Abstract: A traveller for safety line for a fall arrest system has a slot extending to the exterior of the traveller and a safety line locating shuttle provided on-board the traveller wherein the safety line locating shuttle is movable relative to the slot along a predetermined path in a direction across the slot. This aids in accurate positioning of the safety line with respect to the traveller. The slot can be defined between opposed slot edges which are movable relative to one another to reconfigure the slot.

Abstract: A safety harness comprises shoulder straps, a waist strap, and a weight distribution assembly interconnecting the shoulder straps and the waist strap. The weight distribution assembly is configured and arranged to transfer a load from proximate the shoulder straps to proximate the waist strap.

Abstract: A cylindrically rolled energy absorber (10) is provided to absorb the energy of a user's fall from a worksite and includes a strip (18) of bi-layered webbing defining two parallel rolls (22, 24) of webbing centered on a central axis (40), with the width of the strip (18) in each roll (22, 24) extending parallel to the central axis (40). The strip (18) includes two layers (42, 44) of webbing joined together over the length of the strip by tear-apart connections (46). Each end (36, 38) of the strip (18) has end portions (54, 56) of each the layers (42, 44) that are separated from each other. A first connector loop (26) extends from the roll (22) and is fixed to a first end portion (54, 56) from end (36) of the strip and to a second end portion (54, 56) from the other end (38) of the strip (18).

Abstract: A device for allowing work to be carried out on or about an object includes at least one gripping arrangement. The at least one gripping arrangement is configured to grip and traverse the object so as to reach a desired location on the object and to anchor the device thereto for allowing the work to be carried out.

Abstract: A descender system, typically for use in a fall arrest system, for enabling a suspended body to be lowered includes a rotatable descent line drum, and a release element arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A rotating brake applies a braking force to the rotatable descent line drum; a gear train connects the brake to the drum. The gear train is provided in a substantially watertight sealed space. Typically, a substantially watertight seal is provided between a backplate of the rotating drum and a chassis of the device. Typically, the substantially watertight seal is of a material that is deformable/compressible, preferably at temperatures at or below ?20 Celsius.

Abstract: A pole-mounted individual safety restraint system that incorporates a self-retracting lanyard, suitable for installation and use in vehicles so as to allow exercise or other activity on the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A harness having a deployable rappelling assembly is disclosed. The harness includes a strap construction including an upper torso securing portion having shoulder straps that extend from a rear torso portion to a front torso portion, a leg securing portion extending downward from the rear torso portion and having right and left leg straps, each of the left and right leg straps including a releasable connector, and a rappelling assembly connected to the front torso portion. The rappelling assembly may fold from a stowed position to a deployed position, and include loops and a cross member. The leg straps may be passed through the loops to connect the front torso portion to the leg securing portion for climbing or rappelling. The harness also may be incorporated into a garment.

Abstract: An emergency drag stretcher is disclosed that combines a base panel formed of a flexible sheet material and a harness including an inflatable bladder. The harness securely restrains an individual, allowing for drag or vertical lift rescue.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a fall-protection safety harness having padding structures located at harness pressure points, including dorsal and shoulder regions, the lumbar region, and leg regions. The padding structures may be constructed to provide air-flow parallel to a wearer's skin. Air may flow through wearer-webbing channels created by displacing a webbing via comfort pads. For example, the padding structures may be made by sandwiching foam pads between mesh fabric materials. The foam pads may be captured by the two mesh fabrics using circumferential stitching, for example. Circumferential stitching may permit the foam to retain its uncompressed form which may facilitate webbing displacement. Separate and symmetric pads may be located on both sides of a wearer's spine, both at the lumbar region and at the dorsal region of the back, permitting airflow between pads and along the wearer's spine.

Abstract: Multiple test coupons are incorporated in the construction of a personal garment for the purpose of determining the presence of foreign substances acquired during garment use or a change in properties or other change in characteristics over time. Each of the test coupons is retained with the garment during the useful life of the garment until the coupon is individually removed for test purposes. Each test coupon has a construction identical to the garment construction and is easily removable and configured to allow for destructive testing. Sufficient multiple coupons are provided with each garment over its life to allow for periodic testing.

Abstract: The cable grab safety device releasably attaches a workman's safety lanyard to a steel cable. A primary frame constructed of an elongated U-shaped bracket having a pair of spaced apart parallel side plates fits around the cable. A secondary frame also comprised of a pair of side plates fits within the U-shaped bracket after the cable is inserted. The secondary frame carries a brake in the form of a pulley mounted in an elongated slot movable toward or away from the cable. A lever attached to a worker's lanyard moves the pulley only in the inward direction to engage the cable in the event of a fall. A bent pin connected between the primary and secondary frames allows for limited pivotal and axial movement between them allowing the cable to be inserted into the U-shaped bracket. A separate locking pin secures the frame members together.

Abstract: A ratcheting strap device has an elongate body with a reel axis towards a first end and a ratcheting mechanism towards a second end opposite there-from. The ratcheting mechanism is affixed to the body, and has a spool axis and a ratchet spool rotatable relative to the body there-about. A first strap/hook member has a first length of strap affixed to a first one of the ratcheting mechanism and the body at a first proximal end, and has a first hook affixed to a first distal end there-of. A take-up reel is affixed to the body and rotational relative thereto about the reel axis. A second strap hook member has a second length of strap having a second proximal end connectable to the take-up reel, has a take-up strap portion adjacent to the second proximal end and windable around the take up reel, and has a second hook affixed to a second distal end there-of.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backpack having a plurality of stabilizing handles. The handles are of fixed dimension and are distributed around the outside of a main compartment of the backpack to provide a number of places for a caregiver to grip when assisting a wearer of the backpack walk. A rear side of the main compartment may have a four handles, a front side of the backpack may have 6 handles, and side panels of the backpack may have 4 handles. A lead may optionally be attached to the D-ring on the rear side of the backpack. Providing numerous grip handles around the backpack enhances the ability of the caregiver to provide spotting support, without stigmatizing the user from the use of a harness or other such assistive device.

Abstract: A driver seat for an operator includes: a fastener configured to fasten a pair of hip belts; a pair of shoulder belts each having a distal end attached to each of the pair of hip belts, the pair of shoulder belts being configured to hold a shoulder area of the operator; and a fastened-state detector configured to detect whether or not the fastener is fastened. The fastened-state detector includes: a detector main body configured to detect whether or not the fastener is fastened through electrical continuity; a signal line connected to the detector main body; and a bag-shaped section integrated with one of the pair of shoulder belts in a drawing direction of the shoulder belt, the bag-shaped section housing the signal line.

Abstract: A fall arrest harness having a primary arrest attachment attached to a dorsal portion of a harness by a dorsal release strap, a releasable friction device positioned at a hip location of the harness and a repositioning tether releasably connected to the primary fall arrest attachment. The harness provides manual and controllable transfer of a suspension point from a dorsal location by letting out the dorsal release strap through the releasable friction device until tension from a user's weight is transferred from the dorsal release strap to the repositioning tether.

Abstract: Systems and methods relate to a operator selectable, variable-height attachment point system for a safety harness, where the attachment point is disposed on a radial support member that can be reversibly coupled to a vertical support member, and where the attachment point height can be selected by the operator by reversing a coupled orientation of the radial support member to the vertical support member.

Abstract: A fall rescue apparatus (10) for mounting on the roof of a building includes a spike (28) mounted to an extendable support arm (27) and shaped to penetrate the roof in response to the pull of a tether (35) connected to a falling worker. An elbow linkage (39) unfolds as the spike is extended into the roof for guiding and supporting the spike against the roof.

Abstract: Fall arrester (1) for a cable holding device (2) which can be installed without a roof penetration, which cable holding device has at least one post (2a), wherein the fall arrester (1) has multiple layers at least in one section of the fall arrester and a post stabilizer (4) and/or a post anchorage (5) is integrated into the multi-layer section (3), wherein the post stabilizer (4) and/or the post anchorage (5) has multiple layers at least in one section thereof, and wherein the multi-layer section (3) of the fall arrester (1) has at least one layer (3a) made of composite material reinforced with glass fibers and/or with carbon fibers (FRP layer), and said FRP layer (3a) also forms a layer of the multi-layer post stabilizer (4) and/or of the multi-layer post anchorage (5).

Abstract: A method of handling fall protection systems (2) in association with towers, pylons and masts includes climbing a tower (5), securing a guide channel (10) to a top portion (6) of the tower, extending a fall protection guide line (20) through the guide channel, connecting a first end (3) of a fall protection system (2) to a first end (21) of the guide line (20), extending the fall protection system (2) through the secured guide channel (10) by pulling a second end (22) of the guide line, securing the first end (3) of the fall protection system to a ground (G) level fixing point (8) and securing a second end (4) of the fall protection system to personal protection equipment worn by a worker. An assembly (1) for handling fall protection systems in association with towers, pylons and masts is also provided.

Abstract: An I-beam anchor for removably securing a fall protection member to an I-beam is disclosed. The I-beam anchor comprises a cross-beam, an anchor ring, and first and second brackets. The first bracket is positioned between a first end and center portion of the cross-beam and the second bracket positioned between a second end and center portion of the cross-beam. Each of the brackets comprises an inwardly directed flange spaced above the body of the brackets. At least the first bracket is a movable bracket and is movable along the cross-beam relative to the second bracket. The moveable bracket comprises a protected “quick release” mechanism that allows for the rapid engagement and disengagement of the anchor to the I-beam, in which the quick release mechanism is configured to minimize the chance of accidental or unintentional release.

Abstract: An anchor for a safety line for use in roofing construction and maintenance activities. The anchor includes a hooked body having a shank and a point. A safety line is coupleable between a free end of the shank and a user. An anchor plate is rotatably and pivotably coupled to the point via a joint disposed therebetween. The anchor is disposable over a peak of a roof with the anchor plate on a first side of the roof and the body extending over the peak toward a second side. A user tethered to the anchor may work on the second side of the roof; pivotal and rotational movement of the body relative to the anchor plate enabled by the joint aids to maintain the body generally in line with the safety line while the anchor plate remains frictionally engaged with the first side of the roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable airbag system for people, comprising a support intended to be worn by a user, and an airbag device comprising at least one inflatable bag having at least one central part (2a) designed to be disposed behind the head of a user after triggering. The airbag device is assembled in a cover or bag part forming a unit configured to be disposed entirely on the back of a user before deploying, the airbag device being fixed by means of a fixing device such as to be removable and separable from the support.

Abstract: A differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support structure includes either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit, or a counter-force adjustment cable suspension system. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. This differential pressure body suit provides a portable and convenient system for, e.g., rehabilitating a skeletal joint injury or training the mammal for injury prevention or athletic performance or fat burning.

Abstract: A buckle part (2) of a belt buckle (1), wherein the buckle part (2) comprises at least one connecting part (4) for releasably connecting the buckle part (2) to another buckle part (3) of the belt buckle (1) and at least one bar (5) for fastening a belt (26) on the bar (5) of the buckle part (2), wherein the buckle part (2) also comprises at least one clevis type eyelet (6) for hooking a karabiner into the clevis type eyelet (6).

Abstract: A vacuum anchor for securing a fall protection system to a surface has a gas inlet to receive pressurized gas from a gas container and generates a vacuum to secure the anchor to a surface. An attachment enables a fall protection system to be connected to the anchor, the attachment being rotatably mounted to the anchor. A container mounting device is provided for mounting the gas container to the anchor in connection with the gas inlet, the container mounting means being rotatable with the rotatable. Alternatively or additionally, the gas inlet is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the attachment means.

Abstract: Garments having an evacuation harness that are intended for connection to each other, with each garment having an outer wear unit including at least a torso portion and an evacuation harness that includes a torso strap system connected to the outer wear unit, a drag strap coupling connected to the torso strap system and extending rearward relative to the outer wear unit, and a drag strap connected at a first end to the torso strap system at a position above the drag strap coupling and the drag strap being selectively extendible rearward relative to the outer wear unit. Also disclosed are methods of connecting a rescuer wearing a garment having an evacuation harness to an individual wearing a similarly configured garment having an evacuation harness.

Abstract: A wearable upper-body garment has a plurality of first webbings secured to the garment front panel in a substantially parallel relation, each of the plurality of first webbings defining at least one passageway between the webbing and the front panel with the passageways extending perpendicular to the webbing. The first webbings extend upwardly and outwardly from a sternal region on the front panel that divides the garment front panel into a right half and a left half.

Abstract: A fall arrest system adapted for use in construction projects with wall studs of various spacing. The fall arrest system comprises a wall attachment bracket and a retractable harness line system, which provides extension, retraction, and storage of a harness line. The harness line is connected to a user-worn harness to protect the user from falling.

Abstract: An aquatic receptacle with a sectioned floating rim that, while floating, maintains an opening for receiving articles into the receptacle. Embodiments can include an escape barrier over the mouth of the receptacle to prevent loss of contents while floating. One embodiment has a lanyard that can attach the receptacle to a diver, allowing it to float and be pulled along by the diver. A lanyard can have a breakaway mechanism that can detach the receptacle from a diver or other structure if sufficient force is applied to the lanyard. There can also be a shock-arrest mechanism that reduces the amount of force exerted on a diver or structure before the lanyard breaks. Force exerted on the lanyard pulls the floatable rim at least partially beneath the water surface causing the sections of the floatable rim come together and close over the mouth of the container to prevent loss of articles within the container.

Abstract: Methods of force management for a force management anchor (FMA) include apparatus between a post and a base plate that resist post rotation under fall loads, the apparatus resisting said rotation at a constant torque. A peak constant torque is less than a torsional “tear-out” capacity of a surface for maximizing energy absorption. While the fall force vector remains generally parallel to the base plate during a fall, the post is movable between an upstanding and a lowered orientation resulting in a variable moment arm and a resisting force that also varies for maintaining the torque substantially constant. Apparatus can include devices between the post and the base plate such as a torsion rod, a friction clutch or a cam arrangement. Other approached include designed deformation of the post itself, such as a through tapered post.

Abstract: An exemplary system for securing objects to a substrate with a non-penetrating securing device. The non-penetrating securing device is a non-destructive device that allows objects of a variety of sizes (large and small) to be securely mounted to or on fragile substrates.

Abstract: Provided herein is a multipurpose tool configured to provide multiple tools and functions for a user according to a specific activity or sport. Embodiments may provide a tool including a frame configured to define a plurality of tools disposed about a perimeter, where the frame defines at least one recess disposed about the perimeter, where at least one recess is configured to hold an earbud headphone. The frame of the tool may define a cavity at least partially surrounded by the perimeter, where the cavity may be configured to removably engage a separable and independently operable device. The cavity may be configured to removably receive a multipurpose tool. The tool may further include a gate biased into engagement with the frame, where the cavity is fully encircled by the frame and the gate, and access to the cavity through the frame is provided by opening the gate.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for holding a pillow in place. The system may include a pair of stabilizers. Each stabilizer may be a cord having a first end, a central portion, and a second end, wherein the first end of the cord includes a rigid hook extending partially along the length of the cord and the second end of the cord engages with the central portion via a fastener, creating a loop. Each end of the cord may have a tip attached thereto. The loop may be configured to accommodate a pillow, and the rigid hook may be configured to engage with a seat, resulting in the system providing a mechanism for suspending a pillow from a seat while simultaneously stabilizing the pillow at a desired location, such as around a user's neck.

Abstract: A portable toddler swing is provided. The swing includes a compliant shell, an upper adjustable strap, a fastener coupled to the upper adjustable strap, a lower adjustable strap, a pair of support straps and a pair of safety fasteners. The shell defines an inner cavity, including an upper portion defining a top opening, a circumferential passage and a strap opening connected to the circumferential passage, a bottom portion, a front portion defining a pair of leg openings, a back portion, and a pair of side portions. The upper adjustable strap is disposed within the circumferential passage, and adjusts the size of the top opening of the shell. The lower adjustable strap is connected to the bottom portion of the shell, and secures the shell to a playground swing seat. The pair of safety fasteners are coupled to upper portions of the support straps, and secure the support straps to the playground swing chains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roping harness including a belt, a pair of leg loops, front and rear shoulder straps including at least one fall-arresting safety hooking point on the back, the rear shoulder straps being capable of sliding freely in the belt, while being attached by their lower ends to the leg loops. The back part of the belt is connected to the front shoulder straps by connecting means while being disconnected from the back hooking point. This results in holding the belt in place while preventing it from slipping when it must bear a certain weight of equipment, and a transfer of the load to the straps of the leg loops to the back hooking point during a fall.

Abstract: A restraint device and method for securing an individual in a vehicle is presented. The device increases the safety and security of the individual who is in custody. Further, the device increases the safety for the arresting or attending officer. The device is portable and can be used in a variety of vehicles and properly adapted modes of transportation. As presented the device comprises three belts which coordinate and are sized to secure the individual in a seated position. Once secured with the device, the seated individual who has his hands cuffed behind his back is unable to maneuver his hands to the front of his body. Further, the individual's movements are restricted so that the individual is maintained in a fixed, upright seated position. The connections presented in the device allow for flexibility and ease of use by the user while preventing tampering by the individual being restrained.

Abstract: A descender device, typically for use in a fall arrest system, for enables a suspended body to be lowered, and includes a descent line and a release element to be actuated by a person. The release element is arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A restraint arrangement is arranged prior to deployment of the descent line, to clamp or pinch a length of flexible line thereby to inhibit deployment of the descent line, the restraint arrangement being reconfigurable upon release of the release element to permit the descent line to be deployed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a via ferrata safety system that improves user safety by increasing the reliable activation of the energy absorption system. The via ferrata system includes a harness coupling member, two fixed cable coupling members, and an energy absorption system. The energy absorption system is coupled to both the harness coupling member and the two fixed cable coupling members. The two fixed cable coupling members are independently coupled to the energy absorption system and to one another. The coupling between the two fixed cable coupling members is proportionally weaker than the independent coupling between the two fixed cable coupling members and the energy absorption system. This proportional weakness of the coupling between the fixed cable coupling members allows each of the fixed cable coupling members to act independently in the event that one of the cable coupling members is coupled to a point between the user and the energy absorption system.

Abstract: An retractable tether device is used to alert the driver of a fallen athlete and to return the athlete, primarily a wake surfer, back to position behind the watercraft. The tether consists of a coil spring with a storage reel for the line and an audible alert notification. When a wake surfer falls off the surfboard, the tether will pull out from the device. Simultaneously, the boat stops and the coil spring will retract the tether to reposition the wake surfer behind the boat. As the tether is reeled out, an alert such as an audible noise and/or vibratory signal will cue the driver that the wake surfer has fallen. To further ensure safety, each end of the apparatus would have break away clips. The safety break away clips would release in the case where the driver did not stop the boat. The tether could be connected to the tower, pylon or back of the boat's towable hook. As a result of this device, the surfer can efficiently engage in an increased number of wake surfing sessions.

Abstract: A harness system includes a shoulder portion including a first vented protective element and a raised harness device. A belt portion includes a second vented protective element and a raised belt device.

Abstract: A mooring loop is provided for use with connecting a mooring line to a bollard. The mooring loop may stretch and function as a time delay fuse when excessive loads are applied to the mooring line. The mooring loop is comprised of a reactive fiber component in the shape of a continuous loop that includes a plurality of at least one of: an undrawn hydrophobic polymer fiber or a substantially undrawn hydrophobic polymer fiber. At least two jackets are in surrounding relation to portions of the reactive fiber component. The at least two jackets include respective end portions which overlap. As the mooring loop stretches, a visual indicator on an end portion of one of the jackets pulls out of and away from the end portion of the other one of the jackets. The visual indicator serves as a warning that excessive loads are being applied to the mooring line.

Abstract: A vacuum anchor for securing a fall protection system to a surface has a gas inlet to receive pressurized gas from a gas container and generates a vacuum to secure the anchor to a surface. An attachment enables a fall protection system to be connected to the anchor, the attachment being rotatably mounted to the anchor. A container mounting device is provided for mounting the gas container to the anchor in connection with the gas inlet, the container mounting means being rotatable with the rotatable. Alternatively or additionally, the gas inlet is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the attachment means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction machine having a carrier unit, a boom mounted pivotably on the carrier unit, an erection support for erecting and/or holding the boom by means of a guy cable tensioned between the boom and the erection support, and a safety cable which can be tensioned along the boom for securing a user. A cable support with a first attachment point for the safety cable is arranged at a head end of the boom. A second attachment point for the safety cable is provided on the erection support. The safety cable can be tensioned between the first attachment point on the cable support and the second attachment point on the erection support along the boom.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the safety of a working environment comprising a panel assembly including first D-Ring indicia corresponding to D-Ring height, a first slider supported for movement relative to the panel assembly, the first slider including first anchor height indicia corresponding to anchor height and a Free Fall Distance (FFD) indexing arrow, a second slider supported for movement relative to the panel assembly, the second slider including FFD indicia corresponding to FFD first lanyard length indicia corresponding to lanyard length. The first slider is moved to a first slider FFD calculation position based on a determined anchor height. The second slider is moved to a second slider FFD calculation position based on a determined lanyard length and a determined D-Ring height. The FFD is determined based on a relative position of the FFD indexing arrow on the first slider and the FFD indicia on the second slider.

Abstract: A roof safety device includes a fixed arm having a generally arched portion and a first cross-beam, a hook-slide slidably cooperating with the arched portion of the fixed arm. The hook-slide also includes a second cross-beam. The roof safety device includes a means for removably locking the hook-slide into fixed engagement with the fixed arm. A harness is connected to the fixed arm and worn by a user of the roof safety device.

Abstract: An upper body harness portion for converting a seat-style harness to a full body harness. The upper body harness portion includes a front lower component, a rear lower component, and an upper torso component having elongated first, second and third webbings. The ends of the first and second webbings are detachably securable to opposite sides of the front and rear or side portions of the seat-style harness waist belt, respectively. The third webbing forms a closed loop which, when worn, extends over a wearer's shoulders on opposite sides of the wearer's head. First and second connectors are slidably connected to the third webbing, with the first connector also being slidably connected to the first webbing adjacent the front of a wearer and the second connector being slidably connected to the second webbing adjacent the back of a wearer.

Abstract: An elevated platform system comprises a platform, a vision system configured to detect a number of people on the platform, and a plurality of restraining systems onboard the platform. Each restraining system includes a passive RFID tag secured to the platform and a reader configured to perform near field detection of the tag.

Abstract: A safety line anchor system is provided and includes an elongate member including a threaded stud at one end for threading the member on to a threaded opening in a trench plate, a flange fixed to the stud end of the member above the stud base, the flange having two or more openings provided there through for accepting two or more stabilization bolts, a freely rotable platform attached to the end of the elongate member opposite the stud end, the platform including two or more slots cut there through for accepting safety line attachments, and a crane handle fixed to the rotable platform, the crane handle for accepting a crane hook.

Abstract: A tether device includes a magnetic base; a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base; and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole, for removably connecting the tethering device to a user. Also, a method for tethering a user to a hull of a vessel including the steps of providing a tether device having a magnetic base, a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base, and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole; connecting the connector or clip to the user; and engaging the magnetic base with the hull of the vessel.

Abstract: A free-standing demountable window safety assembly adapted to rest, in use, on the floor inside a room containing a window opening in a wall, and against the wall containing the window, without engaging with the window opening, said assembly comprising:—•(i) at least two feet (125, 126) adapted to engage with the room floor˜(ii) at least two arms (121A, 121B, 135A, 135B) adapted to engage with the room wall adjacent to but spaced away from the window opening;˜(iii) at least two side portions (125, 123A, 135A, 133A) each supporting an arm;˜(iv) at least one linking member (111A, 111C) adapted to link opposing side portions or opposing feet in a substantially rigid fashion. The invention also includes methods of manufacturing and using such safety assemblies.