Tether device and related methods
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsDavid B. Arnal, Timothy T. Broderick
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tether device includes a magnetic base; a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base; and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole, for removably connecting the tethering device to a user. Also, a method for tethering a user to a hull of a vessel including the steps of providing a tether device having a magnetic base, a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base, and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole; connecting the connector or clip to the user; and engaging the magnetic base with the hull of the vessel.
Claims16
A device for tethering a person to a hull of a ship comprising:
- a magnetic base;
- a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base;
- a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole, the connector or clip configured to removably connect the device to the person;
- and
- an article for wearing by a person, said article configured to be removably coupled to said connector or clip;
- wherein said magnetic base is configured to be magnetically attached to the hull of the ship, and to be retained on the hull to tether the person to the hull when the person is connected via the connector or clip to the pole and the magnetic base.
A device for tethering a person to a hull of a ship comprising:
- a magnetic base;
- a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base;
- a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole, the connector or clip configured to removably connect the device to the person;
- and
- a strap;
- wherein said magnetic base is configured to be magnetically attached to the hull of the ship, and to be retained on the hull to tether the person to the hull when the person is connected via the connector or clip to the pole and the magnetic base;
- and
- wherein the strap is adapted to be coupled between the person and the magnetic base, thereby allowing the person to move about the magnetic base in an area having a diameter defined by a length of the strap, without requiring the person to remain attached to the pole.
A device for tethering a person to a hull of a vessel, the device comprising:
- a base defining a housing;
- at least one electromagnet disposed in said housing;
- a power source within said housing for activating said at least one magnet;
- a rubber covering on a first surface of said housing for protecting the hull of the vessel;
- a pole having a first end connected to said base, said pole comprising a plurality of tubes, telescopically engaged with one another, and having frictional engagement between the tubes to maintain a desired length of the pole after adjustment by the person to permit the person to draw himself or herself toward the hull via the pole;
- a switch coupled to said power source and said at least one magnet, said switch mounted on a second surface of said housing, wherein said pole is connected to said base at said second surface the switch allowing the person to activate and deactivate the at least one electromagnet when the person is attached to said device;
- a connector or clip attached to a second end of said pole for attaching to an article for wearing by the person;
- and
- a strap attachable to said base at a first end, and to the person at a second end;
- wherein said at least one electromagnet has a sufficient magnetic strength to retain the base to the hull of the ship when tethering the person thereto.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.