Abstract:
Retractor safety device for identifying and controlling hazardous areas associated with unmarked, unbarricaded or unprotected areas of Construction and General Industry work sites, as well as any application requiring pedestrian movement-control, designed to meet all required safety standards in terms of color and signage, and will incorporate a variety of elements to promote visibility and ease of use. Retractor safety device is an industrial-grade, reusable caution/danger/hazard tape retractor that attaches by means of a universal mounting bracket, includes a manually- or automatically-operated tape-locking mechanism, as well as a quick-connect, universal tape attachment with Lock-Out, Tag-Out (LOTO) capabilities, and field cleanable/maintainable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/617,684, filed Sep. 14, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is related generally to the field of safety equipment, in particular to retractor safety tape that is easily moved from one work site to another. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A user of standard caution tape may tie the flexible, single-use caution tape from one end of, for example, a crane outrigger to the another end in an effort to protect people from entering the dangerous and deadly area known as the swing radius. The standard caution tape must be tied and untied each time the outrigger is moved. The standard caution tape is weak and flexible to the slightest of pressures and offers little to no resistance when pressed against, and frequently stretches to the point of deformation. Often times, the standard caution tape is improperly removed, leaving strands of torn tape tied to machinery and equipment, and many times in the form of a hanging-loop, which is itself a hazard. Standard caution tape has a tendency to tear easily, and many times it can be destroyed inadvertently from a variety of unforeseen events including safety violations, severe wind and weather, as well as wildlife destruction and vandalism. In addition, it is extremely wasteful and very costly to replace standard caution tape with each new use. 
         [0004]    Users of standard caution tape include, but are not limited to, all companies under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MHSA) jurisdiction, as well as including all construction companies and general industry operations, such as hospitals, airports, police stations, fire departments, government buildings, and car care/automotive repair facilities. Further, companies like ArcelorMittal, US Steel, and BP have a need for such a product due to the high number of hazardous work areas that require protection. Generally, any company that uses standard caution tape, or any other form of area-protection or crowd/pedestrian control, is a potential customer. 
         [0005]    Currently there is no product commercially available that is designed to meet all required safety standards in terms of color and indicia and performance, and that incorporates a variety of elements to promote high visibility, ease of use, situational versatility, and operational effectiveness. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a retractor safety device for identifying and controlling hazardous areas associated with unmarked, unbarricaded or unprotected areas of construction and general industry work sites, as well as any application requiring pedestrian movement-control, designed to meet all required safety standards in terms of color and indicia and functionality. The retractor safety device will incorporate a variety of elements to promote visibility and ease of use. The retractor safety device will incorporate functions that promote increased ability to effectively protect from hazardous areas. The present invention is an industrial-grade reusable caution/danger/hazard tape retractor that can attach to a structure (such as an outrigger support post, a post, a wall, a stanchion, equipment, and machinery by means of a universal mounting bracket, includes a manually- or automatically-operated tape-locking mechanism, as well as a quick-connect, universal tape attachment with Lock-Out, Tag-Out (LOTO) capabilities, data logging, and is field cleanable/maintainable. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are integral with the structure or component of the structure (such as an outrigger support or side view mirror  130 ). Types of vehicles with a retractor safety device can be passenger vehicles, police vehicles, fire vehicles, public service vehicles, and other emergency vehicles. 
         [0007]    The present invention, when compared to other options like standard caution tape and typical tape retractors, has increased versatility in mounting possibilities, self-cleaning, and includes a self-attaching tape connector and a tape locking-mechanism with LOTO capable. With regards to mounting, the present invention can be mounted to any surface/structural shape and the orientation of a mounting bracket to a mounting surface is not fixed along a single axis. The present invention is designed and built in a manner that meets all current and near-term safety standards, which yields a device that is specifically designed to save, time, money, and improved likelihood of preserving life and limb. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the present invention functions to warn co-workers and others of the dangerous areas within the swing radius of a crane&#39;s operating radius by means of a well-defined temporary barrier that acts to cordon off the danger-zone in the area between, for example, outriggers. 
         [0009]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention functions as an “area guard” and/or create “controlled access zone” and/or “warning line system” to mark and define the boundary for Fall Protection as prescribed in 29 CFR 1910. and  1926 . 
         [0010]    As mentioned above, one embodiment of the retractor safety device can be used in conjunction with crane outriggers either removably attached or permanently affixed (such as welded to the frame or support, or integrally formed in the body of the outrigger). In the removable embodiment, a user will attach the multi-purpose, universal mounting bracket to one outrigger on each side of the crane. The user will then attach the safety retractor housing unit to the mounting bracket where the mating surfaces of the housing and bracket are complementary surfaces of any shape and size. The housing unit may or may not be locked to the mounting bracket, by means of a LOTO-capable design feature. The user would then extend the tape-end to the corresponding outrigger via a self-connecting mechanism (such as a Carabineer and Magnetic d-ring), thereby deploying a semi-permanent area-protection barrier, as a means to meet federal requirements to protect a person from entering the deadly swing radius of the crane. The user may also extend the tape end to any other point within the tapes reach. The self-connecting mechanism attached to the tape end is also designed to be Locked-Out, Tagged-Out (LOTO)-capable if so desired. The user can then return to the safety retractor housing, and if so desired, has the option to engage the belt-locking mechanism, which tensions the belt, providing sufficient resistance so as not to deform under pressure, to a given specification. The belt-locking mechanism is also LOTO capable. If a user chooses to engage all LOTO-capabilities, the user will have effectively created a permanent area-protection barrier that meets all federal requirements for area protection relative to protecting against a cranes swing radius, as well being able to satisfy all LOTO requirements. The present invention may incorporate means of both active and/or passive warning systems to further promote safety such as, but not limited to, insignia, warning lights, audio warnings, flags, strobes, glow-in-the-dark materials, etc. The safety retractor may or may not also incorporate a data log used to track time, date, and duration of belt deployment to better aid organizations in tracking safety procedures and holding accountable those whose failure to follow such procedure. When the barrier is no longer required, the belt can be retracted into the housing, and the housing can be redeployed elsewhere, as needed. In addition, a user of the retractor safety device may extend the tape from its attached position on the crane to any other point within the tape&#39;s reach, via a self-connecting mechanism (i.e. Carabineer, Magnetic d-ring). When the barricade is no longer needed, the tape is disconnected from its attachment point, and retracts back into the housing of the retractor safety device. 
         [0011]    There are many other applications for the retractor safety device including any scenario where a user may require standard caution tape to cordon off a potentially dangerous area. Another example of this use may be the need to cordon off a work area around a hazardous piece of equipment that needs periodic emergency repairs, and where the user desires to have a temporary barricade on-hand at all times, even on very limited notice, to insure against failed safety measures. All too often situations occur in which a plant mechanic, for example, fails to cordon off a danger-area, because he/she either doesn&#39;t have standard caution tape on hand, or they fail to be reminded of the requirement to do so. The retractor safety device, conversely, could be attached to a semi-permanent/permanent location for immediate use whenever it is needed. By virtue of the retractor safety device&#39;s design and the universal mounting plate being in a fixed location, it becomes much more likely that the plant mechanic will see the retractor safety device and be reminded to use it to cordon off and protect from potential hazards. Its ease of operation (i.e. no knots, no tangled tape, no tape cleanup, always on-hand) further promotes it&#39;s use. Once the retractor safety device is in place, there is little excuse not to use the retractor safety device. The universal mounting plate can also be locked to the retractor safety device and thus becoming a single unit. 
         [0012]    Uses of the present invention include any hazard that must be barricaded or cordoned off, according to State and Federal regulations and standards including, but not limited to, OSHA, MSHA, and National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Possibly the most important embodiment for the invention, due to current products failure to meet both regulations as well operational standards and performance requirements, is to guard the swing radius between the outriggers of cranes, which is a relatively new mandate from OSHA. Additionally, the retractor safety device has uses at construction and general industry sites that are many due to the sheer number of situations that require barricades and/or warning systems that must meet or exceed specific standards and or requirements governed by many laws/organizations. The present invention can be used in accident investigation and site control. In addition, due to the innocence of public bystanders, the versatility of the universal mounting bracket allows the safety retractor to protect against hazards associated with activities related to police, fire, emergency response, etc. 
         [0013]    Another example of the retractor safety device&#39;s use can be a temporary work situation, where an employee is asked to do repairs somewhat close to a potential hazard, such as moving equipment. In such a situation, standard caution tape may be ineffective because it fails to provide the necessary resistance needed to prevent an employee from backing into the hazard. The tensioning/locking feature of the retractor safety device will provide the necessary resistance to indicate to someone backing into it, and warning that they are beginning to break the plane designating safety from danger. There are many situation-specific uses that are non-obvious however, as many potential applications relate to temporary situations that are one-time events and completely unforeseeable and circumstantially unique and thus to innumerable to list. 
         [0014]    With regards to meeting or fulfilling legal safety requirements, established business goals, and upcoming industry best practices, often times the currently available standard caution tape alone does not fully comply. The present invention differs from current technology being specifically designed (i.e. size, color, verbiage, etc.) to be a retractable and reusable, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) &amp; OSHA prescribed warning/caution/danger tape that incorporates several features such as a universal backing plate, locking tape with minimum resistance (i.e. 16 lbs. min.), tape cleaner, housing has ‘chimney’ cleaning system, reflective tape, universal tape self-attaching end, lockable tape end and lockable retractor safety device to backing plate in addition to the housing and tape having built-in reusable “tag” for LOTO (Lock-Out, Tag-Out) (and tag only LOTO) applications. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the tape attachment end accepts a selectable strength “breakaway” connector (providing clean break/re-attachment point) allows the tape end attachment to disconnect under excessive pressure and be reattached cleanly without tools. 
         [0016]    The universal mounting bracket allows the retractor safety device to be mounted in virtually any orientation. And since the universal mounting bracket can be mounted to a structure or surface by unlimited means, it can be mounted without the need for alteration (i.e. drilling holes) to the attaching structure. This feature represents an ability to attach the device in a variety of ways, in very diverse situations, without need for manufacture approval, which is currently an industry hurdle when using existing retractors. It also allows the retractor safety device to be moved from one hazardous location to another without the need for repeated mounting with tools, since a user may install a number of universal mounting brackets in multiple locations, moving only the retractor safety device as needed. Since the retractor safety device will be able to lock onto the universal mounting bracket, it can be fixed in a semi-permanent manner deterring theft or loss. The retractor safety device housing can be secured to the universal mounting bracket by means of traditional padlock such as for LOTO, key, numerical, electronically, and set screws. The housing and the mounting bracket can include complementary ears or loops with holes that are adjacent to each other when the universal mounting bracket slides onto the housing. A pad-lock, for example, can be inserted through holes of the complementary ears or loops to keep the housing and universal mounting bracket together until the lock is removed. Also, ears or loops can be used on the belt lock such that the switch or lever can be in the LOCK position and a pad-lock can be inserted through both keeping the switch or lever from having the ability to be switched back to the UNLOCK position. The universal mounting bracket can be attached to the mounting surface in almost anyway such as cam-locking straps, screws, nails, zip-ties, rope, magnets, glue/epoxy, U Bolts, suction cups, adhesive tape, or any other conventional means. 
         [0017]    The retractor safety device can also incorporate specifically designed reflective properties to provide visual warning, while specific designs would provide wordage describing the specific hazards being barricaded against. 
         [0018]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The present invention is illustratively shown and described in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial illustration showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  without a cover to show the internal components; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention with an external tape cleaning section; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of an exemplary universal mounting bracket of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 5B and 5C  are perspective views of an exemplary universal mounting bracket of the present invention illustrating different surfaces with attachment devices; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial illustration showing one embodiment of the retractor safety device partially engaged with the universal mounting bracket; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a pictorial illustration showing one embodiment of the retractor safety device fully engaged with the universal mounting bracket; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8A  is a bottom view of the retractor safety device housing of  FIG. 4  without the universal mounting bracket; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8B  is a bottom view of the mounting bracket with a plurality of attachment devices on bottom surface engaged with the retractor safety device housing of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8C  is a bottom view of the universal mounting bracket with a singular attachment device on bottom surface engaged with the retractor safety device housing of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the retractor safety device housing without a cover to illustrate the internal components; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  is a pictorial illustration showing one embodiment of the tape cleaning mechanism; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9   c  is a pictorial illustration showing one embodiment of the tape locking mechanism; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 10A-C  are pictorial illustrations showing one embodiment of lock out tag out mechanism; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11A  is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention attached to an outrigger; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the present invention attached to an outrigger; and 
           [0037]      FIGS. 12A-C  are pictorial views of embodiments of the present invention incorporated into side view mirrors of a vehicle and front bumper attachment to an emergency vehicle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]    As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. 
         [0039]    The retractor safety device  10  illustrated in prospective view of the exterior of retractor safety device  10  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  includes a housing  12 , retractable signal tape  14  with attachment end  16  connectable to equipment attachment end  18  (which is secured to, for example, an outrigger), padding  20 , and attachment devices, such as straps  22 . Straps  22  are of sufficient length to secure housing  12  to, for example, an outrigger. Alternative attachment devices can be magnets, hook-and-eyes, bolts, and screws. As way of an example and not as limitations, retractable signal tape  14  can be an orange or fluorescent color having a width  24  being any acceptable dimension (such as 3 inches) and length  26  being any acceptable dimension. One study indicates that orange is associated with crushing hazard and also conveys possibility of human injury or death, and yellow can mean property damage. The letters  28  imprinted on retractable signal tape  14  can be any visible color (such as black) and any acceptable height  30  (such as 2.75 inches) that will give the desired maximum safe viewing distance (such as 34.275 feet), which corresponds to letter height  30  of 2.75 inches. One embodiment of retractor safety device  10  employees the ratio of letter height  30  to desired safe viewing distance to 1:150. The font of letters  28  can be any acceptable font that provide clear and legible viewing at the desired safe viewing distance. One study indicates the signal word  32  being WARNING means the possibility of human hazard, and CAUTION can be used for property damage situations only. Housing  12  can include safety sign  34  being a triangular shape  36  with varying color combinations, such as a yellow triangle  36  with black outline  38  and black explanation mark  40 , a black triangle with orange exclamation mark, or pinch point symbol with same colors as above. Tape end attachment  16  can incorporate a “breakaway” feature  16 A that allows tape  14  to auto detach in the event of excessive force being applied and allow for a simple clean reattachment. The “breakaway” feature can be accomplished through a variety of means such as, but not limited to, magnetic, clip, or pin. 
         [0040]    Now turning to  FIG. 3  that illustrates a top view of the present invention  10  of  FIG. 1  without a cover to show the internal components of housing  12 . Tape retracting mechanism  42  is received into inner cavity  44  of housing  12 , wherein housing  12  is constructed of 1 (cylinder or sphere) or more sides  46 . Housing  12  is shown with 4 sides as an illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. Other geometric shapes, such as cylindrical and triangle, are also acceptable. Housing  12 ,  52  (see  FIG. 4 ) can be made from two molded pieces (housing  12  and cover  12 A) that allow for easy access to interior  44  for repair/replacement of interior components. Cover  12 A can be the top surface as shown in  FIG. 4  or a bottom surface (not shown). One side  46  can include an aperture  47 , such as a slot or hole, to receive tape  14 . A reusable gasket (not shown) can be used for sealing between the two molded pieces. Tape retractor mechanism  42  and tape  14  can easily slide out of housing  12  for repair/replacement. Tape  14  includes a first end (not shown) being wound around reel  42 A (see  FIG. 9A ) the tape retractor mechanism  42  and a second end (equivalent to attachment end  16 ) being disposed through the aperture  47  of the housing  12 . Tape retractor mechanism  42  can include a commercially available inertia locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the reel  42 A and tape  14  at a desired length. Length of tape  14  can be any desirable length based on the need of the customer and the size of housing  12 . For example, tape  14  can be 30 feet in length. Housing  12  and tape  14  can be made of suitable commercially available materials that are weather, fade, stain, cut, and ultraviolet radiation resistance as well as anti-microbial with high strength capabilities and reflective properties. For example, housing  12  can be made of industrial grade polymer to avoid electrical issues and certifications that are required if using metals. Further embodiments of housing  12  should not have sharp edges (rounded corners are preferred), and should state the intended uses and warning labels that apply to it. 
         [0041]    Continuing with  FIG. 3 , a further embodiment of retractor safety device  10  can include a data logger  59  to collect pertinent information required for safety compliance. Data logger  59  can be battery or solar powered or both to automatically record safety critical information such as, but not limited to, the time/date the data logger  59  was deployed, time/date tape  14  was extracted/retracted, and employee ID of the employee who deployed the data logger  59 . Though data logger  59  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as being retained within housing  12 , data logger  59  can also be connected to the exterior surface of housing  12  (not shown). Data logger  59  can be any commercially available data collector/recorder. Data can be transmitted via wireless communications to a host computer with a processor or downloaded via wireless communications or wired communications locally to a hand-held device. Data logger  59  can be permanently or removeably attached to housing  12 ,  52 . 
         [0042]    Now turning to  FIG. 4  that illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment  50  of the present invention. Housing  52  is configured similar to housing  12  with the addition of a tape cleaning section  54  shown projecting outward from the main structure of housing  50  on the exterior surface  62  of housing  52 , thereby not being disposed in inner cavity  44  of housing  12 ,  52 . Tape cleaning  106  ( FIGS. 9A and 9B ) is capable of engaging the tape  14  while the tape  14  is being drawn from and retracted into the housing  12 ,  52 . Tape cleaning section  54  can be integral formed with housing  52  in the same mold or single piece of material. Alternatively, tape cleaning section  54  can be a separately manufactured component (not shown) that is joined or attached to the exterior surface  62  of housing  52  by conventional methods including, but not limited to, welding, screws, bolts, adhesives/epoxy/resin/glue/tape, clamps/clasps, magnets, hook-and-eye device, interference fit mechanism, or other mechanical connectors. The bottom surface  56  of tape cleaning section  54  has a debris expulsion opening  56  (see  FIGS. 8A-8C ) to allow debris removed from tape  14  to gravitationally exit from tape-cleaning section interior  49  (see  FIG. 3 ) but not allow water or other exterior elements into tape-cleaning section interior  49  such that no debris enters inner cavity  44  (see  FIG. 3 ) of housing  12 ,  52 . Debris expulsion opening  56  is positioned below the tape cleaning device  106  during operation such that debris removed from the tape  14  exits the debris expulsion opening  56 . An alternative embodiment of a tape cleaning section  54  illustrated in  FIG. 3  can include a tape cleaning section  54  with the debris expulsion opening  56  in interior cavity  44  attached to interior side wall  122  of housing  12 , but still isolating inner cavity  44  from debris retained in tape-cleaning section cavity  49 .  FIG. 4  further illustrates tape breakaway connector  58  at end  60  of tape  14  to retain equipment attachment end  16  to tape  14  until design loads are exceeded, at which time tape breakaway connector  58  will break to disconnect tape  14  from the equipment. One embodiment of the present inventions  10 ,  50  can include a commercially available warning light and audible warning system  70  shown in  FIG. 4 . The warning light and/or audible warning system can be activated simultaneously or individually, and when tape  14  is either deployed or retracted. The warning light and audible warning system  70  can be battery and/or solar powered. The warning light and/or warning light casing (not shown) can also be made of or coated with glow-in-the-dark material such that personnel in the area of retractor safety device  10 ,  50  will be warned of a hazard at night when the warning system  70  is not activated. Alternative embodiments can also include resilient edge flaps  124  located in either side of tape entry opening  54 A to further remove any residual debris from tape  14 . 
         [0043]    Tape cleaning section  54  houses in its entirety or in part the tape-cleaning device  106  and tape-locking mechanism  68  as shown in  FIGS. 9A-C . Tape  14  enters tape-cleaning section cavity  49  from inner cavity  44  of housing  12  through tape entry opening  54 A and exits tape-cleaning section cavity  49  through tape exit opening  54 B. Tape entry opening  54 A and tape exit opening  54 B are sized to receive tape  14 . Tape entry opening  54 A is adjacent to the aperture  47  of the housing  52 . External tape lock activation mechanism  64  of tape locking control mechanism  68  is adjacent tape cleaning section  54  to activate locking cams  110  such that tape  14  engages locking cams  110  when tape locking mechanism  64  is activated. Tape locking mechanism device  64  is capable of engaging the tape  14  to inhibit the tape  14  for being drawn from and retracted into the housing  52 . It should be understood that the tape lock activation mechanism  64  can be positioned on either side or both sides of the tape cleaning section  54  to accommodate either left handed or righted users. When the locking mechanism device  64  is engaged and disposed between Lock Out-Tag Out clasp  66  (see  FIG. 4 ), a Lock Out-Tag Out device can be attached. 
         [0044]    Now turning to  FIGS. 5A-C  illustrating one embodiment of universal mount bracket  55  having side one  72  and side two  74 . Side one  72  can include two or more side attachment devices  76  on its exterior surface  80  to easily slide on and off of facilities apparatus or equipment with mating devices (not shown). Side attachment devices  76  can be a cluster of four (for illustration purposes only and not to limit the invention to any particular number of attachment devices) where each side attachment device  76  can include four legs  84  having an end  84 A attached to exterior surface  80  and another end  84 B attached to plate  86  to form a gap  88  between exterior surface  80  and plate  86 , and openings  90  between legs  84  sized to receive a mating device (not shown) of the facilities apparatus or equipment. Side two  74  can include one or more side attachment devices  78  on its exterior surface  82  to easily slide on and off of facilities apparatus or equipment with mating devices (not shown). Bottom attachment device  78  can be one (for illustration purposes only and not to limit the invention to any particular number of attachment devices) or any cluster of attachment devices desirable. Each bottom attachment device  78  can include six legs  92  (or as many or as few legs as desired) having an end  92 A attached to exterior surface  82  and another end  92 B attached to top structure  94  to form a gap  96  between exterior surface  82  and top structure  94 , and openings  98  between legs  92  sized to receive a mating device (not shown) of the facilities apparatus or equipment. Equipment attachment devices  76 ,  78  can be integrally formed from one piece of material or molded structure or joined together by any conventional techniques including, but not limited to, welding, screws, bolts, or clamps. Also, equipment attachment devices  76 ,  78  can be integrally formed with universal mounting bracket  55 , such that universal mounting bracket  55  and equipment attachment devices  76 ,  78  are one, integral component and not a combination of separate sub-components assembled and joined into one assembly or one component. Surfaces  80 ,  82  can be no-slip, no-scratch surface such that the paint on the equipment is not scratch paint. The present invention universal mounting bracket  55  discussed above is versatile being able to connect to virtually anything, by any binding means (i.e. straps, glue, magnet, tape, hardware such as u-bolts, zipties, etc.), using the same mounting bracket. It is not limited to design-specific mounting techniques and does not require physical alteration to mounting surface. Universal mounting bracket  55  can be any geometric shape as is necessary to mate with various safety retractor housing designs including, but not limited to, concaved-cylindrical housing unit, which will require a concaved mounting plate. Retractor safety device  10 ,  50  is deployable without needing tools or a prop, such as a stanchion or cone, because of the universal mount bracket  55 . Retractor safety device  10 ,  50  does not require use of special connecting bracket (male/female ends). Retractor safety device  10 ,  50  can be mounted on all plains of housing  12 ,  52  in any orientation: 1) mounted from the back, 2) mounted from the bottom 3) from the top, and 4) from either side. 
         [0045]    Now turning to  FIG. 6  illustrating retractor safety device  50  partially engaged with universal mounting bracket  55 . Housing  52  can also include mounting bracket receptor slots  53  to receive and retain universal mounting bracket  55  (see  FIG. 4 ). During the assembly or installation operation, Retractor safety device  50  with mounting bracket receptor slots  53  sized to receive and retain side one  72  of universal mounting bracket  55  as side one  72  slides within mounting bracket receptor slots  53 . Once retractor safety device  50  slides into full engagement with universal mounting bracket  55 , retractor safety device  50  will sit securely on side two  74  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Since the retractor safety device  50  will be able to lock onto the universal mounting bracket  55 , it can be fixed in a semi-permanent manner deterring theft or loss. The retractor safety device housing  52  can be secured to the universal mounting bracket  55  by means of traditional padlock  118  (see  FIG. 10B ) such as for LOTO, key, numerical, electronically, and set screws. The housing  52  and the mounting bracket  55  can include complementary ears or loops  126  with holes  128  that are adjacent to each other when the universal mounting bracket  55  slides onto the housing  52 . A pad-lock  118 , for example, can be inserted through holes  128  of the complementary ears or loops  126  to keep the housing  52  and universal mounting bracket  55  together until the lock  118  is removed. Also, ears or loops  126  with holes  128  can be used on the belt lock such that the switch or lever can be in the LOCK position and a pad-lock can be inserted through both keeping the switch or lever from having the ability to be switched back to the UNLOCK position. The universal mounting bracket  55  can be attached to the mounting surface in almost anyway such as cam-locking straps, screws, nails, zip-ties, rope, magnets, glue/epoxy, U Bolts, suction cups, adhesive tape, or any other conventional means. 
         [0046]    Now turning to  FIGS. 8A-C  illustrating retractor housing  52  from a bottom view before and after installation of the universal mounting bracket  55 . Universal mounting bracket  55  can be installed at least two different ways to position attachment devices  76 ,  78  relative to retractor housing  52  for engagement with a facilities apparatus or equipment.  FIG. 8A  illustrates a bottom view of retractor housing  52  showing bottom surface  100 , debris expulsion opening  56 , tape  14 , and mounting bracket receptor slots  53 .  FIGS. 8B and 8C  illustrate retractor housing  52  and universal mounting bracket  55  being fully engaged. As shown in  FIG. 8B , Length L 1  of side one  72  is less than length L 2  between opposing of mounting bracket receptor slots  53 . The difference in lengths (L 2 −L 1 ) provides sufficient clearance for side one  72  to freely slide between mounting bracket receptor slots  53  into the engaged position. As shown in  FIG. 8C , Length L 3  of side two  74  is less than length L 2  between opposing of mounting bracket receptor slots  53 . The difference in lengths (L 2 −L 3 ) provides sufficient clearance for side two  74  to freely slide between mounting bracket receptor slots  53  into the engaged position. 
         [0047]    Now turning to  FIGS. 9A-C  that illustrates internal components of retractor housing  52  (which are also compatible for use with retractor housing  12 ). Tape  14  is wound around tape retracting mechanism  42  and fed between tape gripping surfaces  102  of opposing locking cams  110  of tape locking control mechanism  68 . The two gripping surfaces  102  are positioned parallel to each other. Tape lock activation mechanism  64  moves one or both of the opposing locking cams  110  (relative movement of cams  110  to each other): i) inward to close a gap  104  between cams  110  to substantial a zero gap to frictionally secure tape  14  between tape gripping surfaces  102  such that tape  14  is locked and only able to move under a maximum desire load (i.e. 16 lbs.) or pressure, and ii) outward to open the gap  104  between cams  110  sufficient to frictionally release tape  14  such that tape  14  is free to be drawn out from housing  52  (similar to housing  12 ) or free to retract into housing  52  as tape retractor mechanism  42  re-winds by a conventional biasing mechanism (for example, a spring). An alternative tape locking mechanism can be a reel inertia locking mechanism incorporated into the tape retractor mechanism  42 . 
         [0048]    As tape  14  is re-wound onto tape retractor mechanism  42 , tape  14  is cleaned of debris by tape cleaning device  106  that can includes one or more brushes  108 . Though  FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate two brushes  108 , other embodiments of the present invention can include scrapper to replace both brushes  108  or one brush  108  such that brush  108  opposes a scrapper or high pressure fluid (air, water, cleaning solvent, or combinations thereof). Debris removed from tape  14  will fall through debris expulsion opening  56  by way of gravity (without a medium) or fluid (with a medium-air pressure or flow of water or cleaning solvent). 
         [0049]    Now turning to  FIGS. 10A-C  illustrating one embodiment of attachment end  16  named a carabineer that includes a main structure  112  being substantially C-shaped forming an opening  112 A between ends  112 B,  112 C and having clasp  114  pivotally attached to end  112 C. Main structure  112  can include lock out tag out aperture  120  on end  112 B that aligns with lock out tag out aperture  116  on end  114 A of clasp  114  when clasp  114  is in a closed position as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . Main structure  112  also includes pivot hole (not shown) on end  112 C that aligns with pivot hole  114 C on end  114 B of clasp  114  to pivotally connect main structure  112  with clasp  112 . When clasp  112  is in the closed position, lock out tag out lock  118  can be fed through apertures  116 ,  120  to secure clasp  114  to main structure  112 . Typically, attachment end  16  will be mated with or couple to equipment attachment end  18  (see  FIG. 1 ) and lock out tag out lock  118  will be attach to secure the connection. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate one embodiment of the present invention having the present invention  10 ,  50  removably attached to an outrigger support post  134 . An alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporates housing  12 ,  52  into the body of the outrigger or outrigger support when formed during manufacturing of the subject support, whereby housing  12 ,  52  are integral with one or more components of the outrigger. 
         [0051]    Further examples of an integral retractor safety device are embodied in side view mirrors  130  illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  and vehicle structure attachment  132  illustrated in  FIG. 12C  show as being attached to a bumper as an example and not as a limitation. Key components of the retractor safety device discussed above can be incorporated into the side view mirror  130  and vehicle attachment  132  includes, but not limited to, tape retracting mechanism  42 , tape  14 , attachment end  16 , tape cleaning section  54 , tape cleaning device  106 , and tape locking mechanism  64 . Side view mirror  130  and vehicle attachment  132  can be attached to any vehicle including, but not limited to, passenger vehicles, police vehicles, fire vehicles, public service vehicles, and other emergency vehicles. 
         [0052]    As mentioned above, retractor safety device  10 ,  50  can include many safety markings and features to assure users are aware of dangerous surroundings. Listed below for illustration purposes, and not to limit the invention, are examples of possible safety markings and features pertaining to the present invention: 
         [0053]    A. Signal tape can be Orange, 3″ Height minimum; 
         [0054]    B. Letters can be Black, 2.75″ Height Minimum. This will give a max viewing distance of; 34.375 ft. (minimum letter height for signal word shall be 1 unit of height for every 150 units of safe viewing distance); 
         [0055]    C. Use Headline style text; 
         [0056]    D. Tape  14  can be ORANGE back ground with BLACK letters (z535-2007 revised standard). Orange is associate with crushing hazard and also conveys possibility of human injury or death/yellow can mean property damage; 
         [0057]    E. Signal Word can be WARNING. WARNING means possibility of human hazard, CAUTION can be used for property damage situations only; and 
         [0058]    F. Use triangle safety sign, located on the left side of the word WARNING with a Black triangle with orange explanation mark, or Yellow triangle with black outline and black explanation mark, or pinch point symbol with same colors as above. 
         [0059]    Another embodiment of the present invention can comply with statutory regulations including, but not limited to: 
         [0060]    A. Part vi of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)1993 edition FHWA-SA-94-027 and referenced publications; 
         [0061]    B. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z35.1-1968, Z35.2-1968, Z535 standards and referenced publications; 
         [0062]    C. Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.144; 
         [0063]    D. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.200; and 
         [0064]    E. OSHA 29 CFR 1926, 29 CFR 1910 and the general duty clause. 
         [0065]    Although the present invention has generally been described in terms of specific embodiments and implementations, the present invention is applicable to other methods, apparatuses, systems, and technologies. The examples provided herein are illustrative and not limiting, and other variations and modifications of the present invention are contemplated. Those and other variations and modifications of the present invention are possible and contemplated, and it is intended that the foregoing specification and the following claims cover such modifications and variations.