GB2420820A

GB2420820A - Safety line traveller

Info

Publication number: GB2420820A
Application number: GB0524517A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Cowe; Harry Crawford
Original assignee: Dunn and Cowe Ltd
Current assignee: Dunn and Cowe Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-01
Filing date: 2005-12-01
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-01
Also published as: GB0426315D0; GB2420820B; GB0524517D0

Abstract

A traveller movable along a safety line comprises a body portion 40 defining a first aperture 56 and a hinged portion 42 pivotally mounted at 44 to said body portion and defining a second aperture 58, the hinged portion 42 being movable to reconfigure the device between an open configuration (shown) where the device can be mounted to an elongate safety line 14 and a closed configuration where the apertures 56 and 58 are aligned and together define a bore to receive an attachment component such as a carabiner for attachment of a worker, the presence of the carabiner preventing opening of the jaws of the traveller and its removal from the line 14. In other embodiments, apertures 56, 58 are pear-shaped or their walls are tapered, or the gap between jaws 56, 58 is adapted to receive a flat safety line, e.g. a textile web or metal strip.

Description

1 2420820

IMPROVED ATTACHMENT DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for coupling to an elongate member, and in particular to a device for coupling to a safety line of a fall protection system.

The present invention also relates to a safety line fall protection system incorporating a device for coupling to a safety line.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Fall protection and arrest systems are conventionally used at elevated locations where personnel are required to operate and where there is a significant risk of a fall.

In fact, there are numerous legal requirements which must be adhered to in relation to the provision, form and maintenance of fall protection systems at locations where personnel are at risk. Fall protection and arrest systems are therefore common place in the construction and building service industries, among others.

Various forms of fall protection system are available. For example, a system comprising a fixed anchor point may be provided to which a worker may be secured via a suitable harness and lanyard. However, such fixed anchor points restrict the distance which the worker may operate from the anchor point. It is for this reason that fixed anchor points are generally provided in locations where a worker is required to operate in a relatively small working envelope, such as is the case in some window cleaning operations, for example.

Where a large protected working envelope is required then it is known to utilise a safety line system comprising a safety line such as wire rope, metal strip, rail, textile webbing or any other suitable elongate member, for example, which extends between at least two fixed points. A coupling device may be secured to the line so as to be capable of sliding therealong, and a worker may be secured to the coupling device via, for example, a lanyard and harness. The coupling device by being capable of sliding along the safety line provides the worker with a greater degree of freedom to operate. It is often necessary, however, to support the safety line at intermediate locations between the end fixed points, particularly where relatively long lines are used. In this arrangement the intermediate support or supports by their very nature present obstacles along the length of the line and accordingly demand that specially adapted coupling devices be provided which are capable of passing over the supports without having to be continually detached from and reattached to the line, a situation which for obvious reasons should be avoided or at least minimised.

A number of coupling devices exist which are capable of passing such intermediate supports but these are often of a complicated design, requiring to be "fed" onto a safety line from one end thereof.

A safety line system incorporating a coupling device which is capable of being attached at any point along a safety line and which can pass intermediate line supports is disclosed in Applicant's co-pending UK patent application publication no. GB 2389386 A. In this reference the coupling device includes two portions hinged together which may be opened to be directly mounted on a safety line and subsequently closed to be secured to the line. The device includes a separate locking pin to lock the device on the line, and also includes a separate bracket secured to one of the portions of the device which acts as a coupling means for coupling to a workers harness.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide an improved safety line coupling device which is capable of being attached and subsequently secured to a safety line at any point therealong to provide a safe anchor point for a worker.

It is also among the objects of the present invention to provide a fall protection system, one aspect of which includes an improved safety line coupling device which is capable of being attached and subsequently secured to a safety line at any point therealong and can safely pass over intermediate line supports while providing a safe anchor point for a worker who is attached thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for coupling to an elongate member and being moveable therealong, said device comprising: a body portion defining a first aperture; and a hinged portion pivotaily mounted to said body portion and defining a second aperture, said hinged portion being moveable to reconfigure the device between an open configuration and a closed configuration permitting the device to be mounted on an elongate member; wherein when said device is in the closed configuration the first and second apertures are aligned and together define a bore adapted to receive an attachment component for attaching to a worker.

Conveniently, the device may be termed a "traveller", "slider" or a "rider".

Preferably, the arrangement is such that when the device is in the closed configuration, an attachment component received within the bore defined by the first and second apertures acts to lock the device in the closed configuration. This is particularly advantageous as the requirement for a separate locking device or mechanism is eliminated. Additionally, once a worker has located the device of the present invention on a suitable elongate member and subsequently secured an attachment component thereto, no further action is required and the worker can be assured that the device is locked in the closed configuration.

Advantageously, the first and second apertures are dimensioned to receive an attachment component conventionally used in the art. Preferably, the first and second apertures are dimensioned such that when an attachment component is received in the bore defined by the apertures when the device is in the closed configuration, relative pivotal movement of the hinged portion with respect to the body portion is minimised.

This arrangement advantageously minimises the risk of the device from inadvertently becoming detached from the elongate member. Advantageously, the attachment component may be a carabiner or other suitable connector or component or the like, which in use may also be secured to a safety harness of a worker, via a lanyard, for

example.

Conveniently, the bore defined by the first and second apertures when the device is in the closed configuration may be of any suitable profile, such as round, ovoid, elongate, square, rectangular or the like, and generally may be of any suitable form to receive a suitable attachment component.

In one embodiment, the bore defined by the first and second apertures when the device is in a closed position is pear-shaped, preferably with opposing tapered edges. This arrangement permits the first and second apertures and resulting bore to accommodate a range of sizes of attachment component. That is, in use, an attachment component may be inserted into the bore defined by the apertures and translated therein until engaging opposing edges of the bore to thus produce a wedge effect thus preventing movement between the two hinged portions. This in turn ensures that the hinged portions remain in the uuilly closed position.

Preferably, the peripheral edges defining the respective first and second apertures are outwardly tapered such that one side of each aperture is wider than the opposing side. Preferably also, the peripheral edge of each aperture comprises non- tapered portions to define land portions. This arrangement assists to prevent significant rotation of an attachment component when located within the bore defined by the apertures when in a closed position. Such rotation of the attachment component may otherwise cause pivoting of the hinged portion relative to the body which in extreme cases may cause the device to inadvertently become detached from the elongate member.

Advantageously, when the device is in the open configuration the first and second apertures are misaligned such that insertion of an attachment component into either of the apertures is not permitted. Accordingly, a worker may only become attached to the device via a suitable attachment component when said device is arranged fully in the closed configuration, which provides an additionally safety measure and level of protection.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second apertures of the body and hinged portions respectively are located in a central region with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device. For the avoidance of doubt it should be understood that the longitudinal axis of the device is that body axis which is aligned substantially parallel to an elongate member to which the device is coupled when in use. This arrangement advantageously reduces or minimises the turning moment which will be applied when the device is translated along an elongate member, which will accordingly minimise skewing of the device when in use, providing a smoother operation and minimising material wear both of the device and of the elongate member and associated apparatus.

Advantageously, the central axes of the first and second apertures may be arranged to be aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the device.

Alternatively, the central axes of the first and second apertures may be arranged to be obliquely aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device. Alternatively further, the central axes of the apertures may be arranged to be aligned substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the device.

Preferably, the body and hinged portions each comprise a projection defining respectively the first and second apertures. In a preferred embodiment the body and hinged portions each comprise a lug extending therefrom and defining respectively the first and second apertures. Preferably, the lugs extend from one side of the device.

Preferably also, the lugs are integrally formed with the body and hinged portions respectively. Alternatively, the lugs may be separately formed and subsequently secured to the respective body and hinged portions.

Preferably, the device, when in a closed configuration defines a throughbore through which the elongate member may run. Preferably also, the body and hinged portions of the device together define a longitudinal slot which extends through the device and merges with the throughbore. The longitudinal slot advantageously permits the coupling device to pass over an elongate member support. It should be understood that the term throughbore may refer to a bore defining a circular bore, rectangular bore or square bore, or any other shape which generally conforms to and/or accommodates the shape of the elongate member to which the device is to be attached.

Advantageously, the longitudinal slot has a width smaller than that of the elongate member but larger than that of the elongate member support. This prevents the device from inadvertently becoming removed from the elongate member while allowing the device to pass over the elongate member supports without having to be detached from and reattached to the elongate member, which should obviously be avoided and at least minimised.

Preferably, the device comprises guide flanks extending from either end thereof, wherein said guide flanks are adapted to assist to correctly align the device upon engagement with an elongate member support such that the device will preferably pass smoothly over said elongate member support. Advantageously, a guide flank is located at either end of the body portion and at either end of the hinged portion of the device. Preferably, the guide flanks comprise respective tapered edges which taper outwardly from the longitudinal slot defined by the body and hinged portions when the device is in the closed configuration.

Preferably, the body and hinged portions of the device comprise respective mutually engaging hinge elements adapted to be coupled together via a suitable pivot pin or pintle. Advantageously, the body and hinged portions may each comprise one hinge element. In a preferred embodiment the body portion comprises one hinge element and the hinged portion comprises two hinge elements between which the hinge element of the body portion is located. In an alternative embodiment the hinge portion may comprise a single hinge element and the body portion may comprise two hinge elements.

Advantageously, the device may be adapted for use on elongate members having varying diameters or widths. The device may be provided with a sleeve adaptor which may be fitted to the throughbore of the device to accommodate elongate members of varying diameters and widths.

The elongate member may comprise a safety line such as a wire rope, metal strip, rail or textile webbing or any other suitable elongate member. In a preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for use on round wire safety lines. Preferably, the device is adapted for use on a safety line having a diameter of between 8 mm to 12

mm, for example.

Preferably, the device is manufactured from metal or metal alloy. The device may be manufactured from high quality stainless steel. Alternatively, the device may be made from high carbon steel or any other suitable metallic material.

Advantageously, the device may be formed by a casting operation. Alternatively, the device may be manufactured by forging, or any other suitable manufacturing process.

Alternatively, the device may be manufactured from a non-metallic material such as a suitable plastic or polymeric material, or a composite material or the like.

Where the device is manufactured from a suitable non-metallic material the device may be manufactured by any appropriate process which would be readily identified by a person of skill in the art, such as moulding or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fall protection system comprising: a safety line extending between at least two points and being supported by at least one intermediate safety line support; and a coupling device having a body portion defining a first aperture and a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion and defining a second aperture, said hinged portion being moveable to reconfigure the device between an open configuration and a closed configuration permitting the device to be mounted on a safety line, wherein when said device is in the closed configuration the first and second apertures are aligned and together define a bore adapted to receive an attachment component for attaching to a worker's safety harness, and wherein said coupling device, when in a closed configuration defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said body and hinged portions together defining a longitudinal slot extending through the device and merging with the throughbore allowing the coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line support.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that when the coupling device is in the closed configuration, an attachment component received within the bore defined by the first and second apertures acts to lock the device in the closed configuration.

Preferably, the safety line extends between two fixed points such as a wall or an anchor post and is fixed thereto using a fixing bracket or the like. Alternatively, the safety line may extend between two dead-weight anchor points, or between a fixed point and a dead-weight anchor point, for example.

Advantageously, where the safety line extends between two fixed points, the safety line may comprise an energy absorber located at one or both ends thereof, wherein said energy absorber absorbs energy from a fall in order to minimise injury to a worker and to substantially prevent or reduce damage caused to the safety line anchors or the building or structure to which the fall protection system is secured.

The energy absorber may be a corrugated strip of deformable material, such as stainless steel, for example, which is adapted to be at least partially straightened in the event of a fall. Preferably, the corrugated energy absorber is formed from a strip of carbon steel or stainless steel or the like. Preferably also, the energy absorber is adapted to initiate extension at a force determined in accordance with the fall protection system requirements.

Preferably, one end of the safety line is coupled to one anchor point using a line tensioner, such as a turnbuckle or a ratchet tensioner or the like.

Advantageously, the fall protection system further comprises a safety line tension indicator which in use indicates that a predetermined tension in the line has been reached. A tension indicator such as that described in Applicant's co-pending UK patent application publication no. GB 2389386 A may be utilised.

Conveniently, the safety line of the fall protection system may be supported by a plurality of intermediate safety line supports located at intervals along the line.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one intermediate line support may be anchored in place using bolts or the like. Alternatively, the at least one intermediate line support may be mounted on a dead-weight anchor such as that described in Applicant's granted patent no. GB 2330169.

Advantageously, the first and second apertures of the coupling device are dimensioned to receive an attachment component conventionally used in the art.

Preferably, the first and second apertures are dimensioned such that when an attachment component is received in the bore defined by the apertures when the device is in the closed configuration, relative pivotal movement of the hinged portion with respect to the body portion is minimised. Advantageously, the attachment component may be a carabiner or other suitable safety connector or component or the like, which in use is also secured to a safety harness of a worker, via a lanyard, for

example.

In one embodiment, the bore defined by the first and second apertures when the device is in a closed position is pear-shaped, preferably with opposing tapered edges. This arrangement permits the first and second apertures and resulting bore to accommodate a range of sizes of attachment component. That is, in use, an attachment component may be inserted into the bore defined by the apertures and translated therein until engaging opposing edges of the bore to produce a wedge effect, thus preventing movement between the two hinged portions. This in turn ensures that the hinged portions remain in the fully closed position.

Advantageously, when the coupling device is in the open configuration the first and second apertures are misaligned such that insertion of an attachment component into either of the apertures is not permitted.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second apertures of the body and hinged portions respectively are located in a central region with respect to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device. For the avoidance of doubt it should be understood that the longitudinal axis of the device is that body axis which is aligned substantially parallel to a safety line to which the device is coupled when in use. This arrangement advantageously reduces or minimises the turning moment which will be applied when the device is translated along a suitable safety line, which will accordingly minimise skewing of the device when in use, providing a smoother operation and minimising material wear both of the device and of the safety line and associated apparatus.

Preferably also, the lugs are integrally formed with the body and hinged portions respectively. Alternatively, the lugs may be separately formed and subsequently secured to the body and hinged portions respectively.

Advantageously, the throughbore may be a circular bore, rectangular bore or square bore, or any other shape which generally conforms to and/or accommodates the shape of the safety line to which the device is to be attached.

Advantageously, the longitudinal slot has a width smaller than that of the safety line but larger than that of the at least one intermediate safety line support.

This prevents the coupling device from inadvertently becoming removed from the safety line while allowing the device to pass over the line supports without having to be detached from and reattached to the line, which should obviously be avoided and at least minimised.

Preferably, the coupling device comprises guide flanks extending from either end thereof, wherein said guide flanks are adapted to assist to correctly align the device upon engagement with the at least one intermediate safety line support such that the device will preferably pass smoothly over said line support. Advantageously, a guide flank is located at either end of the body portion and at either end of the hinged portion of the coupling device. Preferably, the guide flanks comprise respective tapered edges which taper outwardly from the longitudinal slot defined by the body and hinged portions when the device is in the closed configuration.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts to be assembled to form a fall protection safety system, said kit of parts comprising: a safety line including anchor coupling means; at least one intermediate line support; and a coupling device for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong, said device comprising a body portion defining a first aperture and a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion and defining a second aperture, said hinged portion being moveable to reconfigure the device between an open configuration and a closed configuration permitting the device to be mounted on a safety line, wherein when said device is in the closed configuration the first and second apertures are aligned and together define a bore adapted to receive an attachment component for attaching to a worker's safety harness, and wherein said coupling device, when in a closed configuration defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said throughbore having a longitudinal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a fall protection system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view from one side of a coupling device for use in a fall protection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view from an alternative side of the coupling device shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an end view of the coupling device of Figure 2 shown before being coupled to a safety line; Figure 5 is an end view of the coupling device of Figure 2 shown coupled to a safety line passing over a line support; Figure 6 is a view of the coupling device of Figure 2 shown from above; Figure 7 is an end view of a coupling device for use in a fall protection system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is an end view of a coupling device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown before being coupled to a safety line; Figure 9 is an end view of the coupling device of Figure 8 shown coupled to a safety line passing over a line support; and Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings in which there is shown a fall protection system, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, in accordance with one embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The system 10 is provided on a roof 12 of a building and includes a safety line 14 extending between two safety line anchor posts 16, 18 and being supported by intermediate safety line anchors 20. A slidable traveller device 22 is provided which is mounted on the line 14 and comprises a coupling portion 24 to allow a worker 26 to fasten a safety harness 28 thereto.

At one end of the safety line 14 there is provided an energy absorber 30 positioned between one end of the safety line 14 and anchor post 16, the energy absorber being provided to minimise injury to the worker 26 in the event of a fall and to substantially prevent or reduce damage caused to the anchor posts 16, 18 or the roof 12 on which the posts 16, 18 are mounted. At an opposite end of the safety line 14 there is provided a turnbuckle 32 to allow the required line tension to be achieved.

Located between the turnbuckle 32 and support post 18 is a tension indicator 33 which in use indicates when the required line tension has been achieved.

One embodiment of the traveller device 22 will now be described with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3, in which there is shown a perspective view of the device 22 coupled to the safety line 14. The traveller 22 comprises a body portion 40 and a hinged portion 42 mounted on said body portion 40 via a spindle 44, wherein said hinged portion 42 is pivotable about said spindle 44 to reconfigure the device 22 between an open configuration and a closed configuration permitting the device 22 to be mounted on the safety line 14, as will be discussed in more detail below. The body portion 40 includes a single hinge element 46 which is interleaved between two hinge elements 48, 50 provided on the hinged portion 42. The body and hinged portions 40, 42 each include an integral lug 52, 54, each defining a respective aperture 56, 58.

Aperture 56 in lug 52 is shown most clearly in Figure 3 which is a perspective view of the traveller 22 from an alternative side. As shown inFigure 2, when the device 22 is in the closed configuration the apertures 56, 58 are aligned and together define a bore 59 which receives a carabiner 60 which in turn is coupled to the safety harness 28 (Figure 1) of the worker 26. Accordingly, the carabiner 60 acts to lock the device in the closed configuration, eliminating the requirement for any additional locking means. Additionally, this arrangement ensures that it will not be possible to detach the device 22 from the safety line 14 while the worker 26 is secured thereto via the carabiner 60.

Referring to Figure 4, the device 22 is shown in the open configuration prepared to be mounted over the safety line 14. In this configuration the hinged portion 42 is pivoted about spindle 44 so as to misalign the apertures 56, 58 in respective lugs 52, 54. In this configuration insertion of a carabiner (not shown) is not permitted which ensures that a worker may only become attached to the device 22 when said device 22 is arranged fully in the closed configuration.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 in which there is shown an end view of the coupling device 22 in a closed configuration, such that the apertures 56, 58 are aligned to define the bore 59, wherein the device 22 is shown located over an intermediate line support 20. The body and hinged portions 40, 42 together define a throughbore 62 through which the safety line 14 runs. The body and hinged portions 40, 42 together additionally define a longitudinal slot 64 extending through the device 22 and merging with said throughbore 62, wherein the longitudinal slot 64 permits the coupling device 22 to pass over an intermediate safety line support 20, as shown in Figure 5. The longitudinal slot 64 has a width smaller than that of the safety line 14 but larger than a web portion 66 of the support 20. This arrangement prevents the device 22 from inadvertently becoming removed from the safety line 14 while allowing the device 22 to pass over the line supports 20 without having to be detached from and reattached to the line 14.

A view of the coupling device 22 from above is shown in Figure 6. The device 22 comprises four guide flanks 68, one located at either end of the body portion 40 and one located at either end of the hinged portion 42. Each guide flank 68 defines a respective tapered edge 70 which tapers outwardly from the longitudinal slot, wherein the guide flanks 68 assist to correctly align the device 22 upon engagement with a line support 20 (Figure 1) such that the device 22 will pass smoothly over said line supports 20. It should be noted that the lugs 52, 54 are located in a central region of the device 22 which advantageously reduces or minimises the turning moment which will be applied when the device 22 is translated along the line 14 (not shown), which will accordingly minimise skewing of the device 22 when in use. Positioning of the lugs 52, 54 in a substantially central location is achieved by manufacturing one of the hinge elements 48 of the hinged portion 42 wider than the other hinge element 50 on portion 42.

An alternative embodiment of a coupling device in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 7. The coupling device, generally indicated by reference numeral 122, is similar to coupling device 22 shown in Figures 2 to 6, with the exception that the device 122 of Figure 7 defines a throughbore 124 adapted to accommodate a safety line 114 formed of a web of textile material or a metal strip or the like. Device 122 comprises a body portion 140 and a hinged portion 142 pivotally coupled to the body portion via a spindle 144. Thus, the hinged portion 142 can be caused to pivot relative to the body portion 140 to permit the device 122 to be mounted on the safety line 114. The form and operation of the means of locking the device 122 on the safety line 114 is similar to that of device 22 and as such no further

description will be given.

Reference is now made to Figures 8, 9 and 10 in which there is shown alternate views of a coupling device, generally identified by reference numeral 222, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Device 222 is generally identical to device 22 described above and so for brevity only the differences will be highlighted. Additionally, like features share like reference numeral, incremented by 200. Referring initially to Figure 8, each lug 252, 254 comprises respective apertures 256, 258 which when in a closed position, as shown in Figure 9, define a bore 259. The bore 259 is pear-shaped and comprising opposed tapered edges 201, 202 which permit the device 222 to accommodate attachment components, such as a carabiners (not shown), of different sizes. That is, in use, an attachment component may be inserted into the bore 259 and translated therein until engaging the opposing edges 201, 202 to thus produce a wedge effect.

A sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9 is shown in Figure 10, reference to which is now made. The peripheral edges defining the apertures 256, 258 comprise respective outwardly tapered portions 203, 204 such that one side of each aperture 256, 258 is wider than the opposing side. The peripheral edges also comprise non-tapered portions to define respective land portions 205, 206. This arrangement assists to prevent significant rotation of an attachment component (not shown) when located within the bore 259. Such rotation of the attachment component may otherwise cause pivoting of the hinged portion 242 relative to the body portion 240 (Figures 8 and 9) which in extreme cases may cause the slot 264 to be widened which may cause the device 222 to inadvertently become detached from the safety line 14.

The coupling devices 22, 122, 222 disclosed herein are preferably manufactured from a high quality stainless steel.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary of the present invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the throughbores of the disclosed traveller devices 22, 122, 222 may be of any suitable shape in order to accommodate a particular shape of safety line. Additionally, the coupling device may be manufactured from any suitable material such as high carbon steel, plastic, polymer or composite or the like. Furthermore, the safety line may be provided at a location above head height, and may, for example, be secured between two walls or any other suitable support or combination of supports. Still further, the safety line may comprise any suitable elongate body such as a rail or the like.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A device for coupling to an elongate member and being moveable

therealong, said device comprising: a body portion defining a first aperture; and a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion and defining a second aperture, said hinged portion being moveable to reconfigure the device between an open configuration and a closed configuration permitting the device to be mounted on an elongate member; wherein when said device is in the closed configuration the first and second apertures are aligned and together define a bore adapted to receive an attachment component for attaching to a worker.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein an attachment component received within the bore defined by the first and second apertures when the device is in a closed position acts to lock the device in said closed configuration.
3. The device of claim I or 2, wherein the first and second apertures are dimensioned such that when an attachment component is received in the bore defined by the apertures when the device is in the closed configuration, relative pivotal movement of the hinged portion with respect to the body portion is minimised.
4. The device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the bore defined by the first and second apertures when the device is in the closed configuration is round.
5. The device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the bore defined by the first and second apertures when the device is in the closed position is elongate.
6. The device of claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the bore defined by the first and second apertures when the device is in a closed position is pear- shaped with opposing tapered edges.
7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral edge of each is outwardly tapered such that one side of each aperture is wider than the opposing side.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the peripheral edge of each aperture comprises non-tapered portions to define land portions.
9. The device of any preceding claim, wherein when the device is in the open configuration the first and second apertures are misaligned such that insertion of an attachment component into either of the apertures is not pennitted.
10. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second apertures of the body and hinged portions respectively are located in a central region with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device.
11. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the central axes of the first and second apertures are arranged to be aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the device.
12. The device of any one of claims Ito 10, wherein the central axes of the first and second apertures are arranged to be obliquely aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device.
13. The device of any one of claims ito 10, wherein the central axes of the apertures may be arranged to be aligned substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the device.
14. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the body and hinged portions each comprise a projection defining respectively the first and second apertures.
15. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the body and hinged portions each comprise a lug extending therefrom and defining respectively the first and second apertures.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the lugs extend from one side of the device.
17. The device of claim 15 or 16, wherein the lugs are integrally formed with the body and hinged portions respectively.
18. The device of claim 15 or 16, wherein the lugs are separately formed and subsequently secured to the respective body and hinged portions.
19. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device, when in a closed configuration, defines a throughbore through which an elongate member may run.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the body and hinged portions of the device together define a longitudinal slot which extends through the device and merges with the throughbore.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the longitudinal slot permits the coupling device to pass over an elongate member support.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the longitudinal slot has a width smaller than that of the elongate member but larger than that of the elongate member support.
23. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising guide flanks extending from either end thereof, wherein said guide flanks are adapted to assist to correctly align the device upon engagement with an elongate member support.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein a guide flank is located at either end of the body portion and at either end of the hinged portion of the device.
25. The device of claim 23 or 24 when dependent on claim 20, wherein the guide flanks comprise respective tapered edges which taper outwardly from the longitudinal slot defined by the body and hinged portions when the device is in the closed configuration.
26. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the body and hinged portions of the device comprise respective mutually engaging hinge elements adapted to be coupled together via a suitable pivot pin.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the body and hinged portions each comprise one hinge element.
28. The device of claim 26, wherein the body portion comprises one hinge element and the hinged portion comprises two hinge elements between which the hinge element of the body portion is located.
29. The device of claim 26, wherein the hinged portion comprises one hinge element and the body portion comprises two hinge elements between which the hinge element of the hinged portion is located.
30. The device of any preceding claim, adapted for use on round wire safety lines.
31. The device of any one of claims 1 to 29, adapted for use on substantially planar safety lines.
32. A fall protection system comprising: a safety line extending between at least two points and being supported by at least one intermediate safety line support; and a coupling device having a body portion defining a first aperture and a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion and defining a second aperture, said hinged portion being moveable to reconfigure the device between an open configuration and a closed configuration permitting the device to be mounted on a safety line, wherein when said device is in the closed configuration the first and second apertures are aligned and together define a bore adapted to receive an attachment component for attaching to a worker's safety harness, and wherein said coupling device, when in a closed configuration defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said body and hinged portions together defining a longitudinal slot extending through the device and merging with the throughbore allowing the coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line support.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the safety line extends between two fixed points.
34. The system of claim 32 or 33, wherein the safety line comprises an energy absorber located at one or both ends thereof.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein the energy absorber comprises a corrugated strip of deformable material adapted to be at least partially straightened in the event of a fall.
36. The system of any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein one end of the safety line is coupled to one anchor point using a line tensioner.
37. The system of any one of claims 32 to 36, further comprising a safety line tension indicator which in use indicates that a predetermined tension in the line has been reached.
38. The system of any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the safety line is supported by a plurality of intermediate safety line supports located at intervals along the line.
39. A kit of parts to be assembled to form a fall protection safety system, said kit of parts comprising: a safety line including anchor coupling means; at least one intermediate line support; and a coupling device for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong, said device comprising a body portion defining a first aperture and a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion and defining a second aperture, said hinged portion being moveable to reconfigure the device between an open configuration and a closed configuration permitting the device to be mounted on a safety line, wherein when said device is in the closed configuration the first and second apertures are aligned and together define a bore adapted to receive an attachment component for attaching to a worker's safety harness, and wherein said coupling device, when in a closed configuration defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said throughbore having a longitudinal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line support.