Patent Description:
A line retraction device may be used in a variety of situations and applications. For example, one type of line retraction device is in the form of a lanyard, such as a self-retracting lanyard (SRL), which are commonly used for fall protection in industrial environments, as well as in connection with recreational activities. Self-retracting lanyards have numerous industrial end uses, including, but not limited to, construction, manufacturing, hazardous materials/remediation, asbestos abatement, spray painting, sand blasting, welding, mining, numerous oil and gas industry applications, electric and utility, nuclear energy, paper and pulp, sanding, grinding, stage rigging, roofing, scaffolding, telecommunications, automotive repair and assembly, warehousing, and railroading.

SRLs frequently include a housing that includes a rotatable drum or hub around which a line, typically made of webbing, cable, rope, and/or synthetic material is wound. The hub rotates to unwind (or "payout") the line from its housing when a certain level of tension is purposefully applied. When that degree of tension is reduced or released, the hub can slowly rotate in a reverse direction causing the line to retract or rewind about itself in a desired manner. Certain housings further include a braking mechanism or assembly for resisting hub rotation when an inelastic line (e.g., a steel cable) unwinds too rapidly, i.e., faster than its predetermined maximum velocity for normal payout. A sudden line payout is an indication that the lanyard wearer/user has experienced a fall that needs to be stopped or arrested.

During an unintentional, accidental fall, an engagement and braking arrangement in the housing of the SRL engages, which prevents the SRL wearer from falling too far. In addition, SRLs typically connect at one end to an anchorage point, often on the support structure at or near where a user is performing certain assigned tasks. The line from the SRL housing is clamped (or otherwise attached) to a harness worn by the user. The maximum allowable stopping forces and distances are defined by known industry standards. The stopping force provided by a brake is inversely proportional to the stopping distance, i.e., the higher the force, the shorter the distance, and vice versa. As a result, the force cannot exceed the maximum allowed by standards, and yet it must also be large enough so that the extension distance does not exceed the maximum, also regulated by these standards.

The drum of the SRL is biased to retract the line back into the housing of the SRL. As noted above, the line will payout from the drum as the user walks away from the SRL and will also retract back into the housing as the user walks toward the SRL. When a user disconnects the line from their harness and releases the line, "freewheeling" can occur, which is the unrestrained retraction of the line back into the housing of the SRL. When the end of the line reaches the SRL, an end connector on the line can impact the housing of the SRL and damage the housing, the end connector, and/or the internal components of the SRL. Such an impact may also jam the SRL requiring the repair of the SRL and, in some circumstances, injure the user. The issues caused by the impact of the end connection against the housing may create a dangerous condition where the SRL may not function properly the next time it is used. Proper line retraction is typically controlled by the user either directly by hand or indirectly with a tag line secured to the main line of the SRL.

An example of a safety restraint system is described in <CIT>, which utilizes a flexible tether attachable at one end to a harness or garment worn by a patient. If the patient should suddenly fall, a centrifugally or hydraulically operated safety mechanism in the reel immediately resists rotation of the reel in an unwinding direction, thereby causing the patient to be lowered gently to the floor. Also, should the tether suddenly be released from the patient's harness, the reel includes a centrifugally or hydraulically operated mechanism for preventing sudden retraction of the tether into the reel. A further example is described in <CIT> which provides a retractor having a housing with a rotatable reel captured therein and a cable wound on the reel. The cable is retractable onto the reel by the force of a spring located in the housing. A rotary damper is connected to the reel for restricting the speed of rotation of the reel as the cable is retracted via the force of the spring. An example of a slow-moving retraction device for an automatic tube winding apparatus is described in <CIT>.

Accordingly and generally, provided is an improved line retraction device having a damper assembly, as defined in the appended claims.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a line retraction device, comprising: a rotatable drum having a line associated therewith, the line including a first end directly or indirectly attached to the drum and a second end opposite the first end; at least one retraction member biasing the drum in a first rotational direction of the drum opposite a second rotational direction of the drum, wherein the drum is configured to: (i) retract the line when the drum moves in the first rotational direction; and (ii) payout the line when the drum moves in the second rotational direction; and a damper assembly configured to provide rotational resistance to the drum in: (i) the first rotational direction of the drum as the line is being retracted; and (ii) the second rotational direction as the line is being paid out.

The damper assembly comprises at least one fixed element and at least one moveable element, the at least one moveable element moving in conjunction with the drum. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the line retraction device comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, the shaft connected to and rotatable with the drum, the at least one moveable element connected to the shaft. The damper assembly further comprises a damper housing receiving the at least one fixed element and the at least one moveable element, and wherein the damper housing contains a fluid in fluid communication with at least a portion of the at least one fixed element and at least a portion of the at least one moveable element. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the fluid comprises a silicone fluid.

The at least one fixed element comprises a first set of arcuate-shaped vanes radially spaced from a second set of arcuate-shaped vanes, the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes each arranged in a circular shape. The at least one moveable element comprises a first annular vane radially spaced from a second annular vane, the first and second annular vanes of the at least one moveable element intermeshed with the first and second sets of vanes of the at least one fixed element.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the line retraction device comprises a housing assembly that receives the drum and the retraction member, the retraction member comprising a power spring having a first end fixed relative to the housing assembly and a second end secured directly or indirectly to the drum, e.g., to a shaft. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the housing assembly comprises a main housing and a cover, the cover defining an opening that receives a first end of the shaft, and wherein the damper assembly is secured to at least one of the following: a side of the cover, a shaft, the drum, or any combination thereof. The line retraction device comprises a brake assembly configured to prevent rotation of the drum upon activation of the brake assembly. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the brake assembly comprises a speed-sensitive mechanism having an activated position and a non-activated position, the speed-sensitive mechanism rotatable in conjunction with the drum and configured to transition from the non-activated position to the activated position upon a predetermined rotation speed of the drum.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the retraction member comprises a power spring. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, an end connector is secured to the second end of the line, the end connector configured to be releasably connected to a user of the line retraction device.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a fall protection device, comprising: a rotatable drum having a line associated therewith, the line including a first end directly or indirectly attached to the drum and a second end opposite the first end; at least one retraction member biasing the drum in a first rotational direction of the drum opposite a second rotational direction of the drum, wherein the drum is configured to: (i) retract the line when the drum moves in the first rotational direction; and (ii) payout the line when the drum moves in the second rotational direction; and a damper assembly configured to provide rotational resistance to the drum in: (i) the first rotational direction of the drum as the line is being retracted; and (ii) the second rotational direction as the line is being paid out.

The damper assembly comprises at least one fixed element, at least one moveable element, and a damper housing receiving the at least one fixed element and the at least one moveable element.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements and structures, and the combination of parts, and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

As illustrated in <FIG>, certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a line retraction device <NUM> for use in industrial environments and recreational activities is provided. The line retraction device <NUM> can be implemented in any appropriate application or environment where a user or worker engages in activities in an elevated position and requires some protection in the event of a fall. Further, in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the line retraction device <NUM> of the present invention is in the form of a fall protection device or lanyard, such as a self-retracting lanyard. The line retraction device <NUM> protects the user should an unintentional, accidental fall commence. The line retraction device <NUM> is configured to prevent the user from falling too far or stopping too quickly as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the line retraction device <NUM> includes a drum <NUM> having a line <NUM>, such as a lifeline, a retraction member <NUM> biasing the drum <NUM> in a first rotational direction of the drum <NUM>, and a damper assembly <NUM>. The drum <NUM> is configured to (i) retract the line <NUM> when the drum <NUM> moves in the first rotational direction and (ii) payout the line <NUM> when the drum <NUM> moves in the second rotational direction. The damper assembly <NUM> is configured to provide rotational resistance to the drum <NUM> in (i) the first rotational direction of the drum <NUM> as the line <NUM> is being retracted and (ii) the second rotational direction as the line <NUM> is being paid out.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and referring again to <FIG>, the line retraction device includes a housing assembly <NUM>, the drum <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a brake assembly <NUM>, the retraction member <NUM>, and the damper assembly <NUM>. The housing assembly <NUM> includes a main housing <NUM> that at least partially receives the brake assembly <NUM> and a spring cover <NUM> that receives the retraction member <NUM>. The spring cover <NUM> is secured to the main housing <NUM> via bolts <NUM>, although any suitable fastening arrangement may be utilized. The shaft <NUM> is received by the housing assembly <NUM> and extends from a first end <NUM> of the housing assembly <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the housing assembly <NUM> positioned opposite the first end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the main housing <NUM> includes a housing cover <NUM> adjacent to the shaft <NUM>. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the brake assembly <NUM> may be in the form of or replaced by a leading edge energy absorbing arrangement, such as a tear-tape arrangement connecting the end connector <NUM> to the line <NUM>.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the drum <NUM> includes a body <NUM> defining a recessed portion <NUM> that receives the line <NUM>. The line <NUM> is wound about the drum <NUM> and includes a first end <NUM> attached to the drum <NUM> and a second end <NUM> positioned opposite the first end <NUM>. An end connector <NUM> is secured to the second end <NUM> of the line <NUM> and is configured to be releasably secured to a user of the line retraction device <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the drum <NUM> includes a hub <NUM> that receives the shaft <NUM>. The drum <NUM> is rotatable within the housing assembly <NUM> and is configured to payout or retract the line <NUM> from and to the housing assembly <NUM>.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the shaft <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> positioned opposite the first end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> includes an engagement surface <NUM> that is configured to mate with the damper assembly <NUM> as discussed in more detail below. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the engagement surface <NUM> is a square drive surface, although other suitable engagement surfaces may be utilized. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the shaft <NUM> is rotatable within the housing assembly <NUM> and is received by first and second bushings <NUM>, <NUM> provided within the spring cover <NUM> and the main housing <NUM>, respectively. The shaft <NUM> is connected to and rotatable with the drum <NUM>. In particular, the shaft <NUM> includes a key <NUM> received within a recess <NUM> defined by the shaft <NUM>. The key <NUM> cooperates with a corresponding recess <NUM> in the hub <NUM> of the drum <NUM> such that the shaft <NUM> rotates in conjunction with drum <NUM>. Accordingly, paying out the line <NUM> from the drum <NUM> or retracting line <NUM> into the drum <NUM> will rotate the drum <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, axial movement of the shaft <NUM> within the housing assembly <NUM> is restricted by the bushing <NUM> with the drum <NUM> being restricted axially by a plurality of retaining rings <NUM>, although any other suitable arrangement for restricting axial movement may be provided. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the shaft <NUM> is not rotatable, and instead is fixed with respect to the housing assembly <NUM>, such that the drum <NUM> rotates around the shaft <NUM>. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the damper assembly <NUM> is secured to at least one of the following: a side of the cover <NUM>, the shaft <NUM>, the drum <NUM>, or any combination thereof.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the brake assembly <NUM> is configured to prevent rotation of the drum <NUM> upon activation of the brake assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> includes a speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> having an activated position and a non-activated position. The speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> is secured to the shaft <NUM> and rotatable in conjunction with the drum <NUM>. The speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> is configured to transition from the non-activated position to the activated position upon a predetermined rotation speed of the drum <NUM>. The predetermined rotation speed of the drum <NUM> to transition the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> from the non-activated position to the activation position is a known range of rotation speed that is indicative of a fall event. More specifically, the line <NUM> will payout from the drum <NUM> during a fall event and cause the drum <NUM> and speed-sensitive device <NUM> to rotate at the predetermined rotation speed via their connection to the shaft <NUM>.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and as shown in <FIG>, the brake assembly <NUM> further includes a brake case <NUM> secured to the main housing <NUM> of the housing assembly <NUM>. The brake case <NUM> includes a ratchet member <NUM> having a plurality of teeth <NUM> spaced apart from each other. The speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> includes first and second pawls <NUM>, <NUM> that are moveable radially outward into engagement with the teeth <NUM> of the ratchet member <NUM> when the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> transitions from the non-activated position to the activated position. The first and second pawls <NUM>, <NUM> are biased radially inward via springs <NUM>, although any other suitable biasing arrangement may be provided. The biasing force needs to be overcome in order for the first and second pawls <NUM>, <NUM> to move radially outward and into engagement with the ratchet member <NUM>. In particular, when the drum <NUM>, shaft <NUM>, and speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> are rotating at the predetermined rotation speed indicative of a fall event, the centripetal force provided by the springs <NUM> is not sufficient to keep the first and second pawls <NUM>, <NUM> from engaging the ratchet member <NUM> thereby allowing the pawls <NUM>, <NUM> to move radially outward into engagement with the ratchet member <NUM>, which is fixed relative to the housing assembly <NUM>.

Accordingly, the brake assembly <NUM> is configured to slow and stop rotation of the drum <NUM> through the engagement of the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> with the brake case <NUM>. However, additional line <NUM> will continue to extend from the housing assembly <NUM> based upon the forces of the fall and the weight of the user attached to the end connector <NUM> through the use of the brake assembly <NUM>. In particular, a sudden stopping of rotation would exert unsafe force on the user, possibly causing bodily harm. The brake assembly <NUM> is configured to ensure a more gradual slowing process, thereby reducing the fall forces exerted on the user as discussed below.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> is connected to the shaft <NUM> via a friction assembly <NUM> to provide the gradual slowing and stopping process of the drum <NUM> during a fall event. The friction assembly <NUM> includes a brake washer <NUM>, a plurality of spacers <NUM>, and friction members <NUM>, which transfer rotation of the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> to the shaft <NUM>. In particular, as shown in <FIG> with the shaft <NUM> omitted for clarity, the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> is secured to the shaft <NUM> via engagement between a hub <NUM> and the plurality of spacers <NUM>. The hub <NUM> receives the shaft <NUM> and is rotationally fixed relative to the shaft <NUM> via corresponding flat portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. Similarly, flat portions <NUM> of the plurality of spacers <NUM> engage the flat portion <NUM> of the hub <NUM> to rotationally fix the plurality of spacers <NUM> relative to the hub <NUM>. The brake washer <NUM>, plurality of spacers <NUM>, and friction members <NUM> are forced together via a Belleville washer <NUM> and a nut <NUM> such that the plurality of spacers <NUM> and the brake washer <NUM> each engage one of the friction members <NUM>. Although the Belleville washer <NUM> and the nut <NUM> are provided, other suitable arrangements for facilitating the engagement between the brake washer <NUM>, spacers <NUM>, and friction members <NUM> may be utilized. The friction members <NUM> may be annular brake pads, although other suitable friction members may be utilized.

During normal operation of the line retraction device <NUM>, there is no relative rotational movement between the shaft <NUM> and the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> due to the engagement and friction between the plurality of spacers <NUM>, the brake washer <NUM>, and the friction members <NUM>. However, during a fall event, the speed-sensitive mechanism <NUM> will be positioned in the activated position with the pawls <NUM>, <NUM> engaging the ratchet member <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> and the plurality of spacers <NUM> will move relative to the friction members <NUM> based upon the forces of the fall and the weight of the user attached to the end connector <NUM>. In this manner, the forces acting on the shaft <NUM> caused by a fall event will be sufficient to overcome the frictional forces between the friction members <NUM> and the plurality of spacers <NUM>. The engagement between the friction members <NUM> and the plurality of spacers <NUM> will gradually slow the shaft <NUM> and the plurality of spacers <NUM>, thereby gradually slowing the descent of a user attached to the end connector <NUM> during a fall event.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the retraction member <NUM> is received by the spring cover <NUM> of the housing assembly <NUM>. The retraction member <NUM> is connected to the drum <NUM> and configured to bias the drum <NUM> in a first rotational direction that retracts the line <NUM> back onto the drum <NUM> and opposite to a second rotational direction of the drum <NUM> where the line <NUM> is paid out from the drum <NUM>. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the retraction member <NUM> is embodied as a power spring, although any other suitable retraction members to bias the drum in the first rotational direction may be utilized. The power spring may have a first end fixed relative to the housing assembly <NUM> and a second end secured directly or indirectly to the drum <NUM>, such as directly or indirectly to the shaft <NUM>. The retraction member <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> fixed relative to the housing assembly <NUM> and a second end <NUM> secured to the shaft <NUM>. In particular, the first end <NUM> of the retraction member <NUM> is secured to the spring cover <NUM>. A disc plate <NUM> may cover the retraction member <NUM> within the spring cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the damper assembly <NUM> includes a damper main housing <NUM> that receives at least one fixed element <NUM> (which, in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, may be in the form of at least one fixed vane) and at least one moveable element <NUM> (which, in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, may be in the form of at least one moveable vane), as well as a damper cover <NUM> to enclose the damper main housing <NUM>. The damper main housing <NUM> may be secured to the damper cover <NUM> via any suitable arrangement, including a friction fit over the at least one fixed element <NUM>, a fastener, adhesive, and the like. The damper main housing <NUM> also may receive or contain a damping fluid that is in fluid communication with the at least one fixed element <NUM> and the at least one moveable element <NUM>. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the damping fluid is a silicone fluid, although other suitable damping fluids, e.g., viscous fluids, may be utilized.

In this embodiment or aspect, the damper assembly <NUM> also includes a front seal <NUM>, a rear seal <NUM>, and a housing seal <NUM> to seal the damping fluid within the damper main housing <NUM>. The at least one moveable element <NUM> moves in conjunction with the drum <NUM> via connection of the at least one moveable element <NUM> to the shaft <NUM>. In particular, the engagement surface <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> is received by a corresponding recess <NUM> defined by or associated with the at least one moveable element <NUM>, such that the shaft <NUM> is rotationally fixed relative to the at least one moveable element <NUM>. The damper assembly <NUM> provides a rotational resistance to the drum <NUM> through the movement of the at least one moveable element <NUM> relative to the at least one fixed element <NUM> in the damping fluid.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the damper assembly <NUM> is secured to an outer surface of the spring cover <NUM> via bolts <NUM>, although any other suitable securing arrangement may be utilized. An outer cover <NUM> and pad <NUM> are positioned over the damper assembly <NUM> and secured to the spring cover <NUM> with bolts <NUM>. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the damper assembly <NUM> is directly or indirectly secured or mounted to the drum <NUM>, such as in an embodiment where the shaft <NUM> does not rotate. Although the damper assembly <NUM> is shown as a fluid-type damper arrangement, other suitable damper arrangements, such as a friction-type damper, may be utilized, which includes contacting frictional surfaces. In particular, in friction-type damper arrangements, a moveable element engages a fixed element during relative rotation to provide rotational resistance.

Referring to <FIG>, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one fixed element <NUM> includes a first set of arcuate-shaped vanes <NUM> radially spaced from a second set of arcuate-shaped vanes <NUM>. The first set of vanes <NUM> and the second set of vanes <NUM> are each arranged in a substantially circular shape. The at least one moveable element <NUM> includes a first annular vane <NUM> radially spaced from a second annular vane <NUM>. The first and second annular vanes <NUM>, <NUM> of the at least one moveable element <NUM> are intermeshed with the first and second sets of vanes <NUM>, <NUM> of the at least one fixed element <NUM>. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one moveable element <NUM> also includes a first set of openings <NUM> radially spaced from a second set of openings <NUM>. The first set of openings <NUM> are positioned radially outward from the first annular vane <NUM> and the second set of openings <NUM> are positioned between the first and second annular vanes <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment or aspect, the first set of openings <NUM> are larger than the second set of openings <NUM>, although other suitable arrangements and sizes may be utilized. A gap <NUM> is defined between the at least one moveable element <NUM> and the damper cover <NUM> such that the first set of openings <NUM> are in fluid communication with the second set of openings <NUM>, thereby allowing damping fluid to pass between the first and second annular vanes <NUM>, <NUM>.

The shearing resistance of the damping fluid between the vanes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the at least one moveable element <NUM> and the at least one fixed element <NUM> provides the rotational resistance to the drum <NUM> during retraction and payout of the line <NUM>. The retraction velocity of the line <NUM> is controlled at a desired level via the geometry of the at least one fixed element <NUM> and the at least one moveable element <NUM>, as well as the viscosity of the damping fluid. The damper assembly <NUM> prevents freewheeling of the line <NUM> and the end connector <NUM> (and the associated damage caused by impacts of the end connector <NUM> against the housing assembly <NUM>). The torque provided by the damper assembly <NUM> increases as the rotational speed of the shaft <NUM> increases. As the drum <NUM> accelerates during retraction of the line <NUM>, the at least one moveable element <NUM> also accelerates via the shaft <NUM> until the torque from the damper assembly <NUM> counters the torque generated by the retraction member <NUM>. At this point, the retraction velocity remains constant due to the torque of the retraction member <NUM> being countered by the damper assembly <NUM>. As the line <NUM> continues to be retracted, the torque generated by the retraction member <NUM> will decrease with the torque from the damper assembly <NUM> also decreasing, thereby resulting in a reduced retraction velocity, which will continue until the line <NUM> is fully retracted into the housing assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, the damper assembly <NUM> provides a controlled and smooth retraction of the line <NUM> back into the housing assembly <NUM> and prevents damage to the housing assembly <NUM>, end connector <NUM>, and internal components, impact of the end connector <NUM> with the user, and also prevents jamming of the line retraction device <NUM>.

The damper assembly <NUM> also provides resisting torque when the drum <NUM> pays out the line <NUM>. Although the payout torque from the damper assembly <NUM> may provide resistance to a user walking away from the housing assembly <NUM>, the torque is low enough that any additional effort required of the user will likely not be noticeable by the user. In particular, the force provided by the retraction member <NUM> is great enough that the effect of the additional torque from the damper assembly <NUM> on the line <NUM> as it pays out will not be noticed by the user. Further, the line retraction device <NUM> will perform in the same manner during a fall event with or without the damper assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, providing a damper assembly <NUM> that provides resistance in both rotational directions of the drum <NUM> eliminates the need for a one-way engagement mechanism or clutch, which reduces the complexity and cost and increases the reliability of the line retraction device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A line retraction device (<NUM>), comprising:
a rotatable drum (<NUM>) having a line (<NUM>) associated therewith, the line (<NUM>) including a first end directly or indirectly attached to the drum (<NUM>) and a second end opposite the first end;
at least one retraction member (<NUM>) biasing the drum in a first rotational direction of the drum (<NUM>) opposite a second rotational direction of the drum, wherein the drum (<NUM>) is configured to:
(i) retract the line (<NUM>) when the drum (<NUM>) moves in the first rotational direction; and
(ii) payout the line (<NUM>) when the drum moves (<NUM>) in the second rotational direction;
a brake assembly (<NUM>) configured to prevent rotation of the drum (<NUM>) upon activation of the brake assembly (<NUM>); and
a damper assembly (<NUM>) having a damper housing (<NUM>) with at least one fixed element (<NUM>) and at least one moveable element (<NUM>) movable in conjunction with the drum (<NUM>), the damper housing (<NUM>) containing a fluid in fluid communication with at least a portion of the at least one fixed element (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the at least one moveable element,
wherein the at least one fixed element (<NUM>) comprises a first set of arcuate-shaped vane segments (<NUM>) radially spaced from a second set of arcuate-shaped vane segments (<NUM>), the first set of vane segments (<NUM>) and the second set of vane segments (<NUM>) each arranged in a circular shape,
wherein the at least one moveable element (<NUM>) comprises a first annular vane (<NUM>) radially spaced from a second annular vane (<NUM>), the first and second annular vanes (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least one moveable element (<NUM>) intermeshed with the first and second sets of vane segments (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least one fixed element (<NUM>), and
wherein a shearing resistance of the fluid between the at least one fixed element (<NUM>) and the at least one movable element (<NUM>) is configured to provide rotational resistance to the drum in:
(i) the first rotational direction of the drum (<NUM>) as the line is being retracted; and
(ii) the second rotational direction as the line (<NUM>) is being paid out.