Gag

invents

'Ladder

Saver'

Wins award

at Inventors Congress

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A New Ulm man, Mike Gag, received special honors at the 43rd Annual Minnesota Inventors Congress this past weekend at Redwood Valley High School in Redwood Falls.

The event showcased inventions by adults and children.

Gag's "Ladder Saver" device received the grand prize honors of the F. Robert Starr Award, $1,000 and a gold medallion.

"It meets a definite need," said Gag, "I don't know why it took me 45 years to think of this." Gag is a partner in Gag Sheet Metal Corp., of New Ulm.

Robert Starr was a co-founder of the Minnesota Inventors Congress, which began in 1958 as a non-profit volunteer organization to promote economic development by giving inventors a place to show their work. The event also gives inventors a place to learn more about developing, manufacturing, protecting and marketing their inventions.

Gag's invention started as a safety device this past year and was fine-tuned as its use evolved. The device has been used for various roofing projects at Gag Sheet Metal.

"It's amazing how many people have gotten injured on ladders," said Gag, "I'd say at least 60 percent of the people who came to my booth last weekend mentioned that they or their husband has fallen off of a ladder."

The Ladder Saver device uses a non-slip surface adhesive that helps to anchor the ladder in place on the roof. The device then helps to equally balance the weight on the ladder at the top of the roof. Once the ladder is set in place, it should not tip over or off the roof. Its use does not damage gutters.

"It doesn't touch the gutter so it doesn't damage the gutter," said Gag, "I think it's a big selling point. ... after going through the show yesterday, it's amazing how many people are concerned about that."

The device can be used by roofers, shinglers, general contractors, chimney sweeps, maintenance people, gutter cleaners and installers, painters, firefighters, mechanical tradespeople, homeowners, Christmas decorators and anyone else who needs to use a ladder and keep it in place.

"Its stability surprised me," said Gag, "Because of its stability, it's less likely someone will get hurt using it."