Patent ID: 6607053
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: E06C

Abstract:
A retractable perimeter-defining safety cage for fixed ladders or subsurface openings comprising:a) at least one adjustable guide bracket further comprising a slide housing connected to a guide bracket extension for attachment to said wall or said ladder; b) at least two main rails having proximal ends and distal ends, wherein at least one of said at least two main rails is slideably mounted within said slide housing for sliding between a retracted position and an extended position; c) a locking mechanism for engagement with said at least two main rails for releasably locking said retractable safety cage in either said extended position or said retracted position; d) a counterbalance mounted to said at least one adjustable guide bracket and connected to said distal end of said at least one of said at least two main rails that provides a bias force in the direction of said extended position; and e) a fixed first periphery rail having a first end and a second end wherein said first end and said second end are connected to said proximal ends of said at least two main rails, and wherein said fixed first periphery rail defines a barrier adjacent said proximal ends of said at least two main rails in said extended position wherein said retractable safety cage further comprises a floating periphery rail having a first end and a second end wherein said first end and said second end are slideably attached to said at least two main rails and wherein said floating periphery rail is connected to said first periphery rail with non-rigid connects.