Ladder stop

Abstract

A device for receiving a ladder, the device comprising a base plate comprising an upper surface and an opposing lower surface; a fin fixed to the lower surface of the base plate; and two non-parallel wall portions extending from the upper surface of the base plate.

Description

[0001] LADDER STOP

[0002] Background to the Invention

[0003] Operation of a ladder typically requires the base or feet of the ladder to be secured relative to a ground surface, either by a person or a ladder stop, to avoid the ladder from slipping or moving whilst the ladder is climbed. A ladder stop can remove the requirement for a person to secure the ladder by hand. However, known ladder stops are not suitable for all ground types, for example decking, scaffolding, and / or grass. Therefore, there is a need for an improved ladder stop.

[0004] Summary of Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for receiving a ladder, the device comprising a base plate comprising an upper surface and an opposing lower surface; a fin fixed to the lower surface of the base plate; and two non-parallel wall portions extending from the upper surface of the base plate.

[0006] Therefore, the device provides a means by which a ladder can be stabilised relative to a ground or surface having regular or irregular spacing, such as decking and / or scaffolding boards, or can be stabilised relative to soft ground such as grass and / or soil. The device provides an upper surface which can support a ladder by providing abutment surfaces to the feet of the ladder. The abutment surfaces are provided by the at least two non-parallel wall portions. The use of two non-parallel wall portions allows a ladder to be received in multiple orientations, thereby increasing the likelihood that the ladder can be used at the safest orientation relative to the vertical surface abutting the top of the ladder. Therefore, the device is advantageous over known ladder stops as it provides a means to support a ladder on a surface with spacings but does not rely on the spacings being aligned to the orientation of a surface which abuts the top of the ladder. In other words, when used on decking surrounding a building, the decking panels can be arranged at any orientation to the wall of the building a ladder will rest on (parallel, perpendicular, or diagonal) and the ladder stop can secure the feet of the ladder. Non-parallel refers to the orientation of the major areas provided by wall portions.

[0007] As such, a ladder can be supported regardless of the surface below the device as the support is provided by the wall portions and base plate of the device and the fin provides support of the device relative to the surface below the device. By providing a fin which, when in use, can abut a structure, the likelihood of the device horizontally slipping along the ground surface is reduced. This particularly advantageous when the device is used on surfaces such as decking and scaffolding boards which are often made of wood and can become slippery when wet or unclean.

[0008] The two non-parallel wall portions can be surfaces of at least one protrusion fixed to the upper surface of the base plate. For example, the two non-parallel wall portions can be surfaces of one single protrusion or can be formed by surfaces of multiple protrusions.

[0009] This is advantageous as it provides a simple arrangement in which one protrusion can provide two non-parallel surfaces. The non-parallel surfaces can be arranged to abut the feet of a ladder and therefore provide a counterforce to the base of the ladder which secures the feet of the ladder relative to a surface. By providing a single protrusion, the device can be compatible with various sizes of ladder as the feet of the ladder can be received at various points of the protrusion surface.

[0010] Alternatively, by providing multiple protrusions each having one of the wall portions which is non-parallel to other wall portions, multiple abutment surfaces can be provided in a different arrangement. The use of multiple protrusions is advantageous as it provides a lightweight arrangement as less material is required to provide abutment surfaces.

[0011] The two non-parallel wall portions can form an area arranged to receive feet of the ladder.

[0012] This is advantageous as it provides a region which can receive the feet of a ladder such that a user can quickly identify the area of the device which will support the ladder.

[0013] The area can be at least partially enclosed.

[0014] This is advantageous as a partially enclosed area increases the likelihood that the feet of a ladder will contact the non-parallel wall portions. In the context of the present invention, partially enclosed defines that the at least one protrusion provide a perimeter or barrier to at least 50% of the area between the wall portions.

[0015] The area can be circular or a polygon with at least three sides. This is advantageous because by providing an area according to this, a ladder can be received in large range of orientations relative to the plane of the base plate. Therefore, the ladder can be used across a large range of positions relative to the surface below the base plate, such as decking or scaffolding boards. In one embodiment, a circular area can be used which provides a user with use of a ladder at all orientations around 360 degrees of rotation about an axis perpendicular to the base plate. In another embodiment, a polygon can be used to achieve essentially this effect. For example, a polygon with more sides will provide more distinct orientations at which a ladder can be used. For example, the polygon may have five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more sides.

[0016] This arrangement provides increased stability as it increases the likelihood of the ladder making four points of contact when in use and thus can reduce unexpected slipping of the feet of a ladder. Moreover, it allows a user to align the two contact points at the top of the ladder with an uneven surface as the feet of the ladder can be moved to multiple orientations to facilitate the alignment.

[0017] The wall portions can be normal to the upper surface of the base plate.

[0018] This is advantageous as it provides a supportive abutment surface which can contact the ladder.

[0019] The two non-parallel wall portions can be surfaces of an inner wall of the at least one protrusion and the at least one protrusion can have an outer wall opposing the inner wall. The outer wall can form a bevel or fillet.

[0020] This is advantageous as by arranging the protrusion to have a sloping edge on an opposing side to the wall portion, the protrusion will have side surface with a sloping gradient. This arrangement will increase the area at which the protrusion is fixed to the base surface without increasing the profile of the top of the wall portion. This can increase the longevity of the device as it is less prone to damage to the wall portion if unintentional pressure is applied to the device, i.e., if the wall portion of the device is stood on by a user.

[0021] The at least one protrusion can extend (have a height of) 50 mm to 100 mm from the upper surface. Preferably, the protrusion can extend 50 mm to 70 mm from the upper surface. More preferably, the protrusion can extend 55-60 mm from the upper surface. For example, the protrusion can extend 57 mm from the upper surface.

[0022] This is advantageous as it minimises the overall size of the device whilst providing support to a ladder.

[0023] The fin can comprise two major portions, wherein the two major portions are spaced apart. This is advantageous as it provides a means for the fins to traverse an object below the surface on which the base plate rests. For example, a joist supporting beams of decking. The additional edges of the fins provided by the spacing can be used to abut a joist and thus provide increased support.

[0024] The two major portions can be connected by a minor portion.

[0025] This is advantageous as it provides a support for the area of the base plate which may rest over an empty space. For example, when the device is placed such that a major portion of the fin is either side of a joist of decking, the minor portion can abut the upper surface of the joist.

[0026] The two major portions can be spaced apart by a distance of 130 mm to 160 mm. Preferably, the major portions can be spaced apart by a distance of 140 mm to 160 mm. More preferably, the major portions can be spaced apart by a distance of 150 mm.

[0027] This is advantageous as it provides a spacing which can allow the major portions to be either side of a single or double joist in standard UK decking. Typically, decking is supported by a series of joists arranged below the decking boards. In the UK, it is standard for joists to have a width of 45 mm to 50mm. Most often, a joist will have a width of 47 mm. It is standard for joists to have a depth below the decking boards of 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0028] The fin can extend 30 mm to 70 mm from the lower surface. Preferably, the fin can extend 40 mm to 60 mm from the lower surface. More preferably, the fin can extend 47 mm from the lower surface.

[0029] This is advantageous as it minimises the overall size of the device whilst providing support to a ladder.

[0030] The upper surface can comprise a material with a static coefficient of friction at least 0.7 with respect to rubber. The upper surface may be at least partially formed from a synthetic rubber.

[0031] This is advantageous as the feet of a ladder are often formed of rubber and thus this arrangement provides a surface with a reduced likelihood of the feet of a ladder slipping across the surface. The upper surface may include a repeating or unique pattern to provide further grip between the ladder feet and upper surface. The non-parallel wall portions may be curved.

[0032] The non-parallel wall portions may be non-perpendicular. Therefore, the wall portions may be at oblique angles to each other. By providing wall portions which are non-parallel and non-perpendicular, the ladder can be received in a greater number of orientations.

[0033] The device may comprise at least three non-parallel wall portions. The device may comprise at least four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more non-parallel wall portions. The non-parallel wall portions may be provided by a single protrusion. The greater the number of non-parallel wall portions, the greater the number of orientations the ladder may be received in.

[0034] The fin may extend across a portion of the lower surface and provide a major axis of the fin. The minor axis of the fin may be aligned with the distance from the lower surface to the tip of the fin, furthest from the lower surface and therefore perpendicular to the major axis of the fin. The major axis of the fin may be independent to the orientation of the non- parallel wall portions. This means that the orientations of the wall portions, which determine the orientation at which the ladder can be received, are independent to the fin which interacts with the ground or structure below the device. In turn, this means that the ladder orientation can be independent from the ground structure. This is particularly of use when using a ladder on a repeating structure, such as decking.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for receiving a ladder, the device comprising a base plate comprising an upper surface and an opposing lower surface; a fin rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the base plate; and two non- parallel wall portions extending from the upper surface of the base plate.

[0036] This arrangement is advantageous as it allows the base plate to rotate relative to the fin so that the orientation of the fin and base plate can be changed independently. This enables the device to be placed relative to the surface it is to be used on and then adjusted to ensure that the base plate is at a suitable orientation to support a ladder.

[0037] The features of the second aspect may be combined with the features of the first aspect. For example, the two-non-parallel wall portions may be non-perpendicular.

[0038] The two non-parallel wall portions may be surfaces of an inner wall of at least one curved protrusion fixed to the upper surface of the base plate. The at least one curved protrusion may be a semicircular arc.

[0039] The at least one curved protrusion may be a semicircular arc and the device may further comprise a linear protrusion extending the diameter of the semicircular arc.

[0040] The at least one curved protrusion may have an outer wall opposing the inner wall and wherein the outer wall may form a bevel or fillet.

[0041] The fin may be rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the base plate by a releasable lock. The releasable lock may be coupled to the base plate and the fin. The fin may be fixed to the lower surface of the base plate by the releasable lock when the releasable lock is engaged in a locked position. The fin may be free to rotate relative to the base plate when the releasable lock is engaged in an unlocked position. This is advantageous as it provides a mechanism to secure the rotatable fin in an orientation relative to the base plate.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the device according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises injection moulding at least one component of the device using high density polyethylene.

[0043] This is advantageous as it provides an efficient means to manufacture the device using a lightweight and non-brittle material.

[0044] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, strictly by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic representations of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0048] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic representations of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 4A and 4B are schematic representations of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Figures 5A and 5B are schematic representations of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 6 is schematic representations of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Figure 7 is a demonstration of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention in use; and

[0052] Figures 8A and 8B are cross sectional views of the demonstration of Figure 7;

[0053] Figures 9A and 9B are schematic representations of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0054] Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are schematic representations of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Detailed

[0056] Figure 1 shows an exemplary arrangement of a ladder stop according to an embodiment of the invention. The ladder stop shown generally at 10 comprises a base plate 12, a fin 14, and at least two non-parallel wall portions 16A, 16B. The ladder stop provides an area arranged to receive a ladder 100 such that, when in use, the feet of the ladder 100 contact the base plate 12 and the non-parallel wall portions 16A, 16B. The non-parallel wall portions provide an abutment surface to oppose the horizontal force acting through the feet of the ladder when the ladder is scaled by a user. In the example shown in Figure 1, the ladder 100 is a leaning ladder however, other ladder types can be used with the ladder stop 10.

[0057] Figure 1 shows the non-parallel wall portions provided by a surface of an inner wall of a single protrusion 18 extending vertically from the upper surface of the base plate 12. The non-parallel wall portions may form an inner wall 16 of the protrusion 18. The inner wall 16 may extend from the upper surface of the base plate at approximately 90° relative to the plane of the base plate. The inner wall 16 may extend linearly away from the base plate such that the inner wall has a straight vertical edge. The protrusion 18 may have an outer wall. The space between the inner and outer walls can be empty or solid. Whilst the outer wall of the protrusion 18 has been shown as vertically extending from the base plate 22, the outer wall may have alternative geometry. For example, the outer wall may have a curved surface. The curved surface may be provided by a bevel or fillet. The protrusion 18 may form an area for the feet of a ladder to be received. This area may be generally circular. In such example, the protrusion 18 may have a cross sectional area in the shape of a sector. The protrusion 18 may have a height of 57 mm measured from the base plate upper surface. The area formed by the protrusion 18 may have an internal circumference of 460 mm. The smallest distance between the inner wall and outer wall of the protrusion may be 10-30 mm. In one example, this distance may be 27 mm.

[0058] The base plate 12 has an upper surface opposed by a lower surface. The thickness of the base plate (the distance between the upper and lower surfaces) may be 10-20 mm. In one example, the thickness of the base plate may be 13 mm.

[0059] The fin 14 may be fixed to the lower side of the base plate 12 such that it extends vertically away from the lower surface. The fin 14 may have a generally cuboidal shape in which the length of the fin parallel to the base plate and the height of the fin extending from the lower surface of the base plate are both each greater than the depth of the fin 14. Therefore, in use, the fin 14 may fit between two surfaces, such as two panels of decking or scaffolding boards. In such position, a major face of the fin 14 can abut a surface such as the side of a decking panel or a minor face of the fin 14 can abut a surface such as a joist supporting the decking. Therefore, the fin provides support relative to the surface on which the ladder stop is placed onto. The fin 14 can be placed in between other surfaces with a spacing (such as scaffolding boards) and can provide support relative to that surface. The fin 14 may have a tapered edge such that the thickness of the fin is reduced further from the base plate. The taper may be arranged such that the fin 14 has a reduced thickness for a partial region. The fin 14 may have a depth of 30-70 mm from the lower surface of the base plate 12. In one example, the fin 14 may have a depth of 43 mm from the lower surface of the base plate 12. The fin 14 may have a length of 300-400 mm parallel to the base plate 12. In one example, the fin 14 may have an overall length of 330 mm parallel to the base plate 12. The fin 14 may have a thickness of 5 mm at its widest point.

[0060] As will be discussed in the proceeding figures, this is one exemplary arrangement to implement two non-parallel wall portions, but other arrangements are possible. Figures 2A and 2B show a further example of a ladder stop 20 in top side view and front view, respectively. The alternative arrangement of Figures 2A and 2B are substantially similar to those of Figure 1 and therefore only the differences will be described.

[0061] The two non-parallel wall portions can be provided by a protrusion 28 extending from the upper surface of the base plate 22. The protrusion can have an inner 26 and outer wall wherein the inner wall 26 provides the non-parallel wall portions 26A, 26B. The space between the inner and outer walls can be empty or solid. The protrusion 28 can from a perimeter around the base plate therefore defining an area 34 in which the ladder is received. The protrusion 28 may be a continuous boundary of the area 34 arranged for receiving a ladder. More generally, the area 34 arranged to receive the feet of a ladder is defined by a space between non-parallel wall portions. The area 34 may be enclosed. The dimensions provided in relation to the protrusion and wall portions of Figure 1 also apply to Figures 2A and 2B.

[0062] The ladder stop 20 includes a fin which may be the fin 14 shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the fin may be arranged with two major portions 24A, 24B, spaced apart. Each of the major portions of the fin 24A, 24B may have a depth of 30-70 mm from the lower surface of the base plate 12. In one example, the major portions 24A, 24B may each have a depth of 43 mm from the lower surface of the base plate 12. Each of the major portions 24A, 24B may have a length of 80-100 mm parallel to the base plate 12. In one example, the major portions 24A, 24B may each have a length of 90 mm parallel to the base plate 12. The major portions 24A, 24B may have a thickness of 5 mm at the widest point. The major portions 24A, 24B may have a taper such as that described in relation to Figure 1.

[0063] The two portions of the fin 24A, 24B may be spaced apart by a distance of 130-160 mm. Preferably, the two portions of the fin 24A, 24B are spaced apart by 150 mm. This spacing allows each major fin 24A, 24B to fit either side of a standard single or double joist when arranged in standard decking. The two major portions of the fin 24A, 24B may be connected by a minor fin portion 30. The minor fin portion 30 may be fixed to the lower surface of the base plate and / or the two major fin portions 24A, 24B. The minor fin portion 30 may have a depth of 10 mm extending from the lower surface of the base plate. Each major fin portion 24A, 24B may have a generally cuboidal shape in which the length of the fin parallel to the base plate and the height of the fin extending from the lower surface of the base plate are both each greater than the thickness of the fin 24A, 24B.

[0064] The ladder stop 20 may further comprise a handle 31. The handle 31 may be arranged on the upper surface of the base plate 22. The handle 31 may have a central region which is raised relative to other regions of the handle 31 to allow for a user to lift the ladder stop via the handle 31. Alternatively, the handle 31 may be formed in the outer wall of a protrusion 28. The handle 31 may be formed from a void in the outer wall of the protrusion 28 such that the void does not appear on the inner wall 26 of the protrusion and thus does not affect the two-non-parallel wall portions. The handle of either arrangement 31 provides a means of manoeuvring the ladder stop 20 into place and for transporting the ladder stop 20. The handle of either arrangement 31 may be 150 mm in length. The handle 31 may have a width of 30 mm.

[0065] The ladder stop 20 may further comprise an attachment point on the upper surface of the base plate 22. The attachment point may be arranged to couple a ladder 100 to the ladder stop 20 when in use. The attachment point may provide a non-permanent connection, for example, a clip may be arranged on the upper surface of the base plate and be removably coupled to the lowest rung of a ladder. The attachment point may be provided by a ring interlocking with a loop fixed to the base plate 22. The attachment point may be provided by the handle 31 if arranged on the upper surface of the base plate 22. In this arrangement, the handle 31 provides an attachment point for tying the handle 31 to a ladder.

[0066] Whilst Figures 2A and 2B show a generally circular area 34 formed in the space between non-parallel wall portions, other area shapes can be used. For example, Figure 3A shows a ladder stop 36 in which the area 34 between non-parallel wall portions is a five-sided polygon (regular or irregular pentagon). In this arrangement, the at least two non-parallel wall portions are provided by an inner wall 26 of the protrusion 28. A further example is shown in Figure 3B. For example, Figure 3B shows a ladder stop 38 in which the area 34 between non-parallel wall portions is a twelve-sided polygon. In this arrangement, the at least two non-parallel wall portions are provided by an inner wall 26 of the protrusion 28. For both examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the protrusion may be a continuous boundary of the area 34 arranged for receiving a ladder.

[0067] All other features of Figures 2A and 2B may be included in the examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Therefore, the features of Figures 1, 2A, and 2B may be combined with those of Figures 3A and 3B. For example, the fin arrangement, the general form of the protrusion, and / or the handle.

[0068] Figures 4A and 4B show a further example of a ladder stop 40 in top side view and front view, respectively. The alternative arrangement of Figures 4A and 4B are substantially similar to those of Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B and therefore only the differences will be described.

[0069] Figures 4A and 4B show a ladder stop 40 comprising non-parallel wall portions formed by a plurality of protrusions 48 extending from the upper surface of the base plate 22. Whilst eleven protrusions are shown, the non-parallel wall portions may be formed by fewer or more protrusions. The non-parallel wall portions are provided by an inner wall 46 of the protrusions 48. The space between the non-parallel wall portions define an area 44 arranged to receive the feet of a ladder. The protrusions 48 may be spaced apart such that the protrusions form a non-continuous perimeter or boundary of the area 44. Therefore, area 44 may not enclosed. The spacing between protrusions can be sized to be smaller than a dimension of the feet of a ladder such that the feet of a ladder cannot move between the protrusions 48. The protrusions 48 may be linear or curved. The protrusions 48 may have the same shape as each other or may be different in shape. For example, the plurality of protrusions may be made up of a number of linear protrusions and a number of curved protrusions. The length or internal circumference of the protrusions 48 along the face contacting the upper surface of the base plate may be between 20 mm and 200 mm.

[0070] Additionally, the ladder stop 40 may further include at least one support spanning the distance between protrusions. The support(s) may extend from the upper surface of the base plate 22 and thus divide the area 44 of the upper surface into smaller areas arranged to receive the feet of a ladder.

[0071] Figure 5A shows a further example of a ladder stop 50 in top side view and Figure 5B shows a further example of a ladder stop 60 in top side view. The alternative arrangement of Figures 5A and 5B are substantially similar to those of Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B and therefore only the differences will be described.

[0072] Figure 5A shows a protrusion 54 extending from an upper surface of a base plate 52. The non-parallel wall portions are provided by an inner surface of the protrusion 54. The base plate 52 may have a generally rectangular upper surface however, other upper surface shapes are possible. The upper surface of the base plate 52 may have a height and width of 500 mm. The protrusions 54 may be arranged on the upper surface such that the protrusion 54 does not extend vertically from the perimeter of the upper surface of the base plate. Instead, the protrusion 54 may be arranged to extend vertically at any point on the upper surface. In this example, the inner surface of the protrusion forms the non- parallel wall portions and the area 58 between the non-parallel wall portions is substantially circular. Therefore, in the present example, the protrusion 54 extends from the upper surface of the base plate 52 such that a portion of the upper surface of the base plate is within the area 58 and a portion of the upper surface is outside of the area 58. Therefore, the shape of the area 58 does not need to be the same as the shape of the upper surface of the base plate 52. By providing an upper surface of the base plate 52 which extends beyond the area 58 arranged to receive the feet of a ladder, the ladder stop 50 can have increased durability as the protrusion 54 is less likely to receive damage from abutting other objects.

[0073] A handle 56 may also be provided. The handle may be arranged on the base plate 52. The handle 56 may be a void in the base plate 52 upper surface and lower surface. Alternatively, or additionally, a handle 56 may be arranged on the outer wall of the protrusion 54. The handle may alternatively or additionally be provided on the base plate or protrusion, as described in relation to Figure 2A.

[0074] Figure 5B shows substantially similar features to those of Figure 5A and therefore only the differences will be described. Figure 5B shows a plurality of protrusions 64 extending from an upper surface of the base plate 62. The plurality of protrusions can have the features of those described in relation to Figure 4A. Therefore, the non-parallel wall portions are provided by an inner wall of the protrusions 64. The space between the non-parallel wall portions define an area 68 arranged to receive the feet of a ladder. The protrusions 64 may be spaced apart such that the protrusions form a non-continuous perimeter or boundary of the area 68.

[0075] The base plate 62 of Figure 5B may have the features of the base plate of 54 of Figure 5A. Therefore, the plurality of protrusions 64 may extend vertically from the upper surface of the base plate 62 such that a portion of the upper surface of the base plate is within the area 68 and a portion of the upper surface is outside of the area 68. Therefore, the shape of the area 68 does not need to be the same as the shape of the upper surface of the base plate 62.

[0076] Figure 6 shows a further example of a ladder stop 70 in top side view. The alternative arrangement of Figure 6 is substantially similar to that of Figures 5A and 5B and therefore only the differences will be described.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a ladder stop 70 in which a plurality of continuous protrusions 74, 76 extend vertically from the upper surface of the base plate. The protrusion 74 may be semicircular. The protrusions 76 may be linear. The protrusions 76 may be joined or may be separate. Alternative arrangements may be provided in which the protrusions 74, 76 have different shapes. For example, the protrusions may be four linear protrusions which provide an area 78 between the protrusions having the shape of a rhombus or the protrusions may be two curved protrusions which provide a generally circular area 78 between the protrusions. The area 78 may be defined by a larger number of protrusions 74, 76. The non-parallel wall portions are provided by an inner wall of the protrusions 74, 76.

[0078] Figure 7 shows a ladder stop (such as the ladder stop 20 shown in Figures 2A and 2B) arranged on a surface with regular spacing, for example, decking. Figure 8A shows the ladder stop 20 arranged on a surface in a cross section taken along the line A-A. Figure 8B shows the ladder stop arranged on a surface in a cross section taken along the line B- B.

[0079] Panels 92 forming a surface can be supported by joists 94 arranged on the underside of the panels. As can be seen, the regular spacings are linear and parallel to each other. Therefore, any device with a fin will require alignment of the fin with one of the regular spacings in order for the device to rest flat against the surface of the panels 92. This means that any device with a fin cannot rest flat against the surface at every orientation because the fin will rest on the surface. By providing a ladder stop according to the invention, a user can operate a ladder independently of the orientation of the regular spacing in the surface.

[0080] An example of how a fin of a ladder stop according to the invention may be arranged relative to a surface is shown in Figure 8A. A fin may be arranged as two major portions 24A and 24B which, in use, rest either side of a joist 94. There may be a connecting fin portion 30 which, when in use, rests on the upper surface of the joist. The fin portions 24A, 24B can abut the joist 94 and / or the side of a panel 92 forming the surface. This abutment provides a means of securing the ladder stop 20 relative to the regular spaced surface. In turn this allows any of the previously described protrusion arrangements to be secured relative to the regular spaced surface, which provides a means to secure the base of ladder.

[0081] Figures 9A and 9B show a further example of a ladder stop 100 in top side view and in cross section, respectively. The alternative arrangement of Figures 9A and 9B are substantially similar to that of the previously described figures and therefore only the differences will be described. Figure 9A shows a ladder stop comprising an upper surface 108 having a curved perimeter 104 and a linear perimeter 106. For example, the upper surface 108 may have a semicircular perimeter. The semicircular perimeter may be formed by a curved arc 104 and a linear portion 104 spanning the diameter of the arc. Therefore, the linear perimeter may extend across the diameter of the semicircle. The perimeter may form the at least one protrusion. Therefore, the non-parallel wall portions can be provided by an inner wall of the protrusion, wherein the protrusion is a semicircular arc. The linear portion may also be provided by a protrusion. The protrusion may be continuous or non- continuous. Therefore, the protrusion may form a full semicircle or may provide a semicircular form with a non-continuous border.

[0082] The protrusion 104 may have an outer wall 102 as shown in Figure 9B. The outer wall 102 may have a curved or angled surface. The curved or angled surface may be provided by a bevel or fillet. The bevel or fillet may be formed at an angle of approximately 45° from the inner wall of the protrusion or the upper surface of the base.

[0083] The fin arrangement is shown in Figure 9B and may substantially similar to or the same as that shown in Figures 2B and 4B and as described in the accompanying description.

[0084] The features of Figures 9A and 9B may be combined with the features of the embodiments of the previously described Figures 1-8. For example, the fin arrangement described in previous figures may be applied to the ladder stop 100 shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0085] Figures 10A-10D show a further embodiment of a ladder stop 110 in top side view, in cross section and two underside views, respectively. The alternative arrangement of Figures 10A-10D is substantially similar to that of Figures 9A and 9B, respectively and therefore only the differences will be described. Figure 10A shows a ladder stop 110 comprising an upper surface 118 having a curved perimeter 114 and a linear perimeter 116. The linear perimeter 116 may have a length of 580 mm. Therefore, the non-parallel wall portions may be curved. The non-parallel wall portions may be provided by an inner wall of the protrusion, wherein the protrusion is a semicircular arc. The linear portion may also be provided by a protrusion. The protrusion may be continuous or non-continuous.

[0086] The ladder stop 110 may further comprise a fin or fin arrangement having a major portion 30 connecting two minor portions 24A and 24B and may be substantially similar to that shown in Figures 2B and 4B and described in the accompanying description. The fin arrangement may be rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the base plate. In this embodiment, rotatably coupled means that the fin is secured to the base plate but can rotate relative to the base plate. For example, the fin arrangement may be coupled to the lower surface of the base plate only at a central point of the fin arrangement. This provides relative rotation between the fin arrangement and the base plate. The fin arrangement may be rotatably coupled via a releasable lock 126 comprising a lever 112 which operates a cam mechanism to secure the fin arrangement to the base plate so that rotation of the fin arrangement relative to the base plate cannot occur. Therefore, the fin arrangement can be arranged in a fixed and rotatable arrangement so that the fin is fixed when the ladder stop 110 is to receive a ladder and is rotatable when the orientation and / or position of the ladder stop is being adjusted. The fin arrangement may be fixed at the central point of the fin arrangement via the releasable lock 126.

[0087] The arrangement shown in Figures 10A and 10B provides a means of rotating the fin arrangement relative to the base plate so that the orientation of the fin is independent of the base plate. In practice, this allows the ladder stop 110 to be placed on a surface and secured relative to that surface, for example via the major and minor fin portions, and then the base plate can be rotated to provide the optimum position to support the ladder. Once, the base plate orientation has been selected, the releasable lock 126 can be secured via the cam mechanism so that rotation of the base plate relative to the fin is prevented.

[0088] Figures 10C and 10D show the underside ladder stop 110. In this view, the lower surface 120 of the base plate can be seen. The releasable lock 126 may provide the rotational coupling of the base plate and fin arrangement. Figures 10C and 10D show the fin arranged at two different orientations relative to the base plate.

[0089] The rotatable fin arrangement shown in Figures 10A-10D may be combined with any of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-9. For example, alternatively shaped base plates and non-parallel wall portions may be used in combination with the rotatably coupled fin.

[0090] The ladder stop of any of the disclosed arrangements can be formed as a single integral part or can be made of individual parts connected. For example, the protrusions may be integrally formed with the base plate or may be separate components fixed to the base plate. The ladder stop of any of the disclosed arrangements can be formed by injection moulding. In a further example (referring to components of Figure 2A and 2B), the base plate 22 and protrusion 18 may be integrally formed and the handle 31 (for arrangement on the base plate upper surface) and fin components 24A, 24B, 30 may be integrally formed. These two integrally formed components can be fixed together to provide the ladder stop. For example, during manufacture, the handle 31 and fin components 24A, 24B, 30 may be a single piece which can be inserted through a recess in the base plate 22 such that the handle abuts the upper surface of the base plate 22 and may be arranged to be secured via bolts to the upper surface. Therefore, the fin arrangement can be secured to the other components of the ladder stop. Components of the ladder stop of any of the disclosed arrangements can be formed from a metal such as aluminium, titanium, steel, or a cast alloy. Additionally or alternatively, components of the ladder stop may be formed from wood. Additionally or alternatively, components of the ladder stop may be formed from a plastic material. For example, components of the ladder stop may be formed from bulk moulded plastic, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and / or fibreglass. The upper surface of the base plate of the ladder stop may be at least partially formed from a rubber and secured to the other components of the ladder stop.

[0091] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parenthesis shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for receiving a ladder, the device comprising a base plate comprising an upper surface and an opposing lower surface; a fin fixed to the lower surface of the base plate; and two non-parallel wall portions extending from the upper surface of the base plate.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the two non-parallel wall portions are surfaces of at least one protrusion fixed to the upper surface of the base plate.

3. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the two non-parallel wall portions form an area arranged to receive feet of the ladder.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the area is at least partially enclosed.

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the area is circular or a polygon with at least three sides.

6. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the two non-parallel wall portions are normal to the upper surface of the base plate.

7. The device according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 2, wherein the two non-parallel wall portions are surfaces of an inner wall of the at least one protrusion and the at least one protrusion has an outer wall opposing the inner wall.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the outer wall forms a bevel or fillet.

9. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the two non-parallel wall portions each extend 50 mm to 100 mm from the upper surface of the base plate.

10. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fin comprises two major portions, wherein the two major portions are spaced apart.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the two major portions are connected by a minor portion.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the two major portions are spaced apart by a distance of 130 mm to 160 mm.

13. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fin has a depth of 30 mm to 70 mm from the lower surface of the base plate.

14. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface comprises a material with a static coefficient of friction at least 0.7 with respect to rubber.

15. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-parallel wall portions are curved.

16. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-parallel wall portions are non-perpendicular.

17. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device may comprise at least three non-parallel wall portions.

18. A device for receiving a ladder, the device comprising a base plate comprising an upper surface and an opposing lower surface; a fin rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the base plate; and two non-parallel wall portions extending from the upper surface of the base plate.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the two-non-parallel wall portions are non-perpendicular.

20. The device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein two non-parallel wall portions are surfaces of an inner wall of at least one curved protrusion fixed to the upper surface of the base plate.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the at least one curved protrusion is a semicircular arc.

22. The device according to claim 21, further comprising a linear protrusion extending the diameter of the semicircular arc.

23. The device according to claim 20, wherein at least one curved protrusion has an outer wall opposing the inner wall and wherein the outer wall forms a bevel or fillet.

24. The device according to any of claims 18 to 23, wherein the fin is rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the base plate by a releasable lock.

25. A method of manufacturing the device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises injection moulding at least one component of the device using high density polyethylene.

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