Throughfix anchor for lifeline systems

Abstract

The present invention provides an anchor device for use in a lifeline system for protecting users against the risk of falling. The anchor device provides a secure connection point for a user, such as a personnel working at elevation. In one non-limiting embodiment, the anchor device comprises a base plate, an arch, and an intermediate support element. The arch comprises a first leg and a second leg on either end of the arch, wherein the two legs are affixed to the base plate at opposing ends of a span of the base plate. The intermediate support element is positioned below the arch, wherein the intermediate support element extends from the first leg to the second leg of the arch. In another embodiment, the anchor device comprises a base plate and an arch, with each component having a through opening, wherein each through opening is coaxial with one another.

Description

1 Jones Day MS60115PCTMSA Europe GmbHSchliisselstrasse 12CH - 8645 JonaTHROUGHFIX ANCHOR FOR LIFELINE SYSTEMSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates generally to an anchor assembly, and particularly to a throughfix anchor, for use in a lifeline system for fall protection.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fall protection safety systems are essential for preventing injuries to personnel working at elevated heights. For example, fall protection safety systems may be used in roof maintenance activities to allow the maintenance personnel to freely move about the roof while being protected against the risk of falling. In fall protection systems, personnel wear a safety harness that connects to one end of a lifeline. The other end of the lifeline is connected to a cable running through an anchor device, which is securely mounted on a structure, such as a building, roof, railing, or embedded anchor point. In the example of roof maintenance, the anchor device is securely fastened to the roof, so that the personnel’s lifeline may be connected to the anchor device via the cable to protect the personnel from falling off the roof.

[0003] Conventional anchor devices present several limitations that impact efficiency and safety during both installation and use. These limitations include challenges in accessing fastening points during installation, impediments to user mobility during use, and potential for damage to parts of the safety system and its mounting structure. Therefore, there is a need for an anchor device that provides fall protection while also addressing these limitations.SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention provides an anchor device for use in a lifeline system for protecting users against the risk of falling. The anchor device provides a secure connectionNAI-5009460475vl2 Jones Day MS60115PCT point for a user, such as personnel working at elevation. In one non-limiting embodiment, the anchor device comprises a base plate, an arch, and an intermediate support element. The arch comprises a first leg and a second leg on either end of the arch, wherein the two legs are affixed to the base plate at opposing ends of a span of the base plate. The intermediate support element is positioned below the arch, wherein the intermediate support element extends from the first leg to the second leg of the arch. In another embodiment, the anchor device comprises a base plate and an arch, with each component having a through opening, wherein each through opening is coaxial with one another.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 A illustrates an exemplary use of an anchor device in a lifeline system.

[0006] FIG. IB is an isometrical view of a througfix anchor device in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary use of the throughfix anchor device of FIG. IB in a lifeline system.

[0008] FIG. ID is a top view of the throughfix anchor device of FIG. IB.

[0009] FIG. 2A is an isometrical view of a throughfix anchor device having an intermediate support element in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2B is an illustration of an exemplary use of the throughfix anchor device of FIG. 2A in a lifeline system.

[0011] FIG. 2C is a front view of the throughfix anchor device of FIG. 2B.

[0012] FIG. 2D is a front view of the throughfix anchor device of FIG. 2A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Anchor devices may be used in lifeline systems as a secure attachment point for users performing tasks at an elevated height. For example, FIG. 1 A illustrates an exemplaryNAI-5009460475vl3 Jones Day MS60115PCT use of anchor device 101 in a lifeline system on a roof. As shown in the figure, user 112 is tethered to the lifeline system so that the user can perform activities on the roof while remaining securely attached to the lifeline system for fall protection. Anchor device 101 comprises a closed loop with arch 118, legs 113 and 114, and horizontal base 126. Horizontal base 126 has a through opening that is used to affix anchor device 101 to horizontal lifeline post 133 via a fastener, such as bolt 119. Horizontal lifeline post 133 is affixed on a mounting structure, which is roof 134 in this figure. In other embodiments, anchor device 101 may be affixed to the mounting structure directly. Anchor device 101 engages with attachment element 180 as shown in the figure. Attachment element 180 is configured as a loop around anchor device 101 such that it can slide about the entire circumference of arch 118, and legs 113 and 114. Cable 185 is inserted through attachment element 180, and it extends horizontally between two fixed end points on mounting structure 134.

[0014] As shown in the figure, user 112 interfaces with the lifeline system via the user’s personal fall protection equipment, such as safety harness 115. Safety harness 115 has lifeline 125 extending from its body. Lifeline 125 is connected at one end to the user’s safety harness 115, and at the other end to cable 185. The connection between cable 185 and the user’ s lifeline 125 is via a removable connecting hardware 175, such as a carabiner, a snaphook, or a traveller. In addition to providing a removable connection, connecting hardware 175 is also configured to slidably traverse along the length of cable 185. This configuration allows user 112 to move freely along cable 185, within the radius permitted by safety harness lifeline 125, by sliding safety harness lifeline 125 along cable 185. In the event of a fall, the lifeline system arrests user 112’ s fall by preventing the user’s descent beyond the length allowed by lifeline 125 because lifeline 125 is secured to cable 185, which is anchored by anchor device 101, and subsequently to mounting structure 134 via horizontal lifeline post 133. In this way, anchor device 101 acts as a secure attachment point for the user to protect them from falling.NAI-5009460475vl4 Jones Day MS60115PCT

[0015] FIG. 1 A also illustrates technical considerations relating to both installation and use of anchor device 101. With respect to installation, as explained above, when used in a lifeline system, anchor device 101 may be installed by affixing it to a mounting structure or a horizontal lifeline post on a mounting structure. In order to install anchor device 101, an opening at the top of base 126 is configured to accommodate a fixing, such as a screw, bolt, or rivet, to affix base 126 of anchor device 101 to mounting structure 134. The embodiment in FIG. 1A illustrates bolt 119 securing anchor device 101 to horizontal lifeline post 133 and mounting structure 134. However, installation of anchor device 101 may present efficiency concerns relating to access to the fastener.

[0016] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, base 126 is configured to accommodate bolt 119 for affixing anchor device 101 to horizontal lifeline post 133 and mounting structure 134. Fastening bolt 119 requires use of a wrench, but as can be seen in the figure, the position of bolt 119 hinders both lateral and vertical access to the bolt. If the wrench is used parallel to base 126 of anchor device 101, opposing legs 113 and 114 of anchor device 101 interfere with the wrench’s full range of motion, allowing less than 180 degrees of movement, which reduces installation efficiency. This restriction necessitates repeated disengagement and reengagement of the wrench with the head of bolt 119 because the wrench needs to be repositioned after each partial rotation due to the restricted range of motion. Similarly, if the wrench is used perpendicular to base 126, its movement is restricted because it would make contact with arch 118 of anchor device 101 during installation. This forces the installer to operate the wrench at a suboptimal angle, such as tilting the wrench at an angle away from anchor device 101, which also reduces installation efficiency. As another example, if a screw is used as the fastener, using a screwdriver is equally inefficient because its movement is similarly restricted by arch 118 of anchor device 101. Because of the structure of anchor device 101, arch 118 and legs 113, 114, both lateral and vertical access to the fastenerNAI-5009460475vl5 Jones Day MS60115PCT during installation is constrained. These constraints necessitate either frequent tool adjustment or use of specialized installation tools customized specifically for anchor device 101, both of which reduce installation efficiency.

[0017] With respect to use, when anchor device 101 is in use, as shown in FIG. 1A, attachment element 180 can move within anchor device 101 without any restrictions. Because cable 185 passes through attachment element 180, both cable 185 and attachment element 180 naturally slide down to base 126, as shown in the figure, causing both cable 185 and attachment element 180 to come into contact with horizontal lifeline post 133. In an embodiment where anchor device 101 is affixed directly to mounting structure 134, cable 185 and attachment element 180 may make contact with the surface of mounting structure 134. This contact impedes user 112 from smoothly moving along cable 185 because the cable-to-mounting surface contact prevents connecting hardware 175 from sliding freely along cable 185. At each contact point, connecting hardware 175 drags along mounting structure 134 instead of just sliding across cable 185. Additionally, this contact also creates friction between cable 185 and mounting structure 134, which causes physical damage to both. As shown in FIG. 1A, attachment element 180 and cable 185 are in contact with horizontal lifeline post 133, which causes wear to all three elements.

[0018] In an embodiment where anchor device 101 is affixed to horizontal lifeline post 133, as shown in FIG. 1A, physical damage may also occur when connecting hardware 175 comes into contact with horizontal lifeline post 133. As shown in the figure and explained above, cable 185 is in contact with horizontal lifeline post 133, which consequently results in contact between connecting hardware 175 and horizontal lifeline post 133 as user 112 moves along cable 185 towards horizontal lifeline post 133. This contact causes friction between connecting hardware 175 and horizontal lifeline post 133, resulting in physical damage to both. Therefore, maintaining an optimal cable position relative to the mounting structure or theNAI-5009460475vl6 Jones Day MS60115PCT horizontal lifeline post is important to ensure smooth operation as well as to prevent wear on the elements of the lifeline system and the mounting structure.

[0019] As described above, existing anchor devices present two significant limitations. First, the installation process is inefficient due to restricted tool access and movement, which requires either constant adjustment of standard fastening tools during use, or the use of specialized installation equipment. This limitation not only reduces installation efficiency, but also presents a potential safety risk because restricted tool movement may prevent proper tightening and securing of the anchor device to the mounting structure. Second, by allowing unrestricted movement of the attachment element within the anchor device, existing anchor devices allow parts of the lifeline system to come into contact with the mounting structure, which results in friction during user movement as well as causes damage to parts of the lifeline system and the mounting structure.

[0020] As explained in detail below, and illustrated in FIG. 1A itself, the anchor devices described herein overcome some or all of these limitations. First, as shown in FIG. 1 A, some anchor devices described herein incorporate through opening 116 on the arch of the anchor device, providing direct vertical access to the fastener on the base. The through opening enables unrestricted use of standard fastening tools, allowing a full range of motion of these tools during installation without interference from the anchor device structure. Second, some anchor devices described herein incorporate intermediate support element 117, positioned below the arch of the anchor device, that limits the range of motion of the attachment element. The attachment element is looped to the anchor device at a point above the intermediate support element, which prevents both the attachment element and the cable from coming into contact with the mounting structure.

[0021] Referring to FIG. IB, an isometrical view of a throughfix anchor device 100 in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure is shown.NAI-5009460475vl7 Jones Day MS60115PCT Throughfix anchor device 100 comprises a base plate 110, upon which an arch 120 is permanently affixed. Arch 120 includes two legs on either side, leg 130 and leg 140, which are affixed to base plate 110 on opposing ends of span 190 of base plate 110. As shown in the figure, span 190 extends across the entire length of base plate 110 from one terminal end to its opposing end.

[0022] Throughfix anchor device 100 of FIG. IB can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, throughfix anchor device 100 can be used in a lifeline system to protect the user from falling by providing the user a secure attachment point. When used in such a lifeline system, throughfix anchor device 100 is affixed to a mounting structure, like a roof or a horizontal lifeline post as illustrated in Fig. 1A. Referring to FIG. 1C, an exemplary lifeline system is shown comprising throughfix anchor device 100, attachment element 180, and cable 185. Attachment element 180 is configured as a loop that engages with arch 120 such that attachment element 180 is capable of traversing the circumference of arch 120 as well as legs 130 and 140. Cable 185 is inserted through attachment element 180, extending horizontally between two fixed end points on the mounting structure.

[0023] As explained above, in order to use throughfix anchor device 100 in such a fall protection system, throughfix anchor device 100 must be installed by affixing it to the mounting structure, such as a roof. Referring to FIG. IB, base plate 110 comprises through opening 150 which is used to affix throughfix anchor device 100 to the mounting structure. Through opening 150 is configured to accommodate a fastener for securing base plate 110 to the mounting structure. In an embodiment, through opening 150 may be threaded so that it can engage with a corresponding threaded fastener, such as a screw, which goes through the through opening 150 and screws throughfix anchor device 100 on to the mounting structure. In other embodiments, through opening 150 may be configured to accommodate other fasteners such as a bolt or a rivet.NAI-5009460475vl8 Jones Day MS60115PCT

[0024] Throughfix anchor device 100, embodied in FIG. IB, overcomes the installation constraints explained above by implementing through opening 160 on arch 120. Through opening 160, which is coaxial along axis 170 with through opening 150 of base plate 110, provides vertical access to through opening 150, creating a clear pathway for inserting and maneuvering a tool from above arch 120. Specifically, through opening 160 is configured to be wide enough to accommodate standard fastening tools to be inserted through the top of arch 120 and directly access the fastener inserted in through opening 150 below. This coaxial alignment of the two through openings 150 and 160 permits unrestricted tool manipulation from above arch 120, thus ensuring that the structure of throughfix anchor device 100 does not constrain the operation of the fastening tool. Rather than having to work around legs 130 and 140 on the sides of base plate 110, an installer can manipulate the fastening tool vertically from the top of arch 120 directly through the opening 160 because of the unobstructed vertical path. This configuration allows installers to maintain optimal tool alignment during installation, as well as utilize standard tools through their full range of motion.

[0025] For example, in an embodiment where through opening 150 is configured to accommodate a screw, through opening 160 is proportionally sized to receive a corresponding standard screwdriver from above arch 120. This allows unrestricted vertical manipulation of the screwdriver from above arch 120 because the screwdriver can be manipulated through its full rotational range of motion without any obstructions. The installer can insert the screwdriver straight down through opening 160, accessing the screw placed in through opening 150, and operate the screwdriver vertically from above arch 120, eliminating the interference issues caused by the structure of throughfix anchor device 100. This configuration obviates the need for specialized installation tools or frequent repositioning of standard tools, thus improving installation efficiency.NAI-5009460475vl9 Jones Day MS60115PCT

[0026] FIG. ID shows a top view of throughfix anchor device 100 shown in FIG. IB. It further highlights the coaxial alignment of through openings 150 and 160. Because of this coaxial configuration, there is a clear vertical pathway for tool insertion and manipulation from above arch 120, which allows for improved installation efficiency as explained above.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiments of FIGs. 1B-1D, throughfix anchor device 100 comprises a substantially flat top on arch 120. In other embodiments, arch 120 may comprise a top portion that is curved or rounded. The structure of arch 120 may be selected based on the specific application of throughfix anchor device 100 or installation requirements. Similarly, base plate 110 has a substantially circular shape in the exemplary embodiments. In other embodiments, base plate 110 may have different geometric configurations, including oval or polygonal. In such embodiments, span 190 extends between opposing peripheral ends of base plate 110, with legs 130 and 140 affixed on opposing ends of span 190, which maintains balanced support and weight distribution for arch 120. For example, in an embodiment where base plate 110 is a square, span 190 may extend between opposing comers or midpoints of opposing sides of base plate 110, wherein legs 130 and 140 are affixed to base plate 110 at opposing ends of span 190.

[0028] The exemplary embodiments illustrate the structure of legs 130 and 140 as having a curvature extending outwards from throughfix anchor device 100. Such a curved profile helps facilitate smooth slidable movement of attachment element 180 across legs 130 and 140 and arch 120. In other embodiments, legs 130 and 140 may have different structures depending on the specific application of throughfix anchor device 100 and installation requirements. For example, legs 130 and 140 may be substantially straight, have a sharper or gentler curvature, or have other geometric profiles.

[0029] In an embodiment, throughfix anchor device 100 may be manufactured from a steel material to facilitate smooth slidable movement of attachment element 180. In otherNAI-5009460475vl10 Jones Day MS60115PCT embodiments, througfix anchor device 100 may be manufactured using an alloy based on the material strength, environment, and lubricity desired for the specific application.

[0030] FIG. 2A shows an isometrical view of a throughfix anchor device 200 having intermediate support element 225 in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. This embodiment overcomes the use and durability issues explained above that are present in existing anchor devices. The embodiment shown in FIG.2A implements intermediate support element 225 to help maintain an optimal cable position relative to the mounting structure. Intermediate support element 225 is positioned below arch 220 in order to limit the range of motion of attachment element 280, thereby preventing cable 285 from coming into contact with the mounting structure.

[0031] Throughfix anchor device 200 comprises a base plate 210, upon which an arch 220 is permanently affixed. Arch 220 includes two legs on either side, leg 230 and leg 240, which are affixed to base plate 210 on opposing ends of span 290 of base plate 210. As shown in the figure, span 290 extends across the entire length of base plate 210 from one terminal end to its opposing end.

[0032] Additionally, base plate 210 comprises through opening 250 which is used to affix throughfix anchor device 200 to a mounting structure, such as a roof, for use in a fall protection system. Through opening 250 is configured to receive a fastener for securing base plate 210 to the mounting structure. In an embodiment, through opening 250 may be threaded so that it can engage with a corresponding threaded fastener, such as a screw, which goes through the through opening and screws throughfix anchor device 200 on to the mounting structure. In other embodiments, through opening 250 may be configured to accommodate other fasteners such as a bolt or a rivet.

[0033] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. IB, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A also has a through opening 260 in arch 220 that is coaxial along axis 270 with through openingNAI-5009460475vl11 Jones Day MS60115PCT 250. Through opening 260 provides vertical access to through opening 250, creating a clear pathway for inserting and maneuvering a fastening tool from above arch 220. This coaxial alignment of the two through openings 250 and 260 permits unrestricted tool manipulation from above arch 220, thus ensuring that arch 220 as well as legs 230 and 240 do not constrain the operation of the fastening tool.

[0034] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2A also incorporates an intermediate support element 225 positioned below arch 220. Intermediate support element 225 spans between legs 230 and 240, being affixed to each leg at a point closer to arch 220 than to base plate 210. Intermediate support element 225 extends across span 290 of base plate 210. Intermediate support element 225 defines and constrains the range of motion of attachment element 280 to the space between arch 220 and intermediate support element 280, thus preventing both attachment element 280 and cable 285 from coming into contact with the mounting structure.

[0035] FIG. 2B further illustrates how attachment element 280 prevents cable 285 from coming into contact with the mounting structure. FIG. 2B shows an exemplary use of throughfix anchor device 200 in a lifeline system. As shown, intermediate support element 225 functions as a physical barrier that prevents attachment element 280 from sliding down towards base plate 210. This prevents contact between cable 285 and the mounting structure. As shown in FIG. 2B, intermediate support element 225 maintains a minimum elevation of cable 285 above the mounting structure because of its position. This distance between cable 285 and the mounting structure allows for smooth traversal of the user’s connecting hardware along cable 285, as well as eliminates the possibility of damaging cable 285, attachment element 280, and the mounting structure due to contact with each other. In an embodiment where anchor device 200 is affixed to a horizontal lifeline post, the distance between cable 285 and the horizontal lifeline post also prevents contact between the connecting hardware and the horizontal lifeline post, thus preventing damage to both.NAI-5009460475vl12 Jones Day MS60115PCT

[0036] FIG. 2C shows a front view of throughfix anchor device 200 when in use in a lifeline system. It further illustrates how intermediate support element 225 prevents attachment element 280 from sliding below the point of attachment between intermediate support element 225 and arch legs 230 and 240, which consequently prevents cable 285 from coming into contact with the mounting structure.

[0037] FIG. 2D is a front view of throughfix anchor device 200. It illustrates that intermediate support element 225 defines a path 223 between arch 220 and intermediate support element 225. This defined path limits the range of movement of attachment element 280, physically preventing it from sliding below intermediate support element 225. During use in a lifeline system, attachment element 280 cannot move past intermediate support element 225 because it is confined within path 223. This consequently prevents cable 285 from coming into contact with the mounting structure by maintaining a minimum elevation of both attachment element 280 and cable 285.

[0038] Further, as shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, intermediate support element 225 also incorporates a through opening 255 which is coaxial along axis 270 with both through openings 250 and 260. Through opening 255 helps maintain the direct vertical access from through opening 260 to through opening 250, creating a clear pathway for inserting and maneuvering a tool from above arch 220.

[0039] In another embodiment, intermediate support element 225 may be retrofitted to an existing anchor device via removable means. For example, intermediate support element 225 can be clipped on to the anchor device or screwed on at a point that is closer to arch 220 than to base 210. In another embodiment, intermediate support element 225 may be retrofitted to a throughfix anchor device. The retrofitted intermediate support element may have a throughfix opening that is coaxial with the other through openings on the anchor device.NAI-5009460475vl13 Jones Day MS60115PCT

[0040] In another embodiment, the throughfix anchor device described herein may be fixed on horizontal lifeline post 133 as shown in FIG. 1A, which is then affixed on a mounting structure such as a roof. In such an embodiment, a retrofitted intermediate support element protects the body of horizontal lifeline post 133 from coming into contact with the connecting hardware, resulting in smoother running of the connecting hardware over cable 185.

[0041] In an embodiment, intermediate support element 225 may be manufactured from a steel material to facilitate smooth slidable movement of attachment element 180 across intermediate support element 225. In other embodiments, intermediate support element 225 may be manufactured using an alloy based on the material strength, environment, and lubricity desired for the specific application. In other embodiments, intermediate support element 225 may be manufactured from plastic.

[0042] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

[0043] As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] 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.NAI-5009460475vl14 Jones Day MS60115PCT

[0045] All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. By “about” 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] All documents referred to herein are “incorporated by reference” in their entirety.

[0049] The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to”.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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”.

[0052] 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 andNAI-5009460475vl15 Jones Day MS60115PCT 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.NAI-5009460475vl

Claims

16 Jones Day MS60115PCT It is claimed:

1. An anchor device comprising:a base plate;an arch with a first leg and a second leg on either end of the arch, wherein the two legs are affixed to the base plate at opposing ends of a span of the base plate; andan intermediate support element positioned below the arch, wherein the intermediate support element extends from the first leg to the second leg.

2. The anchor device of claim 1, configured for use in afall protection system, wherein:the base plate is affixed to a mounting structure;the arch is configured to receive an attachment element and allow slidable movement of the attachment element across a top potion of the arch, wherein the attachment element is configured to receive a horizontal cable, wherein the horizontal cable is configured to connect to a lifeline via a connecting hardware;the intermediate support element is affixed to the first leg and the second leg; and the intermediate support element is configured to prevent movement of the attachment element past the intermediate support element such that the horizontal cable does not come in contact with the mounting structure.

3. The anchor device of claim 1, wherein the span of the base plate extends from one terminal end of the base plate to an opposing end of the base plate.

4. The anchor device of claim 1, wherein the intermediate support element is permanently affixed to the first leg and the second leg.NAI-5009460475vl17 Jones Day MS60115PCT5. The anchor device of claim 1, wherein the intermediate support element is configured to be attached to the anchor device by a removable means.

6. The anchor device of claim 5, wherein the removable means comprises screwing on the intermediate support element.

7. The anchor device of claim 5, wherein the removable means comprise clipping on the intermediate support element.

8. The anchor device of claim 1, wherein the intermediate support element is affixed to the first leg and the second leg closer to the arch than to the base plate.

9. The anchor device of claim 2, wherein the intermediate support element defines a path between the arch and the intermediate support element, wherein the movement of the attachment element is restricted to the path.

10. The anchor device of claim 2, wherein the intermediate support element maintains a distance between the horizontal cable and the mounting structure.

11. The anchor device of claim 2, wherein the connecting hardware comprises at least one of a carabiner, a snaphook, or a traveller.NAI-5009460475vl18 Jones Day MS60115PCT 12. The anchor device of claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises a first through opening, the arch comprises a second through opening, and wherein the first through opening and the second through opening are coaxial.

13. The anchor device of claim 3, wherein the base plate comprises a first through opening, the arch comprises a second through opening, the intermediate support element comprises a third through opening, and wherein the first through opening, the second through opening, and the third through opening are coaxial.

14. An anchor device comprising:a base plate, wherein the base plate comprises a first through opening;an arch with a first leg and a second leg on either end of the arch, wherein the two legs are affixed to the base plate at opposing ends of a span of the base plate and wherein the arch comprises a second through opening; andwherein the first through opening and the second through opening are coaxial.

15. The anchor device of claim 14, configured for use in a fall protection system, wherein:the first through opening is configured for accommodating a fastener suitable for fixing the anchor device to a mounting structure; andthe second through opening is configured for receiving a tool for fastening the fastener, wherein the tool can be manipulated from above the arch.

16. The anchor device of claim 15, wherein the coaxial alignment of the first through opening and the second through opening is configured to provide an unobstructed vertical access for the fastening tool from the arch to the fastener.NAI-5009460475vl19 Jones Day MS60115PCT17. The anchor device of claim 15, wherein the fastener comprises at least one of a screw, a bolt, or a rivet.

18. An anchor device comprising:a base plate with a first through opening;an arch with a second through opening, wherein the arch comprises a first leg and a second leg on either end of the arch, wherein the two legs are affixed to the base plate at opposing ends of a span of the base plate;an intermediate support element with a third through opening, wherein the intermediate support element is positioned below the arch, wherein the intermediate support element extends from the first leg to the second leg; andwherein the first through opening, the second through opening, and the third through opening are coaxial.

19. The anchor device of claim 18, configured for use in a fall protection system, wherein:the first through opening is configured for accommodating a fastener suitable for fixing the anchor device to a mounting structure; andthe second through opening and the third through opening are configured for receiving a tool for fastening the fastener, wherein the tool can be manipulated from above the arch.

20. The anchor device of claim 19, wherein the coaxial alignment of the first through opening, the second through opening, and the third through opening is configured to provide an unobstructed vertical access for the fastening tool from the arch to the fastener.NAI-5009460475vl

Images