Patent Publication Number: US-2023158348-A1

Title: Cable sleeve

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/281,245, filed Nov. 19, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Fall protection equipment is commonly used to reduce a likelihood of a fall and/or serious injuries associated with a fall, particularly by users who perform tasks at heights or are at risk of falling. Generally, lifelines or lanyards typically interconnect anchorage structures and safety harnesses donned by users. The lifelines or lanyards allow the users to move and perform tasks while being connected to the anchorage structures. Should a user fall, the fall protection equipment limits the distance the user falls. 
     A user climbing up and down a vertical structure, such as a ladder or a tower, typically utilizes a vertical fall arrest system as an anchorage structure. An example vertical fall arrest system includes a rope or a cable along which a rope or cable sleeve travels as the user moves along the vertical structure. Should a fall occur, the sleeve locks onto the rope or cable. However, if the user panics and grabs the sleeve, preventing it from locking onto the rope or cable, it is desirable to have a supplemental locking feature (an anti-panic feature). 
     For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a cable sleeve. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the disclosure and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid in understanding some of the aspects of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, a cable sleeve comprises a housing, a locking cam, and a locking pawl. The housing has a cavity and an elongate member passage in fluid communication. The elongate member passage is configured and arranged to slidably receive an elongate member. The locking cam is pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity. The locking cam has a radial edge with a constant radius relative to a pivot connection between the locking cam and the housing. The locking cam is configured and arranged to move from a first cam position to a second cam position. The second cam position is configured and arranged to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage with the radial edge. The locking pawl is pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity. The locking pawl is configured and arranged to move from a first pawl position to a second pawl position. The second pawl position is configured and arranged to move the locking cam into the second cam position to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage. 
     In one embodiment, a cable sleeve comprises a housing, a locking cam, and a locking pawl. The housing has a cavity and an elongate member passage in fluid communication. The elongate member passage is configured and arranged to slidably receive an elongate member. The locking cam is pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity and is configured and arranged to move from a first cam position to a second cam position. The second cam position is configured and arranged to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage with a radial edge. The locking pawl is pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity and is configured and arranged to move from a first pawl position to a second pawl position. The locking pawl has a weighted side configured and arranged to keep the locking pawl in the first pawl position during normal use, and the second pawl position is configured and arranged to engage the locking cam and move the locking cam toward the elongate member passage against the elongate member during a fall event. 
     In one embodiment, a cable sleeve comprises a housing, a locking cam, a passive locking mechanism, and an active locking mechanism. The housing has a cavity and an elongate member passage in fluid communication. The elongate member passage is configured and arranged to slidably receive an elongate member. The locking cam is pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity and is configured and arranged to move from a first cam position to a second cam position. The second cam position is configured and arranged to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage with a radial edge. The passive locking mechanism comprises a locking pawl pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity. The locking pawl is configured and arranged to move from a first pawl position to a second pawl position. The locking pawl has a weighted side configured and arranged to keep the locking pawl in the first pawl position during normal use. The second pawl position is configured and arranged to engage the locking cam and move the locking cam toward the elongate member passage against the elongate member during a fall event. The active locking mechanism comprises a locking arm pivotally connected to the housing. The locking arm has a first end configured and arranged to be coupled to a safety harness and a second end configured and arranged to selectively engage the locking cam. The locking arm has a first arm position and a second arm position. The second arm position is configured and arranged to engage the locking cam and move the locking cam into the second cam position to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage. The locking cam engages the elongate member when at least one of the locking pawl and the locking arm engages the locking cam. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present disclosure. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an embodiment cable sleeve constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention connected to a swivel connector and a carabiner; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  1    with a gate in a locked gate position; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  1    with the gate in an unlocked gate position; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective cross section view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  1    taken along the lines  5 - 5  in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  1    with a second body portion, a body spacer, and the gate removed to illustrate a locking mechanism in an unlocked position; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  1    with the second body portion, the body spacer, and the gate removed to illustrate the locking mechanism in a locked position; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  7    with a portion of a locking cam removed to illustrate another portion of the locking cam engaging a cable; 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of a first body portion of the cable sleeve shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a top view of the first body portion shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a bottom view of the first body portion shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a front view of the first body portion shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a rear view of the first body portion shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a side perspective view of the first body portion shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom view of a first top surface bearing of the cable sleeve shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a rear view of the first top surface bearing shown in  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a front view of the first top surface bearing shown in  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a side view of the first top surface bearing shown in  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a side view of the first top surface bearing shown in  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a bottom perspective view of the first top surface bearing shown in  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a bottom perspective view of the first top surface bearing shown in  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a top view of a first bottom surface bearing of the cable sleeve shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a rear view of the first bottom surface bearing shown in  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a front view of the first bottom surface bearing shown in  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  25    is a side view of the first bottom surface bearing shown in  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  26    is a side view of the first bottom surface bearing shown in  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  27    is a top perspective view of the first bottom surface bearing shown in  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  28    is a top perspective view of the first bottom surface bearing shown in  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  29    is a side view of a locking cam of the cable sleeve shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  30    is a top view of the locking cam shown in  FIG.  29   ; 
         FIG.  31    is a bottom view of the locking cam shown in  FIG.  29   ; 
         FIG.  32    is a rear view of the locking cam shown in  FIG.  29   ; 
         FIG.  33    is a front view of the locking cam shown in  FIG.  29   ; 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the locking cam shown in  FIG.  29   ; 
         FIG.  35    is a cross section view of the locking cam shown in  FIG.  29    taken along the lines  35 - 35  in  FIG.  31   ; 
         FIG.  36    is a perspective view of a second body portion of the cable sleeve shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  37    is a perspective view of a gate of the cable sleeve shown in  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  38    is a perspective view of a locking pawl of the cable sleeve shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide a cable sleeve configured and arranged to slidably move along a cable during normal use and lock onto or engage the cable during a fall event. Normal use is when a user is climbing up or down a structure and the cable sleeve moves along the cable as the user moves. Should the user fall, the rate at which the cable sleeve moves along the cable increases thereby causing the cable sleeve to engage the cable to arrest the fall. Although the term cable is used throughout, it is understood that any suitable elongate member such as, but not limited to, a cable or a rope could be used. The elongate member preferably has a diameter of 8 to 10 cm but any suitable diameter can be used. 
     In one embodiment, the cable sleeve includes a housing, a locking cam, and a locking pawl. The housing has a cavity and an elongate member passage in fluid communication, and the elongate member passage is configured and arranged to slidably receive an elongate member. The locking cam is pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity and has a radial edge. The locking cam is configured and arranged to move from a first cam position to a second cam position, and the second cam position is configured and arranged to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage with the radial edge. The locking pawl is pivotally connected to the housing within the cavity and is configured and arranged to move from a first pawl position to a second pawl position. The second pawl position is configured and arranged to move the locking cam into the second cam position to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage. The locking pawl and the locking cam is a passive locking mechanism. 
     In one embodiment, the radial edge has a constant radius relative to a pivot connection between the locking cam and the housing. 
     In one embodiment, the locking pawl has a weighted side configured and arranged to keep the locking pawl in the first pawl position during normal use. Optionally, a pawl biasing member interconnects the locking pawl and the housing, and the pawl biasing member is configured and arranged to bias the locking pawl toward the second pawl position during a fall event. 
     In one embodiment, a locking arm is pivotally connected to the housing. The locking arm has a first end configured and arranged to be coupled to a safety harness and a second end configured and arranged to selectively engage the locking cam. The locking arm has a first arm position and a second arm position, and the second arm position is configured and arranged to engage the locking cam and move the locking cam into the second cam position to engage the elongate member received in the elongate member passage. The locking arm and the locking cam is an active locking mechanism. 
     In an example embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , a cable sleeve  100  is operatively connected to a swivel connector  335  and a carabiner  348  for connection to a safety harness donned by a user. A lanyard (not shown) can be used to interconnect the carabiner  348  and the harness as is well known in the art. The swivel connector  335  includes a first swivel member  336  including a first extension  337  with an aperture  338  and a second extension  339  with an aperture  340 . The first and second extensions  337  and  339  form a channel configured and arranged to receive a connector end  320  of a locking arm  315  having an aperture  321 . The apertures  338 ,  321 , and  340  align, and a swivel rivet  346  extends through the apertures  338 ,  321 , and  340  to pivotally connect the locking arm  315  to the swivel connector  335 . The first swivel member  336  is pivotally connected to a second swivel member  342 . The second swivel member  342  has a base  343  with a cavity  344  configured and arranged to receive a portion of the first swivel member  336  interconnecting the extensions  337  and  339  so that the first swivel member  336  can pivot relative to the second swivel member  342 . An eye  345  extends upward from the base  343  and provides an opening through which the carabiner  348  can extend to connect thereto. The locking arm  315  is part of the cable sleeve  100 . 
     The cable sleeve  100  includes a housing  102  having a first body portion  104  and a second body portion  180  that form a cavity in fluid communication with an elongate member passage  143 . As shown in  FIGS.  9 - 14   , the first body portion  104  includes a plate portion  105  and a side portion  142 . The plate portion  105  has a top  106 , a bottom  107 , a first side  108 , a second side  109 , an outer surface  110 , and an inner surface  112 . The side portion  142  is operatively connected to the second side  109  and is curved to form the elongate member passage  143  along its inner surface and the inner surface  112  proximate the second side  109 . The side portion  142  includes a top flange  144  and a bottom flange  145 . Although the plate portion  105  and the side portion  142  are shown as an integral piece, it is recognized that they could be separate pieces operatively connected together. The plate portion  105  includes a top aperture  117  proximate the top  106 , a side aperture  118  proximate the first side  108 , and a bottom aperture  121  proximate the bottom  107 . The apertures  117 ,  118 , and  121  correspond with apertures in the second body portion  180  to connect the housing portions. Preferably, the housing portions are made of aluminum. 
     The inner surface  112  of the plate portion  105  includes a top recess  115  in which the top aperture  117  is positioned, and a top extension  116  extends upward proximate a top of the top aperture  117 . A bore  113  is positioned below the top recess  115  proximate the top aperture  117 , and a protrusion  114  is positioned beside the top recess  115  approximately between the top aperture  117  and the bore  113 . The inner surface  112  also includes a bottom recess  119  in which the bottom aperture  121  is positioned, and a bottom extension  120  extends downward proximate a bottom of the bottom aperture  121 . 
     A side recess  126  is positioned between the side aperture  118  and the bottom recess  119 . A pawl shaft receiver  127  is positioned in the side recess  126  and includes a cylindrical portion  128 . An inner stop  129  is positioned within the cavity formed by the cylindrical portion  128  and an outer stop  130  is positioned to extend tangentially outward from the cylindrical portion  128 . 
     A cam shaft receiver  134  is positioned generally in the middle of the inner surface  112  of the plate portion  105 . The cam shaft receiver  134  includes a cylindrical portion  135 . An inner stop  136  is positioned within the cavity formed by the cylindrical portion  135 , an upper outer stop  137  is generally an arc extending along a top portion of the cylindrical portion  135 , and a lower outer stop  138  extends tangentially outward from the bottom of the cylindrical portion  128 . 
     The top flange  144  is configured and arranged to mate with a first top surface bearing  150 . The first top surface bearing  150  is shown in  FIGS.  15 - 21   . The first top surface bearing  150  includes a top  151 , an outer side  152 , and an inner side  153  that are curved and form bottom channel  154  in which the top flange  144  is received and that are configured and arranged to reduce wear on the cable extending through the elongate member passage  143  as the cable sleeve moves along the cable. The inner side  153  includes a cavity  159 . An extension portion  155  extends outward from the inner side  153  and includes a recessed area  156  in which an aperture  157  is positioned. The aperture  157  aligns with the top aperture  117  of the plate portion  105 . A protrusion  158  extends downward proximate the juncture of the inner side  153  and the extension portion  155 . 
     The bottom flange  145  is configured and arranged to mate with a first bottom surface bearing  166 . The first bottom surface bearing  166  is shown in  FIGS.  22 - 28   . The first bottom surface bearing  166  includes a bottom  167 , an outer side  168 , and an inner side  169  that are curved and form top channel  170  in which the bottom flange  145  is received and that are configured and arranged to reduce wear on the cable extending through the elongate member passage  143  as the cable sleeve moved along the cable. The inner side  169  includes a cavity  174 . An extension portion  171  extends outward from the inner side  169  and includes a bottom aperture  172  and a top aperture  173 . The top aperture  173  aligns with the bottom aperture  121  of the plate portion  105 . The bottom aperture  172  receives a protrusion  177  of a second bottom surface bearing  176 , which assists in retaining the cable in the elongate member passage  143  between the second bottom surface bearing  176  and the side portion  142 . 
     The second body portion  180  is shown in  FIG.  36   . The second body portion  180  includes a plate portion  181  that is generally shaped like the plate portion  105  of the first body portion  104  and has a top  182 , a bottom  183 , a first side  184 , a second side  185 , an outer surface  186 , and an inner surface  188 . The plate portion  181  includes a top aperture  193 , a side aperture  194 , and a bottom aperture  195  that align respectively with the top aperture  117 , the side aperture  118 , and the bottom aperture  121  of the plate portion  105 . The plate portion  181  includes an elongate opening or slot  189  proximate the top  182  and the first side  184 . A protrusion  190  is generally aligned with the protrusion  114  of the plate portion  105 , and a top recess  191  is generally aligned with the top bore  113  of the plate portion  105 . Below the slot  189  is a cam shaft receiver  200  including a cylindrical flange  201  forming a cavity  202 , and the cam shaft receiver  200  aligns with the cam shaft receiver  134 . An inner stop (not shown), which is similar to the inner stop  136 , is positioned in the cavity  202 . A pawl shaft receiver  203  is positioned proximate the aperture  195  and the first side  184  and aligns with the pawl shaft receiver  127 . The pawl shaft receiver  203  includes a cylindrical flange  204  forming a cavity  205 . An inner stop (not shown), which is similar to inner stop  129 , is positioned in the cavity  205 . Proximate the bottom  183 , below the aperture  195 , is a protrusion  206 , and a protrusion  207  is above the protrusion  206 . 
     A body spacer  208 , shown in  FIG.  2   , is configured and arranged to provide space or a cavity between the first body portion  104  and the second body portion  180 . The body spacer  208  is generally C-shaped to form an opening in which a gate  224  moves from a closed position  411  to an open position  410 . The body spacer  208  includes a base  209  proximate the top including a notched portion  210  open toward the first body portion  104  and the second side  185 . An aperture  211  extends through the side in fluid communication with the cavity of the notched portion  210 . There is also an aperture  212  proximate the top, and below the aperture  212  and the notched portion  210  is a bore  213 . Extending generally downward from the base  209  is a connecting portion  215 , which is offset toward the second body portion  180  to form an opening  221  between the connecting portion  215  and the first body portion  104 . Proximate the middle of the connecting portion  215  is a side  216 . A cylindrical portion interconnects the top of the side  216  and the connecting portion  215  and includes a bore  217 . The distal end of the connecting portion  215  is proximate the middle of the side  216  and includes an aperture  218 . The distal end of the side  216  includes an aperture  220 , and there is a gap  219  between the portions forming apertures  218  and  220 . 
     A gate assembly includes the gate  224 , a gate slide button  238 , a gate spring  244 , a gate spring interface  248 , a gate release button  258 , and a gate release spring  264 . The gate  224  is shown in  FIG.  37    and includes a top portion  225 , an intermediate portion  229 , and a bottom portion  230 . The intermediate portion  229  is configured and arranged to at least partially extend through the opening in the body spacer  208 , the top portion  225  extends from the intermediate portion  229  toward the first side  184 , and the bottom portion  230  extends downward from the intermediate portion  229  and includes an extension  234  forming a notch  235  proximate the first side  184 . The distal end of the top portion  225  includes an aperture  226  and an aperture  227  is positioned inward from the aperture  226 . Proximate the juncture of the intermediate portion  229  and the top portion  225  is a shoulder  228 . The distal end of the bottom portion  230  includes an aperture  231 , and apertures  232  and  233  are positioned above the aperture  231 . 
     The gate spring interface  248  includes a base  249  with a flanged first end  250  from which a protrusion  252  extends and a flanged second end  253  with an aperture  254 . The flanged first end  250  includes an aperture (not shown) proximate the protrusion  252 . 
     The gate release button  258  includes a shaft  259  about which a spring  264  is positioned and a flange  262  interconnecting the shaft  259  and a button portion  261 . An intermediate portion of the shaft  259  includes a notch  260 . 
     A locking pawl  292  is shown in  FIG.  38   . The locking pawl  292  includes a pivot portion  293 , which includes bores  294  and  295 , and an engaging portion  296 . A slot  295   a  is formed in the pivot portion  293 . The engaging portion  296  is preferably a weighted side  297  configured and arranged to keep the locking pawl  292  in a desired position during use. 
     A locking cam  274  is shown in  FIGS.  29 - 35   . The surface facing the second body portion  180  is preferably flat, and the surface facing the first body portion  104  includes a cam portion  277  extending outward relative to a base  275 . The base  275  includes an aperture  276  configured and arranged to receive the shaft  266 . The cam portion  277  includes an inner surface  278  proximate the aperture  276 , and one side of the inner surface  278  is closer to the aperture  276  than the other side thereby forming a notch  270  proximate the middle of the inner surface  278 . The cam portion  277  provides a weighted portion of the locking cam  274 . An outer surface  280 , opposite the inner surface  278 , includes a radial edge  281  forming a channel  282  with teeth  283  configured and arranged to receive and engage the cable. Preferably, the radial edge  281  and the channel  282  have a constant radius relative to a pivot connection between the locking cam  274  and the housing. Preferably, one side of the radial edge  281  proximate the elongate member passage  143  is chamfered to provide clearance when the locking cam  274  pivots toward the elongate member passage  143 , and preferably the chamfered portion does not contact the cable positioned in the elongate member passage  143 . Opposite the chamfered portion, the end of the radial edge  281  preferably includes a protrusion  284  that is configured and arranged to provide enhanced engaging with the cable, which ensures engagement with a smaller diameter cable. For example, if a 10 cm cable is used, the flat portion of the channel  282  proximate the chamfered portion will engage the cable, and if an 8 cm cable is used, the channel  282  proximate and possibly including the protrusion  284  will engage the cable. Therefore, the channel  282  includes varying types of engaging surfaces having differing angles of engagement. 
     A cam shaft  266 , shown in  FIG.  2   , includes a first end  267  with notch  268  and a second end  269  with notch  270 . The first end  267  has a larger diameter than the second end  269  forming a shoulder  271 . 
     The locking arm  315  includes a cam end  316  and a connector end  320 . The cam end  316  includes a protrusion  317  at its distal end, a protrusion  318  at its top, and an aperture  319 . The connector end  320  includes an aperture  321  configured and arranged to connect to the user&#39;s safety harness, such as with swivel connector  335  and carabiner  348 . Optionally, an energy absorber portion  322  interconnects the cam end  316  and the connector end  320 . 
     To assembly the cable sleeve  100 , the components can be assembled in any suitable order. The body spacer  208  is operatively connected to the second body portion  180  by aligning the apertures  193  and  211  and by inserting protrusion  206  into aperture  220 . The first end  267  of the cam shaft  266  is inserted into the cam receiver  200  so that the notch  268  abuts the stop (not shown) within the cavity  202  to prevent rotation of the cam shaft  266 . The locking cam sleeve bearing  286  is positioned on the cam shaft  266 , with the second end  269  extending through the aperture  289 , so that the flange  288  abuts the shoulder  271 . Then, the locking cam  274  is positioned on the cam shaft  266 , with the second end  269  of the cam shaft  266  and the base  287  of the locking cam sleeve bearing  286  extending through the aperture  276  of the locking cam  274 . 
     To assemble the gate assembly, the gate slide button  238  includes a bore  239  that aligns with the aperture  226  of the gate  224  and a protrusion  240  configured and arranged to extend into the aperture  227  of the gate  224 . A fastener  242  extends through the aperture  226  and into the bore  239  to secure the gate slide button  238  to the gate  224 . The protrusion  252  of the gate spring interface  248  is configured and arranged to extend into the aperture  232  of the gate  224 . The gate spring  244  includes a first end  245  configured and arranged to engage a fastener  256  extending through the aperture  233  of the gate  224  and into the aperture (not shown) in the gate spring interface  248 . A second end  245  of the gate spring  244  is configured and arranged to engage  207  thereby placing a biasing force on the gate  224  toward the closed position  411 . 
     The gate release spring  264  is positioned on the shaft  259  of the gate release button  258 , and the gate release spring  264  and the shaft  259  are positioned in the bore  213 . The gate release spring  264  biases the gate release button  258  so that the shaft  259  between the notch  260  and the distal end contacts the shoulder  228  of the gate  224 . 
     The second end  269  of the cam shaft  266  is inserted through an aperture  289  in a base  287  of a locking cam sleeve bearing  286  so that a flange  288  extending outward from the base  287  contacts the shoulder  271 . The second end  269  of the cam shaft  266  is then inserted through the aperture  276  of the locking cam  274  so the locking cam base  275  contacts the locking cam sleeve bearing base  287 . The second end  269  of the cam shaft  266  is then inserted through the aperture  319  of the locking arm  315 , through the aperture in spring  330 , and through the bore  329  of the locking cam sleeve bearing  326 . The second end  332  of the spring is positioned on the locking arm  315  against the protrusion  318  and the first end  331  is operatively connected to the first body portion  104  to bias the locking arm  315  in the first, unlocked position  404 . A locking cam sleeve bearing  326  includes a base  327  through which a bore  329  extends and a flange  328  extends outward from an end of the shaft  327 . The second end  269  extends through the bore  329  and the flange  328  is positioned proximate the cam end  316 . The distal end of the first end  267  includes a notch  268 , and the distal end of the second end  269  includes a notch  270 . The notches  268  and  270  correspond with the stops in the cam shaft receivers  134  and  200  to prevent rotation of the cam shaft  266 . 
     A pawl biasing member  300  is positioned in the bore  295  so that its second end  302  extends into the slot  295   a . A pawl shaft  304  is inserted through a bore  312  in a base  311  of the pawl sleeve bearing  310  and then through the bore  294  so that a flange  313  extending from the base  311  abuts the pawl  292 . A second end  307  of the pawl shaft  304  has a notch  308  and is positioned in the pawl shaft receiver  203  with the notch  308  abutting the stop (not shown) so that the pawl shaft  304  does not rotate in the housing. A first end  301  of the pawl biasing member  300  is operatively connected to the housing  102  so that the pawl biasing member  300  selectively places a biasing force on the pawl  292 . A first end  305  of the pawl shaft  304  has a notch  306  similarly received in the pawl shaft receiver  127  when assembled. 
     The first and second top and bottom bearings  150 ,  162 ,  166 , and  176  are positioned on the first body portion  104 . The second top surface bearing  162  includes a protrusion that mates with the first top bearing  150  for proper orientation and bore  163  aligns with top aperture  117 . The second bottom bearing  176  includes protrusion  177  that fits in bottom aperture  172  of the first bottom surface bearing  166  and includes a bore (not shown) that receives protrusion  206  of the second body portion  180 . The first body portion  104  is aligned with the second body portion  180  so that the button portion  261  of the gate release button  258  extends through the top bore  113 , the second end  269  of the cam shaft  266  extends into the cam shaft receiver  134 , and the first end  305  of the pawl shaft  304  extends into the pawl shaft receiver  127 . The protrusion  158  of the top surface bearing  150  extends into the slot  212   a  of the body spacer  208  to keep the top surface bearing  150  from rotating. In addition, the spring  330  is positioned about the cylindrical portion  135  of the cam shaft receiver and the first end  331  of the spring  330  is positioned in the lower outer stop  138 . The spring  300  is positioned about the cylindrical portion  128  of the pawl shaft receiver  127  and the first end  301  of the spring  300  is positioned in the outer stop  130 . Rivet  354  is positioned through top aperture  193  of second body portion  180 , aperture  157  of first top surface bearing  150 , bore  163 , and top aperture  117  of first body portion  104 . Rivet  355  is positioned through side aperture  194  of second body portion  180 , bore  217  of body spacer  208 , and side aperture  118  of first body portion  104 . Rivet  356  is positioned through bottom aperture  195  of second body portion  180 , gap  219  in the body spacer  208 , aperture  231  of gate  224 , a bore of spring  244 , aperture  254  of the gate spring interface  248 , aperture  173  of the first bottom surface bearing  166 , and bottom aperture  121  of the first body portion  104 . 
     The connector end  320  along with the optional energy absorber portion  322  extend through the opening between the body spacer  208  and the first body portion  104  and is operatively connected to the swivel connector  335  with swivel rivet  346  as is well known in the art. 
     In operation, during normal use, a cable anchored to a support structure that is a component of a vertical safety system is positioned within the elongate member passage  143  by pressing the gate release button  258 , which compresses the gate release spring  264 , thereby moving the gate release button  258  from a locked position to an unlocked position to position the notch  260  proximate the gate  224 . With the notch  260  positioned proximate the gate  224 , the shaft  259  no longer prevents the gate  224  from pivoting about rivet  356 . The gate slide button  238  can then be moved within slot  189 , overcoming the biasing force of spring  244 , to pivot the gate  224  from a closed position  411  ( FIGS.  3  and  5   ) to an open position  410  ( FIG.  4   ). With the gate  224  in the open position  410 , the cable can be positioned within the elongate member passage  143 . When the gate slide button  238  and the gate release button  258  are released, the respective springs  244  and  264  place biasing forces on the gate  224  and the gate release button  258  to move them back into their closed and locked positions. The user connects to the cable sleeve  100  and is then able to safely climb up and/or down a structure with the cable sleeve  100  moving along the cable. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the locking arm  315 , the locking pawl  292 , and the locking cam  274  are in their open or unlocked positions, their respective first positions  404 ,  402 , and  400 . The locking arm  315  is biased in this position by the spring  330  and the locking pawl  292  is biased in this position by its weighted side  297  proximate a distal end of the engaging portion  296 . A combination of the weighted side  297  and gravity during normal use holds the locking pawl  292  in this position. 
     Should a fall occur, the locking arm  315  pivots about cam shaft  266  from a first arm position  404  to a second arm position (not shown), overcoming the bias of spring  330 , such that the connector end  320  moves downward and the cam end  316  moves upward thereby contacting the locking cam  274  and moving it from a first cam position  400  to a second cam position  401  in which it compresses the cable and pushes it against the side portion  142  to stop the cable sleeve from moving along the cable. Because the locking arm  315  moves from the first arm position  404  into the second arm position as the user moves at an increased rate downward, it is an active locking mechanism. In addition, the locking pawl  292  moves from its first pawl position  402  to its second pawl position  403  to also contact the locking cam  274  and move it. The locking pawl&#39;s weighted side  297  is configured and arranged to keep the locking pawl  292  in a first pawl position  402  during normal use with the assistance of gravity. Optionally, a pawl biasing member  300  interconnects the locking pawl  292  and the housing to bias the locking pawl  292  toward a second pawl position  403  during a fall event. Preferably, the pawl biasing member  300  does not place a biasing force on the locking pawl  292  when the locking pawl  292  is in the first pawl position  402  and, as the locking pawl  292  moves from the first pawl position  402  toward the second pawl position  403 , due to the increased rate of movement along the cable, the pawl biasing member  300  places a biasing force on the locking pawl  292  toward the second position  403  during a fall event. Because the locking pawl  292  moves from the first pawl position  402  into the second pawl position  403  due to the increased rate the cable sleeve moves along the cable, it is a passive locking mechanism. 
     If the user grabs the locking arm  315  and prevents it from pivoting to contact the locking cam  274 , the locking pawl  292  will still pivot to contact the locking cam  274 , which will then engage the cable. This is illustrated in  FIGS.  7  and  8    with  FIG.  8    illustrating the locking cam  274  engaging a cable  350 . Therefore, should a fall occur, at least one of the locking pawl  292  and the locking arm  315  engages the locking cam  274 . 
     The fall rate at which the locking pawl starts to move from its weight biased first pawl position toward its second pawl position is approximately 20 ft/sec{circumflex over ( )}2 Generally, the locking pawl relies on acceleration and, in one embodiment, at approximately 20 ft/sec{circumflex over ( )}2 the force on the pawl biasing member is sufficient to overcome the force of gravity and the pawl biasing member starts to bias the locking pawl. For reference, an object that falls in a vacuum accelerates at 32.2 ft/sec{circumflex over ( )}2. Therefore, at the onset of a fall, the pawl biasing member is actively biasing the locking pawl. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.