Fire escape – ladder – or scaffold – Torso harness – Strand-engaging – with descent retarder
Patent
1997-04-21
1999-09-21
Chin-Shue, Alvin
Fire escape, ladder, or scaffold
Torso harness
Strand-engaging, with descent retarder
182 93, 188 655, A63B 2900
Patent
active
059541539
ABSTRACT:
A descender for use in abseiling comprises;
a base having a connection means for connection to a harness or the like; and a pivotal member pivotally mounted on the base about a pivot axis extending generally normal thereto, the pivot axis being spaced from the connection means.
The pivotal member defines first and second spaced sheaves for engaging a rope, extending generally parallel to the pivot axis. The first sheave is disposed about the pivot axis and the second sheave is located substantially on the opposite side of the pivot axis with respect to the connection means. The pivotal member also has a handle means to selectively pivot the pivotal member relative to the base;
The base further has a first stop defining a braking surface located adjacent the second projection which limits movement of the pivotal member; and a further, second stop disposed adjacent the first stop at a greater distance from the second projection than the first stop.
In use, a rope passing around and between the first and second projections and between the second projection and the first stop, and between the first stop and the second stop will have a resistance force applied thereto which is at a maximum when the handle means is released and the tension of the rope causes the second projection to bear against the first stop which presses the rope between the braking surface and the second projection. The resistance force can be controlled by moving the tail of the rope as it emerges from the descender between the first stop and the second stop.
REFERENCES:
patent: 383211 (1888-05-01), Calkins
patent: 785202 (1905-03-01), Dalquist
patent: 1216041 (1917-02-01), Abramson
patent: 4596314 (1986-06-01), Rogelja
patent: 5597052 (1997-01-01), Rogelja
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