Fall protection system and method of fall protection

#The present invention relates generally to a fall protection system and a method of fall protection, and, more particularly to a fall protection system and method of fall protection wherein an indication of the clearance required in the case of a fall is provided to the user before such a fall occurs.

#Over the years a number of devices have been developed in an attempt to minimize the injury of a worker falling from a substantial height. Most commonly, a lifeline or lanyard is used to limit a worker's free fall distance to a specified distance. Such lifelines or lanyards are typically used with a safety harness worn by the worker.

#Even in the case that a lanyard is used, however, the person using the lanyard must calculate the minimum unobstructed distance (that is, a clearance or minimum clearance distance) required in the case of a fall. In the case of a miscalculation, the user may strike an object below the user or strike the ground during a fall, leading to serious injury or even death.

#FIG. 1A illustrates the appropriate use of a lanyard in fall protection.

#FIG. 1B illustrates an accident occurring in the case that the minimum clearance required in the case of a fall is miscalculated.

#FIG. 2A illustrates and embodiment of the present invention.

#FIGS. 1A illustrates a person 10 in a safety harness 20 suspended from an anchor point 30 via a lanyard 40. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, lanyard 40 preferably includes a first attachment mechanism 50 (for example, a latch) at a first end thereof to attach lanyard to anchor point 30 (for example, an anchor ring). Lanyard 40 also preferably includes a second attachment mechanism 60 (for example, a latch) at a second end thereof to attach lanyard 40 to an attachment ring 70 on safety harness 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, attachment ring 70 is attached to safety harness 20 via shoulder straps 20A and 20B of safety harness 20.

#In FIG. 1A, the minimum clearance required to prevent person 10 from striking the ground in the case of a fall is represented by length C that is defined as the distance from anchor point 30 to the ground or any other nearest solid object (for example, flooring in a construction project) below anchor point 30 that would be contacted by person 10 in the case of an unarrested or improperly arrested fall. In FIG. 1A, lanyard 40 has been used properly, stopping the fall of person 10 before any portion of the body has traveled length C from the anchor point 30.

#In FIG. 1B, however, an accident is illustrated in the case of a fall wherein the minimum clearance has been miscalculated. In FIG. 1B, not enough clearance was provided and upon extension of lanyard 40, and the lower extremities of person 10 struck the ground.