A mounting device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- NZ778238
- Authority / Receiving Office
- NZ · NZ
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-02-19
- Filing Date
- 2020-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing mounting systems for height safety equipment face challenges in securely attaching to standing seam roofs without drilling, as it can cause erosion, leakage, and stress concentrations, and prior solutions often rely on clamping mechanisms that may not provide a strong or stable attachment.
A mounting assembly with separable side portions and anchor fasteners that interlock to prevent sliding and secure the assembly to the roof, using clamp fasteners and an elongate member to ensure effective clamping engagement without creating apertures, allowing for secure attachment to standing seam roofs.
The solution provides a strong, stable, and secure attachment of height safety systems to standing seam roofs without damaging the roof structure, ensuring effective engagement and preventing removal of the assembly, suitable for various applications including demanding and heavier-duty scenarios.
Smart Images
Figure 1_ABST
Abstract
Description
A MOUNTING DEVICETechnical Field
[0001] The present invention is broadly directed to a mounting assembly of a height safety system. The invention is further directed to a roof anchor assembly of a height safety system and relates particularly, although not exclusively, to a roof anchor assembly mounted to a standing seam roof.Background of Invention
[0002] Standing seam roofs are typically metal roofs made up of metal sheet panels joined together at a seam. In particular, adjacent roof sheets are joined together along an elongate interlocking seam across each face of the roof. It is generally impermissible or undesirable to create drill holes in standing seam roofs, which can lead to erosion, leakage and / or damaging stress concentrations. This creates difficulties in mounting height safety systems such as roof anchoring systems to standing seam roofs.
[0003] The patent prior art literature is replete with patents or publishedapplications relating to roof mounting arrangements for anchoring height safety equipment. The mounting arrangement typically clamps or is otherwise secured to a standing seam of the roof. US201 1 / 0214388 by London, US2016 / 0060869 by Smeja, and US2012 / 0299233 by Header are examples of mounting arrangements of this type. In each of these published US patent applications, the mounting arrangement includes a U-shaped body that clamps across a standing seam of the associated roof. In the London and Smeja patent publications, the mounting arrangement is provided with opposing set screws which are threaded to the U-shaped body and arranged to clamp against the standing seam to prevent removal of the mounting arrangement from the roof. In the Header patent publication, the mounting arrangement includes a pair of opposing clamp members which are pivoted via corresponding set screws into clamping engagement with the standing seam. In all of these prior patent publications, release of the opposing set screws or clamp members from the standing seam allows the mounting arrangement to be lifted clear of the roof.Summary of Invention
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting assembly of a height safety system, said mounting assembly comprising:a body defining a cavity adapted to receive a raised portion of a roof, the body including a pair of separable side portions configured for sliding engagement for interlocking with one another wherein the cavity includes an enlarged end portion for receiving an enlarged end portion of the raised roof portion, and a relatively narrow neck portion for receiving a neck portion of the raised roof portion and being configured on interlocking of the separable side portions to prevent removal of the mounting assembly from the raised roof portion;one or more anchor fasteners arranged to engage the body for both:i) mounting of a roof anchor of the height safety system to the mounting assembly; andii) interengagement of the pair of separable side portions to prevent sliding movement of said side portions relative to one another.
[0005] Preferably the mounting assembly also comprises one or more clamp fasteners each arranged to engage one of the pair of separable side portions and extend into the cavity for clamping engagement of said fastener with the raised portion of the roof to hold said raised portion within the cavity.
[0006] Preferably the pair of separable portions includes a first half portion and a second half portion, the first half portion including a first protrusion and a first recess adjacent the first protrusion, the second half portion including a second protrusion and a second recess adjacent the second protrusion, andwherein the first protrusion is configured for sliding engagement with the second recess and the second protrusion is configured for sliding engagement with the first recess thereby providing interlocking of said first and second half portions. More preferably said at least one or more of the anchor fasteners are configured to extend through the first and second protrusions of the first and second half portions respectively.
[0007] Preferably the mounting assembly also comprises an elongate member located within the cavity and operatively coupled to the body for contact with the raised portion of the roof during clamping engagement of the separable side portions with said raised portion. More preferably the elongate member is a rail member connected to one or more rail fasteners which are movably coupled to the body to effect corresponding movement of the rail member into contact with the raised portion of the roof thereby preventing distortion of said raised portion for effective clamping of the separable side portions with said raised portion of the roof. Still more preferably at least one of the rail fasteners is one of the anchor fasteners.
[0008] Preferably said one or more clamp fasteners include clamp fasteners associated with one of the separable side portions being axially offset from clamp fasteners associated with the other of the separable side portions. Alternatively, said one or more clamp fasteners include clamp fasteners associated with one of the separable side portions being axially aligned with clamp fasteners associated with the other of the separable side portions.
[0009] Preferably the clamp fasteners include one or more screw fasteners extending through opposite side walls and partly into the cavity of the body.
[0010] Preferably the anchor fasteners include one or more bolts for mounting the roof anchor to the mounting assembly.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a roof anchor assembly of a height safety system, said anchor assembly comprising:a body defining a cavity adapted to receive a raised portion of a roof, the body including a pair of separable side portions configured for sliding engagement for interlocking with one another wherein the cavity includes an enlarged end portion for receiving an enlarged end portion of the raised roof portion, and a relatively narrow neck portion for receiving a neck portion of the raised roof portion and being configured on interlocking of the separable side portions to prevent removal of the mounting assembly from the raised roof portion;one or more anchor fasteners arranged to engage the body for both:i) mounting of a roof anchor of the height safety system to the mounting assembly; andii) interengagement of the pair of separable side portions to prevent sliding movement of said side portions relative to one another.
[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting assembly of a height safety system, said mounting assembly comprising:a body defining a cavity adapted to receive a raised portion of a roof, the body including a pair of separable side portions;one or more clamp fasteners arranged to engage both of the pair of separable side portions for clamping together of said separable side portions;one or more engagement members fixed to the body and protruding inward of the cavity wherein clamping together of the separable side portions via the clamp fasteners effects clamping of said engagement members onto the raised portion of the roof for secure engagement of the mounting assembly to the roof.
[0013] Preferably the one or more engagement members include pins formed integral with either of the pair of separable side portions. Alternatively or additionally the one or more engagement members include an inwardly directed lip dedicated to and formed integral with respective of the pair of separable side portions for clamping about the raised roof portion via the clamp fasteners.Brief Description of Drawings
[0014] In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.Figure 1 A is an isometric view of a device for mounting a portion of a height safety system to a roof according to one embodiment of the invention.Figures 1 B to 1 D are respective top, front and side views of the device as shown in Figure 1 A.Figure 2A is an isometric view of a device for mounting a portion of a height safety system to a roof according to another embodiment of the invention.Figures 2B to 2D are respective top, front and side views of the device as shown in Figure 2A.Figure 3A is an isometric view of a device for mounting a portion of a height safety system to a roof according to a further embodiment of the invention.Figures 3B to 3D are respective top, front and side views of the device as shown in Figure 3A.Figure 4 is a front view illustrating a device as shown in Figures 1 A to 3D when mounted to a portion of the roof.Figure 5A is an isometric view of a mounting assembly of a height safety system according to another embodiment of the invention.Figures 5B to 5D are respective top, front and side views of the mounting assembly as shown in Figure 5A.Figure 6A is an isometric view of a mounting assembly of a height safety system according to another embodiment of the invention.Figures 6B to 6D are respective top, front and side views of the mounting assembly as shown in Figure 6A.Figure 7A is an isometric view of a mounting assembly of a height safety system according to another embodiment of the invention.Figures 7B is a front view of the mounting assembly as shown in Figure 7A.Figure 8A is an isometric view of mounting assembly of a height safety system according to another embodiment of the invention.Figures 8B is a top view of the mounting assembly as shown in Figure 8A.Figure 8C further illustrates a mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the invention having two separable parts configured for sliding engagement with one another.Figure 9A is a front view illustrating the mounting assembly as shown in Figures 8A to 8C when mounted to a portion of the roof.Figure 9B is an A-A sectional view of the mounting assembly as shown in Figure 9A.Figure 10A is an isometric view of a roof anchor assembly according to anembodiment of the invention.Figures 10B and 10C are respective front and side views of the roof anchor assembly as shown in Figure 10A.Figure 1 1 A is an isometric view of a roof anchor assembly according another embodiment of the invention.Figure 1 1 B is a front view of the roof anchor assembly as shown in 1 1 A.Figure 12 is an isometric view of a roof anchor assembly according a further embodiment of the invention.Figure 13A is an isometric view of a mounting assembly of a height safety system according to yet another embodiment of the invention.Figures 13B to 13D are respective top, front and side views of the mounting assembly as shown in Figure 13A.Figure 13E is an exploded isometric view of the mounting assembly as shown in Figures 13A to 13D.Figure 13F is a front view of one side portion of the mounting assembly as shown in Figures 13A to 13E.Figure 13G is a front view of an opposite side portion of the mounting assembly as shown in Figures 13A to 13E.Figure 14A is an isometric view of a mounting assembly of a height safety system according to a further embodiment of the invention.Figure 14B is a front view of the mounting assembly as shown in figure 14A.Figure 15A is an isometric view of a roof anchor assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.Figure 15B is a front view of the roof anchor assembly as shown in figure 15A.Figures 15C to 15F are isometric and front views of a mounting assembly taken from the roof anchor assembly as shown in figures 15A and 15B.Figure 16 is an isometric view of a roof anchor assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention.Detailed Description
[0015] Figures 1 A to 1 D illustrate a device 100 for mounting a portion of a height safety system (see Figures 10A to 12) to a roof. The device 100 includes a body 102 having an end portion 104, and two side portions 106, 108 extending from the end portion 104, thereby forming a generally 'c'-shaped profile (see Figure 1 C). The body 102 defines a cavity 1 10 for receiving a portion of the roof 400 (see Figure 4).
[0016] In this embodiment, side portion 106 defines two spaced apart openings 1 12, 1 14 proximate a bottom end thereof. Each of the two openings 1 12, 1 14 is configured to receive a corresponding side engagement member 116, 118 in the form of a threaded bolt (only the threaded end of the bolts are shown for illustrative purposes). As more clearly shown in Figure 1 C, when received in each opening 1 12,1 14, each bolt 1 16, 1 18 extends through the side portion 1 16 such that an end portion 120, 122 of each bolt 1 16, 1 18 protrudes from a corresponding side wall 124 of the cavity 1 10.
[0017] Similarly, side portion 108 defines an opening 126 proximate a bottom end thereof. As more clearly illustrated in Figure 1 B, the opening 126 is axially offset from the openings 1 14, 116 in the opposite side portion 106. The opening 126 is configured to receive a corresponding side engagement member 128 in the form of a threaded bolt (only the threaded end of the bolt is shown for illustrative purposes). As more clearly illustrated in Figure 1 C, when received in the opening 126, the bolt 128 extends through the side portion 108 such that an end portion 130 of the bolt 128 protrudes from a corresponding side wall 132 of the cavity 1 10. As will be explained in furtherdetail below, the side engagement members 1 16, 1 18, 128 clamp onto a portion of the roof received in the cavity 1 10 for secure engagement thereto.
[0018] The end portion 104 of the device 100 defines three openings 134, 136,138. In one embodiment, central opening 136 is configured to receive a fastener 142 in the form of a threaded bolt 142 for securing a portion of a height safety system (not shown) such as roof anchor (see Figures 10A to 12). As shown in Figure 1 D, The bolt 142 may not extend through a thickness of the end portion 104. Alternatively, a bolt 142 having a longer stem can be used so that the bolt 142 fully extends through the end portion 104 to engage with the portion of the roof received in the cavity 1 10.
[0019] Openings 134, 138 are configured to receive end engagement members 140, 144 also in the form of threaded bolts. As shown in Figures 1 C and 1 D, the stem of each bolt 140, 144 is sufficiently long to extend through the end portion 104 so that a respective end portion 146, 148 of each bolt 140, 144 extends from an end wall 150 of the cavity 1 10. In alternative embodiments, each bolt 140, 142, 144 is a fastener for securing a roof anchor to the device 100, and extends through the end portion 104 to engage with the received portion of the roof.
[0020] As more clearly shown in Figures 1 A and 1 C, the shape of the cavity 1 10 has a generally mushroom shaped profile. The cavity 1 10 includes a neck portion 152 proximate an open end of the cavity 1 10 and an enlarged end portion 154 extending from the neck portion 152. In the present embodiment, the cavity 1 10 is shaped to receive a raised seam of a standing seam roof and the shape of the cavity 1 10 generally follows the shape of a typically raised seam to facilitate engagement between the device 100 and the raised seam. In addition, cavity 1 10 further includes a pointed or corner portion 156 proximate a closed end of the cavity 1 10. The corner portion 156 assists crimping a corresponding enlarged end portion of the received raised seam within the enlarged end portion 154 of the cavity, to facilitate contact and engagement between the end engagement members 140, 144 and the raised seam.In other embodiments, the cavity 1 10 may be of any suitable shape to properly receive a corresponding portion of the roof.
[0021] The mounting device 100 therefore is capable of securely mounting to a roof portion such as a raised seam of a standing seam roof by receiving the roofportion in the cavity 1 10 and providing clamping engagement with the roof portion by action of engagement members 1 16, 128, 1 18, 140, 144 from different directions. The side engagement members 1 16, 1 18, 128 provide opposing side forces to engage and hold the roof portion within the cavity 1 10. Additional downward clamping forces acting on the roof portion are provided by end engagement members 140, 144 for additional engagement between the device 100 and the roof. The mounting device 100 can therefore be securely attached to the roof in an efficient and effective manner without the need to create apertures in structural members in a roof.
[0022] A mounting device 200 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 2A to 2D. The device 200 functions in a similar manner to device 100 as described above. However, the device 200 is longer in length and is therefore capable of providing a stronger connection to the roof, for example for moredemanding and / or heavier duty applications.
[0023] Elaborating further, the device 200 includes a row of three apertures 202 spaced along one side portion 204 of the body, and a row of four apertures 206 spaced along an opposite side portion 208 of the body. The apertures 202 on one side portion 204 are axially offset to the apertures 206 on the opposite side portion 206. As more clearly illustrated in Figure 2B, each aperture 202 on one side portion 204 is axially positioned opposite a space between adjacent apertures 206 on the opposite side portion 208. Each of the apertures 202, 206 receive threaded bolts 210, 212 for extending through a respective side portion 206, 204 and into the cavity 214 to engage with a received portion of the roof, in a similar manner as device 100.
[0024] A row of threaded bolts 216 extend through apertures along an end portion 218 of the device 200. Each bolt 216 can be used to fasten a roof anchor to the device 200 and / or provide additional engagement with the received portion of the roof in a similar manner as device 100.
[0025] A mounting device 300 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 3A to 3D. The device 300 functions in a similar manner to devices 100, 200 as described above. However, the apertures 302, 304 and therefore side engagement members 306, 308 extending from opposite side portions of the device 300 are axially aligned. In this embodiment, each side engagement member 306 onone side of the device 300 provides a force which is aligned with a opposing force provided by a corresponding side engagement member 308 on the opposite side of the device 300 to provide the aligned clamping engagement.
[0026] Now referring to Figure 4, which illustrates a mounting device 100 (or device 200, 300) positioned for attachment to a raised seam 400 of a standing seam roof 402. The raised seam 400 extends generally upwards from a surface of the standing seam roof. Moreover, the raised seam 400 typically includes a neck portion 404 extending from a surface of the roof 402, and an enlarged head 406 extending from the neck portion 404.
[0027] The shape of the cavity 1 10 in device 100 is generally consistent with the shape of the raised seam 400 so as to allow the device 100 to properly and sufficiently clamp onto the raised seam 400. In the embodiment shown, the side engagement members 1 16, 128 (not shown) are positioned for engagement with the neck portion 404 of the raised seam 400 and the end engagement members 140 are positioned for engagement with the head portion 406 of the raised seam 400.
[0028] A mounting assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 5A to 5D. The assembly 500 functions in a similar manner to devices 100, 200, 300 previously described. In addition, the assembly 500 includes two separable side portions 502, 504. As more clearly illustrated in Figure 8C, the two separable side portions 502, 504 are configured for sliding engagement for interlocking with one another. In particular, side portion 502 includes a first protrusion 506, and a first recess 508 adjacent the first protrusion 506. Opposite side portion 504 includes a second protrusion 512, and a second recess 510 adjacent the second protrusion.
[0029] The first recess 508 is shaped to receive the second protrusion 512, and the second recess 510 is shaped to receive the first protrusion 506. As more clearly shown in Figures 5A and 5C, the shape of the first protrusion 506 and first recess 508 is complementary with the shape of the second recess 510 and second protrusion 512 respectively so that the first protrusion 506 and first recess 508 configured for sliding engagement for interlocking with the second recess 510 and second protrusion 512.
[0030] The first protrusion 506 may be configured for sliding engagement with the second recess 510 and the second protrusion 512 may be configured for sliding engagement with the first recess 508. The interface 520 between the two separable side portions 502, 504 further includes additional ridges and grooves to provide interlocking effects between the two portions 502, 504, facilitate alignment and the sliding engagement between the two portions 502, 504.
[0031] As shown in Figure 5C, aperture 518 on an end portion of the device 500 for receiving an anchor fastener for attaching a roof anchor to the assembly 500 extends through a centre portion of the interface 520 between the two portions 502, 504 for interengagement of the side portions 502 and 504, so as to prevent sliding movement between said portions 502, 504 after installation. In some embodiments, aperture 518 may extend through portions 502, 504 to engage the roof profile.
[0032] One advantage of having two separable side portions 502, 504 is that the cavity 522 can be smaller to more closely fit with the received roof portion, so as to provide a strong and stable attachment between the assembly 500 and the roof. As shown in Figures 5A and 5C, the cavity 522 is relatively smaller compared to that of devices 100 to 300. Furthermore, the neck portion of the cavity 522 is relatively narrow and on interlocking of the side portions 502 and 504 prevents removal of the anchor assembly 500 from the standing seam of the roof.
[0033] A mounting assembly 600 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 6A to 6D. The device 600 has two separable side portions 602, 604 configured for sliding engagement with one another and functions in a similar manner to assembly 500 as previously described. Flowever, the apertures 606, 608, 610, 612 on each side portion 602, 604 are diagonally spaced from one another. As shown in Figure 6D, apertures 606, 608 on one side portion 604 are diagonally spaced from one another in one orientation; and apertures 610, 612 are diagonally spaced from one another in an opposite orientation, such that the apertures 606, 608 are axially offset from apertures 610, 612 across two rows. As described herein, engagement members such as clamp fasteners can be inserted through the end and side apertures 601 , 606, 608 to engage the roof profile. Advantageously, the mounting assembly 600 provides opposing clamping forces which covers a biggerarea of the received roof portion, thereby providing a strong and solid attachment between the assembly 600 and the roof.
[0034] A mounting assembly 700 according to a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B. The assembly 700 functions in a similar manner to assembly 600 as previously described. However, the interface 702 between the two separable side portions 704, 706 has a slightly different shape. In particular, the interface 702 includes a complementary shoulder and recess interfacing portion 708 to provide an alternative interlocking engagement between the two separable side portions 704, 706.
[0035] A mounting assembly 800 according to a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B. The mounting assembly 800 functions in a similar manner to assembly 500 as previously described. However, the mounting assembly 800 is larger than mounting assembly 500 and provides additional apertures 802, 804, 806 and corresponding apertures to receive engagement or clamping fasteners for engaging with the received portion of the roof, and anchor fasteners for mounting a roof anchor to the assembly 800. The additional length of the assembly 800 facilitates the mounting of a larger roof anchor to the assembly 800 and provides a more solid and stronger connection to the roof.
[0036] A mounting assembly 808 slightly larger than the mounting assembly 800 is shown in Figure 8C. The mounting assembly 808 functions in a similar manner to assembly 800. Figure 8C more clearly illustrates the interface 810 between the two separable side portions 812, 814 and the sliding engagement between the two separable side portions 812, 814. As mentioned, side engagement members or clamping fasteners such as screw fasteners, pins or the like are inserted through the apertures for opposing engagement with the roof profile.
[0037] Figure 9A illustrates mounting assembly 800 installed on a standing seam roof 900. On interlocking of the side portions 908 and 910, the cavity of the mounting assembly 800 receives the raised seam 902 of the standing seam roof and the mounting device 800 is securely attached to the roof 900 by clamping action of the side engagement members or clamp fasteners (partially shown for illustrative purposes).
[0038] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the device 800 across section A-A of the device 800 and the raised seam 902, which more clearly illustrates the clamping engagement between the side engagement members or clamp fasteners 904, 906 of each separable side portion 908, 910. In particular, the side engagement members 904 on one side is axially offset from the side engagement members 906 on the opposite side of the device 800. The axially offset arrangement of the engagement members 904, 906 creates alternating torsional forces in the engaged portion of the raised seam 902 and creates stronger engagement between the device 800 and the raised seam 902.
[0039] Figure 10A to 10C illustrates a roof anchor assembly 1000 including a mounting assembly 808 and roof anchor 1002. The roof anchor 1002 is fastened to the assembly 808 via anchor fasteners or bolts 1004. The roof anchor 1002 includes an attachment portion 1006 for attaching a safety rope (e.g. via a carabiner or the like) which is typically attached to the harness of an operator. The roof anchor 1002 further includes a serpentine shaped shock absorbing portions 1008 which can be deformed to effectively absorb shock in the event that the operator falls or slips. Further detail of the roof anchor 1002 is described in the Applicant's PCT publication no.WO / 2016 / 176721 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0040] In the embodiment of the assembly 808 as shown, the mounting assembly 808 is configured to enable mounting of the roof anchor 1002 in the orientation shown in Figures 10A to 10C. The additional aperture 1010 defined in the end portion of the device 808 allows the roof anchor 1002 to be mounted in the opposite orientation, in which the roof anchor 1002 is rotated 180 degrees.
[0041] Figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B illustrate a further roof anchor assembly 1 100 including a mounting assembly 600 as shown in Figures 6A to 6D and a roof anchor 1 102. The roof anchor 1 102 is fastened to the assembly 600 via a single anchor fastener or bolt 1 104. The roof anchor 1 102 functions in a similar manner to roof anchor 1002. In addition, roof anchor 1 102 has an S-shaped profiled for additional shock absorption capability. Further detail of the roof anchor 1 102 is described in the Applicant's PCT publication no. WO / 2016 / 176721.
[0042] Figure 12 illustrates a further roof anchor assembly 1200 including four mounting assemblies 600 as shown in Figures 6A to 6D and a roof anchor 1200. The roof anchor 1200 includes a generally rectangular shaped base 1202 and each of the four corner portions of the base 1202 is fastened to an assembly 600 via a single anchor fastener or bolt 1204. Roof anchor 1 100 as shown in Figures 1 1 A and 11 B is mounted to a centre portion of the base 1202 such that forces transferred from the roof anchor 1 100 can be distributed across the base 1202 to the four mounting assemblies 600. Further detail of the roof anchor 1202 is also described in theApplicant's PCT publication no. WO / 2016 / 176721.
[0043] Now referring to Figures 13, which illustrates a mounting assembly 1300 for mounting a portion of a height safety system to a roof according to anotherembodiment of the invention. The assembly 1300 functions according to a similar operating principle to the assemblies as described in the preceding paragraphs, and assemblies 500, 600, 700 and 800 in particular.
[0044] The assembly 1300 includes two separable side portions 1302, 1304. This is more clearly illustrated in Figures 13A and 13E. The side portions 1302, 1304 are fastened together using clamp fasteners 1310 (partially shown in Figure 13D) such as nuts and bolts received in receiving portions 1306, 1308. The fasteners 1310 effectively align and securely clamp the two side portions 1302, 1304 together so as to secure the assembly 1300 to a roof portion.
[0045] As more clearly shown in Figures 13A and 13C, when the two side portions 1302, 1304 are clamped together, the assembly 1300 defines a cavity 1310 for receiving a portion of the roof 400 (see Figure 4). As more clearly shown in Figures 13C, 13F and 13G, side engagement members (pins) 1314, 1316 extend from opposite internal side walls of the cavity 1310. In particular, the side engagement members 1314, 1316 are spaced along each side wall of the cavity in an axial direction of the cavity 1310 (see Figures 13B and 13D). When a roof portion 400 is received in the cavity 1312, the side engagement members 1314, 1316 clamp onto a portion of the roof received in the cavity 1312 for secure engagement thereto.
[0046] Side portion 1302 further includes openings 1308 along an upper section thereof. The openings 1308 are preferably threaded and configured to receivefasteners (not shown) in the form of a threaded bolt for securing a portion of a height safety system (not shown) such as roof anchor (see Figures 1 1 A to 13) to the assembly 1300 in a similar manner to the devices as previously described.
[0047] The assembly 1312 can be of any suitable size to provide the strength of connection required for a particular height safety system. Similar to the assembly of the previously described embodiments, the assembly 1312 can be longer or shorter, and the number of openings 1318, fastener receiving portions 1306, 1308 and side engagement members 1314, 1316 may increase or decrease as appropriate.
[0048] Advantageously, having two separable side portions 1302, 1304 allows the assembly 1300 to have a smaller cavity 1312, as well as a narrower neck portion 1318 of the cavity 1312 so that the cavity 1312 can more closely fit with the received roof portion 400, thereby providing a strong and stable clamping engagement between the assembly 1300 and the roof.
[0049] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate another embodiment of a mounting assembly 1400 of the invention. The mounting assembly 1400 is similar inconstruction to the mounting assembly 1300 of figures 13A to 13G except the side engagement members or pins 1314 and 1316 of the assembly 1300 are replaced with inwardly directed lips 1401 and 1403 dedicated to respective of the side portions 1402 and 1404. The lips 1401 and 1403 are formed integral with and extend the full length of the side walls of the side portions 1402 and 1404. The inwardly directed lips 1401 and 1403 are thus configured on clamping of the side portions 1402 and 1404 via clamp fasteners such as 1410 to clamp about the raised roof portion. This clamping action effects securement of the mounting assembly 1400 to the roof. In line with earlier embodiments, the mounting assembly 1400 includes threaded apertures such as 1405 in this embodiment formed in one of the separable side portions 1402 only. The other of the separable side portions 1404 includes a series of slots 1407 aligned with respective of the threaded apertures 1405 and configured to permit clamping and relative movement of the side portions 1402 and 1404 whilst an anchor fastener (not shown) is engaged within the threaded opening 1405 of the side portion 1402.
[0050] Figure 15A illustrates a roof anchor assembly 1500 including a pair of mounting assemblies 1501 and 1503 to which a roof anchor 1505 is mounted. Theroof anchor assembly 1500 is particularly suited to mounting upon a standing seam of a bulbous configuration of a roof 1509 such as the KLIP-LOK roof cladding (being a registered trade mark of Bluescope Steel Limited).
[0051] The mounting assemblies 1501 and 1503 are of substantially identical construction and similar to the mounting assemblies of earlier embodiments having separable side portions which interlock. This embodiment varies insofar as:1. the side portions 1502 and 1504 do not include threaded apertures for receiving clamp fasteners;2. the mounting assembly such as 1501 includes an elongate member in the form of a rail member 151 1 for contact with the raised and bulbous portion 1507 of the roof 1509.
[0052] In this embodiment and as best seen in figure 15B, the rail member such as 151 1 is connected to a rail fastener 1513 which is moveably coupled to the separable side portions 1502 and 1504 to effect movement of the rail member 1511 into contact with the bulbous raised seam 1507. In this case the rail fastener 1513 also functions as an anchor fastener for securely mounting the roof anchor 1505 to the relevant mounting assembly 1501. The other mounting assembly 1503 similarly cooperates with a rail fastener which functions to both press its associated rail member into contact with the bulbous raised seam 1507 and anchor the roof anchor 1505. It will be understood that the rail member such as 1511 during clamping engagement of the separable side portions 1502 and 1504 with the raised seam 1507 prevents or limits deflection or distortion of the bulbous profile for effective clamping of the roof anchor assembly 1500 to the roof 1509. That is, the prevention of distortion of the roof profile by the rail member 1511 means the side clamp portions 1502 and 1504 are more effective in securing the roof anchor assembly 1500 to the standing seam 1507 of the roof 1509.
[0053] Figuresl 5C to 15E depict one of the mounting assemblies such as 1501 of the roof anchor assembly 1500 of the embodiment of figures 15A and 15B. Figures 15C and 15D show the rail member 151 1 retracted having interlocked the separable side portions 1502 and 1504 across and either side of the bulbous section of the raised seam 1507. Figure 15E is a partly exploded view of the mounting assembly1501 intended to more clearly depict the rail member 151 1 in its entirety and illustrate sliding engagement of the side portions 1502 and 1504 for interlocking with one another.
[0054] Figure 16 is a further embodiment of a roof anchor assembly 1600 intended for installation on the KLIP-LOK style raised seam roof. This embodiment issubstantially identical to the preceding embodiment of the roof anchor assembly 1500 of figures 15A to 15F except this variation includes clamp fasteners such as 1616 and 1618. The clamp fasteners 1616 and 1618 operate in a similar manner to preceding embodiments where opposing clamp fasteners such as 1616 associated with respective of the separable side portions 1602 and 1604 clamp either side of the raised seam of the roof.
[0055] In the various embodiments described above, any suitable fasteners may be used. For example, the fasteners may be threaded or unthreaded, externally and / or internally threaded. The fasteners may include any type of bolts, screws, set screws, nuts, washers, ball screws, rivets, pins and the like, and / or any combination thereof.
[0056] An assembly according to the different embodiments of the present invention as described in the present specification, provide versatile and convenient solutions for mounting and securing equipment to a roof such as a height safety system, without the need to create drill holes. This is typically useful for standing seam roofs where drill holes often cannot be used for mounting equipment to the roof.
[0057] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristic described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
[0058] The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various waysand in other embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0059] The term "comprise" and variants of that term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.
[0060] Reference to prior art disclosures in this specification is not an admission that the disclosures constitute common general knowledge.
Claims
The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1. A mounting assembly of a height safety system, said mounting assembly comprising:a body defining a cavity adapted to receive a raised portion of a roof, the body including a pair of separable side portions configured for sliding engagement for interlocking with one another wherein the cavity includes an enlarged end portion for receiving an enlarged end portion of the raised roof portion, and a relatively narrow neck portion for receiving a neck portion of the raised roof portion and beingconfigured on interlocking of the separable side portions to prevent removal of the mounting assembly from the raised roof portion;one or more anchor fasteners arranged to engage the body for both:i) mounting of a roof anchor of the height safety system to the mounting assembly; andii) interengagement of the pair of separable side portions to prevent sliding movement of said side portions relative to one another.
2. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 also comprising one or more clamp fasteners each arranged to engage one of the pair of separable side portions and extend into the cavity for clamping engagement of said fastener with the raised portion of the roof to hold said raised portion within the cavity.
3. A mounting assembly as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein the pair of separable portions includes a first half portion and a second half portion, the first half portion including a first protrusion and a first recess adjacent the first protrusion, the second half portion including a second protrusion and a second recess adjacent the second protrusion, andwherein the first protrusion is configured for sliding engagement with the second recess and the second protrusion is configured for sliding engagement with the first recess thereby providing interlocking of said first and second half portions.
4. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein said at least one or more of the anchor fasteners are configured to extend through the first and second protrusions of the first and second half portions respectively.
5. A mounting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims also comprising an elongate member located within the cavity and operatively coupled to the body for contact with the raised portion of the roof during clamping engagement of the separable side portions with said raised portion.
6. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the elongate member is a rail member connected to one or more rail fasteners which are movably coupled to the body to effect corresponding movement of the rail member into contact with the raised portion of the roof thereby preventing distortion of said raised portion for effective clamping of the separable side portions with said raised portion of the roof.
7. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein at least one of the rail fasteners is one of the anchor fasteners.
8. A mounting assembly as claim in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said one or more clamp fasteners include clamp fasteners associated with one of the separable side portions being axially offset from clamp fasteners associated with the other of the separable side portions.
9. A mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said one or more clamp fasteners include clamp fasteners associated with one of the separable side portions being axially aligned with clamp fasteners associated with the other of the separable side portions.
10. A mount assembly as claimed in either of claims 8 or 9 wherein the clamp fasteners include one or more screw fasteners extending through opposite side walls and partly into the cavity of the body.1 1. A mounting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchor fasteners include one or more bolts for mounting the roof anchor to the mounting assembly.
12. A roof anchor assembly of a height safety system, said anchor assembly comprising:a body defining a cavity adapted to receive a raised portion of a roof, the body including a pair of separable side portions configured for sliding engagement for interlocking with one another wherein the cavity includes an enlarged end portion for receiving an enlarged end portion of the raised roof portion, and a relatively narrow neck portion for receiving a neck portion of the raised roof portion and being configured on interlocking of the separable side portions to prevent removal of the mounting assembly from the raised roof portion;one or more anchor fasteners arranged to engage the body for both:i) mounting of a roof anchor of the height safety system to the mounting assembly; andii) interengagement of the pair of separable side portions to prevent sliding movement of said side portions relative to one another.
13. A mounting assembly of a height safety system, said mounting assembly comprising:a body defining a cavity adapted to receive a raised portion of a roof, the body including a pair of separable side portions;one or more clamp fasteners arranged to engage both of the pair of separable side portions for clamping together of said separable side portions;one or more engagement members fixed to the body and protruding inward of the cavity wherein clamping together of the separable side portions via the clamp fasteners effects clamping of said engagement members onto the raised portion of the roof for secure engagement of the mounting assembly to the roof.
14. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the one or more engagement members include pins formed integral with either of the pair of separable side portions.
15. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the one or more engagement members include an inwardly directed lip dedicated to and formed integral with respective of the pair of separable side portions for clamping about the raised roof portion via the clamp fasteners.