Ladder safe base and method for utilization thereof

Abstract

A coupling member for securing a ladder base end positionable against an unstable or uneven supporting surface. The coupling member includes a pair of receiving members disposed parallel and spaced apart for positioning the ladder base end thereupon and proximal of the supporting surface. A stabilizing cross-member extends between inner walls of the receiving members and is slidably adjustable in a width dimension to span a variety of ladder base widths. Outboard of each receiving member is disposed a side sleeve having an axially oriented channel therethrough in which a fixation member is slidably inserted to extend a contacting end against the supporting surface. Each fixation member is adjustable in height relative to respective side sleeves, thereby allowing the coupling member to be adjusted in a level orientation proximal the supporting surface with stabilization of the ladder base ends restrained in respective receiving members during load-bearing activity on the ladder.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to ladder securing devices. More particularly, this invention pertains to an adjustable and removable ladder safe base and a method for utilization thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ladder stabilizing devices are known in the art and typically provide attaching arms and extension members connecting from one or more rungs of a ladder, with each extension member separately attached to a portion of a wall, to a tree, or a pole to allow the base and upper end of the ladder to be positioned securely proximal of the wall, tree, or pole. Prior ladder stabilizing devices include ladder rung attachments extended laterally from the ladder in order to provide a connection to a wall or nearby support structure for improved stability of the ladder base against a supporting surface that can pose a slipping or “kick-out” hazard for the ladder bases when set on the supporting surface (i.e. wood, asphalt or concrete). Prior ladder stabilizing devices also include one or more base attachments referred to as “feet” or “shoes” that are positioned on a supporting surface in order to add additional surface area to each ladder base end. The laterally extended “feet” or “shoes” must be separately attached to each respective ladder base end before the ladder is positioned and extended from the ground to the side supporting surface such as a wall or a pole. Additional prior devices include curved or angled clamps that are separately attached to each ladder rail for extension to a nearby stair rail or a platform support structure.

Typical non-self-supporting ladders are commonly referred to as leaning ladders, side rails have a rectangular or a “I beam” cross-section. Typical prior attaching and stabilizing members are permanently connected to the ladder base ends by enclosing each rail base end with tubular members that have flat end structures in order to secure each tubular member and respective ladder base ends from sliding along the supporting surface during use of the ladder. A ladder leveler including one or two tubes typically must be inserted over respective base ends of both ladder side rails before the ladder base end is positioned against the supporting surface. Therefore, when the ladder base is moved to a second position on the supporting surface having a slope, or a stepped change in elevation, and/or a different surface composition (i.e. from packed soil to concrete), one or both base end tubular members must be changed to exchange with appropriate tubular member having alternative lengths or having an adequate skid-resistant pad thereon. The changing process is time-consuming for the ladder user, requires taking the ladder down from its angled position between the supporting surface and the wall or pole surface, and requires the ladder user to maintain a storage container for additional parts compatible with the various slopes and/or surface composition of the supporting surfaces on which the ladder is positioned.

A ladder base is needed for securing base ends of a ladder between restraining members that are readily adjustable in a width dimension to accommodate any of a plurality of ladder widths. Further, a ladder base is needed for providing “kick-out” protection for ladder base ends positioned on any of a plurality of uneven and/or unstable supporting surfaces. A method for utilization is also needed to provide for steps for adjusting the relative heights of restraining members releasably attachable to ladder base ends to provide for stabile ladder positioning when moved between a first surface to a second surface having different slopes, without requiring detachment of either restraining member from respective ladder base ends during repositioning of the ladder.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder safe base is provided for stabilizing both base ends of a ladder disposed in angled contact against any of a plurality of supporting surfaces having uneven and/or unstable surfaces. The ladder safe base provides stability of the ladder base ends regardless of the slope or stability of the supporting surface, thereby improving the safety of load-bearing activities on the ladder. The ladder safe base includes a coupling member having first and second receiving members adjacently disposed a spaced apart distance for receipt thereupon of the ladder base ends. Each first and second receiving member includes an opening therein of an adequate width bounded by respective inner and outer side walls for accommodation therein of the one of the ladder base ends. The coupling member includes a first and second cross-member extended inwardly from respective inner side walls of each receiving member. The first and second cross-members are aligned axially and are slidably engaged against each other to position the first and second receiving member a spaced apart distance to retain the ladder base ends within respective openings in each receiving member.

The stabilizing cross-members extend between the inner side walls of first and second receiving members, with the cross-members being slidably adjustable to maintain the receiving members a sufficient spaced apart distance to accommodate any of a plurality of ladder base widths. Upon positioning the ladder base end within the respective opening in the first and second receiving members, the stabilizing member is secured by a securing means for releasably locking the first cross-member in engagement with the second cross-member to maintain the spaced apart distance between each respective first and second receiving member, thereby securing the ladder base ends from moving laterally relative to the supporting surface during load-bearing activity on the ladder.

The ladder safe base further includes first and second outer side sleeves positioned in generally vertical orientation against respective outer side walls of first and second receiving members. Each first and second outer side sleeve includes a lengthwise interior channel in which a fixation member is slidably insertable. A contacting end of the fixation member is inserted a sufficient depth into each either outer side sleeve until the contacting end extends to a position against or into the supporting surface. A second fixation member is slidably insertable into the second of the outer sleeves for further securing of both receiving members relative to the supporting surface. Each fixation member is vertically adjustable and secured at an insertion depth relative to the outer side sleeve in which it is slidably inserted, thereby allowing attainment of a selected height above the supporting surface for either first or second outer sleeve and respective receiving members in order to provide a level ladder safe base when positioned on an uneven supporting surface. With one or two fixation members positioned to restrain one or both first and second receiving members, the coupling member and cross-members provide lateral stabilization for ladder base ends while protecting from “kick-out” of a ladder base positioned on an unstable supporting surface.

A method for utilization of a ladder safe base is provided herein, for stabilizing a ladder base end disposed in angled orientation against a supporting surface that is uneven and/or unstable. The method includes a step of providing a coupling member having first and second receiving members interconnected by a stabilizing cross-member that is slidably adjustable in a width dimension. A step of positioning includes adjusting the width between the first and second receiving members to accommodate the ladder base ends upon respective receiving members. A step of leveling includes inserting and extending at least one fixation member through one of two sleeve brackets attached to each receiving member.

The method further includes a step of repositioning the coupling member and ladder by moving the receiving members attached to the ladder base ends from a first location to a second location when the ladder is not utilized in load-bearing activities. The ladder safe base is secured upon repositioning by leveling the first receiving member relative to the second receiving member at the second location on a supporting surface. The ladder base ends are leveled and secured relative to the supporting surface at the second location and are secured from moving relative to each other by utilizing the ladder safe base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ladder safe base of the present invention including a coupling member for receiving and securing a ladder base against a supporting surface;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a first receiving member of the coupling member of FIG. 1, illustrating a fixation means extended through a first side sleeve for contact against a generally level supporting surface;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1, illustrating an alternative fixation means extended through a first side sleeve for insertion into an unstable supporting surface;

FIG. 4A is a partial front perspective view of stabilizing cross-members and securing means illustrating an inner cross-member slidably inserted partially into the outer cross-member with a spaced apart distance between first and second receiving member;

FIG. 4B is a section along 4B-4B of FIG. 4A, illustrating the components of a securing means slidably positioned inside first and second slots of the stabilizing cross-members;

FIG. 5A is an exploded outer side view of the first receiving member and first sleeve of FIG. 1, illustrating a plurality of elements utilized for positioning and securing the first receiving member on a generally level supporting surface;

FIG. 5B is an exploded outer side view of the second receiving member and second sleeve of FIG. 3, illustrating a plurality of elements utilized for insertion of a fixation means into an unstable supporting surface;

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of FIG. 1, illustrating the coupling member having ladder base ends therein with a first fixation means positioned at a higher elevation than the second fixation means;

FIG. 7 is front perspective view of a ladder base secured within the coupling member and having a pair of fixation members and a pair of retaining devices for positioning the coupling member on a level supporting surface;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a ladder base secured within the coupling member and having a pair of fixation members inserted at different heights into an uneven and unstable supporting surface;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the stabilizing cross-member extended an adjustable distance between first and second receiving members;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1, illustrating first and second receiving members having partial interior walls with a stabilizing cross-member between rear portions of each partial interior wall;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1, illustrating first and second receiving members have minimally sized interior wall segments allowing positioning of a plurality of widths of ladder base ends inboard of the first and second receiving members; and

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1, illustrating first and second receiving members including a pair of inner walls and lacking outer side walls for positioning wide spaced apart ladder base ends outboards of the first and second receiving members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A ladder safe base 10 is disclosed that is readily attached to and released from a base of a ladder 20 for safely securing the ladder base proximal of a supporting surface 80 having an uneven surface and/or an unstable surface. A majority of self-supporting upright ladders and ladders designed to lean against an upright surface, include at least one pair of side rails 22, 24 ending in base ends 26, 28 having respective swiveling base pads 26′, 28′ thereon which are swivelled for positioning against a supporting surface 80. When the supporting surface is uneven and/or unstable, a typical two side rail ladder 20 may not provide a secure footing to support significant load-bearing activities on the ladder. Typical supporting surfaces posing unstable surfaces include an earthen surface covered with vegetation, gravel, or other loose materials, or a roof surface covered with asphalt shingles or smooth tile shingles. Additional supporting surfaces posing difficult ladder positioning problems include concrete or wooden steps, metal or wood scaffolding platforms, and indoor surfaces covered with loose carpet or floor tiles having intermittently uneven and smooth surfaces.

The ladder safe base 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and includes a coupling member 12 having a pair of parallel oriented and spaced apart receiving members 30, 40 in which respective ladder base ends 26, 28 are removably positioned. The coupling member 12 includes a stabilizing cross-member 14 extended from respective inner walls 32, 42 of the receiving members 30, 40. The stabilizing cross-member 14 includes means for securing 16 thereon, for releasably locking the stabilizing cross-member 14 in an engagement position providing a preferred spaced apart distance between the inner walls 32, 42 of the receiving members 30, 40 for retention of the ladder base ends 26, 28 thereon. The coupling member 12 further includes at least one fixation means 18 including any of a plurality of attachment members positioned proximal of outer side walls 34, 44 of receiving members 30, 40, in order to secure the position of at least one of the receiving members 30, 40 relative to the supporting surface 80. An embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 includes two fixation members 18, 18′ positioned against both outer side walls 34, 44, thereby securing the coupling member 12 from lateral movement and sliding movement to maintain secure footing of ladder base ends 26, 28 retained therein.

One embodiment of the coupling member 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5A and 5B, and includes a pair of generally parallel receiving members 30, 40, also identified herein as slotted members. A first receiving member 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2. A like-configured, mirror-image second receiving member 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. Each receiving member 30, 40 includes an elongated slot opening therein, having respective open ends 30′″, 40′″ opposed from guide walls 36, 46, and having a slot opening of sufficient width 30′, 40′ for removable insertion of respective ladder base ends 26, 28 (see FIG. 1). The slot opening is sized to accept any of a plurality of ladder base ends 26, 28, and includes slot opening widths of between about two inches to about four inches. A length of each elongated slot opening is between about four inches to about eight inches. Each elongated slot opening is bounded by respective base surfaces 30″, 40″ from which extend respective inner side walls 32, 42, outer side walls 34, 44, and the guide walls 36, 46. In one embodiment, the guide walls 36, 46 are minimally angled toward respective open ends 30′″, 40′″ at angles of about 75 degrees to about 90 degrees from respective base surfaces 30″, 40″. Respective corner junctions are formed with the respective inner side walls 32, 42 and outer side walls 34, 44 to form a guide wall channeling each respective ladder base end to be securely positioned against receiving base surfaces 30″, 40″. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B, each guide wall 36, 46 is angled toward respective open ends 30′″, 40′″ at an angle 38 of between about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees from the respective base surfaces 30″, 40″. The guide wall angle 38, 48 is selected to conform to safety standards which provide limits for a maximum and minimum angle for a leaning ladder (see 29 C.F.R. §1926.1053, Ladders), to minimize the potential for “kick-out” of each ladder base end 26, 28. When inserted into respective first and second receiving slot openings having sufficient widths 30′, 40′, each ladder base end 26, 28 is channeled against the angled guide walls 36, 46 at an angle selected to be within a range of preferred ladder angles relative to the supporting surface 80, as suggested by occupational safety standards and workplace practices utilized by those skilled in the art for safe use of non-self-supporting ladders (i.e. leaning ladders).

For the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, 5A and 5B, a stabilizing cross-member 14 extends between the receiving members 30, 40. The cross-member 14 includes a slidably adjustable cross-member unit 50 including an outer slide tube 52 axially aligned to accept an inner slide tube 56. The outer slide tube 52 extends from a base end 52′ attached to a junction plate 50′ connected to the second inner side wall 42 in a position proximal of the second base wall 46. The outer slide tube 52 is hollow, having a circular cross-section or preferably having an “U” shaped cross-section, and having a longitudinal slot 52′″ therein. Outer slide tube 52 extends to an open distal end 52″, into which is inserted the smaller diameter inner tube 56 having a distal end 56″ of sufficient size to be slidably inserted into the interior length of the outer slide tube 52. The inner slide tube 56 is also hollow, having a circular cross-section or preferably having an “U” shaped cross-section, and having an inner tube longitudinal slot 56′″ that is aligned with the outer tube longitudinal slot 52′″. The inner slide tube 56 includes a base end 56′ junction with the first inner side wall 32 in a position proximal of the first guide wall 36. The inner slide tube distal end 56″ is slidably inserted a variable depth into outer slide tube 52 to allow first and second receiving members 30, 40 to be adjustably positioned apart at any of a plurality of width separations, thereby allowing the receiving members to receive and retain any of a plurality of ladder widths.

The depth of insertion of inner slide tube 56 into outer slide tube 52 is adjustable and temporarily lockable in a plurality of positions by a securing means 16 illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 9. The securing means 16 includes a clamp assembly 58 having generally at least three interconnecting segments that allow for the clamp assembly 58 to be slidably mounted along the length of the outer tube slot 52′″ and the aligned inner tube slot 56′″. An outer clamping member 58′ is generally rectangular, including a centrally disposed bore hole 59 (see FIG. 4B) therethrough. The outer clamping member 58′ is sized in width to be slidably disposed against the slot sides of the outer tube slot 52′″. A screw bolt 58″″ is inserted through the outer clamping member 58′ and through the bore hole 59. The screw bolt 58″″ includes screw threads disposed along the bolt length, and includes either a slot head (see FIGS. 3 and 10), or a wing nut head 58′″ on an outer portion extended from the outer tube slot 52′″. The length of the screw bolt 58″″ is inserted through the outer clamping member 58′, and into an aligned inner clamping member 58″ that is positioned within the inner tube slot 56′″. The inner clamping member 58″ includes a width slightly greater than the width of separation of the parallel sides of the inner tube slot 56′″. The screw bolt 58″″ is inserted through the outer clamping member bore hole 59 and into the aligned central disposed inner bore hole 59′ through the inner clamping member 58″. Due to reverse threading within the inner bore hole 59′ in the inner clamping member 58″, when the wing nut attachment to the screw bolt 58″″ is rotatably inserted through respective clamping member bore holes 59, 59′ in aligned clamping members 58′, 58″, the inner clamping member 58″ is forced into engagement against interior surfaces of the inner tube slot 56′″. Further, the outer clamping member 58′ is forced into frictional engagement against the outer tube surfaces proximal of the outer tube slot 52′″, thereby temporarily securing the inner slide tube 56 and outer slide tube 52 in a locked position relative to each other. The screw bolt 58″″ is reversibly rotated by the user when the ladder 20 is not utilized for load-bearing activities, with the outer clamping member 58′ is moved apart from the inner clamping member 58″, thereby allowing the securing means 16 to slide along the aligned inner tube slot 56′″ and outer tube slot 52′″. The inner clamping member 58″ is retained within the inner slide tube 56 in an un-tensioned position for sliding adjustment of the inner slide tube 56 relative to outer slide tube 52 to attain a preferred distance of separation 54 between ladder base ends 26, 28 in respective first receiving member 30 and second receiving member 40. One skilled in the art will recognize that similar clamp assemblies or securing clips can be utilized for temporarily securing the inner slide tube 56 in a fixed position within the outer slide tube 52. The positioning of the aligned inner tube slot 56′″ and the outer tube slot 52′″ can include a forward orientation (see FIG. 3), an upwardly orientation (see FIGS. 4A and 6), or an alternative orientation that allows an operator to readily manipulate the slot head (see FIGS. 3 and 10), or the wing nut head 58′″ (see FIG. 4A, 7, 9 and 11) of clamp assembly 58.

The ladder safe base 10 further includes at least one fixation means 18 including at least one of a plurality of attachment and fixation members 70, 70′ and associated receiving sleeves 60, 60′ (see FIGS. 1-5B). The fixation means 18 allows a user to position the ladder safe base 10 in a generally level orientation regardless of the slope of an uneven supporting surface, and allows securing of one or both receiving members 30, 40 in a fixed position against the supporting surface 80 before or after positioning the ladder base ends 26, 28 therein. The fixation means 18 operates in association with the sleeve brackets 60, 60′ attached to each outer side wall 34, 44 of the receiving members 30, 40. The fixation means 18 includes any of a plurality of configurations including elongated fixation members 70, 70″ that are each slidably insertable through outer positioned sleeve brackets 60, 60′, or slidably insertable through alternatively positioned sleeve brackets 160, 170 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). In one embodiment, the fixation member 70 having a flattened contacting end 72 is slidably inserted through either sleeve bracket 60 or 60′. The contacting end 72 is inserted a sufficient depth through either sleeve bracket 60 or 60′ to allow positioning of the contacting end 72 past the distal end of each sleeve bracket 60 or 60′, and against a generally impenetrable supporting surface (i.e. concrete, asphalt shingles, metal surfaces). An alternative embodiment includes a pointed contacting end 72 inserted into the supporting surface if penetrable (i.e. soil, gravel, asphalt or wood) (see FIGS. 6 and 8).

In one embodiment, two fixation members 70, 70′ are utilized for sidably inserting through the interior channels of each sleeve bracket 60, 60′ to allow adjustment of the heights of each sleeve bracket 60, 60′ relative to the supporting surface 80. An additional embodiment of the sleeve brackets includes each having an angled interior channel 62, 62′ that allows the fixation members 70, 70′ to be guided at an angle for contact by the contacting end 72, 72′ against, or into the supporting surface 80 (see FIG. 2). The insertion depth 68 of each fixation member 70, 70′ through each sleeve bracket 60, 60′ and the angle of contact and/or insertion into the supporting surface 80 can be aligned (see FIGS. 1 and 2) with the angle of the respective ladder base ends 26, 28 inserted into receiving members 30, 40. Alternatively, the sleeve brackets 60, 60′ can be positioned to a substantially vertical orientation or a reverse angled orientation relative to the angle of the respective ladder base ends 26, 28 inserted into receiving members 30, 40. A preferred angle of orientation for the ladder and base ends 26, 28, each guide wall 36, 36′, and fixation members 70, 70′, is between about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees.

Each fixation member 70, 70′ includes a plurality of paired bore holes 74, 74′ aligned proximal to the length axis of each fixation member 70, 70′, 70″, 70′″ (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), with the paired holes generally aligned longitudinally along each member. When a preferred depth of insertion 68, 68′ is attained into the first sleeve 60 and/or second sleeve 60′, each fixation member 70, 70′ is retained by insertion laterally therethrough of at least one retaining or connecting member 64 or 76. The fixation members 70, 70′ are retained in the interior channels 62, 62′ of respective sleeves 60, 60′ at the same insertion depth for level supporting surfaces, or at different insertion depths for uneven supporting surfaces. A first and second insertion depth are separately maintained by laterally inserting at least one retaining or connecting member such as cotter pins 64, 64′ or bolts 76, 76′, through an outer bore hole 60″, 60′″ in each outer wall of sleeves 60, 60′, and extending the retaining or connecting member through an appropriately aligned bore hole 74, 74′ (see FIG. 3). The respective cotter pins 64, 64′ are connected by chain linkages 66, 66′ to a lower portion of either outer wall 34, 44 to minimize loss during use of the ladder safe base 10. If utilized, the bolts 76, 76′ are retained through respective holes by wing nuts 78, 78′ or other easily manipulated connectors known to those skilled in the art. In order to temporarily restrain each fixation member 70, 70′ within respective sleeve brackets 60, 60′, each cotter pin 64 or bolt 76 is further extended through an appropriately aligned bore hole 34′ through first outer wall 34 or a similarly aligned bore hole 44′ in second outer wall 44, of respective receiving members 30, 40. Each fixation member 70, 70′ is independently extended or retracted through the interior channel of either sleeve brackets 60, 60′ to attain different insertion depths 68, 68′ and to position respective contacting ends 72, 72′ at different heights against an uneven supporting surface 80 with leveling of receiving members 30, 40 for securing the ladder base ends 26, 28 inserted in the receiving members 30, 40.

Alternative embodiments for the receiving members 30, 40 and fixation members 70, 70′ include retaining devices such as suction cups 82, 82′ attached by connector chains 84, 84′, or like-flexible connectors, and positioned proximal of open ends 30′″, 40′″ (see FIG. 7), and/or proximal of each base of respective guide walls 36, 46 (not shown). The suction cups 82, 82′ are utilized to assist in securing receiving members 30, 40 to a flat, potentially slippery surface such as tile, finished concrete, wood flooring or similar supporting surfaces. Each suction cup 82, 82′ is releasably positioned against either open end, or against a guide wall end of base surfaces 30″ and 40″. An adhesive can be utilized with suction cups 82, 82′ to further minimize movement of receiving members 30, 40 during load-bearing activities on a ladder with base ends 26, 28 positioned in the ladder safe base 10. For an uneven supporting surface 80 (see FIGS. 6 and 8), the ladder safe base 10 includes fixation members 60, 60′ having pivoting brackets 86, 86′ that are attached to end portions of each fixation member 60, 60′ proximal of contacting ends 72, 72′. Each bracket 86, 86′ includes distally disposed foot-pads having non-skid pads 86″, 86′″ thereon. The brackets 86, 86′ are pivotably attached by a connector member such as a cotter pin or a threaded length of bolt connectors 76, 76′ extended through respective paired bore holes 74, 74′ in fixation members 70, 70′. The fixation members 70, 70′ are slidably inserted through channels 62, 62′ of sleeves 60, 60′. The brackets 86, 86′ are positionable at various angles by tightening respective bolt connectors 76, 76′ and associated attaching locking nuts and/or wing nuts 78, to attain a firm footing of foot-pads 86″, 86′″ against an uneven supporting surface 80 (see FIG. 6).

Positioning of the ladder safe base 10 with alternative fixation members 70″, 70′″ is illustrated in FIG. 8 for use on unstable and uneven supporting surfaces 80′. Respective contacting ends 72″, 72′″ having tapered ends for piercing at least the upper portion of the supporting surface 80. A pair of releasably attachable stop members 90, 90′, each having a lower ledge with a non-skid pad 92, 92′ thereon, are swivelingly attached by connecting members 94, 94′ to any one of the pair of side holes 74, 74′ aligned axially along a length of either fixation member 70″, 70′″. The swiveling connecting members 94, 94′ are attached with bolts 96, 96′ and wing nuts 78, 78′ or similar connectors known to those skilled in the art. The swiveling connecting members 94, 94′ can be attached at different heights above each contacting end 72″, 72′″. The fixation members 70″, 70′″ are temporarily restrained within respective sleeve brackets 60, 60′ by insertion therein of either a cotter pin 64 or bolt 76 through aligned sleeve hole 60″, 60′″ aligned with respective bore holes 74, 74′ and further aligned with respective bore hole 34′ through first outer wall 34 or a bore hole 44′ in second outer wall 44. Connecting members 94, 94′ such as cotter pins or bolts having threads for accepting a wing nut 78 thereon, are utilized to position stop members 90, 90′ at an appropriate height relative to the length of each fixation member in order to restrain one or both fixation members 70″, 70′″ from being driven too deeply into the supporting surface 80 (see FIGS. 5A and 6). Further, with adjustments to the height of attachment of each connecting member 94, 94′ to respective fixation members 70″, 70′″, either receiving member 30 or 40 can be elevated relative to respective fixation members 70″, 70′″ inserted through sleeves 60, 60′, thereby maintaining a generally level orientation for receiving members 30, 40 relative to supporting surfaces 80, 80′. Swivel connectors 94, 94′ are individually swivelled to position stop members 90, 90′ to adjust to the slope and contour of the supporting surfaces 80, 80′.

An additional embodiment of a ladder safe base 110 is illustrated in FIG. 10 and includes a pair of arm members 130, 140, each lacking an inner side wall 32, 42, therefore a ladder selected to have any width configuration for each side rail base end 26, 28, or having a solid base (not shown), is readily insertable between the arm members 130, 140. The ladder safe base 110 includes the components utilized by the ladder safe base 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, but with partial inner walls 132, 142, and with base surfaces 30″, 40″. The ladder safe base 110 also includes laterally-oriented elongated slots in the stabilizing cross-member 50 with a securing means 58 therein as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The first cross-member slide tube 52 is attached to a base flange 50′ positioned against partial inner wall 142, and proximal of guide wall 146. A second cross-member 56 is attached to base flange 50″ (not shown) against partial inner wall 132. Each fixation member 70, 70′ is slidably insertable through respective sleeve members 60, 60′.

An alternative ladder safe base 120 is illustrated in FIG. 11, including a pair of arm members 130, 140, each lacking an inner side wall but including outer side walls 132, 142. Outer positioned sleeves 60, 60′ are utilized for insertion therethrough of any of fixation members 70, 70′, 70″, 70′″. The alternative ladder safe base 120 includes the stabilizing cross-member 50 and securing means 58 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 9. Outer side walls 132, 142 are positioned a spaced apart distance to contain a ladder having a continuous base end or a low connecting rung 20′ between side walls 132, 142.

An additional alternative ladder safe base 150 is illustrated in FIG. 12 and includes a pair of arm members 160, 170, each lacking an outer side wall, but including inner side walls 162, 172. Interior of each side wall 162, 172 is attached inner sleeves 60″, 60′″ (see FIG. 12), through which any of the fixation members 70, 70′, 70″, 70′″ are slidably insertable. The alternative embodiment includes the stabilizing cross-member 50 and securing means 58 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 9. The inner side walls 162, 172 are positioned with ladder base ends 26, 28 outboard of each inner side wall, thereby securing wide ladder base ends having broad, spaced apart side rails 22, 24 and/or having wide base ends that are readily positioned outboards of inner side walls 162, 172.

A method for utilization of a ladder safe base 10 or 110, is provided herein for stabilizing ladder base ends 26, 28 in angled contact against any of a plurality of supporting surfaces that may be uneven and/or unstable. The steps of the method include a step of providing a ladder safe base 10 or 110 including first and second receiving members 30, 40 interconnected by a stabilizing member 14 sidably adjustable therebetween. A step of positioning the receiving members 30, 40 includes adjusting the width between the receiving members 30, 40 by manipulating the stabilizing member 14 and the securing means 16, thereby accommodating a leaning ladder having base ends 26, 28 inserted into the respective receiving members 30, 40. A step of leveling the ladder safe base 10 includes inserting and extending one or both of fixation members 70, 70′ through the respective sleeves 60, 60′ of the receiving members 30, 40. The step of leveling is repeatable to obtain various heights of respective receiving members 30, 40 above an uneven supporting surface 80 by manipulating respective connector means for each receiving member 30, 40, including one or more retaining or connecting members such as cotter pins 64, 64′, and/or connector bolts 76,′ secured by wing nut connectors 78, 78′.

A step of inserting includes sliding the ladder base ends 26, 28 into respective first and second slot opening widths 30′, 40′ of each receiving members 30, 40 without having to couple or decouple additional attachments to the ladder base ends 26, 28. Further, the step of inserting is completed without readjusting the ladder base pads, if the ladder includes base pads pivotably attached to respective ladder base ends 26, 28, due to the ample slot opening widths provided by the receiving members 30, 40. A step of repositioning the ladder safe base 10 and ladder 20 is rapidly completed by sliding and removing the receiving members 30, 40 from the angled ladder base ends 26, 28 in a first angled position when the ladder 20 is temporarily not bearing significant weight thereon. The receiving members 30, 40 and slidably adjustable cross-member 14 are repositioned to an appropriate second location, and the step of leveling is repeated for the receiving members 30, 40, before the ladder 20 is moved for slidingly positioning the ladder base ends 26, 28 into the ladder safe base 10 in the second location. The ladder 20 is moved to the second location and the ladder base ends 26, 28 are slidably inserted into respective receiving members 30, 40 with the adjustable cross-member 14 secured, if needed.

An alternative step of repositioning includes positioning a second, like-configured ladder safe base 10 in an appropriate second location on a supporting surface 80, removing the ladder base ends 26, 28 from the respective receiving members 30, 40, and sliding the ladder base ends 26, 28 into first and second slot opening widths 30′, 40′ of respective receiving members 30, 40 of the second, like-configured ladder safe base 10. No additional ladder base connectors are required for safe securing of the ladder base ends with the method described hereinabove, due to the lack of a need for any additional ladder base connectors for securing the ladder safe base 10 or 110 thereto. The ladder safe base 10 is repositioned to a second location with only the step of leveling being repeated, if needed, due to a change in elevation of the supporting surface 80. The user of the ladder safe base 10 or 110 benefits from improved efficiency in moving a ladder 20 from a first location to a second and additional locations, while having the ladder base ends 26, 28 secured from lateral shifting and “kick-out” relative to an unstable and/or uneven supporting surface 80.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a ladder safe base 10, 110 is disclosed for releasably connecting a coupling member 12 to secure therein the respective base ends 26, 28 of a ladder 20, thereby stabilizing the base ends disposed in angled contact against any of a plurality of supporting surfaces presenting uneven and/or unstable surfaces. The disclosed ladder safe base 10 improves the stability and safety of the junction of the ladder base end with the supporting surface 80 during the occurrence of a load-bearing activity on the ladder 20. Further, the method for utilization of the ladder safe base 10 includes steps providing for movement of a first coupling member from a first position to a second position without moving the ladder until it can be repositioned and stabilized within the repositioned first coupling member. An alternative method for utilization further provides a like-configured second coupling member that is positioned and leveled in a second location, with resulting movement of the ladder from a first location secured within a first coupling member, to a second location secured within a second coupling member, while maximizing the efficiency of the method for utilization during the operation of repositioning the ladder.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing a ladder base during load-bearing activities on a ladder having base ends positioned proximal of a supporting surface, comprising:

a coupling member including first and second receiving members arranged in substantially parallel orientation having a spaced apart distance therebetween, said first and second receiving members having respective inner and outer side walls bounding openings therebetween, each opening having an adequate width for accommodation therein of the ladder base ends with said coupling member positioned on the supporting surface;

first and second cross-members extended inwardly from respective inner side walls of said first and second receiving members, said first and second cross-member being disposed in an axially slidable relationship, whereby said first and second receiving members are adjustable relative to each other for receipt of the ladder base ends within respective first and second openings in each receiving member; and

securing means for releasably locking said first cross-member in engagement with said second cross-member, whereby said spaced apart distance is maintained between said first and second receiving members for retention of the ladder base ends within said first and second receiving members.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

first and second side sleeves attached against opposed outer side walls of said first and second receiving members, each first and second side sleeve having at least one axially aligned outer wall bore therein and having respective first and second interior channels axially oriented therethrough; and

fixation means including a first fixation member configured to be slidably insertable through either first and second interior channel, said first fixation member having an elongated body having a plurality of axially aligned holes therein and having a contacting end tapered to be extended from a distal end of either side sleeve when said first fixation member is inserted a sufficient depth through either side sleeve thereby extending said contacting end against the supporting surface, said first fixation member being retained at said sufficient depth within either side sleeve by insertion of a connecting member through any one of said plurality of axially aligned holes when aligned with said axially aligned outer wall bore in either of said first and second sleeves, whereby said first fixation member being retained at said sufficient depth through either side sleeve for substantially level alignment of said first receiving member relative to said second receiving member when positioned proximal of the supporting surface;

whereby at least one of said first and second side sleeves is restrained from lateral movement relative to the supporting surface by said first fixation member with resultant stabilization of the ladder base ends restrained within respective first and second receiving members of said coupling member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first and second receiving members including:

said first receiving member having said first inner and outer side walls extended substantially in parallel orientation with said first opening therebetween, said first inner and outer side walls and first base surface having an open end and an opposed closed end formed by a first guide wall;

said second receiving member having said second inner and outer side walls extended substantially in parallel orientation with said second opening therebetween, said second inner and outer side walls and second base surface having an open end and opposed closed end formed by a second guide wall; and

at least one connector hole through a mid-segment of each first and second outer side walls, said connector hole being sized to accept therein said connecting member extended through said first fixation member thereby securing said first fixation member in either said first or second side sleeves.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first and second guide walls are each angled inwardly at an angle between about 60 degrees to about 75 degrees from said base surface being substantially horizontal, said first and second guide walls being angled inwardly toward said open ends of respective first and second openings thereby providing a inner guide wall surface against which each respective ladder base end is positioned upon receipt within respective first and second openings in said first and second receiving members.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said fixation means further including a like-configured second fixation member sized to be slidably inserted through either first and second interior channel lacking said first fixation member therein, said second fixation member being inserted a sufficient depth through either side sleeve to secure a contacting end of said second fixation member against the supporting surface, said second fixation member being retained at said sufficient depth within either side sleeve by insertion of a second connecting member through any one of said plurality of axially aligned holes through said second fixation member when aligned with said axially aligned outer wall bore in said first and second sleeves, whereby said second fixation member being retained at a sufficient depth through either side sleeve for level alignment of said first and second receiving members relative to the supporting surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first and second fixation member including:

a first and second pivoting bracket releasably attached through one of said plurality of axially aligned holes proximal of said contacting end of said first fixation member,

a second pivoting bracket releasably attached through one hole of said plurality of axially aligned holes proximal of a contacting end of said second fixation member,

each first and second pivoting bracket having respective first and second distal ends on which foot-pads are attached, each first and second distal ends being pivotably extended to cover each respective contacting end of said first and second fixation members whereby each foot-pad is disposed against the supporting surface when each contacting end of said first and second fixation member is extended distally of said first and second side sleeves.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said first and second fixation members further including a stop member removably and swiveling attached by a connecting member through one of said plurality of axially aligned holes proximal of said contacting end of either said first and second fixation member, said stop member having a planar pad extended laterally from said connecting member whereby said planar pad is swivelled to contact the supporting surface upon insertion of said first or second fixation members against the supporting surface thereby preventing either fixation member from being inserted beyond a preferred depth of penetration into the supporting surface during load-bearing activities on the ladder having base ends within said first and second receiving members.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, further including:

first and second retaining devices releasably positioned proximally adjacent of either end of said first and second base surfaces of said first and second receiving members, said retaining devices are releasably attachable against the supporting surface being substantially planar and nonporous.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said retaining devices include suction devices joined by a chain or a like-flexible connector to either end of said first and second base surface, said suction devices are releasably attachable against the supporting surface thereby limiting lateral movement of said first and second receiving members when positioned on the supporting surface being substantially planar and nonporous.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, further including:

said first and second cross-members including respective first and second distal ends, said first cross-member distal end having a sufficient opening diameter to slidingly engage therein said second cross-member distal end for a selected depth of insertion;

said first cross-member having a first slot opening disposed lengthwise from said first distal end;

said second cross-member having a second slot opening disposed lengthwise from said second distal end, said second slot opening aligned with said first slot opening;

whereby said second cross-member distal end is inserted axially into said first cross-member distal end with said first and second slot opening being aligned, said depth of insertion being sufficient to separate said first and second inner side walls said spaced apart distance for positioning respective ladder base ends within respective openings in said first and second receiving members; and

said securing means including a clamp assembly having a plurality of interconnecting segments including: an outer clamping member sized in width and depth to be slidingly disposed within said first slot opening for movement along a longitudinal length of said first slot opening, said outer clamping member having an axial hole extended therethrough; an inner clamping member having an axial hole being aligned with said outer clamping member axial hole, said inner clamping member being sized in width and depth to be slidingly disposed within said second slot opening for movement along a longitudinal length of said second slot opening; and screw adjusting means inserted through said outer clamping member axial hole and said an inner clamping member axial hole, said screw adjusting means is manipulated by a user to secure said outer clamping member against said surfaces bounding said first slot opening and to secure said inner clamping member against surfaces bounding said second slot opening; whereby said clamp assembly being retained within aligned first and second slot openings in both said unlocked and said locked positions.

11. An apparatus for securing a ladder base during load-bearing activities on a ladder having base ends positioned against an uneven supporting surface, comprising:

first and second receiving members arranged in substantially parallel orientation having a spaced apart distance therebetween, said first and second receiving members having respective inner and outer side walls bounding respective first and second openings therebetween, each opening having a sufficient width for accommodation therein of each of the ladder base ends when the ladder and said first and second receiving members are positioned proximal of the supporting surface;

first and second cross-members extended inwardly from respective inner side walls of said first and second receiving members, said first and second cross-members being disposed in an axially slidable relationship, said first and second receiving members are adjustable in said spaced apart distance therebetween for receipt of the ladder base ends within respective first and second openings in each receiving member;

securing means for releasably locking said first cross-member in engagement with said second cross-member, whereby said spaced apart distance is maintained between said first and second receiving members for retention of the ladder base ends within said first and second receiving members; and

fixation means positioned proximal of respective outer side walls of said first and second receiving members, said fixation means retaining said first and second receiving members from movement relative to the supporting surface.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

first and second side sleeves attached against opposed outer side walls of said first and second receiving members, each first and second side sleeve having at least one axially aligned outer wall bore therethrough and having respective first and second interior channels axially oriented therethrough; and

said fixation means including a first fixation member configured to be sidably insertable through either first and second interior channel, said first fixation member having an elongated body having a plurality of axially aligned holes therein and having a contacting end tapered to be extended from a distal end of either side sleeve when said first fixation member is inserted a sufficient depth through either side sleeve thereby extending said contacting end against the supporting surface, said first fixation member being retained at said sufficient depth within either side sleeve by insertion of a connecting member laterally extended through any one of said plurality of axially aligned holes when aligned with one of said axially aligned outer wall bore in either of said first and second sleeves, whereby said first fixation member being retained at said sufficient depth through either side sleeve for substantially level alignment of said first receiving member relative to said second receiving member when positioned proximal of the supporting surface;

whereby at least one of said first and second side sleeves is restrained from lateral movement on the supporting surface by said first fixation member with resultant stabilization of the ladder base ends restrained within respective first and second receiving members.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

said first receiving member including an inner side wall segment and an outer first arm member extended in parallel orientation and joined at base ends to a first guide wall, said inner side wall segment being truncated in length relative to said outer first arm member, said inner side wall segment having an interior disposed surface on which said first cross-member is attached to extend toward said second receiving member, said outer arm member having an outer surface on which said first side sleeve is attached;

said first cross-member having an internal diameter sized for sliding insertion of said second cross-member longitudinally into said first cross-member;

said second receiving member including an inner side wall segment and an outer second arm members extended in parallel orientation and joined at base ends to a second guide wall, said inner side wall segment being truncated in length relative to said outer second arm member, said inner side wall segment having an interior disposed surface on which said second cross-member is attached to extend toward said first receiving member, said outer second arm member having an outer surface on which said second side sleeve is attached;

said outer first and second arm members are spaced apart a sufficient distance for positioning respective ladder base ends therebetween, whereby the ladder side rails are leaned against said respective first and second guide walls when the ladder base ends are positioned proximal of the receiving surface; and

at least one bore hole through a mid-segment of each outer first and second arm member, said bore hole sized to accept a removable connecting member therethrough, whereby said first fixation member is temporarily secured in either one of said first or second side sleeves with said removable connecting member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first and second cross-members including:

a first elongated slot extended longitudinally along said first cross-member attached to said inner side wall segment of said first arm member;

a second elongated slot extended longitudinally along said second cross-member attached to said inner side wall segment of said second arm member;

said first and second cross-members including respective first and second distal ends, said first cross-member distal end having a sufficient opening diameter to slidingly engage therein said second cross-member distal end for a selected depth of insertion;

said first cross-member having a first slot opening disposed lengthwise from said first distal end;

said second cross-member having a second slot opening disposed lengthwise from said second distal end, said second slot opening aligned with said first slot opening;

whereby said second cross-member distal end is inserted axially into said first cross-member distal end with said first and second slot opening being aligned, said depth of insertion being sufficient to separate said first and second inner side walls said spaced apart distance for positioning respective ladder base ends within respective openings in said first and second receiving members.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said securing means including a clamp assembly having a plurality of interconnecting segments including:

an outer clamping member sized in width and depth to be slidingly disposed within said first slot opening for movement along a longitudinal length of said first slot opening, said outer clamping member having an axial hole extended therethrough;

an inner clamping member having an axial hole being aligned with said outer clamping member axial hole, said inner clamping member being sized in width and depth to be slidingly disposed within said second slot opening for movement along a longitudinal length of said second slot opening; and

screw adjusting means inserted through said outer clamping member axial hole and said an inner clamping member axial hole, said screw adjusting means is manipulated by a user to secure said outer clamping member against said surfaces bounding said first slot opening and to secure said inner clamping member against surfaces bounding said second slot opening;

whereby said clamp assembly being retained within aligned first and second slot openings in both said unlocked and said locked positions.

16. An apparatus for securing a ladder base on a ladder having spaced apart base ends positioned against an unstable supporting surface, comprising:

a first and second receiving members adjacently disposed a spaced apart distance for receipt therein of the ladder base ends positioned proximal of the supporting surface, said first and second receiving members each including respective inner and outer side walls bounding a slot opening therebetween for receipt therein of respective ladder base ends;

first and second cross-members extended inwardly from respective inner side walls of said first and second receiving members, said first and second cross-member being aligned axially to slidingly engage against each other, thereby defining said spaced apart distance between said inner side walls of said first and second receiving members;

securing means for releasably locking said first cross-member in engagement with said second cross-member, whereby said spaced apart distance is maintained between said inner side walls for retention of each respective ladder base end within respective receiving members; and

fixation means positioned proximal of at least one inner or outer side walls of said first and second receiving members, said fixation means retains said first and second receiving members from lateral movement on the supporting surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising:

first and second side sleeves positioned on opposed outer side surfaces of said first and second receiving members, said first and second side sleeves having a lengthwise opening therethrough and having at least one axially aligned outer wall bore therethrough; and

said fixation means including a first fixation member having a contacting end slidably insertable through either of said first and second side sleeves, said first fixation member being inserted a sufficient depth through either side sleeve to secure said contacting end of said first fixation member against the supporting surface, said first fixation member being retained at said sufficient depth within either side sleeve by insertion of a first connecting member through any one of a plurality of axially aligned holes through said first fixation member when aligned with one of said axially aligned outer wall bore in either of said first and second sleeves, whereby said first fixation member is retained at said sufficient depth through either side sleeve for level alignment of said first and second receiving members relative to the supporting surface;

whereby at least one of said first and second side sleeves is restrained proximal of the supporting surface by said first fixation member with resultant stabilization of the ladder base ends restrained within each receiving member.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said first and second receiving members including:

said first receiving member having said first inner and outer side walls extended vertically from a first base, said side walls joined at respective base ends to a first guide wall, said first inner side wall having said first cross-member releasably attached thereto,

said second receiving member having said second inner and outer side walls extended vertically from a second base, said side walls joined at respective base ends to a second guide wall, said second inner side wall having said second cross-member releasably attached thereto,

said first and second cross-members having respective first and second distal ends extended to intersect between said first and second inner side walls, said first cross-member distal end having an opening of sufficient diameter to slidingly engage therein said second cross-member distal end;

said first and second cross-members are manipulated relative to each other to provide said spaced apart distance for positioning each respective ladder base ends within respective first and second receiving members, whereby the ladder side rails are leaned against said respective first and second guide walls when the ladder is leaned against the receiving surface; and

said at least one axially aligned outer wall bore including a plurality of bore holes disposed in paired vertical orientation along a mid-segment of each first and second outer side wall, each of said plurality of bore holes sized to accept at least one connector member therethrough for securing said first fixation member at said sufficient depth in either said first or second side sleeves.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said fixation means further including a like-configured second fixation member sized to be slidably inserted through either first and second interior channel lacking said first fixation member therein, said second fixation member being inserted a sufficient depth through either side sleeve to secure a contacting end of said second fixation member against the supporting surface, said second fixation member being retained at said sufficient depth within either side sleeve by insertion of a second connecting member through any one of a plurality of axially aligned holes through said second fixation member when aligned with one of said plurality of bore holes in either of said first and second sleeves, whereby said second fixation member being retained at a sufficient depth through either side sleeve for level alignment of said first and second receiving members relative to the supporting surface.

20. A method for securing a ladder having base ends positioned proximal of a supporting surface, comprising the steps of:

providing a coupling member including first and second receiving members separated by a spaced apart distance and interconnected by a stabilizing member slidably adjustable therebetween;

positioning said receiving members on a supporting surface, said positioning step includes manipulating said stabilizing member to slidably adjust said receiving members to a sufficient spaced apart distance therebetween for insertion of the ladder base ends in respective first and second receiving members;

securing said receiving members having said sufficient spaced apart distance therebetween by manipulating a securing means for locking said stabilizing member in a non-sliding position;

leveling said first receiving member relative to said second receiving member, said leveling step includes inserting at least one fixation member against said first receiving member thereby providing substantially level first and second receiving members having the ladder base ends secured therein; and

inserting the ladder base ends against respective first and second receiving members without decoupling attachments to either ladder base end.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

repositioning said coupling member from a first position to a second position including moving the ladder base ends inserted against said first and second receiving members by moving respective receiving members from the first position to the second position against the supporting surface; and

repeating said step of leveling said first receiving member relative to said second receiving member upon repositioning at the second position, said leveling step includes inserting at least one fixation member against said first receiving member thereby providing substantially level first and second receiving members having the ladder base ends secured therein for support of load-bearing activities on the ladder without movement of the ladder base ends.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

repositioning said coupling member from a first position to a second position including releasing the ladder base ends from said first and second receiving members followed by moving the ladder base ends inserted against said first and second receiving members by moving respective receiving members from the first position to the second position against the supporting surface; and

repeating said step of leveling said first receiving member relative to said second receiving member upon repositioning at the second position, said leveling step includes inserting at least one fixation member against said first receiving member thereby providing substantially level first and second receiving members having the ladder base ends secured therein for support of load-bearing activities on the ladder without movement of the ladder base ends.