FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
“DETACHABLE FALL PROTECTION DEVICE”
Sachin Aggarwal, of S no. 29, Plot A, Vardhaman enclave, khongewadi,
Lonavala-410401, Maharashtra, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in
which it is to be performed.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of safety
device and more particularly, relates to a detachable fall protection
device to protect a user from fall while climbing over a steep surface
and allowing the user to disengage the device as per the user’s
requirement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A fall arrester is a crucial component of safety
equipment designed to protect individuals working at heights from the
risk of falling. It is typically employed in various industries such as
construction, maintenance, telecommunications, and utilities where
workers are exposed to elevated work environments. The primary
function of a fall arrester is to arrest the fall of a worker should they slip
or lose balance, thereby preventing serious injuries or fatalities.
[0003] Traditionally, fall arrest systems have been comprised
of several components, including a full-body harness worn by the
worker, a lanyard or lifeline connecting the harness to an anchor point,
and a shock-absorbing device. While these systems have been effective
to some extent, they have notable drawbacks that can impact both safety
and productivity in the workplace.
[0004] One of the main drawbacks of traditional fall arrest
systems is the need for manual adjustment during ascent and descent.
Workers often have to stop frequently to adjust the length of their
lanyard or lifeline to accommodate changes in elevation, which can be
time-consuming and cumbersome. This interruption in workflow not
only slows down productivity but also increases the risk of errors or
oversights that could compromise safety.
[0005] Moreover, traditional fall arrest systems may lack
adaptability to various work environments and scenarios. For instance,
in situations where workers need to climb over obstacles or structures,
the fixed length of the lanyard or lifeline can restrict movement and
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create hazards. Workers may find themselves entangled or unable to
navigate obstacles safely, putting them at increased risk of falls or other
accidents.
[0006] The traditional fall arrest system does not equip with
the engagement/disengagement facility as these systems are engaged
with the lifeline or stranded rope at the starting point of the rope and
can be disengaged only at the end point of the rope or lifeline. The users
are not able to switch the lifeline with the same fall arrester which cause
inconvenience while working. So there exists a need to develop a device
that is capable of arresting the fall of a user as well as allowing the user
to disengage from the stranded rope or lifeline as per the user’s
requirement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the
prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a
detachable fall protection device, to include all advantages of the prior
art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at
least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one
or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful
alternative. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a
detachable fall protection device.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to allow a
user to disengage the device form stranded rope while climbing up to a
height via rope.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to eliminate
accidental disengagement of the device from the rope while the user is
climbing over the rope.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to
develop a device that is reliable in nature.
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[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure
will be more apparent from the following description, which is not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0014] The detachable fall protection device of the present
disclosure facilitates a fall arresting member to be deployed over a
stranded rope over which a user wants to climb. The device comprises
a detaching assembly coupled with the fall arresting member to allow
the user to engage/disengage the fall arresting member at any point over
the stranded rope.
[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the
detaching assembly further comprises a connecting member having a
groove that is utilized by the user to attach a karabiner with the
connecting member, the karabiner is a tool which is user to engage the
harness worn by the user, with the karabiner for engaging the user with
the fall arresting member.
[0016] Furthermore, the detaching assembly comprises a
retainer plate which is having a first and second side that are top and
bottom side of the plate. The fall arresting member is attached at the top
side of the plate via a primary torsion pin and the connecting member
is attached at the bottom side of the plate via a secondary torsion pin.
The retainer plate is utilized to engage the connecting member with the
fall arresting member.
[0017] Moreover, a safety latch is coupled with the retainer
plate via a stopper pin to attach the connecting member with the fall
arresting member. The connecting member includes a stopper notch in
which the stopper pin is inserted for attaching the connecting member
with the fall arresting member. The latch is manually actuated by the
user by pressing the latch results in disengagement of the connecting
member with the fall arresting member as per the user’s requirement.
[0018] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
fall arresting member include a pair of slots through which the stranded
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rope gets passed. Further, the fall arresting member comprises a
primary and a secondary pawl shaped stopper member that is pivoted
with the fall arresting member and pivotally coupled with the first (top)
and second (bottom) side of the retainer plate respectively. When the
user moves in upward direction, the fall arresting member moves in
upward motion, results in stationary position of the pawl shaped stopper
members with the fall arresting member to allow the free movement of
the fall arresting member over the rope, and while the user moves in
downward direction, the fall arresting member moves in downward
motion results in engagement of the pawl shaped stopper members with
the stranded rope for locking the rope with the fall arresting member to
freeze movement of the fall arresting member over the rope for
eliminating fall of the user.
[0019] In an aspect of the present invention, when the user
wants to disengage the device from the rope, the user pulls the latch to
detach the safety pin for free movement of the connecting member
which is moved by the user in upward direction as means of creating a
gap within the fall arresting member to allow the user for pulling out
the fall arresting member from the rope through that gap for
disengaging the device from the rope as per the user’s requirement.
[0020] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
connecting member includes an impact load absorbing cut that absorbs
the force of a jerk generated due to sudden arrest of fall of the user while
climbing over the stranded rope.
[0021] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the safety latch
is knurled which is configured to increase the friction in between the
latch and the fall arresting member to eliminate the chances of
accidental disengagement of the detaching assembly form the fall
arresting member while the user is climbing over the steep surface via
the stranded rope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
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[0022] The foregoing summary, as well as the following
detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when
read in conjunction with the drawings provided herein. For the
purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary
embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not
limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the
detachable fall protection device as disclosed in an embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional vow of the
proposed device as disclosed in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout
the description of several views of the drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and
fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in
the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components,
and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of
the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art
that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to
limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, wellknown processes, well- known apparatus structures, and well-known
techniques are not described in detail.
[0027] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only
for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such
terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present
disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and
"the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are open-ended transitional
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phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do
not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and
process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily
requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be
understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0028] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings, in which similar elements in different
drawings are identified with the same reference numbers. The
drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative
embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary and
explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In
this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word "a"
or "an" means "at least one", and the use of "or" means "and/or", unless
specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term
"including", as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included",
is not limiting. Also, terms such as "element" or "component"
encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and
elements or components that comprise more than one unit unless
specifically stated otherwise.
[0030] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the detachable fall
protection device (100) comprises a fall arresting member (102) that is
to be engaged with a stranded rope (126) which is vertically stranded
throughout a steep surface at which the user wants to climb.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a
detaching assembly (103) is coupled with the fall arresting member
(102) to allow the user to engage/disengage the proposed device (100)
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with the stranded rope (126) at any point as per the user’s requirement.
The detaching assembly (103) which includes a connecting member
(118) that is engraved with a groove which is utilized to allow the user
to attach a karabiner (120) with the connecting member (118). The
karabiner (120) is utilized to allow the user to engage a harness which
is worn by the user, with the karabiner (120) while climbing over the
rope (126). The karabiner (120) used herein is equipped with a captive
pin (122) that is utilized to eliminate chances of accidental removal of
harness from the karabiner (120).
[0032] Furthermore, the detaching assembly (103) comprises
a retainer plate (104) that is having a first (106) and second side (108)
which are top (106) and bottom sides (108) of the retainer plate (104)
respectively. The top side (106) of the retainer plate (104) is attached
with the fall arresting member (102) via a primary torsion pin (110) and
the bottom side (108) of the retainer plate (104) is attached with the
connecting member (118) via a secondary torsion pin (112). The torsion
pin, also known as a torque pin or torque limiter pin, is a mechanical
component designed to limit or control the amount of torque transmitted
between the fall arresting member (102), connecting member (118) and
the retainer plate (104). It includes a cylindrical pin made from a
resilient material, typically steel or alloy, with specific geometrical
features. The torsion pins (110, 112) is installed between the fall
arresting member (102), connecting member (118) and the retainer
plate (104), and is subjected to shear stress when torque is applied while
the user experience a fall from the rope (126). The design of the torsion
pins (110, 112) allows it to deform or yield when the torque exceeds a
predetermined threshold, thus limiting the amount of torque transmitted
through the proposed device (100). This deformation absorbs and
dissipates the excess energy, protecting the machinery from damage
due to overload conditions.
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[0033] Moreover, the detaching assembly (103) further
comprises a safety latch (114) that is coupled with the retainer plate
(104) to securely attach the detaching assembly (103) with the fall
arresting member (102). The safety latch (114) is coupled with the
detaching assembly (103) via a stopper pin (116). The stopper pin (116)
is a mechanical component used to restrict the movement or position of
the latch (114) within the device (100). It typically includes a
cylindrical or rod-shaped pin made of a durable metallic material. The
primary function of the stopper pin (116) is to prevent excessive
movement or displacement of the safety latch (114) with respect to the
detaching assembly (103). It achieves this by physically obstructing the
motion of the safety latch (114) and it is designed to stop. Stopper pin
(116) is often inserted into a stopper notch (134) which is pre-drilled
slot in the connecting member (118) of the detaching assembly (103).
When properly positioned, the stopper pin (116) acts as a barrier,
limiting the range of motion or preventing the safety latch (114) from
moving beyond a certain point.
[0034] The safety latch (114) is a component that is designed
to secure and prevent unintended movement of the detaching assembly
(103) with respect to the fall arresting member (102). It typically
includes a mechanism that engages with the detaching assembly (103)
to hold it in place and prevent it from moving freely. The safety latch
(114) enhance safety by preventing accidental disengagement of the
detaching assembly (103) from the fall arresting member (102). By
securely locking the detaching assembly (103) in place, it helps
minimize the risk of injuries or accidents caused by unexpected
disengagement of the detaching assembly (103) from the fall arresting
member (102) results in disengagement of the device (100) form the
rope (126) while user is climbing over the rope (126). When the user
climbs up to the desired height by using the proposed device (100), the
user manually actuates the safety latch (114) by pulling it, which
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displace the stopper pin (116) and results in disengagement of the
detaching assembly (103) from the fall arresting member (102), which
creates an opening for allowing the user to detach the rope (126) from
the fall arresting member (102) at any point over the stranded rope
(126).
[0035] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the fall arresting
member (102) includes a pair of slots (126) through which the stranded
rope (130) is passed. The fall arresting member (102) further comprises
a primary pawl-shaped stopper member (128) and a secondary pawlshaped stopper member (132) that are pivoted at the top and bottom side
of the fall arresting member (102). A free end of the primary pawl
shaped stopper member (128) is pivoted with the first side (106) of the
retainer plate and a free end of the secondary pawl shaped stopper
member (132) is pivoted with the second side (108) of the retainer plate.
When the user climbs over the rope (130) by moving the detaching
assembly (103) in upward direction, results in upward motion of the fall
arresting member (102) over the stranded rope (130) keeps the primary
and secondary pawl-shaped stopper members (128, 132) in stationary
position to allow free passage of the stranded rope (130) through the
fall arresting member (102), passing through between the primary and
secondary pawl shaped stopper members (128, 132) and the slots (126)
of the fall arresting member (102). In case of downward motion of the
user while falling of the user, the detaching assembly (103) experience
a sudden change in movement and the moves in downward position
along with the fall arresting member (102) that results in movement of
the primary and secondary pawl shaped stopper members (128, 132)
towards the stranded rope (130) which acts as a stopper by engaging
with the stranded rope (130) to for locking the stranded rope (130) with
the fall arresting member (102) to disallow further movement of the fall
arresting member (102) over the rope (130) to protect the user from fall.
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[0036] In another aspect of the present disclosure, in case the
user wants to detach the fall arresting member (102) from the stranded
rope (130) at any height, the user pulls the latch, results in
disengagement of the stopper pin from the stopper notch (134), that
creates a gap within the fall arresting member (102) to allow the user to
push the connecting member (118) in the gap and pull out the rope (130)
from the slots (126) for pulling out the fall arresting member (102)
through that gap and disengage the fall arresting member (102) from
the stranded rope (130).
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
in case the user is working on a construction site at which a stranded
rope (130) is installed from ground floor to top floor (for example 10th
floor). The user starts climbing the rope (130) by attaching the device
(100) with the rope (130) and wants to perform construction related
practice at 6th floor, he/she pull the safety latch (114) for releasing the
stopper pin (116), results in creation of a gap within the fall arresting
member to allow the user to pull out the fall arresting member (102)
from the rope though that gap.
[0038] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
connecting member (118) includes an impact load absorbing cut (124)
which is designed in a manner to absorb the force generated due to jerk
produced at the time of sudden fall arrest of the user while climbing
over the stranded rope (130) as means of minimizing the sudden g-force
experienced by the user to eliminate chances of any injury while fall
arresting of the user.
[0039] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein
on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be
appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many
changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing
from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the
preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled
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in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly
understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted
merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
[0040] While the invention has been described in connection
with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended
to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.
[0041] The embodiments described above are intended only
to illustrate and teach one or more ways of practicing or implementing
the present invention, not to restrict its breadth or scope. The actual
scope of the invention, which embraces all ways of practicing or
implementing the teachings of the invention, is defined only by the
following claims and their equivalents.
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LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - Detachable fall protection device
102 - Fall arresting member
103 - Detaching assembly
104 - Retainer plate
106 - First side of retainer plate
108 - Second side of retainer plate
110 - Primary torsion pin
112 - Secondary torsion pin
114 - Safety latch
116 - Stopper pin
118 - Connecting member
120 - Karabiner
122 - Captive pin
124 - Impact load absorbing cut
126 - Slots
128 - Primary pawl-shaped stopper member
130 - Stranded rope
132 - Secondary pawl-shaped stopper member
134 - Stopper notch
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I CLAIM:
1. A detachable fall protection device (100) for protecting fall of
a user while climbing over a steep surface via a stranded rope (130), the
detachable fall protection device (100) comprising:
a fall arresting member (102) to be deployed over the stranded
rope (130);
a detaching assembly (103) coupled with the fall arresting
member (102) to allow the user to engage/disengage the fall arresting
member (102) at any point over the stranded rope (130), wherein the
detaching assembly (103) comprises;
a connecting member (118) having a groove to engage
a karabiner (120) with the connecting member (118) for
attaching a harness with the detachable fall protection device
(100),
a retainer plate (104) having a first side (106) and a
second side (108), wherein the first side (106) is attached with
the fall arresting member (102) via a primary torsion pin (110),
and the second side (108) is attached with the connecting
member (118) via a secondary torsion pin (112), and
a safety latch (114) coupled with the retainer plate
(104) via a stopper pin (116) to attach the detaching assembly
103 with the fall arresting member (102), wherein the safety
latch (114) is actuated via the user to detach the detaching
assembly 103 from the fall arresting member (102) to create a
gap utilized to pull out the fall arresting member (102) from
the stranded rope 130 to disengage the fall arresting member
(102) from the stranded rope (130).
2. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the connecting member (118) comprises an impact load absorbing
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cut (124) to absorb the torque exerted over the connecting member (118)
while experiencing a sudden fall.
3. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the fall arrest member (102) comprises:
a primary pawl-shaped stopper member (128) and a secondary pawl
shaped stopper member (132) pivotally coupled with the fall arresting
member (102) and pivoted with the first and second side of the retainer
plate respectively (106, 108), wherein an upward motion of the fall
arresting member (102) over the stranded rope (130) keeps the
primary and secondary pawl-shaped stopper members (128, 132) in a
stationary position to allow free passage of the stranded rope (130)
through the fall arresting member (102), while a downward motion of
the user moves the primary and secondary pawl-shaped stopper
members (128, 132) result in locking the rope (130) passing through
the fall arresting member (102) to eliminates chances of falling of the
user;
4. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the safety latch (114) is knurled safety latch (114) configured to
increase the friction in between the safety latch (114) and the fall arresting
member (102).
5. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the retainer plate (104) is detached from the fall arresting member
(102) upon actuation of the safety latch (114) to create an opening for
allowing the user to disengage the fall arresting member (102) form the
stranded rope (130).
6. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the stopper pin (116) locks the latch (114) upon detection of fall
via torque generated due to sudden jerk while climbing over the stranded rope
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(130), to eliminate chances of disengaging of the karabiner (120) from the fall
arresting member (102).
7. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the connecting member (118) comprises a stopper notch (134) to
allow the insertion of the stopper pin (116) within the connecting member
(118) for coupling the connecting member (118) with the detaching assembly
103.
8. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the detaching assembly 103 is of a heavy-duty metallic material
including steel, aluminium alloys and copper alloys.
9. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the connecting member (118) is pushed towards the gap to create
a cavity for pulling the fall arresting member (102) from the stranded rope
(130).
10. The detachable fall protection device (100) as claimed in claim
1, wherein the fall arresting member (102) comprises a pair of slots (126) to
allow passage of the stranded rope (130) through the slots (126).