GB2510991A - Bracket fixing for a safety line - Google Patents

Bracket fixing for a safety line Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2510991A
GB2510991A GB1406439.8A GB201406439A GB2510991A GB 2510991 A GB2510991 A GB 2510991A GB 201406439 A GB201406439 A GB 201406439A GB 2510991 A GB2510991 A GB 2510991A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
fixing
bracket
safety line
receiving
mechanical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1406439.8A
Other versions
GB2510991B (en
GB201406439D0 (en
Inventor
Owain Jones
Karl Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Latchways PLC
Original Assignee
Latchways PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Latchways PLC filed Critical Latchways PLC
Priority to GB1406439.8A priority Critical patent/GB2510991B/en
Priority claimed from GB0915281.0A external-priority patent/GB2473209B/en
Publication of GB201406439D0 publication Critical patent/GB201406439D0/en
Publication of GB2510991A publication Critical patent/GB2510991A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2510991B publication Critical patent/GB2510991B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
    • A62B35/0043—Lifelines, lanyards, and anchors therefore
    • A62B35/0056—Horizontal lifelines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • A62B1/06—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices
    • A62B1/16—Life-saving ropes or belts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
    • A62B35/0043—Lifelines, lanyards, and anchors therefore
    • A62B35/0068—Anchors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
    • A62B35/04—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion incorporating energy absorbing means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
    • E04G21/32—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings
    • E04G21/3204—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings against falling down
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
    • E04G21/32—Safety or protective measures for persons during the construction of buildings
    • E04G21/3261—Safety-nets; Safety mattresses; Arrangements on buildings for connecting safety-lines
    • E04G21/3295—Guide tracks for safety lines

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

A bracket fixing 1 for securing a safety line to a structure has a safety line receiving portion 3 and a fixing portion 2 connected to the safety line receiving portion. The fixing portion has a captive mechanical fixing 5 which is arranged to engage with and secure the bracket to the structure. A bracket fixing in which the bracket fixing is configured to be engaged with a receiving structure and rotated about an axis to secure the bracket fixing with the receiving structure is also disclosed. A safety line system that comprises a plurality of bracket fixings fixed to a plurality of receiving structures and strung with a safety line is also disclosed.

Description

Bracket Fixing for a Safety Line The present invention relates to a bracket fixing for a safety line for a fall arrest system.
In order to protect personnel from falls when working at height it is usual and often a legal requirement, to provide an elongate safety line running across a length of the area in which the personnel are to work. The personnel are attached to the safety line by a lanyard which is provided with a traveller to which the lanyard is secured. The traveller is fixed to the safety line such that it can travel along the safety line. The flexible lanyard is connected at its other end to a harness worn by the user, When connected the user can move with respect to the safety line, tension on the lanyard as the user moves causes the traveller to be dragged to move along the safety line.
The safety line is anchored at each end. In order to allow a long uninterrupted length of safety line a number of intermediate supports are typically provided to support the safety line at predetermined positions along its length. The traveller and supports are designed to cooperate such that the traveller can automatically pass the along the safety line past the intermediate supports with the minimum of interference or drag. The supports are typically in the form of metal brackets which are secured or anchored either into specifically designed support posts or into anchor sockets or points provided integrally in structures such as masonry walls or welded to steelwork Such a safety line system having intermediate supports and a traveller alTanged to pass along the safety line past the intermediate supports is disclosed in for example W002/092l 71. In the system disclosed the intermediate supports are provided with deflector or guide surfaces arranged to abut the traveller on approach to the intermediate support so as to re-orientate the traveller to enable smooth passage past the intermediate support.
In so called horizontal systems (often used on rooftop structures) the safety line is typically positioned at waist hcight and the user often lifts the lanyard hcld in one hand when walking adjacent the safety line. The intermediate brackets are typically mounted upon support posts and may for example be fixed by means of a screw threaded bolt passing through an aperture in a flange portion of the support bracket. In such an arrangement the top of the support post would typically be provided with a screw threaded docking bore to receive the threaded shaft of the bolt for securing the bracket, An alternative prior art arrangement is shown in figures IA and lB. The bracket 101 comprises a 1) ring fixing 102 for securing to a post 115 or other structure. The top of the post is provided with a threaded bore for accepting the threaded shaft of a fixing bolt 105.
The D ring fixing 102 is first positioned on the post and the bolt is then inserted and tightened to secure the D ring fixing 102 and the hanger 103 to the post. The safety line (which is typically a metal cable 116) passes through die hanger 103 and is tensioned.
An improved arrangement has now been devised.
According to a first aspect, the invention provides a bracket fixing for securing a safety line to a structure, the bracket fixing comprising: a safety line receiving portion, a fixing portion connected to the safety line and having a captive mechanical fixing arranged to engage with and secure the unitary bracket to the structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the safety line receiving porlion may comprise an elongate (preferably cylindrical) tube portion for receiving the safety line.
The safety line receiving portion may be spaced from the tube portion in a direction transverse to the elongate tube portion.
It is preferred that the fixing has an axis extending in a direction away from the safety line, more preferably extending in a direction transverse to the elongate tube portion or the safety line.
It is preferred that the fixing further comprises a connecting web element connecting the tube portion to the fixing portion.
Beneficially, the mechanical fixing has an axis extending in a direction away from the elongate tube portion or the safety line axis, the axis being aligned with the direction iii which the web portion extends, It is preferred that the bracket fixing (particularly the lixing portion) is configured to be rotated about an axis to secure the mechanical fixing with the structure. The bracket can then be held rotationally in place by the safety line.
In one embodiment, it is preferred that the mechanical fixing comprises a screw threaded shafl for screw threaded engagement to secure the bracket fixing to the structure. A bolt may be used for this purpose, with, for example the bolt head held captive with respect to the fixing portion of the bracket fixing.
In an alternative embodiment the mechanical fixing may comprise a bayonet fixing, for
example.
These are examples of systems employing rotational re-orientation of the mechanical fixing to cnsure securing in position. Beneficially this is used in addition to male/female engagement, where a male portion is inserted into a female socket.
The bracket fixing is provided as an integrated assembly or unit comprising the safety line receiving portion, the fixing portion arid the mechanical fixing arranged to engage with and secure the unitary bracket to the structure. The elongate tube portion for receiving a safety line, (when comprising the safety line receiving portion) provides a convenient hand piece to aid insertion and securing of the captive fixing in order to secure the bracket fixing.
In one embodiment the captivation of the mechanical fixing may be achieved by means of having a structure for holding a portion of the mechanical fixing member captive (for example holding the head of a bolt captive).
In one embodiment a first bracket element may be formed from a sheet deformed to form the elongate lube portion, arid a fixing portion. Tins may include a box structure fonued about a part of the mechanical fixing in order to hold the mechanical fixing captive. A connecting web element connecting the tube portion to the fixing portion, may he formed from first and second portions of the sheet arranged face adjacent face.
As described, in one embodiment the mechanical fixing may comprise a bolt and the fixing portion maybe formed about the head of the bolt to hold the bolt head captive.
The brackct fixing is distinci from prior art icehnology because, as defined in other ways, the mechanical fixing is sct in a pre-fixed relationship with the tube portion and fixing portion before deployment to secure the bracket fixing to the structure.
According to a fbrther aspect, the invention provides a bracket fixing for securing a safety line to a structure, the bracket fixing comprising: a safety line receiving portion, a fixing portion connected to the safety line receiving portion; wherein the bracket fixing is configured to be engaged with a receiving structure and rotated about an axis to secure the mechanical fixing with the receiving structure.
In a preferred embodiment the safety line receiving portion comprises an elongate tube portion for receiving the safety line.
In one embodiment, the fixing portion is spaced from the tube portion in a direction transverse to the elongate tube portion.
According to a thrther aspect, the present invention provides a method of setting up a safety line using a plurality of bracket fixings in accordance with earlier aspects of the invention, wherein for the respective bracket fixings the mechanical fixing is set in a pre-fixed relationship with the tube portion and fixing portion of a respective before S deployment to secure the bracket fixing to the structure.
According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a safety line system comprising: a plurality of bracket fixings for securing a safety line to a structure, a bracket fixing comprising; a safety line receiving portion; a fixing portion connected to the safety line receiving portion; one or more respective receiving structures, the bracket fixing being configured to be engaged with a receiving structure and rotated about an axis to retain the mechanical fixing with the receiving structure; a safety line strung via the bracket fixings and tensioned such that the presence of the safety line inhibits rotation of the respective bracket fixing to a posiLion in which the bracket fixing can be disengaged from the receiving structure.
In an exemplary realisation, this provides that the bracket fixing is prevented from twisting back to a release position by the tcnsioncd safety line passing through the receiving portion of the bracket.
The invention will now be further described in specific embodiments, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figures lA and lB are schematic side views of a prior art safety line bracket and support post; Figure 2 is a schematic exploded view of a safety line bracket in accordance with the invention; Figures 3 to 5 are end, side and plan views respectively of a support post structure fitted with bracket fixing according to the invention; Figures 6 and 7 are side and end views respectively of the bracket fixing of figures 2 to 5; Figures 8 and 9 reside and underside views of the fixing; Figure 10 shows the elements 9c and 9d separated for explanatory purposes.
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to figures 2 onwards, there is shown a safety line bracket fixing 1 mounted to a support post 15 to which is secured by means of a base plate 17 to a roof structure. The bracket fixing I secures the safety line 16 which is tensioned. In the embodiment shown, the safety line support bracket fixing 1 comprises a cylindrical tube portion 3 spaced from a fixing arrangement 2 by a narrow width upright web 4. The upright web 4 is narrow in width with respect to the diameter of the cylindrical tube portion 3, as can be seen clearly in figure 3, but also less extensive than the tube portion 3 in the axial direction of the cylindrical tube portion 3 as can clearly be seen in figure 2.
The fixing portion 2 of the bracket comprises a captivation structure in the form of a box structure 9 which holds captive the head 6 of a boltS such that the threaded shall 7 of the bolt projects away from the fixing portion to a distal end 8. The bolt is captured within the box structure 9 such that the bolt and its head are not able to rotate about the axis of the bolt relative to the box structure 9 or web 4 of the bracket.
In the embodiment shown, the tube portion 3, box structure 9 and interconnecting upright web portion arc formed from a single piece of metal. The cylindrical tube 3 is curve formed of a single thickness wall, curved to meet at a scam 10, such that the web 4 extends downwardly and is of double wall thickness abutting at an interface 11. The separate walls are deformed outwardly at the base of the web 4 to form upper portions 9a 9b of the box structure 9. The material is deformed about the bolt head 6, and the free ends 9c and 9d overlap to capture the bolt head completely and securely in the box structure 9. The overlapping free ends are provided with slots 13 14 communicating with the terminal edge of the respective overlapping portions 9c 9d in order to accommodate the threaded shaft 7 of the bolt S when being deformed to the configuration shown. The sidewalk 9e 9f are a close fit abutment against thc flats of the bolt head 6 such that the bolt head 6 is captive against rotation about the axis of the bolt within the hox structure 9.
The bracket fixing 1, pie-loaded with the boltS, provides a unitary fixing which enables significant ease of installation and fixing in place, In use a bracket fixing 1 may be fixed simply by means of inserting the boltS, which is already loaded in the bracket, in a suitable threaded receiving socket (for example on a support post 15 or directly anchoring in to a structure). The bolt may be rotated or screwed home (to a locked or engaged position) by rotating the bracket fixing 1 in its entirety about the axis of the bolt 5, by hand.
No specialist fixing tools or standard spanners or socket sets are required and the bolt does not need to be tightened to a high torque. Once the bracket fixings 1 are screwed into position the safeLy line can be fed through the cylindrical tube portions 3. The safety (inc is then tensioned and the system is securely set up.
In a variation on the fixing it will be appreciated that the threaded bolt S could be replaced by means of other mechanical fixing arrangements. For example a bayonet type mechanical fixing could he used. It is preferred that the mechanical fixing that is loaded to the bracket requires a male/female engagement and axial twisting to secure in position locked to the structure to which the bracket is mounted. This is because the axial twisting to an engaged or locked position mitigates against the fixing being disengaged by simply being pulled away from the structure. The bracket is prevented from twisting back to a release position by the tensioned safety line passing through the cylindrical tube portion of the bracket. It is particularly preferred from this aspect that the mechanical fixing carried on-board or loaded on the bracket fixing has a rotational lixing axis that is substantially in line with the direction of extension of the web 8 and/or positioned directly below the tube portion 3. This enables easier rotation and manipulation by hand.
In a variation on the fixing it vill be appreciated that in accordance with the invention rather than a bolt or other mechanical fixing held captive in a box structure or other 5 confinement stnicture, the fixing could he welded, fused or otherwise effectively permancntly sccured to the fixing portion of the bracket.
Furthermore it will be appreciated that other varieties of bracket fixing could be utilised.
For exampic the D ring fixing of' flgures IA and in could be utilised with a captive bolt (or other mechanical ftxing. This would be aclueved by means of providing the d ring with a captivation portion such as the box structure 9 (or for example welding the bolt to the D ring).
The fixings as described are particularly usefully employed in retaining a safety line in position, because when the safety line is tensioned, the safety line itself provides a restraint against the fixings rotating loose.

Claims (7)

  1. Claims: I. A bracket fixing for securing a safety line to a structure, the bracket fixing comprising:Sa safety line receiving portion, a fixing portion connected to the safety line receiving portion, the fixing portion having a captive mechanical fixing, arranged to engage with and secure the bracket to the structure.
  2. 2. A bracket fixing according to claim I, wherein the safety tine receiving portion comprises an elongate tube portion for receiving the safety line.
  3. 3. A bracket according to claim 2 wherein the fixing portion is spaced from the tube portion in a direction transvcrsc to the clongatc tube portion
  4. 4. A fixing according In any preceding claim, wherein tile mechanical fixing has an axis extending in a direction away from the safety line.
  5. 5. A fixing according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein Ihe fixing has an axis extending in a direction transverse to the safety line.
  6. 6, A fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the safety line receiving portion comprises an elongate tube portion for receiving the safety line, and further comprising a connecting web element connecting the tube portion to the fixing portion.
  7. 7. A fixing according to claim 6, whcrcin the fixing has an axis extending in a direction away from the elongate tube portion, the axis being aligned with the direction in which the web portion extends. -1 08. A fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the bracket fixing is configured to be rotated about an axis to secure the mechanical fixing with the structure.9. A fixing according to claim 8, wherein the mechanical fixing is held captive so as not to be rotatable independently of the bracket fixing.1 0. A fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the captive mechanical fixing comprises a screw threaded shaft for screw threaded engagement to secure the bracket fixing to the structure.11. A fixing according to any of claims ito 9, wherein the captive mechanical fixing comprises a bayonet fixing.12. A fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the bracket fixing is provided as an integrated asscmbly or unit comprising the safety line receiving portion, the fixing portion and the captive mcchanical fixing arrangcd to engage with and secure the unitary bracket fixing to the structure.13. A fixing according to any preceding claim comprising a first bracket element formed from a sheet deformed to form an elongate tube portion, and a fixing portion comprising a box structure funned about a part of the mechanical fixing in order to hold the mechanical fixing captive.14. A fixing according to claim 13, further comprising a connecting web element connecting the tube portion to the fixing portion, wherein the web portion comprises first and second portions of the sheet arranged face adjacent face.15. A fixing according to any preceding claim, whcrein thc captive mechanical fixing comprises a bolt and the fixing portion is Ibmied about the head oithe bolt to hold the bolt head captive.16. A fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the mechanical fixing is set in a pre-fixed captive relationship with the fixing portion before deployment to secure the bracket fixing to the structure.17. A bracket fixing for securing a safety line to a structure, the bracket fixing comprising: a safety line receiving portion, a fixing portion connected to the safety line receiving portion; wherein the bracket fixing is configured to be engaged with a receiving strueLure and rotated about an axis to secure the mechanical fixing with the receiving structure.18. A method of setting up a safety line using a plurality of bracket fixings according to any preceding claim, wherein for thc respective bracket fixings the mechanical fixing is set in a pre-fixed relationship captive with the fixing portion of a respective bracket fixing before deployment to secure the bracket fixing to the structure.19. A safety line system comprising: a plurality of bracket fixings for securing a safety line to a structure, a bracket fixing comprising; a safety line receiving portion; a fixing portion cormected to the safety line receiving portion; one or more respective receiving structures, the bracket fixing being configured to be engaged with a receiving structure and rotated about an axis to retain the mechanical fixing with the receiving structure; a safety Line strung via the bracket fixings and tensioned such that the presence of the safety line inhibits rotation of the respective bracket fixing to a position in which the bracket fixing can be disengaged from the receiving structure.
GB1406439.8A 2009-09-02 2009-09-02 Bracket fixing for a safety line Active GB2510991B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1406439.8A GB2510991B (en) 2009-09-02 2009-09-02 Bracket fixing for a safety line

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1406439.8A GB2510991B (en) 2009-09-02 2009-09-02 Bracket fixing for a safety line
GB0915281.0A GB2473209B (en) 2009-09-02 2009-09-02 Bracket fixing for a safety line

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201406439D0 GB201406439D0 (en) 2014-05-28
GB2510991A true GB2510991A (en) 2014-08-20
GB2510991B GB2510991B (en) 2015-02-18

Family

ID=50844783

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1406439.8A Active GB2510991B (en) 2009-09-02 2009-09-02 Bracket fixing for a safety line

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2510991B (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20317251U1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2004-03-18 Klaus Fischer Gmbh Personnel safety device has runner unit movable on steel cable and with preformed sheet metal pieces which in lower section have elongated hole extending at right angles to axis
WO2005037377A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-28 Poldmaa, Kathleen Safety line anchor

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005037377A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-28 Poldmaa, Kathleen Safety line anchor
DE20317251U1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2004-03-18 Klaus Fischer Gmbh Personnel safety device has runner unit movable on steel cable and with preformed sheet metal pieces which in lower section have elongated hole extending at right angles to axis

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2510991B (en) 2015-02-18
GB201406439D0 (en) 2014-05-28

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