Patent ID: 8739929
Filing Date: 2014-06-03
Classification: A62B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to a first anchorage structure and to a second anchorage structure, comprising: a) a lifeline having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the first end and the second end; b) a drum having a base and being rotatable, the first end of the lifeline being operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline being windable about and paid out from the base; c) a housing configured and arranged to house the drum and a portion of the lifeline wound about the base and including an exit through which another portion of the lifeline extends; d) a brake assembly operatively connected to the drum including a main plate having first teeth; e) a pinion gear having second teeth in cooperation with the first teeth whereby when the main plate rotates the first teeth engage the second teeth to cause the pinion gear to rotate; f) a pawl pivotally mounted with respect to the housing proximate the pinion gear and having an engaging position and a releasing position, the engaging position engaging the second teeth preventing the pinion gear from rotating in a first direction, the releasing position releasing the second teeth allowing the pinion gear to rotate in the first direction, wherein when the pinion gear is engaged by the pawl, the main plate is also prevented from rotating in a second direction; and g) a crank selectively releasably operatively directly connectable to both a shaft of the drum and a shaft of the pinion gear to rotate the drum.