Service vehicle ladder lock

• US 6,397,644 B1
• Filed: 05/18/2000
• Issued: 06/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mark Douglas Gidding
• Original Assignee: Mark Douglas Gidding
• Inventors: Gidding, Mark Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MANCHO, RONNIE M
• Application Number:
  US09/575,827
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 70/18, 70/14, 70/19, 70/58, 224/310, 224/315, 224/309, 224/316, 224/488, 224/321, 224/322, 224/323, 224/324, 224/325, 414/462, 182/127, 292/113, 292/104, 292/66, 292/241, 292/200, 292/63, D 8/330, D 8/331, D 8/336, D 8/338, D 8/339
• US Class Current: 70/18
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/0485 for ladders B60R9/0423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/089 Lever
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/0917 Lever
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/0954 Padlock or seal catch
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1041 Rigid operating means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/108 Lever
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/40 Portable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/409 Shackles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/411 Clamps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

A service vehicle ladder lock for fastening a step or extension ladder to a conventional ladder rack running either along a side of the roof of the vehicle or across the top thereof. This ladder lock forms a rectangular framework for placement about the ladder and the ladder rack in close proximity to inhibit movement in any direction upon rapid starting or stopping. In the preferred configuration the ladder lock comprises three portions of narrow bent flat metal stock fastened together wherein the first and second portions are attached by a hinge to allow opening and closing; and the second and third portions are attached to each other. The free end of the first portion has a strike plate thereon for receiving the latch of a tension latch/lock assembly integrally mated to the free end of the third portion. This ladder lock optionally includes means for adjusting the frame width and/or height to insure a close fit around the ladder and the ladder frame to insure safety and security thereof. Another embodiment is structured for use with a ladder rack made from pipe stock.

Claims

1. A ladder lock for connecting a ladder to a service vehicle ladder rack for safety and security comprising:

three portions of narrow flat metal stock bent and fastened together to form a frame structure in a generally rectangular configuration;

a first portion having a strike plate integrally affixed to its one end connected at its other end to a second portion by a back flap hinge leaving said second portion with one free end;

said free end of said second portion connected to one end of a third portion, said third portion having a tension latch/lock assembly integrally affixed to its other end for latching with said strike plate for closing and locking the frame about said ladder and said ladder rack.

2. The ladder lock in accordance with claim 1 wherein said hinge having a plurality of holes therein for alignment with holes in said first or second portions for receiving fasteners for width adjustment of the frame structure.

3. The ladder lock in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a threaded stud for placement into said third portion having a threaded hole therein for insertion within said vehicular ladder rack having a smooth hole therein for preventing sliding movement of the ladder.

4. The ladder lock in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a tension adjusting screw/lock nut combination for insertion into said third portion from either side thereof through a hole therein for height adjustment of the frame structure.

5. The ladder lock in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an adapter plate to be used in connection with a vehicular roof rack cross support upright bracket system, said adapter plate having fastening means therein for fastening to said bracket vertically and having a channel formed therein for seating said flat stock of the frame structure.