Patent Abstract:
A parapet anchor is provided. The parapet anchor includes a frame, at least one adjustment member and a davit mount. The frame is configured and arranged to fit around a portion of a parapet. The at least one adjustment member is movably coupled to the frame to selectively engage the parapet to secure the frame to the parapet. Moreover, the davit mount is coupled to the frame and is configured and arranged to support a davit. The davit in turn can be used as a support structure upon which a lifeline can be coupled.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Fall arrest systems that protect workers in the event of a fall are used in work locations where a fall could cause injury or death. A typical fall arrest system includes a safety harness that is donned by the worker, a lifeline that is attached to the harness, and a support structure in which the lifeline is connected. In some situations, such as in the construction of a new building, a suitable support structure to connect the lifeline to can be a challenge to find. 
         [0002]    For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an efficient and effective means to provide a support structure for a lifeline in a risk area that is void of adequate support structures. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The above-mentioned problems of current systems are addressed by embodiments of the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the invention. 
         [0004]    In one embodiment, a parapet anchor is provided. The parapet anchor includes a frame, at least one adjustment member and a davit mount. The frame is configured and arranged to fit around a portion of a parapet. The at least one adjustment member is movably coupled to the frame to selectively engage the parapet to secure the frame to the parapet. Moreover, the davit mount is coupled to the frame and is configured arraigned to support a davit. The davit in turn can be used as a support structure to which a lifeline can be coupled. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and the following figures in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an assembled parapet anchor of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a side exploded perspective view of the parapet anchor of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0008]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are a side views of the parapet anchor of  FIG. 1  being positioned to engage a parapet; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side views of select portions of the parapet anchor of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the parapet anchor of  FIG. 1  attached to a parapet; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of the parapet anchor of  FIG. 1  with a davit arm attached; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7B  is a side perspective view of a davit mount of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the parapet anchor of  FIG. 1  being removed from a parapet; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a back side perspective view of a portion of the parapet anchor of  FIG. 1  being prepared for transport or storage. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout Figures and text. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof. 
         [0017]    Embodiments of the present invention include parapet anchors that can be attached to a parapet. Embodiments of the parapet anchor can then be used as a stable support structure for the attachment of lifelines and the like. Hence, the parapet anchor can provide a stable support structure in a location where stable supports are typically not found such as, but not limited to, a construction location. A parapet anchor  100  of an embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The parapet anchor  100  includes a lower assembly  202  and an upper assembly  204  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . When the lower assembly  202  is coupled to the upper assembly  204 , a generally C-shaped frame  101  is formed as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The frame  101  is coupled around a parapet as further described below. 
         [0018]    The lower assembly  202  of the parapet anchor  100  includes a first lower member  102   a  and a second lower member  102   b  that are spaced apart by first and second lower frame spacers  104   a  and  104   b.  In particular, the first lower member  102   a  includes a first end  170   a  and a second end  170   b.  The second lower member  102   b  includes a first end  172   a  and second end  172   b.  The first lower frame spacer  104   a  is positioned between the first lower member  102   a  and the second lower member  102   b  proximate the first end  170   a  of the first lower member and proximate the first end  172   a  of the second lower member  102   b.  The second lower frame spacer  104   b  is positioned proximate the second end  170   b  of the first lower member  102   a  and proximate the second end  172   b  of the second lower member  102   b  such that the first lower member  102   a  is spaced in a parallel fashion from the second lower member  102   b  by the first and second frame spacers  104   a  and  104   b.  In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first lower member  102   a  and the second lower member  102   b  are respectively made from tubular members that are square in shape. 
         [0019]    Each lower member  102   a  and  102   b  of the lower assembly  202  has a pair of lower engaging members  106  coupled thereto. Each engaging member  106  includes a bolt  106   a  having an external threaded portion  106   c  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Bolt  106   a  further includes an internal threaded bore  106   b.  A washer  106   d  is received around the bolt  106   a  to abut a head of bolt  106   a.  An engaging head  106   e  threadably engages an internal threaded bore  106   b  of the bolt  106   a.  Bolt  106   a  is then received through apertures in the respective lower members  102   a  and  102   b  such as aperture  103   a  and  103   b  illustrated in the second lower member  102   b  in  FIG. 2 . Spacers  106   f  are received in the respective first and second lower members  102   a  and  102   b  to provide a passage and support for respective bolts  106   a  of the engaging members  106 . A second washer  106   g  is then received around the external threads  106   c  of the bolt  106   a  to abut a surface of the respective first or second lower members  102   a  and  102   b.  A nut  106   h  then engages the external threads  106   c  of the bolt  106   a  to secure the respective engaging member  106  to the respective first and second lower members  102   a  and  102   b.  As illustrated, the engaging head  106   e  extends above nut  106   h  of the fastener  106  on each engaging member  106 . In one embodiment an engaging head  106   e  is an engaging screw. The engaging head  106   e  of each engaging member  106  can be replaced if they become worn. 
         [0020]    The lower assembly  202  also includes a pair of lower support members  108   a  and  108   b.  In particular, the first lower support member  108   a  extends generally perpendicular from the first lower member  102   a  proximate the second end  170   b  of the first lower member  102   a . The second lower support member  108   b  extends generally perpendicular from the second lower member  102   b  proximate the second end  172   b  of the second lower member  102   b.  In one embodiment the first and second lower support members  108   a  and  108   b  are tubular in shape. The first lower support member  108   a  includes a pair of spaced passages  109   a  and  107   a  that extend generally in a perpendicular fashion, with respect to each other, through the first lower support member  108   a.  Passages  109   a  and  107   a  are located proximate a terminal end of the first lower support member  108   a.  Similarly the second lower support member  108   b  includes a pair of perpendicular spaced passages  109   b  and  107   b  that are located proximate a terminal end of the second lower support member  108   b.    
         [0021]    The upper assembly  204  of the parapet anchor  100  includes a first upper support member  110   a  and a second support member  110   b.  In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first upper support member  110   a  and the second upper support member  110   b  are tubular in shape. Each of the first and second upper support members  110   a  and  110   b  have a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the respective first and second lower support members  108   a  and  108   b.  The first lower support member  108   a  is selectively received in the first upper support member  110   a  and the second lower support member  108   b  is selectively received in the second upper support member  110   b.  Passages  111  in respective first and second upper support members  110   a  and  110   b  are aligned with respective passage  107   a  and the first lower support member  108   a  and passage  107   b  in the second lower support member  108   b.  Detent pins  122  are positioned in passages  111  in the first and second upper support members  110   a  and  110   b  and in passages  107   a  of the first lower support member  108   a  and the second passage  107   b  in the second lower support member  108   b  to selectively couple the upper assembly  204  to the lower assembly  202 . 
         [0022]    The upper assembly  204  further includes a pair of upper members  114   a  and  114   b  that extend from the first upper support member  110   a  and the second upper support member  110   b  respectively. In particular, the first upper member  114   a  extends generally perpendicular from the first upper support  110   a  and the second upper member  114   b  extends generally perpendicular to the second upper support member  110   b  such that the parapet anchor  100  has a frame  101  that is generally C-shaped. The first upper member  114   a  includes a first end  174   a  and a second end  174   b.  In one embodiment the first upper support  110   a  passes through an opening in the first upper member  114   a  proximate the second side  174   b  of the first upper member  114   a.  In this embodiment, a portion of the upper support member  110   a  that includes passage  111  extends above the first upper member  114   a.  The second upper member  114   b  includes a first end  176   a  and a second end  176   b.  The upper support member  110   b  in one embodiment passages through an opening in the second upper member  114   b  proximate the second end of the second upper member  114   b.  Likewise, a portion of the second upper support member  110   b  extends above the second upper member  114   b  such that passage  111  in the second upper support member  110   b  is above the second upper member  114   b.  In one embodiment, the first upper member  114   a  and the second upper member  115  have a square tubular shape as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . When the upper assembly  204  is coupled to the lower assembly  202 , the first upper member  114   a  runs parallel to and is aligned with the first lower member  102   a  and the second upper member  114   b  runs parallel to and is aligned with the second lower member  102   b  in an embodiment. 
         [0023]    A pair of upper spacers  118   a  and  118   b  coupled between the first and second upper members  114   a  and  114   b  provide spacing and support for the first and second upper members  114   a  and  114   b.  Each of the first and second upper members  114   a  and  114   b  has a pair of passages  115 . Adjusting member spacers  116   f  are received in the respective first and second upper members  114   a  and  114   b  to further define passages  115  through the respective first and second upper members  114   a  and  114   b.  Adjustment members  116  are received in the respective passages  115  in the first and second upper members  114   a  and  114   b.  In particular, each adjustment member  116  includes a threaded shaft  116   a  that is threadably engaged within a respective passage  115  through a respective first or second upper member  114   a  or  114   b.  Each adjustment member  116  further includes an adjustment handle  116   b  that is coupled to a first end of the threaded shaft  116   a.  A second end of the threaded shaft  116   a  has a threaded bore that is designed to receive an engaging head  116   e.  Engaging head  116   e  is a screw in one embodiment. Further in one embodiment than each adjustment member  116  includes a cap portion  116   c  that is coupled about the first end of the treaded shaft  116   a  in which the handle portion  116   b  is coupled. 
         [0024]    The parapet anchor  100  further includes a handle  120 . Handle  120  includes an elongated member  120   a  (grasping rod) that is coupled between a first tubular section  120   b  (first connection flange) and a second tubular section  120   c  (second connection flange). The first connection flange  120   b  and second connection flange  120   c  each have a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the respective first lower support member  108   a  and the second lower support member  108   b.  Each of the first and second connection flange  120   b  and  120   c  having a passage  120   d  passing there though. The respective passages  120   d  through the first connection flange  120   b  aligns with passage  109   a  of the first lower support member  108   a  and passage  120   d  of the second connection flange  120   c  aligns with passage  109   b  of the second lower support member  108   b  when the handle  120  is connected to frame  101 . In particular, a detent pin  121  is passed through passages  120  of the first connection flange  120   b  and passage  109   a  of the first lower support member  108   a.  Likewise another detent pin  121  is passed through passage  120   d  of the second connection flange  120   c  and the end passage  109   b  of the second lower support member  108   b  thereby coupling the handle to the frame  101  of the parapet anchor  100 . 
         [0025]    A davit mount  140  is coupled to the frame  101 . An illustration of davit mount  140  is illustrated in  FIG. 7B . Davit mount  140  includes a tubular member  724 . Warning labels  726  regarding the use of the parapet anchor  100  can be placed on the tubular member  124 . Coupled proximate opposite ends of the tubular member  724  are davit mounting plates  138   a  and  138   b  and respective davit braces  720 . Apertures  720  pass though the respective davit mounting plates  138   a  and  138   b  and davit braces  720 . Apertures  720  are used to mount the davit mount  140  to first and second mounting members  112   a  and  112   b  of frame  101  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The first and second mounting members  112   a  and  112   b  are mounted across surfaces of the first and second upper support members  110   a  and  110   b.  In particular, fasteners  142  (bolts in this embodiment) pass through apertures  720  in respective davit brackets  138   a  and  138   b  and through respective passages in the first mounting member  112   a  and the second mounting member  112   b . The fasteners  142  further pass through support plate  124   a  and  124   b  that are positioned to abut the respective first mounting member  112   a  and the second mounting member  112   b.  Washer  148  and  149  are received on the respective fasteners  142 ,  146  and nuts  128  threadably engage the respective fasteners  142 ,  146  to couple the davit mount  142  to the frame  101  of the parapet anchor  100 . In one embodiment, a connector  144  which includes a base and a looped portion is mounted to the second mounting member  112   b  via fastener  146 . The connector  144  provides a first anchor point to the parapet anchor  100 . A fastener  146  passes through a passage in the second mounting member  112   b  and is coupled with a second mounting member  112   b  by washers  148 ,  149  and a nut  128 . In one embodiment the first upper member  114   a  and the second upper member  114   b  includes warning labels  150  on an outer surface. One embodiment further includes levels such as a first level  160   a  coupled to the first upper member  114   a  and a second level  160   b  coupled to an upper support member such as the second upper support member  112   b . The levels  160   a  and  160   b  help insure the parapet anchor  100  is properly positioned when attached to a parapet. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the positioning of the parapet anchor  100  on a structure  304  (a parapet) is illustrated. In one embodiment, a cable  302  (or strap) coupled to a hoist (not illustrated) is used to position the parapet anchor  100  into position relative to the parapet  304 . In particular, the cable  302  in one embodiment is coupled across upper spacers  118   a  and  118   b  of the parapet anchor  100 . The parapet anchor  100 , in one embodiment has a center of gravity that allows the parapet anchor  100  to be properly orientated to be received around the parapet  100  when cable  302  is coupled to the upper spacers  118   a  and  118   b.  The parapet anchor  100  is hoisted to a position that is within easy reach of an installer. In particular, the parapet anchor  100  is positioned so that the parapet  304  fits between the upper engaging heads  116   e  of the adjustment members  116  and the lower engaging heads  106   e  of the lower engaging members  106  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , detents pins  122  are removed from passages  111 . This allows handle  120  to be lowered such that the respective first connection flange  120   b  and second connection flange  120   c  rests on respective ends of the first upper support member  110   a  and the second upper support member  110   b.  This provides extra space between the upper members  114   a  and  114   b  and the lower members  102   a  and  102   b  to ease in positioning of the parapet anchor  100  about the parapet  304 . The installer grasps the upper spacer  118   a  to manipulate the parapet anchor  100  towards the installer to properly position the parapet  304  between C-shaped frame  101  of the parapet anchor  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0027]    Once, the parapet anchor  100  is properly positioned about the parapet  304 , handle  120  is grasped by the installer and pulled up as illustrated in the partial side-view of  FIG. 5A . This action decreases the distance between the upper members  114   a  and  114   b  and the lower members  102   a  and  102   b.  Handle  120  is pulled up until passages  111  in the upper supper member  110   a  and  110   b  are aligned with passages  107   a  and  107   b  in the respective first and second lower support members  108   a  and  108   b.  Detent pins  122  are then passed through the aligned passages to couple the upper members  114   a  and  114   b  in a static position in relation to the lower members  102   a  and  102   b.  This is illustrated in the partial side view of  FIG. 5B . 
         [0028]    The parapet anchor  100  is then secured to the parapet  304 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In particular, adjustment handles  116   b  of the adjusting members  116  are rotated to cause the upper engaging heads  116   e  of the adjusting members  116  to engage a top surface of the parapet  304  and the lower engaging heads  106   e  of engaging members  106  to engage a bottom surface of the parapet  304 . Hence, the parapet becomes sandwiched between the adjusting members  116  and the engaging members  106 . Levels  160   a  and  160   b  can be read by the installer to adjust the adjustment members  116  so that the parapet anchor  100  is properly leveled on the parapet  304 . Once the parapet anchor  100  is attached to the parapet  304 , the hoisting cable  302  (if used) can be removed. Referring to  FIG. 7A  a davit arm  700  is then inserted into davit mount  140 . The davit arm  700  can then be used as a stable support for life lines, and the like, attached to a safety harness of a user. 
         [0029]    In removing the parapet anchor  100  from the parapet  304 , the davit arm  700  is first removed from the davit mount  140 . A hoist cable  302  can then be reconnected to the upper spacers  118   a  and  118   b.  The handles  116   b  of the adjusting members then are rotated in an opposite direction they were rotated to engage the parapet  304  until a gap between the parapet  304  and the engaging members  106  is achieved. The parapet anchor  100  is then pushed away from the parapet  304 . Using a hoist and the hoist cable  302  the parapet anchor  100  is moved to the desired location. The hoist cable  302  is then removed. Once the parapet anchor  100  has been removed and positioned in a safe location it can then be prepared for reuse or storage. Referring to  FIG. 9 , a partial back side perspective view of the parapet anchor  100  is provided. This view illustrates the parapet anchor  100  in a storage position. In this position, detent pins  122  are initially removed from passages  111  and  107   a  and  107   b.  This allows the upper support members  110   a  and  110   b  of the upper support assembly  204  of the parapet anchor  100  to slide down along the lower support members  108   a  and  108   b  of the lower assembly  202  until ends of the upper support members  110   a  and  110   b  rest on the first and second lower members  102   a  and  102   b.  The detent pins  122  can then be reinserted in passages  107   a  and  107   b  of the lower support members  108   a  and  108   b  for storage.  FIG. 9  further illustrates that in one embodiment, a connector  902  that provides an anchor point to the parapet anchor  100  is coupled to the davit mount  140 . 
         [0030]    Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4