Abstract: A retractable lifeline assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion separated by a plate portion having an aperture. The aperture places a first cavity of the first portion in fluid communication with a second cavity of the second portion. A shaft extends through the aperture into the first cavity and the second cavity, and a seal proximate the shaft and the plate portion seals the first cavity from the second cavity. The first portion contains a cable assembly and the second portion contains a brake assembly.

Abstract: A safety device includes a locking mechanism connected to a first portion and a braking mechanism connected to a second portion. The locking mechanism includes at least one pawl and a biasing member urging the at least one pawl into an engaging position. The braking mechanism includes at least one tooth having an engaging surface, and the at least one pawl engages the engaging surface in the engaging position. The engaging position prevents rotation of the first portion in the first direction and allows rotation of the first portion in the second direction. A force of at least 250 pounds on the first portion allows the braking mechanism to rotate thereby allowing the first portion to rotate in the first direction. The braking mechanism is prevented from rotating when the force has been released from the first portion thereby preventing rotation of the first portion in the first direction.

Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment self-retracting lifeline (100) includes a centrifugal clutch assembly (121) having a pawl (128) and a spring (131). The pawl (128) and the spring (131), which do not require any fixed attachment to any other component of the device, are held in place and pivotable within a plate (143). The plate (143) is rotatable within a cavity (120) of a brake hub (118) including teeth (141) extending into the cavity (120). When a centrifugal force is applied, the pawl (128) compresses the spring (131) and moves away from the plate (143) to engage the teeth (141) thereby activating a brake assembly within the self-retracting lifeline (100).

Abstract: A slidable beam anchor (100) has an elongate member (101) including a plurality of notches (105) along which at least one engaging member (130) is adjustable along the length of the elongate member (101) with an adjustment member (155) protected within a cavity (137) of the engaging member (130) below the elongate member (101) to prevent accidental release of the adjustment member (155) from the notch (105) of the elongate member (101).

Abstract: A tension device for use with a self-retracting lifeline having a drum includes a lifeline and an elastic member. The lifeline has a retracting end, an intermediate portion, and a connecting end. The retracting end is operatively connected to the drum, and the connecting end is releasably connectable to a user. The elastic member interconnects the retracting end and the connecting end. The elastic member provides tension on the lifeline and prevents the drum from retracting the lifeline when the connecting end of the lifeline rebounds in an upward direction during a fall.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps operatively connected to a D-ring, which is operatively connected to a biasing mechanism urging the D-ring to an upright position. The safety harness may also include an impact indicator for providing indication when the D-ring has been subjected to a force and a wear pad for reducing wear on the straps of the safety harness.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment connector includes a catch, a housing, and a locking member. The catch has an end with an engaging member, and the housing has a cavity and a supporting member. The locking member is positioned within the cavity and has a first position and a second position. The cavity and the locking member have a first configuration when the locking member is in the first position, and the cavity and the locking member have a second configuration when the locking member is in the second position. The first configuration is configured and arranged to receive the end of the catch. The second configuration is configured and arranged to engage the end of the catch between the supporting member and the locking member thereby locking the catch, and the supporting member of the housing provides a surface upon which the engaging member exerts force should a fall occur.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps operatively connected to a D-ring, which is operatively connected to a biasing mechanism urging the D-ring to an upright position. The safety harness may also include an impact indicator for providing indication when the D-ring has been subjected to a force and a wear pad for reducing wear on the straps of the safety harness.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps that are operatively connected at a juncture and a D-ring proximate the juncture. A retrofittable, removable back panel padding is configured and arranged to accommodate the straps and the D-ring to aid in the comfort in donning the safety harness.

Abstract: A buckle has a first outer plate, a second outer plate, and at least one intermediate plate sandwiched therebetween. Opposing first and second pawls are pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, with respective force receiving portions projecting outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending away from one another. The pawls also have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another. First and second springs are interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another. A catch has a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions.

Abstract: A buckle has a first outer plate, a second outer plate, and at least one intermediate plate sandwiched therebetween. Opposing first and second pawls are pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, with respective force receiving portions projecting outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending away from one another. The pawls also have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another. First and second springs are interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another. A catch has a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions.

Abstract: A safety line system includes support assemblies which clamp to respective reinforcement bars protruding upward beyond the top surface of a concrete beam. The support assemblies include stanchion assemblies having respective posts that may be selectively pivoted relative to the beam. The support assemblies also preferably include end anchor assemblies that are connected to respective stanchion assemblies by respective chains.

Abstract: A fall arrest device includes a housing, a braking assembly, and a coupling assembly. The braking assembly cooperates with an elongate support to facilitate controlled movement of the fall arrest device along the elongate support. The coupling assembly is interconnected between the housing and a person to be supported by the device in the event of a fall. The coupling assembly includes a universal joint to accommodate various connection arrangements between the fall arrest device and the person.

Abstract: A safety line system includes support assemblies which clamp to respective reinforcement bars protruding upward beyond the top surface of a concrete beam. The support assemblies include stanchion assemblies having respective posts that may be selectively pivoted relative to the beam. The support assemblies also preferably include end anchor assemblies that are connected to respective stanchion assemblies by respective chains.

Abstract: A first end of a metal strip is separated into first and second tabs which are connected in series between first and second members. At least one line of interruptions extends along an intermediate portion of the strip from a point of separation between the tabs and a point proximate a second, opposite end of the strip. The second end of the strip is coiled inside the intermediate portion of the strip, so that tensile force applied to either of the members is absorbed both by tearing of the metal strip and uncoiling of the metal strip.

Abstract: A connector is provided to connect criss-crossing shoulder straps on a body-engaging harness. The connector joins overlapping portions of the shoulder straps while maintaining discrete portions thereof spaced apart. A preferred embodiment of the connector is a unitary piece of rigid plastic having slots formed therein to receive portions of the shoulder straps.

Abstract: A connector includes a bolt and another structural member which cooperate to form a closed loop about portions of two otherwise separate articles. The bolt extends through at least one flange on a first article and through opposite ends of the other structural member to form a closed loop about the two articles. A radially extending flange is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of the bolt and cooperates with a head at one end of the bolt to capture both the flange on the first article and a first end of the other structural member therebetween. A spring biases an opposite, second end of the bolt through a second end of the structural member and preferably through another flange on the first article, as well. A latching mechanism selectively prevents movement of the bolt in opposition to the force exerted by the spring, which must be overcome in order to release the second article from the first article.

Abstract: A connector and a personal safety device are secured in series between a person and a support structure. The connector includes a bolt and another structural member which cooperate to form a closed loop. The bolt extends through opposite ends of the other structural member and at least one flange on the personal safety device. A radially extending flange is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of the bolt and cooperates with an end of the bolt to capture an end of the other structural member therebetween.