AU2016234908A1 - Transferable magnetic support anchor and attachment point - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transferable magnetic support and attachment point comprising one or more magnetic portion(s) having a contact face configured to secure to a ferromagnetic surface, the magnetic portion(s) being connected to an attachment portion, the attachment portion configured to allow for the attachment of an item to the attachment point. The contact face of the magnetic portion(s) is/are (i) may be substantially planar configured to secure to a substantially planar surface of a roof cladding material or (ii) a curved face configured to secure to a curved surface of a corrugated roofing material. { 12 12 ~---12 -.. 18-~ - 18 18 22 18 22 18 22 18 22

Description

TRANSFERABLE MAGNETIC SUPPORT ANCHOR AND ATTACHMENT POINT 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

The present invention relates to apparatus useful in forming an attachment point or anchor point on a ferromagnetic surface. The invention allows for the attachment of devices, apparatus or equipment such as safety harnesses, ropes, ladders, safety barriers and the like. Additionally the invention may be utilized to hold, support, or contain various items and/or equipment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Attachment points are used in many domestic and industrial settings, and particularly as points of attachment for personal safety equipment such as harnesses. A sound attachment point allows a worker to operate on or about a structure such as a roof, a wall, a tower, a building, a fence, a ship hull, an aircraft fuselage, or a tank. A common type of attachment point is the roof anchor, being used extensively in building construction, repair and maintenance. For example, in repairing a roof a worker is typically required to climb onto the roof in order to effect the repairs. As another example, installation of a television antenna requires a worker to scale a roof to secure the antenna to the apex of the roof.

Once the anchor is installed, the worker typically wears a safety harness which is then tethered to the anchor. The worker can then safely proceed with carrying out any necessary construction or repair on the roof without the fear of falling to the ground. Such harnesses are mandatory in many jurisdictions, and especially where a roof is pitched or has no other means of preventing a fall (such as a safety barrier). -1-

Roof anchors may also be used to retain a ladder in place even where a worker is not required on the roof per se. The upper end of a ladder leaning against a building may be secured to an anchor disposed toward the edge of the roof, and about the region where the ladder contacts the building. In this way, the anchor prevents the ladder from falling away from building. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

Conventional roof anchoring devices require access to a roof support structure such as a purlin or rafter. Typically the anchor is secured into the roof support structure by way of a series of screws, or other robust fastener type. This approach is based on the assumption that the underlying roof structure (which cannot be seen by worker) is structurally sound and is therefore a suitable substrate to secure the anchor. It is common for a roof support structures to be comprised of timber, and it is entirely possible for worker to attempt attachment in a part of the timber which is rotted, spilt or otherwise compromised. Of course, use of an anchor fastened to an unsound roof structure may lead to death or injury of a worker in a fall situation.

Even where the support structure is sound, many commonly used roof anchors fail testing according to a relevant industry standard (such as AS/NZ5532).

In the process of securing the anchor it is often necessary to perforate the roof cladding material, given the need to drive a fastener through the cladding. Of course, perforation of the roof cladding opens the possibility of leaks in the roofing. Often, a sealant must be disposed about the anchor so as to limit the possibility of any leakage. On some occasions the leakage is minor and goes unnoticed, but nevertheless leads to rotting of the purlin or rafter. As discussed above, the anchor may then become unfit for purpose and the next worker using the anchor may be in grave danger.

An alternative approach to the mounting of roof anchors requires a portion of the roof cladding to be removed to provide access to the roof support structure. This approach allows for visual -2- inspection of the roof support structure, and lowers the potential to fastening the anchor to an unsound substrate. However, where large components of sheeting form the roof cladding (which is typical), considerable time and effort may be needed remove the cladding component to gain access to the roof support structure. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

It will be clear from the above that installation of prior art roof anchors fastener requires time, equipment, and expertise. Even with all due care taken, many anchors are not fit for purpose and present an ongoing danger to workers.

Apart from the safety aspects, many roof anchors are designed so as to be a permanent fixture of the roof. Accordingly, the anchor may need to be relocated from time to time, especially where the anchor is for the purpose of securing a ladder. Furthermore, the anchor can alter the appearance of the roof. Many home owners prefer to avoid the negative aesthetic effect of a permanently affixed roof anchor.

Workers seeking a sound attachment point on non-roof structures with existing means face similar problems.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved anchor which overcomes or ameliorates a problem of the prior art. It is a further aspect to provide an alternative to prior art attachment points, or an adjunct to prior art attachment points.

The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. -3- 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a transferable attachment point comprising one or more magnetic portion(s) having a contact face configured to secure to a ferromagnetic surface, the magnetic portion(s) being connected to an attachment portion, the attachment portion configured to allow for the attachment of an item to the attachment point.

In one embodiment, the attachment point comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10, or more magnetic portions.

In one embodiment of the attachment point, the contact face of the magnetic portion(s) is/are (i) a substantially planar face configured to secure to a substantially planar surface of a roof cladding material or (ii) a curved face configured to secure to a curved surface of a corrugated roofing material.

In one embodiment, the attachment point comprises a frame, wherein the frame connects two or more magnetic portions.

In one embodiment of the attachment point, the frame comprises two portions connected by a cross member, the attachment portion being mounted on the cross member.

In one embodiment the attachment point is configured such that frame is disposed above the magnetic portion(s). -4-

In one embodiment of the attachment point, the lower edge of the frame is disposed at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 5, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 or100 mm above the contact face of the magnetic portion(s). 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

In one embodiment, the attachment point is configured as a roof anchor.

In one embodiment the attachment point is configured to be attached to an item used in the course of building maintenance, repair or construction, such as a safety apparatus.

In one embodiment of the attachment point, the safety apparatus is a safety harness for use by a worker, or rigging associated with the safety harness, or a ladder.

In one embodiment of the attachment point, the magnet portion(s) is/are capable of retaining a free falling body having a weight of at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 kg, or more

In one embodiment of the attachment point, the magnet portion(s) comprise or consist of one or more rare earth magnets.

In one embodiment, the attachment point comprises release means configured to cause the deliberate breaking or weakening of the magnetic attraction between the magnetic portion and a roof cladding material to which the magnetic portion(s) is/are attached.

In one embodiment of the attachment point, the release means comprises a screw mechanism, a lever mechanism, a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system or an electrical system (such as solenoid operated system) configured to urge or prise the magnetic portion(s) away from a roof cladding material to which the magnetic portion(s) is/are attached. -5-

In one embodiment, the attachment point comprises gutter engagement means configured to augment the attachment provided the magnetic portion(s). 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

In one embodiment, the attachment point comprises shading means configured to prevent or inhibit direct sunlight from impinging on (i) the attachment point and/or (ii) the magnetic portion(s) and/or (iii) a ferromagnetic surface to which the magnetic portion is attached.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vendible package or attachment point set comprising one or a set of two or more attachment points as described herein.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the vendible package or attachment point set comprises two or more attachment points which when used together are capable of retaining a free falling body having a weight of at least about 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 kg or more.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the one or set of two or more attachment points when used together are capable of retaining a free falling typical adult male person, with a safety factor of at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100,150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500% or more.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the one or set of two or more attachment points when used together are capable of retaining a free falling body having a weight of at least about 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 200, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500 kg or more.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing an attachment point, the method comprising providing 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 attachment point(s) as described herein, bringing the magnetic portion(s) of the attachment point(s) into proximity to a ferromagnetic surface, and allowing or causing the contact face(s) of the magnetic portion(s) to attach to the ferromagnetic surface. -6-

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the method comprises the further step of attaching an item to the attachment portion. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of securing/supporting items and/or equipment to a ferromagnetic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of an example of an attachment point typically suitable as a roof anchor of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an underside view of the attachment point shown in FIG. 1 FIG. 3 is an end view of the attachment point of FIG. 1, as seen along the arrowed line marked A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the anchor of FIG. 1, as seen along the arrowed line marked B in FIG. 1. In this drawing, the release means is shown in the retracted position and all magnets fully engaged with the underlying ferromagnetic surface. FIG. 5 is a lateral view of the anchor of FIG. 1, as seen along the arrowed line marked B in FIG. 1. In this drawing, the release means is shown in the extended position to detach at least some of the magnets from the underlying ferromagnetic surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, -7-although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the claims. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

The present invention is predicated at least in part on Applicant’s finding that attachment points reliant at least in part on magnetism to secure to a ferromagnetic surface provide an improvement, or a useful alternative, or a useful adjunct to prior art attachment point. Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a transferable attachment point comprising one or more magnetic portion(s) having a contact face configured to secure to a ferromagnetic surface, the magnetic portion(s) being connected to an attachment portion configured to attach to an item to the attachment point.

Applicant proposes that a strong magnet (such as a rare earth magnet or a powerful electromagnet, or any other type of powerful magnet is sufficient to take the weight of an average person, or even a more sizeable person. Alternatively, the magnet may be capable -8-of acting only as an adjunct to a conventional attachment point to increase the margin of safety. Thus, an attachment point having a strong permanent or temporary magnet (such as an electromagnet) may be applied to a ferromagnetic material (such as metallic roofing materials or wall materials such as sheet iron or the like) to provide an anchor for a safety harness or other item. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

Typically, the magnet of a magnetic portion is encased in a housing for protection. For example, where the magnet is disc-shaped the housing may be substantially solid and circular, with a recess formed so as to encompass the magnet whilst still leaving the contact surface exposed such that it may be applied to the metallic roof material. The housing may further provide a structure for connection of the attachment portion, or indeed any other connectors or mounting portions as further described infra.

In some embodiments (and especially where the anchor is not the sole means of providing anchorage), and single magnetic portion is provided. As will be understood, a magnet of significant attractive power would be required to support the weight of a worker (and particularly in light of the significant forces applied to an anchor when arresting a fall), and some difficulty may be encountered in removing such a powerful magnet from the ferromagnetic material. Accordingly, at least for some application it is preferred that multiple less powerful magnets are utilised which together are capable of providing the required attractive force. Each of the multiple less powerful magnets may be separately removed, and more easily removed than a single more powerful magnet.

The attachment point may be configured so as to be useable on any one or more metallic roofing types including corrugated, TL5, KingKIip™, Spanform, PBR panel, PBU panel, PBD panel, Ftetro-Ft™, Rain Guard™, WeatherSafe™, Perma Clad™, Stormproof™, and 5V panel. Metallic roof sheeting typically comprises undulations, projections or depressions and accordingly, the contact surface or a magnet must be profiled so as to conform to the sheeting. -9-

Many sheet types have substantially planar areas, and so in some embodiments the contact face of the magnetic is also substantially planar. The use of multiple smaller magnets is preferred in this regard also as only relatively small areas of the roof sheeting need to be planar (as distinct from relatively large continuous planar areas) in order for the anchor to be applicable to a broad range of cladding types. In some embodiments, the magnets have a broadest dimension of less than about 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 or 10 mm. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

For applicability to roof sheeting having corrugations, the contact faces of the magnets may be curved so as to contact within a single corrugations, or is wave-like so as to form contact with multiple corrugations.

Where multiple magnets are used, the anchor may comprise a frame to connect at least two magnets together. A frame may be a rigid member (such as an arm) joined at each end to a magnetic portion. Alternatively, the frame may be flexible, and may be a cable or a chain. As another alternative, the frame may be unitary with a magnet housing of the magnetic portion. In any event, the function of the frame is to distribute a load between the two or more magnetic portions and given the benefit of the present specification the skilled person is enabled to conceive of other frame means for connecting the magnetic portions.

In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a mounting portion configured to allow for the mounting of connectors thereon. The function of the mounting portion is, in some forms of the invention, to mechanically join two or more frames, this allowing the sharing of load between multiple magnets on multiple frames. By this arrangement, multiple frames (each with two or more magnet portions) may be disposed along a single mounting portion so as to form a spinelike arrangement.

For simplicity in construction, a single frame may be used with the magnetic portions disposed about the periphery of the frame member. For example, the frame may comprise two -10-substantially parallel members with a series of magnets disposed in a linear manner along each member. The substantially parallel members may be connected by a cross member. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

The attachment portion is typically mechanically joined to the frame to provide a single point of attachment for a harness (or other item) with the load forces from that single point being substantially evenly distributed amongst all magnetic portions (where multiple magnets are used). Where an anchor has no mounting portion, the attachment portion may be joined to a magnetic portion.

The frame may be configured so as to elevate the attachment portion above the ferromagnetic surface, and to accommodate any protrusions of the surface. For example, many types of roof sheeting have ribs which improve structural integrity, or act as a point of overlap between separate sheets. Accordingly, the frame may be arched or otherwise configured so as to join multiple magnetic portions without any projection contacting or otherwise interfering with any part of the attachment point, including the lower edge of a frame.

In some embodiments of the invention, the transferable magnetic anchor and attachment point comprises release means configured so as to facilitate removal from a ferromagnetic surface to which it has been magnetically attached. As will be understood, preferred magnets used in the present attachment point are powerful magnets (such as rare earth magnets) so as to improve the load carrying capacity of the attachment point. Once it is desired to remove the attachment point from the ferromagnetic surface, it is necessary to break the magnetic attraction between the magnet(s) and the ferromagnetic surface. While it would be possible to use a fulcrum and long lever to detach the attachment point, it is preferred for the attachment point to have integral release means.

The release means typically relies on a mechanical advantage of some type, such as a lever means or a screw means so as to facilitate detachment of the anchor. Typically, the release -11-means urges the magnetic portion(s) away from the ferromagnetic surface, and therefore pushes against the surface. Given the potential for damaging (such as denting or buckling) the ferromagnetic surface the release means is preferably configured so as to spread any force against the cladding over a large area, and at least about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15,16,17,18,19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 cm2, or as required. Thus, a surface of the anchor or a surface of the release means may be configured so as to contact the ferromagnetic surface in a manner by which load forces are spread. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

The release means may be of greater complexity than those described above, and may comprise hydraulic means, pneumatic means or electrical means capable of providing the force required to break the magnetic attraction between the magnet portion(s) and the ferromagnetic surface.

In one embodiment, the attachment point further comprises roof gutter engagement means to augment the magnetic attraction. For example, the gutter engagement means may comprise a continuously size-adjustable member which can be placed into a gutter and expanded outwardly and locked into position so as to bear against the gutter walls. Alternatively, a clamping means may be incorporated which clamps firmly onto a gutter wall. Any gutter engagement means may be disposed toward an edge of the attachment point, for example extending from a frame of the attachment point. Whilst a gutter will likely release from its mountings in the event of any significant force being applied (for example, in the event of the magnetic portions failing and the worker falling) the worker’s fall will be nevertheless slowed in the course of the gutter being pulled away from the mountings.

In another embodiment of the invention, the attachment point may comprise shade means. In direct sunlight a metal surface can become very hot, and the heat transferred to the anchor magnets. It is known that over time a magnet can lose its attractive force when exposed to -12-extremes of heat. While a magnet is very unlikely to fail during use when exposed to heat, extended periods of heating may decrease the usable life of the attachment point. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

The shade means may comprise a panel of a fabric disposed above the magnetic portions, thereby shading the magnetic portions and also any metallic surface disposed thereunder.

It is preferred that as far as economically feasible the present attachment points are fabricated from lightweight materials. Typically, the anchors will be carried by a worker, with the anchors hanging from a tool belt or similar. A worker may be carrying other items such as a safety harness, tools, fasteners, sealants, or adhesives and so the added weight of the attachment point should be minimised. Accordingly, metals such as aluminium, titanium and magnesium may be used. Very robust plastics, wood, laminates, composites, carbon fibre and other suitably deformation-resistant materials may be used.

The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to the following preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a transferable magnetic support anchor with attachment point 10 of the present invention, in situ on a roof cladding surface 12. The anchor 10 comprises a main frame portion 14 including a cross member 17. The magnetic portions 18 underlie the frame portion 14. An attachment means, being a metallic eye 16 is also shown in this view, being disposed on the frame cross member 17. The upper, hand-operable wheel 20 of an anchor release mechanism is also visible.

Turning now to the underside view of the anchor 10 as shown in FIG. 2, the contact faces 22 of the magnetic portions 18 are clearly shown. It is these faces (which in this exemplary embodiment are planar) which contact and magnetically attach to the ferromagnetic roof -13-cladding surface. Also visible in this underside view is the lower portion 24 of the anchor release mechanism. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

The end-on view of FIG. 3 is taken looking along the arrowed line marked A in FIG.1, and shows the metallic eye 16 in the foreground and the hand-operable wheel 20 and lower portion 24 of the release mechanism in the background. The threaded portion 26 of the release mechanism is visible, connecting the wheel 20 to the lower portion 24.

In this view, the magnetic portions 18 are shown in lateral view, and disposed beneath the frame portion 14. The contact surfaces 22 of the magnets are shown in contact with the underlying roof cladding 12, with the attraction of the magnet portions 18 to the cladding 12 being responsible for the anchor 10 being firmly retained on the cladding 12. The magnets are surrounded on all surfaces sides by a metallic shell housing, except for the contact surface 22.

The end-on view of FIG. 3 reveals more clearly the metallic eye 16, to which a safety harness (not shown) or any other equipment may be attached. FIG. 4 is a lateral view taken when looking along the arrowed line marked B in FIG.1. IN this drawing, the anchor 10 is shown attached to the roof surface 12, as also shown in FIG. 3. The release mechanism is shown in a retracted state, such that the lower portion 24 is disposed above the roof surface 12. This retracted state is achieved by rotating the wheel 20 counter clockwise such that the threaded portion 26 also rotates within the aperture (not shown) through the frame 14 into which it inserts. The rotation acts to move the threaded portion 26 upwardly, and in turn moves the lower portion 24 upwardly such that its lower face is disposed above the magnet contact faces 22. In this retracted state, the lower portion 24 of the release mechanism does not interfere with the contact of the magnets with the roof cladding surface. -14-

When it is required to remove the anchor 10, the wheel 20 of the release mechanism is rotated clockwise so as move the lower portion 24 downwardly so as to contact the roof surface 12. Further rotation then urges the magnetic portions 18 upwards and away from the cladding surface 12. Rotation is continued until the magnetic attraction between at least the right-hand most magnet contact surface 22 (and its lateral pair, not shown) and the roof cladding 12 is broken. This extended state of the release mechanism is shown in FIG. 5. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

It will be noted from FIG. 5 that magnetic contact surfaces of the three right-hand most magnetic portions are detached from the cladding surface 12, however the contact surface 22 of the left-hand most magnetic portion remains in magnetic attraction. At this point, the mechanical advantage provided by the frame 14 allows the user to completely detach the anchor 10 by lifting the frame 14 by pulling upwardly on the wheel 20 (or indeed any part of the frame around the wheel 20).

When all six magnetic portions 18 are clear of the cladding surface 12, the anchor 10 may be removed from the roof. Before relocation to another area of the roof, the wheel 20 is rotated counter clockwise until the release mechanism is in the retract position as described supra.

While the present invention has been described mainly by reference to a roof anchor, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited in scope. The present invention may be applied to any ferromagnetic surface for which an attachment point is required. The skilled person is amply enabled by the teachings of the present specification to design an attachment point for use on non-roof surfaces.

It will be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, -15-however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. 2016234908 28 Sep 2016

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. -16-

Claims (21)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A transferable magnetic support and attachment point comprising one or more magnetic portion(s) having a contact face configured to secure to a ferromagnetic surface, the magnetic portion(s) being connected to an attachment portion, the attachment portion configured to allow for the attachment of an item to the attachment point.
2. 2. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of claim 1 comprising 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10, or more magnetic portions.
3. 3. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the contact face of the magnetic portion(s) is/are (i) a substantially planar face configured to secure to a substantially planar surface of a roof cladding material or (ii) a curved face configured to secure to a curved surface of a corrugated roofing material.
4. 4. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a frame, wherein the frame connects two or more magnetic portions.
5. 5. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 4 configured as a roof anchor.
6. 6. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 5 configured to be attached to an item used in the course of building maintenance, repair or construction
7. 7. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of claim 6 wherein the item is a safety apparatus.
8. 8. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of claim 7 wherein the safety apparatus is a safety harness for use by a worker, or for use in rigging associated with the safety harness, or to secure a ladder, or other safety apparatus associated with working at heights.
9. 9. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the magnet portion(s) is/are capable of retaining a free falling body having a weight of at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 kg, or more.
10. 10. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the magnet portion(s) comprise or consist of a high powered/ high strength magnet such as rare earth magnet.
11. 11. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising release means configured to cause the deliberate breaking or weakening of the magnetic attraction between the magnetic portion and a ferromagnetic material to which the magnetic portion(s) is/are attached.
12. 12. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of claim 11 wherein the release means comprises a screw mechanism, a lever mechanism, a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system or an electrical system configured to urge or prise the magnetic portion(s) away from ferromagnetic material to which the magnetic portion(s) is/are attached.
13. 13. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising gutter engagement means configured to augment the attachment provided the magnetic portion(s).
14. 14. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any one of claims 1 to 13 comprising shading means configured to prevent or inhibit direct sunlight from impinging on (i) the attachment point and/or (ii) the magnetic portion(s) and/or (iii) a ferromagnetic surface to which the magnetic portion is attached.
15. 15. A vendible package or attachment point set comprising one or a set of two or more transferable magnetic support and attachment point devices according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. 16. The vendible package or attachment point set of claim 15 wherein the one or set of two or more transferable magnetic support and attachment point devices when used together are capable of retaining a free falling body having a weight of at least about 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 kg, or more.
17. 17. The vendible package or attachment point set of claim 16 wherein the one or set of two or more transferable magnetic support and attachment point devices when used together are capable of retaining a free falling typical adult male person, with a safety factor of at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500%, or more.
18. 18. The vendible package or attachment point set of claim 17 wherein the one or set of two or more transferable magnetic support and attachment point devices when used together are capable of retaining a free falling body having a weight of at least about 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 200, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500 kg.
19. 19. A method of providing an attachment point, the method comprising providing 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 transferable magnetic support and attachment device(s) of any one of claims 1 to 14, or the vendible package or attachment point set of any one of claims 15 to 18, bringing the magnetic portion(s) of the device(s) into proximity to a ferromagnetic surface, and allowing or causing the contact face(s) of the magnetic portion(s) to attach to the ferromagnetic surface.
20. 20. The method of claim 19 comprising the further step of attaching an item to the attachment portion.
21. 21. The transferable magnetic support and attachment point of any of the claims 1 to 14, or the vendible package or attachment point set of any one of claims 15 to 18, configured for use in holding, supporting, or containing an item and/or equipment.