Flexible tensile member with releasable convolutions for absorbing tensile energy

An energy absorber for absorbing tensile energy, the energy absorber comprising:

• a flexible tensile member comprising a plurality of lengthwise sections arranged serially along a length of the flexible tensile member, wherein for each of first and second lengthwise sections of the plurality of lengthwise sections, at least a portion of the lengthwise section defines a convolution comprising a bend in the lengthwise section;
• and
• a plurality of connectors mounted along the length of the tensile member, wherein the plurality of connectors comprises first and second connectors respectively mounted to at least a portion of the first and second lengthwise sections, and wherein for each of the first and second connectors and the first and second lengthwise sections, respectively, the connector is configured to both:
• restrict straightening of the lengthwise section, and
• automatically reconfigure, in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the lengthwise section;
• wherein for each of the first and second connectors:
• the connector comprises at least one bolt, and
• the connector being configured to automatically reconfigure is comprised of the at least one bolt being configured to break in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member;
• and
• wherein along the length of the first lengthwise section of the flexible tensile member, the first lengthwise section comprises a central section between opposite sections,
• the first lengthwise section's opposite sections are adjacent to one another,
• the first connector comprises at least one opening through which the first lengthwise section's opposite sections extend, and
• the central section is positioned outwardly of the at least one opening and comprises the bend in the first lengthwise section.