Suspension system and method

Abstract

An apparatus suspends a personal radiation protection garment above a work surface. The suspension apparatus comprises a support member positioned above the work surface, a cable mechanically suspended from the support member, and means for counter-balancing the weight of the personal radiation protection garment attached to the cable. Means for attaching the counter-balancing means to the personal radiation protection garment suspend the personal radiation protection garment. The attaching means includes means for disconnecting the garment from the counter-balancing means, the disconnecting means manually operable by one hand of a user and disposed within reach of the user while wearing the personal radiation protection garment attached to the counter-balancing means. The personal radiation protection garment is supported in suspension and may be disconnected from the counter-balancing means by the one hand of the user for releasing the personal radiation protection garment from suspension while still being worn by the user.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for suspending a personal radiation protection garment above a work surface defining an area, the suspension apparatus comprising:
 a support member adapted to be positioned above the work surface;   a cable mechanically suspended from the support member;   means for counter-balancing the weight of the personal radiation protection garment, the counter-balancing means attached to the cable; and   means for attaching the counter-balancing means to the personal radiation protection garment for suspending the personal radiation protection garment, the attaching means including
 means for disconnecting the garment from the counter-balancing means, the disconnecting means manually operable by one hand of a user and disposed within reach of the user while wearing the personal radiation protection garment attached to the counter-balancing means, 
   wherein the personal radiation protection garment is supported in suspension when attached to the counter-balancing means, and wherein the personal radiation protection garment may be disconnected from the counter-balancing means by the one hand of the user for releasing the personal radiation protection garment from suspension while still being worn by the user.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the counter-balancing means comprises a zero gravity balancer. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the zero gravity balancer is operable to balance weight substantially equal to the weight of the personal radiation protection garment. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the counter-balancing means comprises a spring balancer. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the counter-balancing means comprises at least one counterweight. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the counter-balancing means comprises an air balancer. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the counter-balancing means comprises a pneumatic balancer. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the counter-balancing means comprises a spring motor. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises a rail having a longitudinal axis; and a trolley disposed on the rail for movement relative to the rail along the longitudinal axis, wherein the cable is connected to the trolley. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the rail comprises a means for attaching to the ceiling of a room.