Patent Publication Number: US-2010116589-A1

Title: Gutter protection and ladder support apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/114,393, filed Nov. 13, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to gutter protection devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus designed to securely support a ladder which is placed against a gutter and to protect the gutter from potential damage caused by a ladder placed against it. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The construction of gutters and the placement thereof against the fascia board of a building structure is well known in the art. Gutters are typically made of a thin extruded material such as aluminum or vinyl and are subject to damage when ladders are placed against them, particularly when workmen or a homeowner climbs up and down a ladder so positioned carrying heavy loads, such as shingles or other roofing materials. The pressure exerted by a ladder against a gutter under these conditions typically bends or crushes it, which not only destroys the aesthetics of the guttered roofline, but also may cause clogging of the gutter and present an unstable and hazardous ladder position. 
     Considerable prior art exists which shows various attempts at solving these related problems. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,071 issued to Stennett on Oct. 25, 1994 discloses a gutter protecting ladder attachment which fits inside a gutter channel and includes a pair of spaced apart legs and a transversely extending support rod disposed through each of the legs and a hollow rung of the ladder which are designed to provide support therefor. However, the structure of this device is fixed in dimension so that only ladders that are sufficiently narrow in width to fit between the supporting legs may be used in conjunction with it. Moreover, it is susceptible to bending and distortion through repeated use, and, eventually, would become misaligned to the point where it would require straightening prior to continued use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,401 issued to Murray on Mar. 12, 2002 discloses a U-shaped gutter saver and ladder support which fits over the gutter channel and rests against the fascia board to which the gutter is affixed. This device includes a pair of spaced apart brackets which are positioned to prevent the ladder from sliding laterally. However, the support disclosed in the &#39;401 patent is positioned to rest over the gutter up against the fascia board and, being unsecured thereto, is susceptible to being dropped during the installation and removal process or slippage while in use. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for an improved lightweight yet strong and stable gutter protection and ladder support apparatus which will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to achieve the above mentioned object and other objects of the present invention, a gutter protection and ladder support apparatus is provided that basically comprises a plate section and a ladder securing apparatus. The plate section has a plate surface that is bent to form a first face member and a second face member. The first face member is formed at an angle from the plate surface. The ladder securing apparatus is connected to the plate section and is configured to secure a ladder against the plate section. The ladder securing apparatus is adjustable for selective fastening of the ladder to the plate section. 
     These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a gutter protection and ladder support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus installed on a roof and having a ladder secured by a first embodiment of a ladder securing means; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the apparatus installation of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a close up view of a portion of the ladder securing means in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a front plane view of the apparatus installation of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a ladder mount apparatus, in accordance with a second embodiment of the ladder securing means, mounted to the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is a magnified perspective view of the ladder mount apparatus mounted to the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus; 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of a gutter with the second embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus disposed therein; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of that shown in  FIG. 8B . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus; 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of a gutter with the third embodiment inserted and partially folded in the gutter; 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of a gutter with the third embodiment installed therein; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus with first and second portions separated; 
         FIG. 13A  is an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus; 
         FIG. 13B  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment for connecting the separate first and second portions; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment with the first and second portions attached; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the ladder mount apparatus; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-section of a ladder coupled at an outer rail to the fourth embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus by the fourth embodiment of the ladder mount apparatus; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-section of a ladder coupled at an inner rail to the fourth embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus by the fourth embodiment of the ladder mount apparatus; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus installed over a gutter; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus installed in and over a gutter; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross section of the ladder support apparatus and gutter of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a ladder support apparatus coupled to a pivot piece attached to a fascia board; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the pivot piece in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23A  is a rear perspective view of a ladder support apparatus having support members forming a narrow aperture to accommodate a band in a gutter; and 
         FIG. 23B  is a rear perspective view of a ladder support apparatus having support members forming a wide aperture to accommodate a band in a gutter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular, to  FIG. 1 , a gutter protection and ladder support apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at  100 . In the embodiment shown, the apparatus is formed from metal, by way of example a light gauge steel or aluminum sheet or plate  102 ; although, other materials and configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The plate  102  is bent along an edge or corner  104  to form a first face member  106 , which is formed at an angle to the plate surface  108  to permit a ladder  150  to be leaned up against it. Specifically, the angle of the first face member  106  ensures placement of the ladder  150 , resting thereon, at an angle ideal for a workman or homeowner to safely ascend or descend the ladder  150 , especially when carrying a load. A second bend along edge or corner  110  forms a second face member  112  which is also generally perpendicular to plate surface  108  and substantially parallel to the first face member  106 . The first face member  106  further contains a plurality of apertures  114  formed therein which are adapted to receive means  120  for securing a ladder which may be placed against the apparatus  100  after it is secured to a roof or other building structure. 
     In another embodiment, the ladder support apparatus  100  may be comprised of two plates which are mirror images of one another and overlap to form generally the same configuration as plate  102  in the above-referenced embodiment. In the alternate embodiment, the two overlapping plates are slideably juxtaposed one on top of the other so that the plates may be adjusted to fit gutters of varying sizes and configurations. One plate would be secured to the fascia board as before, and the second plate would be secured to a ladder. The plates are attached to each other to prevent shifting once in position by suitable fastening means such as by threaded fasteners, releasable clamps, and the like, and may be loosened and moved to a new position along a roof structure, as needed. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the ladder securing means or apparatus  120  is coupled to the first face member  106  on which the ladder  150  rests to ensure a sturdy and secure ladder  150  with less play or movement. The ladder securing means  120  comprises a turnbuckle  122  disposed in one of the apertures  114  and having a first end  124  extending therethrough, a chain  126  secured to the first end  124  of the turnbuckle and extending along the back surface  128  of the first face member and then outwardly through aperture  114 . The chain  126  includes a second end  130  which is adapted to be received by a hook  132  formed in a second end  134  of the turnbuckle  122 . The chain is of sufficient length to be adjustably secured around the legs of a ladder positioned against the apparatus and may be either lengthened or shortened, depending upon the ladder size. While a chain/turnbuckle system is illustrated in the figures, it is to be understood that it is for purposes of illustration only, and other securing means may be employed without departing from the scope of the instant invention. By way of example, a ladder  150  may be secured to the apparatus by Velcro straps, a releasable lever with an eccentric cam device to retain it in a locked position, adjustable, releasable straps analogous to those used for seat belts in automotive applications, and the like. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2-5 , the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100  of the present invention is shown installed on the side of a building roof structure  140 . The roof structure includes a shingled roofing surface  141 , a fascia board  142  extending generally vertically downwardly from the roofing surface, and a gutter  144  secured to the side of the structure  140  and arranged for catching water runoff from the roofing surface  141 , as is known in the art. 
     The gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100  is secured to the fascia board  142  by means of suitable fasteners, which in the instant embodiment, are in the form of a plurality of threaded screws, one of which is shown at  146 , that may be removably inserted through apertures formed in the second face member  112 . A ladder  150  having a pair of extensible legs  152  is positioned leaning against the support apparatus and releasably secured thereto by means of the chains  126  and turnbuckles  122 . The width of the support apparatus  100  is such that it may accommodate ladders  150  of varying sizes, and the chains and turnbuckles may be adjusted to adapt to ladders  150  of varying widths and legs of varying sizes so that the ladder  150  itself is tightly secured against the first face member  106 . By tightening the turnbuckle  122 , the ladder  150  may be rigidly secured to the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100  such that a workman or homeowner may carry heavy loads up and down the ladder without fear that it will shift sideways or slide out from beneath him or her. 
     As an alternative to the ladder securing means  120  described above,  FIGS. 6 and 7  provide an embodiment for securing the ladder  150  to the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100  that includes a ladder mount apparatus  154 . The ladder mount apparatus  154  is directly coupled to the first face member  106 , on which the ladder  150  rests. The ladder mount apparatus  154  is formed from metal, by way of example, a light gauge steel or aluminum sheet or plate  102 ; although, other materials and configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further examples of materials for the ladder mount apparatus  154  include alloys, such as steel, brass, bronze and duralumin, plastic, wood, high density polyethelene, PVC, polycarbonate, accrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or polycarbonate/accrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The ladder mount apparatus  154  includes a mount portion  156 , a connector portion  168  and a securing portion  172  to effectively secure the ladder  150  to the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100 . The ladder mount apparatus  154  is bent on both ends of the connector portion  168  to form the mount portion  156  and the securing portion  172 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7 , the ladder mount apparatus  154  is an integral, unitary, one-piece member. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the ladder mount apparatus  154  can have several parts coupled together. For example, the connector portion  168  may include adjustable plates together with a coupling-adjustment device that allow the length of the connector portion  168  to be lengthened or shortened. 
     The securing portion  172  includes a first securing member  174  and a second securing member  176 . The first securing member  174  extends from an end of the connector portion  168  and is configured to also extend along a face of the leg  152  of the ladder  150 . The first securing member  174  extends generally perpendicular to the connector portion  168  and is substantially parallel to the first face member  106  when the ladder mount apparatus  154  is mounted to the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100 . The second securing member  176  extends from an end of the first securing member  174  that is opposite the connector portion  168 . The second securing member  176  acts as a guard or closure to secure the ladder  150  between the second securing member  176  and the connector portion  168 . The second securing member  176  extends generally perpendicular from the first securing member  174 . 
     At the end of the connector portion  168  opposite the first securing member  174  is the mount portion  156 . The mount portion  156  extends generally perpendicular from the connector portion  168 . In addition, the mount portion  156  is configured to rest on the first face member  106  and generally extends parallel to the first face member  106 . The mount portion  156  has a slot  162  located substantially in the center of the mount portion  156 . The slot  162  extends longitudinally along the mount portion  156 . A threaded rod  164  and wing nut  166  constitute one example of a means for securing the ladder mount apparatus  154  to the ladder support apparatus. The threaded rod  164  can be inserted through one of the apertures  114  and welded to a surface opposite or on the backside of the first face member  106 . Alternatively, the threaded rod  164  can be a bolt, wherein a head of the bolt is on the backside of the first face member and the threaded portion attaches to the wing nut  166 . Thus, the ladder  150  is clamped onto the first face member  106  by placing the threaded rod  164  through the slot  162  of the ladder mount apparatus  154  and tightening the wing nut  166  such that the ladder mount apparatus  154  cannot move relative to the threaded rod  164 . The slot  162  allows selective longitudinal movement of the ladder mount apparatus  154  for adjustment according to the position of the ladder  150 , rather than adjusting the position of the ladder  150  relative to the ladder mount apparatus  154 . The slot  162  also allows ladders  150  of different sizes or widths to be used with the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100 . 
     In operation, the ladder mount apparatus  154  serves to trap or secure the ladder  150  to the gutter protection and ladder support apparatus  100  to ensure limited or no ladder  150  movements while a workman or homeowner ascends or descends the ladder  150 . That is, the connector portion  168  is on the outer side of the ladder  150 , the first securing member  174  is over the upper face of the ladder  150  and the second securing member  176  is on an inner side of the ladder  150 . Thus, the ladder mount apparatus  154  of the present invention provides a rigid structure on three surfaces of the ladder  150 . The connector portion  168  has a length such that it positions the first securing member  174  so that it may extend over the upper face of the ladder  150 . The length of the connector portion  168  is about the same as a width of the extensible leg  152  and the non-extensible leg of the ladder  150 . Alternatively, the ladder mount apparatus  154  may be provided with a connector portion  168  having a length that is about the same as the non-extensible leg. This is advantageous if the workman or homeowner ascends or descends while carrying a load and most advantageous if carrying an unbalanced load, i.e. the load is carried away from the person&#39;s center of gravity. 
     The slot  162  enables the ladder mount apparatus  154  to be selectively adjustable or slideably moveable in the longitudinal direction of the first face member  106 . Thus, not only does the ladder mount apparatus  154  place a clamping force on the ladder  150  (down toward first face member  106 ), but the ladder mount apparatus  154  may also place a lateral force (in the longitudinal direction of the first face member  106 ) on the ladder  150  from both inner sides of the ladder  150  via the second securing member  176 , thereby increasing the hold on the ladder  150  and the sturdiness of the ladder. Alternatively, the pair of ladder mount apparatuses  154  may place a squeezing force on the ladder  150  by sliding the ladder mount apparatus  154  such that the connector portions  168  push on the outer sides of the ladder  150 —followed by tightening the wing nut  166  such that the ladder mount apparatus  154  cannot move relative to the threaded rod  164 . 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is but one example of the ladder mount apparatus  154 . It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the ladder mount apparatus  154  can be serpentine or the like, i.e. the corners do not have to be angled, but can be curved, chamfered, etc. 
     While only one ladder mount apparatus  154  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , and indeed, only one may be used in operation, it is preferable that a pair of the ladder mount apparatuses  154  is disposed on the first face member  106  as mirror images of one another. Furthermore, washers may be used in conjunction with the wing nut  166  and the threaded rod  164 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a second embodiment of the ladder support apparatus  200  that is adjustable. The ladder support apparatus  200  advantageously avoids attachment to the fascia board  142  via screws. The ladder support apparatus  200  includes a plate  202  having a first face member  206  that provides a surface, on which the ladder  105  can rest, and a second face member  212 . The second face member  212  is configured to be placed against the fascia board  142 . The ladder support apparatus  200  further includes a first translation screw  208  and a second translation screw  210 . The first and second translation screws  208 ,  210  rotate within the second face member  212 . The first and second translation screws  208 ,  210  and the plate  202  can be formed from metal, by way of example, a light gauge steel or aluminum; although, other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Examples of other materials include alloys, such as steel, brass, bronze and duralumin, plastic, wood, high density polyethelene, PVC, polycarbonate, accrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or polycarbonate/accrylonitrile butadiene styrene. 
     The second face member  212  has an opening  234  at each end with a bearing  236  in each opening  234 . The bearings  236 , which are coupled to the first and second translation screws  208 ,  210  facilitate rotational movement of the first and second translation screws  208 ,  210 . The plate  202  includes a first nut section  216  and a second nut section  218 , each of which have female threads therein. The first and second nut sections  216 ,  218  are attached to an underside of the plate  202  at respective ends of the plate  202 . The first translation screw  208  extends through the first nut section  216  and male threads of the first translation screw  208  mate with female threads of the first nut section  216 . Likewise, the second translation screw  210  extends through the second nut section  218  and the male threads of the second translation screw  210  mate with the female threads of the second nut section  218 . The first and second translation screws  208 ,  210 , have a handle  228  and  230 , respectively. The handles  228 ,  230  are used to rotate the respective translation screw  208 ,  210 . When the first or second translation screw  208 ,  210  is rotated in the bearing  236 , the rotational movement is translated into axial movement of the plate  202 . 
     The first and second translation screws  208 ,  210  each have a self-locking mechanism that is advantageous for the workman or homeowner. Specifically, when the first or second translation screw  208 ,  210  is not rotated, axial movement of the plate  202  is prevented via the mated male and female threads. The translation screws  208 ,  210  and nut sections  216 ,  218  provide accurate axial motion of the plate  202  in a compact construction that is advantageous for placement in the limited area of the gutter  144 . Furthermore, the translation screws  208 ,  210  operate in a smooth, noiseless manner and are virtually maintenance free. Furthermore, the ladder support apparatus  200  has few parts, which reduces cost and generally increases reliability. 
     The plate  202  further includes a flange  224  having a tongue  226 . The flange  224  extends downwardly on a side closest to the second face member  212  from a bottom surface of the plate  202  in a generally perpendicular direction from the plate  202 . The tongue  226  extends from an end of the flange  224  opposite the plate  202  in a generally perpendicular direction from the flange  224 . The tongue  226  is configured to contact the inside of the front or outermost part  143  of the gutter  144 . The outermost part  143  of the gutter  144  is bent to form a pocket  141 , as shown in the cross-sectional view of the gutter  144  in  FIG. 9 . Preferably, the flange  224  and tongue  226  hook into the outermost part  143  of the gutter  144  at the pocket  141  as illustrated in  FIG. 8B .  FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the nut sections  216 ,  218  wherein a translation screw  208  passes through the plate  202 . 
     Thus, in operation, the second face member  212  is placed against the fascia board  142  with the plate  202  preferably adjacent the second face member  212  and the first and second translation screws  208 ,  210  are turned such that the plate  202  moves axially in a direction away from the second face member  212  until the flange  224  and tongue  226  hook into the pocket  141 . The first and second translation screws  208 ,  210  are rotated until there is a sufficient amount of force on the outermost part  143  to wedge the second face member  212  and the flange  224  (via the tongue  226 ) between the fascia board  142  and the outermost part  143 , yet avoid bending the gutter  144 . Once the ladder support apparatus  200  is in position at the gutter  144 , the first face member  206  protects the gutter  144  since it is disposed in front of the outermost part  143 , thereby serving as a surface for the ladder  150  to rest thereon. 
     The ladder  150  is secured to the ladder support apparatus  200  by a third embodiment of the ladder securing means or apparatus  120 , which includes a ladder mount apparatus  254 . The ladder mount apparatus  254  includes a third translation screw  214  having a handle  232 , a third nut section  220  and a fourth nut section  222 . The third and fourth nut sections  220 ,  222  both receive the third translation screw  214 . Specifically, male threads of the third translation screw  214  mate with female threads of the third and fourth nut sections  220 ,  222 . The third nut section  220  is immovably disposed on the underside of the plate  202 , whereas the fourth nut section  222  is movable relative to the third nut section  220  by rotating the third translation screw  214 . One end of each of the chains  126  is secured to the first face member  206  in the same location as the hooks  132  in  FIG. 1 , for example. The chains  126  are wrapped around the stiles  151  of the ladder  150  and the other end of each of the chains  126  is guided between the stiles  151  to be attached to the fourth nut  222 . The rotation of the third screw  214  causes the fourth nut section  222  to move axially. To tighten the chains  126 , the third screw  214  is rotated via the handle  232  such that the fourth nut section  222  moves axially away from the plate  202  and the third nut section  220 . Thus, the fourth nut section  222  can be selectively positioned to provide a desired amount of tension in the chains  126  as the workman or homeowner needs to safely secure the ladder  150  to the first face member  206 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a third embodiment of the ladder support apparatus  300  that snaps into place at the gutter  144 . The ladder support apparatus  300  includes a plate  302  having a first face member  306 , and a second face member  312 . The plate  302  includes a first portion  303 , a second portion  305 , a hinge  315 , a sub-layer  323 , a flange  324  and a tongue  326 . The plate  302  can be formed from metal, by way of example, a light gauge steel or aluminum; although, other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Examples of other materials include alloys, such as steel, brass, bronze and duralumin, plastic, wood, high density polyethelene, PVC, polycarbonate, accrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or polycarbonate/accrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The hinge  315  is disposed between the first face member  306  and the second face member  312 . Specifically, the hinge  315  is disposed between the first and second portions  303  and  305  and joins the first and second portions  303  and  305  together. The sub-layer  323  of the plate  302  extends out of the first face member  306  and then curves underneath the plate  302 . The hinge  315  is attached to the first and second portions  303 ,  305  underneath the plate  202 , i.e. on the same side of the plate that the sub-layer  323  is located. At an end of the sub-layer  323  the flange  324  extends generally perpendicular to the plate  302 . It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the sub-layer  323  can be integral with the first portion  303  and the first face member  306 , i.e. the sub-layer  323  can extend out of a large area of an undersurface of the first portion  303 . The tongue  326  extends generally perpendicular from the flange  324  at an end of the flange  324  opposite the sub-layer  323 . The tongue  326  is configured to contact the inside of the front or outermost part  143  of the gutter  144 . Specifically, the tongue  326  is configured to be inserted into the pocket  141  of the gutter  144 . The first face member  306  protects the gutter  144  and also provides a surface for the ladder  150  to rest thereon. Preferably, the flange  324  and tongue  326  hook into the outermost part  143  of the gutter  144  at the pocket  141 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11A , the tongue  326  is disposed in the pocket  141  and the hinge  315  is disposed such that the first portion  303  and the second portion  305  are at an obtuse angle from each other. Still referring to  FIG. 11A , the second face member  312  is disposed in a lower corner of the gutter. Now referring to  FIG. 11B , the first and second portions are approximately 180° from each other. In other words, the first and second portions  303 ,  305  are generally disposed in the same plane. Or alternatively, the first and second portions  303 ,  305  delineate generally parallel planes. Once the plate  302  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 11B , the location of the hinge  315  underneath the plate  302  aids in keeping the first and second portions  303 ,  305  substantially in the same plane. The first face member  306  extends outwardly and above the outermost part  143  of the gutter  144 . This position of the face member  306  provides a surface for the ladder  150  to rest thereon. The ladder  150  is secured to the first face member  306  by the means  120  for securing the ladder  150 . 
     The ladder support apparatus  300  advantageously provides an apparatus with few parts that can be folded for compact storage. The ladder support apparatus  300  is also easily placed into the gutter  144 , as seen in  FIG. 11A  and secured in the gutter  144  for supporting the ladder  150 , as seen in  FIG. 11B . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a fourth embodiment of the ladder support apparatus  400  that attaches to the fascia board  142  and lies over the gutter  144 . The ladder support apparatus  400  includes a plate  402  having a first face member  406 , and a second face member  412 . The plate  402  includes a first portion  403  and a second portion  405  that are made of metal, specifically heavy gauge extrusion. The plate  402  is about  28  to  30  inches wide, for example, to accommodate the ladder  150 . The first portion  403  is bent along an edge or corner  404  to form the first face member  406  which is formed at an angle to a plate surface  408 . A second bend along an edge or corner  409  forms an intermediate face member  411 , which is generally perpendicular to the plate surface  408 . The plate surface  408  includes a plurality of slots  413  that run laterally across the plate surface  408 . Referring to  FIG. 13A , the first face member  406  also includes a plurality of slots  414  that run longitudinally across the first face member  406 . 
     The second portion  405  has a glide face  415  on which the first portion  403  glides forwards and backwards. The second portion  405  is bent along an edge or corner  417  to form a second face member  412 . The corner  417  includes an angular reinforcement that helps keep the second face member  412  from bending. Specifically, the corner  417  has an increased width such that another face is disposed between the second face member  412  and the glide face  415 . The second portion  405  includes bolts or a threaded rod  418  having mating wing nuts  420 . Preferably, the wing nuts  420  are heavy gauge. The bolts  418  extend perpendicularly out of the glide face  415  and are configured to extend through the slots  413  in the plate surface  408 . That is, the bolts  418  are spaced apart and have a diameter to allow entry into slots  413  from the underside of the plate surface  408 . The bolts  418  can be welded or bolted with a nut to the plate surface  408 . Once the bolts  418  are disposed in the slots  413 , a corresponding one of the wing nuts  420  is threaded onto the bolt  418 . 
     Thus, the ladder support apparatus  400  can be expanded by sliding the first portion  403  over the second portion  405 . Specifically, the first portion  403  can be selectively positioned at a desired distance away from the fascia board  142  so as to achieve a most favorable position of the ladder  150 . This allows the first and second portions  403  and  405  to expand or contract to accommodate different size gutters  144 . The ladder  150  is secured to the first face member  406  by the means  120  for securing the ladder  150 . Specifically, the means  120  is inserted through the slot  414  and secured to the ladder  150 . 
     The second face member  412  is configured to attach to the fascia board  142 . The second face member  412  has apertures  422  for screws  424  to extend therethrough. Preferably, the apertures  422  are downward sloping holes and are spaced so as to fit screws  424  in rafters at 16″ or 24″ on centers. Preferably, the screws  424  are self tapping metal/wood screws of #10 or #12 diameter that are at least 2.5 inches long, course thread that when installed properly will enter into rafters or the fascia board  142 . 
     While not illustrated, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that washers can be utilized in conjunction with the bolts  418  and wing nuts  420 . Furthermore, nuts can be used in place of wing nuts  420 . 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates an alternative embodiment for connecting the first and second portions  403 ,  405  and for securing the ladder support apparatus  400  to the gutter  144 . Specifically, the second portion  405  includes a pin  418  that extends perpendicular to the glide face  415  and is disposed in a slot  413  cut out of the first portion  403 . A spring  407  is attached to the pin  418  at one end and attached to a backside of the first face member  406  at another end. The spring  407  exerts a force to pull the first face member  406  toward the pin  418 . The first portion  403  slides along the slot  413  as a result of the spring force. In operation, the backside of the first face member  406  abuts against the outermost portion  143  of the gutter  144  as a result of the spring force. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14-17 , a fourth embodiment of the means  120  for securing the ladder  150  includes a ladder mount apparatus  454 . The ladder mount apparatus  454  includes a main block  458  that is made of heavy, extruded aluminum, alloy or steel. The main block  458  is shaped to lie on a rail  153  of the ladder  150  from either side of the ladder stile  151 . The main block  458  has a hole  460  running therethrough that is configured to receive a carriage bolt  464 . The carriage bolt  464  corresponds in size to the slots  414  so as to slide side to side in the slots  414 . The bolt  464  is of an appropriate length to extend through the hole  460  and so as to accommodate up and down movement for placement of block  458  onto the rail or stile  151  of the ladder  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the ladder mount apparatus  454  is disposed at the first face member  406  and has a washer  465  and wing nut  466  disposed on the bolt  464 . The wing nut  466  is used to tighten the main block section down onto the ladder  150 . Specifically, referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the ladder mount apparatus  454 , the slot  414  and the first face member  406  constitute a clamping mechanism for securing the ladder  150 . Typically, ladder stiles  151 , having rails  153 , form either an “L” beam shape or an “I” beam shape. For either shape, the ladder mount apparatus  454  is able to fit over the inner or outer rail  153  to clamp the ladder  150  to the first face member  406 . Specifically, the mount block  458  includes extensions  459  on either side for pinning the rail  153  of the ladder  150  between the first face member  406  and the main block  458 . Thus, the ladder mount apparatus  454 , when tightened properly, prevents slippage of the ladder  150 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a fifth embodiment of the ladder support apparatus  500  that includes a plate  502  that encompasses the gutter  144 . The plate  502  has a first face member  506  and a second face member  512 . The first face member  506  wraps around the front of the gutter  144  and the underside of the gutter  144  following the shape of the gutter  144 . The first face member  560  is configured to protect the gutter  144  and provides a surface for the ladder  150  to rest thereon. A plate surface  508  of the plate  502  covers the top of the gutter  144 . A bend along an edge of the plate surface  508  forms the second face member  512 . Specifically, the second face member  512  extends generally perpendicularly from the plate surface  508 . The first and second face members  506  and  512  are attached to a wall and fascia board  142 , respectively, by inserting screws (not shown) through apertures  522 . 
     The ladder support apparatus  500  advantageously provides an apparatus with few parts that is easily set into place for use with the ladder  150 . The plate  502  can be formed from metal, by way of example, a light gauge steel or aluminum; although, other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Examples of other materials include alloys, such as steel, brass, bronze and duralumin, plastic, wood, high density polyethelene, PVC, polycarbonate, accrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or polycarbonate/accrylonitrile butadiene styrene. 
       FIGS. 19 &amp; 20  illustrate a sixth embodiment of the ladder support apparatus  600  that includes a plate  602  having a portion inserted into the gutter  144 . The plate  602  has a first face member  606  and a second face member  612 . The first face member  606  is disposed in front of the gutter  144  and is configured to protect the gutter  144  as well as provide a surface for the ladder  150  to rest thereon. A plate surface  608  covers the top of the gutter  144  and a bend along an edge of the plate surface  608  forms the second face member  612 . The second face member  612  generally extends perpendicularly from the plate surface  608  at a corner  617 . The second face member  612  is attached to the fascia board  142  by inserting screws (not shown) through apertures  622 . 
     The corner  617  includes an angular reinforcement that helps keep the second face member  612  from bending. Specifically, the corner  617  has an increased width such that another face is disposed between the second face member  612  and the plate surface  608 . The apertures  622  run through the angular reinforcement of the corner  617 . Thus, the angular reinforcement also provides a sturdy location for the ladder support apparatus  600  to be secured to the fascia board  142 . 
     The ladder support apparatus  600  further includes first and second support members  624 ,  626  that are disposed on an underside of the plate surface  608 . The first and second support member  624 ,  626  are generally disposed in the gutter  144  and provide support as well as leverage for the ladder support apparatus  600 . The first support member  624  is generally parallel to the second face member  612  and perpendicular to the plate surface  608 . The second support member  626  extends from the plate surface  608  to a edge of the first support member  624  at about a 45 degree angle. Thus, the plate surface  608 , the first support member  624 , and the second support member  626  form a triangular shape underneath the plate surface  608 . The corner formed by the first support member  624  and the second support member  626  is disposed in a lower back corner of the gutter  144 . 
     The ladder support apparatus  600  can be formed from metal, for example, a light gage steel or aluminum. Preferably, the ladder apparatus  600  is extruded aluminum. 
       FIGS. 21 &amp; 22  illustrate a pivot piece for use in connection with the ladder support apparatus. The pivot piece  650  is configured to be disposed between the ladder support apparatus  100  and the fascia board  142 . Specifically, the pivot piece  650  is configured to compensate for an angled fascia board  142  which would otherwise cause the ladder stiles  151  to rest awkwardly on the fascia board  142 . The pivot piece  650  has a plurality of apertures on the ends to receive pins and/or screws. Accordingly, the ladder support apparatus  100  is attached to the apertures on one side of the pivot piece  650  and the pivot piece  650  is attached to the fascia board  142  on the other side. The pivot piece  650  can be made of various materials that are strong enough to retain their general shape when weight is applied but flexible enough to absorb minor vibrations or shock. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a typical gutter  144  having a band  145  crossing the gutter  144  is shown. In order to provide a ladder mount and ladder support apparatus that can accommodate the band  145 , an aperture  723  is provided to accommodate the band  145 . Thus, the apparatus can be advantageously placed in the gutter without regard to avoiding the bands  145 .  FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate embodiments wherein support members  724  are disposed underneath the second face member  712 . The support members  724  have various widths to provide a wide or narrow aperture  723 . 
     Changes may be made to the foregoing apparatus, devices and systems without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the matter contained in the above description and/or shown in the accompanying figures should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claim(s) are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein as well as statements of the scope of the present invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. 
     In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies. 
     While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.