Load indicator for a fall protection apparatus

A load indicator for use with a fall protection apparatus having a line and a connector for connecting to a user, the load indicator comprising:

• a housing having a pass-through opening and an indicator region, the housing configured for connecting to the line;
• a shear pin supported by the housing and extending across the pass-through opening;
• a saddle extending through at least a portion of the pass-through opening and offset from a bottom of the pass-through opening, the saddle being supported by at least a portion of the shear pin and configured for connecting to at least a portion of the connector;
• an indicator cover movable relative to the housing between a first position, where the indicator cover covers the indicator region, and a second position, where the indicator cover uncovers at least a portion of the indicator region,
• wherein the indicator cover is moved to the second position when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold value is applied to the saddle to shear or break the shear pin, and
• wherein, in the second position, the saddle contacts the housing at the bottom of the pass-through opening.

A fall protection apparatus comprising:

• a line having a first end and a second end;
• a connector for connecting to a user;
• and
• a load indicator positioned between the second end of the line and the connector, the load indicator comprising:
• a housing having a pass-through opening and a covered indicator region, at least a portion of the housing connected to the second end of the line;
• a shear pin supported by the housing and extending across the pass-through opening;
• and
• a saddle extending across at least a portion of the pass-through opening and supported by at least a portion of the shear pin, the saddle connected to at least a portion of the connector,
• wherein the saddle is movable relative to the housing and within the pass-through opening between a first position, where the saddle is offset from a bottom of the pass-through opening, and a second position to contact the housing at the bottom of the pass-through opening when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold value is applied on the saddle causing the shear pin to shear or break, and
• wherein at least a portion of the indicator region is uncovered in the second position of the saddle.