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

Abstract: A swivel connector for a retractable assembly comprises a body defining a hollow portion, an indicator block received within the hollow portion of the body and sized to be movable within the body, a support upon which the indicator block rests, the support being movable relative to the body, and a yoke to which a lifeline can be connected, the yoke being connected to the support. The yoke and support move relative to the hollow portion of the body in unison, such that movement of the yoke and body relative to each other will cause the indicator block to move relative to the body between a first position and a second position, and wherein the indicator block is visible when in at least one of said first and second positions, to indicate that the retractable has been subject to a fall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A clutch lock mechanism for a retractable lanyard includes a pivotal pawl with an engagement end and a sperrad or sperrad ring having teeth which face toward the engagement end of the pawl. One of the sperrad and the pawls are circumferentially fixed, and the other moves relative to the former. The pawl is pivotal movable between an engagement position in which the pawl engagement end within an annular ring defined on one side by the tips of the sperrad teeth and on the other side by the roots of the sperrad teeth and a non-engagement position in which the pawl engagement end is not within the engagement zone. The sperrad and the pawl are in contact with each other, such that, as one moves relative to the other, the engagement end of the pawl is positively moved into the engagement zone without the need to rely on centrifugal forces.

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

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

Abstract: A snap hook assembly comprises a hook body, a gate pivotally mounted to the hook body, a trigger pivotally mounted to the hook body, a trigger biasing member and a gate biasing member. The hook body comprises a neck portion and a hook portion extending from the neck portion. A locking arm extends from the end of the hook portion toward the neck portion and defines a capture area. In one embodiment, the gate is pivotal only, and the gate biasing member is a torsion spring with a leg extending along the gate, and wherein the leg defines a lock member. The torsion spring is connected to the trigger to be moved relative to the gate and the locking arm by pivotal motion of the trigger between a locked position in which pivotal movement of the gate is prevented and a released position in which pivotal movement of the gate is enabled. In a second embodiment, the gate additionally moves laterally relative to the hook body and is adapted to engage the lock arm of the body.

Abstract: A clutch lock mechanism for a retractable lanyard includes a pivotal pawl with an engagement end and a sperrad or sperrad ring having teeth which face toward the engagement end of the pawl. One of the sperrad and the pawls are circumferentially fixed, and the other moves relative to the former. The pawl is pivotal movable between an engagement position in which the pawl engagement end within an annular ring defined on one side by the tips of the sperrad teeth and on the other side by the roots of the sperrad teeth and a non-engagement position in which the pawl engagement end is not within the engagement zone. The sperrad and the pawl are in contact with each other, such that, as one moves relative to the other, the engagement end of the pawl is positively moved into the engagement zone without the need to rely on centrifugal forces.

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

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

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

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

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