High-altitude safety device easy to connect and disconnect

Abstract

A load transfer device includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member configured to receive an elongate support member. A retaining member extends between the rotating members that retains the elongate support member between the rotating members. A link body is located between the rotating members and includes a connection aperture. A link stopper is coupled to the link body and switches between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the link stopper allows the load transfer device to be connected to or disconnected from the elongate support member and prevents access to the connection aperture. In the second position, the link stopper prevents the load transfer device from being connected to or disconnected from the elongate support element and allows access to the connection aperture. The link stopper transitions from the second position to the first position when a force is applied to the link stopper.

Description

[0001] A load transfer device is a form of aerial safety equipment. Such a device is adapted to pass through an elongate support member (e.g., a safety line or safety cable). The elongate support member is typically supported along its length by intermediate support brackets and is adapted to support a load or a person. For example, the elongate support member may be used to support and guide a user traveling at height. The load transfer device is typically adapted to be attached to the elongate support member and to allow a user to travel along its path and over the intermediate support brackets. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are provided systems and methods for a load transfer device including a first rotating member and a second rotating member, each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member being configured to receive an elongate support member. A retaining member extends between the first rotating member and the second rotating member and is configured to hold the elongate support member between the first rotating member and the second rotating member. A link body located between the first rotating member and the second rotating member includes a connection eye configured to attach a load to the load transfer device. A link blocker is coupled to the link body and is configured to switch between a first position and a second position. When the link blocker is in the first position, the link blocker allows the load transfer device to be connected to or disconnected from the elongate support member and prevents access to the connection eye. When the link blocker is in the second position, the link blocker prevents the load transfer device from being connected to or disconnected from the elongate support member and allows access to the connection eye. The link blocker is configured to transition from the second position to the first position when a force is applied to the link blocker.

[0003] In another example, a method of operating a load transfer device includes applying a force to the underside of a link blocker to cause the link blocker to block a connection eye of a link body. Rotating the load transfer device about an elongate support member such that a retaining member of the load transfer device supports the elongate support member and allows a load to access the connection eye of the link body. Attaching the load to the connection eye of the link body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a safety line system of a person performing construction operations fixed to the top of a structure.

[0005] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a load transfer device attached to an elongate support member.

[0006] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional side view of a load transfer device.

[0007] Figure 4 FIG. is a view showing a load transfer device having a rotational retaining member.

[0008] Figure 5 FIG. is a front sectional view showing the load transfer device.

[0009] Figure 6 FIG. is a front view showing a first position of the load transfer device.

[0010] Figure 7A and 7B FIG. is a top view showing the rotation of the load transfer device in the first position.

[0011] Figure 8A and 8B FIG. is a view showing the retaining member rotating downward to support the elongate support member.

[0012] Figure 9A and 9B FIG. is a view showing the rotation of the load transfer device after the retaining member has rotated downward.

[0013] Figure 10A and 10B FIG. is a view showing the load transfer device moving from the first position to the second position.

[0014] Figure 11 FIG. is a view showing an embodiment of a load transfer device with a link blocker having two legs.

[0015] Figure 12 FIG. is a flowchart showing a method of operating a load transfer device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The load transfer device may allow a user to pass an elongate support member and an intermediate support bracket along its length. Some load transfer devices may include many components and require complex methods of attachment to the elongate support member. Certain systems and methods involve components of a load transfer device that operate independently, requiring multiple individual components of the load transfer device to be moved to specific positions to operate the load transfer device. Such systems and methods can make the operation of the load transfer device cumbersome. In addition, a large number of components in the load transfer device increases the likelihood that a given individual component will be defective, thereby reducing the reliability of the device. Systems and methods that require minimal manual movement of individual components and reduce the total number of components employed may be beneficial.

[0017] In an embodiment, the systems and methods provided herein provide a simple and rapid operation of a load transfer system. This simple operation can be convenient and valuable for a user in that the user can spend more time on commercial production activities. Additionally, in an embodiment, the systems and methods provided herein involve fewer components than other systems and methods. Thus, such systems and methods of the present disclosure can allow for longer intervals between required maintenance, as the components fail less frequently. The reduction in required maintenance can reduce costs and increase the operating time of the user, which can increase profits.

[0018] Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram showing a safety line system for a person performing construction operations fixed to the top of a structure. The system includes an elongate support member 101. In Figure 1 an example, the elongate support member 101 is positioned above the structure 104. In some examples, the elongate support member 101 is attached to the structure 104. For example, a support column 102 can be used to attach the elongate support member 101 to the structure 104. In some examples, the elongate support member 101 can be attached to the structure by using an intermediate support bracket 106. The intermediate support bracket 106 can be positioned along the structure 104 to fix the elongate support member 101 to the structure 104 at one or more locations. A user 103 can be fixed to the elongate support member 101. For example, a load transfer device 100 can be attached to the elongate support member. An attachment mechanism such as a carabiner (not shown) can be fixed to the load transfer device 100. The user 103 can wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., a safety harness) 105, which can be attached to a lanyard 112, which in turn can be fastened to the load transfer device 100. Since the elongate support member 101 is firmly attached to the structure 104, the safety line system can fix the user 103 to an area close to the structure 104 and thus protect the user in the event that the user 103 slips or falls.

[0019] The load transfer device 100 is in direct contact with a structural component (e.g., the elongate support member 101) to which the user 103 is attached. The systems and methods of the present disclosure provide a load transfer device 100 that is reliable and maintains a firm connection with the elongate support member 101 throughout operation and is also easy to attach to and detach from the elongate support member 101 when attachment and detachment are required. Additionally, the systems and methods of the present disclosure provide a load transfer device 100 that involves a simple structure that requires minimal maintenance.

[0020] Figure 2A diagram showing a load transfer device attached to an elongate support member. The load transfer device 100 includes a link body 201 and a link stopper 202 coupled to the link body 201. The link body 201 may include a connection eyelet 207 that may be used to attach a load to the load transfer device 100. For example, a carabiner (not shown) may be attached to the connection eyelet 207. The carabiner may be used to secure a person to the load transfer device 100 via a connection strap (e.g., a tether). The link body 201 and the link stopper 202 may be positioned between a first rotating member and a second rotating member 203. The rotating members 203 may each include a plurality of radially projecting lobes 208. In Figure 2 the example shown, the load transfer device 100 includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member 203 having eight radially projecting lobes 208. However, some exemplary embodiments include rotating members 203 having fewer or greater numbers of radially projecting lobes 208. The rotating members 203 may also include a cover member (not shown) located on the outer side of each rotating member 203 and covering the base 210 of the radially projecting lobes 208. A recess (e.g., a space) 209 may be located between each of the radially projecting lobes 208. The recess 209 may be used to pass through an intermediate support bracket 106 placed along the length of an elongate support member (e.g., a cable) 101. The space 209 between the lobes 208 may allow a connection element 106a that connects the support bracket 106 to a support post 102 to be received in the space 209.

[0021] If the recesses 209 of one or more of the rotating members 203 are not aligned with the bracket legs of the intermediate support bracket 106 when the load transfer device 100 approaches the bracket, contact between the tips of the radially projecting lobes 208 and the bracket legs will cause the corresponding rotating member 203 to rotate slightly and align the recess 209 with the legs. The first rotating member and the second rotating member 203 may share an axis. A shaft (e.g., a bolt) 205 may extend through this axis. Additionally, the link body 201 and the link stopper 202 may also be coupled to this axis and rotate about the shaft 205. A fixing element (e.g., a nut) 204 may be used to fix the first rotating member and the second rotating member 203, the link body 201, and the link stopper 202 to the shaft 205. The shaft 205 may include a single threaded end such that a single fixing element 204 may be used to fix the components of the load transfer device 100 to the shaft 205. Alternatively, the shaft 205 may include threads at two separate ends, and two separate fixing elements 204 may be provided at each end to fix the components to the shaft 205. The load transfer device may also include a retaining member 206, which will be discussed further below with reference to Figure 3 The retaining member 206 may rotate about the axis relative to the link body 201, as will be discussed in more detail later.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a side view diagram showing a load transfer device. In Figure 3 the exemplary embodiment, the shaft 205 extends through the first rotating member and the second rotating member 203. The link blocker 202 can be located in an internal cavity (e.g., a groove) of the link body 201. In other examples, the link blocker 202 is coupled to the outside of the link body 201. The holding member 206 can be used to support the elongated support member 101 during operation and can also be used to align the load transfer device 100 with the intermediate support bracket 106. The holding member 206 can include a pair of side protrusions that fit into and are supported by one or more notches 302 located within each radial protruding lobe 208 of the rotating member 203. Each radial protruding lobe 208 can also include a cutout region 301 that can be used to support the elongated support member 201 when the load transfer device 100 is in a first position and the load transfer device 100 rotates about an axis perpendicular to the extension of the elongated support member 101, as discussed further below. The cutout region 301 can be located at the root of the corresponding lobe. In other words, the cutout region 301 can be positioned close to the shaft 205.

[0023] In Figure 3 the example, the load transfer device 100 is in a second position, as described further below. In the second position, the link blocker 202 can prevent the elongated support member 101 from moving towards the shaft 205 to a point where the elongated support member 101 can be received in the cutout region 301 between the shaft 205 and the holding member 206. This can be useful during operation because the device 100 will remain generally aligned as it passes through the elongated support member 101 and will provide stable and reliable use. The notches 302 for supporting the holding member 206 can be located further from the shaft 205 than the cutout region 301.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a load transfer device having a rotating holding member. As described above, the holding member 206 can be supported by notches 302 located within each of a plurality of radial protruding lobes 208. Thus, the holding member 206 can be rotated about the shaft 205 to different positions within the load transfer device 100 by rotating to different radial protruding lobes 208 and being supported by them. Rotating the holding member 206 to the Figure 4 position shown in can allow the elongated support member 101 (not shown) to contact the link blocker 202. This position of the holding member 206 can be advantageous for attaching the load transfer device 100 to the elongated support member 101, as discussed below with reference to Figure 6 . As described below, the link blocker can move from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In Figure 4The middle link blocker is shown in the second position.

[0025] Figure 5 is a front sectional view showing the load transfer device. In Figure 5 the example shown, the arrangement of the retaining member 206 and the link blocker 202 relative to the link body 201 is shown. The retaining member 206 can rotate about the axis 205 independently of the position of the link blocker 202. As described below, the link blocker 202 can move from Figure 6 the first position shown in Figure 5 to the second position shown in Figure 5 and vice versa. The movement of the retaining member 206 can be independent of the movement of the link blocker 202. The link blocker 202 can include an oval slot 502 around the axis 205. In Figure 5 the example shown, the load transfer device 100 is in an upright position. This position allows the top side of the oval slot 502 to rest on the upper side of the axis 205 due to the gravity on the link blocker 202. A gap in the lower part of the oval slot 502 is located below the axis 205. The link blocker 202 can also include a guide slot 503. The guide slot 503 can be coupled to a center pin 501 on the link body 201. The link blocker 202 can also include one or more legs 504 that can be used to prevent access to the connection hole 207 of the link body 201. In an embodiment, the center pin 501 can be used to guide the link blocker 202 to switch between the first position and the second position, as further discussed below. The guide slot 503 of the link blocker 202 can be generally "S"-shaped, as shown in Figure 5 the exemplary embodiment of. In addition, the guide slot 503 can include a first end inside the link blocker 202 and a second end exposed to the outside of the link blocker 202. In other exemplary embodiments, the guide slot 503 can have a different shape and may not be exposed to the outside of the link body 202.

[0026] When a force (e.g., an upward force) is applied to the link blocker 202, the oval slot 502 can move upward relative to the axis 205. For example, the force can be provided by pressing the load transfer device against the elongate support member 101. At the same time, the center pin 501 can guide the link blocker 202 to rotate and move upward relative to the link body 201. In Figure 5 the example shown, the center pin 501 will guide the one in Figure 5The link blocker 202 at the second position in [the device] rotates clockwise relative to the link body 201. Accordingly, the leg 504 of the link blocker 202 can move to a position that obstructs access to the connection eyelet 207. This position may be referred to as the first position. When the load transfer device 100 is in this first position, the lower side of the link blocker 202 can be close enough to the shaft 205 to allow the elongated support member 101 to enter the cutout region 301 when the device 100 rotates upon contact with the elongated support member 101.

[0027] Figure 6 is a front view showing the first position of the load transfer device. Figures 6 to 10B collectively show an example process by which the load transfer device 100 can be attached to the elongated support member 101. As Figure 6 shown, when a force (e.g., an upward force) is applied to the link blocker 202, the elliptical slot 502 moves upward relative to the shaft 205 to enter the first position. Then the lower side of the elliptical slot 502 rests on the shaft 205. This force can be applied by pressing the link blocker 202 against the elongated support member 101, as Figure 6 shown by the downward arrow 601 in [the figure]. When the force is applied, the center pin 501 guides the link blocker 202 to the first position, where the leg 504 of the link blocker 202 blocks the connection eyelet 207 of the link body 201. When the load transfer device 100 is in Figure 6 the position shown, a load or carabiner may not be attachable to the connection eyelet 207. At the same time, the link blocker 202 can allow the elongated support member 101 to approach the cutout region 301. Specifically, the elongated support member 101 can reach a position close enough to the shaft 205 to be at the same or a similar level as the cutout region 301 of the rotating member 203. As Figure 6 shown, the retaining member 206 can rotate to a position where the elongated support member 101 can contact the link blocker 202.

[0028] Figure 7A and 7B are views from above showing the load transfer device rotating in the first position. In the example shown in Figure 7A , the link blocker 202 is in the first position, where the leg 504 blocks access to the connection eyelet 207, but the load transfer device 100 can be connected to or disconnected from the elongated support member 101. Additionally, Figure 7A the view from above shown indicates that the retaining member 206 is located in an upper position relative to the elongated support member 101. As shown by the arrow 701, the load transfer device 100 can then rotate about an axis (not shown) that extends vertically from the elongated support member 101. In Figure 7AIn the example, the axis can be visualized as being located at the center of the load transfer device 100 and extending outward through the top of the device 100. Figure 7B is a top view showing a first position of the load transfer device after the load transfer device has rotated about an axis extending perpendicularly from the elongated support member. In Figure 7B In the example shown, the elongated support member 101 is received in the cutout region 301 of the rotating member 203. In Figure 7B In, the link blocker may still be in the first position.

[0029] Figure 8A and 8B is a view showing the holding member rotating downward to support the elongated support member. The holding member 206 may rotate downward due to gravity, or the holding member 206 may be intentionally pushed or swung to a position where it supports the elongated support member 101. In Figure 8A In the example of, the holding member 206 is in an intermediate position where it drops to support the elongated support member 101. In Figure 8B In the example of, the holding member 206 is in a lower position and supports the elongated support member 101. In Figure 8A and 8B In the example of, the elongated support member 101 may be positioned within the cutout regions 301 of the first rotating member and the second rotating member 203, as shown in the corresponding description above for Figure 3 After the holding member 206 has dropped to the lower position, the link blocker 202 may still be in the first position.

[0030] Figure 9A and 9B is a view showing the rotation of the load transfer device after the holding member has rotated downward. After the holding member 206 has rotated downward, the load transfer device 100 may then rotate about an axis extending perpendicularly from the elongated support member 101. In Figure 9A and 9B In the example shown, the load transfer device 100 rotates counterclockwise. This may allow the elongated support member 101 to be placed directly above the holding member 206, as shown in Figure 9B In. This position may allow the load transfer device 100 to travel along the length of the elongated support member 101.

[0031] Figure 10A and 10B is a view showing the load transfer device moving from the first position to the second position. Figure 10A shows a front cross-sectional view of the position of the load transfer device 100 after the holding member 206 has rotated to the lower position (e.g., the same arrangement as shown in Figure 9B In). As Figure 10AAs shown, the elongated support member 101 contacts the lower portion of the link stopper 202, which causes the leg 504 of the link stopper 202 to block the connection hole 207 of the link body 201 and prevents a load from being attached to the connection hole 207. As Figure 10A shown by arrow 1001, the load transfer device 100 can be pulled up, or otherwise moved upward relative to the elongated support member 101.

[0032] This movement shown by arrow 1001 can occur naturally (e.g., by gravity acting on the load transfer device 100 or the elongated support member 101), or can be intentionally caused by pulling on the load transfer device 100. When the elongated support member 101 moves downward relative to the load transfer device 100, the oval slot 502 can move downward relative to the shaft 205, such that the upper end of the oval support member 502 contacts the shaft 205. As Figure 10A and 10B shown, the center pin 501 of the link body 201 simultaneously guides the link stopper 202 to a second position where access to the connection hole 207 of the link body 201 is allowed. In this second position, an attachment device such as a carabiner can be used to attach a load to the connection hole 207. Inserting the attachment device into the connection hole 207 can prevent the link stopper 202 from moving relative to the link body 201, thereby preventing the elongated support member 101 from being removed from the load transfer device 100. Figure 10A and 10B show how the center pin 501, the oval slot 502, and the guide slot 503 cooperate to seamlessly transition between a first position and a second position while only attaching a single component (the link stopper 202) to the link body 201. As described above, Figures 6 to 10B collectively show an example process by which the load transfer device 100 can be attached to the elongated support member 101.

[0033] The load transfer device 100 can be disassembled from the elongate support member 101 by performing the same steps and methods disclosed above in a different (e.g., opposite) order. For example, the carabiner or load can be removed from the attachment eyelet 207 of the load transfer device 100. Thereafter, a force can be applied to the link blocker 202 (e.g., by pressing the load transfer device 100 against the elongate support member 101). This can cause the elongate support member 101 to be close enough to the shaft 205 such that the cutout region 301 of the radially projecting lobe 208 can receive the elongate support member 101. The load transfer device can then be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the elongate support member 101 such that the cutout region 301 supports the elongate support member. At this stage, the elongate support member 101 can be at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the orientation of the load transfer device 100. When the elongate support member is in this position, the retaining member 206 can be rotated to an area closer to the link body 201, and the device 100 can be disassembled from the elongate support member 101. As shown, the load transfer device 100 cannot be removed from the elongate support member 101 until the load has been removed from the attachment eyelet 207 of the link body 201. In this regard, the device may be "fail-safe".

[0034] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a load transfer device with a link blocker having two legs. In Figure 11 the example shown, the link blocker 202 of the load transfer device 100 has two legs (1101, 1102). When the link blocker 202 is in the second position, these legs can surround and allow access to the attachment eyelet 207. When the link blocker 202 is in the first position, a leg (e.g., leg 1101) can block access to the attachment eyelet 207. Thus when the link blocker 202 is in the first position, the second leg (e.g., leg 1102) can project from the side of the link body 201. This can allow a user to support the movement of the link blocker 202 from the first position to the second position by pressing the leg in the direction of the link body 201. Another leg can then be moved out of the attachment eyelet 207 to release access to the attachment eyelet 207. In other examples, both legs (1101, 1102) can block access to the attachment eyelet 207 in the first position. The particular leg that blocks the attachment eyelet 207 can depend on the shape and orientation of the guide slot 503. In other examples, there are more than two legs on the link blocker 202. As Figure 11As shown, embodiments in which the link blocker 202 has two or more legs may include structural aspects similar to those of embodiments involving a single leg. For example, a load transfer device 100 with a link blocker 202 having two or more legs may include a link body 201 having a central pin 501, a rotating member 203 having a plurality of radially protruding lobes 208, and a retaining member 206.

[0035] Figure 12 is a flow chart showing a method of operating a load transfer device. The method includes applying a force to the lower side of the link blocker at 1201, which causes the link blocker to block the attachment eyelet of the link body. The method further includes rotating the load transfer device about an elongate support member at 1202, which causes the retaining member of the load transfer device to support the elongate support member and allows a load to approach the attachment eyelet of the link body. Attaching the load to the attachment eyelet of the link body at 1203. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that Figure 12 the steps described in the exemplary embodiments of Figure 12 may be performed in an order different from the order shown in Figure 12 while still within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional steps may be added to

[0036] the method shown in

[0037] while still within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] 1. A load transfer device, comprising:

[0039] a first rotating member and a second rotating member, each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member being configured to receive an elongate support member;

[0040] a link body located between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, the link body including an attachment eyelet configured to attach a load to the load transfer device;

[0041] a link blocker coupled to the link body, the link blocker being configured to switch between a first position and a second position;

[0042] Wherein when the link blocker is in the first position, the link blocker allows the load transfer device to be connected to or disconnected from the elongate support member and prevents access to the connection eyelet;

[0043] Wherein when the link blocker is in the second position, the link blocker prevents the load transfer device from being connected to or disconnected from the elongate support member and allows access to the connection eyelet;

[0044] Wherein the link blocker is configured to transition from the second position to the first position when a force is applied to the link blocker.

[0045] 2. The load transfer device according to clause 1, further comprising a retaining member extending between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, wherein when the elongate support member is located between the retaining member and the link blocker and the link blocker is in the second position, the link blocker prevents the elongate support member from accessing the cutout regions of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.

[0046] 3. The load transfer device according to clause 1 or 2, each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member includes a plurality of radially protruding lobes, the plurality of radially protruding lobes including notches at distal portions of the radially protruding lobes, wherein the retaining member is supported by the notches.

[0047] 4. The load transfer device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first rotating member and the second rotating member have a common axis of rotation, and wherein the load transfer device further comprises a shaft extending through the common axis of rotation.

[0048] 5. The load transfer device according to clause 4, the link blocker includes an oval slot around the shaft, wherein the force applied to the link blocker is applied along the longitudinal axis of the oval slot.

[0049] 6. The load transfer device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, the link blocker includes a guiding slot, and the link body further includes a center pin coupled to the guiding slot, the center pin configured to guide the link blocker along the guiding slot when the force is applied to the link blocker.

[0050] 7. The load transfer device according to clause 6, wherein the guiding slot is generally "S" shaped.

[0051] 8. The load transfer device according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the guiding slot includes a first end inside the link blocker and a second end exposed outside the link blocker.

[0052] 9. The load transfer device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the first and second rotating members further includes a plurality of recesses located between the radially protruding flaps, and the plurality of recesses are configured to pass through an intermediate support bracket.

[0053] 10. The load transfer device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the load transfer device is further configured to travel distally along the elongate support member.

[0054] 11. The load transfer device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the elongate support member is a safety wire or a safety cable.

[0055] 12. A method of operating a load transfer device, comprising:

[0056] Applying a force to the lower side of a link blocker, the force causing the link blocker to block a connection eyelet of a link body;

[0057] Rotating the load transfer device about an elongate support member, the rotation causing a holding member of the load transfer device to support the elongate support member and allowing a load to approach the connection eyelet of the link body; and

[0058] Attaching the load to the connection eyelet of the link body.

[0059] 13. The method according to clause 12, wherein the force applied to the link blocker is applied along a longitudinal axis of the link blocker, and wherein the elongate support member is used to apply the force to the lower side of the link blocker.

[0060] 14. The method according to clause 12 or 13, further comprising rotating a holding member of the load transfer device to expose the link blocker.

[0061] 15. The method according to at least one of the preceding clauses, further comprising traveling distally along the elongate support member and passing through an intermediate support bracket.

[0062] 16. The method according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the step of applying the force to the lower side of the link blocker further comprises guiding the link blocker to a first position through a guiding groove.

[0063] 17. The method according to at least one of the preceding clauses, further comprising removing the load transfer device from the elongate support member, wherein removing the load transfer device includes removing the load from the connection eyelet of the link body.

[0064] 18. The method according to clause 17, wherein the step of removing the load transfer device from the elongated support member further comprises rotating the load transfer device relative to an axis that extends perpendicular to the elongated support member.

[0065] 19. The method according to clause 18, wherein the step of removing the load transfer device from the elongated support member further comprises rotating the retaining member to a first position that exposes the link blocker.

[0066] 20. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the elongated support member is a safety line or a safety cable.

[0067] The features disclosed in the foregoing specification, claims and drawings may be necessary, either individually or in any combination, in different embodiments of the claimed subject matter.

[0068] List of Reference Numerals

[0069] 100 Load transfer device

[0070] 101 Support member

[0071] 102 Support post

[0072] 103 User

[0073] 104 Structure

[0074] 105 Personal protective equipment

[0075] 106 Support bracket

[0076] 106a Connecting element

[0077] 112 Tether

[0078] 201 Link body

[0079] 202 Link blocker

[0080] 207 Connecting eyelet

[0081] 203 Rotating member

[0082] 204 Fixing element

[0083] 205 Shaft

[0084] 206 Retaining member

[0085] 207 Connecting eyelet

[0086] 208 Flap

[0087] 209 Recess

[0088] 210 Base

[0089] 301 Notch area

[0090] 302 Notch

[0091] 501 Central pin

[0092] 502 Oval groove

[0093] 503 Guide groove

[0094] 504 Leg

[0095] 1001 Arrow

[0096] 1101 Leg

[0097] 1102 Leg

[0098] 1201, 1202, 1203 Steps

Claims

1. A load transfer device (100) comprising: a first rotating member (203) and a second rotating member (203), each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member (203) being configured to receive an elongate support member (101); a link body (201) located between the first rotating member and the second rotating member (203), the link body (201) including a connection eye (207) configured to attach a load to the load transfer device (100); a link stopper (202) coupled to the link body (201), the link stopper (202) being configured to switch between a first position and a second position; wherein when the link stopper (202) is in the first position, the link stopper (202) allows the load transfer device (100) to be connected to or disconnected from the elongate support member (101) and prevents access to the connection eye (207); wherein when the link stopper (202) is in the second position, the link stopper (202) prevents the load transfer device (100) from being connected to or disconnected from the elongate support member (101) and allows access to the connection eye (207); wherein the link stopper (202) is configured to transition from the second position to the first position when a force is applied to the link stopper (202).

2. The load transfer device according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining member (206) extending between the first rotating member and the second rotating member (203), wherein when the elongate support member (101) is located between the retaining member (206) and the link stopper (202) and the link stopper (202) is in the second position, the link stopper (202) prevents the elongate support member (101) from accessing a cutout region (301) of the first rotating member and the second rotating member (203).

3. The load transfer device according to claim 2, each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member (203) including a plurality of radially projecting lobes (208), the plurality of radially projecting lobes including notches (302) at a distal portion of the radially projecting lobes (208), wherein the retaining member (206) is supported by the notches (302).

4. The load transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating member and the second rotating member (203) have a common axis of rotation, and wherein the load transfer device (100) further includes a shaft (205) extending through the common axis of rotation.

5. The load transfer device according to claim 4, the link stopper (202) including an oval slot (502) around the shaft (205), wherein the force applied to the link stopper (202) is applied along a longitudinal axis of the oval slot (502).

6. The load transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the link stopper (202) includes a guide groove (503), and the link body (201) further includes a center pin (501) coupled to the guide groove (503), the center pin (501) being configured to guide the link stopper (202) along the guide groove (503) when a force is applied to the link stopper (202).

7. The load transfer device according to claim 6, wherein the guide groove (503) is generally "S"-shaped.

8. The load transfer device according to claim 7, wherein the guide groove (503) includes a first end inside the link stopper (202) and a second end exposed outside the link stopper (202).

9. The load transfer device according to claim 8, wherein each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member (203) further includes a plurality of recesses (209) located between the radially protruding lobes (208), the plurality of recesses (209) being configured to pass through the intermediate support bracket (106).

10. The load transfer device according to claim 9, wherein the load transfer device (100) is further configured to travel distally along the elongate support member (101).

11. The load transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate support member (101) is a safety wire or a safety cable.

12. A method of operating a load transfer device (100), comprising: applying (1201) a force to the lower side of a link stopper (202), the force causing the link stopper (202) to block a connection hole (207) of a link body (201); rotating (1202) the load transfer device (100) about an elongate support member (101), the rotation causing a holding member (206) of the load transfer device (100) to support the elongate support member (101) and allowing a load to approach the connection hole (207) of the link body (201); and attaching (1203) the load to the connection hole (207) of the link body (201).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the force applied to the link stopper (202) is applied along a longitudinal axis of the link stopper (202), and wherein the elongate support member (101) is used to apply the force to the lower side of the link stopper (202).

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising rotating a holding member (206) of the load transfer device (100) to expose the link stopper (202).

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising traveling distally along the elongate support member (101) and passing through an intermediate support bracket (106).

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step (1201) of applying the force to the lower side of the link stopper (202) further comprises guiding the link stopper (202) to a first position through a guiding groove (503).

17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising removing the load transfer device (100) from the elongated support member (101), wherein removing the load transfer device (100) comprises removing the load from the connection eyelet (207) of the link body (201).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of removing the load transfer device (100) from the elongated support member (101) further comprises rotating the load transfer device (100) relative to an axis extending perpendicular to the elongated support member (101).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of removing the load transfer device (100) from the elongated support member (101) further comprises rotating the holding member (206) to a first position exposing the link stopper (202).

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein the elongated support member (101) is a safety line or a safety cable.

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