MOUNTING DEVICE

Abstract

A mounting device may include a first arm, a first void defined in the first arm, a second arm, and a second void defined in the second arm. The first arm and the second arm may be engaged to one another via the first void and the second void. The mounting device may further include a top plate coupled to the first arm and the second arm.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to rooftop anchoring devices. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for surface coupling devices incorporating a cross-beam member to distribute a load across a surface and a number of sealing devices to seal any apertures defined in the surface created by fasteners used to fasten the rooftop anchoring devices to the surface.

BACKGROUND

People working on the tops and sides of buildings, as well as other high structures, risk falling and suffering injury as a result. In modem society, building construction and building maintenance are areas that continue to expose workers to the risk of dangerous falls. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, work related falls are among the most common sources of work related severe injuries and death. (See, e.g., https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/). The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that slips, trips and falls resulted in approximately 229,000 injuries per year (2011-2013) resulting in approximately 700 workplace deaths per year. Death from falls is second only to vehicle related deaths and account for roughly 16% of work related deaths. OSHA and ANSI 1-14 provide standards to reduce the number and severity of workplace falls. Fall protection equipment must, perform under a wide variety of conditions while not hindering the ability of the workers to safely perform their jobs.

In addition, workers who are tasked with working on a roof of a building or even suspending from the roof of a building require certified tie-off points to connect their rigging. These points are regulated by OSHA in the 1910.27 standard and other regulations and are required to support a minimum 5,000 lbs. load. These tie-off points, which may be referred to as “anchorage points” in the industry, must be designed, built, and installed under the direction of a qualified person or a professional engineer. These anchorage points are often used interchangeably for suspension rigging and as a connection for fall protection equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth below with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. The systems depicted in the accompanying figures are not to scale and components within the figures may be depicted not to scale with each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a mounting device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top exploded and isometric view of the mounting device of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of the top plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top isometric view of the top plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1 in an unbent configuration, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the top plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a first, bottom arm of the mounting device of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the first, bottom arm of the mounting device of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the first, bottom arm of the mounting device of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an end view of the first, bottom arm of the mounting device of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the second, top arm of the mounting device of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the second, top arm of the mounting device of FIG. 10, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of the second, top arm of the mounting device of FIG. 8, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the second, top arm of the mounting device of FIG. 10, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an end of the arms of FIGS. 6 and/or 10 interfacing with a top plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1 within circle A of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an anchor coupled to the top plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1 within circle B of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a base plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Fall protection devices are devices that assist in protecting users from falling off structures such as buildings. These fall protection devices seek to prevent a fall from structures by securing the user to anchors coupled to the structure such as the roof of the structure. These devices are often required and regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that function under a number of laws and regulations such as Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Further, industries standards may be provided by private, non-profit organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). For example, guidance and testing parameters for fall protection and fall arrest devices are provided by the ANSI Z-359 Fall Protection Code.

OSHA is an organization concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. The goals of occupational health and safety programs include fostering a safe and healthy work environment. OSHA may also protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, and many others who might be affected by the workplace environment. Thus, OSHA seeks to protect any individual who may use devices that provide a secure tie down while accessing a rooftop area, for example. Due to the distances that may separate the roof of a structure from a ground floor or other elevation below the roof, an individual accessing the roof area may be in significant danger as to loss of life or limb if a fall should occur. Thus, a fall protection system that secures an individual while accessing the roof of the structure significantly reduces or eliminates any death or injuries that may otherwise be experienced during such activities.

Examples described herein provide a system including a mounting device onto which a user may secure themselves from a fall. The mounting device includes a multitude of arms extending from a central hub to provide additional stability. Further, the arms extending from the central hub allows the mounting device to be coupled to a surface such as a roof surface in a plurality of points along the surface of the roof resulting in the mount being coupled more securely to the roof. In other words, the arms may be secured to the roof surface over a relatively larger surface area of the roof as opposed to a stanchion or similar single point tethering device to disperse a load placed on the mounting device that includes the arms across the larger surface area.

In one example, four arms may be coupled to the roof surface directly. In one example, the four arms may be coupled to the roof surface indirectly via a number of bases or base plates. The bases may include sealable or self-sealing membranes that cover fasteners and holes formed in the surface of the roof. The fasteners used to directly or indirectly couple the mounting device to the roof surface may be coupled to any portion of the roof surface irrespective of whether the fasteners couple to underlying structures within the roof such as any joist. Thus, in this manner, the mounting device may be coupled at any position along the roof surface while still providing a necessary load rating that may secure a user to the roof. In one example, the load rating of the mounting device described herein may be approximately 5,000 pounds.

In the description herein, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems, and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that example is included as described but may not be included in other examples.

Overview

Examples described herein provide a mounting device. The mounting device may include a first arm, a first void defined in the first arm, a second arm, and a second void defined in the second arm. The first arm and the second arm may be engaged to one another via the first void and the second void. The mounting device may further include a top plate coupled to the first arm and the second arm.

The mounting device may further include at least one base plate coupled to at least an end of the first arm or the second arm. The at least one base plate may include four base plates. A first base plate may be coupled to a first end of the first arm, a second based plate is coupled to a second end of the first arm, a third based plate is coupled to a first end of the second arm, and a fourth based plate is coupled to a second end of the second arm.

The at least one base plate may include a substrate to couple the mounting device to a structure via a number of structure fasteners, a coupling device extending at a 90 degree angle relative to a surface of the substrate, and a first seal coupled to a top surface of the substrate. The first seal may include an aperture through which the coupling device extends. The at least one base plate may further include a second seal coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate. The first seal seals the substrate between the first seal and the second seal, and the second seal seals the number of structure fasteners and the surface of the structure. The first seal and the second seal may be made of a polymer and may be sealed from an environment by coupling at least a portion of the first seal to at least a portion of the second seal.

The top plate secures the first arm to the second arm. The first arm and the second arm are coupled via the first void and the second void at a 90 degree angle. The top plate may include a center portion, and four extensions extending from the center portion. The four extensions may extend in four cardinal directions from one another. At least one of the extensions may include a coupling panel formed at a 90 degree angle with respect to a surface of the extension. The coupling panel may couple to one of the first arm or the second arm.

The coupling panel includes a plurality of coupling panels. Each of the four extensions may include at least one of the coupling panels. A first coupling panel of a first extension may be coupled to a first end of the first arm. A second coupling panel of a second extension may be coupled to a second end of the first arm. A third coupling panel of a third extension may be coupled to a first end of the second arm. A fourth coupling panel of a fourth extension may be coupled to a second end of the second arm.

The mounting device may further include a bolt extending through a first aperture defined in the top plate, a second aperture defined in the first arm, and a third aperture defined in the second arm. The bolt secures the top plate, the first arm, and the second arm to one another. The mounting device may further include a tether coupled to the bolt.

Examples described herein also provide an apparatus including a first arm, a first void defined in the first arm, a second arm, and a second void defined in the second arm. The first arm and the second arm may be engaged to one another via the first void and the second void. The apparatus may further include a top plate coupled to the first arm and the second arm, and at least one base plate coupled to at least an end of the first arm or the second arm.

The at least one base plate may include four base plates. A first base plate may be coupled to a first end of the first arm. A second based plate may be coupled to a second end of the first arm. A third based plate may be coupled to a first end of the second arm. A fourth based plate may be coupled to a second end of the second arm.

The at least one base plate may include a substrate to couple the apparatus to a structure via a number of structure fasteners, a coupling device to couple the substrate to the apparatus, and a first seal coupled to a top surface of the substrate. The first seal may include an aperture through which the coupling device extends. The at least one base plate may further include a second seal coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate. The first seal seals the substrate between the first seal and the second seal, and the second seal seals the number of structure fasteners and a surface of the structure. The first seal and the second seal may be made of a polymer, and the first seal may be coupled to the second seal via an adhesive to seal the substrate from an environment.

The first arm and the second arm engage via the first void and the second void at a 90 degree angle. The top plate may include a center portion, and four extensions extending from the center portion. The four extensions may extend in four cardinal directions from one another. At least one of the extensions may include a coupling panel formed at a 90 degree angle with respect to a surface of the extension. The coupling panel couples to one of the first arm or the second arm.

The coupling panel may include a plurality of coupling panels. Each of the four extensions may include at least one of the coupling panels. A first coupling panel of a first extension may be coupled to a first end of the first arm. A second coupling panel of a second extension may be coupled to a second end of the first arm. A third coupling panel of a third extension may be coupled to a first end of the second arm. A fourth coupling panel of a fourth extension may be coupled to a second end of the second arm.

The apparatus may further include a bolt extending through a first aperture defined in the top plate, a second aperture defined in the first arm, and a third aperture defined in the second arm. The bolt secures the top plate, the first arm, and the second arm to one another. The apparatus may further include a tether coupled to the bolt.

Example Embodiments

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a mounting device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates a top exploded and isometric view of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. The mounting device 100 may include a top plate 102 having a center portion 104, and four extensions extending from the center portion 104. A first, bottom arm 114 (referred to hereinafter bottom arm 114) and a second, top arm 116 (referred to hereafter as top arm 116) are coupled to the top plate 102. The bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 may be engaged to one another via a first void defined in the bottom arm 114 and a second void defined in the top arm 116. The top plate may be secured to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116, and, the top plate may be the means by which the bottom arm 114 is secured to the top arm 116 via fasteners coupling the top plate 102 to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. More details regarding the top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 are provided below.

In one example, the top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 may be secured to a surface of a structure such as a roof directly through the use of a number of fasteners. In one example, the top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 may be secured to a surface of a structure such as a roof via a number of base plates 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-4 (collectively referred to as “base plate(s) 120”). The base plates 120 may include a number of seals to seal portions of the base plates 120 from the environment in which the mounting device 100 is deployed. The environment may include any type of weather including precipitation, wind, contaminating dirt, solar heat, etc.

An anchor 118 may be coupled to the top plate 102 at, for example, the center portion 104 of the top plate 102 such as in a direct center of the center portion 104. A top plate aperture 202 may be defined in the top plate 102 to allow for a tether fastener 208 to extend through the top plate 102 and a mounting portion of the anchor 118 to secure the anchor 118 to the top plate 102. The anchor 118 may be any device capable of providing an anchor to which ropes, cables and other fall protection equipment may be coupled. In one example, the anchor 118 may include a MEGA swivel anchor developed and distributed by ClimbTech. However, any device including a loop capable of providing an anchor to which ropes, cables and other fall protection equipment may be coupled may be utilized.

The top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 may be made of any rigid material that may withstand loads placed thereon if and when an individual tethered to the mounting device 100 falls from the structure. In one example, the top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 may be made of a metal, metal alloys, a coated metal, coated metal alloys, composite materials, and other rigid, load-bearing materials.

In FIG. 1, the top plate 102 is depicted as being coupled to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116, and in FIG. 2, the top plate is depicted in an exploded view with respect to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. In FIG. 2, specifically, the top plate 102 is depicted as being rotated by approximately 45 degrees (°) in the clockwise direction relative to the orientation of the top plate 102 as depicted in FIG. 1. In the state in FIG. 2, a number of plate extensions 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 (collectively referred to as “plate extension(s) 106”), a corresponding number of coupling panels 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4 (collectively referred to as “coupling panel(s) 110”), and a corresponding number of end panels 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 (collectively referred to as “end panel(s) 108”) coupled to or extending from the center portion 104 of the top plate 102. In one example, the plate extensions 106, coupling panels 110, and end panels 108 may be formed as part of the top panel 102 when initially cut from a single piece of material. In this example, the coupling panels 110 and end panels 108 may be bent with respect to the plane of the top plate 102 to obtain their respective orientations with respect to the top plate 102. More regarding the manner in which the coupling panels 110 and end panels 108 are bent is described in more detail herein in connection with FIGS. 3-5. In one example, the plate extensions 106, coupling panels 110, and/or end panels 108 may be coupled to the top plate 102 via welding, a number of fasteners, and other coupling methods and means.

Turning to the top plate 102, FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of the top plate 102 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 4 illustrates a top isometric view of the top plate 102 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1 in an unbent configuration, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the top plate 102 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIGS. 1 through 5, the plate extensions 106 may extend from the center portion 104 of the top plate 102 in four coordinate directions. In one example and as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the center portion 104 of the top plate 102 may include an approximately square shape, and the plate extensions 106 may extend from the four corners of the approximately square shape of the center portion 104. In one example, the plate extensions 106 may be formed at angle D relative to a side of the top plate 102 as depicted in FIG. 4. In one example, angle D may be approximately 135°.

The coupling panels 110 may extend from the plate extensions 106. In FIG. 4, dotted lines 404-1, 404-2, 404-3, 404-4 (collectively referred to as “dotted line(s) 404”) demark the border between the coupling panels 110 and the plate extensions 106 and serve as an indication as to where the coupling panels 110 are bent relative to the plate extensions 106. In one example, the coupling panels 110 are bent relative to the plate extensions 106 at 90° so that the coupling panels 110 may engage with and couple to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 are described herein. In this manner, the coupling panels 110 serve to couple the top plate 102 to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. The coupling panels 110 may include a number of coupling panel apertures 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, 204-4 (collectively referred to as “coupling panel aperture(s) 204”). The coupling panel apertures 204 allow for a number of coupling panel fasteners 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, 112-4 (collectively referred to as “coupling panel fastener(s) 112”) to couple the top plate 102 of the mounting device 100 to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 via the coupling panels 110.

In order to accommodate the coupling panel fasteners 112 to couple the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 to the top plate 102 via the coupling panels 110 a number of corresponding bottom arm apertures 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, 212-4 (collectively referred to as “bottom arm aperture(s) 212”), and top arm apertures 1002-1, 1002-2, 1002-3, 1002-4 (collectively referred to as “top arm aperture(s) 1002”) depicted in FIGS. 2 and 6 through 13 may be defined within the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116, respectively. Thus, the coupling panel fasteners 112, when being used to couple the top plate 102 to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116, the coupling panel fasteners 112 may engage with their respective coupling panel apertures 204, bottom arm apertures 212, and top arm apertures 1002 such that the coupling panel fasteners 112 extend through the coupling panels 110, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116. In one example, the coupling panel fasteners 112 may each include a bolt, a nut, and/or a number of washers that secure both sides of the channel formed by the coupling panel apertures 204, bottom arm apertures 212, and top arm apertures 1002. However, the coupling panel fasteners 112 may include any type of fastener including, for example, bolts and/or nuts, screws, nails, rivets, lynch pins, cotter pins, locking pins, clevis pins, other fasteners, and combinations thereof.

The end panels 108 may, like the coupling panels 110, extend from the plate extensions 106. In FIG. 4, dotted lines 402-1, 402-2, 402-3, 402-4 (collectively referred to as “dotted line(s) 402”) demark the border between the end panels 108 and the plate extensions 106 and serve as an indication as to where the end panels 108 are bent relative to the plate extensions 106. In one example, the end panels 108 are bent relative to the plate extensions 106 at approximately 60° so that the end panels 108 may cover channel defined in and along the length of the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. In this manner, the end panels 108 serve to close off the ends of the hollow bottom arm 114 and top arm 116 and assist in objects and precipitation from entering the hollow bottom arm 114 and top arm 116. In one example, and as described in more detail herein, the ends of the bottom arm 114 and top arm 116 may be angled at approximately 60° to match the approximately 60° angle of the bent end panels 108.

In one example, the top plate 102 including the center portion 104, the plate extensions 106, the end panels 108, and/or the coupling panels 110 may be coated to reduce or eliminate corrosion to the top plate 102. In one example, the top plate 102 may be coated with neoprene (e.g., polychloroprene).

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the first, bottom arm 114 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the first, bottom arm 114 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the first, bottom arm 114 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 9 illustrates an end view of the first, bottom arm 114 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles described herein.

As depicted in FIGS. 6 through 9, the bottom arm 114 includes a hollow interior or channel 900 depicted in, for example, FIG. 9. Thus, the bottom arm 114 includes a wall through which a number of apertures and features may be formed. For example, the bottom arm 114 may include bottom arm apertures 212 defined therein to allow the coupling panels 110 of the top plate 102 to be coupled to the bottom arm 114 via the coupling panel fasteners 112.

Further, the wall formed by the channel 900 defined within the bottom arm 114 allows for base apertures 206-1, 206-3 to also be defined within a bottom wall of the bottom arm 114. As described in more detail herein, the base apertures 206-1, 206-3 provide for the coupling of the bottom arm 114 to a surface of the structure to which the mounting device 100 is coupled either directly or indirectly via the base plates 120.

The bottom arm 114 may also include a center aperture 606 through which the tether fastener 208 may be extended. The center aperture 606 may be aligned with the top plate aperture 202 such that the tether fastener 208 may extend through both the center aperture 606 and the top plate aperture 202 in an aligned manner. In one example, the center aperture 606 may have a square shape to allow a square neck bolt (also referred to as a carriage bolt) to be used as the tether fastener 208 where the shallow head of the bolt is secured to an outside of the bottom arm 114 and the square neck engages with the square-shaped center aperture 606. In this example, the square neck of the tether fastener 208 self-locks with the square-shaped center aperture 606 and allows for a single tool being used from the top side of the mounting device to couple the bottom arm 114, the top arm 116, the top plate 102, and/or the anchor 118 to one another.

The ends of the bottom arm 114 may be formed at an angle. As mentioned above, the angle of the ends of the bottom arm 114 may be formed at angle C as indicated in FIG. 6. In one example, angle C may be approximately 60°. This allows the end panels 108 to be bent over the ends of the bottom arm 114 at approximately 60° to match angle C of the ends of the bottom arm 114. Further, this allows for the channel 900 within the bottom arm 114 to be protected from objects and precipitation from entering therein.

The bottom arm 114 may also include a first void 604 defined in a top surface of the bottom arm 114. In one example, the first void 604 may extend approximately half way down the height of the bottom arm 114 to allow for a similarly-shaped second void 1004 defined in the top arm 116 to engage with one another and ensure that the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 lie at the same plane when engaged via the first void 604 and the second void 1004. Further, the width of the first void 604 along a length of the bottom arm 114 may be approximately equivalent to the width of the top arm 116 (and the bottom arm 114). In this manner, the top arm 116 may seat within the first void 604.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the second, top arm 116 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the second, top arm 116 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 10, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of the second, top arm 116 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 8, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the second, top arm 116 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 10, according to an example of the principles described herein.

The top arm 116 includes several features that are similar to the features described herein in connection with the bottom arm 114. As depicted in FIGS. 10 through 13, the top arm 116 includes a hollow interior or channel 1302 depicted in, for example, FIG. 13. Thus, the top arm 116 includes a wall through which a number of apertures and features may be formed. For example, the top arm 116 may include top arm apertures 1002 defined therein to allow the coupling panels 110 of the top plate 102 to be coupled to the top arm 116 via the coupling panel fasteners 112.

Further, the wall formed by the channel 900 defined within the top arm 116 allows for base apertures 206-2, 206-4 to also be defined within a bottom wall of the top arm 116. As described in more detail herein, the base apertures 206-2, 206-4 provide for the coupling of the top arm 116 to a surface of the structure to which the mounting device 100 is coupled either directly or indirectly via the base plates 120.

The top arm 116 may also include a center aperture 1006 through which the tether fastener 208 may be extended. The center aperture 1006 may be aligned with the top plate aperture 202 and the center aperture 606 of the bottom arm 114 such that the tether fastener 208 may extend through the center aperture 1006, the center aperture 606 of the bottom arm 114, and the top plate aperture 202 in an aligned manner. Further, in this manner, the anchor 118 may be coupled to the top plate 102, the top arm 116, and the bottom arm 114.

The ends of the top arm 116 may be formed at an angle in a manner similar to the bottom arm 114. As mentioned above, the angle of the ends of the top arm 116 may be formed at angle C as indicated in FIG. 10. In one example, angle C may be approximately 60°. This allows the end panels 108 to be bent over the ends of the top arm 116 at approximately 60° to match angle C of the ends of the top arm 116. Further, this allows for the channel 1302 within the top arm 116 to be protected from objects and precipitation from entering therein.

The top arm 116 may also include a second void 1004 defined in a bottom surface of the top arm 116. In one example, the second void 1004 may extend approximately half way through the height of the top arm 116 to allow for the similarly-shaped first void 604 defined in the bottom arm 114 to engage with one another and ensure that the top arm 116 and the bottom arm 114 lie at the same plane when engaged via the first void 604 and the second void 1004. Further, the width of the second void 1004 along a length of the top arm 116 may be approximately equivalent to the width of the bottom arm 114 (and the top arm 116). In this manner, the top arm 116 may seat within the first void 604.

Having described both the bottom arm 114 and top arm 116 as well as the top plate 102, the manner in which the top plate, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 are coupled will now be described. The bottom arm 114 may be engaged with the top arm 116 via the first void 604 of the bottom arm 114 and the second void 1004 of the top arm 116. In this configuration, the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 are coupled to one another perpendicularly. In this arrangement of the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116, the coupling panels 110 of the top plate 102 align with the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 since the of plate extensions 106 and the coupling panels 110 coupled thereto are also arranged perpendicularly with respect to neighboring coupling panels 110. The coupling panel fasteners 112 are caused to engage with the coupling panels 110 and the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. With this engagement and coupling, the top plate 102 is coupled to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 and, secures the bottom arm 114 to the top arm 116. Further, the tether fastener 208 may be caused to engage with the top plate 102, the top arm 116 and the bottom arm 114 via the top plate aperture 202, the center aperture 1006 of the top arm 116 and the center aperture 606 of the bottom arm 114 to further couple these elements together. Further, an anchor 118 may be coupled to the top plate 102 via the tether fastener 208.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an end of the arms 114, 116 of FIGS. 6 and/or 10 interfacing with the top plate 102 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1 within circle A of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG. 14, plate extension 106-4 and the respective coupling panel 110-4 and end panel 108-4 are depicted as being coupled to the top arm 116 via the coupling panel fastener 112-4. Also depicted is base plates 120-4 which will be described in connection with FIG. 16.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an anchor coupled to the top plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1 within circle B of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. The center portion 104 of the top plate 102 is depicted with the anchor 118 coupled to the top plate 102. Again, the anchor 118 may include any device including a loop capable of providing an anchor to which ropes, cables and other fall protection equipment may be coupled. In one example, the anchor 118 may include a MEGA swivel anchor developed and distributed by ClimbTech.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a base plate 120 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. Although in one example the mounting device 100 may be implemented without the inclusion of the base plate(s) 120, in one example, a number of base plates 120 may be included in order to ensure that the mounting device 100 and any fasteners used to couple the mounting device 100 do not come into contact with water such as through precipitation and become subject to oxidation, corrosion, etc.

The base plate 120 may include a substrate 1606 to couple the mounting device 100 to a surface of a structure. The substrate 1606 is depicted in dashed lines because it is positioned between a first membrane 1604 and a second membrane 1608. The substrate 1606 may include a number of substrate fastener apertures 1610 defined therein. Any number of substrate fastener apertures 1610 may be defined in the substrate 1606, a few of which are identified in FIG. 16. Further, the substrate fastener apertures 1610 may be defined anywhere on the substrate 1606. In one example, the substrate fastener apertures 1610 may be located at any number of points along the substrate 1606 irrespective of where a substructure under the surface of the structure such as a joist or similar substructure element is located. In one example, the structure fasteners 122 may be passed through the substrate fastener apertures 1610 and into the surface of the structure. The structure fasteners 122 may include screws, lag bolts, nails, or other types of fasteners.

The substrate 1606 may include a coupling device 1602 such as a threaded bolt extending at a 90 degree angle relative to a surface of the substrate 1602. The coupling device 1602 may enter the base apertures 206 defined in the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. A nut 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4 (collectively referred to as “nut(s) 210”) may be used to secure the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 to the substrate 1606 via the coupling device 1602 as the nut engages with the coupling device 1602.

A first seal 1604 may be coupled to a top surface of the substrate 1606. The first seal 1604 may include an aperture through which the coupling device 1602 extends. The bottom of the first seal 1604 may be coupled to the top of the substrate 1606 using, for example, an adhesive, a sealant, a waterproof sealant, or similar bonding agent to bond the bottom of the first seal 1604 to the top of the substrate 1606. A second seal 1608 may be coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate 1606 using, for example, the adhesive, sealant, waterproof sealant, or similar bonding agent in a similar manner. Thus, the substrate 1606 is sealed between the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608. The outer perimeter of the first seal 1604 that extends beyond the width of the substrate 1606 may be coupled to the second seal 1608 to seal the substrate 1606 between the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608. However, before sealing the substrate 1606 between the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608, the structure fasteners 122 may be passed through the substrate fastener apertures 1610 and into the surface of the structure.

The second seal 1608 may then be sealed to the surface of the structure using the adhesive, sealant, waterproof sealant, or similar bonding agent. In this manner, the second seal 1608 seals the number of structure fasteners 122 and the surface of the structure. This prevents water from precipitation from entering below the base plates 120 and corroding the structure fasteners 122 or entering holes formed through the impingement of the structure fasteners 122 into the surface of the structure.

In one example, the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608 may be made of a polymer such as a rubber material. Further, the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608 sealed from an environment through the use of a material that is waterproof and impervious to water.

In one example, a separation disc 1612 may be included around the coupling device 1602. The separation disc 1612 may be coupled to the first seal 1604 and may be included to further waterproof and seal the substrate 1606 between the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608 by covering any space between the first seal 1604 and the coupling device 1602. In one example, the separation disc 1612 may be coupled to the top of the first seal 1604 and/or any portion of the coupling device 1602 using, for example, the adhesive, sealant, waterproof sealant, or similar bonding agent to create this additional seal.

Throughout the description, a number of different fasteners are utilized to couple the various elements of the mounting device 100 together. The fasteners described herein may be any type of fastening device as may be advantageous

CONCLUSION

The examples described herein provide a device, system, and method for securing an individual to a roof surface. The mounting device may be coupled to a roof surface anywhere with or without being coupled to understructures such as joists, etc. while still allowing for a secure device capable of being loaded at a standardized load such as, for example, 5,000 pounds.

While the present systems and methods are described with respect to the specific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the present systems and methods are not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present systems and methods are not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of the present systems and methods.

Although the application describes examples having specific structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merely illustrative some examples that fall within the scope of the claims of the application.

Claims

1. A mounting device comprising: a first arm;a first void defined in the first arm;a second arm;a second void defined in the second arm, the first arm and the second arm being engaged to one another via the first void and the second void; anda top plate coupled to the first arm and the second arm.

2. The mounting device of claim 1, further comprising at least one base plate coupled to at least an end of the first arm or the second arm.

3. The mounting device of claim 2, wherein: the at least one base plate includes four base plates, anda first base plate is coupled to a first end of the first arm,a second based plate is coupled to a second end of the first arm,a third based plate is coupled to a first end of the second arm, anda fourth based plate is coupled to a second end of the second arm.

4. The mounting device of claim 2, wherein the at least one base plate includes: a substrate to couple the mounting device to a structure via a number of structure fasteners;a coupling device extending at a 90 degree angle relative to a surface of the substrate;a first seal coupled to a top surface of the substrate, the first seal including an aperture through which the coupling device extends; anda second seal coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate,wherein the first seal seals the substrate between the first seal and the second seal, andwherein the second seal seals the number of structure fasteners and the surface of the structure.

5. The mounting device of claim 4, wherein: the first seal and the second seal are made of a polymer, andthe first seal and the second seal are sealed from an environment.

6. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the top plate secures the first arm to the second arm.

7. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are coupled via the first void and the second void at a 90 degree angle.

8. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the top plate includes: a center portion; andfour extensions extending from the center portion, the four extensions extending in four cardinal directions from one another,wherein at least one of the extensions includes a coupling panel formed at a 90 degree angle with respect to a surface of the extension, the coupling panel coupling to one of the first arm or the second arm.

9. The mounting device of claim 8, wherein: the coupling panel includes a plurality of coupling panels,each of the four extensions includes at least one of the coupling panels,a first coupling panel of a first extension is coupled to a first end of the first arm,a second coupling panel of a second extension is coupled to a second end of the first arm,a third coupling panel of a third extension is coupled to a first end of the second arm, anda fourth coupling panel of a fourth extension is coupled to a second end of the second arm.

10. The mounting device of claim 1, further comprising a bolt extending through a first aperture defined in the top plate, a second aperture defined in the first arm, and a third aperture defined in the second arm, the bolt securing the top plate, the first arm, and the second arm to one another.

11. The mounting device of claim 10, further comprising a tether coupled to the bolt.

12. An apparatus comprising: a first arm;a first void defined in the first arm;a second arm;a second void defined in the second arm, the first arm and the second arm being engaged to one another via the first void and the second void;a top plate coupled to the first arm and the second arm; andat least one base plate coupled to at least an end of the first arm or the second arm.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the at least one base plate includes four base plates, anda first base plate is coupled to a first end of the first arm,a second based plate is coupled to a second end of the first arm,a third based plate is coupled to a first end of the second arm, anda fourth based plate is coupled to a second end of the second arm.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one base plate includes: a substrate to couple the apparatus to a structure via a number of structure fasteners;a coupling device to couple the substrate to the apparatus;a first seal coupled to a top surface of the substrate, the first seal including an aperture through which the coupling device extends; anda second seal coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate,wherein the first seal seals the substrate between the first seal and the second seal, andwherein the second seal seals the number of structure fasteners and a surface of the structure.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the first seal and the second seal are made of a polymer, andthe first seal is coupled to the second seal via an adhesive to seal the substrate from an environment.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first arm and the second arm engage via the first void and the second void at a 90 degree angle.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the top plate includes: a center portion; andfour extensions extending from the center portion, the four extensions extending in four cardinal directions from one another,wherein at least one of the extensions includes a coupling panel formed at a 90 degree angle with respect to a surface of the extension, the coupling panel coupling to one of the first arm or the second arm.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the coupling panel includes a plurality of coupling panels,each of the four extensions includes at least one of the coupling panels,a first coupling panel of a first extension is coupled to a first end of the first arm,a second coupling panel of a second extension is coupled to a second end of the first arm,a third coupling panel of a third extension is coupled to a first end of the second arm, anda fourth coupling panel of a fourth extension is coupled to a second end of the second arm.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a bolt extending through a first aperture defined in the top plate, a second aperture defined in the first arm, and a third aperture defined in the second arm, the bolt securing the top plate, the first arm, and the second arm to one another.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a tether coupled to the bolt.