Abstract: An energy absorber comprises a helically coiled stores of at least partially yielding material that is drawn over a roller, or two rollers on perpendicular rotational axes, and securely fixed to a base that is attached to fragile structure such as a roof so that when an external force of sufficient size is applied to the roller or rollers through a connecting attachment eye the coil together with roller or rollers moves away from the attachment to the base whilst the coiled material is deployed over the roller or rollers. The absorber may be housed in a casing that is fixed to the base such that the strength of the fixing to the base is sufficient to withstand a pre-determined load after which the fixing fails and the housing moves with the coiled store providing protection for both the coiled store and fragile structure.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for use by a worker on an elevated structure is disclosed. The purpose of the apparatus is to arrest the fall of the worker should they fall. Broadly the apparatus comprises at least two support posts having an upper end and a lower end supported on the structure and spaced apart from each other on the structure. Each support post has an I-shaped cross sectional configuration. The apparatus also includes a clamp on the lower end of each support post for clamping the post to the structure. The clamp itself comprises a base plate fast with the support post, a secondary plate or clamping plate spaced beneath the base plate, and fastening elements for drawing the two plates, towards each other with a member of the structure firmly clamped there between. The base plate projects laterally outwardly from the post on two opposed sides of the post, and defines at least one slot aperture on each said opposed side of the post through which the fastening elements are passed.

Abstract: A fall-arresting device includes a body which has a runner, two pivoting cams, and a system for actuating at least one of these cams in the event of the user or of a load falling. The body has an elongate opening intended to accommodate the member allowing the user to be harnessed to the device, particularly a shackle, and the two cams are placed some distance apart. The system for actuating the cams includes at least one finger secured to a cam, each finger lying in the path followed by the shackle in said the opening if the user or the load falls.

Abstract: A beam anchor safety device for use by workers wearing a lanyard for attachment to the device for preventing falls from elevated locations. The safety device includes an elongate round bar and a pair of L-shaped members affixed to the bar adjacent opposite ends thereof for releasably and slideably connecting the device to a flanged beam. Preferably both of the L-shaped members are moveable along the bar. A lanyard attachment portion is carried by the bar between the L-shaped members and circular washers surround said bar on either side of the lanyard attachment means for rolling engagement with the beam for assisting the sliding of the device along the beam. The elongated bar has a plurality of spaced apart grooves formed in the outer surface thereof and the L-shaped members include means for creating an interference fit with a selected one of the grooves to thereby secure the L-shaped member at a desired position on said bar.

Abstract: Improvements in fall protection are disclosed, including a method for providing fall protection for human and non-human loads in elevated environments. The load is equipped with a safety harness and lanyard apparatus having first and second lanyards attached thereto. A method is disclosed for providing fall protection for human and non-human loads in an elevated environment wherein the load is primarily supported by an aerial lift vehicle or structure generally adjacent to a second structure.

Abstract: An anchorage safety device for steelworkers. The safety device is configured to be slidably coupleable to a flanged structural beam to which a lanyard may be attached to secure a workman against a fall. The anchorage device includes an elongate cross-member having a plurality of apertures formed there-through to allow adjustment of the anchorage device to accommodate various beams; a lanyard attachment apparatus, affixed to the mid-point of the cross-member, for receiving a clip of a workman's lanyard; and opposed first and second clamps for coupling the device to the flange of a beam. The clamps include a ratchet pawl having first and second teeth for selectively engaging the cross-member apertures. The worker needs only one hand to release the ratchet pawl from the apertures by simultaneously applying pressure on an enlarged engagement surface of the ratchet pawl and a clamp housing surface that is opposed to the enlarged engagement surface.

Abstract: A removable load transfer device 100 for use in height safety apparatus comprises: spaced-apart rotary members 101, 102 supported for rotation with respect to each other about a common axis of rotation along which the axle extends continuously between the rotary members; a slipper 110 defining a space 150 for receiving elongate element 250 on which the device 100 travels; an attachment 300 for attaching a load to the device 100, and an access for element 250 includes at least one notch 117, 118 in the hub of each rotary member 101, 102 and attachment 300 includes a moveable link assembly operable between blocking and release positions with respect to notches 117, 118 by said element 250, without movement of the rotary members away from each other along the common axis, such that the attachment prevents unintended release of the load from the device.

Abstract: A track has a housing with a bore therein that extends from a first end to a second end, a linear slot at the top of the bore, a radial projection perpendicular to the linear slot, an axial groove in the bore, a plurality of radial openings that extend through the radial projection, a first leg thereon tangent to the top and a second leg tangent to the bottom of the bore. First and second cylindrical members on a ladder are located in the bore and a bolt inserted into each radial opening. Each bolt has a head that is located in the axial groove and a shaft that extends through an opening in a deck on a watercraft. A nut attached to each shaft such that the legs and a base on the radial projection are urged into engagement with the deck to affix the ladder to the deck.

Abstract: A Mobile Auto-Belay Apparatus is provided consisting of a Rail (10), Rolling Trolley (14), Motion Limiting Device (16), and Auto-Belay Device (18). Unlike the prior art, this invention allows an Auto-Belay Device (18) to service many climbing routes without the need for time consuming removal and reinstallation. The invention also allows the Auto-Belay Device (18) to be used on climbing routes that meander significantly in lateral directions.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an emergency descent system for a tall building 12. The high rise emergency descent system is comprised of at least one track 18 fixedly attached to the exterior of a building 12 and a jumpsuit 20 having an integral harness 22 and descent device 23 connected to the suit by means of a cable 36 that will allow the user 12 to don the apparel having a first preselected drag brake 52 designed for a weight class that is reflected in the size of suit, and, to attach the descent device 23 to the descent track18 and descend to the ground at a controlled rate. A second brake control 26 is provided for allowing the user 16 more individual brake control during the descent down the building 12.

Abstract: An anchorage assembly (100) is interconnected between a support structure (90) and a safety line (160, 161). The anchorage assembly (100) routes the safety line (160, 161) about a corner and accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line (160, 161).

Abstract: An escape mechanism for high-rise includes a safety rail and a safety facility. The safety facility is formed in a frame-like shape with an upper frame and a lower frame being constructed by two parallel short steel columns and fixedly connected together by thick steel plates. The upper frame and the lower frame are both movably and pivotally jointed by two parallel connecting rods connected with a transverse shaft, such that the upper frame and the lower frame may make relative movement in parallel with each other. In use, an escapee can be tied with a safety belt carrying a safety facility being sleeved into the safety rail, and scramble down by treading on the retractable pedals attached to the safety rail. In the event of an accidental stumble, the safety facility will be active immediately and thus prevent the escapee from further falling.

Abstract: In a dock unit for maintenance of aircraft there is provided, in addition to an outer support which supportingly engages against a frame disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft in the vicinity of the end of said frame and is adjustable, a further support which is located further in and is likewise adjustable. The distance between the two supports is greater than the largest dimension of the wings of the aircraft to be maintained, measured in the longitudinal direction of the fuselage. One of the supports can therefore be temporarily retracted in order to move a wing past and below this support.

Abstract: A horizontal lifeline support system for use with a rebar stub or stud extending from a building structure. The system includes a stanchion having an elongated body, the body having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end having an aperture therein, the aperture being adapted for accepting the rebar stud or stub on the building structure, and at least one guy member, the guy member having a pair of opposite ends, one of the ends of the guy member being connected to the top end of the stanchion and the opposite end having a clamp attaching the second end of the guy member to the building structure.

Abstract: An anchorage assembly (100) is interconnected between a support structure (90) and a safety line (160, 161). The anchorage assembly (100) routes the safety line (160, 161) about a corner and accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line (160, 161).

Abstract: A safety device for a pylon includes an upper frame connected together with a lower frame, wherein both the upper frame and the lower frame includes two parallel steel pillars. fixedly connected together by a thick steel piece, the upper frame and the lower frame are connected through two parallel connecting rods to enable the upper frame and the lower frame to make relative motion. Two oblique safety grooves are respectively mounted on an inner side of the steel pillars and used for telescoping with specific-designed H-shaped safety rail. A connecting ring is mounted on the rear end of the safety device for providing the safety device to connect and slide with human body. In case of accident, the instantaneous force generated between the safety groove and the safety rail can stop the human body from falling and achieve the safeguard function.

Abstract: A fall arrester for a climbing protection system to prevent a person from falling from a ladder, platform, or similar structure. The fall arrester can be guided in a guide rail and has a housing and a pawl with an attachment point where the person to be secured is attached. The pawl is swivellable between an unlocked and a locked position of the fall arrester so that in the unlocked position, the connection line between the rotational axis and the attachment point form an acute angle to the horizontal, and the torque exerted by the spring on the pawl is less than the torque produced by the weight force of the fall arrester when the fall arrester is held at the attachment point.

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.

Abstract: A building evacuation system in which at least one vertical evacuation chute is provided for each floor of a building to be evacuated. A plurality of collapsible buckets are stored on each floor and, after loading, are slid along horizontal rails to the vertical chute where they engage a plurality of vertical guide tracks. The guide tracks are provided with tapered brake pads so as to provide progressively increasing braking force on the falling buckets. A sloping slide is provided adjacent a lower open end of the chute to slidably transfer the bucket and evacuee to the ground.

Abstract: An anchorage assembly (100) is interconnected between a support structure (90) and a safety line (160, 161). The anchorage assembly (100) routes the safety line (160, 161) about a corner and accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line (160, 161).

Abstract: An anchorage assembly (100) is interconnected between a support structure (90) and a safety line (160, 161). The anchorage assembly (100) routes the safety line (160, 161) about a comer and accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line (160, 161).

Abstract: The ladder system is disposed between two spaced storage shelves of the types found in crowded warehouse-type retail outlets. The ladder is mounted on an overhead track system and may be moved longitudinally along the shelves and laterally between the shelves. The ladder is pivotly connected on one side to the overhead track system whereby the ladder may be moved from a latched position to a folded position about the pivot means against one of the storage shelves to thereby minimize the ladder as an obstruction in the aisle between the storage shelves.

Abstract: An anchorage assembly (100) is interconnected between a support structure (90) and a safety line (160, 161). The anchorage assembly (100) routes the safety line (160, 161) about a corner and accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line (160, 161).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding rail anchor safety device which is slidably mounted to the rail of a railway track. The device consists of a pair of pivotally interconnected jaw like members which defines claw-like structure which is configured to securely, yet slidably engage the rail of a railway track. A locking arm including a pair of alignable apertures defines a bore which receives a karabiner, which is turn connected to a worker's safety belt or tether.

Abstract: A method for creating a horizontal lifeline between a pair of end anchorages. The method includes providing a section of line having a modulus of elasticity, providing an energy absorbing shock absorber having a deployment load, connecting the section of line and the shock absorber to one another, between the end anchorages, and tuning the section of line by tensioning the section of line to a load that is approximately equal to the deployment load.

Abstract: A fall arrest system with flow-through intermediate supports which allow the travel of one or more load-connecting devices along a length of horizontal lifeline cable supported by intermediate supports. The load-connecting device having an upper cable contacting portion of greater outside diameter than the narrow opening at the bottom of the intermediate supports. In the event of a fall, the load-connecting device pulls the cable downward while the cable remains within the inner portion of said intermediate supports. Outward tension of the cable in maintained by a tension control device while the chock to the load is absorbed by said tension control device located between the cable and one of the cable-end anchors.

Abstract: The device for securing people against a fall has a rail which is fastened by means of holders, and a runner which is guided along the rail. The rail is held movable in its longitudinal direction in the holders. The rail preferably has a closed hollow profile with roughly square cross-section and with flanges pointing away from each other on each of two opposite-facing side surfaces of the cross-section profile, the cross-section profile of the rail being symmetrical about the horizontal and the vertical axis. At least one end of the rail is preferably held in a path force limiter, which opposes a pre-set resistance to a movement of the rail.

Abstract: A self-climbing concrete wall form hoist for forming a concrete wall section atop a previously formed wall section has a wall mounting releasably secured to the previously formed wall section, a moveable vertical mast, a channel in the wall mounting which guideably receives the moveable mast, a platform alternatively supported on the mast and on the wall mounting, upper and lower dog latch assemblies mounted on the platform and pivotable between a platform raising position when the mast is supported on the wall mounting and a mast raising position when the platform is supported on the wall mounting, and an extensible and retractable linear actuator interconnecting the upper and lower dog latch assemblies for raising the platform relative to the mast when the dog latch assemblies are in the platform raising position and for raising the mast relative to the platform when the dog latch assemblies are in the mast raising position.

Abstract: A fall arrest device (100) for use on an elongate support (180) including locking cams (132, 133, 134, 135) embodied by first and second independent actuable cam elements (133, 135), said cam elements (133, 135) being biased by a bias (132, 133, 134, 135) into locking engagement with the elongate support (180) and being actuated by a common arrester (128) in response to a sudden change in load experienced by the device (100) such that said first cam element (133) traps the elongate support (180) relative to a chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a first direction and such that said second cam element (135) traps the elongate support (180) relative to said chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a second direction.

Abstract: A personal fall protection system for securing a worker to an elevated and exposed structure defining a work area is disclosed. The fall protection system includes a safety belt supported on the worker's body with a body harness. The safety belt includes two belt couplings movable in a channel around the belt, each adapted to be attached to a lanyard. Two spaced apart rails are mounted adjacent opposite side limits of the structure. A movable anchor for securing the end of a lanyard is mounted to each rail. A lanyard ties off the worker at each belt coupling to an anchor. The fall protection system thereby secures the worker to both sides of the structure while allowing the worker to rotate relative to the lanyards within the work area and move freely forward and backwards throughout the work area between the rails.

Abstract: This device comprises a body which has a runner, two pivoting cams; and a system for actuating at least one of these cams in the event of the user or of a load falling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding rail anchor safety device which is slidably mounted to the rail of a railway track. The device consists of a pair of pivotally interconnected jaw like members which defines claw-like structure which is configured to securely, yet slidably engage the rail of a railway track. A locking arm including a pair of alignable apertures defines a bore which receives a karabiner, which is turn connected to a worker's safety belt or tether.

Abstract: Unique roof and glass skylight structures including unique safety stanchions for mounting directly to the roof of a building are disclosed. One disclosed safety stanchion has a cross-shaped base for mounting the stanchion on the surface of a roof or glass skylight supported by crisscrossing rafters and purlins. A disclosed unique roof structure includes safety stanchions having inelastically deformable and replaceable components, crisscrossing rafters and purlins for supporting a roof surface and a structural member for supporting the rafter(s). The safety roof structure defines an opening extending through the rafter for receiving the stanchion's rigid elongated base which extends through the opening and is attached at its lower end to the structural member supporting the rafter(s).

Abstract: A portable anchorage point assembly for use with structures such as railroad tank cars. A base plate having straps extending therefrom includes a rubber base, which is placed on the top surface of the tank car. The rubber base prevents the base plate from slipping on the surface of the tank car. The straps extend around the body of the tank car and are each secured to an I-beam or similar structure at the bottom of the tank car by a load binder assembly and a web sling secured about the I-beam. Once the assembly has been secured about the body of the tank car, one end of a safety line may be attached to the base plate of the portable anchorage point assembly.

Abstract: A post-tensioned fall protection system including a beam-column having a first end and a second end; first and second end supports attached to the beam-column; a tensioned cable having a first end connected to the first end support and a second end connected to the second end support; a coupling device for connecting a lanyard to the tensioned cable; and at least one offset bracket attached to the beam-column between the first and second end supports for positioning the tensioned cable at a greater distance with respect to a neutral axis of the beam-column than at the end supports, wherein the coupling device can traverse from the first end of the tensioned cable to the second end of the tensioned cable past the at least one offset bracket.

Abstract: An improved bypass device for a fall arrest system that is not impeded by cable supports as it is pulled along a flexible and/or rigid cable. The bypass device has a gate which can be quickly and easily removed from a frame of the bypass device to reveal an opening which allows the bypass device to be positioned on the cable. Once the bypass device is positioned on the cable, the gate may be reattached to the frame to partially close the opening. A portion of the opening remains unblocked by the gate so that the bypass device will pass over one or more cable supports when it is pulled along the cable. The cable supports act to guide the cable along a desired workpath. The supports are also constructed to withstand the force exerted on the cable in the event someone or something connected to the bypass device falls.

Abstract: A sliding rail anchor fall arrest system (20) includes an anchor assembly (22), a safety hook (24), a safety harness (26) worn by a worker and a flexible lanyard (28) extending between the hook (24) and the harness (26). The sliding rail anchor assembly (22) includes a pair of anchor members (23) that cooperate to slidably engage a crown (29) of a rail (30) or other elongate member being used as an anchor point for fall arrest purposes. Each anchor subassembly (23a and 23b) includes a rail engaging portion (34 and 40) and a connector portion (35 and 41). When the rail engaging portions (34 and 40) are positioned around the crown (29), a cavity is formed to envelope the crown (29) thereby allowing longitudinal movement along the rail (30) but little to no movement transversely along the rail (30) by the anchor assembly (22).

Abstract: A personal safety device (10) adapted for longitudinal movement relative to an elongate support element (50) comprises a body (11) having a bore (12) for receiving the element (50), a slipper (20) mounted on the body (11) the slipper (20) having a surface (21) oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bore (12), and connector (30) connected to the slipper (20) and being adapted at its other end (31) for connection to a personal safety harness. Slipper (20) is movable between first and second positions in response to sudden loading of the connector (30). In the first position, surface (21) allows free passage element (50) through the bore (12). When slipper (20) is in the second position, surface (21) clamps element (50) firmly to body (11).

Abstract: A sliding member for use with a life-line comprises a mobile jaw delimiting with a fixed jaw a channel for guiding it on a cable. The jaw is held partly open in an intermediate configuration, opened to mount the sliding member on the cable, and closed completely if traction is exerted on a handle connected by a line to a harness.

Abstract: The device for securing people against a fall has a rail which is fastened by means of holders, and a runner which is guided along the rail. The rail is held movable in its longitudinal direction in the holders. The rail preferably has a closed hollow profile with roughly square cross-section and with flanges pointing away from each other on each of two opposite-facing side surfaces of the cross-section profile, the cross-section profile of the rail being symmetrical about the horizontal and the vertical axis. At least one end of the rail is preferably held in a path force limiter, which opposes a pre-set resistance to a movement of the rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable anchorage point assembly for use with structures such as railroad tank cars. A base plate having straps extending therefrom includes a rubber base, which is placed on the top surface of the tank car. The rubber base prevents the base plate from slipping on the surface of the tank car. The straps extend around the body of the tank car and are each secured to an I-beam or similar structure at the bottom of the tank car by a load binder assembly and a web sling secured about the I-beam. Once the assembly has been secured about the body of the tank car, one end of a safety line may be attached to the base plate of the portable anchorage point assembly.

Abstract: Device for progressively braking the fall of a load, and life line equipped with said device.

Abstract: An anchorage assembly (100) is interconnected between a support structure (90) and a safety line (160, 161). The anchorage assembly (100) routes the safety line (160, 161) about a corner and accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line (160, 161).

Abstract: A device for securing people against a fall has a rail which is fastened by means of holders and a runner which is guided along the rail. The rail is held movable in its longitudinal direction in the holders. The rail preferably has a closed hollow profile with a roughly square cross-section and with flanges pointing away from each other on each of two opposite-facing side surfaces of the cross-section profile, the cross-section profile of the rail being symmetrical about the horizontal and the vertical axis. At least one end of the rail is preferably held in a path force limiter, which opposes a pre-set resistance to a movement of the rail.

Abstract: A sliding rail anchor fall arrest system (20) includes an anchor assembly (22), a safety hook (24), a safety harness (26) worn by a worker, and a flexible lanyard (28) extending between the hook (24) and the harness (26). The sliding rail anchor assembly (22) includes a pair of anchor members (23) that cooperate to slidably engage a crown (29) of a rail (30) or other elongate member being used as an anchor point for fall arrest purposes. Each anchor subassembly (23a and 23b) includes a rail engaging portion (34 and 40) and a connector portion (35 and 41). When the rail engaging portions (34 and 40) are positioned around the crown (29), a cavity is formed to envelope the crown (29) thereby allowing longitudinal movement along the rail (30) but little to no movement transversely along the rail (30) by the anchor assembly (22).

Abstract: A horizontal lifeline support system for use with a rebar stub or stud extending from a building structure. The system includes a stanchion having an elongated body, the body having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end having an aperture therein, the aperture being adapted for accepting the rebar stud or stub on the building structure, and at least one guy member, the guy member having a pair of opposite ends, one of the ends of the guy member being connected to the top end of the stanchion and the opposite end having a clamp attaching the second end of the guy member to the building structure.

Abstract: The present application relates to a safety apparatus which is intended to aid the balance of an individual working on an elevated surface such as a horizontal mast 1. The apparatus, which consists of a support member 5 that projects up from the elevated surface, may also arrest the fall of an individual from an elevated surface by defining a support barrier in front or behind or either side of the individual. The support member may be adapted to be mounted within tool tracks already provided on a mast, and is designed to move along the tracks so as to balance the individual as he moves along the elevated surface. Alternatively, the elevated surface is provided with additional purpose-built guides or tracks designed to cooperate with the support member.

Abstract: A sliding member for use with a life-line comprises a mobile jaw delimiting with a fixed jaw a channel for guiding it on a cable. The jaw is held partly open in an intermediate configuration, opened to mount the sliding member on the cable, and closed completely if traction is exerted on a handle connected by a line to a harness.

Abstract: A fall arrest system for a worker connected to a horizontal lifeline supported by at least one intermediate support having a pair of rotatable star wheels for supporting the lifeline. A glider connector connects a worker to the lifeline so that the glider connector slides along the lifeline as the worker walks parallel thereto. The glider connector which is supported by rails as it passes near the intermediate support rotates the star wheels as it passes through spaces between their projections to allow the glider connector to pass through the intermediate support without having to disconnect it from the lifeline.

Abstract: An improved sport climbing wall is disclosed where the climber's path up and down the wall is restricted to a well defined zone via a tether connecting the climber's harness to a trolley which is, in turn, guided along a track located behind the surface of the wall. This guide serves to control the motion of the climber so as to allow architectural improvements in the design of climbing gymnasiums while enhancing the safety of the climber. Specifically, the guide track makes it possible to build walls at steeper angles, and to provide viewing galleries in greater proximity to the climber than was heretofore safely possible using existing methods of descent control. The improved climbing wall also enhances the safety of the climber by reducing the extent of swinging and falling common to conventional climbing wall rope control methods.