D B Industries, Inc.

James T Wolner

Scott C Casebolt

Duncan C Engh

A connector includes a bolt and another structural member which cooperate to form a closed loop about portions of two otherwise separate articles. The bolt extends through at least one flange on a first article and through opposite ends of the other structural member to form a closed loop about the two articles. A radially extending flange is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of the bolt and cooperates with a head at one end of the bolt to capture both the flange on the first article and a first end of the other structural member therebetween. A spring biases an opposite, second end of the bolt through a second end of the structural member and preferably through another flange on the first article, as well. A latching mechanism selectively prevents movement of the bolt in opposition to the force exerted by the spring, which must be overcome in order to release the second article from the first article. In one application, the connector is mounted on a personal safety device to effect a serial connection between a person and a support structure.

Connector for a personal safety device

A connector and a personal safety device are secured in series between a person and a support structure. The connector includes a bolt and another structural member which cooperate to form a closed loop. The bolt extends through opposite ends of the other structural member and at least one flange on the personal safety device. A radially extending flange is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of the bolt and cooperates with an end of the bolt to capture an end of the other structural member therebetween.

A fall indicating device including an indicating portion that is normally retained within the body of the fall indicator. Upon the exertion of sufficient force upon the fall indicator, as, for example, from the forces generated during fall arrest, a restraining member within the body of the fall indicator, such as a shear pin or a series of disk springs, releases the indicating portion, alerting the user that the fall restraining device has been subjected to fall arrest forces. In the case of fall indicator using a shear pin, the indicator may require replacement after being subjected to fall arrest forces. However, a fall indicator using a spring or series of disk springs may be reset after use without needing to be replaced. The fall indicating device may also be integrally attached to a connecting member such as a snap hook. When integrally connected to a snap hook, the snap hook, using the free end of the fall indicator, may be attached to the line or cable issuing from a safety device such as a self retracting lifeline.

Fall indicator for use with fall arresting devices

A retractable lifeline safety device usable by workers performing tasks at great heights above the ground. The mechanical components of the safety device are contained within a sealed housing that is filled with a viscous fluid. The sealed housing prevents the introduction of dirt, moisture and other foreign matter into the mechanical mechanism of the safety device, reducing the likelihood that those components may be fouled by dirt and corrosion, which in turn could greatly reduce the effectiveness of the safety device. The safety device is attached to the structure on which the worker is performing the task, and a lifeline such as a cable is withdrawn from the housing thereof, the end of which is attached to a belt or harness worn by the worker. The cable may be easily drawn out of the housing in response to the worker moving about normally in the appropriate work space, and the cable is automatically drawn back into the housing of the safety device as the worker draws closer thereto. However, should the worker fall, a brake within the safety device is automatically engaged by a centrifugal clutch, stopping the worker's descent.

Retractable lifeline safety device

A double lock safety hook adapted to a single lock hook permitting a belt connection, such as a fall protection device, window washer's harness, and the like, to be retained within a hook throat. A snap keeper is engageable with the latch member to lock the latch member with the latch member abutting the hook nose so that accidental release of the belt connection is reduced. The snap keeper is mounted along and in juxtaposition to the shank of the single lock hook and is easily installed on equipment without the necessity of drilling holes in the hook body. A means for positioning the keeper along the shank is also provided for moving the keeper between its first and second positions.

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Red Wing, MN, United States of America

James T Wolner