GB2297070A - A ladder rack bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

A pair of brackets 3 are clamped to ladder racks 2 positioned on the roof of a vehicle. A ladder is then fitted under the drop pieces 6 to hold it in place. The brackets provide a means of carrying ladders without using ties or components which need to be moved once set. A lock may be provided to prevent theft of the ladder.

Description

THIS INVENTION RELATES TO: A LADDER RACK BRACKET.

Ladders in transit on the roofs of motor vehicles are generally secured to ladder racks by either string, rope, bungees, and straps or a combination of the above.

There is also a bracket available whereby a flat plate on a central threaded bar with a locking nut passes through the rungs of the ladder when laid flat and secures it to the ladder rack.

The disadvantage of the rope, string, bungee and strap method is the time involved in securing the ladder and releasing it. There is also no guarantee that the ladder will not move or that the string or rope will not break.

The disadvantage of the threaded bar method is that the flat plate must be completely removed when either loading or unloading the ladder, thus being time consuming.

According to the present invention there is provided a bracket which is clamped to a ladder rack. This is used in pairs and securely holds ladders without ties or the need to remove any part of the bracket in order to load or unload the ladder.

The various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Shows in perspective one of a pair of identical brackets used to secure one single and one double extension ladder.

Figure 2 Illustrates the brackets in use.

Figure 3 Gives a close up view of one of the brackets in Figure 2.

Figure 4 Illustrates the bracket with an adjustable bar for various size ladders and can be secured by padlock to prevent the theft of the ladder.

Referring to Drawing 1/3 Figure 1 The bracket comprises a loose plate (1) which is clamped using four bolts to the main bracket (3), securing it to the ladder rack (2). The bracket is used with another of identical manufacture which is clamped to a second ladder rack, as shown in drawing 2/3 Figure 2.

The ladder racks are then positioned on the roof of the vehicle so that the holding bar (4), in the case of single ladders or (5), in the case of double extension ladders, the leading bracket prevents backward movement of the ladder, likewise, the rear bracket prevents forward movement of the ladder.

The ladder is prevented from laterally moving by the main stem (3) and the drop piece (6).

Drawing 2/3 Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows the brackets set up on the ladder racks and illustrates their use.

Drawing 3/3 Figure 4 illustrates a variation on the basic design allowing by means of the adjustable drop bar (7) that ladders of various extensions can be carried and the unit locked into place, preventing the theft of ladders by use of the holes 8, a padlock or similar means can be fitted.

Claims (3)

1. A LADDER RACK BRACKET 1.

   Comprising means to clamp it to a ladder rack. The main body of the bracket arranged in such a way that without any form of tie or moving parts, ladders in transit on the roofs of vehicles can be carried securely.
2. 2.

   A ladder rack bracket as claimed in claim 1. Whereby a lockable adjustable component is allowed for to prevent theft.
3. 3.

   A ladder rack bracket as claimed in claim 1 & 2. Wherein an adjustable component enables ladders of various extensions to be carried.