Patent ID: 6793046
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
A follower fall arrest device used with a fixed safety rope, and comprising:a body equipped with a securing system arranged to occupy either an active locking position in case of a fall or an inactive unlocking position enabling the user to progress along the rope in the ascending direction, or in the opposite direction when performing a controlled descent, said securing system comprising a support arm articulated on a first spindle of the body, a roller in the form of a cylindrical wheel mounted rotating free on a second spindle securedly attached to the support arm, and a centrifugal clutch mechanism arranged between a drive member of the roller and the support arm so as to occupy a disengaged position or an engaged position, and attachment means for connecting the body to a safety harness worn by the user, wherein the peripheral surface of the roller is equipped with a plurality of studs arranged to cause rotation of the roller in the descending direction, and sliding on the rope in the ascending direction, the body comprises a straight U-shaped channel for passage of the rope, said channel having holes for passage of the attachment means, and the support arm is equipped with safety means designed to limit the pivoting travel of said arm in the inactive unlocking position and to prevent the karabiner from being fitted before the rope has been inserted in the channel.