Patent Publication Number: US-8528695-B1

Title: Ladder safety systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/436,520, filed Jan. 26, 2011, entitled “LADDER SAFETY SYSTEMS”, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to providing a system for improved ladder safety systems. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system for detachably securing at least one ladder to structures comprising at least one elevated support, such as, for example, a tree, a telephone pole, a building pillar, etc., thereby preventing the ladder from slipping and falling. 
     Many ladders, particularly of the extension ladder type, are simply leaned against stationary objects for support. Such a leaning arrangement is unstable and prone to ladder slippage, particularly when a user climbs the ladder or stands on the ladder rungs and applies downward, or sideways, forces on the ladder. 
     Potential for ladder slippage and accidents is even greater when the support comprises some degree of surface non-uniformity or curvature, for example, when a ladder is positioned (leaned) against a bent tree. In order to prevent accidents resulting from ladder slippage, systems are needed which are designed to more safely secure ladders and accommodate support surface non-uniformity. 
     OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system overcoming the above-mentioned problem(s). 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system for detachably securing ladders to supports, particularly angled, upright and/or horizontal supports. 
     Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system comprising at least one clasping mechanism to assist detachably securing a ladder to a support structure. 
     Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system comprising adjustable clasps capable of accommodating variable widths and thicknesses of upright support structures. 
     Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system comprising at least one angle accommodator to adapt to, and assist securing to, variable angles of structural supports used to support a ladder. 
     Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system comprising at least one clamping feature to assist detachably securing a ladder to a support structure. 
     Yet another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system comprising a user-adjustable means to accommodate unusual surfaces and/or curvature in the upright support structure, without compromising system security or stability. 
     A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to securing at least one ladder, having at least one ladder rung, to at least one elevated structural support, comprising: at least one ladder rung mount structured and arranged to mount to the at least one ladder rung; at least one support engager structured and arranged to engage to the at least one elevated structural support; wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one clasper structured and arranged to clasp to the at least one elevated structural support; wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one width accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate variable widths of the at least one elevated structural support; wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one depth accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate variable depths of the at least one elevated structural support; and wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one angle accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate a plurality of angle geometries of the at least one elevated structural support; and whereby the at least one ladder may be secured to elevated structural supports comprising a plurality of differing width, depth and angular geometries. 
     Moreover, it provides such a system, wherein: the at least one ladder rung comprises at least one bottom portion and at least one upper foot-placement portion; such at least one ladder rung mount comprises at least one rung engager structured and arranged to engage such at least one bottom portion of the at least one ladder rung; at least one rung cover structured and arranged to cover such at least one upper foot-placement portion; and at least one coupler structured and arranged to couple such at least one rung engager to such at least one rung cover; wherein such at least one rung engager and such at least one rung cover each comprise at least one receiver structured and arranged to receive such at least one coupler; and at least one connector structured and arranged to connect such at least one ladder rung mount to such at least one support engager. Additionally, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one rung engager and such at least one connector may be oriented from about a zero-degree to about a 90-degree angle with respect to one another. 
     Also, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one connector further comprises: such at least one angle accommodator; and at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount; wherein such at least one rotator comprises at least one pivot structured and arranged to assist pivoting such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount; and wherein such at least one rotator comprises at least one restrictor structured and arranged to restrict the maximal angular displacement between such at least one support engager and such at least one ladder rung mount; and at least one fixer structured and arranged to assist fixing the angle of rotation of such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount. 
     In addition, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one width accommodator comprises: at least one guide structured and arranged to guide the lateral movement of such at least one width accommodator; at least one adjustable fixer structured and arranged to assist adjustably fixing such lateral movement; and wherein such width of such at least one width accommodator may be adjustably fixed. And, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one width accommodator limits range of widths of such at least one support engager from about two hundred millimeters to about three hundred millimeters. Further, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one depth accommodator comprises: at least one guide structured and arranged to guide the lateral movement of such at least one depth accommodator; at least one adjustable fixer structured and arranged to assist adjustably fixing such lateral movement; wherein such depth of such at least one depth accommodator may be adjustably fixed. Even further, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one angle accommodator comprises: at least one coupler structured and arranged to couple to such at least one connector; at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount; wherein such at least one rotator comprises at least one pivot structured and arranged to assist pivoting such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount; wherein such at least one rotator comprises at least one restrictor structured and arranged to restrict the maximal angular displacement between such at least one support engager and such ladder rung mount; and at least one adjustable fixer structured and arranged to assist adjustably fixing the angle of rotation of such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount. 
     Moreover, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one strap structured and arranged to assist strapping such at least one support engager to the at least one elevated structural support. Additionally, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one rung cover comprises at least one hinge structured and arranged to hinge such at least one rung cover to such at least one rung engager. Also, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one restrictor restricts the maximal angular displacement between such at least one support engager and such at least one ladder rung mount from about zero-degrees to about 90-degrees. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to securing at least one ladder to at least one elevated structural support, comprising: at least one ladder rung mount structured and arranged to mount to at least one ladder rung; at least one support engager structured and arranged to engage to such at least one elevated structural support; wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one clamp structured and arranged to clamp to the at least one elevated structural support; wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one width accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate variable widths of the at least one elevated structural support; wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one depth accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate variable depths of the at least one elevated structural support; wherein such at least one support engager comprises at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount; wherein the at least one ladder may be clamped to a plurality of width, depth and angular geometries of the at least one elevated structural support. 
     In addition, it provides such a system, wherein such at least one curve accommodator comprises: at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount; wherein such at least one rotator comprises at least one pivot structured and arranged to assist pivoting such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount; wherein such at least one rotator comprises at least one restrictor structured and arranged to restrict the maximal angular displacement between such at least one support engager and such ladder rung mount; wherein such at least one restrictor restricts the maximal angular displacement between such at least one support engager and such at least one ladder rung mount from about 0-degrees to about 270-degrees; and at least one adjustable fixer structured and arranged to assist adjustably fixing the angle of rotation of such at least one support engager with respect to such at least one ladder rung mount. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to securing at least one ladder, having at least one ladder rung, to at least one upward extending support, comprising: ladder rung mount means for mounting to at least one ladder rung; support engager means for engaging to the at least one upward extending support; wherein such support engager means comprises clasping means for clasping to the at least one upward extending support; wherein such support engager means comprises width accommodator means for accommodating variable widths of the at least one upward extending support; wherein such support engager means comprises depth accommodator means for accommodating variable depths of the at least one upward extending support; and wherein such support engager means comprises angle accommodator means for accommodating variable angles of the at least one upward extending support; wherein the at least one ladder may be clasped to a plurality of angular geometries of the at least one elevated structural support. 
     And, it provides such a system, wherein such ladder rung mount means comprises: rung engager means for engaging the bottom surface of at least one ladder rung; rung cover means for covering the top surface of such at least one ladder rung; coupler means for coupling such rung engager means to such rung cover means; wherein such rung engager means and such rung cover means each comprise receiver means for receiving such fastener means; and connector means for connecting to such support engager means. Further, it provides such a system, wherein such rung engager means and such connector means are oriented at a 90° angle with respect to one another. Even further, it provides such a system, wherein such connector means further comprises: angle accommodator means for accommodating variable angles of such at least one upward extending support; rotator means for rotating such support engager means with respect to such ladder rung mount means; wherein such rotator means comprises pivot means for pivoting such support engager means with respect to such ladder rung mount means; wherein such rotator means comprises restrictor means for restricting the maximal angular displacement between such support engager means and such ladder rung mount means to about 90′; and fixer means for fixing the angle of rotation of such support engager means with respect to such ladder rung mount means. Even further, it provides such a system, wherein such width accommodator means comprises: guide means for guiding the lateral movement of such clamp means; wherein such guide means comprises restrictor means for restricting the up and down movement of such clamp means; and adjustable fixer means for adjustably fixing the width of such support engager means. 
     Even further, it provides such a system, wherein such width accommodator limits range of widths of such support engager means from about two hundred millimeters to about three hundred millimeters. Even further, it provides such a system, wherein such depth accommodator comprises: guide means for guiding the lateral movement of such clamp means; wherein such guide means comprises restrictor means for restricting the up and down movement of such clamp means; adjustable fixer means for adjustably fixing the depth of such support engager means. Even further, it provides such a system, wherein such angle accommodator means comprises: coupler means for coupling to such connector means; rotator means for rotating such support engager means with respect to such ladder rung mount means; wherein such rotator means comprises pivot means for pivoting such support engager means with respect to such ladder rung engager means; wherein such rotator means comprises restrictor means for restricting the maximal angular displacement between such support engager means and such ladder rung mount means to from about 0-degrees to about 270-degrees; and adjustable fixer means for adjustably fixing the angle of rotation of such support engager means with respect to such ladder rung mount means. 
     Even further, it provides such a system, wherein such support engager means comprises strap means for strapping such support engager means to such at least one upward extending support. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view, illustrating a preferred use of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view, illustrating another preferred use of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  shows an isometric view, illustrating a fully assembled ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3B  shows another isometric view, illustrating the opposing view of the fully assembled ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  shows an isometric view, illustrating the angle accommodator of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a rear view, illustrating angle accommodator rotation of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6A  shows an isometric view, illustrating a preferred rung cover panel component of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 6B  shows an isometric view, illustrating a preferred rung mounting plate component of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 7A  shows a side view of a preferred central plate assembly of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7B  shows a top view of a preferred central plate assembly of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8A  shows a side view of a preferred jaw extension of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8B  shows a front view of a preferred jaw extension of the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of a preferred left side bracket the ladder safety device of the ladder safety system, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to providing a system for securing at least one ladder to at least one support structure by an adjustable clasping mechanism which is capable of accommodating variable dimensions of a support. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system to secure at least one ladder to a support, even when the support deviates from linearity. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view, illustrating a preferred use of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view, illustrating another preferred use of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     Ladder safety device  101  preferably is utilized to assist securing at least one ladder  102  to a structure  105 , preferably having at least one support member  104 , preferably upright, which may comprise, for example, a tree, a pole, a building pillar, etc., as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as building structure, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other structural use arrangements such as, for example, ladder support by a horizontal beam, ladder support by a cross-member structural support, assisted ladder securing on other structures or materials, etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, ladder safety device  101  is attachable to a ladder  102  to assist preventing ladder slippage after placement against a structural member, as well as, fall accidents related to ladder movement; preferably, by assisting to firmly secure the ladder to the chosen structural member (when so attached). Ladder  102 , preferably is of the extension ladder type, preferably comprising a plurality of rungs  106  attached between at least two rails  107  preferably comprising at least one left rail  108  and at least one right rail  110 , as shown (in  FIG. 1 ). Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other ladder rail arrangements such as, for example, double-rails, triple rails (which may occur with use of certain types of long extension ladders), etc., may suffice. 
     Ladder safety device  101  preferably engages at least one of rungs  106 , preferably top rung  112 , as shown. Ladder safety device  101  preferably at least clasps the outer periphery  109  of support member  104 , alternately preferably clamping to support member  104 , thereby preferably anchoring ladder  102 , preferably rigidly, to support member  104 . Ladder safety device  101  preferably assists securing ladder  102  to both a straight support as well as a bent upright support  116 , which may comprise, for example, a bent tree, as shown. 
     Ladder safety device  101  preferably is adjustable by at least one user in either and/or both width and depth to clasp tree  115  (bent upright support  116 ); and, may also be adjusted to accommodate the curvature of such tree  115  (bent upright support  116 ), as shown. As illustrated, ladder safety device  101  sufficiently assists a user to secure ladder safety device  101  so as to preferably allow at least one user to at least vertically climb or stand on ladder  102 , as shown. 
       FIG. 3A  shows an isometric view, illustrating a fully assembled ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3B  shows another isometric view, illustrating the opposing view of the fully assembled ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
     Ladder safety system  100  preferably comprises ladder safety device  101 , preferably configured to allow assembly and disassembly by a user. Ladder safety device  101  preferably is comprised of metallic material, preferably aluminum, alternately preferably titanium, alternately preferably steel, preferably having anti-corrosive properties, such as, for example, stainless steel, or zinc-coated steel. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, carbon-fiber, plastics, wood, composite materials, other metals, etc., may suffice. 
     Ladder safety device  101  preferably comprises rung engager  200  and jaw  300 . Rung engager  200  (at least embodying herein ladder rung mount means for mounting to at least one ladder rung; and, at least embodying herein at least one ladder rung mount structured and arranged to mount to the at least one ladder rung) preferably engages at least one rung  106 , preferably top rung  112 , of ladder  102 , as best shown in  FIG. 1 . Jaw  300  (at least embodying herein support engager means for engaging to the at least one upward extending support; and, at least embodying herein at least one support engager structured and arranged to engage to the at least one elevated structural support) preferably adapts to and rigidly clasps support member  104  ( FIG. 2 ) or bent upright support  116  ( FIG. 1 ). Rung engager  200  and jaw  300  preferably rotate with respect to each other on a pivot point  201  (at least embodying herein wherein said rotator means comprises pivot means for pivoting said support engager means with respect to said ladder rung mount means), preferably providing an assister means by which ladder safety device  101  assists adapting to and clasping bent or curved support structures, such as bent upright support  116  (as best shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 ). 
     In preferred use, rung engager  200  is fixed parallel to at least one rung  106 , preferably top rung  112 ; and, jaw  300  preferably may be rotated with respect to fixed rung engager  200  to adjust the angle of rotation to more closely match the curvature of a bent upright support  116 , alternately preferably a non-vertical support (see details below), and assist clasping onto such bent upright support  116 , as shown. 
     Alternately preferably, rung engager  200  and column jaw  300  are rotatable with respect to each other to adjust the angle of rotation of jaw  300  (this arrangement at least embodies herein wherein said support engager means comprises angle accommodator means for accommodating variable angles of the at least one upward extending support; and, this arrangement at least embodies herein wherein said at least one support engager comprises at least one angle accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate a plurality of angle geometries of the at least one elevated structural support) to more closely match almost any curvature between, and including vertical and horizontal, while leaving the rung engager  200  situate for about vertical ladder climbing by a user (at least embodying herein wherein the at least one ladder may be clasped to a plurality of angular geometries of the at least one elevated structural support). Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other angle arrangements such as, for example, tilted, multiple axis rotated, multiple rung attackers with slightly different angular clasping, etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, ladder safety device  101  is either pre-assembled onto a ladder, or assembled by at least one user upon ladder use, at which time the user preferably adjusts the dimensions of ladder safety system  100  in order to adapt to variable widths X and depths Y of the support member  104 , as shown in  FIG. 3B  (see below). 
     Preferably, rung mounting plate  202  and rung cover panel  204  are assembled upon use of ladder safety device  101  around at least one ladder rung  106 , preferably top rung  112  of ladder  102 , to form rung engager  200 , as shown. Assembled rung engager  200  preferably comprises rung cavity  295  which is preferably structured and arranged to accept at least one size of ladder rung  106 , preferably top rung  112  of ladder  102  (as best shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 ). Preferably, rung cavity  295  (at least embodying herein wherein said rung engager means and said rung cover means each comprise receiver means for receiving said such at least one ladder rung) may be sized to fit a plurality of ladder-sized rungs. Preferably, rung cavity  295  of rung mounting plate  202  contacts bottom surface  214  of ladder top rung  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) (this arrangement at least embodies herein rung engager means for engaging the bottom surface of at least one ladder rung), and rung cover panel  204  contacts top surface  215  of ladder top rung  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) (this arrangement at least embodies herein rung cover means for covering the top surface of said at least one ladder rung) in use (see  FIG. 2 ) so as to capture and couple with ladder top rung  112 . 
     Preferably, rung cover panel  204  is assembled with rung mounting plate  202  with apertures  205 ,  206 , and  207  of both rung cover panel  204  and rung mounting plate  202  fully aligned (as best shown in  FIG. 3A ) so as to couple to ladder top rung  112 , as shown (this arrangement at least embodies herein coupler means for coupling said rung engager means to said rung cover means). Rung engager  200  preferably is assembled by fastening rung mounting plate  202  to rung cover panel  204 , preferably by placing at least three bolts  208 , preferably threaded as shown, through each respective apertures  205 ,  206 , and  207  (as best shown in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B ). Bolts  208  preferably comprise wing nuts  209  and preferably are secured together for completed installation, as shown in  FIG. 3A . Rung mounting plate  202  and rung cover panel  204  preferably are also further engaged with at least one piano hinge  212 , as shown. Piano hinge  212  preferably assists in easier installation onto a ladder rung by reducing the amount of assembly required, as shown. 
     Alternately preferably, rung mounting plate  202  and rung cover panel  204  preferably may be joined by additional nuts and bolts, without the use of piano hinge  212 . Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other attachment arrangements such as, for example, multiple hinges, no hinges, other fasteners, permanent fastening (welding, etc.), etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, jaw  300  acts as a support engager to engage the elevated structural support, preferably by clasping such structural support and, alternately preferably, by clamping onto such structural support. The above-described arrangement at least embodies herein wherein said support engager means comprises clasping means for clasping to the at least one upward extending support; and, at least embodies herein wherein said at least one support engager comprises at least one clasper structured and arranged to clasp to the at least one elevated structural support. 
     Further, jaw  300  preferably comprises width accommodation (at least embodying herein wherein said support engager means comprises width accommodator means for accommodating variable widths of the at least one upward extending support; and, at least embodying herein wherein said at least one support engager comprises at least one width accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate variable widths of the at least one elevated structural support). Further, jaw  300  preferably comprises depth accommodation (at least embodying herein wherein said at least one support engager comprises at least one depth accommodator structured and arranged to accommodate variable depths of the at least one elevated structural support; and, wherein said support engager means comprises depth accommodator means for accommodating variable depths of the at least one upward extending support). Width and depth accommodation by jaw  300  preferably occurs by assisting adjustable width and depth engaging of such structural support by a user, as shown. 
     Preferably, jaw  300  is coupled to rung engager  200  so as to allow jaw  300  to swivel as needed to accommodate such structural support, as shown. 
     Jaw  300  preferably is comprised of at least two opposed end brackets  301 , preferably L-shaped brackets adjoined by a central plate assembly  400  and preferably comprising at least one left side bracket  302  and at least one right side bracket  303 , as shown. Column jaw  300  preferably is comprised of at least two jaw extensions  500 , as shown. Preferably, jaw extensions  500  are mirrored to each other and about symmetrical, as shown. Preferably, each jaw extension  500  engages a respective side panel  330  of a respective left side bracket  302  or right side bracket  303  (as best shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). Jaw extension  500  preferably comprises upper guide  502  and lower guide  504  (see  FIG. 8B ) for assisting capture and securing of side panel  330  of left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303  by preferably engaging a respective left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303 , and by preferably engaging top edge  315  and bottom edge  316  of each respective side panel  330  (see  FIG. 9 ), as shown. Preferably, upper guide  502  and lower guide  504  assist lateral movement of jaw extension  500 , preferably slidably, along left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303 ; as well as assisting capture of left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303  within a respective jaw extension  500 , as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other adjustment arrangements such as, for example, notched adjustment, extenders, snap-lock adjusters, non-sliding adjustment, friction-adjustment, etc., may suffice. 
     Column jaw  300  preferably comprises at least one central plate assembly  400 . Preferably, central plate assembly  400  allows the user to adjust the width X of column jaw  300  (see  FIG. 3B ), as well as the angle of rotation between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300  (see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 ). Preferably, left side bracket  302  comprises at least one front panel  320  and at least one side panel  330 , which preferably are oriented at about a ninety-degree angle with respect to one another, and preferably are connected by junction  325 , preferably rounded and radiused, as shown in  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an isometric view, illustrating the angle accommodator of the ladder safety device  101  of the ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  shows a rear view, illustrating angle accommodator rotation of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 7A  shows a side view of a central plate assembly  400  of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7B  shows a top view of a preferred central plate assembly  400  of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
     Preferably, central plate assembly  400  is about two hundred millimeters long, about seventy four millimeters wide, and about fifteen millimeters thick, as shown by dimensions N,  0 , and P, respectively (see  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B ). Preferably, central plate assembly  400  comprises upper guide  402  and lower guide  404  (as best shown in  FIG. 7A ), which preferably receive front panels  320  of both left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303 , by sliding over their top edge  312  and bottom edge  314  (see  FIG. 9 ), respectively. Upper guide  402  and lower guide  404  of central plate assembly  400  preferably restrict up and down movement of left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303 , but preferably allow lateral movement of left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303 . Preferably, front panels  320  of left side brackets  302  and right side bracket  303  are slid laterally within upper guide  402  and lower guide  404  of central plate assembly  400  to form a tight fit around the perimeter of support member  104  or bent upright support  116 , thereby preferably assisting user-fixing width X of column jaw  300  to match the width of support member  104  or bent upright support  116 . Preferably, a range of widths X which can be accommodated by column jaw  300  are between about two hundred millimeters and about three hundred millimeters. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other measurement arrangements such as, for example, larger or smaller, etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, the desired width X of column jaw  300  is lockable by user-fastening of at least two threaded bolts  410 , which preferably are attached to central plate assembly  400  and then placed through transverse slots  306  of front panels  320  of left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303  (best shown in  FIG. 3B ). Preferably, at least two butterfly nuts  412  are used to tighten threaded bolts  410  so as to allow width adjustment and then lock column jaw  300  in place, as shown. Preferably, threaded bolts  410  are tightened on back face  431  of central plate assembly  400 . Preferably, threaded bolts  410  are about eight millimeter fixed bolts, and butterfly nuts  412  are eight millimeter butterfly nuts. 
     Preferably, central plate assembly  400  is aligned with jaw engage panel  270  of rung mounting plate  202 , with front face  430  of central plate assembly  400  (see  FIGS. 6B and 7A ) contacting surface  290  of jaw engage panel  270 . Preferably, when assembled with jaw engage panel  270 , at least one central aperture  275  of jaw engage panel  270  preferably receives at least one threaded stud  415  (see  FIG. 7A ) which passes through jaw engage panel  270  and assists attaching central plate assembly  400  to it, as shown (this arrangement at least embodies herein connector means for connecting to said support engager means). Preferably, threaded stud  415  is tightened with at least one butterfly nut  412  preferably comprising at least one element by which the angle of rotation between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300  is fixed. This arrangement at least embodies herein angle accommodator means for accommodating variable angles of such at least one upward extending support. 
     Central plate assembly  400  preferably comprises at least one threaded stud  420 , which when assembled with jaw engage panel  270  of rung mounting plate  202  (see above), preferably inserts in arcuate slot  280  of jaw engage panel  270  (see  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 7B ). Preferably, upon setting the desired angle of rotation between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300 , at least one butterfly nut  422  preferably is used to tighten threaded stud  420 , preferably providing an additional means by which the angle of rotation between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300  is fixed (at least embodying herein fixer means for fixing the angle of rotation of said support engager means with respect to said ladder rung mount means). Arcuate slot  280  (at least embodying herein wherein said rotator means comprises restrictor means for restricting the maximal angular displacement between said support engager means and said ladder rung mount means to about 90°) preferably functions as part of a swivel lock assembly which preferably limits the maximum angular displacement between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300  to about less than 360 degrees, preferably about ninety degrees to about 270 degrees, preferably 90 degrees. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other angular displacement arrangements such as, for example, for wider or smaller ranges, horizontal beam attachment, vertical-only structural attachment, etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, in use, rung engager  200  is fixed parallel to the ground when anchored on at least one rung  106 , preferably top rung  112  of ladder  102 , and column jaw  300  is rotated with respect to rung engager  200  to accommodate curvature of bent upright support  116 . 
       FIG. 8A  shows a side view of a preferred jaw extension  500  of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 8B  shows a front view of a preferred jaw extension  500  of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of a preferred left side bracket  302  ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
     Preferably, jaw extension  500  is about seventy-four millimeters wide and about one hundred and eighty-five millimeters long, as shown by dimensions Q and R, respectively ( FIG. 8A ). Preferably, each jaw extension  500  comprises at least four fasteners  512 ,  513 ,  514 , and  515 , (preferably, a nut and bolt combination as shown), two of which (fastener  512  and fastener  514 ) preferably are located about six and a half millimeters from front edge  520  of jaw extension  500 , and two of which (fastener  513  and fastener  515 ) preferably are located about fifty-seven millimeters from front edge  520  of jaw extension  500 . Preferably, fastener  512  and fastener  513  are located about eighteen and a half millimeters from top edge  524  of jaw extension  500 , and fastener  514  and fastener  515  preferably are located about eighteen and a half inches from bottom edge  522  of jaw extension  500 . Preferably, when jaw extension  500  is assembled with left side bracket  302  or right side bracket  303 , fastener  512  and screw  513  fit within upper transverse slot  308  of side panel  330 , and fastener  514  and fastener  515  fit within lower transverse slot  310  of side panel  330  (see  FIG. 9 ). 
     Preferably, jaw extensions  500  preferably slide over bracket side panel  330  of left side bracket  302  and right side bracket  303 , respectively, in order to fix depth Y to accommodate the depth of support member  104  or bent upright support  116  (see  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3B ). Preferably, the desired depth Y of column jaw  300  is locked by fastening at least four fasteners  512 ,  513 ,  514 , and  515  on each of the left and right sides of column jaw  300 . When utilizing threaded bolts as shown, at least four butterfly nuts  516  (see  FIG. 8B ) on each of the left and right sides of column jaw  300  preferably are used to fasten fasteners  512 ,  513 ,  514 , and  515 , thereby preferably locking column jaw  300  in the desired width Y. Preferably, fasteners  512 ,  513 ,  514 , and  515  are eight millimeter fixed threaded bolts, and butterfly nuts  516  preferably are eight millimeter threaded butterfly nuts. In another preferred embodiment of ladder safety system  100 , an additional fastener is introduced on jaw extensions  500  to further fix width Y. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener arrangements such as, for example, screws and nuts, rivets, bolts, bayonet fasteners, clasps, etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, each jaw extension  500  comprises at least one strap coupler  543  (see  FIG. 3A ), preferably a vertical slot, for preferably receiving at least one strap  540  (at least embodying herein wherein said support engager means comprises strap means for strapping said support engager means to such at least one upward extending support) to further anchor ladder safety system  100  to support member  104  or bent upright support  116 . Strap coupler  543  preferably is about forty millimeters long and about five millimeters wide, and is located about nine millimeters from back edge  550  of jaw extension  500 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Those with ordinary skill in the art of using a strap will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of strap attachment as described herein, methods of cinching such strap will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
       FIG. 6A  shows an isometric view, illustrating a preferred rung cover panel  204  of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 6B  shows an isometric view, illustrating a preferred rung mounting plate  202  of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3A . Preferably, rung engager  200  is comprised of at least one rung mounting plate  202  and at least one rung cover panel  204 , as shown. Rung cover panel  204  preferably is about seventy millimeters wide and about one hundred and fifty millimeters long, as shown by dimensions A and B, respectively. Rung panel  204  comprises at least three apertures  205 ,  206  and  207 , as shown. Preferably, all apertures  205 ,  206 , and  207  are located about sixty-two millimeters from back edge  250  of rung cover panel  204 , and preferably are located about eight millimeters from front edge  260  of rung cover panel  204 . Preferably, aperture  205  is located about twenty-five millimeters from right edge  230  of rung cover panel  204 , and aperture  207  preferably is located about twenty-five millimeters from left edge  240 . Preferably, aperture  205  and aperture  206  are spaced about fifty millimeters apart, and apertures  206  and aperture  207  preferably are spaced about fifty millimeters apart. Rung cover panel  204  preferably comprises piano hinge  212 , which preferably is used to anchor rung cover panel  204  to rung mounting plate  202  (see below). 
     Rung mounting plate  202  preferably is comprised of rung under panel  265  and jaw engage panel  270 , as shown. Preferably, rung under panel  265  and jaw engage panel  270  are oriented at a ninety degree angle with respect to one another at junction  273 . Preferably, at least one piano hinge  212  is located at junction  273  between rung under panel  265  and jaw engage panel  270 , as shown. 
     Rung under panel  265  preferably is about seventy millimeters wide and about one hundred and fifty millimeters long, as shown by dimensions C and D, respectively, thereby preferably approximating the dimensions of rung cover panel  204 . Rung under panel  265  preferably comprises rung container  266  for preferably contacting the bottom surface of at least one rung  106 , preferably bottom surface  114  of top rung  112  of ladder  102  (see  FIG. 1 ). Preferably, rung container  266  begins about fifteen millimeters from front edge  271  of rung under panel  265 , and ends about fifteen millimeters from junction  273 . Preferably, rung container  266  has a diameter of about forty millimeters, as shown by dimension G in  FIG. 6B . 
     Rung under panel  265  further preferably comprises at least three apertures  205 ′,  206 ′, and  207 ′ which preferably are located about eight millimeters from front edge  271  of rung under panel  265 . Aperture  205 ′ preferably is located about twenty-five millimeters from right edge  274  of rung under panel  265 , and aperture  207 ′ is located about twenty-five millimeters from left edge  272 . Preferably, aperture  205 ′ and aperture  206 ′ are spaced about fifty millimeters apart, and apertures  206 ′ and aperture  207 ′ preferably are spaced about fifty millimeters apart. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other apertures and spaced dimensions arrangements such as, for example, more or less apertures and/or larger or smaller dimensions, etc., may suffice. 
     Jaw engage panel  270  preferably is about seventy millimeters wide, and about one hundred and fifty millimeters long, as shown by dimensions E and F, respectively. Jaw engage panel  270  preferably comprises aperture  275  which preferably comprises the pivot point between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300 . Preferably, aperture  275  is located in the center of jaw engage panel  270 , as shown. More specifically, the center of aperture  275  preferably is located thirty-five millimeters from junction  273  between rung under panel  265  and jaw engage panel  270 , about seventy-five millimeters from right edge  282  of jaw engage panel  270 , and about seventy-five millimeters from left edge  283  of jaw engage panel  270 . Aperture  275  preferably has an inner radius of about three and a half millimeters. Jaw engage panel  270  preferably comprises arcuate slot  280  which preferably performs as part of a swivel pivot lock assembly, which allows the user to adjust and set the degree of rotation between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300 . Arcuate slot  280  preferably restricts the maximum angular displacement between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300  to about less than 360-degrees, preferably about ninety degrees to about 270-degrees, preferably 90-degrees. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other angular displacement arrangements such as, for example, for wider or smaller ranges, horizontal beam attachment, vertical-only structural attachment, etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, both aperture  275  and arcuate slot  280  engage at least one mechanical fastener each, preferably at least one fixed screw and butterfly nut each, which enable the user to set the angel of rotation between rung engager  200  and column jaw  300 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of a preferred left side bracket  302  of ladder safety device  101  of ladder safety system  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Preferably, left side bracket  302  comprises at least one front panel  320  and at least one side panel  330 , which preferably are oriented at a ninety degree angle with respect to one another, and preferably are connected by junction  325 , as shown. Front panel  320  preferably is about seventy millimeters wide and about ninety millimeters long, as shown by dimensions H and I, respectively. Front panel  320  preferably comprises transverse slot  306  which preferably is near the center of front panel  320 , as shown. Transverse slot  306  preferably is located about thirty-one millimeters from top edge  312  of front panel  320 , and about thirty-one millimeters from bottom edge  314  of front panel  320 . Preferably, transverse slot  306  is about eight millimeters wide and about fifty-seven millimeters long. Preferably, transverse slot  306  begins about ten millimeters from right edge  305 , and preferably ends about twenty three millimeters from left inner corner edge  307  of front panel  320 . 
     Side panel  330  of left side bracket  302  preferably is about seventy millimeters wide and about one hundred and seventy four millimeters long, as shown by dimensions J and K, respectively. 
     Preferably, side panel  330  comprises at least one upper transverse slot  308 , and at least one lower transverse slot  310 , as shown. Upper transverse slot  308  and lower transverse slot  310  of side panel  330  preferably are both about eight millimeters wide and about one hundred and fifty seven millimeters long. Preferably, upper transverse slot  308  and lower transverse slot  310  are parallel to one another and preferably both begin about six and a half millimeters from back edge  311  of side panel  330 . Preferably, upper transverse slot  308  is located about twelve and a half millimeters from top edge  315  of side panel  330 , and lower transverse slot  310  preferably is located about twelve and a half millimeters from bottom edge  316  of side panel  330 . Upper transverse slot  308  and lower transverse slot  310  are preferably spaced by about thirty millimeters. Preferably, left side bracket  302 , including front panel  320 , side panel  330 , and junction  325 , are about nine millimeters thick, as shown by dimension M. 
     Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other dimension arrangements described above, such as, for example, greater or lesser dimensions, etc., may suffice. 
     Preferably, right side bracket  303  comprises all the features described herein for left side bracket  302 , and is a mirror image of left side bracket  302 . 
     Although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.