Patent ID: 6820723
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: E06C

Abstract:
An adapter, wherein the adapter is adaptable for mounting a ladder in a functional position on a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a hitch, wherein the ladder is an extension ladder having lower and upper end portions and upper and lower extension portions, wherein each of the upper and lower extension portions have upper sections, wherein the each of the lower and upper extension portions includes a right side and a left side, wherein the adapter comprises:a) a frame engageable between the hitch and the ladder and for supporting the ladder in a functional position and permitting a swinging of the ladder about an axis of rotation about which the ladder rotates in first and second rotational directions, wherein the frame includes a front and a rear, wherein the front of the frame faces the vehicle and the rear of the frame faces an object to be climbed up to on the ladder, wherein the frame engages the lower end portion of the ladder; b) a tether arrangement engagable between the vehicle and the ladder to control the upper end portion of the ladder, wherein the tether arrangement controls a rotation of the ladder in the second rotational direction, wherein the tether arrangement comprises: i) a pair of base tethers extending between the vehicle and the upper section of the lower extension portion of the ladder, wherein one base tether extends to the right side of the upper section of the lower extension portion of the ladder and wherein the other base tether extends to the left side of the upper section of the lower extension portion of the ladder; and ii) a pair of second tethers extending between the vehicle and the upper section of the upper extension portion of the ladder, wherein one second tether extends to the right side of the upper section of the upper extension portion of the ladder and wherein the other second tether extends to the left side of the upper section of the upper extension portion of the ladder; c) such that the upper end portion of the ladder is controlled and such that each of the lower and upper extension portions of the ladder is controlled and such that if one tether breaks or otherwise becomes disengaged roll of the extension ladder is controlled; and d) a stop engaged to the frame, i) wherein the stop is structured and positioned to prevent the lower end portion of the ladder from being rotated beyond the stop in the first rotational direction such that the first rotational direction is controlled via the stop and such that the second rotational direction is controlled via the tether arrangement; ii) wherein the stop is structured and positioned to permit the ladder to be placed in a prone position where the upper end portion of the ladder is disposed beyond the rear of the frame and lying on the ground; iii) wherein the stop is structured and positioned to permit the upper end portion of the ladder to swing up from said prone position to an operating, inclined position; and iv) wherein the stop is structured and positioned to prevent the upper end portion of the ladder from swinging from said operating, inclined position to a position perpendicular to the ground.