Vehicular ladder

A vehicular ladder including a body comprising a first plastic and one or more first teeth arranged on the body, wherein the one or more first teeth include a second plastic that is different to the first plastic, and the body is moulded around portions of the one or more first teeth.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/AU2016/051014, filed Oct. 28, 2016, which was published in English under PCT Article 21(2), which in turn claims the benefit of Australian Patent Application No. 2015904453, filed Oct. 30, 2015. Both applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a vehicular ladder. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a vehicular ladder for off-road recovery.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Vehicles often lose traction over slippery and/or soft terrain. In the event a vehicle becomes stuck over the slippery and/or soft terrain, recovery devices may be used to assist.

By way of example, vehicle ladders have been used to provide a means of traction by placing the vehicle ladder under one or more wheels of the vehicle. When the vehicle ladder grips the terrain and provides sufficient traction between the one or more wheels, this assists in moving and recovering the vehicle.

Previous vehicle ladders have been directed towards, for example, providing a light weight vehicle ladder. However, these vehicle ladders have not been directed towards, for instance, improving the durability of the gripping teeth and providing further traction to prevent wheel spin and alike that may damage the product and reduce its life. Creating further traction between the vehicle ladder, the terrain and the wheel also improves the likelihood of moving and recovering the vehicle. In addition, an improvement in distributing the stress over a vehicle ladder also improves product life.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of this invention to provide a vehicular ladder which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a vehicular ladder including:

a body comprising a first plastic; and

one or more first teeth arranged on the body,

wherein the one or more first teeth include a second plastic that is different to the first plastic.

Preferably, the first plastic is more flexible compared to the second plastic. Typically, the first plastic has a higher impact resistance compared to the second plastic.

Preferably, the second plastic is more temperature resistant compared to the first plastic. Normally, the second plastic is more abrasion resistant compared to the first plastic.

Preferably, the first plastic includes nylon and/or rubber. Preferably, the first plastic includes PA6 and/or PA66. Normally, PA 6 is known as poly(hexano-6-lactam). Typically, PA66 is known as poly[imino(1,6-dioxohexamethylene) iminohexamethylene]. Preferably, the first plastic is in the form of Ultramid®. Normally, the first plastic is in the form of Ultramid® B3S.

Preferably, the second plastic includes sulfur, glass and/or rubber. Typically, the second plastic is in the form of poly(p-phenylene sulphide). Typically, the second plastic is in the form of Ryton® PPS. Normally, the second plastic is in the form of Ryton® R-4-220NA.

Normally, the body is moulded around portions of the one or more first teeth. In a further form, the one or more first teeth are releasably connected to the body. Typically, the body is integrally formed.

Preferably, the one or more first teeth include a base portion and an upstanding portion. Normally, the base portion includes a step portion. Typically, the body is moulded over the step portion. Normally, the upstanding portion is multifaceted. Preferably, the upstanding portion includes a substantially trapezoidal portion.

Normally, the one or more first teeth include a plurality of first teeth that are connected together. Typically the body is moulded over the connections between the plurality of first teeth.

Typically, the body is elongate. Preferably, the body is arcuate. Preferably, the body is arcuate in a longitudinal direction along the body. Preferably, the body is arcuate from substantially one end of the body to another end of the body.

Preferably, the body includes an upper portion. Preferably, at least the upper portion is arcuate. Preferably, a top face of the upper portion is arcuate. Preferably, the upper portion includes two side portions and a central portion. Normally, recess portions separate the two side portions from the central portion.

Preferably, the central portion includes at least two central parts separated by a central recess. Normally, the central parts include a wave pattern. Preferably, the central portion includes the one or more first teeth.

Preferably, the central recess extends a distance along the body that is substantially the same as one or more of the recess portions. In a further form, the central recess extends a distance along the body that is shorter than one or more of the recess portions. Preferably, a substantially parabolic volume is included between the shorter central recess and longer recess portions to assists in digging earthen material.

Preferably, one end portion of the body is devoid of teeth to assist in digging earthen material. Preferably, the one end portion extends approximately one tenth of the distance along the body. Preferably, the one end portion extends up to a quarter of the distance along the body.

Typically, the vehicular ladder includes one or more second teeth. Normally, the one or more second teeth define a different profile tooth compared to the one or more first teeth. Preferably, the one or more second teeth are elongate.

Normally, the one or more second teeth include an arcuate portion. Preferably, the arcuate portion assists in forming an arcuate profile across the body. Preferably, the arcuate portion is in the form of a concave portion. Preferably, the concave portion assists in forming a concave profile across the body. Typically, the arcuate portion of the one or more second teeth extends along a top edge thereof. Preferably, the arcuate portion extends in a direction towards a longitudinal axis of the body.

Preferably, the one or more second teeth extend in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the body. Normally, the second teeth include a main protrusion. Preferably, the main protrusion is connected to a transverse protrusion. Typically, the main protrusion is angled relatively to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the transverse protrusion extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In a further form, the transverse protrusion extends in a direction that is angled to the longitudinal axis.

Normally, the one or more second teeth are located along the two side portions. Typically, the one or more second teeth include a plurality of second teeth that are located at substantially equal distance intervals along the two side portions.

Typically, the one or more second teeth include the first plastic and/or the second plastic. Typically, the one more second teeth having the first plastic are integrally moulded with the body.

Preferably, the body is moulded around portions of the one or more second teeth that include the second plastic. Typically, the one or more second teeth having the second plastic include a base portion and an upstanding portion. Normally, the base portion includes a step portion where the body is moulded over. Typically, the upstanding portion includes the main protrusion and the transverse protrusion.

Normally, the body includes an underside portion. Preferably, the underside portion is defined by the shape of the upper portion.

Typically, the underside portion includes a lower face. Normally, the lower face abuts the recess portions and/or central recess portion. Typically, the lower face includes a plurality of protrusions. Preferably, the plurality of protrusions are substantially cross shape.

Preferably, the body includes a ramp. Preferably, the ramp extends in a downward direction from the upper portion. Normally, the ramp is tapered between the upper portion and the underside portion.

Preferably, the ramp includes a concave portion. Typically, the ramp includes a concave front edge.

Normally, the ramp includes the one or more first teeth. Normally, the one or more first teeth are arranged across the ramp. Typically, the ramp includes the one or more second teeth.

Typically, the ramp includes one or more apertures. Normally, the recess portions include one or more apertures. Preferably, the side portions include one or more pocket portions. Normally, the one or more pocket portions include an aperture therethrough.

Preferably, the body includes a handgrip portion. Typically, at least one of the side portions includes the handgrip portion. Normally, the handgrip portion is between the one or more second teeth. Preferably, the handgrip portion includes one or more protrusions. Preferably, the one or more protrusions taper to a ridge. Preferably, the one or more protrusions include concave side walls.

Preferably, the central recess and/or the recess portions include one or more apertures therein. Preferably, the one or more apertures in the central recess and/or recess portions are configured to receive a mounting bracket that carries the vehicular ladder.

In another form the invention resides in a vehicular ladder including:

a body comprising a first plastic; and

one or more first teeth arranged on the body,

wherein the body is substantially arcuate in a longitudinal direction along the body.

Preferably, the body includes a ramp. Preferably, the ramp extends at a different gradient to that defined by the body forming the arcuate.

Preferably, the body is substantially arcuate from one end of the body to another end of the body.

Preferably, the one or more first teeth include a second plastic that is different to the first plastic.

Preferably, the vehicular ladder is herein as described.

In another form the invention resides in a method for producing a vehicular ladder, the method including the steps of:

placing one or more first teeth into a mould; and

moulding a body comprising a first plastic around the one or more first teeth,

wherein the one or more first teeth include a second plastic that is different to the first plastic.

Preferably, the one or more first teeth include a plurality of first teeth and the step of placing the one or more first teeth into the mould includes arranging the plurality of first teeth along the mould.

Typically, the step of arranging the plurality of first teeth along the mould includes placing each tooth at a predetermined location along a central portion of the mould.

Normally, the step of arranging the plurality of first teeth along the mould includes orientating connections between the plurality of first teeth.

Alternatively, or additionally, the step of arranging the plurality of first teeth along the mould includes placing individual teeth at a predetermined location. Normally, the step of placing individual teeth at the predetermined location includes placing the individual teeth by hand and/or with a robot.

Preferably, the method further includes moulding the body around one or more second teeth.

Typically, the method further includes the step of moulding one or more second teeth with the body.

In another form the invention resides in a method for producing a vehicular ladder, the method including the steps of:moulding a body comprising a first plastic; andfixing one or more first teeth comprising a second plastic onto the body.

Normally, the step of moulding the body includes moulding one or more second teeth.

In a further form, the method further includes fixing one or more second teeth comprising the second plastic onto the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 3illustrate a vehicular ladder10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicular ladder10includes a body100, a plurality of first teeth200and a plurality of second teeth300.

The body100includes an upper portion110that has two side portions120and a central portion130. The central portion130is separated from the side portions120by recess portions125. The recess portions125form a channel between the side portions120and central portion130. The recess portions125include apertures127, as shown further inFIG. 2.

The side portions120include pocket portions122. The pocket portions122are located near the corner regions of the body100. The pocket portions122each include an aperture124. The side portions120also respectively include a handgrip portion126. The handgrip portions126are located in the middle of the side portions120. That is, the handgrip portions126are located between the pocket portions122in a central location along the side portions120. The handgrip portions126include a narrow segment, relative to an upper face of the side portions120, to assist in holding the handgrip portion126.

The central portion130includes two central parts132that are separated by a central recess135. The central recess135includes apertures137. The central parts132include three wave portions spaced apart by two straight portions. The wave portions are moulded such that they oscillate about a longitudinal axis of the central parts132.

The body100includes a ramp150. The ramp150extends in a downward direction from the upper portion110. The ramp150includes a concave portion. In this embodiment, the concave portion is in the form of a concave front edge154. The concave front edge154extends laterally across the body100. Positioned on the ramp150are also apertures157.

The body100also includes an underside portion160. The underside portion160is defined by the shape of the upper portion110. That is, for example, the central parts132of the upper portion110define troughs in the underside portion160whilst the recess portions125,135define peaks in the underside portion160. With this in mind, the peaks in the underside portion160define a lower surface. This lower surface includes a plurality of protrusions170. The protrusions170extend below the ramp150. The protrusions170are substantially cross-shaped in this embodiment, but it would be appreciated that other shapes may be used.

The body100is made of a first plastic in the form of Ultramid® B3S. The body100is integrally formed with the first plastic and, as outlined below, includes the first teeth200and second teeth300thereon.

As shown further inFIG. 4, the plurality of first teeth200in this embodiment include a base portion220and an upstanding portion230. The base portion220includes a step portion222. The upstanding portion230extends upwardly from the base portion220. The upstanding portion230is multifaceted and comprises a substantially trapezoidal shape. The upstanding portion230also includes an upper wedged shape edge232.

The plurality of first teeth200are located along the central parts132of the body100at predetermined locations. The location of the plurality of first teeth200are substantially mirrored about the longitudinal axis of the body100(i.e. the first teeth200are symmetrically located either side of the longitudinal axis of the body100). The plurality of first teeth200are also located along the ramp150. Similar to the first teeth200along the central parts132, the first teeth200along the ramp150are mirrored about the longitudinal axis of the body100.

As can be seen inFIG. 4, the first teeth200along the central parts132are not connected to adjacent first teeth200, but it can be appreciated in further embodiments that this feature may be included. The first teeth200along the ramp150are connected to adjacent first teeth200via connectors240.

The plurality of first teeth200are made of a second plastic, which is different to the first plastic included in the body100. The second plastic is more temperature and abrasion resistant compared to the first plastic. In this regard, the second plastic is harder than the first plastic, which is more flexible and impact resistant. In this embodiment, the second plastic is Ryton® R-4-220NA.

The plurality of first teeth200in this embodiment are mould-in teeth. That is, the plurality of first teeth200are moulded into the body100and protrude therefrom. In this regard, the first plastic of the body100is moulded over the step portion222to retain the first teeth200thereon. The connectors240are also covered by the first plastic of the body100. It would be appreciated that in further embodiments that, for example, the first teeth200may be releasably connected to the body100with, for instance, a screw-type fastening.

The plurality of second teeth300include integral second teeth320and moulded-in second teeth340. The integral second teeth320and the mould-in second teeth340are substantially the same shape, but the integral second teeth320are made of the first plastic whilst the mould-in second teeth340are made of the second plastic. With this in mind, the integral second teeth320, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, are integrally formed with the body100whilst the mould-in second teeth340are moulded thereover by the body100.

The tooth profile of second teeth300is different to the first teeth200. In particular, the integral second teeth320include a main protrusion324and a plurality of transverse protrusions326extending from the main protrusion324. It would be appreciated in further embodiments that the plurality of transverse protrusions326may be, for example, one protrusion. The main protrusion324includes an arcuate upper surface having concave upper edge328. This concave upper edge328assists in forming a concave shape across the body100.

Similarly, the mould-in second teeth340include a main protrusion344, with a concave upper edge348, and a plurality of transverse protrusions346extending from the main protrusion344. The mould-in second teeth340also include a base portion342having step portion (not shown). The body100is moulded over the step portion to retain the mould-in second teeth340thereon.

The integral second teeth320and the mould-in second teeth340sit outboard of the first teeth200. The second teeth300are substantially mirrored about the longitudinal axis of the body100(i.e. the second teeth300are symmetrically located either side of the longitudinal axis of the body100). The integral second teeth320are located along the side portions120. That is, the integral second teeth320substantially form a linear pattern along the side portions120, adjacent to the handgrip portions126. It would be appreciated that the mould-in second teeth320may replace the integral second teeth320, in further embodiments.

The mould-in second teeth340are located on the ramp150. In particular, the mould-in second teeth340are located forward of the concave front edge154along the side regions of the ramp150. In a preferred embodiment, the mould-in second teeth340are connected to the teeth200on the ramp150, outboard thereof.

The second teeth300extend substantially in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the body100. That is, the main protrusions324,344extend in a first direction inclined (i.e. angled) to the longitudinal axis of the body100. As shown further inFIG. 2, the transverse protrusions326,346extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body100but, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the transverse protrusions326,346may be inclined (i.e. angled) to the longitudinal axis.

FIGS. 5 to 7illustrate a vehicular ladder1010, according to a further embodiment of the invention. The vehicular ladder1010is similar to the vehicular ladder10and, therefore, like numbering has been used. However, notable differences between the vehicular ladder10and the vehicular ladder1010are further noted below.

The vehicular ladder1010includes a body1100, a plurality of first teeth1200and a plurality of second teeth1300. In the same manner as vehicular ladder10, the body1100of vehicular ladder1010includes an upper portion1110that has two side portions1120and a central portion1130. Recess portions1125separate the central portion1130from the side portions1120. A plurality of apertures1127extend along the recess portions1125to act as mounting points and/or drainage points.

The side portions1120include pocket portions1122. The pocket portions1122each include an aperture1124that act as, for example, a mounting point when the vehicular ladder1010is in use. The side portions1120also respectively include handgrip portions1126. The handgrip portions include a narrow segment, relative to an upper face of the side portions120, to assist in gripping the handgrip portions1126. In this embodiment, the handgrip portions1126also include one or more protrusions1128therefrom that assist in acting as type grips when the vehicular ladder1010is in use. The protrusions1128include concave side walls that taper to a narrow ridge.

The central portion1130includes two central parts1132that are separated by a central recess1135. The central recess1135includes apertures1137. Similar to apertures1127, the aperture1137act as mounting points and/or drainage points. Normally, a number of the apertures1137in a middle portion of the body1100(in both a lateral and longitudinal direction) are located adjacent to apertures1127such that a mounting bracket can be attached in the centre of the vehicular ladder1010. The apertures1137,1127in the middle portion of the body1100substantially form a diamond pattern. In addition, the central recess1135in this embodiment extends a shorter distance along the body1100in comparison to recess portions1125. That is, the central recess1135does not extend as far along the end portion1180in comparison to recess portions1125. This assists in creating a further suitable volume between recess portions1125, at the end portion1180, to help in digging earthen material.

The body1100includes a ramp1150. The ramp1150is located at an opposite end to end portion1180. The ramp1150extends in a downward direction from the upper portion1110. The ramp1150includes a concave portion. In this embodiment, the concave portion is in the form of a concave front edge1154. The concave front edge1154extends laterally across the body1100. Positioned on the ramp1150are also apertures1157.

The body1100also includes an underside portion1160. The underside portion1160is defined by the shape of the upper portion1110. That is, for example, the central parts1132of the upper portion1110define troughs in the underside portion1160whilst the recess portions1125,1135define peaks in the underside portion1160. As shown further inFIG. 6, ribs1158are positioned to assist in stiffening the ramp1150. At end portion1160, ribs1182extend from the recess portions1125to the end of the body1100. The central recess1135has been shortened and rib1182extends therefrom to the end of the body1100.

Like the body100, the body1100is made of a first plastic in the form of Ultramid® B3S. The body1100is integrally formed with the first plastic and, as outlined below, includes the first teeth1200and second teeth1300thereon. As shown further inFIG. 7, the body1100is also arcuate in a longitudinal direction thereof. That is, the body1100is substantially curved from one end of the body1100to the other end of the body1100in this further embodiment. The curve is included at least along the upper portion1110of the body1100. This is shown by the arcuate axis1012extending along the upper surface of the body1100.

The plurality of first teeth1200include a base portion1220and an upstanding portion1230. The base portion1220includes a step portion (not shown). The upstanding portion1230extends upwardly from the base portion1220. The upstanding portion1230is multifaceted and comprises a substantially trapezoidal shape. The upstanding portion230also includes an upper face1232that is substantially planar.

The plurality of first teeth1200are located along the central parts1132of the body1100at predetermined locations. The location of the plurality of first teeth1200are substantially mirrored about the longitudinal axis of the body1100(i.e. the first teeth1200are symmetrically located either side of the longitudinal axis of the body1100). The plurality of first teeth1200are also located along the ramp1150. Similar to the first teeth1200along the central parts1132, the first teeth1200along the ramp1150are mirrored about the longitudinal axis of the body1100.

The plurality of first teeth1200are made of a second plastic, which is different to the first plastic included in the body1100. The second plastic is more temperature and abrasion resistant compared to the first plastic. In this regard, the second plastic is harder than the first plastic, which is more flexible and impact resistant. In this embodiment, the second plastic is Ryton® R-4-220NA.

The plurality of first teeth1200are mould-in teeth in this embodiment. That is, the plurality of first teeth1200are moulded into the body1100and protrude therefrom. In this regard, the first plastic of the body1100is moulded over the step portion to retain the first teeth1200thereon.

In comparison to the vehicular ladder10, the plurality of second teeth1300in the vehicular ladder1010include moulded-in second teeth1340only. The mould-in second teeth1340are made of the second plastic. The tooth profile of second teeth1300is different to the first teeth1200. In particular, the mould-in second teeth1340include a main protrusion1344, with at least a partially arcuate upper edge1348, and a plurality of transverse protrusions1346extending from the main protrusion1344. The mould-in second teeth1340also include a base portion1342having step portion (not shown). The body1100is moulded over the step portion to retain the mould-in second teeth1340thereon.

The second teeth1300are substantially mirrored about the longitudinal axis of the body1100(i.e. the second teeth1300are symmetrically located either side of the longitudinal axis of the body1100). The mould-in second teeth1340sit outboard of the first teeth1200. That is, the mould-in second teeth1340are located along the side portions1120. In this regard, the mould-in second teeth1340substantially forma linear pattern along the side portions1120, adjacent to the handgrip portions1126. The mould-in second teeth1340are also located on the ramp1150. In particular, the mould-in second teeth1340are located forward of the concave front edge1154along the side regions of the ramp1150.

The second teeth1300extend substantially in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the body1100. That is, the main protrusions1344extend in a first direction inclined (i.e. angled) to the longitudinal axis of the body100. The transverse protrusions1346extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body1100but, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the transverse protrusions1346may be inclined (i.e. angled) to the longitudinal axis.

The end portion1180of the body1100assists in forming a shovel on the end of the body1100. In this regard, the end portion1180is devoid of teeth1200,1300to assist help driving the vehicular ladder1010into a ground surface when being used as a shovel.

In order to produce the vehicular ladder10,1010, the plurality of first teeth200,1200are placed into a mould at predetermined locations. The mould-in second teeth340,1340are also placed into the mould at predetermined locations along the body100,1100.

After the above, the body100,1100is moulded around the first teeth200,1200and the mould-in second teeth340,1340. In particular, the body100,1100is moulded over the step portion222,1222of the first teeth200,1200and the step portion of the mould-in second teeth340,1340. This allows the first teeth200,1200and mould-in second teeth340,1340to be retained on the body100,1100.

During the moulding of the body100, the integral second teeth320are formed. In addition, during moulding the body100,1100the other features of the body100,1100(e.g. the side portions120,1120, central portions130,1130, ramps150,1150etc.) are formed. In further embodiments it can be appreciated that, for example, the body100,1100may first be moulded and then the first teeth200,1200and/or the mould-in teeth340,1340are fixed thereon. In this further embodiment, the first teeth200,1200and/or the mould-in second teeth340,1340may be releasably fixed onto the body100,1100.

In response to a vehicle becoming stuck, the concave front edge154,1154of the vehicular ladder10,1010is wedged adjacent to a lower part of a wheel on the terrain. To access the lower part of the wheel, the vehicular ladder10,1010may have to be used as a shovel where, for instance, the end portion1180is used as a digging implement. Ideally, a vehicular ladder10,1010is wedged adjacent to each wheel of the vehicle, at a lower part thereof, to recovery the vehicle. To secure the vehicular ladder10,1010to the terrain, pegs or alike may be passed through the apertures124,127,157,1124,1127,1157. The underside portion160,1160of the ramp10,1010also engages with the terrain via, for example, the protrusions170.

Once each vehicular ladder10,1010is in place, the wheels are normally spun in a direction towards the vehicular ladders10,1010. This in turn ideally results in: i) each wheel engaging the first teeth200,1200; ii) the outside profiled grooves of each wheel engaging the second teeth300,1300; and iii) the wheels moving over each vehicular ladder10,1010. As the wheels move over each vehicular ladder10,1010the vehicle is normally recovered from its stuck/bogged position.

The body100,1100of the first material is more ductile and impact resistant in comparison to the second material. This assists in providing a durable base for the wheels of the vehicle to drive over.

As the wheels generate heat and alike whilst being spun (or rotated) over the vehicular ladders10,1010, the first teeth200,1200, which bear the bulk of the force from the spinning wheels, are more likely to avoid damage and deformation due to the second plastic being highly temperature and abrasion resistant, relative to the first plastic. This is in turn improves the performance of the vehicular ladder10,1010by, for example, maintaining the traction between the wheel and the vehicular ladder10,1010.

The second teeth300,1300are profiled in a specific manner (i.e. elongate and concave) to engage with the outside profile grooves of each wheel. The outside profile grooves of different makes of wheels normally have a common denominator. Engagement between the second teeth300,1300and the outside profile groves of each wheel assists in creating traction between the wheel and the vehicular ladder10,1010. This is in turn assists in recovering the vehicle.

With the above in mind, it would be appreciated that the arrangement of first teeth200,1200and second teeth300,1300may be designed to cater for different wheels (or tyres). This again will again will assists in creating traction between the wheel and the vehicular ladder10,1010and, therefore, recovering the vehicle.

The concave front edge154,1154assist is following the curved shape of a wheel (i.e. assisting in hugging the shape of an off-road tyre). This again increases the chances of the wheel gripping the vehicular ladder10,1010and the vehicle being recovered.

Other advantages of the vehicular ladder10,1010include the connectors240,1240allowing the first teeth200,1200and, in further embodiment the second teeth300,1300to be placed in a simple grid like fashion in a moulding tool. This reduces the work associated with loading the moulding tool and, therefore, improves efficiency.

The arcuate shape of body1100, substantially from one end of the vehicular ladder1010to the other, also assists in strengthening and distributing stress along the vehicular ladder1010. The apertures127,137,1127,1137and patterns associated therewith assist in forming drainage holes and, for example, mounting a bracket through the middle of the body1100for travel purposes. The handgrip portions126,1126assist in carrying the vehicular ladders10,1010and, in the case of handgrip portions1126, the protrusions1128are shaped to assist in gripping a tyre during use. The shovel portion (i.e. end portion1180) of the vehicular ladder1010is also devoid of teeth and the shorten central recess1135assists in shovelling earthen material when required.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.