Safety structures for pole climbing applications

• US 6,241,045 B1
• Filed: 11/12/1999
• Issued: 06/05/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Steven E. Reeve
• Original Assignee: Steven E. Reeve
• Inventors: Reeve, Steven E., Reeve, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHIN SHUE, ALVIN C
• Application Number:
  US09/439,926
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 182/9, 182/3, 182/142, 182/133, 248/289.11, 248/125.7, 248/230.5
• US Class Current: 182/9
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 35/0093 Fall arrest reel devices

Abstract

A novel fall protection apparatus is described wherein a worker can climb a pole, while maneuvering about the pole as he climbs. This structure enables the worker to both ascend and descend, but be protected upon an accidental fall from the pole. In particular, the arrangement prevents the worker from falling more than a couple of feet, and at the same time holds the worker away from the pole by an amount sufficient to prevent injuries caused by banging into the pole. This structure is especially beneficial in training new workers to climb poles for work, as well as requalifying previously trained workers.

Claims

1. An anchoring apparatus for fall protection during climbing of a vertically extending structure, comprising:

a releasable and adjustable mounting structure that includes a pair of spaced collars adjustable attached by fasteners to a mounting bracket that includes a pair of mounting flanges, said collars adapted to adjustably clamp the bracket to the vertically extending structure;

an arm having at one end a tubular portion that is rotatably attached with a pin assemblv to the mounting bracket between the flanges; and

a safety line extending from the other end of said arm.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said safety line is fixed to said arm through means for reversibly reeling said safety line inwardly and outwardly.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said means moves said safety line smoothly when pulled slowly, and abruptly stops said safety line when pulled suddenly.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said arm swings about said bracket for up to 250 degrees.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said arm extends for a length from said bracket to said end.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherin said length is about 36 inches.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said safety line connects to a means for reversibly reeling said safety line smoothly inwardly and outwardly, and includes a locking means for preventing rapid release of said line when pulled suddenly.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said safety line is attached to said arm at a distance from said bracket.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said distance is sufficient to prevent said worker from striking said vertically extending structure in the event of a fall.

10. A vertical utility pole mounted device for preventing accidental falls of a utility worker during ascent, utility maintenance, and descent of the pole, comprising:

a releasable and adjustable mounting structure that includes a pair of spaced collars adjustable attached by fasteners to a mounting bracket that includes a pair of mountings flanges, said collars adapted to adjustable clamp the bracket to the utility pole;

an arm member depending from and rotatably mounted to the mounting structure to rotate about a portion of a full circular range of motion and having at one end a tubular portion that is rotatably attached to the mounting bracket between the flanges with a pin; and

a holding structure attached to an end of thc arm membcr and that includes a life line structure with a deployable and retractable safety line, the life line structure further incorporating a locking link member connecting the safety line to the life line structure and operative to prevent the accidental fall of the utility worker.

11. A fall prevention device mountable to a vertically projecting utility pole for preventing the accidental fall of a utility worker engaged in maintaining utilities on the pole, comprising:

a releasable and adjustable mounting structure that includes a pair of spaced collars adjustably attached by fasteners to a mounting bracket that includes a pair of mounting flanges, said collars adapted to adjustably clamp the bracket to the utility pole;

an arm member mounted to the mounting structure and having at one end a tubular portion that is rotatably attached to the mounting bracket between the flanges with a pin and which is operative to rotate through a segment of a 360 degree range of motion; and

a holding structure attached to an end of the arm member that includes a life line structure having a locking link connecting a deployable and retractable safety line to the life line structure.

12. An apparatus for preventing accidental fall of a worker maintaining utilities on a utility pole having a variable diameter along a vertical axis, comprising:

an adjustably and releasably mounted frame structure, adapted to mount at any point about the vertical axis of the pole, that includes a pair of spaced collars adiustably attached by fasteners to a mounting bracket that includes a pair of mounting flanges, said collars adapted to adiustably clamp the bracket to the utility pole;

an arm member mounted with a pin assembly to the frame structure to rotatably project outwardly from the pole and including a distal end and having at the other end a tubular portion that is rotatably attached to the mounting bracket between the flanges with the pin assembly; and

a holding structure mounted to the distal end and which incorporates a life line structure configured with a deployable and retractable safety line adapted to prevent the rapid deployment of the safety line and protect the worker from an accidental fall.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the arm member is rotatable through a range of motion that is approximately 250 degrees of a full circular range of motion.