Abstract: An inflatable boat boarding ladder, adaptable to any size inflatable boat, for assisting divers to exit the water and to board the boat. The ladder, supported at an outside angle to the vertical, is prohibited from rotating under the boat when the ladder is engaged by the users foot thus providing greater stability than the conventional rope style ladders. The instant invention provides a longer ladder than the conventional ladders making it easier to use. The ladder is supported by a flexible saddle made of a sandwhich of two layers of HYPALON encasing reinforcing transverse plattens pf ABS plastic.

Abstract: An aircraft servicing pit located beneath a surface across which aircraft travel while on the ground is provided with a ladder and a pair of reciprocally retractable handrails on each side of the ladder. Each of the handrails has an inverted "J-shaped" configuration. With the lid open the handrails can be drawn up out of the pit and rotated so that their legs can rest upon the tarmac surface at the edge of the pit. Service personnel utilizing the pit are thereby provided with stabilizing hand grips which enhance their safety when entering and leaving the subsurface chamber within the pit. When the pit is to be closed the retractable handrails are lifted, rotated, and lowered to their fully retracted storage positions.

Abstract: A non-metallic ladder for use in a manhole in which permanent manhole steps have been installed and spaced relation from the top of the manhole to a position above the bottom and there being a pair of spaced side members on said ladder connected transversely by spaced steps to form corners at the top in which there are spaces to fit over a respective side members on the step. The spaces may be in the shape of a rectangular cross-section or other configuration. The ladder is "hung" from the step to resist dislodgment therefrom. There may be provided a wall bumper member at the bottom of the ladder to engage the inside wall of the manhole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable collapsible ladder that is easily secured onto a vehicle or structure mounted on a vehicle, such as a roof-top rack, to provide ease of access to the upper portion of the vehicle. The ladder of the present invention includes a flexible body portion that is easily folded.Upper strap assemblies extend from opposing sides of the upper portion of the flexible body portion. Angularly shaped hook members are secured to each of the strap assemblies. A lower strap assembly extends from the lower portion of the flexible body portion. An elastic strap joins the lower strap assembly to a lower hook member.In use, the flexible body portion is unfolded so the upper strap assemblies are extended. The upper hook members are secured on the vehicle or structure on the vehicle. The lower hook member is then secured over the seam of the lower vehicle body. Protective bumpers on the outer side of the flexible body portion protect the vehicle from damage from the ladder.

Abstract: A boat boarding ladder telescopically mounts to fishing rod holders fixedly secured within gunnels on either side of a boat. The ladder is of an inverted J-shaped configuration and is comprised of an ascending connector portion, a transverse bridging portion and a descending ladder portion. The ladder portion has laterally spaced standoff legs to bear against the hull of the boat and longitudinally spaced steps. The transverse portion bridges the gunnel and rest thereupon. The connector portion comprises a connector tube which extends generally downwardly and is pivotally connected to the transverse portion such that the axis of the connector tube sweeps out a conical path. The axes of the rod holders are generally orientated relative to the gunnels such that fishing rods held therewithin extend rearwardly and laterally outwardly.

Abstract: A ladder lateral extension, adapted for use with a conventional ladder, includes a generally channel-shaped member adapted to be placed on the siderail of a ladder, such that the siderail fits within the channel-shaped member. The channel-shaped member has opposite interior and exterior sidewalls and a base. A pair of rung-receiving slots are formed in the exterior sidewall, which slots receive the rungs as the channel-shaped member is placed over the siderail. Extending perpendicularly outwardly from the exterior sidewall is a lateral support member of a length equal to or greater than the distance between the rung-receiving slots, thus providing a safe standing area. Safety for the user of the lateral ladder extension is thus greatly increased, due to the engagement of two rungs of the ladder and the length of the lateral support member, which allows the user to safely stand upon it.

Abstract: A system for holding a ladder in a secure position relative to an object against which the ladder rests. The system comprises a strap that contacts the ladder and the object and secures the ladder to the object. The system is also comprised of a first buckle and a second buckle, with each buckle being able to be placed at a desired position on the strap. Each end of the strap passes through a respective buckle and is positioned about a side rail of the ladder. The present invention also pertains to a buckle for holding a strap. The buckle comprises a first member having a first hole. Additionally, the buckle is comprised of a second member having a second hole. There is also a third member having a third hole. The third member is in sliding relationship with the first and second members such that the first side of the third member can slide over the first hole and contact the strap extending therethrough.

Abstract: A swimming pool safety ladder is described in which the individual steps employed are enclosed along both their side edges and along their back edge so as to prevent the accidental catching of one's hand, arm, foot, or leg between a step and the pool wall.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus and method for use with large construction equipment, such as large tractors, mining trucks and similar vehicles that have an operator's platform or operating station located a substantial distance off the ground. The powered ladder has a fixed ladder portion rigidly attached to such a vehicle. The fixed ladder portion has spacedly attached thereto a frame element upon which a retractable ladder element is slidably disposed. The retractable ladder element is raised and lowered by an electric winch operable from the vehicle's operating station.

Abstract: A curved stairway is illustrated wherein the usual wooden components, including the stringers A, are provided with steel reinforcement, including metallic stringers B provided with cross bracing D and E in order to provide a composite structure affording rigidity with minimal reinforcement.

Abstract: A ladder having an anchoring system is disclosed including a ladder and stakes to be driven into the ground which are engagable against an upwardly facing surface of the ladder in the normal position of use. According to preferred embodiments, the ladder is provided with a pair of apertures either in the lower most rung, the side rails or in laterally extending flanges through which the anchoring stakes are received.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an emergency ladder equipment. Such an emergency ladder equimpment is mounted on the outside wall of the top floor of buildings. The emergency ladder equipment substantially comprises a number of ladder members which are stored in a storage case in a stacked or folded manner except for an emergency case, wherein the storage case is mounted on the outside wall of buildings. Each ladder member is connected by a connecting device to the subsequent ladder member. Furthermore, the bottom end of each ladder member is supported by a support stay disposed in the storage case. By releasing the support stay, each ladder member slides down one after another in series while being connected by a plurality of connecting devices to form a complete ladder which is installed along the outside wall of the building.

Abstract: An improved fixture system for mounting a stair support truss to a module stair unit. U channel fixtures are secured to the collar and to the front base riser of a modular set of stairs. These fixtures are used to attach a truss support to the stair module; and, the truss support is itself modified to project upward a plurality of plane tenon supports so that they will engage U channel stair tread braces. In preparation for packaging and subsequent transportation, the collar and buttress fixtures are used as hard mounting points for bundles of the remaining stair support elements which are then banded thereto.

Abstract: A portable hunting ladder has a base section and one or more slidably connected ladder sections. Each ladder section has a stand-off device and a device for securing the section to the tree being climbed. The ladder sections are fabricated from tubular cross-section members while the rungs are fashioned from U-shaped channel elements. Each ladder section has a length which is less than the height of a man so that it can be secured while standing on the next lower section. The ladder rungs are only wide enough for one foot.

Abstract: A ladder safety apparatus for use with a straight ladder having vertical side rails, and having horizontally aligned openings in the side rails, is disclosed. An example is a hollow-rung metal or aluminum ladder. The safety apparatus includes a flexible metal cable of a length somewhat greater than the rail-to-rail dimension of the ladder, the cable extending through the openings in the side rails. An elongated metal bolt or tube is non-removably attached to each end of the metal cable, to thereby form a linear extension of the metal cable. First and second building attachment means are provided, each such means having a metallic cable-attachment portion with an opening therein whereby the building attachment means is slidably and loosely mounted on the bolt or tube. An adjustment nut or collet is mounted on the bolt or tube, and in a position to adjustably trap the cable-attachment portion on an end of the metal cable. The metal cable includes a protective plastic covering.

Abstract: A bolted steel staircase is erected by placing side stringers spaced apart and attached to the upper and lower floors. A series of stair pans are placed on brackets, the brackets having been welded to the stringers in the fabrication location. The nuts are then hand-tightened on bolts which are welded to the brackets. A set of flat metal wedges, each having an angled slot, is driven between the vertical bolts and lances on the sides of the stair pans in order to align the stair pans and drive them against the stringers. After the wedges are driven, the nuts are fully tightened.

Abstract: A ladder bracket for supporting a ladder on buildings during construction work has a pair of parallel side rails connected by transverse struts. Aligned end portions of the side rails are curved about a circular radius into hook members for engagement with a rung of a ladder to be supported. In a first embodiment, opposite ends of the side rails are each provided with three keyhole shaped apertures arranged in a triangular array. In use, the side rails are secured on an intended work surface by nails driven temporarily through the keyhole shaped apertures. In a second embodiment, a pair of securement tabs are connected by hinges to outer side edges of each of the side rails. Driven fasteners are captured within a cylindrical boss provided on each of the securement tabs. The securement tabs are pivotally mounted by the hinges and thus the driven fasteners may be secured to a variety of different intended working surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible ladder for carrying out work on the surface of convex buildings as radomes and other domes. The ladder--the radome ladder--consists of a number of straight sections which are hinged together by means of brackets which are articulated externally to a section end piece at the end of each ladder section. These end pieces can be changed to suit the diameter of the dome, and the length of each ladder section, in such a way that the ladder, when unfolded, forms, in essence, an arch parallel with the surface of the dome. In each section end piece there is a castor which rolls along the dome, permitting the radome ladder to be moved sideways with ease.

Abstract: An improved anchor socket and jig assembly for holding implements in concrete is provided which facilitates assembly of the socket element on the base member of the jig assembly and which affords substantially expanded adaptability of the jig for varied size implements and avoids the need for bolts or other extraneous means to secure the socket member to the rail member.The improved jig assembly comprises a longitudinal base member preferably of substantially rigid plastic composition which is provided with locator openings which fit one of the feet of the socket member and, cooperating therewith, a mating turn slot. Both the openings and the turn slots are formed to accommodate the feet of the socket member. The assembly of the socket in the base member in a secure position is readily effected by positioning the socket member between the rails of the base member and locking the two by a manual quarter turn rotation of the socket member in the base member.

Abstract: A ladder securing device for securing a ladder to a utility pole or the like. The ladder securing device has a main elongated and flexible strap member having looped ends, with one end forming a hand loop for the user of the device. A quick release adjustment buckle is provided for adjustably engaging the main strap member. An elongated, flexible buckle strap is secured to the adjustment buckle at one end and which has a loop at its opposite end. A pair of hooks are provided for engaging the rail of the ladder. One hook is attached to the end of the main strap member opposite the hand loop and the other hook is attached to the buckle strap at the end opposite its attachment to the buckle. The device, when placed in an X-configuration about a utility pole and with the hooks attached to the rails of the ladder, permits the quick securement of the ladder to a utility pole by pulling on the hand loop.

Abstract: A rescue ladder for air to ground deployment is provided with a quick release mechanism which enables the ladder to be detached from an aircraft in case of emergency. The quick release mechanism includes fastener pins mounted on a rotatable control shaft, and a safety lock for locking the control shaft against accidental rotation. Normally, the fastener pins are received in apertures provided in connector straps which extend from the rescue ladder, but when an emergency occurs, it is simply necessary to unlock the control shaft and rotate it so that the fastener pins are lifted out of the apertures in the connector straps, thus detaching the ladder. Other features of the ladder include a weighted bottom rung, and a solid steel, wheel-mounted top rung which acts as a standoff mechanism.

Abstract: A ladder rack for pickup trucks mounted in a detachable manner along one side of truck box. A pair of stanchions each having upper ends provided with arms for ladder support. Brackets attach to the truck box side wall in parallel therewith. Posts on each bracket as well as sockets defined by the brackets receive a weldment at each stanchion lower end the weldments having keyhole openings for post reception and pins for insertion into the bracket sockets. A flexible lock automatically engages a post on the stanchion to prevent accidental upward displacement of the stanchion during truck travel.

Abstract: This ladder is designed to clamp to sign posts for workman safety. Primarily, it consists of a pair of stepped legs with a hinged shelf at the top having a clamp that clamps to a sign post. A second clamp is also provided below and is secured to arms attached to the legs, and a pair of extension rods are provided on the legs for stabilily of the legs on sloping ground surfaces.

Abstract: Ladders for use with inflatable boats or other watercraft include a mounting bracket and a movable boarding step unit having a plurality of steps fixed to an elongated support bar. The mounting bracket is fixed to the transom or other vertical portion of the watercraft and the support bar is contoured so that when its upper end is positioned in the bracket, the steps depend below the watercraft and are firmly held away from it by a portion of the bar bearing against a portion of the watercraft adjacent the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Improved boat boarding ladders, that may be mounted on a boat in a boarding position wherein they extend into the water and mounted in different stowage position wherein they are clear of the water, are formed of a step section, a support section and mounting units, all of which are separable from each other. The step section has a pair of tubular siderails and a plurality of steps fixed between them. The support section includes a pair of U-shaped tubular members each braced by a bar that is fixed at its ends across the arcuate portion of such member. One free end of each U-shaped member is enlarged so the upper end of a siderail may be fitted therein and locked with a through pin so the support section extends normal to the step section. The mounting units each include a tubular portion into which ends of the U-shaped support section members may be fitted to hold the ladder in the boarding position, while ends of the step section siderails may be so fitted to mount the ladder in the stowage position.

Abstract: Stair brackets are provided for mounting on stringers and supporting treads in stair structures extending between upper and lower floors. Lower brackets interconnect the lower floor, lower ends of the stringers and the lowermost tread. Angle brackets are mounted on the stringer between the lower bracket and the upper floor. Hangers secure the stringer upper ends to the upper floor.

Abstract: A ladder attaching device comprising a bearing member fittable to a corner portion of a column in contact with opposite side surfaces of the portion, a column surrounding fastening belt connected to one side end of the bearing member, a fastener attached to the other side end of the bearing member, and a fixing frame projecting outward from the other side of the bearing member. A ladder is connected to connecting portions of the fixing frame and attached to the column by the bearing portion, the belt and the fastener.

Abstract: The invention is a climbing device comprising a ladder with a pair of spaced apart upright members for leaning against a structure and a plurality of spaced apart rungs each extending between and supported by the upright members, a stabile support member having a base portion for securement to the structure and a retainer portion engaged with one of the rungs and selectively disengageable therefrom, and fastening means for fixing the base portion to the structure. The securely fastened stabile support prevents slippage of the ladder and together therewith provides a safe apparatus for climbing structures.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for attaching accessories such as boarding ladders, ski tow bars and lights to a small boat. A latch plate is secured to the boat and carries a socket having an internal annular rib. A tube projecting from the accessory carries a pair of opposed latch elements each having an enlarged head extending out of the tube. A U-shaped spring wire urges the latch elements apart toward a latching position in which the heads of the elements securely interlock with the rib when the tube is fully inserted in the socket. Cam surfaces on the latch heads interact with the rib to displace the heads so that they can pass the rib as the tube is being inserted. Each latch element has a release button which extends through the side of the tube. When the buttons are depressed, the latch elements are released from the rib to permit the tube to be withdrawn from the socket.

Abstract: A series of highly economical metal channels each having a first and second side members extending vertically downward from a third horizontal member for accommodating thereto a step and a riser for rapidly, yet sturdily forming a stairway is disclosed. A plurality of quickly-installed attaching means for integrally coupling together a combination of a generally rectangular beam, metal channel, step and riser are used at various areas of said stairway in order to avoid thereto the time-consuming and expensive manner of providing a sawtooth-type stairway beam.

Abstract: A portable telescoping observation stand attachable to a pole, a tree or like object by way of straps includes a plurality of telescopically engaged sections maintained in an extended position by locking members removably received in slots in overlapping ends of adjacent sections. Foot hold members removably attached to the sections provide steps for the stand with the locking members also serving as steps for the stand. When the stand is collapsed, the sections are nested together, the removed locking members and foot hold members are stored in a compartment defined by the nested sections.

Abstract: A sailboat mast ladder, for use with a sailboat having a mast with a sail track extending along its length, includes a flexible, flat support strap having a number of foot loops, also made of flat strap material, at staggered positions on opposite sides of the support strap. The support strap and foot loops are formed from first and second flat straps each having alternating straight sections and foot loop sections, the foot loop sections of one strap being opposite the straight sections of the other strap. The bottom or instep portions of the foot loops are reinforced with flat strap material secured to the first and second flat straps. An end of a halyard is secured to the upper end of the support strap to raise the mast ladder up the mast. A number of guides are secured along the inner edge of the support strap for sliding engagement with track slides of the main sail track to keep the ladder against the mast.

Abstract: A boat ladder for boarding an inflatable pontoon boat, dinghy or similar small craft of the type having opposed generally parallel gunwales. The ladder has two generally parallel ladder supports, each with a first end bendable across one of the gunwales. Plural and parallel ladder steps extend between the two ladder supports and a strap is coupled at one end to the first end of both of the ladder supports. The strap is dimensioned to extend across the space between the gunwales. A hook extends about the second gunwale for coupling the other end of the strap to the other gunwale, whereby the weight of a person climbing up the ladder is distributed relatively evenly across both the gunwales.

Abstract: A safety extension is adapted to be mounted by various adjustable means to the upper rungs of a ladder or the inside of a manhole. The safety extension comprises a rod which is moveable in a sleeve between extended and retracted positions. A counterbalance means mounted in a particular manner is optionally provided to facilitate moving the rod to the extended position with maximum ease and safety. Adjustable mounting means are provided to accommodate ladders of differing rung spacing and rung diameter.

Abstract: A fender beam and life ladder in one which serves as a life ladder mounted on a wall surface of a quay or the like and extending substantially vertically at least from a water level to an upper end of the quay to help a person who has fallen from the quay and which also serves as a fender beam to prevent a hull from being damaged resulting from the contact thereof with the quay when a ship comes closer to the quay. The fender beam and life ladder has a pair of plate-like elastic members, which are mounted on the wall surface so that one end widthwise of each elastic member is obliquely projected from the wall surface of the quay and the projected ends are opposed in a suitably spaced relation. On the projected ends there are provided plural steps of cross members forming a ladder in a suitably spaced relation.

Abstract: A ladder fastening device for pole climbing. The device includes a central strap portion operable to be wrapped around a pole and having free end portions. A pair of end straps are included each connected to a different end of the central strap portion and operable to be wrapped about the legs of a ladder previously leaned against the pole. Each of the end straps has a pair of rigid buckles connected to an end for engaging the free end of the central strap portion. There is included at the other end of each end strap a latching means for looping each end strap around one of the legs.

Abstract: A stair or ladder which has a central stringer adapted for mounting between an upper level and a lower level at a relatively steep angle of inclination, and a plurality of tread members disposed in alternating arrangement on respective sides of the stringer, each of the tread members having a foot support portion outwardly extending from the stringer. A pair of handrails is disposed substantially in a plane forward and parallel to a plane passing through the front edges of the foot support portions and positioned with respect to the foot support portions to provide support of the user. The tread members are substantially identical, except for the top tread and bottom tread of the stairway and include a foot support portion and an outwardly extending support adapted for connection to a rail. The stairway is preferably composed of components preformed of aluminum and welded together to provide a completed structure which is relatively light weight, rigid, and strong.

Abstract: A stair having a central stringer and two parallel side stringers. A plurality of vertically-spaced half treads is disposed on each side of the central stringer and extends between the central stringer and an adjacent side stringer. The half treads on one side of the central stringer alternate with those on the other side of the central stringer. The central stringer may or may not be a structural member depending upon the stair configuration but in all cases serves at least as a protective shielding of the inside corners of the treads, thereby minimizing user injury from the corners in case of a fall or other user mishap. A pair of handrails are disposed in a plane forward and parallel to a plane passing through the front edges of the treads and positioned with respect to the treads to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for use on large trucks for providing entrance into and egress from the body of the truck. The ladder assembly includes an exterior ladder which is constructed of tubular metal that is die rolled on the corners providing vertical rails and a bottom rung which are formed from a singe tubing member. Fastening devices are provided for securing the exterior ladder to the side wall. There is an interior ladder positioned directly opposite the exterior ladder which is also constructed of tubular metal and has fasteneners positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the rails. The same fasteners or bolts are used for securing the upper ends of the interior ladder to the side walls as the exterior ladder.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a handhold (10) is provided including a base handhold member (12) including a first fastening flange portion (16) and a longitudinally extending rod portion (14). The length of the longitudinal portion is sufficient to meet most if not all distances between fasteners utilized on railway cars and other transportation vehicles. A second handhold member (30) includes a base portion (32) having an opening 34 and an upwardly extending flange portion (40). The base portion slidingly receives the rod portion and thus enables adjustment of the distance between the flange portions. The rod portion thus may be cut at the installation site to meet desired length. In one embodiment the distance D.sub.2 of the second flange above or below the rod may be varied by utilizing a selected member having this desired distance. Also different second members may have selected distances D.sub.1 from the vehicle body.

Abstract: Elements to be assembled to form in situ a temporary stair, from a pair of planks (1,1') or longitudinally sawn boards, or identical cross-section, intended for serving as stringers and which elements consist of steps (2), identical with one another, the steps being self-locking one by means of another onto and against the planks (1,1'), with the exception of the top step which has to be wedged against these planks (1,1'); each step (2) rests, at each side at the front, on the upper edge of a plank and, at the rear, is brought against the lower edge of the plank by a pair of flats (14,14') terminating in a hook (16) and mounted freely pivotal in the step placed next above.

Abstract: A ladder for a vehicle having a top surface vertically elevated to a height not easily accessible to a person, which ladder is capable of being integrated into elements of an adjustable and removable article carrier or a slat of a slat-type article carrier, comprising a pair of side members spanned by steps or braces having upper securement elements or retainers at one end of the side members insertable into engagement with the article carrier and lower securement elements, such as suction cups, engageable with the side of the vehicle to secure the ladder in place.

Abstract: A pool ladder for use by individuals confined to a wheelchair having a top step which is at a height substantially equal to the height of a wheelchair seat, and a second step which is at a height slightly above the wheelchair foot rests. Both the top step and the second step are moveably connected to the ladder so as to allow them to be moved aside during standard use. A series of support members serve a dual purpose by supporting the steps of the ladder and also providing handgrips for one entering or exiting the pool.

Abstract: A hunting stand and access ladder are disclosed for use by a hunter to support himself at an elevated position in a tree. The hunting stand includes a frame with a seat and foot support on it, an upper support means on the frame comprising a pair of prongs and a securing member eccentrically arranged so that the prongs are forced into the tree trunk as the frame is moved from an initial tilted position to a final position lying adjacent the tree trunk, and a lower securing means on the frame for holding the stand in the final position. The access ladder is sectional with each section including a central support tube, a cross member at the upper end of the support tube, a pair of support prongs on the cross tube, securing means to force the support prongs into the tree trunk to support the ladder section spaced from the tree trunk, and rungs on the support tube so that the hunter can climb the ladder section.

Abstract: The system for safety control utilizes an anchoring device including mounting structure at one end for mounting the device removably on a corner fitting of a container by engagement in any one of the several apertures of the corner fitting, and structure at the other end for supporting safety control equipment such as ladders, stages, lights, fire hoses, lifelines, and so forth.

Abstract: A folding tent assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle top or other suitable elevated surface. The assembly includes a pair of rigid base sections hingedly secured together and foldable to define a container in which the remainder of the tent can be stored, and unfoldable to define a planar platform a portion of which extends outwardly from the vehicle top or other elevated surface and on which a flexible cover and frame members can be supported to provide accommodations. A support member having a pair of upright legs, a plurality of cross bars and a pair of rigid extenders rotatably mounted on the upper ends of the legs is provided for bracing the outwardly extending portion of the platform. The extenders are rotatable between a folded position, in which the extenders are substantially parallel to the cross bars and in which the support member can be stored on top of the folded tent and within the confines of the separate travel cover; and a bracing position in which the extenders engage the platform.

Abstract: A lightweight ladder includes a vertical member of flat sided tubing, rungs formed of angle metal, and ladder feet adapted to engage retaining clips mounted on a vertical structure. The ladder feed are designed to provide wedging between the clips and the vertical structure such that set screws are not required to keep the ladder in place and stable.

Abstract: A segmented apparatus is mounted to a tower or other vertically extending structure on a plurality of spaced supporting members such as I-beams or the like. Each apparatus segments is mounted on a pair of supporting members such that the weight of the segment loads the supporting members either through or proximal to the shear center thereof for minimization of supporting member torsional loading.

Abstract: A stairway is constructed of one or more stringers which are assembled from a plurality of stringer units of cast material. The stringer units are so constructed as to allow for their simple and rapid assembly on-site into stringers of any desired size and configuration, including stringers of a configuration required for the construction of spiral stairways.

Abstract: A ladder securing device which comprises two connectors for attachment to the runners of a ladder. One of the connectors includes a first rotatable element on which is mounted a second rotatable element. The elements are rotatable about axes which are at right angles to one another. A curved metal band is attached to one of said elements and the other connector includes an arrangement such as a locking pin for releasably securing the metal band to it. The arrangement of the first connector is such that the band can pivot about the two axes.