GB2453584A - Ladder stabiliser for use with a ladder positioned against a wall - Google Patents

Abstract

The ladder stabiliser comprises a body adapted to be releasable secured to the body of a ladder and two or more rotatable balls which are mounted on the body so that, in use, the body projects away from the ladder with the two or more balls 1 mounted at or near the projecting end of the body so that the balls present a contact surface for abutting the wall. The balls are preferably rotatable about an, in use, horizontal axis and there are preferably four balls, with the balls mounted in pairs. The stabiliser preferably has two or more friction surfaces that face downwards at or near the projecting end of the body for engaging e.g. the surface of a roof. The body preferably comprises a frame formed from two C-shaped struts that are preferably pivotally connected at or near the projecting end. At least one of the struts may have a bracing strut 3 extending between the two ends of the strut with the bracing strut preferably being V-shaped. The body is preferably secured to the ladder by hooked brackets 2 or the like.

Description

LADDER STABILISER

This invention relates to a ladder stabiliser, particularly to a releasably securable ladder stabiliser, and to a method of stabilising a ladder.

Ladders are used in a wide range of applications both domestically and commercially and in many different environments as regards the ground upon which the base of the ladder is placed and the wall against which the top of the ladder rests. The ground may for example be uneven or inclined, slippery or loose for example due to ice, gravel, grass, moss, building site debris and the like, all of which may present a hazard unless due care is taken by the user. Various stabilising devices have been developed to reduce the risk of such hazards arising by providing improved stability for the feet of the ladder and to enable ladders to be employed safely more widely.

The wall against which the ladder rests may also present hazards. For example, the wall may be uneven, not precisely vertical or there may be obstructions such as windows and drain pipes, gutters and the like. In addition, as a practical matter, the user may lean laterally of the ladder and thereby impart greater force to one side or the other of the ladder and cause the top of the ladder to move. This is particularly dangerous as once the ladder becomes unstable together with the weight of the user exacerbating the instability, serious accidents may occur. Where a ladder is used towards the end of a wall, lateral slippage may cause the ladder to move beyond the end of the wall and lose support altogether with potentially major consequences.

::* Ladder stiles often have rubber stops to provide improved grip between the ladder and the wall against which it is leant but this may provide only limited improvement in stability. Furthermore, ladders may also be used to gain access to roof areas or to * 25 scaffolding where the stiles of the ladder rather than the top of the ladder is in contact with the structure thereby rendering the rubber stops redundant in such circumstances.

Ladders must also comply with legislation regarding working at height in certain countries for example Work At Height Regulations (WAHR) in the UK based in a European Directive and employers may have a duty of care to employees to ensure equipment used in the course of employment is safe and meets all appropriate regulations.

Various attempts have been made to provide improved ladder stability and a stabilising device, generally known as a stand-off', is known. A stand-off attaches to a ladder and presents a surface to the wall such that the ladder itself does not contact the wall.

A stand-off typically comprises a framework and retention brackets or hooks for attachment to the rungs of the ladder and means for securing the stand-off to the ladder. Once assembled, the framework projects in front of the ladder and presents a surface for abutment to the wall. Stand-otis further comprising wheels attached to the frame such that the wheels ,ontact the wall are also known and may include a "V" shaped notch in the frame to allow the stand-off to be used in the corners of walls. However, where such standoffs are used against corners of walls, typically the V" shaped notch rests against the corner of the wall but the wheels do not contact the walls.

The use of wheels made of rubber and which are deformable into a "0" shape so as to present a flat rather than curved surface of the wheel are also known.

A need still exists for further improvement in ladder safety and particularly in stabilising the top end of the ladder during use, for example against a wall and for effecting egress on to a surface in the locality at the top of the ladder such as a flat roof. We have now found that a ladder stabiliser having two or more rotatable balls for contact with the wall against which the ladder is to be used provides significant improvements in ladder safety, ease of use and the range of circumstances in which the ladder may be safely used.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a ladder stabiliser for use with a ladder positioned against a wall, the ladder stabiliser comprising a body, means for releasably securing the body to the ladder and two or more rotatable balls mounted on the body, the arrangement being such that, in use, the body projects away from the ladder towards the wall and the two or more balls are mounted at or near the projecting end of the body whereby the balls present a contact surface for abutting the wall.

The rotatable balls provide a curved contact surface rather than a planar surface as is the case with known stabilisers or stand-offs. Advantageously, this allows the stabiliser to be used on rough or uneven walls as well as smooth walls and also permits each side of the ladder to abut surfaces which are in different planes such as where there is a change in direction of the wall and the ladder is to be employed with the rails straddling the change in direction, for example a corner of adjoining walls. In this case, the tangent at the point of 25 contact for each wall is different yet the ladder retains stability due to the use of rotatable balls to provide an abutment surface.

The balls are suitably mounted so they are rotatable about an axis which is preferably horizontal in use whereby the balls may roll up and down a vertical surface but not to any material degree laterally across the surface. Preferably, each ball is mounted on the body by means of an axle which extends from the body in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the ladder. Desirably the at least two rotatable balls are mounted facing each other so as to present generally facing abutment surfaces so allowing use on corners of walls.

In a preferred embodiment, the stabiliser comprises four rotatable balls, mounted in pairs. Preferably two supports extend from the body, in use, in a direction away from the ladder and spaced apart, desirably at or near opposite ends of the body, a pair of axles are mounted on each support and a rotatable ball on each axle. The supports are desirably spaced apart by at least the width of the ladder with which the stabiliser is being used.

The rotatable balls may be made of any suitable material to provide adequate grip on abutment with a wall. Preferred materials include rubber, plastics materials and the like.

The stabiliser of the invention may suitably comprise two or more friction surfaces facing downwardly at or near the projecting end of the body relative to the ladder in addition to the two or more rotatable balls. The friction surfaces are adapted to contact a generally horizontal surface, for example a flat roof or scaffolding level and reduce the risk of lateral movement of the ladder in use. The weight of the user will act to urge the friction surface onto the generally horizontal surface and thereby increase the lateral force which may be borne by the ladder without slipping laterally. The friction surface may be formed on the body itself but preferably comprises a pair of stops, desirably made of rubber for economic reasons, which are located on the underside of the body in use and present a friction surface to a generally horizontal surface against which the ladder is to be located.

The body projects laterally of the ladder in use and comprises the releasable securing means by which the body is attached to the ladder at or one end of the body and the rotatable balls at the distal end of the body from the ladder. The body may be solid but preferably comprises a frame. The frame suitably comprises an upper "C" shaped strut and a lower "C" shaped strut connected to each other, desirably with each C" shaped strut having two parallel sides and a third middle side joining the two sides being perpendicular to the two parallel sides. The struts may be joined to each other at or near the tips of the "C" so the plane of the two generally "C" shaped struts are inclined relative to each other.

In an alternative embodiment, the two "C" shaped struts are suitably joined together by a further pair of spacing struts arranged generally perpendicular to the "C" shaped struts .s.

and connecting the C" shaped struts together at or near both their ends. In this embodiment, the "C" shaped struts are generally in parallel planes. As desired, additional struts may be employed to join the two "C" shaped struts to provide additional structural integrity and these struts may be located at any point on the "C" shaped struts and are generally parallel to the spacing struts and perpendicular to the "C" shaped struts.

Transportation of known stabilisers may present logistical difficulties due to their bulky and unwieldy shape. This problem is exacerbated where the stabiliser has an open frame as a large proportion of the packaging volume is taken up by the void in the open frame, significantly increasing the costs of transportation and storage.

We have now in a further aspect developed a stabiliser according to the invention which has a collapsible frame which greatly reduces the volume required to store the stabiliser when not in use. In a further aspect the invention provides a ladder stabiliser for use with a ladder positioned against a wall, the ladder stabiliser comprising a collapsible body, means for releasably securing the body to the ladder and two or more rotatable balls mounted on the body, the arrangement being such that, in use, the body projects away from e ladder towards the wall and the two or more balls are mounted at or near the projecting end of the body whereby the balls present a contact surface for abutting the wall.

The collapsible body suitably comprises a frame having an upper "C" shaped strut and a tower "C" shaped strut, desirably with each "C" shaped strut having two parallel sides and a third middle side joining the two sides being perpendicular to the two parallel sides.

The struts are connected to each other at or near the tips of the two struts so they are movable relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment the two "C" shaped struts are pivotally mounted.

In use, the planes of the two generally "C" shaped struts are inclined relative to each other and the body is collapsible to smaller volume, desirably such that the planes of the two "C" shaped struts are parallel to each other in a collapsed configuration, presenting a generally planar configuration thereby allowing the stabiliser to be closely packed with other stabilisers dunng storage, transportation or to be stored conveniently by the user.

In the operating configuration, the two struts are suitably secured in a fixed relative position for safety reasons.

The "C" shaped struts are suitably dimensioned so as to fit around a ladder with the side parts of the "C" extending past the outside of the two ladder rails.

The releasable securing means are suitably located at or near the middle side on either and preferably both "C" shaped struts and the rotatable balls are located at or near the end of the "C" of the strut, desirably on the upper "C" shaped strut where the two "C" shaped struts are spaced apart.

At least one and desirably both of the "C" shaped struts has a further bracing strut p..

which joins the two ends of the "C" shaped strut so closing the "C" and forming a box. This p..' arrangement adds strength to the body and is particularly desirable for heavy duty . 25 applications. The bracing strut may be linear or shaped, for example V-shaped to accommodate corners, drain pipes or other protrusions on the wall against which the ladder is placed.

The body is preferably made of a rigid, durable hght-weight material, for example aluminium.

The present invention is particularly advantageous for use with ladders on corners of adjoining walls and in avoiding obstructions in the wall for example drain pipes. In an especially preferred embodiment, the body comprises two connected "C" shaped struts and at least one bracing strut wherein the bracing strut is "V" shaped. The "V" of the bracing strut faces into the "C" shaped strut and is suitably dimensioned and adapted to, in use, accommodate but not be in contact with a projecting corner edge of a wall or a drainpipe or other projection away from the plane of the wall. The arrangement of the at least two balls is such that when the ladder stabiliser is used on a corner of two walls, the balls are in contact .th the two walls but the "V" shaped bracing strut does not contact the walls or the corners unlike known ladder stabilisers Furthermore, the "V" shaped strut allows the ladder to be rested against narrow structures, for example, lamp posts, telegraph poles, whereby the "V" shaped brace is in contact and rests against the narrow structure. Preferably the ladder stabiliser comprises fixing means which may be placed around the narrow structure to secure the ladder stabiliser against the narrow structure.

Suitably, the means for releasably securing the body to the ladder are easily operated manually. Whilst a mechanism requiring the use of tools may be employed, desirably the said means are manually operable without the use of tools for the convenience of the user.

The securing means preferably engage with a rung and desirably two rungs of the ladder to provide improved stability and retain the ladder stabiliser in fixed relation to the ladder during use. The securing means may comprise a hooked bracket extending upwardly from the body and adapted to fit over a ladder rung. The securing means may further comprise means for bracing the securing means against the rungs and/or stiles of the ladder.

In a preferred embodiment, the securing means preferably comprises a pivotally mounted bracket which is manually moveable to engage the bracket with a rung and which may be disengaged by moved the ladder stabiliser upwards along the ladder. The bracket suitably presents an upward facing camming surface on the top of the bracket whereby as the stabiliser is moved upwardly, the camming surface contacts the next rung and pivots out of the line of the rung so the stabiliser may pass beyond to the next rung where the process is repeated. I..

In an especially preferred embodiment, the securing means comprises two pivotally I..

mounted brackets, spaced apart so as to engage two rungs, preferably successive rungs of 25 the ladder. The preferred pivotal mounting is also advantageous when employed with a * collapsible body as the securing means may be pivoted into a plane approaching and preferably parallel with that of the body in its collapsed configuration so providing a generally planar collapsed configuration. Where a collapsible body is employed, desirably the lower mounted bracket comprises a retaining notch or shelf adapted to engage with the lower part of the body, preferably a lower "C" shaped strut, in the operating configuration. Suitably, the lower part of the body is securable to the notch or shelf in the operating configuration, for example by interengaging parts, a "J" bolt or an expandable connector.

Preferably the securing means is secured in place using fixing means, desirably a "J" bolt although an expandable connector, for example spring clips passed around adjacent rungs on the ladder may be used. However, the distance between adjacent rungs may be different from ladder to ladder and the fixing means suitably have a degree of "play" which disadvantageously may allow the stabiliser to move along the rung. Accordingly, in a peferred embodiment, the fixing means comprises a "J" bolt which provides rigidity and reduces the risk of lateral or vertical movement of the stabiliser. Suitably, the UJO bolt is mounted on an arm which is connected to the body, preferably one of the "C" shaped struts.

Suitably, the arm is pivotally mounted on the body such that the "J" bolt may be adjusted finely into position and the fixing means be stowed in a convenient manner to reduce stored volume of the stabiliser and to avoid undesirably projecting parts. Preferably, the "J" bolt is pivotally mounted on the arm to provide maximum flexibility for locating the J" bolt in use around a rung of the ladder. The arm suitably comprises two parallel prongs defining a channel between them and the "J" bolt is pivotally mounted at or near the end of the prongs whereby the "J" bolt may be rotated and pass through the channel. This arrangement advantageously allows the stabiliser to be used with ladders having different spacings between adjacent rungs and thereby avoids the drawback of manufacturing a series of products for use with ladders with different rung spacings.

The fixing means may also be employed to secure the ladder stabiliser against a narrow structure as desired.

In a preferred embodiment, the fixing means comprises a ratchet belt and means for engaging the belt, for example a retaining eye. The belt is suitably connected to the body of the stabiliser and in use is passed around one or more rungs and engaged at an appropriate tension or, where the ladder stabiliser comprises a V shaped bracing strut and is employed against a narrow structure, the belt may be passed around the narrow structure and fastened so securing the ladder stabiliser to the narrow structure. The belt avoids the disadvantage of retaining springs as it does not require any "play" and suitably remains in tension during use thereby firmly holding the ladder stabiliser in place. S.

The ladder stabiliser may comprise guide means to guide the location of the stabiliser *.. 25 on the ladder. The guide means suitably engage with the rails of the ladder on placing the stabiliser at the end of the ladder and allow the stabiliser to be slid along the rails to the S. appropriate location at which point the stabiliser may be located in place using the fixing means.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a ladder stabiliser for use with a ladder positioned against a wall, the ladder stabiliser comprising a body which comprises a frame having an upper "C" shaped strut and a lower "C" shaped strut connected to each other, means for releasably securing the body to the ladder which comprises a pivotally mounted bracket which in use is manually moveable to engage the bracket with a rung on the ladder and disengagable by moving the ladder stabiliser along the ladder, fixing means for securing the bracket on the rung of the ladder in use and two or more rotatable balls rotatably mounted on the body about an axis which is horizontal in use whereby the balls are rotatable vertically on the wall the arrangement being such that, in use, the body projects �way from the ladder and the two or more balls present a contact surface for abutting the wall. In a further preferred embodiment, the frame further comprises a "V" shaped bracing strut.

The invention also provides in a second aspect a stabilised ladder kit comprising a ladder and a ladder stabiliser according to the present invention.

The invention is illustrated in a non-limiting manner by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a ladder stabiliser according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of a ladder stabiliser according to the invention attached to the rungs of a ladder; Figure 3 shows a side view of a ladder stabiliser according to the invention in situ on a ladder and resting against a wall.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a part of a ladder stabiliser according to the invention in situ on a ladder and resting against two walls which meet at a corner edge.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a ladder stabiliser according to the invention having a collapsible body being in an operating configuration.

Figure 6 shows a side view of a ladder stabiliser according to the invention having a collapsible body.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a ladder stabiliser according to the invention having a collapsible body and being in a collapsed configuration suitable for storage.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of fixing means for use with the present invention S..

Figure 9 shows the fixing means of Figure 8 attached to the ladder stabiliser and engaged with a rung of a ladder.

:::* The ladder stabiliser shown in Figure 1 has two balls (1) rotatably mounted in pairs : 25 on 2 axles (9). The axles (9) are connected to a frame which comprises a first C shaped strut (10) and a second C shaped strut (11) joined at the ends of the "C" of each strut. A bracing strut (3) having a V shape links the two ends of the "C" shaped struts together to provide additional structural rigidity and strength and is able to accommodate a projection on a wall or a corner of a wall. Brackets (2) are provided to engage with the rungs of a ladder.

Fixing means for example comprising a ratchet belt (not shown) and a retaining eye (4) is provided which additionally secures the ladder stabiliser to the ladder.

Figure 2 shows a ladder stabiliser affixed to a rung (6) on a ladder having a ratchet belt (5) (not engaged) as fixing means. The ladder stabiliser also has part (7) on the bracket (2) which abuts a lower rung (6) and provides additional stability.

In Figure 3, the ladder stabiliser of the invention is shown releasably secured to a ladder (8). The brackets (2) are engaged with an upper rung (6) and the ratchet belt (5) is passed under a lower rung (6) and secured on the retaining eye (4) and tensioned. The part (/) of the bracket (2) abuts a lower rung (6) and braces the ladder stabiliser against the ladder (8). The brackets (2), the fixing means (4) and (5) and part (7) act in concert to provides stability by placing the ladder stabiliser in fixed relation to the ladder (8). The ladder (8) is then placed in position against a wall and the balls (1) contact the wall and hold the ladder (8) away from the wall.

Figure 4 shows a part of the ladder stabiliser of the invention in use supporting a ladder against two walls meeting at a corner edge. The balls (1) are provided in two pairs with each pair being rotatably mounted on axles (9) with the two balls (1) engaging the wall being mounted such that they face each other. The inner balls (1) rest against the walls and engage at non-parallel tangents. The projecting corner edge where the walls meet is accommodated in, and desirably not in contact with the V' shaped bracing strut (3).

In Figure 5, the ladder stabiliser has two balls (1) rotatably mounted on a lower first "C" shaped strut (10). An upper "C" shaped strut (11) is connected to the lower strut (10) by a pivot (12). A bracing strut (3) having a V shape bridges the side parts of the lower strut (10) and provides additional structural rigidity and strength and is able to accommodate a projection on a wall, for example a drain pipe or a corner of a wall. The stabiliser comprises means for securing the stabiliser to a ladder comprising brackets (2) and (7) adapted to engage with rungs of a ladder and notch or shelf (13) is adapted to receive the lower strut (10). Bracket (7) is pivotally mounted on the upper strut (11) by rings (15) and rotatable into the plane of the upper strut (11). Part (7) abuts a lower rung (6) of a ladder and provides additional stability. Fixing means comprising a ratchet belt or bolt, for example a "J" bolt (not :::* shown) and a retaining eye (4) is provided which additionally secures the ladder stabiliser to the ladder and may be used to secure the lower strut (10) to the shelf (13). The ladder stabiliser further comprises two stops (14) for engaging a generally horizontal surface, for example a flat roof, which are located on the downward facing surface of lower strut (10) The ladder stabiliser shown in Figure 5 is shown in Figure 6 mounted on a ladder in an operating configuration. Balls (1) may abut a vertical surface and stops (9) may abut a horizontal surface (shown). Lower strut (10) and upper strut (11) are pivotally mounted about pivot (12). The means for securing the stabiliser comprises bracket (2) with part (7) engaged with a rung of the ladder and notches or shelf (13) on which the lower strut (10) rests and is suitably secured by a ratchet belt or J" bolt.

Figure 7 shows the ladder stabiliser in a collapsed configuration with the lower strut (10), the upper strut (11) and the means for securing the stabiliser pivoted into a planar arrangement whereby the stabiliser may be conveniently, packed, stored or transported.

The fixing means in Figure 8 includes a J" bolt (16), suitably having a screw thread, attached to a sleeve (17). The sleeve is engagable in a pivotal manner with the frame of the iadder stabiliser. The J" bolt may be moved upwardly or downwardly by rotating an adjustment nut (18) which engages with the screw on the "J" bolt (16).

The fixing means of Figure 8 is shown in position in Figure 9 being pivotafly mounted on a lower C" shaped strut (10) and with the J" bolt engaged with the rung of a ladder (6).

Bracket (2) and part (7) also contact the rungs of the ladder and together with the fixing means ensure that the ladder stabiliser is ffrmly attached to the ladder so reducing the risk of lateral or vertical movement of the ladder stabiliser relative to the ladder

S *5

S S.. S..

I p..

S S... p.. p.. p 4

S

Claims (25)

1. A ladder stabiliser for use with a ladder positioned against a wall, the ladder stabifiser comprising a body, means for releasably securing the body to the ladder and two or more rotatable balls mounted on the body, the arrangement being such that, in use, the body projects away from the ladder and the two or more balls are mounted at or near the projecting end of the body whereby the balls present a contact surface for abutting the wall.

2. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 1 in which the rotatable balls provide a curved contact surface for the wall.

3. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the balls are mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis which is horizontal in use whereby the balls may roll up and down a vertical surface.

4. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least two rotatable balls are mounted facing each other so as to present generally facing abutment surfaces.

5. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises four rotatable balls, mounted in pairs. . S

6. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises two or more friction surfaces facing downwardly at or near the projecting end of the body relative 25 totheladcjer. S.

7. A ladder stabilisei-according to claim 6 in which the friction surfaces are provided by stops located on the body of the stabiliser.

8. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises a frame on which the rotatable balls are mounted.

9. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 8 in which the frame is collapsible such that the frame in a collapsed configuration occupies less volume than when configured for use.

10. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of claims 8 or 9 in which the frame comprises an upper "C" shaped strut and a lower "C" shaped strut connected to each other.

11 A ladder stabiliser according to claim 10 in which the "C" shaped struts are connected together or via spacing struts at or near their projecting ends.

12. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of claims 8 to 11 in which the frame comprises an upper "C" shaped strut and a lower "C,' shaped strut pivotally connected to each other at or near their projecting ends whereby the frame is collapsible.

13. A ladder stabifiser according to any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein at least one of the "C" shaped struts has a bracing strut which joins the two ends of the "C" shaped strut so closing the "C".

14. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 13 wherein the bracing strut is "V" shaped.

15 A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for releasably securing the body to the ladder are manually operable without tools

16. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the securing means comprises a hooked bracket for engaging with a rung of the ladder in use.

17. A ladder stabiliser according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the securing means comprises a pivotally mounted bracket which is manually operable so as, in use, to engage the bracket with a rung and to disengage the bracket by moving the ladder stabiliser S..

along the ladder.

18. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the securing means comprises two pivotally mounted brackets, spaced apart so as, in use, to be * engagable with two rungs.

19. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims in which the securing means are securable using fixing means comprising an expandable connector which remains in tension during use or a bolt.

20. A ladder stabiliser for use with a ladder positioned against a wall, the ladder stabiliser comprising a body which comprises a frame having an upper "C' shaped strut and a lower "C" shaped strut connected to each other, optionally pivotally, means for releasably securing the body to the ladder which comprises a bracket, fixing means for securing the bracket on the rung of the ladder and two or more balls rotatably mounted on the body about an axis which is horizontal whereby in use the balls are rotatable vertically on the wall the arrangement being such that, in use, the body projects away from the ladder and the two or more balls present a contact surface for abutting the wall.

21. A ladder stabiliser according to claim 20 which is collapsible and further comprises two or more friction surfaces facing downwardly of the stabiliser in use and wherein the body compnses 2 "C" shaped struts pivotally mounted to each other and being collapsible into a coplanar arrangement and wherein the bracket is pivotally mounted and collapsible into a coplanar arrangement with the "C" shaped struts.

22. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of claims 20 or 21 in which the bracket is pivotally mounted and in use is manually moveable relative to the frame to engage the bracket with a rung on the ladder and disengagable by moving the ladder stabiliser along the ladder.

23. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the fixing means comprises a "J" bolt which is pivotally mounted on the lower "C" shaped strut.

24. A ladder stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable balls are made of rubber of a piastics material. * .

25. A stabilised ladder kit comprising a ladder and a ladder stabiliser according to any *e* one of the preceding claims.

* :0.25 *0** * * 0*** ** * a a * *