Patent Publication Number: US-11660477-B2

Title: Fall protection system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Application No. 62/658,226, filed on Apr. 16, 2018, in the United States Patent &amp; Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     An elevation mechanism (e.g., a conveyor, a platform, a ladder, and/or the like) permits a user to access an elevated work area, such as a roof, an electrical tower, a base station, and/or the like. A fall protection system is used to prevent the user from falling while using the elevation mechanism system and/or accessing the elevated work area. For example, a worker may use an elevation mechanism to access a roof of a building, and may use a fall protection system to prevent and/or reduce the likelihood of falling to the ground while using the elevation mechanism. 
     A fall protection system might include a lanyard mechanism that attaches to the elevation mechanism and to a harness of the user. In this way, the fall protection system prevents the user from falling to the ground and sustaining substantial injury in the event that the user falls from the elevation mechanism. However, the fall protection system might not prevent the user from falling off of the elevation mechanism. That is, the user may fall off of the elevation mechanism but may not fall to the ground. In such cases, the user may nonetheless sustain injuries by falling off of the elevation mechanism, may cause the elevation mechanism to shift, may dangle from the elevation mechanism, among other precarious scenarios. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a fall protection system includes: a conveyor including a base end and an elevated end, and that is configured to permit a user to scale the conveyor; a first channel that is disposed at a first side of the conveyor and extends between the base end and the elevated end, and that is configured to anchor a first shuttle to the conveyor and permit the first shuttle to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the conveyor; and a second channel that is disposed at a second side of the conveyor and extends between the base end and the elevated end, and that is configured to anchor a second shuttle to the conveyor and permit the second shuttle to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the conveyor. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a fall protection system includes: the first shuttle that includes a first shuttle attachment component that permits a first harness attachment component of a harness to attach to the first shuttle, and that is configured to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the conveyor via the first channel; and the second shuttle that includes a second shuttle attachment component that permits a second harness attachment component of the harness to attach to the second shuttle, and that is configured to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the conveyor via the second channel. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a fall protection system includes: the harness that includes: the first harness attachment component that is configured to attach to the first shuttle; the second harness attachment component that is configured to attach to the second shuttle; a third harness attachment component that is configured to attach to the user; a first strap that extends between the first harness attachment component and the third harness attachment component; and a second strap that extends between the second harness attachment component and the third harness attachment component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram of an example fall protection system described herein; 
         FIG.  2    is a diagram of an example elevation mechanism and channel described herein; 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram of an example shuttle described herein; 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram of an example channel accommodating an example shuttle described herein; 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram of an example harness system described herein; and 
         FIGS.  6 - 19    illustrate additional details of an example of a fall protection system and its preferred safe implementation in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some implementations described herein provide a fall protection system that offers improved safety and efficacy as compared to other systems described above. 
       FIG.  1    is a diagram of an example fall protection system  100  described herein. As shown in  FIG.  1   , a fall protection system  100  may include an elevation mechanism  200 , a channel  300 , a shuttle  400 , and a harness  500 . As further shown in  FIG.  1   , a user may scale the elevation mechanism to access an elevated area, such as a roof, a work site, a tower, and/or the like. The fall protection system  100  is configured to permit the user to access the elevated area, and reduces the likelihood of the user sustaining injury while accessing the elevated area. 
       FIG.  2    is a diagram of an example elevation mechanism  200  and channel  300  described herein. The elevation mechanism  200  includes a first end and a second end, and includes a left side and a right side. The elevation mechanism  200  extends in a longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end, and permits a user to move along the longitudinal axis of the elevation mechanism between the first end and the second end. As examples, the elevation mechanism  200  is a conveyor, a ladder, a stair case, a plank, a bridge, and/or the like. 
     In some cases, the elevation mechanism  200  is elevated such that the second end is higher in elevation than as compared to the first end. For example, the first end may include a base end of the elevation mechanism that anchors the elevation mechanism to a surface (e.g., the ground, a vehicle, and/or the like), and the second end may include an elevated end that permits a user to access an elevated area. Alternatively, the elevation mechanism  200  may remain substantially prone during usage, such that the first end and the second end include substantially similar elevations during usage. 
     The elevation mechanism  200  may include a set of foothold and hand holds (step components)  210  that permits a user to scale the elevation mechanism  200 . For example, the step components  210  may be footrests, footholds, steps, rungs, protrusions, and/or the like. The step components  210  may be arranged along the elevation mechanism. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the step components  210  may be disposed at various intervals along the elevation mechanism  200  to permit the user to scale the elevation mechanism  200 . As a particular non-limiting example, the step components  210  may be spaced at intervals of 1 foot, 13.4 inches, 1.5 feet, 19.25 inches, 2 feet, and/or the like. 
     In some cases, the step components  210  may be of different types (e.g., size, shape, material, surface material, and/or the like), and may be disposed at different intervals along the elevation mechanism  200 . For instance, a first type of step component  210  may be larger and employed at less frequent intervals, and may provide more security and safety when the belt is in motion to deliver bundles of shingles to the user while the user is stepping on the first type of step component  210  than as compared to a second type of step component  210 . Further, the second type of step component  210  may be smaller and employed more frequently along the elevation mechanism  200 , and may improve scalability of the elevation mechanism  200  than as compared to the first type of step component  210 . In this way, the user may scale the elevation mechanism  200  in a more efficient and safe manner based on utilization of multiple types of step components  210 . 
     A first guide or preferably channel  300  is disposed at a first side of the elevation mechanism  200  and extends between the first end and the second end of the elevation mechanism  200 . Further, the first channel  300  is configured to anchor a first shuttle  400  to the elevation mechanism  200 , and permit the first shuttle  400  to transition between the first end and the second end of the elevation mechanism  200 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , a channel  300  is disposed at a left side of the elevation mechanism  200 , a second guide or preferably channel  300  is disposed at a right side of the elevation mechanism  200  in a similar manner as shown with respect to the first channel  300  disposed along the left side of the elevation mechanism  200 . 
     Further, the second channel  300  that is disposed at the right side of the elevation mechanism  200  extends between the first end and the second end of the elevation mechanism  200 . Further still, this channel  300  is configured to anchor a second shuttle  400  to the elevation mechanism, and permit the second shuttle  400  to transition between the first end and the second end of the elevation mechanism. The first and second channel preferably extend parallel to each other. 
       FIG.  3    is a diagram of an example shuttle  400  described herein. As shown in  FIG.  3   , the shuttle  400  may include a shuttle body  410 , a shuttle attachment component  420 , and a set of transition components  430  for allowing the shuttle to move along the respective channel while remaining secured to the channel. 
     For example, the shuttle  400  is configured to transition between the first end and the second end of the elevation mechanism  200  via a channel  300 . For example, the shuttle  400  includes one degree of freedom. In this way, the shuttle  400  may remain anchored to the channel  300  while being permitted to transition along the longitudinal axis of the elevation mechanism  200  via the channel  300 . 
     The shuttle main body  410  is configured to support the shuttle attachment component  420 , and the set of transition components  430 , which can be low friction supports, or rollers on bearings or other mechanisms allowing the shuttle to translate on the channel. 
     The shuttle attachment component  420  is configured to permit a harness attachment component  520  of a harness  500  to attach to the shuttle  400 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the shuttle attachment component  420  includes a circular hollow portion centered along the shuttle&#39;s length that permits a harness attachment component  520  to be removably attached to the shuttle  400 . 
     The transition components  430  are configured to permit the shuttle  400  to transition along the channel  300  while remaining anchored to the channel  300 . The shuttle  400  may include any number of transition components  430 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the shuttle  400  includes eight transition components  430 . In other cases, the shuttle  400  includes a different number of transition components  430 , or may not include transition components  430 . 
       FIG.  4    is a diagram of an example channel  300  accommodating an example shuttle  400  described herein.  FIG.  4    is a planar view of a longitudinal axis of the channel  300 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the channel  300  includes a substantially U-shaped cross section in the longitudinal direction of the channel  300 . For instance, the channel  300  includes a bottom surface, and a set of side surfaces that form a hollow interior. Further, the channel  300  includes a set of flanges that extends horizontally from the side surfaces, and that forms a partial top surface of the channel  300 . 
     The shuttle body  410  of the shuttle  400  is disposed within the hollow interior of the channel  300 , and is disposed between the set of flanges of the channel  300 . Further, and as shown in  FIG.  4   , the transition components  430  anchor the shuttle  400  to the channel  300  via the set of flanges. For example, as shown, the flanges are disposed between transition components  430 , thereby allowing the transition components  430  to anchor the shuttle body  410  of the shuttle  400  to the channel  300 . 
     In some cases, and as shown in  FIG.  4   , a first transition component  430  may be disposed on an outer surface of the flange of the channel  300  with respect to the interior of the channel  300 . Further, and in this case, a second transition component  430  may be disposed on an inner surface of the flange of the channel  300  with respect to the interior of the channel  300 . Further still, and in this case, the second transition component  430  may be disposed within the interior of the channel  300 . 
     In this way, the first transition component  430  and the second transition component  430  may inhibit movement of the shuttle body  410  in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel  300 , thereby anchoring the shuttle  400  to the channel  300 . In other words, the transition components  430  may confine the shuttle  400  to a single degree of freedom. Alternatively, in some cases, the entirety of the transition components  430  may be disposed within the interior of the channel  300 . 
     The transition components  430  may be movable with respect to the main body  410  of the shuttle  400 . For example, the transition components  430  may rotate to facilitate translation of the shuttle  400  along the channel. Alternatively, the transition components  430  may remain stationary with respect to the main body  410  of the shuttle  400 . 
     In some cases, the transition components  430  may be configured to lock the shuttle  400  at various positions along the channel  300 . For example, a user may interact with the shuttle  400  to cause the shuttle  400  to remain locked at a particular position along the channel  300 , and may further interact with the shuttle  400  to cause the shuttle  400  to be unlocked with respect to the channel  300 . In this way, the user may cause the shuttle  400  to be variably locked at a desired position of the channel  300  to improve security, or the like. 
       FIG.  5    is a diagram of an example harness  500  described herein. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the harness  500  may include a first harness attachment component  510 , a second harness attachment component  510 , a third harness attachment component  530 , and a set of straps  520 . 
     The harness attachment component  510  is configured to attach to the shuttle  400  via the shuttle attachment component  420 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , a first harness attachment component  510  may attach to a first shuttle  400  via a first shuttle attachment component  420 . Further, and as shown in  FIG.  5   , a second harness attachment component  510  may attach to a second shuttle  400  via a second shuttle attachment component  420 . In this way, the first shuttle  400  may attach to a first channel  300  that is disposed at a left side of the elevation mechanism  200 , and the second shuttle  400  may attach to a second channel  300  that is disposed at a right side of the elevation mechanism  200 . 
     The third harness attachment component  530  may be configured to attach to a user. For example, the third harness attachment component  530  may attach to a center D ring of a body harness of the user, a chest connector of the user, or another portion of the user. 
     A first strap  520  may extend from the first harness attachment component  510  to the third attachment component  530 . Further, and as shown, a second strap  520  may extend from the second harness attachment component  510  to the third harness attachment component  530 . As examples, the straps  520  may include lengths of 1.5 feet, 2 feet, 2.1 feet, and/or the like or adjustable lengths given the angle of the conveyor to the structure. 
     In this way, the harness  500  forms a triangular profile based on the first harness attachment component  510  being attached to the first shuttle  400 , the second harness attachment component  520  being attached to the second shuttle  400 , and the third harness attachment component  530  being attached to the user. For example, and referring to  FIG.  1   , the user may scale the elevation mechanism  200  while being connected to the elevation mechanism  200  via the harness  500  that forms a triangular profile via the various harness attachment components  520  and  530 . 
     In some cases, and based on the length of the straps  520 , the harness  500  causes the user to maintain a body position that maintains the user&#39;s center of gravity at a low position over the elevation mechanism  200 . In this way, the triangular profile reduces the likelihood of the user falling off of the elevation mechanism  200 . For example, the fixed and/or adjustable lengths of the straps  520  are preferably dimensioned to force a crouched position of the user, for example, substantially 1.5 feet, 2 feet, etc. Accordingly, the harness  500  causes the user to maintain a body position that is in proximity to the top surface of the elevation mechanism  200 , and that is relatively forward in relation to an incline of the elevation mechanism  200 . That is, the user may maintain a position that is relatively forward in relation to the second (or elevated) end of the elevation mechanism  200 . As such, the propensity of the user to fall backwards or sideways off of the elevation mechanism  200  is greatly reduced. 
     The lengths of the straps  520  of the harness  500  may be determined based on a width of a surface of the elevation mechanism  200 , a distance of the user from a top surface of the elevation mechanism  200 , and/or the like. For example, the lengths of the straps  520  of the harness  500  may be adjusted based on a width of the elevation mechanism  200 . A particular ratio between lengths of the straps  520  and a width of the elevation mechanism  200  may be maintained. As a particular example, if the width of the elevation mechanism  200  is 3 feet, then the respective lengths of the straps may be about 1.5 feet. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, an angle formed with respect to an incline of a strap  520  and a surface of the elevation mechanism  200  may be maintained. For example, a strap  520  may form a substantially 45 degree angle with respect to a top surface of the elevation mechanism  200 . Additionally, or alternatively, a height of the third harness attachment component  530 , that permits connection of the harness  500  to a harness of the user, with respect to a surface of the elevation mechanism  200  may be maintained. For example, the fall protection system may permit a maximum height of the third harness attachment component  530  to be 2 feet. While particular examples and values are described, it should be understood that the values are merely provided as an example. 
     An advantageous design with respect to the length or lengths of the straps  520  is one that maintains the user in a crouch position while ascending, preferably relying on both the arms and legs of the user for support. This restriction maintains the user&#39;s center of gravity in a low position and ensures that the user cannot fall to either side of the elevation mechanism  200 . 
     More specifically, the triangular profile of the harness  500  further reduces the likelihood of the user&#39;s center of gravity shifting too far to one side of the elevation mechanism  200  and increasing the risk of falling off of the elevation mechanism  200 . For example, in the situation where the user begins to veer to a side of the elevation mechanism  200 , a strap  520  on the other side of the elevation mechanism  200  becomes taught and prevents progression of the fall. Further, in the situation where the user begins to fall backwards, both straps  520  become taught and prevent progression of the fall. 
     In some cases, the third harness attachment component  530  is preferably positioned between the pectoral muscles of the chest of the user, or to another part of the body. Alternatively, the third harness attachment component  530  may be attached to a waist harness of the user. 
     The elevation mechanism  200  may be attached to, or a part of, a boom. The angle of the boom may range from, for example, 10 degrees to 90 degrees. The length of the straps  520  may be determined based on the angle of the elevation mechanism  200 . For example the straps  520  may be attached to the third harness attachment component  530  (e.g., a center chest D-ring) that may be 15 inches to 28 inches to permit the user more comfort in their lower back when scaling the elevation mechanism  520 . More stress is imparted to the lower back of the user in situations where the angle is less (e.g., for a 1 story home). In such cases, the user may need to perform a bear crawl procedure to scale the elevation mechanism  200 . 
     In some cases, a fabricated metal guard protects the elevation mechanism  200  and channels  300  from damage when returning a boom attached to the first end of the elevation mechanism  200  to the transport position. In this way, the elevation mechanism  200  is prevented from being damaged by the user. 
     Alternatively, less stress is imparted to the back of the user in situations having steeper angles (e.g., 65 degrees, such as for a two or three story home). In some cases, the length of the harness  500  can be readily adjustable to the user&#39;s height and specific application (e.g., conveyor width, angle, etc.). 
     In some cases, a metal cradle is used at the top of a cab of a truck that supports the elevation mechanism  200 , and guides the boom back into the transport system. 
     In some cases, the shuttle  400  is configured so that the shuttle  400  does not contact the bolts of the elevation mechanism  200  when the user is scaling or de-scaling the elevation mechanism  200 . 
     In some cases, the elevation mechanism  200  may include anchors. For example, the elevation mechanism  200  may include circle anchors that are configured to attach to self-retracting lifeline (SRL) systems. In this way, the need of a user to install a temporary anchor point into a structure (e.g., roof, building, etc.) is reduced. Further, and in this way, time is reduced and less damage to the structure is incurred. 
       FIGS.  6 - 19    illustrate additional details of an example of a fall protection system and its preferred safe implementation in accordance with the present invention.  FIGS.  6 - 19    depict non-limiting embodiments, and provide non-limiting descriptions of example methods of using the fall protection system. 
     Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. 
     No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.