WO2017032975A1

WO2017032975A1 - Carabiner and fall arrest system

Info

Publication number: WO2017032975A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/052472
Authority: WO
Inventors: Owain Jones; Karl Jones
Original assignee: Latchways Plc
Priority date: 2015-08-21
Filing date: 2016-08-09
Publication date: 2017-03-02
Also published as: GB201514915D0; GB2541457A

Abstract

A carabiner (1) for a fall arrest system (30), including: a frame (16); and an openable gate (17) attached to the frame (16) and configured to be moved from an open position, wherein at least one harness connector (2) and at least one fall arrest device (4,5) can be attached to or detached from the frame (16), and a closed position, wherein the at least one harness connector (2) and the at least one fall arrest device (4,5) can be secured to the frame (16); wherein the frame (16) comprises at least one shaped portion (34) configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship when the at least one harness connector (2) is secured to the frame (16) and during operation. A fall arrest system (30) is also disclosed.

Description

CARABINER AND FALL ARREST SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to GB Application Serial No. 1514915.6, entitled "A Karabiner," filed August 21, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to a carabiner for use in a fall arrest system, and more particularly to a carabiner and fall arrest system that provides a secure connection to fall arrest devices for users working in specified environments and applications, such as an operator working at height.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Fall arrest systems and devices, e.g., self-retracting lanyards and harnesses, are used to prevent personnel working at heights from suffering injury as a result of falling or other such events. Fall arrest systems are often referred to as height safety systems or fall protection systems. For example, such fall arrest systems may be used in such applications as skyscraper window cleaning, maintenance activities, construction operations, and/or in various embodiments where there is a risk of falling from some height. In order to effectively use such a fall arrest device, it must be secured or anchored to some immovable structure, such as a building, a railing, an embedded anchor point, and the like. Accordingly, in the event of a fall, the fall arrest device, which is attached to the user's harness via a carabiner or similar connector, includes a safety line with a connector, e.g., a carabiner, attached to the anchor point, which brakes or arrests the user's fall using this immovable anchor point.

[0004] Individuals working in such environments require safety equipment that allows them to perform operations in an ergonomic manner without the risk of falling or injury. In many cases, these workers need to be connected to more than one anchor point or fall arrest device simultaneously. Therefore, various devices and systems have been developed to provide a device or system that securely attaches to a fall-safety harness worn by a user, and connects the user to more than one anchor point, lifeline, system, or other safety device. One exemplary system is the commercially-available Miller Twin Turbo with G2 Twin Connector. This system is described in U.S. Publication No. 2014/0331459 and includes a twin connector carabiner through which harness straps pass, and also to which twin lifelines can be attached. Accordingly, the user can move around a space ensuring that, at all times, at least one of the twin lifelines is connected to a suitable anchor point. The twin connector carabiner disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2014/0331459 utilizes a carabiner and a "D-pad," which connects the carabiner to a D-ring on a fall protection harness.

[0005] There is a need in the art for improved carabiners and fall arrest systems that facilitate the connection of the user (via his or her harness) to multiple anchor points while engaging in the desired activity or environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly and generally, provided is an improved carabiner for use in connection with a fall arrest device or in a fall arrest system. Preferably, provided is an improved carabiner for use in connection with a fall arrest system that beneficially orients the carabiner and at least one harness connector with respect to each other.

[0007] According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a carabiner for a fall arrest system, comprising: a frame; and an openable gate attached to the frame and configured to be moved from an open position, wherein at least one harness connector and at least one fall arrest device can be attached to or detached from the frame, and a closed position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be secured to the frame; wherein the frame comprises at least one shaped portion configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship when the at least one harness connector is secured to the frame and during operation.

[0008] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion comprises a bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other side of the carabiner.

[0009] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion is positioned on the frame substantially opposite the gate.

[0010] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion comprises a substantially S-shaped portion. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the substantially S-shaped portion is oriented in a substantially transverse plane with respect to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the transverse plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the transverse plane is substantially horizontal and the plane of the remaining portions of the frame is substantially vertical. [0011] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion comprises a hanger portion configured to receive and contact the at least one harness connector. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, at least a portion of the hanger portion is oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0012] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one fall arrest device comprises a plurality of fall arrest devices.

[0013] According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a fall arrest system, comprising: a harness arrangement removably attachable to a user and having at least one harness connector; at least one fall arrest device having a safety line (either fixed or extendable) having a connector on an end thereof, the connector configured to be secured to an anchor point; and a carabiner, comprising (i) a frame; and (ii) an openable gate attached to the frame and configured to be moved from an open position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be attached to or detached from the frame, and a closed position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be secured to the frame; wherein the frame comprises at least one shaped portion configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship when the at least one harness connector is secured to the frame and during operation.

[0014] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion comprises a bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other side of the carabiner.

[0015] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion is positioned on the frame substantially opposite the gate.

[0016] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion comprises a substantially S-shaped portion. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the substantially S-shaped portion is oriented in a substantially transverse plane with respect to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the transverse plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the transverse plane is substantially horizontal and the plane of the remaining portions of the frame is substantially vertical.

[0017] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion comprises a hanger portion configured to receive and contact the at least one harness connector. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, at least a portion of the hanger portion is oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0018] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one fall arrest device comprises a plurality of fall arrest devices.

[0019] According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a carabiner, comprising: a frame; and an openable gate; wherein the frame includes a bridge portion configured to bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other.

[0020] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the bridge portion is positioned opposite to the gate.

[0021] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the gate has a longitudinal or rotational axis, and the bridge portion is arranged to bridge from one side of the gate axis to the other.

[0022] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the bridge portion is curved.

[0023] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the bridge portion is curved to form a hanging loop.

[0024] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the bridge portion is substantially at right angles to the axis of the gate.

[0025] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the carabiner further includes in-line frame portions extending from the gate in opposed directions substantially inline with one another, wherein the in-line portions connect with respective outwardly directed portions, and wherein the outwardly directed portions are connected by the bridge portion of the frame.

[0026] According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a carabiner as described above, wherein the carabiner is connected to one or more self- retracting fall arrest devices and/or a harness connector of a personal safety harness.

[0027] Further embodiments or aspects will now be described in the following numbered clauses.

[0028] Clause 1. A carabiner for a fall arrest system, comprising: a frame; and an openable gate attached to the frame and configured to be moved from an open position, wherein at least one harness connector and at least one fall arrest device can be attached to or detached from the frame, and a closed position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be secured to the frame; wherein the frame comprises at least one shaped portion configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship when the at least one harness connector is secured to the frame and during operation.

[0029] Clause 2. The carabiner of clause 1, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other side of the carabiner.

[0030] Clause 3. The carabiner of clause 1 or 2, wherein the at least one shaped portion is positioned on the frame substantially opposite the gate.

[0031] Clause 4. The carabiner of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a substantially S-shaped portion.

[0032] Clause 5. The carabiner of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the substantially S-shaped portion is oriented in a substantially transverse plane with respect to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0033] Clause 6. The carabiner of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the transverse plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0034] Clause 7. The carabiner of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the transverse plane is substantially horizontal and the plane of the remaining portions of the frame is substantially vertical.

[0035] Clause 8. The carabiner of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a hanger portion configured to receive and contact the at least one harness connector.

[0036] Clause 9. The carabiner of any of clauses 1-8, wherein at least a portion of the hanger portion is oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0037] Clause 10. The carabiner of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the at least one fall arrest device comprises a plurality of fall arrest devices.

[0038] Clause 11. A fall arrest system, comprising: a harness arrangement removably attachable to a user and having at least one harness connector; at least one fall arrest device having a safety line (either fixed or extendable) having a connector on an end thereof, the connector configured to be secured to an anchor point; and a carabiner, comprising (i) a frame; and (ii) an openable gate attached to the frame and configured to be moved from an open position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be attached to or detached from the frame, and a closed position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be secured to the frame; wherein the frame comprises at least one shaped portion configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship when the at least one harness connector is secured to the frame and during operation.

[0039] Clause 12. The fall arrest system of clause 11, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other side of the carabiner.

[0040] Clause 13. The fall arrest system of clause 11 or 12, wherein the at least one shaped portion is positioned on the frame substantially opposite the gate.

[0041] Clause 14. The fall arrest system of any of clauses 11-13, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a substantially S-shaped portion.

[0042] Clause 15. The fall arrest system of any of clauses 11-14, wherein the substantially S-shaped portion is oriented in a substantially transverse plane with respect to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0043] Clause 16. The fall arrest system of any of clauses 11-15, wherein the transverse plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0044] Clause 17. The fall arrest system of any of clauses 11-16, wherein the transverse plane is substantially horizontal and the plane of the remaining portions of the frame is substantially vertical.

[0045] Clause 18. The fall arrest system of any of clauses 11-17, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a hanger portion configured to receive and contact the at least one harness connector.

[0046] Clause 19. The fall arrest system of any of clauses 11-18, wherein at least a portion of the hanger portion is oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

[0047] Clause 20. The fall arrest system of any of clauses 11-19, wherein the at least one fall arrest device comprises a plurality of fall arrest devices.

[0048] Clause 21. A carabiner, comprising: a frame; and an openable gate; wherein the frame includes a bridge portion configured to bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other.

[0049] Clause 22. The carabiner according to clause 21, wherein the bridge portion is positioned opposite to the gate.

[0050] Clause 23. The carabiner according to clause 21 or 22, wherein the gate has a longitudinal or rotational axis, and the bridge portion is arranged to bridge from one side of the gate axis to the other. [0051] Clause 24. The carabiner according to any of clauses 21-23, wherein the bridge portion is curved.

[0052] Clause 25. The carabiner according to any of clauses 21-24, wherein the bridge portion is curved to form a hanging loop.

[0053] Clause 26. The carabiner according to any of clauses 21-25, wherein the bridge portion is substantially at right angles to the axis of the gate.

[0054] Clause 27. The carabiner according to any of clauses 21-26, further comprising inline frame portions extending from the gate in opposed directions substantially in-line with one another, wherein the in-line portions connect with respective outwardly directed portions, and wherein the outwardly directed portions are connected by the bridge portion of the frame.

[0055] Clause 28. A fall arrest system, comprising a carabiner according to any of clauses 21-29, wherein the carabiner is connected to one or more self-retracting fall arrest devices and/or a harness connector of a personal safety harness.

[0056] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various Figs.. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Preferred features will be elucidated in the claims and in the specific description of the embodiments that follow. It will be readily appreciated that preferred features of certain aspects or embodiments could be usefully incorporated in other described embodiments even if not specifically described in those terms herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Fig. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a fall arrest system according to the principles of the present invention;

[0058] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the fall arrest system along line A-A;

[0059] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a carabiner according to the principles of the present invention;

[0060] Fig. 4 is a top view of the carabiner of Fig. 3; [0061] Fig. 5 is an edge view of the carabiner of Fig. 3;

[0062] Fig. 6 is a side view of the carabiner of Fig. 3;

[0063] Fig. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a carabiner according to the principles of the present invention;

[0064] Fig. 8 is a side view of the carabiner of Fig. 7;

[0065] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the carabiner of Fig. 7; and

[0066] Fig. 10 is an edge view of the carabiner of Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing Figs. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0068] As illustrated in certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments or aspects in Figs. 1-10, the present invention is directed to a carabiner 1 in a fall arrest system 30. The fall arrest system 30 includes a harness connector 2 attached or attachable to a harness arrangement (not shown) that is worn by the user. This harness connector 2 is typically in the form of a D-ring connector. As is illustrated in Fig. 1, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the carabiner 1 is used to facilitate attachment between the harness connector 2 and at least one fall arrest device 4 (e.g., a connector element 12, 13 of each fall arrest device 4, 5).

[0069] In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the fall arrest system 30 includes a plurality of fall arrest devices 4, 5 (such as a pair of fall arrest devices 4, 5, as shown in Fig. 1). These fall arrest devices 4, 5 may be in the form of a safety line device, a fall protection device, a self-retracting lanyard, a safety device, and the like. Further, these fall arrest devices 4, 5 are removably connectable to the carabiner 1 and each include a lifeline 7, 8 that pays out from and retracts in to a housing 9, 10 of each fall arrest device 4, 5. Alternatively, and in the context and scope of the present invention, the fall arrest devices may use or incorporate either a fixed safety line or an extendable safety line. Still further, a connector 32, such as a carabiner or the like, is positioned on or attached to an end of each fall arrest device 4, 5, and each connector 32 is configured to be removably secured to some anchor point or secure point, such as a surface of a structure. It is envisioned that the carabiner 1 can be configured, arranged, or modified to interact with a variety of makes and models of fall arrest systems and devices without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. Accordingly, the fall arrest system 30 facilitates safe and effective engagement in activities by a user working in certain elevated environments and applications.

[0070] As shown in one embodiment in Figs. 3-6 and in another embodiment in Figs. 7-10, the carabiner 1 of the present invention is easily (and directly) connectable to the harness connector 2, and, thus, the user. In addition, the shape of the carabiner 1 of the present invention provides or facilitates a co-planar relationship or orientation between the carabiner 1 and the harness connector 2, as opposed to orientation in transverse planes, as is typically the case with connection of known carabiners to typical harness connectors.

[0071] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the carabiner 1 includes a frame 16 and an openable (e.g., pivotable) gate 17 attached to the frame 16. The openable gate 17 is configured to be moved to an open position (not shown) such that the harness connector 2 and at least one fall arrest device 4, 5 can be attached to or detached from the frame 16. In particular, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the respective connector element 12, 13 of each of the fall arrest devices 4, 5 can be positioned or attached to the frame 16, preferably on respective sides or areas of the frame 16. Still further, the gate 17 is configured to be moved to a closed position (as illustrated), such that the harness connector 2 and the at least one fall arrest device 4, 5 (e.g., the respective connector elements 12, 13) are secured on the frame 16 of the carabiner 1.

[0072] The carabiner 1 includes at least one shaped portion 34 that is sized, shaped, or configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship or orientation between the harness connector 2 and the frame 16 during use and operation. This beneficial relationship or orientation is achieved through the use of the at least one shaped portion 34 of the frame 16. Further, and with reference to Fig. 4, the at least one shaped portion 34 may include or be in the form of a bridge portion 18 that facilitates a bridge between or from one side (A) of the carabiner 1 to the other side (B) of the carabiner 1, while maintaining the desirable orientation. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one shaped portion 34 (or, in some embodiments or aspects, the bridge portion 18) is positioned or located spaced from and substantially opposite the gate 17, thereby maximizing the distance between the harness connector 2 connection and the gate 17 movement.

[0073] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and with continued reference to Fig. 4, the gate 17 includes a longitudinal or rotational axis X-X, and the at least one shaped portion 34 (and/or bridge portion 18) is arranged to bridge from one side (A) of the gate axis X-X to the other side (B). As discussed, this permits the fall arrest devices 4, 5 to lie substantially flat with one another (i.e., orientated in substantially the same plane), as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Accordingly, if such a shaped portion 34 (and/or bridge portion 18) were not provided, then the harness connector 2 and carabiner 1 (and, thus, the fall arrest devices 4, 5) would rest at an angle with one another, which may prove operationally suboptimal and uncomfortable to the user.

[0074] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the carabiner 1 includes in-line frame portions 20, 21 extending from the gate 17 in opposed directions and substantially in-line with one another. The in-line frame portions 20, 21 connect with respective outwardly-directed portions 22, 23. Further, in this embodiment, the outwardly- directed portions 22, 23 are part of the at least one shaped portion 34 and/or connected by the bridge portion 18 of the frame 16.

[0075] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and with reference to Figs. 3-6, the at least one shaped portion 34 (and/or the bridge portion 18) is a substantially S- shaped (or curved) portion. In this embodiment or aspect, the substantially S-shaped portion is oriented in a substantially transverse plane with respect to the remaining portions of the frame 16, which is best illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, this transverse plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame 16, and in another preferred and non -limiting embodiment or aspect, this transverse plane is substantially horizontal and the plane of the remaining portions of the frame 16 is substantially vertical.

[0076] Another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the carabiner 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 7-10. In one preferred and non- limiting embodiment or aspect, the frame 16 of this embodiment includes the above- discussed in-line frame portions 20, 21 extending from the gate 17 in opposed directions and substantially in-line with one another. The in-line frame portions 20, 21 connect with respective outwardly-directed portions 22, 23, and the outwardly-directed portions 22, 23 are part of the at least one shaped portion 34 and/or connected by the bridge portion 18 of the frame 16. In this embodiment or aspect, and as best illustrated in Figs. 8-10, the at least one shaped portion 34 (and/or the bridge portion 18) forms or includes a hanger portion 36 or hanging loop sized, shaped, or configured to receive and contact the harness connector 2.

[0077] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the hanger portion 36 is oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame 16. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the hanger portion 36 curves upwardly in a direction away from the gate 17 to form the hanging loop. In another preferred and non -limiting embodiment or aspect, the hanger portion 36 extends at right angles across the axis X-X of the gate 17 (see Fig. 7). As discussed, this carabiner 1 of this embodiment provides a natural hanging or suspension point for the carabiner 1 when mounted on the harness connector 2, again such that the harness connector 2 and carabiner 1 lie substantially flat with one another and orientated in the same plane.

[0078] In this manner, provided is an improved carabiner 1 and fall arrest system 30 for use in connection with one or more fall arrest devices 4, 5.

[0079] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A carabiner for a fall arrest system, comprising:

a frame; and

an openable gate attached to the frame and configured to be moved from an open position, wherein at least one harness connector and at least one fall arrest device can be attached to or detached from the frame, and a closed position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be secured to the frame;

wherein the frame comprises at least one shaped portion configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship when the at least one harness connector is secured to the frame and during operation.

2. The carabiner of claim 1, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other side of the carabiner.

3. The carabiner of claim 1, wherein the at least one shaped portion is positioned on the frame substantially opposite the gate.

4. The carabiner of claim 1, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a substantially S-shaped portion.

5. The carabiner of claim 4, wherein the substantially S-shaped portion is oriented in a substantially transverse plane with respect to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

6. The carabiner of claim 5, wherein the transverse plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

7. The carabiner of claim 5, wherein the transverse plane is substantially horizontal and the plane of the remaining portions of the frame is substantially vertical.

8. The carabiner of claim 1, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a hanger portion configured to receive and contact the at least one harness connector.

9. The carabiner of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the hanger portion is oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

10. The carabiner of claim 1, wherein the at least one fall arrest device comprises a plurality of fall arrest devices.

11. A fall arrest system, comprising:

a harness arrangement removably attachable to a user and having at least one harness connector;

at least one fall arrest device having a safety line having a connector on an end thereof, the connector configured to be secured to an anchor point; and

a carabiner, comprising (i) a frame; and (ii) an openable gate attached to the frame and configured to be moved from an open position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be attached to or detached from the frame, and a closed position, wherein the at least one harness connector and the at least one fall arrest device can be secured to the frame; wherein the frame comprises at least one shaped portion configured to facilitate a substantially co-planar relationship when the at least one harness connector is secured to the frame and during operation.

12. The fall arrest system of claim 11, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other side of the carabiner.

13. The fall arrest system of claim 11, wherein the at least one shaped portion is positioned on the frame substantially opposite the gate.

14. The fall arrest system of claim 11, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a substantially S-shaped portion.

15. The fall arrest system of claim 14, wherein the substantially S-shaped portion is oriented in a substantially transverse plane with respect to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

16. The fall arrest system of claim 15, wherein the transverse plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

17. The fall arrest system of claim 15, wherein the transverse plane is substantially horizontal and the plane of the remaining portions of the frame is substantially vertical.

18. The fall arrest system of claim 11, wherein the at least one shaped portion comprises a hanger portion configured to receive and contact the at least one harness connector.

19. The fall arrest system of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the hanger portion is oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the remaining portions of the frame.

20. The fall arrest system of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one fall arrest device comprises a plurality of fall arrest devices.

21. A carabiner, comprising:

a frame; and

an openable gate;

wherein the frame includes a bridge portion configured to bridge from one side of the carabiner to the other.

22. The carabiner according to claim 21, wherein the bridge portion is positioned opposite to the gate.

23. The carabiner according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the gate has a longitudinal or rotational axis, and the bridge portion is arranged to bridge from one side of the gate axis to the other.

24. The carabiner according to any of claims 21-23, wherein the bridge portion is curved.

25. The carabiner according to any of claims 21-24, wherein the bridge portion is curved to form a hanging loop.

26. The carabiner according to any of claims 21-25, wherein the bridge portion is substantially at right angles to the axis of the gate.

27. The carabiner according to any of claims 21-26, further comprising in-line frame portions extending from the gate in opposed directions substantially in-line with one another, wherein the in-line portions connect with respective outwardly directed portions, and wherein the outwardly directed portions are connected by the bridge portion of the frame.

28. A fall arrest system, comprising a carabiner according to any of claims 21-29, wherein the carabiner is connected to one or more self-retracting fall arrest devices and/or a harness connector of a personal safety harness.