Patent Description:
Generally, fall arrest systems are used by users working at heights, such as construction sites, buildings, and rescue services, to protect the users during a fall. The fall arrest systems comprise Self-Retracting Lanyard (SRL) systems having a lanyard that is attached to a user. Such lanyard systems are anchored to a fixed member to provide support to a user during the fall.

The lanyard systems have a rotatable component upon which the lanyard is wrapped. When the lanyard extends or contracts based on movement of a user, the rotatable component rotates in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction. The lanyard systems also have a mechanical lock that is activated when the user falls. After activation, the mechanical lock restricts rotation of the rotatable component and downward movement of the lanyard. However, the mechanical locks and energy absorption are not efficient in restricting the movement of the lanyard due to force exerted on the locks by downward movement of the lanyard. Thus, the fall arrest systems are inefficient in protecting users during the fall.

<CIT> discloses a self-retracting lifeline including a centrifugal clutch assembly having a pawl and a spring. The pawl and the spring, which do not require any fixed attachment to any other component of the device, are held in place and pivotable within a plate. The plate is rotatable within a cavity of a brake hub including teeth extending into the cavity. When a centrifugal force is applied, the pawl compresses the spring and moves away from the plate to engage the teeth thereby activating a brake assembly within the self-retracting lifeline.

The present invention relates to a brake assembly for a fall arrest system, comprising: a brake plate having a central opening, wherein the central opening defines an inner circumference of the brake plate,. the brake plate comprising: at least one slot, wherein the at least one slot is curved and extends along a portion of the outer circumference; at least one deformable body, wherein the at least one deformable body is disposed within the at least one slot; at least one screw, disposed at a first end of the at least one slot, such that in an instance when the brake plate rotates, a second end of the at least one slot moves towards the at least one screw; and aback plate defining at least one screw hole to receive the at least one screw.

In some embodiments, the at least one deformable body is curved and extends along a length of the at least one slot.

In some embodiments, the at least one slot is disposed between the inner circumference and an outer circumference of the brake plate.

In some embodiments, the back plate further comprises a pin hole to receive a pin for securing the brake plate to the back plate.

In an example embodiment, the pin is composed of aluminum.

In some embodiments, the brake assembly further comprises a plurality of ratchet gear teeth disposed along the inner circumference of the brake plate.

In an example embodiment, the brake assembly comprises a pawl and spring assembly disposed within the central opening of the brake plate, wherein in an instance a user falls, a spring is released, and a pawl engages with the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the brake plate.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth comprises a ramped surface, such that a lower portion of the ramped surface of a ratchet gear tooth abuts a higher portion of the ramped surface of a subsequent ratchet gear tooth.

In an example embodiment, the at least one deformable body is a plastic body.

In some embodiments, the at least one slot comprises a first slot and a second slot that are disposed diametrically opposite to each other, wherein the first slot and the second slot are disposed between the inner circumference and an outer circumference of the body, where the first slot and the second slot are curved and extend along a portion of the outer circumference.

In an example embodiment, a fall arrest system comprises a back plate, at least one screw, and a brake plate. The at least one screw secures the brake plate to the back plate, wherein the brake plate rotates with reference to the back plate in an instance when a user falls, the brake plate defining a central opening, and wherein the central opening defines an inner circumference of the brake plate. The brake plate comprises at least one slot extending along a portion of an outer circumference of the brake plate wherein the at least one screw is disposed within the at least one slot. The fall arrest system comprises a deformable body disposed within the at least one slot, wherein the at least one screw abuts an end of the deformable body, such that in an instance when the brake plate rotates, the at least one screw exerts a force on the deformable body in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the brake plate.

In some embodiments, the deformable body is a single body of a plastic material.

In various embodiments, the fall arrest system further comprises a plurality of ratchet gear teeth disposed along the inner circumference.

It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The terms "or" and "optionally" are used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms "illustrative" and "exemplary" are used to be examples with no indication of quality level.

In many working environments, such as ship building, construction, heavy industry engineering industry, power industry, and forestry, users work at height. Such users are equipped with harnesses and fall arrest systems having belts and lanyards that are wrapped around a user for protecting against a fall. Such fall arrest systems have brake assemblies that restrict motion of the belts or the lanyard during the fall. However, with the increasing rotational force and motion of a belt and a lanyard during the fall, the brake assemblies snap and fail to restrict the motion of the moving lanyard. To this end, some existing brake assemblies are not efficient in protecting the user during the fall.

Various example embodiments described in the present disclosure relate to a brake plate and a brake assembly of a fall arrest system for protecting a user during a fall. The brake plate has a circular body that is rotatable along a rotational axis. The brake plate has a central opening that defines an inner circumference of the brake plate. A plurality of ratchet gear teeth is disposed along the inner circumference of the brake plate. The brake plate has at least two slots which are disposed diametrically opposite to each other. In an example, the slots have a curved shape and extend along a portion of an outer circumference of the brake plate. The slots are such that when the brake plate is coupled to a back plate of the brake assembly, a deformable body is disposed within each slot.

The brake assembly has the brake plate coupled to the back plate. The back plate is a stationary component to which the brake plate is secured using two pins and two screws. The brake plate rotates with reference to the back plate. The two pins and the two screws are positioned diametrically opposite to each other. In an example, the screws are disposed within a portion of the slot of the brake plate. In an example, the back plate has a pawl and a spring assembly that is engaged with the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the brake plate. In an assembled state, the deformable body is within the slots of the back plate such that one end of the deformable body abuts one side of the screw. During the fall, the screws apply force on the deformable body to provide additional energy absorption. The brake assembly provides a simple construction using one brake plate to apply the braking. Thus, the brake assembly provides an efficient mechanism to apply brakes on the lanyard and protect the user during the fall.

The details regarding components of the brake assembly and fall arrest system are described in detail with reference to the figures and subsequent description.

The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various example embodiments described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Turning now to the drawings, the detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various example configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts with like numerals denoting like components throughout the several views. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the present disclosure that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details.

<FIG> illustrates a Self-Retracting Lanyard (SRL) of a fall arrest system, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, an SRL <NUM> has a body <NUM>, a top end having a D-clip <NUM>, a snap hook <NUM> and a retractable lanyard <NUM>. In an example, the snap hook <NUM> is connected to the retractable lanyard <NUM> through a connector <NUM>. The body <NUM>, in one example, is a plastic body that encases inner components of the SRL <NUM>, for instance, a brake plate and a back plate. The body <NUM> can be of a shape as shown in the figure or any other shape other than shown in the figure, such as circular or rectangular. In one example, the body <NUM> has a top plate and a bottom plate, wherein the top plate is coupled to the bottom plate using screws or any type of fasteners.

In another example, the body <NUM> may be a single unit molded as one piece. The D-clip <NUM>, also referred to as a carabiner, is attached to a top end of the body <NUM>. The shape and size of the D-clip <NUM> can be based on various parameters, such as weight of the user and or the height at which the user is working. For instance, the D-Clip <NUM> can be designed to be of a size relatively larger than a usual size of D-clips, in an instance when the SRL <NUM> is designed for users with higher weights. Further, the D-clip <NUM> can be of a size smaller than a usual size of D-clips for users having lesser weights. In an example, there can be any other hook, such as snap hook instead of D-clip <NUM> connected to the top end of the body <NUM>. The D-clip <NUM> is configured to connect to a fixed body or a support when the user is working at height. The D-clip <NUM> is also known as an anchorage or anchor that is connected to a fixed member to provide support to the user during a fall.

The snap hook <NUM> is connected to the retractable lanyard <NUM> through the connector <NUM>. The snap hook <NUM> is coupled to a harness of the user. The retractable lanyard <NUM> is coiled within the body <NUM> of the SRL <NUM> and releases when the lanyard <NUM> is attached to a load and retracts to its original position when the load is removed. In one example, the body <NUM> has an opening <NUM> for passage of the retractable lanyard <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate operation of a brake assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The brake assembly <NUM> is housed within the body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The brake assembly <NUM> comprises a brake plate <NUM>, and a back plate <NUM>. The back plate <NUM> has a top portion <NUM>, a bottom portion <NUM> and a center portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The top portion <NUM>, as shown, has holes to receive pins. The pins secure the back plate <NUM> to the body <NUM> of the SRL <NUM> from inside. The bottom portion <NUM> is also coupled to the body <NUM> from inside.

The center portion <NUM> has two pin holes and two screw holes, described in detail with reference to subsequent figures. Each of the pin holes is configured to receive a pin in an assembled state when the brake plate <NUM> is coupled to the back plate <NUM>. As shown, the pin holes receive pins <NUM> and <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is received into the top pin hole and the pin <NUM> is received into the bottom pin hole. Each of the screw holes is configured to receive a screw in the assembled state. Screws <NUM> and <NUM> are received into the screw holes. The pins <NUM> and <NUM> secure the brake plate <NUM> to the back plate <NUM>. The screws <NUM> and <NUM> secure the brake plate <NUM> to the back plate <NUM>. The screw <NUM> is received into the top screw hole and the screw <NUM> into the bottom screw hole. In an example, the screw <NUM> is disposed in a slot of the brake plate <NUM> with a deformable body <NUM>, such that one side of the screw <NUM> abuts one end of the deformable body <NUM>. The screw <NUM> is positioned within another slot of the brake plate <NUM> abutting another deformable body <NUM>. The brake plate <NUM> comprises a plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> at the center.

<FIG> illustrates the brake assembly <NUM> before a fall of a user and <FIG> illustrates the brake assembly <NUM> after the fall has occurred and the braking has been applied. As shown in <FIG>, the brake plate <NUM> is in its original position. The rotation of the lanyard applies a force on the brake plate <NUM> to rotate in one direction, for instance counterclockwise, as shown. The rotation of the lanyard also activates a pawl and spring assembly <NUM>, described in detail with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the pawl and spring assembly <NUM> comprises pawls <NUM> and <NUM> and springs <NUM> and <NUM>. Dimensions of pawls <NUM> and <NUM> may be based on configuration and alignment of the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>. For instance, length of each of the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> may be based on a gap between the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> and the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM>. In another example, width and thickness of the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> may be based on the pressure bearing capacity of the pawls <NUM> and <NUM>. For higher pressure bearing capacity, the width and thickness of the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> may be higher and for lower pressure bearing capacity the thickness and width of the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> may be reduced. The pawls <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to engage with the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> of the brake plate <NUM>. The pawls <NUM> and <NUM> are in a first position when the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> are held by the springs <NUM> and <NUM>. The spring <NUM> holds the pawl <NUM> and the spring <NUM> retains the pawl <NUM> in the first position.

In an example, one end of the spring <NUM> is coupled to an end of the pawl <NUM> and another end of the spring <NUM> is coupled to a fixed member of the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is coupled to the end of the pawl <NUM> such that during the fall, the pawl <NUM> is released from the spring <NUM>. In another example, one end of the spring <NUM> is coupled to an end of the pawl <NUM> and another end of the spring <NUM> is coupled to a fixed member of the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is coupled to the end of the pawl <NUM> such that during the fall, the pawl <NUM> is released from the spring <NUM>.

The springs <NUM> and <NUM> hold the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> in a first position, as shown. In the first position, the springs <NUM> and <NUM> retain the pawls <NUM> and <NUM>. The pawls <NUM> and <NUM> move to a second position when the springs <NUM> and <NUM> are released. In the second position, the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> are engaged with the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM>. For instance, the end of each of the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> abuts a tooth from amongst the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM>. The engagement of the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> with the tooth prevents further rotation of the brake plate <NUM>. However, with the increasing force applied on the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> due to the rotating lanyard, the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> resist the motion of the brake plate <NUM> to a threshold point and snap after the force increases above the threshold point.

Referring to <FIG>, after the fall, rotation of the lanyard activates the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>, which in turn releases the springs <NUM> and <NUM>. The release of the springs <NUM> and <NUM> switches the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> to move from the first position to the second position to engage with the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM>. In the engaged position, the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> restrict the rotation of the brake plate <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction. With increasing rotational force of the lanyard, the pawl and spring assembly <NUM> snaps. After breaking of the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>, the entire pressure of the rotating lanyard is exerted on the pins <NUM> and <NUM>.

The pins <NUM> and <NUM> restrict the rotation of the brake plate <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction and bear the pressure momentarily and, owing to increasing pressure of the rotating lanyard, break apart. Thereafter, the force is applied on the screws <NUM> and <NUM>. The rotation of the brake plate <NUM> causes the screws <NUM> and <NUM> to apply the force on the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, the screw <NUM> applies force on the deformable body <NUM>. In an instance, the force applied by the screw <NUM> on the deformable body <NUM> is in a direction opposite to the rotational force of the lanyard. The screw <NUM> applies force on the deformable body <NUM> in a clockwise direction. It may be understood that the screws <NUM> and <NUM> are composed of a durable material, such as steel, and are unlikely to break due to the force applied and rather transfer the force on the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. Due to application of force, the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> crush and deform within the respective slots. The crushed and deformed deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The crushing and deforming of the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> absorb the energy during resistance of motion of the brake plate <NUM>. Thus, the brake assembly <NUM> provides an efficient mechanism to apply brakes on the lanyard and protect the user during the fall. The brake assembly <NUM> also provides a simple construction using one brake plate, such as the brake plate <NUM>, to apply the braking mechanism.

<FIG> illustrates an external view of the brake assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As described previously, the back plate <NUM> has the top portion <NUM>, the bottom portion <NUM> and the center portion <NUM>. The center portion <NUM> has a circular shape. Although shown as circular, the center portion <NUM> may have other shapes based on the shape of the body <NUM> of the SRL <NUM>. In one example, the shape and size of the center portion <NUM> may also vary based on shape and size of the brake plate <NUM>. If the size of the brake plate <NUM> is large, then the size of the center portion <NUM> may also be large. As shown in <FIG>, the center portion <NUM> also has a center hole <NUM>. The center hole <NUM> is configured to receive the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>. The center hole <NUM> has a circular shape with one straight side to engage the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>.

The brake plate <NUM> is circular in shape and has a predefined thickness. The brake plate <NUM> has a central opening <NUM>. A plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> is disposed along the central opening <NUM> of the brake plate <NUM>. In an example, the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> is disposed in a circular shape along an inner circumference of the brake plate <NUM>. A tooth of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> comprises a ramped surface, such that a lower portion of the ramped surface of a ratchet gear tooth abuts a higher portion of the ramped surface of a subsequent ratchet gear tooth. In the assembled state, the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> is configured to engage with the pawl of the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>.

The brake plate <NUM> has two pin openings, described in detail with reference to <FIG>. In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the two pin openings are disposed opposite to each other. In an example, the two pin openings are positioned such that a top pin opening is straight at the top of the central opening <NUM> and another pin opening is straight below the central opening <NUM>. In the assembled state, the top pin opening is aligned with the top pin hole and the bottom pin opening is aligned with the bottom pin hole, such that a pin passes through the top pin opening into the top pin hole and another pin passes through the bottom pin opening into the bottom pin hole.

The brake plate <NUM> also has two slots, described with reference to <FIG>, that are disposed opposite to each other. The slots extend along a portion of an outer circumference of the brake plate <NUM>. In the assembled state, these slots are configured to receive a deformable body, such as the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. The deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>, as described earlier, absorb energy during braking by the brake assembly <NUM> to restrict rotation of the lanyard during the fall. In an example, each slot is aligned with the screw holes of the center portion <NUM> of the back plate <NUM>, such that screws <NUM> and <NUM> pass through the slots into the screw holes. The details of components of the brake assembly <NUM> is further described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the brake assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The brake assembly <NUM> comprises the brake plate <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, the screws <NUM> and <NUM> and the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, the brake assembly <NUM> comprises pins <NUM> and <NUM>.

The back plate <NUM> has pin holes <NUM> and <NUM>, and screw holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned on opposite sides and the screw holes <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed along the opposite direction in the center portion <NUM>. The brake plate <NUM> has the pin openings disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The brake plate also includes a pair of slots <NUM> and <NUM>. Slots <NUM> and <NUM> are curved in shape and extend along a portion of the outer circumference of the brake plate <NUM>. The screws <NUM> and <NUM> in one example are steel screws that are mounted to the brake plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM>. The screws <NUM> and <NUM> secure the brake plate <NUM> to the back plate <NUM> and aid in restricting movement of the lanyard during the fall.

As shown in <FIG>, in the assembled state, the screw <NUM> passes through the slot <NUM> to enter the screw hole <NUM>. The screw <NUM> passes through the slot <NUM> and is inserted into the screw hole <NUM>. The screws <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned such that the brake plate <NUM> can rotate along the screws <NUM> and <NUM> within the respective slots <NUM> and <NUM> when braking is applied by the brake assembly <NUM>.

In an example, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to receive deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. The deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are plastic spacers in one example. The deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are curved shaped plastic bodies that are inserted into the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. In one example, these deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are a single piece of plastic. In another example the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> may have multiple pieces of plastic stacked into the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. During operation, the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> absorb force exerted by the screws <NUM> and <NUM> to restrict motion of the lanyard during the fall. During energy absorption, the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are crushed and deformed.

In an example, the pins <NUM> and <NUM> are plastic or aluminum pins. In the assembled state, the pins <NUM> and <NUM> secure the brake plate <NUM> to the back plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> passes through a pin opening into the pin hole <NUM> and the pin <NUM> passes through another pin opening into the pin hole <NUM>. In the assembled state, the back plate <NUM> is coupled to the body <NUM> of the SRL <NUM> from inside. Further, the brake plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM> are aligned such that the center hole <NUM> is positioned along the center axis of the central opening <NUM>. In the assembled state, the screw <NUM> is placed adjacent to the pin <NUM> and the screw <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the pin <NUM>.

In an example, the screws <NUM> and <NUM> are composed of a durable material, such as stainless steel, to bear the pressure on the screws applied by the rotating lanyard when the user falls. As shown, there are two screws <NUM> and <NUM> used in the brake assembly <NUM>; however, there may be a greater number of screws used in the brake assembly <NUM> based on use or requirement of the SRL <NUM>. The screws <NUM> and <NUM> are used to assemble objects, such as the brake plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM> with threads. Examples of the screws <NUM> and <NUM> include chipboard screws, particle board screws, deck screws, drive screws, hammer drive screws, drywall screws, eye screws, dowel screws, wood screws, twin fast screws, security head screws and sheet metal screws. Some of the different head shapes in which the screws are available include pan, button, round, mushroom, oval, bulge, cheese, fillister and flanged.

The pins <NUM> and <NUM> can be mounting pins or bolts. The pins <NUM> and <NUM> are composed of aluminum. In alternative embodiments, the pins <NUM> and <NUM> can be anchor bolts, arbor bolts, elevator bolts, hanger bolts, hex bolts, J bolts, lag bolts, rock bolts, shoulder bolts and U bolts. Additionally, bolts are available in a wide range of materials, including steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass and nylon.

<FIG> illustrate various views of the brake plate <NUM> of the SRL <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As described, the brake plate <NUM> is circular in shape. The size and thickness of the brake plate <NUM> is predefined. In an example, the brake plate <NUM> has a standard thickness used in self retracting lanyards. The brake plate <NUM> has the central opening <NUM> and the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> disposed along the central opening <NUM> of the brake plate <NUM>. The plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> is disposed in a circular shape along the inner circumference of the brake plate <NUM>. In an example, the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> is disposed such that each tooth of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> comprises a ramped surface, and a lower portion of the ramped surface of a ratchet gear tooth abuts the higher portion of the ramped surface of the subsequent ratchet gear tooth. In the assembled state, the plurality of ratchet gear teeth <NUM> is configured to engage with the pawls <NUM> and <NUM> of the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>.

The brake plate <NUM> has two pin openings <NUM> and <NUM>. The two pin openings <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. In an example, the two pin openings <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned such that the pin opening <NUM> is straight at the top of the central opening <NUM> and the pin opening <NUM> is straight below the central opening <NUM>. In the assembled state, the pin opening <NUM> is aligned with the pin hole <NUM> and the pin opening <NUM> is aligned with the pin hole <NUM>, such that a pin passes through the pin opening <NUM> into the pin hole <NUM> and another pin passes through the pin opening <NUM> into the pin hole <NUM>.

The two slots <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. The slots <NUM> and <NUM> are curved and extend along a portion of the outer circumference of the brake plate <NUM>. In the assembled state, these slots <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to receive deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. The deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> absorb energy during braking operation by the brake assembly <NUM> to restrict rotation of the lanyard during the fall. For instance, the deformable body <NUM> absorbs energy corresponding to force exerted by the screw <NUM> and the deformable body <NUM> absorbs energy corresponding to force exerted by the screw <NUM>.

In an example, the slot <NUM> is aligned with the screw hole <NUM> and the slot <NUM> is aligned with the screw hole <NUM>. The screw <NUM> passes through a portion of the slot <NUM> and is received by the screw hole <NUM>. The screw <NUM> passes through one end of the slot <NUM> and the deformable body <NUM> is fitted into the slot <NUM> such that one side of the screw <NUM> abuts a first end of the slot <NUM> and another side of the screw <NUM> abuts one end of the deformable body <NUM>. In a similar manner, the screw <NUM> passes through a portion of the slot <NUM> and is received by the screw hole <NUM>. The screw <NUM> passes through one end of the slot <NUM> and the deformable body <NUM> is also fitted into the slot <NUM> such that one side of the screw <NUM> abuts a first end of the slot <NUM> and another side of the screw <NUM> abuts one end of the deformable body <NUM>. The slots <NUM> and <NUM> have steps <NUM> and <NUM> within the slots. The steps <NUM> and <NUM> are raised surfaces having a predefined thickness that extend along the length of the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. In an example, the steps <NUM> and <NUM> provide ease of fitting for instance snap-fitting of the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> into the slots <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate front and back views of the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>, also referred to as spacers, are made of plastic material. There may be different types of plastic materials used for making the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. The plastic materials may be selected based on density, stiffness and pressure bearing capacity of the material. For instance, a plastic material with high density and pressure bearing capacity may be selected for enhanced braking of the lanyard. In an example, the material may be one of Ethylene Propylene Diene terpolymer (EPDM), foam, silicon, rubber and alike materials. As shown in <FIG>, the deformable body <NUM> has two parts <NUM> and <NUM>. There may be slight variations in width and length of the parts <NUM> and <NUM>. Such a configuration of the parts <NUM> and <NUM> provides improved fitting of the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> into the slots <NUM> and <NUM> of the brake plate <NUM>.

The deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> have two ends, a first end <NUM> of deformable body <NUM> and a first end <NUM> of deformable body <NUM>. Each of the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM> has a second end <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown, the second ends <NUM> and <NUM> have a round shaped ending and the first ends <NUM> and <NUM> have a curved ending <NUM> and <NUM>. In an example, the first ends <NUM> and <NUM> have inward curves. The inward curve provides spacing for the screws <NUM> and <NUM> to be accommodated within the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. In an example, the screws <NUM> and <NUM> are fitted into the slots <NUM> and <NUM> such that a first side of the screws <NUM> and <NUM> abuts one end of the slots <NUM> and <NUM> and a second side, opposite to the first side, abuts the curved endings <NUM> and <NUM> of the deformable bodies <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the back plate <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The top portion <NUM> of the back plate <NUM>, as shown, has holes <NUM> and <NUM> to receive mounting pins. The mounting pins secure the back plate <NUM> to the body <NUM> of the SRL <NUM> from inside. These mounting pins can be bolts that can be directly inserted into the holes <NUM> and <NUM> or can have threaded portions to thread mount the pins. The holes <NUM> and <NUM> may have varied diameters based on size of the mounting pins to be inserted. The bottom portion <NUM> is also coupled to the body <NUM> from inside. As shown, the top portion <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM> extend outwards from the plane of the center portion <NUM> and are aligned along a common plane that is different from the plane of the center portion <NUM>. The center portion <NUM> has a circular shape. As described previously, the center portion <NUM> may have other shapes based on the shape of the body <NUM> of the SRL <NUM>. The shape and size of the center portion <NUM> may also vary based on shape and size of the brake plate <NUM>. In an example embodiment, if the size of the brake plate <NUM> is large, then the size of the center portion <NUM> may also be large. If the size of the brake plate <NUM> is small, then the size of the center portion <NUM> may also be small.

As described previously, the center portion <NUM> has two pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> and two screw holes <NUM> and <NUM>. Each of the pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> is configured to receive a pin, for instance the pins <NUM> and <NUM>, in an assembled state when the brake plate <NUM> is coupled to the back plate <NUM>. Each of the screw holes <NUM> and <NUM> is configured to receive a screw, for instance one of the screws <NUM> and <NUM>, in the assembled state. The center portion <NUM> also has the center hole <NUM>. The center hole <NUM> is configured to receive the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>. The center hole <NUM> has a circular shape with one straight side to engage the pawl and spring assembly <NUM>. The two pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. In an example, the two pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned such that the pin hole <NUM> is straight at the top of the center hole <NUM> and the pin hole <NUM> is straight below the center hole <NUM>. The two pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the center hole <NUM> are aligned along a straight line. The screw holes <NUM> and <NUM> are also disposed diametrically opposite to each other. In one example, the screw hole <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the pin hole <NUM> and the screw hole <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the pin hole <NUM>.

References within the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "embodiments", or "one or more embodiments" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases in various places within the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments, but not other embodiments.

It should be noted that, when employed in the present disclosure, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and other derivatives from the root term "comprise" are intended to be openended terms that specify the presence of any stated features, elements, integers, steps, or components, and are not intended to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Claim 1:
A brake assembly (<NUM>) for a fall arrest system, comprising:
a brake plate (<NUM>) having a central opening (<NUM>), wherein the central opening (<NUM>) defines an inner circumference of the brake plate (<NUM>), the brake plate (<NUM>) comprising: at least one slot (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
at least one deformable body (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the at least one deformable body (<NUM>, <NUM>) is disposed within the at least one slot (<NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized in that the at least one slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) is curved and extends along a portion of the outer circumference of the brake plate (<NUM>), and in that the brake assembly (<NUM>) further comprises:
at least one screw (<NUM>, <NUM>), disposed at a first end of the at least one slot (<NUM>, <NUM>), such that in an instance when the brake plate (<NUM>) rotates, a second end of the at least one slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) moves towards the at least one screw (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a back plate (<NUM>) defining at least one screw hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) to receive the at least one screw (<NUM>, <NUM>).