Field of the Invention

[0001 ] This invention relates generally to an extendable needle davit assembly for elevated rope access for construction and maintenance personnel working at height on buildings and structures.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Davit systems are portable lightweight anchoring device used in elevated rope access and abseil applications. Needle davit systems protrude over the parapet or fagade of a building or the wall or edge of a structure, to provide a secure anchorage for abseiling, typically for maintenance purposes.

[0003] US 2446093 A (Lambert) 27 July 1948 discloses a frame for supporting hoisting apparatus which is particularly adapted for use upon the roofs of buildings , for elevating building materials and other goods. The hoist frame is universally adjustable and thus adaptable for use on buildings in which the roofs may be either fiat or pitched, and on which the copings and fire walls may vary both in height and thickness. The hoist frame comprises an extendable boom made of telescoping tubular parts having a distal part intended to extend beyond the edge of a roof , where it is provided with an eye for the attachment of a block and tackle.

[0004] US 5622237 A (Moldow) 22 April 1997 discloses a portable hoist system suitable for mounting to a pair of rails and includes a vertical support. The system has an inclined boom connected to the vertical support and a hoist secured to the boom. Clamping members are provided at the lower ends of the vertical support and the boom for detachably mounting to the rails. The hoist system is foldable for transport or storage purposes.

[0005] WO 2019/100180 A1 (Kao) 31 May 2019 discloses a support bracket structure for a deploying/stowing type suspension apparatus. The structure has a loading box which can be movably placed on a building roof floor. A suspension arm has one end pivotally provided on the loading box, and a support bracket having a connecting seat pivotally connected to the suspension arm. The structure has support legs one on

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) either side of the other end of the connecting seat, which stand on the building roof floor in a V-shape. The suspension arm is inclined and bridges the loading box and the support bracket, with the two support legs and building roof floor forming an isosceles triangular support structure. The support bracket structure for the apparatus can overcome problematic transport difficulties.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide an extendable needle davit assembly, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or at least to provide an alternative.

[0007] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, either in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0008] There is provided an extendable needle davit assembly which is designed as an elevated rope access anchorage device, where abseil access over non load bearing parapets, balustrades and light weight curtain walls of buildings and structures is required for personnel working at height.

[0009] Rope access is commonly required for building inspections and general maintenance of external facades, windows and equipment that cannot be accessed from a platform or enclosed safety system.

[0010] The extendable needle davit assembly is designed to withstand a 12kN rope access load and have a serviceability load limit of 400kg, for use by a single operator at any one time.

[001 1 ] The extendable needle davit assembly operates well on metal deck roofs where the static and dynamic loads imposed on the roof deck, are required to be spread across the roofing area to avoid damaging or lifting the roof sheets.

[0012] The extendable needle davit assembly is also modular in design and can be configured in length, reach and travel, thereby providing a customised solution tailored to the specific requirements of a particular project.

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment, the extendable needle davit assembly comprises an extendable beam comprising a fixed beam portion, and a telescopic

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) beam portion slidably receivable within a distal end of the fixed beam portion. The assembly further comprises an intermediate lateral bracing frame.

[0014] The fixed beam portion has a fixed (i.e. non-telescopic) construction between the anchor and the lateral bracing frame.

[0015] An upper end of the bracing frame is attached to a distal attachment point of the fixed beam portion. A distal portion of the fixed beam portion may extend just beyond the bracing frame.

[0016] A lower portion of the bracing frame is attached to a proximal attachment point of the fixed beam portion by means of a rear brace.

[0017] As such, the present assembly is telescopically adjustable beyond the bracing frame, thereby allowing for convenient length and reach adjustment, without repositioning or length adjustment of the bracing frame, in contradistinction to the arrangement taught by Lambert which has telescopic adjustment rearward of the support frame.

[0018] Furthermore, the fixed (i.e. non-telescopic) construction of the main load bearing fixed beam enhances the structural integrity and therefore load rating capacity of the extendable needle davit assembly, wherein the present rope access load rating is 12Kn, in contradistinction to the arrangement taught by Lambert which compromises loadbearing capacity by means of telescopic componentry rearward of the support frame. Both Moldow and Kao have similarly compromised loadbearing capacity configurations.

[0019] The present extendable needle davit assembly may be assembled by inserting portions thereof between bifurcated portions of interconnecting pieces, and which are secured using locating pins. This modular arrangement facilitates quick, convenient and secure slot-in assembly as illustrated in Figure 16.

[0020] Furthermore, the proximal end of the extendable beam is preferably anchored by means of a swivel anchor, whereas the intermediate bracing frame is not anchored so that both the bracing frame and the extendable beam can be lifted together, for repositioning over the building parapet or fagade, as the extendable beam swivels with respect to the swivel bracket as illustrated in Figure 17.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [0021 ] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an extendable needle davit assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 shows an assembled perspective view of the davit assembly;

[0025] Figure 3 shows a symmetrical left and right side view of the davit assembly;

[0026] Figure 4 shows a top plan view of the davit assembly;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a distal end view of the davit assembly;

[0028] Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a rear mount in accordance with an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 shows an assembled perspective view of a rear mount in accordance with an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a magnified perspective view of a distal portion of both the structural and extension beams;

[0031 ] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the extension beam in accordance with an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 10 shows a symmetrical side view of a rear mount in accordance with an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 1 1 shows a symmetrical side view of a rear mount in accordance with a further embodiment;

[0034] Figure 12 shows a symmetrical side view of a rear mount in accordance with a yet further embodiment;

[0035] Figure 13 shows a locating pin in accordance with an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 14 shows a common bolt fastener in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] Figures 15 - 17 illustrate assembly and deployment of the present extendable needle davit assembly;

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [0038] Figure 18 shows an example embodiment of the davit assembly having a 400 mm high bracing frame;

[0039] Figure 19 shows an example embodiment of the davit assembly having an 800 mm high bracing frame; and

[0040] Figure 20 shows an example embodiment of the davit assembly having a 1200 mm high bracing frame.

Description of Embodiments

[0041 ] With reference to Figures 1 and 2 an extendable needle davit assembly 100 comprises an extendable beam 101 comprising a fixed beam portion 101 B and a telescopic beam portion 101 A.

[0042] Given the orientation of Figure 3 for orientational referencing, proximal is at or towards the right of the davit assembly 100, and distal is at or towards the left.

[0043] The telescopic beam portion 101 A is slidably receivable within a distal end of the fixed beam portion 101 B.

[0044] The davit assembly 100 further comprises an intermediate lateral bracing frame 104.

[0045] Furthermore, a proximal end of the fixed beam portion 101 B is anchored to an anchor, such as from a rear mount 103 in embodiments.

[0046] The bracing frame 104 may be of an all-welded construction, comprising RHS section aluminium extrusion members. An upper end 140 of the bracing frame 104 is attached to a distal attachment point 141 of the fixed beam portion 101 B. A distal portion 142 of the fixed beam portion 101 B may extend beyond the bracing frame 104.

[0047] The fixed beam portion 101 B is non-telescopic, thereby conferring structural integrity between the anchor 103 and the distal attachment point 141. Preferably, the fixed beam portion 101 B is a single piece construction and, in this regard, may be formed from an extrusion process and may further comprise aluminium.

[0048] A lower portion 143 of the bracing frame 104 is attached to a proximal attachment point 144 of the fixed beam portion 101 B via a rear brace 129.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [0049] The positioning of the bracing frame 104 is preferably such that a ratio of the rear span (between the distal attachment point 141 and the proximal end 150 of the fixed beam portion 101 B), to the cantilever span (between the distal attachment point 141 and a distal end of the telescopic beam portion 101 A), is a minimum of 1 .5. [0050] Preferably, the rear brace 129 is of fixed length.

[0051 ] Preferably, the upper end 140 of the bracing frame 104 is bifurcated and open- ended, and wherein the fixed beam portion 101 B slots between the bifurcated portions 145 thereof for attachment.

[0052] An intermediate locating pin 1 10B may fit through the bifurcated portions 145 and the fixed beam portion 101 B therebetween.

[0053] Furthermore, a proximal end 146 of the rear brace 129 may also be bifurcated and open-ended, and wherein the fixed beam portion 101 B slots between the bifurcated portions of attachment bracket 130. A proximal locating pin 1 10C may fit through the bifurcated portions and the fixed beam portion 101 B therebetween. The rear brace 129 is of an all-welded construction comprising a pair of RHS section aluminium extrusion members 147, with an attachment bracket 130 comprising a pair of aluminium plates welded thereto at the proximal end 146 thereof to form the bifurcated portions.

[0054] The lower portion 143 of the bracing frame 104 may further be bifurcated and wherein a distal end 148 of the rear brace 129 inserts between the bifurcated portions 149 thereof. A lower locating pin 1 10D may fit through the bifurcated portions 149 and the distal end 148 of the rear brace 129 therebetween. As shown in Figure 3, the rear brace 129 may be substantially orthogonal with respect to the lateral bracing frame 104 to enhance structural integrity.

[0055] According to the above configuration, the lateral bracing frame 104, rear brace 129 and fixed beam portion 101 B may be attachable using only three locating pins 110B, 1 10C and 1 10D.

[0056] As shown in Figures 7, 12 and 17, the proximal end 150 of the inclined extendable beam 101 may be anchored using a swivel bracket 123.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [0057] Furthermore, the bracing frame 104 may comprise a base member 107 which is not attached to the surface 102. In the embodiment shown, the base member 107 of the bracing frame 104 may be longitudinal and orientated orthogonally with respect to the extendable beam 101 , and from which a pair of upright members 108 extend perpendicularly, thereby defining the aforedescribed bifurcated portions 145 and 149, for the attachment of the fixed beam portion 101 B and the distal end 148 of the rear brace 129 respectively. Angled side brace members 109 may brace the upper end 140 of the bracing frame 104 from both ends of the base member 107. [0058] Because the base member 107 is not anchored to the surface 102, the bracing frame 104 can be lifted with the extendable beam 101 , as the extendable beam 101 swivels with respect to the swivel bracket 123.

[0059] With reference to Figure 3, the telescopic beam portion 101 A is slidable with respect to the fixed beam portion 101 B between an extended position 132 and a retracted position 131 .

[0060] Figures 2 and 16 show an embodiment wherein the telescopic beam portion 101 A is relatively shorter. In accordance with this embodiment, in the retracted position 131 a proximal end 152 of the telescopic beam portion 101 A does not cross the distal attachment point 141 of the fixed beam portion 101 B. As such, the length of the extendable beam 101 may be reconfigured by manipulating only one distal locating pin 1 10A between the telescopic beam portion 101 A and the fixed beam portion 101 B, without manipulating the intermediate locating pin 1 10B at the distal attachment point 141 .

[0061 ] In accordance with this embodiment, the telescopic beam portion 101 A and the fixed beam portion 101 B may comprise a distal series of apertures 133, which collocate at more than one position of the telescopic beam portion 101 A with respect to the fixed beam portion 101 B, for the distal locating pin 1 10A to be inserted therethrough.

[0062] Figures 1 and 15 however show an alternative embodiment wherein the telescopic beam portion 101 A is relatively longer. In accordance with this embodiment, in the retracted position 131 the proximal end 152 of the telescopic

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) beam portion 101 A does cross the distal attachment point 141. In embodiments, the telescopic beam portion 101 A may be sufficiently long, so that even in the extended position 132 the proximal end 152 of the telescopic beam portion 101 A crosses the distal attachment point 141 .

[0063] In accordance with this embodiment, the extendable needle davit assembly 100 has further reach, and wherein the offset of the telescopic beam portion 101 A may be adjusted with respect to the fixed beam portion 101 B, by manipulating both the distal locating pin 1 10A between the telescopic beam portion 101 A and the fixed beam portion 101 B, and the intermediate locating pin 1 10B at the distal attachment point 141 .

[0064] In accordance with this embodiment, the telescopic beam portion 101 A and the fixed beam portion 101 B may comprise a further series of apertures 134 which collocate at more than one position of the telescopic beam portion 101 A with respect to the fixed beam portion 101 B, for the intermediate locating pin 1 10B to be inserted therethrough. As such, the intermediate locating pin 1 10B inserts through the bifurcated portions 145 of the upper end 140 of the bracing frame 104, the distal attachment point 141 of the fixed beam portion 101 B and the collocating apertures 134 of the telescopic beam portion 101 A.

[0065] The extendable needle davit assembly 100 may be quickly assembled, constructed and positioned over a building parapet or structure edge, in the manner shown in Figures 15 to 17.

[0066] Specifically, Figure 15 shows wherein the proximal end 150 of the fixed beam portion 101 B is attached to the swivel bracket 123. The telescopic beam portion 101 A can then be inserted into the open distal portion 142 of the fixed beam portion 101 B. [0067] Figure 16 shows the rear brace 129 attached to the bracing frame 104, by slotting the distal end 148 of the rear brace 129 between the lower bifurcated portions 149 of the bracing frame 104, and inserting the lower locating pin 1 10D therethrough. [0068] The fixed beam portion 101 B can then easily be slotted into the connection plates 130 of rear brace 129, and between the bifurcated portions 145 of bracing frame 104, and wherein the respective proximal and intermediate locating pins 1 10C

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) and 1 1 OB, are inserted through the respective proximal and distal attachment points 144 and 141 .

[0069] Figure 17 shows wherein the constructed extendable needle davit assembly 100 can then be swivelled about the swivel bracket 123, and positioned over the building parapet or structure edge 153.

[0070] The telescopic beam portion 101 A may then be drawn out to the extended position 132 by manipulating the distal locating pin 1 10A, without having to reposition the bracing frame 104.

[0071 ] Figure 13 shows an embodiment wherein the locating pin 1 10 takes the form of a hand-operable locating pin 1 10 suited for quick release, whereas Figure 14 shows a further embodiment wherein the locating pin 1 10 takes the form of a locking bolt 106 for a more permanent installation.

[0072] As shown in Figure 13 the locating pin 1 10 comprises a shaft 1 1 1 , locking pin 1 12 and safety device 1 14, retaining ring and short wire lanyard 1 13.

[0073] According to the configuration of Figure 13, the locating pin 1 10 has a minor end 154 angled from the shaft 1 1 1 , and a distal end 155 which is secured by a locking pin 1 12 therethrough. The locating pin 1 10 in accordance with this embodiment, may be used for the series of distal or proximal apertures 133 or 134 respectively, collocating between the telescopic beam portion 101 A and the fixed beam portion 101 B, for quick release and rapid adjustment of the length of the extendable beam 101.

[0074] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the shaft 1 1 1 of locating pin 1 10 may be inserted through the collocating apertures 133 or 134. Once through, the distal end 155 of the shaft 1 1 1 may be secured by means of the locking pin 1 12 and a retaining ring and short wire lanyard 1 13. The distal end 155 and angled minor end 154 of the shaft 1 1 1 , may be secured by means of the retaining ring and short wire lanyard 1 13 threaded over or under the extendable beam 101. A safety device 1 14 secured to the extendable beam 101 may secure the short wire lanyard 1 13.

[0075] Alternatively, Figure 14 shows wherein the locating pin 1 10 takes the form of a locking bolt 106, and wherein a distal end 155 of the shaft 1 15 is secured with a nut

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) 1 17 and interfacing washer 1 16. A split pin 1 18 may go through the distal end 155 of the shaft 1 15 to prevent unscrewing of the nut 1 17. The locking bolt 106 in accordance with this further embodiment may be used to more permanently interface the bracing frame 104 to the fixed beam portion 101 B, and the rear brace 129 between the bracing frame 104 and the fixed beam portion 101 B.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, a distal end of the telescopic beam portion 101 A may support a rope guide attachment bracket 105. The rope guide attachment bracket 105 may comprise a pair of plates secured either side of the distal end of the telescopic beam portion 101 A and have a locking pin 1 10 inserted through corresponding holes thereof and comprising an access rope guide thereby.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8, the telescopic beam portion 101 A and the fixed beam portion101 B may comprise interfacing hour-glass cross-sectional profiles which enhance structural integrity, prevent rotation between the respective proximal and distal portions, and provide flat surfaces 156 for insertion of the locating pins 1 10 therethrough.

[0078] Figures 6 and 7 show respective rigid guide rail type rear mounts 103 in accordance with respective embodiments of low profile and conventional profile rigid rails. The rear mounts 103 may engage the respective rigid guide rail types 1 19 secured to the surface 102 by fixing brackets 120 at pre-determined intervals.

[0079] A right-angled mounting plate 121 may engage through the open guide channels 122 in the respective rigid guide rail types 1 19 therealong, and be attached to a proximal end of the extendable beam 101 B by means of a swivel bracket 123. A bolt fastener 135 may secure the swivel bracket 123 to the mounting plate 121 by being inserted through the collocating central holes therein. The bolt fastener 135 may further have a flat washer and a locknut.

[0080] The mounting plate 121 may further engage at various positions along the respective rigid guide rail types 1 19, for locating and adjusting the extendable needle davit assembly 100 via the swivel bracket 123. A locking bolt 106 may secure the swivel bracket 123 to the proximal end of the fixed beam portion 101 B by being

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) inserted through the collocating holes therein. The locking bolt 106 may further have an interfacing washer 1 16, a nut 1 17 and a split pin 1 18.

[0081 ] Figure 7 shows the extendable needle davit assembly 100 comprising a rear connection bracket 124 defining primary rear attachment apertures 125, for tethering conventional safety hardware such as carabiners and lanyards.

[0082] As further shown in Figure 7, the mounting plate 121 may define secondary rear attachment apertures 126, for tethering carabiners and lanyards attached to a safety container, housing tools and equipment for rope access operations. Structural bolts 127 with flat washers and locknuts may secure the rear connection bracket 124 to a proximal end of the fixed beam portion 101 B.

[0083] Different types of rear mounts 103 for various mounting options to a surface 102 are shown in Figures 10 ■■■ to 12.

[0084] Figure 10 shows details of a rear mount 103A mounting option shown in Figure 7, and may be similar to the rear mount 103B, but wherein the rigid guide rail type 1 19 defines a conventional profile as compared to the low profile as shown in Figure 1 1 .

[0085] Figure 1 1 shows details of a rear mount 103B mounting option shown in Figure 6, but further wherein the mounting plate 121 may be engaged by roller bearings 128 within the open guide channel 122 of the rigid guide rail type 1 19 defining a low profile.

[0086] Figure 12 shows a further rear mount 103C wherein the swivel bracket 123 is affixed directly to a surface 102. For example, the swivel bracket 123 may be affixed directly to a concrete surface using a concrete anchor.

[0087] Figure 18 shows an exemplary embodiment of the extendable needle davit assembly 100, having a 400 mm high bracing frame 104. In this embodiment, the apparatus is devoid of the rear brace 129. The calculated vertical and horizontal forces for different cantilever lengths are tabulated as follows:

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)

[0088] Figure 19 shows an embodiment of the extendable needle davit assembly 100, having an 800 mm high bracing frame 104. The calculated vertical and horizontal forces for different cantilever lengths are tabulated as follows:

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [0089] Figure 20 shows an embodiment of the extendable needle davit assembly 100, having a 1200 mm high bracing frame 104. The calculated vertical and horizontal forces for different cantilever lengths are tabulated as follows:

[0090] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed , as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)