Anchor Assembly

Abstract

An anchor assembly, or mounting for an anchor assembly, particularly for a fall protection apparatus, has first and second mounting limbs connected to be rotatably mounted with respect to one another in order to rotate such that the limbs can be fixed in position at one of a variety of operational positions. The limbs have concentric engagement portions arranged to engage one another in order to permit rotation of the limbs about the rotation axis and inhibiting relative displacement of the limbs in a direction transverse to the rotational axis.

Claims

1-55. (canceled)

56. An anchor assembly configured for use with a fall protection apparatus, the anchor assembly comprising: an upper limb and a lower limb each comprising a central engagement portion and a pair of elongate portions extending from the central engagement portion, wherein the central engagement portion of the upper limb is engagable with the central engagement portion of the lower limb such that the upper limb and the lower limb are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis extending through the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb, and wherein the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb is configured to inhibit relative displacement of the limbs translationally in a direction transverse to the rotational axis.

57. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the upper limb and the lower limb are configured for rotating to one of a plurality of operational positions.

58. The anchor assembly according to claim 57, wherein the upper limb and the lower limb are configured to be fixed in one of the plurality of operational positions.

59. The anchor assembly according to claim 57, further comprising a support post connected to the upper limb and the lower limb, the support post having a securing bolt or shaft for fixing the upper limb and the lower limb in one of the plurality of operational positions.

60. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the elongate portions of each of the upper limb and the lower limb extend longitudinally in opposing directions from the central engagement portion.

61. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb has a frustoconical shape.

62. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the central engagement portion of one of the upper limb and the lower limb is nested with the central engagement portion of the other of the upper limb and the lower limb.

63. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb has a through aperture.

64. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb is raised relative to the elongate portions.

65. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the central engagement portion of one of the upper limb and the lower limb comprises an at least partly circular rib configured to nest with the central engagement portion of the other of the upper limb and the lower limb.

66. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein the central engagement portion of one of the upper limb and the lower limb comprises a substantially cylindrical or conical form surface projection upon configured to nest with a substantially cylindrical or conical form surface recess on the central engagement portion of the other of the upper limb and the lower limb.

67. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, wherein each of the upper limb and the lower limb comprises dished portions extending downwardly from opposed ends.

68. The anchor assembly according to claim 67, wherein each of the dished portions comprises an aperture configured for receiving a fixing element for securing the anchor assembly to a substructure.

69. The anchor assembly according to claim 56, further comprising an anchor structure connected to the upper limb and the lower limb.

70. The anchor assembly according to claim 69, wherein the anchor structure comprises a connection ring.

71. The anchor assembly according to claim 69, wherein the anchor structure comprises an energy absorber device.

72. An anchor assembly configured for use with a fall protection apparatus, the anchor assembly comprising: an upper limb and a lower limb each comprising a central engagement portion and a pair of elongate portions extending longitudinally away in opposing directions from the central engagement portion; a support post connected to the upper limb and the lower limb, wherein the central engagement portion of the upper limb is engagable with the central engagement portion of the lower limb such that the upper limb and the lower limb are rotatable relative to each other to one of a plurality of operational positions about a rotation axis extending through the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb, wherein the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb is configured to inhibit relative displacement of the limbs translationally in a direction transverse to the rotational axis, and wherein the support post is configured for fixing the upper limb and the lower limb to one of the plurality of operational positions.

73. The anchor assembly according to claim 72, wherein the central engagement portion of each of the upper limb and the lower limb is raised relative to the elongate portions.

74. The anchor assembly according to claim 72, wherein each of the upper limb and the lower limb comprises dished portions extending downwardly from opposed ends, and wherein each of the dished portions comprises an aperture configured for receiving a fixing element for securing the anchor assembly to a substructure.

75. The anchor assembly according to claim 72, further comprising an anchor structure connected to the upper limb and the lower limb, wherein the anchor structure comprises a connection ring, and an energy absorber device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The disclosure will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 from the underside;

[0068] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembly of the preceding figures from above;

[0069] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a detail part that can form a part of the assembly of the preceding figures;

[0070] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of detail part that can form a part of the assembly of the preceding figures;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a device of the assembly of the preceding figures fixed to a seamed roof;

[0072] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an assembly of the preceding figures fixed to a seamed roof in an alternative configuration to FIG. 6;

[0073] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an assembly of the preceding figures fixed to a profiled roof;

[0074] FIGS. 9-10 are perspective views of parts of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an alternative configuration of an assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIGS. 11-12 are detailed views of the portions of FIGS. 9-10; and

[0076] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the non-limiting embodiments or aspects of FIGS. 9-12.

[0077] It will be appreciated that FIGS. 1-13 are schematic drawings and features are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] As used herein, the singular form of a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Spatial or directional terms, such as left, right, inner, outer, above, below, and the like, relate to the embodiments or aspects as shown in the drawing figures and are not to be considered as limiting as the embodiments or aspects can assume various alternative orientations. All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about or approximately. By about or approximately is meant within plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0079] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of 1 to 10 should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and/or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and/or ratio.

[0080] The terms first, second, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements. All documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The term at least is synonymous with greater than or equal to.

[0081] As used herein, at least one of is synonymous with one or more of. For example, the phrase at least one of A, B, or C means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, at least one of A, B, and C includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C. The word comprising and comprises, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, comprises means includes and comprising means including.

[0082] As used herein, the terms parallel or substantially parallel mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0 to 5, or from 0 to 3, or from 0 to 2, or from 0 to 1, or from 0 to 0.5, or from 0 to 0.25, or from 0 to 0.1, inclusive of the recited values. As used herein, the terms perpendicular, transverse, substantially perpendicular, or substantially transverse mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from 85 to 90, or from 87 to 90, or from 88 to 90, or from 89 to 90, or from 89.5 to 90, or from 89.75 to 90, or from 89.9 to 90, inclusive of the recited values.

[0083] The discussion of various embodiments or aspects may describe certain features as being particularly or preferably within certain limitations (e.g., preferably, more preferably, or even more preferably, within certain limitations). It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations but encompasses the entire scope of the various embodiments and aspects described herein. The disclosure comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of, the following embodiments or aspects, in any combination. Various embodiments or aspects of the disclosure are illustrated in separate drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that this is simply for ease of illustration and discussion. In the practice of the disclosure, one or more embodiments or aspects shown in one drawing figure can be combined with one or more embodiments or aspects shown in one or more of the other drawing figures.

[0084] Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, an anchor assembly 1 includes an upper limb 2 and a lower limb 3. Upper limb 2 includes opposed ends 2a and 2b which include dished portions 2c 2d extending downwardly from the general plane of the plate form limb 2. The dished portions 2c 2d are provided with through holes 2e 2f which enable either direct fixing of the limb to a substructure (e.g. using bolts) or articulated connection to a fixing 15 or 16 such as those shown in FIGS. 4-Upper limb 2 also includes a frustoconical raised section 2g having a frustoconical upper surface 2h and a frustoconical recess surface 2i. Planar elongate plate portions 2j 2k of the limb extend longitudinally in opposed directions from the central frustoconical portion 2g to their respective ends 2a 2b. The frustoconical portion 2g is provided with a through aperture diameter D1 which is less than the diameter of the post 5, such that the post can abut against the marginal annulus surface 2q.

[0085] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, lower limb 3 is similar to the upper limb and includes opposed ends 3a and 3b which include dished portions 3c, 3d extending downwardly from the general plane of the plate form limb 3. The dished portions 3c, 3d are provided with through holes 3e, 3f which enable either direct fixing of the limb to a substructure (e.g. using bolts) or articulated connection to a fixing 15 or 16 such as those shown in FIGS. 4-Lower limb 3 also includes a frustoconical raised section 3g having a frustoconical upper surface 3h and a frustoconical recess surface 3i. Planar elongate plate portions 3j, 3k extend longitudinally in opposed directions from the central frustoconical portion 3g to their respective ends 3a, 3b. The frustoconical portion 3g is provided with a through aperture 3r (FIG. 2) the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter D1.

[0086] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the elongate limbs 2 and 3 are assembled such that the outer frustoconical surface 3h of limb 3 is nested internally of the frustoconical recess of limb 2 bearing against the frustoconical recess surface 2i. The mounting limbs 2, 3 are rotatable with respect to one another in order to rotate about a rotation axis such that the limbs can be fixed in position at one of a plurality of operational positions. The frustoconical portions of the limbs 2, 3 act as concentric engagement portions arranged to engage one another in order to permit rotation of the limbs 2, 3 about the rotation axis and inhibiting relative displacement of the limbs translationally in a direction transverse to the rotational axis.

[0087] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a support post 4 is mounted to the limb assembly 2, 3 by means of a nut 7 connecting to a threaded end of a shaft 6. The nut abuts against a force spreader disc 14 (shown in FIG. 2) which is larger than the diameter D1 and therefore abuts against the underside of the marginal annulus 2q of upper limb 2. The post is thereby secured to the upper limb 2. The upper end of the post 4 has a connection ring 12 which is secured to the threaded end of shaft 9 by means of nut 13. The connection ring can be secured directly to the carabiner of a lifeline connected to the harness of an operative. Alternatively, the connection ring can constrain a horizontal fixed safety line to which an operative can connect via a lifeline connected to the harness.

[0088] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, disposed internally of the posts cylinder wall 5 is an energy absorber device 8. The energy absorber device 8 is connected to the shafts 6 and 9. When the energy absorber deploys, as a result of a force greater than a predetermined level acting upwardly (or to the side), the connection ring 12 moves away from the dome 11 of the post as the shaft 9 is pulled. The energy absorber device may be of any one or a combination of devices well known in the art and may, for example, comprise a plastically deformable metal coil that undergoes plastic deformation and lengthens as the force is applied at the correct level. A seal ring 10 is provided between the cylinder wall 5 and upper dome 11.

[0089] FIGS. 4-5 show alternative way of connection for the assembly to differing subsurface structures. In both cases, the fixings 15, 16 are secured to the opposed ends 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b via the apertures in the dished portions 2c, 2d, 3c, 3d extending downwardly from the general plane of the plate form limb 2, 3. A fixing bolt 17 and nut is used passing through an aperture 21 in a dished portion 19 of a connector plate 20. The dished portion 19 of the connector plate 20 receivingly mates or nests with the downward portion of the dished portions 2c, 2d, 3c, 3d. The connector plates 20 are articulated to the limbs 2, 3 and pivotal about the axis of the bolts 17, to enable connection at different angles dependent upon the particular substructure geometry.

[0090] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the fixing 15 includes clamping plates 23, 24 which are secured to the connector plate 20 by means of bolts 25. This fixing can be used to secure the assembly to the seams 27 of a seam roof 28 as shown in FIGS. 6-7.

[0091] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the fixing 16 carries screws 29 which tap through apertures in the connector plate 20 to be screwed directly into the skin of a profiled sheet substructure as shown in FIG. 8.

[0092] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, by comparison of FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen how the anchor assembly can be re-orientated by articulation of the mounting limbs 2, 3 with respect to one another about a rotation axis such that the limbs can be fixed in position at one of a plurality of operational positions. The relatively narrowly spaced seams 27 in FIG. 6 and the relatively more widely spaced seams 27 in FIG. 7.

[0093] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the frustoconical portions of the limbs 2, 3 act as concentric engagement portions arranged to engage one another in order to permit rotation of the limbs 2, 3 about the rotation axis and inhibiting relative displacement of the limbs translationally in a direction transverse to the rotational axis. The assembly, as described, provides that the limbs rotate one about another primarily in contact with one another on bearing surfaces of the limbs and lateral movement is inhibited. Because lateral movement is inhibited by this contact, lateral displacement of the device is less likely to cause detrimental engagement to the threaded fixing shaft 6 extending through the limbs. Reducing this risk of damage is important, particularly where the shaft 6 is connected to an energy absorber system 8. Furthermore, when the assembly is fixed in place the bearing surfaces of the frustoconical portions of the limbs provide enhanced rigidity and structural integrity to the anchor assembly in the event of a fall event.

[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, an alternative embodiment of anchor assembly is shown. In this embodiment, again the limbs 103, 102 rotate one about/on another primarily in contact with one another on bearing surfaces of the limbs and lateral movement is inhibited, by the mounting contact. However, in this embodiment this is achieved without using the frustoconical mounting system of the first embodiment.

[0095] FIG. 13 shows the general limb assembly. The mounting post and energy absorber systems are not shown, but it should readily be understood that an assembly mounting the shock absorber and/or post of the first embodiment could equally be mounted to this assembly embodiment.

[0096] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the limb assembly includes an upper limb 102 and a lower limb 103. The lower limb comprises a central collar 103c having a central aperture 103d. The limb 103 has elongate plate portions 103j and 103k which incline downwardly away from the central collar towards distal fixing ends 103a, 103b. The central collar 103c is raised or elevated with respect to the distal fixing ends 103a, 103b. The plate portions 103j, 103k, have transversely extending flank portions 103e to add rigidity to the assembly.

[0097] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the upper limb 102 includes a central annulus 102c having a central aperture 102d. The limb 103 has elongate plate portions 102j and 102k which incline downwardly away from the central annulus towards distal fixing ends 102a, 102b. The central collar 102c is raised or elevated with respect to the distal fixing ends 102a, 102b. The plate portions 102j, 102k, have transversely extending flank portions 102e to add rigidity to the assembly. The central aperture 102d allows a fixing bolt or shaft to pass through the assembly.

[0098] In this embodiment or aspect, again the coupling of the limbs 103, 102 constrained to rotate with respect to or about one another in primary guided rotation is achieved by the coupling connection and interaction between the central annulus 102c of the upper limb 102 and the central aperture 103c of the lower limb 103. This interaction provides the contact with one another on bearing surfaces of the limbs and lateral movement is inhibited, by the mounting contact.

[0099] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the central annulus 102c of the upper limb 102 has a downwardly projecting annular rib 102f which seats or nests in the central aperture 103d of the central collar 103c of the upper limb 103. The downwardly projecting annular rib 102f has bearing contact with the edge 103v of the aperture 103d, as the limbs rotate relative to one another, and the presence of the rib 102f in bearing contact with circular edge 103v, guides the rotary movement and ensures that the contact with one another is on bearing surfaces of the limbs and lateral movement of the limbs is inhibited, by the mounting contact.

[0100] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each limb has portions extending away from the mid-point hub formed by the frustoconical mounting feature of the first embodiment or the central collar and annulus of the second embodiment. This gives four fixing points at the end of the respective limbs (2 on each limb). As an alternative, the limbs could terminate at one end at the hub formed by the frustoconical mounting feature of the first embodiment or the central collar and annulus of the second embodiment. In this way, four separate limbs could be mounted to provide a further embodiment of mounting system. In this embodiment each of the four limbs would provide a single fixing point at the single end of the limb distal from the hub provided with the frustoconical mounting feature of the first embodiment or the central collar and annulus of the second embodiment.

[0101] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the disclosure, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word comprising and comprises, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, comprises means includes or consists of and comprising means including or consisting of. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.