Abstract: A pawl-less retractable comprises an inner frame with a drum-sperrad assembly mounted to the inner frame between side members of the frame to rotate relative to the frame and a stop cap which, during a fall, engages said drum-sperrad assembly to prevent further rotation of said drum. The inner frame can be pivotally mounted to the stop cap such that the inner frame and the drum-sperrad assembly pivot relative to the step cap, or the stop cap can pivot relative to the drum-sperrad assembly. The stop cap comprises a central body, a leading wing extending from a first side of the central body and a trailing wing extending from a second side of the central body opposite said first side. In use, the drum-sperrad assembly and the stop cap pivot relative to each other between an unlocked position in which the teeth of the sperrad are inside of an engagement zone circle and a locked position in which the teeth are outside of the engagement zone circle.

Abstract: A connector for use with a fall protection system includes a body, a gate, and a double action locking mechanism. The body includes a spine and two arms extending from the spine to form a gate opening, the arms defining axially aligned first and second apertures respectively. The gate is adapted and configured to move axially through the first and second apertures. In an open position, the gate extends through the first aperture, but a forward end of the gate is spaced rearwardly of the second aperture. In a closed position, the gate extends through the first aperture and the second aperture. The double action locking mechanism is adapted and configured to require application of two distinct and different forces to unlock the locking mechanism and permit the gate to move to the open position.

Abstract: A retractable fall arrest block comprising a spring side housing member and a drum side housing member. A center support wall, defining a bearing housing, is secured between the housing members. A bearing assembly is mounted in the bearing housing to support a spindle. A spring side housing member is mounted to a spring side of the center support wall and a spring side cover is mounted to the spring side housing member opposite the center support wall to define a spring housing. A drum side housing member is mounted to a drum side of the center support wall, and a drum side cover is mounted to the drum side housing member to define a drum housing. The spindle extends into both housings. A spring is mounted in the spring housing. A drum is positionally fixed to the spindle in the drum housing. A clutch assembly is mounted to the spindle to stop the drum from unwinding.

Abstract: A nozzle for a retractable fall arrest defines a passage extending through the nozzle between a top surface and a bottom surface of the nozzle through which a retractable cable or lifeline can extend. The passage has a passage axis, an elongate entrance, and an elongate exit. The passage defines a constricted portion having opposed end sections and a middle section. The end sections of the constricted portion define a width greater than a width of the middle section of the constricted portion, and the width of the middle section of the constricted portion is less than a width of at least one of the entrance and exit to the passage. A perimeter of the passage defines a plane which intersects said passage axis at an angle greater than zero.

Abstract: A housing for the retractable is made from a lightweight, non-structural material, such as, plastic. The housing includes an internal reinforcement configured to bear the forces in a fall, thereby allowing the housing to be made from lightweight, non-structural materials.

Abstract: A pawl-less retractable comprises an inner frame with a drum-sperrad assembly mounted to the inner frame between side members of the frame to rotate relative to the frame. The inner frame is pivotally mounted to a stop cap above the drum-sperrad assembly such that the frame, and hence the drum-sperrad assembly, can pivot relative to the stop cap. The stop cap comprises a central body, a leading wing extending from a first side of the central body and a trailing wing extending from a second side of the central body opposite said first side. In use, the inner frame and drum-sperrad assembly can pivot relative to the stop cap or alternatively an outer frame, between an unlocked position in which the teeth of the sperrad are inside of an engagement zone circle and a locked position in which the teeth are outside of the engagement zone circle.

Abstract: A generally flat safety hook body having a central portion with a proximal end and a hook-shaped distal end opposite the proximal end, a generally flat nose portion extending from the distal end of the central portion, and a generally flat connector portion extending from the proximal end of the middle portion. The connector portion is separated from the nose portion by an opening or gate such that the hook body has a general “C” shape. A flange is formed about the perimeter of the body, and a thinner web extends across to connect the inner surfaces of the flange. In one embodiment the web is flat, while in another embodiment the web is concave. In one embodiment the thickness of the flange is uniform, while in another embodiment the thickness of the flange varies to correspond to different anticipated loads along the perimeter of the hook.

Abstract: A snap hook assembly includes a hook body defining a neck portion and a hook portion which form a capture area. A gate and a trigger are both pivotally mounted to the hook body. The gate is moveable between a closed position and an open position and is biased to the closed position. The snap hook is configured such that, when the gate is in the closed position, it cannot be moved to the opened position. The trigger is operable to release the gate, so that the gate can be moved from the closed position to the opened position.

Abstract: A nozzle for a retractable fall arrest defines a passage extending through the nozzle between top and bottom surfaces of the nozzle and an elongate opening within the passage. The opening has opposed end sections and a middle section; wherein the width of the middle section of the opening is narrower than the width of the end sections of said opening, giving the opening a generally dog-bone shape in plan.

Abstract: An I-beam anchor for removably securing a fall protection member to an I-beam is disclosed. The I-beam anchor comprises a cross-beam, an anchor ring, and first and second brackets. The first bracket is positioned between a first end and center portion of the cross-beam and the second bracket positioned between a second end and center portion of the cross-beam. Each of the brackets comprises an inwardly directed flange spaced above the body of the brackets. At least the first bracket is a movable bracket and is movable along the cross-beam relative to the second bracket. The moveable bracket comprises a protected “quick release” mechanism that allows for the rapid engagement and disengagement of the anchor to the I-beam, in which the quick release mechanism is configured to minimize the chance of accidental or unintentional release.

Abstract: A cable tray trolley having a cushioned body configured to support a human, a frame configured to support the body and wheels that roll atop the rails of a cable tray to enable the trolley to travel along the length of the cable tray, the cable tray supporting the trolley. The trolley has adjustable torso and pelvic cushions and an adjustable leg support. The trolley also comprises a brake mechanism to slow or stop the travel of the trolley along the length of the cable tray. The trolley wheels are attached to the frame with adjustable shafts to enable the trolley to fit cable trays of varying widths.

Abstract: A retractable fall arrest device comprises a unit housing, a spring sub-assembly, a brake/clutch sub-assembly, and a drum assembly. The spring and brake/clutch sub-assemblies each include shaft portions which extend into the housing and are removably connected together or to the drum assembly, and support the drum assembly in the housing. The spring and brake/clutch assembly are themselves removably connected to the unit housing. Finally, the unit housing comprises two wall members (i.e., clam shells) which are removably connected together. This fall arrest device allows for replacement of any of the four constituent components of the device in the field, thus reducing the down time between repairs or recertification of a particular fall arrest device.

Abstract: A cable tray trolley having a cushioned body configured to support a human, a frame configured to support the body and wheels that roll atop the rails of a cable tray to enable the trolley to travel along the length of the cable tray, the cable tray supporting the trolley. The trolley has adjustable torso and pelvic cushions and an adjustable leg support. The trolley also comprises a brake mechanism to slow or stop the travel of the trolley along the length of the cable tray. The trolley wheels are attached to the frame with adjustable shafts to enable the trolley to fit cable trays of varying widths.

Abstract: A failsafe mechanism for a lanyard comprising a backing plate, a pawl rotatably mounted on the backing plate and having an engagement portion and a cam portion, and a sperrad mounted on the backing plate in proximity to the pawl. The sperrad has engagement and cam portions and rotates relative to the pawl to define an engagement zone where the pawl and sperrad engage. The sperrad and pawl engagement portions engage when the pawl engagement portion is within the engagement zone and the sperrad engagement portion rotates into engagement. The pawl is configured to rotate only between a first arc in which the engagement portion remains at least partially within the engagement zone and a second arc in which the pawl halts the sperrad rotation should the pawl be held within the second arc.

Abstract: A retractable fall arrest device comprises a unit housing, a spring sub-assembly, a brake/clutch sub-assembly, and a drum assembly. The spring and brake/clutch sub-assemblies each include shaft portions which extend into the housing and are removably connected together or to the drum assembly, and support the drum assembly in the housing. The spring and brake/clutch assembly are themselves removably connected to the unit housing. Finally, the unit housing comprises two wall members (i.e., clam shells) which are removably connected together. This fall arrest device allows for replacement of any of the four constituent components of the device in the field, thus reducing the down time between repairs or recertification of a particular fall arrest device.

Abstract: A snap hook that includes gate that includes and aperture that accepts a male portion that protrudes from the nose portion of the hook is disclosed. The coupling of the nose portion and the gate prevents the unwanted opening of the gate while the hook is under extreme loads. Still further, the use of a slide bar that is moved through translation and rotation when opening the gate of the hook is also disclosed. The translation and rotation motion provides improved cooperation of the components and improves the resistance of undesired movement of the slide bar by forces against a protrusion on the slide bar, and thus provides greater resistance to unwanted opening of the gate.

Abstract: An attachment assembly is provided to secure an object to a lanyard. The attachment assembly is capable of securing objects of different sizes and weights to the lanyard.

Abstract: A retractable lanyard mechanism that includes a housing, a frame and a drum that is rotatably supported from the frame mounted within the housing. The drum includes a pair of spaced apart disks, the spaced apart disks being attached to opposite ends of a spool, each spaced apart disk having a perimeter including at least one sperrad.

Abstract: A retractable lifeline comprises a housing a drum rotationally mounted in said space and a lanyard wound about said drum. The lanyard extends from the housing and is extendable from said housing and retractable into said housing. The retractable lifeline further includes a lock assembly to prevent rotation of said drum, and hence extension or retraction of said lanyard, when said lanyard is at a desired length, and an override of the lock mechanism in case of a fall so that the retractable internal shock absorption and clutch mechanism can arrest the fall.

Abstract: A snap hook having a J-shaped body, a gate that is pivotable about a pivot point that is near the first end of the shank, and a movable locking pin located near the second end of the shank. The locking pin is moved by least one parallel bar that is generally parallel to the shank and extends along the shank. Connected to the locking pin is a movable thumb grip that when moved urges the parallel bar to move the locking pin. The locking gate further having a recessed portion positioned near the second end of the shank and a closure portion positioned near the nose of the hook body, the closure portion and the recessed portion being at about the same distance from the pivot point, the recessed portion being adapted to cooperate with the locking pin so that when the locking pin is moved by the parallel bar the gate is released so that the gate can pivot about the pivot point.