Alert apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an alert apparatus for installation on a rung of a ladder, particularly on a "last", or ground-adjacent, rung of a ladder. The alert apparatus provides an alert to a user that they are stepping onto and / or stepping off a rung of the ladder The alert apparatus comprises a deformable feedback member configured to deform between a first geometry and a second geometry, wherein mechanical deformation of the deformable feedback member between the first and second geometries causes the deformable feedback member to emit an alert; and a support structure for securing to the ladder such that the deformable feedback member is positioned above a rung of the ladder.

Description

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an alert apparatus for installation on a rung of a ladder; particularly relating to an alert apparatus for installation on a "last", or ground-adjacent, rung of a ladder.Background of Disclosure

[0002] Use of a series of rungs to access areas at height is well-established, particularly within the construction industry (scaffolding / ladders). A user ascends by bearing weight against at least one rung, by either gripping or standing on said rung. However, there are numerous safety issues associated with the use of rungs. For example, the ground upon which a ladder is located can be uneven potentially leading to the user tripping or falling when dismounting the ladder and not realising they are about to step on the ground.

[0003] Existing solutions comprise an alert apparatus which is integrated into the bottom rung of a ladder, where when a user steps onto the alert apparatus an audio or visual cue is emitted. This cue alerts the user to the proximity of the ground and enables them to prepare appropriately. These devices commonly involve electronics, such as a speaker and an LED, or complex mechanical assemblies comprising multiple moving parts.Summary of Disclosure

[0004] According to the present disclosure there is provided an alert apparatus for installation on a rung of a ladder, as described in the accompanying claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is presented an alert apparatus for installation on a ladder for providing an alert to a user that they are stepping onto and / or stepping off a rung of the ladder, the alert apparatus comprising: a deformable feedback member configured to deform between a first geometry and a second geometry, wherein mechanical deformation of the deformable feedback member between the first and second geometries causes the deformable feedback member to emit an alert; and a support structure for securing to the ladder such that the deformable feedback member is positioned above a rung of the ladder.

[0006] The deformable feedback member may be retained within the support structure.

[0007] The rung of a ladder is also known as a step and is the cross-member of the ladder that serves to support a user as they climb the ladder.

[0008] Deformation of an object refers to a change in the size and / or shape of an object. This is different from displacement of an object, which refers to an absolute change in position of the object. It should be noted that the claimed invention requires the deformable feedback member to be deformable and further that this deformation provides the alert. Therefore, there is no requirement for additional alerting features such as valves, L.E.Ds, and / or speakers. This does not preclude the inclusion of such additional alerting features, but only serves to highlight the functionality of the deformable feedback member. The alert may be an audio alert and / or a tactile alert. In the first geometry the deformable feedback member may be undeformed. In the second geometry the deformable feedback member may be deformed more than when in the first geometry. An alert may be provided when the deformable feedback member is deformed from the first geometry to the second geometry and / or from the second geometry to the first geometry. By the deformable feedback member being a mechanical deformable feedback member, the deformable feedback member and support structure may be processable by simple hand tools, enabling user modification of the alert apparatus in-situ (by cutting it to length).

[0009] The first geometry may be a stable geometry and the second geometry may be an unstable geometry. A stable geometry is in a state of equilibrium such that in the absence of any external forces acting upon the stable geometry the stable geometry will not reconfigure to another geometry. An unstable geometry is in a state of imbalance such that in the absence of any external forces acting upon the unstable geometry the unstable geometry will reconfigure to a stable geometry.

[0010] Further optional features of the disclosure will now be set out. These may be applied to any aspect of the disclosure singly or in any combination unless the context demands otherwise.

[0011] Optionally, the deformable feedback member is a buckling member. The term "buckling" refers to an object rapidly snapping between different geometries once a threshold load is overcome. This snap-through effect can lead to the emission a mechanically generated alert such as a click.

[0012] Optionally, the deformable feedback member is elongate and extends longitudinally between first and second ends, where the deformable feedback member is configured to deform in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length.

[0013] Optionally, the deformable feedback member comprises a metallic material. By comprising a metallic material the deformable feedback member can be configured to generate an alert; as the stress-strain characteristics of metallic materials can lead to an initial sharp increase in stress until a strain threshold is overcome. Following the overcoming of this stress threshold the metallic material can quickly deform until further strain / deformation is prevented. Metallic materials are also easily processable by hand tools, enabling cutting to length in situ.

[0014] Optionally, the deformable feedback member has a curved cross-sectional profile. By having a curved cross-sectional profile (which may be similar to that of a retractable measuring tape) and applying pressure perpendicular to the cross-sectional profile, the cross-section can snap-through rapidly, resulting in a notable audio and tactile alert.

[0015] Optionally, the deformable feedback member comprises a convex loading surface for transmitting weight into the deformable feedback member.

[0016] Optionally, the support structure comprises a polymeric material. Polymeric materials can improve the elastic deformation of the support structure to accommodate deformation of the deformable feedback member. Further, the use of polymeric materials may enable the use of polymer extrusion to improve the manufacturability of the alert apparatus. The polymeric material may be an elastomeric material.

[0017] Optionally, the support structure is configured to engage with a rung of the ladder. The support structure may be configured to receive a rung of a ladder. The configuration may involve a connection portion that is integral to the support structure, and / or a separate connector attached to the support structure.

[0018] Optionally, the support structure is releasably connectable to the rung of the ladder. Therefore, the alert apparatus can be used on any rung that the user desires, rather than being limited to the final step of the ladder. For example, when climbing up or down an extension ladder the user may miss a rung if they are not aware that the transition between sections of the ladder is about to occur. Placing the alert apparatus near this transition can alert the user to it.

[0019] Optionally, the support structure comprises a pair of opposing jaws for receipt of a rung of the ladder therebetween.

[0020] Optionally, the opposing jaws have a longitudinal length, and the deformable feedback member extends parallel to the longitudinal length of the opposing jaws.

[0021] Optionally, the opposing jaws at least partially extend towards one another. By extending towards each other the opposing jaws can encircle at least part of the rung. This encirclement can improve retention of the alert apparatus on the rung as any existing gripping force exerted by the opposing jaws on the rung is increased. By increasing the force, the alert apparatus can be better retained in place during installation and use. This improvement is at least partially associated with the increased friction. Should adhesive be used bond the support structure to the rung of the ladder improved retention may enable the adhesive to cure whilst in full contact with the rung. The opposing jaws may at least partially extend towards one another by curving towards one another. Curve towards can mean curve inwardly.

[0022] Optionally, a pocket for receiving the deformable feedback member is defined within the support structure. The deformable feedback member may be retained within the pocket. The pocket may extend along the longitudinal length of the support structure.

[0023] Optionally, the support structure comprises a tread surface onto which a user treads, and the support structure and the deformable feedback member are arranged relative to one another such that weight applied onto the tread surface causes deformation of the support structure such that the support structure bears against the deformable feedback member and causes deformation thereof.

[0024] Optionally, the support structure comprises a first portion for engagement with an upper surface of a rung and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion defining the tread surface, where the pocket is defined between the first and second portions for receipt of the deformable feedback member. The first portion may be configured to be mounted on the upper surface of the rung.

[0025] Optionally, the tread surface is textured. The tread surface being textured improves user grip. The support structure may have a textured mounting surface for engagement with the rung of a ladder. Texturing of the mounting surface reduces the risk of the support structure moving when installed on the rung. Textured refers to any feature suitable for improving grip; examples include ridges, bumps, roughened surface, and / or materials with a high co-efficient of friction.

[0026] Optionally, the alert apparatus further comprises at least one fastener for fastening the support structure to the rung of the ladder. By fastening the support structure to the rung the alert apparatus can be better retained on the rung of the ladder. The fastener may be a cable tie. The fastener may be passable through a first channel and a second channel each positioned in one of the opposing jaws such that the opposing jaws are fastenable relative to one another. The first channel and / or the second channel may be a first hole and / or a second hole respectively.

[0027] Optionally, the support structure has adhesive deposited thereon for adhesively bonding the support structure to the rung of the ladder. By adhering the support structure to the rung the alert apparatus can be retained on the rung of the ladder.

[0028] Optionally, the support structure has a longitudinal length, and the deformable feedback member extends the majority of the longitudinal length of the support structure. The term "majority" refers to a value greater than 50%. Therefore, the support structure can have a substantial portion of the deformable feedback member disposed upon, inside and / or underneath it and as such regardless of where a user steps on the alert apparatus the user will be alerted.

[0029] Optionally, the pocket comprises at least one open end to enable insertion of the deformable feedback member. By having at least one open end the pocket is an open-ended pocket.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which: Figure 1a and 1b show schematic perspective representations of a deformable feedback member for positioning over the rung of a ladder, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, in Figure 1a the deformable feedback member is in a first geometry and in Figure 1b it is in a second geometry; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective representation of a support structure for positioning a deformable feedback member over the rung of a ladder, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective semi-exploded representation of an alert apparatus installed on the rung of a ladder according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective semi-exploded representation of an alert apparatus installed on a rung of a ladder according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 5a and 5b show schematic perspective cross-sectional representations of an alert apparatus installed on the rung of a ladder, where in Figure 5a the alert apparatus is unloaded / undeformed and in Figure 5b it is loaded / deformed, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Description of Embodiments

[0031] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all method steps. Variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for features used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0032] Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" are relative terms that may be used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and / or direction.

[0033] The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of configuration steps or features. However, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. The description of multiple features in relation to any specific embodiment is not an indication that such features are inextricably linked, and isolated features may function independently from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 - 5, an alert apparatus 2 comprising a support structure 4 and deformable feedback member 6 is shown. The support structure 4 is shown secured to a ladder 5 such that the deformable feedback member 6 is positioned above a rung 7 of the ladder 5. Therefore, instead of stepping on the ladder 5, a user will step onto the alert apparatus 2. This in turn will emit an alert such that the user is notified that they are stepping onto a rung 7.

[0035] In Figure 1a and 1b, a deformable feedback member 6 is shown in isolation without the provision of a support structure 4 for clarity purposes and has a curved c-shaped cross-section 8, which when extended forms the longitudinal length l a of the deformable feedback member 6 (a form similar to that of a retractable metal measuring tape). By extending this c-shaped cross-section, a convex loading surface 10 is defined upon the deformable feedback member 6. The loading in a direction represented by arrow 11 of the deformable feedback member 6 and occurs perpendicular to the longitudinal length l a of the deformable feedback member 6. Thus in the present embodiment this loading occurs over the convex loading surface 10. By having a curved cross-section 8 and applying pressure perpendicular to said cross-section 8, the deformable feedback member 6 can snap-through rapidly, resulting in a deformed portion 13 and emission of a notable audio and tactile alert. Similarly, as pressure is relieved the deformable feedback member 6 can snap-back, resulting in a notable audio and tactile alert. In the present embodiment the deformable feedback member 6 is adapted to provide an alert when loaded and when unloaded. Dependant on the type of loading (e.g. a user's weight being applied through a foot) deformation could result in the whole of the deformable feedback member 6 buckling, or could result in localised buckling.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment the audio and tactile feedback can be enhanced by inclusion of indents or notches within the pocket 22. When the deformable feedback member 6 passes over the indents or notches, the passing over action enhances audio and / or tactile feedback. In one example the enhanced feedback is achieved by a series of notches along the longitudinal length of the pocket. These notches act to inhibit the buckling of the deformable feedback member such that the load required to initiate the snap-through is increased, leading to increased audio and / or tactile feedback.

[0037] Another method of enhancing the audio and / or tactical feedback relates to the distribution of the load on the alert apparatus. If the load occurs over a small area (e.g. a point contact) the resultant deformation of the deformable feedback member will result in a sharp alert. However, if the distribution of force occurs over a sufficiently wide area the alert can be subdued. Thus the deformable feedback member may comprise an initiation feature such as a bump that extends along at least part of the longitudinal length of the deformable feedback member. This feature can act to enhance audio and / or tactile feedback regardless of the distribution of loading over the alert apparatus. Alternative initiation features include elastomeric material (e.g. silicone) deposited upon the deformable feedback member, or a self-adhesive polymeric "foot".

[0038] In Figure 2 a support structure 4 is shown without an alert member 6. In Figure 3 the support structure 4 is shown with an alert member 6 in a semi-exploded configuration, such that components of the alert apparatus 2 and ladder 5 are visible. The support structure 4 is configured to engage with a rung 7 of the ladder 5 in a manner that enables it to be connected to the rung 7. This is enabled by the support structure 4 comprising a body portion 12 from which a pair of opposing jaws 14a, 14b extend away to define a channel 16 therebetween for receiving the rung 7. The opposing jaws 14a, 14b also extend along the support structure 4 and as such have a longitudinal length l r . As the opposing jaws 14a, 14b extend away from the body portion 12 they also extend towards one another by curving inwardly. This improves the retaining action of the opposing jaws 14a, 14b by improving the grip exerted by them and / or encapsulating the rung 7. As best shown in Figure 2, the opposing jaws 14a, 14b have substantially the same thickness t1, t2 as they respectively extend away from the body portion 12; however, a non-linear thickness would also be suitable for use. The opposing jaws 14a, 14b could instead be any features suitable for receiving a rung 7, such as arms, rings, clips, or strings. It is also envisioned that instead of opposing jaws 14a, 14b for receiving the rung 7, two support members could instead extend from the body portion 12 to engage with opposing sides 15 of the ladder 5.

[0039] The body portion 12 comprises an upper first portion 18 and lower second portion 20, between which a pocket 22 is defined where the deformable feedback member 6 can be received by the pocket 22. In the present embodiment the pocket 22 extends between two opposing ends 24a, 24b of the support structure 4, and as such is open ended. This enables the insertion and removal of the deformable feedback member 6 into the support structure 4. The alert apparatus 2 would also function correctly should the pocket 22 be enclosed (i.e. not open ended). When the deformable feedback member 6 is received within the pocket 22 of the support structure 4 the longitudinal length l a of deformable feedback member 6 is parallel to the longitudinal length l r of the opposing jaws 14a, 14b.

[0040] The support structure 4 further comprises a tread surface 26, onto which a user treads, the tread surface 26 defined on the upper first portion 18. On the opposite side of the body portion 12, on the lower second portion 20 of the body section, a mounting surface 28 is defined between the opposing jaws 14a, 14b. This mounting surface 28 is for contact with the rung 7 of the ladder 5 such that the support structure 4 is positioned above the rung 7. The undeformed cross-section of the body portion 12 is substantially crescent shaped, where the tread surface 26 and mounting surface 28 define the curved sides of the crescent shape.

[0041] As best shown in Figures 2 - 5, the tread surface 26 and the mounting surface 28 are textured. The tread surface 26 being textured improves user grip, whilst texturing of the mounting surface 28 reduces the risk of the support structure 4 moving when installed on the rung 7. In the present embodiment ridges 30a, 30b extend along the body portion 12, parallel to the longitudinal length l r of the opposing jaws 14a, 14b; where the ridges 30b on the mounting surface 28 correspond to ridges on the rung 7 to improve contact between the alert apparatus 2 and the rung 7.

[0042] As best shown in Figure 3, an alert apparatus 2 is installed on a ladder 5 such that a deformable feedback member 6 is positioned over the rung 7 of the ladder 5. The deformable feedback member 6 is located within the pocket 22 of the support structure 4 and is deformable between a first (e.g. undeformed) geometry and a second (deformed / buckled) geometry. Whilst the deformable feedback member 6 can be undeformed in the first geometry, the deformable feedback member 6 could be partially deformed (and thus not yet buckled) in the first geometry and still function as intended.

[0043] In the present embodiment deformation of the tread surface 26 in turn deforms the deformable feedback member 6. The deformable feedback member 6 extends along the majority of the length of the support structure 4, where in the present embodiment the deformable feedback member 6 extends along the longitudinal length l r of the opposing jaws 14a, 14b and thus the length of the support structure 6. This ensures that wherever a user steps on the support structure 4, a portion 15 of the deformable feedback member 6 will deform and thus emit an alert.

[0044] The deformable feedback member 6 comprises metallic material, providing resilience and high strength such that rapid snap-through occurs. The support structure 4 comprises polymeric material; more specifically elastomeric or rubberised material. However, the support structure 4 could instead comprise any material or structure that exhibits suitable elastic recovery (such as composite metals or lattice structures). The elastic nature of the polymeric material ensures that the support structure 4 can deform such that load 29 is transferred through the support structure 4 and into the deformable feedback member 6.

[0045] The support structure 10 may have adhesive (not shown) deposited thereon for adhesively bonding the support structure 4 to the rung 7 of the ladder 5. In the case of the present embodiment this adhesive could be deposited in the channel 16, more specifically adjacent the body portion 12, optionally in the form of adhesive tape. This adhesive could optionally be combined with another method of securement or fastening to provide enhanced retention of the alert apparatus 2.

[0046] Figures 4 - 5 show an alternate embodiment of a support structure 4. Differing from the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the opposing jaws 14a, 14b of the support structure 4 continue to extend away from the body portion 12 to form opposing fastening portions 32a, 32b, such that when the support structure 4 is installed on the rung 7 of a ladder 5 the opposing fastening portions 32a, 32b are disposed below the rung 7. In the present embodiment the opposing fastening portions 32a, 32b extend the length l r of the opposing jaws 14a, 14b. However, instead of extending the length l r of the opposing jaws 14a, 14b the opposing fastening portions 32a, 32b could instead only extend partially along the length l r , and further could each comprise two or more portions separated along the length l r .

[0047] Each opposing jaw 14a, 14b has a channel that passes through their respective fastening portion 32a, 32b. In the illustrative embodiment the first opposing jaw 14a has two channels in the form of a first hole 34a and a third hole 34c, and the second opposing jaw 14b has two channels in the form of a second hole 34b and a fourth hole 34d. The first hole 34a and the second hole 34b are aligned with one another such that a fastener (for example a cable tie) is passable through the first hole 34a and then through the second hole 34b. Similarly, the third hole 34c and the fourth hole 34d are aligned.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4 the alert apparatus 2 is shown installed on a rung 7 of a ladder 5 in a semi-exploded configuration, such that the deformable feedback member 6 and rung 7 are visible. The opposing jaws 14a, 14b act to retain the support structure 4 on the rung 7. Furthermore, the fastening portions 32a, 32b extend below the rung 7 and a cable tie 36 has been passed through the first hole 34a and the second hole 34b and then secured. Thus, the opposing jaws 14a, 14b are fastened relative to one another, fastening the support structure 4 to the rung 7 of the ladder 5. Optionally, further cable ties (not shown) can be used to further fasten the support structure 4 to the rung 7. For example, a further cable tie may be passed through the third hole 34c and fourth hole 34d and then secured.

[0049] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, when a deformable feedback member 6 is received within the pocket 22 of a support structure 4 and a load 29 is applied to the tread surface 26 as shown in Figure 5b, the deformable feedback member 6 is deformed. This snap-through deformation of the deformable feedback member 6 results in the emission of a tactile and audible "click".

Claims

1. An alert apparatus for installation on a ladder for providing an alert to a user that they are stepping onto and / or stepping off a rung of the ladder, the alert apparatus comprising: a deformable feedback member configured to deform between a first geometry and a second geometry, wherein mechanical deformation of the deformable feedback member between the first and second geometries causes the deformable feedback member to emit an alert; and a support structure for securing to the ladder such that the deformable feedback member is positioned above a rung of the ladder.

2. An alert apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformable feedback member is a buckling member.

3. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformable feedback member has a longitudinal length extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end, where the deformable feedback member is configured to deform in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length.

4. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformable feedback member comprises a metallic material.

5. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformable feedback member has a curved cross-sectional profile.

6. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformable feedback member comprises a convex loading surface for transmitting weight into the deformable feedback member.

7. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a polymeric material.

8. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure is configured to engage with a rung of the ladder; and optionally wherein the support structure is releasably connectable to the rung of the ladder.

9. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a pair of opposing jaws, the opposing jaws defining a channel therebetween for receipt of a rung of the ladder.

10. An alert apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the opposing jaws have a longitudinal length, and wherein the deformable feedback member extends parallel to the longitudinal length of the opposing jaws.

11. An alert apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the opposing jaws at least partially extend towards one another.

12. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a pocket for receiving the deformable feedback member is defined within the support structure; and optionally wherein the pocket comprises at least one open end to enable insertion of the deformable feedback member.

13. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the support structure comprises a tread surface onto which a user treads, and wherein the support structure and the deformable feedback member are arranged relative to one another such that weight applied onto the tread surface causes deformation of the support structure such that the support structure bears against the deformable feedback member and causes deformation thereof.

14. An alert apparatus according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the support structure comprises a first portion for engagement with an upper surface of a rung and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion defining the tread surface, where the pocket is defined between the first and second portions for receipt of the deformable feedback member.

15. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the alert apparatus further comprises at least one fastener for fastening the support structure to the rung of the ladder; and / or wherein the support structure has adhesive deposited thereon for adhesively bonding the support structure to the rung of the ladder; and / or wherein the support structure has a longitudinal length, and the deformable feedback member extends the majority of the longitudinal length of the support structure.

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