The present invention relates to a ladder safety system that is configured and arranged to secure a ladder to a supporting structure to prevent the ladder to slide at least one of sideways and downwardly when being used. The invention further relates to a ladder comprising said ladder safety system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A ladder commonly comprises a first elongated rigid style and a second elongated rigid style that are arranged parallel with respect to each other and that are interconnected via a plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs. A disadvantage of such a ladder is that when it is positioned to lean against a supporting structure such as for example a metal gutter, a metal railing of a balcony or a sheet metal edge of a flat roof, there is a risk that it can slip away at least one of sideways to the left or to the right and downwards when a user is either climbing the ladder or working when standing on the ladder. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the risk of slipping away is particularly large in the case of a metal ladder having first and second elongated metal styles when such a ladder is positioned to lean against the metal parts of the abovementioned supporting structures.

Ladder safety systems for preventing a ladder which is leaning against one of the above mentioned supporting structures from slipping away are well known in the art. Typically the known ladder safety systems comprise quite a lot of elements that need to be positioned and fixed by a user to secure the ladder to the supporting structure upon positioning the ladder against the supporting structure. Hence, users, especially non- professional users, experience the positioning and fixing of known ladder safety systems as quite cumbersome and time consuming. As a result, they often omit the use of such known ladder safety systems although this creates an increased risk of an accident by slipping away of the ladder. Therefore, there is a need to provide a ladder safety system that will increase the willingness of a user to actually use such a system and consequently will increase the safety of the user of the ladder that is equipped with this system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ladder safety system that pre- empts or at least reduces at least one of the abovementioned and/or other

disadvantages associated with ladder safety systems known in the art.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a ladder comprising said ladder safety system.

Aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features from the independent claim as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

At least one of the abovementioned objects is achieved by a ladder safety system that is configured and arranged to secure a ladder to a supporting structure, the ladder comprising a first elongated rigid style and a second elongated rigid style that are arranged parallel with respect to each other and that are interconnected via a plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs, the ladder safety system comprising a first securing assembly that is associable with the first elongated rigid style of the ladder and a second securing assembly that is associable with the second elongated rigid style of the ladder, said first securing assembly and said second securing assembly each comprising an elongated guideway, a housing that is associated with the elongated guideway, and an elongated element having an end part that is pivotally connected with the housing, the elongated element being movable to a position in which the elongated element is transversely directed with respect to the elongated guideway and the elongated element and the housing are in an abutting contact that prevents pivotable movement of the elongated element and the housing relative to each other, wherein upon establishment of said abutting contact a first longitudinal center line of the housing and a second longitudinal center line of the elongated guideway are maintained at a non-zero angle with respect to each other due to which the housing and the elongated guideway are in a locking contact and wherein upon breaking said abutting contact the housing is movable along the elongated guideway.

In this way a ladder safety system is provided that has a simple construction and that enables a user, especially a non-professional user, to easily and quickly position and fix this system to the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against without having to use fastening elements such as screws, clamps and the like to prevent the housing and the elongated guideway to move relative to each other. Also, auxiliary tools such as a screw driver, a wrench, a ratchet or the like are not required. In the ladder safety system according to the invention the locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway is established because the first longitudinal center line of the housing and the second longitudinal center line of the elongated guideway are maintained at a non-zero angle with respect to each other when the housing and the elongated element are in an abutting contact. Because of the increased ease of use, the willingness of the user to actually use the ladder safety system is increased. A result of actually using the ladder safety system according to the invention is that the risk that the ladder slips away at least one of sideways and downwards when the user is either climbing it or working when standing on the ladder can be eliminated or at least significantly be reduced. Consequently, the safety of the user is increased.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the housing is arranged around the elongated guideway. Such a ladder safety system has the simplest construction that works according to the working principle of the present invention, i.e. upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element, the first longitudinal center line of the housing and the second longitudinal center line of the elongated guideway are maintained at a non-zero angle with respect to each other. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that when the ladder safety system is installed on a ladder and said abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element is established as a result of associating the elongated element with the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against, the housing and the elongated guideway are in a locking contact that prevents the housing to move along the elongated guideway. By associating the elongated element of the first securing assembly with the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against the risk that the ladder slips away when being climbed by a user is already reduced and hence the safety of the user is increased. However, when the elongated elements of both the first securing assembly and of the second securing assembly are associated with the supporting structure the ladder practically cannot slip either sideways or downwards when a user is either climbing it or working when standing on the ladder. In this way the safety of the user is even more increased.

When the abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element is broken, the first longitudinal center line of the housing and the second longitudinal center line of the elongated guideway are no longer maintained at a non-zero angle with respect to each other. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that as a result thereof the housing is movable again along the elongated guideway. In this way the elongated element can be repositioned or the ladder safety system can be

decommissioned when the ladder is no longer needed.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the elongated guideway is arranged around the housing and is provided with an elongated slit through which the elongated element is extendable in order to be arrangeable in contact with the supporting structure. At the expense of a slightly more complicated construction the housing according to this invention is better protected by the elongated guideway from the environment in which the ladder safety system is used. Due to the slightly more complicated construction the price will be somewhat higher than that of the ladder safety system according to the previous embodiment.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element, the housing and the elongated guideway are in contact with each other at two contact areas that are located at opposing elongated edges of the elongated guideway and at different locations along the elongated guideway. The contact areas provide the locking contact that prevents the housing to move along the elongated guideway when the housing and the elongated element are in an abutting contact. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that depending on the actual configuration of the housing and the elongated guideway the locking contact can be one of a force-fitting contact and a form-fitting contact.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the ladder safety system comprises a plurality of fastening assemblies each of which comprises a first elongated part that is configured to be at least partially insertable in a form-fitting way within at least a part of an axially extending interior space of a respective rung of the plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs, said axially extending interior space being accessible via respective openings in the first elongated rigid style and the second elongated rigid style of the ladder, wherein the first elongated part is configured and arranged to at least partially receive a second part that is configured to enable fastening of an end portion of the elongated guideway to the first elongated part upon at least partial reception of the second part in the first elongated part. In this way the end portions of the first elongated guideway can easily be associated with the first elongated rigid style of a ladder and the end portions of the second elongated guideway can be associated with the second elongated rigid style. Hence, the ladder safety system can easily be connected with an already existing ladder. This is advantageous as a user can purchase the ladder safety system as an add-on system that can be installed on an already existing ladder without having to purchase a new ladder that is provided with the ladder safety system.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the first elongated part is a clamping bush that is provided with a third part that is configured and arranged to at least partially receive the second part that is one of a bolt and a screw. Upon receiving the second part, the third part secures the first elongated part within the axially extending interior space of a rung in which the first elongated part is arranged. In this way, the first elongated part is securely fixed within the rung. The second part and the third part act like a wedge bolt. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable first elongated part, second part and third part can be used that enables easy installation of the ladder safety system on a ladder using at least a part of respective axially extending interior spaces of rungs of the ladder.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the third part is a conically shaped nut that is configured and arranged to secure the first elongated part inside the axially extending interior space of the respective rung of the plurality of rungs upon at least partial reception of the second part. The second part in this case typically is a bolt. Upon reception of the bolt the conical nut jams the elongated first part within the axially extending interior space of the rung it is inserted in. In this way, the first elongated part is securely fixed within the rung.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the first elongated part has a cross-section having one of a circular shape and a polygonal shape comprising at least three edges. In this way the first elongated part can be used in the case that the axially extending interior spaces of the rungs of the ladder have one of a circular or rectangular, e.g. square, cross-section. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the polygonal cross-section can advantageously be used with rungs having axially extending interior spaces that have a circular cross-section and as well as with rungs having axially extending interior spaces that have a rectangular cross- section. The first elongated part can at least partially be inserted in a form-fitting way in at least a part of the interior space of a rung of the ladder.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, at least one of the elongated edges of the elongated guideway that is in contact with the housing upon establishment of said abutting contact between the elongated element and the housing is provided with a first serrated portion. In this way the locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway can be increased. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first serrated portion should be positioned at the location of one of the two contact areas between the housing and the elongated guideway when the housing and the elongated element are in abutting contact.

Moreover, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway can be further increased by providing another serrated portion on the opposing elongated edge of the elongated guideway at the location of the other contact area of the two contact areas between the housing and the elongated guideway.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, upon establishment of said abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element at least a surface of the housing that is in contact with one of the elongated edges of the elongated guideway is provided with a second serrated portion. In this way the locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway can be increased. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the second serrated portion should be positioned at the location of one of the two contact areas between the housing and the elongated guideway when the housing and the elongated element are in abutting contact. Moreover, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway can be further increased by providing another serrated portion on the opposing surface of the housing at the location of the other contact area of the two contact areas between the housing and the elongated guideway.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the first serrated portion and the second serrated portion are configured to be interlocking upon establishment of said abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element. In this way the locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway can be improved when the first serrated portion and the second serrated portion are positioned to be in contact with each other upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, a surface of the elongated element that is arrangeable in contact with the supporting structure is configured and arranged to provide anti-slip functionality. In this way the grip between the elongated element and the supporting structure can be improved. Hence, the risk that the ladder slips away when a user is either climbing it or working when standing on the ladder can be reduced.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, said surface of the elongated element is provided with one of an anti-slip coating and a resilient anti-slip layer. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that any coating capable of increasing the friction between the supporting structure and the surface of the elongated element that is associated with it can be used. A resilient anti-slip layer can be applied if a surface of the supporting structure that will be associated with the elongated element needs to be protected, e.g. the surface of a railing of a balcony.

Such a resilient anti-slip layer for example comprises a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a dense foam.

In an embodiment of the ladder safety system according to the invention, the housing is provided with a fixation element that is configured and arranged upon establishment of said abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element to improve said locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway. In this way the locking contact can further be improved if desired or required by safety regulations. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the fixation element can be any suitable element such as for example a screw or an element comprising a screw or a spring that is used to improve the locking contact.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a ladder is provided that comprises at least one ladder section that comprises a first elongated rigid style and a second elongated rigid style that are arranged parallel with respect to each other and that are interconnected via a plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs each of which being provided with an axially extending interior space that is accessible via respective openings in the first elongated rigid style and the second elongated rigid style, wherein the first elongated rigid style is provided with a first securing assembly and the second elongated rigid style is provided with a second securing assembly of a ladder safety system according to the invention. In this way a ladder is provided that comprises a ladder safety system that has a simple construction. Consequently a user, especially a non-professional user, can easily and quickly position and fix the ladder safety system to the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against without having to use fastening elements such as screws, clamps and the like to prevent the housing and the elongated guideway to move relative to each other. Also, auxiliary tools such as a screw driver, a wrench, a ratchet or the like are not required. Because of the increased ease of use, the willingness of the user to actually use the ladder safety system is increased. A result of actually using the ladder safety system according to the invention is that the risk that the ladder slips away at least one of sideways and downwards when the user is either climbing it or working when standing on the ladder can be eliminated or at least significantly be reduced. Consequently, the safety of the user is increased. ln an embodiment of the ladder according to the invention, the elongated guideway of the first securing assembly is associated with the first elongated rigid style and the elongated guideway of the second securing assembly is associated with the second elongated rigid style, wherein respective longitudinal center lines of said elongated guideways, of the first elongated rigid style and of the second elongated rigid style are arranged parallel to each other, wherein said elongated guideways are positioned opposite each other and at a same position along the first elongated rigid style and the second elongated rigid style, respectively, and wherein upon positioning the ladder against an edge of a supporting structure, parts of said elongated guideways are positioned opposite said edge. In this way the elongated elements of the respective first and second securing assemblies can always be positioned on a surface of the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against.

Furthermore, according to an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment the ladder is a sliding ladder that comprises a first ladder section and a second ladder section, wherein the second ladder section is positioned on a supporting surface, e.g. the earth, and the first ladder section is positioned leaning against a supporting structure, e.g. a metal gutter, a metal railing of a balcony or a sheet metal edge of a flat roof. In this case, the elongated elements of the respective first and second securing assemblies that are associated with the first ladder section can also always be positioned on a surface of the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against.

Moreover, the elongated guideways of the respective first and second securing assemblies can be associated with the respective first and elongated rigid styles of the ladder via a fastening element such as a screw or a rivet. It is also possible that the respective first and second elongated guideways of the respective first and second securing assemblies are associated with the respective first and second elongated rigid styles via one of welding or using a suitable adhesive such as glue, cement or putty.

In an embodiment of the ladder according to the invention, an end portion of the elongated guideway of the first securing assembly is associated with a first end part of a first rung of the plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs that is connected with the first elongated rigid style, and an opposing end portion of the elongated guideway of the first securing assembly is associated with a first end part of a second rung of the plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs that is connected with the first elongated rigid style, and wherein an end portion of the elongated guideway of the second securing assembly is associated with a second end part of said first rung that is connected with the second elongated rigid style, and an opposing end portion of the elongated guideway of the second securing assembly is associated with a second end part of said second rung that is connected with the second elongated rigid style. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that this way of associating the elongated guideways of the respective first and second securing assemblies with the respective first and second elongated rigid styles of the ladder can advantageously be used for installing the ladder security system as an add-on system to an already existing ladder. In this way the existing ladder is not altered and therefore still complies with the certification that was issued for the original ladder. Moreover, this way of associating the elongated guideways of the respective first and second securing assemblies with the ladder can of course also be used for new ladders that are equipped with the ladder security system according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the ladder according to the invention, a distance between the first rung and the second rung of the plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs along the first elongated rigid style and the second elongated rigid style, respectively is at least two equidistant spaces. In this way the elongated guideway will be sufficiently long to allow convenient positioning of the elongated element on a surface of the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against.

In an embodiment of the ladder according to the invention, the elongated guideway of the first securing assembly is positioned closer to an elongated edge of the first elongated rigid style that faces away from a direction in which the elongated element of the first securing assembly is arranged to extend upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element of the first securing assembly, and wherein the elongated guideway of the second securing assembly is positioned closer to an elongated edge of the second elongated rigid style that faces away from a direction in which the elongated element of the second securing assembly is arranged to extend upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing and the elongated element of the second securing assembly. In this way the torque that established the locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway when the elongated element and the housing are in abutting contact can be increased. This provides for an alternative to applying the serrated portions on either one of the housing and the elongated guideway as described above. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that these measures can of course be taken in combination depending on the requirements of the situation in which the ladder is used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the invention by way of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of a ladder safety system and a ladder according to the invention.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the described embodiments of the ladder safety system and the ladder are exemplary in nature only and not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection in any way. The person skilled in the art will realize that alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the ladder safety system and the ladder can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Reference will be made to the figures on the accompanying drawing sheets. The figures are schematic in nature and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale.

Furthermore, equal reference numerals denote equal or similar parts. On the attached drawing sheets,

figure 1 shows a schematic partially exploded view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a first or second securing assembly of a ladder safety system according to the invention;

figure 2A shows a schematic side view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the first or second securing assembly of the ladder safety system according to the invention;

figure 2B shows for the second embodiment shown in figure 2A a detailed view of the position of the housing and the elongated guideway with respect to each other when the housing and the elongated element are in an abutting contact;

figure 2C shows a schematic side view of a third exemplary, non-limiting

embodiment of the first or second securing assembly of the ladder safety system according to the invention;

figure 2D shows for the third embodiment shown in figure 2C a detailed view of the position of the housing and the elongated guideway with respect to each other when the housing and the elongated element are in an abutting contact;

figure 3A shows a schematic side view of a fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the first or second securing assembly of the ladder safety system according to the invention;

figure 3B shows for the fourth embodiment shown in figure 3A the position of the housing and the elongated element with respect to each other when the housing and the elongated element are in an abutting contact; figure 3C shows a schematic cross-section along line MIC - MIC shown in figure 3A of the fourth embodiment shown in figure 3A;

figure 4A shows a schematic exploded view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a fastening assembly of the ladder safety system according to the invention from a first viewing angle;

figure 4B shows a schematic exploded view of the first embodiment shown in figure 4A from a second viewing angle;

figure 5A shows a schematic isometric view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a ladder according to the invention that is secured to a supporting structure using a ladder safety system that is associated with the ladder via fastening assemblies that comprise first elongated parts that are inserted in the axially extending interior spaces of the rungs of the ladder;

figure 5B shows a schematic top view of the first embodiment of the ladder shown in figure 5A; and

figure 6 shows a schematic isometric view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a ladder according to the invention that is secured to a supporting structure using a ladder safety system that comprises securing assemblies that are associated with the elongated rigid styles of the ladder via a screw connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a schematic partially exploded view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a first or second securing assembly of a ladder safety system according to the invention. Although not necessary for the working principle of the present invention, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first securing assembly 7 and the second securing assembly 8 will usually be identical. Depending on the specific requirements of the situation the first securing assembly 7 and the second securing assembly 8 might be configured differently. For the sake of clarity, in the remainder of the detailed description it is assumed that the first securing assembly 7 and the second securing assembly 8 are identical.

Figure 1 shows a ladder 2 that comprises a first elongated rigid style 4 that is arranged parallel with respect to a second elongated rigid style (not shown). This can be seen in figures 5A, 5B and 6. The first elongated rigid style 4 and the second elongated rigid style usually comprise aluminum in order to reduce the weight of the ladder 2. Moreover, the first elongated rigid style 4 and the second elongated rigid style are interconnected via a plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs 6, i.e. the spaces 27 between neighboring rungs are equal.

According to the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment the first securing assembly 7 comprises an elongated guideway 9 and a housing 10 that is associated with the elongated guideway 9 by arranging the housing 10 around the elongated guideway 9. The first securing assembly 7 further comprises an elongated element 1 1 that has an end part 12 that is pivotally connected with the housing 10 via a pivot axle 29. As shown in figure 1 , the elongated element 1 1 is movable to a position in which the elongated element 1 1 is directed transversely with respect to the elongated guideway 9. In this case, the elongated element 1 1 and the housing 10 are in an abutting contact that prevents pivotable movement of the elongated element 11 and the housing 10 relative to each other. Upon establishment of said abutting contact the housing 10 is maintained in a tilted position with respect to the elongated guideway 9. As a result of that the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are maintained in a locking contact. This will be explained in further detail in relation to figure 3. Upon breaking said abutting contact between the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9, the housing 10 is movable along the elongated guideway 9. In this way the elongated element 11 can be brought to the required position in order to contact a surface of the supporting structure.

As shown in figure 1 , the elongated guideway 9 of the first securing assembly 7 is associable with the first elongated rigid style 4 of the ladder 2 via fastening elements that according to an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment thereof comprise a first elongated part 18, and a second part 20 and a third part 30. The interaction between these parts will further be elucidated in relation to figure 4. The first elongated part 18 can at least partially be inserted in axially extending interior spaces of rungs 6a, 6c of the plurality of rungs 6. As shown in figurel , end portions 21 , 26 of the elongated guideway 9 are provided with capping elements 28. The second parts 20 are configured to secure the capping elements 28 to the first elongated parts 18. In this way the elongated guideway 9 of the first securing assembly 7 is fastened to the first elongated part 18 and in this way associated with the first elongated rigid style 4 of the ladder 2.

Moreover, the capping elements 28 are configured an arranged to position the elongated guideway 9 closer to an elongated edge of the first elongated rigid style 4 that faces away from a direction in which the elongated element 1 1 is arranged to extend upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing 10 and the elongated element 1 1. In this way the torque that establishes the locking contact between the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 when the elongated element 11 and the housing 10 are in abutting contact can be increased as a longer elongated element 1 1 , which provides the arm for the resulting torque, is required.

Figure 2A shows a schematic side view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the first securing assembly 7 or the second securing assembly for that matter in which the housing 10 is arranged around the elongated guideway 9. The elongated element 1 1 can pivot between an end position in which the housing 10 and the elongated element 1 1 (solid lines) are not in an abutting contact and an end position in which the housing 10 and the elongated element 1 1 (dashed lines) are in an abutting contact. In the latter situation the elongated element 1 1 is directed

transversely with respect to the elongated guideway 9. Figure 2B shows a detailed view of the position of the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 with respect to each other when the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 are in an abutting contact. Figure 2B clearly shows that upon establishment of said abutting contact a first longitudinal center line 13 of the housing 10 and a second longitudinal center line 14 of the elongated guideway 9 are maintained at a non-zero angle a with respect to each other. Consequently, the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are in a locking contact and the housing 10 is not movable along the elongated guideway 9.

Moreover, as shown in figure 2B upon establishment of said abutting contact, the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are in contact with each other at two contact areas 16, 17 that are located at opposing elongated edges of the elongated guideway 9 and at different locations along the elongated guideway 9. The contact areas 16, 17 provide the locking contact that prevents the housing 10 to move along the elongated guideway 9. When said abutting contact is broken, the first longitudinal center line 13 of the housing 10 and the second longitudinal center line 14 of the elongated guideway 9 are no longer maintained at the non-zero angle a with respect to each other as shown in figure 2A. As a result thereof, the housing 10 is movable again along the elongated guideway 9. In this way the elongated element 11 can be repositioned or the ladder safety system can be decommissioned when the ladder is no longer needed.

Figure 2A furthermore shows that the elongated guideway 9 comprises elongated edges that both are provided with first serrated portions 22 that are in locking contact with the housing 10 upon establishment of said abutting contact between the elongated element 11 and the housing 10 as shown in figure 2B. By providing both elongated edges of the elongated guideway 9 with serrated portions, the locking contact between the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 can be improved if desired and/or required by safety regulations.

Furthermore, figure 2A shows that a surface of the elongated element 1 1 that is arrangeable in contact with a supporting structure 3 (see figures 5A, 5B and 6) is provided with a resilient anti-slip layer 24. In this way the grip between the elongated element 11 and the supporting structure can be improved. Hence, the risk that the ladder slips away when a user is either climbing it or working when standing on the ladder can be reduced. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that said surface of the elongated element 1 1 can alternatively be provided with an anti-slip coating.

Moreover, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that any coating capable of increasing the friction between the supporting structure and the surface of the elongated element that is associated with it can be used. The resilient anti-slip layer 24 can for example comprise a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a dense foam.

Figure 2C shows a schematic side view of a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the first securing assembly 7 or the second securing assembly for that matter in which the housing 10 is arranged around the elongated guideway 9. The elongated element 1 1 can pivot between an end position in which the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 (solid lines) are not in an abutting contact and an end position in which the housing 10 and the elongated element 1 1 (dashed lines) are in an abutting contact. In the latter situation the elongated element 1 1 is directed

transversely with respect to the elongated guideway 9. Furthermore, in accordance with the third embodiment of the first securing assembly 7, the housing 10 is provided with a screw that is used as an auxiliary fixation element 25 that is arranged to enable further improvement of the locking contact between the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 if this is desired and/or required by safety regulations. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable fixation element 25 can be used. Instead of the screw that is shown in figure 2C it would also be possible to apply a fixation element that comprises a resilient element such as for example a spring that is configured and arranged to improve the locking contact.

As shown in figure 2C, by applying the fixation element 25 it is possible to provide only one elongated edge of the elongated guideway 9 with the first serrated portion 22. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that when both elongated edges of the elongated guideway 9 are provided with the first serrated portions 22 (see figure 2A), the fixation element 25 needs to be configured such that it can be brought in a stable interlocking contact with the first serrated portion 22 of the elongated edge with which it is brought into contact. This can be done by providing a serrated portion to a surface of the fixation element 25 that faces the first serrated portion 22 of the elongated edge of the elongated guideway 9. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that both serrated portions need to be configured such that a stable interlocking contact can be established.

Figure 2D shows a detailed view of the position of the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 with respect to each other when the housing 10 and the elongated element 1 1 are in an abutting contact. Upon establishment of said abutting contact the first longitudinal center line 13 of the housing 10 and the second longitudinal center line 14 of the elongated guideway 9 are maintained at a non-zero angle a with respect to each other. Consequently, the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are in a locking contact and the housing 10 is not movable along the elongated guideway 9.

Moreover, as shown in figure 2D upon establishment of said abutting contact, the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are in contact with each other at two contact areas 16, 17 that are located at opposing elongated edges of the elongated guideway 9 and at different locations along the elongated guideway 9. The contact areas 16, 17 provide the locking contact that prevents the housing 10 to move along the elongated guideway 9. In addition the fixation element 25 is arranged to improve the locking contact between the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9. When said abutting contact is broken, the first longitudinal center line 13 of the housing 10 and the second longitudinal center line 14 of the elongated guideway 9 are no longer maintained at the non-zero angle a with respect to each other as shown in figure 2C. As a result thereof, the housing 10 is movable again along the elongated guideway 9. In this way the elongated element 11 can be repositioned or the ladder safety system can be decommissioned when the ladder is no longer needed.

Figure 3A shows a schematic side view of a fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the first or second securing assembly of the ladder safety system according to the invention. The elongated element 1 1 can pivot between an end position in which the housing 10 and the elongated element 1 1 (solid lines) are not in an abutting contact and an end position in which the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 (dashed lines) are in an abutting contact. In the latter situation the elongated element 11 is directed transversely with respect to the elongated guideway 9. In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the first securing assembly 7, the elongated guideway 9 is arranged around the housing 10 and is provided with an elongated slit 15 through which the elongated element 1 1 is extendable in order to be arrangeable in contact with a supporting structure. When the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 are not in an abutting contact the housing 10 is positioned with one of its longitudinal edges against one of the longitudinal edges of the elongated guideway 9 as shown in figure 3A. In this case, the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are not in a locking contact and therefore the housing 10 is movable along the elongated guideway 9.

Figure 3B shows for the fourth embodiment shown in figure 3A the position of the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 with respect to each other when the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 are in an abutting contact. Upon establishment of said abutting contact the first longitudinal center line 13 of the housing 10 and the second longitudinal center line 14 of the elongated guideway 9 are maintained at a non-zero angle a with respect to each other. Consequently, the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are in a locking contact and the housing 10 is not movable along the elongated guideway 9.

Moreover, as shown in figure 3B upon establishment of said abutting contact, the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 are in contact with each other at two contact areas 16, 17 that are located at opposing elongated edges of the elongated guideway 9 and at different locations along the elongated guideway 9. The contact areas 16, 17 provide the locking contact that prevents the housing 10 to move along the elongated guideway 9. When said abutting contact is broken, the first longitudinal center line 13 of the housing 10 and the second longitudinal center line 14 of the elongated guideway 9 are no longer maintained at the non-zero angle a with respect to each other as shown in figure 3A. As a result thereof, the housing 10 is movable again along the elongated guideway 9. In this way the elongated element 11 can be repositioned or the ladder safety system can be decommissioned when the ladder is no longer needed.

Figure 3C shows a schematic cross-section along line MIC— MIC of the fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the first securing assembly 7 shown in figure 3A. Although the elongated guideway 9 has a C-shaped cross-section, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable cross-section can be used. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the housing 10 shown in figure 3C can have a solid construction. However in order to reduce weight and material costs of the housing, the housing could also have a hollow construction as in the case of the housing that is shown in figures 1 , 2A - 2D.

As can be understood from figure 3C, the surfaces of the elongated edges of the elongated guideway 9 and the surfaces of the housing 10 that are in contact with each other when the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 are is said abutting contact are provided with respectively first serrated portions 22 and second serrated portions 23. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first serrated portions 22 and the second serrated portions 23 need to be configured such that a stable interlocking contact can be established. In this way the locking contact between the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 can be improved.

Moreover, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that in analogy with the third embodiment of the first securing assembly 7 shown in figure 2C, it is also possible to apply the first serrated portion 22 and the second serrated portion 23 only to one pair of opposing surfaces of the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 and depending on the specific requirements to apply a fixation element 25.

Figure 4A shows a schematic exploded view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a fastening assembly of the ladder safety system according to the invention from a first viewing angle. In accordance with the first embodiment, the first elongated part 18 has a cross-section that has an octagonal shape. In this way the first elongated part 18 can be used in the case that the axially extending interior spaces of the rungs of the ladder have one of a circular or rectangular, e.g. square, cross-section. The first elongated part 18 can at least partially be inserted in a form-fitting way in at least a part of the interior space of a rung of the ladder. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first elongated part 18 in fact can have any suitable cross-section that has a polygonal shape comprising at least three edges.

Moreover, in the recess 31 between the legs of the first elongated part 18 that are separated from each other by longitudinal slits 32 a third part 30 can be arranged. In accordance with the embodiment shown in figure 4A the third part 30 is a conical nut. When the second part 20, in this case a bolt, is inserted through a first opening 33 in the first elongated part 18 and cooperates with the conical nut the legs of the first elongated part 18 are forced in an outward direction relative to a longitudinal centerline 34 of the first elongated part 18. By forcing the legs in said outward direction, the first elongated part 18 gets jammed within the axially extending interior space of a rung in which the first elongated part 18 is arranged. In this way, the first elongated part 18 is securely fixed within the rung. The conical nut and the bolt act like a wedge bolt.

Figure 4B shows a schematic exploded view of the first embodiment of the fastening assembly shown in figure 4A. In this case the first opening 33 in the first elongated part 18 through which the second part 20 can be inserted is clearly visible. Figure 5A shows a schematic isometric view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a ladder 2 according to the invention that is secured to a supporting structure 3 using the ladder safety system that comprises the first securing assembly 7 and the second securing assembly 8 discussed above. The ladder 2 comprises one ladder section that comprises a first elongated rigid style 4 and a second elongated rigid style 5 that are arranged parallel with respect to each other and are

interconnected via a plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs 6. Each one of the rungs is provided with an axially extending interior space 19 that is accessible via respective openings in the first elongated rigid style 4 and the second elongated rigid style 5. The first elongated rigid style 4 is provided with the first securing assembly 7 via fastening assemblies for example such as the ones shown in figures 4A and 4B. As described above, the first elongated parts 18 are inserted in the axially extending interior spaces 19 of the rungs 6 of the ladder and end portions 21 of the elongated guideway 9 are provided with capping elements 28. The second parts 20 are configured to secure the capping elements 28 to the first elongated parts 18 of the respective fastening assemblies. In this way the elongated guideway 9 of the first securing assembly 7 is fastened to the first elongated part 18 and in this way associated with the first elongated rigid style 4 of the ladder 2.

Moreover, the capping elements 28 are configured and arranged on the respective end portions 21 , 26 of the elongated guideway 9 to position the elongated guideway 9 closer to the elongated edge of the first elongated rigid style 4 that faces away from a direction in which the elongated element 1 1 is arranged to extend upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing 10 and the elongated element 1 1. As discussed above, in this way the torque that establishes the locking contact between the housing 10 and the elongated guideway 9 when the elongated element 1 1 and the housing 10 are in abutting contact can be increased as a longer elongated element 1 1 , which provides the arm for the resulting torque, is required.

Figure 5B shows a schematic top view of the first embodiment of the ladder 2 shown in figure 5A. In this way both the first securing assembly 7 and the second securing assembly 8 of the ladder safety system 1 can clearly be seen.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the ladder safety system 1 of the ladder 2 has a simple construction that enables a user, especially a non-professional user, to easily and quickly position and fix the ladder safety system 1 to the supporting structure 3 the ladder 2 is leaning against. The ladder safety system renders the use of fastening elements such as screws, clamps and the like to prevent the housing and the elongated guideway to move relative to each other unnecessary. Also, auxiliary tools such as a screw driver, a wrench, a ratchet or the like are not required. Because of the increased ease of use, the willingness of the user to actually use the ladder safety system 1 is increased. A result of actually using the ladder safety system 1 according to the invention is that the risk that the ladder slips away at least one of sideways and downwards when the user is either climbing it or working when standing on the ladder can be eliminated or at least significantly be reduced. Consequently, the safety of the user is increased.

From figures 5A and 5B it can be understood that respective longitudinal center lines of the elongated guideways 9 of the respective first and second securing assemblies, of the first elongated rigid style 4 and of the second elongated rigid style 5 are arranged parallel to each other, wherein said elongated guideways 9 are positioned opposite each other and at a same position along the first elongated rigid style 4 and the second elongated rigid style 5, respectively. Moreover, upon positioning the ladder 2 against an edge of a supporting structure 3, parts of said elongated guideways 9 are positioned opposite said edge. In this way the elongated elements 11 of the respective first and second securing assemblies can always be positioned on a surface of the supporting structure 3 the ladder 2 is leaning against.

Moreover, figure 5A shows that an end portion 21 of the elongated guideway 9 of the first securing assembly 7 is associated with a first end part of a first rung 6a of the plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs 6 that is connected with the first elongated rigid style 4 via the capping element 28 that is fastened to the first elongated part that is inserted inside the axially extending interior space of rung 6a. Analogously, opposing end portion 26 of the elongated guideway 9 of the first securing assembly 7 is associated with a first end part of a second rung 6c of the plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs 6 that is connected with the first elongated rigid style 4 via capping element 28 that is fastened to the first elongated part that is inserted inside the axially extending interior space of rung 6c. Although not shown in figure 5A, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that in a similar way an end portion of the elongated guideway of the second securing assembly is associated with a second end part of said first rung 6a that is connected with the second elongated rigid style 5, and that an opposing end portion of the elongated guideway of the second securing assembly is associated with a second end part of said second rung 6c that is connected with the second elongated rigid style 5. It will be clear that this way of associating the elongated guideways of the respective first and second securing assemblies with the respective first and second elongated rigid styles of the ladder can advantageously be used for installing the ladder security system as an add-on system to an already existing ladder. In this way the existing ladder is not altered and therefore still complies with the certification that was issued for the original ladder. Moreover, this way of associating the elongated guideways of the respective first and second securing assemblies with the ladder can of course also be used for new ladders that are equipped with the ladder security system according to the invention.

In the embodiment of the ladder 2 shown in figures 5A and 6, the distance between the first rung 6a and the second rung 6c of the plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs along the first elongated rigid style 4 and the second elongated rigid style 5, respectively is two equidistant spaces 27. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the distance can for example also be equal to three equidistant spaces 27, four equidistant spaces 27 or more depending on the specific requirements of the ladder. In this way the elongated guideway will be sufficiently long to allow convenient positioning of the elongated element on a surface of the supporting structure the ladder is leaning against.

Figure 6 shows a schematic isometric view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a ladder 2 according to the invention that is secured to a supporting structure 3 using a ladder safety system that comprises securing assemblies that are associated with the elongated rigid styles of the ladder via a screw connection. In the embodiment of the ladder 2 shown in figure 6, the elongated guideway 9 of the first securing assembly 7 extends over the centerline of the openings of the rungs of the ladder. Therefore, the openings of the rungs are not visible in figure 6. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the elongated guideway 9 can also be positioned closer to the elongated edge of the first elongated rigid style 4 that faces away from a direction in which the elongated element 1 1 is arranged to extend upon establishment of the abutting contact between the housing 10 and the elongated element 11 as discussed above. This could for example be achieved by providing capping elements 28 to the respective end portions 21 , 26 of the elongated guideway 9.

The present invention can be summarized as relating to a ladder safety system 1 for securing a ladder 2 to a supporting structure 3. The ladder safety system comprises a first securing assembly 7 and a second securing assembly 8 each comprising an elongated guideway 9, a housing 10 that is associated with the elongated guideway 9, and an elongated element 1 1 that is pivotally connected with the housing 10. The elongated element is movable to a position in which it is in abutting contact with the housing. Consequently, pivotable movement of the elongated element and the housing relative to each other is prevented and a locking contact between the housing and the elongated guideway is established because the housing is maintained in a tilted position with respect to the elongated guideway. Upon breaking said abutting contact the housing is movable along the elongated guideway. The invention also relates to a ladder comprising the same.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims. In particular, combinations of specific features of various aspects of the invention may be made. An aspect of the invention may be further advantageously enhanced by adding a feature that was described in relation to another aspect of the invention. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive.

The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the word“comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article“a” or“an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 ladder safety system

2 ladder

3 supporting structure

4 first elongated rigid style

5 second elongated rigid style

6 plurality of equidistantly spaced rungs

6a first rung of the plurality of rungs

6c second rung of the plurality of rungs

7 first securing assembly 8 second securing assembly

9 elongated guideway

10 housing

1 1 elongated element

12 end part of the elongated element

13 longitudinal center line of the housing

14 longitudinal center line of the elongated guideway

15 elongated slit in the elongated guideway

16 first contact area between the housing and the elongated guideway

17 second contact area between the housing and the elongated guideway

18 first elongated part of fastening assembly

19 axially extending interior space of a rung

20 second part of fastening assembly

21 end portion of the elongated guideway

22 first serrated portion

23 second serrated portion

24 resilient anti-slip layer

25 fixation element

26 opposing end portion of the elongated guideway

27 space between two rungs

28 capping elements

29 pivot axle

30 third part of fastening assembly

31 recess between the legs of the first elongated part of the fastening assembly

32 longitudinal slits between the legs of the first elongated part of the fastening assembly

33 first opening in the first elongated part of the fastening assembly

34 longitudinal centerline of the first elongated part of the fastening assembly a non-zero angle between longitudinal center line of the housing and longitudinal center line of the elongated guideway