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US 12,460,692 B1Granted
Flexible tensile member with releasable convolutions for absorbing tensile energy
AssigneeBarrier1 Systems, LLC
InventorMichael John Lamore
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An energy absorber includes a flexible tensile member having lengthwise sections arranged serially along a length of the flexible tensile member. Lengthwise sections define convolutions. Features are provided for both restricting straightening of the convolutions and automatically reconfiguring, in response predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the convolutions.
Claims20
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:
- along the length of the flexible tensile member, a first lengthwise section of the plurality of lengthwise sections is followed by a second lengthwise section of the plurality of lengthwise sections,
- along a length of the first lengthwise section, the first lengthwise section comprises a bend between opposite sections of the first lengthwise section,
- the first lengthwise section's opposite sections are adjacent to one another,
- along a length of the second lengthwise section, the second lengthwise section comprises a bend between opposite sections of the second lengthwise section,
- the second lengthwise section's opposite sections are adjacent to one another, and
- the first lengthwise section's bend and the second lengthwise section's bend are spaced apart from one another along the length of the flexible tensile member;
- first and second tubes, wherein the first lengthwise section's opposite sections respectively extend through the first and second tubes so that each of the first and second tubes extends completely around the flexible tensile member;
- at least one connection between the first and second tubes is configured to both:
- restrict straightening of the first lengthwise section by restricting relative movement between the first and second tubes, and
- automatically reconfigure, in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the first lengthwise section's bend by allowing relative movement between the first and second tubes;
- third and fourth tubes, wherein the second lengthwise section's opposite sections respectively extend through the third and fourth tubes so that each of the third and fourth tubes extends completely around the flexible tensile member;
- and
- at least one connection between the third and fourth tubes is configured to both:
- restrict straightening of the second lengthwise section by restricting relative movement between the third and fourth tubes, and
- automatically reconfigure, in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the second lengthwise section's bend by allowing relative movement between the third and fourth tubes.
13 more elements
An energy absorbing system configured to engage a descending object and arrest movement of the object, the system comprising:
- a plurality of anchoring structures extending at least partially around an area;
- a structural engaging device suspended from the plurality of anchoring structures, comprising a plurality of energy absorbers respectively connected between the anchoring structures and the structural engaging device so that the plurality of energy absorbers at least partially support the structural engaging device and the structural engaging device is configured to engage and at least partially move with a descending object;
- and
- at least one winch operatively connected to the structural engaging device via cabling, wherein the at least one winch is configured to raise and lower the structural engaging device,
- wherein an energy absorber of the plurality of energy absorbers comprises a flexible tensile member comprising a lengthwise section,
- along a length of the lengthwise section, the lengthwise section comprises a bend between opposite sections of the lengthwise section,
- the lengthwise section's opposite sections are adjacent to one another and respectively extend through guides,
- at least one connection between the guides is configured to both:
- restrict straightening of the lengthwise section by restricting relative movement between the guides, and
- automatically reconfigure, in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the lengthwise section by allowing relative movement between the guides, and
- the plurality of anchoring structures are supported by at least one object configured to float on water.
8 more elements
An energy absorbing system configured to engage a descending object and arrest movement of the object, the system comprising:
- a plurality of anchoring structures extending at least partially around an area;
- a structural engaging device suspended from the plurality of anchoring structures, comprising a plurality of energy absorbers respectively connected between the anchoring structures and the structural engaging device so that the plurality of energy absorbers at least partially support the structural engaging device and the structural engaging device is configured to engage and at least partially move with a descending object;
- and
- at least one winch operatively connected to the structural engaging device via cabling, wherein the at least one winch is configured to raise and lower the structural engaging device,
- wherein an energy absorber of the plurality of energy absorbers comprises a flexible tensile member comprising a lengthwise section,
- along a length of the lengthwise section, the lengthwise section comprises a bend between opposite sections of the lengthwise section,
- the lengthwise section's opposite sections are adjacent to one another and respectively extend through guides,
- at least one connection between the guides is configured to both:
- restrict straightening of the lengthwise section by restricting relative movement between the guides, and
- automatically reconfigure, in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the lengthwise section by allowing relative movement between the guides, and
- the cabling comprises a lower end connected to ballast.
8 more elements
An energy absorbing system configured to engage a descending object and arrest movement of the object, the system comprising:
- a plurality of anchoring structures extending at least partially around an area;
- a structural engaging device suspended from the plurality of anchoring structures, comprising a plurality of energy absorbers respectively connected between the anchoring structures and the structural engaging device so that the plurality of energy absorbers at least partially support the structural engaging device and the structural engaging device is configured to engage and at least partially move with a descending object;
- and
- a cavity configured to contain water, wherein the structural engaging device is positioned in the cavity,
- wherein an energy absorber of the plurality of energy absorbers comprises a flexible tensile member comprising a lengthwise section,
- along a length of the lengthwise section, the lengthwise section comprises a bend between opposite sections of the lengthwise section,
- the lengthwise section's opposite sections are adjacent to one another and respectively extend through guides, and
- at least one connection between the guides is configured to both:
- restrict straightening of the lengthwise section by restricting relative movement between the guides, and
- automatically reconfigure, in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the lengthwise section by allowing relative movement between the guides.
7 more elements
An energy absorber for absorbing tensile energy, the energy absorber comprising:
- a flexible tensile member, wherein a lengthwise section of the flexible tensile member extends along a length of the flexible tensile member, and the lengthwise section comprises a bend between opposite sections of the lengthwise section;
- a first article comprising a first base connected to a first tube;
- a second article comprising a second base connected to a second tube, wherein the lengthwise section's opposite sections respectively extend through the first and second tubes;
- and
- a plurality of connections between the first and second bases is configured to restrict straightening of the lengthwise section by restricting relative movement between the first and second articles,
- wherein first and second connections of the plurality of connections are arranged in parallel with respect to one another, and the plurality of connections is configured to both:
- restrict straightening of the lengthwise section by restricting relative movement between the first and second articles, and
- break in response to predetermined tension in the flexible tensile member, to allow straightening of the lengthwise section's bend by allowing relative movement between the first and second articles.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.