Safety alarm tripod

Abstract

A tripod utilized over a manhole or the like to aid in the introduction or removal of a workman or equipment into the hole includes a housing and three legs extending downwardly and outwardly from the housing. An elongated rod extends vertically through the housing and includes a support member in the form of a loop or hook. A fall protection device may be suspended from the support member and includes a cable connected to a harness worn by a workman. In the event of a fall, the weight of the workman pulls the support member and rod downwardly against the force of a spring located within the housing until a limit switch carried by the rod activates an audible and visual alarm. A nut threaded onto the top part of the rod can be moved down against the top of the housing to prevent downward movement of the rod. This allows the tripod to be used to lower heavy equipment without activating the alarm.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.