GB2329414A

GB2329414A - Ladder stabilising arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2329414A
Application number: GB9818431A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Hume
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-08-23
Filing date: 1998-08-24
Publication date: 1999-03-24
Also published as: GB9818431D0

Abstract

A stabilising arrangement for a ladder section 14,16, the arrangement including a ground engaging stabilising member 20 and means for securing the stabilising member 20 to a ladder and for temporarily securing the stabilising member in a fixed orientation with respect to the ladder section 16 and extending laterally outwards thereof. The arrangement may be used with two parts of a two- or three part ladder converted by device 12 into a stepladder, or with a conventional stepladder.

Description

LADDER This invention relates to a ladder, and apparatus for use with a ladder, and in particular but not exclusively to apparatus for supporting a ladder of any type. This invention also relates to apparatus for use in converting a two or three part extension ladder into a step ladder.

There are many occasions when temporary access is required to an elevated work site and, traditionally, such access is gained using an extension ladder, which is commonly in two or three parts. Extension ladders are convenient as they may be extended to allow access to work sites at a variety of heights and, in their retracted storage configuration, may be easily transported between sites on a vehicle ladder rack.

However, a conventional ladder requires an upper support surface, which may not always be available, for example when changing lights in a petrol filling station canopy.

Scaffolding towers may be utilised in such cases, though this increases costs considerably and may make a particular job, for example the repair of a single light fitting, uneconomic. Tall free-standing step ladders may be suitable for such jobs, but such step ladders are relatively expensive, non-adjustable and awkward to store and transport.

In a recognition of these difficulties, numerous proposals have been made for "kit" which may be used to convert a conventional extension ladder to a step ladder.

Also, numerous "multi-purpose" ladders have been proposed. As yet, none of the existing proposals has been adopted for widespread use by tradesmen. It is believed that this may be due, in part, to the perception that the conversion kits are expensive and, if left in place on the ladders, interfere with the normal use of the ladder. Also, the step ladders resulting from the conversion are generally more limited in their applications than conventional step ladders.

It is among the objectives of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stabilising arrangement for a ladder, the arrangement including a ground engaging stabilising member and means for securing the stabilising member to a ladder and for temporarily securing the stabilising member in a fixed orientation with respect to the ladder and extending laterally outwards thereof.

Preferably also, the means for securing the stabilising member includes first and second attachment members, the first attachment member being formed integrally with the ladder, and the second attachment member being adapted to be secured to the first attachment member, and to co-operate with the stabilising member.

Alternatively, the first attachment member may be formed as a member adapted to be secured to the ladder, enabling the arrangement to be retro-fitted to a ladder.

The first attachment member may be secured to the ladder via a nut and bolt arrangement, or may be welded, glued, screwed or otherwise secured to the ladder. The first attachment member may take the form of a bracket.

The first attachment member may include at least one recess formed in a surface thereof, the recess being adapted to receive a portion of the second attachment member. Most preferably, the first attachment member includes at least two such recesses, the recesses taking the form of longitudinal slots. Alternatively, the recesses may take the form of locating holes or any other suitable arrangement.

Most preferably, the second attachment member comprises a bracket which co-operates with the stabilising member by receiving an end element of the stabilising member.

Most preferably, the end element of the stabilising member is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the bracket, this enabling the stabilising member to rotate about the bracket between a first position where the stabilising member lies substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ladder, and at least one other position where the stabilising member lies at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the ladder.

The end element of the stabilising member may be an integral part thereof. Alternatively, the end element may be a secondary portion, located at an end of the stabilising member. The secondary portion may take the form of a hollow member adapted to receive the end of the stabilising member therein.

The second attachment portion may be provided with means for securing the stabilising member in the at least one other position, which may take the form of a spring loaded tab formed in the end element, the tab being adapted to co-operate with a locating hole in the bracket.

Most preferably, the second attachment member is pivotally mounted to the first attachment member, enabling the second attachment member and the associated stabilising member to rotate about the first attachment member between a first position where the stabilising member lies substantially parallel to the ladder, and at least one other discrete position where the stabilising member lies at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the ladder.

Preferably, the second attachment member is provided with means for engaging the at least one recess of the first attachment member. Most preferably, the engaging means takes the form of an engaging tab.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in permitting elements of a conventional ladder having at least two sections to be used as a free-standing step ladder, the apparatus comprising: connecting means for coupling an upper end portion of a first ladder section to an upper end portion of a second ladder sect ion; stay means for extending between intermediate portions of the first and second ladder sections; and a stabiliser arrangement including a ground engaging stabilising member for connection to an intermediate portion of a ladder section and extending laterally outwards thereof.

This aspect of the present invention allows a conventional ladder to be utilised as a step ladder, with the stabiliser arrangement facilitating use of the typically narrow, and therefore potentially unstable, ladder sections. The stabiliser arrangement of the present invention avoids the disadvantages of the stabilising support feet of the ladder arrangements as described in GB-A-2 287 055 and FR-A-2 435 596, in which elongate elements extend transversely of the base of one of the ladder sections; such an arrangement would be difficult to use on uneven ground.

The invention also relates to a stabiliser arrangement as described above for use with a conventional step ladder.

Preferably, a plurality of stabiliser members are provided, and a stabiliser member may be provided for connection to each of the stiles of the two ladder sections. For certain applications, for example adjacent a wall or other object, the stabilisers may be provided on only one side of the ladder. For such applications other forms of stabiliser members may be provided for abutting or positively engaging the object.

Preferably, the stabiliser arrangement consists of an arrangement as defined above with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

Alternatively, each stabiliser arrangement includes a bracket for engaging a respective stile and for coupling the stabiliser member thereto. The bracket may be coupled to the stile without requiring the use of tools. In one form, the bracket defines a channel of corresponding form to a stile and has a channel opening corresponding to the stile profile, the opening being rotationally offset to the channel, such that the bracket is initially placed on the stile by passing the opening over the stile and the bracket is then rotated to bring the channel walls into engagement with the stile. The bracket may also include a pin extending into the channel for location in the open end of a rung, which prevents movement of the bracket along the stile.

Preferably also, the stabiliser member is length adjustable, and most preferably telescopic. The stabiliser may be provided with ground engaging feet.

Preferably also, the stay means includes one or more elongate stay members, the ends of which may be adapted for coupling to a respective stabiliser bracket. The stay members may be telescopic, to allow the relative positioning of the stay members on the ladder sections to be varied, to allow the relative positioning of the ladder sections to be varied, and to facilitate transport and storage of the members.

Preferably also, the connecting means includes two brackets for mounting on the stiles of the upper end portion of the first ladder section. Most preferably, each bracket defines a channel of corresponding crosssection to the stile. The brackets may be fixed on the stiles by a connecting pin passing through a rung of the ladder section.

Preferably also, the brackets of the connecting means each include a retractable pin for location in the end of a rung of the second ladder section. Most preferably, each bracket includes means for retaining the pin in its extended position. Most preferably, the pins are arranged to permit relative rotation of the first and second ladder sections, for example by providing pins of circular cross-section which are rotatable within the rungs.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in permitting elements of a conventional ladder having at least two sections to be used as a free-standing step ladder, the apparatus comprising connecting means for coupling an upper end portion of a first ladder section to an upper end portion of a second ladder section, the connecting means comprising a pair of brackets for mounting on the stiles of the upper end portion of the first ladder section, each bracket including a retractable pin for location in the end of a rung of the second ladder section.

This aspect of the present invention provides a secure and convenient arrangement for coupling two ladder sections. The use of pins to engage the second ladder section facilitates provision of a compact arrangement which may be left in place on the first ladder section without interfering with the use of the ladder in its conventional configuration.

Preferably, each bracket defines a channel of corresponding cross-section to the stile. The brackets may be fixed on the stiles by a connecting pin passing through a rung of the first ladder section.

Preferably also, each bracket includes means for retaining the pin in its extended position. Most preferably, the pins are arranged to permit relative rotation of the first and second ladder sections, and thus permit variation in the angle between the sections.

The rotation may be made possible by, for example, providing pins of circular cross-section which are rotatable within the rungs, or pins which are rotatable relative to the brackets. This provides additional flexibility in the use of the ladder to accommodate, for example, uneven ground or obstructions.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a step ladder which has been produced from a conventional two-section ladder using apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a hinge assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the hinge assembly of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a plan view of the hinge assembly of Figure 2, showing the hinge bolt in an extended configuration; Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 4, but shows the hinge bolt in retracted configuration; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly of Figure 2; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a stabiliser arrangement of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a sectional view of a stabiliser leg of the arrangement of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a plan view of an anti-splay bar of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of an end of the antisplay bar of Figure 9; Figures 11, 12 and 13 are, respectively, a view from above, a side view and a view from below of a stabiliser bracket of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a sectional view of a stabiliser leg of another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 15, 16 and 17 are views of alternative stabiliser feet; Figures 18 and 19 are plan and side views of an anti-splay bar of another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 20 and 21 are side and front views respectively of an embodiment of a stabilising arrangement in accordance with the present invention, shown in a first storage position; Figures 22 and 23 are side and front views respectively of an embodiment of a stabilising arrangement in accordance with the present invention, shown in a second stabilising position; Figure 24 is a side view of part of the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21; Figure 25 is a side view of part of the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21; Figures 26 and 27 are front and side views respectively of part of the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21; Figures 28 and 29 are side and front views respectively of an alternative embodiment of a stabilising arrangement in accordance with the present invention, shown in the first storage position; and Figures 30 and 31 are side and front views respectively of the embodiment of Figures 28 and 29 shown in the second storage position.

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings, which illustrates a step ladder 10 which has been formed from the parts of a conventional two-section ladder utilising apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus comprises connecting means in the form of a pair of hinge assemblies 12 for coupling an upper end portion of a first ladder section 14 to an upper end portion of a second ladder section 16, stay means in the form of antisplay bars 18 extending between the ladder sections, and stabiliser arrangements 20 mounted on the ladder section stiles 22,23.

Reference is now made also to Figures 2 through 6 of the drawings which illustrate one of the hinge assemblies 12 in greater detail. The hinge assembly 12 includes a bracket 24 defining a three-sided channel 26 of corresponding cross-section to the ladder stile 22, such that the bracket 24 may be mounted on the stile 22, as illustrated in Figures 2, 4 and 5. The bracket 24 is secured on the stile 22 by a threaded pin (not shown) which passes through a ladder rung and is coupled to the bracket 24 on the other stile of the ladder section.

The bracket 24 provides mounting for a cylindrical sleeve 28 which accommodates a hinge bolt 30. In use, the bolt 30 is extended to engage with the open ends of rungs of the second ladder section 16, the bolt 30 being illustrated in the extended configuration in Figures 3 and 4. The sleeve 28 defines an L-shaped slot 32 to accommodate a radially extending pin 34 fixed to the bolt 30. By locating the pin 34 in the toe of the slot 32, it is possible to secure the bolt 30 in the extended configuration. In addition, the bolt 30 carries a spring-loaded ball bearing 36 (Figure 6) for releasably engaging bores 38,39 in the sleeve 28, the location of the bores 38,39 corresponding to the position of the ball bearing 36 when the bolt 30 is in the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

Reference is now made to Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings, which illustrate the stabiliser arrangement 20 of the apparatus. Each arrangement 20 includes a bracket 42 formed of sheet metal and including a length of pipe 44 mounted on the exterior of bracket 42 to receive the upper end of a telescopic stabiliser leg 46.

The bracket 42 defines a channel 48 of corresponding cross-section to the ladder section stile 23. Extending from an inner face of the bracket 42 into the channel 48 is a short length of pipe (not shown) which, in use, extends into the open end of a rung 50. To locate the bracket 42 on the stile 23, the bracket 42 is rotated such that the pipe may pass into the open end of the rung 50. The bracket is then rotated through 45O to bring bracket sections 52,53 to lie adjacent corresponding stile faces 54,55.

Each telescopic stabiliser leg 46 is formed of two parts, a larger diameter outer tube 56 and a smaller diameter inner tube 58, an angled rubber foot 60 being mounted on the lower end of the inner tube 58. As may be seen from Figure 8, collars 62,63 are attached to the inner and outer tubes to provide a neat fit between the tubes 56,58. In addition, the leg 46 is provided with a locking arrangement in the form of spring-loaded studs 64 mounted in the inner tube 58, and which engage corresponding apertures 66 in the outer tube 56. Thus, to adjust the length of the leg 46, the studs 64 are pressed inwardly, disengaging the studs from the apertures 66 allowing the inner tube 58 to be moved axially relative to the outer tube 56.

Reference is now also made to Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings, which illustrate the anti-splay bar 18 which is utilised to prevent the ladder sections 14,16 moving apart when the step ladder is in use. The ends of the bar 18 are provided with locking mechanisms 68 which allow the bar ends to be locked in bores 70 (see Figure 7) provided in the bracket section 53 of the stabiliser arrangement 20. The locking mechanism 68 comprises a swivel-lock 72 located in a slot 74 cut in the end of the bar 18, the lock 72 being rotatable such that it is aligned with the bar end, so that the bar end and lock 72 may be passed through the bore 70. On release the lock 72 rotates to the position as illustrated in Figures 7 and 10, thus preventing the end of the bar being inadvertently withdrawn from the bore 70.

The bar 18 is provided in two parts 76,77, the first part 76 providing mounting for a sleeve 78 which receives the end of the second part 77. A pin 80 extends radially from the end of the part 77 to engage with a toothed slot 82 defined in the sleeve 78. It is thus possible to adjust the length of the bar 18 in increments corresponding to the distance between the circumferentially extending portions 84 of the slot 82.

Reference is now made to Figures 11, 12 and 13 of the drawings which illustrate a modified stabiliser bracket 90 which is of generally similar configuration to the bracket 42 described above. However, when mounting and dismounting the bracket 90 on the ladder stile 23, the bracket 90 must be rotated through 90 , rather than 45o From the above description it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the apparatus of this embodiment of the present invention provides a simple and convenient means for converting a two-section ladder into a step ladder. In many instances, provision of the apparatus will obviate the need to provide maintenance staff and the like with a step ladder in addition to a conventional two or three-section ladder and will minimise the requirement to provide scaffolding. The conversion of a conventional ladder to a step ladder may be achieved without the use of tools, thus facilitating the conversion by non-skilled maintenance staff.

Further, different sizes of ladders may be joined, provided that the rung configuration is similar. In addition, the adjustability of the various elements of the apparatus, including the stabiliser legs 46 and the anti-splay bars 18, allow the step ladder to be assembled for maximum stability.

In describing the preferred embodiment above, the primary description relates to a two-section ladder, though the third section of a three-section ladder may be used In conjunction with the second ladder section 16, such a third section 86 being shown in ghost outline in Figure 1 of the drawings.

If desired, accessories may be provided in conjunction with the apparatus, including: a worktray to be mounted on the ladder section in a similar manner to the stabiliser bracket 42; stabiliser poles to join two stabiliser legs 46 on the same side, at the feet 60, for better stability at maximum working heights; a short spacing pole for fixing to the side of the ladder sections when assembled alongside a building, to space the step ladder 10 from the building, and extension poles with male or female ends as appropriate to increase the stabiliser leg length.

Reference is now made to Figure 14 of the drawings, which illustrates a stabiliser leg 100 of another embodiment of the present invention. Like the stabiliser leg 46 described above, the leg 100 comprises an outer tube 102 which telescopically receives a smaller diameter inner tube 104 on which a resilient foot 106 is mounted.

However, the position of the inner tube 104 is fixed relative to the outer tube 102 by a hand releasable threaded bolt 108 mounted on the outer tube 102 and which may engage one of a series of longitudinally spaced bores 110 provided in the wall of the inner tube 104.

The stabiliser leg 100 also differs from the stabiliser leg 46 described above in that it is provided with a detachable foot 106. The end of the tube 104 includes a spring mounted stud 112 to engage a short portion of tube 114 secured to the foot pad 116.

The leg 100 is also mounted to the respective stabiliser bracket in a slightly different manner from the firstdescribed embodiment, in that the stabiliser bracket includes a length of pipe 122 which is received inside the upper end of the outer tube 102, and is secured therein by a further spring loaded stud 124.

Reference is now made to Figures 15, 16 and 17 of the drawings, which illustrate alternative stabiliser feet for mounting on the stabiliser leg 100. Figure 15 illustrates a foot 126 comprising a rubber pad 128 on a swivel mount 130. Figure 16 shows a further swivel foot 132 provided with a removable threaded spike 134, for use in soft ground, and Figure 17 illustrates a fixed rubber foot 136.

Reference is now made to Figures 18 and 19 of the drawings, which illustrate an anti-splay bar 140 of another embodiment of the present invention. The bar 140 differs from the anti-splay bars 18 described above, in that the bar ends 142, 143 are offset, to accommodate the offset of the stabiliser brackets to which the bar ends are secured: the first and second ladder sections are of different sizes, such that the stabiliser (on each ladder section) will not be aligned. Further, the bar 140 is formed of two parts 144, 145 connected by a pivot 146, to allow the ladder sections to be brought together to facilitate movement of the step ladder on a site.

Reference is now made to Figures 20 to 23 of the drawings, which illustrate an alternative embodiment of a stabiliser arrangement for a ladder.

The arrangement may be provided as an integral part of any ladder, or may be provided as an add-on attachment for retro-fitting to a ladder. In the embodiment of Figures 20 to 23, the stabiliser arrangement is shown as an add-on attachment for retro-fitting, and the arrangement includes a first attachment member 148, in the form of a bracket 148 which is adapted to be secured to the stile 150 of a ladder. In the preferred embodiment, the bracket 148 is secured to the stile 150 using a nut and bolt arrangement (not shown). However, the bracket 148 could be similarly secured by welding, glueing , screwing or by any other suitable method.

In the case of the arrangement being provided integrally with the ladder, the bracket 148 is dispensed with, and the stile 150 of the ladder acts as the first attachment portion, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

The arrangement further includes a second attachment member which includes a bracket 152. The bracket 152 is pivotally mounted to the bracket 148 via a pivot 154 shown in Figures 24 and 25 and described in more detail below.

This enables the bracket 148 to pivot between a first storage position where it lies parallel to the stile 150 of the ladder (as shown in Figures 20 and 21) and a second stabilising position (such as that shown in Figures 22 and 23). In the first position of Figures 20 and 21, the stabilising member, an element of which is shown at 156, is located parallel to the stile 150 of the ladder, with the lower portion (not shown) of the stabilising member temporarily retained by a suitable snap-fit clip (not shown).

Furthermore, the stabilising member 156 is pivotally mounted to the bracket 152 via pivot 158, thus enabling the stabilising member 156 to pivot away from its storage position in a direction perpendicular to the face 160 of bracket 148.

Therefore, in order to move the stabilising member 156 from its first storage position (as shown in Figures 20 and 21) to one of its second stabilising positions (as shown in Figures 22 and 23), the stabilising member 156 is first released from the snap-fit clip which retains the lower portion of the stabilising member 156, and is subsequently pivoted to the stabilising position. This is facilitated by the stabilising member 156 pivoting about bracket 152 via pivot 158, and by the bracket 152 itself pivoting about bracket 148 via pivot 154.

The element 156 of the stabilising member may be an integral portion of the stabilising member, formed into a hollow box in cross-section. Alternatively, the element 156 may be a relatively short member 156 which is a hollow box in cross-section, and which is adapted to receive an end 162 of the stabilising member, which is tubular in cross-section. This alternative arrangement is described in more detail below, in relation to Figures 26 and 27.

The stabilising member 156 is provided with tabs 164 protruding from the top-most end of the stabilising member 156, the tabs 164 having engaging portions 166 extending therefrom. These portions 166 are adapted to engage with recesses 168 which can be best seen in Figure 24, which shows the bracket 148 without the bracket 152 attached thereto. When the stabilising member 156 is in the required stabilising position, the member 156 is secured by locating the engaging portions 166 in the recesses 168. It can be seen from Figure 24 that four such recesses 168 are provided, in two sets of two parallel recesses, one set oriented to incline toward the left of the bracket 148, the other set to incline toward the right of the bracket 148. It will be appreciate that this enables the stabilising member 156 to be oriented to extend laterally from either side of the ladder as required.

The stabilising member is also provided with a spring loaded catch 168, shown at Figures 26 and 27, the catch 168 comprising a locking button 170 and a biassing spring 172. The locking button 170 and a biassing spring 172 (Figure 27). The locking button 170 is adapted to temporarily fixedly retain the stabilising member 156 in the stabilising position by co-operating with locating hole 174. When the correct orientation of the stabilising member 156 is reached, the locking button 170 is aligned with the locating hole 174, and is caused to protrude there through under the forcing action of biassing spring 172.

When it is desired to either alter the stabilising position of the stabilising member 156, or to return it to its stabilising position, the user must first depress the locking button 170 such that the stabilising member 156 is released and may be pivoted to the desired location.

Referring now specifically to Figure 24, the bracket 148 is shown in more detail, such that the relationship between the recess 168 and the pivot 154 can clearly be discerned.

Figure 25 illustrates the bracket 152, which is shown as a template from which the bracket 152 may be formed. The bracket 152 includes a base portion 176 which lies adjacent to the surface 160 of bracket 152, and which pivots about bracket 148 via pivot 154. The bracket 152 has side members 178 and 180, in which are formed the pivot 158 and locating hole 174 for locking button 170. The bracket 152 is formed of a material such as a steel plate which enables the bracket 152 to be formed by bending the side members 178 and 180 along lines 182 and 184.

Referring now specifically to Figures 26 and 27, there is shown the arrangement wherein the stabilising member 162 (which in this embodiment is tubular in crosssect ion) includes an element 156 which is box-shaped and hollow in cross-section, aiding co-operation of the stabilising member 162 with the bracket 152.

Locating holes 186 are formed in the element 156 and the stabilising member 162, such that when the stabilising member 162 is located in the element 156, the member 162 may be retained therein via a nut and bolt or other suitable arrangement (not shown).

The stabilising member 162 is shown in Figures 26 and 27 in the stabilising position, with the locking button 170 temporarily retaining the stabilising member 162 in the stabilising position, under action of the biassing spring 172 forcing the locking button through locating hole 174. In this position, the engaging portions 166 of tabs 164 would be engaged within the recesses 168 of bracket 148, which is omitted from the Figure for clarity. In the stabilising position, the stabilising member 162 is disposed at an angle of, for example, 300 laterally from the stile 150 of the ladder.

The stabilising member is also disposed at a suitable angle perpendicularly from the stile to enable the stabilising member 162 to engage the ground and support the ladder.

The stabilising member 162 is of the type described above with reference to Figures 1 to 19, and includes a suitable ground engaging foot.

Referring now to Figures 28 to 31, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the stabiliser arrangement in which the element 156 of the stabilising member is provided with a tab 188 extending from the stabilising member 156, the tab 188 from the stabilising member 156, the tab 188 being approximately semi-circular (as shown in Figure 28) and having a locating pin 190 extending therefrom towards the bracket 148.

The bracket 192 in this embodiment is circular, and rotates about bracket 148 in a similar way to the bracket 152 of Figure 20. The brackets 148 and 192 are provided with locating holes (not shown) within which the locating pinl90 engages to retain the stabilising member 156 in the stabilising position. All other components in this embodiment are similar to those described above with reference to Figures 20 to 27.

In a further embodiment of the anti-splay bars 18 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 19, the anti-splay bar 18 may be located directly to the stiles 22, 23, 150 of the ladder, rather than to the stabiliser bracket 42 such as that shown in Figure 7. This may be accomplished by providing bores (not shown) in the ladder stiles 22, 23, 150 for the bar end and lock 72, in a similar way to the bores 70 of Figure 7.

It will also be clear to those of skill in the art that further modifications and improvements may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the lengths of pipe 44, 120 may be movable relative to the stabiliser bracket to allow, for example, a stabiliser leg to extend horizontally from a ladder section to engage an adjacent structure and thus act as a stay.

Claims

1. A stabilising arrangement for a ladder, the arrangement including a ground engaging stabilising member and means for securing the stabilising member to a ladder and for temporarily securing the stabilising member in a fixed orientation with respect to the ladder and extending laterally outwards thereof.

2. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the means for securing the stabilising member includes first and second attachment members, the first attachment member teing formed integrally with the ladder, and the second attachment member being adapted to be secured to the first attachment member, and to co-operate with the stabilising member.

3. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the means for securing the stabilising member includes first and second attachment members, the first attachment member being formed as a member adapted to be secured to the ladder, enabling the arrangement to be retro-fitted to a ladder; and the second attachment member being adapted to be secured to the first attachment member, and to co-operate with the stabilising member.

4. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the first attachment member is adapted to be secured to the ladder via a nut and bolt arrangement.

5. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the first attachment member is adapted to be welded, glued, screwed or otherwise secured to the ladder.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 5 wherein the first attachment member is a bracket.

7. An arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 6 wherein the first attachment member includes at least one recess formed in a surface thereof the recess being adapted to receive a portion of the second attachment member such that the portion of the second attachment member is engaged in the at least one recess.

8. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the first attachment member includes at least two such recesses.

9. An arrangement as claimed in either of Claims 7 or 8 wherein the recess is a longitudinal slot.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the second attachment member comprises a bracket adapted to receive an end element of the stabilising member.

11. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the end element of the stabilising member is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the bracket, whereby the stabilising member is rotatable about the bracket between a first position where the stabilising member lies substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ladder, and at least one other position where the stabilising member is angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis of the ladder.

12. An arrangement as claimed in either of Claims 10 or 11 wherein the end element of the stabilising member is an integral part thereof.

13. An arrangement as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11 wherein the end element is a secondary portion, located at an end of the stabilising member.

14. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the secondary portion is a hollow member adapted to receive the end of the stabilising member therein.

15. An arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 11, or 12 to 14 when dependent upon claim 11, wherein the second attachment member is provided with means for securing the stabilising member in the at least one other position in the form of a spring loaded tab formed in the end element, the tab being adapted to co-operate with a locating hole in the bracket.

16. An arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 15 wherein the second attachment member is pivotally mounted to the first attachment member, enabling the second attachment member and the associated stabilising member to rotate about the first attachment member between a first position where the stabilising member lies substantially parallel to the ladder, and at least one other discrete position where the stabilising member is angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis of the ladder.

17. An arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 16 wherein the second attachment member is provided with means for engaging the at least one recess of the first attachment member

18. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the engaging means takes the form of an engaging tab.

19. Apparatus for use in permitting elements of a conventional ladder having at least two sections to be used as a free-standing step ladder, the apparatus comprising: connecting means for coupling an upper end portion of a first ladder section to an upper end portion of a second ladder sect ion; stay means for extending between intermediate portions of the first and second ladder sections; and a stabiliser arrangement including a ground engaging stabilising member for connection to an intermediate portion of a ladder section and extending laterally outwards thereof.

20. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 19 wherein a plurality of stabiliser members are provided.

21. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 20 wherein four stabiliser members are provided, one for connection to each of the stiles of the two ladder sections.

22. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims i9 to 21 wherein the stabiliser arrangement includes means for securing the stabilising member to the ladder and for temporarily securing the stabilising member in a fixed orientation with respect to the ladder.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 21 wherein each stabiliser arrangement includes a bracket for engaging a respective stile and for coupling the stabiliser member thereto.

24. Apparatus as claimed in either of Claims 22 or 23 wherein the bracket defines a channel of corresponding form to a stile and has a channel opening corresponding to the stile profile, the opening being rotationally offset from the channel, such that the bracket is initially placed on the stile by passing the opening over the stile and the bracket is then rotated to bring the channel walls into engagement with the stile.

25. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the bracket also includes a pin extending into the channel for location in the open end of a rung, which prevents movement of the bracket along the stile.

26. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 25 wherein the stay means includes one or more elongate stay members

27. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 26 wherein the ends of the one or more elongate stay members are adapted for coupling to a respective stabiliser bracket.

28. Apparatus as claimed in either of Claims 26 or 27 wherein the stay members are telescopic.

29. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 28 wherein the connecting means includes two brackets for mounting on the stiles of the upper end portion of the first ladder section.

30. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 29 wherein each bracket defines a channel of corresponding cross-section to the stile.

31. Apparatus as claimed in either of Claims 29 or 30 wherein the brackets are fixed on the stiles by a connecting pin passing through a rung of the ladder section.

32. Apparatus as claimed in either of Claims 29 or 30 wherein the brackets of the connecting means each include a retractable pin for location in the end of a rung of the second ladder section.

33. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 32 wherein each bracket includes means for retaining the pin in its extended position.

34. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 31 to 33 wherein the pins are arranged to permit relative rotation of the first and second ladder sections.

35. Apparatus or an arrangement as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the stabiliser member is length adjustable.

36. Apparatus or an arrangement as claimed in Claim 35 wherein the stabiliser member is telescopic.

37. Apparatus or an arrangement as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the stabiliser is provided with a ground engaging foot.

38. A stabiliser arrangement for use with a conventional step ladder, the stabiliser arrangement including a ground engaging stabilising member for connection to an intermediate portion of a ladder section and extending laterally outwards thereof.

39. Apparatus for use in permitting elements of a conventional ladder having at least two sections to be used as a free-standing step ladder, the apparatus comprising connecting means for coupling an upper end portion of a first ladder section to an upper end portion of a second ladder section, the connecting means comprising a pair of brackets for mounting on the stiles of the upper end portion of the first ladder section, each bracket including a retractable pin for location in the end of a rung of the second ladder section.

40. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 39 wherein each bracket defines a channel of corresponding cross-section to the stile.

41. Apparatus as claimed in either of Claims 39 or 40 wherein the brackets are fixed on the stiles by a connecting pin passing through a rung of the first ladder section.

42. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 41 wherein each bracket includes means for retaining the pin in its extended position.

43. Apparatus as claimed in either of Claims 41 or 42 wherein the pins are arranged to permit relative rotation of the first and second ladder sections, and thus permit variation in the angle between the sections.

44. Apparatus or an arrangement substantially as claimed hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1 to 10; Figures 11 to 13; Figure i4; Figures 15 to 17; Figures 18 and 19; Figures 20 to 27 or Figures 28 to 31 of the accompanying drawings.