BE1018698A3 - AN IMPROVED MULTIPLE FALL PROTECTION BY IMPROVED MOVING ANCHOR POINT AND IMPROVED SAFETY LINE HOLDER. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a safety system against the risk of falling to transfer persons from one safety line at a fixed anchor point to a next safety line by means of a new carabiner (figure 1) with fixed opening in collaboration with a new safety line holder (figure 2 & 3). . The invention introduces a new holder for a safety line (figure 2&3), which can be installed either fixedly (figure 7&8) or movably (figure 4&5). The invention introduces a solution to make the falling movement child-friendly (figure 8).

Description

Improved follow-on fall protection due to improved movable anchor point and improved Holder for safety line.

The invention relates to a safety system for transferring persons from one safety line at a fixed anchor point to a following safety line at the same fixed anchor point without the risk of falling.

A „Position of the discipline

In cases where there is a risk of falling, it is customary to secure people to a fixed anchor point by means of a climbing belt (safety belt or safety hamas).

This way limits the freedom of movement, as only a limited vertical movement is possible.

To solve this problem it has already been proposed to make the anchor point movable.

The freedom of movement is thereby extended and finds its application in steel structures, scaffolding construction, structures, ropes courses, sport climbing and climbing halls and so on.

When using such solutions that cover longer distances, the presence of several fixed anchor points is necessary to support the movable anchor point.

The problem then arises that the movable anchor point can only be moved over a limited distance until a fixed anchor point is reached.

It is known to make a continuous movement of people possible (continuous belay). Rails or cables are used for this purpose, wherein the cables are secured by clamping sleeves, as proposed in US 5,297,651 A, US 6,488,118, B1 and EP 1358912 A1.

These systems have disadvantages.

When a fixed anchor point is reached, the mobile anchor point must be converted and an operator must be present for this.

A variant of this system is proposed in EP1733763 (A1) or national BE1016931 (A4).

The operator is not included here, but this system is cost intensive.

An alternative solution to the problem is solved in proposals according to DE 102006 010 898 A1 or DE 102005009946 B3 or AT504458A1 by using two movable anchor points that run over two cables or ropes from the climbing harness to the movable anchor point.

Both attachment points are designed in such a way that only one attachment element can be detached and the other remains closed.

This allows a fixed anchor point to be passed without the risk of falling.

After moving both movable anchor points around the fixed anchor point, further movement is possible (safe self-belay).

This system has the disadvantage that two carabiners and a double connecting cable are moved to the climbing harness.

It is the task of the invention to move only one movable anchor point and to maximize the operating comfort of the person to be protected.

None of the above systems have a solution for the height difference between adults and children.

It is the task of the invention, in addition to adults, to allow children to move around effortlessly in complete safety.

In the following description of the invention, embodiments and patent claims, the following terms are used: B, Used Terms

Person: A man or woman, both adult and child.

fixed anchor point: Is a place where cable or rope is supported to the surface. This can be a scaffolding, steel structure, building, pole or tree.

Safety line: is a means with a certain cross-section, such as a tube, a rod, a rail or a cable. The safety line can run over several fixed anchor points.

mobile anchor point: Is formed by a carabiner over a safety line carabiner: A musketon, also called carabiner, is a metal hook with a twist or snap closure.

This is one of the most important and universal accessories for climbing.

From a safety point of view, musketons that are used as the ultimate point of failure (single point of failure) are often equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental opening.

Climbing belt: A climbing belt or simply belt is used when climbing and descending to create a stable attachment point to the human body.

Lanyard: Is the flexible connection by means of a rope, cable or ribbon between the movable anchor point and the safety belt. In the invention, a person is secured by a climbing belt, lanyard, and a carabiner.

Traffic: The number of people who pass the same fall protection per hour.

I. Description of the invention.

The invention comprises a new movable anchor point in Figure 1 and a new holder for the safety line in Figures 2 & 3.

In: collaboration these form the improved fall protection.

The new holder for safety line can be set up movably or permanently.

A solution is found for the height difference between adults and children.

1. A Detailed description of the new movable anchor point. Figure 1) The new movable anchor point in Figure 1 has the external shape of a carabiner hook (1) and is connected to the lanyard (5a) and climbing harness through a slot.

A person moves over the safety line (4), secured by a climbing belt, lanyard (5a) and the new movable anchor point in figure 1 from one fixed anchor point to the next.

The new movable anchor point of the present invention in Figure 1 differs from conventional carabiner hooks in the following points: a) The new movable anchor point in Figure 1 is not provided with a closure and security mechanism. Closures and safety mechanisms can be polluted in the open air, which means that their functioning is not possible. The absence of these components contributes significantly to the safety of fall protection.

b) The new movable anchor point has a fixed opening (3) that is too small to come off the safety line (4). Deflectors (2) prevent the safety line (4) from positioning itself in front of the fixed opening (3). The new movable anchor point in Figure 1 is made sufficiently strong to meet the usual strength requirements of carabiner hooks. The bores in (5) serve to identify the fixed opening (3) and to reduce weight.

1. B Detail description of the movable holder for safety lines. Figure 2 & 3 1

The new safety line holder in Figure 2 and Figure 3 consists of the following sections: a) the clamping section (8)

This clamping portion connects the safety line (16) with the new safety line holder; the clamping portion shown uses U-brackets (14) and nuts (15), but is not limited thereto. Press sleeves can also be used.

The clamping part (8) consists of a saw-tooth profile that prevents slip from the safety line (16).

The clamping part (8) consists of: -the flat part (9) in which the bores for the U-brackets (14) are arranged, -the rising part (12) of the saw-tooth profile.

-the curve (10) of the saw-tooth profile, which avoids cutting into the safety line (16).

- the curve at the exit (13) against the fatigue occurring on the safety line (16) b) the restriction (7)

This narrowing is sufficiently strong to withstand the forces on the safety line (16), but sufficiently thin to allow the new movable anchor point in Figure 1 to pass through its fixed opening (3).

c) the movable anchoring to the fixed anchor point (6)

The anchorage shown is a body with a bore through which a cable passes around the fixed anchor point, but is not limited to this.

Shafts, bolts, hinges or welds to brackets can also be used for this purpose.

1. C Description of the construction around a fixed anchor point, (figure 41

As an example of a fixed anchor point we use a pole or tree (21), with a protection (22) made of wood or plastic around the bark.

Two safety line holders (18) are required per fixed anchor point; one for the incoming safety line (16) and one for the outgoing safety line (16).

A mounting cable (17) runs around the fixed anchor point (21) through the two anchors (6) of Figure 2 and through the distance tube (19).

A mechanical connection (20) is screwed between the two safety line holders (18).

This connection engages at the end of the clamping portion (8) of the safety line (16) and for the restriction (7) from one holder for safety line (18) to the next. The connection (20) consists of a means with a certain cross-section, such as a tube, a rod, a rail, a rope or a cable.

The connection (20) is sufficiently small to allow the new movable anchor point (Fig. 1) to pass, but large enough to prevent the new movable anchor point (Fig. 1) from coming loose.

Due to the pull on the safety lines (16), the fixing cable (17) is kept under tension.

Due to the distance tube (19) and the mechanical connection (20), both safety line holders (18) are held at the correct angle in line with both safety lines (16).

The major advantage of freely hanging the movable holder (18) is to prevent fatigue of the safety line (16) just before the clamping section (8). Fatigue has repeatedly occurred with fixed arrangements of the clamping material.

1. D Procedure to bring the movable anchor point around a fixed anchor point, figure 5 & figure 6)

To transfer persons from an incoming safety line (23) to an outgoing safety line (29) at the same fixed anchor point without the risk of falling, the new movable anchor point of Figure 1 is moved as follows; 1) From the incoming safety line (23) to the clamping section (24) of the incoming cable holder; see also figure 6.1.

2) About the clamping part (24) of the incoming cable holder: see also figure 6.2.

3) Over the restriction (25) of the incoming cable holder; see also figure 6.3.

4) About the mechanical connection (26) between both cable holders; see also figure 6.4.

5) Over the restriction (27) of the outgoing cable holder; see also figure 6.5.

6) Over the clamping part (28) of the outgoing cable holder; see also figure 6.6.

7) About the outgoing safety line (29); see also figure 6.7

It is an improvement that in none of the above positions can the new movable anchor point in Figure 1 be released.

The opening of the anchor point in Figure 1 is fixed.

There is no more manupulation of moving parts such as with standard carabiners.

1. E Description of the new fixed anchorage to the fixed anchor point (figure 71) The new movable anchor point of the safety line cannot be placed in any of the positions in l.D.

This creates the problem that in some cases the movable anchor point must be able to leave the line, for example: a) In safe places such as a platform or a tower for the entrance and the exit of the fall protection.

b) For rescuing a person in difficulty.

A new fixed anchorage to the fixed anchor point as in figure 7 can be used for this.

The new safety line holder (30) from Figs. 2 & 3 is integrated here into an anchor plate (33) which is attached to the fixed anchor point.

The anchor plate (33) is attached to the fixed anchor point by cables or a screw connection.

A space (31) is provided between the two safety line holders (30) to remove the new movable anchor point in Figure 1 from the safety line.

If this function is to be blocked, a small bracket (32) is screwed into this location.

1 „F Description of the new double fixed anchorage to the fixed anchor point (figure 8) It is known that in continuous belay two safety lines are placed next to each other. The reason for this is to increase traffic.

Here, however, the problem arises that children, because of their low height, encounter difficulties in moving the mobile anchor point.

A solution that compensates for the height difference between adults and children has been found by placing two safety lines vertically above each other as in figure 8.

The top safety line (34) is placed at the eye level of adults; the lower safety line (36) is placed at children's eye level.

Both safety lines have an exit to get off the line; a function described in 1. E and which can be secured by a bracket (35).

Claims (1)

II Patent claims / Conclusions A. An improved co-falling fall protection system characterized by a new movable anchor point (figure 1) in the form of a carabiner with fixed opening (3) and deflectors (2); with a fixed opening (3) that is so small that the movable anchor point (figure 1) cannot come off the safety line (4) and deflectors (2) which prevent the placement of the safety line (4) in front of the fixed opening (3). B. An improvement according to claim # 1, characterized in that the introduction of the principle of a carabiner without closure and safety mechanism makes fall protection safer than existing systems, as fasteners and safety mechanisms in the open air become dirty quickly, making their operation unreliable. C. An improvement according to claim # 1. characterized in that compared to standard carabiners, moving parts no longer have to be moved here; persons must therefore only receive minimal instructions for use; which is an additional important increase in safety; mainly in the leisure domain as these installations are used by untrained persons and children. D. An improved pedestrian fall protection system characterized by a new movable holder for safety line (figures 2 & 3) consisting of: - a clamping part (8) for the safety line (16), - a narrowing (7) that the movable anchor point (figure 1) let pass - the movable anchoring (6) to the fixed anchor point which in their arrangement around a fixed anchor point (figures 4 & 5) represent an important weight reduction with respect to existing systems. E. An improved pedestrian fall protection system characterized by a movable safety line holder (figures 2 & 3) in the form of - a clamping section (8) for the safety line (16), - a narrowing (7) that leaves the movable anchor point (figure 1) passing - the movable anchoring to the fixed anchor point (6) This can be set up movably (figures 4 & 5) and this drastically prevents material fatigue from the safety line (16 & 23 & 29) behind the exit of the clamping section (8). F. An improved pedestrian fall protection system characterized by the presence of: - the clogging (7) of the safety line holder (figures 2 & 3) - and the mechanical connection (20) in their arrangement around a fixed anchor point (figures 4 & 5) in combination with: - the fixed opening (3) of the new movable anchor point (figure 1), it is impossible for the movable anchor point to be released when moving around the fixed anchor point and therefore it is impossible to create an unsafe situation. G. An improved co-walking fall protection system characterized by a fixed holder for Safety line (Figure 7) in the form of two clamping sections (30) for the safety line that are integrated in a bracket (33); wherein a space (31) is provided between the two safety line holders (30) to remove the new movable anchor point from the line; making rescue operations possible and the mobile anchor point can be removed in safe places; if this function is to be blocked, a small bracket (32) is screwed into this location. H An improved pedestrian fall protection system characterized by placing two brackets of figure 7 vertically mirrored to each other (figure 8), as a result of which the two safety lines (34 & 35) show a height difference, making the lower safety line (36) accessible to children and the upper safety line (34) is accessible to adults. III. Figures - figure 1: the new movable anchor point - figure 2: the new movable holder for safety line - figure 3: the new movable holder for safety line - figure 4: construction around a fixed anchor point - figure 5: procedure for moving the movable anchor point around a fixed anchor point - figure 6: procedure to bring the movable anchor point around a fixed anchor point - figure 7: the new fixed anchor to the fixed anchor point - figure 8: the new double fixed anchor to the fixed anchor point