SAFETY RAIL AND SAFETY SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING FALL

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a safety rail being part of a system for preventing a person from falling, wherein the safety rail is arranged to be mounted along a passage on a structure, wherein the safety rail is arranged for co-operation with a moveable traveller having a fastener for co-operation with a safety line being connected to the person, and wherein the safety rail has means for locking the traveller in a locking direction. The invention also concerns a system including a safety rail and at least one traveller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is widely previously known to arrange fastening devices for safety hooks for safety lines on building roofs in order to avoid fatal falls from said buildings. Such fastening points can be different types of safety railings, bracket fasteners, ladders etc. One problem with previously known fastening devices is that a roof worker has to manually replace his safety line when passing brackets and the like that interrupts the continuity of an elongate fastening device such as for example a railing.

[0003] In order to avoid such problems it is previously known two arrange safety wires with specialized spaced fastening devices and travellers that are constructed such that they can automatically pass such a fastening device without having to disengage the with. This arrangement is, however, expensive and complicated and not faultless in every situation.

[0004] As examples of the background art can be mentioned US 2010/0012426 A1 and US 4,269,284. DE 20 2009 005 417 U1 shows a safety rail with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

AIM AND MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a safety rail and a system as mentioned initially wherein the problems of the background art are at least reduced.

[0006] This aim is achieved with a safety rail according to claim 1. The invention is distinguished in that the first longitudinal edge exhibits a plurality of hook elements each one with a hook surface that forms an acute angle with respect to the extension of the safety rail directed essentially opposite to the locking direction, the hook surface being arranged for locking engagement with a portion of the traveller, that the second longitudinal edge extends with a stretched-out meander shape with alternating inward bends and outward protrusions, that each inward bend and each hook element are positioned opposite to each other, and that each outward protrusion is positioned opposite to a portion between two hook elements. These hook elements are hereby neighboring.

[0007] By the hook elements on the first longitudinal edge in combination with the particular extended meander shape on the second longitudinal edge it is achieved that the traveller, during passage on an outward protrusion is aligned respectively displaced sideways respectively angled such that the traveller will effectively come into locking engagement with the hook surface of a neighboring hook element.

[0008] The safety line is thereby effectively blocked after already a very short movement of the traveller, whereby the falling person will be effectively caught. In particular, the outward protrusions of the safety rail will provide a displacement of a falling or uncontrolled downwardly moving traveller in the direction of safely being able to be caught by the hook surface.

[0009] This is because the entire traveller will be displaced sideways by the outward protrusion such that the portion of the traveller being subject to engagement with the hook surface will be displaced closer to a portion of the safety rail between two hook elements. During the continued fast fall movement, the traveller will thereupon be maintained in such a position relative to the safety rail. A further function of the outward protrusions is a tendency of re-angling the traveller relative to the safety rail resulting in effective engagement with the hook surface and avoiding that the worker is injured.

[0010] An important advantage of the invention is that a traveller without moveable parts can be used for providing the locking. Hereby problems are avoided related to parts jamming because of intrusion of dirt, freezing water etc. The construction will become robust, reliable and economically advantageous. One great advantage is for use on masts, wherein very long safety rails can be installed in a simple manner and at a low cost. Loops surrounding ladders for safety reasons can be dispensed with.

[0011] As preferred alternatives, the second longitudinal edge extends shallow sinus-shaped or shallow zigzag-shaped or in a meander curve form described by circular arc portions or in a combination of these alternatives. According to the invention, the hook surface forms an open angle opposite to the locking direction to an extension direction of the safety rail, wherein said angle is an acute angle and preferably between 60° and 90° to the extension direction.

[0012] It is suitable that the safety rail exhibits means for attachment thereof on a roof ladder, a building wall, a mast or a bracket arrangement. Said means are suitably fastening holes for passage of fastening elements, protruding angle arms or bolts etc.

[0013] The invention also relates to a system according to claim 5, for protecting a person from fatal falls from a structure including at least one above described safety rail according to the invention, and at least one traveller, wherein the traveller exhibits a fastener for co-operation with a safety line being connected to the person, wherein the traveller is arranged to be moveable along the safety rail according to the above and the traveller is arranged to be locked in a locking direction on the safety rail. The fastener is arranged on a portion of the traveller being positioned sideways of the fastener and essentially in line with an main plane through a space for form-fitting reception of the safety rail. The traveller exhibits a portion for locking engagement with hook surfaces. Advantages corresponding to the inventive safety rail are obtained with respect to the system. Suitably the traveller along its length is provided with an opening to said space for passage of fastening means during movement of the traveller along the safety rail. With "length" is here intended in parallel with a main direction of the traveller and with the general direction of the extension of a safety rail when the traveller is aligned therewith.

[0014] Furthermore, the traveller exhibits an extension of said space opposite to said opening for the passage of screw/rivet heads/nuts etc.

[0015] The fastener preferably has a cut-out with an extension in a direction in parallel with a main direction of said space for allowing that a fastening means of the safety line is moveably received in respect of said main direction of the traveller.

[0016] The cut-out is suitably a slot whereof a first portion, being closest to said portion for locking engagement, extends essentially crosswise to said main direction, and whereof a second portion forms an acute angle with said main direction, wherein a catch means for holding the fastening means of the safety line at tension forces up to a predetermined level is arranged in the region of the first portion. By adjusting the point of attachment of the point of action of the pulling force from the safety line on the traveller, convenient passage of the traveller past the hook elements can hereby be ensured. In case of a fall, in particular a fall with a higher speed component straight out from the safety rail, the fastening means of the safety line will, however, become free from the locking element such that the pulling force is re-localized to a part of the traveller at the greatest distance from the portion of the traveller intended for engagement with a hook surface such that safe engagement is guaranteed.

[0017] The cut-out can also be limited by a loop portion, which extends essentially along said main direction.

[0018] Also other arrangements for re-positioning the pulling force in case of a fall are within the scope of the invention.

[0019] Preferably the traveller carries an energy absorbing fall damper arranged between the traveller and the safety line in order to avoid harmful jerks in the safety line when it is stretched after a fall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will now be described in a greater detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates a system according to the invention with a traveller shown in different positions on a safety rail,

Fig. 2 shows the traveller in an end view,

Fig. 3 shows a system according to the invention arranged on a building structure,

Figs. 4a, b and c show an alternatively constructed traveller having a fall shock absorber in different positions, and

Fig. 5 shows further alternatively constructed traveller.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Like elements have been allotted the same reference numerals.

[0022] Fig. 1 illustrates a system according to the invention including a safety rail 2, whereon is form-fit positioned a traveller 3 with a fastener 4 for reception of a spring hook, a fastener means of bolt type or the like at the end of a safety line. Furthermore, the traveller 3 is shown in three different positions P1, P2 and P3 on the safety rail 2 for illustration of the inventive function which will be clarified in the following.

[0023] The safety rail 2 is generally elongated and strip-shaped such that it exhibits two wide sides, whereof one is shown in the side view in Fig. 1, and a first longitudinal edge K1 comprising a first thin side and a second longitudinal edge K2 comprising a second thin side of the safety rail 2.

[0024] The first longitudinal edge K1 comprises, at its side, a number of sideways protruding hook elements 7 distributed along its extension U, said hook elements 7 each comprising a hook surface 8 which is generally directed opposite to a locking directions S of the system. With locking direction S is intended that the traveller 3 is blocked against further movement in the direction S through engagement with a hook element 7.

[0025] From Fig. 1 is evident that each hook element 7 has a shallow flank allowing a traveller 3 to be moved conveniently passed the hook element 7 in a direction opposite to the locking direction S. The hook surface 8 is in the shown embodiment shown to be essentially plane and to form an angle α, which is open and acute, preferably between 60° and 90° to an extension direction U of the safety rail 2 and against the locking direction.

[0026] Each inward bend 6 and each hook element 7 are positioned opposite to each other and each outward protrusion 5 is positioned essentially opposite to a portion 10 between two hook elements. All together, the distance between outermost positioned points on the longitudinal sides K1 and K2 is in each cross section measured such, in relation to the dimension of the traveller, that the traveller is form-fit maintained on the safety rail 2 along its entire longitudinal extension.

[0027] In practice, hereby the degree of protrusion of the hook elements sideways corresponds to the degree of protrusion of the outward protrusions. The sideways dimension of the outward protrusions corresponds to the sideward distance between a line between the portion 10 and a line between the outermost ends of the hook elements.

[0028] The invention is most simply explained with reference to the positions P1, P2, P3 of the traveller 3 on the safety rail 2 shown in Fig. 1. In the uppermost position, P1, in Fig. 1, a part of the traveller 3 being opposite to the position of the fastener 4 has come to abut an upper flank of an outward protrusion 5. These results in a lining-up of the fastener 4 in the direction of angling the portion 18 of the traveller for engagement with a hook surface such at this portion 18 will be in direct proximity to a portion 10 between two protruding hook elements 7.

[0029] In the central position, P2, a traveller 3 has continued to move downwardly along the safety rail 2 and also an upper portion thereof has now been displaced such that the entire traveller 3 has been displaced to be essentially in direct vicinity of said portion 10 between two hook elements.

[0030] During the continued (uncontrolled) downward movement of the traveller caused by a fall, immediately following the central position, P2, of the traveller 3 in Fig. 1, the portion 18 will now immediately come into secure locking engagement with the hook surface 8, whereby further movement of the traveller 3 in the locking direction S is impossible. A person with a safety line connected to a traveller 3 will thereby be caught by the safety line and a fatal fall can be avoided.

[0031] The lower position, P3, in Fig. 1 of the traveller 3 illustrates how the traveller 3 can be brought to pass downwardly in a controlled manner passed a hook element 7 by letting the traveller move downwardly against an upward acting force from a safety line in the fastener 4 (shown with an interrupted line and indicated with 12).

[0032] Through the position of the fastener, the traveller 3 will now be tilted during its movement in the direction of the hook surface 8 such that the traveller 3 without problem can be brought to pass the hook element 7.

[0033] The fastener 4 has a cut-out 27 with an extension in the direction in parallel to a main direction H (see Fig. 5) of the space 17 (see Fig. 2, the main direction is at a right angle to the plane in Fig. 2) for allowing that a fastening means of the safety line is displaceably received in respect of the traveller in said main direction.

[0034] The cut-out 27 is limited by a loop-shaped portion, which extends essentially along said main direction.

[0035] The end view in Fig. 2 shows the shape of the traveller 3 in greater detail, whereby is understood that the fastener 4 is arranged sideways of a space 17 for receiving the safety rail 2 and in particular in line with a main plane H through this space 7 and a received safety rail. This is seen in a direction R at a right angle to the main plane H.

[0036] The space 17 exhibits an opening 19 for the passage of fastening elements such as screws that are used for fastening the safety rail 2 to a structure, a ladder, a set of brackets etc.

[0037] An extension 20 of the space 17 allows passage of screw heads, nuts or the like of said fastening elements.

[0038] Fig. 3 illustrates diagrammatically an arrangement of an inventive system on a building structure. A wall ladder 21 and a roof ladder 22 have each one being provided with elongated safety rails 2 placed at the sides and connected to each other. From the roof ladder 22 also extends an essentially horizontally adjoining safety rail 2 which here is fastened to a roof bridge 23 from the roof ladder 22 to a chimney on the building.

[0039] Between the wall ladder 21, the roof ladder 22 and the roof bridge 23 there are suitably arranged soft rounded transitions allowing a traveller 3 to be displaceable between the safety rail on the wall ladder 21 the safety rail 2 on the roof ladder 22 and the safety rail 2 on the roof bridge 23.

[0040] Figs. 4a, b and c show a differently constructed traveller 3 in different positions. The cut-out 27 in the fastener 4 also here has an extension in parallel to a main direction of said space 17 (see Fig. 2). In particular, in this embodiment, the cut-out 27 is a slot having a first portion 28 being closest to the portion 18 for locking engagement and extending essentially crosswise to said main direction. A second portion 29 of the slot 27 forms an acute angle β with said main direction, said angle being open opposite to the locking direction S. This second portion 29 of the slot 27 extends from the first portion 28 closest to the portion 18 for locking engagement to an opposite region of the traveller.

[0041] A catch device 30 in form of a spring loaded ball or the like in the fastener is arranged for co-operation with a groove-shaped recess (not shown), preferably in the form of a ring-shaped groove directed against the fastener 4 inside an element/a washer 25 belonging to the fastener means 24 for the safety line.

[0042] The catch device 30 is arranged to co-operate with said groove-shape recess for holding the fastening means 24 of the safety line at tension forces F in the safety line up to a predetermined level. This state is illustrated on Fig. 4a. An attachment point of the tension force F on the traveller is thereby such that a convenient movement on the safety rail is possible according to the above.

[0043] When the force F exceeds the predetermined level, co-operation between the catch device 30 and said recess in the element 25 will be released such that the fastening means 24 of the safety line and thereby the point of action of the falling force will be displaced to the end of the second portion 29 of the slot 27. This is illustrated on Fig. 4c. Hereby is ensured that the traveller in case of a fall is caught on the hook element 7 even if the force F should be excessively outwardly directed instead of what can be expected, to be more or less in parallel with the safety rail.

[0044] A fall damper 26 is positioned between the safety line and the traveller 3. It is in principle comprised of a bent-together metal rod or metal strip with a pair of inserted thin metal bridges. The aim of the fall damper is to allow energy absorption in case of a hard pull in the safety line in case of a fall, whereby the metal bridges are broken and the metal rod/metal strip is straightened out in an energy absorbing process.

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a further alternatively constructed and simplified traveller compared to the traveller according to Figs. 4a - c. The fastener 4 is here provided with two holes, a first hole 31 and a second hole 32 for alternative permanent attachment of the fastening means of the safety line. The traveller 3 in Fig. 5 is adapted for right and left mounting, i.e. with a free side of the rail 2 (see the above) on the first or the second side of the user. In case of a vertical rail, typically the lower one of the holes 31 and 32 is used for the fastening means of the safety line. Experience after extensive testing shows that such fastening in the lower one of two fastening holes that are correctly positioned allows faultless function of the function according to the invention.

[0046] The invention can be modified within the scope of the following claims. The curve being described by the second longitudinal edge K2 is meandering and can have different shapes whereof shallow sinus shaped or otherwise shallow rounded is preferred because it is then easy to move the traveller along the safety rail.

[0047] The traveller can be permanently applied to the safety rail for use of a worker. The traveller can also be brought along by a worker for attachment on the safety rail for a working cycle.

[0048] The rail is preferably manufactured from a metal plate material, the traveller from an extrusion formed profile of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or of bent plate material in one piece, whereby the fastener is formed through milling, drilling, punching or the like.

Claims

1. Safety rail (2) for a system of protecting a person from fatal falls from a structure, wherein the safety rail (2) is elongated and generally strip shaped and arranged for fastening along a passage (21,22,23) on said structure, wherein the safety rail (2) comprises a first and a second longitudinal edge (K1,K2) arranged at opposite sides of the safety rail (2), wherein the safety rail (2) is arranged for co-operation with a moveable traveller (3) having a fastener (4) for co-operation with a safety line being connected to said person, and wherein the safety rail (2) exhibits means for locking the traveller (3) in a locking direction (S), characterized in

- that the first longitudinal edge (K1) exhibits a plurality of hook elements (7) distributed along an extension (U) of the safety rail each one with a hook surface (8) that forms an acute angle (α) with respect to said extension (U) of the safety rail (2) directed essentially opposite to the locking direction (S), the hook surfaces (8) being arranged for locking engagement with a portion (18) of the traveller (3),

- that the second longitudinal edge (K2) extends with a stretched-out meander shape with alternating inward bends (6) and outward protrusions (5),

- that each inward bend (6) and each hook element (7) are positioned opposite to each other, and

- that each outward protrusion (5) is positioned opposite to a portion (10) between two hook elements (7).

2. Safety rail according to claim 1,
characterized in

- that the second longitudinal edge (K2) extends shallow sinus-shaped or shallow zigzag-shaped or in a meander curve form described by circular arc portions or in a combination of these alternatives.

3. Safety rail according to anyone of claims 1 or 2, chara cterized in that said acute angle (α) is between 60° and 90°.

4. Safety rail according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in

- that the safety rail (2) exhibits means (9) for attachment thereof on a roof ladder, a building wall, a mast or a bracket arrangement.

5. System for protecting a person from fatal falls from a structure including at least one safety rail (2) according to any one of the claims 1- 4 and at least one traveller (3), wherein the traveller exhibits a fastener (4) for co-operation with a safety line being connected to the person, and wherein the traveller (3) is arranged to be moveable along the safety rail (2) according to any one of the claims 1 - 4, being arranged along the passage (21,22,23) on the structure, and wherein the traveller (3) is arranged to be locked in the locking direction (S) on the safety rail (2), characterized in

- that the fastener (4) is arranged on an outer portion of the traveller that extends sideways of the traveller and essentially in line with a main plane (H) of a space (17) for form-fitting reception of the safety rail (2), and

- that the traveller (3) exhibits a portion (18) for locking engagement with hook surfaces (8).

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in

- that the traveller (3) along its length is provided with an opening (19) to said space (17) for passage of fastening means during movement of the traveller (3) along the safety rail (2) .

7. System according to claim 6, characterized in

- that the traveller (3) exhibits an extension (20) of said space (17) opposite to said opening (19).

8. System according to any one of the claims 5 - 7 ,
characterized in

- that the fastener (4) has a cut-out with an extension in a direction in parallel with a main direction of said space (17) for allowing that a fastening means (24) of the safety line is moveably received in respect of said main direction of the traveller.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in

- that the cut-out is a slot whereof a first portion, being closest to said portion (18) for locking engagement, extends essentially crosswise to said main direction, and whereof a second portion forms an acute angle with said main direction, wherein a catch means for holding the fastening means (24) of the safety line at tension forces up to a predetermined level is arranged in the region of the first portion.

10. System according to claim 8, characterized in

- that the cut-out is limited by a loop portion, which extends essentially along said main direction.

11. System according to any one of the claims 5 - 10, characterized in

- that the traveller (3) carries an energy absorbing fall damper arranged between the traveller and the safety line.

Ansprüche

1. Sicherheitsgeländer (2) für ein System zum Schützen einer Person vor fatalen Abstürzen von einer Struktur, wobei das Sicherheitsgeländer (2) länglich und allgemein Leistenförmig und zur Befestigung entlang einem Kanal (21, 22, 23) an der Struktur angeordnet ist, wobei das Sicherheitsgeländer (2) einen ersten und einen zweiten Längsrand (K1, K2) umfasst, die auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Sicherheitsgeländers (2) angeordnet sind, wobei das Sicherheitsgeländer (2) zur Zusammenwirkung mit einer beweglichen Laufkatze (3) angeordnet ist, die ein Befestigungsmittel (4) zur Zusammenwirkung mit einem mit der Person verbundenen Sicherheitsseil aufweist, und wobei das Sicherheitsgeländer (2) Mittel zum Verriegeln der Laufkatze (3) in einer Verriegelungsrichtung (S) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass der erste Längsrand (K1) mehrere entlang einer Erweiterung (U) des Sicherheitsgeländers verteilte Hakenelemente (7) aufweist, jeweils mit einer Hakenfläche (8), die einen spitzen Winkel (α) mit der Erweiterung (U) des Sicherheitsgeländers (2) im Wesentlichen der Verriegelungsrichtung (S) entgegengesetzt ausgerichtet bildet, wobei die Hakenflächen (8) zum Verriegelungseingriff mit einem Abschnitt (18) der Laufkatze (3) angeordnet sind,

- dass sich der zweite Längsrand (K2) in einer ausgedehnten Schlängelform mit abwechselnden Innenbiegungen (6) und Außenvorsprüngen (5) erstreckt,

- dass jede Innenbiegung (6) und jedes Hakenelement (7) einander gegenüber positioniert sind, und

- dass jeder Außenvorsprung (5) gegenüber einem Abschnitt (10) zwischen zwei Hakenelementen (7) positioniert ist.

2. Sicherheitsgeländer nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass sich der zweite Längsrand (K2) leicht sinusförmig oder leicht zickzackförmig oder in einer Schlängelkurvenform, die durch Kreisbogenabschnitte beschrieben wird, oder in einer Kombination aus diesen Alternativen erstreckt.

3. Sicherheitsgeländer nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der spitze Winkel (α) zwischen 60° und 90° liegt.

4. Sicherheitsgeländer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass das Sicherheitsgeländer (2) Mittel (9) zur Befestigung dessen an einer Dachleiter, einer Gebäudewand, einem Mast oder einer Halterungsanordnung aufweist.

5. System zum Schützen einer Person vor fatalen Abstürzen von einer Struktur, das mindestens ein Sicherheitsgeländer (2) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4 und mindestens eine Laufkatze (3) umfasst, wobei die Laufkatze ein Befestigungsmittel (4) zum Zusammenwirken mit einem mit der Person verbundenen Sicherheitsseil aufweist und wobei die Laufkatze (3) dahingehend angeordnet ist, entlang dem Sicherheitsgeländer (2) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, das entlang dem Kanal (21, 22, 23) an der Struktur befestigt ist, bewegbar zu sein, und wobei die Laufkatze (3) dahingehend angeordnet ist, in der Verriegelungsrichtung (S) an dem Sicherheitsgeländer (2) verriegelt zu werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass das Befestigungsmittel (4) an einem äußeren Abschnitt der Laufkatze angeordnet ist, der sich seitlich der Laufkatze und im Wesentlichen in Ausrichtung auf eine Hauptebene (H) eines Raums (17) zur formschlüssigen Aufnahme des Sicherheitsgeländers (2) erstreckt, und

- dass die Laufkatze (3) einen Abschnitt (18) zum Verriegelungseingriff mit Hakenflächen (8) aufweist.

6. System nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass die Laufkatze (3) entlang ihrer Länge mit einer Öffnung (19) in den Raum (17) zum Hindurchführen von Befestigungsmitteln während einer Bewegung der Laufkatze (3) entlang dem Sicherheitsgeländer (2) versehen ist.

7. System nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass die Laufkatze (3) eine Erweiterung (20) des Raums (17) gegenüber der Öffnung (19) aufweist.

8. System nach einem der Ansprüche 5-7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass das Befestigungsmittel (4) einen Ausschnitt mit einer Erstreckung in einer Richtung parallel zu einer Hauptrichtung des Raums (17) zum Gestatten einer beweglichen Aufnahme eines Befestigungsmittels (24) des Sicherheitsseils bezüglich der Hauptrichtung der Laufkatze aufweist.

9. System nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass der Ausschnitt ein Schlitz ist, von dem sich ein erster Abschnitt, der sich dem Abschnitt (18) zum Verriegelungseingriff am nächsten befindet, im Wesentlichen quer zur Hauptrichtung erstreckt und von dem ein zweiter Abschnitt einen spitzen Winkel mit der Hauptrichtung bildet, wobei ein Arretierungsmittel zum Halten des Befestigungsmittels (24) des Sicherheitsseils unter Spannungskräften bis zu einer vorbestimmten Höhe in dem Bereich des ersten Abschnitts angeordnet ist.

10. System nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass der Ausschnitt durch einen Schlaufenabschnitt begrenzt wird, der sich im Wesentlichen entlang der Hauptrichtung erstreckt.

11. System nach einem der Ansprüche 5-10,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,

- dass die Laufkatze (3) einen energieaufnehmenden Sturzdämpfer trägt, der zwischen der Laufkatze und dem Sicherheitsseil angeordnet ist.

Revendications

1. Rail de sécurité (2) pour un système pour protéger une personne contre des chutes fatales à partir d'une structure, dans lequel le rail de sécurité (2) est allongé et essentiellement en forme de bande et est agencé de manière à être fixé le long d'un passage (21, 22, 23) sur ladite structure, dans lequel le rail de sécurité (2) comprend un premier et un second bords longitudinaux (K1, K2) agencés sur des côtés opposés du rail de sécurité (2), dans lequel le rail de sécurité (2) est agencé de manière à coopérer avec un curseur mobile (3) comprenant un élément de fixation (4) prévu pour coopérer avec une ligne de sécurité qui est connectée à ladite personne, et dans lequel le rail de sécurité (2) comprend des moyens pour verrouiller le curseur (3) dans une direction de verrouillage (S),
caractérisé en ce que le premier bord longitudinal (K1) comprend une pluralité d'éléments de crochet (7) distribués le long d'une extension (U) du rail de sécurité, présentant chacun une surface d'accrochage (8) qui forme un angle aigu (α) par rapport à ladite extension (U) du rail de sécurité (2) orientée essentiellement à l'opposé de la direction de verrouillage (S), les surfaces d'accrochage (8) étant agencées de manière à réaliser un engagement de verrouillage avec une partie (18) du curseur (3),
en ce que le second bord longitudinal (K2) s'étend avec une forme de méandre étiré présentant en alternance des coudes vers l'intérieur (6) et des saillies vers l'extérieur (5),
en ce que chaque coude vers l'intérieur (6) et chacun élément de crochet (7) sont positionnés l'un en face de l'autre, et
en ce que chaque saillie vers l'extérieur (5) est positionnée en face d'une partie (10) entre deux éléments de crochet (7).

2. Rail de sécurité selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le second bord longitudinal (K2) s'étend sous une forme sinusoïdale superficielle ou sous la forme d'un zigzag superficiel ou sous une forme courbe en méandre décrite par des parties d'arc circulaires ou dans une combinaison de ces alternatives.

3. Rail de sécurité selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit angle aigu (α) est compris entre 60° et 90°.

4. Rail de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé ce que le rail de sécurité (2) comprend des moyens (9) pour attacher celui-ci sur une échelle de toit, une mur de bâtiment, un mât ou un agencement de console.

5. Système pour protéger une personne contre des chutes fatales à partir d'une structure, comprenant au moins un rail de sécurité (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4 et au moins un curseur (3), dans lequel le curseur comprend un élément de fixation (4) destiné à coopérer avec une ligne de sécurité connectée à la personne, dans lequel le curseur (3) est agencé de manière à se déplacer le long d'un rail de sécurité (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, qui est agencé le long du passage (21, 22, 23) sur la structure, et dans lequel le curseur (3) est agencé de manière à être verrouillé dans une direction de verrouillage (S) sur le rail de sécurité (2),
caractérisé en ce que l'élément de fixation (4) est agencé sur une partie extérieure du curseur qui s'étend latéralement au curseur et essentiellement en ligne avec un plan principal (H) à travers un espace (17) prévu pour une réception à ajustement conforme du rail de sécurité (2), et
en ce que le curseur (3) comprend une partie (18) pour réaliser un engagement de verrouillage avec des surfaces d'accrochage (8).

6. Système selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le curseur (3) le long de sa longueur comporte une ouverture (19) vers ledit espace (17) pour le passage de moyens de fixation pendant le déplacement du curseur (3) le long du rail de sécurité (2).

7. Système selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le curseur (3) comprend une extension (20) dudit espace (17) opposée à ladite ouverture (19).

8. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 7, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de fixation (4) présente une découpe avec une extension dans une direction parallèle à une direction principale dudit espace (17) afin de permettre que des moyens de fixation (24) de la ligne de sécurité soient reçus de façon mobile par rapport à ladite direction principale du curseur.

9. Système selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la découpe est un fente dont une première partie, qui est plus proche de ladite partie (18) prévue pour réaliser un engagement de verrouillage, s'étend essentiellement transversalement à ladite direction principale, et dont une seconde partie forme un angle aigu avec ladite direction principale, dans lequel des moyens de retenue pour maintenir les moyens de fixation (24) de la ligne de sécurité à un niveau prédéterminé de forces de tension sont agencés dans la région de la première partie.

10. Système selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la découpe est limitée par une partie de boucle, qui s'étend essentiellement le long de ladite direction principale.

11. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le curseur (3) comporte un amortisseur de chute absorbeur d'énergie qui est agencé entre le curseur et la ligne de sécurité.

Drawing