GB2571948A - Energy absorber device - Google Patents
Energy absorber device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2571948A GB2571948A GB1803992.5A GB201803992A GB2571948A GB 2571948 A GB2571948 A GB 2571948A GB 201803992 A GB201803992 A GB 201803992A GB 2571948 A GB2571948 A GB 2571948A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- energy absorber
- absorber device
- elongate flexible
- flexible element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
- A62B35/04—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion incorporating energy absorbing means
Abstract
An energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system comprises an energy absorber in the form of an elongate flexible element and a housing 1, the housing being moveable between a closed condition in which the housing 1 encloses the energy absorber and an open condition in which the energy absorber is deployed. The housing 1 may be openable without resulting in deployment of the energy absorber. A joint 4 may further run along the length of the housing 1 in a direction that is parallel to the direction in which the energy absorber is deployed to divide the housing into two separable portions 2, 3. A hinge (15, Fig 2b) may be provided to connect the two portions. A fastener arrangement (14, Fig 2a) may selectively secure the two portions together. A loading element (16, Fig 3) which engages the housing and is attachable to a connector (20, Fig 3) may additionally/alternatively be provided. The loading element transmits a loading force from the connector to the housing. Two spaced spine portions (18, Fig 6) around which the energy absorber is wrapped may also be disposed within the housing.
Description
The present application relates to safety devices for use in a fall arrest system and in particular to energy absorber devices comprising elongate flexible elements which are deployed to absorb the energy of a fall arrest event.
Fall arrest systems are used to prevent personnel working at height from suffering injury as a result of falling. Fall arrest systems are often referred to as height safety systems or fall prevention systems or apparatus. Frequently such systems include a so called safety block arranged to be suspended overhead from an anchor structure. Such arrangements typically include a drum upon which a safety line is wound and a speed responsive mechanism arranged to inhibit the drum rotation above a predetermined rotational speed.
It is known to provide an energy absorber device within the safety block which is arranged to be activated if a load above a predetermined threshold is applied to the safety line when the speed responsive mechanism is deployed. These internal energy absorber devices are typically either friction brake devices or plastically deformable metallic strip arrangements that are plastically deformed during deployment in order to absorb energy.
It is also known to provide an external energy absorber device, separate to the safety block, which is usually connected between the safety line and the user. For example, the energy absorber device may be connected to a harness worn by a user.
The energy absorber device absorbs the energy, or shock of a fall arrest event. If an energy absorber device is not used as part of a fall arrest system, a user can continue to descend even after engagement of other safety arrangements, such as a speed responsive brake, due to the loading force of the user's weight acting on the safety line. This continued decent is prevented or limited by an energy absorber device.
-2An energy absorber device comprising an elongate flexible element, sometimes referred to as a textile energy absorber device, is a type of external energy absorber device. In response to a fall arrest event, the elongate flexible or textile element is unfurled or deployed which absorbs the energy of the user's fall. An example of such an energy absorber device is described in WO 2017/078669.
An improved arrangement has now been devised.
Summary
In a first aspect, there is provided an energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system, the device comprising:
an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element; and a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be adjustable between a closed condition in which the housing encloses the energy absorber arrangement and an open condition in which the housing is configured to open or separate;
wherein, in response to application of a predetermined loading force, the housing is configured to move to the open condition and the elongate flexible element is deployed; and wherein the housing can open or separate without resulting in deployment of the elongate flexible element.
The housing is configured such that the predetermined loading force at which the housing is reconfigured to the open condition is indicative of a fall arrest event. For example, the housing is configured to move to the open condition and deploy the elongate flexible element when a loading force similar to the typical force generated by a falling user is applied to the housing.
Known energy absorber devices comprise a frangible or tearable housing configured to break or tear in order to deploy an elongate flexible element. An advantage of the present invention is that it is reconfigurable between the open condition and the closed condition. This may mean that the housing can be re-used.
-3In many known devices the act of opening or separating the housing automatically results in deployment of the elongate flexible element. The deployment of the elongate flexible element can be irreversible, for example the housing may fracture. In other examples, it is time consuming and inconvenient to return the elongate flexible element to its pre-deployed state within the housing. Thus, an advantage of the present invention is that the housing can be opened by a user without resulting in deployment of the elongate flexible element stored therein. This also allows the housing to be opened for inspection, to check that the condition of the energy absorber arrangement complies with safety regulations, without the disadvantages referred to above.
The person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways in which the housing could be constructed to achieve this function.
For example, the elongate flexible element may be deployed in a first direction and the housing may be configured to open or separate in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction.
Optionally, the housing comprises a first body portion and a second body portion. A joint may be provided along which the first body portion is configured to at least partially open or separate from the second body portion.
Optionally, the joint extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the elongate flexible element is deployed.
In some embodiments, the joint extends substantially along a length of the housing. For example, the joint may extend from one end of the housing to the other end. Additionally or alternatively, the joint may extend around the entire circumference of the housing.
Optionally, the first body portion may be configured completely separate from the second body portion. In other embodiments, in the open condition the first body portion remains attached to the second body portion.
-4The energy absorber device may comprise a bore or channel disposed at each end of the housing, wherein each bore or channel is for receiving a connector therein.
Optionally, the joint between the first body portion and the second body portion extends between the bores or channels in the housing.
The housing may comprise a first body portion and a second body portion and a hinge connecting the first body portion to the second body portion.
A fastener arrangement may be provided which is reconfigurable between:
i) a locked position in which the first and second body portions are secured together; and ii) an open position in which the first and second body portions pivot about the hinge, such that the housing is in the closed condition when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position.
The elongate flexible element may comprise a length of textile, and/or a length of fabric and/or a length of webbing.
In a second aspect, there is provided an energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system comprising:
a housing comprising:
a first body portion and a second body portion;
a hinge connecting the first body portion to the second body portion; and a fastener arrangement reconfigurable between:
i) a locked position in which the first and second body portions are secured together; and ii) an open position in which the first and second body portions pivot about the hinge; and an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element received within the housing;
-5wherein in response to application of a predetermined loading force on the housing the fastener moves to the open position and the elongate flexible element is deployed.
The device of the first aspect of the invention may comprise any features of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. For example, the housing of the first aspect of the invention may be as defined in the second aspect of the invention.
The deployment of the elongate flexible element is as described above.
Advantageously, the hinged body portions and the fastener arrangement allow the housing to be quickly and conveniently reconfigured between the locked and open positions. This also ensures smooth and reliable deployment of the elongate flexible element.
In addition, the advantages of the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the second aspect of the invention.
Optionally, the hinge is disposed at one end of the first and second body portions, and the fastener arrangement is disposed at the opposing end of the first and/or second body portions.
Optionally, when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position the housing comprises a first bore or channel disposed adjacent to the hinge and a second bore or channel disposed adjacent to the fastener arrangement, wherein each bore or channel is for receiving a connector therein.
The fastener arrangement may comprise a clip, or other type of snap-fit fastener.
Optionally, the first and second body portions are rigid. For example, they may be made of a rigid plastic material.
In a third aspect, there is provided an energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system comprising:
-6an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element;
a housing having a closed condition in which it encloses the energy absorber arrangement; and a loading element arranged to engage the housing, wherein the loading element comprises an attachment portion for mounting to a connector, such that the loading element is configured to transmit a loading force from the connector to the housing;
wherein, in response to application of a predetermined loading force, the housing is configured to open or separate and the elongate flexible element is deployed.
The device of the third aspect of the invention may comprise any features of the first and/or second aspects of the invention, and vice versa.
If a loading force below the predetermined threshold for deployment is applied to the elongate flexible element this causes the element to stretch or deform. This can reduce effectiveness (or the energy absorbing capacity) of the elongate flexible element upon deployment, for example it can reduce the maximum load that can be safely absorbed on deployment. In addition, stretching or deforming the elongate flexible element inside the housing can result in premature deployment of the energy absorber arrangement, as the stretching of the elongate flexible element causes the housing to open or separate. Premature deployment is defined as deployment occurring in response to a loading force less than the predetermined loading force.
Advantageously, these problems are negated by the loading element of the present invention. The loading element transmits force from a connector, which may be attached to a user or to a safety line, to the housing of the energy absorber device rather than to the elongate flexible element. This prevents the elongate flexible element from being stretched or deformed prior to deployment.
Optionally, the attachment portion of the loading element comprises an aperture configured to receive a connector therethrough.
-7The housing may comprise a first body portion and a second body portion and a hinge connecting the first body portion to the second body portion.
A fastener arrangement may be provided which is reconfigurable between:
i) a locked position in which the first and second body portions are secured together; and ii) an open position in which the first and second body portions pivot about the hinge, such that the housing is in the closed condition when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position.
In response to application of the predetermined loading force on the housing, the fastener arrangement may be configured to move to the open position.
Optionally, the fastener arrangement is disposed proximate the attachment portion of the loading element when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position.
In some embodiments, when the loading force applied to the loading element is below a given threshold, the fastener arrangement can be moved to the open position and the housing can be opened or separated without resulting in deployment of the elongate flexible element. The threshold may be lower than the predetermined loading force at which the elongate flexible element is deployed.
Optionally, the loading element is at least partially enclosed within the housing when the housing is in the closed condition.
The loading element may comprise at least one shoulder portion configured to engage a slot or recess provided in the housing. The shoulder portion may project outwards from the loading element.
Optionally, a loop is provided at each end of the elongate flexible element and one of the loops is secured around the loading element.
-8The at least one shoulder portion may project outside of the loop in the elongate flexible element.
Optionally, the loading element comprises a spine portion and the elongate flexible element is at least partially wrapped around the spine portion in a coiled formation prior to deployment. The spine portion may extend into the cavity formed by the housing.
The at least one shoulder portion may extend in a direction transverse to the spine portion. For example, the spine portion may extend in a substantially vertical direction and the at least one shoulder portion may extend in a substantially horizontal direction.
In some embodiments, a plurality of loading elements may be provided.
Optionally, two device comprises two loading elements. The loading elements may be disposed at opposing ends of the housing.
Optionally, the device may further comprise the connector/s) configured to be mounted to the loading element(s), wherein each connector allows the device to be secured to a safety line or to a user.
Optionally, the connectors may comprise shackles, having shackle pins arranged to be inserted through the apertures in the loading elements.
The elongate flexible element may be stored within the housing in a coiled formation prior to deployment.
Optionally, the device may comprise adhesive, or an adhesive strip, arranged to retain the elongate flexible element in the coiled formation prior to deployment. This may be advantageous as the elongate flexible element does not unravel if the housing is opened prior to deployment, for example to inspect the device’s condition.
-9The elongate flexible element may comprise at least one folded portion, wherein each folded portion is formed by a seam configured to tear upon application of the predetermined loading force. This may improve the energy absorbing properties of the elongate flexible element.
In a fourth aspect, there is provided an energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system comprising:
an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element;
a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be adjustable between a closed condition in which the housing encloses the energy absorber arrangement and an open condition in which the housing is configured to open or separate; and at least two spine portions disposed within the housing, wherein the spine portions are spaced apart and the elongate flexible element is wrapped around the spine portions prior to deployment;
wherein, in response to application of a predetermined loading force, the housing is configured to move to the open condition and the elongate flexible element is deployed.
The fourth aspect of the invention may comprise any features of the first to third aspects of the invention, and vice versa.
The spine portions advantageously provide a structure around which the elongate flexible element can be wrapped. This makes it much easier to safely position the elongate flexible element within the housing to ensure a smooth deployment process. The spine portions can also help to retain the elongate flexible element within the housing if the housing is opened prior to deployment.
Optionally, the elongate flexible element is wrapped around the spine portions in a coiled formation prior to deployment.
Optionally, the spine portions extend in the same direction within the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the spine portions may be aligned in the same plane.
-10Each spine portion may comprise a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends of the spine portions may be adjacent and spaced apart.
Optionally, each of the proximal ends of the spine portions are mounted to the housing and/or configured to be mounted to a connector.
The elongate flexible element may comprise a length of textile and/or a length of webbing.
In a fifth aspect, there is provided a fall arrest system or a fall arrest arrangement comprising an energy absorber device according to any preceding embodiment of the invention.
In a sixth aspect, there is provided a housing for an energy absorber device as defined in any preceding embodiment of the invention.
Specific Description
Illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure la shows a side view of a housing for an energy absorber device when in the open condition;
Figure lb shows a side view of an energy absorber device comprising the housing of Figure la;
Figure 2a shows a front perspective of a housing for an energy absorber device when in the closed condition;
Figure 2b shows the housing of Figure 2a in the open condition;
Figure 3 shows a loading element and connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
-11Figure 4 shows an elongate flexible element secured to two loading elements as depicted in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a close up illustrating how the loading elements engage the housing;
Figure 6 is an exploded view of an energy absorber device of an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the housing removed;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an assembled energy absorber device of the present invention, with a portion of the housing removed;
Figure 8 shows the energy absorber device of Figure 7 without the elongate flexible element;
Figure 9 shows a side view of an energy absorber device of the present invention during deployment of the elongate flexible element; and
Figure 10 shows the device of Figure 9 when the elongate flexible element has been fully deployed.
It should be noted that Figures la to 10 are schematic diagrams which are not drawn to scale.
Figure la shows a housing 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, when in the open condition. The housing 1 comprises a first body portion 2 and a second body portion 3. As shown, in the open condition the two body portions are completely separated.
A joint 4 extends around the circumference of the first body portion 2, such that the first body portion 2 can be removably connected to the second body portion 3 in a snap-fit arrangement.
Figure lb shows the housing of Figure la in the closed condition as part of an energy absorber device. The first body portion 2 is connected to the second body portion 3 by the
-12joint 4. A bore or channel is provided at each end of the first and second body portions 2, 3 into which a connector 5 is inserted. The connectors 5 allow each end of the device to be mounted to a karabiner or other securing means 6 which may be mounted to a safety line or to a user.
In user, if a loading force indicative of a fall arrest event is applied to one of the connectors the first body portion 2 separates from the second body portion 3 along the joint 4 in the direction indicated by arrow A. The elongate flexible element contained within the housing (not shown) and mounted to the connectors 5 is then deployed in the direction indicated by arrow B. As shown, directions A is substantially transverse or perpendicular to direction B. This absorbs the energy of a fall arrest event.
In addition, as the housing separates in a direction (A) transverse to the direction in which the elongate flexible element is deployed, the housing can be opened without resulting in deployment of the elongate flexible element.
Figure 2a shows a housing 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 10 comprises a first body portion 11 and a second body portion 12. The first 11 and second 12 body portions are formed of a rigid plastic and/or metal material.
A hinge 15 connects the first body portion 11 to the second body portion 12 at one end of the housing.
At the other end of the housing 10 there is disposed a fastener arrangement 14. In this example the fastener arrangement 14 comprises a clip.
At each end of the housing 10, disposed proximate the hinge 15 and fastener arrangement 14, is a bore 13. Each bore 13 is configured to receive a connector therethrough (see Figures to 8).
In Figure 2a the housing is shown in the closed condition and the fastener arrangement 14 is in the locked position to secure the first 11 and second 12 body portions together. In this
-13configuration the housing 10 defines an internal cavity for receiving an energy absorber arrangement therein. In the closed condition the housing 10 therefore protects the energy absorber arrangement from damage or wear prior to deployment.
The v-shaped insignia shown on the second body portion 12 of the housing does not perform a technical function.
Figure 2b shows the housing of Figure 2a in the open condition. The fastener arrangement 14 has been reconfigured to the open position allowing the first body portion 11 and second body portion 12 to separate and pivot about the hinge 15.
The hinge 15 is depicted in Figure 2b as a flexible joint between the two body portions 11, 12, but any type of hinge joint may be used which allows the first body portion 11 to pivot relative to the second body portion 12.
As shown, at each end of the first and second body portions 11,12 there is provided a channel 13a, 13b which, when the housing is secured in the closed condition (see Figure 2a) form the bores 13.
The fastener arrangement 14 comprises a first part 14a provided on the first body portion 11 and a second part 14b provided on the second body portion 12. The fastener arrangement parts 14a, 14b are disposed at the opposing end of the body portions 11, 12 to the hinge 15. The channels 13a are provided in the parts 14a, 14b of the fastener arrangement 14.
The first part 14a of the fastener arrangement comprises a clip which is configured to be secured in a corresponding indentation or slot in the second part 14b of the fastener arrangement (see Figure 2a). When parts 14a, 14b are secured together the fastener arrangement is in the locked position.
Figure 3 shows a loading element 16 configured to be received within the housing 10 and a connector 20 mounted to the loading element 16. The connector 20 is a shackle, but other types of connectors may be used.
-14The loading element 16 comprises a spine portion 18, an attachment portion 19 and two shoulder portions 17. In other examples, the loading element 16 may comprise only a single shoulder portion 17 and/or the spine portion 18 may not be provided.
In use, the spine portion 18 extend into the cavity enclosed by the housing 10 in the closed condition. The shoulder portions 17 are configured to transfer a loading force applied to the connector 20 to the housing 10. As such, the shoulder portions 17 are shaped to engage within a recess provided in the housing, as shown in Figures 5 and 7.
The attachment portion 19 is for mounting the loading element 16 to the connector 20. In this example the attachment portion 19 comprises an aperture through which the shackle pin (or bolt) 21 is inserted. In use, the attachment portion 19 is positioned in one of the bores 13 in the housing 10 (see Figure 8).
In the present invention, the energy absorber arrangement comprises an elongate flexible element 30. The elongate flexible element 30 is a length of fabric or webbing that absorbs the force of a falling user in a fall arrest event.
Prior to deployment the elongate flexible element 30 is stored within the housing 10. Figure 4 shows the apparatus of Figure 3 with the elongate flexible element 30 wrapped around the spine portions 18 of two loading elements 16. In other embodiments, only a single loading element 16 may be provided.
The elongate flexible element 30 is wrapped around the spine portions 18 in a coiled formation, with one coil wrapped around each spine portion 18, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the components of an energy absorber device comprising the arrangement shown in Figure 4.
A strip of adhesive or adhesive tape 32 is provided to secure the elongate flexible element 30 in the coiled formation around the spine portions 18 prior to deployment. This helps to
-15keep the flexible element 30 in place if the housing is opened, and to ensure that the elongate flexible element 30 is not deployed until a force exceeding a predetermined loading force is applied to one of the connectors 20. The predetermined loading force is configured to correspond to a typical loading force resulting from a fall arrest event.
At each end of the elongate flexible element 30 there is formed a loop 31. Each loop 31 is secured around the attachment portion 19 of one of the loading elements 16. The elongate flexible element 30 and the loading elements 16 are then inserted into the housing. Only the second body portion 12 of the housing is depicted in Figure 6 for simplicity.
The shackle pins 21 can then be inserted through the connector 20, the channels 13a, 13b (forming bores 13), the loops 31 and the apertures 19a in the loading elements, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the apparatus of Figure 7 with the elongate flexible element 30 removed.
When a loading force is applied to one of the connectors 20, the force is transmitted from the connector 20 to the shoulder portion 17 of the loading element 16 mounted thereto. The shoulder portion 17 transmits the loading force to the body portions 11, 12 of the housing, where it is transmitted to the shoulder portion 17 of the other loading element 16 and from there to the other connector 20. If the loading force is below the predetermined loading force, the housing remains in the closed condition with the fastener arrangement 14 in the locked position and the elongate flexible element 30 is not deployed.
If a user unlocks the fastener arrangement 14, for example to inspect the condition of the device, the elongate flexible element 30 will not be deployed unless a force exceeding a given threshold is applied to one of the connectors 20. The threshold is at least partially determined by the properties of the adhesive strip 32 (see Figure 6).
Figure 9 shows the energy absorber device (as in Figure 7 but with the second body portion 12 of the housing in place) when a fall arrest event occurs. In use the connectors 20 are attached either to an anchor point, a safety line or to a user.
-16In response to the application of a loading force indicative of a fall arrest event on one of the connectors 20, the loading element 16 disposed proximate the fastener arrangement 14 exerts a sufficient force on the fastener arrangement 14 to cause it to move to the open position, thereby opening the housing.
The clip portions 14a, 14b of the fastener arrangement 14 disconnect and the first body portion 11 begins to pivot away from the second body portion 12 about hinge 15, as shown in Figure 9. The connector 20 and the loading element 16 that are spaced from the hinge 15 can no longer transmit the loading force to the housing 10, thus this force is now transmitted to the elongate flexible element 30.
This force pulls the elongate flexible element 30 away from the housing 10, causing the coiled formation to unravel, thereby absorbing the energy of the fall arrest event.
If the elongate flexible element 30 comprises a strip of adhesive or adhesive tape 32 (as in Figure 6) then the adhesive fails or the tape 32 is ripped or fails when the loading force applied is indicative of a fall arrest event. Accordingly, the adhesive or adhesive tape 32 does not interfere with the deployment of the elongate flexible element 30.
Figure 10 shows the device of Figure 9 when the elongate flexible element 30 has been fully deployed. The housing is in the open condition as also shown in Figure 2b.
The loops 31 at the ends of the elongate flexible element 30 remain secured between the connector 20 and the attachment portion 19 of the loading elements 16. The coiled formation of the elongate flexible element 30 has completely unwrapped or unravelled from around the spine portions 18 of the loading elements.
The first and second body portions 11, 12 remain secured to each other at one end by the hinge 15. In addition, the housing is secured to the connector 20 by the hinge 15 passing therethrough, as the body portions 11,12 are too large to pass through the connector 20. This prevents the housing from falling away from the user during deployment of the elongate flexible element 30.
-17It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended 5 claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word comprising and comprises, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, “comprises” means “includes or consists of’ and “comprising” means “including or consisting of’. The singular reference of an element does 10 not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
-18CLAIMS
Claims (39)
1. An energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system, the device comprising:
an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element; and a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be adjustable between a closed condition in which the housing encloses the energy absorber arrangement and an open condition in which the housing is configured to open or separate;
wherein, in response to application of a predetermined loading force, the housing is configured to move to the open condition and the elongate flexible element is deployed; and wherein the housing can open or separate without resulting in deployment of the elongate flexible element.
2. The energy absorber device of claim 1, wherein the elongate flexible element is deployed in a first direction and the housing is configured to open or separate in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction.
3. The energy absorber device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing comprises:
a first body portion and a second body portion; and a joint along which the first body portion is configured to at least partially open or separate from the second body portion;
wherein the joint extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the elongate flexible element is deployed.
4. The energy absorber device of claim 3, wherein the joint extends substantially along a length of the housing, and/or substantially around a circumference of the housing.
5. The energy absorber device of claim 3 or claim 4, comprising a bore or channel disposed at each end of the housing, wherein each bore or channel is for receiving a connector therein.
6. The energy absorber device of claim 5, wherein the joint between the first body portion and the second body portion extends between the bores or channels in the housing.
7. The energy absorber device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises:
a first body portion and a second body portion;
a hinge connecting the first body portion to the second body portion; and a fastener arrangement reconfigurable between:
i) a locked position in which the first and second body portions are secured together; and ii) an open position in which the first and second body portions pivot about the hinge, such that the housing is in the closed condition when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position.
8. An energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system comprising:
a housing comprising:
a first body portion and a second body portion;
a hinge connecting the first body portion to the second body portion; and a fastener arrangement reconfigurable between:
i) a locked position in which the first and second body portions are secured together; and ii) an open position in which the first and second body portions pivot about the hinge; and an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element received within the housing;
wherein in response to application of a predetermined loading force on the housing the fastener arrangement moves to the open position and the elongate flexible element is deployed.
9. The energy absorber device of claim 8, wherein the hinge is disposed at one end of the first and second body portions, and the fastener arrangement is disposed at the opposing end of the first and/or second body portions.
10. The energy absorber device of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position the housing comprises a first bore or channel disposed adjacent to the hinge and a second bore or channel disposed adjacent to the fastener arrangement, wherein each bore or channel is for receiving a connector therein.
11. The energy absorber device of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the fastener arrangement comprises a clip.
12. The energy absorber device of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first and second body portions are rigid.
13. An energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system comprising:
an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element;
a housing having a closed condition in which it encloses the energy absorber arrangement; and a loading element arranged to engage the housing, wherein the loading element comprises an attachment portion for mounting to a connector, such that the loading element is configured to transmit a loading force from the connector to the housing;
wherein, in response to application of a predetermined loading force, the housing is configured to open or separate and the elongate flexible element is deployed.
14. The energy absorber device of claim 13, wherein the attachment portion of the loading element comprises an aperture configured to receive a connector therethrough.
15. The energy absorber device of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the housing comprises:
a first body portion and a second body portion;
a hinge connecting the first body portion to the second body portion; and a fastener arrangement reconfigurable between:
i) a locked position in which the first and second body portions are secured together; and ii) an open position in which the first and second body portions pivot about the hinge,
-21wherein the housing is in the closed condition when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position and, in response to application of the predetermined loading force on the housing, the fastener arrangement moves to the open position.
16. The energy absorber device of claim 15 as it depends on claim 14, wherein the fastener arrangement is disposed proximate the attachment portion of the loading element when the fastener arrangement is in the locked position.
17. The energy absorber device of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein, when the loading force applied to the loading element is below a given threshold, the fastener arrangement can be moved to the open position and the housing can be opened or separated without resulting in deployment of the elongate flexible element.
18. The energy absorber device of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the loading element is at least partially enclosed within the housing when the housing is in the closed condition.
19. The energy absorber device of any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the loading element comprises at least one shoulder portion configured to engage a slot or recess provided in the housing.
20. The energy absorber device of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein a loop is provided at each end of the elongate flexible element and one of the loops is secured around the loading element.
21. The energy absorber device of claim 20 as it depends on claim 19, wherein the at least one shoulder portion projects outside of the loop in the elongate flexible element.
22. The energy absorber device of any of claims 13 to 21, wherein the loading element comprises a spine portion and the elongate flexible element is at least partially wrapped around the spine portion in a coiled formation prior to deployment.
23. The energy absorber device of any of claims 13 to 22, comprising a plurality of loading elements.
24. The energy absorber device of claim 23, wherein the loading elements are disposed at opposing ends of the housing.
25. The energy absorber device of any of claims 13 to 24, further comprising the connector(s) configured to be mounted to the loading element(s), wherein each connector allows the device to be secured to a safety line or to a user.
26. The energy absorber device of claim 25 as it depends on claim 14, wherein the connector(s) comprise shackles, having shackle pins arranged to be inserted through the apertures in the loading elements.
27. The energy absorber device of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate flexible element is stored within the housing in a coiled formation prior to deployment.
28. The energy absorber device of claim 27, further comprising adhesive, or an adhesive strip, arranged to retain the elongate flexible element in the coiled formation prior to deployment.
29. The energy absorber device of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate flexible element comprises at least one folded portion, wherein each folded portion is formed by a seam configured to tear upon application of the predetermined loading force.
30. The energy absorber device of any of claims 13 to 30, wherein the housing is as defined in any of claims 9 to 12.
31. An energy absorber device for use in a fall arrest system comprising:
an energy absorber arrangement comprising an elongate flexible element;
-23a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be adjustable between a closed condition in which the housing encloses the energy absorber arrangement and an open condition in which the housing is configured to open or separate; and at least two spine portions disposed within the housing, wherein the spine portions are spaced apart and the elongate flexible element is wrapped around the spine portions prior to deployment;
wherein, in response to application of a predetermined loading force, the housing is configured to move to the open condition and the elongate flexible element is deployed.
32. The energy absorber device of claim 31, wherein the spine portions extend in the same direction within the housing, and/or wherein the spine portions are aligned in the same plane.
33. The energy absorber device of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein each spine portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end and the distal ends of the spine portions are adjacent and spaced apart.
34. The energy absorber device of claim 33, wherein each of the proximal ends of the spine portions are mounted to the housing and/or configured to be mounted to a connector.
35. The energy absorber device of any of claims 31 to 34, wherein the housing is as defined in any preceding claim.
36. The energy absorber device of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate flexible element comprises a length of textile and/or a length of webbing.
37. A fall arrest system comprising an energy absorber device according to any preceding claim.
38. A fall arrest arrangement comprising an energy absorber device according to any preceding claim.
39. A housing for an energy absorber device as defined in any of claims 7 to 12.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1803992.5 Examiner: Mr Geraint Davies
Claims searched: 1-7 & 12 in full and 27, 29 & Date of search: 14 August 2018
36-38 in part
Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17
Documents considered to be relevant:
Category
Relevant to claims
Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance
X
1-2 & 37-
38
WO 2012/145639 A2
(ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS) See Figure 19, noting 'openable/separable housing1 333, and paragraph [0066]
A
JPH0824352 A
(FUJII) See Figures 7-8, and paragraph [0004]
A
-
US 5174410 A
(CASEBOFT) See Figure 3, and col 4, In 67 - col 5, In 2
A
-
US 5090503 A
(BEEF) See Figures, and col 4, In 58 - col 5, In 27
A
-
US 3444957 A
(ERVIN) See entire document
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1803992.5A GB2571948B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-03-13 | Energy absorber device |
| GB1807044.1A GB2572019B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-04-30 | Coiled energy absorber device |
| PCT/GB2019/050622 WO2019175543A1 (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2019-03-06 | Energy absorber device |
| PCT/GB2019/050621 WO2019175542A1 (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2019-03-06 | Coiled energy absorber device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1803992.5A GB2571948B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-03-13 | Energy absorber device |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201803992D0 GB201803992D0 (en) | 2018-04-25 |
| GB2571948A true GB2571948A (en) | 2019-09-18 |
| GB2571948B GB2571948B (en) | 2022-02-23 |
Family
ID=61972825
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1803992.5A Active GB2571948B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-03-13 | Energy absorber device |
| GB1807044.1A Active GB2572019B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-04-30 | Coiled energy absorber device |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1807044.1A Active GB2572019B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-04-30 | Coiled energy absorber device |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB2571948B (en) |
| WO (2) | WO2019175542A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2023031263A1 (en) * | 2021-09-01 | 2023-03-09 | Latchways, Plc | Energy absorber device |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2588927B (en) | 2019-11-14 | 2024-04-17 | Latchways Plc | Settable length fall arrest device |
| GB2622597A (en) | 2022-09-21 | 2024-03-27 | Latchways Plc | Fall arrest device with settable cable length and rollable shell |
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| US4446944A (en) * | 1983-03-09 | 1984-05-08 | Forrest Mountaineering, Inc. | Shock absorbing device and method |
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| US5174410A (en) * | 1991-05-28 | 1992-12-29 | Db Industries, Inc. | Shock absorber safety system for workers and method of making same |
| JPH0824352A (en) * | 1994-07-13 | 1996-01-30 | Fujii Denko Co Ltd | Hook with integrated shock absorber |
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| WO2023031263A1 (en) * | 2021-09-01 | 2023-03-09 | Latchways, Plc | Energy absorber device |
| GB2612289A (en) * | 2021-09-01 | 2023-05-03 | Latchways Plc | Energy absorber device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201803992D0 (en) | 2018-04-25 |
| GB2572019A (en) | 2019-09-18 |
| GB2571948B (en) | 2022-02-23 |
| WO2019175543A1 (en) | 2019-09-19 |
| WO2019175542A1 (en) | 2019-09-19 |
| GB2572019B (en) | 2022-01-12 |
| GB201807044D0 (en) | 2018-06-13 |
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