moved to the stowed configuration when the ladder (10) is being used and/or being transported.

As shown in FIG 14, the pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b) may be selectively attached to and detached from the wheel support member (84). The wheel support member (84) may extend between side rails of an extender (86) as is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 15.

Also as shown in FIG 14, an extender (86) may engage with the side rails (22, 24) of the second ladder section (14) and the extensible support legs (28). The extender (86) comprises a pair of side rail extensions (88, 90) and a pair of extensible support leg extensions (92, 94). The pair of side rail extensions (88, 90) may curve outwardly to define a broader base than the lower end of the side rails (22, 24) of the second ladder section (14). A wheel support member (84) may extend between the pair of side rail extensions (88, 90) for mounting the pair of transport wheels (82a, 82b).

Each of the pair of side rail extensions (88, 90) defines a cut-out which is configured to receive a primary horizontal bar (96) therethrough such that the primary horizonal bar (96) extends between the side rail extensions (88, 90). The primary horizontal bar (96) is thin walled to define an opening at each end and a channel therethrough. Secondary horizontal bars (98a, 98b) are connected to each of the extensible support leg extensions (92, 94) in the vicinity of a foot (40) and are inserted into a respective end of the primary horizontal bar (96). Each secondary horizontal bar (98a, 98b) has an outer perimeter that is less than the inner perimeter of the primary horizontal bar (96). This allows the secondary horizontal bar (98a, 98b) of each extensible support leg extension (92, 94) to move in and out of the primary horizontal bar (96) as each extensible support leg extension (92, 94) is moved between its stowed and deployed configurations. Locking mechanisms (42) are provided on each side rail extension (88, 90) to lock the position of the secondary horizontal bars (98a, 98b), and consequently the extensible support leg extensions (92, 94) relative to the primary horizontal bar (96).

FIGs. 15-and 16 illustrate a tripod ladder arrangement (100) defined generally by a ladder section (102) and a tripod leg (104). The ladder section (102) comprises first and second side rails (106, 108) with a plurality of rungs, or steps, therebetween (110). The tripod leg (104) joins to the ladder section (102) and is moveable between a deployed configuration as shown in FIG. 11 and a stowed configuration as shown in FIG, 12. Extensible leg sections (112) are provided as part of each of the first and second side rails (106, 108) and tripod leg (104). Locking mechanisms (42), as described in detail above, are provided to provide a locking interface between the first and second side rails (106, 108) a tripod leg (104) and associated extensible leg sections (112). Feet (40), as described in detail above, may be provided at the free end of each extensible leg section (112).

The above embodiments are exemplary only, and other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A ladder comprising a pair of side rails spaced apart in a parallel arrangement by a plurality of rungs arranged transverse to the side rails, each end of the plurality of rungs being rigidly attached to a respective side rail; a pair of primary support legs configured to pivot relative to the side rails between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration; and a pair of secondary support legs, each of the pair of the secondary support legs being pivotally mounted to a respective side rail or primary support leg and configured to be moveable between a stowed configuration in which the secondary support legs define a ground engaging portion having a first width and an extended configuration in which the secondary support legs are moved outwardly relative to the respective side rails or primary support leg such that the ground engaging portion has a second width, great than the first width.
2. A ladder according to claim 1 further comprising a tubular member extending between a lower end of the primary support legs, a cut-out through each of the primary support legs congruent with the tubular member, and a pair of braces, each of the pair of braces being connected to a lower end of a respective secondary support leg such that a free end of each brace is inserted into an end of the tubular member and selectively slidable in and out of the tubular member as the secondary support member is moved between the stowed configuration and extended configuration.
3. A ladder according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising an extensible leg section associated with each of the side rails and the secondary support legs, wherein the extensible leg section is slidable within a respective side rail or secondary support leg between a plurality of indexed longitudinal positions.
4. A ladder according to claim 2 further comprising a locking mechanism associated with at least one of the pair of secondary support legs, the locking mechanism being configured to allow movement of at least one secondary support leg relative to a respective primary support leg when disengaged and to restrict movement of at least one secondary support leg relative to a respective primary support leg when engaged.
5. A ladder according to claim 3 further comprising a locking mechanism associated with at least one of the extensible leg sections, the locking mechanism being configured to allow movement of the extensible leg section relative to either a side rail or a secondary support leg when disengaged to restrict movement of the extensible leg section relative to a side rail or secondary support leg when engaged.
6. A ladder according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a handle to which a pin is fixedly attached and a housing through which the pin is free to pass, the pin being formed from a machined bar defining a shoulder at a transition between a first diameter and a second diameter, and a coil spring surrounding the second diameter and being compressed between the shoulder and the housing, wherein application of a tensile force to the handle causes the spring to compress against the housing and allow the pin to move out of engagement with a ladder component and releasing the handle returns the pin to its original position relative to the housing and back into engagement with the ladder component.
7. A ladder according to claim 6, wherein the handle of the locking mechanism is at least partially recessed within the housing when the pin is in its original position relative to the housing.
8. A ladder according to any preceding claim further comprising a plurality of ground engaging members, each ground engaging member comprising a foot and a rod pivotally connected thereto, the rod being configured for insertion into an elongate ladder component such that length of the side rails, primary support legs and/or secondary support legs and the angle of the foot are both independently variable.
9. A ladder according to any preceding claim further comprising telescopic ladder portion formed from a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs rigidly attached therebetween, the telescopic ladder portion being configured to slide along the ladder side rails between a first position and a second position such that when the extensible portion is in the second position the overall length of the ladder side rails is extended.
10. A ladder according to any preceding claim further comprising a pair of wheels positioned at a lower end of the primary support legs and moveable between a deployed configuration in which the pair of wheels extends transversely from the primary support legs to a stowed configuration in which the pair of wheels is arranged parallel to the primary support legs.
11. A ladder according to claim 10, wherein a wheel support member extends horizontally between the pair of primary support legs to mount the pair of wheels thereto.
12. A ladder according to claim 11, wherein the pair of wheels is selectively attached to and detached from the wheel support member.
13. A ladder according to any preceding claim and further comprising an extender that is configured to extend the length of both the pair of primary support legs and of the secondary support legs, the extender a pair of extender primary support legs and a pair of extender secondary support legs, the pair of extender primary support legs being configured to engage with respective primary support legs and the pair of extender secondary support legs being configured to engage with respective secondary support legs.
14. A ladder according to claim 13, wherein the extender further comprising a tubular member extending between the extender primary support legs, a cut-out through each of the primary support legs congruent with the tubular member, and a pair of braces, each of the pair of braces being connected to a lower end of a respective extender secondary support leg such that a free end of each brace is inserted into an end of the tubular member and selectively slidable in and out of the tubular member as the extender secondary support member is moved between the stowed configuration and extended configuration.
15. A locking mechanism comprising to which a pin is fixedly attached and a housing through which the pin is free to pass, the pin being formed from a machined bar defining a shoulder at a transition between a first diameter and a second diameter, and a coil spring surrounding the second diameter and being compressed between the shoulder and the housing, wherein application of a tensile force to the handle causes the spring to compress against the housing and allow the pin to move out of engagement with a ladder component and releasing the handle returns the pin to its original position relative to the housing and back into engagement with the ladder component.
16.A locking mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the handle of the locking mechanism is at least partially recessed within the housing when the pin is in its original position relative to the housing.
17.A ladder comprising a pair of side rails spaced apart by a plurality of rungs arranged transverse to the side rails, each end of the plurality of rungs being rigidly attached to a respective side rail; and a tripod support leg configured to pivot relative to the side rails between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration; wherein at least of one of the side rails and/or tripod support leg is provided with an extensible ladder section that is moveable relative to an associated side rail or tripod support leg so as to adjust the length of the side rail or tripod support leg, wherein the extensible ladder section is selectively lockable in a plurality of indexed positions relative to an associated side rail or tripod support leg.
18.A ladder according to claim 12, wherein the extensible ladder section is lockable by way of a locking mechanism comprising a handle to which a pin is fixedly attached and a housing through which the pin is free to pass, the pin being formed from a machined bar defining a shoulder at a transition between a first diameter and a second diameter, and a coil spring surrounding the second diameter and being compressed between the shoulder and the housing, wherein application of a tensile force to the handle causes the spring to compress against the housing and allow the pin to move out of engagement with a ladder component and releasing the handle returns the pin to its original position relative to the housing and back into engagement with the ladder component.