Ladder securing apparatus, ladders incorporating same and related methods

摘要

A ladder is provided having a securing apparatus for securing the ladder to a horizontally extending support structure (e.g., a utility cable), a vertically extending support structure (e.g., a utility pole) or both. In accordance with one embodiment, the securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engagement mechanisms, wherein each engagement mechanism is pivotally coupled with an associated rail of the ladder. Each engagement mechanism includes a frame member, an engagement member pivotally coupled with the frame member and a pole grasping structure coupled with the frame member. In one embodiment, each engagement member is configured to rotate from a first position, wherein an open gate is formed between the engagement member and its associated frame member, to a closed position.

主权项

1. A ladder comprising:
a first pair of spaced apart rails; a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails; a securing apparatus comprising:
a pair of spaced apart engagement mechanisms, each engagement mechanism being pivotally coupled with an associated rail of the first pairs of spaced apart rails, each engagement mechanism comprising:a frame member,an engagement member pivotally coupled with the frame member wherein each engagement member is configured to rotate from an open position, wherein an open gate is formed between the engagement member and its associated frame member, to a closed position wherein the engagement member and the frame member cooperatively form an enclosed structure,a pole grasping structure coupled with the frame member,an actuating mechanism comprising a cross-member having opposed ends attached to a respective spaced apart rail and coupled with each of the engagement mechanisms by a pair of link members, each link member having a first end attached to the cross-member at a location spaced inwardly form a respective end of the cross-member and a second end attached to an associated one of the pair of engagement members such that, upon displacement of the cross-member in a first direction towards a front face of the ladder, the engagement mechanisms rotate inwardly toward the cross-member;wherein each engagement mechanism is configured to rotate into a stored position wherein, when each engagement mechanism is in the stored position, the cross-member and each engagement mechanism are all substantially positioned within an envelope defined by the spaced apart rails.