US20060272891A1

US20060272891A1 - Stanchion for a horizontal lifeline system

Info

Publication number: US20060272891A1
Application number: US11/145,776
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Casebolt
Original assignee: DB Industries LLC
Current assignee: DB Industries LLC
Priority date: 2005-06-06
Filing date: 2005-06-06
Publication date: 2006-12-07
Also published as: CA2514752A1

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention provides an anchorage assembly for a horizontal lifeline system including a stanchion having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a third connecting portion. The first connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an end of a cable. The second connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an intermediate bracket for supporting an intermediate portion of the cable. The third connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to any one of several bases supporting the stanchion on a support structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stanchion for a horizontal lifeline system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most people who engage in activities at dangerous heights recognize the desirability of anchoring themselves relative to a support structure to reduce the likelihood or magnitude of injury in the event of a fall. One widely accepted fall protection system includes at least one horizontal lifeline that is connected to the support structure at the ends of the lifeline and optionally at intermittent locations along the length of the lifeline by means of stanchions. At least one coupling device is typically connected to the lifeline and movable along the length of the lifeline, including past the intermediate locations of the lifeline, without compromising the connection therebetween. A person may connect himself or herself to the coupling device, preferably via a full body safety harness, and travel along the length of the lifeline with relative freedom and safety. Although various types of such horizontal lifeline systems are known, there is still room for additional options and/or improvements in the field of horizontal lifeline systems within the field of fall protection systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an anchorage assembly for a horizontal lifeline system includes a stanchion having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a third connecting portion. The first connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an end of a cable. The second connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an intermediate bracket for supporting an intermediate portion of the cable. The third connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a base supporting the stanchion on a support structure. The stanchion and the base are separate components, and the stanchion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to any one of a number of bases.
In another aspect of the present invention, an anchorage assembly for a horizontal lifeline system includes a cable having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion and at least three stanchions. Each stanchion has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion proximate a top portion of the stanchion, and each stanchion has a third connecting portion proximate a bottom portion of the stanchion. The first connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an end of the cable. The second connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an intermediate bracket for supporting the intermediate portion of the cable. The third connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a base supporting the stanchion on a support structure. The base has a cavity within which the third connecting portion is configured and arranged to be inserted and operatively connected thereto. The third connecting portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to any one of a number of bases. The first stanchion and the second stanchion are end terminations for the first end and the second end of the cable. The first end is operatively connected to the first connecting portion of the first stanchion and the second end is operatively connected to the first connecting portion of the second stanchion. The third connecting portions of the first stanchion and the second stanchion are each operatively connected to any one of a number of bases. The third stanchion includes the intermediate bracket operatively connected to the second connecting portion of the third stanchion for supporting the intermediate portion of the cable between the first stanchion and the second stanchion. The third connecting portion of the third stanchion is operatively connected to any one of a number of bases.
In another aspect of the present invention, an anchorage assembly for a horizontal lifeline system includes at least two bases configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a support surface and at least two stanchions. Each stanchion has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion is configured and arranged to support a cable, and the bottom portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to any one of the at least two bases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a worker operatively connected to a horizontal lifeline system with an energy absorbing lanyard;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a horizontal lifeline system constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment horizontal lifeline system constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stanchion and a base for use with the horizontal lifeline systems shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the stanchion and the base shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a front view of the stanchion and the base shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the stanchion and the base shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 4 operatively connected to an I-beam;
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an intermediate pass-through bracket assembly operatively connected to the stanchion shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the intermediate pass-through bracket operatively connected to the stanchion shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the intermediate pass-through bracket operatively shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a front view of the base shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 13 is a left side view of the base shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a right side view of the base shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a front view of a support of the stanchion shown in FIG. 4; and
FIG. 16 is a side view of the support of the stanchion shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment horizontal lifeline system constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated by the numerals 100 and 100′ in the drawings.
In one aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the horizontal lifeline system 100 includes at least two stanchions 108 for anchoring the ends of a cable 163. The stanchions 108 are secured to a flange 104 of a beam 103 with a base 120 proximate an area in which a user is working. Preferably, the beam 103 is an I-beam having a base 105 and a flange 104 proximate the top and the bottom of the base 105. The base 120 should be secured to the top flange 104 of the beam 103 and the stanchion 108 is secured to the base 120. The user dons a safety harness 101 and connects to the cable 163 with a snap hook 102 a of an energy absorbing lanyard 102 or other suitable connecting device known in the art to move along the length of the cable 163 and protect against falling. One end of the cable 163 is preferably operatively connected to one stanchion 108 with a turnbuckle 162, an energy absorber 161, and a carabiner 166 as is well known in the art. The turnbuckle 162 assists in tensioning of the cable 163, and the energy absorber 161 assists in absorbing energy should a fall occur. Any suitable energy absorber 161 may be used such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,680. The other end of the cable 163 is preferably operatively connected to the other stanchion 108 with a cable clip 164, a thimble clamp 165, and a carabiner 166 as is also well known in the art.
In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal lifeline system 100′ includes at least two stanchions 108 for anchoring the ends of the cable 163 and an intermediate stanchion 108′ between the stanchions 108 for supporting an intermediate portion of the cable 163. The stanchion 108′ is similarly secured to the flange 104 of the beam 103 with a base 120 proximate the area in which the user is working. It is recognized that only one stanchion 108 may be needed if there is a suitable anchorage point for the other end of the cable 163.
The stanchions 108 may be secured to an I-beam, a pre-cast concrete beam or floor, or any other suitable support structure with the base 120. The stanchions 108 are preferably made of zinc plated steel and preferably have an installed height of approximately 37.5 inches. An optional intermediate stanchion 108′ may be used for multi-span systems 100′. The cable 163 is preferably a 7×19 galvanized wire rope having a ⅜ inch diameter and a minimum tensile strength of 14,400 pounds. The span between the stanchions is preferably up to 60 feet, and additional stanchions can be added to the system for additional length. Preferably, up to two persons can be secured to each span with a maximum of up to six persons installed on the system. The system may be used in many situations where a combination of horizontal mobility and fall protection is needed.
A base 120 and a clamp assembly 140 are preferably used to interconnect the beam 103 and the stanchion 108. Preferably, the base 120 and the stanchion 108 are separate components, but it is recognized that they may be integral although the installation may be more difficult than if they are separate components. With reference to FIGS. 12-14, the base 120 is generally U-shaped with a first side 123 and a second side 128 interconnected by a back 121. The back 121 is a generally rectangular plate member having an aperture 122 proximate the center, and the first side 123 and the second side 128 are operatively connected to opposing sides of the back 121 and extend outward therefrom thereby forming the U-shape and a cavity 135 therebetween.
The first side 123 is generally a plate member that is wider at the bottom 125 than at the top. The first side 123 includes a protrusion 124 extending outward proximate the front edge 123 a of the first side 123 between the top and the middle of the first side 123. A notch 126 is proximate the front edge 123 a between the protrusion 124 and the bottom 125. The protrusion 124 extends outward slightly farther than the bottom 125 of the first side 123. The first side 123 also includes a pair of apertures 127 proximate the front edge 123 a above the protrusion 124.
Similarly, the second side 128 is also generally a plate member that is wider at the bottom 130 than at the top. The second side 128 includes a protrusion 129 extending outward proximate the front edge 128 a of the second side 128 between the top and the middle of the second side 128. A notch 131 is proximate the front edge 128 a between the protrusion 129 and the bottom 130. The protrusion 129 extends outward slightly farther than the bottom 130 of the second side 128. The second side 128 also includes a pair of apertures 132 proximate the front edge 128 a above the protrusion 129.
The first side 123 and the second side 128 are preferably substantially identical and are interconnected proximate the front edges 123 a and 128 a and the bottoms 125 and 130 just below the notches 126 and 131, respectively, with a front portion 133. The front portion 133 is preferably a rectangular bar member extending across the front edges 123 a and 128 a and extending outward from each side 123 and 128. Bores 133 a extend vertically through each portion of the front portion 133 extending outward from the sides 123 and 128, and fasteners 151 extend through the bores 133 a. The fasteners 151 are preferably screws configured and arranged to be threaded through the bores 133 a. The notches 126 and 131 are configured and arranged to receive one side of the flange 104 of the beam 103, and the fasteners 151 are adjusted to contact the flange 104 between the top of the notches 126 and 131 and the fasteners 151 thereby stabilizing the base 120 on the flange 104 within the notches 126 and 131.
The clamp assembly 140 includes a threaded shaft 141 having a first end 141 a and a second end 141 b. The diameter of the threaded shaft 141 is configured and arranged to be inserted through the aperture 122 in the base 120 with the first end 141 a proximate the front portion 133 of the base 120 and the second end 141 b proximate the back 121 of the base. An engaging portion 142 is a hook-like member extending downward from the first end 141 a of the threaded shaft 141 and curving inward to engage the side of the flange 104 opposite the side of the flange 104 engaged by the base 120 to further stabilize the base 120 on the flange 104. A stop member 143, which is preferably a rue pin, is operatively connected to the second end 141 b of the threaded shaft 141. The engaging portion 142 and the stop member 143 act as a stop so that the threaded shaft 141 may be moved along the length of the threaded shaft but stopped proximate the engaging portion 142 and the stop member 143. A wing nut 144 is positioned along the threaded shaft 141 between the base 120 and the stop member 143. The wing nut 144 allows for the distance between the base 120 and the engaging portion 142 to be adjusted to accommodate varying widths of beams 103.
The stanchion 108 is preferably a support 109 made of zinc plated steel that is a hollow rectangular tube member having a top 110, a bottom 114, sides 116, and sides 117. Sides 116 are parallel to one another and are interconnected by sides 117, which are also parallel to one another. Sides 116 are preferably wider than sides 117 and form the front and the back of the support 109. A flange 111 is operatively connected to the top 110 and extends outward proximate sides 117. The flange 111 includes an aperture 112 on each side of the support 109. The sides 116 each include two apertures 113 vertically aligned proximate the top 110 and in alignment with the corresponding two apertures 113 in the other side 116. The sides 117 each include two apertures 115 vertically aligned proximate the bottom 114 and in alignment with the corresponding two apertures 115 in the other side 117. The apertures 115 are also in alignment with the apertures 127 and 132 in the base 120. Bolts 153 are inserted through the apertures 132, 115, and 127 and secured therein with nuts 152 thereby securing the stanchion 108 to the base 120. It is recognized that other suitable types of fasteners may be used to secure the stanchion 108 to the base 120.
The stanchion 108′ includes the stanchion 108 with an intermediate pass-through bracket assembly 170 operatively connected thereto, as shown in FIG. 9. The bracket assembly 170 includes a first claw member 171 and a second claw member 175 as shown in FIG. 11. The first claw member 171 has a base 172 and a hook portion 174. The base 172 is a rectangular plate like member having two apertures 173 longitudinally aligned to correspond with the apertures 113 of the support 109. The hook portion 174 extends upward and inward from the base 172. The second claw member 175 has a base 176 and a hook portion 178. The base 176 is a rectangular plate like member having two apertures 177 longitudinally aligned to correspond with the apertures 113 of the support 109. The hook portion 178 extends upward and inward from the base 176. When operatively connected to the stanchion 108 to create stanchion 108′, the first claw member 171 and the second claw member 175 are operatively connected to the support 109 on opposing sides of the support 109. The hook portions 174 and 178 extend beyond a center portion of the support 109 and form a gap 179 therebetween. Bolts 181 are inserted through the apertures 177, 113, and 173 and nuts 180 secure the bolts 181 thereto thereby securing the claw members 171 and 175 to the support 109 as shown in FIG. 10 thus converting stanchion 108 into stanchion 108′.
The horizontal lifeline systems 100 and 100′ are portable and are relatively quick and easy to install. Preferably, the stanchion 108, to which the intermediate pass-through bracket 170 may be operatively connected to create stanchion 108′, and the base 120 are separate pieces. However, it is recognized that these components could be integral. The base 120 is operatively connected to the beam 103, and then any stanchion 108 may be operatively connected thereto.
The stanchion is modular because it can be converted from an end anchorage point (stanchion 108) into an intermediate pass-through (stanchion 108′). Further, the stanchion could be integral with the base or removable from the base for attachment to a variety of different bases.
To install the horizontal lifeline systems 100 and 100′, the stanchion 108 is preferably first secured to the base 120. The apertures 115 proximate the bottom of the support 109 are aligned with the apertures 127 and 132 in the base 120 and fasteners, which are preferably bolts 153 and nuts 152, are used to secure the stanchion 108 to the base 120. Any stanchion 108 can be converted into an intermediate pass-through stanchion 108′ by installing a bypass bracket 170 using bolts 181 and nuts 180, which are preferably ½ inch bolts and lock nuts. Ensure the pass-through brackets 170 are oriented with the hook portions 174 and 178 curving over the top of the stanchion 108′ to contain the cable 163 between the flange 111 and the hook portions 174 and 178.
The clamp assembly 140 should be open far enough with the engaging portion 142 extending outward from the base 120 so that the flange 104 of the beam 103 fits into the notches 126 and 131 of the base 120 and engaging portion 142 of the clamp assembly 140 fits over the opposing side of the flange 104 of the beam 103. The base 120 is preferably installed on the top flange 104 of the beam 103. The base 120 is clamped onto the flange 104 of the beam 103 by tightening the wing nut 144. When the wing nut 144 cannot be tightened farther by hand, the wing nut 144 should be struck with a tool to further secure it in place. The engaging portion 142 engages the flange 104 and the base 120 is drawn toward the flange 104 as the wing nut 144 is tightened. The flange 104 is engaged by the notches 126 and 131 of the base 120 and by the engaging portion 142 of the clamp assembly 140 thereby securing the base 120 to the beam 103. The fasteners 151, which are preferably mounting bolts, proximate the bottom of the base 120 should then be tightened and secured snugly with a 1⅛ inch wrench to further secure the base 120 to the beam 103.
The base 120 may be installed on a variety of beams with flange widths of 6 to 12 inches and flange thicknesses up to 2¼ inches. The threaded shaft 141 of the clamp assembly 140 is adjustable to accommodate different flange widths. Optional clamp assemblies are available for use with flange widths up to 18 inches, 24 inches, and 36 inches. To install the optional clamp assemblies, remove the rue pin 143 and the wing nut 144, and the clamp assembly 140 will slide out from the base 120. The optional clamp assembly is inserted through the aperture 122 of the base 120 and secured thereto by replacing the wing nut 144 and the rue pin 143.
To connect the cable 163 to the stanchion 108, connect the carabiner 166 proximate the turnbuckle 162 to the aperture 112 of the flange 111 of the first end stanchion 108. Extend the turnbuckle 162 so that approximately ½ inch of threads remain exposed in the body slots of the turnbuckle 162. When present, route the cable 163 through any intermediate pass-through bracket assemblies 170 of stanchions 108′. Connect the carabiner 166 proximate the thimble clamp 165 to the aperture 112 of the flange 111 of the second end stanchion 108. Loosen the cable clips 164 proximate the thimble clamp 165 and pull the cable 163 tight to remove slack. Secure the cable clip 164 located approximately 1½ inches from the thimble clamp 165. At least eight inches of cable 163 should extend out from the cable clip 164. Torque the cable clip to 45 feet pounds and the thimble clamp 165 to 40 feet pounds. To pre-load the system, tighten the cable 163 by rotating the body of the turnbuckle 162. The unrestrained jaw of the turnbuckle 162 must be prevented from turning to prevent twisting of the cable 163. Tension the cable 163 until the sag on the system at mid-span is six inches or less, with no weight on the cable 163. The turnbuckle 162 will not over-tension the cable 163. After pre-loading the system, re-torque all of the cable clips 164.
The stanchions 108 and 108′ should be installed straight and horizontal, without turns or bends, at approximately the same elevation. The stanchions 108 and 108′ may be installed while the beam is on the ground or when secured overhead. The stanchions 108 and 108′ do not require tie-back anchoring, which saves time and reduces trip hazards.
A full body safety harness 101 should be donned and a connecting subsystem such as an energy absorbing lanyard or a self-retracting lifeline should be connected to the dorsal connection of the harness 101. Connect the connector such as a snap hook or a carabiner of the connecting subsystem to the horizontal lifeline. When bypassing a pass-through bracket, the connector must be rotated upward to navigate around each of the claw members 171 and 175 of the bracket 170 as shown in FIG. 9.
Should a fall occur, the stanchion may bend elastically slightly, but the stanchion does not tend to buckle or deflect significantly because the energy absorbers deploy to arrest the fall and limit horizontal lifeline tension to under 2,500 of force. However, should the tension on the horizontal lifeline reach approximately 2800 to 3600 pounds of force, such as during static testing to ensure the 2 to 1 safety margin as required by OSHA is met, the stanchion may buckle proximate the base but remains connected to the base. Because the stanchion buckles, the reaction load on the base is reduced thereby helping to maintain a more secure connection to the I-beam.
To remove the system from the job site, the cable 163 is slackened by loosening the turnbuckle 162 until tension is removed from the cable 163. The carabiners 166 that connect the cable 163 to the flanges 111 of the stanchions 108 are removed. The stanchions 108, and 108′ if used, may be removed by removing the nuts 152 and bolts 153 from the apertures 127, 115, and 132. The bases 120 may be removed by loosening the fasteners 151 and the wing nuts 144 to disengage the base 120 from the flange 104 of the beam 103.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. An anchorage assembly for a horizontal lifeline system, comprising:

a) a stanchion having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a third connecting portion;

b) the first connecting portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an end of a cable;

c) the second connecting portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an intermediate bracket for supporting an intermediate portion of the cable; and

d) the third connecting portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a base supporting the stanchion on a support structure, the stanchion and the base being separate components, the stanchion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to any one of a number of bases.

2. The anchorage assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion is a flange extending outward from at least one side of the stanchion proximate a top portion of the stanchion, the flange being configured and arranged to provide an anchorage point for the end of the cable.

3. The anchorage assembly of claim 2, further comprising an aperture in the flange configured and arranged to provide an anchorage point for the end of the cable.

4. The anchorage assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion is a flange extending outward from at least two opposing sides of the stanchion proximate a top portion of the stanchion, the flange being configured and arranged to provide an anchorage point for either end of the cable.

5. The anchorage assembly of claim 4, further comprising an aperture in the flange on each side of the stanchion configured and arranged to provide an anchorage point for either end of the cable.

6. The anchorage assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate bracket includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being operatively connected to the stanchion proximate the second connecting portion and one side of the stanchion, the second portion being operatively connected to the stanchion proximate the second connecting portion and an opposing side of the stanchion, the first portion and the second portion extending toward one another and beyond a center portion of the stanchion, the first portion and the second portion being offset from one another thereby forming a gap therebetween and forming a pass-through area in the intermediate bracket.

7. The anchorage assembly of claim 1, wherein the third connecting portion includes at least two apertures aligned with at least two apertures in the base, the base having a cavity within which the third connecting portion is configured and arranged to be inserted and operatively connected thereto, the third connecting portion being operatively connected to the base with fasteners inserted through the apertures of the third connecting portion and the base and secured thereto.

8. An anchorage assembly for a horizontal lifeline system including a cable having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, comprising:

a) at least three stanchions, each stanchion having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion proximate a top portion of the stanchion, each stanchion having a third connecting portion proximate a bottom portion of the stanchion, the first connecting portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an end of the cable, the second connecting portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an intermediate bracket for supporting the intermediate portion of the cable, the third connecting portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a base supporting the stanchion on a support structure, the base having a cavity within which the third connecting portion is configured and arranged to be inserted and operatively connected thereto, the third connecting portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to any one of a number of bases;

b) the first stanchion and the second stanchion being end terminations for the first end and the second end of the cable, the first end being operatively connected to the first connecting portion of the first stanchion and the second end being operatively connected to the first connecting portion of the second stanchion, the third connecting portions of the first stanchion and the second stanchion each being operatively connected to any one of a number of bases; and

c) the third stanchion including the intermediate bracket operatively connected to the second connecting portion of the third stanchion for supporting the intermediate portion of the cable between the first stanchion and the second stanchion, the third connecting portion of the third stanchion being operatively connected to any one of a number of bases.

9. The anchorage assembly of claim 8, wherein the first connecting portion is a flange extending outward from at least two opposing sides of each stanchion proximate a top portion of each stanchion, the flange including an aperture on each of the at least two opposing sides of each stanchion configured and arranged to provide an anchorage point for either end of the cable.

10. The anchorage assembly of claim 8, wherein the intermediate bracket includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being operatively connected to the third stanchion proximate the second connecting portion and one side of the third stanchion, the second portion being operatively connected to the third stanchion proximate the second connecting portion and an opposing side of the third stanchion, the first portion and the second portion extending toward one another and beyond a center portion of the third stanchion, the first portion and the second portion being offset from one another thereby forming a gap therebetween and forming a pass-through area in the intermediate bracket.

11. The anchorage assembly of claim 8, wherein the third connecting portion includes at least two apertures aligned with at least two apertures in the base, the third connecting portion being operatively connected to the base with fasteners inserted through the apertures of the third connecting portion and the base and secured thereto.

12. An anchorage assembly for a horizontal lifeline system, comprising:

a) at least two bases configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a support surface; and

b) at least two stanchions, each stanchion having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being configured and arranged to support a cable, the bottom portion being configured and arranged to be operatively connected to any one of the at least two bases.

13. The anchorage assembly of claim 12, wherein the top portion of each of the at least two stanchions is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to an end of the cable and to an intermediate bracket for supporting an intermediate portion of the cable.

14. The anchorage assembly of claim 13, wherein two stanchions are used to secure each end of the cable and a third stanchion operatively connected to the intermediate bracket is used to support the intermediate portion of the cable between the two stanchions.

15. The anchorage assembly of claim 14, wherein the intermediate bracket is an intermediate pass-through bracket.

16. The anchorage assembly of claim 12, wherein the support surface is a flange of an I-beam.

17. The anchorage assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the at least two bases has a cavity within which the third connecting portion of each respective stanchion is configured and arranged to be inserted and operatively connected thereto.

18. The anchorage assembly of claim 12, the support surface being an I-beam with a top flange, wherein each base has a first side and a second side interconnected by a back forming a cavity therebetween and a front portion interconnecting the first side and the second side proximate a bottom portion of the first side and the second side, the front portion including an aperture and a fastener extending through the aperture and having mating threads with the aperture, the first side and the second side each having a notch proximate the front portion and a middle portion, the notch being configured and arranged to receive the top flange of the I-beam, the fastener of the front portion being adjustable to secure the base to the I-beam within the notches between the first and second sides and the fastener.

19. The anchorage assembly of claim 18, further comprising a clamp assembly having a threaded shaft with an engaging portion and a securing member, the threaded shaft extending through an aperture in the back of the base proximate the front portion, the engaging portion engaging an opposite side of the flange of the I-beam, the securing member securing the clamp assembly to further secure the base to the I-beam between the first and second sides and the engaging member.