AN APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A WIRE ATTACHABLE TO A STRUCTURE OF A BUILDING

(19)

(11)

EP 4 454 719 A1

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43)	Date of publication:
	30.10.2024 Bulletin 2024/44

(21)	Application number: 24169263.1

(22)	Date of filing: 09.04.2024

(51)

International Patent Classification (IPC):

A62B 35/00^(2006.01)

(52)	Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
	A62B 35/0087; A62B 35/0056

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
	Designated Extension States:
	BA
	Designated Validation States:
	GE KH MA MD TN

(30)

Priority:

24.04.2023 SE 2350484

(71)	Applicant: CWL Patent AB
	792 22 Mora (SE)

(72)	Inventor:
	LUNDBERG, Bengt 792 51 Mora (SE)

(74)	Representative: Ehrner & Delmar Patentbyrå AB
	Götgatan 78 118 30 Stockholm 118 30 Stockholm (SE)

(54)	AN APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A WIRE ATTACHABLE TO A STRUCTURE OF A BUILDING

(57) An apparatus (100) for supporting a wire (204) attachable to a structure (300) of a building and for guiding a traveler device (202) connectable to the wire (204) and/or a safety line (206) attached to the traveler device (202) along the wire (204). The apparatus (100) comprises a support (102) and a wheel (104) pivotally attached to the support (102). The wheel (104) comprises two or more peaks (118) and a recess (120) positioned between two peaks (118). The recess (120) of the wheel (104) is configured to receive and hold the traveler device (202) and/or safety line (206), and to guide the traveler device (202) and/or safety line (206) past the support (102) when the wheel (104) rotates.

Description

Technical field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus for supporting a wire attachable to a structure of a building, the wire being configured for the connection to a traveler device connectable to and slidable along the wire.

Background

[0002] Conventionally, a wire for fall protection may be mounted or attached to the roof or wall of a building by way of attachments. The wire extends along the roof and/or wall of the building and a user can connect to the wire via a safety line attached to a slidable traveler device, such as a carabiner, or any other loop element, which can be mounted on the wire. The slidable traveler device is guided along the wire and allows the user to move along the wire while being protected against falling.

Summary

[0003] The inventor of the present invention has found drawbacks in conventional solutions for supporting a wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, attachable to a structure of a building and guiding a slidable traveler device past the wire support. For example, some conventional solutions for supporting a wire are too complex. For example, some conventional solutions make it difficult for a traveler device to bypass the wire support, e.g. require multiple steps.

[0004] An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

[0005] The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with an apparatus for supporting a wire attachable to a structure of a building, the wire being configured for the connection to a traveler device connectable to and slidable along the wire, the traveler device being attachable to a safety line connectable to a user, wherein the apparatus comprises

a support, and

a wheel,

wherein the support is attachable to a structure of a building,

wherein the wheel is pivotally attached to the support and rotatable about an axis of rotation in relation to the support,

wherein the support comprises a seat for supporting the wire,

wherein the support at least in one direction forms a passage between a first space and a surrounding space outside the first space,

wherein the seat borders the first space,

wherein the wheel has a center through which the axis of rotation extends,

wherein the wheel comprises a circular center section including the center of the wheel,

wherein starting from the center of the wheel the center section has a first radial extension,

wherein the wheel comprises two or more outer sections adjoining the center section,

wherein the outer section forms a peak,

wherein starting from an outer boundary of the center section the outer section has a second radial extension ending at the peak of the outer section,

wherein the extension of the wheel from the center of the wheel to the top the peak is configured to cover the passage at least in one direction when positioned at the passage so as to enclose the wire,

wherein the wheel forms two or more recesses,

wherein in the direction of rotation of the wheel about the axis of rotation a recess of the two or more recesses is positioned between every two outer sections of the two or more outer sections,

wherein the recess is configured to receive and hold one of the traveler device and safety line,

wherein while rotating and while holding one of the traveler device and safety line in one of the two or more recesses the wheel is configured to guide one or more of the traveler device and safety line past the support so as to let one or more of the traveler device and safety line to move along the wire, and

wherein the first radial extension exceeds the second radial extension.

[0007] An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the traveler device can slide along the wire without the traveler device and/or safety line getting caught by the support. By way of the wheel, it can be assured that the user can move along the wire without the traveler device and/or safety line getting caught by the support. By defining that the first radial extension exceeds the second radial extension, the recess is more shallow and/or the radial length of the outer sections in relation to the depth of the recess is reduced compared to conventional solutions, whereby an improved flow or movement of the traveler device past the support is provided, and the risk of the traveler device getting caught at the support is reduced or minimized.

[0008] An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that a more secure and less complicated procedure for the user to bypass a wire support is provided. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that an easy way of moving past wire supports supporting the wire, which may prevent the movements of the user, is provided. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the movements of the user are not hindered while the safety of the user is maintained. For example, by way of the wheel, the traveler device and/or safety line can be more smoothly and securely guided past the wire support, in relation to conventional solutions. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that an improved guidance of a slidable traveler device along a wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is an improved wire support. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the apparatus is easier and less expensive to produce in relation to conventional solutions. For some embodiments, the outer section may be referred to as an arm or a spoke.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the wheel comprises four or more outer sections adjoining the center section. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the first radial extension is at least 50 percent longer than the second radial extension. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the first radial extension is at least 100 percent longer than the second radial extension. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the first radial extension is at least 150 percent longer than the second radial extension. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the first radial extension of the center section extends in a vertical direction. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the second radial extension of the outer section extends in a vertical direction. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the axis of rotation of the wheel extends in a horizontal direction. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the first radial extension of the center section extends in a horizontal direction. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the second radial extension of the outer section extends in a horizontal direction. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the axis of rotation of the wheel extends in a vertical direction. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the support is configured to keep the wire spaced apart from the structure of the building. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the support is formed from one or more plates. An advantage of this embodiment is that the support is simple and inexpensive to produce. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the wheel is formed from one or more plates. An advantage of this embodiment is that the wheel is simple and inexpensive to produce. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the wheel has a substantially quadrilateral shape. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided. However, other shapes are possible.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the wheel is pivotally attached to the support at the passage. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guiding of the traveler device past the wire support is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the support comprises one or more weakenings. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled deformation of the support in case of a fall is provided, whereby the fall can be dampened. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect the weakening of the support comprises one or more of the group of:

a notch;
a recess;
an opening; and
a deformation zone.

[0026] An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled deformation of the support in case of a fall is provided, whereby the fall can be dampened. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect one or more of the support and wheel is/are made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy. An advantage of this embodiment is that the strength of the apparatus is enhanced. An advantage of this embodiment is that the apparatus can be manufactured in a simple and efficient manner. An advantage of this embodiment is a further improved wire support. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved guidance of the slidable traveler device along the wire, e.g. a safety wire for fall protection, is provided.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with an arrangement comprising one or more wires, wherein the arrangement comprises one or more apparatuses according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below.

[0029] Advantages of the arrangement according to the second aspect and its embodiments correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the apparatus according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

[0030] Further advantageous embodiments of the apparatus and the arrangement according to the present invention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description of embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which:

Figure 1: is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;
Figure 2: is a schematic front view of the apparatus of figure 1;
Figure 3: is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;
Figure 4: is a schematic rear view of the apparatus of figure 3;
Figure 5: is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the wheel of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;
Figure 6: is a schematic side perspective view of an embodiment of the support of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;
Figure 7: is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention guiding a traveler device; and
Figure 8: is a schematic front view of the apparatus of figure 7 with the traveler device and the wheel in different positions in relation to figure 7.

Detailed Description

[0032] With reference to figures 1 to 8, embodiments of the apparatus 100 for supporting a wire 204 attachable to a structure 300 of a building according to the first aspect of the invention and embodiments of the arrangement 200 according to the second aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. The apparatus 100 is arranged to guide, i.e. provides guidance of, a traveler device 202 connectable to and slidable along the wire 204 attached to the structure 300, e.g. a roof or a wall, of a building or a vessel. The traveler device 202 is attachable, or attached, to a safety line 206 (see figures 7 and 8) connectable to a user (or worker), e.g. a person working on or at the structures 300 of the building or vessel, e.g., working on the roof of the building or vessel. For example, the traveler device 202 may be referred to as a traveling element, a connector, or a coupler. For some embodiments, the traveler device 202 may comprise a carabiner, a hoop, or a snap-link. The traveler device 202 may be mounted on the wire 204, e.g., by being arranged/hooked around, or snapped onto, the wire 204. When mounted on the wire 204, the traveler device 202 is slidable along the wire 204, i.e., the traveler device 202 can move back and forth along the wire 204. A user connected to the safety line 206 attached the traveler device 202 can thereby slide the traveler device 202 along the wire 204 by pulling the safety line 206.

[0033] With reference to figures 1 to 8, the apparatus 100 includes a support 102 and a wheel 104. The support 102 is attachable to the structure 300 of the building, for example by way of one or more bolts, nuts, screws, and associated openings, or by way of other means of attachment. The structure 300 of the building, which may e.g. be a roof or a wall, and the wire 204 are only partially illustrated in figures 1 to 8 for illustrative purposes. The wheel 104 is pivotally attached to the support 102 and rotatable about an axis of rotation A1, i.e. an imaginary axis, in relation to the support 102. The wheel 104 may hence be configured to rotate in relation to the support 102 around the imaginary axis of rotation A1.

[0034] The support 102 includes, or forms, a seat 106, e.g. a recess, for supporting the wire 204. The seat 106 may, e.g., receive and hold the wire 204. The support 102 may be configured to keep the wire 204 spaced apart from the structure 300 of the building. In some embodiments, the support 102 may hence keep the wire 204 supported in the seat 106 separated from the structure 300 of the building, i.e. the support 102 supports the wire 204 so as to provide a space or distance between the wire 204 and the structure 300 of the building.

[0035] With reference to figure 6, at least in one direction, the support 102 forms a passage 108 (see, inter alia, figure 6) between a first space 110 and a surrounding space 111 outside the first space 110, wherein the seat 106 borders the first space 110. The wire 204 held and/or supported by the seat 106 may be positioned in the first space 110, as illustrated in figures 1 and 3. In some embodiments, the wheel 104 may be pivotally attached to the support 102 at the passage 108. With reference to figure 6, in some embodiments the wheel 104 may be pivotally attached by way of a through hole 107 of the support 102 positioned adjacent to the passage 108 and/or seat 106, and, for example, by way of an attachment element inserted in the through hole 107, such as a bolt, which may cooperate with a nut.

[0036] With reference to figure 5, the wheel 104 includes a circular center section 114 (or portions) and two or more outer sections 116 (or portions), or arms, adjoining the center section 114. In some embodiments, the wheel 104 comprises four or more outer sections 116 or arms adjoining the center section 114. The wheel 104 may e.g., have a substantially quadrilateral shape such as a substantially rectangular shape, or a substantially rhombus shape. The circular center section 114 includes a center 112 of the wheel 104 through which the axis of rotation A1 extends, i.e., the wheel 104 is rotatable around the center 112 of the wheel 104 in relation to the support 102.

[0037] With reference to figure 5, starting from the center 112 of the wheel 104 the center section 114 has a first radial extension r1, as illustrated in figure 5. Each outer section 116 of the wheel 104 form a peak 118. Starting from an outer boundary 119 of the center section 114, the outer section 116 has a second radial extension r2 ending at the peak 118 of the outer section 116. In the radial direction 121, the extension of the wheel 104 from the center 112 of the wheel 104 to the top of the peak 118 is hence the first radial extension r1 plus the second radial extension r2.

[0038] With reference to figures 1, 3 and 5, in the radial direction 121, the extension of the wheel 104 from the center 112 of the wheel 104 to the top the peak 118 is configured to substantially cover the passage 108 at least in one direction when positioned, i.e., when said extension is positioned, at the passage 108 so as to enclose the wire 204.

[0039] With reference to figure 5, in any radial direction 121, the length of the first radial extension r1 exceeds the length of the second radial extension r2, i.e. the length of the first radial extension r1 is longer than the length of second radial extension r2. In some embodiments, the length of the first radial extension r1 may be at least 50, 100 or 150 percent longer than the length of second radial extension r2. However, other ratios between the first radial extension r1 and the second radial extension r2 than said percentages are also possible.

[0040] With reference to figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the first radial extension r1 of the center section 114 and/or the second radial extension r2 of the outer section 116 may extend in a substantially vertical direction, while the axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 104 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction, for example when the support 102 is attached to the structure 300. The axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 104 may further be substantially parallel to an extension of a surface of the structure 300 of the building such that the wheel 104 may extend substantially perpendicular to the surface of the structure 300 of the building, for example when the support 102 is attached to the structure 300.

[0041] However, with reference to figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the first radial extension r1 of the center section 114 and/or the second radial extension r2 of the outer section 116 may instead extend in a substantially horizontal direction, while the axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 104 may extend in a substantially vertical direction, for example when the support 102 is attached to the structure 300. The axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 104 may further be substantially perpendicular to an extension of the surface of the structure 300 of the building such that the wheel 104 may extend substantially parallel to, but at a distance from, the surface of the structure 300 of the building, for example when the support 102 is attached to the structure 300.

[0042] With reference to figure 5, the wheel 104 forms two or more recesses 120. In the direction of rotation R of the wheel 104 about the axis of rotation A1, a recess 120 of the two or more recesses 120 is positioned between every two outer sections 116 of the two or more outer sections 116 and/or between every two peaks 118, or every two outer sections 116 or peak 118s are spaced apart by a recess 120 of the two or more recesses 120. In the embodiment shown in figure 4, the wheel 104 has four outer sections 116 with a respective peak 118 and four recesses 120, each recess 120 positioned between two peaks 118. As the length of the first radial extension r1 is longer than the length of second radial extension r2, the recess 120 is shallow. The recess 120 may be formed as an indentation between two peaks 118. For some embodiments, the outer section 116 may have two or more peaks.

[0043] The recess 120 is configured to receive and hold one of the traveler device 202 and safety line 206. While rotating and while holding one of the traveler device 202 and safety line in one 120 of the two or more recesses 120, the wheel 104 is configured to guide, i.e., let, one or more of the traveler device 202 and safety line 206 past the support 102 so as to let one or more of the traveler device 202 and safety line 206 to move along the wire 204. Thus, the two or more recesses 120 of the wheel 104 enable the traveler device 202 and/or the safety line 206 to pass the support 102 and move along the wire 204 without getting caught by the support 102 and/or the wheel 104.

[0044] The support 102 may be attachable, or attached, either indirectly or directly, to the structure 300 of the building and the wheel 104 is attachable, or attached, to the support 102. For some embodiments, the support 102 may comprise two or more parts 102, 102a (see figure 1) attached to one another. The wheel 104 may be pivotable attachable or attached to the support 102 with fastening means 114 which allows the wheel 104 to rotate about the imaginary axis of rotation A1. In some embodiments, the wheel 104 is movably attachable or attached to the support 102 so as to be rotatable in relation to the support 102. The fastening means 114 may, e.g., comprise one or more openings and one or more nuts or bults, as indicated in figures 1 to 4 and as mentioned above. However, other fastening means 114 are possible.

[0045] With refence to figure 1, in some embodiments, the support 102 may include one or more weakenings 122. The weakening 122 of the support 102 may include one or more of the group of a notch 124, a recess, an opening and a deformation zone 126. For example, the deformation zone 126 may comprise a zone 126 having a thinner material thickness than the material thickness of the souring region 128 or the remainder 128 of the support 102. With the weakenings 122, the deformation of the support 102 due to high forces can be controlled and/or tailored. For example, if a user connected to the traveler device 202 falls when the traveler device 202 is guided by the apparatus 100, the weakenings 122 can provide a controlled deformation of the support 102 dampening the impact of the fall on the user.

[0046] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate how the apparatus 100 guides the traveler device 202 and/or safety line 206 (only a short length of the safety line 206 is illustrated) past the support 102 according to embodiments of the invention. The support 102 may be attached to the structure 300 of the building and may be arranged to keep the wire 204 spaced apart from the structure 300 of the building, i.e., keep the wire 204 at a distance from the structure 300 of the building. When the traveler device 202 slides along the wire 204 in the first direction D1, the traveler device 202 and/or safety line 206 are/is guided by the wheel 104 by being received in a recess 120 of the wheel 104, as illustrated in figure 7. When the traveler device 202 and/or safety line 206 are/is moved further in the first direction D1, e.g., by a user pulling the safety line 206, the wheel 104 rotates (in the direction of D2) around the axis of rotation A1 and brings the traveler device 202 and/or safety line 206 at least partially into the first space 110 where the wire 204 is supported, as illustrated in figure 8.

[0047] In the position of the wheel 104 illustrated in figure 8, the recess 120 of the wheel 104 opens the passage 108, i.e. the wheel 104 no longer covers the entire passage 108. The recess 120 of the wheel 104 provides space for the traveler device 202 and/or safety line 206 to pass the support 102. Further rotation of the wheel 104 (in the direction of D2) brings the traveler device 202 and/or safety line 206 out on the other side of the support 102, where the traveler device 202 and/or safety line 206 can continue to slide along the wire 204.

[0048] In some embodiments, the support 102 and/or the wheel 104 may be formed from one or more plates. The support 102 and/or the wheel 104 may e.g., be formed from a single plate, for example by punching and/or bending. In some embodiments, one or more of the support and wheel may be made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy. However, other materials are possible, such as materials comprising or consisting of a polymer or a polymer composite.

[0049] As stated above, figures 1 to 8 also schematically illustrate embodiments of the arrangement 200 according to the second aspect of the invention. The arrangement 200 includes one or more wires 204, and one or more apparatuses 100 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below.

[0050] Although the embodiments of the apparatus 100 and the arrangement 200 disclosed above are illustrated when applied to a roof or wall, it is to be understood that embodiments of the apparatus 100 and/or the arrangement 200 may be applied to other structures of a building or a vessel.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Instead, the present invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the appended independent claim.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for supporting a wire (204) attachable to a structure (300) of a building, the wire (204) being configured for the connection to a traveler device (202) connectable to and slidable along the wire (204), the traveler device (202) being attachable to a safety line (206) connectable to a user, wherein the apparatus comprises

a support (102), and

a wheel (104),

wherein the support (102) is attachable to a structure (300) of a building,

wherein the wheel (104) is pivotally attached to the support (102) and rotatable about an axis of rotation (A1) in relation to the support (102),

wherein the support (102) comprises a seat (106) for supporting the wire (204),

wherein the support (102) at least in one direction forms a passage (108) between a first space (110) and a surrounding space (111) outside the first space (110),

wherein the seat (106) borders the first space (110),

wherein the wheel (104) has a center (112) through which the axis of rotation (A1) extends,

wherein the wheel (104) comprises a circular center section (114) including the center (112) of the wheel (104),

wherein starting from the center (112) of the wheel (104) the center section (114) has a first radial extension (r1),

wherein the wheel (104) comprises two or more outer sections (116) adjoining the center section (114),

wherein the outer section forms a peak (118),

wherein starting from an outer boundary (119) of the center section (114) the outer section (116) has a second radial extension (r2) ending at the peak (118) of the outer section (116),

wherein the extension of the wheel (104) from the center (112) of the wheel (104) to the top the peak (118) is configured to cover the passage (108) at least in one direction when positioned at the passage (108) so as to enclose the wire (204),

wherein the wheel (104) forms two or more recesses (120),

wherein in the direction of rotation (R) of the wheel (104) about the axis of rotation (A1) a recess (120) of the two or more recesses (120) is positioned between every two outer sections (116) of the two or more outer sections (116),

wherein the recess is configured to receive and hold one of the traveler device (202) and safety line (206),

wherein while rotating and while holding one of the traveler device (202) and safety line (206) in one of the two or more recesses (120) the wheel (104) is configured to guide one or more of the traveler device (202) and safety line (206) past the support (102) so as to let one or more of the traveler device (202) and safety line (206) to move along the wire (204), and

wherein the first radial extension (r1) exceeds the second radial extension (r2).

2. An apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the wheel (104) comprises four or more outer sections (116) adjoining the center section (114),

3. An apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first radial extension (r1) is at least 50 percent longer than the second radial extension (r2).

4. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the first radial extension (r1) is at least 100 percent longer than the second radial extension (r2).

5. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the first radial extension (r1) is at least 150 percent longer than the second radial extension (r2).

6. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first radial extension (r1) of the center section (114) extends in a vertical direction.

7. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the second radial extension (r2) of the outer section (116) extends in a vertical direction.

8. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the axis of rotation (A1) of the wheel (104) extends in a horizontal direction.

9. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first radial extension (r1) of the center section (114) extends in a horizontal direction.

10. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5 and 9, wherein the second radial extension (r2) of the outer section (116) extends in a horizontal direction.

11. An apparatus (100) according to any oneof the claims 1 to 5, 9 and 10, wherein the axis of rotation (A1) of the wheel (104) extends in a vertical direction.

12. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the support (102) is configured to keep the wire (204) spaced apart from the structure (300) of the building.

13. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the wheel (104) is formed from one or more plates.

14. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the wheel (104) has a substantially quadrilateral shape.

15. An arrangement (200) comprising one or more wires (204), wherein the arrangement comprises one or more apparatuses (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 14.

Drawing

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Search report