U.S. patent application number 15/733190 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-18 for top bracket for fall protection safety system.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Keith G. MATTSON, Rick G. MILLER.
Application Number | 20210046340 15/733190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005192825 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210046340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MILLER; Rick G. ; et
al. |
February 18, 2021 |
TOP BRACKET FOR FALL PROTECTION SAFETY SYSTEM
Abstract
A top bracket for supporting a safety cable of a vertical
climbing fall protection system, the bracket including a base plate
and a pivotally deflectable plate that is integrally and pivotally
connected to the base plate by a neck. The top bracket may also
include an abutment plate with a forward abutment surface that is
separated from a rearward abutment surface of the pivotally
deflectable plate by an elongate gap.
Inventors: |
MILLER; Rick G.; (Prescott,
WI) ; MATTSON; Keith G.; (Woodbury, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
St. Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
1000005192825 |
Appl. No.: |
15/733190 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
December 18, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/066180 |
371 Date: |
June 8, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62607409 |
Dec 19, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06C 7/186 20130101;
A62B 35/0068 20130101; A62B 35/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A62B 35/00 20060101
A62B035/00; E06C 7/18 20060101 E06C007/18 |
Claims
1. A top bracket for supporting a safety cable of a vertical
climbing fall protection system, the top bracket exhibiting a
vertical axis, a forward-rearward axis, and a lateral axis, and the
top bracket comprising a unitary, integral body comprising: first
and second laterally-spaced, vertically-oriented base plates; first
and second laterally-spaced, vertically-oriented, pivotally
deflectable plates that are configured to collectively allow an
upper end of a safety cable to be connected thereto; wherein the
first pivotally deflectable plate is integrally and pivotally
connected to the first base plate by a first vertically-oriented
neck that is configured so that the first pivotally deflectable
plate extends at least generally forwardly from the first base
plate and wherein the second pivotally deflectable plate is
integrally and pivotally connected to the second base plate by a
second vertically-oriented neck configured so that the second
pivotally deflectable plate extends at least generally forwardly
from the second base plate, and wherein the top bracket is
configured so that the first and second pivotally deflectable
plates share a common axis of pivotal deflection that passes
through the first neck and the second neck and that is oriented at
least generally parallel to the lateral axis of the top bracket;
and wherein the top bracket further comprises: a first
vertically-oriented abutment plate that extends forwardly from a
lower section of the first base plate and that comprises a forward
abutment surface that is separated from a rearward abutment surface
of the first pivotally deflectable plate by a first elongate gap;
and a second vertically-oriented abutment plate that extends
forwardly from a lower section of the second base plate and
comprises a forward abutment surface that is separated from a
rearward abutment surface of the second pivotally deflectable plate
by a second elongate gap.
2. The top bracket of claim 1 wherein the first and second elongate
gaps each exhibit a long axis that, over at least about 70% of an
elongate length of the elongate gap, is oriented within about 10 to
about 50 degrees of the vertical axis of the top bracket.
3. The top bracket of claim 1 wherein a portion of a lower edge of
the first neck defines at least a portion of an upper edge of a
rear end of the first elongate gap and wherein a portion of a lower
edge of the second neck defines at least a portion of an upper edge
of a rear end of the second elongate gap.
4. The top bracket of claim 1 wherein the first elongate gap
exhibits a gap width that is at least substantially uniform over at
least about 80% of an elongate length of the first elongate gap,
and wherein the second elongate gap exhibits a gap width that is at
least substantially uniform over at least about 80% of an elongate
length of the second elongate gap.
5. The top bracket of claim 4 wherein the first elongate gap
comprises a rear end that takes the form of a first at least
generally circular lower aperture, which first lower aperture
exhibits a diameter that is greater than an average gap width of
the first elongate gap by a factor of at least about 1.8; and,
wherein the second elongate gap comprises a rear end that takes the
form of a second at least generally circular lower aperture, which
second lower aperture exhibits a diameter that is greater than an
average gap width of the first elongate gap by a factor of at least
about 1.5.
6. The top bracket of claim 1 wherein an upper edge of the first
neck comprises a lowermost point that is located lower than an
uppermost point of the first pivotally deflectable plate, and
wherein an upper edge of the second neck comprises a lowermost
point that is located lower than an uppermost point of the second
pivotally deflectable plate.
7. The top bracket of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the
upper edge of the first neck comprises an arcuate shape that
provides a portion of a first at least generally circular upper
aperture and wherein at least a portion of the upper edge of the
second neck comprises an arcuate shape that provides a portion of a
second at least generally circular upper aperture.
8. The top bracket of claim 1 wherein a minimum vertical height of
the first neck is no greater than about 30% of a maximum vertical
height of the first pivotally deflectable plate, and wherein a
minimum vertical height of the second neck is no greater than about
30% of a maximum vertical height of the second pivotally
deflectable plate.
9. The top bracket of claim 1 where the top bracket further
includes: a forward floor panel that integrally connects at least a
part of a lowermost portion of the first pivotally deflectable
plate with at least a part of a lowermost portion of the second
pivotally deflectable plate; and, a rearward floor panel that
integrally connects at least a part of a lowermost portion of the
first abutment plate with at least a part of a lowermost portion of
the second abutment plate.
10. The top bracket of claim 9 wherein an elongate floor gap is
present between a rearward edge of the forward floor panel and a
forward edge of the rearward floor panel, and wherein the elongate
floor gap, the first elongate gap and the second elongate gap
collectively provide a continuous, elongate gap that is at least
generally U-shaped when viewed along the forward-rearward axis of
the top bracket.
11. The top bracket of claim 9 wherein at least the forward floor
panel exhibits an arcuate, concave-upward shape so that an upward
major surface of the forward floor panel defines a forward valley
that is elongated along the forward-rearward axis of the top
bracket and that exhibits an at least generally concave-upward
shape when viewed along the forward-rearward axis of the top
bracket.
12. The top bracket of claim 11 wherein the rearward floor panel
exhibits an arcuate, concave-upward shape so that an upward major
surface of the rearward floor panel defines a rearward valley that
is elongated along the forward-rearward axis of the top bracket and
that exhibits an at least generally concave-upward shape when
viewed along the forward-rearward axis of the top bracket.
13. The top bracket of claim 12 wherein, when the top bracket is
viewed along the forward-rearward axis of the top bracket, the
first pivotally deflectable plate is at least generally laterally
aligned with the first abutment plate, the second pivotally
deflectable plate is at least generally laterally aligned with the
second abutment plate, and the forward floor panel is at least
generally vertically aligned with the rearward floor panel.
14. The top bracket of claim 1 wherein the first pivotally
deflectable plate, the second pivotally deflectable plate, and a
forward floor panel that integrally connects at least a part of a
lowermost portion of the first pivotally deflectable plate with at
least a part of a lowermost portion of the second pivotally
deflectable plate, are all portions of the single, unitary,
integral body, which body is at least generally U-shaped when
viewed along the forward-rearward axis of the top bracket.
15. The top bracket of claim 14 wherein the first neck, the second
neck, the first base plate, the second base plate, the first
abutment plate, the second abutment plate, and a rearward floor
panel that integrally connects at least a part of a lowermost
portion of the first abutment plate with at least a part of a
lowermost portion of the second abutment plate, are all portions of
the single, unitary, integral body.
16. The top bracket of claim 15 wherein the first pivotally
deflectable plate comprises a slot that is at least generally
T-shaped when viewed along the lateral axis of the top bracket;
and, wherein the forward floor panel comprises a complementary slot
that originates from a lowermost end of a vertical trunk of the
T-shaped slot of the first pivotally deflectable plate, and wherein
the complementary slot of the forward floor panel extends across a
lateral extent of the forward floor panel and terminates proximate
a lowermost edge of the second pivotally deflectable plate.
17. The top bracket of claim 16 wherein the T-shaped slot of the
first pivotally deflectable plate is configured to allow a major
crossbar and a portion of a vertical trunk of an at least generally
T-shaped fitting of an upper end of a safety cable to pass
laterally through the T-shaped slot so that a major crossbar of the
T-shaped fitting of the safety cable can be seated on a floor of a
concave-upward valley defined by the forward floor panel; and,
wherein the complementary slot of the forward floor panel is
configured to allow a portion of the vertical trunk of the T-shaped
fitting of the safety cable to extend therethrough when the
T-shaped fitting is seated on the floor of the concave-upward
valley defined by the forward floor panel.
18. The top bracket of claim 17 wherein the top bracket further
comprises a laterally-inwardly deflectable tab that is attached to
the first pivotally deflectable plate and that is configured to
laterally obstruct at least a portion of the vertical trunk of the
T-shaped slot so that the at least generally T-shaped fitting of
the safety cable cannot pass laterally through the T-shaped slot
unless the deflectable tab is deflected laterally inwardly away
from the T-shaped slot.
19. A vertical climbing fall protection system comprising the top
bracket of claim 16 and further comprising a safety cable whose
upper end is detachably connected to the top bracket, wherein the
safety cable comprises an at least generally T-shaped fitting at an
upper end of the safety cable, which T-shaped fitting comprises a
horizontally-oriented major crossbar that is seated on an upper
major surface of a valley floor of a forward floor panel of the top
bracket so as to detachably connect the upper end of the safety
cable to the top bracket.
20. The vertical climbing fall protection system of claim 19,
wherein the T-shaped fitting of the upper end of the safety cable
further comprises a horizontally-oriented minor crossbar that is
positioned vertically below the major crossbar and that lies below
a lowermost point of the forward floor panel of the top bracket
when the major crossbar is seated on the upper major surface of the
valley floor of the forward floor panel.
21. The vertical climbing fall protection system of claim 20
wherein when the major crossbar is seated on the upper major
surface of the valley floor of the forward floor panel, the major
crossbar and the minor crossbar are both oriented at least
generally parallel to the forward-rearward axis of the top
bracket.
22. A vertical climbing fall protection system comprising the top
bracket of claim 1 and further comprising a safety cable whose
upper end is detachably connected to the top bracket.
23. The vertical climbing fall protection system of claim 22,
further comprising a bottom bracket to which a lower end of the
safety cable is connected.
24. The vertical climbing fall protection system of claim 22,
further comprising a cable sleeve that is configured to be attached
to a harness of a worker by way of a connection that includes at
least one shock absorber, wherein the cable sleeve is configured to
travel along the safety cable as the worker climbs.
25. The vertical climbing fall protection system of claim 22,
further comprising a rail to which the first and second base plates
are attached.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Vertical climbing fall protection systems are often used to
enhance worker safety e.g. when climbing, descending, or otherwise
using a climbing facility (e.g. a ladder) in the course of
constructing or servicing telecommunication towers, water towers,
distillation towers, smokestacks, wind turbines, oil rigs, cranes,
or any elevated (or descending) structure.
SUMMARY
[0002] In broad summary, herein is disclosed a top bracket for
supporting a safety cable of a vertical climbing fall protection
system. In one aspect, the top bracket comprises a base plate and a
pivotally deflectable plate that is integrally and pivotally
connected to the base plate by a neck. In another aspect, the top
bracket may comprise an abutment plate with a forward abutment
surface that is separated from a rearward abutment surface of the
pivotally deflectable plate by an elongate gap. These and other
aspects will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no
event, however, should this broad summary be construed to limit the
claimable subject matter, whether such subject matter is presented
in claims in the application as initially filed or in claims that
are amended or otherwise presented in prosecution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary ladder
fitted with an exemplary vertical climbing fall protection
system.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary top bracket suitable
for use in a vertical climbing fall protection system.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of another exemplary top
bracket.
[0006] FIG. 4 is an opposite side perspective view of the exemplary
top bracket of FIG. 3.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the exemplary top
bracket of FIG. 3, along with an upper end of an exemplary safety
cable that is connectable to the top bracket.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the exemplary top
bracket and safety cable of FIG. 5, with the upper end of the
safety cable connected to the top bracket.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a front view of the exemplary top bracket and
safety cable of FIG. 6.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the exemplary top
bracket of FIG. 4, viewed from a slightly different angle from that
of FIG. 4.
[0011] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an exemplary monopole
tower fitted with an exemplary vertical climbing fall protection
system.
[0012] Like reference numbers in the various figures indicate like
elements. Some elements may be present in identical or equivalent
multiples; in such cases only one or more representative elements
may be designated by a reference number but it will be understood
that such reference numbers apply to all such identical elements.
Unless otherwise indicated, all figures and drawings in this
document are not necessarily to scale and are chosen for the
purpose of illustrating different embodiments of the invention. In
particular the dimensions of the various components are depicted in
illustrative terms only, and no relationship between the dimensions
of the various components should be inferred from the drawings,
unless so indicated. Although terms such as first and second may be
used in this disclosure, it should be understood that those terms
are used in their relative sense only unless otherwise noted. Terms
such as vertical, horizontal, above, below, upper, lower, and so
on, have their ordinary meaning with respect to the Earth, unless
otherwise noted in any specific instance.
[0013] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the
term "generally", unless otherwise specifically defined, means that
the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person
of ordinary skill but without requiring a high degree of
approximation (e.g., within +/-20% for quantifiable properties).
For angular orientations, the term "generally" means within
clockwise or counterclockwise 30 degrees. The term "substantially",
unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of
approximation (e.g., within +/-10% for quantifiable properties).
For angular orientations, the term "substantially" means within
clockwise or counterclockwise 10 degrees. The term "essentially"
means to a very high degree of approximation (e.g., within plus or
minus 2% for quantifiable properties; within plus or minus 2
degrees for angular orientations); it will be understood that the
phrase "at least essentially" subsumes the specific case of an
"exact" match. However, even an "exact" match, or any other
characterization using terms such as e.g. same, equal, identical,
uniform, constant, and the like, will be understood to be within
the usual tolerances or measuring error applicable to the
particular circumstance rather than requiring absolute precision or
a perfect match. The term "configured to" and like terms is at
least as restrictive as the term "adapted to", and requires actual
design intention to perform the specified function rather than mere
physical capability of performing such a function. All references
herein to numerical parameters (dimensions, ratios, and so on) are
understood to be calculable (unless otherwise noted) by the use of
average values derived from a number of measurements of the
parameter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Disclosed herein is a top bracket for use in a vertical
climbing fall protection safety system. As shown in exemplary
embodiment in FIG. 1, such a safety system often comprises at least
a top bracket 1, a bottom bracket 1040, and a safety cable 1001, as
discussed in further detail later herein. Often, top bracket 1 is
attached to a rail 1030, which is attached to, or is a part of, a
secure support (e.g. a permanently installed ladder). An upper end
1002 of safety cable 1001 is connected to top bracket 1, so that
top bracket 1 supports the safety cable.
[0015] An exemplary top bracket 1 as disclosed herein is shown in
side view in FIG. 2. As indicated by the axes in FIG. 2, top
bracket 1 comprises a vertical axis A.sub.v and a forward-rearward
axis A.sub.f-r, in which the forward and rearward directions are
respectively away from and toward a rail 1030 to which the top
bracket is attached. Top bracket 1 also comprises a lateral
(transverse) axis A.sub.1 which is oriented at least generally
orthogonally to the forward-rearward axis A.sub.f-r. The
forward-rearward axis A.sub.f-r and the lateral axis A.sub.1 of top
bracket 1 will typically be oriented at least generally
horizontally.
[0016] Top bracket 1 comprises at least one unitary, integral body
that includes at least a base plate 110 and a pivotally deflectable
plate 120 that extends at least generally forwardly from base plate
110. By a unitary, integral body is meant that base plate 110 and
pivotally deflectable plate 120 are portions of a single piece of
material (e.g. a single steel plate) rather than being parts that
are made separately and are then assembled together to form the top
bracket. Base plate 110 is configured to be attached to a rail 1030
in any suitable manner, e.g. by way of a first bolt 111 positioned
in an upper portion 113 of base plate 110, and a second bolt 115
positioned in a lower portion 112 of base plate 110. As noted,
pivotally deflectable plate 120 extends at least generally
forwardly from base plate 110 and comprises a forward boundary
(e.g. edge) 123. Plate 120 also comprises an upper boundary 121 and
a lower boundary 124 that collectively define a vertical height of
pivotally deflectable plate 120. Plate 120 may exhibit a maximum
vertical height somewhere along the forward-rearward extent of
plate 120. (In the design of FIG. 2, this maximum height is the
vertical distance between upper edge 121 and lower edge 124.) Plate
120 may be beveled to any desired amount at its forward-upper
corner (e.g. as in FIG. 2) if desired.
[0017] Pivotally deflectable plate 120 is configured to extend at
least generally forwardly from base plate 110 by way of a neck 150
that connects plate 120 to base plate 110. Neck 150 is unitary and
integral with base plate 110 and pivotally deflectable plate 120;
neck 150 meets deflectable plate 120 at a junction 125 and meets
base plate 110 at a junction 114. Neck 150 comprises an upper edge
152 and a lower edge 151 that, at any location along the
forward-rearward extent of neck 150, collectively define a vertical
height of neck 150. By definition, neck 150 exhibits a minimum
vertical height (H.sub.m in FIG. 2) at some point along the
forward-rearward extent of neck 150, that is no greater than about
40% of the maximum vertical height of pivotally deflectable plate
120. In various embodiments, the minimum vertical height of neck
150 may be no greater than about 35, 30, 25, 20, or 15% of the
maximum vertical height of pivotally deflectable plate 120. (In the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the minimum vertical height of neck
150 is approximately 20% of the maximum vertical height of plate
120.) In many embodiments, neck 150 will be the only item that
supports pivotally deflectable plate 120. For example, plate 120
will typically be cantilevered (i.e. unsupported at its forward
end), as shown in FIG. 2.
[0018] Top bracket 1 supports an upper end 1002 of a safety cable
1001 as shown in exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1. Specifically,
upper end 1002 of cable 1001 is connected to a pivotally
deflectable plate or plates 120 of top bracket 1, as discussed in
detail later herein. Top bracket 1 can be made of any material
(e.g. metal) that exhibits suitable strength, stiffness and
durability. In particular embodiments, top bracket 1 may be made of
steel, e.g. stainless steel such as grade 304 steel, galvanized
steel, or the like. Even though top bracket 1 will be made of a
material (e.g. steel) conventionally considered to be very stiff
and unyielding, the design of top bracket 1 allows plate 120 to
pivotally deflect upon the application of sufficient downward force
to plate 120 (for example, in the event that safety cable 1001 is
called on to support a significant portion of the weight of a
worker).
[0019] By pivotally deflectable is meant that plate 120 can move at
least generally downwardly and rearwardly (as indicated by the
curved arrow in FIG. 2) about an axis of pivotal deflection
A.sub.pd that passes at least generally through neck 150. The
arrangements disclosed herein (in which plate 120 is made pivotally
deflectable by being connected to a base plate by a neck) provide
that any deflection of plate 120 will occur primarily by way of
plate 120 rotating bodily (as a whole) about axis A.sub.pd, i.e.
with little or no deformation of plate 120 itself. Axis A.sub.pd
may be at least somewhat non-localized (spread) generally over an
area of neck 150; it will be understood that such an axis may not
necessarily fall at the exact location indicated by the symbol
A.sub.pd in FIG. 2. (In other words, the indication of axis
A.sub.pd in FIG. 2 is an idealized representation for convenience
of description.) It will also be appreciated that in many
instances, the rotation of plate 120 about axis A.sub.pd in
response to a downward force on plate 120 may be relatively small,
e.g. less than 5, 4, 2 or even 1 angular degree, as will be
understood from discussions herein. It will thus be appreciated
that a neck 150, comprising an axis of pivotal deflection as
disclosed herein, is distinguished from e.g. a conventional hinged
connection (whether two-part, or a living hinge) that allows a
large range of unhindered rotational movement. Axis A.sub.pd will
typically be oriented at least generally horizontally and/or at
least generally parallel to lateral axis A.sub.1 of top bracket
1.
[0020] An arrangement in which a safety cable of a vertical
climbing safety system is supported by a plate that is pivotally
deflectable as described herein can provide significant advantages.
Namely, the material of top bracket 1 (e.g. steel) can be chosen,
along with the dimensions and geometric parameters of pivotally
deflectable plate 120, neck 150, and base plate 110, so that top
bracket 1 is appropriately strong to withstand forces such as e.g.
static loads resulting from the weight of a worker, dynamic loads
resulting from a worker fall, and so on. However, rather than top
bracket 1 being configured so that plate 120 will remain
essentially immobile even upon the application of a downward force
to plate 120, the above-mentioned parameters may be chosen to allow
plate 120 to pivotally deflect downward (and slightly rearward)
upon the application of a sufficiently large downward force. As
noted above, this can provide significant advantages.
[0021] Specifically, although many vertical climbing safety systems
use a cable sleeve 1060 with a connection (e.g. to a worker's
harness) 1061 that includes a shock absorber 1062 as indicated in
exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, such a shock absorber is configured
primarily to reduce the force that is experienced by a worker in
the course of arresting a worker fall. In other words the primary
purpose of such a shock absorber is to protect the worker, not
necessarily to protect the equipment (e.g. a ladder) being used by
the worker. So, for example, if a top bracket of such a safety
system is so stiff (e.g. immobile) so as to transmit an essentially
unattenuated force to a rail to which the top bracket is attached,
the rail may then transmit this force, again essentially
unattenuated, to an item (such as a rung 1021 of a ladder 1020) to
which the rail is attached. This may result in damage or wear to
the ladder (and/or to the rail).
[0022] In the present disclosure, top bracket 1 is configured so
that a force transmitted by a safety cable to plate 120 (e.g. in
the event of a worker fall) can cause plate 120 to pivotally
deflect slightly downward and rearward into a deflected
configuration. This can at least somewhat attenuate any force that
is transmitted through top bracket 1 to a rail 1030 and thus to an
item to which the rail is attached. Such an arrangement can
advantageously reduce any damage or wear to the item and/or to the
rail.
[0023] Top bracket 1 (e.g. neck 150 thereof) can be configured so
that a force that is below a chosen threshold does not cause the
material of neck 150 to be stressed beyond its elastic limit. In
other words, the stress experienced by the material of neck 150
will remain below an amount that could cause permanent deformation
of the material. This can provide that essentially no permanent
(e.g. plastic) deformation of neck 150, or of any portion of top
bracket 1, occurs upon the top bracket encountering a force that is
below the chosen threshold. Top bracket 1 will thus return to its
original condition (i.e. with plate 120 in a non-deflected
configuration) after the downward force is removed. Thus, top
bracket 1 may be able to undergo a number of events such as e.g.
worker fall-arrests without being affected (e.g. undergoing
permanent deformation) to the point that top bracket 1 needs
replacing. Top bracket 1 as disclosed herein is thus distinguished
from a vertical climbing fall protection top bracket that is
configured e.g. for one-time fall-arrest use only.
[0024] Top bracket 1 may be configured so that if force is
encountered that is above the chosen threshold, the pivotal
deflection of plate 120 may cause the material of neck 150 to
exceed its elastic limit, thus causing some (e.g. small) amount of
permanent deformation. This may cause plate 120 to remain in its
deflected configuration, or at least to not return fully to its
original undeflected configuration, after the force is removed. In
consideration of this, in some embodiments top bracket 1 may
comprise an abutment plate 170 that extends forwardly from a lower
portion 112 of base plate 110 (in FIG. 2, the junction of abutment
plate 170 with base plate 110 is indicated as location 172).
Abutment plate 170 and pivotally deflectable plate 120 may be
configured so that a gap 180 is present between a rearward edge 126
of plate 120 and a forward edge 171 of abutment plate 170. Any
permanent change (e.g. downward-rearward deflection) in the
position of plate 120 may thus be manifested as a change (i.e. a
narrowing) in the width of gap 180. Thus, visual inspection of gap
180 (whether e.g. at a chosen point of gap 180, along a segment of
its length, or along most of its length) can ascertain whether top
bracket 1 has been exposed to a force above the chosen threshold
and thus needs to be replaced. Such a condition may be met, for
example, the width of gap 180 has been found to have become
narrowed to less than e.g. 80, 60, 40, or 20 percent of its
original value, at at least some location along gap 180. Detailed
instructions may be provided to workers as to exactly how to assess
the value of the gap width and how to determine if a gap width is
present that is indicative of need for replacement of the top
bracket.
[0025] In some embodiments, gap 180 may be elongate as in the
exemplary illustration of FIG. 2. In some such embodiments, the
local gap width (i.e., the shortest distance between rearward edge
126 of plate 120 and forward edge 171 of abutment plate 170) may be
at least generally, substantially, or essentially uniform along at
least about 20, 40, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the elongate length of
gap 180. Such arrangements may allow easy visual inspection of
whether the magnitude of the gap has changed at any particular
location along the gap. Such inspection might involve e.g.
ascertaining the absolute magnitude of the gap width at one or
particular locations, or comparison of the gap width at different
locations along the elongate length of the gap. In some embodiments
elongate gap 180 may be relatively linear e.g. as in the exemplary
design of FIG. 2. Such a design may allow inspection of, for
example, whether the gap width at a location distal to axis of
pivotal deflection A.sub.pd has decreased in comparison to the gap
width at a location proximal to the axis of pivotal deflection.
[0026] Any evidence that any portion of gap 180 has permanently
narrowed may be taken as an indication that permanent deformation
of top bracket 1 has occurred and that replacement of top bracket 1
may be appropriate. While visual inspection may be conveniently
performed, in some optional embodiments top bracket 1 may be
equipped with one or more sensors (e.g. optical sensors) that can
monitor the gap width. Such a sensor or sensors may, for example,
report whether the gap width has permanently changed, and/or may
report the number of events in which the gap width momentarily
changed but (the force being insufficient to exceed the elastic
limit of the material of neck 150) that did not result in any
permanent deformation. In some embodiments, one or more force
indicators may be inserted at least partially into gap 180. Such a
force indicator might be e.g. any device (e.g. made of molded
plastic) with one or more features that are irreversibly crushable,
friable, or the like, when subjected to a sufficient force. Such a
force indicator may enhance the ease with which gap 180 may be
visually inspected for evidence of a force having been encountered
that might make it appropriate to replace top bracket 1.
[0027] In general, any sensor of any suitable type and mode of
operation may be optionally used in order to provide an indication
of the condition of top bracket 1 and/or any component associated
therewith. In some embodiments, such a sensor may comprise at least
one strain gauge configured to, for example, monitor and report any
deflection of pivotally deflectable plate 120. In some embodiments,
such a sensor may comprise at least one camera that can, for
example, obtain one or more images that provide an indication of
whether pivotally deflectable plate 120 has deflected to the extent
that any portion of gap 180 has permanently narrowed, whether a
force indicator provided in gap 180 has been triggered, and so
on.
[0028] In some embodiments, any such sensor may be configured to
transmit this indication to a remote unit (e.g. a smartphone or the
like) so that it is not necessary that the top bracket be visited
in person to receive the indication. Thus in some embodiments such
a camera (or, in general, any suitable sensor) may be provided as
part of a sensing module that includes a transmitter (e.g.
operating by Bluetooth or similar mechanism) by which the data
obtained by the sensor can be transmitted to a remote unit. In
particular embodiments in which one or more cameras are used, the
one or more cameras may also provide an indication of the status of
other components of the system (e.g. it may confirm that a fitting
at the upper end of a safety cable is properly seated in top
bracket 1). In some embodiments such a sensing module may be a
battery-powered unit, e.g. configured so that it is maintained in
passive or sleep mode until such time as contacted by a remote
unit, at which time it may then obtain and transmit images of the
top bracket. It will be appreciated that many such uses (e.g. at
the top of a tower or other elevated, outdoor entity) will involve
a harsh environment. Thus, to serve in such an application, any
such sensor, sensing module, or the like, would have to be able to
survive prolonged exposure to, for example, temperature extremes,
sunlight, rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind, storms, and so on.
[0029] In various embodiments, an elongate gap 180 between
pivotally deflectable plate 120 and abutment plate 170 may exhibit
a long axis. Such a long axis may be oriented at any suitable
angle. For example, such a long axis may be oriented, on average,
from at least about 0, 10, 20, or 30 degrees of the vertical axis
of top bracket 1, to at most about 90, 80, 70, 60 or 50 degrees
relative to the vertical axis of top bracket 1. In the case of an
elongate gap that is arcuate in shape, this average orientation
angle may be the average of angles chosen at e.g. five locations
that are evenly spaced along the elongate length of the gap. By way
of a specific example, the elongate gap 180 as depicted in FIG. 2,
which is generally linear (but with a slight but noticeable
inflection), is estimated to be oriented at an average angle of
approximately 30 degrees relative to the vertical axis of top
bracket 1.
[0030] In some embodiments abutment plate 170 may serve at least
one additional purpose. For example, in the event of an even higher
force being applied to pivotally deflectable plate 120, plate 120
may pivotally deflect to such an extent that at least a portion of
rearward edge 126 of plate 120 may come into contact with at least
a portion of forward edge 171 of abutment plate 170. In other
words, in such an instance, at least a portion of gap 180 may be
completely closed (in the exemplary design of FIG. 2, this would be
expected to occur first at the lower end of gap 180.) In
consideration of this, forward edge 171 of abutment plate 170 may
serve as an abutment surface that, when contacted by complementary
rearward abutment surface 126 of plate 120, may bear a significant
portion of the force that is encountered by plate 120. This can
allow neck 150 to be configured so that plate 120 is downwardly
deflectable even by a relatively low downward force, while
providing that the overall strength of top bracket 1 is ample to
withstand even a relatively high downward force.
[0031] As noted above, in some embodiments elongate gap 180 may be
relatively linear e.g. as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2. In
some embodiments, elongate gap 180 may be arcuate over at least a
portion of its elongate length and/or the gap width may increase
with the distance from axis of pivotal deflection A. Such
arrangements may be used e.g. if it is desired that the application
of a large force to pivotally deflectable plate 120 will cause
abutment surface 126 of plate 120 to contact abutment surface 171
of abutment plate 170 along a significant portion of the elongate
length of gap 180.
[0032] In brief summary, the above discussions reveal that a top
bracket of a vertical climbing safety system can be arranged so
that a safety cable of the system is connected to an item (i.e. a
deflectable plate 120) that can reversibly deflect upon one or more
applications of a relatively small force. This can save wear and
tear on an item (e.g. a ladder) to which the top bracket is
attached and can also allow the top bracket to be re-used after a
number of small-force events. However, the top bracket possesses
ample strength to withstand a higher-force event. Furthermore, the
top bracket is configured so that visual inspection can reveal
evidence that a higher-force event has occurred, so that the top
bracket can be replaced if necessary.
[0033] By definition, at least pivotally deflectable plate 120 and
neck 150 (and, in many embodiments, base plate 110 and abutment
plate 170) are vertically oriented. By this is meant that for each
of these components the lateral direction is the direction of
shortest dimension. Specifically, these components each exhibit a
maximum height (at some location along the forward-rearward extent
of the item) that is at greater than the average lateral extent
(width) of the item by a factor of at least about 3. In various
embodiments, the maximum height of neck 150 may be greater than the
average lateral width of neck 150 by a factor of at least about 4,
5, or 6. In various embodiments, the maximum height of pivotally
deflectable plate 120 may be greater than the average lateral width
of plate 120 by a factor of at least about 4, 8, 10, or 12. (Such
ratios may also apply to base plate 110 and abutment plate 170.) In
various embodiments, the maximum lateral thickness and/or the
average lateral thickness of plate 120 and/or neck 150 may be less
than 1/2 inch, 3/8 inch, 5/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch, or 1/8
inch. In various embodiments, the maximum vertical height and/or
the average vertical height of plate 120 may be at least about 3,
4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 inches. In various embodiments, the maximum
vertical height and/or the average vertical height of neck 150 may
be at least about 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 11/4 inch, or 11/2
inch, and may be at most about 3, 2, 11/2, 11/4, or 1 inch. It is
emphasized that the designation that an item (e.g. a plate 120 or a
neck 150) is vertically oriented does not require that the item
must be oriented exactly vertically. However, in many embodiments
at least some portion (often, the entirety) of the item will be
oriented at least generally vertically (e.g. within plus or minus
20 degrees of vertical) in ordinary use of top bracket 1 (e.g. as
installed on a ladder).
[0034] Arranging neck 150 in a vertical orientation as disclosed
herein has the effect that a downward force on pivotally
deflectable plate 120 (resulting e.g. from a force on a safety
cable that is attached to plate 120) will result in a force being
exerted on neck 150 along a direction that is at least generally
normal to the thinnest dimension (the lateral dimension) of neck
150. It is noted that items such as e.g. steel plates have been
sometimes used in applications in which the item deflects in
response to a force. However, such items (e.g. steel plates as used
as leaf springs in vehicle suspension systems) have been
characteristically arranged so that the force is applied along a
direction at least generally parallel to the thinnest dimension of
the plate (e.g., a direction in which the plate would be expected
to offer the least resistance to bending). In contrast, in the
present disclosure, neck 150 is configured so that a force is
applied thereto along a direction that is at least generally normal
to the thinnest dimension of neck 150.
[0035] The dimensions (e.g. vertical height, forward-rearward
extent, and lateral thickness) and/or the geometric shape of neck
150 may be chosen in consideration of the forces expected to be
encountered in use of top bracket 1. In some embodiments, at least
a portion of a lower edge 151 of neck 150 may be provided by at
least a portion of a rearward end 181 of the above-discussed
elongate gap 180. In specific embodiments, rearward end 181 of
elongate gap 180 may comprise a smoothly arcuate shape (e.g. it may
be radiused), which may advantageously minimize any local stresses
on lower edge 151 of neck 150. In some embodiments, rearward end
181 of elongate gap 180 may take the form of an at least generally
circular aperture 183, as shown in exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2.
(Terms such as gap, aperture and slot, as used herein, denote an
opening that passes entirely through the shortest dimension of an
item.) In various embodiments, such an aperture may exhibit an
average diameter that is greater than an average gap width of
elongate gap 180, by a factor of at least about 1.6, 1.8, 2.2, or
2.6. In some convenient embodiments, a portion of an upper edge 182
of such an aperture 183 may provide at least a portion of a lower
edge 151 of neck 150, as in the exemplary design of FIG. 2.
[0036] In some embodiments, at least a portion of upper edge 152 of
neck 150 may be smoothly arcuate in shape (e.g. radiused). Thus,
for example, upper edge 152 of neck 150 may join upper portion 113
of base plate 110 in a smooth arc rather than e.g. meeting at a
sharp corner. Such arrangements may advantageously minimize any
local stresses on upper edge 152 of neck 150. In some embodiments,
upper edge 152 of neck 150 may be located at least generally or
substantially even (in terms of vertical location) with upper edge
121 of plate 120. In other embodiments, a smoothly arcuate (e.g.
generally circular) aperture 127 may be provided in such manner as
to provide neck 150 with an upper edge 152 at least a portion of
which is located vertically lower than upper edge 121 of plate 120,
as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2. In such instances, a
lowermost point 128 of such an aperture 127 will be located
vertically below an uppermost point 122 of plate 120. Such
arrangements, e.g. in combination with a radiused or apertured rear
end 181 of elongate gap 180 as discussed above, can allow the
bending characteristics of neck 150 to be further tailored. In some
embodiments, the centerpoint of such an upper aperture 127 may be
located forward of a centerpoint of the above-mentioned lower
aperture 183, as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2. In some
embodiments, the diameter of such an upper aperture 127 may be
greater than the diameter of such a lower aperture 183, e.g. by a
factor of at least about 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0.
[0037] In some embodiments, a top bracket 1 may comprise only one
single unitary body that comprises a pivotally deflectable plate
120 and a neck 150. In further embodiments, this single unitary
body may comprise an abutment plate 170 and a base plate 110. Such
a base plate 110 may be attached to a rail 1030 e.g. by way of
bolts 111 and 115. The single unitary body may comprise a single
base plate that is e.g. attached to one side of a rail 1030; or,
different rearward portions of the body may be split (bifurcated)
e.g. into a Y-shape to provide two (e.g. upper and lower) base
plates that sandwich the rail therebetween.
[0038] In other embodiments, a top bracket 1 may comprise two
unitary bodies that each comprise a pivotally deflectable plate 120
and a neck 150; each unitary body may also comprise an abutment
plate 170 and a base plate 110. Two such bodies may be arranged in
any suitable format. For example, at least some portion (e.g. at
least the respective pivotally deflectably plates) of the bodies
may be abutted against each other so that their laterally-inward
major surfaces are in contact with each other; if desired, the
bodies may be bolted or welded together or otherwise attached to
each other in such a configuration. In other embodiments, two such
unitary bodies may be provided in a laterally-spaced-apart
arrangement in which a space exists between the laterally-inward
major surfaces of each unitary body. Such a laterally-spaced-apart
arrangement of two bodies will be referred to herein as a
"double-sided" configuration, in contrast with the single-body
("single-sided") configuration described previously with respect to
FIG. 2. In some embodiments, two such bodies, each comprising at
least a pivotally deflectable plate, a neck and a base plate, may
be oriented at least generally parallel with each other, with the
base plates being attached e.g. to opposite faces of a rail. In
some embodiments of this type, two such independent bodies, each
comprising at least a pivotally deflectable plate, a neck and a
base plate, may collectively function as a top bracket.
[0039] However, in many convenient double-sided embodiments, two
(or more) such laterally-spaced-apart bodies may be connected to
each other, so that they may be mutually reinforcing particularly
with respect to any lateral (side) loads that may be encountered.
Thus in some embodiments, at least the respective pivotally
deflectable plates of two such laterally-spaced apart bodies may be
connected to each other e.g. by one or more bolts, beams, members,
connectors, or the like. In various embodiments, the average
spacing and/or the minimum spacing between two
laterally-spaced-apart pivotally deflectable plates may be e.g. at
least about 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 11/4 inch, 11/2 inch, 13/4
inch, or 2 inches. In further embodiments, the average spacing
and/or the maximum spacing between two such plates may be at most
about 3 inches, 21/2 inches, 2 inches, or 11/2 inches.
[0040] As shown in exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some
embodiments first and second laterally-spaced apart bodies,
respectively comprising first and second pivotally deflectable
plates 120 and 220 and first and second necks 150 and 250, may be
provided in such manner that plates 120 and 220 are connected to
each other by a forward floor panel 300. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
forward floor panel 300 may connect a lowermost portion 124 of
first plate 120 to a lowermost portion 224 of second plate 220. In
some embodiments, forward floor panel 300 may be a separately made
item (e.g. a beam or slab) that is attached to first and second
plates 120 and 220. In such embodiments, such a forward floor panel
may have any suitable shape, e.g. it may be relatively flat or it
may be arcuate. In other embodiments forward floor panel 300 may be
integral with both first plate 120 and second plate 220. In fact,
these components, along with first and second necks 150 and 250 and
first and second base plates 110 and 210, may all be portions of a
single, unitary body, as in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0041] In some convenient embodiments, such a single, unitary body
can be made by starting with a material in the form of a flat plate
(e.g. sheet steel), cutting the material into a desired shape, and
then bending the material to form a generally U-shaped unitary
structure with first and second portions that are laterally-spaced
apart, e.g. a structure of the general type as shown in FIGS. 3 and
4. In some embodiments, such bending can be performed so that
forward floor panel 300 is arcuate and concave-upward (when viewed
along the forward-rearward axis of top bracket 1). As will become
apparent later, configuring top bracket 1 so that forward floor
panel 300 is arcuate and concave-up can advantageously facilitate
the connecting of a safety cable to top bracket 1.
[0042] In a case in which a top bracket 1 comprises a forward floor
panel 300 e.g. of the general type depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
previously mentioned maximum height of a pivotally deflectable
plate will be measured from the uppermost point of the plate, to
the lowermost point of the plate or to the junction of the plate
with the forward floor panel, whichever is lower. For example, for
first pivotally deflectable plate 120 as shown in FIG. 3, the
maximum height of the plate will be the vertical distance from
uppermost point 122 of upper edge 121, to lower boundary 124 of
plate 120 (i.e., the point at which plate 120 meets floor panel
300). For the exemplary design as shown in FIG. 3, the minimum
vertical height of neck 150 is approximately 25% of the maximum
vertical height of plate 120. (It is noted in passing that slot 140
that is visible in FIG. 3 and that separates a portion of first
pivotally deflectable plate 120 into forward and rearward sections
and that separates floor panel 300 into forward and rearward
sections, is used to facilitate connection of a safety cable to top
bracket 1 and will be discussed later in detail.) In at least some
embodiments, first neck 150 and second neck 250 will share a common
axis of pivotal deflection A.sub.pd that passes through both first
neck 150 and second neck 250, as shown in exemplary embodiment in
FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0043] From the above discussions it is apparent that the
arrangement shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is an example of a double-sided
arrangement in which the previously discussed items such as
pivotally deflectable plate 120, neck 150, gap 180, and so on, are
all "first" items, with at least generally similar or equivalent
"second" items also being present, laterally-spaced apart from the
first items. That is, for each "first" item such as first plate 120
and first neck 150, there may exist a corresponding "second" item
(e.g. second plate 220 and second neck 250) that is laterally
spaced apart from the first item. This being the case, all of the
previous descriptions of various items with respect to the
single-sided top bracket of FIG. 2, will be understood to apply to
the like-numbered items of the first side of double-sided top
bracket of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0044] For purposes of brevity, not all of the counterpart second
items of the first items that were previously discussed, are
explicitly discussed herein. However, all such second items are
assigned (e.g. in FIG. 4) reference numbers that are incremented by
100 from the first items, in order to emphasize that any such
second items that are present may be at least similar to (e.g.
equivalent to) their counterpart first items. Accordingly, all of
the previous descriptions of these 100-numbered items will be
understood to apply in like manner to their counterpart
200-numbered items, and are incorporated by reference at this point
herein. This specifically applies to items 210, 212-214, 220-228,
250-252, 270-273 and 280-283. While some items, components or
features of second deflectable plate 220 may be at least generally,
substantially or essentially identical to their corresponding
items, components or features of first deflectable plate 120, this
is not necessarily required. For example, in the exemplary design
of FIGS. 3 and 4, first deflectable plate 120 differs from second
deflectable plate 220 in that plate 120 comprises a T-shaped slot
140 (discussed later in detail) that is not present in plate
220.
[0045] First and second deflectable plates 120 and 220 may
respectively comprise laterally-inward major surfaces 131 and 231
and laterally-outward major surfaces 132 and 232. Deflectable
plates 120 and 220 are vertically-oriented, as noted herein. As
noted, this does not require that they be exactly vertical, nor
does it require that they be exactly parallel to each other. Thus,
for example, in some embodiments a top bracket 1 may comprise
pivotally deflectable plates that are arranged in a generally
V-shaped configuration rather than a generally U-shaped
configuration. However, in some embodiments the first and second
pivotally deflectable plates may indeed be at least generally,
substantially, or essentially parallel to each other.
[0046] As is evident from FIGS. 3 and 4, the exemplary top bracket
1 depicted therein comprises a rearward floor panel 400 that
integrally connects at least a part of lowermost portion 173 of
first abutment plate 170 with at least a part of a lowermost
portion 273 of second abutment plate 270. Again as evident from
FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments an elongate floor gap 410 may be
present between a rearward edge 301 of forward floor panel 300 and
a forward edge 401 of rearward floor panel 400. This elongate floor
gap 410 can combine with the aforementioned first elongate gap 180
and a second elongate gap 280 (as seen in FIG. 4) to provide a
continuous elongate gap. Such a gap may have the generally form of
a rearwardly-tilted U when viewed along the forward-rearward axis
of top bracket 1, as will be evident from FIGS. 3 and 4. In some
embodiments, any change in the width of floor gap 410 may provide a
visual indication of any permanent change in the position of first
and second pivotally deflectable plates 120 and 220, in similar
manner as described previously for first elongate gap 180 (and for
second elongate gap 280).
[0047] Forward edge 401 of rearward floor panel 400 can act as an
abutment surface that may be contacted by complementary abutment
surface (rearward edge) 301 of forward floor panel in the event of
a significant deflection of plates 120 and 220. Abutment surfaces
401 and 301 may act in concert with (or instead of) first abutment
surfaces 126 and 171 as described previously, and corresponding
second abutment surfaces 226 and 271, in the event of a relatively
high force being applied to the first and second pivotally
deflectable plates 120 and 220. In other words, rearward floor
panel 400 may support pivotally deflectable plates 120 and 220 in
the event that these plates deflect far enough for rear surface 301
of forward floor panel 300 to contact forward surface 401 of
rearward floor panel 400.
[0048] In some embodiments, at least forward floor panel 300 may
exhibit an arcuate, concave-upward shape, e.g. so that an upward
major surface (floor) 302 of forward floor panel 300 defines a
forward valley 303 (e.g. as seen in FIG. 3). Such a valley may be
elongated along the forward-rearward axis of the top bracket with
valley floor 302 exhibiting an at least generally concave-upward
shape when viewed along the forward-rearward axis of top bracket 1.
Such a valley may e.g. be ideally suited for receiving a fitting of
a safety cable, as discussed below. Rearward floor panel 400 may
similarly exhibit an arcuate, concave-upward shape so as to define
a rearward valley (which may often be aligned with forward valley
303). However, such a rearward valley may not necessarily receive
any portion of a fitting of a safety cable. In some embodiments,
when top bracket 1 is viewed along its forward-rearward axis, first
pivotally deflectable plate 120 may be at least generally laterally
aligned with first abutment plate 170; second pivotally deflectable
plate 220 may be at least generally laterally aligned with second
abutment plate 270; and, at least lowermost portions of forward
floor panel 300 may be at least generally vertically aligned with
lowermost portions of rearward floor panel 400. (All such
conditions are met in the exemplary arrangement of FIGS. 3-4, as
will be evident from inspection of the front view of top bracket 1
in FIG. 7.) As will be evident from FIGS. 3 and 4, a top bracket 1
of the type disclosed in those Figures may be conveniently attached
to a rail (not shown in either Figure) by way of bolts 111 and 115
that pass through apertures in first and second base plates 110 and
210. Any suitable attachment method may be used, however.
[0049] In various embodiments, a top bracket may be configured to
respond differently to forces of different magnitude, as mentioned
previously herein. For example, a top bracket may be configured so
that a force applied to a pivotally deflectable plate or plates
(e.g. by way of a safety cable connected thereto) e.g. in the range
of approximately 1800 pounds or less, will not exceed the elastic
limit of the neck or necks. A higher force, e.g. in the range of
approximately 2000 pounds or greater, may result in plastic
deformation so as to cause a permanent, observable change in the
configuration (e.g. the width) of the above-described elongate gap.
A still higher force, e.g. in the range of approximately 3000
pounds or greater, may result in plastic deformation such that a
rearward abutment surface of a pivotally deflectable plate comes
into contact with a forward abutment surface of an abutment plate,
and/or a rearward abutment surface of a forward floor panel comes
into contact with a forward abutment surface of a rearward floor
panel. (It will be understood that even if such contact occurs, the
pivotally deflectable plate may rebound at least slightly upon
cessation of the force; however, a permanent, observable change in
the condition of the gap will remain.) The parameters of the top
bracket (including those parameters already discussed, as well as
e.g. the distance that the safety cable is positioned forward from
the axis of pivotal deflection) may be varied as desired in order
to set these forces in desired ranges.
[0050] To facilitate of a vertical climbing fall protection system
that includes top bracket 1, a safety cable 1001 will be connected
to top bracket 1, as shown in exemplary representation in FIG. 1.
Specifically, an upper end 1002 of safety cable 1001 will be
connected to pivotally deflectable plate 120 (in the case of a
single-sided design) or to either or both of first and second
pivotally deflectable plates 120 and 220 (in the case of a
double-sided design). This connection can be performed in any
suitable manner, depending e.g. on the particular design of the
pivotally deflectable plate(s). The connection may be permanent, or
may be disconnectable, as desired. In one example, a deflectable
plate may comprise an orifice through which a terminal end of the
safety cable is passed. This end of the cable may then be turned
back on itself and fastened to itself (e.g. by swaging, crimping,
or the like) to make the connection. Or, a deflectable plate may be
fitted with a clevis fastener, one or more gated hooks, single
point anchors, or the like, to facilitate attachment of an upper
end of a cable thereto. In general, the cable may be connected to a
pivotally deflectable plate or plates at any suitable location.
However, it will be appreciated that the distance that the cable
connection is positioned forward of the axis of pivotal deflection
will affect the moment (torque) that is applied to the pivotally
deflectable plate(s) and the neck(s) upon the application of a
given force to the cable. Thus, this distance may be taken into
account along with the other previously-discussed parameters that
may be used to set the response of the top bracket to forces of
varying magnitude.
[0051] It may be desirable that an upper end 1002 of a safety cable
1001 be connectable to top bracket 1 without the use of complex
procedures that involve multiple steps and/or the use of tools. In
particular, it is advantageous that an upper end 1002 of a safety
cable comprise a factory-installed fitting that is connectable to
the deflectable plate(s) of a top bracket by a simple operation,
e.g. a single-step operation that can be performed one-handed if
necessary. In some embodiments this can be achieved by providing at
least one deflectable plate (e.g. a "first" plate 120) of the top
bracket with an at least generally T-shaped slot 140 e.g. as shown
in FIG. 5. Such a slot may comprise e.g. a vertical trunk 141 and a
crossbar 142, configured to allow an at least generally T-shaped
fitting 1010 of an upper end 1002 of safety cable 1001 to pass
therethrough. As indicated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the T-shaped
fitting 1010 of cable 1001 can be passed through slot 140 so that a
major crossbar 1011 of the T-shaped fitting can be seated on a
floor 302 of a concave-upward valley 303 defined by the forward
floor panel 300 of the top bracket. In addition to the T-shaped
slot 140 of pivotally deflectable plate 120, a complementary slot
304 may be present in forward floor panel 300. A first end 305 of
complementary slot 304 originates from the lower end 143 of
vertical trunk 141 of T-shaped slot 140, as seen in FIG. 5; a
second end 306 of complementary slot 304 may terminate at a
location proximate lowermost portion 224 of second pivotally
deflectable plate 220, as seen in FIG. 4. Complementary slot 304 of
forward floor panel 300 is configured to allow a portion of the
vertical trunk 1012 of the T-shaped fitting of the safety cable to
extend downwardly therethrough when the T-shaped fitting is seated
on the floor of the concave-upward valley defined by the forward
floor panel, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0052] The providing of a forward floor panel of the general type
described herein, that connects the first and second pivotally
deflectable plates to each other and that is configured to receive
a fitting of an upper end of a safety cable, will be understood to
constitute configuring the pivotally deflectable plates to
collectively allow the upper end of a safety cable to be connected
thereto. It will be further understood that the concept of an at
least generally T-shaped fitting of a safety cable broadly
encompasses any fitting that comprises at least a vertical trunk
and a component that extends outward more widely than the width of
the vertical trunk. That is, any such fitting is not necessarily
required to exhibit a shape that is an exact "T", but rather might
be take the form of e.g. a vertical trunk topped by a bulbous head.
The at least generally T-shaped slot of the pivotally deflectable
plate can be shaped commensurately.
[0053] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5-6, T-shaped fitting
1010 of safety cable 1001 further comprises a minor crossbar 1013.
The presence of this minor crossbar requires that the T-shaped
fitting should be rotated (counterclockwise, in the view of FIG. 5)
e.g. to an angle approximately 45 degrees away from the vertical,
so that the minor crossbar does not interfere with the ability to
insert the upper portion of the T-shaped fitting (including the
major crossbar 1011) through the T-shaped slot of the top bracket.
When the T-shaped fitting is seated in place in the top bracket
(e.g. as in FIG. 6), the minor crossbar can provide that the
T-shaped fitting of the cable cannot be inadvertently dislodged
sufficiently far upward to allow the T-shaped fitting to exit
through the T-shaped slot of the top bracket. In other words,
upward movement of the safety cable will cause the minor crossbar
of the T-shaped fitting to contact the underside of forward floor
panel 300 to prevent any further upward movement of the T-shaped
fitting. Thus, the cable fitting can only be removed from the top
bracket by rotating the fitting (counterclockwise, in the view of
FIG. 6) so that the minor crossbar does not prevent sufficient
upward movement of the fitting to pass the major crossbar through
the T-shaped flow.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, top bracket 1
comprises an additional feature, namely, a retaining tab 144, best
seen in FIG. 8. Tab 144 is attached to first pivotally deflectable
plate 120 (e.g. by fasteners 145) and is a laterally-inwardly
deflectable tab that is configured to laterally obstruct at least a
portion of T-shaped slot 140. This provides that the T-shaped
fitting 1010 of safety cable 1001 cannot pass laterally through
T-shaped slot 140 unless retaining tab 144 is deflected laterally
inwardly away from the T-shaped slot a sufficient amount. In some
specific embodiments, retaining tab 144 may be attached to an upper
portion of first pivotally deflectable plate 120 and may be an
elongate tab that extends at least generally downward to laterally
obstruct at least a portion of the vertical trunk 141 of T-shaped
slot 140.
[0055] The fact that retaining tab 144 is laterally inwardly
deflectable means that tab 144 can be deflected inward during the
act of laterally inserting the T-shaped fitting 1010 of safety
cable 1001 through T-shaped slot 140 of top bracket 1. Although
this may be done by applying laterally inward finger pressure to
retaining tab 144, tab 144 may be conveniently deflected inward by
pressing some portion of fitting 1010 against tab 144 during the
act of inserting fitting 1010 through slot 140. This provides that
fitting 1010 can be e.g. held with one hand (e.g. by grasping
shroud portion 1015 of fitting 1010), rotated slightly as noted
above, and passed laterally inward through slot 140, with retaining
tab 144 being inwardly deflected by the act of passing fitting 1010
through slot 140. In other words, the arrangements disclosed herein
allow an upper end 1002 of a safety cable 1001 to be connected to a
top bracket 1 in a one-handed, single-step operation. Fitting 1010
can then be allowed to descend to the floor 302 of valley 303 (as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) so that it rests against floor (upward
major surface) 302 of forward floor panel 300, thus completing the
process of connecting fitting 1010 to pivotally deflectable plates
120 and 220 of top bracket 1. It will be appreciated that this
arrangement allows easy visual confirmation that the
fitting-bracket connection has been established.
[0056] Once fitting 1010 is seated within top bracket 1 as
described above (and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), fitting 1010 is
not removable from top bracket 1 in ordinary use of top bracket 1
other than by deliberate action. That is, with fitting 1010 in a
position e.g. as shown in FIG. 7, in order to remove fitting 1010
from its seated position within valley 303 of the top bracket,
several actions are necessary. Fitting 1010 must be rotated
(counterclockwise, in the view of FIG. 7) e.g. to an angle of about
45 degrees away from the vertical in order that minor crossbar 1013
of fitting 1010 does not interfere with the ability to move fitting
1010 upwards. Also, retaining tab 144 must be moved laterally
inwardly. The above-mentioned rotating of fitting 1010 will provide
that fitting 1010 will not interfere with the process of moving
retaining tab 144. That is, the rotating of fitting 1010 will
provide that uppermost surface 1014 of fitting 1010 will not
obstruct the lowermost end 146 of retaining tab 144 from moving
laterally inwardly. With fitting 1010 rotated and with retaining
tab 144 deflected laterally inwardly, fitting 1010 can then be
moved upward a sufficient amount that major crossbar 1011 of
fitting 1010 is vertically aligned with crossbar 142 of T-shaped
slot 140. Fitting 1010 can then be moved laterally outward to pass
through T-shaped slot 140, thus removing fitting 1010 from the
lateral interior of top bracket 1 and thus disconnecting upper end
1002 of safety cable 1001 from top bracket 1. It will be
appreciated that these arrangements can minimize any chance of
fitting 1010 being removed from top bracket 1, except by deliberate
action by a worker.
[0057] It will be appreciated that the arrangements disclosed
herein by which an upper end of a safety cable can be
disconnectably connected to a top bracket, are not necessarily
limited to cases in which the top bracket is of the type disclosed
earlier herein (e.g. comprising pivotally deflectable plates that
extend by way of necks, from base plates). However, it will be
understood that if top bracket 1 does comprise such pivotally
deflectable plates, necks, etc., top bracket 1 can be configured so
that the presence of a T-slot 140 in a deflectable plate 120 (and a
complementary slot 304 in a forward floor panel 300) will not
detract from the previously-described arrangement in which
pivotally deflectable plates 120 and 220 and forward floor panel
300, will pivotally deflect at least generally bodily about an axis
of pivotal deflection A.sub.pd. That is, the assembly of the
pivotally deflectable plates and the forward floor panel, may be
configured to rotate generally as a whole rather than undergoing
significant deformation, even with some material having been
removed to provide the above-described slots. It will also be
appreciated that the presence of a slot 304 in the forward floor
panel, and/or the presence of an elongate gap 410 between forward
floor panel 300 and rearward floor panel 400, can advantageously
minimize any accumulation of e.g. rainwater within top bracket
1.
[0058] It will be understood that a top bracket comprising first
and second laterally-spaced plates and a floor panel, at least one
of the laterally-spaced plates comprising an at least generally
T-shaped slot and the floor panel being shaped to receive a fitting
of a safety cable that is passed through the slot, is not
necessarily limited to use with first and second laterally-spaced
plates that are pivotally deflectable. Rather, such arrangements
can be used with any top bracket to which it is desired to enable
one-handed connection of a safety cable thereto. In other words, an
at least generally T-shaped slot and other features and components
disclosed above, may be used with laterally-spaced plates that are
at least substantially non-deflectable. (Likewise, the use of one
or more pivotally-deflectable plates is not necessarily limited to
use with a cable connection that involves e.g. a T-shaped fitting.)
Top bracket 1 may be made using any suitable manufacturing process
that can produce one or more unitary bodies comprising at least a
pivotally deflectable plate portion and a neck portion that
connects the deflectable plate to a base plate. In various
embodiments, top bracket 1 may be made by e.g. machining a block of
metal, by forging, and so on. In particularly convenient
embodiments, a top bracket 1 of the general type disclosed in FIGS.
3-8 (comprising first and second pivotally deflectable,
laterally-spaced apart plates and so on, as a single unitary body)
may be produced by starting with a flat layer of suitable material
(e.g. sheet steel). The flat layer of material may be cut (e.g. by
laser-cutting) to provide an shaped piece with an outer perimeter.
The flat layer of material may also be cut e.g. to provide slots
that will form the various elongate gaps described earlier herein,
and/or to provide a T-shaped slot and a complementary slot also as
described earlier herein. Orifices may also be cut that will allow
passage of bolts to connect the top bracket to a rail. The flat
layer of material may then be controllably deformed (bent), by
suitable metal-forming methods, about an axis that will become the
forward-rearward axis of the thus-formed top bracket. The bending
may be carried out in a single step, or in a series of steps. The
bending may be carried out such that at least the pivotally
deflectable plates exhibit a desired lateral spacing therebetween,
and/or so that the lowermost portions of the top bracket (the
forward floor panel and the rearward floor panel) exhibit an
arcuate shape with a desired radius of curvature (of e.g. at least
about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 inches). It will be clear from this
discussion that the previously-presented components of top bracket
1 (e.g. pivotally deflectable plates, necks, base plates, a forward
floor panel and a rearward floor panel) may indeed be portions of a
single, unitary, integral body (made from one flat layer of
material). To this unitary body may of course be added various
separately-made components (e.g. a retaining tab, fasteners for
such a tab, and so on), as desired.
[0059] A top bracket as disclosed herein may be used with any
vertical climbing fall protection system. As noted earlier, in some
embodiments such a system may comprise, in addition to top bracket
1 and safety cable 1001, a bottom bracket 1040 which may be e.g.
attached to a bottom rail 1041, as seen in exemplary embodiment in
FIG. 1. The system may include a tensioning device 1042 (which may
be conveniently located e.g. proximate bottom bracket 1040) which
allows an appropriate tension to be applied to cable 1001. It will
be appreciated that the above-described pivotally deflectable
plate, neck, and so on, may be configured to take into account any
force exerted by such tensioning, in addition to taking into
account the force from the weight of one or more workers, the
forces experienced during a worker fall, and so on. The system may
further include one or more cable guides 1050, which may be spaced
at desired intervals along cable 1001. The system may further
include a cable sleeve 1060 (shown in exemplary embodiment in FIG.
1, although any cable sleeve of any suitable design may be used).
Such a sleeve will often comprise a connection 1061 that can be
connected to a harness worn by a worker, with the connection
comprising at least one shock absorber 1062 (of any suitable
design, e.g. a tear web, tear strip, or the like). Cable sleeve
1060 is configured to travel along cable 1001 e.g. as the worker
climbs upward, and can be configured to lock up (or to travel
downward at a slow, controlled speed) in the event of a worker
fall, thus arresting the fall of the worker. Shock absorber 1062
can act to reduce the forces encountered by the worker during the
fall arrest.
[0060] As noted, in at least some embodiments top bracket 1 may be
installed in a desired (e.g. elevated) location by way of being
attached to a rail 1030. The term rail broadly encompasses any item
(e.g. a beam, flange or the like) that is at least slightly
elongated at least generally in a vertical direction when installed
in a desired elevated location. In some embodiments, a rail 1030 is
configured to be attached to a ladder 1020 e.g. as in the exemplary
illustration of FIG. 1. In some such cases, rail 1030 may be
attached to a ladder 1020 with top bracket 1 being attached to rail
1030 thereafter. In other embodiments, top bracket 1 may be
pre-attached to rail 1030, so that rail 1030 is attached to a
ladder 1020 with top bracket 1 already in place on rail 1030. In
some embodiments, rail 1030 may be configured (e.g. with one or
more attachment mechanisms that are able to be slidably moved along
at least a portion of the elongate length of rail 1030, as in FIG.
1) to accommodate ladders of slightly different rung spacing. Rail
1030 may be configured to be attachable to any number of ladder
rungs (e.g. one, two, three, four, or more); in some embodiments a
rail 1030 may comprise multiple sections that are telescopically
movable relative to each other. In various embodiments, rail 1030
may be attached to a ladder 1020 so that an upper end of rail 1030
(e.g. bearing top bracket 1) may be located generally below, even
with, or above an upper end of ladder 1020. A rail 1030 may be
attached to a rung or rungs 1021 (or to any suitable supporting
structure, regardless of whether the structure is a component of a
ladder or not) e.g. by way of any suitable bolts, or by welding or
the like. In some embodiments a rail may comprise a so-called
single point anchor (positioned e.g. at an upper end of rail 1030
as in the exemplary design of FIG. 1).
[0061] The herein-disclosed arrangements can be used in any
situation in which fall protection during vertical climbing (and/or
descending) is desired. This is not limited to situations involving
ladders of the general type shown in FIG. 1. For example, top
bracket 1 may be used with a fall protection system 1000 that is
installed on a so-called monopole 1070 as shown in exemplary
embodiment in FIG. 9. Such a monopole may comprise a ladder
collectively provided by outwardly-protruding rungs (posts) 1021 as
in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9. In such a case, rail 1030 to
which top bracket 1 is attached, may take the form of an outwardly
protruding, vertically extending, flange or beam. Such a rail may
be e.g. formed integrally with the main body of a monopole; or, it
may be a separately-made item that is attached (directly or
indirectly) to the main body of the monopole e.g. by welding, or by
any suitable attachment mechanism. It is thus emphasized that the
term "ladder" broadly encompasses any arrangement of rungs, steps,
outcroppings, recesses, platforms, footholds, handholds, etc., that
is configured to allow vertical or generally vertical climbing
and/or descending by a human. (In this context a ladder is not
necessarily required to be movable from place to place and in fact
will often be fixed in place.) The "rungs" of any such ladder are
not limited to the above-described types, but may include e.g.
members or beams of a lattice (truss) tower, and so on. A ladder
and/or the rungs thereof of such a safety system may be made of any
suitable material, e.g. metal, wood, polymeric materials, and so
on. A rail (e.g. for use with a ladder of any type) of such a
system may be made of any suitable material, e.g. galvanized steel,
stainless steel, or the like. A safety cable of such a system may
be of any suitable type, made of any suitable material, e.g.
galvanized steel or stainless steel. In various embodiments, such a
cable may be e.g. 3/8 inch or 5/16 inch diameter, and/or it may be
of a 1.times.7 or 7.times.19 strand construction.
[0062] A fall protection safety system comprising a top bracket of
any type or design disclosed herein may find use in any application
in which fall protection while climbing, descending, or maintaining
a particular height is desired. Although discussions herein have
mainly concerned exemplary uses that involve climbing above an
access point (e.g. at ground level), the arrangements disclosed
herein may also find use in applications that involve descending
below an access point (e.g., into a cargo hold or tank of a ship,
into a mine shaft or air shaft, into a grain bin, and so on). A
vertical climbing fall protection safety system comprising a top
bracket of any type or design disclosed herein may meet the
requirements of any applicable standard. In various embodiments,
such a safety system may meet the requirements of ANSI Z359.16-2016
(Safety Requirements for Climbing Ladder Fall Arrest Systems), as
specified in 2016. In particular embodiments, such a safety system
may meet the requirements of Section 4.2.1 (Dynamic Performance)
and Section 4.2.2.4 (Static Strength) of this standard. In some
embodiments, such a safety system may meet the requirements of OHSA
rule 1926.1053, Section (a)(22)(i) (Dynamic Strength).
List of Exemplary Embodiments
[0063] Embodiment 1 is a top bracket for supporting a safety cable
of a vertical climbing fall protection system, the top bracket
exhibiting a vertical axis, a forward-rearward axis, and a lateral
axis, and the top bracket comprising a unitary, integral body
comprising: first and second laterally-spaced, vertically-oriented
base plates; first and second laterally-spaced,
vertically-oriented, pivotally deflectable plates that are
configured to collectively allow an upper end of a safety cable to
be connected thereto; wherein the first pivotally deflectable plate
is integrally and pivotally connected to the first base plate by a
first vertically-oriented neck that is configured so that the first
pivotally deflectable plate extends at least generally forwardly
from the first base plate and wherein the second pivotally
deflectable plate is integrally and pivotally connected to the
second base plate by a second vertically-oriented neck configured
so that the second pivotally deflectable plate extends at least
generally forwardly from the second base plate, and wherein the top
bracket is configured so that the first and second pivotally
deflectable plates share a common axis of pivotal deflection that
passes through the first neck and the second neck and that is
oriented at least generally parallel to the lateral axis of the top
bracket; and wherein the top bracket further comprises: a first
vertically-oriented abutment plate that extends forwardly from a
lower section of the first base plate and that comprises a forward
abutment surface that is separated from a rearward abutment surface
of the first pivotally deflectable plate by a first elongate gap;
and a second vertically-oriented abutment plate that extends
forwardly from a lower section of the second base plate and
comprises a forward abutment surface that is separated from a
rearward abutment surface of the second pivotally deflectable plate
by a second elongate gap.
[0064] Embodiment 2 is the top bracket of embodiment 1 wherein the
first and second elongate gaps each exhibit a long axis that, over
at least about 70% of an elongate length of the elongate gap, is
oriented within about 10 to about 50 degrees of the vertical axis
of the top bracket.
[0065] Embodiment 3 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-2
wherein a portion of a lower edge of the first neck defines at
least a portion of an upper edge of a rear end of the first
elongate gap and wherein a portion of a lower edge of the second
neck defines at least a portion of an upper edge of a rear end of
the second elongate gap.
[0066] Embodiment 4 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-3
wherein the first elongate gap exhibits a gap width that is at
least substantially uniform over at least about 80% of an elongate
length of the first elongate gap, and wherein the second elongate
gap exhibits a gap width that is at least substantially uniform
over at least about 80% of an elongate length of the second
elongate gap.
[0067] Embodiment 5 is the top bracket of embodiment 4 wherein the
first elongate gap comprises a rear end that takes the form of a
first at least generally circular lower aperture, which first lower
aperture exhibits a diameter that is greater than an average gap
width of the first elongate gap by a factor of at least about 1.8;
and, wherein the second elongate gap comprises a rear end that
takes the form of a second at least generally circular lower
aperture, which second lower aperture exhibits a diameter that is
greater than an average gap width of the first elongate gap by a
factor of at least about 1.5.
[0068] Embodiment 6 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-5
wherein an upper edge of the first neck comprises a lowermost point
that is located lower than an uppermost point of the first
pivotally deflectable plate, and wherein an upper edge of the
second neck comprises a lowermost point that is located lower than
an uppermost point of the second pivotally deflectable plate.
[0069] Embodiment 7 is the top bracket of embodiment 6 wherein at
least a portion of the upper edge of the first neck comprises an
arcuate shape that provides a portion of a first at least generally
circular upper aperture and wherein at least a portion of the upper
edge of the second neck comprises an arcuate shape that provides a
portion of a second at least generally circular upper aperture.
[0070] Embodiment 8 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-7
wherein a minimum vertical height of the first neck is no greater
than about 30% of a maximum vertical height of the first pivotally
deflectable plate, and wherein a minimum vertical height of the
second neck is no greater than about 30% of a maximum vertical
height of the second pivotally deflectable plate.
[0071] Embodiment 9 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-8
where the top bracket further includes: a forward floor panel that
integrally connects at least a part of a lowermost portion of the
first pivotally deflectable plate with at least a part of a
lowermost portion of the second pivotally deflectable plate; and, a
rearward floor panel that integrally connects at least a part of a
lowermost portion of the first abutment plate with at least a part
of a lowermost portion of the second abutment plate.
[0072] Embodiment 10 is the top bracket of embodiment 9 wherein an
elongate floor gap is present between a rearward edge of the
forward floor panel and a forward edge of the rearward floor panel,
and wherein the elongate floor gap, the first elongate gap and the
second elongate gap collectively provide a continuous, elongate gap
that is at least generally U-shaped when viewed along the
forward-rearward axis of the top bracket.
[0073] Embodiment 11 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 9-10
wherein at least the forward floor panel exhibits an arcuate,
concave-upward shape so that an upward major surface of the forward
floor panel defines a forward valley that is elongated along the
forward-rearward axis of the top bracket and that exhibits an at
least generally concave-upward shape when viewed along the
forward-rearward axis of the top bracket.
[0074] Embodiment 12 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 9-11
wherein the rearward floor panel exhibits an arcuate,
concave-upward shape so that an upward major surface of the
rearward floor panel defines a rearward valley that is elongated
along the forward-rearward axis of the top bracket and that
exhibits an at least generally concave-upward shape when viewed
along the forward-rearward axis of the top bracket.
[0075] Embodiment 13 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 9-12
wherein, when the top bracket is viewed along the forward-rearward
axis of the top bracket, the first pivotally deflectable plate is
at least generally laterally aligned with the first abutment plate,
the second pivotally deflectable plate is at least generally
laterally aligned with the second abutment plate, and the forward
floor panel is at least generally vertically aligned with the
rearward floor panel.
[0076] Embodiment 14 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-13
wherein the first pivotally deflectable plate, the second pivotally
deflectable plate, and a forward floor panel that integrally
connects at least a part of a lowermost portion of the first
pivotally deflectable plate with at least a part of a lowermost
portion of the second pivotally deflectable plate, are all portions
of the single, unitary, integral body, which body is at least
generally U-shaped when viewed along the forward-rearward axis of
the top bracket.
[0077] Embodiment 15 is the top bracket of embodiment 14 wherein
the first neck, the second neck, the first base plate, the second
base plate, the first abutment plate, the second abutment plate,
and a rearward floor panel that integrally connects at least a part
of a lowermost portion of the first abutment plate with at least a
part of a lowermost portion of the second abutment plate, are all
portions of the single, unitary, integral body.
[0078] Embodiment 16 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 9-15
wherein the first pivotally deflectable plate comprises a slot that
is at least generally T-shaped when viewed along the lateral axis
of the top bracket; and, wherein the forward floor panel comprises
a complementary slot that originates from a lowermost end of a
vertical trunk of the T-shaped slot of the first pivotally
deflectable plate, and wherein the complementary slot of the
forward floor panel extends across a lateral extent of the forward
floor panel and terminates proximate a lowermost edge of the second
pivotally deflectable plate.
[0079] Embodiment 17 is the top bracket of embodiment 16 wherein
the T-shaped slot of the first pivotally deflectable plate is
configured to allow a major crossbar and a portion of a vertical
trunk of an at least generally T-shaped fitting of an upper end of
a safety cable to pass laterally through the T-shaped slot so that
a major crossbar of the T-shaped fitting of the safety cable can be
seated on a floor of a concave-upward valley defined by the forward
floor panel; and, wherein the complementary slot of the forward
floor panel is configured to allow a portion of the vertical trunk
of the T-shaped fitting of the safety cable to extend therethrough
when the T-shaped fitting is seated on the floor of the
concave-upward valley defined by the forward floor panel.
[0080] Embodiment 18 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 16-17
wherein the top bracket further comprises a laterally-inwardly
deflectable tab that is attached to the first pivotally deflectable
plate and that is configured to laterally obstruct at least a
portion of the vertical trunk of the T-shaped slot so that the at
least generally T-shaped fitting of the safety cable cannot pass
laterally through the T-shaped slot unless the deflectable tab is
deflected laterally inwardly away from the T-shaped slot.
[0081] Embodiment 19 is the top bracket of embodiment 18 wherein
the laterally-inwardly deflectable tab is attached to an upper
portion of the first pivotally deflectable plate and is an elongate
tab that extends at least generally downward to laterally obstruct
at least a portion of the vertical shank of the T-shaped slot
unless deflected laterally inwardly away from the T-shaped
slot.
[0082] Embodiment 20 is the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-19
wherein the first and second laterally-spaced, vertically-oriented
base plates are each configured to be attachable to a rail that is
attachable to, or is a part of, a ladder.
[0083] Embodiment 21 is a vertical climbing fall protection system
comprising the top bracket of any of embodiments 16-20 and further
comprising a safety cable whose upper end is detachably connected
to the top bracket, wherein the safety cable comprises an at least
generally T-shaped fitting at an upper end of the safety cable,
which T-shaped fitting comprises a horizontally-oriented major
crossbar that is seated on an upper major surface of a valley floor
of a forward floor panel of the top bracket so as to detachably
connect the upper end of the safety cable to the top bracket.
[0084] Embodiment 22 is the vertical climbing fall protection
system of embodiment 21, wherein the T-shaped fitting of the upper
end of the safety cable further comprises a horizontally-oriented
minor crossbar that is positioned vertically below the major
crossbar and that lies below a lowermost point of the forward floor
panel of the top bracket when the major crossbar is seated on the
upper major surface of the valley floor of the forward floor
panel.
[0085] Embodiment 23 is the vertical climbing fall protection
system of embodiment 22 wherein when the major crossbar is seated
on the upper major surface of the valley floor of the forward floor
panel, the major crossbar and the minor crossbar are both oriented
at least generally parallel to the forward-rearward axis of the top
bracket.
[0086] Embodiment 24 is a vertical climbing fall protection system
comprising the top bracket of any of embodiments 1-15 and further
comprising a safety cable whose upper end is detachably connected
to the top bracket.
[0087] Embodiment 25 is the vertical climbing fall protection
system of embodiment 24, further comprising a bottom bracket to
which a lower end of the safety cable is connected.
[0088] Embodiment 26 is the vertical climbing fall protection
system of any of embodiments 24-25, further comprising a cable
sleeve that is configured to be attached to a harness of a worker
by way of a connection that includes at least one shock absorber,
wherein the cable sleeve is configured to travel along the safety
cable as the worker climbs.
[0089] Embodiment 27 is the vertical climbing fall protection
system of any of embodiments 24-26, further comprising a rail to
which the first and second base plates are attached.
[0090] Embodiment 28 is a top bracket comprising first and second
laterally-spaced plates and comprising a floor panel that connects
at least a part of a lowermost portion of the first plate with at
least a part of a lowermost portion of the second plate, wherein
the first plate comprises a slot that is at least generally
T-shaped when viewed along a lateral axis of the top bracket; and,
wherein the floor panel comprises a complementary slot that
originates from a lowermost end of a vertical trunk of the T-shaped
slot of the first plate, and wherein the complementary slot of the
floor panel extends across a lateral extent of the floor panel and
terminates proximate a lowermost edge of the second plate, and
wherein the T-shaped slot is configured to allow a major crossbar
and a portion of a vertical trunk of an at least generally T-shaped
fitting of an upper end of a safety cable to pass laterally through
the T-shaped opening so that the major crossbar of the T-shaped
fitting of the safety cable can be seated on a floor of a
concave-upward valley defined by the floor panel.
[0091] Embodiment 29 is a top bracket for supporting a safety cable
of a vertical climbing fall protection system, the bracket
exhibiting a vertical axis, a horizontally-oriented
forward-rearward axis, and a horizontally-oriented lateral axis,
and the bracket comprising: at least one vertically-oriented base
plate; at least one vertically-oriented, pivotally deflectable
plate that is configured to allow an upper end of a safety cable to
be connected thereto; wherein the at least one pivotally
deflectable plate is integrally and pivotally connected to the at
least one base plate by a vertically-oriented neck configured so
that the pivotally deflectable plate extends at least generally
forwardly from the base plate and so that the pivotally deflectable
plate comprises an axis of pivotal deflection that passes through
the neck and that is oriented at least generally parallel to the
lateral axis of the top bracket, and, wherein the top bracket
further comprises a vertically-oriented abutment plate that extends
forwardly from a lower section of the base plate and that comprises
a forward abutment surface that is separated from a rearward
abutment surface of the pivotally deflectable plate by an elongate
gap.
[0092] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
specific exemplary elements, structures, features, details,
configurations, etc., that are disclosed herein can be modified
and/or combined in numerous embodiments. All such variations and
combinations are contemplated by the inventor as being within the
bounds of the conceived invention, not merely those representative
designs that were chosen to serve as exemplary illustrations. Thus,
the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the
specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather
extends at least to the structures described by the language of the
claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any of the
elements that are positively recited in this specification as
alternatives may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded
from the claims, in any combination as desired. Any of the elements
or combinations of elements that are recited in this specification
in open-ended language (e.g., comprise and derivatives thereof),
are considered to additionally be recited in closed-ended language
(e.g., consist and derivatives thereof) and in partially
closed-ended language (e.g., consist essentially, and derivatives
thereof). Although various theories and possible mechanisms may
have been discussed herein, in no event should such discussions
serve to limit the claimable subject matter.
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