US 5,762,282 A · Remote retractable lifeline extender

Abstract

A remotely controllable retractable lifeline extender having an electric motor attached thereto to provide powered payout and retraction of the lifeline to a user located below. The remote retractable lifeline extender may be fastened to the ceiling or rafter of a structure, or to some other sturdy structural component thereof having a great deal of clearance below the connection point. The device is actuated by a hand-held remote control unit used by the worker to be attached to the lifeline. By activating the remote control unit, the lifeline is lowered to the worker by the motor-powered unit. The lifeline is attached to the worker's safety belt or harness by a fastening member such as a locking snap hook or carabiner. When the worker completes the job and is finished with the lifeline, the lifeline is disconnected from the worker's safety belt or harness, and the remote control unit is again activated to cause the motor-powered unit to retrieve the lifeline and rewind it into the retractable lifeline housing.

Claims36

Dependent claims

A remotely controllable retractable lifeline extending safety device, comprising:

a retractable lifeline safety device containing an extendable lifeline;
a lifeline extension assembly cooperative with said lifeline safety device for extending said lifeline therefrom and rewinding said lifeline thereto, said lifeline extension assembly being contained within a housing attached to said retractable lifeline safety device;
a motor engageable with said lifeline extension assembly for powering said lifeline extension assembly;
a drive linkage rotatably linking said motor and said lifeline extension assembly;
a receiver and a controlling means mounted in close proximity to said motor for receiving a radio signal for actuation of said motor via said controlling means;
and
a remotely operable transmitter for sending a radio signal to said receiver for actuation of said motor.

4 more elements

A remotely controllable retractable lifeline extending safety device having a retractable lifeline safety device containing an extendable lifeline, comprising:

a lifeline extension assembly cooperative with the lifeline safety device for extending the lifeline therefrom and rewinding the lifeline thereto, said lifeline extension assembly being contained within a housing attached to the retractable lifeline safety device;
a motor engageable with said lifeline extension assembly for powering said lifeline extension assembly;
a drive linkage rotatably linking said motor and said lifeline extension assembly;
a receiver and a controlling means mounted in close proximity to said motor for receiving a radio signal for actuation of said motor via said controlling means;
and
a remotely operable transmitter for sending a radio signal to said receiver for actuation of said motor.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Remote retractable lifeline extender

Life of this patent

Remote retractable lifeline extender

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36