Abstract: This invention helps prevent persons who climb ladders from falling from said ladders. It consists of one or more fall arresting devices which hook over the rungs of a ladder. Used in conjunction with a safety harness and connecting tethers, this invention becomes an adjunct to the human hand, preventing the climber from falling to the ground in the event that the climber's hands should lose their grip. It works even when the rungs of a ladder are covered with ice.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the improved safety ladder and harness assembly described herein incorporates a harness coupling designed to slide freely within the vertical member of a safety ladder so long as the forces exerted on the coupling are small. Any significant external force applied to the coupling, such as the application of a worker's weight, will result in a braking and holding action by the coupling until the external force or weight is removed. In one embodiment, the apparatus incorporates a substantially cylindrical coupling body having a braking lever extending from the front side, an upper braking nub extending from the upper portion of the coupling body in the same direction as the braking lever, and a lower braking nub extending from the lower portion of coupling body in the opposite direction as the braking lever.

Abstract: A damping element for a catching carriage for damping the catching impact in the event of a fall of a user from a height includes a first end adapted to be connected to the carriage and a lug disposed at a second end adapted to be connected to a catching belt secured to the user. The damping element is releasably fixed in a non-rectilinear shape by at least one frangible link dimensioned for releasing the damping element from its non-rectilinear shape when a certain load is applied, so that it can damp the catching impact.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved safety ladder and harness assembly. In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a harness coupling designed to slide freely within the vertical member of a safety ladder so long as the forces exerted on the coupling are small. Any significant external force applied to the coupling, such as the application of a worker's weight, will result in a braking and holding action by the coupling until the external force or weight is removed.

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 height safety system includes an elongate semi-rigid element (310) suspended from its end under tension between a pair of fixed anchors and is supported by intermediate guides (331). Shuttle means (360) are installed on the element (310) and are adapted for movement therealong between the fixed anchors. The shuttle means (360) are provided with attachment devices (365) for receiving a suspended load or a personnel safety line. The intermediate guides (331) are designed to grip the element (310) with a predetermined clamping force that allows limited slippage of the element (310) therethrough in response to an applied tensile load exceeding the clamping force. Slippage no longer occurs when the tensile load equals the predetermined clamping force. In this way, the tensile load is partially transferred to an adjacent span of the element (310).

Abstract: An anchorage kit 100 includes components which may be assembled in various ways to provide anchorages 101-107 suitable for connection in series between a safety line and any of various structural members. The kit 100 includes opposing brackets 120, 140 which are interconnected by bolts 170 extending therebetween, and which may be supplemented by one or more braces 160 secured to the intermediate portion of one or more of the bolts 170.

Abstract: The device for allowing a person to safely step off from and onto a climbing track on a roof edge, a roof slope, a shaft opening or similar, includes a guide rail (10) for guiding a catching device to which a person using the climbing path can be secured, and an extension piece (24) of the guide rail (10). The extension piece (24) of the guide rail (10) can be moved between a first and a second position, the extension piece (24) being so arranged in the first position that it does not project above the guide rail (10), and being aligned in longitudinal direction with the guide rail in the second position. The extension piece (24) can be guided displaceable along the guide rail (10) and at a distance from the latter and can be swivelled by 180° in the final position, which corresponds to the second position, so that it is in alignment with the extension (10).

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: A retractable securement apparatus and system for securing cargo to a support structure to prevent undesired relative movement between the cargo and the support. The apparatus comprises a strap contained in an elongate tubular member that is a component of one or both of the cargo or the support structure. One way strap stops fix ends of the strap relative to the tubular member yet allow the strap to be extended from a normally retracted position to an extended position in which has hook members on one or both ends of the straps secure the cargo to the support. The apparatus is particularly suited for securing ladders, hand trucks and wheelbarrows and the like to pick up truck racks or racks for standard automobiles.

Abstract: In a vertical radio-frequency wave radiating structure to be climbed by a person, there is provided a fall prevention system. This fall prevention system includes a safety rope, made of a radio-frequency wave resistant material, to receive an individual safety harness. A first end of the safety rope is attached to an upper section of the vertical structure, while the second end of that safety rope is attached to a lower section of the vertical structure. Preferably, the safety rope comprises a polyurethane resin impregnated aramid fiber core protected with a thick extruded jacket of polyurethane.

Abstract: A device for use with a climbing or scaling apparatus comprises generally a first elongated rail member and a second elongated rail member. The device further comprises a gate mechanism. The gate mechanism maintains a spaced connection between the first rail member and the second rail member, while allowing the rungs to pass between the first rail member and the second rail member.

Abstract: A safety device in the form of a building component (3) which has a channel (1) along which a traveller (4) may move. The traveller (4) has attachment means (5) for attachment to a safety harness. The building component (3) can be in the form of a roof ridge section (6) and can have an internal or external channel along which a suitable traveller (3) can move. The building component (3) can also be in the form of a gutter section (7), roof tile (9) or other component.

Abstract: A fire evacuation kit including a housing securable within a residence beneath a window thereof. A rope ladder is secured to an inner surface of the housing so that the housing can be opened to allow the ladder to be extended out through the window to a position where a lower end of the ladder is adjacent to a ground area.

Abstract: A safety device in the form of a building component (3) which has a channel (1) along which a traveller (4) may move. The traveller (4) has attachment means (5) for attachment to a safety harness. The building component (3) can be in the form of a roof ridge section (6) and can have an internal or external channel along which a suitable traveller (3) can move. The building component (3) can also be in the form of a gutter section (7), roof tile (9) or other component.

Abstract: In the field of materials handling, e.g., in warehouses, there is a need for a low-cost shelving access system which does not require a user thereof to carry objects whilst negotiating, e.g., ladders and steps. The disclosure relates to an apparatus including a framework (11); a generally vertical ladder (12a, 12b) secured to the framework; and a goods hoist (20) secured to the framework in such a way that the platform (22a, 22b) of the goods hoist (20) may be maneuvered to a plurality of locations adjacent the ladder (12a, 12b). The ladder (12a, 12b) is moveable laterally on the framework to enable the platform (22a, 22b) of the goods hoist to access any position within the envelope defined by the framework (11).

Abstract: The following invention relates to a fold out fire escape ladder. The ladder comprises at least two parallelly arranged strings (1, 2), which are interconnected by means of a plurality of pivotally arranged parallel rungs (3). The holes for the pivoting points (38) of each rung are arranged in off-centered positions, which positioning increases the strength of the ladder in a surprising manner. Furthermore the inner string (1) comprises mounting means (12), intended to co-operate with brackets (4), which substantially facilitate the attachment of a ladder.

Abstract: A ladder climbing safety clamp is claimed that may be easily operated by a worker with one hand while overcoming many potential safety hazards of prior devices. The safety clamp includes a body with a U-shaped cable sleeve. A channel is included on one side of the body to permit the introduction of the safety line in the cable sleeve. However, if the cable is too large to operate properly with the safety clamp, it will not fit through the channel, thereby helping to prevent inadvertent usage of the safety clamp with a cable of a diameter for which it is not intended. A gravity stop is also provided to prevent the safety clamp from being inadvertently installed in an upside-down position, since the safety clamp would not operate correctly in that position.

Abstract: A safety device for climbing ladders which has a body member with a rail receiving portion which is formed of cast metal such as aluminum and has a rail receiving opening which is at least partially lined with neoprene inserts so as to allow the safety device to easily slide on the rail. A pivoted clamping portion is mounted in the safety device and is biased by a spring into engagement with the rail such that the clamp locks to the rail. A safety chain is connected to the clamp device and to a belt attached to a user such that in the event of a misstep or fall, the clamping device will lock the clamp to the rail and thus arrest the climber's fall. Two or more neoprene sleeves are mounted in the safety device which engage the rail so as to allow the safety device to move smoothly over the rail when in the unclamped position.

Abstract: A telescoping derrick has a safety line which is attached to a harness which secures to a worker to be used while climbing the ladder of the derrick. Telescoping tube sections are mounted to the derrick for extension and contraction with the derrick sections. The line is trained over a pulley attached to the crown of a derrick, then passes into the telescoping tube. The line is connected to a counterweight located in the telescoping tube. The line and counterweight remain inside the telescoping tube during rig up and rig down of the derrick.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for automatically securing a climber climbing a wall, wherein it comprises:a shaft guided in rotation,at least one drum comprising a groove for receiving a line wound around the drum at least once,an irreversible control member interposed between each drum and the shaft preventing a relative rotation between the drum and the shaft in a first direction and allowing rotation of the drum in a direction opposite the first direction,a system for continuously taking-up the slack of the line,and a means for controlling rotation of the shaft in a direction opposite that allowed by the irreversible control member, enabling the climber, who has fallen, to descend.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing an escape slow lowerer stably at an arbitrary place on a building. The apparatus has a ladder body, horizontal rods mounted on the ladder body and vertical rods mounted slidably and lockably on the horizontal rods to form a gate-like shape for holding the building. The apparatus further comprises a foldable ladder connected to the ladder body and a column having a metal fixture for supporting the escape lowerer.

Abstract: A folding fire-escape ladder with safety belt, made of two U-shaped channels (A,S), which form the side rails, and rungs (W) of square tubing. The rungs are attached to the side rails by articulated joints. The ladder has a burglar proofing device on the top (J,K). One or more separate release points at escape stations can be installed by sawing through the outer rail (A) to form at least two sections thereof and by fixing a release bracket (O) to a section of the outer rail (A) above the cut. The release bracket (O) has a collar (R) which replaces the material removed by the saw. Joining the upper and lower sections of the outer rail (A) at the release point/escape station is achieved by a locking plug (K) which is fitted through axially aligned holes in the outer rail (A) and the release bracket (O).

Abstract: A safety ladder comprises a vertical central ladder stringer and a plurality of horizontal rungs attached thereto, wherein the central ladder stringer has a substantially C-shaped cross section with a front longitudinal slot, a rear transverse piece lying opposite to the longitudinal slot, this rear transverse piece having rounded longitudinal edges. The rungs are attached from the outside to the central ladder stringer and are bent with their free outer members forward. In order to provide a better distribution of the climbing forces without impairing any corrosion protection measures or obstructing the interior of the longitudinal slot, the rungs are provided with a preferably equal sided, trapezoidally shaped recess for the rear transverse piece, by which the rungs sit riderlike on the central ladder stringer contacting only in the vicinity of the longitudinal edges of the ladder stringer and the rungs are attached to the central ladder stringer by a fastening means.

Abstract: A climbing assist apparatus for oil derricks and the like comprises a cable which is attached to the worker and is trained over a sheave at the crown portion of the rig, then connected to a counterweight in order to remove slack from the cable as the worker is climbing. The sheave is keyed to a motor drive shaft which is free wheeling in one direction of rotation in response to advancement of the cable as the workman is climbing but will impose a controlled resistance in the opposite direction, this resistance being established through a hydraulic motor for the drive shaft and a hydraulic control circuit which includes a flow controller to resist the rotation of the motor in the opposite direction to that earlier described when the worker descends or should accidentally fall from the derrick.

Abstract: A safety extension is adapted to be mounted by various adjustable means to the upper rungs of a ladder or the inside of a manhole. The safety extension comprises a rod which is moveable in a sleeve between extended and retracted positions. A counterbalance means mounted in a particular manner is optionally provided to facilitate moving the rod to the extended position with maximum ease and safety. Adjustable mounting means are provided to accommodate ladders of differing rung spacing and rung diameter.

Abstract: A safety system which permits the free movement of the user, assists the ascent of the user and provides a reduced, controlled rate of descent in the event of an emergency descent or a fall, includes a cable attachable at one end to the user and secured at the other end to a moveable counterweight assembly. Intermediate its ends the cable passes over a pulley in a controlled descent device which also includes a centrifugally-actuated clutch coupling the pulley to a speed-multiplying gearing system and a centrifugally-operated braking assembly. Under normal-use conditions, the pulley is rotated at sufficiently low speeds to preclude engagement of the clutch, and the user has free movement, with a component of the counterweight assisting the ascent of the user. In the event of a rapid rate of descent, the increased rotational speed of the pulley is coupled to and actuates the braking assembly to reduce the rotation of the pulley and slow the descent to a lower, controlled rate.

Abstract: A novel controlled descent device is disclosed which not only aids in the ascent of a human being from a lower elevation to an upper elevation but also provides for the safe descent of a human being from the upper level to the lower level. The apparatus comprises a round cable, a counterweight, a controlled descent pulley having a ratchet and pawl brake system and a conventional pulley; all operating conjunctly dependently on the position and situation of the human being. The controlled descent pulley and conventional pulley are held in a plate structure which is secured to the upper elevation. The counterweight is raised and lowered from the upper elevation to the lower elevation and vice-versa by means of a guy wire which is anchored and held in relatively taught position between said upper elevation and said lower elevation.

Abstract: A ladder climber's safety device comprises a pair of manually graspable rung engaging members providing sliding latches for engaging the rungs of a ladder. The rung engaging members are connected to the climber's safety belt and are interconnected with one another by a push-pull cable for effecting latching and unlatching of each rung engaging member alternately in response to unlatching and latching of the other member.

Abstract: A device for supporting a person on a ladder in which a frame is provided for extending around the ladder with sufficient clearance to move relative to said ladder. A portion of the frame extends at an angle relative to the remaining frame and inwardly towards the ladder. The frame can be connected to the person at a position that of said angularly-extending portion so that movement of the person downwardly on said ladder causes said angularly-extending portion to move between the ladder stays and engage a rung on said ladder to prevent further downward movement.

Abstract: A fire escape ladder system for high-rise buildings having balconies with parapets. Each balcony stores its own corresponding ladders. A first ladder is securely mounted on the parapet. This ladder folds out and over the parapet when in use. A second ladder with a flanged top is pushed through a cooperating opening at the base of the parapet. The flange prevents the ladder from sliding through the opening. This second ladder descends to the top of the next lower balcony where it is secured with a bar and clamp assembly. Each user wears a safety belt that connects to T-shaped longitudinal slots integrally formed in both side pieces of the ladder. The ladder systems provide escape routes from balcony to balcony to ground.

Abstract: A flexible cable safety system for a fixed ladder is mounted adjacent to and independent of the ladder. This arrangement is useful for ladders which are not designed to withstand the loads imposed when a safety system arrests the fall of a workman.

Abstract: A device for arresting the fall of a climber ascending or descending along a vertically disposed rail, such as a guide rail secured to a ladder, including a support member having an opening therein for receiving the rail therethrough, a clamping member supported on the support member and engageable with a vertical surface of the rail in clamping relation therewith, at least one connecting link pivotally connected to the support member, and an actuating lever pivotally connected to the connecting link, the actuating lever having one end thereof engageable with the clamping member and an opposite end thereof connectable to the climber where upon a sudden downward movement of the climber, as when the climber may be caused to fall, the connecting end of the actuating lever shall be caused to pivot downwardly, forcing the clamping member and the support member into clamping engagement with the rail, thereby arresting the fall of the climber.

Abstract: A sliding clamp is provided for slideable mounting upon variously sized rails and has an adaptor disposed between the clamp housing and rail surface for accommodating the clamp to variously smaller sized rails for support and easy sliding fit upon such rails. The adaptor may be of plastic and particularly at least its inner surface in contact with the rail may be formed of a lubricating plastic substance for substantially friction free sliding movement thereon.

Abstract: A fall prevention safety device for attachment to a harness worn by a workman for providing a safely controlled descension rate from an elevated structure includes a cable having one end connected to the harness and strung around a double pulley system having an upper pulley mounted to the elevated structure and a lower pulley mounted to the upper end of a vertically reciprocal plunger which falls substantially unimpeded into a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder substantially resists upward withdrawal of the plunger. The other cable end is connected to the upper pulley yoke such that during ascent of the workman up the structure, the lower pulley and plunger move downwardly and take up cable slack. If the workman slips and falls at any point during ascent, the cable immediately and automatically provides descension at a controlled rate determined by the resisted withdrawal rate of the plunger as the cable now pulls the lower pulley upward.

Abstract: A safety clamp slidably mounted on a vertical safety rail in proximity to a ladder is attached to a workman's belt by a pivotal actuating arm which shifts a wedge plate into clamping engagement with a safety carrier immediately under free fall conditions encountered if the workman falls from the ladder. The rail is spaced from the ladder mounting brackets by circular sleeves.

Abstract: A ladder or the like climbing safety device of the type of a pair of hooks is provided, at each of the hooks, with a "U"-shaped clip adapted to engage the back and the palm of the respective hand of the user. The device is thus easily detachable from the respective hands either during the climbing or when the user is off the ladder, manhole steps or the like. The device is of a simple structure that not only reduces it's manufacturing costs but also combines the ease of engagement with and disengagement from the respective hands of the user, thus considerably reducing the rather cumbersome handling of many of know prior art devices of this type.

Abstract: A safety belt is disclosed comprising a first belt to be worn about the waist and a second belt slidably connected thereto. The second belt has ladder rung engaging members such as hooks on either end and may be adjustable. When the first belt is secured around the waist of a person and the ends of the second belt are secured to the rungs of a ladder, the person on the ladder may alternately reach to the left or right and slidably move the first belt towards either of the ends of the second belt without adjusting the length of the second belt and nonetheless remain securely held to the ladder.

Abstract: A ladder climber's safety device for use with stationary ladders of the type having side rails of rectangular cross-sectional configuration includes hand grip members slidable along each rail and loosely interconnected by a cable removably attachable to the safety belt of the climber. The handle grip members include opposed gripping teeth adapted to engage their respective ladder rails when rotated downwardly towards the front of the ladder for preventing free downward movement thereof, and roller wheels adapted to engage the rail edges when the handle grip members are pushed in the upward direction to permit free movement thereof along the rails as controlled by the climber in climbing or descending the ladder.

Abstract: A fall prevention safety climbing device for workmen ascending and descending ladders on tall structures comprises a sleeve including a locking pawl adapted for attachment to a workman's safety belt, movable along a continuous supporting guide rail fixed to a ladder and for automatic locking engagement with the supporting rail to arrest a workman's fall. The supporting guide rail is provided at predetermined intervals with notched sections adapted to allow disengagement in a specific safe manner of the otherwise entrapped sleeve and attached climber from the supporting guide rail. Hence, a climber can disembark at the desired platform, or level of the structure to allow another climber to pass on by to another level and thereafter reconnect himself and the attached sleeve to the supporting guide rail.

Abstract: A safety clamping device for use by climbers, combined with a fiber reinforced plastic rail upon which the clamp ultimately slides or grips. The clamping device has a pivotally mounted plate therein having a triggering arm extending outward for being engaged by a rope or chain, having one end carried by the belt mounted about the waist of the climber and the other being fastened to the triggering arm so that the climber slidably carries the clamping device upon the rail as he moves downward and upward on the ladder to which the rail is fastened. An inner end of the plate of the clamp is cam shaped and which is biased by a spring against the rail, but which, as supported by the climber, offsets the gripping by the cam so that the clamp easily slides with the climber as he ascends or descends the ladder, but ultimately grips the rail if the climber descends or falls rapidly, firmly engaging the rail to tightly clamp thereagainst as a safety device.

Abstract: A safety clamp slidably mounted on a vertical safety carrier, such as a cable or rod, in proximity to a ladder is attached to a workman's belt by a pivotal actuating arm which shifts a wedge plate into clamping engagement with the safety carrier immediately under free-fall conditions encountered if the workman falls from the ladder. Instantaneous actuation of the wedge plate into clamping engagement with the safety carrier in response to the slightest pivotal movement of the actuating arm towards its closing position is provided by cam action exerted against the wedge plate by the actuating arm and by a cam member on the clamping bracket. Cam follower and guide surfaces on the upper end of the wedge plate cooperate with camming action of the actuating arm against the lower end of the wedge plate to maintain the wedge plate in an upright position of uniform contact with the safety carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clamping device slidably supported upon an elongated body such as a cable, bar, tube or the like, in a sliding cylinder of selected size to accommodate the elongated body, the device having a pivotally supported cam-like surface to lockingly engage and clamp the elongated body in fixed clamped position upon the elongated body, and includes means for locking the clamping cam out of engagement with the elongated body, whereby ascent of a climber allows the clamping device to be drawn upward or downward as the climber ascends or descends a ladder or the like holding the clamping cam disengaged but easily released from its locking means for quick clamping engagement of the elongated body by any quick pull, by misstep and for safe support of the climber in clamping engagement of said elongated body, rope or the like.

Abstract: A safety clamp slidably mounted on a vertical safety carrier, such as a cable or rod, in proximity to a ladder is attached to a workman's belt by a pivotal actuating arm which shifts a wedge plate into clamping engagement with the safety carrier immediately under free-fall conditions encountered if the workman falls from the ladder. The wedge plate is shiftably mounted in a clamping bracket in such a way that its upward closing movement against a safety carrier is assisted by the frictional force of the stationary safety carrier on an elongated clamping side of the wedge plate. Instantaneous actuation of the wedge plate into clamping engagement with the safety carrier in response to the slightest pivotal movement of the actuating arm towards its closing position is provided by cam action between the wedge plate and a cam member on the clamping bracket.

Abstract: Restraining device intends to protect the workman from falling while working at higher environments. The device consists of a fixed cable stretched along the area of interest. A gripping clamp which slides along the cable is attached permanently to the workman's belt. Clamp consists of a pivotal arm which, when a downward load is applied at the point of attachment of the belt, exerts a frictional force on the cable, sufficient to immediately terminate workman's fall.