ADJUSTABLE EXTENSION LADDER LEG

Abstract: A standard single or A-frame metal or wooden ladder placed on an uneven, sloping or stepped surface does not remain perpendicular and safe for mounting. The Adjustable Extension Leg is fitted to either or both legs of the ladder or depending on the design is incorporated internally or externally to both legs of a newly manufactured ladder. Body (1) and (2) are fully adjustable to size and shape of any ladder. The body will slide to stabilise the ladder in a perpendicular position for safe mounting. An adjustable swivel rubber foot at the base of the extension leg stabilises and secures the ladder on an uneven or sloping surface. Body (1) and (2) can be slid off the ladder by loosening the securing mechanism. On newly manufactured ladders incorporating the extension leg in both legs, the extension leg is not removed but secured in equal lengths for use on a horizontal surface.

Description: ADJUSTABLE EXTENSION LADDER LEG This invention relates to an adjustable extension ladder leg. or a combination of two adjustable extension legs Single ladders or A-frame ladders are well known and used commercially or domestically, enablmg the user to mount it to reach areas normally out of reach The two legs of the ladder are equal m length so that the ladder remains perpendicular on flat horizontal surfaces rendering the ladder safe to mount Uneven, slopmg or stepped surfaces render the ladder unsafe for mounting According to the present invention this adjustable extension ladder leg when attached to either leg of a single ladder or both legs of an A-frame folding ladder (externally or internally adapted), it will slide up or down the ladder leg or legs so as to lengthen or shorten the one side This ensures that the ladder in use. remains perpendicular and safe during use on an uneven horizontal surface, be it a slopmg or a stepped surface A rubber swivel foot, which inclines to match any slope, renders through adjusting, the ladder safe and secure This invention can be incorporated mto newly manufactured ladder legs so adjustment to each leg can be made to render the ladder safe on uneven, slopmg or stepped surfaces The mam novelty of this invention is that the extension leg is infinitely adjustable in width and depth So as. to fit the side of any existing manufactured ladder, no matter what the width and depth of the ladder side is Secondh the extension leg is easily transferable from one ladder to another ladder instead of being permanently attached to one specific ladder, as in similar patented designs A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1- shows in perspective the extension ladder leg with its swivel rubber foot that is able to adjust m length and to any inclined footing Figure 2- shows a standard ladder with one leg restmg on a step and the other suspended. The extension ladder leg has been secured m a position to render the ladder perpendicular and safe for mounting Figure 3- shows the adjustable extension ladder leg attached to a standard ladder, which is being used on an uneven slopmg surface The extension leg secures the perpendicular position of the ladder as well as the adjustable swivel rubber foot takes up the angle of the uneven surface Figure 4- shows an exploded view of the adjustable extension ladder leg. it's securing system and adjustable swivel rubber foot Figure 5- shows two adjustable extension ladder legs attached to an A-frame ladder and linked by an adjustable sliding bar which also secures the ladder m an open position preventing it collapsing Figure 6- shows a cross-section of the adjustable sliding bar that secures the open position of an A- frame ladder Referring to the drawings, the extension ladder leg consists of two overlappmg moveable sections- bodies 1 and 2 Reasonably secured to each other (by holding bolts 3. 4. 5 and 6) for adjustmg the width and depth of the unit, fitting any ladder design, by for example a bolt, wing nut or a similar means at points 3 and 4 This secures the width of any ladder selected Wing nut bolts with swi el rubber covered plates at 5 and 6 or similar quick release securing levers secures the desired position of the extension leg 7 on the ladder Plus adjusting to any depth of ladder selected At the lo er end of the extension leg 7 is an adjustable up and down, swivel rubber foot at 9 By sliding and position the extension leg body higher up the ladder side, it will not interfere with the ladder use on normal horizontal surfaces In order to fit or remove the extension leg body from either leg of the ladder, the bolts, wing nuts or similar securing levers at 5 and 6 can be loosened, and then bodies 1 and 2 can slide off the bottom of the ladder to which it has been attached. As shown in figure 2. In order to secure the perpendicular position of a standard ladder, be it on stepped, sloping or uneven surfaces, the Extension leg 7 slides up and down to secure an approximate position of correct length by securing the body 1 and 2 to the ladder by wing nuts or similar quick release levers at 5 and 6. Fine adjustment for correct perpendicular positioning is done by checking the spirit level bubble at 8 and by fine tuning the length by adjusting the swivel foot at 9. Reference Numbers of Drawing 1/3, 2/3, 3/3. Drawing 1/3, 2/3. and 3/3. 1. Sliding body. 2. Sliding body. 3. Wing nut or similar securing device. 4. Wing nut or similar securing device. 5. Wing nut bolt with swivel rubber plate or similar quick release securing lever. 6. Wing nut bolt with swivel rubber plate or similar quick release securing lever. 7. Extension leg. 8. Spirit level bubble. 9. Adjustable swivel rubber foot. 10. Extension ladder unit. 11. Folding A-frame ladder. 12. Standard securing bar of A-frame ladder. 13. Securing wing nut for sliding bar (14) attachment to double A-frame extension ladder unit. 14. Sliding bar unit for securing the open position of an A-frame ladder (11). 15. Securing knurled knob for sliding bar ( 14). 16. Inner sliding bar of sliding bar unit (14). 17. Rubber securing plate of knurled knob (15).

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An adjustable extension leg for an existing or newly manufactured single ladder or combination of two adjustable extension legs for A-frame ladders. Each of these comprises of two sliding sections which are adjustable for width and depth to form a securing body which is releasably engageable with either leg of the specific ladder in use.The body being adapted to slide up and down either ladder leg so as to lengthen or shorten one side to make the ladder safe, secure and perpendicular for mounting on an uneven, sloping or stepped surface and having an adjustable swivel rubber foot at the base of the extension leg, helping to fine tune the perpendicular position of the ladder on any type of surface. 2. An adjustable extension leg as claimed in 1 where a catchment means is provided to arrest the sliding up and down of the body thus securing the correct desired position for the required length of the ladder to render the ladder stable and safe for mounting on sloping, uneven or stepped surfaces. 3. An adjustable extension leg according to claim 1 or 2 having a spirit level bubble in the said body to fine tune the perpendicular position of the ladder to which the extension leg is attached. 4. An adjustable extension leg substantially as described here in with reference to figures 1-6 of the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: VEEN DAVID RICHARD HENDRIK, VEEN, DAVID, RICHARD, HENDRIK
Applicants: VEEN DAVID RICHARD HENDRIK, VEEN, DAVID, RICHARD, HENDRIK
Application year: 2001
Main classification: E06C7
IPC codes: E06C7