Background to the invention

The present invention relates to a single-shock-use shock absorber.

It is known for fall arrest systems to incorporate a shock absorber in which a textile element tears at stitching and/or stitched fabric to absorb energy in decelerating a falling man prior to the force arising from his full momentum being resisted by a rope or cable alone. If a shock absorber is not provided, much higher shock loads are experience throughout the fall arrest system and indeed by the man. These can be damaging to the system and the man.

It is known to absorb shock by plastic deformation, typically of a single-shock-use metallic element.

By single-shock-use is intended that the element may carry loads well below the load at which it deforms plastically, but once it has deformed plastically, it should be discarded.

A problem with a device that is intended to deform plastically under shock loading may deform appreciably elastically under lesser loads to such extent as to interfere with other devices under ordinary usage. For instance, it may open elastically and pinch something on closure.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art by providing an improved shock absorber.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a single-shock-use shock absorber having:

a first load application point; a second load application point; a deformable element between the points, the element being dimensioned for plastic shock absorbing deformation; and a bridge between the two load application points, the bridge dimensioned to fracture at a predetermined load less than that at which the element deforms plastically.

In this way, when a load of a predetermined value is applied to the two load application points, there ¹ is controlled spatial separation of the two load points with a resultant absorption of energy by the shock absorber thereby reducing the rate of fall of a falling load, such as an initially free falling man at a level which does not expose him to damaging shock loads, and does not over-load the fall arrest system in which the shock absorber is incorporated.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the bridge which may be varied to allow the bridge to fracture at a predetermined load include but are not limited to the width, shape, contours of the bridge. In addition, it will be appreciated that the material of which the bridge is composed will also influence the load at which the bridge will fracture. All of these factors may be used to produce a bridge which will fracture at a predetermined load less than that at which the deformable element deforms plastically.

The deformable element may comprise a coil of plastically deformable material.

Whist it is envisaged that the element may be arranged for its plastic deformation to be in tension and may optionally also be in torsion, allowing progressive winding or unwinding of the element.

Further, it can be envisaged that the bridge may act directly between the two load application points. However, in the preferred embodiment, the bridge is at one of the load application points and bridges a coil of the element, which passes around the other load application point, the bridged coil acting as a link with the second load application point whilst the bridge remains intact.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a single use shock absorber comprising an elongate body having a first load application point and a second load application point, and a deformable element located between the two application points and at least partially encircling the second load application point, the deformable element being dimensioned for plastic shock absorbing deformation.

In one embodiment, the deformable element is provided with complementary interengagements which interengage with one another prior to plastic shock absorbing deformation.

In a further embodiment, the complementary interengagements comprise protrusions, such as hook-like protrusions.

In one embodiment, at least one of the complementary interengagements shears under specified shock loading when the deformable element undergoes deformation.

In a further embodiment, the deformable element extends around the second load application point in a spiral fashion.

A shock absorber according to any aspect of the present invention may comprise any suitable plastically deformable material such as metal or any suitable plastic or rubberised material or any other suitable material known to the skilled person and appropriate for the purpose.

The form of the shock absorber may be produced by laser cutting, casting, pressing, machining, moulding or by any suitable method known to the skilled person.

In one embodiment, the shock absorber comprises a metal plate, laser cut as a plastically deformable spiral around the second load application point, with the bridge bridging the last coil of the spiral at the first load application point.

When the deformable element unwinds under tension, it stops unwinding when the final load point is reached i.e. the deformable element stops unwinding when the deformable element spiral formation has fully unwound, and is capable of continuing to support a load even when fully unwound. In other words, once the deformable element has unwound under tension, the shock absorber is able to support a load and does not tear under continuing applied tension. Thus, any falling load, such as a falling person whose fall is arrested and whose shock load is absorbed at least in part through the unwinding of the deformable element will not resume falling when the deformable element has unwound. Instead, the unwound deformable element will be capable of supporting the load or person whose fall has been arrested, such that the load or person is prevented from falling further.

In one embodiment the bridge is formed directly between the two load application points.

In a further embodiment, the single-shock-use shock absorber according to the present invention comprising two bridges between the first and second load application points, each bridge dimensioned to fracture at a predetermined load less than that at which the element deforms plastically.

In one embodiment, the deformable element comprises a metal plate with a groove running around the second load application point in a spiral formation.

One or more bridges may be formed along the length of the groove.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a fall arrest device comprising one or more single-shock-use shock absorbers according to a first or second aspect of the present invention.

When multiple single-shock-use shock absorbers are used in a single fall arrest device, they may be provided in series such that the combination of shock absorbers act to absorb a greater amount of energy than would be absorbed by a single shock absorber. Thus, a user may select the appropriate number of shock absorbers to be used in combination to provide a shock absorber capable of withstanding fracture until application of a load greater than could be withstood by a single shock absorber.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a fall arrest system comprising a fall arrest device according to a preceding aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shock absorber according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a further embodiment of a shock absorber according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of a further embodiment of a shock absorber according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 4 with the spiral laser cuts shown using dashed lines; Figure 6 is a side view of a further embodiment of a shock absorber according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side view of a further embodiment of a shock absorber according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 8; and

Figure 10 is a side view of a further embodiment of a shock absorber in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to the drawing, the shock absorber 1 is laser cut from stainless steel. It has a 10 mm central bore 2 via which it attaches to an element of a fall arrest system or the like using a pin, axle or the like (neither shown) to apply load. From a crack limitation drilling 3, a spiral laser cut 4 spirals out 2.5 or other desired number of turns, leaving a spiral element ranging from 5 mm to 14 mm between the cuts depending on energy absorption requirement. A complete inner eye 5 is left around the central bore 2. The shock absorber 1 has a thickness of 8 mm.

The laser cut terminates at an outer eye 6 with a 18 mm bore for attachment of a karabiner via a webbing link (neither shown). In use, the karabiner couples load from a man using the shock absorber in a fall arrest system to a standing part of the system, via further parts of the system which are not shown.

The outer contour of the shock absorber is laser cut, with a re-entrant 7, which approaches within 2 mm of the outer end 8 of the spiral cut, leaving a 2mm bridge

9 connecting the outer eye 6 to the outer coil 10 of the spiral element. This encircles the inner eye, with the interposition of inner coils 11.

When accidental or intentional low loads are applied between the eyes 5, 6, the bridge and the outer coil transfer these to the eyes.

When a serious accidental load is applied, as in a man falling from a tower on which the fall arrest system is installed, the karabiner applies to the bridge a force in excess of its ability to support. It fails in tension, with fracture propagating from the re-entrant or the outer end of the spiral towards each other. This failure does not materially weaken the outer eye or the outer coil. The shock absorber then comprises 2.5 turns of the spiral coil wound around the inner eye. This arrangement is such that the coil straightens progressively from the outer to the inner with plastic deformation and significant unwinding. It will be appreciated that significant work is required form this deformation and that a significant amount of energy can be absorbed in the unwinding of the coils, as is suitable for reducing deceleration of an initially free falling man at a level which does not expose him to damaging shock loads, complies to current legislation and does not over-load the fall arrest system in which the shock absorber is incorporated.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a further embodiment of a shock absorber according to the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used in figures 1, 2 and 3 to identify similar features of the embodiments.

Figures 2 and 3 show a shock absorber 1 having a central bore 2 via which it attaches to an element of a fall arrest system or the like using a pin, axle or the like (neither shown) to apply load. A spiral laser cut 4 spirals out a desired number of turns outwards from central bore 2, leaving a spiral element or coil ranging from 5 mm to 14 mm between the cuts depending on energy absorption requirement. A complete inner eye (not shown) is left around the central bore 2.

Shock absorber 1 is also provided with a bridging member 12 which is in non- releasable engagement with the main body 13 of shock absorber 1. Bridging member 12 comprises two bores corresponding to central bore 2 and outer eye 6 of the main body 13 of shock absorber 1, each bore being connected via bridge 9. Unlike the embodiment of .figure 1, no bridge is formed in the spiral element itself.

When a serious accidental load is applied, as in a man falling from a tower on which the fall arrest system is installed, the karabiner applies to the bridge a force in excess of its ability to support. When such a force is applied to the bridging member 12, bridge 9 fractures and the coil straightens progressively from the outer to the inner with plastic deformation and significant unwinding. It will be appreciated that significant work is required form this deformation and that a significant amount of energy can be absorbed in the unwinding of the coils, as is suitable for reducing deceleration of an initially free falling man at a level which does not expose him to damaging shock loads, complies to current legislation and does not over-load the fall arrest system in which the shock absorber is incorporated.

Figures 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the present invention. Shock absorber 1 comprises two bores 14, 14'. The karabiner of a user may be connected to one bore and the other bore connected to the standing part of a fall arrest system (not shown).

From each crack limitation drillings 3, 3', a spiral laser cut 4, 4' spirals out respectively 2.5 or other desired number of turns, leaving spiral elements or coils ranging from 5 mm to 14 mm between the cuts depending on energy absorption requirement. A complete inner eye 5, 5' is left around each bore 14, 14'. Bridges 9, 9' are provided which connect the spiral element with the outer surface of the shock absorber 1.

When a serious accidental load is applied, as in a man falling from a tower on which the fall arrest system is installed, the karabiner applies to the bridges 9, 9' a force in excess of its ability to support. When such a force is applied to the shock absorber 1, bridges 9, 9' fracture and the coils straightens progressively from the outer to the inner with plastic deformation and significant unwinding. It will be appreciated that significant work is required form this deformation and that a significant amount of energy can be absorbed in the unwinding of the coils, as is suitable for reducing deceleration of an initially free falling man at a level which does not expose him to damaging shock loads, complies to current legislation and does not over-load the fall arrest system in which the shock absorber is incorporated.

Figures 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of the present invention in which shock absorber 1 comprises a central bore 2 via which it attaches to an element of a fall arrest system or the like using a pin, axle or the like (neither shown) to apply load.

A series of laser cuts 4 spiral out a desired number of turns outwards from central bore 2, leaving a partially cut spiral element or coil ranging from 5 mm to 14 mm between the series of laser cuts 4 depending on energy absorption requirement. A complete inner eye is left around the central bore 2.

Outer eye 6 is provided with a 18 mm bore for attachment of a karabiner via a webbing link (neither shown). In use, the karabiner couples load from a man using the shock absorber in a fall arrest system to a standing part of the system, via further parts of the system which are not shown.

The regions of uncut shock absorber adjacent each laser cut 4 act as a series of bridging members 9. "

When a serious accidental load is applied, as in a man falling from a tower on which the fall arrest system is- installed, the karabiner apply to the series of bridging members 9 a force in excess of its ability to support. When such a force is applied to the bridging members 9, one by one the bridging members 9 fracture and the coil straightens progressively from the outer to the inner with plastic deformation and significant unwinding. It will be appreciated that significant work is required form this deformation and that a significant amount of energy can be absorbed in the unwinding of the coils, as is suitable for reducing deceleration of an initially free falling man at a level which does not expose him to damaging shock loads, complies to current legislation and does not over-load the fall arrest system in which the shock absorber is incorporated.

Figures 8 and 9 show a further embodiment of a single use shock absorber in accordance with the present invention. The shock absorber 1 is very similar in shape and form to the sock absorber of figure 1, although the shock absorber 1 of figures 8 and 9 does not include bridge 9 connecting the outer eye 6 to the outer coil 10 of the spiral element. A spiral laser cut 4 spirals out from the crack limitation drilling 3 a desired number of turns, and the laser cut extends to the edge of the outer coil such that, unlike the shock absorber of figure 1, no bridge 9 remains between the outer eye 6 and the outer coil 10 of the spiral element. Instead, two interengaging protrusions 20, 20' are provided.

When a serious accidental load is applied, as in a man falling from a tower on which the fall arrest system is installed, the karabiner applies to the shock absorber a force in excess of its ability to support. The shock of the applied load is absorbed by the shock absorber by deformation of the interengaging protrusions 20, 20' followed by the unwinding of the spiral coil wound around the inner eye. This arrangement is such that the coil straightens progressively from the outer to the inner with plastic deformation and significant unwinding. It will be appreciated that significant work is required form this deformation and that a significant

amount of energy can be absorbed in the unwinding of the coils, as is suitable for reducing deceleration of an initially free falling man at a level which does not expose him to damaging shock loads, complies to current legislation and does not over-load the fall arrest system in which the shock absorber is incorporated.

Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of a shock absorber in accordance with the present invention.

The shock absorber 1 is very similar in shape and form to the sock absorber of figure 1, although the shock absorber 1 of figure 10 does not include bridge 9 connecting the outer eye 6 to the outer coil 10 of the spiral element. A spiral laser cut 4 spirals out from the crack limitation drilling 3 a desired number of turns, and the laser cut extends to the edge of the outer coil such that, unlike the shock absorber of figure 1, no bridge 9 remains between the outer eye 6 and the outer coil 10 of the spiral element. Instead, two complementary interengaging means 20, 20' are provided.

When a serious accidental load is applied, as in a man falling from a tower on which the fall arrest system is installed, the karabiner applies to the shock absorber a force in excess of its ability to support. The spiral element then begins to deform, pulling the complementary interengaging means 20, 20' in opposing directions. The spatial separation of the interengaging means 20, 20' is resisted until sufficient shock loading is applied, at which point interengaging means 20 is sheared and the two interengaging means move apart as the spiral element unwinds. This arrangement is such that the coil straightens progressively from the outer to the inner with plastic deformation and significant unwinding. It will be appreciated that significant work is required form this deformation and that a significant amount of energy can be absorbed in the shearing of the interengaging means 20, 20' and the unwinding of the coils, as is suitable for reducing deceleration of an initially free falling man at a level which does not expose him to damaging shock

loads, complies to current legislation and does not over-load the fall arrest system in which the shock absorber is incorporated.

Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort. For example, although the shock absorber is described mainly in terms of absorbing the shock from a falling person, it will be readily appreciated that the shock absorber of the present invention may find equal application in the support of loads such as lifts or over-running machinery for example where machinery runs past safety buffers, or may be used in any other suitable application where shock loading may occur.