Abstract: A belay device for climbing with at least one rope is provided. The belay device comprises a first plate having a first lobe with the rope wrapping at least partially about the first lobe and a second plate having a second lobe. A connection mechanism connects the first plate to the second plate through a rotation point with the rotation point positioned inside the second lobe. A first channel is defined by the first plate and the first lobe and the second plate and the second lobe with the rope moveable through the first channel wherein tension on the rope rotates the first plate and the second plate relative to each other thereby narrowing the first channel and impeding movement of the rope through the first channel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a rope brake especially for synthetic fiber ropes such as climbing ropes or the like. The rope brake has a housing which includes a guide device for at least one rope and this guide device can apply a braking action to the rope. The guide device includes at least one opening for the passthrough of at least one rope loop as well as a pin which extends across the opening and is movable in the plane defined by the rope loop. The pin runs within the rope loop and clamps the rope under load in the opening. At least one further cutout is provided on the housing of the rope brake for the purpose of better metering of the braking force. This cutout is provided for additional guidance and/or reversal of a single rope or double rope.

Abstract: A wear resistant attachment for a sit harness or roping harness including a first strap having an enlarged part provided with joining edges which are folded onto the opposite face of a second strap to form wear resistant overlap parts.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement along at least one rope. The belay/rappel device comprises a main body having an open first end and an open second end. A rope securement mechanism adjacent the open second end retains the looped portion of the rope with the rope slidable about the rope securement mechanism and the first rope strand and the second rope strand extending through the open first end. A carabiner is received within at least one carabiner opening formed in the main body with the first rope strand being positioned between the carabiner and the main body. The main body is rotatable to a released position allowing the rope to slide about the rope securement mechanism through the main body and upon release of the main body and automatically rotatable to a locked position with the carabiner pinching the first rope strand against the main body inhibiting movement of the rope relative to the main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus help people quickly and safely descend from a high-rise building in a severe emergency situation when regular evacuation routes are no longer available. An apparatus is disclosed including a base device, a cover device, and a handle device. The base device can be connected to a rope so that the base device can slide up and down the rope. The cover device can be connected to the base device. The handle device can adjust a position of the cover device with respect to the base device in order to provide an adjustable frictional force to the rope. This adjustable frictional force allows the combination of the base device, cover device and handle device to slide up or down the rope at different speeds.

Abstract: A fire escape system includes a frame assembly that is for coupling to a window frame. A suspension member is coupled to the frame assembly. The suspension member is suspended from the frame assembly such that the suspension member is for supporting a user escaping from the building. The suspension member is extendable between the frame assembly and the ground. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The boom assembly has a support member. The support member of the boom assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The suspension member is coupled to the boom assembly such that the boom assembly is for suspending the suspension member a distance from a wall of the building for inhibiting the user from is burned by the burning building.

Abstract: A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller.

Abstract: A descent control device for use with a rope for controlling a user's rate of descent down the rope. The device has a frame with a grip, three openings and an internal cavity connecting the openings, wherein two openings form a channel extending along a generally horizontal axis. The grip extends away from the frame along a generally vertical axis. A handle is rotatably mounted to the frame within the internal cavity and extends away from the frame in a direction generally parallel to the grip. One end of the handle is preferably Y-shaped and forms an upper boundary to the channel such that the end of the handle is adapted for modifying the width of the channel upon rotation of the handle. A cover is pivotally mounted to the frame for maintaining the rope in the channel.

Abstract: A shock absorbing lanyard having an integral fall arrest energy absorber formed in a one-piece woven, knitted or braided construction wherein partially oriented yarn (“POY”) fibers and high modulus yarn fibers are combined integrally in one section and are separate in another section in which the high modulus yarn fibers preferably form a sheath around a core of POY fibers.

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

Abstract: An attachment ring assembly comprises an attachment ring adapted to connect a safety harness to another object and a connecting member attached to the attachment ring. The connecting member is attached to the attachment ring to have a first end and a second end extending from the attachment ring. The attachment ring assembly further comprises a first attachment member attached to the first end of the connecting member. The first attachment member is adapted to be attachable to a first strap of the safety harness. The attachment ring assembly also comprises a second attachment member attached to the second end of the connecting member. The second attachment member is adapted to be attachable to a second strap of the safety harness. Preferably, the first attachment member and the second attachment member are adjustable in position after attachment to the first strap and the second strap, respectively.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement along at least one rope. The belay/rappel device comprises a main body having an open first end and an open second end. A rope securement mechanism adjacent the open second end retains the looped portion of the rope with the rope slidable about the rope securement means and the first rope strand and the second rope strand extending through the open first end. A carabiner is received within at least one carabiner opening formed in the main body with the first rope strand being positioned between the carabiner and the main body. The main body is rotatable to a released position allowing the rope to slide about the rope securement means through the main body and upon release of the main body and automatically rotatable to a locked position with the carabiner pinching the first rope strand against the main body inhibiting movement of the rope relative to the main body.

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

Abstract: A descender includes a frame having opposing first and second plates which define a gap therebetween. Three bearing members are movably interconnected between the plates and linked to an operator. A flexible member has opposite end portions which extend in opposite directions, and an intermediate portion which is routed about the bearing members in a manner which forms a knot. Movement of the operator relative to the frame causes the bearing members to move relative to the frame and thereby loosens or tightens the knotted, intermediate portion of the flexible member about the bearing members.

Abstract: A safety device (100) includes a base (110), a handle (120) pivotally mounted on the base, a cleat (130) pivotally mounted on the base, and a cover (140) pivotally mounted on the base. A rope (99) is routed between the cleat and a bearing surface on the base, then between the cleat and a hub on the handle, then around the hub and between the hub and another bearing surface on the base, then between the cleat and the hub again. The handle may be squeezed against the base to control or limit descent along the rope, and in the event of excessively rapid descent, the device is urged toward a locked position relative to the rope.

Abstract: A safety anchor (20) for securing a user to a substantially vertical safety structure, e.g., elevator cable (21). Safety anchor (20) includes a back plate (26) to which are pivotally mounted a roller (28), inner cam assembly (30) and outer cam assembly (32). Each cam assembly (30,32) includes a lever arm (50,36) to which is mounted a cam (52,42). A user (25) is secured by means of carabiners and a short tether cable, for example, to the free ends of lever arms (50,36). Cable (21) threads between cams (52,42) which are pivoted to compress the cable in response to downward force exerted against the lever arms (50, 36).

Abstract: A Prusik knot has several helical wraps around a tether line or a lifeline, a longitudinal loop extending over the wraps, and free end portions tucked or threaded under the loop. A special cover encases the free end portions of the knot.

Abstract: A belaying descending device for climbing or mountaineering,

Abstract: A climbing appliance (1) for roping persons up and down using the double rope technique is proposed, which comprises a housing (12) and a clamping jaw (13) mounted pivotally in the housing, wherein a main rope (2) conveyed over an upper reversing point (3) is fastened by its one end (2a) to the housing (12) and is passed by its other end (2b) through a recess (17, 18) between housing (12) and clamping jaw (13) and is movable inside the recess (17, 18) into a clamping position and a release position. The climbing appliance further including a fastening point (21) for a connection rope (8) between the climbing appliance (1) and the person roping up or down provided off center in the outside edge region of the housing (12), that the pivot of the clamping jaw (13) is disposed substantially centrosymmetrically, and that a release rope (10) is fastened to the opposite outside edge region of the housing (12) to the fastening point (21) for the connection rope (8).

Abstract: A force limiting rope brake includes a pair of rigid first and second side-plates in parallel overlaid array sandwiching therebetween a pivotally mounted pulley. The pulley pivots about a pivot axis extending orthogonally between first and second side-plates. A pair of rigid wedges are rigidly mounted between the first and second side-plates on opposite lateral sides of the pulley. The first and second wedges and the pulley when in the first and second positions define, respectively, first and second gaps, the first and second gaps identical in size and sized so that rope segments journalled through the first and second gaps are compressed in either the first or second gaps when the pulley is rotated into either the first or second positions respectively.

Abstract: A force limiting rope brake includes a pair of rigid first and second side-plates in parallel overlaid array sandwiching therebetween a pivotally mounted pulley. The pulley pivots about a pivot axis extending orthogonally between first and second side-plates. A pair of rigid wedges are rigidly mounted between the first and second side-plates on opposite lateral sides of the pulley. The first and second wedges and the pulley when in the first and second positions define, respectively, first and second gaps, the first and second gaps identical in size and sized so that rope segments journalled through the first and second gaps are compressed in either the first or second gaps when the pulley is rotated into either the first or second positions respectively.

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

Abstract: A vertical fall arrest device that combines, in a single unit, a fall arrest function, the capability to automatically traverse intermediate supports provided along a safety line and ease of attachment and detachment from the safety line at any point throughout the length of the safety line with dismantling the device. When the device is attached to the safety line, the safety line is captured in a retaining recess and is always in a ready state to lock-on to the safety line in the event of a fall condition. The device can be removed from the safety line easily and without disassembly by depressing a release catch while at the same time pulling a rotatable member a limited distance in a direction away from the main body. The rotatable member moves away from the main body against a spring bias and creates an opening for the withdrawal of the safety line from its captured position. When the pulling force is relaxed, the spring bias causes the rotatable member to relax to the fully locked position.

Abstract: A fall arresting ladder safety device for attachment to a fixed ladder side rail. The fall arresting device is to be used in conjunction with a body harness worn by the climber with a lanyard attached at one end to the body harness and the other end attached to the fall arresting device. The fall arresting device includes first and second arms pivotally connected in an X-configuration with each arm having first and second ladder side rail engaging portions disposed on opposite edges of the ladder side rail. A spring operably attached to the first and second arms biases the first and second arms between a fall arresting position and a climbing position. To ascend or descend the ladder, the handle portion of the first arm is pivoted upward to disengage the ladder side rail engaging portions of the first arm so that the device can be rolled up or down the ladder side rail as the climber ascends or descends the ladder.

Abstract: The rappelling rope controller of this invention includes a U-shaped rod supporting three bars of circular cross section movable along the arms of the rod, enlarged abutments on the free ends of the rod preventing removal of the bars. A rappelling rope may be reeved over the three arms in various configurations, and a person to be rappelled is connected to the closed end of the U-shaped rod.

Abstract: A rope grip having a receiving member with a pair of substantially parallel side walls spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive a rope therebetween. The side walls are joined along one side edge thereof so as to define a first engagement. An engagement member slidably received within the side walls and having a second engagement surface and being in a facial spaced relationship with regard to the first engagement surface. A movement restricting member, is positioned to define and restrict the movement of the engagement member within the pair of side walls.

Abstract: A safety device interacts with a holding rope passing over a deflection point. A housing has a holding rope connection for connecting the housing to one part of the holding rope. A clamping jaw is pivotally connected to the housing. The clamping jaw and housing form a clamp for clamping another part of the holding rope in a clamp position of the clamping jaw and for releasing the another part of the holding rope when the clamping jaw is in a release position. The deflection point is positioned between the one part and the another part of the holding rope. A secure rope is connected to the clamping jaw and extends radially around the clamping jaw and the housing. The secure rope moves the clamping jaw from the release position to the clamping position when a load is placed on the secure rope.

Abstract: An abseil rescue device comprises a pair of holders, a pair of retarders a plurality of gripper blocks, a rescue rope, at least a hydraulic cylinder, a press part, a crank seat, and a crank lever. The retarders and the gripper blocks are hingedly connected to one of the holders. A plurality of grippers are provided on the holders and the retarders. The hydraulic cylinder is fixed to one of the holders. The press part is fixed to the hydraulic cylinder. The crank seat is fixed to the hydraulic cylinder. The crank lever is slidably located in the crank seat. The hydraulic cylinder is actuated by the crank lever to allow the press part presses the gripper blocks and the grippers on one of the retarders such that the rope is crossly clamped in S shape to retard the descending speed.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, self-contained rappel apparatus by which a person such as a parachuting smoke jumper, aviator, or other person may safely descend a line or rope from a tree canopy or other high perch to the ground or a lower elevation. The invention is designed for one-handed use with a preferred figure 8 system of descent line reeving around and about the top pipe and bottom pipe of the descender that results in multiple frictional line-to-line contact points as the line crosses itself in each figure 8 wrap in the area between the top pipe and bottom pipe.

Abstract: An abseil rescue system, comprising: a velocity control system with two brakes and two retarders; a rope winder with a rope; and a frame, having a base and a gallows with two height positions. The two brakes and the two retarders act on the rope, allowing for controlled and safe descent of a person. The base has a reel with a crank, where a transmission cord is wound up, which leads to the upper front end of the gallows, with a hook fastened to the free end of the transmission cord. By turning the crank, the gallows is brought in a high position to provide a high suspension point for the rope winder.

Abstract: A descender is disclosed which includes a base plate 10, including first and second sheaves (16, 18) and an arm defining a third sheave 28. The descender also includes means, for biasing the arm to rotate about the pivot away from the base, and stop means for preventing the arm from pivoting further than a predetermined angle away from the base. Further provided are second adjustable stop means for restricting the distance the arm can travel towards the base when the biasing means is overcome and the arm pivoted towards the base. In use, with a rope passing below the first sheave, above and around the third sheave and above the second sheave, the resistance force applied to the rope is a maximum when the arm is pivoted so that the third projection is closest to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A descender for use in abseiling comprises;a base having a connection means for connection to a harness or the like; and a pivotal member pivotally mounted on the base about a pivot axis extending generally normal thereto, the pivot axis being spaced from the connection means.The pivotal member defines first and second spaced sheaves for engaging a rope, extending generally parallel to the pivot axis. The first sheave is disposed about the pivot axis and the second sheave is located substantially on the opposite side of the pivot axis with respect to the connection means. The pivotal member also has a handle means to selectively pivot the pivotal member relative to the base;The base further has a first stop defining a braking surface located adjacent the second projection which limits movement of the pivotal member; and a further, second stop disposed adjacent the first stop at a greater distance from the second projection than the first stop.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a safety device with a rope, comprises a metal body equipped with a first orifice of ellipsoidal shape allowing two strands of rope to cross without clearance, and a second reverse V-shaped orifice of decreasing cross-section in the direction of the first orifice. The second orifice has a portion of reduced width of a smaller dimension than the diameter of the rope, and two convergent edges for centering the rope when the turn is tightened during sliding. The lanyard may be used for rock-climbing, or for working at heights.

Abstract: A fall arrest device for use on an elongate safety line or track. The device contains a body part having retaining means to retain the safety line or track; locking cam means and biasing means for urging the locking cam means into locking engagement with the safety line or track in response to a sudden change in load experienced by the device; attaching means for attaching personnel safety means to the device; and cover means to receive loading applied to the device in a direction generally towards the safety line or track. The cover means are pivotally or rockably connected to the body part and are in a force transmitting relationship with the locking cam means thereby urging the locking cam means into locking engagement with the safety line or track.

Abstract: A pulley system particularly useful for lifting or lowering an injured worker includes an upper pulley assembly adapted to be secured to a fixed structure and a lower pulley assembly adapted to be secured to the worker being lifted or lowered and further includes a rope having one end secured to one of the pulley assemblies. The rope is arranged in a substantially conventional manner around the pulleys whereby when a force is exerted on the free end of the rope, the worker can be raised and when a force is removed from the free end of the rope, the worker can be lowered. A pulley wheel forming part of one of the pulley assemblies has outwardly flared internal side walls. The lifting rope passes around the pulley wheel for only approximately 180.degree.. The dimensions of the rope and the pulley wheel are such that the rope engages the side walls of the pulley wheel.

Abstract: A cable grab safety device which releasably attaches a workman's safety belt or harness lanyard to a vertically extending safety steel cable or the like. The device includes a primary frame assembly constructed of an elongated U-shaped bracket having a pair of spaced apart parallel side plates which is adapted to fit around the cable. A secondary frame assembly also comprised of a pair of side plates is adapted to fit within the U-shaped bracket after the cable is inserted. The secondary frame assembly carries a brake mechanism in the form of a pulley mounted in an elongated slot so as to be movable toward or away from the cable and a lever adapted to be attached to a worker's lanyard for moving the pulley so as to engage the cable in the event of a fall. An elongated bent pin connected between the primary and secondary frame assemblies allows for limited pivotal and axial movement between them to thereby allow the cable to be inserted into the U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: An emergency escape device is composed of a cap, a cylindrical main body, a conical movable body, and a rope. The cap is provided with an operation pin and a plurality of movable handles capable of triggering the operation pin so as to actuate the escape device. The main body is provided therein with a conical receiving hole for disposing movably the conical movable body. The rope is wound around the conical movable body such that the rope is in contact with the inner wall of the conical receiving hole of the main body. The moving speed of the escape device is dependent on the extent of the friction between the rope and the inner wall of the conical receiving hole of the main body. The top end of the rope is fastened with a safety hook engageable with a fixed object located in a building. The main body is provided with a plurality of retainers for holding carriers intended for use in carrying escapees.

Abstract: An integrated safety system (20) comprises a rope grab (100), a body engagement device such as a harness (200, 201) or waist belt to be worn by a person (22), a lanyard (104) and lowering device (300). The harness (200, 201), which also constitutes a part of the invention by itself, comprises a compartment (202) for the lowering device (300), and also a first connector (224), a second connector (220) and in one embodiment (201) additionally comprises a third connector (600). The lanyard (104) is securable to the first connector (224) of the harness (200, 201) and to the rope grab (100) to enable the person (22) to be suspended thereby in the event of a fall. The lowering device (300) is stored in the compartment (202) of the harness (200, 201) until needed and is arranged to be mounted on the safety line (28) by the person (22) while the person is suspended thereby after a fall.

Abstract: An abseil rescue system with a velocity control system, allowing a user to descend on a rope, comprising two holders, two brakes, two retarders, and a frame. The retarder and the brake grip the rope of the abseil rescue system simultaneously, allowing to control the velocity of descent accurately. The weight of the user helps to grip the rope, such that for a tight grip the user is not required to apply much force.

Abstract: A principal guide-plate (12a) is bent adjacent a first edge (13a) to define a retention groove (9) extending along an axis (y,y'). A secondary guide-plate (12b) is mounted parallel to the principal guide-plate with a first edge (13b) disposed parallel to and spaced from the principal guide plate first edge. A lever (16) is pivotally mounted (21) between the guide plates. The lever defines a cam surface (26) and a locking surface (25) for engaging a safety line (6) disposed in the retention groove. The lever has an aperture (23) at a second end for receiving a safety catch (5). The guide plates define a lower surface (17a, 17b) with a smaller radius (R1) and an upper surface (18a, 18b) with a larger radius (R2). A radial stop surface (20a, 20b) extends between the upper and lower arcuate surfaces to engage the safety-catch and prevent the lever from pivoting from a closed position (FIG. 10) in which the locking surface engages the safety line toward an intermediate position (FIG. 9) and an open position (FIG.

Abstract: A security device for detachably attaching a lanyard to a safety device. The device includes a main frame portion defining a U-shaped safety line channel for receiving a safety line, and a movable frame portion pivotally mounted to the main frame portion and carrying a cam portion for frictionally engaging the safety line. The cam portion is movable into engagement in response to a downward force from a lanyard attached to the movable frame portion. The cam portion is mounted on bushings aligned with apertures in the main frame portion and held in position by removable pin members. The pin members, in combination with the bushings provide a strong beam structure extending across the main frame portion to provide a rigid support structure for the cam portion for resisting deformation of the structure when a heavy load is applied.

Abstract: A self-locking descender for a rope comprises a pulley in the form of a rotary cam designed to press the rope against a braking surface of a stud. The pulley is mounted on an operating plate associated with an operating handle. To reduce the unlocking force on the operating lever, a part of the friction forces is taken up by a load-shedding pin situated facing the circular sector of the cam. The rope passes via the load-shedding pin and comes partially into contact with the pulley.

Abstract: An abseil device including an integral main body (1) with two generally parallel main flanges (3, 4) joined together via a longitudinal connecting flange (6) and provided with two apertures (13, 14) engaged by a hook ring (2). The apertures (13, 14) include slanted edges (12) along which the hook ring (2) is slidable for wedging an intermediate portion (17) of a rope (5) and thereby locking the abseil device thereon. The device can be released by pivoting the main body (1). A self-locking abseil device suitable for mountaineering, caving, rock climbing or work in places high above the ground is thus provided.

Abstract: An inspection indicator for a fall prevention safety device of the type which includes a housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the housing, a cable adapted to be wound around the drum, and a centrifugally operated brake mechanism which is activated in response to an initial fast rotation of the drum in the unwinding direction and brakes the rotation of the drum to prevent further unwinding thereof. The inspection indicator comprises a pin which is secured to and extends from the brake mechanism and a spring loaded member which is releasably secured to the housing of the safety device against the restoring force of a spring. The pin is adapted to release the spring loaded member thereby causing the same to be ejected outwardly from the safety device in order to indicate that the safety device has been activated and/or to indicate that the safety device has been in use for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A motion restricting device restraining rectilinear movement of the ends of a rope and comprised of a post with retainment rings passing the rope at one or both opposite ends of the post, and having at least one and preferably a plurality of radially projecting adjustment bits intermediate the ends of the post for hooked engagement of a section of the rope drawn circumferentially around the post, the post and rings and bits being integrally formed and smooth surfaced for controlled frictional engagement with said rope.

Abstract: A life-saying travel bag includes a suitably long, wide and durable rope sewn with a zipper on each side such that the rope forms a substantially cylindrical bag when the side zippers are closed. A fastening mechanism is disposed near either end on the inside of the bag, and a fastening strap is arranged at either end of the bag for connecting to a shoulder strap for carrying. An upper cover and a lower cover are respectively connected to the ends of the bag by zippers. The upper cover accommodates a speed control means which has a narrow recess at its center for containing an adjusting rod with an eccentric shaft. The ends of the shaft are connected to a control lever which may bring the adjusting rod to rotate towards or away from the opening of the recess so that the rod may be retained at or disengage from the opening to achieve the object of control. The zippers may be opened so that the rope is extended to its full length.

Abstract: A self-belaying descending apparatus (10) comprising a descending control device (12), a safety line (30) and a body support (50) that can consist of a waist belt (74). The apparatus (10) functions by securing the upper end (32) of the line (30) to a fixed elevated structure (90). The lower end (34) of the line (30) is then wrapped around a pair of upper and lower line controls (24,26) attached to the device (12), and the device (12) is secured to the waist belt (74). The apparatus (10) is disclosed in two designs. In the first design, a single person is able to descend from the elevated structure (90). In the second design, the device (12) and safety line (30) function in combination with a modified device (12) and the body support (50) consist of a safety cage (100) that allows at least two persons to descend. In both designs, the descent rate is controlled by applying hand pressure to the safety line (30) wrapped around the upper and lower line controls (24,26).

Abstract: An improved cam for use in a rope gripping device features a concave cam working surface. Gear-like teeth, each having a flat top are placed perpendicular to the rope inside the concave cam working surface. The cutting force is reduced, and the grip strength is increased. An integral safety lock can be set in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-fall device automatically lockable on a safety rope, wherein the two cheeks of the gutter comprise a blind notch in L form, opening out on the edge of the corresponding cheek, while the ends of the pivot pin of the two elements of the lever project laterally in order to engage in said notches. The free end of that element of the lever which does not bear the cam is mounted to rotate about a pin sliding in a slideway made on an extension of one of the cheeks of the gutter, this pin being elastically loaded in the direction opposite that of the notches. A pivoting lock borne by one of the cheeks of the gutter is maintained elastically in a position in which it closes the bottom of the notch of the corresponding cheek.

Abstract: A roofing safety system having several components that when installed in various combinations permits access to all locations on the roof's surface and allows roofing personnel to be continuously secured to the safety system from the time the roofer leaves the ground to do a roofing job until he descends back to the ground when the job is finished. Included is a one-way ascender having a substantially cylindrical body that has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The body also has two open ends, one opposite the other. The two open ends establish an entrance port and an exit port through which a safety rope is insertable through the body. There is a ratchet member for allowing the rope to pass in a direction from the insert port to the exit port and for restraining movement of the rope in an opposite direction from the exit port to the insert port. A rope conduit sized to accommodate a safety rope is formed within a substantially cylindrical interior space of the ascender body.