WO2022183199A1

WO2022183199A1 - Force damping system including force damper, reinforced non-flammable bailout lanyard, and force absorbing fireman harness

Info

Publication number: WO2022183199A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/070819
Authority: WO
Inventors: John CARROCCIA; Jeffrey Murray
Original assignee: On Top Safety Equipment, Llc
Priority date: 2021-02-25
Filing date: 2022-02-24
Publication date: 2022-09-01
Also published as: EP4297877A1; CA3209527A1

Abstract

A bailout and force damping system that progressively arrests a first force imparted by an object moving in a first direction is disclosed. The bailout and force damping system can include a force damper member, a reinforced bailout lanyard optionally including a tear-away portion, and a force absorbing belt/harness. The force damper member includes an elastically deformable compression member and a plastically deformable sacrificial elongatable member. The force absorbing belt/harness can include a hip/waist belt portion, a chest/shoulder harness portion, and a thigh portion. The hip/waist belt portion includes a mid-body harness connection member capable of connecting a terminal end of the reinforced bailout lanyard, and includes a plastically sacrificial elongatable portion that is plastically deformable when a force is applied. The chest/shoulder portion include an upper body connection member configured to pass the reinforced bailout lanyard therethrough to maintain the wearer in an upright position during/after a fall.

Description

FORCE DAMPING SYSTEM INCLUDING FORCE DAMPER, REINFORCED NON FLAMMABLE BAILOUT LANYARD, AND FORCE ABSORBING FIREMAN HARNESS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit, under Articles 4 and 8 of the Stockholm Act of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, and priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 63/262,516, filed October 14, 2021. This application also claims the benefit, under Articles 4 and 8 of the Stockholm Act of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, and priority to U.S. Pat. App. No. 17/185,071, filed February 25, 2021, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/784,939, filed February 7, 2020, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/113,618, filed August 27, 2018, which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/610,786, filed December 27, 2017. Each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

[0002] The instant disclosure broadly relates to a force damping system including a force damper, a reinforced, fire resistant/non-flammable bailout lanyard, and a force absorbing fireman’s belt/hamess, and more specifically to a force damping system configured to serve as a fall mitigation device for an object, such as an individual , wherein one or more components of the system includes one or more sacrificial elements that can serve to reduce the forces experienced by the object/user as a result of a fall and prevent the reuse of the one or more components after a sufficient force has been applied, as may occur, for example, as a result of a fall. BACKGROUND

[0003] Fall prevention harnesses and devices are known. For example, one such device includes a stretchable shock absorbing lanyard, e.g., Model No. 1340101 PRO™ Stretch Shock Absorbing Lanyard manufactured by Protecta®. In such device, an inner core of the device is configured to extend from about four and a half feet to about six feet while absorbing energy of a falling object. Although this device may be suitable in some situations, it cannot ensure safety in situations where the falling height is similar to the height of the object falling, e.g., a worker that is six feet falling off an elevated level of seven feet. Additionally, such type of device may be reused over and over again.

[0004] However, regulations and/or a desire to ensure worker safety has created a need for fall arrest devices that cannot be used more than a single time as the integrity of a previously used force damping system is suspect. For example, a force damping device including a resilient compression spring member used to slow the fall of a three hundred pound object a first time may not perform as effectively to slow the fall of the three hundred pound object a second time. Likewise, a force damping device including, for example, a resilient lanyard used to slow the fall of an object a first time may also not be as effective a second time.

[0005] In the case of firefighting, a paramount component of a firefighter’s gear is what is known as a bailout system, which allows a firefighter to perform an immediate escape from a burning structure, e.g., through a window, a door, or other opening usually at a height, when conditions have become unsafe and rapid egress is required. Current bailout systems typically include a simple fireman’s hip/waist belt, a length of rope, and a hook/anchor. Typically, the fireman’s hip/waist belt includes a reinforced ring for securing one end of the length of rope, and the second end of the length of rope secures the hook/anchor. In a bailout procedure, a firefighter will typically secure the hook/anchor to a wall or a jamb of a window, and then jump or leap from the structure and have their fall arrested by the anchored rope.

[0006] A common problem with known bailout systems, however, is the fact that because they are primarily so-called “last ditch” type systems, they are infrequently utilized and are often overlooked safety systems. Hence, they are often very simple systems that consist of little more than a hip/waist belt, a length of rope, and a hook/anchor connected to the rope. Due to this simplicity, in the case of a bailout operation using such systems, serious injury or death can occur as a result of the fall itself. That is, a firefighter may suffer serious injury or death as a result of the immediate decelerative forces applied upon their body once their fall has been arrested. In this regard, such decelerative forces are often primarily focused and applied to the hip/waist belt region of the firefighter, which can contort and whip the falling individual and cause injury to the mid-section and/or injure the back of the firefighter, for example, if the firefighter becomes inverted during their fall due to movement of their belt. Additional injury can occur to the head and leg regions of a firefighter, for example, when deceleration affecting the mid-section does not similarly affect the head and legs of the firefighter, which can cause the head and legs to be whipped about. Additionally, as the length of rope in a bailout system is necessarily shorter than the height at which a bailout procedure is to be performed, after falling a firefighter may be suspended at a height for a time. During this time, the rope securing the firefighter can be subject to fire damage resulting in catastrophic failure and the firefighting, again, dropped from a height.

[0007] Thus, there is a long-felt need for a bailout and/or fall arresting system including one or more force damping components that reduce the decelerative forces experienced by a user in the event of a fall, that serves to position the wearer in an upright posture during/after a fall so to reduce injury, that precludes the subsequent reuse of one or more components thereof after having been subject to a sufficient force, e.g., a force resulting from a falling object or person, and that offers increased protection from the effects of intense heat or fire so as to reduce the incidence of catastrophic failure of one or more system components.

SUMMARY

[0008] At the outset it should be understood that while the following disclosure, figures, and/or claims, etc. describe subject matter including one or more aspects described as either alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, the subject matter of the instant disclosure is not intended to be so limited. That is, the instant disclosure, figures, and claims are intended to encompass the various aspects described herein, either alone or in one or more combinations with one another. For example, while the instant disclosure may describe and illustrate a first aspect, a second aspect, and a third aspect in a manner such that the first aspect is only specifically described and illustrated relative to the second aspect, or the second aspect is only described and illustrated relative to the third aspect, the instant disclosure and illustrations are not intended to be so limiting and may encompass the first aspect alone, the second aspect alone, the third aspect alone, or one or more combinations of the first, second, and/or third aspects, e.g., the first aspect and the second aspect, the first aspect and the third aspect, the second and third aspect, or the first, second and third aspects.

[0009] The present disclosure is related to a force damping system arranged to progressively arrest a first force imparted by an object moving in a first direction, the force damping system can include at least a force damper member, a tear-away lanyard, and a force absorbing harness, wherein one or more of the force damper member, the tear-away lanyard, and the force absorbing harness can include one or more sacrificial elements that, for example, can prevent reuse of the one or more of the force damper member, the tear-away lanyard, and/or the force absorbing harness after exposure to a sufficient force, e.g., a falling object or person.

[0010] In some aspects, a force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a force damper member having a compression member and a sacrificially elongatable member, the compression member being elastically deformable and compressible when a first force is imparted and the sacrificially elongatable member being plastically deformable and elongatable when a first force is imparted.

[0011] In some aspects, a force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a tear-away lanyard having a first terminal end and a second terminal end and at least a pair of sacrificial tear-away regions disposed between the first terminal end and the second terminal.

[0012] In some aspects, a force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a force absorbing harness having a harness connection member capable of connecting at least one of the first terminal end or the second terminal end of the tear-away lanyard, and in some aspects the harness connection member can include a sacrificial member that is plastically deformable when a first force is imparted. In some aspects, the sacrificial member of the harness connection member can comprise an elongatable portion. In some aspects, the elongatable portion of the harness connection member can comprise one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, a helical portion, a cross member, a spring member, or a wire member. In some aspects, the sacrificial member of the harness connection member can comprise a compressible member.

[0013] In some aspects, the force damper comprises a drawbar-type spring including a compression member and a pair of oppositely disposed loop members, each of the loop members having a closed loop end portion and at least one leg end portion, each of the at least one leg end portions pass through the compression member, each of the at least one leg end portions have an end configured to engage with opposite ends of the compression member such that when sufficient forces are applied upon the closed loop end portions of each of the oppositely disposed loop members, the compression member is compressible. In some aspects, the compression member can comprise a compression spring. In some aspects, at least one leg end portion of at least one of the oppositely disposed loop members can include a weakened region that is capable of increased plastic deformation relative to the closed loop end portion thereof. In some aspects, the weakened region can comprise one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion. In some aspects, each of the oppositely disposed loop members can comprise a pair of leg end portions, and each leg of the pair of leg end portions of at least one of the loop members can include the sacrificially elongatable member and weakened region. In some aspects the weakened regions can include one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion.

[0014] In some aspects, the tear-away lanyard can have a length from 1 - 7 feet and can include one or more sacrificial tear-away regions. In some aspects comprising a plurality of sacrificial tear-away regions, each of the sacrificial tear-away regions can include a looped safety portion in conjunction with a sacrificial tear-way portion. In some aspects, a length of a leg of the looped safety portion can be from 0.75 1 feet. In some aspects, a length of a leg of each sacrificial tear-away region can be from 0.5 1 feet.

[0015] In some aspects, at least one of the force absorbing harness and the tear-away lanyard can further comprise an elastically deformable member. [0016] In some aspects, at least one of the force absorbing harness and the tear-away lanyard further can comprise a looped safety portion in conjunction with an elastically deformable member that extends between ends of the looped safety portion.

[0017] In some aspects, the force absorbing harness can include a plurality of looped safety portions each in conjunction with a corresponding elastically deformable member, the plurality of looped safety portions disposed along webbed strapping of the force absorbing harness and at one or more of chest, back, and thigh portions thereof.

[0018] In some aspects, the compression spring can be formed from spring steel having a

3/16 to 1/4 inch cross-sectional diameter, a spring rate of 100 350 lbs/inch, and a length in a non-compressed state that is from 1 - 6 inches. In some aspects, the compression spring can be formed to comprise a progressive-type spring and be from spring steel wire having a 3/16 to 1/4 inch cross-sectional diameter, a spring rate of 100 350 lbs/inch, and a length in a non- compressed state that is from 1 - 6 inches.

[0019] The present disclosure is also related to a bailout and force damping system, which includes several of the same components and/or components that are similar to the previously discussed force damping system, but including additional components and/or components rearranged or reconfigured relative thereto, e.g., force damper, D-ring assembly, force absorbing portions, tear-away portions, etc., which bailout and force damping system is also arranged to progressively arrest a first force imparted by an object, e.g., a firefighter, moving in a first direction. The bailout and force damping system can include at least a force damper member, a reinforced bailout lanyard including non-flammable components and/or components that can withstand intense heat and temperatures typically associated with burning buildings and structures, which reinforced bailout lanyard can include one or more tear-away portions or force absorbing portions, as well as a force absorbing belt/harness, wherein one or more of the force damper member, the reinforced bailout lanyard, and the force absorbing belt/harness can include one or more sacrificial elements that, for example, can prevent reuse of the one or more of the force damper member, the reinforced bailout lanyard, and/or the force absorbing belt/hamess after exposure to a sufficient force, e.g., a falling object or person.

[0020] In some aspects, a bailout and force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a force damper member having a compression member and a sacrificially elongatable member, the compression member being elastically deformable and compressible when a first force is imparted and the sacrificially elongatable member being plastically deformable and elongatable when a first force is imparted.

[0021] In some aspects, a bailout and force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a reinforced bailout lanyard including a sacrificial force reducing region including an optional tear-away component having a first terminal end and a second terminal end and at least a sacrificial tear-away region disposed between the first terminal end and the second terminal end.

[0022] In some aspects, a bailout and force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure includes a force absorbing belt/hamess having a hip/waist belt portion and a chest/shoulder harness portion, the hip/waist belt portion including a mid-body harness connection member, e.g., a D-ring assembly similar to the D-ring assembly described relative to the force absorbing system, capable of connecting at least one of the first terminal end or the second terminal end of the reinforced bailout lanyard. The mid-body harness connection member includes a sacrificial portion that is plastically deformable when the first force is imparted. The chest/shoulder portion includes an upper body connection member, e.g., a D-ring assembly similar to the D-ring assembly described relative to the force absorbing system, configured to pass the reinforced bailout lanyard thereabout or therethrough. [0023] In some aspects, the sacrificial member of the mid-body harness connection member includes a sacrificially elongatable portion comprising one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, a helical portion, a cross member, a spring member, or a wire member. In some aspects, the sacrificial member of the mid-body harness connection member comprises a compressible member.

[0024] In some aspects of the bailout and force damping system, the force damper comprises a drawbar spring, e.g. similar to that described relative to the force damper system, including the compression member and a pair of oppositely disposed loop members, each of the loop members having a closed loop end portion and at least one leg end portion, each of the at least one leg end portions passing through the compression member, each of the at least one leg end portions having an end configured to engage with opposite ends of the compression member such that when sufficient forces are applied upon the closed loop end portions of each of the oppositely disposed loop members, the compression member is compressible. In some aspects the compression member comprises a compression spring. In some aspects, at least one leg end portion of at least one of the oppositely disposed loop members includes a weakened region that is capable of increased plastic deformation relative to the closed loop end portion thereof. In some aspects, the weakened region comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion. In some aspects, each of the oppositely disposed loop members comprises a pair of leg end portions, and each leg of the pair of leg end portions of at least one of the loop members includes the sacrificially elongatable member and weakened region. In some aspects, the weakened region comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion.

[0025] In some aspects of the bailout and force damping system, the belt/hamess includes a pair of thigh portions each configured to receive a leg of a wearer therethrough, each of the hip/waist belt portion, chest/shoulder harness portion, and thigh portions including one or more of a force absorbing resilient member or a sacrificial tear-away region. In some aspects, each of the force absorbing resilient member or the sacrificial tear-away regions comprise a looped safety portion in conjunction therewith. In some aspects the force absorbing portions corresponding to the thigh portions are disposed to contact the wearer on a front side of the thigh, a back side of the thigh, or on one or more lateral sides of the thigh. [0026] In some aspects of the bailout and force damping system, the belt/hamess includes the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and a pair of thigh portions, each of the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and the pair of thigh portions including one or more of a force absorbing resilient member or a sacrificial tear- away region and looped safety portion in conjunction therewith, each of the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and the pair of thigh portions fixedly secured to one another so as to from an integrated harness unit.

[0027] In some aspects of the bailout and force damping system, the belt/harness includes the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and a pair of thigh portions, each of the hip/waist belt portion and the pair of thigh portions including one or more of a force absorbing resilient member or a sacrificial tear-away region and looped safety portion in conjunction therewith, each of the hip/waist belt portion and the pair of thigh portions fixedly secured to one another, the chest/shoulder harness portion detachably secured to the hip/waist belt portion. [0028] In some aspects of the bailout and force damping system, the belt/hamess including the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and a pair of thigh portions is fixed into and integrally secured into a set of overalls In some aspects, the belt/harness including the hip/waist belt portion and a pair of thigh portions is fixed into and integrally secured into a set of pants, the chest/shoulder harness portion detachably secured to the pants.

[0029] In some aspects of the bailout and force damping system, the system further comprises an overcoat including an aperture capable of passing the reinforced bailout lanyard therethrough from an interior of the overcoat to an exterior of the overcoat. In some aspects, the aperture can open into an exterior cargo pocket of the overcoat for purposes of securing the reinforced bailout lanyard, attached hook/anchor, and optionally attached force damper therein. In some aspects, the cargo pocket includes a downward facing pocket flap, which when opened allows the hook/anchor and attached reinforced bailout lanyard to fall from the cargo pocket under the force of gravity. In some aspects, the flap and pocket include hook and loop fasteners to maintain the flap in the closed position when not in use. In some aspects, the force damper may be secured to the reinforced bailout lanyard proximate that terminal end thereof connected to the hip/waist belt. [0030] In some aspects of the bailout and force damping system, the reinforced bailout lanyard includes a woven outer sheath formed including one or more of a metal fiber and/or a fire/heat resistant synthetic fiber, the woven outer sheath encasing a metal and/or fire/heat resistant cable. In some aspects, the woven outer sheath is formed of one or more of a metal fiber and/or a fire/heat resistant synthetic fiber woven in the form of a braid that is capable of being stretched and elongated. In some aspects, the reinforced bailout lanyard includes a plurality of woven sheath members formed of one or more of a metal fiber and/or a fire/heat resistant synthetic fiber, the woven sheath members encasing a metal and/or fire/heat resistant cable. In some aspects, the reinforced bailout lanyard includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end, as well as a sacrificial tear-away region or force absorbing region disposed between the first terminal end and the second terminal, the tear away or force absorbing region including a looped safety portion associated therewith.

[0031] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciable from the following description in view the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: FIGS. 1A and IB are front and rearward views, respectively, of a force absorbing harness;

FIGS. 2 A and 2B are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including a zig-zag configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the D-ring assembly; FIGS. 3A and 3B are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and

D-ring assembly including a compression spring member configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause sliding movement of portions of the D-ring assembly;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3C - 3C of FIG. 3B showing a type of spring member configuration; FIGS. 3D - 3G are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including an expansion spring member configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause elongation thereof;

FIGS. 4 A and 4B are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including a bent bar/weakened bar configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the D-ring assembly;

FIGS. 5 A and 5B are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including wire loop configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the D-ring assembly; FIGS. 6 A and 6B are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a force damper member subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the force damper;

FIGS. 7 A and 7B are schematic before and after views, respectively, of a tear-away lanyard subject to a sufficient force so as to cause separation of sacrificial portions of the tear away lanyard; FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic before and after view, respectively, of a force dampening system including a force absorbing harness, a tear-away lanyard, and a force damper, which system has been subject to sufficient force so as to cause one or more of deformation of the D- ring assembly, deformation of the force damper, cause separation of sacrificial portions of the tear-away lanyard, and elongation of the elastically deformable member/resilient portions of the force absorbing harness and tear-away lanyard;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a bailout and force absorbing harness in accordance with the instant disclosure illustrating belt/hamess as including a hip/waist belt portion, a chest/shoulder harness portion, and a thigh portion, each including a force absorbing tear-away and/or resilient portion, with the force absorbing tear-away and/or resilient portion relative to the thigh portion disposed at a rear side thereof;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a bailout and force absorbing harness in accordance with the instant disclosure illustrating belt/harness as including a hip/waist belt portion, a chest/shoulder harness portion, and a thigh portion, each of the hip/waist belt portion and thigh portions including a force absorbing tear-away and/or resilient portion, with the force absorbing tear-away and/or resilient portion relative to the thigh portion disposed at a front side thereof; FIG. 11 is a front perspective view a bailout and force absorbing harness in accordance with the instant disclosure illustrating belt/hamess incorporated and integrated into a pair of overalls/pants, the bailout and force absorbing harness including a hip/waist belt portion, a chest/shoulder harness portion, and a thigh portion, each including a force absorbing tear-away and/or resilient portion, with the force absorbing tear-away and/or resilient portion relative to the thigh portion disposed at a front side thereof;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective of the bailout and force absorbing harness of FIG. 11 integrated into a pair of overalls/pants and further illustrating an overcoat including an aperture for passing a reinforced bailout lanyard therethrough;

FIGS. 13 - 17 are illustrations of examples of reinforced bailout lanyards; and,

FIGS 18 - 19 are illustrations of a bailout and force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure, before and after a wearer has fallen from a height.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers and/or the use of prime notations on different drawing views are intended to identify identical, similar, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the specifically disclosed and illustrated aspects.

[0034] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodologies, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

[0035] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice the example aspects.

[0036] It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of’ and “comprising at least one of’ in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0037] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” and “generally” are synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0038] By “non-rotatably connected” elements, it is meant that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required. Additionally, “plastic deformation” is intended to mean instances when a sufficient load is applied to a material that causes a permanent change in shape to that material.

[0039] Adverting now to the figures, it should be appreciated that the figures depict various aspects. An elevated work surface, e.g ., roof, a falling object, e.g. , a worker, a tool, a container filled with materials, etc., are not shown in the figures. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate the type, form and arrangement of each of the foregoing structures and therefore depiction in the figures is unnecessary. For the purpose of clarity in the detailed description, these structures are not included in the figures; however, the structures are discussed herebelow.

[0040] Force Damping System

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 8A - 8B, force damping system 10 according to one or more aspects described and illustrated herein is shown as generally including force absorbing harness 20, tear-away lanyard 90, and force damper 60. As may be appreciated from the figures, force absorbing harness 20 is connectable to a first end loop of tear-away lanyard 90 via, for example, a connector 44, e.g., a carabiner, a second end loop of the tear-away lanyard is connectable to a first U-shaped loop 62 of force damper 60 by means of, for example, a connector, e.g., a not shown carabiner, and second U-shaped loop 70 of force damper 60 is connectable, e.g., via a connector such as a carabiner, to a fixed object (not shown). It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 8 A and 8B illustrate the components of the force damping system as being ordered in a harness-lanyard-force damper configuration, other orders of the components are contemplated and encompassed by the instant disclosure. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that while FIGS. 8 A and 8B illustrate a force damping system as including each of force absorbing harness 20, a tear-away lanyard 90, and a force damper 60 as will be described later, force damping system 10 can be configured to include fewer than all of the above-described system components or additional components. For example, in various non limiting aspects, the system can include a non-force absorbing harness along with one or more other components, a force absorbing harness along with a tear-away lanyard but no force damper, or one or more of each component, e.g., a force absorbing harness along with a pair of lanyards or a pair of force dampers that may be, for example, parallelly connected, etc.

[0042] Force Absorbing Harness [0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1 A - 5B, force absorbing harness 20 is provided so as to be worn by a user and is shown as including outer backstrap portions 22, inner backstrap portions 22A, outer shoulder/chest strap portions 24, inner shoulder/chest strap portions 24A, belt portion 26, and outer thigh strap portions 28, inner thigh strap portions, D-ring mount assembly 34, and D-ring assembly 36. Much like most known body harnesses, the various straps, belts, and connectors that form force absorbing harness 20 can be fabricated from materials such as nylon webbing, leather, various metals, plastics, and the like of sufficient strength for securing a wearer, and in accordance with ANSI or OSHA requirements, and/or in accordance with requirements that may be set, for example, by other non-governmental organization or trade associations. In aspects, the harness can be fabricated from nylon webbing that is 1 - 2 inches in width. As may be appreciated from the figures, force absorbing harness 20 is configured to comprise one or more force absorbing features. For example, force absorbing harness 20 can be configured to comprise an outer harness portion and an inner harness portion connected to one another, as by for example, sacrificial stitching, that is configured to allow the outer harness portion to partially separate away from the inner harness portion when a sufficient force is applied upon the harness. In aspects, force absorbing harness 20 can include harness outer backstrap portions 22, outer shoulder/chest strap portions 24, and outer thigh strap portions 28 connected to respective inner backstrap portions 22A, inner shoulder/chest strap portions 24A, and inner thigh strap portions 28A as by, for example, sacrificial stitching (not shown). As may be appreciated from the figures, safety/retaining stitching 29 in accordance with ANSI or OSHA requirements can be provided to prevent complete separation of the outer harness from the inner harness to thereby allow the inner harness to remain snugly fit upon the user. As may be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 8A and 8B, when a wearer suffers a fall, for example, and a sufficient force is applied upon the harness, the not shown sacrificial stitching securing the outer harness portion to the inner harness portion can be sacrificially tom, thereby allowing the outer harness portion to separate and extend away from the inner harness portion and absorb some of the force resulting from a fall, yet simultaneously allowing the inner harness portion to maintain a snug fit close to the wearer’s body and secure the wearer.

[0044] In addition to the above, in some aspects force absorbing harness 20 can also be configured to comprise one or more elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30, e.g., elastic or rubber material, in conjunction with looped safety portions 32. Elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30 and looped safety portions 32 are generally disposed along those areas/regions of force absorbing body harness 20 that tend to produce injury to a wearer of the harness, for example, in the event of a fall. As may be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 8A and 8B, when a wearer suffers a fall, for example, the elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30 and looped safety portions 32 are configured to extend and elongate so as to reduce the forces that are applied upon the wearer’s body at such locations. As compared to conventional-type harnesses not including such elongatable or elastically deformable components, force absorbing harness 20 including elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30 and looped safety portions 32 can reduce the incidence of injury to the wearer. In aspects, elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30 can have a force absorbing ability in a range of 40 - 80 lbs/inch of stretch, an overall length of from 3 - 5 inches, and a length between looped safety portions 32 (in a non-extended state) can be in the range of from 1 - 3 inches. Additionally, it should be appreciated that while elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30 and looped safety portions 32 are illustrated as comprising solid plastics or rubber in association with webbed strap-type members, such components can be in the manner of one or more elastic members covered in an accordion-like sheath of nylon webbed material, i.e., an accordion-like sheath having an extended length greater than that of the one or more inner elastic members in a non-elongated state. Additionally, while FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate a single elastically deformable member/resilient portion 30 and looped safety portion 32 as corresponding to each of respective back, shoulder/chest, and thigh straps, the number of elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30 and looped safety portions 32 corresponding to each strap could be configured to be more or less, or otherwise disposed. In addition to the above, while it is not shown in the figures, looped safety portions 32 can be utilized in association with one or more tear-away members, e.g., tear-tape having a 200 - 1200 lbs. ANSI rating, and in some aspects tear-tape having a 900 - 1200 lbs. ANSI rating currently commercially available from Oppermann Webbing, Inc. of Piedmont, SC. Also, while the aforementioned describes and illustrates one or more various components in association with inner and/or outer harness portions, the one or more various components, e.g., the elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30 and looped safety portions 32, accordion-like sheath, and/or tear-away members, etc., can be associated with a harness that does not include both inner and outer harness portions. [0045] As shown in FIG. IB, force absorbing harness 20 can include D-ring assembly mount 34 that can include one or more slots so as to receive and secure backstrap portions 22 therethrough in a cross-wise manner such that the D-ring assembly mount 34 may be slidably disposed proximate an upper central portion of a wearer’s back. In addition to securing backstrap portions 22, D-ring assembly mount 34 is also configured to work in conjunction with backstrap portions 22 so as to secure D-ring assembly 36. D-ring assembly mount 34 can be fabricated from various strong, lightweight materials such as plastics capable of withstanding the forces resulting from a falling object, lightweight metals such as aluminum, and/or metals such as steel, as well as various alloys. [0046] D-Ring Assembly

[0047] As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 A - 5B, D-ring assembly 36 can generally include D-ring loop 38, D-ring strap connector 40, and sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42. D-ring loop is generally provided for securing a tether thereto such as tear-away lanyard 90 via a connector 44, e.g., a carabiner. D-ring strap connector 40 generally comprises a slot or aperture for slidably receiving one or more backstraps 22 therethrough such that the D- ring assembly 36 is secured to the force absorbing harness 20 between straps 22 and D-ring assembly mount 34. D-ring assembly 36 can be formed from lightweight metals such as aluminum, and/or metals such as steel, as well as various alloys or combinations thereof. However, as compared to conventional D-rings, D-ring assembly 36 includes sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42, which can be a component or region of the D-ring assembly that is weakened, extendable, or elongatable relative to other D-ring assembly components when exposed to a sufficient force, e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 A - 2B, D-ring assembly 36 can include sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42 in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures 43 that are configured to undergo plastic deformation when exposed to a sufficient force in the direction shown by the arrow, e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object. It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 2 A and 2B depict sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42 in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures 43, sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42 can be configured other than an accordion-like triangular zig- zag structures and can include round or square sinusoidal structures, or helical structures, or combinations thereof, for example. In some aspects, D-ring assembly 36 can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assembly 36 can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, round or flat stock, cast material having a spring rate of 100 - 350 lbs. /inch, annealed steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, 1018 cold rolled steel, and/or tempered steel. In some aspects, D-ring assembly is from 3/16 - 1/4 inch in thickness. In some aspects D-ring assembly can be fabricated from steel plate that is 1/8 - l/4inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width. In some aspects, one or more portions of D-ring assembly 36 may be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., zig-zag structures could be processed so to be more likely to undergo plastic deformation as compared to other portions of the D-ring assembly and/or processed to be progressively plastically deformable.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 3A - 3C, D-ring assembly 36 can include elongatable/weakened/extendable member 42 in the form of a compression spring member configuration 45. In such configuration, as shown in FIG. 3C, D-ring assembly 36 can be configured to include one or more channels 37 that allow one or more D-ring endposts 48 to be slidably received therein. Within the one or more channels 37, one or more compression members 46, e.g., a compression spring, can be disposed between the one or more endposts 48 and one or more stops/abutments 50 of the one or more channels 37. Hence, as shown in a comparison of FIGS. 3A and 3B, upon application of a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow, that portion of the D-ring assembly corresponding to the D-ring loop can be caused to move in the direction of the arrow thereby causing compression member 46 to be compressed and attenuate the forces applied upon the D-ring assembly and the wearer of the harness. It should be appreciated that while compression member 46 is illustrated as being in the form of a compression spring, one or more other compressible structures can be utilized, e.g., rubber, plastics, or materials having a compressible/collapsible/frangible cellular matrix can be utilized. While D-ring assembly 45 of FIGS. 3 A - 3C has been described and illustrated as including a compression member 46, it should be understood that a similar configuration utilizing one or more expansion/elongating members, e.g., one or more expansion springs, is contemplated. In aspects including one or more compression springs, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs are formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16 - 1/4 inches, have an uncompressed length of from 1 - 7 inches, and more preferably, 1 - 3 inches, an overall diameter of 2 inches, and a spring rate from 100 - 3501bs/inch, and preferably, from 150 - 2001bs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more compression springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In some aspects the one or more compression springs can comprise progressive-type springs having unequal distances between each coil over the length of the spring. Additionally, in the case of a D-ring assembly utilizing channels and compression or later discussed expansion springs disposed within the channels, fall or force indicators may also be provided in order to show that the D-ring assembly has been previously subject to a force such that it should not be reused. [0050] As shown in FIGS. 3D - 3E, D-ring assembly 36, which is similar D-ring assembly 45 of FIGS 3A - 3C, and similarly includes one or more channels 37 and stops/abutments 50 (not shown) that allow one or more D-ring endposts 48 (not shown) to be slidably received therein, can be configured to comprise an expansion member, such as one or more expansion springs 37, which can be disposed within channel 37 (not shown), or disposed on the outside of channel 37 (shown). In aspects including one or more expansion springs, the one or more expansion springs can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs are formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16 - 1/4 inch, have an unextended length of from 1 - 3 inches, and more preferably, 2.5 inches, an overall diameter of .75 inches, and a spring rate from 100 - 3501bs/inch, and preferably, about 1781bs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more expansion springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more expansion springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In some aspects the one or more expansion springs can comprise progressive-types springs having unequal distances between each coil over the length of the spring. As poreviosuly mentioned, in the case of a D-ring assembly utilizing channels and compression or expansion springs disposed within the channels, fall or force indicators may be provided in order to show that the D-ring assembly has been previously subject to a sufficient force such that it should not be reused.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3F - 3G, in aspects D-ring assembly 36 can be configured to comprise one or more expansion springs 54 secured to crossmember 56. In aspects including one or more expansion springs 54, the one or more expansion springs 54 can be formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16 - 1/4 inch, have an unextended length of from 1 - 3 inches, and more preferably, 1 - 1.5 inches, an overall diameter of .75 inches, and a spring rate from 100 - 3501bs/inch, and preferably, about 1781bs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more expansion springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more expansion springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In accordance therewith, as expansion spring 54 is selected to be overstressed and undergo plastic deformation, the distance between crossmember 56 and D-Ring loop 38 ranges from 3 - 6 inches so as to accommodate the expansion of the spring therein.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4A - 4B, D-ring assembly 36 can include sacrificially elongatable member 42 in the form of bent bar/weakened bar member 53 wherein a portion of the D-ring assembly configured to receive, for example, connector 44, can be pre-shaped or structurally weakened relative to the remaining portions of the D-ring assembly 36. In such cases, as shown in FIG. 4B, upon application of a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow, sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42, 53 may be elongated and bent in the direction of the arrow such that the forces applied upon a user may be absorbed or attenuated. As may be appreciated from the figures, the bent bar/weakened bar member 53 is disposed within the inner diameter of the D-ring loop 38 and the connector 44 is connectable to the D-ring assembly 36 such that it is capable of engaging both the D-ring loop 38 and the bent bar/weakened bar member 53 - this provides an important safety mechanism in the event that the forces applied to the bent bar/weakened bar member 53 exceed the carrying capacity thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assembly 36 including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assembly 36 including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, round or flat stock, cast material annealed steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, 1018 cold rolled steel, and/or tempered steel having a spring rate of 150 - 3501bs/inch, and in some cases, a spring rate of 150 - 200 lbs. /inch. In some aspects, D-ring assembly is from 3/16 - 1/4 inch in thickness. In some aspects D-ring assembly including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 can be fabricated from steel plate that is 1/8 - l/4inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width. In some aspects, one or more portions of D-ring assembly 36 including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 may be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing, drawing, etc., and/or bent bar 53 can be processed so to be more likely to undergo plastic deformation as compared to other portions of the D-ring assembly.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5A - 5B, D-ring assembly 36 can include sacrificially elongatable member 42 in the form of wire loop member 55 capable of connecting, for example, connector 44. In accordance with such configuration, a plastically deformable spring wire in the form of a loop can be secured to the D-ring loop 38 such that when a sufficient force is applied thereto in the direction of the arrow, the sacrificially elongatable wire loop member 55 undergoes plastic deformation to absorb and attenuate the forces applied upon a user. As may be appreciated from the figures, the wire loop member 55 is disposed within the inner diameter of the D-ring loop 38 and the connector 44 is connectable to the D-ring assembly 36 such that it is capable of engaging both the D-ring loop 38 and the wire loop member 55 - this provides an important safety mechanism in the event that the forces applied to the wire loop member 55 exceed the capacity thereof. In aspect, wire loop member 55 can be formed from round spring wire that is from 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick and have a spring rating of 100 - 3501bs/inch. In some aspects, wire loop member 55 can be formed from flat spring steel that is 3/16 - 1/4 inches thick, and which has a width of from 1/4 to 1/2 inches. In some aspects, wire loop member 55 can processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing.

[0054] Tear- Away Lanyard [0055] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which illustrate tear-away lanyard 90. As may be appreciated from the figures, tear-away lanyard 90 is generally provided to connect a harness, e.g., force absorbing harness 20 worn by a user, to an anchor point such as a wall or a tie-off safety cart used in the roofing field for purposes of preventing injury as may occur as a result of a fall from a height. In accordance therewith, tear-away lanyard 90 can be formed from an appropriate strapping material such as nylon webbing typically used in the fall prevention field and can comprise a pair of terminal ends each including strap connecting portion 92, which as shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B each form a loop capable of receiving, for example connector 44 such as a carbiner, for connecting to a harness and an anchor point. Disposed between each strap connecting portion 92 is intermediate strap portion 94, as well as a plurality of tear-away portions 96. Each tear-away portion 96 is formed of a looped safety portion 100 and a sacrificial tear-away portion 102.

[0056] FIGS. 7A and 7B also show that tear-away lanyard 90 can further comprise one or more resilient portions 98, which can be disposed between each of the strap connecting portions 92 and each of the tear-away portions 96. Resilient portion 98 comprises looped safety portion 104 and elastically deformable member/resilient portion 106, e.g., an elastic or a rubber material capable of deformation. In some aspects, elastically deformable member/resilient portion 106 has an overall length Y from 3 - 5 inches, a length X from 1 - 3 inches, and comprises an elastic material having a rating of 40 - 801bs per inch of stretch. In some aspects, elastically deformable member/resilient portion 106 has an overall length Y of about 5 inches, a length X of about 3 inches, and comprises an elastic material having a rating of about 401bs per inch of stretch. Elastically deformable member/resilient portion 106 and looped safety portion 104 are generally disposed at a position between the each of the strap connecting portions 92 and are configured to extend and elongate so as to reduce the forces that may be applied upon a user in the event of a fall.

[0057] In some aspects, the width of the various components of the tear-away lanyard, e.g., strap connecting portions 92, intermediate strap portion 94, tear-away portions 96, resilient portion 98, can be between 1 - 2 inches. Additionally, in some aspects, tear-away lanyard 90 can have an overall length of between 2 - 5ft. in an unused state as measured from the terminal ends of each strap connecting portion 92. In some aspects, in a used and torn state, e.g., as may result in the event of a fall, the tear-away lanyard can have a length between 1 - 7 ft, and preferably, from 1 - 6 ft.

[0058] With regard to strap connecting portions 92, intermediate strap portion 94, and looped safety portions 100, 104, such components can comprise a fabric webbing, such as nylon webbing known in the field of fall prevention. With regard to sacrificial tear-away portions 102, as may be appreciated from the figures, sacrificial tear-away portions 102 can be formed by joining intermediate portions 103 of each a pair of strap members together by, for example, stitching, adhesives, hook and loop members, or combinations thereof, and then joining the remaining free ends 105 thereof to a respective intermediate strap portion 94 and a respective strap connecting portion 92. In some aspects, joined intermediate portions 103 have a length Z between 0.5 - 1 feet, and in some aspects is approximately 10 inches in an unused and untorn state. In some aspects, a length of looped safety portions 100 is between 0.75 - 1 feet. In some aspects, sacrificial tear away portions 102 comprise tear-tape having a 200 - 1440 lbs ANSI rating, and preferably a tear-tape having a 200 - 900 lbs. ANSI rating. For example, in some aspects, tear-tape having a 900 - 1200 lbs. ANSI rating currently commercially available from Oppermann Webbing, Inc. of Piedmont, SC. can be utilized. In some aspects, sacrificial tear away portions 102 can include one or more holes or punch-holes (not shown) disposed on center and along a portion of the length of one or more of the tear away portions 102. In some aspects, remaining free ends 105 secured to the looped safety portions 100 and intermediate portions 94 have a length of between 1 - 3 inches, and preferably from 2 - 3 inches and are secured according to ANSI and/or OSHA requirements.

[0059] It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate a single elastically deformable member/resilient portion 106 and looped safety portion 104, the number of elastically deformable member/resilient portions 106 and looped safety portions 104 could be more or otherwise disposed. Additionally, while tear-away lanyard 90 is shown as comprising a planar fabric webbing and other generally planar components, it should be appreciated that tear away lanyard 90 could be formed to include a protective outer sheath and internal tear-away portions 96 and/or one or more internal elastically deformable member/resilient portions 106. In such cases, the tear-away portions 96 and/or the elastically deformable member/resilient portion 106 could be covered by an accordion-like outer sheath of webbed material, i.e., the accordion like sheath having an extended length greater than that of the internal components of the tear- away lanyard. In some sheathed aspects, the internal components could comprise an elongatable braid or elastic braid. In some aspects, one or more lengths of intermediate portions 94 can be secured upon itself so, as by for example, the use of stitching, adhesives, hook and loop, etc. so as to comprise one or more not shown accordion-like pleated structures capable of being sacrificially elongated upon application of a sufficient force. In some aspects, the not shown accordion-like pleated structures could form pleats having a pleat length of from 1 - 2 inches and be capable of extending between 3 - 6 inches.

[0060] Force Damper Member

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, force damper member 60 can generally be in the form of a drawbar-type spring and includes first U-shaped loop 62, second U-shaped loop 70, and compression member 80. First U-shaped loop 62 comprises closed loop end portion 64, leg portion 66, and open end U-portion 66. Second U-shaped loop 70 comprises closed loop end portion 78, leg portion 74, and open end U-portion 72. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, second U-shaped loop 70 is shown as further including sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region 76 disposed between closed loop end portion 78 and open end U-portion 72. While not apparent from the figures, which have been provided for illustrative purposes only and their shown proportions not necessarily be relied upon, each of first U-shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped loop 70 can be formed from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the first U- shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, flat stock having a thickness between 3/16 — 1/4 inches and a width between 3/16 - 1/2 inches, or round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16 - 1/4 inches, and have a length of from 3 - 10 inches. In some aspects, the first U-shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped loop 70 is preferably formed from chrome silicon steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, or 1018 cold rolled/hot rolled steel. Additionally, while not shown, force damper member first U-shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped can include a lightweight flexible sheath or covering formed from, for example, a durable fabric such as oiled canvas, Kevlar, etc., which can serve to protect the force damper member from environmental factors and/or serve as an indicator that the force damper has been previously subjected to a force rendering it inoperable for further use. For example, such covering could be configured to be tom in a predetermined manner or one or more force damper components could extend from the sheath or covering to indicate prior use. [0062] Compression member 80 can be in the form of a compression spring having a length and inner and outer diameters. In the case where compression member 80 is formed from a compression spring, the compression spring may be formed from a suitably strong material such as cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, chrome silicon steel, etc. having a wire diameter of between 3/16 - 1/4 inches, a length of between 5 - 7 inches, an overall outer diameter of 1.5 - 2 inches, and an overall spring rate of approximately 100 - 350 lbs. /inch. As may be appreciated, compression member 80 can comprise structures other than a compression spring and may be formed from materials such as resilient plastics, rubbers, and the like.

[0063] In some aspects, compression member 80 can comprise a progressive-type compression spring formed from spring wire having a diameter of between 3/16 and 1/4 inches. In some aspects, compression member comprising a progressive-type compression spring can have an overall inner diameter of about 1 3/4 inches, an overall outer diameter of about 2 inches, an overall uncompressed length of approximately 6 inches, and a spring rate between 500 - 14001bs/inch at full deflection. In some aspects, a progressive-type compression spring transitions from a first end portion that is approximately 2 inches in length that has a spring rate of about 6301bs/inch at full deflection, to an intermediate portion that is approximately 2 inches in length that has a spring rate of about 6001bs/inch at full deflection, and to a second end portion that is approximately 2 inches in length that has a spring rate of about 7501bs/inch at full deflection. In some aspects including a progressive-type compression spring, the pitch angle of coils of the first end portion is approximately 10 - 11 degrees, and preferable about 10.8 degrees, the pitch angle of coils of the intermediate portion is between 11 - 12 degrees, and preferably 11.8 degrees, and the pitch angle of coils of the second end portion is between 12 - 13 degrees, and preferably 12.8 degrees.

[0064] Each of first U-shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped loop 70 have leg portions 66 and 74 that have a length longer than compression member 80 and a width smaller than the inner diameter of compression member 80 such that the leg portions may be received therein and passed through compression member 80 such that closed loop end portions may extend beyond the terminal ends of compression member 80 and serve as points of connection for connecting a tether, for example, and/or for anchoring the force damper member. Additionally, despite the fact that FIGS. 6A and 6B show that closed loop end portion 78 has a width greater than the inner diameter of compression member 80, it should be appreciated that each of first U-shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped loop 70 can have closed loop end portions 64 and 78 that have a width that is smaller than the inner diameter of compression member 80. Each of first U-shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped loop 70 also have open end U-portions 68 and 72 that have a width greater than the outer diameter of the compression member 80 such that the open end U-portions 68 and 72 engage opposite terminal ends of compression member 80. As previously mentioned, closed loop end portions 64 and 78 are provided for serving as connection points for securing a tether or lanyard on a respective one end, and being secured to an anchor point, for example, on the opposite end. Hence, when sufficient force oppositely directed forces are applied to respective closed loop end portions 64 and 78, the first U-shaped loop 62 and second U-shaped loop 70 are disposed in opposite directions to thereby cause the compression of compression member 80 and elongation and plastic deformation of sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region 76, thereby absorbing and attenuating the forces applied thereto.

[0065] As previously indicated, sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region 76 is shown in

FIGS. 6A and 6B as being disposed between closed loop end portion 78 and open end U-portion 72 of second U-shaped loop 70 and is provided for purposes of, in addition to compression member 80, further absorbing and attenuating forces that may be applied to force damper member 60. In accordance therewith, sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region 76 is shown as comprising a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures that cause the sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region 76 to be weaker than the remaining portions of the U- shaped loop 70. Hence, when U-shaped loop 70 is subject to a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6B, e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object, sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region 76 is elongated and undergoes plastic deformation, which serves a dual purpose of absorbing and attenuating the applied forces, as well as a serving as an indicator that the force damper member 30 has been subject to a sufficient force and cannot be reused. It should be further appreciated that while FIGS. 6A and 6B depict sacrificially elongatable/weakened region 76 in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures, sacrificially elongatable/weakened region 76 can be configured to comprise other than accordion-like zig-zag structures and can include, for example, round or square sinusoidal or helical-type structures. Additionally, while FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a single sacrificially elongatable/weakened region associated with a single U-shaped loop, one or more such sacrificial regions 76 may be provided on a single U-shaped loop, or on more than one U-shaped loop.

[0066] Experimental Data

[0067] Drop tests using one or more various of the various system components were conducted and results of the various tests showed marked and unexpected improvements as compared to existing drop data related to known components and systems. For example, in drop tests performed using a 2201bs mannequin and a known non-shock absorbing lanyard, which was dropped at a height of 6ft, it was shown that the mannequin was subjected to approximately 4961 lbs. of force (See https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOrlrlWnvYI). In other known tests utilizing known shock absorbing lanyards and similar weights, generated forces are typically in the range of from 800 - 9001bs of force. Such experimental results are typical and known in the field of fall prevention and safety.

[0068] By contrast, drop tests performed using one or more system components described above were performed and are set forth in the charts below.

Test 1:

Test 2:

Test 3:

Test 4:

As can be appreciated from the test data above, which are exemplary only, upon the use of one or more of the system components set forth in the instant application, it is seen that vast reductions in the amount of force applied upon a falling object or person can be observed, which reductions are wholly unexpected and comprise a marked improvement as compared to existing and known components and systems. It is believed that the various system components act in conjunction with one another so as to produce a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of the system components themselves.

[0069] Bailout and Force Damping System

[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 9 - 19, which illustrate bailout and force damping system 10’ according to one or more aspects described and illustrated herein. As may be appreciated, bailout and force damping system 10’ is shown as generally including bailout and bailout and force absorbing harness 20’, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’, and force damper (now shown, e.g., force damper 60). While force damper 60 is not shown, it should be appreciated that force absorbing damper can comprise a force damper as previously described in the instant application, or otherwise. In accordance therewith, bailout and force absorbing harness 20’ can be connected to a first end loop of reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ via, for example, a connector 44’, e.g., a carabiner, a second end loop of the reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be connectable to a first U-shaped loop 62 of force damper 60 by means of, for example, a connector, e.g., a not shown carabiner, and second U-shaped loop 70 of force damper 60 can be connected, e.g., via a connector such as a carabiner, to a hook/anchor (not shown) arranged to be hooked /anchored to a stable surface such as a wall or doorjamb during a bailout procedure. It should be appreciated that while it is described and/or FIGS. 9 - 12 and 18 - 19 illustrate the components of the bailout and force damping system as being ordered in a harness-lanyard-force damper-hook/anchor configuration, other ordering of the components is contemplated and encompassed by the instant disclosure. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that while it is described and that FIGS. 9 - 12 and 18 - 19 illustrate a bailout and force damping system as including each of bailout and force absorbing harness 20’, a reinforced bailout lanyard 90’, and a force damper, bailout and force damping system 10 can be configured to include fewer than all of the above-described system components or include additional components. For example, in various non-limiting aspects, the system can include a bailout and non-force absorbing harness along with one or more other components, a bailout and force absorbing harness along with a reinforced bailout lanyard but no force damper, or one or more of each component, e.g., a force absorbing harness along with a pair of lanyards or a pair of force dampers that may be, for example, parallelly connected, etc. [0071] Bailout and Force Absorbing Harness

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 9 - 12 and 18 - 19, bailout and force absorbing harness

20’ is provided so as to be worn by a user and is shown as including chest strap portion 23, inner and outer back strap portions (See, e.g., FIG. IB) outer shoulder strap portions 24’, inner shoulder strap portions 24A’, one or more buckles 25, belt portion 26’, outer belt portion 27, inner belt portion 27A, and outer thigh strap portions 28’, inner thigh strap portions 28A’, D-ring assembly 36’ secured to belt portion 26’, and D-ring assembly 39 secured to chest strap portion 23. Much like most known body harnesses, the various straps, belts, and connectors that form bailout and force absorbing harness 20 can be fabricated from materials such as nylon webbing, leather, various metals, plastics, and the like of sufficient strength for securing a wearer, and in accordance with ANSI or OSHA requirements, and/or in accordance with requirements that may be set, for example, by other non-governmental organization or trade associations. In aspects, the strap portions of bailout and force absorbing harness can be fabricated from nylon webbing that is 1 - 2 inches in width and can also include a belt portion whose back portion is of greater width as is typically for fireman’s type belts and/or weight-lifting belts. As may be appreciated from the figures, bailout and force absorbing harness 20 is configured to comprise one or more force absorbing features. For example, bailout and force absorbing harness 20’ can be configured to comprise an outer harness portion and an inner harness portion connected to one another, as by for example, sacrificial stitching, that is configured to allow the outer harness portion to partially separate away from the inner harness portion when a sufficient force is applied upon the harness. In aspects, bailout and force absorbing harness 20’ can include outer shoulder strap portions 24’, and outer thigh strap portions 28’ connected to belt portion 26’, inner belt 27, outer belt 27A, inner shoulder strap portions 24A’, and inner thigh strap portions 28A’ connected to belt portion 26’, with the various outer an inner components secured to one another by, for example, sacrificial stitching 29’. As may be appreciated from the figures, safety/retaining stitching 29’ in accordance with ANSI or OSHA requirements can be provided to prevent complete separation of the outer harness from the inner harness to thereby allow the inner harness to remain snugly fit upon the user. As may be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 18 and 19, when a wearer suffers a fall, for example, and a sufficient force is applied upon the harness, the not shown sacrificial stitching securing the outer harness portion to the inner harness portion can be sacrificially tom, thereby allowing the outer harness portion to separate and extend away from the inner harness portion and absorb some of the force resulting from a fall, yet simultaneously allow the inner harness portion to maintain a snug fit close to the wearer’s body and secure the wearer.

[0073] In addition to the above, in some aspects bailout and force absorbing harness 20’ can also be configured to comprise one or more elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’, e.g., elastic or rubber material, or tear-away members, in conjunction with looped safety portions 32’. Elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’ and looped safety portions 32’ are generally disposed along those areas/regions of bailout and force absorbing harness 20’ that tend to produce injury to a wearer of the harness, for example, in the event of a fall. As may be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 18 - 19, when a wearer suffers a fall, for example, the elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’ and looped safety portions 32’ are configured to extend and elongate so as to reduce the forces that are applied upon the wearer’s body at such locations. As compared to conventional-type harnesses not including such elongatable or elastically deformable components, bailout and force absorbing harness 20 including elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’ and looped safety portions 32’ can reduce the incidence of injury to the wearer. In aspects, elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’ can have a force absorbing ability in a range of 40 - 80 lbs/inch of stretch, an overall length of from 3 - 5 inches, and a length between looped safety portions 32’ (in a non-extended state) can be in the range of from 1 - 3 inches. Additionally, it should be appreciated that while elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’ and looped safety portions 32’ are illustrated as comprising solid plastics or rubber in association with webbed strap-type members, such components can be in the manner of one or more elastic members covered in an accordion-like sheath of nylon webbed material, i.e., an accordion-like sheath having an extended length greater than that of the one or more inner elastic members in a non- elongated state. Additionally, while FIGS. 8 - 12 and 18 - 19 illustrate a single elastically deformable member/resilient portion 30’ and looped safety portion 32’ as corresponding to each of respective back, shoulder, belt, and thigh straps, the number of elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’ and looped safety portions 32’ corresponding to each strap could be configured to be more or less, or otherwise disposed. In addition to the above, while it is not shown in the figures, looped safety portions 32’ can be utilized in association with one or more tear-away members, e.g., tear-tape having a 200 - 1200 lbs. ANSI rating, and in some aspects tear-tape having a 900 - 1200 lbs. ANSI rating currently commercially available from Oppermann Webbing, Inc. of Piedmont, SC. Also, while the aforementioned describes and illustrates one or more various components in association with inner and/or outer harness portions, the one or more various components, e.g., the elastically deformable member/resilient portions 30’ and looped safety portions 32’, accordion-like sheath, and/or tear-away members, etc., can be associated with a harness that does not include both inner and outer harness portions.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 8 - 12 and 18 - 19, bailout and force absorbing harness 20’ is further illustrated as including belt D-ring assembly 36’ and chest D-ring assembly 39, secured to belt portion 26’ and chest strap portion 23, respectively.

[0075] D-Ring Assemblies

[0076] Belt D-ring assembly 36’ is similar to previously described D-ring assembly 36, but is specifically configured for being secured to belt portion 26’ . Likewise, chest D-ring assembly 39 is similar to previously described D-ring assembly 36 but is specifically configured for being secured to chest strap portion 23. As may be appreciated, D-ring assembly 36’ and 39 generally include D-ring loop 38’, D-ring strap connector 40’, and sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42’. Belt D-ring assembly 36’ is generally provided for securing a tether thereto such as reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ via a connector 44’, e.g., a carabiner. Chest D-ring assembly is generally provided for passing a tether or looping a tether therethrough, which allows a wearer to tend to become vertically oriented during a fall as shown in FIG. 18, and then come to rest in a substantially sitting rest position as shown in FIG. 19. Additionally, by connecting a tether to belt D-ring assembly 36’ and then passing or looping the tether through chest D-ring assembly 39, which allows the falling individual to become more vertically oriented during a fall and also distribute the forces along the various harness elements, e.g., chest, shoulder, belt, and thigh portions, those forces typically associated and incurred with traditional belt only systems, which tend to be focused and asserted upon the mid-section of a horizontally oriented individual, can be avoided, which tends to lower the incidence of severe injury to the mid-section or back of the individual. D-ring strap connector 40’ generally comprises a slot or aperture for slidably receiving one or more straps portions or portions of belt portions therethrough such that the D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 may be secured to the bailout and force absorbing harness 20’ at a front side thereof. D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can be formed from lightweight metals such as aluminum, and/or metals such as steel, as well as various alloys or combinations thereof. However, as compared to conventional D-rings, D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 include sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42’, which can be a component or region of the D-ring assemblies that are weakened, extendable, or elongatable relative to other D- ring assembly components when exposed to a sufficient force, e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object.

[0077] Much like D-ring assemblies shown in FIGS. 2A - 2B, D-ring assemblies 36’ and

39 can include sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42’ in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures 43’ that are configured to undergo plastic deformation when exposed to a sufficient force in the direction shown by the arrow, e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object. It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 8 - 12 and 18 - 19 depict sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42’ in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures 43’, sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42’ can be configured other than an accordion-like triangular zig-zag structures and can include round or square sinusoidal structures, or helical structures, or combinations thereof, for example. In some aspects, D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, round or flat stock, cast material having a spring rate of 100 - 350 lbs./inch, annealed steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, 1018 cold rolled steel, and/or tempered steel. In some aspects, D-ring assemblies are from 3/16 - 1/4 inch in thickness. In some aspects D-ring assemblies can be fabricated from steel plate that is 1/8 - l/4inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width. In some aspects, one or more portions of D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 may be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., zig-zag structures could be processed so to be more likely to undergo plastic deformation as compared to other portions of the D-ring assembly and/or processed to be progressively plastically deformable.

[0078] Additionally, much like the D-ring assemblies shown in in FIGS. 3A - 3C, D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can include elongatable/weakened/extendable member 42’ in the form of a compression spring member configuration 45. In such configuration, as shown in FIG. 3C, D- ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can be configured to include one or more channels 37 that allow one or more D-ring endposts 48 to be slidably received therein. Within the one or more channels 37, one or more compression members 46, e.g., a compression spring, can be disposed between the one or more endposts 48 and one or more stops/abutments 50 of the one or more channels 37. Hence, as shown in a comparison of FIGS. 3 A and 3B, upon application of a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow, that portion of the D-ring assembly corresponding to the D-ring loop can be caused to move in the direction of the arrow thereby causing compression member 46 to be compressed and attenuate the forces applied upon the D-ring assembly and the wearer of the harness. It should be appreciated that while compression member 46 is illustrated as being in the form of a compression spring, one or more other compressible structures can be utilized, e.g., rubber, plastics, or materials having a compressible/collapsible/frangible cellular matrix can be utilized. While D-ring assembly 45 of FIGS. 3 A - 3C has been described and illustrated as including a compression member 46, it should be understood that a similar configuration utilizing one or more expansion/elongating members, e.g., one or more expansion springs, is contemplated. In aspects including one or more compression springs, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs are formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16 - 1/4 inches, have an uncompressed length of from 1 - 7 inches, and more preferably, 1 - 3 inches, an overall diameter of 2 inches, and a spring rate from 100 - 3501bs/inch, and preferably, from 150 - 2001bs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more compression springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In some aspects the one or more compression springs can comprise progressive-type springs having unequal distances between each coil over the length of the spring. Additionally, in the case of a D-ring assembly utilizing channels and compression or later discussed expansion springs disposed within the channels, fall or force indicators may also be provided in order to show that the D-ring assembly has been previously subject to a force such that it should not be reused. [0079] D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can also be configured to be similar in structure to the D-ring assembly shown in FIGS. 3D - 3E, which is similar D-ring assembly 45 of FIGS 3A - 3C, and similarly includes one or more channels 37 and stops/abutments 50 (not shown) that allow one or more D-ring endposts 48 (not shown) to be slidably received therein, can be configured to comprise an expansion member, such as one or more expansion springs 37, which can be disposed within channel 37 (not shown), or disposed on the outside of channel 37 (shown). In aspects including one or more expansion springs, the one or more expansion springs can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs are formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16 - 1/4 inch, have an unextended length of from 1 - 3 inches, and more preferably, 2.5 inches, an overall diameter of .75 inches, and a spring rate from 100 - 3501bs/inch, and preferably, about 1781bs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more expansion springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more expansion springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In some aspects the one or more expansion springs can comprise progressive-types springs having unequal distances between each coil over the length of the spring. As poreviosuly mentioned, in the case of a D-ring assembly utilizing channels and compression or expansion springs disposed within the channels, fall or force indicators may be provided in order to show that the D-ring assembly has been previously subject to a sufficient force such that it should not be reused.

[0080] D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can also be configured to be similar in structure to the D-ring assembly shown FIGS. 3F - 3G, and in aspects can be configured to comprise one or more expansion springs 54 secured to crossmember 56. In aspects including one or more expansion springs 54, the one or more expansion springs 54 can be formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16 - 1/4 inch, have an unextended length of from 1 - 3 inches, and more preferably, 1 - 1.5 inches, an overall diameter of .75 inches, and a spring rate from 100 - 3501bs/inch, and preferably, about 1781bs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more expansion springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more expansion springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In accordance therewith, as expansion spring 54 is selected to be overstressed and undergo plastic deformation, the distance between crossmember 56 and D-Ring loop 38, 38’ ranges from 3 - 6 inches so as to accommodate the expansion of the spring therein.

[0081] D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can also be configured to be similar in structure to the D-ring assembly shown in FIGS. 4 A - 4B and include sacrificially elongatable member 42’ in the form of bent bar/weakened bar member 53 wherein a portion of the D-ring assembly configured to receive, for example, connector 44’, can be pre-shaped or structurally weakened relative to the remaining portions of the D-ring assembly 36’. In such cases, as shown in FIG. 4B, upon application of a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow, sacrificially elongatable/weakened member 42’, 53 may be elongated and bent in the direction of the arrow such that the forces applied upon a user may be absorbed or attenuated. As may be appreciated from the figures, the bent bar/weakened bar member 53 is disposed within the inner diameter of the D-ring loop 38’ and the connector 44’ is connectable to the D-ring assembly 36’ such that it is capable of engaging both the D-ring loop 38’ and the bent bar/weakened bar member 53 - this provides an important safety mechanism in the event that the forces applied to the bent bar/weakened bar member 53 exceed the carrying capacity thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, round or flat stock, cast material annealed steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, 1018 cold rolled steel, and/or tempered steel having a spring rate of 150 - 3501bs/inch, and in some cases, a spring rate of 150 - 200 lbs./inch. In some aspects, D- ring assembly is from 3/16 - 1/4 inch in thickness. In some aspects D-ring assembly including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 can be fabricated from steel plate that is 1/8 - l/4inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width. In some aspects, one or more portions of D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 including bent bar/weakened bar member 53 may be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing, drawing, etc., and/or bent bar 53 can be processed so to be more likely to undergo plastic deformation as compared to other portions of the D-ring assembly. [0082] D-ring assemblies 36’ and 39 can also be configured to be similar in structure to the D-ring assembly shown in FIGS. 5A - 5B and include sacrificially elongatable member 42’ in the form of wire loop member 55 capable of connecting, for example, connector 44’. In accordance with such configuration, a plastically deformable spring wire in the form of a loop can be secured to the D-ring loop 38’ such that when a sufficient force is applied thereto in the direction of the arrow, the sacrificially elongatable wire loop member 55 undergoes plastic deformation to absorb and attenuate the forces applied upon a user. As may be appreciated from the figures, the wire loop member 55 is disposed within the inner diameter of the D-ring loop 38’ and the connector 44’ is connectable to the D-ring assembly 36’ such that it is capable of engaging both the D-ring loop 38’ and the wire loop member 55 - this provides an important safety mechanism in the event that the forces applied to the wire loop member 55 exceed the capacity thereof. In aspect, wire loop member 55 can be formed from round spring wire that is from 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick and have a spring rating of 100 - 3501bs/inch. In some aspects, wire loop member 55 can be formed from flat spring steel that is 3/16 - 1/4 inches thick, and which has a width of from 1/4 to 1/2 inches. In some aspects, wire loop member 55 can processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing.

[0083] Reinforced Bailout Lanyard

[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 13 - 17, which illustrate various aspects of reinforced bailout lanyard 90’. As may be appreciated from the figures, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ is generally provided to connect a harness, e.g., bailout and force absorbing harness 20 worn by a user, to an anchor point such as a wall or a window jamb in the event of a bailout procedure. As previously discussed, a problem associated with known bailout systems and ropes or lanyards is that such systems tend to utilize ordinary ropes made from natural or synthetic fibers that may be subject to fire damage and/or catastrophic failure that results in injury or death to a user. Hence, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ in accordance with the instant disclosure is constructed so to include a number of redundancies, as well as utilize reinforcing materials that are lightweight, have increased strength as compared to most natural or synthetic fiber based ropes, and have an increased capacity to maintain their structural integrity under the intense heat and temperatures typically associated with structural fires and the like. [0085] As shown in FIG 13, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be configured to comprise reinforced bailout lanyard 90Ά including inner cable 108, which can be formed from metal cable or other fire-resistant material, and outer sheath 110. Outer sheath 110 can be formed of fire-resistant nylon webbing or other fire-resistant fiber-based material and can include reinforcing metal wire/metal fiber/metal fiber braid 112 incorporated into the webbing material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, while outer sheath 110 is shown as being formed from webbed material stitched together to provide a lanyard having a generally planar configuration, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17 the outer sheath can comprise a rounded structure, for example, formed by braiding fire-resistant metal wire, woven metal fiber, or other fire-resistant fiber-based material or combinations thereof.

[0086] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be configured to comprise reinforced bailout lanyard 90’B having a generally rounded, rope-like configuration including inner cable 108, outer sheath 110A, and braided outer sheath HOB formed from, for example, woven metal fabric 114. As may be appreciated from FIG. 14 braided outer sheath HOB is configured to be loosely braided, which allows the lanyard 90’B to elongate under the application of a force, which serves to reduce the amount of force applied to the remaining system components in the event of a fall. To this end, inner cable 108 can be similarly configured to also correspondingly elongate further reducing/attenuating forces incurred during deceleration. Outer sheath 110 can also be formed of braided fire-resistant nylon webbing or other fire-resistant fiber-based material and can include reinforcing metal wire/metal fiber/metal fiber braid 112 incorporated into the braided webbing material.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 15, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be configured to comprise reinforced bailout lanyard 90’C including a generally rounded, rope-like configuration including inner cable 108, outer sheath 110A, and braided outer sheath HOB formed from, for example, a combination of woven metal fabric 114 and a woven fire-resistant non-metal fabric. As may be appreciated from FIG. 15 braided outer sheath HOB is also configured to be loosely braided, which allows the lanyard 90’C to elongate under the application of a force, which serves to reduce the amount of force applied to the remaining system components in the event of a fall. To this end, inner cable 108 can be similarly configured to also correspondingly elongate further reducing/attenuating forces incurred during deceleration. Outer sheath 110 can be formed of fire-resistant braided nylon webbing or other fire-resistant braided fiber-based material and can include reinforcing metal wire/metal fiber/metal fiber braid 112 incorporated into the webbing material.

[0088] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be configured to comprise reinforced bailout lanyard 90’D including a number of redundancies. That is, bailout lanyard 90’D can be configured to include inner cable 108, which can be formed from metal cable or other fire-resistant material, as well as inner sheath HOC and outer sheath 110D. Inner sheath HOC and outer sheath HOD can be formed of fire-resistant nylon webbing or other fire-resistant fiber-based material and can include reinforcing metal wire/metal fiber/metal fiber braid 112 incorporated into the webbing material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, while the inner and outer sheaths HOC and HOD are shown as being formed from webbed material stitched together to provide a lanyard having a generally planar configuration, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 7 the outer sheaths can comprise a rounded structure, for example, formed by braiding fire-resistant metal wire, woven metal fiber, or other fire-resistant fiber-based material or combinations thereof. [0089] As shown in FIG. 17, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be configured to comprise reinforced bailout lanyard 90Έ including redundancies as well. That is, bailout lanyard 90Έ can include inner cable 108, 1^st inner sheath HOE, 1^st inner braided sheath HOG formed from, for example, woven non-metal fabric 114, 2^nd inner sheath HOF, and 2^st outer braided sheath HOH formed from, for example, woven metal fabric 116. As may be appreciated from FIG. 17 braided sheaths HOG and HOH are configured to be loosely braided, which allows the lanyard 90Έ to elongate under the application of a force, which serves to reduce the amount of force applied to the remaining system components in the event of a fall. To this end, inner cable 108 as well as 1^st and 2^nd inner sheaths can be similarly configured to also correspondingly elongate further reducing/attenuating forces incurred during deceleration. [0090] Finally, as previously discussed, the reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be configured to include additional force reducing and/or attenuating features. For example, while not shown in the drawings, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ can be configured to include so-called tear-away regions or force absorbing features similar to those described and illustrated relative to FIGS. 7A - 8B. For example, in the case of a bailout lanyard having an outer sheath/covering of webbed material, as shown for example, in FIGS. 13 and 16, a portion of the bailout lanyard could be folded upon itself to form a u-shaped loop portion, and the tear-away region/strip disposed between the ends of the u-shaped loop portion, and then fixedly secured thereto by appropriate stitching. Similarly, in the case of a bailout lanyard 90’ having a rounded cable configuration of the type, for example, described and illustrated relative to FIGS. 14, 15 and 17, a portion of the bailout lanyard could be folded upon itself to form a u-shaped loop portion, and the tear-away region/strip disposed between the ends of the u-shaped loop portion, and then fixedly secured thereto by appropriate cable clamps, for example. Additionally, reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ could be folded and secured upon itself in an accordion-like fashion and stitched upon itself to form a tear-away region, or by folding the bailout lanyard upon itself and securing the folded lanyard with a sacrificial covering, which provides both additional force attenuation, as well allowing the reinforced bailout lanyard 90’ to be efficiently stored and maintained in a pre-folded configuration, for example, for efficient storage in a cargo pocket. [0091] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0092] Parts List

10/10’ Force Damping System/Bailout and Force Damping System

20/20’ Force Absorbing Hamess/Force Absorbing Bailout Harness

22 Back Strap Portion (Outer)

22A Back Strap Portion (Inner)

23 Chest Strap Portion

24/24’ Shoulder Strap/Shoulder Strap Portion (Outer)

24A/24A’ Shoulder Strap/Shoulder Strap Portion (Inner)

25 Buckle

26/26’ Belt Portion/Force Absorbing Belt Portion

27 Outer Belt portion

27A Inner Belt portion

28/28’ Thigh Strap Portion (Outer) 28A/28A’ Thigh Strap Portion (Inner)

29/29’ Retaining/Safety Stitching

30/30’ Elastically Deformable Member/Resilient Portion

32/32’ Looped Safety Portion

33 Overalls

34 D-Ring Mount

35 Overcoat 35A Aperture/Access 36/36’ D-Ring Assembly/Belt D-Ring Assembly

37 Extension Spring Member

38/38’ D-Ring Loop

39 Chest D-Ring Assembly

40/40’ D-Ring Strap Connector/D-Ring Belt Connector

42/42’ Sacrificially Elongatable Member

43/43’ Zig-Zag Configuration

44/44’ Connector (Carabiner)

45 Spring Member Configuration

46 Compression Spring Member

47 Channel

48 Endpost 50 Stop

53 Bent Bar/Weakened Bar Configuration

54 Extension Spring Member

55 Wire Loop Configuration

56 Crossmember 60 Force Damper Member 62 First U-Shaped Loop 64 Closed Loop End Portion 66 Leg Portion 68 Open End U-Portion

70 Second U-Shaped Loop 72 Open End U-Portion

74 Leg Portion

76 Sacrificial/Weakened Region

78 Closed Loop End Portion

80 Compression Member

90/90’ Tear-Away Lanyard/Bailout Lanyard

90Ά Bailout Lanyard (Webbing w/Braid)

90’B Bailout Lanyard (Inner Sheath/Outer Braided Metal Sheath)

90’ C Bailout Lanyard (Inner Sheath/Outer Braided Combined Sheath)

90’D Bailout Lanyard (Double Sheathed)

90Έ Bailout Lanyard (Double Braided Sheath)

92 Strap Connecting Portion

94 Intermediate Strap Portion

96 Tear-Away Portion

98 Resilient Portion

100 Looped Safety Portion

102 Sacrificial Tear-Away Portion

103 Intermediate Portion

104 Looped Safety Portion

105 Free End

106 Elastically Deformable Member/Resilient Portions

108 Cable

110A Inner Sheath

110B Braided Outer Sheath

HOC Inner Sheath

110D Outer Sheath

110E 1 ^st Inner Sheath

110F 2^nd Inner Sheath

110G 1 ^st Inner Braided Inner Sheath

110H 2^nd Outer Braided Sheath

112 Braided Metal/Fire Resistant Fibers Metal/W oven Metal

Fire Resistant Non -M etal / W oven Fire Resistant Non-Metal

Claims

What Is Claimed Is: 1. A bailout and force damping system arranged to progressively arrest a first force imparted by an object moving in a first direction, the bailout and force damping system comprising: a force damper member; a reinforced bailout lanyard including a tear-away portion, and, a force absorbing belt/hamess; wherein, the force damper member comprises a compression member and a sacrificially elongatable member, the compression member elastically deformable and compressible when the first force is imparted and the sacrificially elongatable member plastically deformable and elongatable when the first force is imparted; wherein, the reinforced bailout lanyard includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end and at least a sacrificial tear-away region disposed between the first terminal end and the second terminal end; wherein, the force absorbing belt/hamess includes a hip/waist belt portion and a chest/shoulder harness portion, the hip/waist belt portion including a mid-body harness connection member capable of connecting at least one of the first terminal end or the second terminal end of the reinforced bailout lanyard, the mid-body harness connection member including a sacrificial portion that is plastically deformable when the first force is imparted, the chest/shoulder portion including an upper body connection member configured to pass the reinforced bailout lanyard therethrough.

2. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the sacrificial member of the mid-body harness connection member comprises an elongatable portion.

3. The bailout and force damping system of claim 2, wherein the elongatable portion of the mid-body harness connection member comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, a helical portion, a cross member, a spring member, or a wire member.

4. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the sacrificial member of the mid-body harness connection member comprises a compressible member.

5. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the force damper comprises a drawbar spring including the compression member and a pair of oppositely disposed loop members, each of the loop members having a closed loop end portion and at least one leg end portion, each of the at least one leg end portions passing through the compression member, each of the at least one leg end portions having an end configured to engage with opposite ends of the compression member such that when sufficient forces are applied upon the closed loop end portions of each of the oppositely disposed loop members, the compression member is compressible.

6. The bailout and force damping system of claim 5, wherein the compression member comprises a compression spring.

7. The bailout and force damping system of claim 5, wherein the at least one leg end portion of at least one of the oppositely disposed loop members includes a weakened region that is capable of increased plastic deformation relative to the closed loop end portion thereof.

8. The bailout and force damping system of claim 7, wherein the weakened region comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion.

9. The bailout and force damping system of claim 7, wherein the each of the oppositely disposed loop members comprises a pair of leg end portions, and each leg of the pair of leg end portions of at least one of the loop members includes the sacrificially elongatable member and weakened region.

10. The bailout and force damping system of claim 9, wherein the weakened region comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion.

11. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the belt/hamess includes a pair of thigh portions each configured to receive a leg of a wearer therethrough, each of the hip/waist belt portion, chest/shoulder harness portion, and thigh portions including one or more of a force absorbing resilient member or a sacrificial tear-away region.

12. The bailout and force damping system of claim 11, wherein each of the force absorbing resilient member or the sacrificial tear-away regions comprise a looped safety portion in conjunction therewith.

13. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the belt/hamess includes the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and a pair of thigh portions, each of the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and the pair of thigh portions including one or more of a force absorbing resilient member or a sacrificial tear-away region and looped safety portion in conjunction therewith, each of the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and the pair of thigh portions fixedly secured to one another so as to from an integrated harness unit.

14. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the belt/hamess includes the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and a pair of thigh portions, each of the hip/waist belt portion and the pair of thigh portions including one or more of a force absorbing resilient member or a sacrificial tear-away region and looped safety portion in conjunction therewith, each of the hip/waist belt portion and the pair of thigh portions fixedly secured to one another, the chest/shoulder harness portion detachably secured to the hip/waist belt portion.

15. The bailout and force damping system of claim 13, wherein the belt/harness including the hip/waist belt portion, the chest/shoulder harness portion, and a pair of thigh portions is fixed into and integrally secured into a set of overalls.

16. The bailout and force damping system of claim 14, wherein the belt/harness including the hip/waist belt portion and a pair of thigh portions is fixed into and integral secured into a set of pants, the chest/shoulder harness portion detachably secured to the pants.

17. The bailout and force damping system of claim 15, further comprising an overcoat including an aperture capable of passing the reinforced bailout lanyard therethrough from an interior of the overcoat to an exterior of the overcoat.

18. The bailout and force damping system of claim 16, further comprising an overcoat including an aperture capable of passing the reinforced bailout lanyard therethrough from an interior of the overcoat to an exterior of the overcoat.

19. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the reinforced bailout lanyard includes a woven outer sheath formed of one or more of a metal fiber and/or a fire/heat resistant synthetic fiber, the woven outer sheath encasing a metal and/or fire/heat resistant cable.

20. The bailout and force damping system of claim 19, wherein the woven outer sheath formed of one or more of a metal fiber and/or a fire/heat resistant synthetic fiber is in the form of a braid capable of being elongated.

21. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the reinforced bailout lanyard comprises a plurality of woven sheath members formed of one or more of a metal fiber and/or a fire/heat resistant synthetic fiber, the woven sheath members encasing a metal and/or fire/heat resistant cable.

22. The bailout and force damping system of claim 1, wherein the reinforced bailout lanyard includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end and a sacrificial tear-away region or force absorbing region disposed between the first terminal end and the second terminal, the tear away or force absorbing region includes a looped safety portion associated therewith.

23. A force damping system arranged to progressively arrest a first force imparted by an object moving in a first direction, the force damping system comprising: a force damper member; a tear-away lanyard, and, a force absorbing harness; wherein, the force damper member comprises a compression member and a sacrificially elongatable member, the compression member elastically deformable and compressible when the first force is imparted and the sacrificially elongatable member plastically deformable and elongatable when the first force is imparted; wherein, the tear-away lanyard includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end and at least a pair of sacrificial tear-away regions disposed between the first terminal end and the second terminal end; wherein, the force absorbing harness includes a harness connection member capable of connecting at least one of the first terminal end or the second terminal end of the tear-away lanyard, the harness connection member including a sacrificial member that is plastically deformable when the first force is imparted.

24. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein the sacrificial member of the harness connection member comprises an elongatable portion.

25. The force damping system of claim 24, wherein the elongatable portion of the harness connection member comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, a helical portion, a cross member, a spring member, or a wire member.

26. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein the sacrificial member of the harness connection member comprises a compressible member.

27. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein the force damper comprises a drawbar spring including the compression member and a pair of oppositely disposed loop members, each of the loop members having a closed loop end portion and at least one leg end portion, each of the at least one leg end portions passing through the compression member, each of the at least one leg end portions having an end configured to engage with opposite ends of the compression member such that when sufficient forces are applied upon the closed loop end portions of each of the oppositely disposed loop members, the compression member is compressible.

28. The force damping system of claim 27, wherein the compression member comprises a compression spring.

29. The force damping system of claim 27, wherein the at least one leg end portion of at least one of the oppositely disposed loop members includes a weakened region that is capable of increased plastic deformation relative to the closed loop end portion thereof.

30. The force damper of claim 29, wherein the weakened region comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion.

31. The force damping system of claim 29, wherein the each of the oppositely disposed loop members comprises a pair of leg end portions, and each leg of the pair of leg end portions of at least one of the loop members includes the sacrificially elongatable member and weakened region.

32. The force damping system of claim 31, wherein the weakened region comprises one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion.

33. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein a length of the tear-away lanyard is from 6 - 7 feet.

34. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein each of the sacrificial tear-away regions comprise a looped safety portion in conjunction with a sacrificial tear-way portion, wherein a length of a leg of the looped safety portion is from 0.75 - 1 feet, and wherein a length of a leg of each sacrificial tear-away region is from 0.5 - 1 feet.

35. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the force absorbing harness and the tear-away lanyard further comprise an elastically deformable member.

36. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the force absorbing harness and the tear-away lanyard further comprise a looped safety portion in conjunction with an elastically deformable member that extends between ends of the looped safety portion.

37. The force damping system of claim 36, wherein the force absorbing harness includes a plurality of looped safety portions each in conjunction with a corresponding elastically deformable member, the plurality of looped safety portions disposed along webbed strapping of the force absorbing harness and at one or more of chest, back, and thigh portions thereof.

38. The force damping system of claim 28, wherein the compression spring is formed of steel having a 3/16 to 1/4 inch cross-sectional diameter and a length in a non-compressed state that is from 2 - 6 inches.

39. The force damping system of claim 30, wherein the weakened region has a length that is from 1 - 4 inches in a non-elongated state.

40. The force damping system of claim 23, wherein the compression member has a spring rate from 150 - 3501bs/inch.