GB433724A - Improvements in or relating to folding ladders - Google Patents

Abstract

433,724. Folding ladders. WHITING, F. H. W., 49, Redbreast Road, Moordown, Bournemouth. Feb. 20, 1934, No. 5624. [Class 20 (ii)] A collapsable ladder comprises a plurality of articulated side sections 3, of which the members of successive pairs of opposed sections are spaced apart progressively and are of progressive lengths whereby the ladder can be folded into substantially one plane, and each section comprises projections 4 to distance the ladder rungs 2 from the walls of a house or like support. The projections 4 are provided by forming the sections 3 of flat S- or sinuous-form. A triangular portion 1 is provided at the upper end of the ladder for the connection of a chain by means of which the ladder is suspended. The ladder, when collapsed, may be housed in a container having a loose wall through which the anchoring chain passes, so that when the container and ladder are thrown from a window, the ladder is automatically extended. To ensure opening of the ladder, either the container or bottom of the ladder may be weighted. The ladder may be formed in several lengths, of which the spacing and lengths of the side sections alternately increase and decrease. The rungs 2 may be rigid tubular members connected to the side sections by screws or rivets 5, or they may be made of cord, rope or wire. The ladder may, alternatively, be constructed from U-shaped units comprising integral side and rung portions, and the ends of the side portions of the units may be in the form of hooks to engage into or over the rung portion of the next unit.