Patent Publication Number: US-11047173-B1

Title: Ladder safety apparatus

Description:
PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C SECTION 119(e) &amp; 37 C.F.R. SECTION 1.78 
     This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior United States Provisional Patent Application entitled: Ladder Safety Apparatus, Application No. 63/119,787 filed Dec. 1, 2020, in the name of Phil Giordano, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to ladder safety, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure an extension ladder, specifically an upper portion thereof, adjacent an edge of a flat roof so as to ensure a stable position and further provide additional rail members for exiting the top of the ladder. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Millions of people regularly utilize extension ladders. Both professional and do-it yourself individuals will utilize an extension ladder in order to perform certain tasks. As is known in the art, extension ladders comprise of two sections wherein the sections are slidably coupled and are configured to extend the overall length of the ladder. The position of the two portions of a conventional extension ladder range from being adjacent each other to having one section substantially extended outward from the other. It is in the aforementioned position that the extension ladder can become quite unstable and flex under the weight of a user. Individuals will regularly extend the length of extension ladders to reach areas such as but not limited to second stories of buildings. 
     One issue with extension ladders is the safety concerns once the ladder is extended into a position so as to reach a second story. Extension ladders are generally eighteen inches wide and once extended to lengths greater than fifteen feet are very unstable. A long narrow ladder lacks the proper lateral stability to ensure the safety of a user while climbing the ladder. Additionally, as conventional ladders are made of metal or fiberglass, these ladders will slide when placed against hard surfaces creating a safety hazard. 
     It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure a top portion of an extension ladder that is placed against a roof edge wherein the present invention ensures lateral stability and further provides additional grab rail members to ensure a safer exit from the top of the ladder onto a rooftop. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure a portion of an extension ladder that has been placed against a flat rooftop wherein the present invention includes a frame manufactured from a durable material such as but not limited to metal. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a ladder accessory that is configured ensure stability of the ladder when leaned against a roof edge wherein the frame includes a support member that is planar in manner and rectangular in shape. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure a portion of an extension ladder that has been placed against a flat rooftop wherein the support member has a first end and second end and further includes a plurality of apertures operable to have fasteners journaled therethrough. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a ladder accessory that is configured ensure stability of the ladder when leaned against a roof edge that includes a first ladder riser receiving member wherein the first ladder rail receiving member is present at the first end of the support member and includes a first plate member and a second plate member having a void therebetween. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure a portion of an extension ladder that has been placed against a flat rooftop that includes a second ladder riser receiving member wherein the second ladder riser receiving member is present at the second end of the support member and includes a first plate member and a second plate member having a void therebetween. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a ladder accessory that is configured ensure stability of the ladder when leaned against a roof edge wherein the first ladder rail receiving member includes a hook member hingedly secured thereto. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure a portion of an extension ladder that has been placed against a flat rooftop wherein the second ladder rail receiving member includes a hook member hingedly secured thereto. 
     An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a ladder accessory that is configured ensure stability of the ladder when leaned against a roof edge that includes a first grab rail member wherein the first grab rail member extends upward from the first end of the support plate. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure a portion of an extension ladder that has been placed against a flat rooftop that includes a second grab rail member wherein the second grab rail member extends upward from the second end of the support plate. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a ladder accessory that is configured ensure stability of the ladder when leaned against a roof edge wherein the first grab rail member and second grab rail member have a void therebetween. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety apparatus that is configured to releasably secure a portion of an extension ladder that has been placed against a flat rooftop wherein the first grab rail member and second grab rail member are axially aligned with the rails of the extension ladder secured thereto. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a ladder safety apparatus  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. 
     Now referring to the drawings submitted herewith, the ladder safety apparatus  100  includes a roof support member  10 . The roof support member  10  is planar in manner and includes a first end  11  and a second end  12 . The roof support member  10  is manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The roof support member  10  has a plurality of apertures  15  journaled therethrough. The apertures  15  extend intermediate the first end  11  and second end  12 . The apertures  15  provide the ability for the roof support member  10  to be secured to a rooftop utilizing a desired fastener so as to secure the ladder safety apparatus  100  to a rooftop proximate the edge thereof. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the roof support member  10  could have alternate quantity of apertures  15  in order to accomplish the desired objective discussed herein. 
     Secured to the first end  11  of the roof support member  10  is the first grab rail member  20 . The first grab rail member  20  is secured to the roof support member  10  utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to welding. The first grab rail member  20  is manufactured from a rigid material such as but not limited to metal tubing. The first grab rail member  20  extends upward from the roof support member  10  and is further angularly oriented thereto. The angle of the first grab rail support member  20  is configured so as to be axially aligned with the angle of the ladder that is operably coupled to the ladder safety apparatus  100 . While it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first grab rail member  20  could be provided in alternate lengths, good results have been achieved having a first grab rail member  20  that is at least three feet in length. 
     Mounted to the second end  12  of the roof support member  10  is the second grab rail member  30 . The second grab rail member  30  is secured to the roof support member  10  utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to welding. The second grab rail member  30  is manufactured from a rigid material such as but not limited to metal tubing. The second grab rail member  30  extends upward from the roof support member  10  and is further angularly oriented thereto. The angle of the second grab rail support member  30  is configured so as to be axially aligned with the angle of the ladder that is operably coupled to the ladder safety apparatus  100 . The second grab rail member  30  is manufactured to be the same length as the first grab rail member  20 . 
     The ladder safety apparatus  100  further includes a first ladder rail receiving member  40 . The first ladder rail receiving member  40  is configured to operably couple to the end of an extension ladder in order to inhibit movement thereof. The first ladder rail receiving member  40  includes a rear support assembly having a first support plate  41  and a second support plate  42 . The first support plate  41  and second support plate  42  are perpendicular in configuration. Extending outward from the rear support assembly is a first lateral support member  43  and a second lateral support member  45 . The first lateral support member  43  and second lateral support member  45  are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first support plate  41  and have a void  48  therebetween that is suitable in width to accommodate a rail of an extension ladder therein. The first lateral support member  43  includes a notch  46  formed therein that is distally located with respect to the first support plate  41 . As is further discussed herein the notch  46  is operable to receive and retain therein the first hook member  60 . 
     A second ladder rail receiving member  50 . The second ladder rail receiving member  50  is configured to operably couple to the end of an extension ladder in order to inhibit movement thereof. The second ladder rail receiving member  50  includes a rear support assembly having a first support plate  51  and a second support plate  52 . The first support plate  51  and second support plate  52  are perpendicular in configuration. Extending outward from the second rear support assembly is a first lateral support member  53  and a second lateral support member  55 . The first lateral support member  53  and second lateral support member  55  are parallel to each other perpendicular to the first support plate  51  and have a void  58  therebetween that is suitable in width to accommodate a rail of an extension ladder therein. The first lateral support member  53  includes a notch  56  formed therein that is distally located with respect to the first support plate  51 . As is further discussed herein the notch  56  is operable to receive and retain therein the first hook member  70 . 
     The first hook member  60  is operably coupled to the first ladder receiving member  40 . The first hook member  60  is configured to ensure engagement of a ladder riser with the first ladder rail receiving member  40  inhibiting the accidental decoupling thereof. The first hook member  60  is movably secured in the first mounting tube  62  that is secured to second lateral support member  45 . The first hook member  60  includes a portion  64  and an end portion  66 . Portion  64  is position over a ladder riser present in void  48  while end portion  66  engages the notch  46  so as to inhibit movement of the first hook member  60 . The first hook member  60  is placed in its closed position as is illustrated herein subsequent a ladder being operably coupled to the ladder safety apparatus  100 . While a first hook member  60  has been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the ladder safety apparatus  100  could employ alternate elements and/or techniques to secure the ladder riser. 
     The second hook member  70  is operably coupled to the second ladder receiving member  50 . The second hook member  70  is configured to ensure engagement of a ladder riser with the second ladder rail receiving member  50  inhibiting the accidental decoupling thereof. The second hook member  70  is movably secured in the second mounting tube  72  that is secured to second lateral support member  55 . The second hook member  70  includes a portion  74  and an end portion  76 . Portion  74  is position over a ladder riser present in void  58  while end portion  76  engages the notch  56  so as to inhibit movement of the second hook member  70 . The second hook member  70  is placed in its closed position as is illustrated herein subsequent a ladder being operably coupled to the ladder safety apparatus  100 . While a second hook member  70  has been illustrated and discussed herein to work in conjunction with the first hook member  60 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the ladder safety apparatus  100  could employ alternate elements and/or techniques to secure the ladder risers. 
     A first riser engagement member  95  and a second riser engagement  96  are secured to the first ladder rail receiving member  40  and second ladder rail receiving member  50  respectively. The first riser engagement member  95  and second riser engagement member  96  are identically constructed and serve to engage a rear edge of a ladder riser upon an extension ladder being initially coupled to the ladder safety apparatus  100 . This secures the extension ladder sufficiently so as to allow a user to ascend and then position the first hook member  60  and second hook member  70  in their second position wherein the first hook member  60  and second hook member  70  are superposed opposite rails on the extension ladder. The first riser engagement member  95  and second riser engagement member  96  include rear portions  97 , 98  that are angularly oriented upwards and away from the roof support member  10 . This position achieves the aforementioned securing of a ladder riser. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the first riser engagement member  95  and second riser engagement member  96  could be manufactured in alternate shapes and sizes in order to achieve the desired objective discussed herein. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.