Background Art The provision of a safe working environment for workers involved in the roofing trade is a difficult task.

Sloping roofs during wet weather are particularly hazardous workplaces and workers can frequently slip off the roof to their death if unrestrained. The use of ropes or retractable fall arresters is known in the art, where a worker wears a body harness connected via the cord of the fall arrester to a mounting device, which secures the arrester at one end. The arresters or ropes normally lie on the surface of the roof during use. There are often only limited places to screw or hammer a mounting device into position, and the known devices are often quite flimsy and, if pulling sharply, would be unlikely to support the weight of one or more workers in a fall situation. Usually large areas of the roof tiles, shingles or sheets need to be removed to create a mounting position for the known mounting devices. The use of alternative devices such as a temporary fence constructed about the circumference of the roof also involves removing

large areas of the roofing materials in order to fit the fence into position. This is a time consuming task, which is sometimes unlawfully avoided in the interest of expedience and can also lead to damage of the roof structure.

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the present invention provides a support element adapted to detachably mount to a structural member of a roof structure including roof cladding, the support element including a mounting plate and a collar upwardly protruding from and connected to the plate which is mountable on an upper surface of the structural member wherein the collar is adapted to protrude upwardly through the roof cladding below which the mounting plate in its entirety is disposed, the collar being adapted to provide coupling attachment for a fall arrester.

Typically the structural member of the roof structure is a roof rafter or I-beam which has purlins or battens arranged thereabove onto which the roof cladding itself is positioned. In the preferred roof construction, the mounting plate is mounted to an upper surface of the rafter/I-beam and entirely concealed from view by the roof cladding. A portion of the collar protrudes above the roof cladding and is visible. In a preferred arrangement, sealant material and flashing can be placed around the joint between the protruding portion of the collar and the roof cladding to prevent leakage of moisture into the roof structure.

Preferably the collar is adapted for removeably receiving an elongate element to which the fall arrester is coupled.

Preferably the collar is oriented substantially vertically with respect to surrounding ground, so that the elongate element in use is also so oriented with respect to the ground.

Preferably the mounting plate in use is mounted to the structural member by a bolting or screwing arrangement.

Preferably the bolting or screwing arrangement fixes the mounting plate to the structural member via respective holes formed therein. Alternatively the mounting plate is one of a pair of mounting plates between which the structural member is sandwiched via the bolting or screwing arrangement. In this case preferably the bolting or screwing arrangement fixes the mounting plates at the structural member and directly to each other.

Preferably the collar is an elongate tube seated on the mounting plate. Preferably the collar is supported at the mounting plate by an outwardly projecting web positioned therebetween.

Preferably a gas exit point is provided in or at the collar at a location below the roof cladding in use for venting gas to atmosphere through the collar, the gas conveyed to the gas exit point via a conduit from a source to be vented. Most preferably the gas exit point is a hole in a wall of the collar. Typically the venting gas is from sewerage system and can also be from a heating/combustion system.

Preferably an attachment member is provided exterior of the collar at a location above the roof cladding in use for attaching a connecting element to extend to a corresponding attachment member on an adjacent support element. Typically the connecting element is a cable or wire which is joined to the adjacent support element so that a worker can move between spaced apart support

elements on a roof structure by connecting his or her fall arrester to the cable or wire without being in a situation where movement across the roof structure is at any time made while disengaged from a support element.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a support apparatus adapted to be positioned on a roof structure including roof cladding, the apparatus including: -a support element adapted to detachably mount to a structural member of a roof structure, the support element including a mounting plate and a collar upwardly protruding from and connected to the plate which is mountable on an upper surface of the structural member wherein the collar is adapted to protrude upwardly through the roof cladding below which the mounting plate in its entirety is disposed ; and -an elongate coupling element adapted to be removeably received into the collar, the coupling element providing coupling attachment for a fall arrester.

Preferably the elongate coupling element includes a telescopic or nested shaft. Preferably the elongate coupling element includes an intermediate section being located and nestable between a cylindrical sleeve and the shaft, the shaft being a hollow cylindrical sleeve.

Preferably the intermediate section is locked in position relative to the shaft by a fastening means.

Preferably the fastening means is a pin or the like insertable through aligned holes in the shaft and the intermediate section.

Preferably the cylindrical sleeve is rotatable and is journalled about the intermediate section. Preferably the

rotatable sleeve is seated on a gasket or bearing which separates the rotatable sleeve from the shaft.

Preferably the coupling element has one or more outwardly projecting flanges, each adapted for the attachment of linkage elements, in turn attachable to a given fall arrester. Most preferably the outwardly projecting flanges are located on the rotatable sleeve.

Preferably the support element of the second aspect is as defined in the first aspect.

Alternatively the elongate coupling element has one or more outwardly projecting flanges, each adapted for the attachment of a pulley or roller, in use a cable of the fall arrester being passed over the pulley or roller and the portion of the collar which protrudes from the roof structure or the elongate coupling element being adapted for the attachment of the fall arrester. This enables a worker to position the fall arrester at a convenient lower height on the coupling element with the fall arrester cable passing through the relatively higher pulley/s or roller/s on the outwardly projecting flange/s and back down for attachment to the worker's body. Such an arrangement makes placement of the often heavy fall arrester units easier at a height which reduces the chances of back injury.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of a device used in position as a support element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1A shows a side view of one embodiment of a device used in position as a support element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a device used in position as a support element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 positioned in relation to a structural member of a roof in the form of an I-beam, a portion of the elongate coupling elements shown fitted to the support element.

Figure 5 shows a side view of further embodiment of a device used as a support apparatus in accordance with the invention positioned in relation to a structural member of a roof in the form of an I-beam, a portion of the elongate coupling element shown fitted to the support element.

Figure 6 shows a plan view of further embodiment of a device used in position as a support element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device used as a support element in accordance with the invention having a gas exit point positioned thereon.

Figure 8 shows a side view of a portion of the elongate coupling element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 9 shows a side view of a further portion of the elongate coupling element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 10 shows a side view of an assembled elongate coupling element in accordance with the invention.

Figure 11 shows a side view of yet a further embodiment of a support element and an elongate coupling element in accordance with the invention.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention Referring to the drawings a support element is shown in Figure 1 which is adapted to be mounted to a roof structure. In one form of the invention the support element includes a support base 10 including a collar or elongated tube 14, circular in cross-section, which is seated on a flat, eight-sided mounting plate 16, the tube 14 supported in an upright position with respect to the plate 16 by four web sections 15. The mounting plate 16 is adapted to. detachably mount at an upper surface of a structural member of the roof structure (typically in the form of a roof rafter or I-beam 12) although other structural members can be suitable and can be of various cross-sectional shapes for example, square, rectangular etc. As shown in Figure 2 the tube 14 is oriented in a substantially vertical manner with respect to surrounding ground and the mounting plate 16 is angled to suit the angle of a pitched roof rafter.

Typically the roof rafter or I-beam 12 supports purlins 13 (or battens) onto which the roof cladding 11 itself is affixed, rather than being directly attached to the roof rafter or I-beam 12. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 1A so that when the support base 10 is installed, the mounting plate 16 is entirely concealed from view by the roof cladding. A portion 14A of the tube 14 protrudes above the roof cladding and is visible. In a preferred arrangement, sealant material (for example such as Dektight@) and flashing can be placed around the join between the protruding portion of the tube 14A and the

roof cladding 11 to prevent leakage of moisture into the roof structure. Whilst the tube 14 is not being used to support a roof worker, a rain cover or cowl 17 can be placed over the uppermost end of the tube.

Typically the mounting plate 16 is mounted to the roof I-beam 12 by a bolting or screwing arrangement. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, a screw 20 penetrates the mounting plate 16 through a hole 22 therein and is receivable in the roof I-beam 12 via a hole 22A therein. In Figure 3 four holes 22 are shown in the mounting plate 16, although any number of holes to enable a secure placement of the mounting plate 16 is within the scope of the invention. If the roof rafter is in the form of a flat section or an I-beam 12 as shown, a nut 21 can be used to fasten screw 20 into position.

In another preferred embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 (like parts being numbered alike as for previous embodiments) a bolt 26 penetrates the elongate mounting plate 160 via a hole 165 in those portions 29 of the plate 160 which project beyond the edge of the roof I-beam 12, the bolt 26 being receivable in another like elongate mounting plate 25 positioned at a lower surface of the roof rafter. The bolt 26 is fastenable to the other elongate mounting plate 25 by means of a nut 28 and the roof rafter 12 is sandwiched between the two plates 160, 25. The plate 160 shown in Figure 6 has a plurality of spaced apart holes 165 located in the portions 29 which permit an adjustment of the position of bolt 26 depending on the width of the I-beam or roof rafter being sandwiched by such an arrangement.

In further embodiments there are many other ways in which the fastening of the mounting plate to the roof structure can be accomplished, not necessarily involving

bolts or screws, all of which are within, the scope of the present invention.

In each of the preferred embodiments shown, the elongated tube 14 is disposed centrally above the underlying roof structural member to which it is attached, allowing the tube 14 to be strongly supported. In instances where the tube is placed under load to support the weight of one or more roof workers (as will be described in the forthcoming description) such a tube seating arrangement provides maximum strength.

Referring now to Figure 7 a support base 100 is shown which is similar in construction to that of support base 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5. In this form of the invention the collar or elongated tube 14 is seated on a mounting plate 16 and the tube 14 has a gas exit point in the form of a hole 140 located below the level of the roof cladding 11. In such an arrangement a gas flow G can be vented to atmosphere via the tube 14 in the direction of the arrow Go Typically the gas is conveyed to the gas exit hole via a conduit or pipe 142 from a source to be vented. The venting gas can be from a sewerage system and can also be from a heating/combustion system located in the building below. Typically the removeable rain cover or cowl 17 placed over the uppermost end of the tube is perforated in some way to allow diffusion of gases therethrough.

In some embodiments an attachment member in the form of loop 90 is provided exterior of the tube 14 at a location above the roof cladding 11. These loops 90 are used for tying a cable or wire to an adjacent support base 10 so that a worker can move about oh the rooftop between spaced apart support bases 10 by connecting his or her fall arrester 95 to the cable or wire without ever being in a situation where movement across the roof cladding 11

is at any time made while disengaged from a support base 10 or a cable or wire.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 11, an elongate coupling element is shown in Figure 8 including a post 18 that is removably received in the interior of the tube 14 for the attachment of a fall arrester. The post can, in an alternative embodiment, be removably receivable about the exterior of tube. In the preferred embodiment the post 18 is circular in cross-section and can be seated in the tube 14 in a close facing relationship which can allow the escape of vented gases in the space between the inner face of the tube 14 and the corresponding outer face of the post 18 when seated therewithin. This allows the tube to continue to be used as a gas vent while also supporting the post 18.

In use the post 18 protrudes from the roof structure and is fitted with an uppermost nested shaft arrangement shown in Figures 9 and 10 including an intermediate section 70 slidingly receivable within the post 18 to allow adjustability in the height to which the apparatus extends above the roof line. In Figure 9 a cylindrical rotatable sleeve section 60 is rotatably journalled about the intermediate section 70. The sleeve 60 shown is fitted with couplings 62 to allow the connection thereto of fall arresting devices 95. It is optional as to whether the sleeve 60 is rotatable, and it is within the scope of the invention for the sleeve 60 to be fixed in position by a pin or other suitable fastening means. Each section 60,70 can also be shaped from square or rectangular hollow sections etc.

In the preferred embodiment the intermediate section 70 is locked in position relative to the post 18 by one or more fastening means, typically a pin 68 or the like

insertable through any one of a number of pre-drilled and aligned holes 72 in the post 18 and the intermediate section 70.

The sleeve 60 is seated on a nylon bush or bearing 84 which separates it from the post 18, the bush 84 acting as a gasket to provide for free rotation of the sleeve 60 about the intermediate section 70. This also reduces or prevents wear of the respective opposing ends 200,210 of the sleeve 60 and the post 18. The sleeve 60 has four outwardly projecting flanges 62 with holes 86 adapted for the insertion of couplings capable of attaching fall arresting devices 95 to the flanges 62, although one or any number of flanges 62 can be provided.

In further embodiments of the invention multiple rotatable sleeves journalled about the intermediate section 70 and positioned end to end can be provided which are able to be independently rotated to allow more freedom of movement of roof workers to reach a given part of the roof.

In use the support apparatus provides improved safety protection for workers involved in the roofing trade by providing a readily assembled support shaft for mounting of personal fall arrester devices. The base section provides a sturdy support for the weight of one or more roof workers as well as that of the nested posts etc. The device prevents the normal arrester rope entanglement which occurs when more than one worker at a time is located on the rooftop when the cords lying on the roof become crossed. In use the apparatus ensures that cords are raised above roof height and allows the cords to remain taut while the workers are moving about their various positions on the rooftop, reducing the likelihood of any entanglement. Having an optionally rotatable

sleeve piece provides an additional reduction in any entanglement of cords. As well as its improvement of safety aspects by reducing the risk of workers tripping over entangled cables, the device creates minimum damage to the roof structure of the building during its installation, as only one roof tile or sheet of the roof cladding is required to be removed to allow the tube portion of the support base to project from the roof structure.

In an alternative coupling arrangement shown in Figure 11 the outwardly projecting flanges 62A of the sleeve 60A are each be adapted for the attachment of a pulley or roller 96 so that in use a fall arrester 95 can be attached to a suitable fastening device, for example a loop 90 (or hook etc), located at a position at the exterior of the part of the tube 14A that protrudes from the roof cladding 11. The cable 97 of the arrester 95 can then be passed up over the pulley or roller 96 and then downward to the harness worn by a roof worker. Such a fall arrester position is advantageous because it ensures that cables 97 are raised above roof height and unentangled, and does not require workers to strain their back fitting the arresters 95 to a high point. Such an arrangement also increases the overall stability of the apparatus by placing the heavy arrester items at a low height position. In still another embodiment shown in Figure 11 the fall arrester can be attached to the support post 18 itself at a loop 91 (or hook etc).

The materials of construction of the apparatus can comprise any suitable lightweight and strong material which can be shaped, formed and fitted in the manner so described, such as aluminium or steel. Lightweight

devices are preferable from the point of view of portability and ease of assembly by an individual.

The embodiments of the support apparatus shown provide an easily installed apparatus can provide improved safety protection for workers involved in the roofing trade as well as creating minimum damage to the roof structure of the building. Additionally the support base can be permanently affixed to a roof for future use when roof maintenance is required, only requiring the insertion of post 18 into tube 14 and any gaps between the post 18 or tube 14 and the edges of adjacent tiles or sheets of the roof cladding to be filled to prevent ingress of rain water or other material.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.