A housing for a self-retracting lifeline includes an outer area disposed on a portion of a first side of the housing, the outer area being planar, a label area stepped down from the outer area, an outer perimeter of the label area corresponding to an inner perimeter of the outer area, and a number of protruding members disposed at least on a portion of the first side of the housing and being stepped up from the outer area.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosed concept relates generally to fall protection systems, and in particular, to a housing for a self-retracting lifeline used in fall protection systems.

Background Information

In fall protection systems, a worker typically wears a harness. In some systems, a lifeline is attached to an attachment point on the harness and to an anchor point on a building, connecting the worker to the anchor point. In the case of a fall, the lifeline will arrest the fall, preventing injury to the worker. There are numerous in types of lifelines, harnesses, and types of anchor points used, but the principle of arresting the fall is generally similar.

One type of lifeline is a self-retracting lifeline. A self-retracting lifeline typically includes a retracting device into which the lifeline is retracted. The lifeline can be pulled out of the retracting device under normal forces, such as a worker walking away from the anchor point. This allows the lifeline to remain under some tension. The retracting device also includes a braking mechanism. When the lifeline is quickly pulled out of the retracting device, such as when a fall occurs, the braking mechanism engages to slow and stop the lifeline from being pulled out of the retracting device and, in this manner, arrests the fall of the worker.

In transport and in use, a self-retracting lifeline is can become damaged due to dropped, bumped against objects, subjected to various weather conditions, or any other hazards that may arise. In particular, the retracting device should be protected because, if it were to become damaged, it may not operate properly in the case of a fall. The retracting device is typically contained in a housing, but there remains room for improvement in housings for self-retracting lifelines.

SUMMARY

These needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept in which a housing for a self-retracting lifeline includes one or more protruding members.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concept, a housing for a self-retracting lifeline comprises an outer area disposed on a portion of a first side of the housing, the outer area being planar; a label area stepped down from the outer area, an outer perimeter of the label area corresponding to an inner perimeter of the outer area; and a number of protruding members disposed at least on a portion of the first side of the housing and being stepped up from the outer area.

In accordance with on aspect of the disclosed concept, a self-retracting lifeline comprises: a housing including: an outer area disposed on a portion of a first side of the housing, the outer area being planar; a label area stepped down from the outer area, an outer perimeter of the label area corresponding to an inner perimeter of the outer area; and a number of protruding members disposed at least on a portion of the first side of the housing and being stepped up from the outer area; a retractable device disposed within the housing; a first attachment mechanism attached proximate a top of the housing; a lifeline extending from the housing; an energy absorber attached to the lifeline; and a second attachment mechanism attached to the energy absorber.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with some example embodiments of the disclosed concept, a housing for a self-retracting lifeline. In some example embodiments, the housing includes a label area and multiple step-downs in the housing protect the label area. Some features that create the multiple step-downs also protect the integrity of the housing. In some example embodiments of the disclosed concept, the housing includes a retractable handle that eases carrying of the self-retracting lifeline. Some example embodiments of the disclosed concept will be described in more detail herein.

FIG. 1is an isometric view of a self-retracting lifeline including a housing100in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept.FIG. 2is a front view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 1,FIG. 3is a left-side view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 1,FIG. 4is a right-side view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 1,FIG. 5is a top view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 6is a bottom view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 1. The self-retracting lifeline includes the housing100, an attachment ring200for attaching to an attachment point on a harness, an energy absorber202, and a hook204for attaching to an anchor point. A retracting device may be disposed within the housing100and includes a lifeline attached to the energy absorber.

The housing100includes a two-part body formed from a first body part102and a second body part104. The first body part102and the second body104form halves of the housing100and attach together to form the housing100. The housing100includes a number of features. One such feature is a planar outer area106formed on sides of the housing100. Stepped down from the outer area106is a planar label area114. The outer area106surrounds the label area114. The extents of the label area114are defined by a step which steps up to the outer area106. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the perimeter of the label area114has an arc shape on one side. Moving toward the opposite side of the label area114are angled perimeter sections followed by substantially parallel perimeter sections, as are shown inFIG. 1. The label area114is wider on the side of the arc shaped perimeter section and narrower on the opposite side. However, it will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the shape of the perimeter of the label area114without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Stepping down the label area114from the outer area106provides protection for the label area114. Due to its protection, the label area114is a useful area for placing a label, such as a label including brand information, safety information, or any other type of information. The label will be protected from being scuffed or otherwise damaged by general impacts on the housing100.

Another feature a first protruding member108. The first protruding member108is located on a lower part of the housing108and is stepped up from the outer area106. The first protruding member108extends from a portion of one side of the housing100, across a bottom of the housing100, and into a portion of the opposite side of the housing100. The first protruding member108may have a portion of its perimeter correspond in shape to a portion of the perimeter of the label area114. By being stepped up from the outer area106, the first protruding member108may provide protection from impacts to the housing100. In some example embodiments, the first protruding member108may be part of the first and second body parts102,104. For example, half of the first protruding member may be part of the first body part102and the other half of the first protruding member108may be part of the second body part104. In an example embodiment, the first body part102and half of the first protruding member108may be a unitary piece formed together, for example and without limitation, in a molding process. Similarly, the second body part104and the other half of the first protruding member108may be a unitary piece. When the first and second body parts102,104are brought together to form the housing100, the halves of the first protruding member108may abut together to form a continuous protrusion on the housing100.

Second protruding members110are another feature of the housing100. Second protruding members110being on opposite sides of the housing100and extend across front edges of the housing100. Second protruding members110are also stepped up from outer area106. Second protruding members110may each have an arc shaped edge that corresponds in shape to a portion of the arc shaped perimeter section of the label area114. Protruding members110each have a body section disposed on sides of the housing110and prong sections that extend across the front edge of the housing100. One second protruding member110may be part of the first body part102and the other second protruding member110may be part of the second part104. There may be a space between the second protruding members110on the front side of the housing100when the first and second parts102,104are brought together to form the housing. The second protruding members110provide protection to the housing100and, in particular, to front edges of the housing100that may be susceptible to impacts.

A third protruding member112is another feature of the housing100. The third protruding member112begins on one side of the housing100, extends across the top of the housing100, and ends on the other side of the housing100. The third protruding member112includes an opening on the top side of the housing100. The opening allows a point where the attachment ring200may be connected. The third protruding member112is stepped up from the outer area106and extends along a portion of upper edges of the housing100. The third protruding member112also provides protection against impacts to the housing100.

Fourth and fifth protruding members116,118are also features of the housing100. Fourth and fifth protruding members116,118are disposed on a back side of the housing100. Fourth and fifth protruding members116,118are stepped up portions that may be spaced apart from each other. Fourth and fifth protruding members116,118may extend across an area with the first and second body parts102,104meet. In some example embodiments, fourth and fifth protruding members116,118may have tapered elongated shapes. However, it will be understood that other shapes may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Fourth and fifth protruding members116,118may protect the housing100from impacts as well as provide structural support.

The first through third protruding members108,110,112along with the outer area106provide a multi-stepped geometry that protects the label area114. For example, the outer area106is stepped up from the label area114and the first through third protruding members108,110,112are stepped up from the outer area106, which creates multiple steps up from the label area114. This multi-stepped protection provides protection for any label applied in the label area114and reduces the chances of a label being scuffed or otherwise damaged by impacts to the housing100. The multi-stepped geometry also provide general protection to the housing100and structural support to the housing100, making is less likely that impacts or other wear and tear will compromise the integrity of the housing100.

In some example embodiments, the first through fifth protruding members108,110,112,114,116are integrally formed as parts of the first and second body parts102,104, for example and without limitation, by molding. This integral construction provides structural support. However, it will be appreciated that in some example embodiments, one or more of the first through fifth protruding members108,110,112,114,116may not be integral with the first and second body parts102,104, and may instead be attached to the first and second body parts102,104.

In some example embodiments, the housing100has a roughly cylindrical shape. However, it will be appreciated that variations may be made to the shape of the housing100without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. It will also be appreciated that variations to the shapes of any other features of the housing100may be modified without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. It will further be appreciated that one or more features may be added, removed, or modified without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Another example embodiment of the disclosed concept will also be described herein.

FIG. 7is an isometric view of a self-retracting lifeline including a housing300in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed concept.FIG. 8is another isometric view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 7,FIG. 9is a front view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 7,FIG. 10is a left-side view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 7,FIG. 11is a right-side view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 7,FIG. 12is a rear view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 7,FIG. 13is a top view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 7, andFIG. 14is a bottom view of the self-retracting lifeline ofFIG. 7. The self-retracting lifeline includes the housing300, an attachment ring400for attaching to an attachment point on a harness, an energy absorber402, and a hook404for attaching to an anchor point. A retracting device may be disposed within the housing400and includes a lifeline attached to the energy absorber.

The housing300includes a two-part body formed from a first body part302and a second body part304. The first body part302and the second body304form halves of the housing300and attach together to form the housing300. The housing300includes a number of features. One such feature is a planar outer area306formed on sides of the housing300. Stepped down from the outer area306is a planar label area314. The outer area306surrounds the label area314. The extents of the label area314are defined by a step which steps up to the outer area306. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the perimeter of the label area314has an arc shape on one side. Moving toward the opposite side of the label area314are angled perimeter sections followed by substantially parallel perimeter sections, as are shown inFIG. 7. The label area314is wider on the side of the arc shaped perimeter section and narrower on the opposite side. However, it will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the shape of the perimeter of the label area314without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Stepping down the label area314from the outer area106provides protection for the label area314. Due to its protection, the label area314is a useful area for placing a label, such as a label including brand information, safety information, or any other type of information. The label will be protected from being scuffed or otherwise damaged by general impacts on the housing300.

The housing300also includes a first protruding member308. The first protruding member308is located on a lower part of the housing308and is stepped up from the outer area306. The first protruding member308extends from a portion of one side of the housing300, across a bottom of the housing300, and into a portion of the opposite side of the housing300. The first protruding member308may have a portion of its perimeter correspond in shape to a portion of the perimeter of the label area314. By being stepped up from the outer area306, the first protruding member308may provide protection from impacts to the housing300. In some example embodiments, the first protruding member308may be part of the first and second body parts302,304. For example, half of the first protruding member may be part of the first body part302and the other half of the first protruding member308may be part of the second body part304. In an example embodiment, the first body part302and half of the first protruding member308may be a unitary piece formed together, for example and without limitation, in a molding process. Similarly, the second body part304and the other half of the first protruding member308may be a unitary piece. When the first and second body parts302,304are brought together to form the housing300, the halves of the first protruding member308may abut together to form a continuous protrusion on the housing300.

The housing300also includes second and third protruding members310,311. The second and third protruding members310,311are disposed on a front side of the housing300and extend across a portion of the front edges of the housing300onto sides of the housing300. In an example embodiment, the third protruding member311is longer than the second protruding member310. However, it will be appreciated that the lengths of the second and third protruding members310,311may be varied without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. In an example embodiment, ends of the third protruding member311are stepped up from the outer area306. In some example embodiments, the second protruding member310may also be stepped up from the outer area306. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 7though, the second protruding member310does not extend into the outer area306while the third protruding member311does. In some example embodiments, the second and third protruding members310,311may be part of the first and second body parts302,304. For example, half of the second and third protruding members310,311may be part of the first body part302and the other half of the second and third protruding member310,311may be part of the second body part304. In an example embodiment, the first body part302and half of the second and third protruding members310,311may be a unitary piece formed together, for example and without limitation, in a molding process. Similarly, the second body part304and the other half of the second and third protruding members310,311may be a unitary piece. When the first and second body parts302,304are brought together to form the housing300, the halves of the second and third protruding members310,311may abut together to form a continuous protrusion on the housing300. The second and third protruding members310,311may provide protection to front edges of the housing300from impacts.

The housing300further includes a fourth protruding member312. The fourth protruding member312begins on one side of the housing300, extends across the top of the housing300, and ends on the other side of the housing300. The fourth protruding member312includes an opening on the top side of the housing300. The opening allows a point where the attachment ring400may be connected. The fourth protruding member312is stepped up from the outer area106and extends along a portion of upper edges of the housing300. The fourth protruding member312also provides protection against impacts to the housing300. The fourth protruding member312may also have a cutout section where an end of a retractable handle316may be placed. The fourth protruding member312may be attached to the first and second body parts302,304, rather than being formed as a unitary piece with them. However, it will be appreciated that in some example embodiments, the fourth protruding member312may be formed as a unitary piece with the first and second body parts302,304.

The housing300also includes a retractable handle316. The retractable handle316may attach at a top portion of the housing300and extend along a back side of the housing300. The retractable handle316may have a shape that substantially corresponds to a shape of the back side of the housing300. The retractable handle316may have a retracted position and a non-retracted position. One end of the retractable handle316is attached at a top portion of the housing and the opposite end of the retractable handle316is not attached. In the non-retracted position, the unattached end of the retractable handle316is further from than back side of the housing300than when the retractable handle316is in the retracted position. In some example embodiments, the retractable handle316is biased toward the retracted position. By having an end of the retractable handle316unattached, a carabiner or other attachment device cannot be attached to the retractable handle316and the retractable handle316will not be mistaken for an attachment point by a worker. However, the retractable handle316does allow a worker to more easily carry the self-retracting lifeline.

The first, third, and fourth protruding members308,311,312along with the outer area306provide a multi-stepped geometry that protects the label area314. For example, the outer area306is stepped up from the label area314and the first, third, and fourth protruding members308,311,312are stepped up from the outer area306, which creates multiple steps up from the label area314. This multi-stepped protection provides protection for any label applied in the label area314and reduces the chances of a label being scuffed or otherwise damaged by impacts to the housing300. The multi-stepped geometry also provide general protection to the housing300and structural support to the housing300, making is less likely that impacts or other wear and tear will compromise the integrity of the housing300.

In some example embodiments, the first through fourth protruding members308,310,311,312are integrally formed as parts of the first and second body parts302,304, for example and without limitation, by molding. This integral construction provides structural support. However, it will be appreciated that in some example embodiments, one or more of the first through fourth protruding members308,310,311,312may not be integral with the first and second body parts302,304, and may instead be attached to the first and second body parts302,304. In an example embodiment, the first through third protruding members308,310,311are integrally formed with the first and second body parts302,304and the fourth protruding member312is attached to the first and second body parts302,304.

In some example embodiments, the housing300has a roughly protruded cylindrical shape in which a central part of the housing300is wider than an outer part of the housing300. However, it will be appreciated that variations may be made to the shape of the housing300without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. It will also be appreciated that variations to the shapes of any other features of the housing300may be modified without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. It will further be appreciated that one or more features may be added, removed, or modified without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

FIG. 15is an exploded view of the housing300in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. As shown inFIG. 15, the first and second body parts302,304may come together to form the housing. One or more fasteners, for example and without limitation, nuts326and bolts324may be used to attach the first and second body parts302,304together. A torsion spring322may also be employed in conjunction with the retractable handle316to bias the retractable handle316to the retracted position. Other parts, such as a bracket320, a shaft330, and a pass-through member328may also be employed. InFIG. 15, a retracting device318is shown. The retracting device318may be disposed in the area within the first and second body parts302,304(i.e., within the housing300). A similar retracting device may also be employed with the housing100shown inFIG. 1. WhileFIG. 15shows some of the parts that may be employed with the housing300, it will be appreciated that parts may be added, removed, or modified without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

FIG. 16is a view of the retractable handle316moving from the retracted position to the non-retracted position in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. As shown inFIG. 16, the retracted position of the retractable handle316is shown in solid lines and the non-retracted position of the retractable handle316is shown in dashed lines. In the non-retracted position, the unattached end of the retractable handle316is spaced apart from the body of the housing300.

As described herein, some example embodiments of the disclosed concept provided a multi-stepped geometry which provides protection for a label area and a self-retracting lifeline in general. Protruding members are protect edges of the housing from impacts and provide structural support for the housing. While these are just some advantages provided by some embodiments of the disclosed concept, it will be appreciated that other advantages may be provided as well.