Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to ladders fitted with stabilizer bars and a stabilizer
bar for fitting to a ladder, to reduce the risk of falling sideways, in use.
Background to the Invention
[0002] The use of a ladder presents well known challenges in respect of safety to a user.
A ladder allows quick access to a working position at a height, but if not correctly
placed and/or secured, slippage can result in a fall for the user.
[0003] Various forms of ladder stabilizing device are known. For example, JPS6419799U discloses
a ladder fitted with a telescopic stabilizer bar. However, these can be relatively
mechanically complex or cumbersome. Some stabilizer devices attached to a ladder may
significantly increase the dimensions of the ladder, even when in a stowed position.
This makes carrying and storing the ladder more awkward. Some stabilizer devices are
detachable from the ladder to allow separate storage or transport. This approach may
make routine compliance with safe practice less certain. Furthermore detachable parts
may be mislaid.
[0004] Accordingly there remains a desire for improved ladder and associated ladder stabilizer
combinations.
Description of the Invention
[0005] According to the present invention provides a ladder according to claim 1 which comprises:
first and second rails spaced apart and with rungs in between, the rails defining
first and second ladder sides; and
a telescopic stabilizer bar disposed at the foot of the ladder, the telescopic stabilizer
bar comprising elongate first and second stabilizer portions, each stabilizer portion
in sliding engagement with a connector bar extending transversely between the first
and second rails,
wherein the first and second stabilizer portions are slideable along the connector
bar from:
a first, stowed, position where the first and second stabilizer portions are in an
at least partially overlapping relationship, with the connector bar in between;
to a second, in use, position where at least one of the stabilizer portions is slid
along the connector bar to extend the telescopic stabilizer;
wherein sliding engagement of at least one stabilizer portion to the connector bar
is by means of;
at least one longitudinally extending flange or other formation on at least one stabilizer
portion fitting into a corresponding longitudinally extending groove in the connector
bar; or
at least one longitudinally extending flange or other formation on the connector bar
fitting into a corresponding longitudinally extending groove on at least one stabilizer
portion; and
wherein the first and second stabilizer portions each take the form of an elongate
bar having a generally C shaped cross section along its length.
[0006] When the stabilizer bar is in the second, in use, position at least one of the stabilizer
portions has been extended laterally and can engage the ground at a distance beyond
at least one of the ladder sides, supporting a load applied via the ladder and thus
aiding in preventing the ladder from falling sideways.
[0007] Both stabilizer portions will normally be slid along the connector bar, in opposite
directions, to achieve a second position where the first stabilizer portion is extended
laterally beyond the first rail and the second stabilizer portion is extended laterally
beyond the second rail to provide improved stability. When a sideways load is applied
to the ladder in either direction the extended stabilizer bar provides support and
resistance to a sideways fall of the ladder. The stabilizer portions may extend to
beyond both ladder sides, to the same or substantially the same extent.
[0008] In some circumstances it may be desirable for the stabilizer bar to extend more to
one side or the other. Thus the amount of extension of each stabilizer portion i.e.
the amount the stabilizer portion is slid along the connector bar, can be varied.
[0009] However, it may be generally desirable that a substantial portion of, or even all
of, the available length of the stabilizer bar is employed when the ladder is in use,
to provide satisfactory stability. To achieve maximum length for the stabilizer bar
both stabilizer portions are slid away from each other to the maximum extent allowed
for in the design.
[0010] To use a suitable length of, even a full length of, the stabilizer bar and still
allow the stabilizer bar to extend more to one side or the other of the ladder, the
connector bar may be slideable towards at least one ladder side. Typically the connector
bar is slideable towards either ladder side. Thus the extended stabilizer bar may
be centred on the ladder, with a stabilizer portion extending to the same or substantially
the same extent to either side; or the stabilizer bar may be slid more to one side
than the other, as the connector bar is itself slideable relative to the ladder rails.
[0011] The stabilizer bar is disposed at the foot of the ladder. This allows engagement
with the ground, at least when the stabilizer bar is extended to a second position.
The stabilizer bar may be mounted beneath the extreme ends of the ladder rails. In
such an arrangement the stabilizer bar may engage the ground, supporting the whole
weight of the ladder when in use, even when the stabilizer bar is in the first, stowed,
position. Alternatively the stabilizer bar may be mounted to a side of each of the
ladder rails on one face of the ladder so that sliding action of the stabilizer portions
is in a plane parallel with the principal plane of the ladder as defined by the rails
and the rungs in between.
[0012] Mounting of the stabilizer bar to the foot of the ladder may be by a bracket or brackets
at the foot of each rail. Each bracket may take the form of a loop, through which
at least one of the stabilizer portions and/or the connector bar (if slideable) may
be slid. Conveniently the stabilizer bar is held captively to the ladder i.e. it is
not detachable in normal use, but may be removable for maintenance repair or replacement.
For example the connector bar is fixed to a bracket or brackets that mount the stabilizer
bar to the ladder. Where the connector bar is slideable a bracket or brackets mounting
the stabilizer bar may allow this but the stabilizer bar may still be held captive.
For example where the stabilizer bar is mounted to a bracket in the form of a loop
at the foot of each ladder rail the loop may retain the stabilizer bar by virtue of
at least one of the stabilizer portions having an increase in diameter at or near
an end.
[0013] Conveniently this increase in diameter may be achieved by feet fitted at or near
each outward end of each stabilizer portion. Feet are typically provided at each end
of the stabiliser bar to give good contact with the ground in use of the ladder and
stabilizer bar. The feet may be height adjustable feet, to allow levelling of the
ladder, even if the ground is somewhat uneven.
[0014] The first and second stabilizer portions are each in sliding engagement with the
connector bar, i.e. they can be slid along the connector bar.
[0015] The sliding engagement is by means of at least one longitudinally extending flange
or other formation on a stabilizer portion fitting into a corresponding longitudinally
extending groove in the connector bar. The opposite arrangement; at least one longitudinally
extending flange or other formation on the connector bar fitting into a corresponding
longitudinally extending groove on a stabilizer portion can also serve.
[0016] The first stabilizer portion takes the form of an elongate bar having a generally
C shaped cross section along its length. The connector bar may take the form of an
elongate bar having a first groove provided along its top edge and a second groove
provided along its bottom edge. The ends of the C shape may be, respectively, a longitudinally
extending downwards directed flange of the first stabilizer portion and a longitudinally
extending upwards directed flange of the first stabilizer portion. The ends of the
C fit into the first and second grooves of the connector bar to locate the first stabilizer
portion alongside the connector bar and allow sliding motion. In such an arrangement
the second stabilizer portion also takes the form of an elongate bar having a generally
C shaped cross section along its length. The ends of the C of the second stabilizer
portion may also be provided as a downwards directed flange and an upwards directed
flange. The second stabiliser portion is located alongside the opposite side of the
connector bar to that of the first stabilizer bar. The ends of the C of the second
stabilizer may fit into corresponding third and fourth grooves along the top and bottom
edges of the connector bar; for sliding engagement i.e. the two stabilizer portions
fit to either side of the connector bar with the open sides of their C shaped cross
sections facing each other.
[0017] In an alternative and compact arrangement, rather than having four grooves, two each
on the top and bottom edges of the connector bar, the connector bar may be provided
with only two grooves one along its top edge and the other along its bottom edge.
Thus the connector bar may have a generally H shaped cross section. Viewed in cross
section or end elevation, the top ends (in use) of the C shaped stabilizer portions
both fit downwardly into the single groove along the top edge of the connector bar
and the corresponding bottom ends of the C shaped stabilizer portions both fit upwardly
into the single groove along the bottom end of the connector bar.
[0018] To provide secure connection between a C shaped cross section stabilizer portion
and an H shaped cross section connector bar the stabilizer portion may have additional
features. For example a longitudinally extending flange fitting closely to the outside
of the upper and/or the lower arm of the H about which the C shape fits; as shown
hereafter and with reference to a specific embodiment.
[0019] When in the first stowed position the first and second stabilizer portions are in
an at least partially overlapping relationship, with the connector bar in between.
Thus the stabilizer portions are also overlapping the connector bar.
[0020] When a stabilizer portion is slid along the connector bar to extend the length of
the stabilizer bar it is desirable that the stabilizer portion remains in an overlapping
relationship with the connector bar to provide a good connection between portion and
bar that can support the loadings expected to occur in use. Thus each stabilizer portion
may be provided with a stop, to limit lateral sliding relative to the connector bar,
to ensure the desired amount of overlapping engagement, even when in the most extended
position. A stop may be provided between the connector bar and the stabilizer portion.
For example an outwards directed protrusion on the connector bar that interacts with
a corresponding inwards directed protrusion on a stabilizer portion to prevent sliding
beyond the desired extent.
[0021] Alternatively where the connector bar does not slide laterally but is fixed, a stop
could be provided between the stabilizer portion and a ladder rail or a bracket through
which the stabilizer portion slides. Such a stop may be a protrusion on the stabilizer
portion that cannot pass the ladder rail or a bracket.
[0022] Where the connector bar itself slides, suitable stops may be provided to limit the
possible extent of slide with respect to the ladder, e.g. stops provided between the
connector bar and a ladder rail or a bracket on a ladder rail.
[0023] The stop arrangements discussed above can allow the stabilizer bar to be deployed
only within desired parameters with respect to the amount of extension.
[0024] Conveniently the stabilizer bar is held in its first position until an operator decides
to deploy one or both of the stabilizer portions. This may be achieved by releasable
mechanical fixings such as hooks, latches and the like. Similarly releasable fixings
may be employed to hold the stabilizer portions in a deployed position, when the ladder
is in use.
[0025] As the telescopic stabilizer described herein includes stabilizer portions in sliding
engagement with a connector bar, it is not required that the stabilizer bar be provided
with a housing from which stabilizer portions extend to an in use position.
[0026] The connector bar provides support for the stabilizer portions by virtue of the sliding
engagement. Thus a less complex arrangement, in manufacture and/or use may be provided.
[0027] Advantageously the stabilizer portions are, or are substantially of, the same length
or slightly longer than the distance between the ladder rails. Similarly the connector
bar can be of a similar length to the distance between the ladder rails. Such lengths
allow a good maximum length to the stabilizer bar when deployed in the second position
without the arrangement having to extend much beyond the width of the ladder when
in the first, stowed position.
[0028] Conveniently for consumers, a ladder and stabilizer bar arrangement in accordance
with the first aspect of the invention may be supplied as a complete apparatus. However,
a stabilizer bar and fittings for securing to a ladder may be supplied to retro fit
to existing ladders or for a ladder supplier to fit to new ladders.
[0029] Thus according to a second aspect, which is disclosed to aid in understanding but
does not fall within a literal scope of claim 1 there is provided:
a telescopic stabilizer bar and fittings for securing to the foot of a ladder;
the telescopic stabilizer bar comprising elongate first and second stabilizer portions,
each stabilizer portion in sliding engagement with a connector bar extending, in use,
transversely between the first and second rails of a ladder having first and second
rails spaced apart and with rungs in between, the rails defining first and second
ladder sides;
wherein the first and second stabilizer portions are slideable along the connector
bar from:
a first, stowed, position where the first and second stabilizer portions are in an
at least partially overlapping relationship, with the connector bar in between;
to a second, in use, position where at least one of the stabilizer portions is slid
along the connector bar to extend the telescopic stabilizer.
[0030] The fittings for securing the telescopic stabilizer bar to a ladder may include one
or more brackets fixable to the foot of a ladder by releasable or non-releasable fixings
such as screws, bolts, rivets and the like. In some examples the connector bar itself
may be directly connectable to the ladder by releasable or non-releasable fixings.
Where brackets are employed there may be may be of any of the forms described herein
for use in a ladder according to the first aspect of the invention.
[0031] Thus fixing to the foot of a ladder may be by a bracket or brackets at the foot of
each rail as discussed herein with respect to the first aspect of the invention.
[0032] The supplied stabilizer bar and fittings combination may include further items such
as releasable or non-releasable fixings such as screws, bolts and/or rivets for use
in fixing the stabilizer bar to a ladder.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0033]
Figure 1 shows the lower part of a ladder fitted with a telescopic stabilizer bar
that is in a stowed position;
Figure 2 shows the arrangement of figure 1 with the telescopic stabilizer bar in an
extended position;
Figure 3 shows the arrangement of figure 1 with the telescopic stabilizer bar in another
extended position;
Figure 4 shows, in perspective view, a telescopic stabilizer bar in an extended position;
Figure 5 shows, in an end elevation, the telescopic stabilizer bar of figure 4; and
Figure 6 shows the use of stop arrangements with the telescopic stabilizer bar of
figure 5.
Detailed Description of the Invention with Reference to Some Embodiments
[0034] Figure 1 shows in perspective schematic view the lower part of a ladder 1 having
left and right side rails 2,4 spaced apart with rungs 6 in between. A telescopic stabilizer
bar 8 is at the foot of ladder 1, mounted below the extreme ends of rails 2,4. The
stabilizer bar 8 has first and second stabilizer portions 10, 12 in a first, stowed
position, overlapping each other and substantially inside the width of the ladder
as defined by rails 2,4.
[0035] Also visible in this view are feet 16 at the ends of portions 10,12 and having ground
engaging bases 17. The telescopic stabilizer bar 8 is held captive to ladder 1 by
brackets 14 through which stabilizer portions may slide.
[0036] In figure 2 stabilizer portions 10, 12 have been slid to the left and right respectively,
to allow the stabilizer bar 8 to engage the ground at a distance beyond the sides
of the ladder as defined by rails 2,4. In this view the extended stabilizer bar 8
extends equally to both sides of the ladder 1. In this second, extended, position
a connector bar 18 can be seen. The stabilizer portions 10, 12 are in sliding engagement
with connector bar 18. To provide strength and rigidity to the arrangement, overlaps,
indicated by brackets 20, are provided between stabilizer portions 10, 12 and connector
bar 18.
[0037] Figure 3 shows a similar arrangement to that of figure 2 except that the extended
stabilizer bar 8 extends further to the left than to the right. This has been achieved
by sliding the connector bar 18 left, away from the central position shown in figure
2.
[0038] Figures 4 and 5 show a stabilizer bar 8 of the type shown in figures 1 to 3 but not
fitted to a ladder and with the feet removed, to allow appreciation of various features.
In perspective figure 4, the bar 8 is shown in a fully extended position with the
stabilizer portions slid away from each other in opposite directions, as suggested
by arrows A and B. End 22 of stabilizer portion 12 can be seen to have a generally
C shape.
[0039] Figure 5 is an elevation from direction X indicated on figure 4. Here it can be seen
that the connector bar 18 is H shaped along its length, having a top groove 24 and
a bottom groove 26 between the arms of the H. It can also be seen that the stabilizer
portions 10, 12 have a generally C shaped cross section along their lengths - with
the open sides of their C shaped cross sections facing each other.
[0040] The ends of each C are formed by flanges 28, 30 that sit in grooves 24, 26 respectively.
Secure but sliding connection between connector bar 18 and stabilizer portions 10,
12 is further achieved by additional flanges 32, 34 fitting to the outside of the
arms of H shaped (in cross section) connector bar 18. The combination of flanges 32,
34 with respective flanges 28, 30 gives a close fit to the connector bar arms.
[0041] Figure 6 shows the same view as figure 5, but illustrating the use of stops to limit
the amount of extension of stabilizer portions 10, 12. With reference to figure 4,
stabilizer portion 12 is prevented from moving further in the direction of arrow B
by a stop located, as suggested by arrow S, within the region of overlap 20 and inside
the connector bar stabilizer portion assembly. As can be seen in figure 6 this stop
includes a protrusion 36 extending outwards from connector bar 18 towards stabilizer
portion 12. A corresponding protrusion 38 extends from stabilizer portion 12 towards
connector bar 18 and cannot pass protrusion 36 to allow further extension of portion
12 in direction of arrow B. A similar stop is provided at S1 (figure 4) making use
of protrusions 40 and 42 (figure 6) to prevent further extension of stabilizer portion
10 in the direction of arrow A.
1. A ladder (1) comprising:
first and second rails (2, 4) spaced apart and with rungs (6) in between, the rails
(2, 4) defining first and second ladder sides; and
a telescopic stabilizer bar (8) disposed at the foot of the ladder, the telescopic
stabilizer bar (8) comprising elongate first and second stabilizer portions (10, 12),
each stabilizer portion (10, 12) in sliding engagement with a connector bar (18) extending
transversely between the first and second rails (2, 4),
wherein the first and second stabilizer portions (10, 12) are slideable along the
connector bar (18) from:
a first, stowed, position where the first and second stabilizer portions (10, 12)
are in an at least partially overlapping relationship, with the connector bar (18)
in between;
to a second, in use, position where at least one of the stabilizer portions (10, 12)
is slid along the connector bar (18) to extend the telescopic stabilizer;
wherein sliding engagement of at least one stabilizer portion (10, 12) to the connector
bar (18) is by means of;
at least one longitudinally extending flange or other formation on at least one stabilizer
portion (10, 12) fitting into a corresponding longitudinally extending groove in the
connector bar (18); or
at least one longitudinally extending flange or other formation on the connector bar
(18) fitting into a corresponding longitudinally extending groove on at least one
stabilizer portion (10, 12); and
characterized in that the first and second stabilizer portions (10, 12) each take the form of an elongate
bar having a generally C shaped cross section along its length.
2. The ladder (1) of claim 1 wherein, when fully extended, the first and second stabilizer
portions (10, 12) extend beyond the respective ladder side to substantially the same
extent and/or the connector bar (18) is laterally slideable towards either ladder
side and/or the telescopic stabilizer bar (8) is mounted beneath the extreme ends
of the first and second rails (2, 4).
3. The ladder (1) of any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein the telescopic stabilizer bar (8)
is mounted to a side of each of the first and second ladder rails (2, 4), on one face
of the ladder, so that the sliding action is in a plane parallel with the principal
plane of the ladder as defined by the rails (2, 4) and the rungs (6) in between.
4. The ladder (1) of any preceding claim wherein the telescopic stabilizer bar (8) is
mounted by a bracket or brackets at the foot of each of the first and second rails
(2, 4).
5. The ladder (1) of claim 4 wherein each bracket takes the form of a loop, through which
at least one of the stabilizer portions (10, 12) and/or the connector bar (18) may
be slid.
6. The ladder (1) of any preceding claim wherein the telescopic stabilizer bar (8) is
held captively to the ladder (1), and optionally,
the telescopic stabilizer bar (8) is mounted to a bracket in the form of a loop at
the foot of each ladder rail (2, 4) and the loop retains the stabilizer bar (8) by
virtue of at least one of the stabilizer portions (10, 12) having an increase in diameter
at or near an end; and optionally,
the increase in diameter of the at least one stabilizer portion (10, 12) is by means
of a foot fitted at or near the outwards most end of the stabilizer portion (10, 12).
7. The ladder (1) of claim 1 wherein the ends of at least one of the C shaped cross section
stabilizer bars are formed by a longitudinally extending downwards directed flange
and a longitudinally extending upwards directed flange.
8. The ladder (1) of claim 1 or claim 7 wherein the connector bar (18) is provided with
a first groove along its top edge and a second groove provided along its bottom edge,
the grooves being for receiving the ends of the C shape of the first stabilizer portion
(10, 12).
9. The ladder (1) of claim 8 wherein the first and second grooves of the connector bar
(18) also receive the ends of the C shape of the second stabilizer portion (10, 12).
10. The ladder (1) of claim 8 wherein the connector bar (18) further comprise a third
groove along its top edge and a fourth groove along its bottom edge for receiving
the ends of the C shape of the second stabilizer portion (10, 12).
11. The ladder of claim 1 wherein the connector bar (18) has a generally H shaped cross
section.
12. The ladder (1) of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first and second
stabilizer portions (10, 12) is provided with a stop (38), to limit sliding relative
to the connector bar (18).
13. The ladder (1) of claim 12 wherein a stop (36) is provided between the connector bar
(18) and at least one stabilizer portion (10, 12).
1. Leiter (1), umfassend:
eine erste und eine zweite Schiene (2, 4), die beabstandet sind und Sprossen (6) zwischen
sich aufweisen, wobei die Schienen (2, 4) eine erste und eine zweite Leiterseite definieren;
und
eine teleskopische Stabilisatorstange (8), die am Fuß der Leiter angeordnet ist, wobei
die teleskopische Stabilisatorstange (8) einen langgestreckten ersten und zweiten
Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12) umfasst, wobei jeder Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12)
in schiebendem Eingriff mit einer Verbinderstange (18) steht, die sich quer zwischen
der ersten und zweiten Schiene (2, 4) erstreckt,
wobei der erste und der zweite Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12) entlang der Verbinderstange
(18) verschiebbar sind von:
einer ersten, verstauten Position, wobei der erste und der zweite Stabilisatorabschnitt
(10, 12) in einer mindestens teilweise überlappenden Beziehung sind, wobei sich die
Verbinderstange (18) dazwischen befindet;
zu einer zweiten Position in Gebrauch, wobei mindestens einer der Stabilisatorabschnitte
(10, 12) entlang der Verbinderstange (18) verschoben ist, um den teleskopischen Stabilisator
auszufahren;
wobei ein schiebender Eingriff von mindestens einem Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12)
zu der Verbinderstange (18) erfolgt mittels:
mindestens eines sich längst erstreckenden Flansches oder einer anderen Ausbildung
auf mindestens einem Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12), der oder die in eine entsprechende,
sich längs erstreckende Nut in der Verbinderstange (18) passt; oder
mindestens eines, sich längs erstreckenden Flansches oder einer anderen Ausbildung
auf der Verbinderstange (18), der oder die in eine entsprechende, sich längs erstreckende
Nut auf mindestens einem Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12) passt; und
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der erste und der zweite Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12) jeweils die Form einer langgestreckten
Stange mit einem im Allgemeinen C-förmigen Querschnitt über ihre Länge annimmt.
2. Leiter (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der erste und der zweite Stabilisatorabschnitt (10,
12), wenn sie vollständig ausgefahren sind, sich über die jeweilige Leiterseite hinaus
in im Wesentlichen dem gleichen Ausmaß erstrecken und/oder die Verbinderstange (18)
seitlich zu jeder Leiterseite verschiebbar ist und/oder die teleskopische Stabilisatorstange
(8) unterhalb der äußeren Enden der ersten und der zweiten Schiene (2, 4) montiert
ist.
3. Leiter (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, wobei die teleskopische Stabilisatorstange
(8) an einer Seite von jeder der ersten und zweiten Leiterschiene (2, 4) auf einer
Seite der Leiter montiert ist, so dass die Verschiebeaktion in einer Ebene parallel
zu der Hauptebene der Leiter erfolgt, wie durch die Schienen (2, 4) und die Sprossen
(6) dazwischen definiert.
4. Leiter (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die teleskopische Stabilisatorstange
(8) durch eine Klammer oder Klammern am Fuß von jeder der ersten und zweiten Schiene
(2, 4) montiert ist.
5. Leiter (1) nach Anspruch 4, wobei jede Klammer die Form einer Schlinge annimmt, durch
die mindestens eines von den Stabilisatorabschnitten (10, 12) und/oder der Verbinderstange
(18) geschoben werden kann.
6. Leiter (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die teleskopische Stabilisatorstange
(8) verliersicher an der Leiter (1) gehalten ist, und wahlweise
die teleskopische Stabilisatorstange (8) an einer Klammer in Form einer Schlinge am
Fuß jeder Leiterschiene (2, 4) montiert ist und die Schlinge die Stabilisatorstange
(8) durch mindestens einen der Stabilisatorabschnitte (10, 12) mit einer Zunahme des
Durchmessers an oder in der Nähe eines Endes hält; und wahlweise
die Zunahme des Durchmessers des mindestens einen Stabilisatorabschnitts (10, 12)
mittels eines Fußes erfolgt, der an dem oder in der Nähe des äußersten Endes des Stabilisatorabschnitts
(10, 12) eingepasst ist.
7. Leiter (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Enden mindestens einer der Stabilisatorstangen
mit C-förmigem Querschnitt durch einen sich längs erstreckenden, nach unten gerichteten
Flansch und einen sich längs erstreckenden, nach oben gerichteten Flansch gebildet
sind.
8. Leiter (1) nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 7, wobei die Verbinderstange (18) mit einer
ersten Nut entlang ihrer oberen Kante und einer zweiten Nut, die entlang ihrer unteren
Kante vorgesehen ist, versehen ist, wobei die Nuten zur Aufnahme der Enden der C-Form
des ersten Stabilisatorabschnitts (10, 12) vorgesehen sind.
9. Leiter (1) nach Anspruch 8, wobei die erste und die zweite Nut der Verbinderstange
(18) auch die Enden der C-Form des zweiten Stabilisatorabschnitts (10, 12) aufnehmen.
10. Leiter (1) nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Verbinderstange (18) ferner eine dritte Nut
entlang ihrer oberen Kante und eine vierte Nut entlang ihrer unteren Kante zur Aufnahme
der Enden der C-Form des zweiten Stabilisatorabschnitts (10, 12) umfasst.
11. Leiter nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Verbinderstange (18) einen im Allgemeinen H-förmigen
Querschnitt aufweist.
12. Leiter (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei mindestens einer von dem
ersten und dem zweiten Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12) mit einem Anschlag (38) versehen
ist, um die Verschiebung relativ zu der Verbinderstange (18) zu begrenzen.
13. Leiter (1) nach Anspruch 12, wobei ein Anschlag (36) zwischen der Verbinderstange
(18) und mindestens einem Stabilisatorabschnitt (10, 12) vorgesehen ist.
1. Echelle (1) comprenant :
des premier et second rails (2, 4) espacés et avec des barreaux (6) entre ceux-ci,
les rails (2, 4) définissant des premier et second côtés d'échelle ; et
une barre de stabilisateur télescopique (8) disposée au niveau du pied de l'échelle,
la barre de stabilisateur télescopique (8) comprenant des première et seconde parties
de stabilisateur allongées (10, 12), chaque partie de stabilisateur (10, 12) en prise
coulissante avec une barre de raccordement (18) s'étendant de manière transversale
entre les premier et second rails (2, 4),
dans lequel les première et seconde parties de stabilisateur (10, 12) sont aptes à
coulisser le long de la barre de raccordement (18) depuis :
une première position, rangée, où les première et seconde parties de stabilisateur
(10, 12) sont dans une relation de chevauchement au moins partiel, avec la barre de
raccordement (18) entre celles-ci ;
vers une seconde position, en cours d'utilisation, où au moins une des parties de
stabilisateur (10, 12) est coulissée le long de la barre de raccordement (18) pour
étendre le stabilisateur télescopique ;
dans laquelle une prise coulissante d'au moins une partie de stabilisateur (10, 12)
à la barre de raccordement (18) se fait au moyen :
d'au moins une bride s'étendant longitudinalement ou d'une autre formation sur au
moins une partie de stabilisateur (10, 12) s'ajustant dans une rainure correspondante
s'étendant longitudinalement dans la barre de raccordement (18) ; ou
d'au moins une bride s'étendant longitudinalement ou d'une autre formation sur la
barre de raccordement (18) s'ajustant dans une rainure correspondante s'étendant longitudinalement
sur au moins une partie de stabilisateur (10, 12) ; et
caractérisée en ce que
les première et seconde parties de stabilisateur (10, 12) prennent chacune la forme
d'une barre allongée ayant une section transversale globalement en forme de C le long
de sa longueur.
2. Echelle (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle lorsqu'elles sont en extension
complète, les première et seconde parties de stabilisateur (10, 12) s'étendent au-delà
du côté d'échelle respectif dans sensiblement la même étendue et/ou la barre de raccordement
(18) est apte à coulisser latéralement vers l'un ou l'autre côté d'échelle et/ou la
barre de stabilisateur télescopique (8) est montée en dessous des bouts des extrémités
des premier et second rails (2, 4).
3. Echelle (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, dans laquelle la barre
de stabilisateur télescopique (8) est montée sur un côté de chacun des premier et
second rails d'échelle (2, 4), sur une face de l'échelle, de sorte que l'action de
coulissement est dans un plan parallèle au plan principal de l'échelle tel que défini
par les rails (2, 4) et les barreaux (6) entre ceux-ci.
4. Echelle (1) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle la barre
de stabilisateur télescopique (8) est montée par un support ou des supports au niveau
du pied de chacun des premier et second rails (2, 4).
5. Echelle (1) selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle chaque support prend la forme
d'une boucle, à travers laquelle au moins une des parties de stabilisateur (10, 12)
et/ou la barre de raccordement (18) peuvent être coulissées.
6. Echelle (1) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle la barre
de stabilisateur télescopique (8) est maintenue captive sur l'échelle (1), et facultativement,
la barre de stabilisateur télescopique (8) est montée sur un support sous la forme
d'une boucle au niveau du pied de chaque rail d'échelle (2, 4) et la boucle retient
la barre de stabilisateur (8) au moyen d'au moins une des parties de stabilisateur
(10, 12) qui a une augmentation de diamètre au niveau ou près d'une extrémité ; et
facultativement,
l'augmentation de diamètre de l'au moins une partie de stabilisateur (10, 12) se fait
au moyen d'un pied ajusté au niveau ou près de l'extrémité de la partie de stabilisateur
(10, 12) la plus à l'extérieur.
7. Echelle (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les extrémités d'au moins une
des barres de stabilisateur à section transversale en forme de C sont formées par
une bride dirigée vers le bas s'étendant longitudinalement et une bride dirigée vers
le haut s'étendant longitudinalement.
8. Echelle (1) selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 7, dans laquelle la barre
de raccordement (18) est dotée d'une première rainure le long de son bord supérieur
et d'une deuxième rainure fournie le long de son bord inférieur, les rainures étant
destinées à recevoir les extrémités de la forme en C de la première partie de stabilisateur
(10, 12).
9. Echelle (1) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle les première et deuxième rainures
de la barre de raccordement (18) reçoivent également les extrémités de la forme en
C de la seconde partie de stabilisateur (10, 12).
10. Echelle (1) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle la barre de raccordement (18)
comprend en outre une troisième rainure le long de son bord supérieur et une quatrième
rainure le long de son bord inférieur destinées à recevoir les extrémités de la forme
en C de la seconde partie de stabilisateur (10, 12).
11. Echelle selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la barre de raccordement (18) a une
section transversale globalement en forme de H.
12. Echelle (1) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle au moins
une des première et seconde parties de stabilisateur (10, 12) est dotée d'une buté
(38), pour limiter un coulissement par rapport à la barre de raccordement (18).
13. Echelle (1) selon la revendication 12, dans laquelle une butée (36) est fournie entre
la barre de raccordement (18) et au moins une partie de stabilisateur (10, 12).