Abstract: An anchor assembly includes a base to which at least one connector and three legs are operatively connected. The connector provides an anchorage point for connection to a lifeline. The legs are secured to a support structure. The legs are reinforced proximate the base and when a force is exerted on the at least one connector by the lifeline, the legs bend proximate the support structure thus placing a shear load on the legs proximate the support structure.

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: A carabiner comprises a locking part elastically biased to a locked position for automatic locking of the pivoting gate in the closed position. The locking part is associated with an actuating ring coaxially surrounding the gate and used only when opening of the carabiner is performed for the gate to pivot to the unlocked position. The first end of the fixed body comprises a ramp to automatically unlock the locking part before the gate reaches the end of closing travel.

Abstract: This invention relates of a support assembly for a vehicle of the type that includes an enclosed load carrying compartment having a roof, said support assembly being adapted to provide support for a person when moving about on said roof. The support assembly includes a guide that is mountable on the roof and a base that is adapted to engage said guide and which is capable of movement along said guide while remaining engaged therewith. The support assembly also includes a support structure that includes a lower end portion that is pivotally connected to the base and a handle that is spaced from said base. The support assembly also includes a lock for selectively locking the support structure in a desired attitude relative to the base.

Abstract: The fall arrester (10) for a fall protection system can be guided in a guide rail (12) and a protected person can be fastened to an anchor point of the fall arrester. The fall arrester (10) comprises a locking device (30) which can be shifted between a first, unlocked position an a second position locking the fall arrester on the guide rail. A holding device retains the locking device back in the first unlocked position. The locking device is preloaded into the second, locking position. The fall arrester (10) further comprises an electrical/electronic speed determining device (60) and an electronic control system (70) for releasing the holding device when a pre-determined speed is exceeded, and thereby releasing the locking device (30) for shifting to the second, locking position.

Abstract: A fall protection system that includes at least one rail section, at least one shuttle and at least one connecting member is provided. The at least one rail section is configured and arranged to be coupled to a structure that changes in length. The at least one shuttle is configured and arranged to movably engage the at least one rail section. In addition, the at least one connecting member is configured and arranged to provide a connection point to the at least one shuttle.

Abstract: A fall arrest assembly having belay lines and anchor stations extending between support structures and which slidably receive a shuttle mounted to a person traversing the belay lines, the assembly including a mounting plate having a plurality of openings therethrough and a supporting extension fixed rigidly thereto and wherein the support extension carries a shuttle guide coupled to the belay lines and configured for slidable passage of a shuttle there over, and a plurality of anchor elements having a section configured to extend through the plurality of openings in the mounting plate and clamps for securing the anchor elements to the support structures.

Abstract: A drag rescue device for rescuing incapacitated firefighters, emergency workers and others provides for easier and more dependable deployment as well as improved serviceability and ease of use. A method of reinforcing openings in garments is provided that can result in improved reinforced openings in garments where stress and strain may otherwise result in undue wear on the opening.

Abstract: A fall arrest assembly (51) for arresting the fall of an operator (23) working at an elevated height, the assembly (51) comprises a frame (3) which is adapted to be secured to a structure, such as a trailer (2), and is moveable between a collapsed condition and an operating condition. The assembly (51) also incorporates a control means (18) to move the frame between the two conditions and a fall arrest device (53). The fall arrest device (53) is adapted to cooperate with the frame (3) when in the operating condition, whereby the fall arrest device (53) locks when the operator (23) falls from the elevated height to prevent the operator falling further. Should the operator (23) experience a fall the frame (3) supports the operator until the operator can be released.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a water ski load distribution system for anatomically distributing tow rope induced forces across a participant. The system includes an abdominal encircling member, a rigid rear support member, a pair of wrist encircling members, and an elongated flexible member. The abdominal encircling member extends around the user's abdomen and may be incorporated within a personal flotation device. The rigid support member extends vertically on the back region between the abdominal encircling member and the user's shoulder region. The elongated flexible member extends between the wrist encircling members and the rigid support member. The length of the elongated flexible member prevents the user from simultaneously extending both arms at the shoulder joint. The wrist encircling members may optionally include load distribution systems that distribute pulling forces directly from a grip induced object to the wrists.

Abstract: An anchor system for a personal fall protection system having belay lines extending between vertical supports includes modular components adapted to be mounted to virtually any structure while permitting the installation of one or two belay line runs. A mounting plate interfaces with the vertical support, while one or two support plates are supported by the mounting plate and by anchor elements extending through each of the plates. Each support plate includes a shuttle guide and is configured to connect to belay line segments running between successive anchor systems and forming the complete belay line course. The fall protection system is further provided with a transfer station that allows a person to transfer from one belay line to another.

Abstract: A fall arrest device comprises a body (1) defining a path through the body for the passage of a track (3). A cam (21) is provided within the body for engaging with the track so as to control movement of the device relative to the track, and an arm (7) is provided for pivoting the cam within the body so as to move the cam towards and away from the track. The arm includes a first part (9) attached to the cam and a second part (11) for attachment to a user, the second part being pivotably connected to the first part. The body (1) is provided with an outwardly extending projection (13) which is dimensioned to contact the second part (11) of the arm over part of its movement.

Abstract: An attachable arrangement, including a plurality of straps removably attachable to a body of a user. The plurality of straps includes: at least one strap removably attachable around a first leg of the user; and at least one strap removably attachable around a second leg of the user. When attached, the at least one strap extends around the leg of the user in a direction of equal to or less than about 30° from a substantially horizontal line perpendicular to a substantially vertical axis extending down the leg of the user. A full body harness is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chest strap arrangement for an attachable arrangement removably attachable to a user and having a first torso strap and a second torso strap. The chest strap arrangement includes: a strap member with a first portion and a second portion; a first buckle having at least one substantially horizontal slot through which the first torso strap extends; and a second buckle having at least one substantially horizontal slot through which the second torso strap extends. In one embodiment, the cross sectional thickness of at least a portion of an outer end area of a buckle is greater than the cross sectional thickness of at least a portion of an inner end area of the buckle.

Abstract: A suspension trauma relief device includes a member extending from a ring to which the safety harness and lanyard are attached. The member provides a support for the wearer so that the wearer can take his/her weight off of the safety harness, and particularly the leg straps on the safety harness, to allow blood circulation and prevent suspension trauma. Preferably the member includes at least one foot support allowing at least one of the wearer's feet to be placed in the foot support to take the wearer's weight off the safety harness and avoid any constriction of the straps of the safety harness on the person's blood flow.

Abstract: A worker-lifting unit such as a boom lift or scissors lift may be provided with fall-arresting system for a worker. The fall-arresting system may include a worker-support device enclosed by guard rails and an anchoring point for a fall-arresting harness of the worker. The anchoring point may be positioned on the worker-support device high enough so that, when the worker is in the device, the anchoring point is above the worker's harness. Thus the worker may safely leave the device, when it is in a raised position, while the worker's fall-arresting harness may remain attached to the anchoring point.

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 strap management apparatus for an attachable arrangement including at least one elongate strap having at least one free end. The strap management apparatus includes: a substantially rigid member having a body with a first end and a second end; and at least one substantially elastic member operatively engaging the body of the rigid member and a portion of the at least one strap of the attachable arrangement; wherein the rigid member is configured to be urged away from the portion of the at least one strap, thereby creating a generally rectangular or trapezoidal opening through which the at least one free end of the at least one strap can be inserted. An attachable arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector device for attaching to a rail of a scaffolding includes an attachment member attached to a lever for coupling to a worker, two gripping members slidably attached onto the lever for adjustably engaging with the rails of different width, and two brackets slidably attached to the gripping members and each having a jaw member for selectively engaging with the lever and for anchoring the gripping member to the lever at the selected position, two barrels are slidably attached onto the lever for mounting the gripping member and each include a slot for receiving the jaw member which is engageable with the ratchet teeth of the lever to anchor the gripping member to the lever at the selected position.

Abstract: A roping belt for a safety harness comprising an equipment-carrying device having at least one U-shaped attachment loop securedly fastened to the belt by fixing means and composed of a joining part made of flexible textile material and of a pre-formed stiffener part made of semi-rigid plastic. The joining part and the stiffener part are inserted in one another and are housed at least one of the ends thereof in a securing gusset fixed to the belt to form a non-articulated join biasing the equipment-carrying device to a salient position.

Abstract: A drag harness comprises two arm loops, each of which has a fixed length and is adapted to receive a separate arm of a wearer, and a pair of gripping loops, each of which has a fixed length. The gripping loops are joined to the arm loops.

Abstract: A support for a safety line of a fall arrest system includes a support section having a tube through which the safety line extends, an arm for attachment to a structure, an arm that is narrower than the support and that mounts the tube on the attachment, and at least one guide surface for rotating a traveller on the safety line for movement past the support.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a common, central brake hub having teeth on opposing sides and a lifeline assembly on each side of the brake hub. The lifeline assemblies include centrifugal clutch assemblies with pawls. The pawls are configured and arranged to engage the teeth of the brake hub to stop the lifeline assemblies when there is a sudden acceleration or a high rate of speed at which the lifeline assemblies turn to pay-out lifeline which causes the pawls to pivot and engage the teeth. The self-retracting lifeline may be operatively connected to a safety harness with a connector interconnecting the bottom of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness proximate a dorsal pad assembly and straps interconnecting the housing of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness above the dorsal pad assembly. The lifelines of the self-retracting lifeline exit the housing proximate the top.

Abstract: An improved device for assisting a caregiver in lifting and moving a patient. The device comprises a unitary garment member having a front panel section, a rear panel section and an interconnecting central or middle panel section. The device further includes a plurality of integral, reinforced support straps that enhance the structural integrity of the garment member. The rear panel section includes two flap portions extending laterally on opposing sides of the rear panel section. The two flap portions can be pulled forward and attached to the front panel section whereby the device becomes a vest-type garment that completely surrounds the patient's torso. The improved patient assistance device includes a plurality of strategically positioned hand holds, which provide enhanced leverage enabling a caregiver to more easily assist a patient wearing the device to move from one position to another.

Abstract: Device for supporting a safety line, in particular for preventing the accidental falling of personnel working in places presenting this risk, having at least one elongated tubular element for guiding the passage of the cable of the safety line, wherein this tubular element is retained by at least two supports, spaced apart and designed to be fixed to a fixed surface, characterized in that the elongated tubular element is of a flexible plastic material so that it is able to conform to the shape of a curve to be produced.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an urban emergency escape method and apparatus for use in escaping from high-rise buildings. The method sets forth a series steps that allows one to successfully evacuate a high-rise building that is filled with smoke due a fire or the elevator system is not working due to an explosion or a terrorist attack of some kind. The apparatus utilized comprises a carry-on bag with a handle and wheels for easy mobility and a zippered cover that encloses a plurality of interconnected rope sections, a descent controller, a plurality of anchoring straps, at least one harness, D-rings and a glass breaking tool. After donning the harness and breaking the window to allow exit, the anchoring straps are secured to several different structural components within the room and tied to a first end of a rope segment. The free end of the rope segment is pre-fed through the descent controller, the user steps out the broken window and allows evacuee to descend by manipulating the descent controller.

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: A harness for securing a child in a parade carry position is provided that includes a first strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first strap comprising a buckle at the second end; and a second strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second strap comprising a buckle at the second end, wherein the buckle at the second end of the second strap is capable of being removably coupled to the buckle at the second end of the first strap, and wherein each of the first ends of the first and second strap include a cinchable loop.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting on a wall of an object comprises an at least substantially form-retaining base part (20) with at least one mounting member (10) and a substantially flexible flap (30), a distal part (32) of which extends substantially freely and laterally from the base part (20) and which is intended and adapted to be connected firmly to a surface of the wall of the object. The base part (20) comprises a form-retaining body which is formed integrally with a solid monolithic core, wherein a proximal part (31) of the flap (30) is incorporated at least substantially tightly in the core material of the body.

Abstract: A safety belt includes a connecting member including a rope, an attaching portion connected to a first end of the rope and arranged to be attached to a body belt worn around a body of a worker, a hook connected to a second end of the rope, and a load detection portion arranged to detect whether or not a load is applied to the connecting member and to output a load detection signal. The safety belt also includes a control device that includes a receiver unit arranged to receive the load detection signal, a control unit arranged to determine a status of the worker or a status of the safety belt based on the load detection signal, and a notification unit arranged to provide a notification in accordance with control by the control unit corresponding to the determined status.

Abstract: A height safety system is disclosed for use with an elevated work area including: an elongate member; first and second attachment means; the first attachment means is adapted to restrain the member in use at a lower region of the mast; the second attachment means is adapted to restrain the member in use at about the height of the elevated work area; and a fall restraint device which is adapted to be attached to the member in use at an upper region of the mast.

Abstract: A reliable, private and sanitary device is provided for capturing human waste in the wilderness. A small double ended bag contains a roll of toilet paper in one end and an extendable padded strap in the other. A user pulls the padded strap from the bag, loops it around a tree and around the user's body, and attaches its end to the other end of the strap after extending that end of the strap from the other end of the bag. Then the user can lean back against the padded strap, and deposit bodily waste in a collection bag. The device is light, portable, reusable, and suitable for use by hikers, rafters, and other outdoor enthusiasts in areas where human waste is carried out rather than left behind.

Abstract: An energy absorption device for a safety fixing system includes two sections capable of being set in relative motion with friction so that the device is able to absorb energy. The device has elements for adjusting the frictional force between the two sections. A safety fixing system incorporating the energy absorption device is also disclosed. The device maybe used in the safety systems that make use, in particular, of a life-line.

Abstract: A life line support for the traveler of a safety harness includes an elongate flexible tensioned cable and a square tube loosely surrounding the cable defining an outside surface for receiving the traveler for movement along the tube. The traveler includes rollers and is formed in two parts which can open to engage around the tube from one side and held closed by the attachment of the life line. The tube is tensioned between wall mountings and the cable is tensioned relative to the wall mountings by additional springs pulling on the cable separately from the tube. The cable thus provides the support strength while the tube provides the rolling surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a vacuum anchor assembly for anchoring a fall protection system to a surface of an anchorage structure comprises an anchor member having an air input connector, a venturi, and a seal member incorporated into the anchor member. The air input connector is configured and arranged to receive air from a pressurized air source. The venturi is in fluid communication with the air input connector and is configured and arranged to receive air and create a vacuum therefrom. The seal member is in fluid communication with the venturi and is configured and arranged to receive the vacuum and resulting suction and create a seal between the anchor member and the surface of the anchorage structure sufficient to operatively connect the anchor member to the surface of the anchorage structure with the vacuum and resulting suction created within the anchor member.

Abstract: An extraction device comprises a sling comprising a preformed closed loop of adaptable size and a tightening element extending from the preformed loop, pulling of which reduces the loop size. A sliding connection connects the sling to a flexible line having two attachment elements disposed at opposite ends thereof. An extraction garment comprises a belt and a distal attachment point supported an outward distance from the belt for selective connection to the attachment element to facilitate hands-free pulling. The preformed loop can be easily disposed about a casualty and tightened with one hand, leaving the rescuer's other hand free. The sliding connection automatically adjusts the connection point between the sling and flexible line in response to pulling force(s) exerted on the end(s) of the flexible line. The distal attachment point of the extraction garment reduces tendency for the belt to twist under loading.

Abstract: A harness system for supporting a person off of a ground surface. The harness system may include a seat supported by a strap attached to the seat. The strap may form one or more leg containing loops for keeping a person securely positioned in the harness. The harness may also include a climbing strap for securing the harness loosely to a support device, such as a tree, while a person climbs a support device. The harness may be secured to a person by tightening a waist strap around the person's waist. The harness system may include a fall restraint device and should straps enabling the harness system to qualify as a fall arrest system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rescue arrangement for effecting a rapid descent from a higher level to a lower level. The rescue arrangement comprises guiding means which extend between the higher level and the lower level, as well as carrying means which are connectable to the guiding means for carrying a person or another object from the higher level to the lower level along the guiding means. Magnetic braking means, which comprise a series of permanent magnets, are located on the guiding means or the carrying means for slowing down the carrying means at least near the lower end of the guiding means.

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: An energy absorber for use in a personal fall arresting system wherein a pair of webbing are held together by tear away binder elements which are arranged to rupture under controlled conditions to prevent failure of the absorber when experiencing high load conditions.

Abstract: For the purpose of avoiding accidents during use, a self-belay set with two carabiners (K1 and K2) which can be hung at belay points (2) and which are each attached to a connection piece (6) attached to the self-belaying person, is characterized in that the blocking devices (15, 17) of the two carabiners (K1, K2) are coupled by a coupling means (7, 7), and characterized by a belay means (5) provided for the carabiners (K1, K2) which by means of the blocking device (15, 17) prohibits the carabiners from opening during the hanging of a carabiner (K1, K2) at the belay point (2) and during operation of the belay means (5). The blocking devices (17, 25) of the second carabiner (K1, K2) are operated via the coupling means (7, 7) in such a way that the second carabiner (K1, K2) is released for opening such that at all times only one of the carabiners (K1, K2) can be opened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an airbag system that a user can deploy to reduce the chances of being buried in an avalanche or if buried, likely being buried near the surface, thereby improving the user's chances of surviving the experience. In one embodiment, the airbag system is comprised of an inflatable balloon, a pressure gas cylinder for holding a pressurized gas that is used in inflating the balloon, a valve that can be placed in a closed state to retain a pressurized gas in the pressure gas cylinder or an open state in which pressurized gas is released from the pressure gas cylinder. The system further comprises an ejector that operates to use pressurized gas received from the pressure gas cylinder and ambient air to inflate the balloon. Also part of the system is a flow restrictor that is located to receive pressurized gas from the pressure gas cylinder before the ejector receives the gas. A harness supports the noted elements of the system adjacent to an individual's body.

Abstract: Full body safety harnesses for fall arrest comprising one or more of: 1) A substantially rigid, resilient and water-resistant core throughout substantially the entire body harness frame 2) Serpentine shoulder straps having an S-configuration from at least the central crossing point of the back-shoulder straps. 3) An integrated, fixed chest strap disposed between shoulder straps. 4) An integrated tool bag attachment configuration that comprises an elongated horizontal element configured to comfortably, safely and reliably hold the heavy tool bag that a construction worker may wear. 5) A safety line attachment element guard configured to hold a safety line attachment element such as a D-ring out of the way when not in use. 6) A unitized harness frame wherein substantially all of the harness has the substantially rigid, resilient and water-resistant core.

Abstract: A swivel D-ring attachment point. A first attachment portion has a first closed aperture defining a circular ring portion that extends over a first circumferential range of at least 180 degrees of arc that is symmetrically disposed relative to an axis. A second attachment portion has a second closed aperture. The first and second attachment portions are joined together so as to permit freely swivelling one of the attachment portions relative to the other around the axis. The second aperture has a shape that is substantially different from the shape of the first aperture, for connecting to substantially different articles.

Abstract: A fall prevention system with a securing point, in which the recess which accommodates the securing means and/or the recess which accommodates an external securing means can be locked and in which the lock can be actuated by keys on the securing means and/or on the external securing means. Also disclosed is an associated fall prevention method and the use of the fall prevention system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a harness for personal safety, particularly a safety harness, climbing harness, or seat harness, particularly for a carabiner, wherein the belay device is disposed on a belt of the harness and the belt is enclosed by a first enclosing band that forms the load-bearing portion of the belt. The arrangement is made such that the belay device is formed by at least one enclosing band, which is connected to the belt by a predetermined section so as to enclose the belt, and which is released from the belt via another predetermined section.

Abstract: A belt system convertible into and out of a sit harness configuration for selective use as a harness or a utility belt features a pair of leg loops and a waistband equipped with a quick release buckle. Support straps projecting from the leg loops are arranged for releasable engagement to the waistband and releasable engagement to one another so that the releasable engagement to one another when also engaged to the waistband provides a second closure thereof so that the waistband remains closed by the connection between the support straps even if the quick release buckle on the waistband is inadvertently disengaged. Using only a single waistband, the belt system provides a quick release function when used only as a utility belt, yet avoids the hazard of having the waistband open by inadvertent release of the quick release waistband buckle during use as a harness.

Abstract: The di-electric harness for fall arrest systems includes a full body harness having first and second webbings extending through a chest plate and back plate. The first and second webbings cross at the chest plate and at the back plate and form a loop at the back plate in which is disposed a D-ring. The first and second webbings each extend through a hip plate to form a leg strap. The chest plate, back plate and hip plates are made of non-metal.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a person includes a harness and jacket worn by the person. The harness includes a dorsal ring and the jacket includes a dorsal opening aligned with the dorsal ring. A safety line can be attached to the dorsal ring without interfering with the operation of the jacket. The jacket is repeatably moveable between positions covering and uncovering the harness so that the jacket can be replaced with another one without removing the harness.