Patent ID: 8701833
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
1. A self-retracting lifeline (“SRL”) having both an active fall restraint braking system and a passive restraint system; the lifeline comprising: a housing defining an interior having an aperture; a central reel rotatable within the confines of the interior in which the central reel rotates about an arbor; a length of cable that is wound about the reel in which one end of the cable is fixed to the central reel and the other end can extend outside of the housing through the aperture; an active braking mechanism that is capable of quickly stopping the cable from paying out upon sensing a predetermined condition; a power spring having an outer end and an interior portion that is connected to the arbor; said power spring is capable of retracting the cable back into the housing about the central reel when the cable is paid out or is taken in before the power spring binds in on itself, the outer end of the power spring being secured to the central reel; a pair of aligned plates capable of being disengaged to mobilize the arbor in order to rotate and wind the power spring, wherein one of the aligned plates is secured to the housing and the other plate is securable to a portion of the arbor such that when the plates are engaged the arbor is prohibited from movement; and an actuator that is connected to the arbor and can temporarily mobilize the arbor when the actuator is activated and applies a tensioning force to disengage the aligned plates.