Aerialift safety device and fall restraint

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10099909-B2
Application number	US-201615155784-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	May 16, 2016
Priority date	May 15, 2015
Publication date	Oct 16, 2018
Grant date	Oct 16, 2018

Abstract

Systems, methods and apparatus to increase the frequency and/or probability of use of a personal safety device, and to reduce the probability that a person is exposed to a dangerous situation unless and until a safety device has been engaged. One apparatus includes an alarm that is activated by the use of a mechanized instrument to remind a worker using the instrument to engage a safety device before proceeding to use the instrument, and an actuator for a switch that can be used by the worker to deactivate the alarm. Another apparatus includes a switch to prevent operation of a mechanized instrument unless a safety device is engaged by a worker using the device, and an actuator for a switch that can be used by the worker to permit operation of the instrument. In a mechanized instrument, another apparatus includes a plurality of sensors that measure distances between themselves, and a microprocessor to activate an alarm concerning engagement of a safety device before operation of the instrument and/or to prevent use of the instrument until a safety device is engaged.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. An apparatus for personal protection from dangers potentially associated with using a mechanized instrument in situations in which bodily restraint is needed, comprising:
(a) an alarm to warn of a dangerous situation;
(b) a switch to deactivate the alarm, wherein the switch further comprises a sensor;
(c) an actuator to operate the switch, wherein the actuator comprises a metal pin;
(d) an engagement fixture that engages a safety device with a structure at a point of engagement;
(e) an antenna mounted proximate the switch;
(f) wherein the safety device comprises a harness adapted to receive a human operator, wherein the harness is contiguous with a Y-lanyard, wherein the harness is adapted to be worn on any potentially received human operator and the Y-lanyard is distal from and worn on the potentially received human operator;
(g) a holster with a holder mounted on the lanyard;
wherein the engagement fixture is on an end of the Y-lanyard;
wherein the metal pin is on another end of the Y-lanyard;
wherein in a first position the metal pin is inserted into the switch, and wherein in a second position the metal pin is engaged in the holder of the holster;
wherein engagement of the safety device reduces the danger presented by the situation; and
wherein the metal pin constitutes a first component, and the engagement fixture constitutes a second, separate component.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the metal pin contacts the switch to operate the switch.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the metal pin creates a magnetic field, and the sensor detects the magnetic field.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the sensor detects motion of the magnetic field.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the engagement fixture comprises two inter-cooperating parts.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein one part of the two inter-cooperating parts is attached to the safety device, and the other of the two parts is attached to the structure.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the sensor is a RFID chip.

8. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the alarm comprises as audible alarm and a visual alarm mounted on a truck, and wherein the truck includes a moveable component mounted to the truck.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the switch, the sensor and the actuator are all mounted on the moveable component.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the moveable component comprises a bucket.

Assignees

• Quanta Ass Lp
• Quanta Associates Lp

Inventors

• Steedley Steve Antonio

Classifications

• B66F17/006 Primary

  for working platforms · CPC title

• B66F11/044

  Working platforms suspended from booms · CPC title