Energy absorbing lifeline systems
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsROSS BALQUIST, THOMAS W. PARKER
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lifeline system includes a lifeline and a hub around which the lifeline is coiled. The hub deforms to absorb energy at a predetermined level of force exerted thereon by the lifeline. For example, the hub can be deformable to absorb energy so that a peak fall arrest force in a drop test of the lifeline system with a 220 pound mass attached to the lifeline over a distance of up to 6.56 feet is not more than 1900 pounds. In several embodiments, the peak fall arrest force is no more than 1500 pounds or no more than 1349 pounds.
Claims31
A lifeline system, comprising:
- a lifeline;
- and
- a hub around which the lifeline is coiled, the hub being deformable to absorb energy at a determined level of force exerted thereon by the lifeline so that a peak fall arrest force in a drop test of the lifeline system with a 220 pound mass attached to the lifeline over a distance of up to 6.56 feet is not more than 1900 pounds.
A drum assembly for use in a lifeline system, comprising:
- a hub and at least a first flange on a first side of the hub, the hub being deformable independent of the first flange to absorb energy at a determined level of force exerted thereon by a lifeline coiled around the hub so that a peak fall arrest force in a drop test of the lifeline system with a 220 pound mass attached to the lifeline over a distance of up to 6.56 feet is not more than 1900 pounds.
A method of absorbing energy in a lifeline system, comprising:
- providing a hub as a first component of the lifeline system around which a lifeline is coiled, the hub being deformable to absorb energy at a determined level of force exerted thereon by the lifeline.
A lifeline system, comprising:
- a lifeline;
- and
- a hub around which the lifeline is coiled;
- a first component adjacent the hub on a first side of the hub;
- and
- a second component adjacent the hub on a second side of the hub, the hub being deformable to absorb energy at a determined level of force exerted thereon by the lifeline independent of the first component and of the second component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.