Safety line anchorage methods and apparatus

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for anchoring an intermediate portion of a safety line relative to a support structure while accommodating passage of a coupling device that is movably mounted on the line.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,

#FIG. 1 is a fragmented, perspective view of an anchorage assembly constructed according to the principles of the present invention; and

#FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the anchorage assembly of FIG. 1.

#A preferred anchorage system constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as 100 in FIGS. 1-2. Generally speaking, the system 100 is connected to a support structure 90 and supports at least one safety line 160, 161. Among other things, the system 100 is suitable for use as a component in horizontal safety line systems like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,975 to Riches et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,385 to Riches et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,427 to Riches et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,410 to Sharp et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

#As shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 includes a first curved plate 110 having an arcuate profile when viewed from below. The profile is preferably configured to match or conform to the exterior of the support structure, which is depicted as a cylindrical post 90. Each end of the plate 110 is secured to the post 90 by means of a respective fastener designated as 180 (and including a mating nut and bolt). Each associated bolt extends through a respective hole in the plate 110 and through a respective member 190, which preferably functions as both a spacer and an energy absorber. The respective holes in the plate 110 are offset vertically relative to one another to avoid interference between the respective bolts in the region of their intersection inside the post 90.

#As shown in FIG. 2, a second curved plate 120 has a somewhat U-shaped profile when viewed from below. However, the opposite distal ends of the plate 120 extend in divergent fashion and preferably define an angle equal to the change in direction experienced by the safety line 160, 161 (approximately 110° on the depicted embodiment 100). Each distal end of the second plate 120 is secured to a respective end of the first plate 110 by means of a respective fastener 181 (including a mating nut and bolt). Each associated bolt extends through aligned holes in the plates 110 and 120, and through a respective member 191 disposed between the plates 110 and 120. An intermediate segment of the second plate 120 is similarly connected to an intermediate portion of the first plate 110, with a relatively longer member 192 disposed therebetween, and a relatively longer fastener 182 (including a mating nut and bolt) inserted through the member 192 and interconnected between the plates 110 and 120. Like the members 190, the members 191 and 192 preferably function both as spacers and as energy absorbers.