Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
  • A62B35/0043—Lifelines, lanyards, and anchors therefore
  • A62B35/0056—Horizontal lifelines
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
  • A62B1/06—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices
  • A62B1/14—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices with brakes sliding on the rope

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a fall prevention device, intended to ensure the safety of a person caused to move in height, or, in general, to prevent the fall of any load caused to be moved in height.
• This device is of the type intended to be engaged and to be moved normally along a retention support, such as a cable, a rope or a rail, and to lock on this support in the event of a fall of the person or said charge.
• This blockage can also occur when a traction necessary to allow the movement of the device on an inclined portion of said retention support, is no longer exerted.
• the invention is in particular usable for insuring people working at height or people engaging in sports or tourist activities during which insurance against falls is necessary.
• This device comprises: - a body which has a curved part, called below
• the cams of this device are normally kept in the active position. A pull on the carabiner, perpendicular to the cable, allows these cams to be brought into the erasing position, to allow the device to move.
• This configuration makes it possible to disengage the device from around the cable when, at the start of the fall, said traction of the carabiner perpendicular to the cable ceases. In addition, this device does not appear likely to lock correctly below a cable inclination of 45 degrees.
• the present invention aims to remedy these essential drawbacks.
• the object of the invention is in particular to provide an anti-fall device which can be used with horizontal, vertical or inclined retention supports, or comprising horizontal, vertical and / or inclined portions; this device must be able to operate in both directions of movement along the retention support, must be able to easily pass through the structures making it possible to anchor the retention support, must be able to be put in place at any point of a support retention, and must retain a relatively simple, light and inexpensive structure.
• the invention also aims to provide an anti-fall device implying a voluntary action of a user to allow the movement of the device along the retention support, and immediately blocking when, on an inclined portion of said retention support, this voluntary action ceases.
• the device concerned comprises, in a manner known per se, a body and two cams as mentioned above, and a system for actuating at least one of these cams.
• the body has an elongated opening, the length of which is oriented parallel to the retention support when the device is engaged on this retention support, this opening being intended to receive the member allowing the mooring of the user or the load to the device, in particular a connector of the safety carabiner type;
• the cam actuation system comprises at least one finger secured to a cam, each finger projecting from the side opposite to said pad and having a length such that it is on the path that said connector follows in said opening in the event of user or load fall, so that the connector acts on this finger in the event of such a fall so as to bring the cam connected to this finger into the active position.
• the body thus comprises an opening receiving the connector, which eliminates the aforementioned rods and rods; the action of the connector directly against one or the other of said fingers allows an immediate pivoting of a cam in the event of a fall, even when the retention support is slightly inclined, without risk of opening the device.
• the two spaced cams stabilize the device along the retention support, which allows use of this device in either direction of movement of this device along the retention support.
• This spacing of the cams also makes it possible to avoid any tilting of the device relative to the retention support, capable of causing an untimely jamming of this device when crossing an anchoring structure of the retention support.
• At least one cam is not normally placed in its abovementioned erasing position but, thanks to spring means which are associated with it, is normally placed in a position of slight tightening of the retention support, sufficient to prevent free movement of the device along this retention support; the device is then equipped with an actuating member for this cam; this member has a part against which said connector can bear and a part connected to the aforementioned finger of the cam, and is shaped so that, when traction is exerted on the connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the retention support, move this finger from the aforementioned slight tightening position up to the erasing position of the cam, and for, in the event of the user falling, not to hinder the coming of the connector pressing against this finger.
• the movement of the device is thus normally prevented, which is advantageous when the retention support is vertical or inclined; to release the movement of the device, the user exerts traction on said connector perpendicular to the retention support.
• each cam comprises a finger for its actuation and the device comprises two rods pivotally mounted on said body, namely
• a first link a part of which, situated on one side of the pivot axis of the link, extends at the level of the median zone of said opening and the other part of which, located on the other side of this pivot axis, engages with one of said fingers, and
• a second link part of which, situated on one side of the pivot axis of the link, extends at the level of the median zone of said opening and the other part of which, located on the other side of this pivot axis engages with the other of said fingers.
• the connector when said traction is exerted on it, bears against the parts of the rods located at the middle zone of the opening, which causes these rods to move the cams to their erasing position.
• each cam comprises a finger for its actuation and the device comprises a flexible link connecting these two fingers to one another, the length of this link being such that the connector, when said traction is exerted on it, bears against the central area of the link in order to move the fingers to their position corresponding to the position of erasure of the cams.
• the edge of the body of the device delimiting the lower part of said opening has a zone of concave shape in which the connector is engaged when said traction substantially perpendicular to the retention support is exerted on it.
• the connector is thus held in this concave zone when this traction is exerted, which greatly reduces the risk of an untimely blocking of the device during the movement of this device along the retention support or during the crossing of a structure. of the retention support.
• this concave zone is bordered by two convex zones contributing to limit the untimely movement of the connector in said opening.
• the pad and each cam are shaped so as to allow, in a determined angular position of this cam, the lateral engagement of the retention support between this pad and this cam.
• the device can thus be engaged on the retention support at any point thereof, simply by bringing one cam and then the other into this determined angular position.
• each cam and the finger connected to it are shaped so that this finger is close to the finger of the other cam in this determined angular position, and so that this same determined angular position can only be reached if the connector has been removed from said opening. It is therefore necessary to remove the connector to successively bring the cams into their determined angular positions, which prohibits any withdrawal of the device from the retention support as long as the connector is attached to this device. Additional security against any risk of improper handling of the device is thus obtained.
• the device comprises at least one removable stop associated with a cam, or two removable stops each of which is associated with one of the cams, this stop preventing, when it is active, the coming of the cam in a determined angular position. allowing the lateral engagement of the retention support between this pad and this cam, and not preventing, in its retracted position, the coming of the cam in this determined angular position.
• This stop constitutes additional security since it involves voluntary action on the part of the user to erase the cam with a view to installing or removing the device on the retention support.
• Figure 1 is a side view of a building on which a person must work at height, this building being equipped with a retention support to ensure this person against falls;
• Figure 2 is a front view of a fall prevention device according to a first embodiment, which can be engaged and be moved on said retention support, this figure also showing in section the connector allowing the user to dock to this device;
• Figure 3 is a side view of this device, the retention support being seen in section;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2, from the back;
• Figure 5 is a front view, in an operating position, the device being shown with removal of a flange and a rod it comprises, for clarity of the drawing;
• Figure 6 is a side view similar to Figure 3, when crossing a structure for anchoring the retention support to the building;
• Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5, in another operating position;
• Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5, during its establishment on the retention support or its removal from it;
• Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 5, in the locked position on an
• FIG. 1 shows a building 1 on which a person must work, being placed at a height, so that this person must be insured against falls.
• the building 1 is equipped with a retention support 2 connected, by anchoring structures 3, according to the zones concerned, to ladders 4, to a low wall 5, to the inclined wall 6 of a kiosk 7 or a terrace 8.
• one end of the retention support 2 is fixed to a ladder 4 and the other end is connected to a vertical wall 9 by means of a turnbuckle 10.
• the retention support 2 thus has a vertical portion 2a that the user must travel in the direction of ascent to reach the terrace 8, an inclined portion 2b, a vertical portion 2c that the user must travel in the direction of descent to reach the terrace 8, and a horizontal portion 2d.
• each anchoring structure 3 comprises a sleeve 1 1 surrounding the retention support 2, a base 1 2 fixed to the building 1 or to a ladder 4, and a connecting part 1 3 connecting this sleeve 1 1 to this base 1 2.
• the device 20 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is intended to be engaged on the retention support 2 and to be moved along the portions 2a to 2d thereof; this device 20 serves as a mooring point for a connector 21 of the safety carabiner type, intended to be connected, directly or through a lanyard, to a harness worn by the user.
• this device comprises a body 25, two parts 26 pivotally mounted in this body 25, two pivot rods 27 and two locking assemblies 28.
• the body 25 is formed by two flanges 30, 31 and by a curved piece 32, hereinafter called “skid”, integral with the flange 30.
• This skate is formed by two flanges 30, 31 and by a curved piece 32, hereinafter called "skid", integral with the flange 30.
• the two flanges 30, 31 have identical shapes, elongated in a direction parallel to the retention support 2. Each has an elongated opening 35, parallel to the retention support 2, and the two openings 35 of the two flanges are placed opposite the one of the other.
• openings 35 are suitable for receiving the carabiner 21, as shown in particular in FIG. 3.
• the flanges 30, 31 receive linings 36 allowing, at their ends, to make their edges non-aggressive for the user.
• edges of the flanges 30, 31 delimiting the openings 35 in the lower part have a central concave zone 37, bordered by two convex zones 38.
• the two flanges 30, 31 are connected to each other by two riveted axes 40, which also serve as pivot axes for said parts 26.
• the latter are placed side by side.
• Each of them has a part forming a cam 41 and a part forming a finger
• Each cam 41 is associated with a spring engaged on its axis, which normally maintains it in the position shown in FIG. 5. It has a rounded clamping wall 45, delimited, on the side of the flange
• a rim 46 comprises, on its internal side, that is to say turned towards the other cam, an inclined face 47.
• Each cam 41 also has a rim 48 turned towards the internal face of the shoe 32
• the shape of these cams 41 is such that: - In the pivoting position of the parts 26 shown in FIG. 5, the cams 41 operate a slight tightening of the retention support 2, sufficient to immobilize the device 20 along the retention support 2; - In the pivoting position of the parts 26 shown in Figures 6 and 7, the wall 45 is kept away from the retention support 2 and allows the movement of the device 20, while the flange 46 is kept at a distance from the shoe 32 which is less than the diameter of the retention support 2 but greater than the thickness of the part 1 3 of a structure 3;
• the face 47 of the cam 41 comes opposite the shoe 32 and is placed at a distance from the latter slightly greater than the diameter of the retention support 2, which allows the engagement of the retention support 2 between the cam 41 and the shoe 32;
• the fingers 42 have a length such that they extend through the openings 35.
• the shape of their internal edges is such that, in the position of the parts 26 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, which is that also shown in the FIG. 7, there is a space between these fingers 42, through which the carabiner 21 can be engaged.
• This same shape is such that, as shown in FIG. 8, the carabiner 21 must be removed between the fingers 42 to allow one of the parts 26 to be pivoted, then the other, in the position of the part 26 shown on the left in FIG. 8, allowing the engagement or disengagement of the device 20 relative to the retention support 2.
• each link 27 comprises a bulged part, extending, on one side of its pivot axis, in the middle part of the opening 35, and a curved part, extending on the other side of the pivot axis and having a roller 52 at its free end. This roller 52 is suitable for rolling against the outer edge of the corresponding finger 42.
• the parts of the links 27 located in the middle part of the opening 35 cover the area 37 and keep the carabiner 21 outside this area 37.
• the carabiner 21 pivots the links 27 and engages in the zone 37, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
• This traction on the carabiner 21 can be exercised either directly, in the event of a sternal mooring to cross a vertical portion of the retention support 2, or over the long term, in the other portions of the retention support 2.
• FIG. 8 shows that the links 27 can be erased by pivoting, so as not to hinder the positioning of the parts 26 in order to allow engagement or the clearance of the device 20 relative to the retention support 2.
• These rods 27 can also be erased by pivoting so as not to hinder the arrival of a part 26 in the position of intensive tightening, as shown for the part 26 on the left on Figure 9 or for the lower part 26 in Figure 1 0.
• Each locking assembly 28 comprises, for its part, a slider 55 and a ball 56.
• the slider 55 can be moved in a groove provided in the shoe 32 and is normally held, by a spring (not shown), in the positions shown at Figure 4.
• the balls 56 are engaged in conical holes arranged in this part 32, which open into the internal face of this part 32 and into the bottom of said groove. These holes are located opposite the normal positions of the sliders 55 shown in FIG. 4. Each ball 56 is movable between an extended position, visible in FIG. 3, in which it is normally held by the slider 55 associated, and a deleted position; in its extended position, the ball 56 protrudes beyond the internal face of the part 32, until it is on the path of the corresponding flange 48 but is retained by the hole in which it is located; in its retracted position, the ball 56 is fully retracted into this hole.
• each locking assembly is positioned so that the flange 48 of the corresponding cam abuts against the ball 56 in the position of the parts 26 shown in this figure, which has the effect of limiting the pivoting of these parts 26 inwards.
• the user moors to the device 20 using the lanyard, on which he exerts traction to allow the movement of the device 20 along the retention support 2 and the crossing of structures 3.
• Figures 1 1 to 1 8 show an embodiment of the device 20 very similar to that which has just been exposed.
• the device 20 is not equipped with links 27 but includes a flexible cable 60 connecting the fingers 42 to one another.
• This cable 60 allows the pivoting of the fingers 42 according to the various aforementioned positions shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, and does not prevent the pivoting of the parts 26 in the event of a fall, in the positions shown in FIGS.
• FIGs 1 9 to 26 show an embodiment of the device 20 in which there are elements already described, designated by the same reference numerals.
• the device 20 is unidirectional, in the sense that it only allows blocking in a sliding direction along the cable 2.
• Only one of the cams 41 includes a finger 42, and this finger 42 is equipped with a ring 70, mounted to pivot relative to it.
• This ring 70 makes it possible, as can be deduced from FIG. 22, to bring this cam 41 into a position allowing the sliding of the device 20 along the cable 2 when traction is exerted on the carabiner 21 perpendicularly to this cable 2. It appears in FIG. 24 that the carabiner 21 must be removed from the ring 70 to allow this cam 41 to be brought into the position shown allowing the introduction of the cable 2 between it and the shoe 32.
• the second cam 41 is essentially used for guiding the device 20. It is normally maintained in the position shown in FIG. 22 and can be pivoted in a position allowing the engagement of the cable 2 between it and the shoe 32. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example, but on the contrary embraces all variants thereof.
• the movement of the device along the retention support can be done by sliding, sliding or rolling; this retention support can be flexible or rigid, and in particular be constituted by a cable, a rope or a rail.

Landscapes

• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Emergency Management (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
• Crushing And Grinding (AREA)
• Clamps And Clips (AREA)
• Control Of Motors That Do Not Use Commutators (AREA)
• Warping, Beaming, Or Leasing (AREA)
• Details Of Aerials (AREA)
• Knitting Machines (AREA)
• Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)
• Telephone Function (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=8845982

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (9)

Families Citing this family (27)

Family Cites Families (12)

• 2000
  • 2000-01-17 FR FR0000541A patent/FR2803761B1/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2001
  • 2001-01-16 DE DE60138997T patent/DE60138997D1/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2001-01-16 US US10/169,552 patent/US7007772B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2001-01-16 WO PCT/FR2001/000132 patent/WO2001052938A2/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2001-01-16 EP EP01903962A patent/EP1248662B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2001-01-16 AT AT01903962T patent/ATE433784T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2001-01-16 AU AU31909/01A patent/AU3190901A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-01-16 CN CNB018037925A patent/CN1177629C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2001-01-16 CA CA002397878A patent/CA2397878C/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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