BREAKAWAY KEEPER

• US 20160361578A1
• Filed: 07/21/2015
• Published: 12/15/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DB Industries LLC (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: DB Industries LLC (3M Company)
• Inventors: Casebolt, Scott C., Perner, Judd J.
• Granted Patent: US 10,258,814 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0575 Portable tools
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/02 Fastening articles to the garment
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/021 to the belt
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 35/0037 Attachments for lifelines and lanyards lifelines, lanyards A62B35/0043
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 35/0075 Details of ropes or similar equipment, e.g. between the secured person and the lifeline or anchor

Abstract

A breakaway keeper comprises a base and a loop portion. The base is configured and arranged to engage a strap. The loop portion extends outward from the base to form a channel configured and arranged to receive a portion of a connector. The loop portion is configured and arranged to be engaged by the connector and deform and release the connector when subjected to a predetermined force.

Claims

1. A breakaway keeper, comprising:

a base configured and arranged to engage a strap; and

a loop portion extending outward from the base to form a channel configured and arranged to receive a portion of a connector, the loop portion being configured and arranged to be engaged by the connector and deform and release the connector when subjected to a predetermined force.

2. The breakaway keeper of claim 1, wherein the base includes a bar portion and an extension member forming a path through which the strap is routed to engage the strap.

3. The breakaway keeper of claim 2, wherein the extension member includes a first U-shaped portion and a second U-shaped portion forming a slot through which the strap is inserted to position the strap between the bar portion and the extension member.

4. The breakaway keeper of claim 1, wherein the loop portion includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending outward from a first side of the base, the second arm extending outward from a second side of the base, respective distal ends of the first arm and the second arm forming a weakened portion.

5. The breakaway keeper of claim 4, wherein the weakened portion is a slot configured and arranged to allow the first and second arms to separate when subjected to the predetermined force.

6. The breakaway keeper of claim 4, wherein the weakened portion is a score line configured and arranged to deform and allow the first and second arms to separate when subjected to the predetermined force.

7. The breakaway keeper of claim 1, wherein at least the loop portion is made of nylon.

8. A breakaway keeper for use with a safety harness, comprising:

a base configured and arranged to engage a strap of the safety harness; and

a loop portion extending outward from the base to form a channel configured and arranged to receive a portion of a safety device, the loop portion being configured and arranged to be engaged by the safety device and deform and release the safety device when subjected to a predetermined force.

9. The breakaway keeper of claim 8, wherein the base includes a bar portion and an extension member forming a path through which the strap is routed to engage the strap.

10. The breakaway keeper of claim 9, wherein the extension member includes a first U-shaped portion and a second U-shaped portion forming a slot through which the strap is inserted to position the strap between the bar portion and the extension member.

11. The breakaway keeper of claim 8, wherein the loop portion includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending outward from a first side of the base, the second arm extending outward from a second side of the base, respective distal ends of the first arm and the second arm forming a weakened portion.

12. The breakaway keeper of claim 11, wherein the weakened portion is a slot configured and arranged to allow the first and second arms to separate when subjected to the predetermined force.

13. The breakaway keeper of claim 11, wherein the weakened portion is a score line configured and arranged to deform and allow the first and second arms to separate when subjected to the predetermined force.

14. The breakaway keeper of claim 8, wherein at least the loop portion is made of nylon.

15. A breakaway keeper for use with a safety harness, comprising:

a base configured and arranged to engage a strap of the safety harness, the base including a bar portion positioned proximate a first side of the strap and an extension member positioned proximate a second side of the strap; and

a loop portion including a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms extend outward from the base to form a channel configured and arranged to receive a portion of a safety device, the first arm extending outward from a first side of the base, the second arm extending outward from a second side of the base, respective distal ends of the first arm and the second arm form a weakened portion, at least one of the first and second arms being configured and arranged to be engaged by the safety device and deform and release the safety device when subjected to a predetermined force.

16. The breakaway keeper of claim 15, wherein the extension member includes a first U-shaped portion and a second U-shaped portion forming a slot through which the strap is inserted to position the strap between the bar portion and the extension member.

17. The breakaway keeper of claim 15, wherein the weakened portion is a slot configured and arranged to allow the first and second arms to separate when subjected to the predetermined force.

18. The breakaway keeper of claim 15, wherein the weakened portion is a score line configured and arranged to deform and allow the first and second arms to separate when subjected to the predetermined force.

19. The breakaway keeper of claim 15, wherein at least the loop portion is made of nylon.