With Seat Patents (Class 182/7)
  • Patent number: 11975679
    Abstract: A harness system configured to facilitate adjustably securing guests with varying body types within a ride vehicle. The harness system may include a harness body configured to releasably couple with the ride vehicle, a waist engagement portion of the harness body, the waist engagement portion including a waist securement mechanism configured to contract or expand a functional length of the waist engagement portion to adjust for engagement with a waist of a guest, a vest portion of the harness body, wherein the vest portion includes a height adjuster configured to extend or retract such that shoulder bands extend or retract relative to the waist engagement portion, and a leg engagement portion comprising a first leg flap configured to adjustably secure about a first leg of the guest and a second leg flap configured to adjustable secure about a second leg of the guest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Katarina Lin Gosbee, Dionté Omar Henderson, Steven C. Blum
  • Patent number: 11850452
    Abstract: A harness with continuous lineman's loop includes a saddle having an upper strap and a lower strap. The saddle has a front side, a back side, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge wherein the first and second lateral edges are used to engage a bridge line such that the bridge line can be secured to a tree. A pair of lineman's loops is attached to the saddle and used to engage a lineman's rope. Each of the lineman's loops is positioned adjacent to one of the first and second lateral edges. The lineman's loops are comprised of a continuous loop of webbing including an upper portion is attached to the upper strap and a lower portion is attached to the lower strap. The lineman's loops are formed of lateral portions of the continuous loop extending between the upper and lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Walter Ernest Power, II, Gregory Alan Godfrey, Carl Eugene Kossuth, III
  • Patent number: 11794326
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool, in particular a saber saw, having at least one holding unit for fastening the hand-held power tool to a holding device, in particular to an arresting cable and/or carabiner clip. The holding unit includes at least one receiving opening for receiving the holding device, and at least one damping element for damping a force transferred from the holding device to the hand-held power tool, in particular to a housing of the hand-held power tool. The damping element includes an at least substantially elastic element that at least partially encloses the receiving opening and receives in a form-fitting manner a fastening part delimiting the receiving opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Dennis
  • Patent number: 11534633
    Abstract: Harnesses for supporting a person working at height are disclosed. They include a back, leg loops, two forward connection arrangements and a flexible load-bearing member that extends between the connection arrangements, the forward connection arrangements serving to transferring load from the back and the leg loops to the load-bearing member. Each forward connection arrangement includes: a base that is permanently connected to the harness and retention components that can be removably and rigidly connected to the base to removably secure the flexible load-bearing member to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TREEMAGINEERS LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher Sidney Cowell, Elliot James Tanner
  • Patent number: 11130438
    Abstract: A tank tiedown system for securing a tank during transport in a vehicle. The tank tiedown system comprises a perimeter strap assembly, a first hook-and-loop fastener assembly having a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, a one or more snap hook assemblies, and one or more ring buckles, the one or more ring buckles comprise at least a second ring buckle. The perimeter strap assembly comprises a first end and a second end. The second ring buckle is attached to the second end of the perimeter strap assembly. The first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are attached to the first end of the perimeter strap assembly with the first fastener portion more proximate to the first end than the second fastener portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Heath Miller
  • Patent number: 11111627
    Abstract: A cable terminator connector includes a screw and base having a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings are configured to receive first and second cable portions wherein the screw is threaded into the base thereby pushing the first and second cable portions into the first and second openings and clamping the first and second cables portions into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: The National Telephone Supply Company
    Inventors: Carl C. Petersen, Raymond Disantis
  • Patent number: 10851871
    Abstract: A rope swinging device includes a strap attached to an optional handgrip, and a clamp attached to the strap. The clamp may be attached to a rope that is swung by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: William B. Hall
  • Patent number: 10595849
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The suture anchor has an anchor body having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore and a well, the well having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner bottom surface. The plug has a post, a head, and a bottom face. The anchor body and the anchor plus form a suture anchor. The suture anchor may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Lee D. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 9709214
    Abstract: A bracket for attaching a lifting/lowering device to a support member of a safety structure, the bracket including: a body configured to at least partially contact or envelop a support member of a safety structure, wherein at least one surface of the body has at least one cut-out that includes at least one shaped end for contacting a support member pin inserted into the support member of the safety structure, and wherein the body includes at least one surface for mounting or securing the bracket to a lifting/lowering device. A bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly and method of installation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wu, Eleen Ma, Wade Li, Anna Zhou
  • Patent number: 9597250
    Abstract: Posture apparatus for rehabilitating alterations of the locomotor system includes a rectangular-shaped platform offering housing to two portions and receive a subject user, each portion respectively including a base reversibly respectively fixed to its corresponding portion and adapted to respectively support a support matching the left foot and a support matching the right foot of the subject; a belt with elastic band adapted to be worn by the subject; at least one elastic cord for connecting the belt with support elements present on the apparatus; at least two telescopic rods adapted to fix at a predetermined height the support elements; the apparatus conferring to the anatomic structures involved in the exercise, and to the feet of the subject, a high number of degrees of freedom of movement, with the matching feet supports divided into two transverse portions which allow the foot to perform a natural helical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Emanuele Simeone
  • Patent number: 8925681
    Abstract: A ultra-light, concealable toilet or chair apparatus (10) configured to be suspended from an object to suspend the apparatus above ground is provided. The apparatus comprises of a suspension system (12) configured to be coupled to the object to suspend the apparatus above the ground. The suspension system includes at least one securing device (12) (14) coupled through the primary tensile support member (20) which extends downwardly and sub-divides into left linear side (20a) and right linear side (20b) portion that transitions into a concaved seat when human sits there on, provided, adjustable interlocking latch (22a) is coupled to corresponding ridged interlocking latch (30e), and adjustable interlocking latch (22b) is coupled to corresponding ridged interlocking latch (30f), forming a pair of loops that will surround left and right legs of the human operator, completing structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Victor Raymond Mattingly
  • Patent number: 8479881
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rescue apparatus to be lowered from buildings and other elevated locations. The invention includes an enclosure defining an interior space configured for receiving an individual, a harness, and one or more cable securements. The enclosure includes a bottom surface, a sidewall having an internal surface and an external surface, and a closure mechanism coupled to the sidewall and configured for at least partially isolating the interior space from a surrounding environment. In another aspect, the invention relates to a rescue apparatus including a harness assembly and a cable attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Charmain Gordon
  • Patent number: 8322488
    Abstract: A harness system for supporting a person off of a ground surface. The harness system may include a seat supported by a strap attached to the seat. The strap may form one or more leg containing loops for keeping a person securely positioned in the harness. The harness may also include a climbing strap for securing the harness loosely to a support device, such as a tree, while a person climbs a support device. The harness may be secured to a person by tightening a waist strap around the person's waist. The harness system may include a fall restraint device and shoulder straps enabling the harness system to qualify as a fall arrest system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Trophyline, LLC
    Inventor: Sherry J. Green
  • Patent number: 8325053
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: JCJ Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Flynt, Shawn A. Remington, Jacob M. Martin, Timothy Vile
  • Patent number: 8292029
    Abstract: A securing ring, such as a belay loop, including a plurality of layers of ring-shaped surface sections, an outermost ring-shaped surface section being fixed to at least one of the layers below. The ring-shaped surface sections are formed from surface sections of a flat tubular element folded or rolled upon one another. A corresponding process for the manufacture of the securing ring involves the folding or rolling up of a flat tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Arc'Teryx Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Martin
  • Patent number: 8261877
    Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, packed within an exterior rope pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the exterior/outer rope pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Christopher Botti
  • Patent number: 8256183
    Abstract: Safety structure for a roof and more particularly a flat roof. The former includes an engagement structure. The engagement structure provides an attachment element to which a part to be safely attached to the roof, such as the belt of individuals present on the roof, a railing or the like has to be attached. According to the present invention, this attachment element is attached to a thickening and more particularly to a profiled section. This thickening is accommodated in a folded-over part of roof covering material and is situated in the folded-over part thereof. This roof covering material is attached to the existing roof covering by torching or gluing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Safeway GmbH
    Inventors: Anthonie Bernardus Berlee, Hans Antonius Borra
  • Patent number: 8235173
    Abstract: A belt system convertible into and out of a sit harness configuration for selective use as a harness or a utility belt features a pair of leg loops and a waistband equipped with a quick release buckle. Support straps projecting from the leg loops are arranged for releasable engagement to the waistband and releasable engagement to one another so that the releasable engagement to one another when also engaged to the waistband provides a second closure thereof so that the waistband remains closed by the connection between the support straps even if the quick release buckle on the waistband is inadvertently disengaged. Using only a single waistband, the belt system provides a quick release function when used only as a utility belt, yet avoids the hazard of having the waistband open by inadvertent release of the quick release waistband buckle during use as a harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Kopp
  • Patent number: 8220589
    Abstract: A roping harness is composed of a belt and a supporting seat joined to one another by joining straps, and comprising an attachment device. The seat is provided with means for adjusting the width to suit the user's morphology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Hédé, Aurélie Lévêque, Patrick Lévêque, legal representative, Paul Petzl
  • Patent number: 8167090
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the cable and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and securely attached to the frame; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support, spool and frame to descend at a safe rate for the user. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the frame and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and attached to the cable; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support to descend at a safe rate for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph L. Michael
  • Patent number: 7942242
    Abstract: The invention relates to an urban emergency escape method and apparatus for use in escaping from high-rise buildings. The method sets forth a series steps that allows one to successfully evacuate a high-rise building that is filled with smoke due a fire or the elevator system is not working due to an explosion or a terrorist attack of some kind. The apparatus utilized comprises a carry-on bag with a handle and wheels for easy mobility and a zippered cover that encloses a plurality of interconnected rope sections, a descent controller, a plurality of anchoring straps, at least one harness, D-rings and a glass breaking tool. After donning the harness and breaking the window to allow exit, the anchoring straps are secured to several different structural components within the room and tied to a first end of a rope segment. The free end of the rope segment is pre-fed through the descent controller, the user steps out the broken window and allows evacuee to descend by manipulating the descent controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel J. O'Connor, John S. Soltys
  • Patent number: 7726350
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: John E. Jennings, Timothy M. Russell
  • Publication number: 20090078501
    Abstract: A safety harness and techniques for integrating the safety harness into apparel such as a firefighter's turnout suit. The safety harness may include a waist belt having a fastener (e.g., buckle) for adjustably securing the waist belt around a wearer's waist, first and second leg straps for encircling a wearer's legs, and a continuous support strap fixed to each of the first and second leg straps and slideably attached to the waist belt. The continuous support strap has a front middle portion for coupling to a coupling mechanism (e.g., carabiner, ladder hook, knot, clamp, weld, or a combination thereof) and having sufficient slack so as to not impede access to the waist belt fastener. Under no-load conditions, the front middle portion of the continuous strap may hang down below the waist belt fastener, or may be stowed to one side of the waist belt fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: GLOBE HOLDING COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Mark Mordecai, Julie Snedeker, John R. Yates
  • Publication number: 20080283333
    Abstract: The 911 Firejumper is a fixed base moving strand descending device specifically for the purpose of descent in emergencies, such as fire, earthquake, or other obstruction of the common escape. It may also be used as a repelling device for rescue personnel in a variety of ways using rescue vehicles. A mesh seat, folded inside the base, pulled into the window by use of an affixed cord on the outside of the window, secured around a person, or persons and lowered by the device to within two feet of the ground, utilizing brakes within the base activated by the weight of the person, or persons allowing safe descent at a speed directly related to the weight applied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Linda L. Long
  • Patent number: 7445085
    Abstract: A roping and suspension harness is manufactured from a cushioned fabric the opposite lateral edges whereof at the level of the belt and leg loops are reinforced by support biases providing mechanical strength. The biases pass through the closing and/or adjustment device and return in the opposite direction to then be secured by fixing stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Anne Bauvois
  • Patent number: 7188704
    Abstract: An energy absorber comprises a housing (1), a store (15) of plastically deformable material (8) mounted in the housing and having an endstop (27), an attachment (3) for attaching the energy absorber to a structure, another attachment (10) for attaching the plastically deformable material (8) to a structure, and the housing mounting a pair of spaced pins (5, 6) around which the deformable material (8) from a coil is plastically deformed in different directions in a sequential manner to absorb energy. A pair of pins (7, 33) or a guide element (51) and a pin (33) are contacted by the endstop (27) to limit the plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Keyguard Limited
    Inventors: Julian E. Renton, Peter Nott
  • Patent number: 7063185
    Abstract: A harness system for supporting a person off of a ground surface. The harness system may include a seat supported by a strap attached to the seat. The strap may form one or more leg containing loops for keeping a person securely positioned in the harness. The harness may also include a climbing strap for securing the harness loosely to a support device, such as a tree, while a person climbs a support device. The harness may be secured to a person by tightening a waist strap around the person's waist. The harness system may include one or more modular pouches releasably coupled to the harness enabling the harness to be customized for a particular use. A shoulder strap may be used to prevent a user from falling out of the harness and to support the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Sherry Jean Green
  • Patent number: 7051836
    Abstract: A harness system for supporting a person off of a ground surface. The harness system may include a seat supported by a strap attached to the seat. The strap may form one or more leg containing loops for keeping a person securely positioned in the harness. The harness may also include a climbing strap for securing the harness loosely to a support device, such as a tree, while a person climbs a support device. The harness may be secured to a person by tightening a waist strap around the person's waist. A top strap section forming a portion of the waist strap may be used to support the weight of a person sitting in the harness. A hanging strap may be used to secure the harness to a support object by forming a loop in the hanging strap around the top strap section of the waist strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Trophyline, LLC
    Inventor: Sherry Jean Green
  • Patent number: 6955244
    Abstract: The escape device is lowered via a cable which can be anchored above and outside a window of a burning building. The descent of the device is regulated by a speed regulating brake or by a valve mounted in a hydraulic line for manual operation by the user. A guide device for the cable is connected to a rigid seat on which the occupant would be seated while descending along a burning building. A pair of wheels are also provided at a lower end of the seat to space the seat from the building and to provide stability while descending along the height of the building. In another embodiment, a sling is suspended from the guide device in order to receive the occupants with the seat regulating brake and emergency brake located in an overhead manner. In another embodiment, a hydraulic energy absorber controls the unwinding of the cable from a reel mounted under the seat of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur Yerman
  • Patent number: 6945356
    Abstract: A termination arrangement for a horizontal lifeline cable (4) for use with a structure (6) includes an elongate stocking (14) of woven wire form surrounding an end section of the cable (4). The stocking (14) has a first end (22) adapted and arranged for secure connection to the structure (6), and a second end (28) secured to the cable (4). Tension applied to the cable results in elongation of the stocking (14) and contraction onto the cable so that the cable is securely gripped by the stocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Uniline Safety System Limited
    Inventors: Michael Luke, Simon Luke
  • Patent number: 6918464
    Abstract: An energy absorber comprises a housing (1), a store (15) of plastically deformable material (8) mounted in the housing and having an endstop (27), an attachment (3) for attaching the energy absorber to a structure, another attachment (10) for attaching the plastically deformable material (8) to a structure, and the housing mounting a pair of spaced pins (5, 6) around which the deformable material (8) from a coil is plastically deformed in different directions in a sequential manner to absorb energy. The endstop (27) limits the plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Keyguard Limited
    Inventors: Julian E. Renton, Peter Nott
  • Patent number: 6883640
    Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus for use in transferring loads in an elevated environment. The fall protection lanyard apparatus includes first and second load-bearing lanyards, each terminating in a connectable free end. Each lanyard is preferably attached to a common point, such as a load bearing steel O-ring, which in turn is attached to a safety harness which secures the load. The first lanyard incorporates a quick-release mechanism, which, upon activation, results in the separation of the hook and free end portion thereof. The second lanyard incorporates a mechanism for activating the quick-release upon application of a predetermined force thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Patent number: 6880671
    Abstract: A fire escape device that enables parents to lower their children (as well as pets and possessions) to the safety of the ground from elevated windows or terraces of tall structures. The load-lowering device is a hard-shell vessel cradled in a fire-resistant sling that is attached to a load-carrying harness. A variable-length tether is attached to the harness for lowering the assembly. A descent control fixture, a cleat only, is affixed beneath each window and to each terrace rail in the dwelling, and this gives the occupants a plurality of stations at which to deploy the fire escape device in case of emergency. After loading the device with children, pets and/or possessions, the device allows its contents to be secured lowered in a manually-controlled descent to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Charmaine Raby
  • Patent number: 6823966
    Abstract: A descender apparatus for lowering a person in a controlled manner from a height to a relatively lower height and for use as a safety equipment for workers and mountain climbers comprising a generally cylindrical housing; a rope arranged in the housing about a vertical axis of the housing in a stack of layers of closely wound coils and a friction core at one end of the housing for controlling a rate of descent and uncoiling the coils of rope as they are withdrawn from the housing; and a camshaft in transverse relationship to the axis of the housing for selectively controlling the rate of descent during the lowering of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: American Escape Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Henson
  • Patent number: 6820721
    Abstract: An easy to use and easy to store rescue apparatus for lowering a person from an upper level to a lower level during an emergency. The rescue apparatus is comprised of a body harness and a decender mounted on a chest portion of the harness in plain view of a wearer. In a first aspect of the invention, a descender is stored in a vertical pocket of the body harness. A rope is tightly coiled inside of the descender and as the rope is withdrawn it passes through a friction core which limits a rate of descent and removes twists from the portion of the rope which is in the process of withdrawal. A camshaft is provided in the decender for accommodating differences in body weight and satisfying the preferences of wearers of the apparatus. In a second aspect of the invention, the decender is attached and exposed the chest portion of the harness. In a third aspect of the invention, an alternate descender is attached to the same body harness in the same manner as the second aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: American Escape Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Henson
  • Patent number: 6814186
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in controlling vertical movement of a first weight, comprises a first element rotatable in one direction about an axis and blocked against rotation in the opposite rotary direction; a second element acting as a guide; a control weight; and lines supporting the first weight and control weight by the elements, and including a first line wrapping about the first element and a second line entraining the second element, whereby changes in force exertion on the control weight determine alternative existence of a first mode of operation wherein line slippage relative to the first element allows the first weight to descend, and a second mode of operation wherein line non-slippage relative to the first element thereby blocks descending of the first weight. In addition, the control weight is usable to exert force acting to remove slack from the second line, which is important for safety reasons, where the apparatus is used for climbing. Governor, hoist and other safety elements may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Atoll Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry C. Harbers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6808046
    Abstract: An improved body harness for use during an emergency and for fire fighters, tree trimmers, window washers, mountain climbers and construction workers. A pocket is provided on the front of the harness for enclosing either a descender and/or a lifeline. The pocket is capable of withstanding the forces of the descender during a lowering of a person wearing the harness from a height to a relatively lower height. An aperture is provided in an upper portion of the harness for installing the harness over a head of the person. Three buckles are used for installing the harness on a person. The body harness is moderate in cost, easy to install and requires only a small amount of storage space when the harness is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: American Escape Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Henson
  • Publication number: 20040154863
    Abstract: A harness system for supporting a person off of a ground surface. The harness system may include a seat supported by a strap attached to the seat. The strap may form one or more leg containing loops for keeping a person securely positioned in the harness. The harness may also include a climbing strap for securing the harness loosely to a support device, such as a tree, while a person climbs a support device. The harness may be secured to a person by tightening a waist strap around the person's waist. A top strap section forming a portion of the waist strap may be used to support the weight of a person sitting in the harness. A hanging strap may be used to secure the harness to a support object by forming a loop in the hanging strap around the top strap section of the waist strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Sherry Jean Green
  • Publication number: 20040112674
    Abstract: The escape device is lowered via a cable which can be anchored above and outside a window of a burning building. The descent of the device is regulated by a speed regulating brake or by a valve mounted in a hyraulic line for manual operation by the user. A guide device for the cable is connected to a rigid seat on which the occupant would be seated while descending along a burning building. A pair of wheels are also provided at a lower end of the seat to space the seat from the building and to provide stability while descending along the height of the building. In another embodiment, a sling is suspended from the guide device in order to receive the occupants with the seat regulating brake and emergency brake located in an overhead manner. In another embodiment, a hydraulic energy absorber controls the unwinding of the cable from a reel mounted under the seat of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur Yerman
  • Patent number: 6745868
    Abstract: A safety device comprises vacuum anchors for attachment to a surface. The anchors are interconnected by a rigid track along which a carriage runs. The carriage includes means for connection to a safety line and harness. Such an arrangement provides enhanced freedom of movement and increased resistance against shearing forces when arresting a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Rollgliss AG
    Inventor: Alain Cheval
  • Patent number: 6739427
    Abstract: A safety harness to be worn by a person includes a strap portion for extending over a portion of the person's body to retain the person within the safety harness. At least a section of the strap portion includes an outer shell of a high strength, flexible material. The outer shell has a channel therein. The outer shell can, for example, have a tubular construction. The strap portion further includes a flexible inner member within the channel of the outer shell. The flexible inner member generally prevents the lateral edges of the strap portion from forming a sharp edge when under tension. In that regard, the lateral edges of the strap portion preferably remain blunted, arced or rounded rather than forming a sharp edge when the strap portion is under tension forces experienced in normal use of the safety harness. The rounded or blunted lateral edges of the strap portion reduce or eliminate the binding, pinching and chaffing common with currently available safety harnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Bacou-Dalloz Fall Protection Investment, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Gayetty
  • Patent number: 6698544
    Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus incorporating an automatic emergency release is disclosed. Competing concerns of fall protection (for the load) and on-demand emergency release (for the aerial lift) are each enabled by providing the first lanyard with a quick release mechanism and the second lanyard with a release triggering mechanism. The lanyard apparatus is adapted for attachment to a human or non-human load. The first lanyard incorporates a quick-release mechanism, which, upon activation, results in the separation of the connectable end portion thereof. The second lanyard incorporates a mechanism for activating the quick-release upon application of a predetermined force thereon. The lanyard apparatus provides total fall protection during the transfer of a load to a structure in any elevated environment while providing an on-demand quick-release in emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Patent number: 6695095
    Abstract: A fall protection restraint apparatus that is utilized during building construction comprising a base (20) that rests on the lowest floor surface of a building during construction. A number of poles (36) are connected to the base sequentially, as construction height requires, to form a structurally sound column. Support cables (40) are connected between the poles and the building under construction to horizontally support the column by forming a guyed matrix. A retractable lifeline lanyard (48) is attached to D-rings on the end cap (54) on the uppermost pole (36b), thereby allowing the lanyard to expand and retract freely until a sudden tug impedes and secures the lanyard's movement. A construction worker (50) wears a fall arrest harness (52) that is connected to the lanyard, thus providing protection. In the event of a fall, the lanyard limits and maintains the minimal distance between the worker and the column, thereby precluding a fall to the surface below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Gary J. Franke
  • Patent number: 6648101
    Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus for use in transferring loads in an elevated environment is disclosed. The fall protection lanyard may be connected to a load and used to safely transfer a human or nonhuman load in an elevated environment, such as from an airborne rotorcraft to an adjacent structure while providing fall protection for the load and emergency release capabilities for the aircraft. The lanyard apparatus provides total fall protection for the load throughout the transfer process without restricting or otherwise limiting available emergency flight options/maneuvers by incorporating an emergency release that automatically activates on demand. In a preferred embodiment, the fall protection lanyard apparatus includes first and second load-bearing lanyards, each terminating in a free end incorporating a connectable hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Patent number: 6581726
    Abstract: A wear resistant attachment for a sit harness or roping harness including a first strap having an enlarged part provided with joining edges which are folded onto the opposite face of a second strap to form wear resistant overlap parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Jean Marc Hede
  • Patent number: 6450293
    Abstract: A fire escape device includes first and second cable drums rotatably mounted on a mounting shaft and spaced apart from each other axially, first and second support cables respectively wound around hub portions of the cable drums, and a coupling mechanism disposed between the cable drums to interconnect releasably the same. The first support cable is unreeled to generate a jerking force to permit rotation of the second cable drum with the first cable drum. Unreeling of the second support cable can rotate the first and second cable drums to reel the first support cable. Thus, alternately lowering people one after another from an elevated floor to a safe location can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Yi-Jia Wu
  • Publication number: 20020108812
    Abstract: A fire escape device includes first and second cable drums rotatably mounted on a mounting shaft and spaced apart from each other axially, first and second support cables respectively wound around hub portions of the cable drums, and a coupling mechanism disposed between the cable drums to interconnect releasably the same. The first support cable is unreeled to generate a jerking force to permit rotation of the second cable drum with the first cable drum. Unreeling of the second support cable can rotate the first and second cable drums to reel the first support cable. Thus, alternately lowering people one after another from an elevated floor to a safe location can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Yi-Jia Wu
  • Patent number: 6374946
    Abstract: A roping harness comprises a sit harness, a pair of shoulder straps fixed to the front and rear of the belt, and an offset attachment strip formed by an auxiliary extension strap. The attachment strip has a first fixing end securedly affixed to the front of the harness, and a second attachment end located at the rear of the harness, said strip being superposed on one of the shoulder straps by a detachable retaining part able to be in a secured contact position or in a released position depending on whether the tensile force exerted on the attachment strip is lower than or greater than a preset threshold, movement from the secured contact position to the released position taking place following a fall or by a manual operation causing separation of the second end of the shoulder strap and transfer movement of the attachment strip to the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Jean Marc Hede
  • Patent number: 6371244
    Abstract: A worm gear mechanism driven by an electric motor and operatively coupled to a reel having a length of high tensile line for an emergency escape from a high structure. The reel is arranged within a casing, and a belt is connected to the casing for supporting a person's body. The worm gear mechanism rotates the reel, feeding out the line, and thereby lowering the user to a safe location below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Toshio Okamura
  • Patent number: 6367583
    Abstract: A capture strap (20) for rescue harness (500) includes a strap (22) having a first metal connector (28) connected to one end and a second cooperating metal connector (30) connected to the opposite end. The first (28) and second (30) metal connectors may be removably connected together so that capture strap (20) may be locked around a person being rescued. Capture strap (20) has two spaced apart harness connectors (32) and (34) for removably connecting capture strap (20) to the rescue harness (500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald C. Derby