WO2022144729A1 - Dual-action anchor - Google Patents

Abstract

A dual-action anchor having at least one coiled body with first and second paths of reduced strength, a buttress, and a fuse bridge. The anchor can be pivotally attached to a base.

Description

DUAL- ACTION ANCHOR

Background

Fall-protection systems are often used to enhance human safety when persons are working at elevated heights or are otherwise at risk of falling.

Summary

In broad summary, herein is disclosed a dual-action anchor. The anchor comprises at least one coiled body having first and second paths of reduced strength, and a buttress and a fuse bridge. The anchor can be pivotally attached to a base. These and other aspects will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should this broad summary be construed to limit the claimable subject matter, whether such subject matter is presented in claims in the application as initially filed or in claims that are amended or otherwise presented in prosecution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side-rear perspective view of an exemplary fall-protection anchor assembly comprising an exemplary anchor pivotally mounted on an exemplary base.

Fig. 2 is an isolated, magnified side-rear perspective view of the exemplary anchor of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side view, looking along the transverse axis, of the exemplary anchor of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an isolated perspective view of an exemplary coiled body of an anchor, with other components having been omitted for ease of viewing the features of the coiled body.

Fig. 5 is a side-rear perspective view of another exemplary fall-protection anchor assembly comprising an exemplary anchor apparatus pivotally mounted on an exemplary base.

Fig. 6 is a top view, looking downward along the vertical axis, of an exemplary fall-protection system comprising two anchor assemblies with a safety line extended therebetween.

Fig. 7 shows experimental data obtained from dynamic testing of a prototype anchor apparatus.

Like reference numbers in the various figures indicate like elements. Some elements may be present in identical or equivalent multiples; in such cases only one or more representative elements may be designated by a reference number but it will be understood that such reference numbers apply to all such identical elements. Unless otherwise indicated, all figures and drawings in this document are not to scale and are chosen for the purpose of illustrating different embodiments of the invention. In particular the dimensions of the various components are depicted in illustrative terms only, and no relationship between the dimensions of the various components should be inferred from the drawings, unless so indicated. Although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used in this disclosure, it should be understood that those terms are used in their relative sense only unless otherwise noted Terms such as vertical, upward and downward, above, and below, and so on, have their ordinary meaning with respect to the Earth. The horizontal direction likewise has its ordinary meaning as any direction that is at least generally perpendicular to the vertical direction The term transverse denotes an axis that passes through the thinnest dimension of a coiled body of an anchor as disclosed herein The term forward-rearward denotes an axis that extends at least generally perpendicular to the vertical axis and the transverse axis, and is aligned with a major plane of the coiled body of the anchor. Along this axis, forward indicates a direction along which a safety line will extend from the anchor (and from which a force may be applied to the anchor, as discussed later herein); rearward indicates an opposing direction. For clarity, the vertical axis “v” and up and down directions “u” and “d” thereof, the forward-rearward axis “f-r” and forward and rearward directions thereof, and the transverse axis “t”, are illustrated in various Figures herein. Radial, radially, and similar terminology, refers to a direction in the major plane of the coiled body of the anchor and that extends toward (radially-inwardly) or away from (radially-outwardly) the geometric center of the coiled body. Circumferential, circumferentially, and similar terminology, refers to a direction that is in the maj or plane of the coiled body of the anchor and that extends generally orbitally around the geometric center of the coiled body

As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring a high degree of approximation (e.g., within +/- 20 % for quantifiable properties). For angular orientations, the term “generally” means within clockwise or counterclockwise 15 degrees The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within +/- 10% for quantifiable properties). For angular orientations, the term “substantially” means within clockwise or counterclockwise 5 degrees. The term “essentially” means to a very high degree of approximation (e.g., within plus or minus 2 % for quantifiable properties; within plus or minus 2 degrees for angular orientations); it will be understood that the phrase “at least essentially” subsumes the specific case of an “exact” match. However, even an “exact” match, or any other characterization using terms such as e.g. same, equal, identical, uniform, constant, and the like, will be understood to be within the usual tolerances or measuring error applicable to the particular circumstance rather than requiring absolute precision or a perfect match. The term “configured to” and like terms is at least as restrictive as the term “adapted to”, and requires actual design intention to perform the specified function rather than mere physical capability of performing such a fonction. All references herein to numerical parameters (dimensions, ratios, and so on) are understood to be calculable (unless otherwise noted) by the use of average values derived from a number of measurements of the parameter.

Detailed Description

Disclosed herein is a dual-action anchor 1 that can be used as part of a fall-protection safety system. In some embodiments, such a fall-protection safety system may be a “horizontal” system (such systems are often referred to as horizontal lifelines). As shown in exemplary embodiment in Fig. 6 and discussed later in detail, in some embodiments a horizontal fall-protection safety system 600 may comprise an safety line (e.g., atensioned cable, made of e.g. metal such as galvanized steel or stainless steel) 601, one end of which is connected to a first anchor assembly 110 (in this case, comprising first and second anchors 1 and 1 ’) and a second end of which is connected to a second anchor assembly 110’. Any such anchor is a component that is quasi-permanently attached to a particular location of a support surface. As shown in various Figures herein, in some embodiments the attaching of an anchor 1 to a support surface may be achieved by attaching the anchor 1 to a base 500 that is in turn attached to a roof or other support surface 602, with the anchor and base collectively forming an anchor assembly.

A horizontal fall-protection system can provide fall protection for a person working or otherwise present e.g. on an at least generally horizontal surface such as, for example, a rooftop. To achieve this, the person wears a harness to which is attached one end of a tether or lanyard, the other end of which is attached to a traveler that is able to move (e.g. slide) along the safety line so that the person can move along the elongate length of the safety line as desired.

In the art, a horizontal fall-protection system often comprises (in addition to the major components described above and other ancillary items) two components or features that are used for particular purposes in the event of a user fall. A first feature is that at least some (e.g. all) of the anchors of the system will be configured with a tip-over post. For example, an anchor may comprise a post that is mounted on a base (which in turn may be attached to a support surface such as a roof), the post extending generally vertically upward from the base, with the safety line being connected to the top of the post. The vertical post is configured (e.g. with a zone of weakness) so that in the event of a force on the post above a certain threshold (due e.g. to a user fall), the post will tip over. Some such anchors may comprise one or more springs that modulate the tipping action of the post. Anchors of this general type, along with other components and features of horizontal fall-protection safety systems, are depicted in International Patent Application Publication WO 2020/170009, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The primary purpose of such a tip-over arrangement is to limit the bending moment that develops on the base in the event of a user fall. That is, with the post having tipped, the force on the base will mainly be shear force that is applied along a direction that aligned with, and is very close to, a major plane of the base. This will have the result that very little bending moment is applied to the base (and thus to the support surface to which the base is attached). Such arrangements can advantageously minimize any damage that occurs to a base and/or to e g . a roof to which the base is attached, in the event of a fall

A second commonly-found feature of horizontal fall-protection system is an energy absorber. Such an item is configured to, in the event of a user fall, arrest the fall in a gradual manner. Energy absorbers have taken various forms, e.g. so-called tear strips comprising Z-folded lengths of fabric material that are sewn together and that can “unzip” under a sufficient force. In some instances an energy absorber (e.g. a fabric tear strip) may be provided in-line in a tether that connects a harness to a safety line. In some instances, an energy absorber (e.g. a strip of metal that is z-folded and can be unfolded under a sufficient force) may be provided in-line in a safety line that extends between two (or more) anchors. (An energy absorber of this general type is depicted in Fig. 9 of the above-mentioned WO 2020/170009 publication.)

Thus in summary, horizontal fall-protection systems have often comprised a tip-over post, whose primary purpose is to protect a support surface (e.g. a roof) from damage in the event of a fall; and, an energy absorber, whose primary purpose is to bring the user of the system to a gradual halt in the event of a fall. The arrangements disclosed herein provide a dual-action anchor that achieves both purposes, thus potentially eliminating the need to have separate items to perform such functions.

A dual-action anchor 1 as described herein comprises a coiled body 202 with first and second paths of reduced strength 208 and 216, and a buttress 20. Anchor 1 additionally comprises a fuse bridge 21. Anchor 1 further comprises a first connector 31 that can be used to attach anchor 1 to a base 500; first connector 31 is typically located at or near the bottom 262 of coiled body 202, e.g. extending or otherwise protruding from buttress 20. Anchor 1 further comprises a second connector 41 that is typically located at or near the top 261 of coiled body 202 and that can be used to attach a safety line to anchor 1. These components and their functions will be described in turn.

Coiled body 202 comprises a quasi-circular (e.g., somewhat ovoid) shape with a top 261, a bottom 262, a forward side 263 (designated as the side on which second connector 41 is positioned) and a rearward side 264. Coiled body 202 exhibits an outer diameter (OD) as indicated in Fig. 4 (if body 202 is somewhat ovoid, the OD will be measured at the location where it is the largest). In some embodiments, coiled body 202 may be in the general form of a plate that exhibits a major plane that is oriented generally along the vertical axis and the forward-rearward axis, as is evident from Figs. 1-3. Such a plate-like, coiled body 202 will exhibit an aspect ratio of at least 4: 1. By this aspect ratio is meant the ratio of the maximum OD of body 202, to the transverse thickness T1 (as indicated on Fig. 4) of body 202. In various embodiments, this aspect ratio may be at least 6: 1, 8: 1, or 10: 1.

Coiled body 202 will exhibit a central axis X-X’ as indicated in Fig. 4; central axis X-X’ will pass approximately through the geometric center 251 of coiled body 202 and will be aligned with the transverse axis “t” of the anchor and of body 202. Coiled body 202 comprises a first end 204 and a second, generally opposing end 206, which will be more fully discussed below. In many embodiments, first end 204 will be located near the bottom 262 of coiled body 202, and second end 206 will be located near the top of coiled body 202, as evident e.g. from Fig. 2.

Coiled body 202 includes a first path of reduced strength 208 as indicated in Figs. 2-4. (The first path of reduced strength 208 may hereinafter be interchangeably referred to as the “first path 208” ) The first path 208 extends from the first end 204 of coiled body 202, to near the central axis X-X’ of the body 202 (i.e , to near the geometric center 251 of coiled body 202). In the illustrated embodiment, the first path 208 includes a plurality of first perforations 210. The plurality of first perforations 210 is arranged in (and spaced along) a first spiral shape, such that the plurality of first perforations 210 extends from the first end 204 to near the central axis X-X’ of the body 202 in a substantially spiral configuration. Each of the plurality of first perforations 210 penetrates at least partially, e.g. completely, through the transverse thickness T1 of body 202. Typically, each of the plurality of the first perforations 210 will penetrate through body 202 in a direction that is at least generally parallel to central axis X-X’ (and thus to the transverse axis of the anchor) However, if desired, in some embodiments at least some of the perforations may penetrate at an off-angle relative to the central axis; e g. they may penetrate through the transverse thickness of the coiled body in a diagonal manner.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of first perforations 210 is spaced apart from one another by a first distance “DI”, i.e., adjacent first perforations 210 are separated by the first distance “DI”, as shown in Fig. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first perforations 210 are uniformly arranged along the first path 208 such that a value of the first distance “DI” is substantially equal. In other embodiments, the first perforations 210 may be non-uniformly arranged along the first path 208 such that the value of the first distance “DI” may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of first perforations 210 has a substantially circular configuration. Accordingly, each of the plurality of first perforations 210 defines a first diameter “FD”. In the illustrated embodiment, an actual value of the first diameter “FD” of each of the plurality of first perforations 210 is equal to one another. In other embodiments, the actual value of the first diameter “FD” of one or more of the plurality of first perforations 210 may be different from one another. In other embodiments, one or more of the plurality of first perforations 210 may have any other configuration, such as rectangular, triangular, elliptical, and so on.

Additionally, coiled body 202 includes a first hole 212, that typically penetrates entirely through the transverse thickness T1 of coiled body 202. The first hole 212 is disposed near to the central axis X-X’ and is aligned with the first path 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the first hole 212 has a substantially teardrop-shaped configuration. (In other embodiments, the first hole 212 may have any other configuration, such as circular, elliptical, and so on.) Accordingly, the first hole 212 may define a first tapered end 214, such that the first tapered end 214 is aligned with the first path 208. Specifically, the first tapered end 214 of hole 212 may be aligned with, and in close proximity to, a nearest first perforation 210 that is disposed at an end of the first path 208 near the central axis X-X’. Thus, in such embodiments, first path 208 may extend from a first end 252 that is located near junction 26 from which buttress 20 integrally extends from first region 224 of coiled body 202, to a second end 253 that is located relatively near the geometric center 251 of coiled body 202, as seen in Fig. 3. In at least some embodiments, first end 252 of first path 208 may be in close proximity to second terminal end 25 of passivated zone 22, and second end 253 of first path 208 may be in close proximity to first tapered end 214 of first hole 212. (Buttress 20 and passivated zone 22 are discussed in detail later herein.)

Coiled body 202 also includes a second path of reduced strength 216. The second path of reduced strength 216 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “second path 216”. The second path 216 is spaced radially apart from the first path 208 (and vice versa). The second path 216 extends from the second end 206 to near the central axis X-X’ of body 202. The second path 216 is arranged in a second spiral shape, such that the second path 216 extends from the second end 206 to near the central axis X-X’ of the body 202 in a substantially spiral configuration. Being spaced radially apart from each other as noted above, the first and second spiral shapes of paths 208 and 216 are thus concentric with each other as will be evident e.g. from Fig. 3. Further, the first and second spiral shapes are substantially similar to each other. Thus, in some respects the illustrated paths 208 and 216, in combination, resemble e.g. a double-branched Fermat spiral. In other embodiments, the first and second spiral shapes may be at least slightly different from each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second path 216 includes a plurality of second perforations 218. Each of the plurality of second perforations 218 extends at least partially, e.g. completely, through the transverse thickness of coiled body 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second perforations 218 are spaced apart from one another by a third distance “D3”, i.e., adjacent second perforations 218 are separated by the third distance “D3”. In the illustrated embodiment, the second perforations 218 are uniformly arranged along the second path 216 such that a value of the third distance “D3” is substantially equal In other embodiments, the second perforations 218 may be non-uniformly arranged along the second path 216 such that the value of the third distance “D3” may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of second perforations 218 has a substantially circular configuration. Accordingly, each of the plurality of second perforations 218 defines a second diameter “SD”. In the illustrated embodiment, an actual value of the second diameter “SD” of each of the plurality of second perforations 218 is equal to one another. In other embodiments, the actual value of the second diameter “SD” of one or more of the plurality of second perforations 424 may be different from one another. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the second diameter “SD” is equal to the first diameter “FD”. In other embodiments, the second diameter “SD” may be different from the first diameter “FD”. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the third distance “D3” is equal to the first distance “DI”. In other embodiments, the third distance “D3” may be different from the first distance “DI”. Various other features of individual second perforations 218 and their arrangement may encompass any of those described above for first perforations 210.

Additionally, coiled body 202 includes a second hole 220, disposed near to the central axis X-X’ and aligned with the second path 216. Second hole 220 is disposed spaced apart from the first hole 212 (e.g. so that the holes, at their point of nearest approach, will be separated from each other by a distance that is at least as great as the coil region width (parameter “w” as indicated in Fig. 3 and discussed in further detail later herein). In the illustrated embodiment, the second hole 220 has a substantially teardrop-shaped configuration. Accordingly, the second hole 220 may define a first tapered end 222, such that the first tapered end 222 is aligned with the second path 216 Specifically, the first tapered end 222 of hole 220 may be aligned with, and in close proximity to, a nearest second perforation 218 that is disposed at an end of the second path 216 near the central axis X-X’. Thus, in such embodiments, second path 216 may extend from a first end 255 that is located near the second end 206 of coiled body 202, to a second end 256 that is located relatively near the geometric center 251 of coiled body 202, as seen in Fig. 3. In at least some embodiments, first end 255 of second path 216 may be near a location at which an extension diverges generally radially outwardly from second end 206 of coiled body 202 to provide a support for second connector 41, and second end 256 of second path 216 may be in close proximity to first tapered end 222 of second hole 220

As disclosed herein, coiled body 202 includes a first region 224 and a second region 226, as indicated e.g. in Fig. 2. The first region 224 is defined by each of the first path 208, the second path 216, and the first hole 212. More specifically, the first region 224 extends from the first end 204 up to the central axis X-X’ of the body 202 in a substantially spiral shape. The second region 226 is defined by each of the first path 208, the second path 216, and the second hole 220. More specifically, the second region 226 extends from the second end 206 up to the central axis X-X’ of the body 202 in a substantially spiral shape. Additionally, the second region 226 and the first region 224 are concentrically disposed relative to each other. As such, at most (e g. substantially all) locations along the circumferential length of coiled body 202, the first region 224 and the second region 226 are radially adjacent each other and are each bordered by the first path 208 (on one radial side of the region) and the second path 216 (on the radially-opposing side of that region). In other words, if coiled body 202 is traversed, starting from geometric center 251 and traveling radially outwards, sections of first region 224 and second region 226 will be encountered in alternate succession.

If coiled body 202 were to be fully uncoiled into an elongate (e.g. quasi-linear) body (with the first and second regions having separated completely from each other along the entire extent of the first and second paths of reduced strength), first region 224 will extend from the first end 204 of the elongate body (the end at which buttress 20 is present) to the midpoint of the elongate body (which midpoint will correspond to the geometric center 251 of the original, coiled body). Second region 226 will extend from the midpoint to the second end 206 of the elongate body (the end at which the second connector 41 is present). If coiled body 202 is uncoiled, the width of the resulting elongate body will correspond approximately to the distance between the first and second paths of reduced strength 208 and 216 in the original coiled body. This distance is termed the “coil region width” (mentioned briefly above) and is indicated as “w” in Fig. 3. The transverse thickness of the uncoiled elongate body will of course correspond to the transverse thickness of the original coiled body (T1 in Fig. 4).

All of the above-discussed parameters (including but not limited to the coil region width, the transverse thickness of the coiled body, the size and spacing of the perforations, and so on), may be chosen in view of the predetermined threshold of force above which the regions will separate from each other along the paths of reduced strength.

The arrangements described above provide a coiled body 202 (as shown in isolated view in Fig. 4) that, upon the application of a force above a predetermined threshold, can separate along one of both of the first and second paths of reduced strength 208 and 216, thus causing the coiled body to uncoil This process will absorb a considerable amount of energy and thus can be used to arrest the fall of a user of a fall- protection safety system in a controlled and gradual manner. In some embodiments, a coiled body of this type, with first and second connectors of any design, may be used forthis purpose. Such use, and particular arrangements of coiled bodies that are suited for this use, are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/870330 and in the resulting PCT application IB2020/055586 (published as International Patent Application Publication WO 2021/001711), all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. Various arrangements that are disclosed in these documents may also find use in the present disclosure. As made clear in the discussions in these documents, a coiled body with paths of reduced strength can advantageously provide a relatively flat energy-absorbing profile.

Buttress

To provide a coiled-body structure that can serve not only as an energy absorber but also as a tip- over post (so that the apparatus can thus serve as a dual-action anchor), additional features and functionalities have been developed in the present work and are described in detail below. In at least some embodiments, a dual action anchor 1 as disclosed herein comprises, in addition to coiled body 202 described above, a buttress 20. Buttress 20 acts to support coiled body 202 until such time as body 202 is dislodged from buttress 20 as described below. In the depicted embodiment buttress 20 extends integrally from first end 204 of coiled body 202. Specifically, buttress 20 extends integrally from a junction 26 with the circumferential end of the radially outermost segment of first region 224 of coiled body 202, as evident from Fig. 3. Buttress 20 comprises at least one connector 31 (indicated generically in the Figures herein) that can be used to attach buttress 20 to a base 500 to form an anchor assembly 10.

It was noted earlier herein that in some embodiments, coiled body 202 may be in the general form of a plate that exhibits major plane that is vertically and forwardly -rearwardly oriented, with the plate-like coiled body exhibiting an aspect ratio of at least e.g. 4: 1, 6: 1, 8: 1, or 10: 1. In some embodiments, buttress 20 may similarly be plate-like and may lie in the major plane of coiled body 202 and may exhibit an aspect ratio that is substantially similar to that of coiled body 202. Such an arrangement is evident e g. in the perspective view of Fig. 2 (such a condition is with regard to buttress 20 itself, notwithstanding the presence of a tab 32 that may protrude e.g. transversely from a lower end of buttress 20). In many embodiments buttress 20 will exhibit the same aspect ratio as coiled body 202, and will exhibit a thickness that is the same as the thickness T1 of coiled body 202, because buttress 20 and coiled body 202 may be made from the same piece (e.g. plate) of starting material, as discussed in detail later. Thus, in some embodiments, the entirety of coiled body 202, and buttress 20, may be portions of a single, integral structure. In various embodiment, buttress may abut, and e g. extend circumferentially around, an appropriate extent of the circumference of coiled body 202. In the depicted embodiment of Fig. 2, buttress 20 extends around approximately an octant of coiled body 202. In other embodiments, buttress 20 might extend around, for example, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, or 180 degrees. Fuse Bridge and Passivated Zone

As seen most easily in Figs. 2 and 3, anchor 1 comprises an item that will be termed a “fuse bridge” 21. A fuse bridge 21 is a feature in which a small portion of buttress 20 is joined (e.g., integrally joined) to a small portion of the radially outward surface 203 of coiled body 202 (specifically, to the radially outward surface of second region 226 of coiled body 202, as evident from Fig. 3). Anchor 1 further comprises a passivated zone 22 that extends from the fuse bridge 21 to a location proximate the first end 204 of coiled body 202. The term passivated denotes that in zone 22, no area of buttress 20 is joined to any part of coiled body 202. In some embodiments, in zone 22 a small (e g. less than 1 mm) gap may be present between the radially inward surface 23 of buttress 20 and the radially outward surface 203 of coiled body 202, as evident in Fig. 3. In other embodiments, at least some areas of these surfaces may be in contact with each other; however, they are not joined or otherwise adhered or attached to each other. In some embodiments, a gap between such surfaces may be occupied by a space-filling material, e.g. a gasketing or sealing material; however, any “attachment” of the two surfaces to each other that is provided by such a material will be negligible in contrast to that provided by an integral fuse bridge; such arrangements thus still fall within the definition of a passivated zone

In some embodiments, passivated zone 22 will comprise a first terminal end 24 that is located proximate (e.g. that is bounded by) fuse bridge 21. Passivated zone 22 may extend from this first terminal end 24 to a second terminal end 25 that is located proximate the first end 252 of the first path of reduced strength 208, as seen in Fig. 3. In various embodiments, passivated zone 22 may occupy an angular arc of at least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 degrees. In further embodiments, passivated zone 22 may occupy an angular arc of at most 180, 150, 120, 90, 80, 70 or 60 degrees. (A buttress 20 with a sufficiently large angular extent, that is, that extends circumferentially around coiled body 202 a suitable amount, can be provided if it is desired to for passivated zone 22 to have a large angular arc.) In particular embodiments, passivated zone 22 may occupy an angular arc of from about 20, 30 or 40 degrees, to about 80, 70 or 60 degrees

By definition, such an angular arc will be measured from a vertex that coincides with geometric center 2 1 of coiled body 202, while viewing the body along its transverse axis “t” (i.e. along the X-X’ axis). By way of a specific example, the exemplary passivated zone 22 of Fig. 3 occupies an angular arc in the range of approximately 50-55 degrees. In some embodiments, passivated zone 22 may comprise a radially inward surface 23 that is arcuate and is locally parallel to the radially outward surface 203 of coiled body, as in the design of Fig. 3. That is, in such embodiments surfaces 23 and 203 may be closely complementary to each other so that they are in close proximity (e.g. within 1 mm) along a portion, or the entirety, of passivated zone 22. In other embodiments, a larger gap between these surfaces may be present.

With the above features having been described, the ability of anchor 1 to perform a tip-over function of the general type described above can now be discussed. As noted earlier, anchor 1 can be mounted on a base 500 and can have a safety line attached to second connector 41. A user fall will cause the safety line to apply a force to connector 41 ; the force will be applied generally in the forward direction as indicated by block arrow 101 in Fig. 3. Because of the vertical separation between the location where the force is applied (at connector 41) and the location (at connector 31) where the buttress is attached to the base, a large lever arm will be present, thus considerable bending moment will be applied to coiled body 202

According to the arrangements disclosed herein, this bending moment will urge coiled body 202 to rotate about a hinge axis 27 located generally at or near the location indicated in Fig. 3 (and oriented parallel to the transverse axis “t”). Force 101 will thus urge coiled body 202 to “roll” generally forward and downward as indicated by curved arrow 102 in Fig. 3. This is opposed by the resistance offered by fuse bridge 21 If the force exceeds a predetermined threshold, fuse bridge 21 will rupture and break. The presence of passivated zone 22 provides that after fuse bridge 21 breaks, there is little resistance to the forward/ downward rotation of body 202 (except for the bending stiffness of the material of coiled body 202 itself; this stiffness typically requires much less force to overcome than the force required to actually rupture the material).

Coiled body 202 will thus “roll” generally forward and downward as generally indicated by arrow 102, until coiled body 202 has exhausted the freedom of movement allowed by passivated zone 22. At this point, coiled body 202 will have moved so that second connector 41, through which the force 101 is being applied, has moved vertically downward. There is now much less vertical offset between connector 41 and connector 31; thus, force 101 now acts on base 500 mainly in shear rather than exerting a large bending moment on base 500. Thus, the chance of, for example, the fasteners that hold the rearward end of base 500 being pulled out of the support surface (e.g. roof) to which the base is attached, is much reduced. Coiled body 202 has thus functioned in the general manner of a tip-over post.

At this point, no further movement of coiled body 202 or of individual regions thereof may occur unless the force 101 applied by way of connector 41 is sufficient to initiate separation of the firstand second regions 224 and 226 from each other along the first path of reduced strength 208 and/or along the second path of reduced strength 216. If the force is indeed above a predetermined threshold, such separation will occur and coiled body 202 will perform the energy-absorbing function as described earlier herein. That is, coiled body 202 will uncoil, dissipating energy as it does and arresting a user’ s fall in a more gradual manner than would occur if coiled body was not present. Typically, coiled body 202 will be configured so that coiled body 202 will absorb the energy of a fall without coiled body 202 completely uncoiling (e.g. into a quasi -linear elongate body as mentioned earlier). It is also noted that the tensile strength of such a quasi- linear elongate body will be such that the elongate body can withstand a far higher force than that required to cause tip-over and/or to cause separation along a path of reduced strength. (Also, the elongate body will remain integrally connected to buttress 20 via junction 26, during and after any such uncoiling.) Thus, after a fall event having been arrested with the coiled body 202 having become partially uncoiled, the weight of the person will be easily supported by the elongate body with a high margin of safety. The above discussions make it clear that a coiled body 202, if arranged as disclosed herein, can function as a tip-over post in addition to functioning as an energy absorber. The various parameters of coiled body 202 and buttress 20 can be chosen to set the tip-over functioning, and the energy absorbing functioning, as desired To a considerable degree, these can be established independently of each other In particular, the parameters of fuse bridge 21 (e.g. its size) and the parameters of perforations that make up the first and second paths of reduced strength (e.g. the size and spacing of the perforations) can be respectively chosen to set the predetermined threshold of force that causes fuse bridge 21 to break, and to set the predetermined threshold of force that causes a tear to propagate along a path of reduced strength.

In various embodiments, it may be advantageous to set a first threshold of force (that causes the fuse bridge to break) slightly higher than, in the same general range as, or somewhat lower than, a second threshold of force that causes a tear to propagate along a path of reduced strength. Thus in various embodiments, the first threshold of force may be less than 120, 110, 100, 80, or 60 % of the second threshold of force. In various embodiments the first threshold may be at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, or 90 % of the second threshold. It can be appreciated that even if the first threshold is e g. higher than the second threshold, the design of anchor 1 is such that little or no tearing along a path of reduced strength may occur prior to the breaking of fuse bridge 21. (That is, the above-described “roll-off’ of coiled body 202 off of buttress 20 will typically be the first thing to happen in reaction to a user fall.) It will further be appreciated that in the herem-disclosed designs, the energy-absorbing can occur by way of separation (e .g. simultaneous separation) along not one, but two (concentric-spiral) paths of reduced strength. This can advantageously allow various parameters (e.g. the threshold force to initiate such separation, and the manner in which the energy dissipation occurs as separation propagates along the paths of reduced strength) to be tailored as desired.

The arrangements disclosed herein promote a mode of operation in which a force 101 that is exerted on connector 41 causes coiled body 202 to “roll” generally forward and downward away from buttress 20. The design is configured so that this rotation will be generally about an axis of rotation that is aligned with the transverse axis “f ’ of the coiled body. In other words, the rotational movement will occur in the major plane of coiled body 202 (this will be referred to herein as “in-plane” rotation). Various arrangements can be included that enhance this mode of operation. For example, as can be seen in Fig. 3, second connector 41 (at which the safety line is connected to the coiled body) is not only vertically above first connector 31 (at which the buttress is connected to the base), connector 41 is forwardly offset relative to connector 31. This can provide that if sufficient force 101 indeed is developed on connector 41, the above-described forward and downward rolling action, with coiled body 202 e.g. remaining substantially vertically upright and rotating about its transverse axis, will be promoted.

It is noted in passing that if coiled body 202 is somewhat ovoid in shape, it may be advantageous to orient body 202 so that its longest dimension is oriented generally vertically, e.g. as evident in Figs. 2 and 3 This will position connector 41 at a sufficiently elevated level that a safety line that is fastened thereto will remain adequately spaced above the support surface to which the anchor and base are attached, while minimizing the total number of “wraps” of coiled body 202 that are needed to achieve this condition.

Another arrangement that can enhance the in-plane rotation is to attach buttress 20 to base 500 by way of a pivotal connection 501 that allows buttress 20 and coiled body 202 (e g , anchor 1 in its entirety) to pivot about an axis of rotation 502 that is generally vertically oriented, as shown in Fig. 1. This can provide that anchor 1 is free to pivot as needed to ensure that any force 101 that is applied to connector 41, is applied along a direction that is aligned with the major plane of coiled body 202. This can further enhance the tendency of coiled body 202 to rotate in-plane in response to force 101.

This pivotal connection between buttress 20 and base 500 may be achieved in any suitable manner. In the depicted embodiment, buttress 20 may be (fixedly) attached to a pedestal 503 that is rotatably mounted on base 500 (e.g. by way of an internal bushing or bearing 504, not visible in any figure but indicated in general in Fig. 1). Other arrangements that provide a pivotal connection may be suitable.

Second connector 41 may be of any type that allows a safety line to be connected thereto. Such a connector may be extremely simple, e.g. an orifice as shown in Fig. 2, through which an end of a safety line (or a coupling on the end of the safety line) can be passed through. However, it is emphasized that the particular connector 41 shown in these Figures is exemplary, and that any type of connector and connection scheme may be used. Various connectors which may be used are described for example in the publication entitled Technical Datasheets - RoofSafe Anchor (DBI Sale - 2013). The depicted embodiment of Fig. 1 shows connector 41 as an orifice that is present in a tab 42 that protrudes transversely from a support (unnumbered) that extends radially outward from second end 206 of coiled body 202. Such a connector is thus slightly transversely offset from the major plane of coiled body 202. However, this does not have to be the case. For example, a connector in the form of an in-plane orifice may be used, e.g. of the general type depicted in Fig. 4C of U S. Provisional Patent Application 62/870330, and in the resulting PCT application IB2020/055586.

Similarly, first connector 31 may be any suitable type that allows buttress 20 to be attached to a base (whether directly to the main body of the base, or e.g. to a pedestal that is pivotally mounted on the base). Again, such a connector may be extremely simple, e.g. an orifice in a tab 32 as shown in Fig. 2, through which a suitable fastener such as a bolt or rivet can pass. Many other connectors and connection schemes are possible. Regardless of the specific connectors that are used, first connector 31 of buttress 20 will typically be proximal to the base 500 (e.g. abutted against the base and pivotally attached thereto) and second connector 41 will be distal to the base 500.

In some embodiments, an arrangement can be used that may further enhance the ability to achieve the above-described in-plane rotation. Such an arrangement is shown in Fig 5, and uses a set of two coiled bodies and buttresses. Such a set of first and second coiled bodies and buttresses, acting in combination, will be termed an anchor apparatus 105 herein. (Such an apparatus, when mounted on a base 500, will be termed an anchor assembly 110 herein.) Various components of apparatus 105 and assembly 110 are identified by number in Fig. 5; those of the “second” set are marked with an apostrophe. The second coiled body 202’ and buttress 20’ are positioned so that the major plane of these items is oriented at least generally, or substantially, parallel to (e g within plus or minus 15, 10, or 5 degrees of) the major plane of the first coiled body 202 and buttress 20. These second items may be spaced apart from the first items along the transverse axis of the anchor apparatus, so that there is a transverse gap therebetween. The size of the gap may be chosen as desired. It will be appreciated that the use of two such coiled bodies and buttresses, with a suitable transverse gap therebetween, can enhance the ability of both coiled bodies to perform in-plane rotation when a force is applied to them.

In such embodiments, the buttresses are both attached (e.g. pivotally attached) to base 500, whether by each being separately attached to the base, or by way of the buttresses being attached to each other and then being attached to the base by a common connector (e.g. provided in a lower bridge 33 that extends transversely between the two buttresses). Similarly, the two coiled bodies may share a common connector 41 that is provided in an upper bridge 43 that extends transversely between supports that flare radially outward from the two second ends of the coiled bodies. In a variation of this, each coiled body may have a separate connector, with a safety line be connected to both of the connectors. Either way, a user fall will cause a force to be applied to both of the coiled bodies rather than only being applied to one of the coiled bodies

In many embodiments (e.g. as shown in Fig. 5) “second” coiled body 202’, “second” buttress 20’, and components and portions thereof, may be essentially identical to the “first” coiled body and buttress. In other embodiments, some variations may be present. The various features, components and parameters of a “second” coiled body and a “second” buttress can be any of those previously described, and will not be repeated here for brevity.

As noted earlier, a dual-action anchor 1 as disclosed herein may be used in a horizontal fallprotection safety system. In various embodiments a safety line (e.g. a tensioned metal cable) of such a safety system may be oriented within 15, 10, 5, or 2 degrees of horizontal. It is emphasized that an entity (e.g. a rooftop) onto which the safety system is mounted, and/or the safety system itself, need not necessarily be strictly (exactly) horizontal Nor does a local area of a support surface (e.g. a rooftop) to which a base 500 of the system is attached, need to be exactly horizontal. This terminology is used in recognition that even “flat” roofs often have some degree of pitch at least in some locations, to allow for drainage and to minimize water ponding.

Such safety systems may be used e g. when a person is working on a rooftop or similar structure; or, in a larger sense, any generally horizontal area that lacks walls to prevent an edge from being approached. (Such an area might be e.g. a floor of a skyscraper under constmction, which floor does not yet have exterior walls installed ) Exemplary horizontal fall-protection safety systems include the products available from 3M Fall Protection, Red Wing, MN, under the trade designations ROOFSAFE ANCHOR AND CABLE SYSTEM, UNI-8 CABLE SYSTEM, and 8 MM PERMANENT HORIZONTAL LIFELINE. A dual-action anchor as described herein may find use in any system of these general types. In various embodiments, a horizontal fall-protection safety system may meet the requirements of one or more of EN 795:2012, CENTS 16415:2013, OSHA 1926 502, OSHA 1910 140, and/or ANSI Z359 6 and CSA Z259.16 as specified in 2016.

As mentioned briefly earlier, a horizontal fall-protection safety system 600 is depicted in exemplary representation in top (overhead) view of Fig. 6. Safety system 600 comprises a safety line (e.g., atensioned cable, made of e g. metal such as galvanized steel or stainless steel) 601, one end of which is connected to a first anchor assembly 110 and a second end of which is connected to a second anchor assembly 110’. (It will be evident from Fig. 6 that the anchor assemblies 110 and 110’ depicted therein each comprise an anchor apparatus 105 of the type described above, comprising first and second anchors 1 and 1’ that are transversely spaced apart from each other). Often, the first and second anchor assemblies may be similar or identical to each other. Anchor assemblies 110 and 110’ are each attached to a base (in the depicted embodiment, a baseplate as described below) 500 that is in turn attached to a support surface 602.

Each such base 500 of an anchor assembly may be configured with a top surface 505 that faces generally upward, and a bottom surface 506 that faces generally downward (as shown in Fig. 1), e.g. so that at least a portion of bottom surface 506 is in contact with a support surface (e.g. a generally horizontal support surface such as a rooftop) 602 to which the base 500 is to be mounted. In some embodiments, the upper surface 505 of base 500 may be covered, coated, or otherwise shielded from the environment. In some embodiments, a housing, shroud, or similar cover or container may partially or completely cover or enclose anchor 1 (excepting e.g. connector 31, which must remain accessible) to serve e.g. as a rainshield. However, in some embodiments, the herein-disclosed anchor (or anchor apparatus) may be exposed rather than being contained within, or covered by, any housing or shroud.

In the event that system 600 is relatively long and/or changes directions, one or more intermediate anchors (not shown in Fig. 6), comer anchors, and so on, may be present between end anchor assemblies 110. Such intermediate anchor assemblies and anchors thereof may or may not be identical to the end anchors and assemblies. Each anchor assembly will typically comprise a base as discussed earlier herein. In some embodiments, the safety system 600 may comprise one or more line tensioners to enable line 601 to be tensioned appropriately.

Discussions so far have concerned horizontal fall-protection safety system that comprise (at least) two anchors with a (first) safety line extended therebetween, with a user typically wearing a harness that is connected by a tether (i.e., a second safety line) to a “traveler” that can slidably move along the first safety line. In other embodiments, an anchor as disclosed herein may be used in the form of a “single -point” anchor. Such an anchor (and its associated base) is typically a stand-alone item with a safety line (e.g. a tether or lanyard) attached to it so that the user can move around in the local area bounded by the length of the safety line. In many instances it may be desirable that the person be able to move in a full 360 degree arc around the stand-alone anchor. It is thus clear that it may be particularly advantageous in such an instance, for the buttress (and thus the coiled body) to be pivotally attached to the base, to allow such movement and to ensure that if a fall does occur, the force will be directed in the major plane of the buttress and the coiled body in the general manner described earlier herein

The herein-disclosed anchor may be mounted on, e.g. pivotally attached to, any suitable base of any type. In some embodiments, such a base may be a baseplate, meaning a base with a main body that is plate-like in appearance (as with exemplary base 500 as depicted in Fig. 1 herein) so as to exhibit an aspect ratio of longest dimension (which will typically be aligned with the transverse axis and/or the forwardrearward axis of the anchor that is mounted on the base) to shortest dimension (which will typically be aligned with the vertical axis of the anchor) of at least 4: 1. In various embodiments, such a baseplate may exhibit an aspect ratio of at least 6: 1, 8: 1, or 10: 1. Such a base (whether plate-like or not) may, if desired, comprise any number of ancillary items e g. to allow the anchor(s) to be attached, e g. pivotally attached, to the main body of the base. Such items may include e.g. a pedestal 503 and an internal bushing 504 that allows the pedestal to be rotatably connected to the main body of the base, as in the exemplary design of Fig. 1. However, any arrangement that allows such functioning can be used.

The herein-disclosed anchor may be used with any fall-protection system that relies on a safety line of any suitable type. In some embodiments (e.g. in which a safety line is a tensioned cable that extends between two anchors), a safety line may be made of metal (e.g. galvanized steel, stainless steel, or the like). In other embodiments (e.g. in which the safety line is a tether or lanyard that extends from a single-point anchor), the safety line may comprise synthetic organic polymeric materials (e.g. polyesters, aromatic amides such as e.g. KEVLAR, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers such as e.g. DYNEEMA and SPECTRA, and so on). In some embodiments the safety line may be comprised of twisted fibers, strands, yams, plies or the like. Although for many applications it may not be needed (the need having been superseded by the dual-action of the herein-disclosed anchor), if desired, in some embodiments a safety line may include an in-line energy absorber.

The herein-disclosed arrangements can be varied in numerous ways. For example, rather than a path of reduced strength being provided by a set of perforations, such a path may be provided by a groove that is cut at least partially (in some cases, completely) through the transverse thickness of coiled body 202. The use of grooves to produce paths of reduced strength is discussed in detail in the previously -mentioned US Provisional Patent Application 62/870330, and in the resulting PCT application IB2020/055586. All such features may be configured to provide tear-propagation that achieves the desired energy-absorbing characteristics. Similarly, the features that provide the tip-over functioning may also be varied as desired. For example, in some embodiments, multiple passivated zones, e.g. interrupted by multiple fuse bridges, may be present.

The arrangements discussed herein have focused on an anchor that is positioned with its coiled body standing generally upright (vertically), and that is attached to a base that is in turn attached to a generally horizontal surface. It is noted that the 'roll-off' tip-over functioning, and the energy-absorbing tearing/separation functioning, that are described herein, can be used in other orientations. For example the arrangements disclosed herein might be used in a generally vertically-oriented fall-protection system (e.g. with a safety line that is with plus or minus 15 degrees of vertical) In such a case, the descriptions herein of “vertical” (and up, down, top, bottom etc. along such a direction), and “horizontal” can be transposed 90 degrees to describe such a system. Similarly, if the arrangements disclosed herein are used in an inclined fall-protection system (e.g. with a safety line that is oriented from 15-75 degrees away from horizontal), the herein-provided directional descriptions can be transposed accordingly.

An anchor 1, in particular coiled body 202 and buttress 20 thereof, may be made in any suitable way, from any suitable material. In many embodiments in which the anchor is to function as part of a fallprotection system for humans, the anchor may be made e g. of steel (whether stainless, galvanized, etc ), in order to meet various applicable standards. However, if used for some other purpose (e.g. to provide fall protection for lightweight, non-human items such as e.g. tools and the like), the anchor could possibly be made of some other material, e.g. aluminum or a reinforced organic polymeric material.

As noted earlier herein, in some embodiments coiled body 202 and buttress may be portions of a single, integral body. In such a case, these items may be produced by starting with a “blank” (of e.g. steel), of a thickness that corresponds to the transverse thickness T1 of the items produced therefrom The blank may be of a suitable size and shape. Such a blank may be processed e.g. by removing material therefrom, whether by laser cutting, water-jet cutting, EDM cutting, and so on. Such a removal process may be used to establish the overall perimeter of the resulting anchor (if this was not already established in the blank as received), and to remove material (e.g. to form perforations) to form the paths of reduced strength, the various central through-holes, the passivated zone, and so on. The material that remains will of course make up the solid material of the coiled body, buttress, etc. In particular, unremoved material will be left behind that will provide fuse bridge 21.

It is thus clear that while body 202 is described herein as a “coiled” body, it need not necessarily be made by starting with an elongate item and coiling it into the shape of body 202. Rather, a solid “blank” may be the starting point, with the coiled body, and the buttress that extends integrally from the coiled body, being produced by removing material from the blank. It will thus be appreciated that in many embodiments, the coiled body and the buttress will be portions of a single, integral part from which both items were coformed in a single material-removal process.

By definition, an integral arrangement of a coiled body and a buttress excludes any arrangement that is obtained by making the items separately and then attaching them to each other. (It is noted that the earlier-herein description of a fuse bridge as being an area of a buttress that is “joined” to a portion of a coiled body, does not require that these items must be made separately and then attached to each other. Rather, the fuse bridge may be integrally joined to the coiled body by virtue of being left behind after removal of adjacent portions of material.) In some embodiments, various sections of the blank (either before or after any of the various material-removal processes) may be subjected to metal-forming (bending) processes if it is desired to form any tabs (e.g. of the general type exemplified by tabs 32 and 42 of Fig. 2). Of course, in some embodiments such tabs or similar features may take the form of a separately made piece that is attached to the buttress or to the coiled body. (Such an arrangement will not negate the fact that the buttress and the coiled body may be portions of a single, integral item.)

In instances involving an anchor apparatus comprising two transversely spaced-apart coiled bodies and two transversely spaced-apart buttresses, in some embodiments it may be expedient to make the two sets of coiled bodies and buttresses separately and to bring them together (e.g. by welding) as desired. However, in some instances, it may still be possible to form some or all of these components from a single blank. For example, a blank could be processed to have two coiled bodies and buttresses and a midsection joining the buttresses; the midsection could then be bent into two 90 degree bends to form a set of buttresses (and coiled bodies) with the buttresses connected by a lower bridge 33 of the general type shown in Fig. 5. Tabs could be similarly formed by bending, and could be joined to each other e.g. by a single weld line to form an upper bridge 43 of the general type shown in Fig. 5. Or, the bending could be offset so that one tab is put into overlapping relation with the other, e.g. with orifices in each tab being aligned to collectively form an orifice that can serve as a connector 41.

An anchor, anchor apparatus, and/or anchor assembly as disclosed herein will be used in accordance with all instructions provided by the supplier of such items and all instructions for use of the fall-protection system that the items are used with. That is, any such item will be used in accordance with the specific instructions provided and will meet all applicable governmental (e .g. local, state, federal, and/or national) standards. Use of the items and arrangements described herein will not relieve a user of a fallprotection safety system of the requirement to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the supplier of the fall-protection safety system and to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and standards.

Example

A prototype anchor apparatus was made of the general type described earlier herein, comprising a first coiled body and first buttress extending integrally therefrom, and a second coiled body with a second buttress extending integrally therefrom. The apparatus was very similar in design to the exemplary apparatus 105 shown in Fig 5. Each coiled body/buttress was laser-cut from a 0.25 inch thick stainless steel plate. Each coiled body comprised first and second paths of reduced strength provided by a set of circular through-perforations, of 0.05 inch diameter and 0.08 inch center-to-center hole spacing. The coil region thickness was approximately 0.30 inch, as defined by the center-to-center radial distance between the perforations of the first path and the perforations of the second path. (With the hole diameters being 0.05 inch, this resulted in a minimum coil region thickness, at locations of closest approach of the first perforations to the second perforations, of 0.25 inches). The fuse bridge was 0.10 long (in a circumferential direction) and extended across the entire 0.25 inch transverse thickness of the coil body and buttress. The angular arc occupied by the passivated zone was approximately 53 degrees.

The (maximum) outside diameter OD of each coiled body was approximately 5.5 inches. The two coiled bodies and buttresses were positioned so that their major planes were parallel to each other, at a transverse spacing of 1.75 inches. An apertured steel plate was welded to the lower end of each buttress to form a lower bridge 33 of the general type shown in Fig. 5. An apertured steel plate was welded to the upper end of extensions that flared radially outward from the top of each coiled body, to form an upper bridge 43 with a top connector 41 of the general type shown in Fig. 5.

The resulting anchor apparatus was positioned on a horizontal support surface and attached directly thereto (a separate base was not used), so that each coiled body and buttress was standing vertically in the manner shown in Fig. 5. A cable was attached to the top connector and a pulley system was constructed comprising a weight that could be dropped vertically to cause the cable to apply a forward pulling forwardly to the top connector, parallel to the major planes of both of the coiled bodies (in the general manner of force 101 of Fig. 3).

The pulley system was used to perform a dynamic drop test with a 200 kg weight and a 6-foot free fall. The results of this test are shown in Fig. 7. (Fig. 7 shows raw data that has not been smoothed or filtered.) The test timer was initiated manually so that the actual test did not commence until 5+ seconds had elapsed on the timer. Regime A as indicated on Fig. 7, shows the force increasing as the cable and the anchor apparatus began to take up the load at the end of the six foot free fall. Point B is where the fuse bridge ruptured and broke, allowing the coiled bodies to begin their in-plane rotation. Regime C shows the momentary force drop that occurred during the rotation of the coiled bodies. Point D is where the limit of motion allowed by the passivated zone was reached (that is, the coiled bodies had fully “tipped over”) thus the force begin to rise again. The force rose to a value such that separation along the paths of reduced strength initiated and continued in Regime E. (It will be noticed that the force was relatively constant during much of Regime E). At point F, the fall -arrest process was mostly completed with a commensurate drop in force.

These data illustrate the ability of the herein-disclosed anchor to perform both a tip-over function and an energy-absorbing function. The average arresting force was near the nominally targeted value of 2000 pounds. The arrest distance (that is, the distance over which the 200 kg weight was brought to a halt) was approximately 15 inches. This test thus only “uncoiled” a small fraction of the total uncoiling capacity available (which was approximately 53 inches). It is evident from Fig. 7 that the initial force (Point B) at which the fuse bridge broke was somewhat higher than the average arresting force experienced during separation along the paths of reduced strength (Regime E). It was considered that this could be easily adjusted e.g. by reducing the circumferential length and/or transverse extent of the fuse bridge.

After the conclusion of the dynamic drop test, a static test was done using 5000 pounds of force, applied for three minutes. This caused the coiled bodies to fully uncoil (to their full, approximately 53 inch elongate length). The resulting elongate bodies survived the three minute exposure to 5000 pounds. In fact, a failure test was attempted, but the upper limit of the test equipment (approximately 7000 pounds of force) was reached without the elongate bodies having broken, so the test was terminated.

The foregoing Examples have been provided for clarity of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. The tests and test results described in the Examples are intended to be illustrative rather than predictive, and variations in the testing procedure can be expected to yield different results. All quantitative values in the Examples are understood to be approximate in view of the commonly known tolerances involved in the procedures used.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific exemplary elements, structures, features, details, configurations, etc., that are disclosed herein can be modified and/or combined in numerous embodiments. All such variations and combinations are contemplated by the inventor as being within the bounds of the conceived invention, not merely those representative designs that were chosen to serve as exemplary illustrations. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather extends at least to the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any of the elements that are positively recited in this specification as alternatives may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded from the claims, in any combination as desired. Any of the elements or combinations of elements that are recited in this specification in open-ended language (e.g., comprise and derivatives thereof), are considered to additionally be recited in closed-ended language (e.g., consist and derivatives thereof) and in partially closed-ended language (e.g., consist essentially, and derivatives thereof). To the extent that there is any conflict or discrepancy between this specification as written and the disclosure in any document that is incorporated by reference herein, this specification as written will control.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dual-action anchor for use with a fall protection system, comprising: a coiled body having a first end and a second, opposing end, and exhibiting a central axis therethrough, the coiled body comprising: a first path of reduced strength extending from the first end to near the central axis of the coiled body and having a first spiral shape; and a second path of reduced strength spaced radially apart from the first path of reduced strength, the second path of reduced strength extending from the second end to near the central axis of the coiled body, the second path of reduced strength having a second spiral shape that is concentric with the first spiral shape, wherein the coiled body is configured so that upon application of a force above a predetermined threshold to the second end of the coiled body, the coiled body will separate along at least a portion of the first path of reduced strength and/or along at least a portion of the second path of reduced strength; wherein the anchor further comprises a buttress that extends integrally from the first end of the coiled body and that comprises a first connector configured to be attachable to a base, wherein a portion of the buttress is joined to a portion of a radially outward surface of the coiled body to form a fuse bridge, and wherein a passivated zone of the buttress, between the fuse bridge and the first end of the coiled body, is not joined to the coiled body, and wherein the second end of the coiled body comprises a second connector configured to allow a safety line to be connected thereto.

2. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the first path of reduced strength comprises a first plurality of perforations extending through the transverse thickness of the coiled body and disposed adjacent to each other with the first plurality of perforations being arranged in the first spiral shape.

3. The anchor of claim 2 wherein the second path of reduced strength comprises a second plurality of perforations extending through the transverse thickness of the coiled body and disposed adjacent to each other with the second plurality of perforations being arranged in the second spiral shape.

4. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the passivated zone of the buttress comprises a first terminal end that is proximate the fuse bridge, and wherein the passivated zone extends from the first terminal end to a second terminal end that is proximate a first terminal end of the first path of reduced strength.

5. The anchor of claim 4 wherein the passivated zone of the buttress extends from its first terminal end to its second terminal end, so as to occupy an angular arc of from 40 degrees to 70 degrees

6 The anchor of claim 5 wherein the passivated zone of the buttress comprises a radially inward surface that is arcuate and is locally parallel to the radially outward surface of the coiled body

7. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the entirety of the coiled body, and the buttress that extends integrally from the first end of the coiled body, are portions of a single, integral structure.

8. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the coiled body is in the general form of a plate that exhibits a major plane and that exhibits an aspect ratio of at least 6:1, and wherein the buttress is plate-like and lies in the major plane of the coiled body and exhibits an aspect ratio of at least 6: 1.

9. The anchor of any of claims 1-8 wherein the buttress is configured to be pivotally attached to a base that is configured to be attached to a support surface so as to position the coiled body so that a major plane of the coiled body is at least generally perpendicular to a major plane of the base and so that the second connector of the second end of the coiled body is distal to the base and the first connector of the buttress is proximal to the base.

10. The anchor of claim 9 wherein the second connector of the second end of the coiled body is forwardly offset from the first connector of the buttress.

11. An anchor assembly comprising the anchor of claim 9 and a base to which the anchor is attached by way of the first connector of the buttress, the attachment being pivotal so that the anchor can rotate relative to the base, about an axis of rotation that is oriented at least generally vertically.

12. A fall-protection system comprising the anchor assembly of claim 11 and a safety line with a first end that is connected to the second connector of the anchor.

13. The fall-protection system of claim 12 wherein the anchor is a single-point anchor and wherein the second end of the safety line is configured to be connected to a fall-protection harness.

14. The fall -protection system of claim 12 wherein the fall-protection system is a horizontal lifeline comprising at least two anchor assemblies with the safety line extending therebetween and connected to each of the anchor assemblies.

15. A dual-action anchor apparatus, comprising the coiled body and buttress of claim 1 as a first coiled body and first buttress in combination with a second coiled body and buttress, the second coiled body and buttress being transversely spaced apart from the first coiled body and first buttress, wherein the second coiled body has a first end and a second, opposing end, and exhibits a central axis therethrough, the second coiled body comprising: a first path of reduced strength extending from the first end to near the central axis of the second coiled body and having a first spiral shape; and a second path of reduced strength spaced radially apart from the first path of reduced strength, the second path of reduced strength extending from the second end to near the central axis of the second coiled body, the second path of reduced strength having a second spiral shape, wherein the second coiled body is configured so that upon application of a force above a predetermined threshold to the second end of the second coiled body, the second coiled body will separate along at least a portion of the first path of reduced strength and/or along at least a portion of the second path of reduced strength; wherein the second buttress of the anchor assembly extends integrally from the first end of the second coiled body and is attached to the first buttress of the anchor assembly and/or comprises a first connector configured to be attachable to the base, wherein a portion of the second buttress is joined to a portion of a radially outward surface of the second coiled body to form a second fuse bridge, and wherein a portion of the buttress between the second fuse bridge and the first end of the second coiled body is not joined to the second coiled body, and wherein the second end of the second coiled body is connected to the second end of the first coiled body and/or comprises a second connector configured to allow the safety line to be connected thereto .

16. The anchor apparatus of claim 15 wherein the second coiled body is in the general form of a plate that exhibits an aspect ratio of at least 6: 1 and that exhibits a major plane that is at least substantially parallel to a major plane of the first coiled body, and wherein the second buttress is plate-like and lies in the major plane of the second coiled body and exhibits an aspect ratio of at least 6: 1.

17. An anchor assembly comprising the anchor apparatus of any of claims 15-16 and a base to which the anchor apparatus is attached by way of the first connector of the first buttress and/or the first connector of the second buttress, the attachment being pivotal so that the anchor apparatus can rotate relative to the base, about an axis of rotation that is oriented at least generally perpendicular to a major plane of the base.

18. The anchor assembly of claim 17 wherein the base is a baseplate that is attached to an at least generally horizontal support surface so as to position the first and second coiled bodies so that a major plane of each coiled body is oriented at least generally vertically and so that the second connector of the second end of each coiled body is generally at or above a top of the coiled body and so that the first connector of each buttress is generally at or below a bottom of the coiled body.

19. The anchor assembly of claim 18 wherein the second connector of the second end of the first coiled body is forwardly offset from the first connector of the first buttress, and the second connector of the second end of the second coiled body is forwardly offset from the first connector of the second buttress.

20. The anchor assembly of claim 17 wherein the anchor apparatus is an exposed apparatus that is not contained within, or covered by, any housing or shroud.