GB2577473A

GB2577473A - An attachment device

Info

Publication number: GB2577473A
Application number: GB1812178.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Carden Anthony
Original assignee: Anthony Carden Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Anthony Carden Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-26
Filing date: 2018-07-26
Publication date: 2020-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-26
Also published as: GB2577473B; GB201812178D0

Abstract

An attachment device 10 for a safety apparatus includes: (i) an attachment formation 12 for engaging a construction element; (ii) a holding formation 11 for receiving a part of the safety apparatus, having a mouth 17 whereby the part of the safety apparatus may be introduced into the holding formation and (iii) a release management formation 111 (optionally including at least one complete helix) spanning the mouth for hindering removal of the part of the safety apparatus from the holding formation. There is also provided an installation apparatus (35, Fig 4a and 7a) for installing the attachment device having a first and second support formation (36, 37, Fig 4a and 7a) for engaging with a first and second part of the attachment device, a kit including the attachment device and installation apparatus, and a method of installing the safety apparatus.

Description

TITLE: An attachment device

FIELD

This specification relates to an attachment device; specifically, although not exclusively, an attachment device for a safety apparatus.

BACKGROUND

It is a requirement that when working above head height, a safety apparatus should be provided to arrest a fall, whether of a person or of debris.

The safety apparatus should also serve to protect anyone below the working position from falling objects.

It is also known to provide a safety apparatus including a supported safety net or flexible sheet, for example using an attachment device as described in 20 GB2391581.

SUMMARY

There is provided an attachment device for a safety apparatus including: an attachment formation for engaging a construction element; a holding formation for receiving a part of the safety apparatus, the holding formation having a mouth whereby the part of the safety apparatus may be introduced into the holding formation; and a release management formation spanning the mouth for hindering removal of the part of the safety apparatus from the holding formation.

The release management formation may include at least one complete helix.

The attachment formation may be disposed such that when the attachment formation engages the construction element, the construction element may be disposed adjacent the holding formation.

The release management formation may be integrally formed with the holding formation.

The holding formation may include a first holding part and a second holding part.

In use, the first holding part and the second holding part may contact the safety apparatus.

The holding formation may be configured such that after the part of the safety apparatus has been introduced into the holding formation, the part of the safety apparatus may be further secured by reintroduction into the holding formation.

When the attachment formation engages a construction element, the construction element may be disposed adjacent the mouth such that the mouth may be closed by the construction element to hinder withdrawal of the part of the safety apparatus from the holding formation.

The attachment device may further include a transverse part extending from the holding formation to the attachment formation wherein the transverse part may define a passage whereby the part of the safety apparatus may be introduced into the holding formation, the passage may lie in a plane transverse to a plane in which the holding formation lies.

When the attachment device engages a construction element, the transverse part may lie adjacent the construction element.

The holding formation may include a first end and a second end, the first end 5 and second end may define the mouth, wherein the first end and second end may be connected to the attachment formation.

The attachment formation may include a first attachment part and a second attachment part, the first attachment part may be connected to the first end 10 and the second attachment part may be connected to the second end.

The first attachment part may be connected to the first end by a first limb and the second attachment part may be connected to the second end by a second limb, the first limb and second limb may provide the transverse part.

The first limb and the second limb may be spaced and define the passage.

The attachment formation may include a hook to engage a construction element.

The holding formation may extend transversely to the attachment formation such that, when the attachment device engages a construction element, the holding formation may extend transversely to the construction element.

The attachment formation may be adapted to engage a construction element including a beam.

The beam may include a transverse flange wherein the attachment formation may be adapted to engage the flange.

The first attachment part and the second attachment part each may include a hook to engage the flange.

The attachment formation may include a generally part-circular part to receive a construction element having a generally circular cross-section.

The attachment device may be a unitary element.

The unitary element may be an elongate element bent to form the attachment 10 device.

The unitary element may include or be of spring steel.

There is also provided an installation apparatus configured to engage the attachment device including: a first support formation; a second support formation; and an elongate formation extending away from the first and second support formations, wherein the first support formation is configured to engage with a first portion of the attachment device and the second support formation is configured to engage with a second portion of the attachment device.

In use, the first support formation may be introduced into the holding formation of the attachment device.

The first support formation may include one or more shoulders for restricting movement in at least one plane of the attachment device.

The second support formation may be configured to engage the attachment formation.

The elongate formation may form or connect to a handle.

The installation apparatus may be or include a unitary element.

There is also provided a kit including: an attachment device; and an installation apparatus.

There is also provided a method of installing a safety apparatus including: (i) engaging a holding formation of an attachment device with a part of the safety apparatus; (ii) engaging the attachment device with an installation apparatus; (iii) engaging an attachment formation of the attachment device with a construction element; and (iv) disengaging the installation apparatus from the attachment device.

Step (i) may include engaging a plurality of holding formations of a plurality of attachment devices with part(s) of the safety apparatus.

Step (i) may be performed prior to steps (ii) to (iv).

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an attachment device; Figure 1 b shows a side view of the attachment device of Figure 1 a; Figure 1c shows the other side view of the attachment device of Figure 1 a; Figure ld shows a plan view of the attachment device of Figure la; Figure 2 shows a plan view from below of a safety apparatus and attachment devices of Figure 1 a in use; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the safety apparatus and attachment device from section 3-3 in Figure 2; Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the attachment device of Figure la and an embodiment of an installation apparatus; Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the attachment device of Figure la and the installation apparatus of Figure 4a in engagement; Figure 4c shows a side view of the attachment device of Figure la and the installation apparatus of Figure 4a in engagement; Figure 4d shows the other side view of the attachment device of Figure la and the installation apparatus of Figure 4a in engagement; Figure 4e shows a plan view of the attachment device of Figure la and the installation apparatus of Figure 4a in engagement; Figure 5 shows the attachment device of Figure la and the installation apparatus of Figure 4a in use; Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the installation apparatus of Figure 4a; Figure 7a shows a perspective view of the attachment device of Figure la and another embodiment of an installation apparatus; Figure 7b shows a perspective view of the attachment device of Figure la and the installation apparatus of Figure 7a in engagement; and Figure 7c shows a plan view of Figure 7b the attachment device of Figure la and the installation apparatus of Figure 7a in engagement.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 a to 1d of the drawings, an attachment device for a safety apparatus is generally indicated at 10. The attachment device 10 includes an attachment formation 12. The attachment formation 12 is for engaging a construction element. The attachment device 10 also includes a holding formation 11. The holding formation 11 is for receiving a part of the safety apparatus. The holding formation 10 has a mouth 17. Specifically, the holding formation 10 has a mouth 17 whereby the part of the safety apparatus may be introduced into the holding formation 11.

The attachment device 10 further includes a release management formation 111. The release management formation 111 spans the mouth 17. This is advantageous for hindering removal of the part of the safety apparatus from the holding formation 11. In particular, it has been found that if an attachment formation of a prior attachment device becomes disengaged from a construction element to which it was attached, the holding formation can also become disengaged from the safety apparatus and the attachment device may fall to the ground, which is potentially dangerous. However, the attachment device 10 including the release management formation 111 may be much less likely to disengage from the safety apparatus, therefore it may be much less likely to fall to the ground and a safer attachment device may be provided.

The release management formation 111 may include at least one complete helix 13. The at least one complete helix 13 may include at least one complete helical turn. The at least one complete helix 13 may include a non-integer number of turns. Examples of a non-integer helical turns may be, for example, at least 1.75 or at least 1.5 turns or at least 1.25 turns. The at least one complete helix 13 may be left-handed or right-handed.

It should be understood that by helix may include generally helical, for example, the generally helical shape may include angular formations.

A pitch of the at least one complete helix 13 may be greater than a cross-section of the at least one complete helix 13. This may be advantageous so as to form a space between each turn of the at least one complete helix 13.

It will be appreciated that other shapes may be used, for example, a coil or loop. The at least one complete helix 13 may define an eye 14. The at least one complete helix 13 may define an axis in a direction of extension. The axis of extension may pass through the eye 14.

It may be further advantageous to provide a helical release management formation 111. The safety apparatus may be safer by entanglement within the attachment device 10. Entanglement of the safety apparatus in the attachment device 10 may reduce the chance that the safety apparatus separates from the attachment device 10. This entanglement may be accomplished by wrapping an edge rope of a safety apparatus around the holding formation 11.

The attachment formation 12 may be disposed such that when the attachment formation 12 engages the construction element, the construction element may be disposed adjacent the holding formation 11. This may be advantageous to hinder removal of the safety apparatus from the holding formation 11.

The release management formation 111 may be integrally formed with the holding formation 11. The release formation 111 may be a static relative to the holding formation.

The holding formation 11 may include a first holding part 112. In use, the first holding part 112 may contact the safety apparatus. The holding formation 11 may also include a second holding part 113. In use, the second holding part 113 may also contact the safety apparatus. The first and second holding parts 112, 113 may contact different portions of the safety apparatus. Further, the first and second holding parts 112, 113 may hinder removal of the safety apparatus from the attachment device 10. In addition to reducing the chance that the safety apparatus separates from the attachment device 10, the first and second holding parts may provide the advantage of reducing torsional movement of the attachment device 10 and/ or unwanted stresses.

The holding formation 11 may be configured such that after the part of the safety apparatus has been introduced into the holding formation 11, the part of the safety apparatus may be more secure within the holding formation 11.

Further securing may be, for example, by reintroduction of the safety apparatus into the holding formation 11. The safety apparatus may be firstly introduced to the first holding part 112 and then reintroduced into the second holding part 113 -i.e. by "wrapping" the safety apparatus around the holding formation.

When the attachment formation 12 engages a construction element, the construction element may be disposed adjacent the mouth 17. The construction element may be disposed adjacent the mouth 17 such that the mouth 17 may be closed by the construction element. This may be advantageous to hinder withdrawal of the part of the safety apparatus from the holding formation 11.

The attachment device 10 may further include a transverse part 20. The transverse part 20 may extend from the holding formation 11 to the attachment formation 12. Further, the transverse part 20 may define a passage 23. The part of the safety apparatus may be introduced into the holding formation 11 via the passage 23. The passage 23 may lie in a plane transverse to a plane in which the holding formation 11 lies.

When the attachment device 10 engages the construction element, the transverse part 20 may lie adjacent the construction element.

The holding formation 11 may include a first end 15. The holding formation may also include a second end 16. The first and second ends 15, 16 may be ends of the release management formation 111. The first end 15 may be a part of the first holding part 112. The second end 16 may be a part of the second holding part 113. The first end 15 and second end 16 may define the mouth 17. The mouth 17 may be a mouth of the eye 14. The first end 15 may be connected to the attachment formation 12. The second end 16 may also be connected to the attachment formation 12.

The attachment formation 12 may include a first attachment part 18. The attachment formation 12 may also include a second attachment part 19. The first attachment part 18 may be connected to the first end 15. The second attachment part 19 may be connected to the second end 16. The first and second attachment parts 18, 19 may be spaced in a direction generally transverse to a plane containing the holding formation 11.

The first attachment part 18 may be connected to the first end 15 by a first limb 18a, 19a. The second attachment part 19 may be connected to the second end 16 by a second limb 18b, 19b. The first limb 18a, 19a and second limb 18b, 19b may provide the transverse part 20. The transverse part 20 may include a first transverse limb 21. Further, the transverse part 20 may also include a second transverse limb 22. The first transverse limb 21 may extend from the first end 15 of the holding formation 11 to the first attachment part 18. The first transverse limb 21 may extend in a direction generally parallel to the first attachment part 18.

The second transverse limb 22 may extend from the second end 16 of the holding formation 11 to the second attachment part 19. As best seen in Figures 1 b and 10, the first and second transverse limbs 21, 22 of the transverse part 20 are generally co-planar with the second limbs 18b, 19b of the first and second attachment parts 18, 19.

A supporting part of the safety apparatus is shown in broken outline at 24 in Figures 1 b, lc, and ld. To receive the supporting part 24 in the holding formation 11, the supporting part 24 may be passed through the passage 23. A relative rotational movement between the supporting part 24 and the attachment device 10 may be required to allow the supporting part 24 to enter the eye 14. A further relative rotational movement between the supporting part 24 and the attachment device 10 may be required to allow the supporting part 24 to be more securely entangled within the eye 14.

The first limb 18a, 19a and the second limb 18b, 19b may be spaced. The first limb 18a, 19a and the second limb 18b, 19b may also define the passage 23. The passage 23 may extend from between the first and second attachment parts 18, 19 to the mouth 17. The passage 23 may lie in a plane which is generally transverse to a plane containing the eye 14.

The attachment formation 12 may include a hook. The hook may include the first limb 18a, 19a and the second limb 18b, 19b. The second limb 18b, 19b may be generally parallel to the first limb 18a, 19a. The first limb 18a, 19a and the second limb 18b, 19b may be connected by a shank part 18c, 19c. The hook may be advantageous to engage a construction element.

The holding formation 11 may extend transversely to the attachment formation 12. This may be such that, when the attachment device 10 engages a construction element, the holding formation 11 may extend transversely to the construction element.

The attachment formation 12 may be adapted to engage a construction element. The construction element may include a beam 30. The beam may be an I-beam. The beam 30 may include a web 31. The attachment formation 12 may be adapted to engage the flange 32, 33. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the beam 30 may include a pair of flanges 32, 33. The flange(s) 32, 33 may be on a lower part of the beam 30.

The first attachment part 18 may include a hook. In addition, the second attachment part 19 may include a hook. The hooks may be for engaging the flange 32, 33.

As shown in Figure 2, a safety apparatus is generally indicated at 34. The safety apparatus 34 may be supported on a plurality of construction elements. The safety apparatus 34 may include the supporting part 24. The supporting part 24 may be a peripheral rope. The peripheral rope may support a net 25. The net 25 may extend substantially across an area 26. The construction elements may define the area 26.

As shown in Figure 2, a plurality of attachment devices 10 may be provided.

The attachment formation 12 may receive the flange 32, 33 on the opposite side of the construction element to the area 26. The net 25 may be provided across the area 26. The peripheral rope 24 may be supported on multiple sides of the area 26. Support for the peripheral rope 24 may be provided by a plurality of attachment devices 10 at intervals of, for example, two metres.

The attachment formation 12 may include a generally part-circular part. This may be advantageous to receive a construction element having a generally circular cross-section such as a scaffolding pole or other element of a scaffold.

The limbs 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b may be generally part-circular. The ends of the limbs are preferably spaced from the holding formation by a distance which is smaller than the diameter of the part-circular part of the limbs to form a mouth.

The curvature of the limbs may be sufficient to accommodate a circular construction element but such that there may be a close fit between the construction element and the interior face of the limb.

The attachment device 10 may be a unitary element. It may be advantageous to provide an attachment device resistant to deformation when supporting the safety apparatus, and may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install. The unitary element may be an elongate element. The elongate element may be bent to form the attachment device 10.

The unitary element may include or be of spring steel. The gauge of spring steel may be 8mm. The inventors have found that spring steel is sufficiently ductile to be bent into shape but sufficiently resistant to deformation to have the required strength to support a safety apparatus but other suitable materials may of course be used, as desired.

To engage the construction element with the holding formation 11, it may be necessary to urge the construction part through the mouth by slightly deforming the limbs such that the construction element is held in the holding formation by means in a snug fit.

If the attachment device is made of spring steel, the limbs 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b may deform sufficiently to permit the construction element to move into engagement with the attachment formation 12, then spring back to the original position to hold the construction element in engagement with the attachment formation 12. The engagement and disengagement of the construction element and attachment formation 12 may be performed by, for example striking the attachment device 10 with a hammer.

It will be apparent that the attachment device 10 may be adapted, as desired.

Further, the attachment device 10 may be manufactured out of any appropriate material, and engage any appropriate construction element, as desired.

As shown in Figure 3, the transverse part 20 may lie adjacent the construction element. This may hinder escape of the peripheral rope 24 from the holding formation 11. The net 25 and peripheral rope 24 may exert an inward force on the attachment device 10. This inward force may urge the attachment device 10 in a direction 10 towards the area 26. Further, this may be advantageous to hold the attachment formation 12 in engagement with the flange 32.

As will be apparent from Figures 2 and 3, the first and second attachment parts 18, 19 may provide spaced contact points between the attachment device 10 and the construction element. This may be advantageous in resisting any rotational forces about a generally vertical axis.

The holding formation 11 may extend generally transversely to the construction element 30. As previously mentioned, this may be advantageous in minimising any rotational force on the attachment device 10 that may be caused by the inward tension of the peripheral rope 24 and net 25.

Because both ends of the release management formation 111 are supported by virtue of being attached to the attachment formation 12, the release management formation 111 may be more able to resist deformation as a result of tension forces due to the rope 24 and net 25.

It will be appreciated that the attachment device 10 may be used for supporting any other appropriate safety apparatus as desired.

For example, the safety apparatus may include a net 25 where a peripheral rope is not received in an attachment device 10, but where, for example, a separate rope or a rigid element such as a rod is received in the attachment device 10 and the net 25 is connected thereto. A rigid net connector may be used. It will be apparent that where a rod or other rigid element passes through the eye 14 of 15 each attachment device 10, the net 25 supported by the rod will not sag away from, for example, a wall, but will be hailed adjacent to the wall or the construction element.

Further, the safety apparatus may comprise a sheet of flexible material which is not reticulated, or may indeed comprise a safety line which passes through 20 the eye 14 of each attachment device 10.

It will be apparent that an attachment device 10 may take the form of further embodiments. For example, the transverse part 20 may have a second limb 21 having a first part and a second part at an angle to the first part and connected to release management formation 111.

The release management formation 111 may be generally perpendicular (i.e. receive the safety apparatus generally perpendicularly) relative to the second limb 18b of the first attachment part 18, rather than being at an angle thereto.

The release management formation 111 may be slightly narrower and generally perpendicular to the first attachment part 18.

It will be apparent that an attachment device 10 may be adapted to engage any other appropriate construction element as desired.

The first and second attachment parts 18, 19 may include a first limb 18a, 19a which is substantially longer than the second limb 18b, 19b, and extends beyond the end of the holding formation 11. The first and second limbs 18a, 19a may be bent in a direction generally away from the holding formation 11.

Optionally, and not illustrated in the Figures, the angle between the first limb 18a, 19a and the corresponding shank part 18c, 19c may be 'over bent', that is less than 90 degrees, such that the first and second attachment parts 18, 19 grip the construction element received therein.

The holding formation is thus able to receive an end part of a construction element in the attachment formation 12. It will thus be apparent that an attachment device 10 may be adapted to engage any appropriate type of construction element as desired.

Referring to Figures 4a to 4e of the drawings, an installation apparatus is generally indicated at 35.

The installation apparatus 35 is configured to engage the attachment device 10 (shown in Figure 4a). In use, the installation apparatus 35 and attachment device 10 are engaged as shown in Figures 4b to e. The installation apparatus 35 includes a first support formation 36. The installation apparatus 35 also includes a second support formation 37.

The installation apparatus 35 further includes an elongate formation 38. The 30 elongate formation 38 extends away from the first and second support formations 36, 37. The elongate formation 38 may connect to the second support formation 37.

The first support formation 36 is configured to engage with a first portion of the attachment device 10. The second support formation 37 is configured to engage with a second portion of the attachment device 10.

The first portion of the attachment device 10 may be a part of the holding formation 11. The second portion of the attachment device 10 may be a part of the attachment formation 12.

It may be advantageous to provide first and second support formations 36, 37, so the holding formation 11 and attachment formation 12 are both supported in the installation apparatus 35. Supporting both the holding formation 11 and attachment formation 12 during installation may provide easier, faster, and a more secure installation of the attachment device 10.

The first support formation 36 may include one or more shoulders 39. This may be advantageous for restricting movement in at least one plane of the attachment device 10. In use, the one or more shoulders 39 may extend a length of the holding formation 11 (as shown in Figures 4a to e), or be positioned either side the first portion of the attachment device 10 (as shown in Figures 7a to 7c). The holding formation 11 of the attachment device 10 may engage the one or more shoulders 39.

The second support formation 37 may be configured to engage the attachment formation 12 of the attachment device 10. The second support formation 37 may ease attachment of the attachment device 10 with the construction element by aiding alignment of the attachment formation 12 with the construction element.

Referring to Figure 5, the elongate formation 38 may form or connect to a handle 40. The handle 40 may be suitable for controlling a position of the attachment device 10. The handle 40 may extend to a position above head-height. The handle 40 may be retractable.

It may be advantageous to provide a handle for installing a safety apparatus which is as close as possible to the working height.

The handle 40 may be configured to connect to a plurality of installation apparatus 35. It may be advantageous to install a plurality of attachment devices 10 at a time.

Referring to Figure 6, the installation apparatus 35 may cup the holding formation 11. The holding formation 11 may be cupped around 180 degrees or more of the eye 14. Further, the installation apparatus 35 may extend to support the attachment formation 12. Extension of the installation apparatus 35 may surround the attachment device 10 at least 200 degrees about the eye 14. The elongate formation 38 may extend in direction away from the eye 14. The angle of extension of the elongate formation 38 with respect to the second support formation 37 may be 135 degrees about the eye 14.

Referring now to Figures 7a to c, an installation apparatus is generally indicated at 35 in the form of another embodiment.

When in use, the first support formation 36 may be introduced into the holding formation 11 of the attachment device 10. The first support formation 36 may be introduced into the eye 14 of the at least one complete helix 13.

The installation apparatus 35 may be or include a unitary element. This, like before, may be advantageous for the installation apparatus 35 to be resistant to deformation when supporting the attachment device 10 and safety apparatus, and be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to use.

The unitary element may be bent to form the installation apparatus 35. The first and second support formations 36, 37 may be bent at an angle perpendicular to the elongate formation 38. The second support formation 37 may include two elongate sections adjoined with a bend. The two elongate sections may extend in the same plane.

The one or more shoulders 39 may be a bend in the unitary element.

The first support formation 36 may include a first elongate section, and a second elongate section extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the first elongate section. The first elongate section may include one or more shoulders 39. In addition, the second elongate section may include one or more shoulders 39.

There is also provided a kit. The kit includes an attachment device 10 and an installation apparatus 35. The kit may also include a safety apparatus.

A method of installing a safety apparatus is also provided.

A step of the method includes engaging a holding formation 11 of an attachment device 10 with a part of the safety apparatus. Another step of the method includes engaging the attachment device 10 with an installation apparatus 35. Engagement of the installation apparatus 35 with the attachment device 10 may be performed in accordance with the description above. A further step of the method includes engaging an attachment formation 12 of the attachment device 10 with a construction element. A final step of the method includes disengaging the installation apparatus 35 from the attachment device 10. These steps may be performed as previously described.

Additional steps may include engaging a plurality of holding formations 11 of a plurality of attachment devices 10 with part(s) of the safety apparatus.

Engaging a holding formation 11 of an attachment device 10 with a part of the safety apparatus may be performed prior to other steps.

This may be advantageous in that the attachment device(s) 10 may be first fitted around the safety apparatus, and the safety apparatus subsequently installed to provide easier installation.

It may also be advantageous to install the safety apparatus 34 whilst the net 25 is still on the ground. The formation of the eye 14, mouth 17 and passage 23, requiring as it does a relative rotation between the rope 24 and the attachment device 10 to link the rope 24 to the attachment device 10, will thus serve to help retain the rope 24 in the eye 14 of each attachment device 10 even when not under tension. Further relative motion of the rope to the attachment device 10 may further entangle the rope 24 in the eye 14 of each attachment device 10, and will thus further serve to help retain the rope 24 in the eye 14 of each attachment device 10.

The individual attachment devices 10 may then be lifted up to the beam 30, and the attachment formation 12 engaged with the flange 32, for example by use of an appropriate tool such as the installation apparatus 35, or by any other means as desired.

The attachment device 10 thus provides a safer, simpler and inexpensive device for supporting a safety apparatus which may be easily installed and 30 removed.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "includes" and "including" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the arrangement in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An attachment device for a safety apparatus including: an attachment formation for engaging a construction element; a holding formation for receiving a part of the safety apparatus, the holding formation having a mouth whereby the part of the safety apparatus may be introduced into the holding formation; and a release management formation spanning the mouth for hindering removal of the part of the safety apparatus from the holding formation.
2. An attachment device according to claim 1 wherein the release management formation includes at least one complete helix.
3. An attachment device according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the attachment formation is disposed such that when the attachment formation engages the construction element, the construction element is disposed adjacent the holding formation.
4. An attachment device according to claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the release management formation is integrally formed with the holding formation.
5. An attachment device according to any preceding claim wherein the holding formation includes a first holding part and a second holding part.
6. An attachment device according to claim 5 wherein, in use, the first holding part and the second holding part contact the safety apparatus.
7. An attachment device according to any preceding claim wherein the holding formation is configured such that after the part of the safety apparatus has been introduced into the holding formation, the part of the safety apparatus may be further secured by reintroduction into the holding formation.
8. An attachment device according to any preceding claim wherein when the attachment formation engages a construction element, the construction element is disposed adjacent the mouth such that the mouth is closed by the construction element to hinder withdrawal of the part of the safety apparatus from the holding formation.
9. An attachment device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment device further includes a transverse part extending from the holding formation to the attachment formation wherein the transverse part defines a passage whereby the part of the safety apparatus is introduced into the holding formation, the passage lying in a plane transverse to a plane in which the holding formation lies.
10. An attachment device according to claim 9 wherein when the attachment device engages a construction element, the transverse part lies adjacent the construction element.
11. An attachment device according to any preceding claim wherein the holding formation includes a first end and a second end, the first end and second end defining the mouth, wherein the first end and second end are connected to the attachment formation.
12. An attachment device according to claim 10 wherein the attachment formation includes a first attachment part and a second attachment part, the first attachment part being connected to the first end and the second attachment part being connected to the second end.
13. An attachment device according to claim 11 wherein the first attachment part is connected to the first end by a first limb and the second attachment part is connected to the second end by a second limb, the first limb and second limb providing the transverse part.
14. An attachment device according to claim 13 wherein the first limb and the second limb are spaced and define the passage.
15. An attachment device according to any preceding claim wherein the holding formation extends transversely to the attachment formation such that, when the attachment device engages a construction element, the holding formation extends transversely to the construction element.
16. An attachment device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment device is a unitary element, optionally wherein the unitary element is an elongate element bent to form the attachment device.
17. An installation apparatus configured to engage the attachment device according to any preceding claim including: a first support formation; a second support formation; and an elongate formation extending away from the first and second support formations, wherein the first support formation is configured to engage with a first portion of the attachment device and the second support formation is configured to engage with a second portion of the attachment device.
18. An installation apparatus according to claim 17 wherein, in use, the first support formation is introduced into the holding formation of the attachment device.
19. An installation apparatus according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the first support formation includes one or more shoulders for restricting movement in at least one plane of the attachment device.
20. An installation apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19 wherein the second support formation is configured to engage the attachment formation.
21. An installation apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 20 wherein the elongate formation forms or connects to a handle.
22. An installation apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 21 wherein the installation apparatus is or includes a unitary element.
23. A kit including: an attachment device of any of claims 1 to 16; and an installation apparatus of any of claims 17 to 22.
24. A method of installing a safety apparatus including: (i) engaging a holding formation of an attachment device of any of claims 1 to 16 with a part of the safety apparatus; (ii) engaging the attachment device with an installation apparatus of any of claims 17 to 22; (iii) engaging an attachment formation of the attachment device with a construction element; and (iv) disengaging the installation apparatus from the attachment device.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein: step (i) includes engaging a plurality of holding formations of a plurality of attachment devices of any of claims 1 to 22 with part(s) of the safety apparatus, optionally wherein step (i) is performed prior to steps (ii) to (iv).