Patent ID: 8251179

Claim:
A portable safety ladder assembly comprising: frame members which extend longitudinally and define a walkthrough area at an upper end thereof when said assembly is in an operable position, said frame members respectively having a base end opposite said upper end which is configured to engage a surface which provides an area of support for said assembly when said assembly is in the operable position; a plurality of rungs which extend horizontally between said frame members, with adjacent said horizontal rungs being vertically spaced apart by a first predetermined distance; a pair of safety extension members respectively extending upwardly from a frame member of said frame members and spaced apart from each other relative to said frame, each respective safety extension member of said safety extension members having: a lower section including a support pole configured for releasable attachment to a respective frame member of said frame members; an upper section including first, second, third and fourth handgrips positioned adjacent to said walkthrough area and which extend perpendicularly relative to the support pole, wherein adjacent handgrips are vertically spaced apart by a second predetermined distance; a first outer pole which extends perpendicularly relative to the handgrips and above said support pole, said first outer pole configured to directly connect said first and second handgrips; a second outer pole which extends perpendicularly relative to the handgrips and above said first outer pole, said second outer pole configured to directly connect said second and third handgrips; and a third outer pole which extends perpendicularly relative to the handgrips and above said second outer pole, said third outer pole configured to directly connect said third and fourth handgrips, wherein said first, second, and third outer poles on said respective extension member are staggered and distinct poles respectively so that a major length of the first and third outer grips of each respective extension member are collinear with a first axis and the second outer grip of each respective extension member is collinear with a second axis that is parallel and offset from said first axis, wherein said fourth handgrip is spatially distanced above said walk-through area by a third predetermined distance to thereby permit a user of said assembly to stand substantially erect at said walkthrough area when said fourth handgrip is engaged by the user.