Safety restraint and lift system

Abstract

The present invention provides for a safety restraint and lift system including an apparatus for handling elevated items comprising a main restraint for retaining dislodged items and a lift system for the retraction of the restraint. The invention also provides for methods of using the same.

1 . An apparatus for securing items comprising: 
 a. a top channel housing having a drive system;    b. at least two side rails having axial channels, the side rails adapted to the top channel housing;    c. two structural members, the first structural member attached to the side rails, and the second structural member attached to the top channel housing, inserted through the lumens of the safety restraint;    d. a plurality of slide anchors adapted to the side rails and capable of axial travel along the length of the side rails, one or more of the slide anchors further adapted to the drive system; and    e. a main restraint having integral open-ended lumens at each terminus capable of receiving the structural members, the safety restraint further adapted to the side anchors.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the main restraint further comprises integral features for attachment to the lift system.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the main restraint comprises a single continuous material.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the main restraint comprises a material having a plurality of components that are woven, fastened or otherwise bonded together.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the main restraint further comprises signage or a graphic display integral to the main restraint.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the signage is removable and further comprises components for attachment and removal of the signage to the main restraint.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lift system further comprises primary and secondary drive mechanisms.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lift system further comprises a motor system to provide rotational motion, wherein the motor system is adapted to respond to operator input.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motor system further comprises control circuitry to receive input signals, display motor system status, activate the motor, and deactivate the motor.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising activation input devices such as a remote signal device, a wireless signal device, a direct connection signal device, or a hardwired signal device.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motor system uses a power supply that provides AC power or DC power.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motor system further comprises an output shaft and power transmission component that provides rotational motion.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motor system further comprises one or more deactivation input devices having sensors that provide a signal based on the main restraint position.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motor system further comprises at least one bearing device having ball bearings, journal bearings, plain bearings, needle bearings, or pillow blocks.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the drive system further comprises a main drive shaft.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the drive system further comprises at least one bearing device having ball bearings, journal bearings, plain bearings, needle bearings, or pillow blocks.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the drive shaft further comprises a primary power transmission component mechanically mated to the power transmission component of the motor system.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the drive shaft further comprises integral geometric features on both planar end to provide synchronization and transmission of rotational motion with the secondary drive devices.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the drive system further comprises one or more secondary drive devices.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the secondary drive device comprises a shaft with primary integral geometric features on a planar end to provide synchronization and transmission of rotational motion with the main drive shaft.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the secondary drive device further comprises a secondary integral geometric feature on the planar end opposite the main drive shaft to provide connection and transmission of rotational motion with auxiliary devices.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the secondary drive device further comprises sprockets and a chain, or pulleys and a cord.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the secondary drive device further comprises an attachment for a mobile anchor device.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a top channel housing.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the top channel housing further comprises one or more integral support plates having features for the attachment and support of drive system components.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more side rails.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the side rails further comprise a slot for the incorporation of the mobile anchor devices.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , further comprising geometric features for the attachment, support, and enclosure of the secondary drive device.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , further comprising geometric features to provide secure attachment to the top channel housing.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , further comprising mounting devices to provide secure attachment to support structure of the elevated shelving in retail and warehouse establishments.  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more mobile anchor devices for the attachment of the main restraint.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein the mobile anchor devices further comprises features for installation in the side rail slot.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein the mobile anchor devices further comprises features for attachment to the secondary drive device.