GB2361023A

GB2361023A - Roof anchor

Info

Publication number: GB2361023A
Application number: GB0109109A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Roy Cowe
Original assignee: Dunn and Cowe Ltd
Current assignee: Dunn and Cowe Ltd
Priority date: 2000-04-11
Filing date: 2001-04-11
Publication date: 2001-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-11
Also published as: GB0109109D0; GB2361023B; GB0008731D0

Abstract

The roof anchor 10, particularly for supporting a safety line, comprises a roof anchor element 24 with an attachment portion 38 for safety apparatus, that extends above the roof 12 in use, and a portion that extends below the outer surface of the roof. A bracing member 28 located below the roof is designed to be coupled to the anchor element and includes a bracing surface 42 adapted to abut an inner surface of the roof. Fastening means 48 secure the anchor element and bracing member to an inner roof support member 26 so that a load on the anchor element causes the bracing member to act against the roof to provide a reactionary bracing force that counteracts rotation of the anchor element. The inner roof support member is preferably a laterally extending roof member such as a purlin and the bracing member has apertures for receiving the fastening members and the roof anchor element, the latter of which may alternatively be formed integrally with the bracing member. A load spreading element 30 formed from a substantially solid material may be placed between the roof support element and the bracing member and the bracing element may be formed from two brackets fastened either side of the roof support element. The bracing member may be formed from a solid block of material or from sheet material that is stamped and folded into shape. The roof anchor element is preferably formed from an elongate pedestal while the fastening elements are preferably formed from u-bolts and associated nuts.

Description

2361023 1 IMPROVED ROOF ANCHOR The present invention relates to an

improved roof anchor. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a roof anchor having a element with an attachment for safety apparatus for user coupled to the roof anchor element by the safety apparatus in the event that the user experiences a fall.

Anchoring devices and roof anchors for restraining a user in the event of a fall are disclosed, for example, in United Kingdom Patent No. GB 2292583B and GB 2291100B. GB 2292583B discloses an anchoring device which may be readily adapted to accommodate truss members (normally roof beams such as rafters) of different dimensions. The anchoring device generally comprises a mounting bracket and a pedestal having an eye for coupling safety apparatus to the device. The pedestal is clamped to the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket is itself secured to the truss by two plates which are mounted on the top and bottom surfaces of the truss member, and which are coupled together by securing bolts. The anchoring device is clamped to the roof truss member without penetrating the truss member material. Earlier roof anchors were coupled to roof trusses by forming mounting holes in roof truss members for locating securing bolts. This unacceptably reduced the integrity of the truss member in certain cases, typically is roof anchor res±raninn a 2 when the truss member was of a relatively small depth.

Safety guidelines are provided governing whether a roof anchor may be secured to roof trusses of specified dimensions in this fashion.

GB 2291100B discloses an improved ridge anchor, which generally comprises two plates mounted on opposite sides of roof rafters and struts in the area of a roof ridge, and which are secured together using securing bolts. A pedestal having an eye for coupling safety apparatus to the ridge anchor is clamped to one of the plates.

These anchoring devices and roof anchors rely on secure clamping of the pedestal to the plate or bracket, and secure clamping of the plate or bracket to the rafter, to restrain the Liser adequately in the event of a fall.

Furthermore, these known anchoring devices and roof anchors cannot be coupled to laterally extending roof members such as roof purlins, as they would not be able to provide a bracing force in the event of a fall, as these devices and anchors interact with their respective rafters or struts, to brace a fall.

It is amongst the objects of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the foregoing disadvantages.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a roof anchor comprising:

a roof anchor element for location on a roof, and 3 having an attachment for safety apparatus, the attachment disposed in use above an outer roof surface; a bracing member for location adjacent an inner roof member and being coupled to the roof anchor element, the bracing member having a bracing surface adapted to abut an inner surface of the inner roof member; and fastening means for securing the roof anchor element and the bracing member to an inner roof support element; whereby when a force is exerted on the roof anchor element by the safety apparatus, the force causes the bracing member to act against the inner surface of the inner roof member and provide a reactionary bracing force to counteract rotation of the roof anchor element.

This may allow a roof anchor to be provided which, when a force is exerted on the roof anchor element by the safety apparatus, provides a reactionary bracing force to counteract rotation, displacement and/or distortion of the roof anchor element and thus of the roof support element, by an interaction between the bracing surface of the bracing member and the inner surface of the inner roof member. This may occur, for example, where a user coupled the roof anchor by the safety apparatus experiences a fall on or from the roof, and thus the bracing member, together with the inner roof member, provides a bracing force to counteract rotation of the roof anchor element and thereby restrain the fall of the user. The safety 4 apparatus typically comprises a safety harness, or a safety line to which a safety harness may be coupled. Although the safety line is typically coupled to only one roof anchor, the safety line may be coupled between two or more roof anchors.

The roof support element preferably comprises a laterally extending roof member. Preferably also, the laterally extending roof member comprises a purlin. The purlin may be aluminium, steel profiled metal alternativel, y material such as may be timber.

Alternatively, the roof support element may be a dwang or other laterally extending roof member.

The provision of the bracing member with its bracing surface, in use, abutting an inner surface of the inner roof member, may allow the roof anchor of the present invention to be coupled to a laterally extending roof member, such as a purlin. The laterally extending roof member may not itself provide a reactionary bracing force, but coupling the roof anchor to such a laterally extending roof member may allow a bracing force to be provided by the interaction between the bracing surface of the bracing member and an inner surface of the inner roof member.

The roof anchor may thus provide a reactionary bracing force to counteract rotation, displacement and/or distortion of the laterally extending roof member such as the purlin, in the event of a fall.

is Preferably, the bracing member has one or more mounting apertures for receiving the fastening means to secure the bracing member to the roof support element. The bracing member may also have a roof anchor element aperture for receiving the roof anchor element. Alternatively, the roof anchor element may be formed integrally with the bracing member.

Preferably, the bracing member comprises a bracket having a first portion defining the bracing surface adapted to abut the inner surface of the inner roof member, and a second portion for securing the bracket to the roof support element. The first and second portions of the bracket may be disposed substantially perpendicular to one another. Conveniently, the roof anchor element is adapted to be secured to the second portion of the bracket.

Preferably also, the bracket is of: a sheet material, such as a sheet metal material, which is stamped and folded to form the bracket. Alternatively, the bracket may be fabricated by welding or otherwise securing the first and second portions together. The bracket may further comprise one or more bracing elements coupled between the first and second bracket portions, to brace the bracket when a force is exerted on the roof anchor element. The bracing elements may be welded, glued or otherwise secured to the bracket. Conveniently, the bracing elements act as struts under a compressive load exerted on the bracket when a 6 force is exerted on the roof anchor element. Alternatively, the bracket may be a one-piece bracket having integral bracing elements. The bracing elements may comprise wings which are folded to form sides of the bracket to brace the bracket when a force is exerted on the roof anchor element. Conveniently there are two wings, each extending from a side of one of the first and second portions bracket, and folded to lie, in use, with an edge adjacent the other one of the first and second bracket portions, to brace the bracket. Conveniently, the one or more mounting apertures are formed in the second portion of the bracket, and the roof anchor element is formed in the first portion of the bracket.

Preferably, he roof anchor further comprises a load spreading element for location between the roof support element and the bracket. The load spreading element may be of the a block of a substantially solid material, and may typically be wood or a plastics material. load spreading element is located between the element and the second portion of the bracket, Preferably, the roof support and includes mounting apertures for receiving the fastening means. This may allow the load upon the roof support element to be spread over a greater surface area of the roof support element, both when the bracing member and roof anchor element are coupled to the roof support element, and in the event of a force being exerted on the roof anchor element 7 is in the event of a fall.

The bracing member adapted to be secured opposite sides thereof. bracket may be disposed such that the respective bracing surface is adapted to abut the inner surface of the inner roof member. This may allow the roof anchor to provide a reactionary bracing force in response to a force exerted on the roof anchor element in multiple directions. Thus, where the roof anchor is disposed on a pitched roof having two roof surfaces disposed angled from the horizontal, this may allow a reactionary bracing force to be provided in response to a force exerted on the roof anchor element in directions both down and up a/each roof surface- This may advantageously allow the user to safely use the roof anchor may comprise to the roof two brackets, each support element on The first portion of each such for working on either surface of such a pitched roof.

Alternatively, the bracing member may comprise a block of a substantially solid material defining the bracing surface adapted to abut the inner surface of the inner roof member, and having one or more mounting apertures and a roof anchor element aperture. The block may typically be wood or a plastics material.

In a further alternative, the bracing member bracket may comprise a first portion defining the bracing surface, a second portion to which the roof anchor element is adapted to be secured, and a third portion for securing the 1.

8 bracket to the roof support element. be disposed subsuantially parallel second portion. This may allow The third portion may to and spaced from the the bracket of the roof anchor to be coupled to the roof support element, and the roof anchor element to be coupled to the bracket at a defined spacing from the roof support element, and the third portion of the bracket may act to spread the load on the roof support element.

In a yet further alternative, the bracing member bracket may further comprise a third portion disposed substantially parallel to the first portion, with a second roof anchor element aperture in the third portion aligned with the first roof anchor element aperture in the first portion, for receiving and supporting the roof anchor element.

Preferably the roof anchor element comprises a generally elongate pedestal which, in use, the roof. The attachment for the safe extends through ty apparatus may comprise an eye formed at the upper end of the pedestal. Alternatively, the pedestal may incorporate or accept an attachment point for the safety apparatus.

The inner roof member may be a roof lining. Conveniently, the sandwich of an roof insulation lining comprises a composite material disposed between substantially parallel flat sheets. The flat sheets are typically of a plywood material. Alternatively, the inner 9 roof member may be sarking such as timber sarking.

Preferably the fastening means comprises one or more U-bolt assemblies. The/each U-bolt assembly may comprise a U-bolt which is adapted to engage the roof anchor element and to be located in the mounting apertures and secured to the roof support element using co-operating nuts. Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise a flange or iDlate formed on the roof anchor elemen t, and securing bolts for securing the pedestal and bracing member to the roof support element. In a further alternative, the fastening means may comprise a clamp having a threaded boss formed on the bracket, a mounting finger adapted to engage the roof anchor element and coupled to the boss using a co operating bolt, and securing bolts for securing the bracket to the roof support element. To couple the roof anchor element to the bracket, the bolt is tightened such that the finger clamps the roof anchor element to the bracket.

Where the roof anchor element is integral with the bracing member, the fastening means secures the roof anchor element and the bracing member to the roof support element.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, shown located on a roof, the roof anchor having a bracing bracket for the roof a roof anchor element and anchor element; Fig 1B is a perspective view of the bracket shown in Fig 1A; Fig 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor of Fig 1A and having two brackets; Fig 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of anchor in accordance with a third aspect of the a roof present invention, similar t o the roof anchor of Fig 1A, incorporating a bracing member in the form of an alternative bracket; Fig 3B is a perspective view of the bracket shown in Fig 3A; Fig 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor of Fig 1A, and having an alternative bracing member in the form of a substantially solid block; Fig 4B is a perspective view of the block shown in Fig 4A; Fig 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor of Fig 1A, and having a first bracing member in the form of an alternative 11 bracket, and a second bracing member in the form of bracket shown in Fig 1B; Fig 5B is a perspective view of the alternative bracket shown in Fig 5A; Fig 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor of Fig 1A, and having a bracing member in the form of a further alternative bracket; Fig 6B is a perspective view of the bracket shown in Fig 6A; Fig 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor of Fig 1A, having a bracing member in the form of a yet further alternative bracket, the roof anchor being coupled to an alternative roof support element; Fig 7B is a perspective view of the bracket shown in Fig 7A; Fig 8 is a perspective view of a roof anchor in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, comprising the roof anchor element of Fig 7A and a second bracing member in the form of a still further alternative bracket; Fig 9 is a view of the roof anchor of Fig 1A shown located on an alternative roof; anchor in invention Fig.

12 Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present coupled to the roof support element of Fig. 7A; 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention, coupled to the roof support element of Fig. 1A; Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor of Fig.2 and including the roof anchors of Figs. 10 and 11; Fig. 13A and 13B are plan view of a bracket of a roof anchor; and Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view of a roof anchor including the bracket of Figs. 13A and 13B and a is strengthing plate.

Referring firstly to Fig la, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The roof anchor 10 is disposed on a roof 12, and allows a user such as a workman carrying out, for example, roof repair or maintenance duties, to secure himself to the roof anchor 10 using suitable safety apparatus (not shown). The safety apparatus typically comprises a harness strapped to the user and coupled to the roof anchor 10 by a harness line, as will be described in more detail below. Such typical safety apparatus is 13 disclosed in United Kingdom Patent No. GB 2292583B. The safety line is typically coupled to only one roof anchor. However, alternatively, a safety 'Line may be coupled between two or more roof anchors, and the the harness to the safety line. This may user may secure have particular application on a relatively large roof, such that the workman does not have to connect the harness directly to successive roof anchors 10 when moving along the roof, but may simply move the harness line along the safety line.

The roof anchor 10 is shown in Fig 1A located on a roof 12 which comprises a composite inner roof lining 14, upper timber counterbattens 16 (only one of which is shown), laterally extending tile battens 18 (only two of which are shown), and outer roof tiles, two of which are shown and given the reference numerals 20 and 22. An inner roof support element in the form of an extruded aluminium purlin 26 is shown, which provides support for the roof 12. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that a number of such purlins 26 are provided spaced up the roof and extending laterally along the roof between roof rafters (not shown). The composite inner roof lining 14 comprises an insulation material 15 of a type known in the art, usually sandwiched between upper and lower plywood sheets 17 and 19 respectively.

The roof anchor 10 comprises a roof anchor element in the form of an elongate tubular metal pedestal 24, a metal 14 bracing member in the form of a bracket 28 shaped from a metal plate, a load spreading element in the form of a wooden block 30, and fastening means in the form of a Ubolt assembly 32.

roof 12 and extends tile 22 between adjacent counterbattens 16, and through the inner roof lining 14, adjacent to the allows the pedestal 24 to be mounted in that an upper end 36 of the pedestal 24 protrudes above the roof tile 22. The roof tile 22 is sealed to prevent water ingress using a suitable elastomeric seal (not shown), following location of the pedestal 24, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. An attachment for safety apparatus in the form of an eye bolt 38 is located in the upper end 36 of the pedestal 24, and allows the safety apparatus to be coupled to the roof anchor 10. The pedestal 24 is secured in the position shown in Fig 1A by the bracket 28, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring now also to Fig 1B, which is a perspective view of the bracket 28 shown in Fig 1A, the bracket 28 is constructed by stamping or otherwise forming a metal sheet and folding it to form the generally L- shaped bracket shown. To reduce cost and weight, the bracket 28 is typically of a thin sheet of the order of 2-5nun thickness, therefore to brace the bracket 28 under load, two bracing An aperture through the roof purlin 26. This the roof 12 such 34 is formed in the is elements provided by metal rods 40 are welded to the bracket 28 between a first portion 42 and a second portion 44 thereof. The rods 40 act as struts under a compressive load, when a force is exerted on the pedestal 24, as will be described below. The bracket apertures 46 in the second portion bolt 48 of the U-bolt assembly 32, the first portion 42 for rec. eiving first portion 42 of the bracket 28 28 includes mounting 44 for receiving a Uand an aperture 50 in the pedestal 24. The also defines a bracing surface which abuts the inner surface of the inner roof lining 14, to provide a reactionary bracing force in the event of a fall, as will be described in more detail below.

The metal purlin 26 is known as a "Zed" purlin and is relatively thin, typically 0.7-1.Omm thick. The wooden block 30 both spreads the load exerted upon the purlin 26 in the event of a fall, and braces the purlin 26 when the bracket 28 and pedestal 24 are fixed to the purlin 26 using the U-bolt assembly 32. Without the wooden block 30, and with the bracket 28 in the position shown in Pig 1A, there would be a risk of deformation of the purlin 26 on tightening of the U-bolt assembly 32.

To secure the roof anchor 10 to the roof 12, the wooden block 30 is first located adjacent the purlin 26, following which the bracket 28 is located adjacent to the purlin 26 and block 30, with the first portion 42 of the bracket 28, which defines the bracing surface, disposed 16 abutment with -the inner surface of the inner roof lining 14, specifically in abutment with the lower plywood sheet 19. The pedestal 24 is then located through the aperture 50 of bracket 28, and the aperture 34 of roof 12, such that the eyebolt 38 is disposed above the roof outer surface, as shown in Fig 1A. A U-bolt 48 of the U-bolt assembly 32 is (one of which is shown and given the reference numeral 52) located through the mounting apertures 46 of bracket 28, and through corresponding apertures in the block 30 purlin 26. A backing plate 54 is provided having moun apertures for the U-bolt 48, and the pedestal 24 bracket 28 are then secured in place by nuts 56, which tightened to securely clamp the pedestal 24 and bracket to the purlin 26.

A workman may then couple a safety harness line to the eyebolt 38 and carry out the required maintenance to the roof 12. In the event of force is exerted on the pedestal 24 of the roof in the direction of the arrow A shown in Fig force creates a turning moment tending to pedestal 24 about the purlin 26. However, portion 42 of the bracket 28, which defines surface, abuts the inner surface of the inner 14. As the bracket 28 is securely clamped to 24, a reactionary bracing force is provided on then located around the pedestal 24 with bolt portions and:ing and are 28 or safety repair or a fall, a anchor 10 1A. This rotate the the first the bracing roof lining the pedestal the pedestal 17 24 by an interaction between the first portion bracing surface and the inner surface of the inner roof lining 14, to counteract rotation of the pedestal 24. This restrains the fall of the workman and prevents injury, for example due to the workman falling from the roof 12. Furthermore, the bracket 28 braces the purlin 26 to counteract rotation, displacement and/or distortion of the purlin 26 in the event of such a fall.

It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the roof anchor 10 is suitable for providing a reactionary bracing force to counteract rotation of the pedestal 24 when a force is exerted in the direction of the arrow A, but not in a direction up the roof 12 opposite to the arrow A. The roof anchor 10 of Fig IA is thus not suitable for location in a pitched roof on the far side of that from which the workman desires to carry out repair or maintenance. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that references to a "pitched roof" are to a roof having two roof surfaces, angled from the horizontal and coupled at a roof ridge peak.

Referring now to Fig 2, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A, and indicated generally by reference numeral 10a. Like components of the roof anchor 10a share the same reference numerals as anchor 10 of Fig 0 0 5 & 1 t.. 1 18 1A. The anchor 10a of Fig 2 differs from the anchor 10 of Fig 1A in that a second bracing member 28a is provided which is substantially identical to the bracket 28 of the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A. The bracket 28a of roof anchor 10a includes a first portion 42a and a second portion 44a. The first portion 42a defines a bracing surface which abuts the inner surface of the inner roof lining 14 in a similar fashion to the first portion 42 of the bracket 28. The second portion backing plate 54, assembly 32.

As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the provision of the bracket 28a allows the roof anchor 10a to provide a reactionary bracing force in response to a force exerted upon the pedestal 24 both in the direction A and in the direction B shown in Fig 2. In the event that a workman falls down the roof such that a force is exerted on the pedestal 24 in the direction of the arrow A, a reactionary bracing reference to Figs 1A and 1B above. that the workman duties on the far roof anchor 10 is event of a fall, the direction of the arrow B bracing force is 4a abuts the purlin 26, replacing the and is secured in place by the U- bolt force is provided as described with However, in the event is carrying out repair or maintenance side of the pitched roof from which the located (as described above), in the force is exerted upon the pedestal 24 in. In this case, a reactionary provided to counteract rotation of the 19 pedestal 24 by an interaction between the bracing surface of the first portion 42a of bracket 28a, and the inner surface of the inner roof lining 14.

Referring now to Fig 3A, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A, and indicated generally by reference numeral 10b. Like components of the roof anchor 10b with the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1 reference numerals. The roof anchor roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A in that A share the same 10b differs from the the bracing member comprises an alternative bracket 28b, shown in more detail in the perspective view of Fig 3B. The bracket 28b includes a first portion 42b and a second portion 44b in a similar fashion to the portions 42 and 44 of bracket 28. Furthermore, mounting apertures 46b and an aperture 50b for the pedestal 24 are provided. The bracket 28b differs from the bracket 28 in that the bracket 28b does not have rods 40 welded thereto. The bracket 28b is instead stamped from a metal sheet or otherwise formed in a similar fashion to the bracket 28, but includes wings 58 which extend from the first portion 42b and which are folded to form bracing elements of the bracket. The wings 58 overlap the second portion 44b such that an edge face 60 of each wing 58 is disposed adjacent to or in abutment with a surface 62 of the portion 44b. In this fashion, when a force is exerted 1 1 1 on the pedestal 24 in the direction of arrow A of Fig 3A, due to a fall, the wings 58 provide a bracing force for the bracket 28b by an interaction between the edge faces 60 and the surface 62 of portion 44b. The bracket 28b is thus provided as a one-piece bracket which can simply be stamped and folded to the required shape, and which does not require separate bracing elements to be welded thereto. The wings 58 may alternatively be welded to the second portion 44b in the location of the edge faces 60.

Referring now to F cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the roof anchor 10 of Fig reference numeral 10c. the roof anchor 10 of Fig ig 4A, there is shown a partial roof anchor in accordance with a present invention, similar to the 1A, and indicated generally by The roof anchor 10c differs from 1A in that an alternative bracing member in the form of a substantially solid block 64 is provided, which is shown in more detail in the perspective view of Fig 4B, and the roof anchor 10C does not include a wooden block 30 as a load spreading element, as the block 64 is shaped to abut the purlin 26. The block 64 is typically wood or a plastics materia is shaped to abut the nurlin 26.

1, and, as noted above, Furthermore, the block 64 has an upper face 66 which defines the bracing surface, and includes a through- aperture 50c for receiving the pedestal 24, as well as mounting apertures 46c (one of which is shown in Fig 4A in broken outline), for location of the is 21 bolt 48 of the U-bolt assembly 32. A larger aperture 68 is provided in communication with the mounting apertures 46c and the aperture 50c, to allow the U-bolt 48 to be inserted around the pedestal 24.

Referring now to Fig 5A, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A, and indicated generally by reference numeral 10d. The roof anchor 10d differs from the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A in that it includes a bracing member in the formof an alternative bracket 28d, and that the roof anchor 10d does not include a wooden block 30 as a load spreading element. The bracket 28d is shown in more detail in Fig 5B, which is a perspective view of the bracket 28d. The bracket 28d includes a first portion 42d defining the bracing surface, and a second portion 44d, in a similar fashion to the portions 42 and 44 of bracket 28. However, the bracket 28d also includes a third portion 70 disposed substantially parallel to the second portion 44d, which defines a spacing between the purlin 26 and the pedestal 24. The bracket 28d is stamped or otherwise formed from a sheet of metal in a similar fashion to the 70.

roof bracket 28, but is folded to form the third portion Shaping the bracket 28d in this fashion allows the anchor 10d to be provided without the wooden block 30, the bracket 28d itself strengthens the purlin 26 001 :. 0:

1 t a as and 22 spreads the load on the purlin 26 during tightening of the U-bolt assembly 32 and in the event of a fall. The bracket 28d also includes an aperture 50d for receiving the pedestal 24, and mounting apertures 46d in both the second portion 44d and the third portion 70, to allow the bracket 28d and pedestal 2 to be secured to the purlin 26 by the U-bolt assembly 32.

A second bracing member shown in broken outline may be provided in a similar fashion to the roof anchor 10a of Fig 2, to provide a reactionary bracing force in response to a force exerted on the pedestal 24 in both the directions A and B indicated in Fig 5A, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. Furthermore, a lower support plate 72 having an aperture (not shown) for receiving the pedestal 24 may be welded to the bracket 28d, to pro additional support for the pedestal 24 under load.

Referring now to Fig 6A, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A, and indicated generally by reference numeral 10e. The roof anchor 10e, in a similar fashion to the roof anchor 10d of Fig 5A, differs from the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A in that it includes a bracing member in the form of an alternative bracket 28e, and in that it does not have a wooden block 30 acting as a load spreading element. The bracket 28e is shown in more detail vide 23 in the perspective view of Fig 6B, and comprises a first portion 42e defining the bracing surface, a second portion 44e for attachment to the purlin 26, and a third portion 74 disposed substantially parallel to the - 'first portion 42e, and which includes an aperture 76 which, together with an aperture 50e, receives the pedestal 24. The third portion 74, in a similar fashion to the lower support plate 72 of bracket 28d, provides support for the pedestal 24 under load. Mounting apertures 46e (one of which is shown) provided for mounting the bracket 28e to the purlin 26.

are it will of course be understood by persons skilled in the art that a second bracing member may be provided in a similar fashion to the roof anchor 10d of Fig 5A.

Referring now to Fig 7A, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, similar to the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A, and indicated generally by reference numeral 10f. The roof anchor 10f is shown coupled to a purlin 26f which is a wooden purlin of rectangular cross-section. The roof anchor 10f includes a bracing member in the form of an alternative bracket 28f, and does not require a wooden block as a load spreading element, as the bracket 28f is connected directly to the purlin 26f. Also, the bracket 28f does not need to be of a complex profile to be secured directly to the purlin 26f as is the case with the brackets 28d. and 28e of the roof 24 anchors 10d and 10e respectively. The bracket 28f, which is shown in more detail in the perspective view of Fig 7B, includes a first portion 42f defining the bracing surface, a second portion third portion 78 with an apertur provides improved is 44f for abutting the purlin 26f, and a carrying an aperture 80 which, together 50f, receives the pedestal 24, and support for the pedestal 24 under load, in a similar fashion to the lower support plate 72 of the roof anchor 10 of Fig 5A. Mounting apertures 46f (one of which is shown) are provided for mounting the bracket 28f and the pedestal 21 to the purlin 26f by the U-bolt assembly 32.

Referring now to Fig 8, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally by reference numeral 10g. The essentially identical to the roof anchor roof anchor 10g is 10f of Fig 7A, but incorporates a second bracing member in the form of an alternative bracket 28g, which is a simple, generally Lshaped bracket coupled to the purlin in place of the backing plate 54, and which provides a reactionary bracing force in response to a force exerted upon the pedestal 24 in the direction of the arrow B of Fig 8, in a similar fashion to the roof anchor 10a of Fig 2.

Referring now to Fig 9, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of the roof anchor 10 of Fig 1A, shown 0 0 1 located on a roof 112, similar to the roof 12 of Figs 1A to 8, and of the type comprising a composite inner roof lining 114, clad with a sheet metal or other membrane material 82, and sealed with an elastomeric or mechanical seal (not shown). It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that any one of the roof anchors 10a to 10g may alternatively be located in such a roof 112.

Referring now to Fig. 10, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor 10h in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The anchor 10h includes a bracket 28h which is similar to the bracket 28 of Fig. 1A but including a third portion 74h, to provide further support for the pedestal 36h. The bracket 28h is coupled to a timber purlin 26h in a similar fashion to the bracket 28f of Fig. 7A. The anchor 10h is advantageously used in situations where there is restricted access to the purlin 26h for the securing U-bolt 48h. and the bracket 28h between the lower sheet 19h of the inner roof lining 14h and an interior roof panel 84.

Fig. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a roof anchor 10i in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 28i of the anchor 10i is similar to the bracket 28h of Fig. 10, but is coupled to a Zed (trademark) purlin 26i in a similar fashion to the anchor 10 of Fig. 1A. However, it will be noted that the bracket 28i is secured to the opposite face of the purlin 26 26i so that the bracket is flush with the surface of the purlin. As before, a wooden block 301 is provided to brace the purlin 26i. Fig. 12 is a partial cross-section view of a roof anchor 10j in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the anchor 10a of Fig. 2 and which essentially includes the brackets 28h and 28i of Figs. 10 and 11. The bracket 28i is coupled to a Zed purlin 26-i having a wooden block 30i to brace the purlin, in the same fashion as the bracket of anchor 10i. Thus, it will be understood that the anchor 10j provides a bracing force in response to a force applied on the pedestal 36j in either direction A or B shown in the drawing.

Turning now to Figs. 13A and 13B, there is shown a plan view of a bracket 28k suitable for any one of the roof anchors of Figs. 1-12. The bracket 28k includes three mounting apertures 86, 88 and 90 for a pedestal (not shown) of a roof anchor. The pedestal is located in the desired hole 86, 88 or 90 depending upon the bracing force required in the event of a fall. In Fig. 13A, the pedestal is located in the hole 90. This provides a bracing force both up or down the roof (directions A, B), as described above, but also laterally along the roof in the direction of the arrow C. In Fig. 13B however, the pedestal is located in the aperture 86 to provide a bracing force in the opposite direction along the roof in the direction of the arrow D.

27 The pedestal is located in the central aperture 88 if a bracing force along the roof is not required.

It will be understood that in this fashion, the longest face of the bracket interacts with the inner roof ining in the event of a fall, to maximise he bracing f orce.

Finally, turning to Fig. 14, there is shown a partial perspective view of a roof anchor 101 which includes a strengthing plate 92. The plate 92 extends along the bracket 281, and the bracket is and thus to the purlin 281. The forces in excess of 6kN may 101 laterally along the axis E along the roof. The bracket 281 is 28k of Figs. 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the purlin 261 is a timber purlin as shown in Fig. 13B, and the pedestal 361 is located in the aperture 86 in the bracket 281, to resist a fall along the roof in the direction of the arrow D. The strengthing plate 92 is secured to the timber purlin 261 using bolts such as the bolts 94 and by the U-bolt 481. Of course, the purlin may comprise a C-purl-in 261, as shown in the drawing, in which case the timber member shown is a strengthing wooden block. Equally, a Zed purlin (not shown) may be employed, as discussed above.

Various modifications may be made to the foregoing purlin 261 behind the mounted to the plate 92 plate 92 is used when exerted upon the anchor the purlin 261 and thus the same as the bracket be of 28 within the scope of the present invention. For example, the purlin to which the roof anchors 10,10a,10b,10c,10d and 10e are attached may be a wooden purlin such as the purlin 26f of roof anchors 10f and 10g. Alternatively, the purlin of the roof anchor may be of any suitable material or shape, and in particular may be a metal purlin of boxsection or a metal I-beam or channel. The purlin may be of a rolled steel or otherwise formed aluminium material. The load spreading element may be a plastic or similar block 30.

The roof tIle 22 may alternatively be sealed using a suitable spherical or conical seal with lead sheet f lashing, as disclosed in United Kingdom Patent No. GB2259524. In a further alternative, the roof tile 22 may be replaced by a slate piece. as described in the applicant's United Kingdom Patent No. GB 2292583B. The sheet 19 may be another suitable board material other than plywood.

29

Claims

1. A roof anchor comprising: a roof anchor element for location on having an attachment for safety apparatus, t disposed in use above an outer roof surface; a roof, and -ie attachment a bracing member for location adjacent an inner roof member and being coupled to the roof anchor element, the bracing member having a bracing surface adapted to abut an inner surface of the inner roof member; and fastening means for securing the roof anchor element and the bracing member to an inner roof support element; whereby when a force is exerted on the roof anchor element by the safety apparatus, the force causes the bracing member to act against the inner surface of the inner roof member and provide a reactionary bracing force to counteract rotation of the roof anchor element.

2. A roof anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof support element comprises a laterally extending roof member.

3. A roof anchor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the laterally extending roof member comprises a purlin.

4 A roof anchor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bracing member has one or more mounting apertures for receiving the fastening means, to secure the bracing member to the roof support element and a anchor element element.

1 aperture for receiving the roof anchor roof

5. A roof anchor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roof anchor element is formed integrally with the bracing member.

6. A roof anchor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bracing member comprises a bracket having a first portion defining the bracing surface adapted to abut the inner surface of the inner roof member, and a second portion for securing the bracket to the roof support element.

7. A roof anchor as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bracing member bracket further comprises a third portion disposed substantially parallel to the first portion, with a second roof anchor element aperture in the third portion aligned with the first roof anchor element aperture in the first portion, for receiving and supporting the roof anchor element.

31

8. A roof anchor as claimed in claim 6, wherein the roof anchor element is secured to the second portion of the bracket.

is

9. A roof anchor as claimed in anyone of claims 6 to 8, wherein the bracket is of a sheet material which is stamped and folded to form the bracket and includes one or more bracing elements coupled between the first and second bracket portions, to brace the bracket when a force is exerted on the roof anchor element.

10. A roof anchor as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a load spreading element for location between the roof support element and the bracket.

11. A roof anchor as claimed in claim 10, wherein the load spreading element is a block of a substantially solid material located between the roof support element and the bracket.

12. A roof anchor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bracing member comprises two brackets, each adapted to be secured to the roof support element on opposite sides thereof.

13. A roof anchor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bracing member comprises a bracket having a first portion defining the bracing surface, a second portion to which the roof anchor element is adapted to be secured, and a third portion for securing the bracket the roof support element.

14. A roof anchor as claimed in claim 14, wherein the third portion is disposed substantially parallel to and spaced from the second portion.

15. A roof anchor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bracing member comprises a block of a substantially solid material defining the bracing surface, and having one or more mounting apertures and a roof anchor element aperture.

16. A roof anchor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the roof anchor element comprises a generally elongate pedestal which, in use, extends through the roof and the attachment for the safety apparatus comprises an eye formed at the upper end of the pedestal.

17. A roof anchor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fasjening means comprises one or more U-bolt assemblies, the/each U-bolt assembly comprising a U-bolt 0 6 a 1 1!.

33 which is adapted to engage the roof anchor element and to be located in the mounting apertures and secured to the roof support element using co-operating nuts.

18. A roof reference to 2; or Figure 5A and 5B; or Figure 8; or anchor substantially as described herein with and as shown in Figures 1A and 1B; or Figure 3A and 3B; or Figures Figures 6A and 6B; or Figure 9.

4A and 4B; or Figures Figures 7A and 7B; or