System and method for providing a reinforced pfl or srl drum

Abstract

Systems and methods for a fall limiting device are provided. An embodiment includes a housing and a rotatable drum including a shaft and two sides, the rotatable drum including a single continuous piece of material. A retractable member is at least partially retained within the housing via winding around the rotatable drum within the two sides.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 710,365, filed on March 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Fall prevention and mitigation devices (e.g., self-retracting devices, personal fall limiters (PFLs), self-retracting lanyards (SRLs)) can be used in a variety of situations and applications. For example, retractable lanyards are often used for fall protection in industrial settings and in connection with recreational activities. Such devices have many end uses, including but not limited to construction, manufacturing, hazardous materials / remediation, asbestos abatement, painting, sandblasting, welding, mining, many oil and gas industry applications, power and utilities, nuclear energy, paper and pulp, sanding, grinding, stage rigging, roofing, scaffolding, telecommunications, automotive repair and assembly, warehousing, and rail transportation. Summary of the invention

[0003] Systems and methods for fall restraint devices are provided. Embodiments include a housing and a rotatable drum including an axis and two side portions, the rotatable drum comprising a single continuous piece of material. A retractable member is at least partially retained within the housing by wrapping around the rotatable drum within the two side portions.

[0004] In another example, a method of assembling an apparatus includes providing a rotatable drum including an axle and two side portions, the rotatable drum including an axle having (i) an outer portion, one outer portion extending from an outer surface of each side portion, and (ii) a center portion having an opening that provides a path through the interior of the drum across the diameter of the drum. Passing a portion of a retractable member through the center portion of the axle. Attaching a pin to the portion of the retractable member, securing the pin and the portion of the retractable member in the center portion by pulling a second portion of the retractable member, and wrapping the second portion of the retractable member around the rotatable drum. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram depicting an exemplary fall restraint device.

[0006] Figure 2 is a diagram depicting exemplary details of a fall restraining device.

[0007] Figure 3 is a diagram depicting a first view of an exemplary hub in the form of a rotatable drum.

[0008] Figure 4 is a diagram depicting a second view of the rotatable drum showing an interior portion of the shaft.

[0009] Figure 5 is a diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of a rotatable drum and shaft with a pin and a portion of a retractable member retained therein.

[0010] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an unwind speed limit controller attached to a rotatable drum in a stowed position.

[0011] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the position of a pawl biasing spring in a fall restraint device.

[0012] Figure 8 is a flow chart depicting a method of assembling a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] A fall arrest device typically includes a housing that includes a rotatable drum or hub around which a line, typically made of webbing, cable, rope, and / or synthetic material, is wound. When a certain level of tension is purposefully applied, the hub rotates to unwind (or "pay out") the line from its housing. When the tension is reduced or released, the hub can be slowly rotated in the opposite direction via a retraction mechanism, thereby retracting or rewinding the line around the drum or hub. The retraction mechanism may include a power spring that is energized when the line is paid out from the housing and de-energized to retract the line into the housing. Some fall arrest devices may also include a braking mechanism (e.g., a locking mechanism, a mechanism that resists, slows, or prevents unwinding) or a component for resisting rotation of the hub when the line is unwound too quickly (i.e., faster than its predetermined maximum speed for normal payout). A sudden payout may be an indication that the lanyard wearer / user has experienced a fall that needs to be stopped or prevented.

[0014] The drum of the fall protection device rotates around an axis located at the center of rotation of the drum. The axis can be made of metal and can be bonded to one or more components of the device. The axis may have a complex geometry, which requires expensive and time-consuming manufacturing and assembly steps. In an embodiment, the system and method as described herein provide an improved fall protection device that can utilize fewer components. In some embodiments, the system and method described herein can provide easier manufacturing and assembly of the fall protection device, thereby limiting the opportunity to introduce defects and errors, thereby providing enhanced safety of the device.

[0015] Figure 1is a diagram depicting an exemplary fall restraining device in the form of a self-retracting device 10 (e.g., for use in industrial settings and recreational activities). The self-retracting device 10 may be implemented in any suitable application or environment where a user or worker is engaged in an activity in an elevated position and requires some protection in the event of a fall. Additionally, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the self-retracting device 10 is in the form of a fall protection device or lanyard (e.g., a self-retracting lanyard). The self-retracting device 10 is configured to protect a user in the event that an unintentional, unexpected fall is initiated. The self-retracting device 10 is configured to prevent a user from falling too far or stopping too quickly.

[0016] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the self-retracting device 10 has a housing 12 enclosing various components configured for releasing the line 11 from the housing 12 and retracting the line 11 into the housing. The housing 12 has a connector 13 for connecting the self-retracting device 10 to a fixed anchor point, such as a floor, a wall, a railing, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connector 13 can be a ring configured to receive a connecting element connected to a fixed anchor point. The housing 12 can have a handle (not shown) to facilitate carrying the self-retracting device 10 when not in use. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle can also be used as an auxiliary attachment point for connecting the self-retracting device 10 to an anchor point.

[0017] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the line 11 can be connected to a first end 15 of an energy absorber 16, which is configured to be deployed in the event of an unexpected fall to safely arrest the user's fall. The energy absorber 16 can be self-deployable when the line 11 is exposed to a tension exceeding a predetermined threshold. A hook 17 is connected to a second end 18 of the energy absorber 16. The hook 17 is configured for removable connection to a safety harness worn by a user. For example, the hook 17 can be removably connectable to a D-ring on a dorsal portion of the safety harness. In another example, the hook 17 is connected to a fixed anchor point while the connector 13 is connected to the user's harness. The hook can take a variety of forms, including a carabiner.

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram depicting exemplary details of a fall restraining device. The self-retracting device 10 includes a hub 19 having a wire 11 configured to be wound thereon. Figure 2 In the examples and certain embodiments further described herein, the hub 11 is provided in the form of a rotatable drum including an axle and two side portions made of a single continuous piece of material. For example, the hub 19 can be formed from a single piece of aluminum, such as a single die-cast aluminum piece. In certain embodiments, the hub 19 can be formed from other materials such as steel or plastic. The hub 19 can be formed using other manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, 3D printing, machining, sand casting, and injection molding. Figure 2The hub 19 depicted in FIG. 1 may include in a single piece features that may be implemented using a variety of different parts (eg, separate shaft pieces), such that the single piece of material provides a reduced part count, simpler assembly, and increased safety via less opportunity for misconfiguration.

[0019] The self-retracting device 10 also includes a retraction member 20 (e.g., a retraction spring) that biases the hub 19 in a first rotational direction of the hub 19, and a shaft 21 integral with the hub 19 about which the hub 19 and the retraction member 20 rotate. The hub 19 is configured to (i) retract the wire 11 when the hub 19 moves in the first rotational direction, and (ii) pay out the wire 11 when the hub 19 moves in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first rotational direction may be a counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 21, and the second rotational direction may be a clockwise direction about the shaft 21. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first rotational direction may be a clockwise direction about the shaft 21, and the second rotational direction may be a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 21.

[0020] Continue to refer Figure 2 The self-retracting device 10 includes a housing assembly having a first housing cover 22a and a second housing cover 22b. The first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b define the housing 12 (in Figure 1 ). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b may be removably connectable to each other. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more fasteners 23 may be provided for removably connecting the first housing cover 22a to the second housing cover 22b. The one or more fasteners 23 may be arranged around the outer periphery of the housing assembly 22. Each of the one or more fasteners 23 may be configured to threadably engage a threaded hole 24 in one of the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b and extend through a through hole 25 on the other of the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b. In some embodiments or aspects, the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b may be removably connectable to each other by a clip, an adhesive, a fastener, or any combination thereof.

[0021] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the housing assembly 22 defines an internal cavity 26 for receiving components from the retraction device 10. For example, the internal cavity 26 can be defined between the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the internal cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22 is configured to receive the hub 19 and the shaft 21, the locking assembly 27, and the retraction member 20. The shaft 21 can be at least partially supported by the housing assembly 22 and extend between the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown in , the hub 19 has a body including two sides 28, which define a recessed portion 29 for receiving the wire 11. The wire 11 is wound around the recessed portion 29 and includes a first end 30 attached to the hub 19 and a second free end 31 located opposite the first end 30. In an embodiment, the first end is attached to a pin 50, which helps to secure the wire 11 to the hub 19, as further described herein. In an embodiment, a first portion of the wire associated with the first end 30 is wrapped around the pin 50 and then secured to itself (e.g., via sutures, adhesives, or a retaining structure such as a clip or a ring). The pin 50 and the first portion of the wire 30 are then secured to the hub 19, as further described below. The second end 31 of the wire 11 is configured for connection to the first end 15 of the energy absorber 16. The hub 19 is rotatable within the housing assembly 22 and is configured to release or retract the wire 11 from the housing assembly 22 when the hub 19 is rotated within the housing assembly 22 around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 21.

[0023] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the retraction member 20 is received within the inner cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22 and is configured to bias the hub 19 in a first rotational direction. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the retraction member 20 is positioned between the hub 19 and the first housing cover 22a. One or more noise reducer pads 33 may be positioned between the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the first housing cover 22a to absorb noise and vibration that may otherwise be caused by contact between those components. The retraction member 20 is configured to (i) retract the wire 11 when the hub 19 moves in the first rotational direction due to the release of potential energy stored in the retraction member 20, and (ii) pay out the wire 11 when the hub 19 moves in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction due to an external force. The movement of the hub 19 in the second rotational direction establishes potential energy in the retraction member 20. The potential energy can be released when the external force is removed so that the wire 11 is retracted into the housing assembly 22 by winding the wire 11 around the hub 19. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the retraction member 20 can be a power spring having a first end fixed relative to the housing assembly 22 (e.g., the first housing cover 22a), and a second end fixed directly or indirectly to the rotatable hub 19. In this way, the rotation of the hub 19 in the second direction during the payout of the wire 11 from the housing assembly 22 builds potential energy in the power spring, which is then used to rotate the hub 19 in the first direction to retract the wire 11 into the housing assembly 22 when the tension on the wire 11 is unloaded.

[0024] Further references Figure 2, the self-retracting device 10 can have a locking assembly 27 configured to prevent rotation of the hub 19 when the locking assembly 27 is activated. The locking assembly 27 is disposed in the inner cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22 and includes a speed-sensitive mechanism 36 having an activated position and a non-activated position. The speed-sensitive mechanism 36 is connected to the hub 19 and can rotate with the hub 19. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 of the locking assembly 27 can include one or more pawls that are biased to a first position by a biasing member 37 such as a spring.

[0025] The speed-sensitive mechanism 36 is configured to transition from the non-actuated position to the activated position at a predetermined rotational speed of the hub 19. The predetermined rotational speed of the hub 19 at which the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 transitions from the non-actuated position to the activated position is selected to correspond to a rotational speed that will indicate a fall event. As the line 11 is paid out from the hub 19, the hub 19 and the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 rotate until the hub 19 and the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 reach the predetermined rotational speed. When the rotational speed of the hub 19 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the biasing force on one or more pawls of the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 due to the biasing member 37 is overcome by the centripetal force, at which the one or more pawls transition to a second position configured for engagement with one or more teeth, protrusions, notches or lips on the housing assembly 22 (such as the second housing portion 22b). When the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 engages with the housing assembly 22, the payout of the line 11 is stopped to prevent further movement of the user connected to the line 11.

[0026] In alternative embodiments, the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 may be attached to a housing, metal frame, or other structure separate from the hub 19. Such an embodiment may include a cam or other structure on the hub that moves the speed-sensitive mechanism 36. The hub may also include teeth or other structures, rather than those teeth or other structures being located on the housing assembly 22 or other structures within the self-retracting device 10. In some embodiments, when the hub rotates and the corresponding cam rotation reaches a predetermined rotational speed, the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 disengages from the cam and engages with the teeth or other structure on the hub, thereby stopping rotation.

[0027] Figure 3 is a diagram depicting a first view of an exemplary hub in the form of a rotatable drum. The exemplary drum 19 is constructed of a single continuous piece of material (in this case, a die cast aluminum piece) that includes two side portions 28 connected by an axle 21. The axle traverses the width of the hub 19 through the two side portions 28. Figure 3 As can be seen in the middle portion, the shaft includes an outer portion, one of which extends from the outer surface of each side portion 28. The outer portion of the shaft is configured to mate with other components of the fall restraint device (e.g., the inner portion of the housing ( Figure 3 )) interact to facilitate the rotation of the hub 19.

[0028] Figure 3 Also depicted is a retractable member (double-ended portion 30) configured to be at least partially retained within the housing via wrapping around the rotatable drum 19 within the two side portions 28. To facilitate attachment to the rotatable drum 19, and as described with respect to Figure 4 and 5 As further discussed, the portion of the retractable member 30 that is retained within the housing is wrapped around the pin 50 and secured to itself (e.g., via stitching, adhesive, retaining clip, retaining ring). As described in further detail in the following figures, a central portion of the shaft 21 between the two sides of the rotatable drum 19 is configured to retain the pin 50 and a portion of the retractable member 30. The majority of the remainder of the retractable member 11 is then wrapped around the shaft 21 between the two sides 28 when the retractable member 11 is in the retracted position. One or both of the outer portions 28 may include an indicator 60 that shows the correct direction for winding the retractable member 11, thereby facilitating proper assembly of the fall restraint device.

[0029] Figure 3 Also shown is an unwinding speed limit controller in the form of a pair of spring-biased pawls. Figure 2 As described, during normal conditions, spring 37 is configured to hold pawl 36 in a retracted position. During an abnormal event (such as a fall) where rotatable drum 19 rotates in the unwinding direction at a rate greater than a threshold, the centripetal force rotates pawl 36 outward from its retracted position, causing pawl 36 to snap onto a feature of another component of the fall restraint device (such as a tooth, protrusion, notch, or lip on the inner surface of the housing). Figure 3 shown in and Figure 6 and 7 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the outer surface of at least one of the sides 28 of the rotatable hub includes one or more structures for retaining the unwinding speed limit controller pawl 36 and spring 37 .

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram depicting a second view of the rotatable drum showing an interior portion of the shaft. As discussed above, the rotatable drum 19 includes two side portions 28 and a shaft 21 that passes through the side portions 28 and connects the sides as a continuous piece of material. The shaft 21 includes an outer portion 72, one extending from an outer surface of each side portion 28. The shaft 21 also includes a center portion 74 that bridges the two side portions 28. In an embodiment, the center portion has an opening 76 that is configured to receive and retain the pin 50 (not shown) and a portion of the retractable member 30 (not shown), as shown. Figure 5With the pin 50 and a portion of the retractable member 30 retained within the opening 76, the retractable member 11 may then be wound and unwound about the central portion 74 of the shaft within the two side portions 28 as desired by the user of the fall restraint device.

[0031] Figure 5 is a diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of a rotatable drum and shaft with a pin and a portion of a retractable member retained therein. Figure 5 The housing 12 is depicted holding a rotatable drum 19 therein, wherein the interior portion of the rotatable drum 19 is Figure 5 Visible in. Figure 5 The inner surface of one of the sides 28 of the rotatable drum is shown, as well as a central portion 74 of the shaft that traverses the space between the sides 28, connecting those sides 28 as a continuous piece. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 8 , as can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the central portion 74 includes voids 82 , which can reduce the weight of the component and improve manufacturability and strength. In an alternative embodiment, the central portion 74 can be formed without those voids 82 .

[0032] Figure 5 Also shown is an hourglass-shaped opening 84 in the center portion 74 of the shaft, which provides a path 86 across the diameter of the drum through the interior of the shaft of the rotatable drum. In other embodiments, the center portion can be arranged across the chord length of the drum. The end portion of the retractable line 30 and the pin 50 are kept in the center portion, wherein the additional length of the retractable line 11 can be wound around the center portion 74 of the shaft, and the pin 50 and a portion of the retractable line 30 are kept in the center portion 74. As described above, the end portion of the retractable line 30 can be fixed to the pin 50 or fixed to itself. The apposition portion of the retractable line 30 fixed to itself may be less flexible than the rest of the retractable line 11. Keeping this portion of the retractable line 30 in the center portion 74 can limit the non-flexible problems of this portion of the retractable line 30 during winding, such as kinking or other winding anomalies.

[0033] The pin 50 and a portion of the retractable wire 30 can be positioned and / or secured in the central portion 74 in a variety of ways. For example, the depicted portion of the retractable wire 30 can be passed through (e.g., through) the central portion 74, wrapped around the pin 50, and then secured to itself. The distal end (not shown) of the retractable wire 11 can then be pulled to position the pin 50 and the depicted end of the retractable wire 30 within the central portion 74. Alternatively, the depicted portion of the retractable wire 30 can be engaged with the pin 50 prior to interacting with the rotatable drum 19. The distal end (not shown) of the retractable wire 11 can then be passed through the central portion 74 of the shaft and pulled until the length of the retractable wire 30 traverses the central portion 74 and the depicted portion of the wire 30 and the pin are positioned within the central portion 74. Once in place, a second portion of the retractable wire 11 (e.g., substantially all of the remaining portion of the retractable wire 11 not within the central portion 74 of the shaft) can be wound and unwound around the central portion 74 and the pin 50 and portion of the retractable wire 30 secured therein.

[0034] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing an unwinding speed limit controller attached to a rotatable drum in a stowed position. As described above, the outer surface of one of the sides 28 of the rotatable drum includes a structure for holding the unwinding speed limit controller, which is arranged in a manner similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. Figure 6 The example includes a spring biased pawl 36. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the structure includes a disc-shaped platform 92 on which the pawl 36 is located and a post 94 about which the pawl 36 rotates. In an embodiment, the post 94 can be wider at its outward end to help retain the pawl 36 so that the pawl 36 can snap into place. The first curved guide 96 facilitates the pawl 36 to be moved from its stowed position (in a clockwise direction) via rotation. Figure 6 36) is rotated to its deployed position, wherein in the deployed position, the teeth of the pawl 36 interact with the structure of the housing to prevent the retractable line 11 from being deployed from the fall restraint device. The structure for retaining the pawl 36 also includes a second curved guide structure 98. In an embodiment, this structure can serve a variety of purposes. First, the structure 98 can help retain the pawl 36 on the column and can limit the counterclockwise rotation of the pawl 36 beyond its stowed position. In addition, the structure 98 may include a structure (not shown) for docking with the spring 37. The spring 37 can be positioned between this surface and a surface on the underside of the pawl 36, such as Figure 7 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the pawl is biased toward the depicted stowed position when subjected to a centripetal force that is less than the reaction force provided by the spring.

[0035] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the position of a pawl biasing spring in a fall restraint device. Figure 7The structure for holding the pawl unwinding speed limit controller on the outer surface of the side 28 of the rotatable drum is shown again. This example again depicts the disc-shaped platform structure 92 and the column 94 on which the pawl 36 is placed, and the first curved guide rail 96 that supports the pawl when the pawl 36 rotates during deployment. A second curved guide structure 98 is also depicted. The pawl 36 is depicted in a perspective manner, wherein the surface below it is visible. Specifically, the second guide structure 98 includes a first wall structure 102, which extends toward the center of the column 94 substantially perpendicular to the curved portion of the structure 98. In addition, the lower side of the pawl 36 includes a second wall surface 104 that also extends toward the center of the column. When the pawl is placed on the column 94, the gap 106 is formed by the volume defined by the outer surface of the side 28 of the drum, the column 94, the curved portion of the structure 98, the first wall surface 102 and the second wall surface 104. A seat spring 108 (also shown as 37 in some previous figures) is positioned within the void 106 such that it exerts a force on the first and second wall surfaces 102, 104, biasing the second wall surface 104 and the pawl 36 integral therewith in a counterclockwise direction toward the stowed position.

[0036] Figure 8 802, the method includes providing a rotatable drum including a shaft and two side portions, the rotatable drum including a shaft having (i) an outer portion, one outer portion extending from an outer surface of each side portion, and (ii) a center portion having an opening that provides a path across the diameter of the drum through the interior of the drum. At 804, a portion of a retractable member is passed through the center portion of the shaft. At 806, a pin is attached to the portion of the retractable member, and at 808, the pin and the portion of the retractable member are secured in the center portion by pulling a second portion of the retractable member. At 810, the second portion of the retractable member is wound around the rotatable drum.

[0037] The systems and methods described herein can take a variety of forms. In one example, a fall restriction device includes a housing and a rotatable drum including an axis and two side portions, the rotatable drum including a single continuous piece of material. A retractable member is at least partially retained within the housing by being wrapped around the rotatable drum within the two side portions.

[0038] In an example, the shaft includes an outer portion, one outer portion extending from the outer surface of each side portion, wherein the shaft also includes a central portion having an opening, the opening providing a path across the diameter of the drum through the interior of the drum. In another example, the device also includes a pin, wherein a portion of the retractable member is wrapped around the pin and fixed to itself, wherein the central portion of the shaft is configured to hold the pin and the portion of the retractable member in the opening. In another example, the portion of the retractable member is fixed to itself via stitching, adhesive, or a retaining clip or ring. In one example, the material piece includes aluminum, wherein in the same or another example, the material is die-cast. In one example, the outer surface of one of the side portions of the rotatable drum includes a structure for holding an unwinding speed limit controller. In one example, the unwinding speed limit controller includes a pawl. In yet another example, the pawl is configured to pivot outward when the rotatable drum rotates at a rate greater than a threshold. In one embodiment, the housing includes a tooth, a protrusion, a notch, or a lip, wherein the pawl is configured to interact with the tooth, the protrusion, the notch, or the lip when pivoted outward. In one embodiment, the structure for holding the unwinding speed limit controller includes a first surface for interacting with a first end of a spring, wherein the unwinding speed limit controller includes a second surface for interacting with a second end of the spring. In one example, the spring is configured to hold the unwinding speed limit controller when the rotatable drum rotates at a rate less than a threshold. In an example, the device includes a retraction spring, wherein the retraction spring is configured to apply a winding force to the rotatable drum, wherein the device is configured to wind the retractable member when the retractable member is under a tension less than the winding force. In an example, the retractable member includes a rope or line, and in another example, the retractable member includes an energy absorber and a connecting device. In one embodiment, the connecting device is a hook or a carabiner. In an example, the device is a component of a personal fall limiter (PFL) or a self-retracting lanyard (SRL).

[0039] In another example, a method of assembling an apparatus includes providing a rotatable drum including an axle and two side portions, the rotatable drum including an axle having (i) an outer portion, one outer portion extending from an outer surface of each side portion, and (ii) a center portion having an opening that provides a path through the interior of the drum across the diameter of the drum. Passing a portion of a retractable member through the center portion of the axle. Attaching a pin to the portion of the retractable member, securing the pin and the portion of the retractable member in the center portion by pulling a second portion of the retractable member, and wrapping the second portion of the retractable member around the rotatable drum.

[0040] In one embodiment, the rotatable drum comprises a single continuous piece of material. In an example, the method further comprises enclosing the rotatable drum within a housing, wherein the housing is configured to interact with the rotatable drum to cease rotation when the rotatable drum rotates at greater than a threshold rate.

[0041] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to its specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fall restraint device comprising: case; a rotatable drum comprising an axis and two side portions, the rotatable drum comprising a single continuous piece of material; A retractable member is at least partially retained within the housing via wrapping around the rotatable drum within the two sides.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes outer portions, one outer portion extending from an outer surface of each side portion; Wherein the shaft further comprises a central portion having an opening that provides a path through the interior of the drum across the diameter or chord of the drum.

3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a pin, wherein a portion of the retractable member is wrapped around the pin and secured to itself, wherein the central portion of the shaft is configured to retain the pin and the portion of the retractable member within the opening.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the portion of the retractable member is secured to itself via sutures, adhesive, or a retaining clip or ring.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piece of material comprises aluminum.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the piece of material is die cast.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of one of the sides of the rotatable drum includes a structure for holding an unwinding speed limit controller.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the unwinding speed limit controller comprises a pawl.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the pawl is configured to pivot outwardly and interact with a snap mechanism when the rotatable drum rotates at greater than a threshold rate.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a tooth, a protrusion, a notch, or a lip, wherein the pawl is configured to interact with the tooth, the protrusion, the notch, or the lip when pivoted outwardly.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the structure for retaining the unwinding speed limit controller comprises a first surface for interacting with a first end of a spring; The unwinding speed limit controller includes a second surface for interacting with the second end of the spring.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the spring is configured to maintain the unwind speed limit control in a stowed position when the rotatable drum is rotating at less than a threshold rate.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a retraction spring, wherein the retraction spring is configured to apply a winding force to the rotatable drum, wherein the apparatus is configured to wind the retractable member when the retractable member is under a tension less than the winding force.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the retractable member comprises a rope or wire.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the retractable member comprises an energy absorber and a connection device.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the attachment means is a hook or a carabiner.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a component of a personal fall limiter (PFL) or a self-retracting lanyard (SRL).

18. A method of assembling a device, comprising: Providing a rotatable drum including a shaft and two side portions, the rotatable drum including a shaft having (i) an outer portion, one outer portion extending from an outer surface of each side portion, and (ii) a central portion having an opening providing a path through an interior of the drum across a diameter of the drum; passing a portion of the retractable member through a central portion of the shaft; attaching a pin to the portion of the retractable member; securing the pin and the portion of the retractable member in the central portion by pulling on a second portion of the retractable member; as well as The second portion of the retractable member is wound around the rotatable drum.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the rotatable drum comprises a single continuous piece of material.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The rotatable drum is enclosed within a housing, wherein the housing is configured to interact with the rotatable drum to cease rotation when the rotatable drum rotates at greater than a threshold rate.

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