Energy absorbing connector
AssigneeD B Industries, Inc.
InventorScott C. Casebolt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A first end of a metal strip is separated into first and second tabs which are connected in series between first and second members. At least one line of interruptions extends along an intermediate portion of the strip from a point of separation between the tabs and a point proximate a second, opposite end of the strip. The second end of the strip is coiled inside the intermediate portion of the strip, so that tensile force applied to either of the members is absorbed both by tearing of the metal strip and uncoiling of the metal strip.
Claims27
An energy absorbing connector for use in a fall arrest system, comprising:
- a metal strip having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween, wherein a generally U-shaped cut in the first end separates the first end into a first tab and a second tab, and the first tab and the second tab are arranged to extend in opposite directions away from one another, and a separate hole is formed through each said tab, and a separate line of discontinuities in the strip extends from each end of the U-shaped cut to a respective position proximate the second end of the strip, and the second end of the strip and most of the intermediate portion of the strip are rolled up in a spiral fashion inside a remainder of the intermediate portion of the strip wherein the discontinuities are intermittently spaced, circular holes each having a first diameter and extending through the strip, each of said discontinuities terminates in a respective, relatively larger hole having a second diameter greater than said first diameter and extending though the strip proximate the second end, whereby when the first tab and the second tab are pulled in opposite directions with sufficient force, the connector tears and uncoils to absorb energy.
An energy absorbing connector, comprising:
- an elongate metal strip having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein a first line of intermittently spaced discontinuities extends along the intermediate portion, and a second line of intermittently spaced discontinuities extends along the intermediate portion, and the first end of the strip is divided into a first tab and a second tab by a cut extending between the first line and the second line, and the discontinuities in the first line are longitudinally staggered relative to the discontinuities in the second line.
An energy absorbing connector, comprising:
- an elongate metal strip having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein a first line of intermittently spaced discontinuities extends along the intermediate portion, and a second line of intermittently spaced discontinuities extends along the intermediate portion, and the first end of the strip is divided into first and second tabs by a cut extending between the first line and the second line, and proximate the second end of the strip, each said line of discontinuities terminates in a relatively larger discontinuity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.