Energy Absorption Apparatus for Fall Protection Systems
OwnerEric Reevesinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An energy absorption device is disclosed for use both as an in-line and horizontal life line shock or energy absorbers for fall arrest systems. The energy absorption device generally includes an elongate housing sleeve constructed from two mating halves, said housing sleeve having disposed therein at least one biasing element, a plurality of reinforcing plates, a fastener for securing the mating halves of the housing sleeve together, and a honeycomb core. The honeycomb core is pre-crushed in an axial direction such that peak load forces caused by an initial fall are eliminated and the core is crushed at a substantially uniform level. Further, a pretension indicator may be provided for assisting a user in obtaining a predetermined tension on the device.
Claims20
An energy absorption device for absorbing energy transferred by a tension load, the energy absorption device comprising:
- a generally hollow housing sleeve, said housing sleeve being comprised of mating halves and being operable for expanding and contracting;
- at least one biasing element disposed within the housing sleeve;
- and
- a honeycomb core disposed within the housing sleeve and adjacent the biasing element,
- wherein the biasing element and the honeycomb core compress under an excess tension load such energy is dissipated without significant rebound.
An energy absorption device for absorbing energy transferred by a tension load, the energy absorption device comprising:
- a generally hollow housing sleeve, said housing sleeve being comprised of mating halves and being operable for expanding and contracting;
- at least one biasing element disposed within the housing sleeve;
- and
- wherein the biasing element compresses under the excess tension load such that energy is dissipated.
An energy absorption device for absorbing energy transferred by a tension load, the energy absorption device comprising:
- a generally hollow housing sleeve, said housing sleeve being comprised of mating halves and being operable for expanding and contracting;
- a honeycomb core disposed within the housing sleeve;
- and
- wherein the honeycomb core compresses under the excess tension load such that energy is dissipated without significant rebound.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.