Anti-access device for ladders

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anti-access device (1) for ladders (2) that can be used on ladders (2) comprising two side uprights (20) to which rungs (21) in the form of horizontal crossbars are fastened. The device comprises a flexible laminar portion (3) having a width that at least substantially covers the horizontal distance between the two side uprights (20) and a minimum length equal to or greater than the vertical distance between two consecutive rungs (21), joining means between the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3), stretching means for stretching the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3) to make the flexible laminar portion (3) taut, and secure locking means for locking the position of the anti-access device (1) for ladders (2). Thus, once the flexible laminar portion (3) is placed on the front of the rungs (21) of the ladder (2) and its ends are fastened to and stretched over the rear of the rungs (21) of the ladder (2), the anti-access device (1) for ladders (2) can be locked.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ANTI-ACCESS DEVICE FOR CLIMBING

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to an anti-access device for ladders, usable on fixed and portable ladders, hand-held, both folding and non-folding.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Currently, there are several ladders available for restricted access to authorized and warned personnel at heights, typically associated with production, inspection, or maintenance sites (roofs, shafts, silos, towers, etc.). They can be of various types: fixed, portable, folding, non-folding, and so on.

[0007] Specifically, fixed ladders are regulated by law to have a minimum inclination of 75 degrees and a maximum of 90 degrees, and for obvious reasons they are considered, and all ladders in general, to be a dangerous means of access. For this reason, their use is restricted to trained and / or authorized personnel.

[0008] One configuration of these ladders comprises two side uprights, to which the steps or crossbars are fixed horizontally.

[0009] The regulations for the use of ladders recommend implementing anti-access devices to prevent unauthorized access. These devices are usually implemented on fixed ladders through doors or gates that can only be opened with a key, and on portable ladders, they can only be implemented by keeping the ladder under safekeeping.

[0010] The problem is that gate systems can only be implemented on stairs with safety cages, while doors are currently made of metal and are expensive, cumbersome, and sometimes complicated to operate, especially in exposed locations.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The anti-access device for ladders of the invention is applicable to ladders of the type comprising two side uprights, to which steps in the form of horizontal crossbars are fixed, and according to the invention it comprises:

[0012] • a flexible laminar portion with a width such that it covers at least substantially the horizontal distance between the two side uprights and of a minimum length equal to or greater than the vertical distance between two or three consecutive steps,

[0013] • means of joining the ends of the flexible laminar portion,

[0014] • means for stretching the ends of the flexible sheet portion to cause tension in the flexible sheet portion; and

[0015] • means for securely locking the position of the ladder access preventer, such that once the flexible sheet portion is positioned on the front of the ladder rungs and its ends are secured and stretched along the rear of the ladder rungs, the ladder access preventer can be locked.

[0016] This creates a device that blocks access to the staircase to unauthorized persons, and can also signal the prohibition on the staircase itself.

[0017] Furthermore, the anti-access device for scale of the invention:

[0018] -it is practical, because it can be removed and put on,

[0019] -it is lockable and, in this way, you can control who can access the scale and who cannot,

[0020] -it can be given adaptable measurements to any scale, existing or not, so it can be used in scales based on particular manufacturing regulations,

[0021] -It is very easy to transport (folded or rolled up) and install, and is very light.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the cover of the invention.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a perspective view from a front viewpoint of the cover of the invention placed on a ladder, encompassing seven steps or rungs.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the cover of the invention placed on a scale, with a tensioner clasp, before closing the clasp and tensioning the strap. Figure 4 shows a view similar to that of Figure 3 with the tensioner clasp closed, tensioning the strap.

[0026] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the tensioning clasp, in the closed position.

[0027] DESCRIPTION OF A PRACTICAL EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The anti-access device (1) for the ladder (2) of the invention is applicable to ladders (2) of the type comprising two lateral uprights (20), to which steps (21) are fixed in the form of horizontal crossbars, and according to the invention comprises:

[0029] • a flexible laminar portion (3) with a width such that it covers at least substantially the horizontal distance between the two side uprights (20) and of minimum length equal to or greater than the vertical distance between two or three consecutive steps (21),

[0030] • means of joining the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3),

[0031] • means for stretching the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3) to cause tension in the flexible laminar portion (3); and

[0032] • means for securely locking the position of the anti-access device (1) for the ladder (2). such that once the flexible laminar portion (3) has been placed on the front part of the rungs (21) of the ladder (2) and its ends have been fixed and stretched along the back part of the rungs (21) of the ladder (2), it is possible to lock the anti-access device (1) for the ladder (2).

[0033] Preferably, the means of joining the flexible laminar portion (3) are one or more straps (4).

[0034] Preferably, the means for stretching the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3) comprise a clasp (5).

[0035] Preferably, the means for securely locking the position of the anti-access device (1) for the ladder (2) are a lockable lock (6), and even more preferably, the lock (6) blocks the opening of the clasp (5). (see fig. 4 and 5)

[0036] The flexible laminar portion (3) should preferably have a minimum width equal to the horizontal distance between the uprights (20) decreased by five centimeters, since otherwise there would be sufficient space to climb the ladder, even with the cover on, but ideally the flexible laminar portion should have the same width as the horizontal distance between the uprights (20).

[0037] Thus, it is preferred that the flexible laminar portion (3) has a length of 307 centimeters and a width of 39.5 centimeters for scales with a width between 40 centimeters and 44 centimeters, since this condition is met and also in length it covers 4 or more steps with the laminar portion turning on the back face in part, which improves placement and functionality.

[0038] It is also preferred that the flexible laminar portion (3) be made of PVC resistant to ultraviolet light, since it will frequently be in outdoor locations.

[0039] Preferably, the flexible laminar portion (3) comprises reinforcing edging (30) on its lateral edges, to protect them (see fig. 2).

[0040] In a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the device comprises a single central strap (4), since it speeds up and facilitates placement.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the flexible laminar portion (3) comprises end sections (31) of decreasing width, converging towards the ends where the tension of the strap is concentrated, preventing loose flaps from remaining that could be attacked by the wind, causing cracks, and even making it possible to use the cover on steps where the flexible laminar portion (3) is somewhat wider than the distance between uprights, simply by placing these end sections on the extreme steps covered by the laminar portion.

[0042] For example, the extreme sections (31) of width reduction have a length of 55.5 centimeters, since the tests carried out have shown the best compromise in tension of the strap and its own laminar portion.

[0043] As for the clasp (5), it is preferred that it be attached (directly or indirectly) to one of the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3).

[0044] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the clasp comprises locks (50, 51) through which the tail (40) of the strap (4) runs, the head (41) of the strap comprising a hook (42), and the other end of the flexible laminar portion (3) a buckle (33) for securing the hook (42). Specifically in this example, the clasp (5) comprises a base (52) joined to the end of the flexible laminar portion (3) and a lever tensioner (53) with a tensioning lock (51), joined by means of a joint (54) to the base (52); the lock (6) comprising a padlock or selective locking pin (with a key, cipher or similar) and the base and the tensioner (53) have locking holes (7) facing each other in the closed position, for inserting the lock (6). This allows for initial manual tension to be given to the strap (and therefore to the flexible laminar portion (3), and then extra tension to be applied by means of the lever tensioner, blocking it with the padlock or pin.

[0045] Optionally, it has been provided that the flexible laminar portion (3) may comprise an impression (35) indicating access restriction in the central part of its outer face, for information purposes.

[0046] Having sufficiently described the nature of the invention, as well as the manner of its implementation in practice, it should be noted that the provisions indicated above and represented in the attached drawings are susceptible to modifications in detail as long as they do not alter the fundamental principle.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Anti-access device (1) for ladders (2), applicable to ladders (2) of the type comprising two lateral uprights (20), to which steps (21) are fixed in the form of horizontal crossbars; characterized in that it comprises: • a flexible laminar portion (3) with a width such that it covers at least substantially the horizontal distance between the two side uprights (20) and of minimum length equal to or greater than the vertical distance between two consecutive steps (21), • means of joining the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3), • means for stretching the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3) to cause tension in the flexible laminar portion (3); and • means for securely locking the position of the anti-access device (1) for the ladder (2). such that once the flexible laminar portion (3) has been placed on the front part of the rungs (21) of the ladder (2) and its ends have been fixed and stretched along the back part of the rungs (21) of the ladder (2), it is possible to lock the anti-access device (1) for the ladder (2).

2. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the means of joining the flexible laminar portion (3) are one or more straps (4).

3. Anti-access device (1) for scale (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for stretching the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3) comprise a clasp (5).

4. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for securely locking the position of the anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) are a lockable lock (6).

5. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to claim 4 and 5, wherein the lock (6) blocks the opening of the clasp (5).

6. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible laminar portion (3) is materialized in PVC resistant to ultraviolet light.

7. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible laminar portion (3) comprises reinforcing edging (30) on its lateral edges.

8. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a single central strap (4).

9. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible laminar portion (3) comprises end sections (31) of decreasing width.

10. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to any claim 3, wherein the clasp (5) is attached to one of the ends of the flexible laminar portion (3), and comprises locks (50, 51) through which the tail (40) of a strap (4) runs, the head (41) of the strap (4) comprising a hook (42), and the other end of the flexible laminar portion (3) a buckle (33) for securing the hook (42).

11. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to claim 11, wherein the clasp (5) comprises a base (52) joined to the end of the flexible laminar portion (3) and a lever tensioner (53) with a tensioning lock (51), joined by means of a joint (54) to the base (52); the lock (6) comprising a padlock or selective locking pin and the base and the tensioner (53) having locking holes (7) facing each other in the closed position, for inserting the lock (6).

12. Anti-access device (1) for scale (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible laminar portion (3) comprises a print (35) indicating access restriction, on its outer face.

13. Anti-access device (1) for ladder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible laminar portion (3) has a minimum width equal to the horizontal distance between the uprights (20), decreased by five centimeters.

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