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Title:
A COLLAPSIBLE LADDER APPARATUS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/104843
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A Collapsible Ladder Apparatus The present invention relates to a collapsible ladder and ladder apparatus, in particular a telescopic ladder for suspension from an elevated position. The safety ladder is for deployment by suspension from an elevated location. The safety ladder has a plurality of concentrically stacked rail sections; and a plurality of rungs; each rung is connected to a pair of parallel rail sections by means of a sliding connection which permits movement of a rung from a first stacked position to a second deployed position by means of gravity, wherein at the second position the rung is prevented from further sliding in the direction of suspension. The safety ladder is attachable to an attachment member comprising at least one attachment portion attachable to a surface and at least one anchoring portion.

Inventors:
COLE GEOFFREY VINCENT (GB)
EDWARDS DIANE (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2017/057615
Publication Date:
June 14, 2018
Filing Date:
December 04, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
COLE GEOFFREY VINCENT (GB)
EDWARDS DIANE (GB)
GWINNETT SIMON PAUL (GB)
International Classes:
E06C9/08; E06C1/12; E06C7/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2005100716A12005-10-27
WO1991015651A11991-10-17
Foreign References:
US0667927A1901-02-12
NL1026402C22005-12-23
JP3168943U2011-07-07
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
WALKER, Neville (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
A safety ladder for deployment by suspension from an elevated location comprising: a plurality of concentrically stacked rail sections; and a plurality of rungs; each rung is connected to a pair of parallel rail sections by means of a sliding connection which permits movement of a rung from a first stacked position to a second deployed position by means of gravity, wherein at the second position the rung is prevented from further sliding in the direction of suspension.

A safety ladder according to claim 1 wherein the sliding connection comprise end connectors provide at opposed ends of each rung ; each end connector passes around at least part of the perimeter of each rail section; wherein the rail sections are shaped and dimensioned to have an increasing cross section from a proximal end to a distal end so that as the safety ladder is deployed each rung deploys to a position on each rail section at which the diameter of the end connector corresponds to the cross section of the rail section, thereby locking the rung in position.

A safety ladder according to claim 1 or 2, in which the ladder is telescopically moveable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration.

A safety ladder apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the ladder is composed of one or more of: aluminium, fibreglass, or carbon fibre, or a combination thereof.

A safety ladder apparatus comprising: the safety ladder according to any of claims 1 to 4; an attachment member having at least one attachment portion attachable to an exit of a property, and at least one anchoring portion for receiving a ladder, wherein the anchoring portion is moveable between a first collapsed configuration, when not in use, to a second operative configuration,; the attachment member has at least one pivot for changing from the first configuration to the second configuration; and the ladder comprises a first ground engaging end and a second opposed end, each of the second opposed ends having engagement means for releasable engagement with the anchoring portion of the attachment member.

6. A safety ladder apparatus according to claim 5 in which the attachment member is releasably securable to a surface by means of an attachment means.

7. A safety ladder apparatus according to claim 6 in which the surface a sill, a window, a wall or balcony door.

8. A safety ladder apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7 in which the attachment member comprises a first attachment portion provided at or adjacent a first end of the member and a second attachment portion provided at or adjacent a second end of the member.

9. A ladder apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8 in which the anchoring portion comprises at least one elongate member.

10. A ladder apparatus according to any preceding claim in which a first end of the ladder comprises rubber portions for engaging a contact surface. 1 1 . A ladder apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 10 wherein at least one engagement means is a hook.

12. A ladder apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 1 1 in which the second end of the ladder further comprises a guide channel shaped and dimensioned to receive the anchoring member of the attachment member.

13. A ladder apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 12 in which the engagement means is operable to limit rotation of the ladder relative to the attachment member.

14. A ladder apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 12 including a stopper to restrict range of rotation of the ladder with respect to the engagement means.

15. A ladder apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the ladder includes at least one light.

16. A ladder apparatus according to claim 14 in which the light is an LED.

An emergency escape kit comprising: a ladder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15; and one or more of: a fire blanket, a fire extinguisher, a light source, a smoke alarm, and any combination thereof.

18. A method for providing an emergency escape route using a ladder apparatus described in any of claims 1 to 15, comprising: engaging the engagement means of the second opposed end of the ladder of the ladder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 to the at least one anchoring portion of the attachment member; releasing the first ground engaging end of the ladder such that the ladder telescopically extends from the attachment member towards the ground under gravity, to define a predetermined maximum angle therebetween.

Description:
A Collapsible Ladder Apparatus

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a collapsible ladder and ladder apparatus, in particular a telescopic ladder for suspension from an elevated position, and more particularly to a wall mountable ladder, for use as an emergency fire escape.

Background

When a fire breaks out in a property it may be difficult for occupants to find a safe escape route especially when there are children or people with restricted mobility. In such instances the safest or only available option, may be to exit the property via an upstairs window or balcony.

A ladder is usually required in order to do this safely. However, this would require having a readily available ladder in the property or relying on a third party to deliver a ladder. In order to keep a ladder upstairs for emergency use it needs to be capable of being stored away in a compact manner, as use of a standard ladder is generally not a practical option due to space considerations.

Conventional ladders for use as a fire escape include rope or wire cable ladders which are capable of being folded away and stowed when not required. In use, however, these rope or wire cables can feel unstable and difficult to climb down when in a heightened state of emergency. This is even more the case when carrying or helping young children. There is therefore a need for a ladder for use as a fire escape which addresses the problems of conventional ladders. There is also a need for a ladder which is capable of compact storage when not in use.

An aim of the invention is to provide a ladder which attaches securely to the infrastructure of the property, for example to an upstairs exit, such as for example a window. Another aim is to provide a ladder which can be deployed (assembled and attached) to an upstairs window (exit) quickly and securely. Prior Art

UK Patent GB 2 506 835 (Weston) discloses a ladder for use as a fire escape having two stiles comprising telescopically collapsible tube sections, a plurality of rungs each secured to the upper end of two tube sections, each of the two sections being part of a respective one of the two stiles.

UK Patent GB 1 912 897 (Walis) discloses improvements in ladder hooks.

Dutch Patent Application NL1026402C discloses a holder device for supporting extendible ladder against a wall.

UK Patent GB18971 1618 (Johnson) discloses a flexible ladder for a fire escape.

Canadian Patent Application CA 2 258 294 (Patterson) discloses a folded cable ladder and safety cable.

European Patent Application EP 2 319 728 (Zappolini) discloses a locking system for a fixed ladder. UK Patent Application GB 2 301 138 (Waithe) discloses a fire escape device.

UK Patent Application GB 2 532 423 (Beard) discloses a cantilever mounted loft ladder with spring bias. The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible safety ladder for deployment by suspension from an elevated location comprising: a plurality of concentrically stacked rail sections; and a plurality of rungs, each rung is connected to a pair of parallel rail sections by means of a sliding connection which permits movement of a rung from a first stacked position to a second deployed position by means of gravity.

The safety ladder provides a secure and stable means of exit from a location such as a property which can be deployed from an elevated position such as a window or balcony towards the ground or a lower level of a building, vehicle, vessel or structure. The safety ladder deploys telescopically downwards when suspended so that the rail sections are deployed by unstacking in downwards direction under the force of gravity or someone pulling downwards on it; although preferably it extends under its own weight. In this way each rung can only slide so far as an end connector permits, thus locking the rung in a fixed position once deployed.

Advantageously this arrangement of having sliding connectors permits the stacked ladder to deploy downwards when released and to bear the weight of a user whilst the rungs remain locked.

Each rung locates in a fixed position on a rail section by means of the sliding connection that restricts movement of the rung along rail section when the rung reaches the second position.

In a preferred embodiment the sliding connection comprises: a pair of end connectors provide at opposed ends of each rung; each end connector passes around at least part of the perimeter of each rail section; wherein the rail sections are nested and so are dimensioned to have an increasing cross section from a proximal end to a distal end, whereby as the safety ladder is deployed, each rung is deployed to a position on each rail section at which the diameter or perimeter of the end connector corresponds to the cross section of the rail section, thereby locking the rung in position. At a point where the perimeter of the rail section is greater than the opening of the end connector the rung is prevented from sliding further down the rail section and is thereby locked in place. In another embodiment each rung end may include a pin received by a channel on a rail. The pin is able to slide up and down the rail from a first (stowed) position to a second (deployed) position. The end of the channel provides a stopper to restrict movement of the pin in the channel and thereby prevent movement of the rung beyond the channel end during use.

It is appreciated that a pin may pass through a channel of more than one rail section so as to permit collapse and extension of the ladder. In a preferred embodiment the safety ladder is provided as a component of a ladder apparatus for providing an escape route, the apparatus comprising: the safety ladder, an attachment member having at least one attachment portion attachable to a surface, such as a surface or part of an infrastructure on an exit of a property, and at least one anchoring portion for receiving a ladder, wherein the anchoring portion is moveable between a first collapsed configuration, when not in use, to a second operative configuration; the attachment member has at least one pivot for changing from the first configuration to the second configuration; and the ladder comprises a first ground engaging end and a second opposed end, each of the second opposed ends having engagement means for releasable engagement with the anchoring portion of the attachment member.

It is appreciated that the escape route may be an exit from any elevated space which includes a property, a vessel, or another structure, the structure being natural such as a tree, or man-made.

The ladder is telescopic and is therefore readily deployed from a collapsed configuration to a deployed extended position. Advantageously the configuration of the ladder is such that the ladder is collapsible from the extended state, when in use, to a collapsed state when being stored. The ladder may therefore be able to be stored away in a compact manner when not in use.

Typically the rails have a common axis so as to coaxially telescope. The telescopic nature of the ladder enables the ladder to minimise in size, and adds to stability, wherein the lower portion of the ladder rail is consequently larger in diameter/perimeter. Preferably the rail sections are tubular. It is appreciated that the rail sections may have alternative cross sections that also permit stacking. For example the cross section of the rails may be square, triangular, elliptical, square or any other polygonal or multi-sided or curved profile or form.

At least part of the rail section and preferably all of the rail section is shaped so as to be concentrically stacked to provide a compact configuration when not in use.

The safety ladder is formed from a strong, durable fireproof material, such as metal, metal alloys or synthetic plastics. Ideally the ladder portion is also lightweight so as to permit easy movement from a remote stowed location to the in use location.

The materials from which the ladder is formed are also selected to prevent twisting when the ladder is extended. Additionally the ladder potions, namely rails and rungs, are shaped and dimensioned for strength and stability. For example the rails and the rungs may include thickened regions or ribs for additional strength.

All or part of the ladder may be formed from metal, metal alloy such as: mild steel, aluminium, synthetic plastics, or a composite or other high strength material such as fibreglass, carbon fibre, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments the ladder may comprise rope linking one rung to another and or one rail to another. Advantageously the rope may serve as a failsafe in the event of a rung failing or becoming damaged in use. For example, the rope may be a nylon rope, arranged to enable the components of the ladder to collapse and extend.

The attachment member of the apparatus may be permanently secured to a surface, typically on an exit of a property, structure or vessel such as for example the sill of a window or balcony. For example the attachment portion(s) may be glued, screwed or bolted to an exit of a property.

It is appreciated that the attachment member may be releasably secured to an exit of a property. For example the attachment portion(s) may be secured by threaded members to an exit of a property. The attachment member has at least one attachment portion attachable to a surface, and at least one anchoring portion for receiving a ladder. The attachment member preferably comprises a first attachment portion provided at or adjacent the first end of the member and a second attachment portion provided at or adjacent the second end of the member.

In a preferred embodiment the anchoring portion, may be moveable between a first collapsed arrangement when not in use and a second operative arrangement for attachment to the ladder.

For example, once secured in position to the exit of the property the attachment member may be rotatable between the first and second arrangement. Preferably, the attachment member comprises at least one pivot member for moving the attachment member, in particular the anchoring portion, between the first and second arrangement.

In the first arrangement, the attachment member, for example the anchoring portion, may lie substantially flat against, or be hidden away behind or underneath, the adjacent portion of the exit to which the attachment member is attached. The attachment member may be attached to an external sill or balcony edge of an exit. In the first collapsed arrangement, the attachment member, for example the anchoring portion, may lie flat against the adjacent portion of the sill or balcony, or may lie underneath the sill or balcony. The anchoring portion may comprise at least one elongate member. The at least one elongate member may be configured to extend between a first end of the member comprising a first attachment portion and a second end of the member comprising a second attachment portion. The elongate member(s) may have any suitable cross- section. Preferably, the elongate member(s) has a circular cross-section. The elongate member(s) is preferably composed of a strong, rigid material capable of securing the ladder in place when required,

The ladder comprises two longitudinal members comprises of rail sections with a plurality of spaced apart transverse members (rungs) extending therebetween. Preferably the rungs are evenly spaced so as to enable a user to easily descend the safety ladder.

In the extended configuration, a first end of each of a pair of distal rail sections may engage with the ground or a lower level when in use. Each of the first ends preferably comprises a resiliently deformable portion, such as rubber, to provide in use secure engagement with a contact surface.

In some embodiments the distal ends of the suspended safety ladder may not engage with a surface wherein the distal end of the ladder is suspended.

In an alternative embodiment part of a rail section or a rung may engage with a surface. In the extended or deployed configuration, a second opposed end of each of the two longitudinal members is arranged in use to be positioned at or adjacent an exit from a property. The ladder preferably provides an engagement means, preferably an engagement means located at each of the second ends of the longitudinal members, for releasable engagement with the anchoring member on the attachment member.

The engagement means may be any suitable means for providing secure attachment to the anchoring member, such as for example a hook. Each second end of the longitudinal members preferably comprises at least one hook shaped and dimensioned to receive and engage the anchoring member of the attachment member.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus each of the second ends of the rails, may have a guide channel shaped and dimensioned to receive the anchoring member of the attachment member.

At least one engagement means, for example at least one hook, catch, buckle, latch, snap fitting, nut and bolt, clasp or interlocking mechanism is preferably located within the guide channel of the second end of the rail. The engagement means connect the ladder. The engagement means, for example hook(s), is located within the guide channel to releasably engage the anchoring member. The guide channel is shaped to provide easy and simple engagement between the ladder, and with the anchoring member of the attachment member. The guide channel therefore helps to facilitate a quick, easy and secure escape. The guide channel also provides extra support and strength to the ladder arrangement in the region of the releasable engagement between the engagement means and the anchoring member. The guide channel also covers the engagement means in a manner which prevents unwanted release of the engagement means from the anchoring member.

The engagement means of the ladder engages the anchoring member and enables relative rotation therebetween. In one embodiment, the engagement means limits rotation of the ladder to ensure the ladder does not extend beyond a predetermined maximum angle. The engagement means may include a stopper to restrict movement of the ladder relative to the engagement means.

In another embodiment the stopper may be independent of the engagement means. For example the stopper may be associated with a rail or rung. In some embodiments, the ladder includes at least one light providing visual guidance during use. The at least one light may be a lighting strip. Preferably the lights are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The at least one light strip is preferably operable on assembly of the ladder to the extended position. In one embodiment, at least one rung of the ladder comprises a light.

Preferably a plurality of rungs of the ladder comprise lights. Preferably, each rung of the ladder comprise light strips.

The ladder further comprises a power supply in communication with the light(s). The power supply is preferably at least one battery.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fire escape kit comprising: a ladder apparatus as herein described; and one or more of: a fire blanket, a fire extinguisher, a light source, a smoke alarm, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the fire escape kit is contained within a household item, such as for example an item of furniture, such as for example a cabinet, or for example within a compartment located behind a mounted picture frame or mirror. According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing an escape route, such as a fire escape, using a ladder apparatus as herein described. The method comprises: engaging the engagement means of the second opposed end of the ladder to the at least one anchoring portion of the attachment member; releasing the first ground engaging end of the ladder and manually rotating the ladder so that the first ground engaging end is directed towards the ground so as to enable the ladder to extend downwards by means of gravity.

The ladder is then able to extend towards an extended position under gravity relative to the attachment member to define a predetermined maximum angle therebetween prior to contacting the ground in an extended arrangement.

In this way the ladder can be readily attached to the engagement means without a user having to hand the ladder away from the structure during attachment. In preferred embodiments the safety ladder includes a tether so as to secure the ladder to an object or about a person before connection is attempted. In this way the ladder is able to be prevent from being accidently dropped whilst engaging the ladder with the anchor. The tether may be a lanyard or similar. In some embodiments a tether connection point is provided on the surface of the structure for attachment of the tether and thereby the ladder.

In some embodiments the tether may include a safety mechanism to ensure attachment of the tether is carried out before the ladder can be fitted to the anchor. For example connection of the tether may release a key that unlocks the anchor.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the ladder of the ladder apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention in an extended arrangement;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the side view of the ladder of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the ladder of Figure 1 from above; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the ladder of Figure 1 from below; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the ladder of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the ladder of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a side view of the attachment member of the ladder apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a view from above of the attachment member of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an end view of the attachment member of Figure 7 when in the second operative arrangement;

Figure 10 is a view from below of the attachment member of Figure 7 when in the second operative arrangement; Figure 1 1 is a further perspective view of the attachment member of Figure 7 when in the second operative arrangement;

Figure 12 is an exploded view of the attachment member of Figure 7; Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of the ladder apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a further perspective view of the ladder apparatus of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of the ladder of Figure 1 in a collapsed arrangement; Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of the ladder of Figure 6 from below; Figures 17a and 17b show a cross section of a rail section; and

Figure 18 shows the ladder apparatus being deployed. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the ladder 100 that forms part of a ladder apparatus 300 comprises a ladder 100 comprising two spaced apart longitudinal members 12, 12' formed from multiple stacking rail sections extending substantially parallel to each other. The longitudinal members 12, 12' each have a first end 18 comprising a resiliently deformable portion for engaging a contact surface, such as for example ground. A plurality of transverse members (rungs) 14 extend between the longitudinal members 12, 12'.

In Figures 5, 6, 13, 14, 15,16 and 18 the ladder 100 includes a nylon rope 20 that extends adjacent to each longitudinal member 12, 12'. The rope 20 passes from rung 14 to rung 14.

The pictured embodiment is arranged for a first floor window. Further embodiments may be envisaged to reach second storey windows or other building or structure arrangements.

The ladder 1 100 is coaxially telescopic, wherein the distal ground engaging end has a larger diameter that the proximal end of the ladder that connects to an attachment member. The ladder 100 is moveable between a collapsed arrangement as shown in Figures 15, 16 and an extended arrangement as shown in Figure 1.

In the pictured embodiment the ladder comprises rail sections 13 with circular section cylindrical coaxially extending and collapsing arrangement. In further embodiments the ladder may comprise linear box section parts or other sectional profile, according to manufacture costs, strength and robustness profiles. The ladder may be formed in metal such as coated mild steel, or alloy or a composite including: carbon fibre, graphite and/or glass fibre. The ladder apparatus 300 (Figures 13 and 14) further comprises an attachment member 200 as shown in Figures 7 to 12. The attachment member 200 comprises an attachment portion 22 in the form of a plate shaped member attachable to an exit of a property. The attachment member 200 further comprises an elongate anchoring portion 24. The attachment member 200 further comprises a pair of pivot member 26, 26' located between the anchoring portion 24 and the attachment portion 22. The pair of pivot members 26, 26' are located at or adjacent opposed ends of the attachment portion 22. The pivot member 26, 26' is operable to move the anchoring portion 24 from a first collapsed arrangement to a second operable arrangement as shown in the Figures.

With reference to Figure 14, the ladder 100 comprises a pair of guide channels 19, 19' located at the second ends 16 of the longitudinal members 12, 12'. Each second end 16 provides a hook (not shown) located within the respective guide channel 16, 16' for releasable engagement with the anchoring portion 24. The guide channels 16, 16' help the user to guide the end of the ladder 1 1 into releasable engagement for secure connection with the anchoring portion 24. In use, the user removes the ladder 100 in the collapsed state as shown in Figures 15 and 16 from its storage compartment in for example an item of furniture or within a mounted picture or mirror. The user pivots the anchoring portion 24 to its operative arrangement. The second ends 16 of the ladder 100 are brought into releasable engagement with the anchoring portion of the attachment member 200. The guide channels 19, 19' enable a smooth process of attachment of the ladder to the attachment member 200. The user then releases hold on the first ends 18 of the ladder 1 1 such that the ends fall under gravity towards the ground. As the ladder is rotated by a person about the anchoring portion 24 the first ends 18 becomes orientated in such a way as to fall under gravity downwards.

The range of rotation is limited so that the ladder reaches a maximum predetermined angle relative to the attachment member 200. The apparatus includes a stopper (not shown) that prevents rotation so that the ladder 100 is deployed at an angle with respect to the ground. Advantageously this makes descending or ascending easier for a user. The ladder 100 continues to move towards its extended configuration as shown in Figures 1 to 6 until the first ends 18 contact the ground or until all rail sections have extended from their stacked configuration. Figures 17a and 17b show a cross section of a rail section. A first rail section 13a fits concentrically within rail section 13b. The end connector 15 of the rung 14 surrounds the perimeter of the rail sections 13a, 13b.

Figure 17a shows a pair of rail sections 13 in a stacked arrangement and Figure 13b shows the rail sections 13 in an extended arrangement. Rail section 13a deploys to the extended configuration by means of gravity as the ladder 100 is extended from an elevated surface.

Figure 18 shows the ladder apparatus 300 being deployed. This embodiment of the ladder 100 includes rope sections 20 that connect one rung to another.

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 as defined by the claims.