| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 182005000 | Strand-engaging, with descent retarder | 80 |
| 20080210488 | Belayer/Descender Safety Device - The invention relates to a belayer/descender safety device ( | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080217102 | BUILDING EVACUATION DEVICE - A building evacuation device is provided for lowering a load (e.g. a person or another object) from a multi-story building to the ground at a controlled rate. The device includes a cable that may be unwound from a spool to allow for the load to be lowered to the ground, where the spool is connected to a rate governor to control the rate at which the cable may unwind and, in turn, the rate at which the load will be lowered to the ground. The unwinding of the cable imparts a corresponding rotational motion on the rate governor, which, in turn, translate such motion to a braking device that imparts a braking force on the rotation of the spool to control the rate at which a person is lowered to the ground. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080245610 | Personal Emergency Rescue Belt - The present invention, the PERB, relates to a personal emergency rescue/security belt. The PERB is comprised of one band with the body ( | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080302600 | Descent control device - This invention relates to a stationary friction-type descent control device for use with an anchored rope and a load supporting harness characterized by a block of metal having several channels spaced by furrows providing benefit of friction and a rotatably fixed mandrel having the simultaneous purpose of first slowing the advancement of rope by friction and secondly by means of said friction causing rotation of the mandrel shaft whereby a cam action impinges upon an advanced section of channeled rope providing yet additional benefit of friction; and with a detachable plate to provide simple access to the channels for sinuously installing an unloaded medial section of rope and with the plate reattached and maintained in place by means of a carabiner positioned through aligned slotted openings in the block and plate a person may descend a rope at a governed rate of speed | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090026011 | Belay and Abseiling Apparatus For Single or Double Rope - A belaying device for a rope comprises a metal body having at least one slit for passage of a loop of a rope, and a retaining element in the form of a bow integral to the body without being articulated on the latter, and designed to control the relative separation movement of the body with respect to a carabiner passing through the loop. The device further comprises flexible means arranged to move the body towards the carabiner when blocking of the rope takes place, and to move the body away automatically when the rope is released. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090045010 | DESCENDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - Provided is a descending device and method for controlling a rate of descent. The descending device includes a housing comprising a channel for receiving a tether along which the descending device is to travel during a descent. A cover conceals at least a portion of the serpentine pathway to minimize introduction of foreign bodies into the serpentine pathway. A first arcuate surface defines at least a portion of the serpentine pathway and a second arcuate surface defines at least another portion of the serpentine pathway. Each of the first and second arcuate surfaces includes a different radius of curvature. The descending device also includes at least one of a third arcuate surface adjacent to an entrance to the serpentine pathway and having a third radius of curvature that is shorter than both the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature, and a descent control lever to be manually actuated between a plurality of positions by the user to selectively control the rate of descent. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090071750 | RESCUE LANYARD AND KIT FOR EMERGENCY DESCENT FROM A HEIGHT INCLUDING AN EMERGENCY DESCENT CONTROL DEVICE - A rescue lanyard is described herein to be used with a safety harness worn by a person. The lanyard comprises a main strap having a first attachment portion for attaching the main strap to a structure and a second attachment portion for attaching the main strap to the harness, and a secondary strap secured to the main strap adjacent the first attachment portion and having a third attachment portion to be attached to the harness via an emergency descent control device. In a safety mode of operation, the first attachment portion of the main strap is attached to the harness and the second attachment portion is attached to a structure so as to retain the person wearing the harness during a fall. In a self rescue mode of operation following a fall, while the person hang from the main strap, the third attachment portion is first attached to the harness via the emergency descent control device and the main strap is then cut so as to allow the person to descent from the structure using the descending device. The emergency control device includes a rope, a rope friction controller having an attachment portion for securing the device to the harness, a rope friction controller for selectively applying friction on the rope, and a safety element for applying friction on the rope so as to prevent movement thereof in the rope friction controller in a panic mode of operation. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090114478 | Portable anchorage assembly - A portable anchorage assembly comprises an extension member interconnecting a counterweight assembly and a base. The counterweight assembly has a cavity configured and arranged to receive at least one weight. The extension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the counterweight assembly. The base is connected to the second end of the extension member and includes a wheel and at least one anchorage point. The base is pivotable about the counterweight assembly on the wheel to position the at least one anchorage point in a desired location. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090139797 | Devices and methods for slowing descent - A method for decelerating a person during a descent. The method comprising: extending an elongated member from a first elevated point to a second point below the first point in the direction of gravity; movably attaching a person to the elongated member; and converting a kinetic energy of the person into potential energy to thereby decelerate the person. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090200107 | SECURING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a securing device for protecting individuals against falling, with two stop elements which can be attached releasably to a positionally fixed securing element and can be connected via a connecting element to the individual. Each stop element has a locking device which can be adjusted between an unlocking state, in which the stop element can be attached to the securing element or released therefrom, and a locking state, in which the stop element cannot be released from the respective securing element. A coupling device is coupled to the locking devices of the stop elements in such a manner that, in the unlocking state, the locking device of the other stop element is blocked in its locking state. A preferred construction of the coupling device has a blocking lever which can be pivoted into a blocking position for blocking the locking device in its locking state. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090242326 | DESCENDING DEVICE - A device to enable a person to descend from an elevated position at a controlled and variable speed comprising a restraining member ( | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090277719 | System for lowering objects and people - The present invention provides a device for lowering a weight from a structure, the device comprising: a first elongate element ( | 11-12-2009 |
| 20100012425 | Stop Element For A Securing Device - The present disclosure relates to a stop element for a securing device, with a contact element. A locking device is shiftable between unlocked and locked states. The stop element is attachable to and releasable from the securing element in the unlocked state and not releasable from the securing element in the locked state. The locking device has an actuating device which is shiftable between an active position and a passive position and when in its active position blocks the locking device in its unlocked state and is transferrable into its passive position, in which the locking device is shiftable into its locked state, when the stop element is attached to the securing element. The contact element may form part of the actuating device such that the actuating device can be shifted into its passive position when the securing element contacts the contact element. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100051381 | Fall Protection Apparatus with Controlled Descent - A fall protection apparatus is described which allows for a user to effectuate a controlled descent after a fall has been arrested. The apparatus includes a tether line secured above a protected position of the user and a cinch line which frictionally engages the tether. The cinch line is attached to the user, and when the user falls, the frictional engagement of the cinch line and the tether line increase and arrests the fall. The user then pulls on a slip line attached to the cinch line to descend. Pulling on the slip line decreases the frictional engagement of the cinch line and the tether line so the user can control their descent rate based on how hard they pull on the slip line. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100116588 | UNIVERSAL BELAY DEVICE - The present invention provides a universal belay device for providing safety to mountain and rock climbers. The belay device allows a belayer to selectively operate the device in any of a plurality of modes. In an auto-locking mode, a fall by a climber automatically stops the rope without requiring the belayer manually apply any holding or stopping force. In a frictional mode, a fall by a climber is stopped by the belayer applying a minimal amount of pressure. The belay device includes a housing in which a rope pin and cam are contained. The cam is rotable to a first position which allows the rope pin to frictionally secure the rope against the housing and stop the rope. The cam is rotable to a second position which substantially prevents the rope pin from fully securing the rope and requires the user to apply a stopping force to stop the rope. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100181142 | Method and Apparatus for Climbing - The present invention is an apparatus and method for climbing, and more particularly but not by way of limitation an apparatus and method for ascending and descending a rope, for use by individuals with disabilities. The method and apparatus generally includes a combination of devices and a combination of steps which enables an individual climber to ascend and descend a rope while benefiting from the mechanical advantage of a rope assembly. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100213004 | POLE SAFETY ASSEMBLY - A safety assembly that provides a lifeline for utility poles and other tall structures is provided. The safety assembly includes a tubular member and a positioning member. The tubular member has first and second openings to a passage. The passage is configured to receive a rope. The positioning member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the positioning member is configured to be received in at least one of the first and second openings of the tubular member. The second end of the positioning member is configured to be coupled to a reaching member. With the use of the positioning member and the reaching member, the tubular member is positioned to engage the tall structure and the rope passing through the internal passage is used as a lifeline. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100230207 | BOARDING BRIDGE FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM - A boarding bridge fall protection system including a double-line support apparatus is disclosed. The double-line support apparatus include a first anchor block, a second anchor block and a double-lifeline system. The first anchor block is configured to be disposed at a first distal end of a tunnel section of a boarding bridge. The second anchor block is configured to be disposed at a second distal end of the tunnel section. The double-lifeline system includes a plurality of lifelines configured to operatively connect to the first anchor block and the second anchor block. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100236863 | AUTO-LOCK COMPACT ROPE DESCENT DEVICE - A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100314197 | REPLACEABLE UTILITY POLE ANCHOR SYSTEM - An anchor system for a utility pole that temporarily prevents falls by a utility worker. The anchor system has a bolt and a head formed on one end and a threaded shank that extends through a utility pole. The threaded shank is exposed on one surface of the pole. A concave saddle washer is attached to the bolt, which is designed to rest against the outer curved surface of the utility pole. A concave saddle plate located on the exposed end of the bolt opposite the saddle washer rests against the opposite surface of the utility pole. A hinge plate is attached to the bolt and outside the saddle plate that is coupled to a ring member. An optioal nylon sleeve may be displosed between the ring member and the hinge plate to reduce sounds and interference. In one embodiment, the ring member freely pivots on the hinge plate. In another embodiment, the ring member is held in a diagonal position of the hinge plate until a free-fall force is exerted which covers the ring member to move to a longitudinal position. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100326768 | FALL-ARREST LADDER SYSTEM - A safety-featured ladder, including taut rope wrapped over top of the top rung and under bottom of the bottom rung and fixedly connected to the ladder when downward force is applied to the rope in front of the ladder. In a first embodiment, a sleeve including a pulley subsystem is attached to a body harness worn by a climber and can move or slide along the rope only when climbing up ladder. In a second embodiment, a sleeve including a different pulley subsystem including a centrifugal brake is attached to a body harness worn by a climber and can move or slide along the rope when climbing up or climbing down. However, if the climber loses footing and starts to fall the sleeve grabs the rope, and/or the rope grabs the sleeve, which prevents the climber from falling more than a few inches and from injury. Hooks at top of the ladder can hook around transverse cables atop poles. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110011671 | Belaying apparatus with friction claw for climbing - A manual belaying descending device for belaying a climber and for controlled descending, on a single or double rope, comprised of an aluminum body having two slots. Each slot is for a rope to pass through and adjacent to the slots is the main opening of the device for receiving one or multiple carabiners, in a manner that at least one loop of the rope may pass through at least one carabiner and a friction claw coupled with fixed stop means transversely offset to said openings for limiting the movement of the rope by providing paths of resistance. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110011672 | Rope Ascending And Descending Equipment - Rope equipment with a pivoting rope clamp including first and second members mechanically connected to each other so that they are free to rotate relative to each other and so that a rope can be secured to (for example, threaded through) the rope equipment. At some relative rotational position, or range of relative rotational positions, the first and second members will be sufficient spaced apart so that the equipment can slide relatively freely with respect to the rope. However, if the relative rotation position changes too much in either rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), then the first and second members will clamp down on the rope and prevent it from sliding with respect to the rope equipment. Preferably, the first member is provided with friction braking holes to help constrain the rope to the rope equipment and also to provide some degree of friction braking on sliding motion between the rope and the rope equipment. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110048852 | Descender with Fall Arrest and Controlled Rate of Descent - A device for providing a controlled maximum rate of descent down a rope and fall arrest. The device includes a movable cam that in response to tension on a rope pivots into a closed position, jamming the rope within the device and arresting a fall. Force applied to a torque arm coupled to the cam allows the cam to be pivoted to its open position, which allows rope travel. As cam is opened, the rope travels a more sharply angular path through the device, which creates a frictional force on the rope sufficient to limit the maximum rate of descent. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110048853 | CLIMBING DEVICE - A climb assist system is disclosed that adjusts the rate and level of assist of a climber and starts/stops the level of assist as the climber needs may change over the period of traverse of the ladder. A sensor may detect a change in the operating state of a motor in the climb assist system. For example, the change in state may indicate a change in the load exerted by the climber indicating that the climber intends to start or stop an active climb. The climb assist system may then adjust the inputs to the motor to initiate a climb or terminate a climb. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110114415 | Belay device with a sliding slack bar - A manual belaying device for belaying a climber on a single or double rope, comprised of an aluminum body having two slots, a U-shaped bracket, and a diagonal slack bar. Each slot is for a rope to pass through, and the U-shaped bracket is for a carabiner to attach to the rope and the device. The collapsible sliding slack bar is set diagonally so the carabiner can slide side to side, to provide friction for the belayer if the climber is falling, but to allow for the climber to get slack easily on the rope if pulling in the opposite direction. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110168488 | Kit and method for emergency descent from a height - A method and kit for emergency descent from a high structure by a user is described herein. The kit includes a rope-friction controller including a first attaching element for attaching the rope-friction controller to the wearable safety equipment of the user, a rope cooperatively engaged in the rope-friction controller, a second attaching element coupled to the rope for securing the rope to the structure via a link, and a pulley fixed to one of the rope, near the second attaching element, and the second attaching element, for creating a hoist with the rope and the first attaching element. The hoist allows removing at least some of the weight of the user from the link so as to allow the user to detach himself from the link and to use the rope-friction controller in cooperation with the rope to descent the high structure. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110214939 | Fire fighter's personal escape system - 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. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110232995 | ROPING DEVICES - A roping device used by a person descending from a height is provided. The roping device is for use with a rope and includes first, second and third plates and a first rotatable sheave. The first plate has a first face and an opposed second face. The second plate has a first face and an opposed second face. The first rotatable sheave is rotatably coupled between the second face of the first plate and the first face of the second plate. The first rotatable sheave is configured and arranged to engage the rope in at least a partial block and tackle arrangement to increase a mechanical advantage. The third plate extends from the first plate at a select angle in a direction towards the second plate proximate the first rotatable sheave. The third plate has an attachment point that is positioned proximate a center of the roping device. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110284323 | ROPE HANDLING DEVICE WITH SECONDARY LOCKING FEATURE - Rope handling devices that can be used for belaying, descending and rappelling are disclosed and provide a secure lock off without requiring the use of specialized knots. A secondary rope lock off feature, which provides for locking the ends of two ropes using a single snap link is also disclosed. In general, rope handling devices of the present invention have a body with at least one closed-ended slot and at least one open-ended slot. A loop of rope may be passed through the closed-ended slot(s) from an upper area and retained within the closed-ended slot by attachment of a first snap link to the loop of rope from below the lower area of the slot. A brake strand of rope may be positioned within the open-ended slot to aid in arresting a fall or lowering a climber. Further, the brake strand may be entrapped within the open-ended slot by attaching a second snap link through at least one aperture proximal to the open-ended slot. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20120012422 | RAPPELLING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A rappelling apparatus and method are provided, for controlling the rate of movement of a person along a safety line away from an anchored end of the safety line, through use of a control bar having an attachment at one end thereof for a harness safety belt, or the like connected to the person, an operating handle at an opposite end thereof, and provisions between the opposite ends of the control bar for passage of the safety line through the control bar in serpentine pattern. The operating handle is pivoted away from the safety line to reduce the severity of the serpentine pattern and allow controlled movement of the safety line through the control bar. Some forms of the control bar include a one-way clutching arrangement. Some forms of the control bar also include a hand-actuated braking arrangement. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120018248 | SUPPORT 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 shoulder straps enabling the harness system to qualify as a fall arrest system. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018249 | FALL PROTECTION DEVICE - A fall protection device for trampolines includes at least one rope which is preferably substantially non-resilient and can be connected to a user of the trampoline. At least one tautening device is provided for holding the rope taut when the fall protection device is in use. Also provided is at least one device for limiting the rope extension. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120024627 | Restraint and Extraction Harness With Associated Release Mechanism - Disclosed is a harness system that can be used in both restraining and extracting a wearer. The harness takes the form of webbing that may be integrated into a crewmember worn vest. The webbing includes extraction loops for use in hoisting the crewmember and a release mechanism for releasably coupling the harness to an external restraint, such as an overhead reel. The system can be used within a vehicle, such as a land based vehicle, a water going vessel, or an aircraft. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120031701 | Speed Responsive Engagement Device - A speed responsive engagement device for use in a fall arrest system has a ratchet wheel having outwardly projecting spaced apart teeth and a pawl arranged for pivotal movement to engage the ratchet wheel teeth. The pawl and the ratchet wheel are rotatable relative to one another such that when relative rotation occurs between the ratchet wheel and the pawl in a first direction the pawl contacts the ratchet wheel, generating an oscillating movement of the pawl with an amplitude dependent on the speed of the rotation, and when the speed of rotation reaches a predetermined value the increased oscillating movement causes the pawl to move into the engaged orientation brakingly engaging with the ratchet wheel teeth preventing further relative rotation between the ratchet wheel and the pawl in the first direction. A biasing arrangement arranged to bias the pawl towards the disengaged orientation. A capture arrangement arranged to capture the pawl in the engaged orientation when the pawl is brakingly engaged with the ratchet wheel. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120103725 | LOWERING DEVICE COMPRISING A SWIVEL ARM HAVING CONTOURED BRAKING MEANS - The present invention relates to a lowering device ( | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120111665 | SAFETY DEVICE - It is described a belaying device for blocking a rope comprising a main body formed by two flat plates constrained one to each other preferably according to two parallel planes by means of a plurality of spacing pins. The rope is inserted inside the device body further comprising a carabiner attached to the main body by passing through an opening on the device body. The carabiner allows the belaying device to be constrained to an user, or an anchorage point, and it is movable at the opening between a non-blocking position of the rope, that is the condition of normal use, and an emergency position wherein the rope is blocked, and vice versa. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120118666 | ROPE CLIMBING APPARATUS - A rope climbing apparatus includes two spaced side members. Each side member has a climbing rope end and a tethering end. The climbing rope ends each include a pair of spaced apertures. The tethering ends each include a cooperative aperture. Two friction elements are disposed between the spaced side members. The friction elements are axially disposed between the pair of spaced apertures in the climbing rope end for receiving a rope therebetween the friction elements. A tether connector is axially disposed between the cooperative apertures in the tethering end for connecting a tether thereto. The climbing apparatus is useable as a brake while descending a rope through angular movement of the tethering end relative to the rope. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120181108 | CEILING AND FREESTANDING ANCHOR FOR EVACUATION - A system for overhead anchor evacuation according to embodiments of the present invention includes a support bar configured to extend overhead of a user, a device mount in sliding engagement with the support bar, the device mount slideable along the support bar between a first position in which the device mount is on an inside of an edge of a building, and a second position in which the device mount is on an outside of the edge of the building, wherein the device mount slides freely between the first and second positions during the user's normal use of the system, and a controlled descent device coupled to the device mount. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120186907 | Fast Rope Descent System - A system for descending a rope regardless of the tension on the working end of the rope. The system comprises a frame having first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and third sides being relatively positioned at a first angle and the second and fourth sides being relatively positioned at a second angle. In some embodiments, the sum of the first angle and the second angle equals 180 degrees. The system also includes a plurality of friction nodes associated with the first side for: (1) receiving a rope, (2) enabling the frame to selectively move up or down relative to the rope, and (3) applying a select amount of friction to the rope according to the relative position of the frame to the rope. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120193166 | Descender with Self-Acting Brake - A descender ( | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120261212 | ANTI-PANIC DESCENDER WITH POSSIBILITY OF ASCENT - The present invention consists of a descender intended to slow down and regulate the descent of a user along a cable, provided with cable blocking systems which intervene when the user releases the descender completely or grasps it in panic, characterised in that the descender also allows for ascent, making said cable transition to an opposite direction, without actuating any of the aforesaid blocking systems which would prevent said ascent. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120285770 | FALL ARREST APPARATUS - A fall arrest apparatus comprising a brake assembly (comprising a main body and a clamping mechanism) and a lifeline comprising an elongate first lifeline member and an elongate second lifeline member, the lifeline members overlapping with each other along a section of the lifeline. The main body has a passage extending therethrough, the overlapping section of the lifeline extending through the passage. The configuration is such as to provide from opposite sides of the passage a clamping force to compress together opposed surfaces of the two overlapping lifeline members to prevent these from moving with respect to each other until pulled in relatively opposite directions by a fall of the worker, causing the compressed overlapping members to slidingly contact each other so that energy of the fall is dissipated by sliding friction between said opposed surfaces. The main body has first and second portions on opposite sides of the passage. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130032433 | ASSISTED SAFETY LOCKING DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-PANIC DEVICE - Safety devices for sports and mountaineering activities which are equipped with an anti-panic mechanism are provided. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130056303 | Rappelling Device - Rappelling device having a casing ( | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130180800 | Method and apparatus for a compact descender - Method and Apparatus for a Compact Descender used in conjunction with a rope. The invention includes a first plate and a second plate arranged adjacent to one another and pivotally connected to one another by a rope post at the top ends of the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate are selectively and pivotally opened and closed and are interlocked when closed by attachment of a carabiner through a hole in the bottom end of the first plate and an adjacent hole in the bottom end of the second plate. The first plate and the second plate include a rope channel adjacent to a lever, where the lever is pivotally attached to a pivot pin affixed to the first plate. A substantially rectangular shaped rope clamping cam is pivotally attached above the lever on the same pivot pin. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130192923 | Safety harness with descender attachment AKA: Down E-Z - The disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus so designed that when properly used may aid in the prevention of injury and or even death. This device is so designed that a fallen hunter is left hanging facing the tree, allowing mobility and movement. With the attached (DOWN E-Z) device, one may lower himself to the ground with little or no effort. This final step is very important due to the documented factual records of hunters dying while being left hanging for hours and blood begins to clot. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130213736 | PERSONAL ESCAPE AND RESCUE DEVICE - A personal escape and rescue device comprising a descent mechanism having a pair of plates having opposing undulating faces each comprising at least one peak and at least one trough defined along the length of the undulating face, and a control mechanism for displacing the plates relative to one another in a direction along the length of the undulating faces thereby adjusting the disposition of the opposing undulating faces relative to one another thereby setting the distance between the trough and the opposing peak; a body harness to support a descender, the descent mechanism being attached at an upper location of the harness whereby the descender is in a stable position; and a strap/cable, of a length to provide descent to safety, reeved between the faces of the descent mechanism, and comprising an anchoring arrangement. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130306405 | Systems and Methods for Controlling Rope - A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar assembly. The bar assembly is pivotably connected to a first side portion of the main part for rotation between a first position in which the bar assembly is not in contact a second side portion of the main part and a second position in which the bar notch receives the second side portion. The bar assembly is arranged in the first position to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within a central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is arranged in the second position such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130327592 | Method and Apparatus for Climbing - The present invention is an apparatus and method for climbing, and more particularly but not by way of limitation an apparatus and method for ascending and descending a rope, for use by individuals with disabilities. The method and apparatus generally includes a combination of devices and a combination of steps which enables an individual climber to ascend and descend a rope while benefiting from the mechanical advantage of a rope assembly. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20140041960 | Rescue Descender System - A descender device, typically for use in a fall arrest system, for enables a suspended body to be lowered, and includes a descent line and a release element to be actuated by a person. The release element is arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A restraint arrangement is arranged prior to deployment of the descent line, to clamp or pinch a length of flexible line thereby to inhibit deployment of the descent line, the restraint arrangement being reconfigurable upon release of the release element to permit the descent line to be deployed. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140054109 | Load balancing descending device - A load balancing descending device for controlling the descent of a user descending on a rope carrying a load is provided. The rope has a decreasing rope free end as the user descends. The load balancing descending device comprises a first plate and a second plate. A first pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the first pin spacing the first plate from and pivotally connecting the first plate to the second plate and the combined first plate and second plate having a first side and a second side. A second pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the second pin spaced from the first pin. An attachment mechanism is formed in the first side of the combined first plate and second plate for attaching a user and/or load. The rope is wrapped in a serpentine manner about the first pin and the second pin between the first plate and the second plate with the rope free end exiting the combined first plate and second plate from the second side. As the user descends the rope, the length and weight of the rope free end decreases thereby causing the load balancing descending device to rotate moving the rope free end in a general direction from the first side toward the second side and automatically balancing the weight of the user and load against the weight of the rope free end in order to maintain a controlled rate of descent. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140166395 | Load balancing descending device - A load balancing descending device for controlling the descent of a user descending on a rope carrying a load is provided. The rope has a decreasing rope free end as the user descends. The load balancing descending device comprises a first plate and a second plate. A first pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the first pin spacing the first plate from and pivotally connecting the first plate to the second plate and the combined first plate and second plate having a first side and a second side. A second pin is positioned between the first plate and the second plate with the second pin spaced from the first pin. An attachment mechanism is formed in the first side of the combined first plate and second plate for attaching a user and/or load. The rope is wrapped in a serpentine manner about the first pin and the second pin between the first plate and the second plate with the rope free end exiting the combined first plate and second plate from the second side. As the user descends the rope, the length and weight of the rope free end decreases thereby causing the load balancing descending device to rotate moving the rope free end in a general direction from the first side toward the second side and automatically balancing the weight of the user and load against the weight of the rope free end in order to maintain a controlled rate of descent. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140174850 | SAFETY AND DESCENDER DEVICE - It is described a belay, of static or dynamic type, and descender, of self-blocking type and not, device for securing one or more ropes comprising a main body composed of at least two or more flat plates constrained one to another according to planes preferably parallel, or slightly tilted, by a plurality of spacer pins. The rope/s is/are inserted inside the body of the device which further comprises a first karabiner hooked to the main body by passing through an opening in the device body. The karabiner is movable in the opening between an unlocking position of the rope, that is the usual use condition, and an emergency position wherein the rope is blocked, and vice versa. The device further comprises a hole passing through the device body allowing the hooking of the first karabiner removed from the opening or of a second karabiner around which the rope/s is/are passed, and further means for constraining the device body to a fixed hooking point, which comprise at least one through hole inside which a further respective karabiner is hooked. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140209409 | Multi-Functional Lifting Device - A multi-functional lifting device, comprising a lifting device body; a power source; an electromagnetic DC motor; a decelerator connected to the DC motor; a main moving wheel positioned on an output axle of the decelerator; a rope element twined into the main moving wheel; a resilient wheel brake unit on one side of the main moving wheel locking the rope element into position; an intermediate wheel having a rope groove complementary to the rope groove of the main moving wheel; and a speed control module and a PCB board connected to the DC motor. The multi-functional lifting device is capable of providing controllable upward and downward movement when the power to the DC motor is connected or disconnected to the power source. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140262609 | Rope Descent Device and Method - A rope descent device and method capable of maintaining a fast but safe descent rate of a user carrying a heavy load or equipment. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262610 | Systems for Assisted Braking Belay with a Lever Disengagement Mechanism - One embodiment of the present invention relates to an assisted braking belay system with a housing, a camming mechanism, and a lever mechanism with a lever disengagement mechanism. The housing may include a substantially enclosed rope channel through which a rope may extend to the climber. The camming mechanism is moveably coupled to the housing and configured to automatically engage a camming surface upon the rope across the rope channel if the rope translates through the channel at a particular speed. The lever mechanism enables a belayer to selectively disengage the camming mechanism and release the camming surface from the rope thereby allowing the rope to translate through the rope channel. The lever disengagement mechanism is configured to automatically disengage the lever mechanism from the camming mechanism thereby enabling the camming mechanism to automatically reengage the camming surface upon the rope across the channel. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262611 | Systems for Assisted Braking Belay with a Cam-Clutch Mechanism - One embodiment of the present invention relates to an assisted braking belay system with a housing, camming mechanism, and clutch mechanism. The housing may include a substantially enclosed rope channel through which a rope may extend to the climber. The camming mechanism is moveably coupled to the housing and configured to automatically engage a camming surface upon the rope across the rope channel if the rope translates through the channel at a particular acceleration rate. The clutch mechanism may function as a secondary locking mechanism to engage the camming surface of the camming mechanism upon the rope across the rope channel. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140299411 | DESCENT DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL CONTROL - A descent device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a housing; an inlet capstan; a drive wheel coupled to a centrifugal brake, the drive wheel rotatable with respect to the housing about an axis, the drive wheel including a groove formed along its outer perimeter, the groove having a first inner side wall, a second inner side wall, and a bottom, a distance between the first and second inner side walls decreases from the outer perimeter to the bottom in a direction toward the axis, wherein at least a portion of a radial extent of the inner side walls includes a pattern of protrusions positioned between inner side walls to form an irregular rope path along the groove; an outlet capstan; and a rope extending through the rope inlet, around the inlet capstan, around the drive wheel, around the outlet capstan, and through the rope outlet. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140339017 | FireCoat FEDS (Fullbody Emergency Descent System) - A full body emergency descent system (EDS) for incorporating into the coat and pants of a firefighter for allowing for safe escape from elevated heights. The EDS includes: a panel housing flame resistant rope or cable into the coat with a pair of chest straps that store away until needed and fasten together when needed; a pair of leg straps incorporated into the pants, said leg straps connecting to said chest straps through pocket accesses to form a full body harness. The EDS further includes a purposefully designed control descent rack in and through which the rope/cable is wound and a friction braking handle. Preferred embodiments further incorporate a drag strap loop. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20150014092 | FALL DETECTION DEVICE FOR LIFELINE; LIFELINE INSTALLATION EQUIPPED WITH SAID DEVICE; ASSOCIATED FALL DETECTION METHOD - A fall detection device for a lifeline, intended to be mounted on an energy absorber which includes a static portion and a mobile portion secured together, wherein the mobile portion is shifted in the event of a force higher than a force threshold value and actuates an absorber. The fall detection device includes a sensor and trajectory tracking device secured to the end of the static portion or to the end of the mobile portion and able freely to move with the end of the mobile portion or the end of the static portion respectively. This trajectory tracking device is adapted to actuate the sensor when shifting of the mobile portion is data-generating. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150114752 | Securing Device - A securing device includes a base body having a guide element, a receiving body, which has a longitudinal axis, a housing, which is fastened movably on the base body and a securing element having a first securing bolt. The receiving body is disposed on the base body so that the securing means can be guided between the receiving body and the guide element. The securing element is fastened rotatably about a first axis of rotation on the base body. A securing bolt is coupled to the housing such that during a movement of the housing relative to the base body, the securing element rotates about the first axis of rotation so that as a result of a first rotation, one end of the securing element is movable in the direction of the receiving body so that the securing means can be clamped between the receiving body and the securing element. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150129357 | Guided Type Fall Arrester - Body Control System - A fall arrester ( | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150335924 | SAFETY DEVICE FOR CLIMBERS - A safety or braking device, especially for climbers, with a casing ( | 11-26-2015 |
| 20160107005 | IMPROVEMENTS IN ROPE ACCESS EQUIPMENT - A fall restraint kit for rope access work may include a length of rope ( | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160130875 | FALL ARRESTER - The present invention relates broadly to a fall arrester ( | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160136463 | Rescue Descender System - A descender device, typically for use in a fall arrest system, that enables a suspended body to be lowered, and includes a descent line and a release element to be actuated by a person. The release element is arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A restraint arrangement is arranged prior to deployment of the descent line, to clamp or pinch a length of flexible line thereby to inhibit deployment of the descent line, the restraint arrangement being reconfigurable upon release of the release element to permit the descent line to be deployed. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160144207 | WATER TANK FALL ARREST AND RESCUE APPARATUS - A water tank fitted with a fall arrest assembly, a rescue device, and a rescue kit. The fall arrest assembly provides a safe means for personnel to perform inspection and maintenance activities on top of a water tank. The rescue device and rescue kit provide a safe and expeditious means to perform rescue activities in case of an emergency either inside or on top of a water tank. The water tank thus takes into consideration the safety of both the patient and the rescuers with the use of the fall arrest assembly and rescue device and rescue kit. | 05-26-2016 |
| 182006000 | Leg or loop type | 11 |
| 20080245611 | Self-Belay And Rappel Device And Methods Of Use - A Self-Belay And Rappel Device ( | 10-09-2008 |
| 20090026012 | Safety Harness Equipped with an Improved Belt - A roping harness is achieved from a lining structure | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090078501 | Floating Harness with Continuous Loop - A safety harness and techniques for integrating the safety harness into apparel such as a firefighter's turnout suit. The safety harness may include a waist belt having a fastener (e.g., buckle) for adjustably securing the waist belt around a wearer's waist, first and second leg straps for encircling a wearer's legs, and a continuous support strap fixed to each of the first and second leg straps and slideably attached to the waist belt. The continuous support strap has a front middle portion for coupling to a coupling mechanism (e.g., carabiner, ladder hook, knot, clamp, weld, or a combination thereof) and having sufficient slack so as to not impede access to the waist belt fastener. Under no-load conditions, the front middle portion of the continuous strap may hang down below the waist belt fastener, or may be stowed to one side of the waist belt fastener. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090236177 | FOOT LOCK ASCENDER FOR ASCENDING ALONG A ROPE - A foot lock ascender for ascending along a rope comprises a swivelling gate and attachment means comprising at least a first passage for a first strap to pass through and to be adjusted, and at least a second passage for a second strap to pass through. The first positioning passage of the first strap is inclined by a predefined angle with respect to the guide throat of the rope, said angle being comprised between 40° and 75° so as to keep the bottom of the throat parallel to the path of the rope when ascending. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20100163338 | Lightweight controlled descent system with an integral reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS) - A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100252361 | Controlled descent system with an increased recovery range - A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20120222912 | Lightweight Controlled Descent System with an Integral Reserve Suspension Relief Strap (RSRS) - A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20130037347 | Controlled Descent System with an Increased Recovery Range - A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130240293 | FIRE ESCAPE EMERGENCY DESCENT SYSTEM (EDS) - An emergency descent system for use by an individual to effect escape from a building or other elevated structure. The system comprises: an upper vest component for securing about the individual's chest, said vest component including an integral rack; a lower component for securing about both upper legs of the individual; and an elongate section of rope for securing at one end to a fixture on the structure from which the individual can effect gradual descent along said rope as it frictionally engages with the integral rack of the upper vest component. A method of use is also disclosed. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130341123 | EMERGENCY DEVICE WITH QUICK RELEASE HOOK - An escape system has a harness, pants, a hook, a rope, a slider, a carabiner and a bag. The bag is packed so that the rope is packed into the rope pocket of the bag and threaded through a channel of the slider, the slider and the carabiner attached thereto are packed in the bag on top of the rope, the hook is inside the bag and attached to a hook connector disposed on a flap of the bag, and the flap is connected to the front side of the bag. The carabiner is attached to a D-ring on the harness that is attached to pants worn by a human. In use, when the flap is pulled away from the front side, the hook is automatically pulled out of the bag, eliminating a step of groping for the hook during an emergency escape. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20190143155 | LINEMAN HARNESS AND HARNESS ADAPTER SYSTEMS | 05-16-2019 |
| 182007000 | With seat | 1 |
| 20080283333 | 911 Firejumper a movable strand descending and repelling device - The 911 Firejumper is a fixed base moving strand descending device specifically for the purpose of descent in emergencies, such as fire, earthquake, or other obstruction of the common escape. It may also be used as a repelling device for rescue personnel in a variety of ways using rescue vehicles. A mesh seat, folded inside the base, pulled into the window by use of an affixed cord on the outside of the window, secured around a person, or persons and lowered by the device to within two feet of the ground, utilizing brakes within the base activated by the weight of the person, or persons allowing safe descent at a speed directly related to the weight applied thereto. | 11-20-2008 |
