Abstract:
An insert is provided for use on industry standard gratings to prevent wear and damage to rigging ropes passing through the insert.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/360,886 filed Jul. 11, 2016, which is incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is related to the field of rope guides for use on grating systems, in particular, rope guides configured to protect individual ropes passing through industry standard Kennedy™ grating systems that can be used for industrial rope access, commercial rope access, offshore oil &amp; gas facilities (i.e.: platforms, drilling rigs, semi-submersible, jack-ups, floating production storage and offloading vessels (“FPSO&#39;s”), gravity base structures, emergency response teams/persons (i.e.: high angle rescue teams), power plants, pulp and paper mills, mining, refineries and telecommunications towers and facilities, among others. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Industrial structures can have grating systems mounted thereon to provide platforms positioned at various elevations, and stair structures to provide access between the platforms. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a prior art grating G is shown, that can comprise a plurality of parallel spaced-apart load bar members L welded or otherwise attached or affixed to a plurality of parallel spaced-apart cross-bar members C, wherein cross-bar members C are orthogonal to load bar members L. Adjacent load bar members L can be spaced apart by distance A, and adjacent cross-bar members C can be spaced apart by distance B, where A can be 24 mm and B can be 94 mm, although other distances for A and B can be used, as well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0004]    When working on structures having grating platforms and the like, it is often required to run rigging ropes through the grating to support or suspend personnel, materials or both. In so doing, the rigging ropes will contact and rub against the load bar members and cross-bar members that make up the grating. This gives rise to the possibility that the grating members can cut or fray the rigging ropes and, thus, cause the rigging rope to break or fail resulting in the personnel falling or becoming injured. 
         [0005]    The unwritten or unofficial industry standard for rope protection, in many cases, has been, first, a “make-shift” type protective enclosure created from that whatever is available on the work site to reduce the impact of the “hard edge” of the grating to the rope(s). The second is having to double or even triple-up the fabric type rope protectors around the rope that is stuffed into an area or opening in the grating, as an example. This results in a “what if” factor as to whether the piece of rope protection last stay in place for the entire time the personnel is working suspended from the rigging rope. 
         [0006]    To counter this problem, it is known to use an insert device for use on the grating where the rope is passed through the device to prevent the cutting or fraying of the rope. Such known insert devices used for guiding rope through grating systems are, typically, limited to a single rope, are made of metal and are relatively heavy to carry by personnel in setting up a rigging rope through grating, can require tools to install on grating and are relatively expensive. 
         [0007]    It is, therefore, desirable to provide a grating insert for rigging rope that overcomes the shortcomings of the known devices used for this purpose. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    An insert for use on a grating to allow rigging rope to pass the grating without snagging, or being cut by, the grating is provided. 
         [0009]    It is one objective to give the personnel, operatives and technicians out in the field the comfort in knowing that the rope protection they have put in place for the ropes in the form of an improved grating insert is, in fact, going to prevent damage to the rope. 
         [0010]    It is another objective to provide a grating insert that can give a smooth surface to raise and lower a weighted line without causing the rope protector to move or wear from contact with a hard edge of the grating. 
         [0011]    It is another objective to provide a grating insert that can be easily set into a grating without any tools. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, a grating insert can comprise two or more elongated rope guides for rigging ropes to pass through. In some embodiments, this can give personnel, operatives and technicians the ability to separate two or more independent ropes, thus, preventing friction between the individual ropes. In some embodiments, the elongated rope guides of the grating insert can comprise smooth rounded edges to allow ropes to easily pass through. 
         [0013]    The grating insert described herein was designed, tested and manufactured in western Canada. The design arose out of the need for a safe, effective and easy method to suspend ropes through Kennedy grating. The conventional method was a result of time and time again having to use of using the traditional, coated fabric rope protectors that all the well-known manufacturing leaders in the rope access industry offer. This approach is problematic as these fabric pieces of rope protectors do not last the test of time and abuse. Because the rope access industry is continually evolving, and the operatives/technicians are playing a bigger role of designing and testing, more practical pieces of kit that aid in the safety when working from ropes are being developed. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the grating insert can be made from an engineered resin called Super Tough Nylon. It has many different applications ranging from electronic, marine and the automotive industries. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the grating insert can provide protection against sharp, hard edges along industry standard grating. Rope wear can become a failure and or catastrophic in some cases if not protected. In some embodiments, the grating insert can provide a smooth uniform edge for the rope(s) to pass through the grating enabling the technicians to place the rope in the specific work area very specific areas below. 
         [0016]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an insert can be provided for guiding rigging ropes through a grating comprising spaced-apart cross-bar members operatively coupled to spaced-apart load bar members of a predetermined height, the insert comprising: a base member comprising a top surface; and at least one rope guide extending downwardly from the top surface a distance greater than the predetermined height. 
         [0017]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method can be provided for rigging a rope through a grating comprising spaced-apart cross-bar members operatively coupled to spaced-apart load bar members of a predetermined height, the method comprising the steps of: providing an insert for use on the grating, the insert comprising: a base member comprising a top surface, and at least one rope guide extending downwardly from the top surface a distance greater than the predetermined height; placing the at least one rope guide between a pair of the spaced-apart load bar members; and passing at least one rigging rope through the at least one rope guide. 
         [0018]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the base member can further comprise a perimeter further comprising at least one rounded shoulder. 
         [0019]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the at least one rope guide can further comprise a rounded inlet. 
         [0020]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the at least one rope guide can further comprise an elongated configuration. 
         [0021]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the at least one rope guide can comprise a width that corresponds to a space between adjacent load-bar members. 
         [0022]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the width of the at least one rope guide can be selected such that at least some force is required to insert the at least one rope guide between adjacent load-bar members. 
         [0023]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the insert can further comprise at least two rope guides. 
         [0024]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the insert can be comprised of nylon. 
         [0025]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the nylon can comprise an additive to protect the insert from ultraviolet light. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting a prior art grating having load bar members and cross-bar members. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view depicting one embodiment of a grating insert that can be used with the grating of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view depicting the grating insert of  FIG. 2  installed on the grating of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 3  having rigging ropes passing through the rope guides of the grating insert, the ropes deflected along the axes of the rope guides. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 3  having rigging ropes passing through the rope guides of the grating insert, the ropes deflected orthogonally to the axes of the rope guides. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 7  having rigging ropes passing through the rope guides of the grating insert, the ropes deflected 90° above the grating insert. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a front elevation view depicting the grating insert and grating of  FIG. 5  having rigging ropes passing through the rope guides of the grating insert, the ropes deflected 30° from the horizontal below the grating insert. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    A grating insert to be used on the industry standard sized grating is provided. In some embodiments, the grating insert can be installed on an industry grating with little or no effort from the operative/technician. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of grating insert  10  is shown. In some embodiments, insert  10  can comprise top surface  12  further comprising rounded shoulders  14  disposed at least partially around the perimeter of insert  10  to prevent any snagging with a rigging rope. In some embodiments, insert  10  can comprise tote hole  16  to provide means for toting or carrying insert  10 . Tote hole  16  can be configured to be placed on a carabiner clip (not shown) to hang from a technician&#39;s belt or safety straps while they ascend or descend in a grating structure. In some embodiments, insert  10  can comprise one or more elongated rope slots  18  to form rope guides extending downwardly from top surface  12  of base member  11 . In the illustrated embodiment, insert  10  is shown with two rope slots  18 . Slots  18  can further comprise rounded inlets  20 , having a similar rounded profile to shoulders  14 , to reduce friction and snagging with a rigging rope placed through the slots. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , one embodiment of insert  10  is shown installed on grating G. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 to 7 , insert  10  is shown comprising rope guide tubes  22  extending downwardly from top surface  12  in between load bars L of grating G. In some embodiments, the length of rope guide tubes  22  can be selected to be longer than the height, “h”, of load bars L such that the bottom edges of rope guide tubes  22  extends below the bottom edge of load bars L, as shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 . In some embodiments, width “w” of rope guide tubes  22  can be wide enough to pass between load bars L having spacing A therebetween so that there is at least some resistance to install rope guide tubes  22  between load bars L so as to keep insert  10  in place in grating G when ropes are run through rope guide tubes  22 , and to prevent insert  10  from lifting easily or accidentally off of grating G when in use. 
         [0040]    It is very important to clear away any debris from the chosen area of grating G the operative/technician chooses to place insert  10  in order to get good contact with the top of grating G. If grating G is not bent or obstructed, insert  10  can then be placed as described above, preferably in openings in grating G that are free from any type of debris or blockage. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, insert  10  can comprise two elongated rope guide tubes  22  that can be designed to fit into the elongated openings of standard sized grating. By comprising two rope guide tubes  22  that can be placed in adjacent openings of grating G separated by a load bar member L, insert  10  can be prevented from moving around or twisting on grating G. In addition, insert  10  having more than one rope slot  18  can prevent having to use more than one rope in a single rope slot  18  and, thus, prevent “rope on rope” friction. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a rope  24  is shown in each of rope slots  18 . Ropes  24  can not only pass straight through rope slots  18  vertically, but can also be deflected from the vertical in any azimuth angle about rope slot  18 , and can be further deflected either above or below insert  10 . In  FIG. 8 , ropes  24  are shown deflected along an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axes of elongated rope slots  18 , wherein ropes  24  can contact along rounded shoulders  20 . In  FIG. 8 , there is a rope  24  shown through tote hole  16 , which is an illustration of where a rope  24  is not to be placed through as tote hole  16  is not large enough to provide friction-free movement therethrough for rope  24 ; tote hole  16  is intended as a means for carrying insert  10 . In  FIG. 9 , ropes  24  are shown deflected along an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axes of elongated rope slots  18 , wherein ropes  24  can contact along rounded shoulders  20 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , ropes  24  are shown deflected 90° from vertical above top surface  24 , wherein ropes  24  can contact along rounded shoulders  20 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , ropes  24  are shown deflected 30° from horizontal below insert  10 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, insert  10  can be made of Super Tough Nylon (STN) with a ultraviolet (“UV”) light protection additive to the resin when formed at the manufacturing stage. STN has a deflection temperature rating of 270° F., and a melting temperature at approximately 505 F°. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the UV light protection additive can comprise one or more of UV Absorbers, Quenchers and Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (“HALS”), and other additives as well known by those skilled in the art to protect against degradation caused by UV light. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, Absorbers can comprise a type of light stabilizer that can function by competing with the chromophores to absorb UV radiation. Absorbers change harmful UV radiation into harmless infrared radiation, or heat that is dissipated through the polymer matrix. Carbon black is one of the most effective and commonly used light absorbers. Another UV absorber is rutile titanium oxide, which can be effective in the 315-400 nm range. Hydroxybenzophenone and hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole are also well-known UV stabilizers that can have the advantage of being suitable for neutral or transparent applications. Other UV absorbers can include oxanilides for polyamides, benzophenones for PVC and benzotriazoles and hydroxyphenyltriazines for polycarbonate. UV absorbers can have the benefit of low cost but may be useful only for short-term exposure. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, Quenchers can Quenchers return excited states of the chromophores to ground states by an energy transfer process. The energy transfer agent can function by quenching the excited state of a carbonyl group formed during the photo-oxidation of a plastic material, and through the decomposition of hydroperoxides. This can prevent bond cleavage and ultimately the formation of free radicals. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, HALS can comprise long-term thermal stabilizers that can act by trapping free radicals formed during the photo-oxidation of a plastic material and, thus, limiting the photodegradation process. The ability of Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers to scavenge radicals created by UV absorption can be explained by the formation of nitroxly radicals through a process known as the Denisov Cycle. Although there are wide structural differences in the HALS products commercially available, all share the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine ring structure. HALS are some of the most proficient UV stabilizers for a wide range of plastics. For example, HALS has enabled the growth of polypropylene in the automotive industry. While HALS are also very effective in polyolefins, polyethylene and polyurethane they are not useful in PVC. 
         [0049]    As all three of UV Absorbers, Quenchers and HALS function by different mechanisms, they can be combined into synergistic UV absorbing additives. For example, benzotriazoles can be combined with HALS to protect pigmented systems from fading and color changes. 
         [0050]    STN also has a tensile strength of 8000 Mpa, making inserts  10  comprised of STN extremely durable for in the field use. Table 1 below sets out physical characteristics of STN. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Properties 
                 Condition 
                 Value 
                   
                 Test Method 
                 Comment 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Modulus of elasticity 
                 @ 73° F. 
                 245,000 
                 psi 
                 ASTM D 638 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (tensile test) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wear (K) factor 
                 Against Steel, 
                 200*10 −10   
                 in 3 - 
                 ASTM D 3702 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 40 psi, 50 fpm 
                   
                 min/ft- 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 lbs-hr 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Tensile strength at yield 
                 @ 73° F. 
                 7,200 
                 psi 
                 ASTM D 638 
                   
               
               
                 Mechanical 
                 Elongation at break 
                 @ 73° F. 
                 60 
                 % 
                 ASTM D 638 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Modulus of elasticity 
                 @ 73° F. 
                 230,000 
                 psi 
                 ASTM D 790 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (flexural test) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Impact strength (Izod) 
                 @ 73° F. 
                 17.0 
                 ft-lbs/in  
                 ASTM D 256 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Rockwell hardness 
                 R scale 
                 112 
                   
                 ASTM D 785 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Coefficient of friction 
                 Dynamic,  
                 0.28 
                   
                 ASTM D 3702 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 40 psi, 50 fpm 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Melting temperature 
                   
                 505 
                 ° F. 
                 ASTM D 2133 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Deflection temperature 
                 @ 66 psi 
                 270 
                 ° F. 
                 ASTM D 648 
                   
               
               
                 Thermal 
                 Deflection temperature 
                 @ 264 psi 
                 147 
                 ° F. 
                 ASTM D 648 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Thermal expansion 
                   
                 6.7*10 −4   
                 in/in/° F. 
                 ASTM D 696 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (CLTE) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Moisture absorption 
                 @ 24 hrs, 
                 1.2 
                 % 
                 ASTM D 570 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 73° F. 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Other 
                 Moisture absorption 
                 @ saturation, 
                 6.7 
                 % 
                 ASTM D 570 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 73° F. 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Flammability (UL94) 
                   
                 HB 
                   
                 1) 
                 1) 0.81 mm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0051]    These inserts will more than likely be placed in bags for shipping from job site to job site, which means they will be put through a bit of abuse at times. Having a durable material for inserts  10  to be made from STN can provide a safe, reliable product for all rigging operatives and technicians. 
         [0052]    Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.