US2343123A - Multiple chain ladder - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 29, 1944. N, 1.. D AHLANDER MULTIPLE CHAIN LADDER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 18, 1942 IIIII It All,

'IIIIIII '1' null, 11/ s Ill N. L. DAHLANDERVI 2,343,123

MULTIPLE CHAIN LADDER Feb; 29, 1 944.

' s Sheets-Shet 2 Filed June 18, 1942 an M v u 7/ 77 INVENTOR ATTORNEY 76 QWLA DER 7a Wfi I N. L. DAHLANDER MULTIPLE CHAIN LADDER Filed June 18, 1942 3 Sl'xeets-SheerAS l1 "LDAHLANDEI? ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 29, 1944 1 STATES PATENT OFFICE l g I 2,343,123

MULTIPLE CHAIN LADDER Noel L. Dahlander, New York, N. Y., assignor of two-fifths to Robert '1. Earl, New Canaan,

Conn.

Application June is, 1942, Serial No. 447,529

7 20 Claims. (01. 228-40) This invention relates to chain ladders in general and more especially to multiple chain ladders suitable fordescending from dirigibles or buildings in case ofan emergency or for some other reason or for disembarking passengers and troops from seagoing vessels, transports'and the like inthe case of an emergency or for some other reason.

Among the objects of the present invention, 3

it is aimed to provide an improved 'multiple chain ladder suitable for descending from dirigibles, buildings and the like in case of an emergency or for some other reason or for disembarking passengers and troops from seagoing vessels, transports and the like in the'case of an emergency or for some other reason.

It is, also an object of the present invention to provide an improved multiple chain ladder which can be folded or rolled up readily in the,

interests of conserving space when packed away out of use to which end a plurality of sets of ladder rungs are mounted on chains in which the rungs are staggered relative to one another to facilitate rollin or folding up the multiple chain ladder and to conserve space.

' It is still another objectvof the present invention to provide an improved means for spacing a multiple chain ladder from the outer surface of the hull of the vessel which will not only prosuspended positionfor use in case of an emer gency andalso for facilitating the rolling or folding up of the ladder when the same is packed up out-of use. These and other features capabilities and advantages of the invention will appear from the subioined detail description of specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a fragmental frontelevation of a multiple chain ladder in suspended position made according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmental front elevation of a corner of the-multiple chain ladder in suspended position shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmental detail in front elevation on a, larger scale than that shown in Fig; 2

showing the connection between a chain link and tect the user from having his hands and feet injured while climbing on the same but also serve as an electric insulator to prevent the formation of sparks should the chains strike the outer surface of the hull of the vessel to thereby in turn reduce to a minimum the fire hazard re- I and the like.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved ladder rung and particularly the means for connecting the rung to the intervening chain elements which will enable reducing the cost of materials and the, cost of labor for assembly to a minimum.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved multiple chain ladder and particularly ofv formin the means for spacing the ladder from the outer surface of the hull of the vessel and also of forming the rungs of the ladder of some suitable buoyant substance, such as wood and the like whereby the multiple chain ladder when accidentally thrown into the water will not disappear to the bottom with the danger of being lost but maintain the entire ladder afloat until recovered, and also in an emergency, to a certain extent, supplement 9. life saving raft or even serve as a substitute for a lifesaving raft.

a rung.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3..

Fig. 5 is a fragmental detail in front elevation of a modification on the scale shown in Fig. 3 of the connection between a chain link and a rung.

- Fig. 6 is a fragmental plan of the modification shown in Fig. 5 partly in section on the line 8-8 of Fig.5

Fig. 7 is a fragmental detail of still another modification on the scale shown in Fig. 3 of the connection between a chain link and 9. runs.

Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the detail shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of a spacer on the scale shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 10 is a section on the line lli'-lll of Fig. 9.

-Fig. 11 ,is a front elevation of a portion of another form of spacer on the ,scale shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a section on the line iI-l! of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a front elevation partly in diagrammatic form in suspended'position 'on the scale in Fig. l of a multiple chain ladder equipped with means to facilitaterolling up the same.

Fig. 14 is an end elevation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13. r

It is 3.150311 object of the present invention k 2 i 3 i n 2,822,128

Fig. 18 is a fragmental front elevation of still another form of connection between a chain and a rung on a slightly smaller scale than that shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 17 is an end elevation of the embodiment shown in Figjlfl.

ofv a bracket associated with a multiple chain ladder and the railing of a vessel.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 2 and 10, there is illustrated a multiple chain ladder which is composed of a plurality of longitudinally extending chains 2 which in turn are connected near their upper ends by the transversely extending chain 2. connected to the chain 2 at intervals of about 12 inches from oneanother. When the links of which the chains 2 and 2 are composed, are of the type generally known as the "Lock Link" type, as shown particularly in Fig. 2, then the chain 2 alternately passes over and under the successive longitudinally extending chains 2, with the loop 4' of the chain 2 as an instance passing over the loop 2 of the chain 2, the loop 2 of the chain passing under the loop 1 of the next succeeding chain 2, and the loop 2 passing over the loop 2 of the next succeeding chain 2. The loops 4, 2 and 2 cross the loops 2, I and 2 respectively where they are anchored to one another as shown in my co-pending application for patent executed on or about June 6, 1942, Serial No. 446,485, that is by means of four rings for each connection. Since the several connections are identical, the one for connecting the loops 4 and 2 alone will be described. The ring l2 passes over the shank portion H of the loop 4 and under the shank portion l2 of the loop I,

, and ring l2 passes over the shank portion ll of the loop 4 and under-the shank portion l4 of the loop I, the ring I! passes over the shank portion i2 of the loop 4 and under the shank portion l4 of the loop 2, and the ring "passes over the shank portion ll of the loop 4 and under the shank portion l2 of the loop 2. Obviously other connecting means could he used such as shown in my co-pending application above referred to without departing from the general spirit of the 1 invention herein disclosed.

periphery as a wear receiving surface to engage the ring 22. The upper ends of each of the remaining chains 2 are preferably similarly connected to lash receivingrings such as the ring 22, but since these connections and rings are substantially identical, it will be unnecessary to repeat the aforesaid description with regard to each of the rings bearing the reference character 24 in Fig. l.

The ladder rungs 22 in this embodiment are Thechains2are' as an instance of wood, of about 12 inches in length and provided with metal clips 21 and 22 one at each end, see Figs. 3 and 4: The wood bars 22 are preferably rectangular in cross section with the corners rounded off as shown, the rectangular cross section facilitating a flrm grip by the user, and the rounded corners in turn eliminating any sharp edges that might injure the hand of the user when engaging the rungs in lo the use thereof.

To serve not only as a reinforcement for the rungs against splitting when composed of a substance such as wood, and also to cooperate with the links of the chains 2 to prevent the metal 15 of the chains 2 cutting into the ends of the rungs 22 with wear, the metal rings 22 are provided which are fitted into the circular recesses ing flanges 22 and 2| which extend laterally along the sides of the bar 22 over the ring 22 and has a grooved extension 22. The flanges 22 and 2| preferably have two screws 22 and 24 extending from one flange 22, through the bar 25 22 into screw threaded connection with the other flange 2| as shown, in which case the heads 22 and 22 are countersunk, and the screw threaded ends 21 and 22 are burred as shown, so that the threads are flxed against displacement.

o The grooved extension 22, as particularly shown in Figs. 3 and 4. pivotally receives the shank portion 22 of the link 42 in which case the shank portion 22 composed of metal will be engaged by the ring 22 of the curved extension 22 of the. 35 metal clip 22 to protect the end of the wooden the other, with the rungs 22 between any set of 40 successive chains. constituting one set of rungs in staggered relation to the next succeeding set of was and so on. In the present instance,

however, the alternate sets of rungs. see Fig. l,

are in alinement with one another. This ar- 4s rangement of the rungs contributes materially to the flexibility and adaptability of the multiple chain ladder for folding or rolling the same when not in use.

Another form of connection between a rung and chain is shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, in which the bar 4| asain is preferably composed of wood and rectangular in cross section but with rounded corners, as shown. and the end .portion rounded and threaded to to receive the cylindrical metal portion 42 of the ferrule 44 having the extension 42 provided with a loop 42 at the end thereof, see Fig. 6, pivotally to receive the shank portion" of the link 42. the portion 42 being flrst screw threadedly con- .eo nected to the rounded end of the bar by the threads I42 and then secured against unscrewing by the pin I44.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 2 there is illustrated another form of connection 22 between a rung and chain particularly suited for a rung 42 composed of cylindrical metal stock such as shown having diametrically opposed slits 22 and 2| at the ends thereof to receive links such as the link 22 against turning with the free end 10 thereof extending through the metal 22 and preferablycomposed of a main bar 22 comp sed 72 the vessel in order to protect the hands of the In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2, 9 and 10. instead of the metal disks such as the disks It, serving as spacers, there are provided the split wooden blocks or spools It each composed of two'semi-cylindrical complemental halves la and II having central recesses I1 and is which register withone another'to form a central opening for the composite block is to receive a link, such as the 'link It ofa chain 2. The two complemental halves I! and I! are preferably connected to one another by two screws I. and II. the heads I! of which fit into the recesses II and the nuts 04 of which are screw threaded into place in the recesses ll.

- In Figs. 11- and 12, another type oi wooden spacer block is shown, see the block so the complemental" halves t1 and I! of which are connected by two screws la and .II which in this instance extend through a link, such as the link ll 'of the chain Iasshowminstead of being embedded in' the wood to either side of thechain 2, as shown in the embodiment of l'igs. 9 and 10.

Here also the heads 12 and ll of the screws Cl and II respectively are' both positioned in one and the same recess 14 and the nuts II and I! :are screw threaded in place on the screws I! and -10 respectively in one and the same -recess l1. with spacer blocks such as the blocks "shown in Figs. 9 and 10 and such as the blocks Ii shown chain andthq-side or the vessel so as to prevent the formation of sparks'as an instance when the chain I is swung against the vessel as the result ofrough water or a storm.' The value of such insulation especially when the yesseljis an oil tanker is of course obvious. Y Y 1 Furthermore, when therungs II are composed of wood and supplemented by the spacers as or it, also of wood, sumcient buoyancy is ordinarily aiiorded to the chain should it fall into the water accidentally [thereby to prevent I it from dropping down to the bed, of the water.

In actual practice, excellent results have been achieved when the spacers such as the spacers l4, see-Pig. 1. are mounted on every other chain I 8, with one set'. asan instance, the blocks ll,

placed two feet belowthe rings II and-onthe third, seventh and eleventh chains designated 2.

counting from theright. The next set of blocks II, as an instance, the set .II, are staggered-relative to the blocks is being positioned on the first, flfthand ninth chains designated! countin'gfroin therl'ght, this set I! being spaced about one foot down from the levelof the blocks 18.

It will be desirable to Provide the chain I with additional blocks It, as an instance the blocks 1 ll mounted farther down as an instance at least three feet below the level of the blocks ll, which blocks ll would'again preferably be mounted on the third, seventh and eleventh chains counting an' -instance the beyond theleveiof the blocks-Ii, then at inter- 'vals of about three feet'there would be disposed Additional sets or oneoa more rows of blocks *nleir as the sets la and II. and the sets II and II.

in Figs. 11 and 12, the chain] is provided'with an electric insulatorto intervene between the there is illustrated another form of multiple chain ladder designated II. The arrangement of the. longitudinally extending chains II and the rungs at is substantially identical to that of the chains 2 and rungs II respectively of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1. This embodiment is different in the arrangement of the spacer blocks as and in the addition of booms or poles such as the poles at, 81. and It The first pole It is preferably positioned two feet below the border chain II at the top of the ladder II, the next pole or is positioned about ten feet-below the pole II, the pole as about ten feet still lower down. and the pole at in the present instance at the lower end of the multiple chain ladder it. Those poles It, 81, as and 8!, may be made of metal but preferably are composed of some suitable buoyant material such as wood and of about three inches in diameter. The poles ll. 81 and as preferably'have eyelets ll formedrthoreon to be interlocked with links of the longitudinally extending chains It, with the poles located on the rear side ,of the multiple chain-ladder i so that they may not only serve as positioning means for the chains as and to maintain the chains as spread out relative to one another but also serve the side of the" vessel and thereby protect'the hands of the users. When serving as spacers the poles at. 81 and II and also the'pole It may supplement the 'blocks 8| and also the special metal spacer disks If such as shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 18. The 'pivotal connections of the chains It in the loops 32 can still be used to advantage when the booms or poles II to 89 are used to compensate for the swaying or rolling of a vessel. these pivotal-connections nevertheless permitting slight pivotal "motion at these points and thereby protecting the-chain links from the excessive shearing force that would otherwise be transmitted to the links connected to the rungs, if no such-pivotal movement were permitted. However, when the multiple ladders are used at the stem or how of a vessel in order to compensate for the curvature generally there present, the booms and poles will be omitted to enable the ladder freely to bend in the loops :2 to conform to the curvature of the vessel.

The blocks 8! when used with the poles at to II are preferably spaced from one another and staggered as shown. As an instance the upper row of blocks as would be disposed about two feet above the Pole 01 and mounted on the second,- sixth and tenth chains as counting from the right, the next lower row of blocks I might be positioned as close as one foot below the pole I1 and mounted on the fourth and eighth chains l3 counting from the-right.

The lowermost pole is is preferably provided with two sets of eyelets, one set ofseyelets II to receive links at the lower ends of the chains II, and another set ofeyelets as to receive" the lanyards or drag ropcslll having floats Ill at ."1: In the embodiment shown in Figs. 13 and 14 1' intervals of five to ten feet. These lanyards may be composed of ordinary hemp and be as long as fifty feet, and the floats I-I preferably are composed of some suitable buoyant material such as wood, and spherical in form and about two and one-half inches in diameter. Furthermore these lanyards I00 by the aid of the floats IOI are intended to ride on the surface of the water at the end of the ladder 82 to serve as life saving ropes for the users of the ladder should any of them fall into the water. Furthermore the poles 88 to 88, inclusive, the spacers 85 and the floats- IOI will cooperate to aid in preventing the ladder from dropping down to the bed of the sea, should it accidentally be released, and aid in maintaining the same afloat long enough to enable a member of the crew to retrieve it.

When a pole is secured to the lower ends of the chains 83, as an instance, the pole 88, it will materially aid in cooperating with a halyard such as the rope I02 shown in Figs. 13 and 14 to enable rolling up the ladder 83 into a compact package for storage on the deck or other place. case, the halyard I02 is anchored at one end as an instance by the pin I03 or other suitable securing means to the side of the vessel, the halyard I02 then wrapped around the pole 88 two or three turns and the other free end secured to the deck of the vessel where it can be readily grasped for manipulation of the pole 89. The wrappings I04 of the halyard I02 are preferably made around the portion of the pole 89 extending beyond the outer longitudinally extending chain 83. Preferably also both free ends of the pole 88 are so equipped with halyards such as the halyard I02. Thereupon at the appointed time, when it is desired to roll up the chain 82 the free ends I05 of the halyards I02 at both ends In such of the ladder 82 will be grasped and pulled upwardly whereby in turn the pole 88 will rotate and at the same time wrap the chain 82 around it as the pole 88 is raised.

In order to maintain the halyard I02 adjacent to an outer free edge of the ladder 82, and to guide the halyard I02 the portion of the halyard I02 between the pin I08 and the pole 88 will extend through the loops of the links I08 preferably of the Lock Link" type connected by a rivet I01, see Fig. 19, to a link I08 of the outer chain 88 of the ladder 82. In order to connect the link I08 to the link I08 its looped ends are spread apart to receive the link I08 between them whereupon a rivet I0! is passed through the looped ends I06 and the link I08 as shown in Fig. 19 and secured in place in the usual way.

In some instances it may be desirable not to roll up the ladder 82 but merely to fanfold it or flake it, in which case a single length halyard I08, see Fig. 15, is connected to a free end of the lower pole H0 and such halyard I08 extend upwardly through links III, such as the links I06 shown in Fig. 8. In this case when it is desired to fanfold or flake the ladder shown in Fig. 15 it is only necessary for the member of the crew to engage the free end I I2 and draw upwardly on the same to elevate the pole H0 and thereby simultaneously fanfold or flake the rest of the ladder into folded or packed condition.

When it is desired to use the spacer disks 82 shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 18, the rungs 84, as an instance the rung III. may nevertheless be composed of some suitable buoyant material such as wood, the disk formed of metal and cooperate with a metal clip' II4 now to be described. The disks 82 in the present instance are disposed at the opposite ends of rung II8 and have a diamm. In addition, see Fig. 1a, the'disk a: is provided with two curved slots III and H8 to receive the parallel arms II8 of the clip II4 which extend through the openings I I1 and Ill and then engage the outer opposite faces of the rung II 8 and are there secured in place by suitable pins or screws I20 and I2I. The clip III has a looped end I22 extending from the free end of the rung III and outside of the disk 82 as shown in Fig. 16 pivotally to receive a shank portion I28 of the adjacent link I24 of the adjacent chain 88,

In view of the foregoing it will thus appear that when the rungs 84, the spacers II, the poles 88 to 88 inclusive and the floats IOI are all composed of some suitable buoyant material such as wood, they will very effectively cooperate with one another to maintain the ladder 82 afloat until retrieved should it accidentally be released. Furthermore to a limited extent it may also serve as a life raft in case of an emergency.

In some instances in addition to the spacers 54 shown in Fig. 1 or the spacers. 88 shown in Fig. 11 or the spacers 85 and 82 shown in Fig. l3, a bracket such as illustrated in Fig. 20 may be provided. This bracket may consist of an arm I25, or a plurality of arms I25 pivoted to the side plate I28 of the vessel adjacent the uprights I21 of the railing I28. The outer end of each of such arms I25 is pivotally connected to a bar or link I28 having a hooked or crooked end I30. These bars I25 and I28 may be folded up to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 20 when out of use, or disposed in extended position, the full line position, with the crook I engaging the rod I3| of the railing I28. A multiple chain ladder I32 such as the chain ladder shown in Fig. 1 as an instance is provided with a plurality of rings such as the rings I33 at the upper end thereof which are lashed to the railing I28 by the lanyards or lashings "4.. When the multiple chain ladder I32 is stored on deck it is rolled up into the roll I35 shown in dot and dash lines in Fig. 20. If on the other hand the ladder I82 is to be extended in use, the sets of arms I 25 and I28 are first extended into the fullline position shown in Fig. 20 and then the ladder I82 swung over the railing I28 to engage the bar I36 forming the pivot point of a plurality of arms I25 and I28, intum to be spaced from the side I81 of the vessel as shown in Fig. 20.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may-be made to the details of construction without departing from the general spirit,

each end thereof, the clip also having a loop.

formed adjacent the free end of a rung to receive a shank portion oia link of one of said longitudinally extending chains.

2. The combination of a plumlity of longitudinally extending suspensory members having chain links including longitudinally extending shank portions, a plurality of rungs including bars composed of wood, there being annular recesses in the ends oi! each of said bars, a metal ring positioned in each oi said recesses to serve as a re-- spacer block to the adjacent chain, the spacer blocks being spaced from one another and distributed throughout the ladder effectively to space the ladder from the side of a vessel or the like. 7. The combination oi a plurality of longitudinally extending parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs and spacers, and means for connecting said rungs and spacers to links of said chains and spaced from one another to form a plurality of inforcement against splitting the bar, a metal pa a l l dd s d effectively to spa the clip having side arms to engage the sides of each bar adjacent its end and also having a loop adjacent the end of each bar to receive a shank portion of an adjacent chain link, and means for securing the side arms of each clip to its wooden bar, and the bars being spaced along said longitudinally extending chains to form a plurality of adjacent ladders.

3. The combination of a plurality of longitudinally extending suspensory members having chain ders from the side of a vessel or the like, each spacer connected to a chain independent of any other spacer or chain and the connecting means between said rungs and chains being pivotal about a longitudinally extending axis.

8. The combination of a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending shank portions, 9. plurality of rigid rungs, metal clips having side arms connected to the sides of said run s and looped links including longitudinally extending shank.

portions, a plurality of rungs including rigid bars composed of a buoyant material, clips, each cliphaving a cylindrical portion to receive oneend of a bar and having a loop adjacent each endof a bar, the loops receiving the shank portions of links of said longitudinally extending chains, and the bars being spaced along said longitudinally extending chains to form a plurality of adjacent ladders.

4. The combination of a plurality of parallel suspensory members having chain links including longitudinally extending shank portions, a plurality oi rigid rungs. means for pivotally connecting the ends of the rungs spaced from one another to shank portions of adjacent chains to form a plurality of parallel ladders, said connecting means each including a metal clip having a loop formed adjacent the free end of a rung to receive a shank portion of a link of one of said suspensory members, and spacers connected to said chains to space the rungs from the side of a vessel or the like when in use, the rungs and spacers being composed oi a buoyant material to cooperate with one another to facilitate retrieving the. chain should it accidentally drop into the water.

. 5. The combination of a. plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting theends of the rungs spaced from one another to links of adjacent chains to form a plurality of parallel ladders, spacer blocks composed of a buoyant material and including two complemental semi-cylindrical portions having registering recesses to form a central opening to receive links of said chains, and means for anchoring the two complemental portions to one another in looking position with the chains, the spacer blocks being spaced from one another and distributed throughout the ladder effectively to space the ladder from the side or a vessel or the like.

6. The combination of a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality oi! rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting the ends or the rungs spaced from one another to links of adjacent chains to form a plurality of parallel ladders, spacer blocks composed of wood and including two complemental semi-cylindrical portions having registering recesses to form central openings to receive links of said chains, and fastening means, each extending through the two portions and intercepted link or the adjacent chain to anchor the two complemental portions to one another to portions adjacent the free ends of said rungs, and spacer disks having slits to receive said side armsiand having flanges to engage the'sides of said rungs adjacent their free ends, the looped :5 portions receiving shank portions of adjacent chain links, said rungs being spaced from one another to form. a plurality of parallel ladders and said disks being eilectlve to space the ladders from the side of a vessel or the like.

9. The combination of a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting the ends of. the rungs to links of adjacent chains to form a plurality of adjacent parallel ladders, a border chain connected as to the upper ends of said parallel chains to receive lashings for connecting the ladders to the rail of a vessel, a plurality of brackets each including an arm pivotally connected to the side of a vessel, a second arm having a securing hook at 40 one end thereof. and a common bar forming the pivotal point for connecting said first and second arms to one another to also form abutment for said ladders to space the same from the side of the vessel when in use. r

10. The combination of a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting said rungs spaced from one another to said chains to form a multiple ladder, such connecting means each including a metal clip having a loop formed adjacent the free end of a rung to receive a shank portion of a link 0! one of said longitudinally extending chains. and transversely extending form maintaining means loosely connected to said chains to maintain said ladder spread out ready for use when extended although movable laterally and axially relative to said chains to enable the ladder to orient its position relative to the structure with which it is being used.

11. The combination of a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting said rungs to said chains spaced from one another to form a multiple chain ladder, booms extending the full width of the ladder.

said connecting means each including a metal clip engaging the sides oi a rung adjacent each end thereof, the clip also having a loop formed adjacent the free end of a runs to receive a shank portion of a link of one of said longitudinally extending chains, and means for movably connecting the booms to said chains spaced from one another to maintain said ladder spread out ready for use when extended.

12. The combination of a plurality oi. parallel iorm a composite spacer block and to lock such 1 chains. a plurality O! gid rungs. means ior iv- 8 assaia's otally connecting said rungs to said chains spaced i'rom one another to iorm a multiple chain ladder. booms extending the rail width oi the ladder.

means for connecting one oi. said booms to the .lower ends oi'said chains and the rest of said booms to said chains spaced from one another to maintain said ladder spread out ready for use when extended, lanyards connected to said lowermost boom, andrloats on said lanyards to serve as rescue lines for users in case of an emergency.

13. The combination of a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting said rungs to said chains spaced from one another to form a multiple chain ladder, booms extending the full width of the ladder,

and means for connecting one 01' said booms to the lower ends of said chains and the rest 01' said booms to said chains spaced from one another to maintain said ladder spread out ready for use when extended, the tree endsot said lowermost boom extending beyond the chains of said ladder, halyards connected at one or their ends to the deck of a vessel, and wrapped around the free ends of said lowermost booms. with their other ends free to be engaged by a user to roll up the ladder when it is to be stored out of use.

14. The combination of a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting said rungs to said chains spaced irom one another to form a multiple chain ladder.

wood booms extending the full width of the ladder, means ior connecting one of said-booms to the lower ends or said chains and the rest or said booms to said chains spaced from one another to maintain said ladder spread out ready for use when extended, the free ends of said lowermost boom extending beyond the chains of said ladder,

and halyards connected to the free ends of said lowermost boom with ends thereof tree to be engaged by a user to pack up the ladder'when it is stored out of use.

15. The combination of a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means for pivotally connecting said rungs to said chains spaced from one another to form a multiple chain ladder,

wood booms extending the full width of theladder, means i'oi' connecting one of said booms to the lower ends of said chains and the rest or said booms to said chains spacedirom one another. to maintain said ladder spread out ready {or use when extended, the free ends or said lowermost boom extending beyond the chains oi said ladder,

.halyards connected to the free ends of said lowermost boom with ends thereoi free to be engaged by a user to pack up the ladder when it is stored out of use, and links spaced from one another at intervals along the outermost chains of said each two suspensory members to form a multiple rungs being spaced irom one another to form a ladder.

17. The combilation of a plurality oi parallel flexible longitudinally extending suspensory members having chain links including longitudinally extending shank members, a plurality of rigid rungs composed of a buoyant material, clips secured to said rungs and forming connecting means at the ends said rungs each clip having a loop to receive a longitudinally extending shank portion of a link to form a pivotal connection between such rung and suspensory member, said rungs being spaced from one another between ladder. and rigid booms extending along the rear side of, and movably connected to, said suspensory members to space the ladder from the side of the structure along which it is suspended and to maintain the ladder spread apart although movable laterally and axially. relative to said booms to orient the position of the ladder relative to the structure with which it is being used without concentrating the shearing iorces on the connection between the booms and the suspensory members. I

18. The combination 0! a plurality 01' parallel flexible longitudinally extending suspensory members having chain links including longitudinally extending shank members, a plurality of rigid rungs composed oi a buoyant material, and clips secured to said rungs and forming connecting means at the ends oi said rungs each having a loop to receive a longitudinally extending shank longitudinally extending flexible suspensory memladder to receive halyards and serve as guidesfor the same when raising or lowering said lowermost boom in turn to pack up the ladder when it is stored out of use and in turn to lower it into use.

18. The combination of parallel flexible longitudinally extending suspensory members having chain links including longitudinally extending shank members, a plurality oi rigid rungs composed of a buoyant material, and metal clips secured to said rungs and forming connecting means at the ends oi said rungs each clip having aloop toreceive a longitudinally extending shank portion of a link to form a pivotal connection between such rung and a suspensorymember, said bers, a plurality oi. rigid rungs, clips secured to the ends or said rungs and forming pivotal connections between the ends of said rungs and saidmembers, said rungs being spaced from one another between each two suspensory members to form a multiple ladder, means tor movably connectingthe upper ends'oi said suspensory members to the structure with which said ladder is to be used, and a rigid boom movably connected to said suspensory members to maintain theladder spread apart although movable laterally and axially relative to said boom. Y

20. The combination 01' a plurality of parallel chains, a plurality of rigid rungs, means connecting said rungs spaced irom one another to said chains to iorm a multiple ladder, such connecting means each including a metal clip having a loop formed adjacent the free end of a rung and connected to a linko! one or said longitudi nally extending chains, and transversely extending form maintaining means loosely connected to said chains to maintain said ladder spread out ready for use when extended although movable laterally and axially relative to said chains to enable the ladder to orient its position relative I to the structure with which it is being used.

NOEL L. DAHLANDER.

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