Tool Safety System
Patent Number: US 11030878 Grant Date: 2021-06-08 Filing Date: 2020-02-10
Overview
This patent describes a tether tracking system designed to secure and monitor tools to prevent drops and accidents at elevated worksites. Filed on February 10, 2020 and granted on June 8, 2021, the disclosure reflects careful drafting to protect a hybrid mechanical-electrical safety solution. Developed by inventors based in Liberty, TX and College Station, TX for an applicant based in Cypress, TX, the system combines reinforced straps, modular hooks and anchors, and embedded conductive lines to create an auditable, real‑time check that tools remain properly tethered. A compact controller monitors grounding signals carried through the straps and hook anchors; if none of the monitored lines are grounded, the controller issues an alarm locally or over a network to supervisors, and logged events can be stored on a server for compliance and incident analysis. The specification supports multiple embodiments including harness integration, tool bags housing the controller, and optional device applications for remote alerts.
Key Features
- Integrated conductive lines within strap material for real‑time grounding detection
- Controller logic that issues audible or networked alarms when tethers are not grounded
- Modular hooks, tool straps, and anchor points to support single or multiple tools
- Optional server/app connectivity for event logging, supervision, and compliance reporting
This invention advances fall‑protection and tool‑control practices by merging rugged mechanical components with electronic monitoring, offering measurable safety improvements for construction and industrial environments.
Invention Details
Abstract: A tether tracking system configured to secure and monitor a one or more tools to prevent drops and accidents by a worker. The tether tracking system comprises a base portion, a two or more straps, a one or more hooks, a tool strap and a one or more hook anchors. The two or more straps comprise at least a first strap and a second strap. The first strap comprises a first end and a second end. The second strap comprises a first end and a second end. The two or more straps are attached to the base portion with the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap attached to the base portion. The first end of the second strap is attached to the tool strap. The tool strap is configured to selectively attach to one among a one or more tool tethers.
Summary of the Invention: A tether tracking system configured to secure and monitor a one or more tools to prevent drops and accidents by a worker. Said tether tracking system comprises a base portion, a two or more straps, a one or more hooks, a tool strap and a one or more hook anchors. Said two or more straps comprise at least a first strap and a second strap. Said first strap comprises a first end and a second end. Said second strap comprises a first end and a second end. Said two or more straps are attached to said base portion with said second end of said first strap and said second end of said second strap attached to said base portion. Said first end of said second strap is attached to said tool strap. Said tool strap is configured to selectively attach to one among a one or more tool tethers. Said one or more hook anchors comprise at least a first hook anchor. Said one or more hooks comprise at least a first hook. Said first end of said first strap is attached to said first hook. each among said one or more hooks are configured to selectively attach to said one or more hook anchors. Said tether tracking system is configured to monitor safety conditions of said one or more tools by: attaching a controller between a two or more ground signals on a two or more lines. monitoring said two or more ground signals to ensure that at least one of said two or more lines are grounded. sending an alarm signal with said controller when a monitoring step determines none of said two or more lines are grounded to said two or more ground signals. Said two or more ground signals are associated with at least said one or more hook anchors. Said two or more lines are integrated into said two or more straps.
Patent Document
Related: Computer Science & Software | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Safety Systems | Software And Electronics | College Station, Texas | Cypress, Texas | Liberty, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney