GB2502856A

GB2502856A - Securing device with adjustable clamp and tether

Info

Publication number: GB2502856A
Application number: GB201303764A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Allan Shaw
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-07
Filing date: 2013-03-01
Publication date: 2013-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-01
Also published as: GB201210099D0; GB2502856B; GB201303764D0; GB2502812A

Abstract

The device is for securing an elongate object such as a ladder to a structure. The device includes a body 2 and an adjustable clamp 1. A variable tensioner 8 is used to tension a tether 4. The tensioner may be mounted on or in the body. A catch may be provided on the body to close the clamp and/or further increase a gripping force. The tether may be on a ratchet to prevent return. The clamp may include an adjustment screw 5 such as used in over-centre mechanisms e.g. self-locking toggle lever pliers. A tether end may include at least one karabiner 3 and/or at least one loop (13, Figure 6).

Description

A SECURING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a securing device, more particularly a device for securing elongate objects, such as ladders, kayaks or planks, to other structures.

Background

Increasing awareness of health and safety issues impacts on many users, in particular those undertaking manual work.

Ladders are a notable concern for dangers in both the workplace and also in leisure environments.

Where a user is working alone and no party is available to hold the ladder bottom, it can be difficult to ensure that the ladder is safely fixed and secure from slippage.

Typically a user will either attempt to tie the ladder to a structure or will risk slippage or movement, which occurrence can be severely dangerous.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US patent application US 2006/1 91 967A (SMITH et al) discloses a clamp assembly to hold first and second articles together with a cable on a retracting wheel.

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r*: 30 US patent US 5092426 (RHODES) discloses a safety device and system of first and second elongate members that are slidable with respect to each other to form a beam variable in length to span top surfaces of structures on which a worker is 5.55 operating.

International patent application W02003/026953A (MALVINI et al) discloses a hand tool tethering system for use with hand tools which includes a retractor and tether.

GB patent application GB-A-2 462 721 (KNOTT) discloses retractable clamp with connecting members to connect a clamp to an article such as a ladder The retractable clamp including tightening means with operating parts which are housed within a housing.

European patent application EP 2 345 557 (GALLAGHER) discloses a ladder clamp comprising an anchor part and a ladder retaining part, wherein: the anchor part includes an anchor that is able to be arranged to co-operate with a fixing on a vehicle; and the ladder retaining part includes a body and a securing means, the securing means being co-operable with the anchor part to clamp the ladder retaining part to the anchor part in a releasable manner; characterised in that the securing means comprises a locking element that is able to pivot with respect to the body between an un-clamped and clamped orientations, wherein in the an un-clamped orientation the locking element does not restrict relative movement between the anchor part and the ladder retaining part and in the clamped orientation the locking element clamps to the anchor part so that abutment of the locking element with the body restricts movement of the ladder retaining part away from the anchor portion of the anchor part.

Granted United States patent US 7 111 764 (SMITH et al) discloses a clamp assembly for securing a first article to a second article, said clamp assembly comprising: first and second spaced-apart article holders adapted for engaging respective first and second articles; an elongated gear rack interconnecting said first and second article holders; a pinion operatively engaging said gear rack, and adapted for moving said first article holder along said gear rack relative to said :*.*. second article holder; a locking bar comprising a plurality of spaced teeth adapted for meshing with respective teeth of said gear rack in a locked position; and means for moving said locking bar between the locked position and a released position, such .. 30 that: (i) in the locked position, the meshing teeth of said locking bar and gear rack cooperate to prevent linear movement of said first article holder relative to said second article holder, thereby securing the first article to the second article; and (ii) in S...

: the released position, the teeth of said locking bar and gear rack are sufficiently disengaged to allow free linear movement of the first article holder along said gear rack relative to the second article holder.

United States patent application US 5 996 736 (STANKIEWICZ) discloses a ladder locking device, comprising: a body having opposed first and second ends, a hollow section and a longitudinal axis; said body further includes a drain hole to prevent moisture from being trapped inside said ladder locking device; a handle attached to said first end, said handle includes a threaded tightening shaft secured to said handle and to said body by a locking clip; a hook attached to said first end; a locking arm assembly extending from said first end to said second end through said hollow section of said body along said longitudinal axis of said body, said locking arm assembly comprising a hook, said locking arm assembly can be extended in length to receive up to five associated ladders; a threaded key mechanism attached to said second end, said threaded key mechanism comprises a threaded shaft and receives an associated key; said hollow section of said body further comprises: first and second guide tracks located on opposite sides of said hollow section; and a pin retainer body secured to said threaded shaft.

In contrast the present invention provides a means for securing a ladder securely to a separate structure that is disposed in a variety of manners.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a securing device comprises: a body and an adjustable clamp with a variable tensioner which, in use, tensions a tether.

Preferably the clamp includes a body, and a jaw, said jaw having a first and second ends arranged to move relative to the body from a first open position wherein the first r end of the jaw is proximate the body to a second closed position wherein the first end of the jaw is distal from the body.

:0..:. 30 In preferred embodiments the jaw is movable relative to the body in a manner similar to a gripping action achieved with locking pliers. In a particularly preferred embodiment the tether is mounted on the body on a ratchet mechanism, wherein the S. * * second end of the jaw comprises an over-centre action and wherein said second end may consequently differ in distance from the body, between positions and between use in the second position.

The jaw and body are set in use to grip a size slightly smaller than the item, said item typically a ladder rung, and to be gripped by turning a bolt in either the body or jaw when the jaw is in the first position. Although reference has been made to gripping a ladder it is understood that this is by way of example only and it is envisaged that the jaw and body may be used to grip various items such as a gutter, door frame, door seal or any other anchored item on which a ladder may be used wherein the tether is secured to the ladder.

When the jaw is in the second position the jaw and body are squeezed together, and move a lever over its centre point, this locks the jaw onto the gripped item or ladder rung.

In this way the device may be locked onto a ladder rung and the tether then extended from the tensioner to an appropriate length. Preferably the tether end can be secured to an object, apparatus or structure such as a door frame or downpipe.

Ideally the tether's distal end may include a karabiner so as to allow the tether end to r. -either fasten about a ring or hook, or allow the tether to be passed around any projection or part so as to allow the karabiner to fasten to the tether therefore r creating a loop around the object to which it is secured.

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In some embodiments the tether end may not include a karabiner but may instead include a loop integrated with the tether. For example the tether may be stitched or riveted to itself so as to form a loop. In this way the tether may be passed around an object and the clamp threaded through the loop so as to be secured about the object.

Advantageously in this arrangement the tether cannot be erroneously disconnected in use without first disconnecting the clamp.

In an alternative arrangement the tether may be detached from the tensioner so as to allow the tether to be threaded through the loop, then being reattached to the tensioner and adjusted as required.

In other embodiments the tether may be passed through the tensioner so that two tether ends are provided, at either ends of the tether, so as to operate in a similar manner to a ratchet strap. In this way each tether end may include either a karabiner or loop.

Alternatively in some embodiments the tether ends may include more than one loop or karabiner for enhanced security and so provide the user alternative options for securing the tether to objects, structures or itself.

The over-centre action ensures that a secure grip and certain positioning is accomplished on the ladder, wherein the clamp may be locked to ensure that the clamp does not work free in use.

In another aspect of the invention the securing device is typically used to secure an elongate object, such as a ladder or plank of wood, to a structure. The device provides at least the following: a body; a means of incrementally gripping at least a part of said structure; and an extendable tether capable of surrounding a part of an object, and a tensioner for incrementally tightening the tether.

The device in all preferred embodiments is also suitable for securing elongate objects such as ladders on another structure, such as a house or vehicle roof rack, for example wherein the other structure can accept the clamp or tether so as to be secured.

Furthermore, the device provides a portable lightweight means of securing multiple pieces of apparatus as required due to user controlled variation of the clamp and tether. For example the securing device may used to secure multiple items on a roof rack.

Alternative embodiments allow the securing device and the tether for surrounding the object or structure to be optionally used in either arrangement for example the clamp or the tether may be interchangeable between securement to the object or structure so that the tether may attach to the structure such as a building and the clamp may attach to the ladder or vice versa. * . * *

Furthermore the device may be used to secure objects such as a kayak for transportation or storage wherein the tether by way of its elongate nature may be passed over or about the kayak and the clamp for example used on a vehicle roof rack thereby securing the kayak to the roof rack. In such embodiments a plurality of the devices may be used, so as to secure elongate objects, for example to enable securement of the kayak at both ends on the roof rack.

In the preferred embodiments the device is used for securing of ladders to buildings, such as wherein the clamp is used to grip a ladder rung and the tether used to surround a gutter or downpipe, or alternatively or in addition the tether surrounds a stile or a rung and the clamp grips a roof bar.

Typically the clamp is adjustable in increments. More preferably said increments are analogue not stepped, wherein the gripping may be increased until such time as the device securely grips the structure.

In a further embodiment there may be provided a catch on the clamp, more particularly a catch that is operable to closethe clamp, and/or further increase the amount of a gripping force.

Ideally two jaws are fitted to two handles and the handles define the body. The jaws are moved together by the handles to grip the structure as required. Jaws may include: engagement pads, wherein said pads include a resiliently deformable material such as silicone, rubber or other material or surface disposed to minimise damage to a gripped surface.

Furthermore the engagement pads may be dimensions so as to aid grip by preventing or limiting movement in use. For example the engagement pads may be shaped so as to include raised nodes at the pad ends so as to enhance grip about an object or structure Additionally or alternatively the pads may be toothed for enhanced grip.

Some embodiments may include a screw thread so that the jaws can be moved together by means of a screwing movement within a handle so that the handles do * not move together. More particularly at least one jaw is ideally mounted on a screw thread so as to enable one jaw to be moved closer to the second jaw without movement of the handles Further embodiments may include sprung closure or in addition or the alternative. *..

In an advantageous embodiment the means comprises: pliers that can be locked into position, using an over-centre action wherein one side or handle of the means includes a screw thread bolt that is used to adjust spacing of the jaws, and the other side of the means includes a lever to push the means apart to unlock the jaws.

The jaws in use are set to a size slightly smaller than the apparatus, structure or object by turning the bolt with the jaws closed. When the jaws are opened and the means squeezed together, a lever is moved over a central point to lock the jaws onto the gripped structure, object or apparatus.

Preferably the jaws provide a majority of jaw face orientations in order that the jaws may interface with a plurality of structures.

Ideally the screw movement also alters the orientation of at least one of the jaws so that gripping over structures may be enhanced and more effective.

Preferably the tensioner includes incremental locking, for example wherein the tether is provided on a ratchet mechanism that may be tightened over or about the structure or object. In this way the structure or object such as the ladder rung may be surrounded by the tether and the tether tightened so as to ensure minimal movement in use.

Typically the tether is embodied in a material that is not liable to cause damage to the apparatus, object or structure when tightened. For example preferred embodiments of the tether are ideally provided in fabrics, such as canvas and/or nylon webbing, plastics, plastic coated cable or other fabric coated cable. Preferably a cut or friction resistant material may be used for improved safety. Yet further embodiments include padding, so as to prevent damage to the apparatus, object or structure. S.

The tether in preferred embodiments is advantageously on a ratchet so that the tether may be pulled tighter as required with the ratchet preventing return or -30 elongation of the tether. In some embodiments a knob can then be used to add tension to the tether.

The tether is typically therefore provided on a reel, with spring bias and the ratchet preventing the tether reeling in. In this way strain to pull out the tether will further tighten the ratchet.

Advantageously in all preferred embodiments the tensioner integrated with the device, providing a single, portable and flexible device. Ideally the tether length may be fully held on a reel when retracted.

Ideally the tensioner may be mounted externally on the clamp. In further embodiments thetensioner may be located within the device.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment; *øts*t * Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment; * * a * Figures 3 show views from below and above of the embodiment; * Figures 4 show end views of the embodiment; *. S* Figure 5 shows a lockable embodiment; and Figure 6 shows an isometric view of another embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures: The jaw 1 is moveable in relation to the body 2, wherein body 2 maintains an tensioner 8. The tensioner Stensioner may be moved so as to release or clamp which limits the tether 4. Therefore allowing the length of the tether 4 to be altered and for it to be fixed in use to prevent movement thereby fixing the securing device in position Said tether 4 includes at its distal end a karabiner or gate clip 3, which allows securement to itself or to structures or objects. For example the tether may be passed about an object and the karabiner 3 secured about the tether. Alternatively the karabiner 8 may be clipped directly to the object.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the tether 4 includes a loop 13 at its distal end through which the grip comprising the jaw 1, body 2 and tensioner 8 may be passed through in order to provide a secure connection about an object.

The proximal tether 4 end is shown held in place by a collar 10.

In order to clamp the jaw 1 over a ladder rung or other object or structure the body 2 includes an adjustment screw 5, as known in the art common to over-centre actions, * and a lever 6 and brace 7 which enable the jaw to be adjusted in relation to the body * from a closed position to various open positions depending upon the amount of 30 opening required in order to grip the ladder rung, object or structure.

The means has two handles comprising the jaw 1 and body 2 therebetween providing a span that can be adjusted by the adjustment screw thread 5 at the base of a handle and the jaw and 1 body 2 are then clamped tightly around an item by squeezing together.

The pictured and preferred embodiment may be used as an aid to prevent a base of a ladder sliding out when in use, and/or at a top of a ladder to stop the ladder sliding away from a structure, or blown back off a building in high winds.

Once the device has been used for securement for example of the ladder to the structure, the device can further be used to secure the ladder for example to a vehicle so that it may be held in position whilst being transported for improved safely and reducing requirement for additional securement means.

The tether 4 may be flexible being formed from for example webbing which is cut resistant for added security to the user.

The tether 4 feeds through a guide collar 10 on the body 2 and then a cylinder on the ratcheted tensioner B so as to be deployed and retracted as required.

Rubber engagement pads 9 provided enhanced grip to surfaces so that the device may readily grip numerous surfaces without causing damage. Advantageously the engagement pads 9 can be easily replaced if they get worn out or damaged.. The engagement pads 9 shown include nodes 14 at each pad 9 end for improved grip.

The engagement pads 9 are also toothed 15 for optimal grip.

As shown in figure 5 the device may be locked wherein to keep the user's property secured, a lockable casing 11 can be placed over the body and jaw to prevent the jaw from being released. This also provides improved safety by limiting the chance of the jaw 1 being erroneously released in use.

Additionally when transporting ladders and other products and materials, the device can be used to secure items to the vehicle for example the roof rack and can then be locked in position using a padlock 12 or combination lock (not shown) for added security. * * * * **.

Claims

Claims 1. A securing device has a body and an adjustable clamp with a variable tensioner which, in use, tensions a tether.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the tensioner is mounted on/in the body.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a catch is provided on the body that is operable to close the clamp and/or further increase a griping force.
4. A device according to any of claims 1. 2 or 3 wherein the tether is on a ratchet so that the tether may be pulled tighter as required with the ratchet preventing return or elongation of the tether.
5. A device according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the clamp includes a screw thread, wherein a jaw and a body may be moved together by means of a screwing movement within a handle.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein both the clamp and the mechanism are integrated into the device.
7. A device according to any preceding claim adapted to secure a ladder to a structure so as to prevent the ladder from toppling.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a tether end includes at least one loop.
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a tether end includes at r* 30 least one karabiner.
10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a tether end includes at least one karabiner and at least one loop.
11. A device according tb any preceding claim wherein more than one tether end is provided.
12. A means of forming a device for securing elongate apparatus to a structure with reference to the Figures.