Fall arrest device

The crash stop device addresses the issue of incorrect line insertion in fall prevention systems by using a gravity-sensitive obstruction member to ensure proper orientation, thereby enhancing safety during crashes.

JP2025072323AActive Publication Date: 2025-05-09SKYLOTEC GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024182571
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-24
Filing Date
2024-10-18
Publication Date
2025-05-09
Estimated Expiration
2044-10-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fall prevention devices require specific directional insertion of lines, which can lead to incorrect mounting and reduced safety in crash scenarios.

Method used

A crash stop device with a movable obstruction member that interferes with the line receiver based on gravity, preventing incorrect line insertion and ensuring proper orientation for safety.

Benefits of technology

The device enhances safety by preventing incorrect line mounting and ensuring the device functions correctly during crashes, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a fall arrest device that enhances safety.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a fall arrest device for attachment to a line, comprising: a body having a line receiving part defining a first direction by an extension part and for receiving the line with the first direction oriented in parallel to the line; an obstruction member configured to move relative to the line receiving part based on the influence of gravity between an obstruction position obstructing the line receiving part and an open position as a function of the first direction oriented against the gravity or following the gravity; and an arrest mechanism including a coupling member for coupling to a user and an arrest member for arresting the line in the line receiving part in a case of a fall of the user along the line, wherein the obstruction member has a recess configured for engaging with the line in the obstruction position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fall arrest device for attachment to a line. The fall arrest device comprises a line receiving part. [Background technology]

[0002] Fall arrest devices can be used in climbing applications and other applications where protection against a user falling is required. Typically, when the user falls, the fall arrest device locks relative to a substantially vertically oriented line typically present in the application, thereby protecting the user connected to the fall arrest device from fatal injuries. In known fall arrest devices, it is important that the line is inserted in a specific direction into the line receiver. Therefore, it is of interest to provide a means to prevent insertion in the wrong direction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution for enhancing fall protection systems with regard to safety, in particular to avoid or reduce the disadvantages of known solutions.

[0004] The object of the invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are detailed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The object is to provide a fall arrest device for attachment to a line, a body defining a first direction by an extension and having a line receiving portion for receiving a line with the first direction oriented parallel to the line; an obstruction member configured to move relative to the line receiving portion under the influence of gravity between an obstructing position obstructing the line receiving portion and an open position as a function of a first direction oriented against or following gravity; a restraining mechanism including a connecting member for connecting with a user and a restraining member for restraining the line in the line receiving portion when the user falls along the line, The obstructing member is solved by a fall arrest device having a recess configured to engage with the line at the obstructing location.

[0006] Briefly, this object is in particular solved by a fall arrest device or fall arrester comprising at least one of a body having an elongated line receiving portion, an obstructing member configured to selectively obstruct the line receiving portion as a function of the orientation of the fall arrest device in the gravitational field, a blocking mechanism for blocking the line when the user falls while the line is correctly received in the line receiving portion, and a geometry on the obstructing member capable of capturing the line when it obstructs the line receiving portion.

[0007] In particular, the invention proposes a fall arrester adapted to receive a line in a receptacle, such that if the fall arrester is oriented in a wrong direction such that it cannot function in a fall, a mobile blocking element in the fall arrester moves into the receptacle and prevents the line from being fully inserted into the receptacle by the blocking element. In this way, the mobile blocking element physically blocks the receptacle by its volume when the user tries to attach the fall arrester to the line in a wrong orientation. The invention proposes that the booking element comprises a shape or surface that is generally understood or generally recalled as the shape of a recess, a corner, a crater, a cavity, a recess, a depression and / or a bowl.

[0008] The present invention, and the aspects described herein, advantageously provide that if the fall arrest device is installed in the wrong orientation, the obstructing member will capture the line, thereby preventing the obstructing member from potentially moving due to the line or other influences such as vibration, acceleration, etc. Rather, if a user attempts to install the device incorrectly, the obstructing member will form-fit with the line, safely holding the incorrect orientation until the user corrects it.

[0009] Thus, the present invention advantageously provides enhanced safety features.

[0010] A fall arrest device, fall protection equipment, or personal fall arrest system relates to a system or equipment used to arrest a person in a fall from a height, for example, from a working level, and may include an anchor, a connector, a body belt or harness, a lanyard, a deceleration device, a lifeline, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0011] The fall arrest device can be attached to the line, whereby the fall arrest device holds the line to immobilize the user in case of a fall against the line. The attachment allows the line to still move relative to the fall arrest device. In particular, the attachment relates to fixing the line relative to the fall arrest device along at least one direction, in particular along a diagonal direction relative to the line receiver and / or the line.

[0012] A line typically refers to an elongated means such as a rope, string, guy line, hawser, cable, wire, etc. A line is typically a steel wire rope or a steel cable.

[0013] The body typically relates to a component part or parts of a fall arrest device. The body may comprise a metal, in particular an aluminium alloy or steel. The body may serve to hold and / or house and / or provide all mechanical parts necessary for the functioning of the fall arrest device. The body may form and / or include a line receiving portion. The line receiving portion may extend along the body, in particular along the entire body, in particular along a substantially straight line. The body may have at least a substantially flat shape and / or a thickness between 5 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 10 mm and 25 mm, in order to provide sufficient mechanical stability and ease of use.

[0014] The line receiving portion may have a shape that substantially and / or partially surrounds the line. The line receiving portion may be substantially U-shaped or C-shaped in order to receive the line through a U- or C-shaped opening. The line receiving portion defines a first direction by means of an extension. The line receiving portion defines in particular an upward direction of the fall arrest device in the gravitational field through the first direction. The line is meant to be received in the line receiving portion by being arranged at least substantially parallel to the line receiving portion and / or the first direction. The length of the line receiving portion is in particular between 20 mm and 200 mm, more in particular between 40 mm and 100 mm, in order to provide sufficient stability and ease of use in receiving the line.

[0015] The obstructing member is in particular a rigid or solid component of the fall arrest device. The obstructing member in particular comprises or consists of a metal, in particular a steel or an aluminium alloy. The obstructing member may be hardened, anodised and / or coated. The obstructing member may have an elongated shape, in particular meaning that one direction of extension of the obstructing member is at least twice as long in one direction as the other two directions perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the one direction. The obstructing member may be configured to physically obstruct the line receiving part, in particular by means selectively movable in and out of the line receiving part. The obstructing member is typically sensitive to gravity, in that when the obstructing member is freely movable and / or unblocked, e.g. unblocked by a line, the direction of gravity may affect its position within the body.

[0016] The obstruction position typically relates in particular to the position of the obstructing member at least partially penetrating the line receiving part in order to physically obstruct or block the line receiving part. The obstruction position may relate to the extent or different positions where the line receiving part is obstructed / blocked. In particular, the obstruction position relates to the position where the recess may potentially engage with a (mis)inserted line in the line receiving part.

[0017] The open position typically relates to a position in which the obstructing member is not disposed in or does not penetrate the line receptacle, e.g. does not affect the possibility of fully inserting the line into the line receptacle in order for the fall arrest device to operate properly. The open position is understood to be any position of the obstructing member in which no obstructing member is present.

[0018] The obstructing member may be supported on the body so as to move between positions as a function of the direction of gravity / attractive force, for example the obstructing member may be supported in the sense of a sled or lever that can slide or pivot between two end positions (e.g. one position being a obstructing position and the other position being a release position).

[0019] The recess may be formed in the obstructing member, in particular on the top side. The top side and / or the recess faces the outside of the line receiving part, in particular when in the obstructing position. The recess may and / or may be configured to run across the line receiving part, in particular from a first side towards a second side of the line receiving part when in the obstructing position. The recess may and / or may be configured to run above a bottom of the line receiving part, in particular in the obstructing position. The recess may extend obliquely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction. The recess may extend perpendicularly to the shape of the body, in particular a substantially flat body shape. The recess may be large enough to at least partially surround the line, in order to engage the line when in the obstructing position.

[0020] The blocking mechanism is configured to selectively form-fit with the line, in particular when a fall occurs. A fall can be caused when the connecting member is pulled with a sudden increase in force, in particular at least substantially against a first direction and / or according to gravity. The connecting member and the blocking member can be integrally joined and / or formed as a common lever. The blocking member can be configured to engage laterally in the line receiving part. The blocking mechanism can be spring-loaded, in particular to always slide slightly on the line and / or to automatically pivot towards the line receiving part.

[0021] The obstructing member may be movably supported within the body. The obstructing member may be pivotably and / or translatably moveable within the body, in particular between the obstructing position and the release position.

[0022] The obstructing member may in particular extend at least substantially along a straight line. The obstructing member may extend between a first end, e.g. a rear end, and a second end, e.g. a front end, of the obstructing member. The recess may be arranged between the ends. The obstructing member may have a rear side and a front side. The rear side and the front side may be at least substantially parallel to each other. In the open position, the front side may be arranged facing the line receiving part and / or the rear side may be arranged away from the line receiving part. In the obstructing position, the front side may be arranged at least substantially facing in a first direction (e.g. substantially upwards in normal use of the device) and / or the rear side may be arranged at least substantially facing away from the first direction (e.g. substantially downwards in normal use of the device).

[0023] The obstruction member may be pivotally attached to the first end. The obstruction member may be arranged and / or attached to the body substantially as a pendulum such that it is subject to the direction of gravity.

[0024] The recess may extend (particularly in depth) along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The recess may extend (particularly in depth) along a second direction perpendicular to a line along which the obstructing member may extend. The recess may extend lengthwise along a line along which the obstructing member may extend.

[0025] The obstruction member, in particular the second or front end, may comprise a protrusion extending at least substantially along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The protrusion serves to grip the line substantially in the obstructing position. The protrusion may be integrally formed with the obstruction member.

[0026] The protrusion may have at least partially curved flanks forming the sides of the recess. The flanks may be configured to contact the line with an areal or line contact. The protrusion may have at least partially flat flanks forming the sides of the recess. The flanks may be configured to contact the line with an areal or line contact. The flanks may be curved and / or flat along at least one direction, or along two or more directions. Typically the top of the protrusion may be flat.

[0027] The recess may have a curved and / or flat upper surface. The upper surface may be configured to contact the line with an area or line contact. The recess may have a sloped upper surface. The upper surface may be configured to contact the line with a point contact. The recess may have a tapered upper surface. The upper surface may be configured to contact the line with a point contact. The upper surface may be curved and / or flat and / or tapered and / or sloped along at least one direction or along two or more directions.

[0028] The body may have a base member. The base member may integrally form the first side and / or the bottom surface of the receiver, e.g. in one piece and / or by a fold. The first side may be concave on the inner surface. The inner surface may extend at least partially along the receiver, e.g. to partially surround the line. The body may have a substantially flat shape, in particular the line receiver is located along one flat side.

[0029] The fall arrest device may include a rotatable line guide configured to guide the line received in the line receiving part. The line guide may have rollers configured to guide the line received in the line receiving part. The line guide may be pivotable, particularly with the rotatable rollers, between an attachment position in which it partially surrounds the line and a removal position in which it releases the line. In the attachment position, the line guide may lock the line in the line receiving part such that the line cannot and / or is prevented from exiting the line receiving part. The line guide may reduce friction in use of the device.

[0030] The blocking mechanism may be spring-loaded. The line guide may be spring-loaded. A spring bias may be provided for automatic movement of the blocking mechanism and / or the line guide towards the line receiver. For example, the line guide may be located above the obstructing member and the blocking mechanism below the obstructing member, particularly with respect to being aligned along the first direction. The line guide may be configured to block the blocking mechanism from fully opening unless the line guide is in the removal position. The line guide and the blocking mechanism may be configured to mechanically cooperate with each other. The blocking mechanism may include a groove configured to run along the line receiver for areal contact with the line.

[0031] The obstructing member and / or body may comprise or consist of steel and / or an aluminium alloy. The line guide, obstructing member and / or restraining mechanism are arranged on a second side of the line receiving part opposite the first side. In particular, when viewed along the line and / or at an end of the line receiving part, the line receiving part may have an at least substantially / partially U-shape and / or C-shape for partially surrounding the line during reception of the line.

[0032] Throughout this disclosure, the term "or" may be replaced with "and / or." Thus, when "or" is used, it does not necessarily mean that only alternatives are named.

[0033] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment described hereinafter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic side view of a fall arrest device with a first direction facing against gravity; [Diagram 2] 2 shows the fall arrest device of FIG. 1 in a schematic side view with a first direction according to gravity, together with a blocking member blocking the line receiving portion; [Diagram 3] The fall arrest device of FIG. 1 is shown in a schematic side view (A) in which a first direction faces upward when the line is received in the line receiving portion, and in a cross-sectional view (B) perpendicular to the line. [Figure 4] The fall arrest device of FIG. 1 is shown in a schematic side view (A) in which a first direction faces downward when the line is engaged with an obstructing member, and in a cross-sectional view (B) perpendicular to the line. [Diagram 5] A further embodiment of a fall arrest device is shown in schematic side view with an obstruction member that is translatable and has a first direction facing against gravity (A) or following gravity, the obstruction member obstructing a line receiving portion (B). [Figure 6] 13(A) to 13(D) are cross-sectional views perpendicular to a first direction of an embodiment of a fall prevention device having recesses of different shapes in an obstructing member. [Figure 7] 1A is a top view and cross-sectional views (B, C, D, E) showing an embodiment of an obstruction member of a fall prevention device. [Figure 8] 13(A) to 13(C) are top views showing embodiments of obstruction members of a fall prevention device having protrusions of different shapes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] This specification includes procedural or methodological aspects when describing structural features of the invention. The structural features can be well understood as such. It is emphasized that such structural features can be lifted from the described context without hesitation or without intermediate generalizations to form aspects of the invention. It is also emphasized that any of the structural features described below, although they may be lifted from the context, can be understood as individual aspects of the invention to distinguish it from known solutions.

[0036] 1 to 4 disclose a fall arrest device 2 for attachment to a line 1. The device 2 includes a body 4 defining a first direction 12 by its extension and provided with a line receiving portion 10 for receiving the line 1 with the first direction 12 oriented parallel to the line 1. The device 2 further comprises an obstructing member 30 capable of blocking the receiving portion 10 from receiving the line 1.

[0037] Figures 1 and 2, as well as Figures 3 and 4, differ in that in Figure 1 or 3 the first direction 12 points upwards and / or against gravity G, and in Figure 2 or 4 the first direction 12 points downwards and / or according to gravity G. Thus, depending on the gravitational force, the obstructing member 30 either does not obstruct the line receiving portion 10 (Figure 1 or 3) or obstructs the line receiving portion 10 (Figure 2 or 4).

[0038] The obstruction member 30 is configured to move, i.e., pivot, relative to the line receiver 10, under the influence of gravity G or the direction of gravity, between an obstructing position (shown in Figures 2 and 4) in which it obstructs the line receiver 10, and an open position (shown in Figures 1 and 3) as a function of a first direction 12 oriented against or in accordance with gravity G. Thus, the first direction 12 means that it faces upwards or against gravity G, such that the line receiver 10 is not obstructed by the obstruction member 30 of the device 2.

[0039] The obstructing member 30 has a recess 32 configured to engage with the line 1 in the obstructing position. With reference to Fig. 4B, the line 1 is only partially received in the line receiving part 10 when the obstructing member 30 obstructs the line receiving part 10. The line 1 is stopped on the obstructing member 30 with a line or point contact in the recess 32 of the obstructing member 30. The recess 32 advantageously realizes that the obstructing member 30 cannot be pivoted backwards and / or outwards from the line receiving part 10 unless the user actively removes the line 1 from the line receiving part 10, for example obliquely to the first direction and / or parallel to the second direction 14.

[0040] Presently, the obstructing member 30 is movably, ie rotatably, supported within the body 4 between a blocking position (FIGS. 2 and 4) and an open position (FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0041] The obstruction member 30 extends substantially along a straight line between a first end 34 and a second end 36 of the obstruction member 30. The recess 32 is disposed between the first end 34 and the second end 36. The obstruction member 30 is pivotally mounted at the first end 34, with the pivot axis oriented perpendicular to the first direction 12 and / or the second direction 14.

[0042] The recess 32 extends along a second direction 14 that is oriented perpendicular to the first direction 12. The obstruction member 30, i.e., second end 36, includes a protrusion 38 that extends at least substantially along the second direction 14.

[0043] The protrusion 38 has sides 39 which form the sides of the recess 32 .

[0044] The protrusion 38, i.e., side 39, is configured to contact the line 1 when the line 1 moves diagonally toward the protrusion relative to the first direction 12 or when the obstruction member 30 moves toward the open position while the line 1 is in contact with the obstruction member 30 (see FIG. 4B).

[0045] In the top view of recess 32 with reference to Figures 1 and 2, sides 39 are partially flat and partially curved. In the side view of recess 32 (see Figure 4B), sides 39 are partially curved. Recess 32 has a flat upper surface 33 for substantially linear contact with line 1 (see Figure 4B).

[0046] As can be particularly seen in Figures 3B and 4B, the body 4 has a base member 5 that integrally forms a first side 16 and a bottom 18 of the receiver 10. The first side 16 is at least partially concave on the inner surface along the receiver 10. The inner surface is U- or C-shaped, with an opening of the C- or U-shape facing the line 1 to be received (see Figure 3B). When received, the line receiver 10 can surround substantially half the circumference of the line 1 (see Figure 3B).

[0047] The line guide 20, the obstruction member 30 and the stop mechanism 40 are disposed on a second side 17 of the line receiving part 10 opposite the first side 16. The first side 16, the bottom surface 18 and the second side 17 together at least substantially form a C or U facing the line 1 to be received.

[0048] The device 2 comprises a rotatable line guide 20 configured to guide the line 1 received in the line receiving part 10. The line guide 20 comprises rollers configured to guide the line 1 received in the line receiving part 10. The rollers themselves are rotatable within the line guide 20. The line guide 20 is furthermore pivotable between an attachment position in which it partially surrounds the line 1 and a removal position in which it releases the line 1. In Figs. 1 and 2 the line guide is in an attachment position in which it partially surrounds the line 1 from the side. In Figs. 3 and 4 the line guide is in a removal position and the line guide 20, in particular the rollers, are arranged at a distance relative to the line.

[0049] It will be appreciated that moving or orienting the line guide 20 from the attached position to the removed position includes pivoting the line guide 20 away from the line receiving portion 10 and / or the first side 16 (see transitions in Figures 1 and 3).

[0050] The device 2 further comprises a blocking mechanism 40 comprising a connecting member 42 for connection to a user and a blocking member 44 for blocking the line 1 in the line receiving part 10 in case of a user falling along the line 1. In particular, the connecting member 42 and the blocking member 44 are integrally formed and / or connected to each other, thereby forming a lever. The connecting member 42 has a substantially ring-shaped opening for easy connection to the user.

[0051] The restraining mechanism 40 is pivotally held in the body 4. When the connecting member 42 is subjected to a sufficiently high and / or sudden tensile force oriented substantially relative to the first direction 12 (e.g., according to gravity G in FIG. 3A ), the restraining member 44 engages the line 1 and / or pivots towards the line receiving portion 10, restraining the device 2 by a pressure fit and / or a form fit.

[0052] The blocking mechanism 40 can be moved from a position in which it blocks the line receiving part 10, as in Figure 1, to a position in which the line receiving part 10 is not blocked by the blocking mechanism 40, i.e. by the blocking member 44. To move the blocking mechanism 40 from one position to the other position (see the transition between Figures 1 and 3) in order to receive the line 1, it is necessary to pivot the blocking mechanism 40 away from the line receiving part 10 and / or the first side 16.

[0053] The blocking mechanism 40 and the line guide 20 are spring biased to automatically move towards the line receiving part 10. Currently, the line guide 20 is configured to block the blocking mechanism 40 from fully opening unless the line guide 20 is in the removal position. This is achieved by the blocking mechanism 40 and the line guide 20 being configured to engage with each other and partially block movement as a function of their respective pivot angles. In this way, the line receiving part 10 can only receive the line 1 when both the blocking mechanism 40 and the guide 20 are moved and / or pivoted away from the line receiving part 10, and therefore, moving only one of the blocking mechanism 40 or the guide 20 is not sufficient.

[0054] In this embodiment, the obstruction member 30 and the body 4, in particular the base member 5, comprise an iron and / or an aluminium alloy.

[0055] With reference to Figure 5, an embodiment of a fall arrest device 2 is shown that is substantially modified with respect to the embodiment described above. Unlike the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, here the obstruction member 30 is not pivotable but is at least substantially translatable along a straight line. The obstruction member 30 is free to slide within the body 4 such that it is subjected to an attractive force as a function of the orientation of the device 2 with respect to the force of gravity G.

[0056] During normal use of the device 2, the front side 37 faces upward and the rear side 35 faces downward (see FIG. 5A).

[0057] The movement of the obstructing member 30 is configured to stop the obstructing member 30 obstructing the line receiving portion 10 when the obstructing member 30 is oblique to the line receiving portion 10 and / or the first direction 12, the direction 12 being oriented in accordance with gravity G. In FIG. 5B, the line receiving portion 10 is obstructed and the obstructing member 30 is stopped at the first side 16 of the line receiving portion 10.

[0058] The obstruction member 30 has a protrusion at a second end 36 and has a sloped upper surface 33. The protrusion 38 has side surfaces 39 which are, in particular, curved or rounded.

[0059] 6, the difference in shape of the obstruction member 30, and in particular its upper surface 33 and the side surface 39 of the projection 38, is shown.

[0060] In Figure 6A, the top surface 33 slopes from the first end 34 to the second end 36. The side surfaces 39 are curved.

[0061] In Figure 6B, the top surface 33 slopes from the second end 36 to the first end 34. The side surfaces 39 are curved.

[0062] In Figure 6C, the top surface 33 curves between the first end 34 and the second end 36 and transitions into the side surface 39. In particular, the top surface 33 has a rounded shape when viewed from the side.

[0063] In Figure 6D, the top surface 33 is flat between the first end 34 and the second end 36. The side surfaces 39 are curved.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, the difference in the shape of the obstruction member 30, and in particular the upper surface 33 thereof, is shown.

[0065] In FIG. 7A, particularly in top view, it can be seen that side surface 39 is curved or circular in cross section and flat in cross section.

[0066] In FIG. 7B, it can be seen that the upper surface 33 is flat in cross-section between the first end 34 and the second end 36.

[0067] 7C, it can be seen that the upper surface 33 is sloped in cross section between the first end 34 and the second end 36. The slope is from the front side 37 to the rear side 35.

[0068] 7D, it can be seen that the upper surface 33 is sloped in cross section between the first end 34 and the second end 36. The slope is from the rear side 35 to the front side 37.

[0069] In FIG. 7E, it can be seen that the upper surface 33 is tapered in cross section between the first end 34 and the second end 36.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, the difference in the shape of the obstruction member 30, and in particular the side surface 39 of the projection 38, is shown.

[0071] In Figure 8A, it can be seen that side 39 is curved in top view. The curved shape includes two or more radii.

[0072] In Figure 8B it can be seen that the side surface 39 is curved in top view. The curved shape includes exactly one radius and / or is a circular shape.

[0073] In Figure 8C, in top view, it can be seen that the sides are partially curved and partially straight, with a straight section between the two curved outer sections. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Line 2 Fall arrest system 4. Main unit 5 Base material 10 Line Receptacle 12 First Direction 14 The Second Direction 16 First Side 17 Second Side 18 Bottom 20 Line Guide 30 Obstructing material 32 Recess 33 Top surface 34 First end 35 Rear side 36 Second end 37 Front 38 Protrusion 39 Side 40 Stopping mechanism 42 Connecting member 44 Stopping member

Claims

1. 1. A fall arrest device for attachment to a line, comprising: a body defining a first direction by an extension, the body having a line receiving portion for receiving the line with the first direction oriented parallel to the line; an obstructing member configured to move relative to the line receiving portion under the influence of gravity between an obstructing position obstructing the line receiving portion and an open position as a function of the first direction oriented against or following gravity; a restraining mechanism including a connecting member for connecting with a user and a restraining member for restraining the line in the line receiving portion when the user falls along the line, The obstruction member has a recess configured to engage the line at the obstructing position.

2. 2. A fall prevention device as described in claim 1, wherein the obstruction member is movably supported within the body, and the obstruction member is pivotable and / or translatable within the body between the obstructing position and the open position.

3. 2. A fall prevention device as described in claim 1, wherein the obstruction member extends, in particular at least substantially along a straight line, between a first end and a second end of the obstruction member, and the recess is disposed between the ends.

4. The fall arrest device of claim 1 , wherein the obstruction member is pivotally attached to the first end.

5. 2. A fall prevention device as described in claim 1, wherein the recess extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and / or the obstruction member, in particular the second end, includes a protrusion that extends at least substantially along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

6. 2. A fall arrest device as described in claim 1, wherein the protrusion has at least partially curved sides forming the sides of the recess and is configured in particular to contact the line with a surface or line contact.

7. 7. A fall prevention device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the protrusion has at least partially flat sides forming the sides of the recess and is configured in particular to contact the line with a surface or line contact.

8. 2. A fall arrest device according to claim 1, wherein the recess has a curved upper surface configured in particular to contact the line with a surface or line contact.

9. 2. A fall arrest device according to claim 1, wherein the recess has an inclined upper surface configured in particular for point contact with the line.

10. 2. A fall arrest device according to claim 1, wherein the recess has a tapered upper surface configured to make point contact with the line.

11. The fall arrest device of claim 1, wherein the body has a base member integrally forming a first side and a bottom of the line receiving portion, the first side having an inner surface that is at least partially concave along the receiving portion.

12. 2. A fall arrest device as described in claim 1, comprising a rotatable line guide configured to guide the line received in the line receiving portion, in particular the line guide having rollers configured to guide the line received in the line receiving portion and / or being pivotable between an attachment position for partially surrounding the line and a removal position for releasing the line.

13. 2. The fall arrest device of claim 1, wherein the arrest mechanism and the line guide are spring biased to automatically move toward the line receiving portion.

14. 2. The fall arrest device of claim 1, wherein the line guide is configured to block the arresting mechanism from fully opening unless the line guide is in a disengaged position.

15. 2. A fall arrest device as described in claim 1, wherein the obstruction member and / or the body include or consist of steel and / or an aluminium alloy, and / or the line guide, the obstruction member and / or the arresting mechanism are arranged on a second side of the line receiving portion opposite the first side.

Citation Information

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