GB2398599A

GB2398599A - Improvements in fall arrest systems e.g for roofing

Info

Publication number: GB2398599A
Application number: GB0403572A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Willmott
Original assignee: SAFESITE Ltd
Current assignee: SAFESITE Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-22
Filing date: 2004-02-18
Publication date: 2004-08-25
Also published as: GB0403572D0

Abstract

A support post or bracket 110 has two mounting members 112, 114 for mounting to a building structure, for example a ridged root 170. The mounting members 112, 114 have cross members extending diagonally between the opposing end members of the mounting members 112, 114 which intersect at the mid-point of the support post 110 to form a base 120 onto which upstanding post 122 is affixed. The support post 110 further comprises means for selecting or setting a distance between the first and second fixing means.

Description

1 2398599

IMPROVEMENTS IN FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved support post or bracket particularly, though not exclusively, for use in a fall arrest system, e. g. on a building structure such as a clad or ridge roof.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Horizontal life line systems have been used to provide fall arrest protection where guardrails are not able to be installed or planning considerations dictate the need for a virtually invisible solution. A horizontal life line system as shown in Figure 1 can provide an operative with continual "handsfree" protection throughout the length of the system. When a bracket is encountered the link device, attaching the operator to the system glides over the bracket without the need to detach from the system. The system can be installed to any steel cladding panel as depicted in Figure 1, beam/column structure, solid parapet wall and flat roofs via utilization of a support post(s).

A problem exists with known systems in that known support posts or brackets are designed to be affixed to the sides of a given roof profile as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

A problem encountered with utilising the sides of a roof profile for the purpose of fixing is that each (proprietary) roof profile side can be formed at a different angle and crowns of the profile can be set at different centres.

It is, therefore, necessary to manufacture the support posts to the specific dimensions of roof profiles of each building structure. This requires that all the dimensions A to F of a roof profile, as shown in Figure 3, are correctly recorded in order that the bases of the support posts are correctly dimensioned and formed to fit the profile of the roof of the building structure.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

It is a further object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide an improved support post or bracket capable of supporting a greater falling load than known posts or brackets.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

_

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second portions of the building structure, the first portion comprising a crown or a pan of the building structure, and the second portion comprising a crown or a pan of the building structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second crowns of the building structure.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second pans of the building structure.

Preferably the support post further comprises means for selecting or setting a distance between the first and second fixing means.

The feature of having the support post mountable to crown and/or advantageously pan portions, e.g. of a profiled cladded roof, addresses the problem encountered with traditional support posts which are mounted to the sloping side walls of the cladding, the angle of which may vary.

The support post may comprise: a base portion; and a post member upstanding from said base portion.

Preferably the base portion provides the first and second means and/or the distance selecting means.

Preferably the base portion comprises two elongate substantially planar mounting members affixable to the first and second crown portions or first and second pan portions, and preferably also first and second cross members which extend diagonally between opposing end portions of the two mounting members and which intersect at a mid-point of said support post.

Preferably one end of the post member is affixed to the base portion at the intersection of the cross members.

Advantageously the mounting members are each provided with a plurality of apertures spaced preferably equidistantly along the length of an outside edge of each mounting member.

Advantageously the support post is made at least partly of stainless steel.

Conveniently the support post is provided with a mastic joint and waterproof washers to mount the support post to the cladding.

In one embodiment the support post may be designed, in use, to progressively collapse in order to reduce the loads applied to a structure.

The means for selecting or setting a distance between first and second fixing means may comprise elongate slots provided along an inside edge of each mounting member.

The elongate slots enable the cross members to be positioned at varying positions, therefore, allowing the cross members to move in a scissor like action. This feature enables the distance between the mounting members to be varied and, therefore, provides the support post with the added advantage of being versatile and capable of accommodating cladding profiles of varying dimensions.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising means for selecting or setting a distance between first and second fixing means which fix the support post to the building structure, in use.

Preferably the fixing means are fixed to first and second portions of the building structure, the first portion comprising a crown or pan, and the second portion comprising a crown or pan.

Preferably the fixing means are fixed to first and second crowns or first and second pans of the building structure.

Preferably the base portion provides the first and second fixing means and/or the distance selecting means.

The base portion is preferably adjustable in order that the width of the base and position of the post located thereon can be varied to accommodate for varying building structures, e.g. profiled cladded roofing.

Preferably the base comprises two elongate mounting members which are affixed to the profiled cladding having cross members that extend diagonally between opposite end portions of the two mounting members and which intersect at a mid point of the cross members.

Preferably the mounting members are provided with elongate slots along an inside edge of each mounting member.

Advantageously the cross members are provided with elongate slots in end portions thereof.

The mounting members may be substantially planar members having a plurality of apertures spaced equidistant along an outside edge of the mounting member. This arrangement allows the support post to be mounted to crown or pan portions of a profiled cladding.

Alternatively each mounting member comprises a first substantially planar portion having first fixing means (e.g. a plurality of spaced apertures), and a second substantially planar portion (e.g. provided with elongate slots), the first and second substantially planar portions being in different but substantially parallel planes, the first and second planar portions advantageously being connected (e.g. integrally connected) by a third substantially planar portion. The third substantially planar portion may be inclined to both the first and second substantially planar portions at a substantially obtuse angle or alternatively at 90 . This arrangement allows the support post, in use, to gradually change its geometric shape under the tensile, shear and compression forces created by the post support taking the weight of a user falling from a building structure, therefore reducing the loadings, generated by the fall, on the building structure, in turn reducing the damage to the building structure.

Additionally, the arrangement allows the support post to be fitted to the pans of a profiled cladding either side of a crown.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a support post for mounting to a ridged roof structure, the support post comprising: first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second crowns of ridges of the roof structure; and means for selecting or setting a distance between the first and second fixing means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a fall arrest or life line system having at least one support post in accordance with any of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a building structure having a fall arrest or life line system in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention where the support posts are in accordance with any of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention.

The building structure may advantageously comprise a cladded roof, or alternatively a beam/column structure, parapet wall, or flat roof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Figure 1 a perspective view of a horizontal life line system

according to the prior art

utilizing known bracket support posts; Figure 2 a perspective view of the known support post of Figure 1; Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a typical profiled roof sheet; Figure 4 a support post in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5 (a) and (b) a plan and a side view, respectively, of a mounting member of the support post of Figure 4; Figures 6(a) and (b) a plan and a side view, respectively, of a cross member of the support post of Figure 4; Figures 7(a)-(c) plan, bottom and side views, respectively, of a post member of the support post of Figure 4; Figures 8(a)-(c) plan, side and another side views, respectively, of a packer for use in the support post of Figure 4; Figure 9 a schematic side view of a support post in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention shown with one type of ridged roof; Figure 10 a schematic side view of the support post of Figure 9 with an alternative type of ridged roof; Figure ll(a)-(c) plan, side and end views, respectively, of a mounting member of the support post of Figure 9; Figure 12 a perspective view of a cross member of the support post of Figure 9; and Figure 13 a side view of a post member of the support post of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figure 4, there is illustrated a support post or bracket, generally designated by reference numeral 10, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The support post 10 comprises two mounting members 12,14 designed to allow the support post 10 to be fixed to crowns of a cladded or profiled roof structure. That is the upper planar portion of the cladded or profiled roof structure which is dimension 'B' in Figure 3.

The mounting members 12,14 together with cross members 16,18, which extend diagonally between opposing end portions of the mounting members 12,14, and which intersect at a mid-point of the support post 10, forms a base 20 of the support post 10.

At the mid-point where the two cross members 16,18 intersect is affixed a post 22, which is upstanding from the base 20.

Referring to Figures 5(a) and (b) the mounting members 12,14 are each provided with a plurality of apertures 23 which are spaced equidistantly along outside edges of the mounting members 12,14. It is these apertures 23 which are used to allow the support device 10 to be fixed to the roof structure using suitable fastening means such as rivets, anchor bolts or the like.

When attaching the support device 10 to a roof structure, a mastic joint(s) and waterproof washers (not shown) are used in order to maintain the integrity of the cladded sheet, and thereby maintain a watertight covering.

The mounting members 12,14 are further provided with elongate slots 24, which extend along an inside edge of the mounting members 12,14. The elongate slots 24, enable end portions of the cross members 16,18 to be fixed at varying positions along the length of the mounting members 12,14.

The elongate slots 24, allow the cross members 16,18 to move in a scissor like action about the mid-point of the base 20. The scissor like action of the cross members 16,18 enables the distance between the mounting members 12,14 to be varied in order to ensure correct fitting of the support post 10 on the roof structure. For a profiled roof, as shown in Figure 1, this means that the end portions of the cross members 16,18 will be moved along the elongate slots 24, and fixed in a position which ensures the mounting members are suitably positioned above crown portions of the profiled sheet.

Referring to Figures 6(a) and (b), it can be seen that the cross member 16 is provided with an elongate slot 26 at each end portion of the cross member 16 which aids attachment and movement of the mounting members 12, 14 thereto. In addition, an aperture 28 is provided at a mid-point of the cross member 16 to allow a fastening device, such as a bolt (not shown), to pass. The bolt is in turn threaded to a captive nut 30 located at one end of the post 22. The bolt located through the aperture 28 also acts as a pintle about which the cross members 16,18 may move.

Referring now to Figures 7(a)-(c), it can be seen that the post 22 is provided with two captive nuts 30,32 respectively placed at a proximal end, and distal end with respect to the base portion 20. The captive nut 32 allows an intermediate bracket (not shown) to be connected to the distal end of the post 22. The intermediate bracket is also attached to a cable along which a cable traveller can run. A lanyard worn by an operative can in turn be connected to the cable traveller. The intermediate bracket is designed to allow the cable traveller to pass the intermediate bracket without the need of the operative having to detach the cable traveller or lanyard from the cable.

Referring now to Figures 8(a)-(c), there is shown a support plate or packer 34 having an aperture 36 located in a substantially central position of the packer 34.

In use, the packer 34 is located between the mounting members 12,14 and each end of an uppermost or top cross member 16,18 of the support device 10. The packer 34 is utilised in order to prevent flexing of the top cross member, in addition to adding strength to the construction of the support post 10 when assembled. The packer 34 is therefore of a similar thickness to that of the cross members 16,18, so as to prevent bending and undue forces being imparted to the uppermost cross member.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is illustrated a support post, generally designated by reference numeral 110, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The support post 110 of the second embodiment is similar in many respects to the support post of the first embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals but incremented by 100.

The support post 110 comprises two mounting members 112,114 designed to allow the support post 110 to be fixed to pans (Figure 9) or crowns (Figure 10) of a profiled, cladded or ridged roof structure. The crown is the upper planar portion which is dimension 'B' in Figure 3, and the pan is the lower planar portion which is dimension 'E' in Figure 3.

As can be seen from Figure 9, the mounting members 112,114 have a lazy 'Z' shape, allowing the support post to be fitted in pans 172,174 of ridged roof 170, either side of crown 176. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, the lazy 'Z' shape of the mounting members 112,114 permits the support post 110 to be mounted to crowns, e.g. non adjacent crowns 182,184 of a ridged roof 180.

The mounting members 112,114 together with cross members 116,118, which extend diagonally between opposing end portions of the mounting members 112,114, and which intersect at a mid-point of the support post 110, form a base 120 of the support post 110.

From the mid-point where the two cross members 116,118 intersect is affixed a post 122, which is upstanding from the base 120.

Referring to Figures 11 (a)-(c) each of the mounting members 112,114 include a first planar portion 186 provided with a plurality of apertures 123, spaced along outside edges of the mounting members 112,114. It is these apertures 123 which are used to allow the support device to be fixed to the roof structure using suitable fastening means such as rivets, anchor bolts or the like.

When attaching the support device 110 to a roof structure, a mastic joint(s) and waterproof washers (not shown) are used in order to maintain the integrity of the cladded sheet, and thereby maintain a watertight covering.

The mounting members 112,114 further include a second planar portion 187 provided with elongate slots 123, which extends along an inside edge of the mounting members 112,114. The elongate slots 123, enable end portions of the cross members 116,118 to be fixed at varying positions along the length of the mounting members 112,114. The elongate slots 123, allow the cross members 116,118 to move in a scissor like action about the mid-point of the base 120. The scissor like action of the cross members 116,118 enables the distance between the mounting members 112,114 to be varied, in order to ensure correct fitting of the support post 110 on the roof structure. For a profiled roof 170,180 as shown in Figures 9 or 10, this means that the end portions of the cross members 116,118 will be moved along the elongate slots 123, and fixed in a position which ensures the mounting members 116,118 are suitably positioned in the pan portions 172,174 (Figure 9) or above crown portions 182,184 (Figure 10) of the profiled sheet.

The elongate slots 123 also allow the cross members 116,118 to slide and deform under the tensile, shear and compression forces created by the support post 110 taking the weight of a user falling from a building structure, therefore reducing the loadings generated by the fall on the building structure, in turn reducing the damage to the building structure.

The first and second planar portions 186,187 are joined by a third planar portion 188, inclined at an obtuse angle or alternatively at 90 to the first and second planar members 186,187. This 'Z' or lazy 'Z' arrangement allows access to the underside of the support post 110 for fitting.

The third planar 188 portion is sized so that a vertical distance between the first and second planar portions 186,187 is typically approximately 110 mm, and in any case sufficient to allow the post support 110 to straddle crown 176 in most designs of ridged roof 170.

Additionally the angle of inclination of the third planar portion 188 is typically approximately 65 .

Referring to Figure 12, it can be seen that each of the cross members 116, 118 is provided with an aperture 126 at each end portion of the cross member 116,118 which aids attachment and movement of the mounting members 112,114 thereto. In addition, an aperture 128 is provided at a mid-point of the cross member 116,118 to allow a fastening device, such as a bolt (not shown), to pass. The bolt is in turn threaded to a captive nut 130 located at one end of the post 122 (Figure 13). The bolt located through the aperture 128 also acts as a pintle about which the cross members 116, 118 may move, Referring now to Figure 13, the post 122 is provided with two captive nuts 130,132 placed at a proximal and distal end with respect to the base portion 120. The captive nut 132 allows an intermediate bracket (not shown) to be connected to the distal end of the post 122. The intermediate bracket is also attached to a cable along which a cable traveller can run. Personal protective equipment worn by an operative can in turn be connected to the cable traveller. The intermediate bracket is designed to allow the cable traveller to pass the intermediate bracket without the need of the operative having to detach the cable traveller or the personal protective equipment from the cable.

It will be further appreciated that the embodiment of the invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only and it is not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the example embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the support post may be designed to progressively collapse, in use, in order to reduce loads applied to the structure when a falling load is retarded by the fall arrest system.

Further, although the post support 110 of Figure 9 is shown being mounted in pans 72,74 either side of crown 76, there are roof profiles which will permit the post support to be mounted entirely within one pan.

It will also be appreciated that an advantage of the support post of at least one disclosed embodiment of the present invention is that it is attached to the crown (top) of the profile and that although adjacent crowns can be at different dimensions apart, this is catered for via the relative movement of the centre port and corners (four) of the support post - analogous to the action of a pair of scissors.

Claims

1. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second portions of the building structure, the first portion comprising a crown portion or a pan portion of the building structure, and the second portion comprising a crown portion or a pan portion of the building structure.

2. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second crown portions of the building structure.

3. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second pan portions of the building structure.

4. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support post further comprises means for selecting or setting a distance between the first and second fixing means.

5. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support post or bracket is adapted for mounting to a building structure comprising a profiled cladded roof.

6. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support post comprises: a base portion; and a post member upstanding from said base portion.

7. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base portion provides the first and second fixing means.

8. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in either of claims 6 or 7 when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the base portion provides the distance selecting means.

9. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the base portion comprises two elongate mounting members affixable to the first and second portions, and also first and second cross members which extend diagonally between opposing end portions of the two mounting members and which intersect at a mid-point of said support post.

10. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein one end of the post member is affixed to the base portion at the intersection of the cross members.

11. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in either of claims 9 or 10, wherein the mounting members are each provided with a plurality of apertures spaced along a length of an outside edge of each mounting member.

12. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any of clams 6 to 11, wherein the support post is made at least partly of stainless steel.

13. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the support post is provided with a mastic joint and waterproof washers to mount the support post to the building structure.

14. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support post is adapted to progressively collapse under load, in use.

15. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in claim 9 when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the means for selecting or setting a distance between first and second fixing means comprises elongate slots provided along an inside edge of each mounting member, the elongate slots enabling the cross members to be positioned at varying positions, therefore, allowing the cross members to move in a scissor like action.

16. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein each mounting member comprises a first substantially planar portion having first fixing means, and a second substantially planar portion, the first and second substantially planar portions being in different but substantially parallel planes, the first and second planar portions being connected by a third substantially planar portion, the third substantially planar portion being inclined to both the first and second substantially planar portions at a substantially obtuse angle or at an angle of 90 .

17. A support post or bracket for mounting to a building structure, the support post comprising means for selecting or setting a distance between first and second fixing means which fix the support post to the building structure, in use.

18. A support post for mounting to a ridged roof structure, the support post comprising: first and second means for fixing the support post to first and second portions of the roof structure, the first and second portions each comprising a crown or a pan of the roof structure; and means for selecting or setting a distance between the first and second fixing means.

19. A fall arrest or life line system having at least one support post according to any of claims 1 to 18.

20. A building structure having a fall arrest or life line system according to claim 19.

21. A building structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein the building structure comprises a cladded roof.

22. A building structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein the building structure comprises a beam/column structure, parapet wall, or flat roof.

23. A support post as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A full arrest system comprising at least one support post as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

25. A building structure such as a clad roof having a fall arrest system comprising at least one support post as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.