GB2445604A

GB2445604A - Apparatus for securing a load attachment across an aperture

Info

Publication number: GB2445604A
Application number: GB0619510A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Alexander Fraser
Original assignee: FRASER INNOVATIONS Ltd
Current assignee: FRASER INNOVATIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-03
Filing date: 2006-10-03
Publication date: 2008-07-16
Also published as: GB0619510D0

Abstract

An apparatus for securing a load attachment mounting across an aperture (such as a window) bounded by a peripheral edge comprises a support section 2 and first 12 and second 14 abutment sections attachable thereto to engage opposite aperture edges. At least one of the abutment sections has an edge engagement portion movable with respect to the support section to clamp the apparatus in the aperture. A fastening device 10 for attaching a load such as a safety line to the apparatus is mountable on or in the support section 2. The support section 2 is preferably a channel section member defining a guide track and is placed across the aperture so that an upstanding flange on abutment section 12 projects into the aperture to engage an aperture edge and a pressure plate on abutment section 14 is moved by a threaded member to clamp against the opposite edge. A wheeled trolley 10 is mounted within the guide track and carries an apertured member to receive a safety line or the like. A pair of spaced support sections with abutment sections as above can be secured together as a single unit when a stronger arrangement is required.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Securina a Mounting Across an Aperture The

present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a mounting across an aperture, such as a window opening.

In many instances, for example in the maintenance and construction of buildings, where operators have to work at a height, leaning, for example out of windows, a safety provision must be made to prevent the operator from suffering serious injury in the case of a fall. Typically, the operator may wear a safety harness attached by a flexible line, such as a rope, to a building or to another structure.

For maximum safety, the flexible line should have a predetermined minimum length of slack, for example less than one foot (approximately 0.3m), as more than this may cause serious Injury or death to the operator in the event of a fall. However, a short line such as this may restrict the movement of the operator and may require the operator to reposition the attachment of the safety harness or structure to which it is attached during use to allow him to perform his tasks. This repositioning may be both inconvenient and dangerous as the operator may be required to detach his safety harness from the structure to which it is attached to achieve the repositioning.

A further problem may exist in finding suitable attachment points for a safety harness.

Thus there is the need for an apparatus which may easily be attached to a pre-existing structure, for example within a window aperture, and may enable the attachment line to be kept within a predetermined length whilst allowing extensive movement of the operator. *:

AccordIng to a first aspect of the present Invention there is proCed an apparatus for securing a mounting across an aperture bound bçr. a peripheral edge comprising: 1.

a first support section; a first abutment section; and a second abutment section; the first and second abutment sections being attachable to the first support section; at least one of the first and second abutment sections being movable along the support section to secure in use the first and second abutment sections against the peripheral edge of the aperture; the apparatus further comprising a fastening device for attaching a load to the apparatus, the fastening device being mountable on or in the first support section.

Preferably, the first support section comprises a guide track extending along the first support section; the apparatus further comprising a trolley member movable along the guide track, the fastening device being attachable to the trolley member.

In a preferred embodiment, the first support section compnses a substantially C-shaped section having an inner surface wall, the inner surface wall of the C-shaped section defining the guide track.

The trolley member may comprise, for example, a block member slidable along the guide track, the fastening device being attachable to the block member or, in an alternative embodiment, the trolley member may comprise a number of wheels movable along the guide track and a base portion to which the number of wheels are attachable, the fastening device being attachable to the base portion.

Preferably, the trolley member comprises a number of wheels movable along the guide track, the number of wheels bearing against the inner face of the first support section in use.

The trolley member is preferably locatable within the first support section, the first support section having an aperture through which the fastening device extends.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises first and second angled sections, each angled section having a first portion attachable to the first support section, and a second section angled with respect to the first portion for contacting in use a surround of the aperture across which the apparatus extends.

Preferably, the first and second angled portions are screwed, welded, or bonded to the first support section. Alternatively, the first and second angled sections may be integrally formed with the first support section.

Preferably, the trolley member has a threaded aperture therethrough, and the fastening device comprises a threaded section for engagement with the threaded aperture of the trolley member, the fastening device further comprising a looped section for attachment of a load thereto.

In a further preferred embodiment, a second support section is spaced from the first support section; third and fourth abutment sections, the third and fourth abutment sections being attachable to the second support section; at least one of the third and fourth abutment sections being movable along the second support section to secure in use the third and fourth abutment sections against the peripheral edge of the aperture; and one or more bridging sections are attachable to the first and second support sections and extend from said first support section to said second support section.

Preferably, one or other or both of the first support section and the second support section comprise a substantially C-shaped section.

Preferably, the first support section Is arranged to extend In a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the second support section extends.

In a preferred embodiment, the first support section, the second support section and the one or more bridging sections each have an associated longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axes of the first and second support sections are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or axes of the one or more bridging sections.

Preferably, one or more of said one or more bridging sections comprise an angled section.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a jib housing mountable between the first and second support sections and on one or more of said one or more bridging sections, and a jib supported by the jib housing, wherein the fastening device Is attachable to the jib.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an angled section having first and second portions, the first portion being attachable to a first end portion of the second support section, and the second portion of the angled section being attachable in use to a surround of the aperture across which the apparatus extends.

Preferably, said angled section comprises a Z-shaped section.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for securing a mounting across an aperture bounded by a peripheral edge comprising the steps of: positioning across an aperture an apparatus comprising a first support section, a first abutment section, and a second abutment section, the first and second abutment sections being attachable to the first support section, and the second abutment section being movable along the first support section; locating the first abutment section in the aperture such that the first abutment section abuts a peripheral edge of the aperture; moving the second abutment sections along the first support section to abut a further section of the peripheral edge of the aperture; and attaching a load to a fastening device mounted on or in the first support section.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second support section attachable to the first support section, and third and fourth abutment sections.

the third and fourth abutment sections being attachable to the second support section, the fourth abutment section being movable along the second support section; the method further comprising: locating the third abutment section in the aperture such that the third abutment section abuts a portion of the peripheral edge of the aperture; and moving the fourth abutment section along the second support section to abut a further portion of the peripheral edge of the aperture to secure the third and fourth abutment sections against the peripheral edge of the aperture.

The present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: / Figure Ia is an elevation of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure lb is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure la; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevation of the apparatus of Figure Ia; Figure 3 is a projection of an adjustable pressure plate for use in the apparatus of Figure Ia; Figure 4 is a projection of a further pressure plate for use in the apparatus of Figure Ia; Figure 5 is a projection of a section of the apparatus of Figure Ia; Figure 6 is a plan view of a trolley member for use in the apparatus of Figure I a; Figure 7 is an elevation of the trolley member of Figure 6; Figure 8 is an elevation of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is an end elevation of the apparatus of Figure 8; and Figure 10 is an elevation of the jib mechanism of the apparatus of Figures 8 and 9.

Figures Ia and lb show an apparatus I according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus I comprises a bar section 2 formed of a substantially C-shaped section which acts as a guide track 4.

The apparatus I also comprises a first angle section 6 and a second angle section 8, both the first and second angle sections 6, 8 being attached to the C-shaped section 2. A trolley member 10 Is movable along the guide track 4 and the apparatus further comprises a first pressure plate 12 fixed relative to the C-shaped section 2 and a second pressure plate 14. The trolley member is located in the guide track 4 and is movable between the first pressure plate 12 and the second pressure plate 14.

As shown in Figure 2, the C-shaped section 2 comprises two arm portions 16, the free ends of the two arm portions 16 being separated by an aperture 17 and connected by a back portion 18. The free ends of the two arm portions 16 lie in a plane substantially paraHel to the plane of the back portion 18 and have an Internal face 19 which acts as the guide track 4 for the trolley member 10.

The first and second angle sections 6, 8 each comprise a right angle section having a first portion 20 lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of a second portion 22 attached thereto or integral therewith. The first portion 20 of each angle section 6, 8 is attached to a respective arm portion 16 (one to each arm portion) of the C-shaped section 2, for example by means of a number of screws 24 such that the outer faces 26 of the second portions of each angle section 6, 8 are substantially coplanar with the outer faces of the free ends of the two arm portions 16. The second portions 22 extend in a direction away from the aperture 17 formed in the C-shaped section 2 and do not overly this aperture 17.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second angle sections 6, 8 may be integrally formed with the C-shaped section 2 or may be attached thereto by another means, such as welding.

As shown in Figure 3, the adjustable second pressure plate 14 comprises a base section 28 attachable to the second portions 22 of the first and second angIe sections 6, 8 by means, for example, of a number of screws 29 extending therethrough, such that the base section 28 extends over the aperture 17 formed by the free ends of the arm portions 16 of the C-shaped section 2 and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the faces 26 of the second portions 22 of the first and second angled portions 6, 8.

A block section 30 is mounted to the face 32 of the base section 28 of the second adjustable pressure plate 14 opposite the face which abuts the first and second angle sections 6, 8. A threaded section 34 extends through an aperture in two opposing side faces 36 of the block section 30, that is the faces extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base section 28 such that the threaded section 34 has its longitudinal axis extending in a plane substantially parallel to the guide track 4.

Attached to a first end of the threaded section 34 is an end section 38 which has, for example, an aperture therethrough to accept, for example a tommy bar, or a fitting for a ratchet spanner or the like (not shown), the second end of the threaded section 34 pressing against the side face of a first plate 42 which extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base section 28 and substantially parallel to the planes of the side faces 36 of the block section 30. A further plate 43 which extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base section 28 and substantially parallel to the planes of the side faces 36 of the block section 30 is mounted on the face 32 of the base section 28 between the block section 30 and the first plate 42.

The threaded section 34 also passes through an aperture in the further plate 43. Two guide rods 44 are attached at one end thereof to the first plate 42 and extend through two holes in the block section 30 and the further plate 43, either side of the threaded section 34, to maintain the first plate 42 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base section 28. The further plate 43 acts as a guide plate for the rods 44. Turning the threaded section 34 using the tommy bar or ratchet or the like causes the first plate 42 to move relative to the base section 30.

As shown in Figure 4, the first pressure plate 12 comprises first and second angle portions 46, 48. The first angle portion 46 of the first pressure plate 12 lies In a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second angle portion 48 of the first pressure plate 12. The first angle portion 46 of the first pressure plate 12 is attachable to the faces 28 of the first and second angled portions 6, 8 by means of, for example, a number of screws extending through apertures or threaded holes 49 In the first and/or second angled portions 6, 8 such that the first angle portion 46 of the first pressure plate 12 extends over the aperture 17 defined by the free ends of the arm portions 16 of the C-shaped section 2.

The position of the first pressure plate 12 on the first and second angled portions 6, 8 may be adjusted to suit the size of aperture into which the apparatus Is to be mounted by. prior to mounting the apparatus, selecting the appropriate fixing apertures or threaded holes 49 in the first and second angled portions 6, 8, moving the first pressure plate 12 to the desired position and screwing the first pressure plate 12 to the first and second angled portions 6, 8 through the selected fixing apertures 49. The second angle portion 48 of the first pressure plate 12 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the faces 26 of the first and second angled portions 6, 8, in a direction away from the faces 26.

Figures 5 to 7 show the trolley member 10 locatable in the guide track 4.

Attached to the trolley member 10 is a looped turn buckle 50 for subsequent attachment to a safety harness (not shown). The looped turn buckle 50 extends out of the aperture 17 formed between the two free ends of the arm portions 16 of the C-shaped section 2 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the base section 28.

The trolley member 10 comprises a wheel housing 52, into which are fitted four wheels 54, for example nylon wheels. The wheel housing 52 has a threaded aperture 56 for receiving a threaded shaft 57 of the turn buckle 50.

The threaded shaft 57 of the turn buckle 50 is secured in the aperture 56 using a lock nut 58 mounted thereon.

The two pairs of wheels 54 are mounted on respective axles (not shown) extending through the wheel housing 52, one on each side of the threaded aperture 56.

In use, the trolley member 10 is inserted into the channel extending along the length of the C-shaped section 2 defining the guide track 4. The axles on which the wheels 54 are mounted are substantially parallel to the rear face 18 of the C-shaped section 2. The wheels 54 run along the faces 19 of the C-shaped section 2.

A number of preferred embodiments of the present invention find particular use in connection with window apertures of varying sizes.

In use, the apparatus I may be mounted across the aperture of a window such that the outer faces 26 of the angle sections 6 and 8 abut a face of the wall in which the window aperture is formed with the aperture 17 formed in the C-shaped section 2 facing this face of the wall. Thus the aperture 17 in the C-shaped section 2 is visible and accessible through the window aperture in the wall. The first pressure plate 12 is located in the window aperture across which the apparatus I extends and a face of the second portion 48 of the first pressure plate 12 contacts a side wall defining the window aperture. The adjustable second pressure plate 14 is then moved into a position such that it abuts an opposing side wall defining the window aperture by turning the threaded section 34 using the tommy bar or ratchet or the like so that the adjustable second pressure plate 14 is moved against the wall to clamp the apparatus I in place across the window aperture. The apparatus I is thus locked into the window aperture by the two pressure plates 12 and 14. The trolley member 10 is free to move along the guide track 4 across the window aperture and a flexible line (not shown) attached to a safety harness may be clipped onto the turn buckle 50 using standard fittings, for example self-locking snap hooks.

The trolley member 10 will slide with the operator as he moves and works thus affording the operator a degree of freedom of movement whilst reducing the amount of flexible line required to be attached to the operator thereby reducing the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fall.

The position of the apparatus I within the window aperture may be adjusted by unclam ping slightly the adjustable second pressure plate 14 by turning the threaded sectIon 34 using the tommy bar or ratchet or the like and moving the apparatus, for example vertically or horizontally depending on whether the bar section 2 is mounted horizontally or vertically across the aperture in use, to the desired position. The apparatus I is Inhibited from falling out of the window aperture into which it is fixed during this process as the C-shaped section 2 is designed to overlap the wall surrounding the window aperture thereby extending beyond the edges of the window aperture. Thus, the operator may remain attached to the apparatus I during the repositioning process without fear of the apparatus I being pulled through the window aperture.

The apparatus I may be mounted vertically or horizontally across an aperture, as desired.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 to 7 therefore enables the operator to keep a short line so that, in the event of a fall, the operator will not fall very far thereby reducing the risk of serious injury or death.

The above-described embodiment of the invention is also convenient to use as it does not require a pre-existing structure for use other than a support around the window aperture. Furthermore, if either the wheels 54, or the axles on which the wheels 54 are mounted, break or collapse during use, the trolley member 10 should not be released from within the C-shaped section as the trolley member 10 is designed to be of a shape which will prevent it from being pulled out of the aperture 17 bounded by the free ends of the arm portions 16, thereby Increasing safety for the operator whUst using the apparatus 1.

Also, the apparatus 1 may be easily mounted and repositioned in use by slightly slackening the adjustable pressure second 14 and retightening this plate 14 in a new position without risk of the apparatus I being dislodged from the window aperture across which it spans.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 8 to 10.

The apparatus comprises a first C-shaped section 60 and a second C-shaped section 62 both preferably being of the type described above with regard to the first preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7. The same reference numerals have been applied to denote like components in the Figures. The first and second C-shaped sectIons 60, 62 indude the pressure plate assemblies (not shown in Figures 8 to 10) of the type described above with regard to the first preferred embodiment. The first C-shaped section 60 is spaced from the second C-shaped section 62 and the two C-shaped sections 60, 62 extend in substantially the same plane and substantially parallel to each other.

A third angled section 64 and a fourth angled section 66 are mounted at their free ends to each of the first and second C-shaped sections 60, 62. The third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 each comprise a first portion 68 and a second portion 70, the second portion 70 extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first portion 68. A first section 72 of each of the first portions 68 of the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66, towards a first free end 74 thereof1 is arranged to abut the outer faces 26 of the first and second angled portions 6, 8 attached to the first C-shaped section 60 and is attachable thereto by means of, for example, one or more screws 76 extending through corresponding apertures in the first portions 68 of the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 and the free arm sections 26 of the first and second angled portions 6, 8 attached to the first C-shaped section 60.

Similarly, a second section 78 of each of the first portions 68 of the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66, towards a second free end 80 thereof, is arranged to abut the outer faces 26 of the first and second angled portions 6, 8 attached to the second C-shaped section 62 and is attachable thereto by means of, for example, one or more screws 76 extending through corresponding apertures in the first portions 68 of the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 and the free arm sections 26 attached to the second C-shaped section 62.

The third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 are spaced from each other and extend in substantially the same plane and substantially parallel to each other, approximately at right angles to the first and second C-shaped sections 60, 62, with the first portions 68 of the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 abutting the outer faces 26 of the first and second C-shaped sections 60, 62.

The apparatus further comprises a jib housing 82 which is mountable on the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 and extends therebetween at a position spaced from the first and second C-shaped sections 60, 62. The jib housing 82 is attachable to one or other or both of the first and second portions 68, 70 of the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66.

Fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth angled sections 84, 86, 88, and 90 having first and second free ends 92, 94 are mounted at their first free ends 92 on the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66, the second free ends 94 of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth angled sections 84, 86, 88, arid 90 being attachable to the jib housing 82 to support the housing 82 and a jib 96 which extends through the jib housing. The fifth and sixth angled sections 84, 86 support a first end 98 of the jib housing 82 and the seventh and eighth angled sections 88, 90 support a second end 100 of the jib housing 82 to offset the turning moment applied to the jib housing 82 when a load 102 is being carried by the jib 96.

As shown in Figure 9, the fifth and sixth angled sections 84, 86 (and preferably also the seventh and eighth angled sections 88, 90) are arranged to form a substantially V-shaped arrangement with the apex being attachable to the jib housing 82.

A winch 104 for a hoist may be mounted on the seventh and eighth angled sections 88, 90 and the line 106 wrapped around the hoist extends between the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 and over a pulley 108 mounted in a first end 110 of the jib 96.

The JIb 96 is preferably movable with respect to the jib housing 82 and the jib 98 is mounted in the jib housing 82 on runner bearings to permit movement of the jib along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 extend. The movement of the jib 96 may be limited by a number of stops 112, for example in the form of stop bolts passing through the jib 96 and which limit the movement thereof by striking the jib housing 82 at the two extremes of the jib 96 thereby inhibiting the jib from becoming detached from the housing. The jib 96 is movable along its axis by a ratchet mechanism which is operated by turning a handle 114 extending out of the jib housing 82 for easy access and operation.

In use, the apparatus of Figures 8 to 10 may be fixed, for example, through a window aperture by adjusting the pressure plates of the C-shaped sections 60, 62 in the manner described above with regard to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, so that the jib 96 extends through the window aperture. When a load 102 is being raised by the hoist, to overcome the turning effect due to the load on the end of the jib 96, which would tend to force, In use, the second C-shaped section 62 away from the supporting wall, one or more Z-shaped brackets 116 may be attached to one or other or both of the faces 26 of the free arm sections of the second C-shaped section 62. The Z-shaped bracket(s) 116 may be formed, for example of two L-shaped sections welded or otherwise attached together to form the Z-shaped bracket(s). A portion of the Z-shaped bracket(s) 116 may be hooked over the edge of the wall surrounding the window aperture to abut the face thereof opposite that against which the second C-shaped section 62 abuts, to inhibit the second C-shaped section 62 from being pushed away from the wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the third and fourth angled sections 64, 66 may be, for example approximately I.2m in length and the jib 96 may extend, for example approximately O.3m from the jib housing 82.

The above described embodiment is particularly advantageous as it replaces the need for cranes, scaffolding or ladders which are conventionally used to hoist materials to a desired height during the construction or maintenance of buildings.

In one or more preferred embodiments of the invention, the components of the apparatus which, in use, will contact, for example, the wall surrounding the window aperture Into which the apparatus is to be mounted, may be coated in white neoprene rubber to inhibit marking the wall.

Various modifications to the embodiments of the present invention described above may be made. Other components and method steps may be added or substituted for those described above. For example, whilst the above embodiments have been described in connection with the use of window apertures in walls, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention may be used in connection with other structures surrounding or defining an aperture, such as scaffolding. Also, whilst the trolley member 10 of the above described embodiments has been described as having a threaded aperture for engagement with a fastening device, the fastening device could be attached to or integral with the trolley member 10, for example by welding. Thus, although the invention has been described using particular embodiments, many variations are possible within the scope of the claims, as will be clear to the skilled reader, without departing from the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for securing a mounting across an aperture

bounded by a peripheral edge comprising: a first support section; a first abutment section; and a second abutment section; the first and second abutment sections being attachable to the first support section; at least one of the first and second abutment sections being movable along the support section to secure in use the first and second abutment sections against the peripheral edge of the aperture; the apparatus further comprising a fastening device for attaching a load to the apparatus, the fastening device being mountable on or in the first support section.
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the first support section comprises a guide track extending along the first support section; the apparatus further comprising a trolley member movable along the guide track, the fastening device being attachable to the trolley member.
3. An apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the first support section comprises a substantially C-shaped section having an inner surface wall, the inner surface wall of the C-shaped section defining the guide track.
4. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 or 3, wherein the trolley member comprises a block member slidable along the guide track, the fastening device being attachable to the block member.
5. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 or 3, wherein the trolley member comprises a number of wheels movable along the guide track and a base portion to which the number of wheels are attachable, the fastening device being attachable to the base portion.
6. An apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the trolley member comprises a number of wheels movable along the guide track, the number of wheels bearing against the inner face of the first support section in use.
7. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the trolley member is locatable within the first support section, the first support section having an aperture through which the fastening device extends.
8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising first and second angled sections, each angled section having a first portion attachable to the first support section, and a second section angled with respect to the first portion for contacting in use a surround of the aperture across which the apparatus extends.
9. An apparatus according to Claim B wherein the first and second angled portions are screwed, welded, or bonded to the first support section.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 9 wherein the first and second angled sections are integrally formed with the first support section.
11. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 7 wherein the trolley member has a threaded aperture therethrough, and wherein the fastening device comprises a threaded section for engagement with the threaded aperture of the trolley member, the fastening device further comprising a looped section for attachment of a load thereto.
12. An apparatus according to Claim I further comprising: a second support section spaced from the first support section: third and fourth abutment sections, the third and fourth abutment sections being attachable to the second support section; at least one of the third and fourth abutment sections being movable along the second support section to secure in use the third and fourth abutment sections against the peripheral edge of the aperture; and one or more bridging sections attachable to the first and second support sections and extending from said first support section to said second support section.
13. An apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein one or other or both of the first support section and the second support section comprise a substantially C-shaped section.
14. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 12 or 13 wherein the first support section is arranged to extend in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the second support section extends.
15. An apparatus according to anyone of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the first support section, the second support section and the one or more bridging sections each have an associated longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axes of the first and second support sections are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or axes of the one or more bridging sections.
16. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein one or more of said one or more bridging sections comprise an angled section.
17. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 12 to 16, further comprising a jib housing mountable between the first and second support sections and on one or more of said one or more bridging sections, and a jib supported by the jib housing, wherein the fastening device is attachable to the jib.
18. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, further compnsing an angled section having first and second portions, the first portion being attachable to a first end portion of the second support section, and the second portion of the angled section being attachable In use to a surround of the aperture across which the apparatus extends.
19. An apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein said angled section compnses a Z-shaped section.
20. A method for securing a mounting across an aperture bounded by a peripheral edge comprising the steps of: positioning across an aperture an apparatus comprising a first support section, a first abutment section, and a second abutment section, the first and second abutment sections being attachable to the first support section, and the second abutment section being movable along the first support section; locating the first abutment section in the aperture such that the first abutment section abuts a peripheral edge of the aperture; moving the second abutment sections along the first support section to abut a further section of the peripheral edge of the aperture; and attaching a load to a fastening device mounted on or in the first support section.
21. A method according to Claim 20, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second support section attachable to the first support section, and third and fourth abutment sections, the third and fourth abutment sections being attachable to the second support section, the fourth abutment section being movable along the second support section; the method further comprising: locating the third abutment section in the aperture such that the third abutment section abuts a portion of the peripheral edge of the aperture; and moving the fourth abutment section along the second support section to abut a further portion of the peripheral edge of the aperture to secure the third and fourth abutment sections against the peripheral edge of the aperture.
22. An apparatus for securing a mounting across an aperture substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one embodiment as that embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
23. A method for securing a mounting across an aperture substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one embodiment as that embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.