Abstract: A method for providing active fall prevention assistance to a user. The method includes one or more computer processors mapping a work area where a user performs a plan of tasks. The method further includes determining a safety configuration related to the user and the task. The method further includes instructing an autonomous device to attach a first tether between a first anchor point and a safety harness secured to the user. The method further includes analyzing real-time images of the work area and the user while the user performs the task. The method further includes determining that the user is at risk of falling. The method further includes responding to determining that the user is at risk of falling by instructing the autonomous device to attach a second tether between a second anchor point and the safety harness secured to the user.

Abstract: A safety harness comprises at least one strap, at least one attachment member for connecting the safety harness and a system for closing and adjusting the strap provided with a stationary fastening buckle secured to a first strand of the strap and a movable fastening buckle secured in such a way as to be adjustable along a second strand of the strap. The movable fastening buckle can cooperate with the stationary fastening buckle in an interlocking configuration in which the strap is closed on itself so as to form a closed loop having a perimeter that can be adjusted by adjusting the position occupied by the movable fastening buckle along the second stand.

Abstract: A vertically supported swinging and climbing apparatus has two parallel sections of elongated webbing is a structure. The apparatus comprises pads secured around vertical supports. An elongated webbing wrapped around the pads on the vertical supports. The elongated webbing is configured with two parallel straight portion. Webbing couplings are attached to the straight portions of the elongated webbing to support swinging and climbing attachments.

Abstract: Described is a sand training bag for sand training. It includes a set of bag walls which includes a training surface wall and a perimeter wall. The sand training bag is transitionable between a closed bag configuration in which the set of bag walls defines a bag chamber to an open pit configuration in which the set of bag walls forms a sand training pit with the training surface wall forming a floor of the sand training pit and the perimeter wall forming a perimeter side wall of the sand training pit, the sand training pit being provided to receive and hold a quantity of sand.

Abstract: A fall arrest system for a silo having a ladder is described. Silos typically have a slopping top and substantially vertical sides. Typically, multiple independent fail arrest systems are used, one for the sloping top and one for the vertical sides. The single fall arrest system described includes: a safety cable, having a top end and a bottom end, to which in use a user connects to; a collar for fitting at the top of the silo, around the neck of the silo to which the top end of safety cable is attached; a pulley at the transition of the slopping top and substantially vertical sides, wherein the pulley supports the safety cable at the transition; and securing means for securing the bottom of the safety cable at the base of the silo.

Abstract: A fall restriction assembly for use by a pole climber/the assembly includes an elongated outer strap having first and second opposite ends, an inner strap/lanyard adjustably connected to the outer strap and that includes a connector for interconnecting it to a body belt worn by the pole climber; an adjustable connector assembly interconnecting the inner strap/lanyard to the outer strap; and a looped handle connected to the first end of the outer strap.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for use by a worker working in a bucket, including a primary tether line that securely encircles the bucket at a position adjacent to the upper rim thereof; at least a pair of straps connected to the tether line on opposite sides of the bucket; a safety harness or aerial belt adapted to be worn by the worker and having at least a pair of clips attached thereto; and at least a pair of straps that interconnect the harness buckles to the straps on the tether line, thereby interconnecting the harness to the tether line.

Abstract: A utility belt comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, a connecting member, and first and second connectors. The connecting member operatively connects the upper and lower portions, and the first and second lower connectors are operatively connected to the connecting member. A connector is positioned proximate each side of the user.

Abstract: There is provided a full body harness comprising a chest strap, an abdomen strap and a damping unit between the chest strap and the abdomen strap. The damping unit is adapted in the event of a fall to limit the maximum loading acting on the wearer of the harness. The damping unit has a connection for connection to an external runner.

Abstract: A connecting adjustment assembly for a fall protection assembly including a back plate assembly and a sliding engagement member is provided. The back plate assembly includes a body and a roller. The body has a first side and an opposed second side. The body further has a first edge and an opposed second edge that defines the length of the body. The body also has a third edge and an opposed fourth edge that defines a width of the body. The body still further has a groove in the second side that passes along the width of the body. The roller is rotationally coupled proximate the second edge of the body. The sliding engagement member includes a first portion with a first post and a second portion with a connection head. The first post is configured and arranged to be at least partially received within the groove of the body.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a safety restraint suitable for restraining the hunter to a tree in a deer stand. The safety harness of the invention comprises a iii) user member for connecting to the user, iv) an anchor member for attachment to a tree or other suitable generally vertical stand mounting member and iii) a connecting member which cooperatively connects the user and anchor members, wherein connected to said anchor member is a round and/or oval shaped ring sewn into the anchor strap material. The connecting member which is attached to the user member is connected to the D-ring or round and/or oval shaped ring attached to said anchor member.

Abstract: A pole strap assembly (10) is provided for use in climbing a utility pole (22), and includes an outer strap (12) including opposite end portions (32,34) connected by an intermediate portion (20); and an elongate wear member (30) attached to and extending over at least part of the intermediate portion (20) of the outer strap (12), wherein the wear member (30) does not extend over the end portions (32,34), and the outer strap (12) has a total length LO and the elongate wear member (30) has a length LI, with the length LO being no greater than twice the length LI.

Abstract: A body belt for use by linemen and others engaged in operations on poles or similar structures having a secondary set of D-rings, typically disposed slightly rearward of the primary D-rings on the belt or an auxiliary belt or attachment above or below the primary D-ring of the belt. The secondary D-rings which may differ in size from the primary D-rings, allow a wearer to separate devices that are normally attached to the primary D-rings. This allows less crowding of the primary D-rings, thereby making detachment and reattachment of one or more ancillary safety devices from the body belt as a lineman encounters an obstacle during his or her work on a pole or other elevated structure, thereby improving safety. An add-on D-ring assembly is provided for retrofitting body belts of the prior art. In another embodiment of the invention, an auxiliary body belt is detachably connected to the primary body belt, the auxiliary body belt having its own set of D-rings.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly to prevent injuries when a user climbing a pole and falls, is provided. The fall prevention assembly includes a pole strap, a first connector, a floating back plate, a second connector and a lanyard. The pole strap has a first end, a second end and a mid portion between the first end and the second end. The first connector has a first end that is slidably coupled proximate the first end of the pole strap. The floating back plate is engaged between a portion of the first connector and the pole strap and is configured and arranged to selectively bind the pole strap to the first connector. The second connector is coupled a select distance from the second end of the pole strap. The lanyard has a first end, a second end and mid portion between the first and second ends. A second end of the first connector is slidably coupled to the lanyard.

Abstract: An arrangement allowing a person to climb up and/or down an object, such as a high-voltage mast, the arrangement including an elongate, rail-type profiled element that is provided with at least one guiding part extending along the profiled element, and a part for absorbing force transmission. A climbing aid is also provided, comprising two climbing consoles with one respective foot supporting area and a guiding section that embraces or grips the guiding part and a holding section which at least partly rests against or on the profiled element opposite the guiding section.

Abstract: A portable base is provided for supporting an upstanding mast and particularly a davit with a jib where the jib includes a load connecting point arranged such that on application of a load beyond a predetermined limit the spacing of the load connecting point from the mast is reduced to reduce a side load on the base. The base includes bottom and side panels connected edge to edge to form a container with a hollow interior filled by concrete where at least one side by side panels forming a top wall has a sleeve extends from the panel at least partly through the hollow interior to the base. The sleeve which is welded to reinforcing bars passing through the material receives and supports the mast and is held in place by forces contributed both by the set filling material and the panels.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly to prevent injuries when a user climbing a pole and falls, is provided. The fall prevention assembly includes a pole strap, a first connector, a floating back plate, a second connector and a lanyard. The pole strap has a first end, a second end and a mid portion between the first end and the second end. The first connector has a first end that is slidably coupled proximate the first end of the pole strap. The floating back plate is engaged between a portion of the first connector and the pole strap and is configured and arranged to selectively bind the pole strap to the first connector. The second connector is coupled a select distance from the second end of the pole strap. The lanyard has a first end, a second end and mid portion between the first and second ends. A second end of the first connector is slidably coupled to the lanyard.

Abstract: A portable anchor for use in a fall arrest protection system. The anchor comprises a base for abutment to a solid support structure, a post extending perpendicular from the base, at least one attachment point connected to the post for receiving a connector, and a rod adapted to be inserted through a central bore through the base and post. The rod has an anchoring section at a first end of the rod for frictionally engaging a portion of the solid support structure and a locking section in the vicinity of a second end of the rod for reversibly securing the rod to the post. Also disclosed is a fall arrest protection system that includes the portable anchor described above. Furthermore, a method of attaching the portable anchor to a solid support structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fall restriction apparatus for climbers of wooden poles having a connecting component with at least a first bight portion adapted for connection to and retention within a center opening of a three slot-opening D-ring. The connecting component is sized so that when inserted within the central opening, it is restrained from rotating. The connecting component may have outwardly directed protrusions on at least its spine region. The affixed D-ring shape typically lies in a major plane orthogonal to a plane in which the remainder of the connecting component lies. Alternately, connecting component may be attached to other openings of the three-opening D-ring. The fall restriction apparatus also contains a buckle assembly which may have one or more cleats disposed on a rear surface to facilitate gripping a wooden pole.

Abstract: A movable anchoring safety device attached to a hunter or other person for use in ascending and descending a tree or vertically inclined circular structure member. The device consists of a multi layered strap with a substantial portion of the strap having an internally embedded biased spring material such as spring steel configured to have a circular inward bias. In use, this portion of the multilayered strap clings to the circumference of the circular member. The device is easily repositioned either upward or downward while climbing or descending. In fixed position, the strap cinches to the climbing surface and operates to anchor the climber in position and stop any fall or unwanted downward movement. The apparatus is particularly useful in enabling a hunter to safely climb a tree without interference from the device while using and positioning an elevated tree stand.

Abstract: An outdoor support strap for holding a user in a squatted position above the ground surface while defecating preferably includes a flexible and elongated body suitably sized and shaped to be positioned around a user's waist while being anchored to a support surface such as a tree. The body is preferably formed from an elastic material such that it remains deformably resilient for providing a resistive force against the user's waist. In this manner, the user is able to lean away from the support surface and assume a squatted a position to thereby extend his or her legs forwardly of his or her buttocks. Such a support strap alleviates the strain and energy required to maintain a squatted position for an extended period of time. By using the support strap, the user's hands remain free to hold objects or cleanse the buttocks area with toilet paper for example.

Abstract: A connecting adjustment assembly for a fall protection assembly including a back plate assembly and a sliding engagement member is provided. The back plate assembly includes a body and a roller. The body has a first side and an opposed second side. The body further has a first edge and an opposed second edge that defines the length of the body. The body also has a third edge and an opposed fourth edge that defines a width of the body. The body still further has a groove in the second side that passes along the width of the body. The roller is rotationally coupled proximate the second edge of the body. The sliding engagement member includes a first portion with a first post and a second portion with a connection head. The first post is configured and arranged to be at least partially received within the groove of the body.

Abstract: An outdoor support strap for holding a user in a squatted position above the ground surface while defecating preferably includes a flexible and elongated body suitably sized and shaped to be positioned around a user's waist while being anchored to a support surface such as a tree. The body is preferably formed from an elastic material such that it remains deformably resilient for providing a resistive force against the user's waist. In this manner, the user is able to lean away from the support surface and assume a squatted a position to thereby extend his or her legs forwardly of his or her buttocks. Such a support strap alleviates the strain and energy required to maintain a squatted position for an extended period of time. By using the support strap, the user's hands remain free to hold objects or cleanse the buttocks area with toilet paper for example.

Abstract: A pole strap assembly (10) is provided for use in climbing a utility pole (22), and includes an outer strap (12) including opposite end portions (32,34) connected by an intermediate portion (20); and an elongate wear member (30) attached to and extending over at least part of the intermediate portion (20) of the outer strap (12), wherein the wear member (30) does not extend over the end portions (32,34), and the outer strap (12) has a total length LO and the elongate wear member (30) has a length LI, with the length LO being no greater than twice the length LI.

Abstract: A fall restraint system includes a central support positioned over an apex of a container structure such as a domed roof storage tank. Cable receiving members are connected to the central support. Outer support members are secured to a side of the container structure. A structural support cable is connected to each of the outer support members. Each structural support cable is also connected to the central support. A tie-off structure including a cable and a harness is connected to the central support so that the harness may move around the central support. The system also may include support brackets that secure the outer support members to the side of the container structure. Each such support bracket may include a receptacle to receive one of the outer support members. The system is removably attached to the container structure, without any welding.

Abstract: A fall protection system for use by a person in climbing a pole includes an outer strap, an outer strap connector adapted to adjust the length of the outer strap in operative connection with the outer strap, a sliding member slidably positioned on the outer strap, a cross strap attached at one end thereof to the sliding member, the cross strap being in operative connection with the outer strap connector at another end thereof, a first adjustment strap operatively attached to the outer strap connector via a first adjustment buckle at a first end thereof and attached to a first end connector at a second end thereof.

Abstract: A fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.

Abstract: A safety strap assembly is used by a climber for ascending, remaining secured at height and descending from a tree or pole. The safety strap assembly includes a tubular strap; an elastic strap; a stiffening member; a string; a coupling; and a finger-pull. Optionally, an oval chain-link is included. The tubular strap fits around a tree. One end of the tubular strap is connected to an elastic strap. The other end is attachable to the climber. The stiffening member fits within the tubular member. A string extending from two holes in the tubular strap permit the stiffening member to be shifted. The coupling at the free end of the elastic strap connects to the tubular strap in a removable slidable engagement. The finger-pull at that connection breaks away if the climber falls enabling the tubular strap to engage the tree and prevent a fall to the ground.

Abstract: A Tree Stand Safety Belt device prevents a person (wearer/user) from falling out of a tree stand used for viewing or hunting wildlife. When properly positioned and securely attached, the device of this invention maintains substantially continuous contact of the wearer's back to a tree trunk. This contact not only provides a physical barrier to moving; that sense of contact also protects its wearer/user from experiencing height disorientation and possibly losing their balance. The device is designed for its wearer to use in either a sitting or standing position.

Abstract: A safety strap assembly is used by a climber for ascending, remaining secured at height and descending from a tree or pole. The safety strap assembly includes a tubular strap; an elastic strap; a stiffening member; a string; a coupling; and a finger-pull. Optionally, an oval chain-link is included. The tubular strap fits around a tree. One end of the tubular strap is connected to an elastic strap. The other end is attachable to the climber. The stiffening member fits within the tubular member. A string extending from two holes in the tubular strap permit the stiffening member to be shifted. The coupling at the free end of the elastic strap connects to the tubular strap in a removable slidable engagement. The finger-pull at that connection breaks away if the climber falls enabling the tubular strap to engage the tree and prevent a fall to the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defecating and urinating while hiking, backpacking, camping, boating or other outdoor activities are provided. The apparatus includes a first strap and a second strap, where the first strap is longer than the second strap; an o-ring, where the first end of the first strap, and the first end of the second strap are connected to the o-ring; a retainment device is operatively connectable to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap; an adjustment device is positioned between the o-ring and the retainment device and the adjustment device is operatively coupled to the second strap. The apparatus is structured and operable to support the weight of a person.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly to prevent injuries when a user climbing a pole and falls, is provided. The fall prevention assembly includes a pole strap, a first connector, a floating back plate, a second connector and a lanyard. The pole strap has a first end, a second end and a mid portion between the first end and the second end. The first connector has a first end that is slidably coupled proximate the first end of the pole strap. The floating back plate is engaged between a portion of the first connector and the pole strap and is configured and arranged to selectively bind the pole strap to the first connector. The second connector is coupled a select distance from the second end of the pole strap. The lanyard has a first end, a second end and mid portion between the first and second ends. A second end of the first connector is slidably coupled to the lanyard.

Abstract: A fall restraint system includes a central support positioned over an apex of a container structure such as a domed roof storage tank. Cable receiving members are connected to the central support. Outer support members are secured to a side of the container structure. A structural support cable is connected to each of the outer support members. Each structural support cable is also connected to the central support. A tie-off structure including a cable and a harness is connected to the central support so that the harness may move around the central support. The system also may include support brackets that secure the outer support members to the side of the container structure. Each such support bracket may include a receptacle to receive one of the outer support members. The system is removably attached to the container structure, without any welding.

Abstract: A reliable, private and sanitary device is provided for capturing human waste in the wilderness. A small double ended bag contains a roll of toilet paper in one end and an extendable padded strap in the other. A user pulls the padded strap from the bag, loops it around a tree and around the user's body, and attaches its end to the other end of the strap after extending that end of the strap from the other end of the bag. Then the user can lean back against the padded strap, and deposit bodily waste in a collection bag. The device is light, portable, reusable, and suitable for use by hikers, rafters, and other outdoor enthusiasts in areas where human waste is carried out rather than left behind.

Abstract: A pole climbing and fall restraint device is disclosed that includes a belt device and a lanyard apparatus. The belt device and lanyard apparatus may be connected to each other or sold separately. The lanyard apparatus and belt device may also be provided in a kit and sold together or sold separately. The lanyard apparatus includes an elongated member extending through a locking device and a coupling connected to the elongated member. At least one handle is connected to the elongated member. The belt device includes a first connector and a second connector attached to the belt device. A first strap extends from the first connector and a second strap extends from the second connector.

Abstract: A fall arrest system adapted to prevent falls while climbing structures. A fall arrest system adapted to prevent lineman from falling from power poles during maintenance or repairs to various elements associated with the suspension and switching on transmission and/or distribution power grids. The system can comprise a safety belt type device comprising an inner strap assembly and an outer strap assembly for encircling a structure to be climbed. The system can comprise many materials in order to meet certain criteria, such as strength and/or stiffness. Additionally, the system can be easily manipulated as the user climbs up or down the structure to maintain the proper angle of the belt with respect to the user.

Abstract: A fall arrest system is adapted to prevent the falling of a lineman/pole climber from a wooden structure. The fall arrest system is connectable to a body belt of the climber, which is strapped about the waist of the climber. The fall arrest system includes at least two outer straps and at least two bias members, or springs, in communication thereto for on-the-fly adjustment of a loop to surround the wooden structure to be climbed.

Abstract: A tree climbing suit 10 formed as a one-piece suit has a long-sleeved upper torso portion 12 and a lower torso portion 22. The long-sleeved upper torso portion 12 has two long sleeves 14 for covering the arms and a shirt portion 16 for covering the chest region. The lower torso portion 22 covers the waist region and has a pair of pant legs 24 for covering the leg portion of the wearer 2. The tree climbing suit 10 has a plurality of tree contacting gripping patches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 sewn or otherwise affixed to the suit in locations for gripping a tree. The tree-gripping patches are located at least on the regions that are in direct contact with the tree when attempting to climb it. The tree-gripping patches 30, 32, 34 are respectively located at least on portions of the long-sleeves 14, in the chest region on the shirt portion 16, and the inseams 25 of the pant legs 24 preferably extending from pant leg 24 to pant leg 24 traversing across the crotch region of the inseam 25.

Abstract: A Tree Stand Safety Belt device prevents a person (wearer/user) from falling out of a tree stand used for viewing or hunting wildlife. When properly positioned and securely attached, the device of this invention maintains substantially continuous contact of the wearer's back to a tree trunk. This contact not only provides a physical barrier to moving; that sense of contact also protects its wearer/user from experiencing height disorientation and possibly losing their balance. The device is designed for its wearer to use in either a sitting or standing position.

Abstract: A fall-arrest system for securing an individual to a construction site. The system and methods include a first post for insertion into a concrete column. A sleeve connects the first post to a second post that extends above the concrete. A cable is used to connect an individual to the second post, and thus secure them to the construction site. The sleeve prevents lateral movement at the connection of the two posts such that the second post does not rely on uncured portions of the column for support.

Abstract: A combined garment and safety harness is disclosed that comprises a garment portion and a harness portion. The garment portion comprises a back torso portion and a front torso portion and has left and right arm openings, left and right leg openings, and a neck opening. Additionally, the harness portion comprises a webbing and an attachment member that are secured to each other. The webbing comprises a plurality of interconnected strap members and forms a closed loop around and adjacent the left leg opening of the garment portion and a separate closed loop around and adjacent the right leg opening. The webbing is secured to the garment portion. At least a portion of harness portion extends through the back torso portion of the garment portion.

Abstract: A harness is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the harness is a safety harness used by, for example, a hunter when the hunter is, for example, positioned in a tree stand.

Abstract: A rig for use in conjunction with a helicopter or other aircraft which allows the aircraft to be quickly converted to use as a platform for rappelling. The rig is preferably constructed of strapping materials into relatively planar main body portion with attached legs which connect to the struts supporting the helicopter's landing gear. The rig may also be bent and folded for compact storage without loss of structural integrity.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the safety device includes a frame having a main lever arm and a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion comprises a surface having a plurality of indentations and wherein the main lever arm includes a first elbow and a first upward extending arm at an end opposite the connecting portion. The safety device also comprises an expander lever arm, wherein the expander lever arm includes a second elbow and a second upward extending arm at the end opposite the connecting portion, wherein the main lever arm and the expander lever arm divergently extend from the connecting portion and wherein the expander lever arm is configured to engage and to be adjustable about the connecting portion.

Abstract: An anchor assembly is described and which includes a plurality of individual article engaging portions, each having opposite first and second ends, and wherein the individual portions are pivotally mounted at the opposite ends thereof to the adjacent portion, and wherein the individual portions are moveable along a course of travel between a first non-deployed position where the plurality of individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a first dimension, and a second deployed position where the individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a second dimension which is greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus that secures a hunter to a tree while in a tree-mounted hunting stand that includes a safety harness assembly (200) having a belt retractor (24) and a body harness (16). The belt retractor is configured to be removably secured about the tree and removably secured to the body harness. The belt retractor along with energy-absorbing materials improves the hunter's safety while in tree stand and provides a sufficiently large range of motion about the stand.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of use for a climber catcher safety device having the ability to securely engage the pole so that the safety device can hold or otherwise support a body belt attached to the fallen technician. In various embodiments, the safety device includes a flexible, elongated body comprising a first end and a second end, positioning mechanism attached at the first end, and engagement mechanism attached at the second end.

Abstract: A support device secures a technician to a pole during elevated line work. The support device may be integrated with a safety strap to keep the technician from falling if the gaffs of the technician cut out from the pole.

Abstract: A torso harness for reducing injury from a fall from a utility pole. The torso harness has a segment of elastic cordage having a first end and a second end. The torso harness also has means for securing the first end to a support device in the utility pole and means for securing the second end to a technician's safety belt. The segment of elastic cordage stretches to decelerate the technician during a fall from the utility pole.

Abstract: A device for rescuing persons and objects from buildings has at least one rescue element that is a rescue rope to be anchored to the ground. A retaining element of a rescue belt can be attached to the rescue rope. The rescue rope is wound onto a winding device in an initial state and unwound for a rescue operation. A deflection unit is attached to the rescue rope and has an axle. At least one driving gear is fixedly attached to the axle of the deflection unit for common rotation, and the rescue rope is redirected by 180° by the deflection unit.