Patent ID: 7114225

Claim:
A connector for use with a fall protection assembly, comprising: a) a catch having an end with an engaging member; b) a housing having a cavity and a supporting member; and c) at least one pawl pivotally mounted within the cavity having a first position and a second position, the cavity and the at least one pawl having a first configuration when the at least one pawl is in the first position, the cavity and the at least one pawl having a second configuration when the at least one pawl is in the second position, the first configuration being configured and arranged to receive the end of the catch, the second configuration being configured and arranged to engage the end of the catch thereby locking the catch, the end being engaged in the second configuration between the supporting member and the at least one pawl, the supporting member of the housing providing a surface upon which the engaging member exerts force when the catch and the housing are pulled in opposite directions should a fall occur.