AU2008100070B4

AU2008100070B4 - Static line system

Info

Publication number: AU2008100070B4
Application number: AU2008100070A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Roland Stephen Voss
Original assignee: Sayfa R&D Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Sayfa R&D Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-01-25
Filing date: 2008-01-25
Publication date: 2008-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2016-01-25
Also published as: AU2008100070A4

Description

Jan. 2008 9:48 Actuate IP Group No. 5014 P. 4 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION SPECIFICATION

APPLICANT:

NUMBER:

FILING DATE: INVENTION TITLE: Roland Stephen Voss STATIC LINE SYSTEM The invention is described in the following statement: COMS ID No: ARCS-176738 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:53 Date 2008-01-25 SSe,,. 2 .0 14: 03 Ac uate IF 4. 6363 P., 00 0 2 0 CSTATIC LINE SYSTEM

C)

SField of the Invention 0 The invention relates to fall protection and arrest systems and associated components, and in particular, to a versatile static line system with an integral shock absorber device which provides a means for enabling a person to secure himself to the system via safety Srestraint harness gear, and to provide protection and shock absorption in a fall arrest 00 situation, whilst working on a roof having any profile or configuration.

00 Cl While the invention may be applied to other situations which require access at and working from heights, for convenience sake, the invention shall be described herein in terms of a static line system, which is designed to protect a user whilst working on a roof.

Background to the Invention Most fall arrest systems incorporate the use of a static line system for enabling a person to secure himself to safety components in order to protect himself in the event of a fall situation. These systems generally comprise a plurality of safety cable supports which are adapted to be secured across a roof surface for receiving safety restraint harness gear coupled thereto. The cable supports generally consist of eye bolt anchors and/or vertical devices with hook portions. However, these systems are only designed for installation on particular roof profiles and in limited configurations.

Accordingly, It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art, by providing a versatile static line system which provides a means for enabling a person to secure himself to the system via safety restraint harness gear, including shock absorption, whilst working on a roof having any profile or configuration.

COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 1 i 4 "1 6 8 c 66 P.

00 o3 0 ci Summary of the Invention In accordance with the invention there is provided a static line and shock absorption

O

system including: at least two mounting plates having a raised section extending above the height of at least one side connecting section whereby the at least one side 0 connecting section allows attachment to a roof having any profile by attachment means through a plurality of mounting apertures and whereby components adapted for different O safety and access applications and configurations are attached; at least one shock 0O absorber; and at least one anchor bracket attachable in one of multiple directions to the raised section of the mounting plate; at least one domed universal plate and an C intermediate bracket; and a continuous static line cable; wherein the continuous static line cable and the at least one shock absorber are connectable in-line and extend from the at least one anchor bracket on one of the two mounting plates to the intermediate bracket to the other mounting bracket; and whereby the static line system provides a means for attachment to a roof having any profile or in any configuration or direction for enabling a person to have substantially unrestricted movement whilst being secured to the system via safety restraint harness gear, and to provide protection and shock absorption in a fall arrest situation whilst working on the roof.

A first type of the mounting plates can be an stanchion plate in the form of an elongated rectangular plate having a top-hat cross section, which is adapted to secure a shock absorber by means of an anchor bracket toggle strap and. pin attached to the raised section of the top-hat cross section, to form an end mounting bracket or which is adapted as a corner module to secure a corner bracket attached to the raised section of the tophat cross section having a flat bar and two intermediate brackets for guiding a static line cable via a corner tube to change direction between the two end mounting plates.

The shock absorber can include a body and an energy absorbing plate; the energy absorbing plate having a length of material extending between two ends and having a plurality of shock relief cuts and holes adapted to ensure that the shock absorbing plate material will only be pulled open and distort axially to a certain limit, without allowing the material to split or fracture completely at any particular point forming a circuitous path of material between the two ends such that the plate can be pulled open to distort axially at the shock relief cuts to provide a shock relief in a fall arrest situation whilst working on COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 j, S e 2- 14 J: 00 4 0 the roof; and the body coextending and connected to ends of the energy absorbing plate rby lugs so as to prevent accidental activation below a pre-set safe working force limit.

en

O

A second type of mounting plate can be a pre-formed domed universal mounting plate, in the form of a hemispherical shape, which is raised concentrically from the base portion 0 to provide uniform load distribution, deformation and shock absorption in a fall arrest situation which is adapted to be secured to a roof surface for attaching an intermediate Obracket for guiding and supporting the static line cable.

00 The present invention provides a static line and shock absorption system including: at least two mounting plates having a plurality of mounting apertures and components adapted for different safety and access applications, roofing profiles and configurations; at least one shock absorber and anchor bracket; at least one domed universal plate and intermediate bracket; and a continuous static line cable whereby the static line system provides a means for enabling a person to secure himself to the system via safety restraint harness gear, and to provide protection and shock absorption in a fall arrest situation, whilst working on a roof having any profile or configuration.

It is preferred that a first type of mounting plate is a unique end stanchion plate in the form of an elongated rectangular plate, which is adapted to secure a unique shock absorber by means of an anchor bracket, toggle strap and pin. The mounting plate can similarly be a unique corner module, which is adapted to secure a flat bar and two Intermediate brackets for guiding a static line cable via a corner tube.

The mounting plate can preferably be positioned horizontally or vertically, and axially or transversely on a roof surface, and is adapted to be used in any configuration ie. at either end and/or corner configuration of the static line system.

A second type of mounting plate is preferably a unique pre-formed domed universal plate which is adapted to be secured to a roof surface for attaching an intermediate bracket for guiding and supporting a static line cable.

COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 3 -1 14 A ,u a-e e o c 9, en 0 0 0 0 0 00 c, 0 0 i Both types of mounting plates may furthermore be adapted In conjunction with an eyebolt anchor point, whereby fall arrest protection is provided according to an application of the invention to another situation, for a person whilst working on a roof having any profile or configuration.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, we will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof.

10 Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the static line system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the end stanchion plate and shock absorber for the static line system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2b shows an exploded view of the shock absorber for the static line system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the corner module for the static line system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the domed universal plate and intermediate bracket for the static line system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

shows a perspective view of the domed universal mounting plate for an anchor point system according to an application of the invention to another situation.

COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 K. 2( C, r4 '6 36" 00 6 0 SDescription of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention e Figures 1 to 4 show a static line system according to a preferred embodiment of the

O

invention. Figure 5 shows an application of the invention to an anchor point system.

0 In this preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a versatile static line system 1 which provides a means for enabling a person to secure himself to the system O via safety restraint harness gear, and to provide protection and shock absorption in a fall O arrest situation, whilst working on a roof having any profile or configuration. The static 0 10 line system 1 shall be described herein in terms of protecting a worker on a roof surface.

However, it is envisaged that the invention can be applied to other situations where a worker is required to access or work from a height. It is envisaged that the shape and/or dimensions, style and/or features of the static line system and/or its components may be varied as required to suit different roofing profiles, configurations and/or other applications.

The components of the static line system are preferably made of a metal material which is strong and robust, weather-resistant and non-corrosive, and meets the requirements of the invention for outdoor applications.

The static line system 1 preferably includes at least two mounting plates which are adapted to secure at least one shock absorber and two anchor brackets to a roof surface. The application or configuration of a particular static line system 1 may require further mounting plates which are adapted to secure intermediate brackets to a roof surface.

A first type of mounting plate is preferably a unique end stanchion plate 10 in the form of an elongated rectangular plate which is adapted to secure either a unique shock absorber by means of an anchor bracket, toggle strap and pin, or only an anchor bracket (not shown). The end stanchion plate 10 can preferably be positioned horizontally or vertically, and axially or transversely on a roof surface, and is adapted to be used in any configuration ie. either end and/or corner configuration of the static line system. The end stanchion plate 10 is preferably pre-formed to provide a centre portion 11 and two side COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 I C 2( R 1 8 00 o 7 portions 12. The centre portion 11 is preferably raised to provide clearance between a roof surface and the static line components attached thereto.

0 In a preferred embodiment of the invention the end stanchion plate 10 is provided with a plurality of mounting points 13 in the form of apertures, which are positioned in a unique configuration on the two side portions 12 so that the end stanchion plate 10 can accommodate all roofing profiles. The mounting points 13 are preferably positioned in a O series of rows of a plurality of apertures, so that the end stanchion plate 10 can be 00 attached to a roof on both side portions 12 using the best suitable mounting configuration depending on the specific roofing profile. The end stanchion plate 10 may Ci preferably be attached to a roof using rivet sets or any other suitable fixings or fasteners, which are adapted to be received through the mounting point apertures 13. In a preferred embodiment there is preferably a plurality of mounting points 14 in the form of holes, which are positioned in a unique configuration on the centre portion 11 for securing the static line components in different positions and/or configurations, using set screw or bolt sets therethrough or other suitable fixings or fasteners.

Provided on the centre portion 11 top surface of the end stanchion plate 10 is preferably at least one central mounting hole (not shown) for securing an eyeball anchor thereto, according to an application of the invention to another situation.

The end stanchion plate 10 may preferably have provided at least an anchor bracket which is adapted to allow a shock absorber 60 to be attached thereto with a toggle strap and pin via an aperture on Its vertical face. The anchor bracket 20 is preferably an integral upright ninety degree support, which is adapted to be attached to the top of the end stanchion plate 10 via corresponding holes provided on its base portion to receive a set screw or bolt set.

The static line system 1 preferably has provided at least one unique shock absorber which is adapted to be attached to an end stanchion plate 10, and preferably positioned at an end of the static line cable 80. The shock absorber 60 has provided a unique body housing portion 61 which is preferably adapted to be in the form of an outer and an Inner cover plate. In a preferred embodiment t 'he body housing portion 61 is rectangular in shape. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable shape may also be employed.

COMS ID No: ARCS-20471 1 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 3. Sep. 2 14

A

d e N 63% 2)" 00 o 8 0 The body housing portion 61 is preferably adapted and formed so that it can receive a C) shock absorbing plate 62 therethrough.

O The shock absorber 60 preferably has provided a shock absorbing plate 62 preferably adapted to be located within the body housing portion 61. The shock absorbing plate 62 is preferably adapted to be at least partly painted with a safety rated colour, such that Owhen the plate is extended the coloured portion will be exposed to indicate that the O shock absorber 60 is no longer suitable for use. The shock absorbing plate 62 preferably 0O has provided a plurality of unique shock relief cuts 63, which are adapted to allow the shock absorbing plate 62 to extend in a manner which will arrest and/or slow down a c" person's fall from a roof surface or any height. The shock relief cuts 63 are preferably adapted to extend at ninety degrees inwards from both outer edges along a substantial width of the shock absorbing plate 62, such that the -plate can be pulled open to distort axially at the shock relief cuts 63. The shock relief cuts 63 are preferably adapted to be positioned in an alternate arrangement so that every second shock relief cut 63 will be along a top edge of the shock absorbing plate 62, and every other shock relief cut 63 will be along a bottom edge respectively. Provided at the inner end of each shock relief cut 63 is preferably a unique shock relief hole 64, which is preferably a circular hole adapted to ensure that the shock absorbing plate material will only be pulled open and distort axially to a certain limit, without allowing the material to split or fracture completely at any particular point.

The shock absorbing plate 62 may preferably have two apertures provided at either end.

A first aperture 65 provided at the radiused end of the shock absorbing plate 62 is preferably In the form of a circular hole which is adapted to receive the swaged end (not shown) of a static line cable 80. A second aperture 66 provided at the straight end of the shock absorbing plate 62 is preferably in the form of an elongated hole, which is adapted to receive a toggle strap and pin for attachment to a mounting plate via an anchor bracket (components not shown). However, it is envisaged that any other suitable configuration may also be employed.

The shock absorbing plate 62 may preferably have provided two locating slots adapted to receive the two lugs of the body housing portion 61 outer cover plate. This unique COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 3. Se.. 2 3 Actua IP c. 36 13 00 0 Sfeature prevents an accidental pull exerted by a user, via a safety restraint harness gear,

CD)

distorting the shock absorbing plate below a pre-set safe working force limit.

The static line system 1 may preferably have provided a mounting plate similar to an end stanchion plate 10, but adapted in the form of a unique corner module 50. A horizontal flat bar 51 can preferably be secured to the top of the corner module 50 in a desired Sposition for securing two intermediate brackets 70 thereto. Adjustment of the position of O the flat bar 51 preferably allows the corner module 50 to be used in any corner 00 configuration. An intermediate bracket 70 is adapted to be secured to the top of the o 10 corner module 50, preferably in the form of an upright ninety degree support having an integral upper portion 71 and lower portion 72. The lower portion 72 preferably has provided a slotted hole which is adapted to receive a set screw or bolt in order to secure the intermediate bracket 70 to the corner module 50. The upper portion 71 preferably has provided an integral tubular guide which is adapted to receive a static line therethrough. The static line system 1 preferably has provided a continuous static line cable 80, which is adapted to be connected via the intermediate brackets 70 and corner tube 52 to the shock absorbers and anchor brackets of the system. It is envisaged that the static line cable 80 may be made of any suitable high strength non-corrosive material.

A second type of mounting plate is preferably a unique pre-formed domed universal mounting plate 90. The universal mounting plate 90 preferably has provided an integral base portion 91, which is preferably adapted to be secured to a roof surface for attaching the static line system 1 intermediate bracket 70. The base portion 91 is preferably substantially flat to suit a roof having any profile or configuration on which these components and systems may be specified, to ensure that the mounting plate fits flush and is held securely on the roof surface, and to prevent any unwanted give in the interface between the mounting plate and roof. The universal mounting plate preferably has provided an integral central domed portion 92, raised to provide clearance between a roof surface and the static line components attached thereto. The domed portion 92 is preferably adapted to provide an attachment for the intermediate bracket 70 by means of a central hole (not shown) using a set screw set therethrough.

COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 3. St 14 :9 Actuate IF No. 6368 P. 14 00 o 0 The base portion 91 preferably has provided a plurality of mounting points 93 which are preferably in the form of apertures. The mounting points 93 are preferably provided on both sides of the domed universal mounting plate 90, to ensure adequate securing of the Omounting plate 90 to the roof surface and to provide a strong form of attachment for the intermediate bracket 70. In a preferred embodiment of the invention there are preferably provided a plurality of mounting points 93 positioned in a unique configuration, so that Othe universal mounting plate 90 can accommodate a roof having any profile or oconfiguratioh. The mounting points 93 are preferably positioned in a series of rows so O that the domed mounting plate 90 can be attached to the roof on both sides using the appropriate apertures to suit the particular roofing profile. The domed mounting plate ci may preferably be attached to the roof using rivet sets or other any suitable fixings or fasteners, which are adapted to be received through the mounting points 93.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the domed universal mounting plate 90 adapted for an anchor point system according to an application of the invention to another situation.

The shape and dimensions, style and features of the domed universal mounting plate are identical to that described above for the static line system 1. However, the intermediate bracket 70 and set screw attachment are replaced with an eyebolt anchor point 95 mounted through the central hole (not shown) of the domed portion 92, and secured using a long lock nut and standard nut set.

Whilst we have described herein particular embodiments of the static line system 1, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without changing the various components described herein, or departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03

Claims

2. A static line and shock absorption system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first type of the mounting plates is an stanchion plate in the form of an elongated rectangular plate having a top-hat cross section, which is adapted to secure a shock absorber by means of an anchor bracket toggle strap and pin attached to the raised section of the top-hat cross section, to form an end mounting bracket or which is adapted as a corner module to secure a corner bracket attached to the raised section of the top-hat cross section having a flat bar and two intermediate brackets for guiding a static line cable via a corner tube to change direction between the two end mounting plates.
3. A static line and shock absorption system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the shock absorber includes a body and an energy absorbing plate; the energy absorbing plate having a length of material extending between two ends and having a plurality of COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03 2<8 A A IP. 5368 16 00 o 12 Sshock relief cuts and holes adapted to ensure that the shock absorbing plate material will C) Conly be pulled open and distort axially to a certain limit, without allowing the material to en split or fracture completely at any particular point forming a circuitous path of material between the two ends such that the plate can be pulled open to distort axially at the shock relief cuts to provide a shock relief in a fall arrest situation whilst working on the roof; and the body coextending and connected to ends of the energy absorbing plate by Slugs so as to prevent accidental activation below a pre-set safe working force limit. 00 4. A static line and shock absorption system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a second type o 10 of mounting plate is a pre-formed domed universal mounting plate, in the form of a C N hemispherical shape, which is raised concentrically from the base portion to provide uniform load distribution, deformation and shock absorption In a fall arrest situation which is adapted to be secured to a roof surface for attaching an intermediate bracket for guiding and supporting the static line cable. A static line and shock absorption system as substantially described herein with reference to the above examples and drawing figures. COMS ID No: ARCS-204711 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:13 Date 2008-09-03