Abstract: A post system for use in fall protection includes a connector to connect to a structure and a support in operative connection with a lifeline to maintain the lifeline at a first height above the structure. When a first threshold force is experienced on the lifeline, the support is operable to lower the lifeline to a second height which is lower than the first height. The ratio of a change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to a change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline (or the ?L/?H ratio) is less than 1. The ratio of the change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to the change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline may also be less than 0.5 or less than 0.4.

Abstract: A roof anchoring safety device that may be retro fit to a roofing structure. The safety device is capable of being transitioned from an actuated state to a retracted state. When in a retracted state, the device is concealed. When in an actuated state, the device is capable of connecting to a safety tether. The device may be installed during initial build of roof an accessed in future for maintenance and or future additions therein. The device is concealed by a cap that is designed to prevent ingress of ambient matter.

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

Abstract: An article of manufacture, an optimal adjustable parachute cargo harness device for use with a parachute system is disclosed. A double adjustable upper attachment point used to attach cargo to personal parachute systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: A locomotion system for use with a virtual environment technology includes a platform configured to support a user, a harness support assembly coupled to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and a safety harness configured to be worn by the user. The harness support assembly includes a support halo positioned above the platform and extending about a vertical central axis. The safety harness includes an interface structure moveably coupled to the support halo.

Abstract: A lanyard has an energy absorbing section which exhibits an arrest force which goes from at least 3 kilo newtons to at least 5 kilo newtons when subjected to a load of 160 kg which free fell from 5.9 feet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a fall arrest system. The fall arrest system may include a post disposed on a clamp. The clamp may be configured to secure to a base structure. The fall arrest system may also include a davit arm disposed on the post via one or more hinges. The post may be configured to support a winch and the davit arm may be configured to support a cable therefrom.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: Personnel safety apparatus is provided on a machine to prevent users from falling while moving between access points on the machine. The apparatus includes a rail having a first end positioned adjacent a first user access point and a second end positioned adjacent a second user access point to define a rail path that spans a vertical elevation. A carrier is movably coupled to the rail and has a first mode, in which the carrier engages a fixed position on the rail, and a second mode, in which the carrier is permitted to move relative to the rail. A tether extends between a harness on the user and the carrier to secure the user to the machine.

Abstract: A personal safety device comprises a “smart” safety lanyard capable of automatically contacting emergency response personnel. A “smart” lanyard of the subject invention comprises a strap with one or more fall arrest mechanisms or break away mechanisms operably attached thereto. A trigger mechanism also operably attached to the safety lanyard can detect when the fall arrest or break away mechanism has been deployed. A personal communication device operably attached to both the strap and to the trigger mechanism can automatically contact response personnel when the lanyard has been deployed.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a safety interface plate element that securely attaches to a length of webbing, and further provides a plurality of non-intersecting apertures to couple to a corresponding plurality of safety devices. In an illustrative example, the safety interface plate element may include a slotted opening through which the webbing is threaded. In some examples, the webbing may be removably installed in the slotted opening via a gating mechanism. In some embodiments, the safety interface plate element configured with an embodiment of the gating mechanism may be retrofit to a closed webbing on a pre-fabricated safety harness, for example. In various examples, multiple safety devices may be securely coupled to a safety harness via embodiments of the safety interface plate element.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a fall-protection safety harness having breathable 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 both through and around comfort pads. To provide air-flow through the comfort pads, the padding structures may be made of a sandwich of breathable materials. For example, the padding structures may be made by sandwiching reticulated foam pads between mesh fabric materials. The foam pads may be captured by the two mesh fabrics by a circumferential stitching. Circumferential stitching may permit the reticulated foam to retain its uncompressed form which may facilitate airflow therethrough. 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: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a fall protection system including a manually-operable locking assembly releasably coupled to a corner casting of an ISO Standard shipping container, a safety lanyard extending from the locking assembly and connected to a user-worn harness via a connecting device. In an illustrative example, multiple simultaneous points of connection may be established with one or more corner castings to provide securement when moving along or climbing shipping containers. In another illustrative example, the lanyard may be connected to a cable and trolley system for mobility along one or more shipping container surfaces. The cable may be oriented horizontally or vertically to permit horizontal or vertical travel of the user. In some implementations, the locking assembly may employ a twist-lock structure. In an illustrative example, the locking assembly may releasably couple to the corner casting without the use of additional tools or hardware.

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: In a belt buckle device including a tongue piece (75, 76; 210; 310) connected to an end of a belt extending in a longitudinal direction and a hook member (68, 70; 220; 320) configured to be selectively connected to the tongue piece by engaging a first lateral bar of the tongue piece in a hook opening (111; 226; 326) defined by a hook portion (71, 72; 225; 324) thereof, a longitudinal dimension (B) between the free end of the tongue piece and a base end side of the first lateral bar is substantially equal to or smaller than a width (A) of the entrance of the hook opening, and the effective thickness (C) of the first lateral bar is greater than the width (A) of the entrance of the hook opening. Thus, the first lateral bar is held inside the hook opening as long as the tongue piece is kept in a flat position in a reliable manner.

Abstract: A harness device and method are provided. The device includes a strap having first and second opposite ends. The strap defines first and second arm loop portions positionable about corresponding shoulders of the individual and being movable between a first open configuration allowing a corresponding shoulder to be positioned therein and a second configuration for capturing the corresponding shoulder to be positioned. The strap further defines first and second leg loop portions selectively receivable about legs of the wearer and adjustable via an adjustment mechanism to tighten the leg loop portions around the wearer's legs. A connection point is defined by the first and second ends of the. A belt is operatively connected to the strap and is positionable about a waist of the individual.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A beam anchor. The beam anchor includes an elongate cross-member, a lanyard attachment structure attached to the cross-member, a pair of first and second spaced apart beam capturing members attached to the cross-member. Either or both capturing members may have a locking mechanism that is cantilevered from the capturing member, and the lanyard attachment structure may have a lanyard attachment ring connector that is capable of rotating about the cross-member but that is constrained to a fixed position along the cross-member by use of a ring or partial ring structure attached to the cross-member that extends through a slot in the lanyard attachment ring connector.

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

Abstract: An accessory for use with webbing in restraint systems. A free portion of webbing may be secured to a second portion of webbing with the accessory. The accessory may also facilitate controlled adjustment of webbing by an operator.

Abstract: Lifeline systems include a worker harness hooked and slideable along a cable attached to a ratchet mechanism and extending between posts, through stand off pipes, or the like and generally parallel to, but spaced from, sides of a tank. The lifeline system utilizes supports which can be removably attached to the reinforcement rib or the cantilevered edge of the tank. The supports can include fastening rings to connect to braces, stabilizers or the ratchet mechanism. The reinforcement rib is received in an omega shaped channel and sandwiched by a clamp located on the first side and moveable relative to a second side of the channel. The cantilevered edge is received between upper and lower plates extending in openings of C-shaped sides in a spaced, angled relation and is sandwiched by a fastener threadably received in the upper plate.

Abstract: A harness safety system comprising energy absorbing material that exhibits a change in physical properties at different applied strain rates. Typically, as a result of a sudden impact or applied stress or pressure event the material becomes substantially rigid, changing to a less rigid, more resilient, relaxed or conformable state after a elapsing of a time period following the sudden impact or applied stress or pressure event.

Abstract: Deployable fall protection systems and components are disclosed for protecting against worker falls in cargo handling operations. Workers wearing harnesses are attached to a lifeline supported from overhead, the support being attached to ground-standing mast assemblies stabilized by the weight of a vehicle parked on a foot portion of the mast assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement for overcoming heights or vertical distances, such as, in particular, high-voltage towers, towers for wind installations, buildings, high-bay warehouses, etc., has a longitudinally extended, rail-like profile (7) or guide member, and at least one portable lift element which is fastenable re-releasably to the profile, consisting of a driving part (3) which is movable up and down along the profile or guide member and a platform (5) for receiving at least one person or loads.

Abstract: An escape system has a harness, pants, a hook, a rope, a slider, a carabiner and a bag. The bag is packed so that the rope is packed into the rope pocket of the bag and threaded through a channel of the slider, the slider and the carabiner attached thereto are packed in the bag on top of the rope, the hook is inside the bag and attached to a hook connector disposed on a flap of the bag, and the flap is connected to the front side of the bag. The carabiner is attached to a D-ring on the harness that is attached to pants worn by a human. In use, when the flap is pulled away from the front side, the hook is automatically pulled out of the bag, eliminating a step of groping for the hook during an emergency escape.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system including a harness coupled to the occupant by surrounding a portion of the occupant, a winding mechanism fixed to the vehicle and configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode, and a flexible linking member having a first end coupled to the harness and a second end coupled to the winding mechanism. The linking member is configured to selectively wind and unwind from the winding mechanism. When the winding mechanism is in the first mode of operation, the linking member may be unwound from the winding mechanism to allow the occupant to move freely about the vehicle. When the winding mechanism is in the second mode of operation, the winding mechanism winds the linking member to pull the harness toward the winding mechanism.

Abstract: A fall arrest anchor trolley for arresting the fall of a user. In one embodiment, the invention can be a fall arrest trolley comprising: a body a brake sub-system, and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body, wherein bottoms of the plurality of wheels collectively define a rolling plane; the brake sub-system comprising a brake rod, a brake pad connected to the brake rod, a lanyard connector connected to the brake rod, and a resilient element; the brake rod slidably coupled to the body so that the brake sub-system is alterable between: (1) a free state in which the brake pad is spaced a distance above the rolling plane; and (2) an arrest state in which at least a portion of the brake pad is located within the rolling plane; the resilient element biasing the brake sub-system into the free state.

Abstract: A safety anchor is removably attachable to a roof of a building. The safety anchor includes a portion receivable in a drain line of the roof. The safety anchor also includes a stem received in openings of the portion and an elastic member attached to the stem. The elastic member has an adjustable diameter, and the diameter of the elastic member is increased to contact walls of the drain line to secure the safety anchor to the roof.

Abstract: A fall arrest apparatus has a body harness having a backrest and a seat and capable of being worn by a user so that the backrest extends from a rear shoulder region to a rear hip region of the user while the seat extends from about the rear hip region to a rear thigh region of the user. A suspension harness is configured for connection to the body harness at a front shoulder region and at a front thigh region, such mat when the user is suspended from the suspension harness in the body harness, the user is reclined in the body harness with a weight of the user being distributed across the backrest and seat assemblies.

Abstract: A fall-arresting safety harness assembly includes a lanyard including a pair of lanyard straps, at least one strap breakaway area attaching the lanyard straps to each other and a strap separation area generally adjacent to the at least one strap breakaway area; a lanyard ring extending between the lanyard straps at the strap separation area of the lanyard; a harness carried by the lanyard; and at least one resilient shock-absorbing member carried by the harness and engaging the lanyard ring.

Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) includes a frame unit (12) placed on a surface (102). A cable (62) is mounted around a pulley (60) rotatably mounted to the frame unit (12) about a rotation axis (58). A slide (90) is slideably mounted to the frame unit (12) along a slide axis (92) at a non-parallel angle to the rotation axis (58) and movable between upper and lower positions. The cable (62) is attached between the slide (90) and a worker (100) on the surface (102). A biasing member (110) is mounted between the slide (90) and the frame unit (12) and biases the slide (90) from the lower position to the upper position. An engaging member (120) is mounted to the slide (90) to move therewith. The engaging member (120) is above the surface (102) when the slide (90) is in the upper position.

Abstract: The fall arrester (10) is part of a climbing protection system for preventing a user of a ladder, a platform or the like from falling. The fall arrester (10) is movable along a guide rail (12) and has a rotatably mounted pawl (18) which, in the event of a fall, runs against catching stops (16) in the guide rail (12). A connecting element (40) is attached to the pawl (18) and the user can be secured to the connecting element (40) by a lanyard. The connecting element (40) is hinged to the pawl (18). The connecting element (40) can be hinged to the pawl (18) such that the connecting element (40) is coupled releasably rotation-resistant to the pawl (18) and the coupling (50, 52) is released in the event of a predetermined force on the connecting element (40). The connecting element can be formed as a damping element (40) which deforms in the event of a predetermined force.

Abstract: A tensioner as well as a method for fitting a safety line cable on the tensioner. The tensioner designed for the safety of personnel attached to the cable while working under dangerous conditions. The tensioner has a fixing element configured to couple to an external element such as a wall and has two sections capable of separating and absorbing energy as a result of a fall of a worker while attached to the safety line cable. A section of the cable passes through and is crimped in a sleeve of the tensioner while the cable is kept under tension.

Abstract: Provided is a manually controlled flexible band play out and slack retracting device including a frame structure and shaft about which a band is wound. A hub may be mounted on the shaft, such that the strap is wound around the hub rather than the shaft, including a radially wound spring secured to the shaft at one and to inner side of the hub at the other end. The band feeds between flat surfaces of a clamping mechanism that includes a hand controlled braking device that applies a squeezing pressure to the band on a dispensing end.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a casualty recovery device that allows for a hands free recovery or extraction, either in a combat theatre or any other emergency rescue operation where hands free operation is of significant benefit and time is of the essence.

Abstract: A braking system for a self-retracting lifeline assembly is provided. The braking system includes a housing, a ratchet cam and a clutch assembly. The housing includes sidewalls that form, at least in part, a cavity. The sidewalls of the housing terminate in a connecting surface that extends around the cavity. The sidewalls have a plurality of notches spaced along interior surfaces of the sidewalls. Each notch extends from the connecting surface a select distance in the interior surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing. The ratchet cam includes an inner edge that defines a central cam opening. The inner edge of the ratchet cam has a plurality of inward extending teeth. The ratchet cam further has an outer edge. The outer edge has a plurality of outward extending fingers. Each finger terminates in a finger tip. Each finger tip is received in an associated notch in the interior surface of the housing.

Abstract: Fabric structures having elongation yarns and ground yarns that form a sheath are provided, with the structure having two connection segments and at least one expansion segment in between the connection segments. Heat treatment of the one or more expansion segments shrinks the length of the elongation yarns during manufacture. A tensile load applied to the fabric structure stretches the elongation yarns and unfolds the gathered sheath. The elongation yarns absorb energy as the fabric structure elongates. In some embodiments, the fabric structure has more than one expansion segment so that the deployment force of the structure is not constant. In some embodiments, the fabric structure includes a band in some portions.

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 safety protection device for the roof construction of a train body assembly comprises two arch bridge shaped transverse walking boards and a safety rope, wherein the safety rope is fixed between the span of the two arch bridge shaped transverse walking boards. The invention has the following benefit effects: the safety for the worker walking and working on the roof can be guaranteed since the worker walks up to the roof through the arch bridge shaped transverse walking boards and ties the other end of a safety belt which is tied on him to the safety rope.

Abstract: Full body safety harnesses for fall arrest comprising a substantially rigid, resilient and water-resistant core throughout substantially the entire body harness frame.

Abstract: A harness system includes a waist belt assembly, a first releasable retainer attached to the waist belt assembly, shoulder straps, a back plate connected to the shoulder straps, and a release system including at least a first release strap connected to and extending from the back plate. The first release strap includes at least a first releasable connector in operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that actuation of the first release strap causes disconnection of the first releasable connector from operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that the first releasable retainer becomes disconnected from connection with the back plate and the back plate can be removed by a user while the waist belt assembly remains worn by the user.

Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A worker safety device for use with an object having a person support surface, the device comprising: a length-adjustable device frame positionable on said object; a frame fastener coupled to the device frame configured to detachably fasten the device frame to the object; an attachment means, attached to the device frame, configured and positioned to attach a personal fall-prevention device to the device frame; whereby a person on said surface using the fall-prevention device can prevent a fall from said surface by attaching the fall-prevention device to the attachment means.

Abstract: The rescue harness is a personal use device for donning by an individual requiring escape from an elevated location in a building structure or the like. The harness includes a front latch and bracket having a removable combination glass cutter and hammer, and a removable explosive charge. A rope brake is also secured to the bracket, and a rope passes through the brake. The user of the harness removes the glass cutter and hammer combination, and scribes an opening on a glass window panel. The explosive charge is placed on the glass in the scribed area. A timer permits the user to momentarily leave the immediate vicinity. The hammer is used to break out any remaining glass shards after the explosion blows out the scribed area of glass. The user exits the structure through the hole in the panel, using the rope brake to control his or her descent.

Abstract: A safety securing device has two carabiners intended to receive a securing element, each of the carabiners including a hook provided with an opening; a detection device which can be activated upon insertion of the aforementioned element into the hook; a closure door; and a device for locking the door, coupled to a stressing device arranged to activate the locking device when the door is closed. The carabiners are interconnected by a transmission device that connects the detection device of one carabiner to the locking device of the other carabiner, the activation of the detection device of either of the carabiners triggering the deactivation of the locking device of the other carabiner.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus so designed that when properly used may aid in the prevention of injury and or even death. This device is so designed that a fallen hunter is left hanging facing the tree, allowing mobility and movement. With the attached (DOWN E-Z) device, one may lower himself to the ground with little or no effort. This final step is very important due to the documented factual records of hunters dying while being left hanging for hours and blood begins to clot.

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: A full-body safety harness that is to be worn by a user, especially a user in a hostile environment. Which such full-body safety harness comprises a torso surrounding portion with a D-ring for attaching a life line, two vertical shoulder straps, four straps that affixes to a pair of pants, and two leg supporting straps that clip around the legs. All portions of this safety harness extend over a portion of a person's body to retain the person within the full-body safety harness. The straps of this full-body safety harness are fabricated from a flexible material having an elastic extension in the range of 10%-25% under a tension load of approximately 100 newton's. This percentage of stretch of this full-body safety harness is controlled by additional static material that is stitched onto the straps in a controlled loop pattern.

Abstract: An improved rappelling system for raising or lowering a person or an object to or from a stationary or moving elevated point includes at least one cable for supporting a person or an object, a motor attached to the elevated point and coupled to the cable so that the motor propels the cable up or down and thereby raises or lower the person or object, respectively, a controller/processor for controlling the motion of the motor and at least one sensor attached to the elevated point and coupled to the controller/processor. The sensor measures the distance of the elevated point from a target area located at a lower point than the elevated point and continuously sends a feedback signal to the controller/processor. The feedback signal is used to calculate and adjust in real-time motor control parameters that determine speed and landing location of the person or object relative to the target area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rescue apparatus to be lowered from buildings and other elevated locations. The invention includes an enclosure defining an interior space configured for receiving an individual, a harness, and one or more cable securements. The enclosure includes a bottom surface, a sidewall having an internal surface and an external surface, and a closure mechanism coupled to the sidewall and configured for at least partially isolating the interior space from a surrounding environment. In another aspect, the invention relates to a rescue apparatus including a harness assembly and a cable attached thereto.