초록 ▼

A ladder is equipped with a stabilizing device. The stabilizing device resists movements of the ladder's feet which would occur in response to movements of a ladder's user while on the ladder. The stabilizing device holds the ladder's feet and provides transverse and longitudinal structure to provid

A ladder is equipped with a stabilizing device. The stabilizing device resists movements of the ladder's feet which would occur in response to movements of a ladder's user while on the ladder. The stabilizing device holds the ladder's feet and provides transverse and longitudinal structure to provide counter forces to the ladder's feet to hold the ladder's feet against movement. The stabilizing device may have rigid bars forming a box structure extending between the ladder's feet or may be formed as a solid panel. The stabilizing device may be retrofitted to existing ladders.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A folding ladder having front and rear legs and a stabilizing device, said device having first and second frames, a first transversely extending hinge hinging said first and second frames together, a second and a third hinge parallel the first hinge, said second hinge transversely hinging said fi

1. A folding ladder having front and rear legs and a stabilizing device, said device having first and second frames, a first transversely extending hinge hinging said first and second frames together, a second and a third hinge parallel the first hinge, said second hinge transversely hinging said first frame to a first transverse member attached to and between the front legs of the ladder, said first transverse member resisting lateral movement of the front legs in response to forces applied to the ladder and said third hinge transversely hinging said second frame to a second transverse member attached to and between the rear legs of the ladder, said second transverse member resisting lateral movement of the rear legs in response to forces applied to the ladder, said first and second frames interconnecting the front and rear legs for resisting longitudinal movement of the legs in response to forces applied to the ladder, said first and second frames having a length that fits between the front and rear legs whereby the frames can be folded between the front and rear legs.2. The stabilizing device of claim 1 wherein the first, second and third hinges are piano hinges.3. The stabilizing device of claim 2 wherein the first transverse member has a flange at first and second ends adapted for attachment to an outside edge of the front legs.4. The stabilizing device of claim 3 wherein the second transverse member has a flange at first and second ends adapted for attachment to an outside edge of the rear legs.5. The stabilizing device of claim 1 wherein a protective material is applied to a floor contacting portion of the first and second transverse members.6. The stabilizing device of claim 5 wherein the protective material includes a first layer of anti-slip material and a second layer of slippery material with means for selective deployment of the second layer of slippery material over the first layer of anti-slip material.7. The stabilizing device of claim 1 wherein a retractor is attached at an intermediate location on the first and second frames.8. The stabilizing device of claim 7 wherein the retractor is a flexible element.