Abstract: A bridge rope assembly includes a main body comprising a rope that has a first end and a second end. The rope has a splice therein to form an eye loop in the main body. The eye loop is configured to engage a first bridge loop of a harness. The main body comprises a first portion including the first end and a second portion including the second end. The first portion extends through the second portion of the main body such that the first end is positioned adjacent to the second end. A distance between the first and second ends is less than 2.0 inches.

Abstract: A securement apparatus for connecting a plurality of riders together on a vehicle is provided. The securement apparatus includes a pair of harnesses having a first harness coupled to a first rider and a second harness coupled to a second rider, and a linkage assembly connecting the first and second harnesses together, the linkage assembly having a first arm with a first end coupled to the first harness and a second end, a pivot arm with a first end pivotably mounted to the second end of the first arm and a second end, and a third arm with a first end pivotably mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and a second end coupled to the second harness. The pivot arm is designed to pivotably adjust relative to the first and third arms to adjust the separation distance between the first and second harnesses.

Abstract: A fall arrest connector is used to connect at least a safety belt with a snap hook and a wearable harness for a user to wear. The fall arrest connector includes a retaining ring, a buckle ring, and a breakable connection. The retaining ring, including the first connecting portion, is connected to the wearable harness. The buckle ring, including the second connecting portion, is hooked by the snap hook. The breakable connection connects the second connecting portion and the first connecting portion. When the retaining ring or the buckle ring is pulled by a predetermined external force, the breakable connection is broken to separate the first and the second connecting portion. The retaining ring and the buckle ring could respectively be connected to the substitute protection device, which could provide the user an instant protection when the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are separated.

Abstract: A restraint system for simultaneously maintaining a plurality of animate objects in an untangled position while the user is hands free is provided. The present invention embodies a 360-degree waist harness that operatively associates with a plurality of retractable bungee assemblies, each bungee assembly adapted to removably attach to a comprehensive vest or harness or a child or a pet, respectively. The bungee assemblies are selectively releasable from the 360-degree belt or the comprehensive vest or harness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shock absorption device including a dual fall prevention band connected to a safety rope connected to a safety harness that a worker wears. The shock absorption device including the dual fall prevention band includes a dual fall prevention band and a shock absorption band. The dual fall prevention band is shaped like a closed loop by coupling opposite ends thereof through a first seam, and the first ring, the second ring, a third ring, and a fourth ring are formed by coupling parts of the dual fall prevention band that face each other at a first position to each other through a second seam, and coupling parts of the dual fall prevention band that face each other at a second position to each other through a third seam.

Abstract: A harness belt system for assisting in the performance of exercises includes at least one belt member, an adjustable belt clip on at least one of two opposing ends of the belt member, and a substantially V-shaped tether having at least a top portion coupled to the belt member and a bottom end. In some embodiments, the top end of the substantially V-shaped tether couples to the belt member and forms at least an angle with the belt member ranging from 91 degrees to 158 degrees. In some embodiments, the system is configured when in use to have the bottom end of the tether tethered to a stationary object and to have the belt member in a closed position for placement of the adjustable belt clip and belt on bent legs over a front of a user's thigh or behind the user's thigh or on a user's calves.

Abstract: A fall arrest lanyard (10) is provided for arresting the fall of a user from an elevated worksite and includes a connector (16) having a rigid frame (30) and a load bearing pin (32) extending along a longitudinal axis (34). The pin (32) has a central span (36) extending between first and second end portions (38, 40) and is mounted in the frame (30) to translate along the longitudinal axis (34) between an open position wherein at least one of the end portions (38, 40) is spaced from the frame (30) to allow a length of webbing (41) from a fall protection harness (17) to be loaded into the connector (16), and a closed position wherein the first and second end portions (38, 40) of the pin (32) are supported by the frame (30) with the central span (36) of the pin (32) being free from engagement to trap the length of webbing (41) between the pin (32) and the frame (30) for load bearing engagement with the central span (36).

Abstract: Structural devices for energy dissipation can be designed to provide asymmetrical responses to cyclic axial loading. The energy dissipation devices can be designed to provide a known or predictable response to tensile loading, along with a different known or predictable response to compressive loading. The devices may include a filament which bears a portion of both tensile and compressive loads and a bracing device which provides lateral support to the filament to prevent buckling. Interlocks or a similar restraining mechanism can be used to resist part of either a compressive or tensile load. These components can be configured in such a manner as to provide an asymmetric response.

Abstract: The hands-free dog leash system is an anchoring system that is adapted for use with a belt that is worn by an individual. The hands-free dog leash system is further adapted for use with a tether. The tether is attached to the hands-free dog leash system to anchor the tether to the belt. Tethers attached to the hands-free dog leash system remain with the belt and will not be separated from the individual. Tethers attached to the hands-free dog leash system more robustly handle unexpected forces that are delivered through the tether than hand carried tethers. The hands-free dog leash system comprises one or more tether units. Multiple tether units can be interconnected to form a larger single unit.

Abstract: A patient lift including a lifting member and a hoist assembly connected to the lifting member. The hoist assembly has an enabled state to move the lifting member between a raised position and a lowered position, and a disabled state wherein the hoist assembly cannot move the lifting member between the raised and lowered positions. An elongated switch member descends from the hoist assembly such that the switch member is reachable by an operator. Urging the switch member in a first direction in an axial sense along the length of the elongated switch member or a rotational sense about the length of the elongated switch member, places the hoist assembly in the enabled state or the disabled state. Urging the switch member in a second direction different from the first direction places the assembly in the other of the enabled state and the disabled state.

Abstract: A portable folding support structure for safely tethering an individual comprises a portable cart sized to fit through a residential doorway, having wheels and a motor that actuates at least one of the wheels. A hand-operated throttle and steering device control the cart. The cart comprises an extendable anchoring plate to prevent rolling. A substantially horizontal jib with the cart comprises a harness point for receiving a safety cable to which an individual is attached to allow safe cleaning practices and to minimize fall risk. A foldable outrigger provides stability to the cart and an anchoring pad attaches to a distal region of the outrigger to promote stability. A textile liquid-absorbing surface is positionable about an outer surface of a glass balcony to inhibit cleaning liquids from spilling below the level of the liquid-absorbing surface.

Abstract: A back pad system for use in connection with a safety harness which includes at least two spaced back straps and a connector adapted to be connected to a line or lanyard. In one form, the system includes a back pad having passages through which the two back straps can be passed to be crossed over the connector, an attachment to which the connector can be moveably attached, and at least one member that captures the connector in an upright position upon application of force such as manual force (either directly or indirectly) to the connector to move the connector to the upright position.

Abstract: A lanyard has an energy absorbing section which exhibits an arrest force which goes from at least 3 kilo newtons to at least 5 kilo newtons when subjected to a load of 160 kg which free fell from 5.9 feet.

Abstract: Personnel safety apparatus is provided on a machine to prevent users from falling while moving between access points on the machine. The apparatus includes a rail having a first end positioned adjacent a first user access point and a second end positioned adjacent a second user access point to define a rail path that spans a vertical elevation. A carrier is movably coupled to the rail and has a first mode, in which the carrier engages a fixed position on the rail, and a second mode, in which the carrier is permitted to move relative to the rail. A tether extends between a harness on the user and the carrier to secure the user to the machine.

Abstract: A fall-arresting safety harness assembly includes a lanyard including a pair of lanyard straps, at least one strap breakaway area attaching the lanyard straps to each other and a strap separation area generally adjacent to the at least one strap breakaway area; a lanyard ring extending between the lanyard straps at the strap separation area of the lanyard; a harness carried by the lanyard; and at least one resilient shock-absorbing member carried by the harness and engaging the lanyard ring.

Abstract: An improved rappelling system for raising or lowering a person or an object to or from a stationary or moving elevated point includes at least one cable for supporting a person or an object, a motor attached to the elevated point and coupled to the cable so that the motor propels the cable up or down and thereby raises or lower the person or object, respectively, a controller/processor for controlling the motion of the motor and at least one sensor attached to the elevated point and coupled to the controller/processor. The sensor measures the distance of the elevated point from a target area located at a lower point than the elevated point and continuously sends a feedback signal to the controller/processor. The feedback signal is used to calculate and adjust in real-time motor control parameters that determine speed and landing location of the person or object relative to the target area.

Abstract: A personnel extraction system preferably includes at least a securement band and an extraction strap. Preferably, the extraction strap is affixed to the securement band and provides at least one attachment loop. The preferred embodiment includes the securement band being selectively configurable to provide the extraction strap in a storage state, an operative state, and a deployed state. In the deployment state, a first connecting hitch is secured to a rescue personnel while a second connection hitch is secured to a downed personnel and the extraction strap accommodates movement of the downed personnel to safety.

Abstract: A harness system includes a waist belt assembly, a first releasable retainer attached to the waist belt assembly, shoulder straps, a back plate connected to the shoulder straps, and a release system including at least a first release strap connected to and extending from the back plate. The first release strap includes at least a first releasable connector in operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that actuation of the first release strap causes disconnection of the first releasable connector from operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that the first releasable retainer becomes disconnected from connection with the back plate and the back plate can be removed by a user while the waist belt assembly remains worn by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring compliance with the 100% tied off rule for climbers using personal fall protection equipment. The personal fall protection monitoring system includes a remote monitoring module that monitors multiple harness systems. Each harness system includes sensors that detect the engagement of the lanyard with anchorage points and the harness. The system also includes a harness module that monitors the sensors and indicates an alarm condition to the climber and to the remote monitoring module. The harness module includes a transmitter that communicates with the remote monitoring module. The remote monitoring module communicates with multiple harness systems to indicate and log the status of each harness system.

Abstract: A back pad system for use in connection with a safety harness which includes at least two spaced back straps and a connector adapted to be connected to a line or lanyard includes a back pad having passages through which the two back straps can be passed to be crossed over the connector, an attachment to which the connector can be moveably attached, and at least one member that captures the connector in an upright position upon application of force such as manual force (either directly or indirectly) to the connector to move the connector to the upright position. A back pad for use in connection with a safety harness includes at least two spaced back straps and a connector adapted to be connected to a line or lanyard. The back pad includes a base comprising passages through which the two back straps can be passed to be crossed over the connector and at least one load indicator.

Abstract: A load bearing system including a load-bearing textile strap, including an article, such as a backpack or a climbing harness, that includes such load bearing system. The strap includes at least one woven portion and at least one non-woven portion. The woven portion has warp yarns extending along a longitudinal direction of the strap interlaced with at least one weft yarn, the woven portion having a first width. In the non-woven portion the warp yarns are spread transversely so that the non-woven portion has a second width greater than the first width of the woven portion.

Abstract: The Worldwide Escape Systems is designed for use as a fire escape for occupants of multistory buildings. The Worldwide Escape Systems comprises sturdy ropes and body harnesses. The ropes and harnesses are coated with highly stable, organo-mineral polymers, a new kind of silicate material which is fire resistant This polymer, officially designated as Quaternary Ammonium Silicates (QAS), also has outstanding heat dissipation characteristics.

Abstract: A tear-away energy absorbing webbing (10) is a one-piece webbing. The tear-away energy absorbing webbing (10) has a top layer load-bearing web (12) and a bottom layer load-bearing web (24). An energy absorbing portion (38) of the webbing has binder yarns (36) interlaced with the top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14). A sufficiently high load force applied to the webbing breaks the binder yarns (36) and tears apart the top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14). The energy absorbing portion (38) absorbs energy as it tears apart. The top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14) support the load force when the shock absorbing portion is torn apart.

Abstract: The use of a fall arrest lanyard that provides fall arrest forces at least two primary levels is disclosed. One example provides a lanyard with a pair of shock absorbers of different capacities in series. Other examples use a single shock absorber that provides at least two distinct levels of arrest force. Varying the strength of the attachment area that is to be separated to provide the arrest force and by varying the amount of area being separated at one time varies the levels of arrest force.

Abstract: A shock absorbing lanyard having an integral fall arrest energy absorber formed in a one-piece woven, knitted or braided construction wherein partially oriented yarn (“POY”) fibers and high modulus yarn fibers are combined integrally in one section and are separate in another section in which the high modulus yarn fibers preferably form a sheath around a core of POY fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a line barrier system and method of installing such a system which includes, a plurality of modular supports having a base for mounting to the structure, with the supports having at least one projecting member extending in a fixed position from said base; a fastener for mounting said plurality of modular supports to the structure; and, at least one generally translucent line fixedly attached to said projecting member on more than one of said plurality of modular supports to provide a line barrier between the bird and the structure.

Abstract: A temporary safety line system which is employed in protecting construction workers on the job site. The system is adapted to be removably interconnected to the surface of a structural beam, such as an I-beam. The system includes a series of intermediate posts assemblies and end posts assemblies which support a tensioned safety line. The safety line, in turn, is secured at its ends to anchor post assemblies. Each of the post assemblies is removably secured to a stud that is welded to the surface of a structural beam. These studs perform two functions. First, the studs allow individual post assemblies to be temporarily and positively secured to the underlying structural beam. Second, the studs function in binding poured concrete to the structural beam once the safety line system is removed.

Abstract: A full-body, fall-arrest harness includes a shoulder strap having opposite distal ends and an intermediate portion disposed there between, and a back strap having opposite distal ends and an intermediate portion disposed there between. A rear suspension assembly is interconnected between the intermediate portion of the shoulder strap and the intermediate portion of the back strap. A seat strap has opposite distal ends connected to respective ends of the shoulder strap, and an intermediate portion disposed there between. Left and right leg straps connected to the intermediate portion of the seat strap. The shoulder strap stretches more readily than any other strap on the harness, and the rear suspension assembly is configured to tighten the shoulder strap relative to the back strap in the event of a fall.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing injuries to a worker as a result of a fall includes a housing which is intended to be mounted at an elevated position where the worker is working and a cable which is adapted to be connected to a harness or belt worn by the worker. The housing includes a spring driven drum therein which normally keeps the cable wound thereon but which allows the same to be withdrawn slowly from the housing as more cable is needed by the worker. A centrifugally operated brake senses an initial quick withdrawal of the cable from the housing which results from the worker falling and stops further withdrawal therefrom to thereby prevent the worker from falling further. A manually operated crank mechanism carried by the housing allows a fellow worker to raise or lower the fallen worker to safety.

Abstract: A safety device comprises a body delimiting a passage having a safety rope passed through it, a ring connected by a strap to a belt, a brake and a system for locking the device to the rope should the worker fall. The device comprises a transverse spindle on which a toothed wheel is a relatively tight fit to constitute said brake, a cam mounted on the spindle and having teeth to cooperate with the safety rope and a weight cooperating with a pawl held away from a toothed ring attached to the cam by a spring, the weight being mounted in such a way that if the toothed wheel rotates at a speed greater than a specific threshold it causes engagement of the pawl with the toothed ring so that the cam teeth lock the safety rope into the passage.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a counteracting force which is generated by pulling superposed sections of webbing, which are secured together, through a separating means so that the separation of the secured together superposed sections generates a counteracting force. A frictional force may also be generated so as to provide an additional counteracting force.

Abstract: A grip device for mounting along a horizontal line, such as a rope or cable, to prevent a load from falling when one end of the line is no longer supported in its horizontal position. The device consists of a shell in which is mounted by means of a pin, a clamping wedge arranged such that when the handle of the wedge is moved in either direction, the wedge becomes clamped against the rope or cable to prevent movement of the rope through the device, and therefore prevent falling of a person attached to the device by means of an approved belt, harness or lanyard.

Abstract: A safety belt is disclosed comprising a first belt to be worn about the waist and a second belt slidably connected thereto. The second belt has ladder rung engaging members such as hooks on either end and may be adjustable. When the first belt is secured around the waist of a person and the ends of the second belt are secured to the rungs of a ladder, the person on the ladder may alternately reach to the left or right and slidably move the first belt towards either of the ends of the second belt without adjusting the length of the second belt and nonetheless remain securely held to the ladder.

Abstract: A safety belt for preventing injury to persons working in high places. The belt has straps for attachment to a window frame, scaffold or derrick or other supporting surface such as a ship's deck or hull. A housing secured to the forward portion of the belt is provided with a shaft on which is wound a line attachable to the window ledge, scaffold, derrick, boat deck or hull. A mechanism for lifting the user back to the supporting surface in the event of strap failure is associated with the shaft. The lifting mechanism is operable by the user.

Abstract: A main hook portion is provided with a D-ring engaging upper area and safety ring engaging lower area. A spring loaded pivoted snap component holds the D-ring in the upper area yet allows a safety ring to be engaged and disengaged from the lower area. In mining, particularly, the D-ring is secured to the miners safety belt and the safety ring to one end of the safety cable anchored to the mine wall or the like.