Patent ID: 8528694

Claim:
A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to a first anchorage structure and to a second anchorage structure, comprising: a) a lifeline having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the first end and the second end, the second end being operatively connected to the second anchorage structure; b) a drum having a base and being rotatable, the first end of the lifeline being operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline being windable about and paid out from the base, the drum being operatively connected to the first anchorage structure; and c) a crank configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum, the crank being rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline, the crank including a tension indicator providing indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level, the crank being capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level; wherein the crank further comprises: an arm including a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the second surface interconnecting the first surface and the third surface, the arm being pivotable proximate the first surface, the first surface allowing the arm to pivot; a roller configured and arranged to move along the second surface and the third surface; and a biasing member operatively connected to the roller, the biasing member exerting force upon the roller and urging the roller toward the first surface, wherein torque on the arm during rotation of the crank to tension the lifeline places force on the biasing member and when the predetermined level of tension in the lifeline is reached, the force of the biasing member is overcome thus allowing the arm to pivot causing the roller to move toward the third surface and reach the third surface thereby indicating that the predetermined level of tension in the lifeline has been reached.