Ladder Stabilizer

Abstract

A device for stabilizing a ladder whereby the ladder is secured to a support surface via a cable attached to and between two plates, which are fastened to the support surface, the cable being designed to engage a portion of the ladder to inhibit the ladder from moving relative to the support surface once said plates are fastened.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing a ladder. In particular, to a device that secures a ladder to a support surface.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many individuals are injured, often seriously, in home and workplace accidents caused by falling ladders. Ladders are notoriously unstable, particularly when a person is near the top of the ladder and moving his or her weight laterally or backwards performing a task such as painting or installing material such as siding, guttering, or roofing. Ladders may move laterally, i.e. side to side, or backwards, i.e. away from the task at hand in an arc toward the ground or floor. The limited horizontal space on a ladder exaggerates the problem as the individual on the ladder often should reposition the ladder frequently, and trying to avoid the time to do that can lead to them leaning unsafely so as to work faster. It also causes many individuals to be anxious about using a ladder, which not only interferes with the efficiency of the task to be performed requiring the ladder, but also may, in fact, endanger the person further if his or her anxiety causes him or her to move jerkily while on the ladder or overreact to a slight imbalance, which may also cause the ladder to move and fall.

It is therefore desirable to secure a ladder while it is in use. It is further desirable that the means or device for securing be inexpensive and reusable for different jobs, in order to minimize the amount of investment required for any securing device. In having the securing device be inexpensive and reusable, it is also desirable to have as few components as possible, without difficult components such as hinges or clamps which are prone to rusting and can become unusable after repeated use in the outdoor elements. Further, the device ideally should connect to the surface holding the ladder in a strong fashion which can resist detachment from shifting weight on the ladder. In having the securing means be reusable for different jobs, it is also desirable to have the device be flexible and be transferable among jobs without adjusting or otherwise altering the dimensions or components of the device or to be provided as part of a ladder so as to always be present without being unduly intrusive.

On the part of the personnel using the ladder, it is desirable that the means for securing be easy to use. It is also desirable that the means for securing be portable and light, for easier use and installation by a single person on the ladder (as opposed to requiring a team of personnel both on the ladder and on the ground). By making the device usable by a single person, the task requiring the ladder can be performed more efficiently and the device is usable by smaller service providers for smaller jobs.

In many instances, it is also desirable that the individual using the ladder be able to mount and dismount the ladder, and enter and leave the job site, freely and without having to engage any sort of restraint or safety system, such as a harness or tether, to attach themselves to the ladder. These systems can be cumbersome and ladder users can feel they are restrictive which can lead to them not being used as they should be. Due to these circumstances, it is also desirable for a ladder stabilizer to restrain the ladder rather than the individual on the ladder. While such system can still allow a user to fall, if the ladder is rigidly held, the user has a better change of preventing a fall since they can use the braced ladder to inhibit the fall and are less likely to fall with the ladder should the ladder otherwise be unstable.

SUMMARY

Because of these and other problems in the art, disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for stabilizing a ladder, the system comprising: a ladder, which may be an extension ladder; a support surface; and a device for stabilizing the ladder, the device comprising a first plate, a second plate, and a cable securely connected therebetween; wherein the cable engages the ladder; and wherein the first plate and the second plate are each removably fastened to the support surface.

In an embodiment of the system, the support surface is a wall, a wall stud, or another vertical surface.

In another embodiment of the system the first plate comprises a first plurality of holes, which may be arranged in a pattern and the second plate comprises a second plurality of holes, which may be arranged in a pattern. The first plate may engage the support surface by a first fastener, such as, but not limited to a double-headed nail, driven through a first hole in the first plurality to engage the support surface, and the second plate may fastened to the support surface by a second fastener, such as, but not limited to a double-headed nail, driven through a second hole in the second plurality to engage the support surface.

In another embodiment of the system, the cable engages the ladder by wrapping around a portion of the ladder such as, but not limited to, a rung or a leg. Alternatively, the cable engages the ladder by running through a rung of the ladder.

There is also described herein, a device for stabilizing a ladder, the device comprising: a first plate; a second plate; each of the first plate and the second plate including a plurality of holes therethrough; and a cable securely connected between the first plate and the second plate for engaging the ladder.

In an embodiment of the device each of the holes in the pluralities of holes is sized and shaped to accommodate a fastener, such as a double-headed nail being engaged therethrough.

There is also described herein a method of stabilizing a ladder, the method comprising: having a device for stabilizing a ladder, the device comprising: a first plate; a second plate; a cable securely connected between the first plate and the second plate for engaging the ladder; a first fastener for removably fastening the first plate to a support surface; and a second fastener for removably fastening the second plate to the support surface; having a ladder; engaging the cable with the ladder; raising the ladder in proximity to a support surface; and removably fastening the first plate and the second plate to the support surface with the first fastener and the second fastener respectively.

In an embodiment of the method the first plate further comprises a first hole through the first plate, and the second plate further comprises a second hole through the second plate; and wherein removably fastening further comprises placing a first fastener through the first hole to engage the support surface and the first plate, and placing a second fastener driven through the second hole to engage the support surface and the second plate. The first plate may further comprise a first plurality of holes and the second plate may further comprise a second plurality of holes; wherein the holes in the first plurality are arranged in a pattern; and wherein the holes in the second plurality are arranged in a pattern.

In another embodiment of the method, the engaging may comprise wrapping the cable around the ladder or running the cable through a rung of the ladder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a ladder stabilizer.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of one plate of the ladder stabilizer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a ladder stabilizer stabilizing a ladder wherein the cable of the ladder stabilizer is wrapped around the supports or legs of the ladder.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a ladder stabilizer stabilizing a ladder wherein the cable of the ladder stabilizer is run through a hollow rung of the ladder.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a ladder stabilizer stabilizing a ladder wherein the cable of the ladder stabilizer is wrapped around a rung of the ladder.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for employing a device (10) for stabilizing a ladder. In a preferred embodiment, the ladder (50) is an extension ladder as these tend to be taller and less stable, however any ladder (50) may be used in conjunction with the device (10). An embodiment of a ladder stabilizer (10) as disclosed herein and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises two plates (20, 22) securely connected by a cable (30) therebetween. The cable (30) may comprise a cable, flexible sheeting, rope, chain, or other functional equivalent which provides for a generally bendable or flexible connector. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cable (30) may be 3/16″ vinyl coated galvanized steel cable.

FIG. 2 shows a closer view of an embodiment of a plate (20, 22) from the device (10) at FIG. 1. In this embodiment, each plate (20, 22) comprises two permanently connected portions arranged at a generally ninety-degree angle to each other: a fastening portion (41) and a connecting portion (43). There may also be included reinforcing portions (26) to strengthen the connection between fastening portion (41) and connecting portion (43) and provide for a rigid device capable of being exposed to significant force without deforming. The fastening portion (41) comprises means such as holes (40) for fastening the plate (20, 22) to a support surface (60). The connecting portion (43) comprises a support (24) which is used to connect the plate (20, 22) to the cable (30). The plate (20, 22) will generally be constructed of a strong, rigid material such as plastic, metal, or wood.

The support (24) between the cable (30) and each plate (20, 22) may be by any secure methodology. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the support (24) comprises an eyelet, such as but not limited to an eyebolt, which is securely fastened to the connecting portion (43) via nuts and washers. In alternative embodiments, the support (24) may be a permanent molded eyelet, may simply be a hole in the plate near an edge, or may be any other structure capable of a generally load bearing secure connection to the cable (30) The cable (30) may be attached to the support (24) by placing it through the eye of the support (24) and then bringing it back around, securing it to itself. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, such securing comprises a wire rope clip accurately sized to the cable (30) to provide a relatively permanent and load bearing connection.

The device (10) will work in conjunction with a plurality of fasteners (not shown) for removably fastening each plate (20, 22) to a support surface (60). The support surface (60) may be a generally vertical surface as in FIGS. 3-5, such as an exterior or interior wall, stud, telephone pole, tree, or any other generally vertical surface sufficiently close to the ladder (50) to permit securing to that surface (60) while still performing the desired task on the ladder (50). Generally, the surface (60) will be the surface which supports the ladder, but that is not necessary. Alternatively, the support surface (60) may be in any orientation; for example, if the ladder (50) is projecting above a flat rooftop, the plates (20, 22) may be fastened to the roof which is in fact horizontal. Similarly, if the rooftop or other support surface (60) is angled, the plates (20, 22) may be fastened to the roof which is on an angle.

In one embodiment, each plate (20, 22) has a fastener (70, 72) permanently affixed to it which is reusable for connection as shown in FIG. 5. In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, each plate (20, 22) is perforated with one or more holes (40) through which a fastener such as, but not limited to, a nail, screw, or bolt may be inserted or driven to fasten the plate (20, 22) to the support surface (60). In a further embodiment, the holes (40) are arranged in a pattern such as a set of rows as depicted, a series of columns, or other arrangements, and are distanced relative to each other so as to provide a plurality of connection points.

The plurality of connection points will allow the two plates (20, 22), if they overlap non-continuous support surfaces such as studs, to have at least a couple of holes (40) be aligned with the studs at the distance at which studs are commonly distanced from each other. With holes (40) aligning with studs, fasteners may engage with studs in the support surface (60). Further, the plates (20, 22) may have a length designed to provide for extension between such non-continuous connection surfaces. For example, if studs which are generally 12 inches apart provide the surface (60), the plates (20, 22) may have a length greater than 6 inches so that it is likely that each plate (20, 22) will reach a different stud, regardless of the length of the cable (30) or how much is attached to the ladder (50), so long as the cable (30) is long enough that the plates can reach from the ladder to the general plane of the surface (60).

Having the holes (40) in a pattern can also allow the plate (20, 22) to inter act with multiple studs at various distances from the ladder (50) and at various distances between the studs depending on the size and shape of the plate (20, 22), and as permitted by the length of the cable (30) from its point of engagement with the ladder (50). By way of nonlimiting example, studs are generally placed a fixed distance apart. By having a series of holes (40) and by virtue of the flexibility of the flexible portion (30), each plate (20, 22) may fasten to a stud, accommodating variations in distance between the studs and variations in the amount of cable (30) needed to attach to the ladder (50). This encourages fastening the fasteners to studs rather than to plywood between studs, which may not provide a strong enough connection to hold the fasteners and stop the ladder (50) from toppling in the event the ladder starts to fall. Having holes (40) in series or columns also permits placement of the plates (20, 22) at a variety of angles relative to the ladder (50) so that the flexible portion (30) is as taut as desired, preventing give or sway in the flexible portion (30) that may permit the ladder (50) to move and topple the individual on the ladder (50).

In an embodiment, the fastener connecting the plate (20, 22) to the surface (60) may be a nail, screw, bolt, or other functional equivalent. One or more fasteners may be employed per plate (20, 22) generally with a plurality of fasteners used with each plate (20, 22) to inhibit plate (20, 22) from rotating and to provide a stronger connection by inhibiting the plate (20, 22) from obtaining lever action against all the fasteners. The particular choice of fastener used in any embodiment may be informed by the structure and properties of the support surface (60): by way of nonlimiting example, some support surfaces (60) may require mollies or other fastener stabilizers, whereas others may require that the fasteners puncture and secure to masonry.

Generally, the support surface (60) will be unfinished, as where the task at hand is related to roofing or siding; for such unfinished support surfaces (60), the fastener (70, 72) may be stronger or sturdier than the clips or clamps that may be necessary for a finished support surface (60), which tend to slide or have limited connection strength. One of ordinary skill will be able to select the appropriate fastener for the appropriate surface. As the device of the depicted embodiments is particularly useful on unfinished surfaces, however, fasteners which cause strong direct connections, such as nails or screws, are preferred as resultant holes in the surface can be patched or covered up.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastener is a double-headed nail, as that allows secure connection while still being easily removed using a claw hammer, crowbar, or similar device when it is time to move the ladder (50). In an alternative preferred embodiment the fastener is a screw, as that allows for secure connection while still being easily removed using a screw driver (10) similar device when it is time to move the ladder. Embodiments without fasteners permanently affixed to the plates (20, 22) permit flexibility in using the device (10) on different support surfaces (60) for different jobs without altering the device (10) but simply by selecting different fasteners. Further, because the fasteners permit removable fastening, the device (10) may be reused in a series of jobs on different support surfaces (60).

To employ the device (10), the cable (30) engages a ladder (50). It is not necessary for the cable (30) to be taut but that can be preferred in some embodiments In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, such engagement may comprise running the cable (30) from behind the ladder (50), through the space between the rungs and legs, to the front of a ladder (50). Each end of the cable (30) is then wrapped completely around the leg of the ladder (50) to which it is closest, leaving a section of the cable (30) extending from the ladder (50) sufficient to permit securing the plates (20, 22) at each end of the cable (30) to the support surface (60).

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, engagement comprises running the cable (30) through a hollow rung of the ladder (50) prior to connecting the interior cable (30) to one or more of the plates (20, 22). Aluminum and a number of other common extension ladders use hollow rungs, the interior of which is accessible from outside the legs, to save weight. Such an engagement, trapping the cable (30) within a rung, prevents the cable (30) from slipping vertically along the long axis of the ladder (50). This embodiment presents a generally permanent means of engaging the device (10) with a ladder (50), wherein the device (10) is always present with the ladder (50) and is less likely to be lost or misplaced. However, selection of the support (24) may allow for the device (10) to be removable, if desired. This embodiment can also provide for accurate positioning of the ladder (50) relative to a support surface (60) or the task at hand. The individual positioning the ladder (50) can use the device (10), which is already engaged with the ladder (50), to gauge the appropriate position of the ladder (50) so that the device (10) is at an appropriate height for efficient and functional fastening to the support surface (60) once the ladder (50) is leaned against the surface (60).

In a still further alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, engagement comprises wrapping the cable (30) around a rung of the ladder (50), leaving a section of the cable (30) extending from the ladder (50) sufficient to permit securing the plates (20, 22) at each end of the cable (30) to a support surface (60). This embodiment also discourages the cable (30) from moving vertically along the long axis of the ladder (50). While FIGS. 3-5 show connecting the device (10) to one of the top rungs of the ladder (50) this is not strictly necessary. However, it is generally preferred that the device (10) be used near the top of the ladder (50) as it provides for less force to be imparted on the device from lever action if the user is below the device (10) than above it (as the base of the ladder is generally fairly well secured), and it is generally unsafe for a user to stand on the top rungs of a ladder (60) anyway keeping the cable (30) from entangling their feet.

The device (10) may be left engaged with the ladder (50), when the ladder is not in use, or, in temporary embodiments of engagement such as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, may be removed and re-employed each time the ladder (50) is used allowing the same device (10) to be used with multiple different ladders. Further, the flexibility of cable (30) permits the device (10) to engage ladders (50) of different dimensions without physically altering the device (10) itself other than manipulating the cable (30) to provide an appropriate connection given the type, size, and placement of the ladder (50). This allows the device (10) to be more versatile for different jobs and different ladders (50).

When the ladder (50) is raised in the proximity of a support surface (60), the plates (20, 22) are then fastened to that support surface (60) in order to stabilize the ladder (50). In the case of an extension ladder (50) or other half ladder which is the most common type of ladder with which the device (10) will be used, the ladder may be leaning against the support surface (60) as in FIG. 3. In the case of an A-frame ladder (50), the ladder (50) may be free-standing in close proximity to the support surface (60) or folded and leaning against the surface (60). Other types of ladders may also be attached depending on their positioning relative to the surface (60). The device (10) may also be used to secure alternative climbing structures such as, but not limited to, scaffolding, to support surfaces if desired.

The plates (20, 22) may be fastened to the support surface (60) at any width relative to the width of the ladder (50), and any height, that allows secure fastening, as dictated by the structure of the support surface (60) and by the radius permitted by the segment of the cable (30) between each plate (20, 22) and the edge of the ladder (50) closest to each plate to which the cable (30) is attached. By way of non-limiting example, the plates (20, 22) may be placed at a width permitted by the free end of the cable (30) and dictated by the placement of studs within the support surface (60). By way of another non-limiting example, the plates (20, 22) may be placed at the safest and most ergonomic location for the individual fastening the plates (20, 22). The flexible portion (30) thus permits the device (10) to be adaptable to different jobs and ladders (50), without physically altering the device (10). Further, if the ladder (50) is located off-center relative to support points in the surface (60) the device (10) may be used relative to the ladder (50) to still attach to the points.

The fastening of each plate (20, 22) to the support surface (60) may be performed by any secure and removable means, appropriate for the type of fastener in the particular embodiment used. In an embodiment where the fastener is a double-headed nail, the fasteners are generally secured by a hammer. In an embodiment, the fastener may fasten the plate to studs in a wall (60).

The device (10) as described herein provides support and stability to a ladder (50) by inhibiting the ladder (50) from moving laterally (parallel along the support surface (60) to which it is secured) or backwards (away from the support surface (60)). Any such movement of the ladder (50) will cause the cable (30) between each plate (20, 22) and ladder edge to become taut until the ladder (50) will attempt to pull the fasteners from the surface (60). If secured utilizing a sufficient number of sufficiently strong fasteners, the weight of ladder (50) and user can be relatively easily inhibited from any further movement after that point, securing the ladder (50).

Thus, the ladder (50) is generally secure and stabilized, and the person on the ladder (50) may have greater confidence in his or her safety. The ladder (50) is inhibited from falling towards the ground, such that the likelihood of injury to the person using the ladder is greatly decreased. Even if the person slips relative to the ladder (50) they can now grab the ladder (50) and have a better chance of stopping their fall versus pulling the ladder (50) over on them during the fall.

When it becomes desirable for the ladder (50) to be unfastened from the support surface (60), any means corresponding to the type of fastener that leaves the plates (20, 22) intact and generally leaves the support surface (60) structurally sound may be used. In an embodiment where the fastener is a double-headed nail, the ladder (50) may be unfastened by a pry bar to pry the plate away from the support surface (60) or by engaging the upper head of a two-headed nail with a claw hammer or similar nail removal device.

As can be seen, the device (10) is easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and applicable to a wide variety of ladders (50) and support surfaces (60). Further, the device (10) may be moved among ladders (50) and jobs, due to the temporary nature in which the device (10) engages the ladder (50) or may be permanently attached to a ladder (50) to encourage use at all times the ladder (50) is in use. It is also portable and relatively light; an individual may carry it up a ladder (50) and install it without additional assistance, if necessary.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A system for stabilizing a ladder, said system comprising:

a ladder;

a support surface; and

a device for stabilizing said ladder, said device comprising a first plate, a second plate, and a cable securely connected between said first plate and said second plate;

wherein said cable engages said ladder; and

wherein said first plate and said second plate are each removably fastened to said support surface.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said support surface is a wall

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said support surface is a wall stud.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said support surface is vertical.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said first plate comprises a first plurality of holes and said second plate comprises a second plurality of holes.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said first plate engages said support surface by a first fastener driven through a first hole in said first plurality to engage said support surface, and said second plate is fastened to said support surface by a second fastener driven through a second hole in said second plurality to engage said support surface.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said first plate and said second plate are each removably fastened to said support surface by a double-headed nail.

8. The system of claim 5 wherein:

said holes in said first plurality are arranged in a pattern; and

wherein said holes in said second plurality are arranged in a pattern.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said cable engages said ladder by wrapping around a portion of said ladder.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said portion comprises a rung;

11. The system of claim 9 wherein said portion comprises a leg.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein said cable engages said ladder by running through a rung of said ladder.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said ladder is an extension ladder.

14. A device for stabilizing a ladder, said device comprising:

a first plate;

a second plate; each of said first plate and said second plate including a plurality of holes therethrough; and

a cable securely connected between said first plate and said second plate for engaging said ladder.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein:

each of said holes in said pluralities of holes is sized and shaped to accommodate a fastener being engaged therethough.

16. The device of claim 5 wherein said fastener comprises a double-headed nail.

17. A method of stabilizing a ladder, said method comprising:

having a device for stabilizing a ladder, said device comprising: a first plate; a second plate; a cable securely connected between said first plate and said second plate for engaging said ladder; a first fastener for removably fastening said first plate to a support surface; and a second fastener for removably fastening said second plate to said support surface;

having a ladder;

engaging said cable with said ladder;

raising said ladder in proximity to a support surface; and

removably fastening said first plate and said second plate to said support surface with said first fastener and said second fastener respectively.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein:

said first plate further comprises a first hole through said first plate, and said second plate further comprises a second hole through said second plate; and

wherein said removably fastening further comprises placing a first fastener through said first hole to engage said support surface and said first plate, and placing a second fastener driven through said second hole to engage said support surface and said second plate.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said first plate further comprises a first plurality of holes and said second plate further comprises a second plurality of holes;

wherein said holes in said first plurality are arranged in a pattern; and

wherein said holes in said second plurality are arranged in a pattern.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein said engaging further comprises wrapping said cable around said ladder.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein said engaging further comprising running said flexible portion through a rung of said ladder.