2. Description of the Prior Art Extension ladders typically consist of a base section and one or more fly sections with each fly section extendible from the preceding section. The term"base section"shall be used herein to refer to the lower of two adjacent sections of an extension ladder, from which a fly section is extended upward. Thus. a"base section" may be the section of the ladder onto which the user first climbs, or may be a fly section extending from a previous base section, from which another fly section is extendible.

Most extension ladders rely on rung locks to hold a fly section in place once it has been extended from a base section. Rung locks are typically attached at one end to the interior of the dual rails on the fly section. in a manner which permits an open jaw at the other end of the rung locks to engage a rung on the base section. For ease in extending and contracting the fly section, rung locks are pivotally mounted so that they may be swung away from the rungs of the base section while the fly section is moved up or down.

Failure to properly engage rung locks is a frequent cause of ladder accidents.

Falls from ladders account for a tremendous amount of emergency room admissions each year."Telescoping"of extension ladders due to false latching or improperly engaged rung locks precipitate many such accidents. If a rung lock is not properly engaged, the fly section of the extension ladder may telescope or descend in a rapid

and uncontrolled manner, causing the user to fall. The potential danger is exacerbated by the fact that misaligned rung locks are not always observable from the ground.

In some cases, rung locks may be only partially misaligned, permitting the fly section to be held in place while the user ascends the ladder. However, forces associated with the descent of the user may cause the improperly engaged rung locks to become disengaged, resulting in automatic retraction of the fly section with increasing velocity, accelerating under gravitational force, until the fly section is fully retracted with the base section. The largely uncontrolled high speed retraction can be dangerous to both bystanders and those who are using the extension ladder.

Attempts have been made in the past to overcome the inherently dangerous unintentional retraction of the fly section toward the base section. The Eisenberg et al, U. S. Patent No. 5,035,299, describes an extension ladder which uses a locking device, comprising an insertion pin designed to be inserted into an insertion hole extending from side to side of a rail on one section of the ladder. The insertion pin is attached to the side of a corresponding rail on the other section of the ladder. The attachment of the insertion pin and location of the insertion hole are designed so that the insertion pin may be inserted into the insertion hole only when the fly section is properly positioned with respect to the base section, to ensure that rung locks are engaged to hold the fly section in place.

Unfortunately, the locking device of the Eisenberg et al patent does not safely and satisfactorily maintain the unintentional retraction of the fly section into the base section of the extension ladder. It is evident that the insertion pin can be inserted into the insertion hole even if the rung locks are not properly engaged since the insertion pin is inserted only when the fly section is properly positioned with respect to the base section. Such proper position does not necessarily mean that the rung locks are properly engaged. Additionally, due to the numerous components of the Eisenberg et al patent's locking device, the expense of adding the locking device of the Eisenberg et al patent to a new or existing ladder would be tremendous. Furthermore, since a user would have to modify an existing extension ladder with insertion holes, after market use of the Eisenberg et al patent's locking device would be difficult and impracticable for both the manufacturer and end use consumer.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a safety latch device for an extension ladder which prevents the fly section from fully retracting into the base section.

Additionally, a need exists for a safety latch device for an extension ladder which is automatically activated to prevent the fly section from fully retracting into the base section. Furthermore, there exists a need for a safety latch device for an extension ladder which can be added to an existing extension ladder and prevents the fly section from fully retracting into the base section. Further yet, a need exists for a safety latch device which is simple in construction and minimal in cost.

SUMMARY The present invention is a safety latch device for an extension ladder. The extension ladder has a base section and at least one fly section extendible from a preceding section. The base section has a pair of base section rails and a plurality of base section rungs mounted between the base section rails and each fly section has a pair of fly section rails and a plurality of fly section rungs mounted between the fly section rails.

The safety latch device comprises a latch housing mounted to at least one of the fly section rails. A latch portion is alternatively movable from a closed position substantially within the latch housing and is movable into a closed position contactable with at least one of the base section rungs in an open position. A spring mechanism biases the latch portion into the open position contactable with at least one of the base section rungs.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the safety latch device further comprises first actuating means connected to the first latch portion for actuating the first latch portion into the closed position from the open position. Preferably, the first actuating means is a line graspable by a user and movable in a direction away from the first latch portion causing the first latch portion to move into the closed position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the safety latch device further comprises pivot means extending through the latch housing and the first latch portion for allowing the first latch portion to pivot from the closed position to the open

position and for allowing the first latch portion to pivot from the open position to the closed position. Preferably, the pivot means is a nut and bolt.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the safety latch device further comprises mounting means for mounting the latch housing to one of the fly section rails.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the latch housing contacts one of the fly section rungs.

In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, the safety latch device further comprises a second latch portion movable from a closed position substantially within the latch housing and contactable with at least one of the base section rungs in an open position and second spring means for biasing the second latch portion into the open position contactable with at least one of the base section rungs. Preferably, the safety latch device further comprises second actuating means positioned connected between the first latch portion and the second latch portion for actuating the second latch portion into the closed position upon the first latch portion being actuated into the closed position. Furthermore, preferably, the second actuating means is a rod extending between and connected to the first latch portion and the second latch portion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the safety latch device further comprises lift means pivotally mounted to the latch housing and the first latch portion and contactable with the first latch portion for lifting the first latch portion into the closed position. Preferably, the safety latch device further comprises biasing means for biasing the lift means in a direction generally away from the first latch portion.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the safety latch device further comprises limiting means on the first latch portion and contactable with the latch housing for limiting the extent of rotation of the first latch portion into the open position.

The present invention additionally includes a method for inhibiting unintentional lowering of a fly section of an extension ladder with respect to a base section of the extension ladder. The base section has a pair of base section rails and a plurality of base section rungs mounted between the base section rails and the fly

section has a pair of fly section rails and a plurality of fly section rungs mounted between the fly section rails.

The method comprises mounting a latch housing to at least one of the fly section rails, pivotally mounting a first latch portion within the latch housing, biasing the first latch portion into a closed position, and pivoting the first latch portion into an open position into contact one of the base section rungs.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises a second latch portion movable from a closed position substantially within the latch housing and contactable with at least one of the base section rungs in an open position and second spring means for biasing the second latch portion into the open position contactable with at least one of the base section rungs.

The present further includes a latch assembly for an extension ladder. The extension ladder has a base section and at least one fly section. The base section has a pair of base section rails and a plurality of base section rungs mounted between the base section rails. The fly section has a pair of fly section rails and a plurality of fly section rungs mounted between the fly section rails.

The assembly comprises a substantially flat plate rotationally mounted to at least one of the fly section rails and biasing means for biasing the flat plate from a closed position into an open position such that at least a portion of the flat plate contacts at least one of the base section rungs.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly further comprises an extension member for limiting the rotational extent of the flat plate into the open position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly further comprises actuating means connected to the flat plate for actuating the flat plate into the closed position from the open position. Preferably, the actuating means is a line graspable by a user and movable in a direction away from the flat plate causing the flat plate to move into the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating an embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the assembled safety latch device being in a closed position; FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the assembled safety latch device being in an open position; FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 2, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the safety latch device being mounted to the extension ladder; FIG. 5 is another perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 4, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 3, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the safety latch device being mounted to the extension ladder; FIG. 7 is another perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating another embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 8, with the assembled safety latch device being in a closed position; FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 8, with the assembled safety latch device being in an open position ; FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the safety latch device being mounted to the extension ladder;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view illustrating still another embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating yet another embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 14a is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 13, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the safety latch device being mounted to the extension ladder; FIG. 14b is another perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 14a, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the safety latch device being mounted to the extension ladder; FIG. 15 is an exploded view illustrating still yet another embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder, constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 15, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the safety latch device for an extension ladder of FIG. 15, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the safety latch device being mounted to the extension ladder; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the present invention is a safety latch device, indicated generally as 10, for an extension ladder 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the extension ladder 12 includes a base section 14 and at least one fly section 16 with each fly section 16 extendible from the preceding section, either the base section 14 or other fly section 16. The base section 14 includes a plurality of base rungs 18 mounted between a pair of base rails 20 and the fly section includes a plurality of fly rungs 22 mounted between a pair of fly rails 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, at least one spring-biased rung lock 26 is mounted to a fly rail 24 of the fly section 16

and rotates to engage a particular, desired base rung 18 on the base section 14 at a location desired by the user. The rung locks 26, when properly engaged, act to maintain the fly section 16 in a desired position relative to the base section 14 during use of the extension ladder 12.

Now referring back to FIGS. 1-7, the safety latch device 10 of the present invention includes a latch housing 28 and a latch portion 30. The latch housing 28 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration and includes a front wall 32, a back wall 34 substantially planar to and opposite the front wall 32, a side wall 36 substantially perpendicular and connected to the front wall 32 and the back wall 34, and a top wall 38 substantially perpendicular to the front wall 32, the back wall 34, and the side wall 36, and connected to the front wall 32 and the back wall 34.

Together, the front wall 32, the back wall 34, the side wall 36, and the top wall 38 define a latch portion receiving area 40 for substantially receiving the latch portion 30 as will be described in further detail below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the latch housing 28 of the safety latch device 10 of the present invention is mounted to the fly section 16 of the extension ladder 12 with the back wall 34 being positioned against one of the fly rails 24. Preferably, at least two fastening mechanisms 42, e. g., a nut and bolt, screw, etc., extend through mounting apertures 44 in the latch housing 28 and the fly rail 24 of the fly section 16.

The front wall 32 of the latch housing 28 of the safety latch device 10 includes a cut-out portion 46 nearingly adjacent the top wall 38 of the latch housing 28.

Furthermore, preferably, the top wall 38 of the latch housing 28 extends only partially between the front wall 32 and the back wall 34 with the cut-out portion 46 being further defined between the top wall 38 and the side wall 36. The cut-out portion 46 of the front wall 32 and the top wall 38 allows a rope or cable 48 to activate the safety latch device 10 from an open position contactable with one of the base rungs 18 of the base section 12, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to a closed position out of contact with one of the base rungs 18 of the base section 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The front wall 32 of the latch housing 28 of the safety latch device 10 further includes an angled portion 50 substantially opposite the top wall 38 of the latch housing 28. Preferably, the angled portion 50 of the front wall 32 is angled

substantially toward the back wall 34 of the latch housing 28 at approximately a ninety (90°) degree angle relative to the remaining front wall 32. While the angled portion 50 of the front wall 32 has been described as being angled at approximately a ninety (90°) degree angle relative to the remaining front wall 32, it is within the scope of the present invention to angle the angled portion 50 of the front wall 32 at an angle greater than approximately ninety (90°) degrees and at an angle less than approximately ninety (90°) degrees. As will be described in further detail below, the angled portion 50 of the front wall 32 is positioned against one of the fly rungs 22 of the fly section 16 of the extension ladder 12 when the safety latch device 10 of the present invention is mounted to the extension ladder 12.

The latch portion 30 of the safety latch device 10 of the present invention, has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration and includes a front wall 52, a top wall 54 substantially perpendicular and connected to the front wall 52, and a side wall 56 substantially perpendicular to and connected to the front wall 52 and the top wall 54. The latch portion 30 is constructed and sized to be substantially completely received within the latch portion receiving area 40 of the latch housing 28 when the safety latch device 10 is in a closed position out of contact with one of the base rungs 18 of the base section 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, such as during intentional movement by the user of the fly section 16 relative to the base section 14 when moving or transporting the extension ladder 12.

The latch portion of the safety latch device 10 of the present invention is pivotally connected to the latch housing 28 such that at least a portion of the latch portion 30 pivotally rotates into and out of the latch housing 28. A pivot mechanism 58, e. g., a nut and bolt, a screw, etc., extends through a pivot aperture 60 in the front wall 32 and the back wall 34 of the latch housing 28 and in the front wall 52 of the latch portion 30 thereby maintaining the pivot connection between the latch portion 30 and the latch housing 28. The pivot mechanism 58 allows at least a portion of the latch portion 30 to pivot out of the latch portion receiving area 40 of the latch housing 28 to an open position to contact one of the base rungs 18 of the base section 12, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and allowing the latch portion 30 to pivot substantially completely into the latch portion receiving area 40 of the latch housing 28 to the

closed position out of contact with one of the base rungs 18 of the base section 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The extent of the rotation of the latch portion 30 relative to the latch housing 28 is limited by contact between the latch portion 30 and the side wall 36 of the latch housing 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a spring mechanism 62 or other biasing means is mounted about the pivot mechanism 58 biases the latch portion 30 out of the latch portion receiving area 40 of the latch housing 28 and into the open position.

Another embodiment of the safety device 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. The safety latch device 100 of the present invention includes a latch housing 128, a first latch portion 130, and a second latch portion 131. Similar to the embodiment described above, the latch housing 128 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration and includes a front wall 132, a back wall 134 substantially planar to and opposite the front wall 132, a side wall 136 substantially perpendicular and connected to the front wall 132 and the back wall 134, and a top wall 138 substantially perpendicular to the front wall 132, the back wall 134, and the side wall 136, and connected to the front wall 132 and the back wall 134. Together, the front wall 132, the back wall 134, the side wall 136, and the top wall 138 define a first and second latch portion receiving area 140 for receiving the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 as will be described in further detail below.

The front wall 132 of the latch housing 128 of the safety latch device 100 includes a cut-out portion 146 nearingly adjacent the top wall 138 of the latch housing 128. Furthermore, preferably, the top wall 138 of the latch housing 128 extends only partially between the front wall 132 and the back wall 134 with the cut-out portion 146 being further defined between the top wall 138 and the side wall 136. The cut- out portion 146 of the front wall 132 and the top wall 138 allows a rope or cable 148 to activate the latch device from an open position contactable with one of the base rungs 118 of the base section 114, as illustrated in FIG. 10, to a closed position out of contact with one of the base rungs 118 of the base section 114, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the latch housing 128 of the safety latch device 100 of the present invention is mounted to the fly section 116 of the extension ladder 112 with the back wall 134 being positioned against one of the fly rails 124. Preferably, at

least two fastening mechanisms 142, e. g., a nut and bolt, screw, etc., extend through mounting apertures 144 in the latch housing and the fly section.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the front wall 132 of the latch housing 128 of the safety latch device 100 further includes an angled portion 150 substantially opposite the top wall 138 of the latch housing 128. Preferably, the angled portion 150 of the front wall 132 is angled substantially toward the back wall 134 of the latch housing 128 at approximately a ninety (90°) degree angle relative to the remaining front wall 132. While the angled portion 150 of the front wall has been described as being angled at approximately a ninety (90°) degree angle relative to the remaining front wall 132, it is within the scope of the present invention to angle the angled portion 150 of the front wall 132 at an angle greater than approximately ninety (90°) degrees and at an angle less than approximately ninety (90°) degrees. As will be described in further detail below, the angled portion 150 of the front wall 132 is positioned against one of the fly rungs 122 on the fly section 116 of the extension ladder 112 when the safety latch device 100 of the present invention is mounted to the extension ladder 112.

The first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 of the safety latch device 100 of the present invention, each have a substantially rectangular cross- sectional configuration and include a front wall 152, a top wall 154 connected to the front wall 152, and a side wall 156 substantially perpendicular to and connected to the front wall 152 and the top wall 154. Each of the latch portions 130,131 are constructed and sized to be substantially completely received within the first and second latch portion receiving area 140 of the latch housing 128 when the safety latch device 100 is in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 9, such as during intentional movement by the user of the fly section 116 relative to the base section 114 during movement or transport of the extension ladder 112.

The first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 of the safety latch device 100 of the present invention are pivotally receivable within the latch housing 128 such that at least a portion of the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 pivotally rotates into and out of the latch housing 128. A pivot mechanism 158, e. g., a nut and bolt, a screw, etc., extends through a pivot aperture

160 in the front wall 132 and the back wall 134 of the latch housing 128 and the front wall 152 of the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 thereby maintaining the pivotal connection between the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 and the latch housing 128. The pivot mechanism 158 allows at least a portion of the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 to pivot out of the first and second latch portion receiving area 140 of the latch housing 128 to an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 10, and allowing the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 to pivot substantially completely into the first and second latch portion receiving area 140 of the latch housing 128 to the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The extent of the rotation of the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 relative to the latch housing 128 is limited by contact between the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131, and the side wall 136 of the latch housing 128.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a spring mechanism 162 or other biasing means is mounted about the pivot mechanism 158 and biases the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 into the open position. Furthermore, a connecting rod 164 is mounted between the first latch portion 130 and the second latch portion 131 such that action by the rope 148 on the first latch portion 130 to place the first latch portion 130 in a closed position causes the second latch portion 131 to also assume the closed position against the bias of the spring mechanism 162.

Still another embodiment of the safety latch device 200 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. The safety latch device 200 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 with the addition of a latch lift mechanism 266 for moving the latch portion 230 into the closed position out of contact with one of the base rungs 218 of the base section 212 against the bias of the spring mechanism 262.

The latch lift mechanism 266 is preferably a substantially flat plate 268 and an extension member 270 extending from the flat plate 268 at an approximately ninety (90°) angle. The extension member 270 contacts the latch portion 230 for moving the latch portion 230 into the latch portion receiving area 240 of the latch housing 228.

The latch lift mechanism 266 further includes a latch lift spring 272 for biasing the latch lift mechanism 266 into the open position. The rope or cable 248 is attached to the latch lift mechanism 266, rather that the latch portion 230, such that action by the rope 248 causes the extension member 270 of the latch lift mechanism 266 to move the latch portion 230 into the closed position.

Yet another embodiment of the safety latch device 300 of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. This embodiment of the safety latch device 300 is specifically designed to accommodate extension ladders manufacture by the Werner Ladder Company, Greenville, Pennsylvania, although can be used with other types of extension ladders.

The safety latch device 300 of the present invention includes a latch housing 328 and a latch portion 330. The latch housing 328 includes a front wall 332, a back wall 334 substantially planar to and opposite the front wall 332, and a side wall 336 substantially perpendicular and connected to the front wall 332 and the back wall 334.

Together, the front wall 332, the back wall 334, and the side wall 336 define a latch portion receiving area 340 for receiving the latch portion 330, as will be described in further detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 14,, the latch housing 328 of the safety latch device 300 of the present invention is mounted to the fly section 316 of the extension ladder 312 with the back wall 334 being positioned against one of the fly rails 324. Preferably, at least two fastening mechanisms 342, e. g., a nut and bolt, screw, etc., extend through mounting apertures 344 in the latch housing 328 and the fly section 316.

The latch portion 330 of the safety latch device 300 of the present invention, has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration and includes a front wall 352, a top wall 354 substantially perpendicular and connected to the front wall 352, and a side wall 356 substantially perpendicular to and connected to the front wall 352 and the top wall 354. The latch portion 330 is constructed and sized to be substantially completely received within the latch portion receiving area 340 of the latch housing 328 when the safety latch device 300 is in a closed position out of contact with one of the base rungs 318 of the base section 314, as illustrated in FIG.

14, such as during intentional movement by the user of the fly section 316 relative to the base section 314 during movement or transport of the extension ladder 312.

The latch portion 330 of the safety latch device 300 of the present invention is pivotally receivable within the latch housing 328 such that at least a portion of the latch portion 330 pivotally rotates into and out of the latch housing 328. A pivot mechanism 358, e. g., a nut and bolt, a screw, etc., extends through a pivot aperture 360 in the front wall 332 and the back wall 334 of the latch housing 328 and the front wall 352 of the latch portion 330 thereby maintaining the pivotal connection between the latch portion 330 and the latch housing 328. The pivot mechanism 358 allows at least a portion of the latch portion 330 to pivot out of the latch portion receiving area 340 of the latch housing 328 to an open position contactable with one of the base rungs 318 of the base section 312 and allowing the latch portion 330 to pivot substantially completely into the latch portion receiving area 340 of the latch housing 328 to the closed position out of contact with one of the base rungs 318 of the base section 312, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The extent of the rotation of the latch portion 330 relative to the latch housing 328 is limited by contact between the latch portion 330 and the side wall 336 of the latch housing 328. Furthermore, the latch portion 330 can include a limiting member 380 to contact the side wall 336 to further limit the rotational extent of the latch portion 330 relative to the latch housing 328.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, a spring mechanism 362 or other biasing means is mounted about the pivot mechanism 358 biases the latch portion 330 into the open position. A washer 374 can be provided to maintain the position of the spring mechanism 362 relative to the latch portion 330 and the Werner ladder rung lock device 326.

Still yet another embodiment of the safety latch device 400 of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 15-16. As with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.

13 and 14, this embodiment of the safety latch device 400 is also specifically designed to accommodate extension ladders manufacture by the Werner Ladder Company, Greenville, Pennsylvania, although can be used with other types of extension ladders.

The safety latch device 400 of the present invention includes a latch portion 430. The latch portion of the safety latch device 400 of the present invention is

substantially flat plate 476 having a limiting portion 478 extending from the flat plate 476 and contactable with Werner ladder rung lock device 426 to limit the pivotal rotation of the flat plate 476. The latch portion 430 is constructed and sized to pivot away from one of the base section rungs 418 when the safety latch device 400 is in a closed position and to pivot into contact with one of the base section rungs 418 in an open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

A pivot mechanism 458, e. g., a nut and bolt, a screw, etc., extends through a pivot aperture 460 in the flat plate 476 thereby maintaining the connection between the latch portion 430 and the extension ladder 412. The pivot mechanism 458 allows at least a portion of the latch portion 430 to pivot to an open position and allowing the latch portion 430 to pivot substantially completely away from one of the base section rungs 418 to the closed position. Furthermore, the latch portion 430 can include a limiting member 473 to contact the side wall 436 to further limit the rotational extent of the latch portion 430 relative to the latch housing 428.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, a spring mechanism 462 or other biasing means is mounted about the pivot mechanism 458 biases the latch portion 430 into the open position.

Preferably, in all of the embodiments of the present invention, the safety latch device 10, especially the latch housing 28 and the latch portion 30, are constructed from a galvanized steel material. In the safety latch device 400, as illustrated in FIG.

15, the flat plate 476 is constructed from stainless steel. It should be noted, however, that it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the safety latch device 10 from other materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, plastic, fiberglas, ceramic, stainless steel, galvanized steel, etc.

With the safety latch device 10 of the present invention, accidental closing resulting from failure of the spring-biased rung locks, a movement or moving of the extension ladder by the user when on a roof, an extension ladder location change or relocation resulting from ladder lean or instability, or any of a variety of factors which do contribute to rung lock failure is eliminated. If rung lock failure does occur, the safety latch device 10 of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, limits the retraction the fly section to a maximum of approximately eleven (11) inches. With

the safety latch device 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 8-11, the retraction of the fly section is limited to a maximum of approximately six (6) inches. Both reductions substantially reduce, if not entirely eliminate, the injury potential to the users resulting from unintended fly section retraction or closure.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.