The present invention relates to a ladder.

In general ladders, and in particular, lean-to ladders comprise a pair of longitudinally extending spaced apart legs joined by transversely extending rungs which are spaced apart longitudinally along the legs. The legs of such ladders extend from respective lower ground engaging feet and terminate at upper wall engaging ends which rest against a wall or other structure when the ground engaging feet rest on the ground. Such ladders are ideal for use on horizontal ground. However, problems arise in using such ladders on uneven ground, and more particularly, on sloping or stepped ground. In such cases it is impossible to stand a lean-to ladder on sloping, stepped or uneven ground with the two ground engaging feet engaging the ground unless the ladder is allowed to tilt to one side or the other. This is particularly undesirable, since it can lead to serious instability of the ladder, with the possibility of the ladder toppling.

Various attempts have been made to overcome the problem of standing a ladder on sloping or uneven ground. One such solution to address the problem is to provide a plurality of spacer elements along with the ladder for placing beneath a leg of the ladder which is located on sloping or stepped ground which is falling away. Other attempts to address the problem have also been made, however, all such attempts have been unsatisfactory. The use of spacer elements beneath a leg which is located on sloping or stepped ground which is falling away can itself lead to instability of the ladder.

There is therefore a need for a ladder which addresses the problem of standing a ladder on sloping, stepped or uneven ground.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a ladder.

According to the invention there is provided a ladder comprising elongated first and second legs spaced apart from each other and extending between respective lower and upper ends, and being joined by a plurality of transversely extending rungs spaced apart along the first and second legs, the first leg being adjustable in length and terminating at its lower end in a first ground engaging element, the first ground engaging element being moveable longitudinally relative to the first leg for altering the effective length of a portion of the first leg between the lowermost rung and the first ground engaging element, and a means for moving the first ground engaging element relative to the first leg.

In one embodiment of the invention the first ground engaging element is adapted to telescope relative to the first leg. Preferably, the first ground engaging element is adapted to telescope into the first leg.

In another embodiment of the invention the means for moving the first ground engaging element relative to the first leg comprises a screw drive means. Preferably, the screw drive means comprises an elongated lead screw extending longitudinally relative to the first leg, and an internally threaded element co-operating with the lead screw, one of the lead screw and the internally threaded element being coupled to the first ground engaging element, and the other of the lead screw and the internally threaded element being coupled to the first leg. Advantageously, the one of the lead screw and the internally threaded element which is coupled to the first leg is rotatable relative to the first leg, and the other one of the screw and the internally threaded element which is coupled to the first ground engaging element is rotationally fixed to the first ground engaging element. Preferably, the lead screw is rotatably mounted within the first leg, and is retained fixed longitudinally relative to the first leg. Advantageously, the internally threaded element is rigidly coupled to the first ground engaging element.

In another embodiment of the invention a transmission means is provided for rotating the rotatable one of the lead screw and the internally threaded element relative to the one of the first leg and the first ground engaging element to which the rotatable one of the lead screw and the internally threaded element is rotatably mounted. Preferably, the transmission means comprises a pair of co-operating bevel gears located within the one of the first leg and the first ground engaging element within which the rotatable one of the lead screw and the internally threaded element is rotatably mounted, one of the bevel gears being mounted fast on the rotatable one of the lead screw and the internally threaded element, for transmitting drive to the rotatable one of the lead screw and the internally threaded element from a handgrip element located externally of the one of the first leg and the first ground engaging element.

Advantageously, the handgrip element comprises a knob fast on a transmission shaft rotatably mounted in the first leg, the other one of the bevel gears being mounted fast on the transmission shaft.

Preferably, the first ground engaging element is moveable relative to the first leg for increasing the length of the portion of the first leg extending downwardly from the lowermost rung relative to the portion of the second leg extending downwardly from the lowermost rung. Advantageously, the first ground engaging element is moveable relative to the first leg for decreasing the length of the portion of the first leg extending downwardly from the lowermost rung relative to the length of the portion of the second leg extending downwardly from the lowermost rung. Ideally, the first ground engaging element is moveable relative to the first leg for both increasing and decreasing the length of the portion of the first leg extending downwardly from the lowermost rung relative to the portion of the second leg extending downwardly from the lowermost rung.

In a further embodiment of the invention the second leg is adjustable, and terminates at its lower end in a second ground engaging element, the second ground engaging element being moveable longitudinally relative to the second leg for altering the effective length of a portion of the second leg extending between the lowermost rung and the second ground engaging element. Preferably, the second ground engaging element is adapted to telescope relative to the second leg. Advantageously, the second ground engaging element is adapted to telescope into the second leg. Ideally, the second ground engaging element and the second leg are slideable relative to each other. Preferably, a retaining means is provided for retaining the second ground engaging element in a selected one of a plurality of selectable positions longitudinally relative to the second leg. Advantageously, the retaining means comprises a retaining pin engageable with a selected one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart retaining bores extending into one of the second leg and the second ground engaging element. Preferably, an alignable bore is provided in the other one of the second leg and the second ground engaging element, the alignable bore being alignable with a selected one of the retaining bores, so that the retaining pin is engageable with the selected one of the retaining bores and the alignable bore.

In one embodiment of the invention the retaining bores are located in the second ground engaging element, and the alignment bore is provided in the second leg.

In a further embodiment of the invention at least one of the first and second legs is pivotal intermediate its ends about a first pivot axis extending perpendicularly to a plane defined by the first and second legs and defining an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, the lower leg portion being pivotal relative to the upper leg portion about the pivot axis between an aligned state with the upper and lower leg portions aligned with each other and an angled state with the lower leg portion extending from the upper leg portion in a direction diverging from the other one of the first and second legs.

In another embodiment of the invention a securing means is provided for securing the lower leg portion of the at least one of the first and second legs which is pivotal intermediate its ends in a selected one of the aligned state and the angled state.

Preferably, the securing means is adapted for securing the lower leg portion of the at least one of the first and second legs which is pivotal intermediate its ends in a selected one of a plurality of selectable angled states, with the lower leg portion diverging at different angles from the other one of the first and second legs.

Advantageously, at least one rung extends from the lower leg portion of the at least one of the first and second legs. Advantageously, each rung extending from the lower leg portion of the at least one of the first and second legs is of adjustable length.

Ideally, both of the first and second legs are pivotal intermediate their respective ends about respective corresponding pivot axes extending perpendicularly to the plane defined by the first and second legs.

The invention also provides a ladder comprising elongated first and second legs spaced apart from each other and extending between respective lower and upper ends, and being joined by a plurality of transversely extending rungs spaced apart along the first and second legs, at least one of the first and second legs being pivotal intermediate its ends about a first pivot axis extending perpendicularly to a plane defined by the first and second legs and defining an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, the lower leg portion being pivotal relative to the upper leg portion about the pivot axis between an aligned state with the upper and lower leg portions aligned with each other and an angled state with the lower leg portion extending from the upper leg portion in a direction diverging from the other one of the first and second legs.

Preferably, the first leg is adjustable in length and terminates at the lower end in a first ground engaging element, the first ground engaging element being moveable longitudinally relative to the first leg for altering the effective length of a portion of the first leg between the lowermost rung and the first ground engaging element. Advantageously, a means for moving the first ground engaging element relative to the first leg is provided.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the ladders according to the invention is that the ladders may be mounted on sloping, stepped or uneven ground without any danger of the ladder having to be tilted to one or other side relative to the legs of the ladder. A particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved by providing the means for moving the first ground engaging element relative to the first leg as a screw drive means. This permits infinite adjustability of the length of the first leg over the adjustment range thereof. A further advantage of the invention is achieved when the lengths of both legs of the ladder are adjustable. Another important advantage of the invention is achieved when at least one or both of the first and second legs are pivotal intermediate their ends for facilitating pivoting of one or both of the lower leg portions of the ladder outwardly from an aligned state to a selectable angled state with the lower leg portion or portions diverging. This provides a wider ground base for the ladder, thereby increasing the stability of the ladder.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof which are given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a ladder according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of a power portion of the ladder of Fig. 1 illustrated in a different state to that of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of the portion of Fig. 2 of the ladder of Fig. 1 illustrated in a different state to that of Figs. 1 and 2,

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the ladder of Fig. 1 on the line IV-IV of Fig. 1 illustrated in the state of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4 with the portion of Fig. 4 of the ladder of Fig. 1 illustrated in the state of Fig. 2,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 with the portion of the portion of Fig. 4 of the ladder of Fig. 1 illustrated in the state of Fig. 3,

Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional front elevational view of the portion of

Fig. 4 of the ladder of Fig. 1 in the state of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of a ladder according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of a portion of the ladder of Fig. 8 illustrated in a different state to that of Fig. 8,

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of the ladder of Fig. 8 on the line X-X of Fig. 8,

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional plan view of the ladder of Fig. 8 on the line Xl-Xl of Fig. 9 illustrated in the state of Fig. 9,

Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of a portion of the ladder of Fig. 8 illustrated in a different state to that of Fig. 8,

Fig. 13 is a view similar to that of Fig. 12 of the portion of Fig. 12 of the ladder of Fig. 8 illustrated in a different state to that of Fig. 12,

Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the portion of Fig. 9 of the ladder of Fig. 8 illustrated in use,

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the ladder of Fig. 8 on the line XV-XV of Fig. 8, and

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 9 of the ladder of Fig. 8 on the line XVI-XVI of Fig. 8.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 7, there is illustrated a ladder according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The ladder 1 in this embodiment of the invention is a lean-to ladder, and may be an extension lean-to ladder having one or more extension sections (not shown). The ladder 1 comprises a pair of elongated spaced apart first and second legs 2 and 3, respectively, extending between respective lower ends 4 and upper ends 6. A plurality of transversely extending rungs 5, only some of which are illustrated extend between and join the first and second legs 2 and 3 together. The rungs 5 are equi- spaced apart longitudinally along the first and second legs 2 and 3. The first and second legs 2 and 3 terminate in ground engaging feet 7 for engaging the ground. The ladder 1 is of aluminium, and the first and second legs 2 and 3 are of hollow rectangle box section aluminium, and the rungs 5 are of tubular aluminium.

In this embodiment of the invention the length of the first leg 2 is adjustable, and the first leg 2 terminates at its lower end 4 in a first ground engaging element 9 which carries the corresponding ground engaging foot 7. The first ground engaging element 9 comprises an elongated member 11 which slideably telescopes into the first leg 2, and is movable longitudinally within the first leg 2 for altering the length of a portion 13 of the first leg 2 between the lowermost rung 5a and the ground engaging foot 7 in order to accommodate sloping, stepped or uneven ground. The elongated member 11 which forms the ground engaging element 9 is of hollow rectangle box section aluminium of cross-sectional dimensions less than the internal cross-sectional dimensions of the box section of the first leg 2. A linear bearing 10 located within and adjacent the lower end 4 of the first leg 2 slideably engages the member 11 for accommodating smooth sliding telescoping movement of the first ground engaging element 9 relative to the first leg 2. In this embodiment of the invention the second leg 3 is of fixed length and is non-adjustable.

A means for moving the first ground engaging element 9 inwardly and outwardly of the first leg 2 comprises a screw drive means, namely a screw drive mechanism 12. The screw drive mechanism 12 comprises an elongated lead screw 14 which is rotatably mounted in a mounting bracket 15 located within the first leg 2. The mounting bracket 15 rotatably engages an annular groove 16 in the lead screw 14 to prevent longitudinal movement of the lead screw 14 within the first leg 2. An internally threaded element, namely, an end cap 17 secured to the member 11 of the first ground engaging element 9 adjacent an inner end thereof is provided with a threaded bore 18, and the lead screw 14 co-operates with the threaded bore 18, so that rotation of the lead screw 14 in the appropriate directions in the mounting bracket 15 urges the first ground engaging element 9 inwardly and outwardly relative to the first leg 2. A drive transmission means for rotating the lead screw 14 comprises a hand grip element, namely, a knob 20 which is fast on a transmission shaft 21 rotatable in a bore 22 in a side web 23 in the first leg 2. The transmission shaft 21 carries one bevel gear 24 of a pair of bevel gears fast thereon, which is engageable with a cooperating bevel gear 25 of the pair of bevel gears, and which is fast on the lead screw 14, so that rotation of the knob 20 rotates the lead screw 14, for in turn urging the first ground engaging element 9 inwardly and outwardly of the first leg 2.

In this embodiment of the invention the portion 13 of the first leg 2 which extends downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a is shorter than the corresponding portion of the second leg 3, so that the first ground engaging element 9 is co-operable with the first leg 2 for selectively increasing and decreasing the effective length of the portion 13 of the first leg 2 relative to the length of the corresponding portion of the second leg 3. In Figs. 1 and 4 the first ground engaging element 9 is adjusted relative to the first leg 2 so that the lengths of the portion 13 of the first leg 2 and the corresponding portion of the second leg 3 extending downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a are of similar lengths. In Figs. 2 and 5 the first ground engaging element 9 is adjusted relative to the first leg 2 so that the length of the portion 13 of the first leg 2 extending downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a is less than the length of the corresponding portion of the second leg 3 extending downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a. In Figs 3 and 6 the first ground engaging element 9 is adjusted relative to the first leg 2 so that the length of the portion 13 of the first leg 2 extending downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a is greater than the length of the corresponding portion of the second leg 3 extending downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a.

In use, where the ladder 1 is to be used on level ground as illustrated in Fig. 1 the first ground engaging element 9 is adjusted relative to the first leg 2 by rotating the knob 20 in the appropriate direction so that the lengths of the portion 13 of the first leg 2 and the corresponding portion of the second leg 3 extending downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a are equal. On the other hand, when the ladder 1 is to be used on uneven ground, sloping or stepped ground, the first ground engaging element 9 is adjusted so that the length of the portion 13 of the first leg 2 extending downwardly from the lowermost rung 5a is retracted or extended, as the case may be relative to the first leg 2 to accommodate the sloping, stepped or uneven ground.

In this embodiment of the invention the maximum adjustment in the length of the first leg 2 which is achievable by the first ground engaging element 9 is 45 mm. This it has been found is sufficient to accommodate sloping ground with a slope of 1 :8 or less. In general building regulations do not allow a slope for wheelchair ramps greater than 1 :12, and for normal ground the maximum allowable slope is 1 :15. Thus, the ladder according to the invention is suitable for use on substantially all standard slopes allowed under building regulations.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 16, there is illustrated a ladder according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30. The ladder 30 is substantially similar to the ladder 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the ladder 30 and the ladder 1 is that lower leg portions 32 of the first and second legs 2 and 3 of the ladder 30 are pivotal outwardly from an aligned state illustrated in Figs. 8, 12 and 13 to selectable ones of a plurality of angled states, some of which are illustrated in Figs. 9 and 14 for increasing the base width and in turn the stability of the ladder 30. Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention as well as the length of the first leg 2 being adjustable, the length of the second leg 3 is also adjustable as will be described below.

Turning initially to the pivotal aspect of the lower leg portions 32, in this embodiment of the invention the first and second legs 2 and 3 are pivotal intermediate their lower and upper ends 4 and 6 about respective pivot axes 34 which extend perpendicularly relative to a plane defined by the first and second legs 2 and 3, so that each first and second leg 2 and 3 comprises an upper leg portion 35 and the lower leg portion 32 which is pivotal relative to the upper leg portion 35 about the corresponding pivot axis 34. In this embodiment of the invention the first and second legs 2 and 3 are pivotal intermediate the lowermost rung 5a and the next adjacent rung 5b so that only one rung extends between the lower leg portions 32 of the first and second legs 2 and 3, namely, the lowermost rung 5a. The lowermost rung 5a is of adjustable length, as will be described below, in order to accommodate pivoting of the lower leg portions 32 of the first and second legs 2 and 3 from the aligned state with the respective lower leg portions 32 aligned with the corresponding upper leg portions 35 and any one of the plurality of angled states with the lower leg portions 32 angled relative to the corresponding upper leg portion 35 and divergingffom the lower leg portion 32 of the other one of the first and second legs 2 and 3.

Each lower leg portion 32 is pivotally coupled to the corresponding upper leg portion 35 by a corresponding pivot pin 36 which extends through a bore 39 extending through the lower leg portion 32 and a bore (not shown) extending through the upper leg portion 35. A plate 42 extends inwardly from the upper leg portion 35 of each first and second leg 2 and 3 and is secured to the corresponding upper leg portion 35 and the adjacent rung 5b by welding. A plurality of bores 43 extend through each plate 42 and are selectively alignable with a corresponding bore 44 in a securing bracket 45 which extends from the adjacent lower leg portion 32 and is welded thereto. A securing means, namely, a securing screw 47 is engageable with the bore 44 and a selected one of the bores 43 for securing the adjacent lower leg portion 32 in the aligned state or in a selected one of the angled states relative to the corresponding upper leg portion 35. A nut (not shown) is provided for the securing screw 47 for securing the securing bracket 45 to the corresponding plate 42 with the corresponding lower leg portion 32 in the desired one of the aligned and angled states relative to the corresponding upper leg portion 35.

In this embodiment of the invention the bores 43 through the corresponding plates 42 are disposed so that the lower leg portion 32 of each first and second leg 2 and 3 can be set at an angle θ relative to the corresponding upper leg portion 35 of values of 0° (aligned with the upper leg portion 35), 8°, 12° and 16° diverging from the lower leg portion 32 of the other one of the first and second legs 2 and 3. It is, however, envisaged that in order to provide a greater number of angled states at which the lower leg portions 32 of the first and second legs 2 and 3 can be set relative to the upper leg portions 35, a plurality of bores 44 would be provided in the securing bracket 45 as well as a plurality of the bores 43 in the plate 42, and the bores 43 and 44 would be arranged in the plate 42 and the securing bracket 45, respectively, to provided vernier type adjustment.

The lowermost rung 5a comprises a pair of rung members 50, each being pivotally secured to a corresponding one of the lower leg portions 32 by a mounting bracket 51. Pivot pins 52 through bores 54 and 55 in the rung members 50 and mounting brackets 51 , respectively, pivotally couple the rung members 50 to the mounting brackets 51. Each rung member 50 terminates in an eye member 57 for slideably engaging the corresponding rung member 50. Threaded bores 58 in each rung member 50 are alignable with corresponding bores 59 in the eye members 57 for selectively setting the length of the rung members 50 to correspond with the angular setting of the lower leg portions 32. Screws 60 through the bores 59 in the eye members 57 are engageable with the corresponding aligned threaded bore 58 in the rung members 50 for securing the rung members 50 together so that the lowermost rung 5a is of the desired length.

The lower leg portion 32 of the first leg 2 terminates in a first ground engaging element 61 which is similar to the first ground engaging element 9 of the ladder 1. The first ground engaging element 61 is telescopingly slideable into and out of the lower leg portion 32 for adjusting the length of the portion 13 of the lower leg portion 32 of the first leg 2 between the lowermost rung 5a and the ground engaging foot 7. The first ground engaging element 61 is slideable inwardly and outwardly of the lower leg portion 32 by a screw drive mechanism 12 similar to that of the ladder 1. A knob 20 operates the lead screw 14 of the screw drive mechanism 12 through the bevel gears 24 and 25 as described with reference to the ladder 1. In this embodiment of the invention the transmission shaft 21 is rotatable in a bore 22 which extends through a front web 56 of the lower leg portion 32 of the first leg 2.

As mentioned above, the length of the second leg 3 of the ladder 30 is also adjustable. In this embodiment of the invention a second ground engaging element 62 which comprises an elongated member 63 is telescopingly slideable within the lower leg portion 32 of the second leg 3 in a similar manner as the first ground engaging element 61 is slideable in the lower leg portion 32 of the first leg 2. However, a screw drive mechanism is not provided for urging the second ground engaging element 61 inwardly and outwardly of the lower leg portion 32 of the second leg 3, but rather, a plurality of retaining bores 64 extend transversely through the second ground engaging element 62, and are selectively alignable with an alignable bore 65 which extends transversely through the lower leg portion 32 of the second leg 3. A retaining means, namely, a retaining screw 66 is engageable with the alignable bore 65 in the second leg 3 and a selected one of the retaining bores 64 in the second ground engaging element 62 for securing the second ground engaging element 62 in a desired state relative to the second leg 3. Screw threads are provided in the alignable bore 65 for engaging the retaining screw 66, for securing the second ground engaging element 62 in a desired state relative to the lower leg portion 32 of the second leg 3 so that the portion 67 of the second leg 3 below the lowermost rung 5a is of the desired length.

In this embodiment of the invention the second ground engaging element 62 is of significantly greater length than the first ground engaging element 61 , and accordingly, it is envisaged that the length of the second leg element 3 will be initially adjusted in order to provide coarse adjustment of the second leg 3 for accommodating uneven, sloping or stepped ground, while the length of the first leg element 2 will be subsequently adjusted to provide fine adjustment to accommodate the uneven, sloping or stepped ground.

In use, one or both of the lower leg portions 32 are initially pivoted about the corresponding pivot pin 38 in order to set the lower leg portion 36 in the desired angled states relative to the corresponding upper leg portions 35 in order to provide the ladder 30 with the desired degree of stability. The lower leg portions 32 may be set at similar or different angled states. Once the lower leg portions 32 have been set at the desired angled states, or indeed in the aligned state, the securing brackets 45 are secured to the corresponding plates 42 by the securing screws 47 and nuts 48. The rung members 50 of the lowermost rung 5a are then secured to each other by the screws 60 through the bores 58 in the rung members 50 and the threaded bores 59 in the eye members 57.

Thereafter the second ground engaging element 62 is adjusted relative to the corresponding lower portion 32 of the second leg 3 until the length of the second leg 3 is coarse adjusted to the desired length. The second ground engaging element 62 is then secured in position by the screw 66 through the alignable bore 65 and the selected one of the retaining bores 64. The first ground engaging element 61 is then adjusted by operating the handgrip knob 20 to provide fine adjustment until the first leg 2 is of the desired length. Thereafter, the ladder is ready for use.

While the ladders have been described as being lean-to ladders, it is envisaged that the ladders may be provided in the form of an A-frame ladder, in which case both elements of the A-frame ladder would be provided with at least one adjustable leg. Additionally, it is envisaged that both elements of the A-frame ladder would be provided with at least one leg pivotally connected intermediate its legs to define an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion similar to the upper and lower leg portions 35 and 32 of the ladder 30.

While the ladder 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 has been described as comprising one leg of adjustable length, it is envisaged that the ladder 1 may be provided with both legs being of adjustable length, and in which case, it is envisaged that one of the legs may be provided with a first ground engaging element, and the other leg would be provided with a second ground engaging element similar to the first and second ground engaging elements of the ladder described with reference to Figs. 8 to 16. It is also envisaged that the ladder 1 may be provided with two legs of adjustable length, each of which would be provided with a ground engaging element similar to the first ground engaging element.

While a particular type of drive transmission means has been described for operating the drive screw mechanism, any other suitable drive transmission means may be provided. It is also envisaged that the lead screw of the screw drive mechanism could be rigidly secured to the ground engaging element, and in which case, an internally threaded element would be rotatably mounted in the mounting bracket, and rotation of the internally threaded element would be carried out by the drive transmission means. It is also envisaged that instead of the knob 20 being provided to operate the screw drive mechanism any other suitable hand grip means may be provided. For example, instead of the knob 20 being located on the transmission shaft 21 , a lever may be coupleable to the transmission shaft 21 through a ratchet drive mechanism, and, in general, it is envisaged that the lever would be releasably coupleable to the transmission shaft 21. It is also envisaged that the knob 20 on the transmission shaft may be replaced with any other suitable hand grippable element, for example, a head with outwardly projecting wings, similar to a wing nut, or a T-bar or any other hand grippable element. While the transmission shaft 21 of the ladder of Figs. 1 to 7 has been illustrated as extending through a bore 22 in a side web 23 of the first leg, the transmission shaft 21 could be adapted to extend through a bore in one of the front and rear webs of the first leg, as in the case of the ladder of Figs. 8 to 16, where the transmission shaft 21 extends through a bore 22 in the front web 56 of the first leg. Indeed, it has been found to be preferable to provide the transmission shaft extending through one of the front and rear webs of the leg, since more room is available to accommodate the bevel gear on the transmission shaft 21.

While the ground engaging elements have been described as telescoping into the adjustable legs, while this is desirable, it is not essential. In certain cases, the adjustable legs may telescope into the ground engaging elements. Indeed, it is also envisaged that while it is desirable to have the ground engaging elements telescoping relative to the adjustable legs, any other mounting arrangement which permits movement of the ground engaging elements relative to the adjustable legs may be used.

While the ladders have been described as being of aluminium and having legs of hollow box sectional aluminium, the ladders may be constructed of any other suitable material and/or cross-section.

It is also envisaged that the ladder 1 may be provided with the legs pivotal intermediate their ends in a similar manner as the ladder 30 is provided with the legs pivotal intermediate their ends. It is also envisaged that the pivot axes about which the legs are pivotal intermediate their ends may be located between any pair of rungs or adjacent any rungs, for example, between the second and third rungs from the lower end of the ladder. In which case both the lowermost rung and the second rung would be of adjustable length, to accommodate outward pivoting of the lower leg portions 32. It is also envisaged that the first and second legs of the ladders may be pivotal towards the upper end thereof for facilitating splaying of the upper ends of the ladders. Such pivoting of the upper end portions of the ladder would be similar to the pivoting of the lower leg portions thereof.

While the ladders have been described as comprising one or both legs being of adjustable length, it is envisaged that the ladder 30 described with reference to Figs. 8 to 16 may be provided without the legs being of adjustable length, in which case, the ladder 30 of Figs. 8 to 16 may be provided with only one leg being pivotal intermediate its ends to be pivoted from an aligned state to one or more angled states, or the ladder 30 of Figs. 8 to 16 may be provided with both legs pivotal intermediate their ends to be pivoted between respective aligned states and one or more angled states.