U.S. patent application number 11/115629 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-19 for devices, systems and methods for emergency descent from a height.
Invention is credited to Timothy W. Ecker, Andrew Fischer, Jason B. Koliscak, Richard G. Reynolds.
Application Number | 20060011415 11/115629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34967493 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060011415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Andrew ; et
al. |
January 19, 2006 |
Devices, systems and methods for emergency descent from a
height
Abstract
An integral rescue device preferably worn by a firefighter that
includes a shock absorbing descender attached to the rescue device,
a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an
anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in
the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for
holding the support line. The assembly preferably includes a
plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support
line are retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate
loops. In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing descender is
attached to a waist belt of a self-contained breathing apparatus
carrier with a support line passing through the shock absorbing
descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the
support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and
an assembly for holding the support line.
Inventors: |
Fischer; Andrew; (Littleton,
CO) ; Koliscak; Jason B.; (Mars, PA) ;
Reynolds; Richard G.; (Cranberry, PA) ; Ecker;
Timothy W.; (Arvada, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James G. Uber, Esq.;Mine Safety Appliances Company
P.O. Box 426
Pittsburgh
PA
15230-0426
US
|
Family ID: |
34967493 |
Appl. No.: |
11/115629 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60565885 |
Apr 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
182/7 ;
2/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 35/04 20130101;
A63B 29/02 20130101; A62B 1/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/007 ;
002/455 |
International
Class: |
A47L 3/04 20060101
A47L003/04 |
Claims
1. An article to be worn by a user, comprising: a shock absorbing
descender attached to the article, a support line passing through
the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a
first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock
absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support
line.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein the assembly comprises a
plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support
line are retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate
loops.
3. The article of claim 2 wherein the assembly includes a first
group of holders and a second group of holders, each group of
holders including at least two holders, a first intermediate loop
of the support line being passed through a first holder of the
first group of holders and the support line then being looped in an
extended, generally u-shaped loop, a second intermediate loop of
the support line being passed through a first holder of the second
group of holders, the support line then being looped back in an
extended, generally u-shaped loop and a third intermediate loop of
the support line being passed through a second holder of the first
group of holders, the support line then being looped in an extended
u-shaped loop and a fourth intermediate loop of the support line
being passed through a second holder of the second group of
holders.
4. The article of claim 3 wherein the assembly further comprises a
first retainer and a second retainer, the first retainer comprising
a first length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted
to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the
holders of the first group of holders, the second retainer
comprising a second length of material attached to the assembly
that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops
passing through the holders of the second group of holders.
5. The article of claim 4 wherein the support line is in operative
connection with each of the first retainer and the second retainer
so that application of force to the first end of the support line
causes the first retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate
loops passing through the first group of holders and the second
retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing
through the second group of holders.
6. The article of claim 5 wherein further application of force to
the first end of the support line, after the first retainer and the
second retainer are withdrawn from the intermediate loops, causes
the intermediate loops to be withdrawn from the holders of the
first group of holders and the second group of holders.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein the shock absorbing descender
comprises a descender device and a shock absorbing element, the
descender device comprising a plate with a plurality of holes
therein, the shock absorbing element comprising an extending
section of material being threaded through a pair of rings and
being doubled over itself and stitched together with rip stitching,
the rip stitching being adapted to rip under a certain force to
absorb energy and the rings being adapted to deform and thereby
absorb energy.
8. The article of claim 7 wherein the a second end of the support
line is unattached and the support line has formed in the vicinity
of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the
second end of the support line through the descender device.
9. The article of claim 8 wherein the termination knot can be
released so that the support line can pass through the descender
and thereby be operatively disengaged from descender device.
10. The article of claim 9 wherein a cover is formed over at least
a portion of the knotted section of the termination knot of the
support line so that the cover must be removed before the
termination knot is released.
11. A self-contained breathing apparatus carrier, comprising: a
waist belt, a shock absorbing descender in operative connection
with the waist belt, a support line passing through the shock
absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end
of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing
descender, and an assembly for holding the support line.
12. The self-contained breathing apparatus of claim 11 wherein the
assembly comprises a plurality of holders in which intermediate
loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of
the looped ends.
13. The carrier of claim 12 wherein the assembly includes a first
group of holders and a second group of holders, each group of
holders including at least two holders, a first intermediate loop
of the support line being passed through a first holder of the
first group of holders and the support line then being looped in an
extended, generally u-shaped loop, a second intermediate loop of
the support line being passed through a first holder of the second
group of holders, the support line then being looped back in an
extended, generally u-shaped loop and a third intermediate loop of
the support line being passed through a second holder of the first
group of holders, the support line then being looped in an extended
u-shaped loop and a fourth intermediate loop of the support line
being passed through a second holder of the second group of
holders.
14. The carrier of claim 13 wherein the assembly further comprises
a first retainer and a second retainer, the first retainer
comprising a first length of material attached to the assembly that
is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing
through the holders of the first group of holders, the second
retainer comprising a second length of material attached to the
assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate
loops passing through the holders of the second group of
holders.
15. The carrier of claim 14 wherein the support line is in
operative connection with each of the first retainer and the second
retainer so that application of force to the first end of the
support line causes the first retainer to be withdrawn from the
intermediate loops passing through the first group of holders and
the second retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops
passing through the second group of holders.
16. The carrier of claim 15 wherein further application of force to
the first end of the support line, after the first retainer and the
second retainer are withdrawn from the intermediate loops, causes
the intermediate loops to be withdrawn from the holders of the
first group of holders and the second group of holders.
17. The carrier of claim 16 wherein the shock absorbing descender
is attached to the waist belt and comprises a descender device and
a shock absorbing element, the descender device comprising a plate
with a plurality of holes therein and the shock absorbing element
comprising an extending section of material threaded through a
plurality of rings and being doubled over itself and stitched
together with rip stitching, the rip stitching being adapted to rip
under a certain force to absorb energy and the rings being adapted
to deform and thereby absorb energy.
18. The carrier of claim 17 wherein the a second end of the support
line is unattached and the support line has formed in the vicinity
of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the
second end of the support line through the descender device.
19. The carrier of claim 18 wherein the termination knot can be
released so that the support line can pass through the descender
device and the support line can be operatively disengaged from
descender device.
20. The carrier of claim 19 wherein a cover is formed over at least
a portion of the knotted section of the termination knot of the
support line so that the cover must be removed before the
termination knot is released.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/565,885 filed Apr. 28, 2004, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FILED OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices, systems
and methods for emergency decent from a height, and, particularly,
to devices, systems and methods for use by firefighters in a
descent escape from a height.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The outer, protective garments worn by firefighters
(commonly referred to as turnout gear) typically include a large
coat and pants that have an outer layer and a removable inner
liner. The outer layer is fabricated from materials that are
resistant to heat, flame, abrasion and water. Firefighters also
wear other protective gear, including a helmet, thick gloves, and
an air tank that is typically part of a self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA).
[0004] In executing their duty, firefighters often enter burning
buildings, including multilevel or high-rise buildings. It is
desirable that a firefighter be equipped with equipment to enable
escape from a height (for example, from a rooftop or window).
Without such escape equipment, a firefighter trapped at a height
above the ground, must find a suitable escape point and await a
ladder from a fellow firefighter to escape injury.
[0005] Harnesses have been incorporated into the outer garments
worn by a firefighter, but such harnesses have been generally
inadequate to provide an escape or rescue from a height. Recently,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,725 disclosed a harness assembly 16 for use by
a firefighter having an integral support line 20 that can be used
to escape from a height. That harness assembly includes a harness
body having first and second ends and a hollow interior which
receives the support line. The support line has first and second
ends that extend from the harness body. A large portion of the
support line, which is preferably shaped as a flat ribbon, is
disposed within each of multiple elongated chambers or sleeves
provided on the harness body using a rod-shaped tool. Several loops
of the support line may be received in each of the chambers.
Separating the support line into a series of individual pockets or
chambers purportedly reduces the probability of tangling, twisting,
or knotting of the support line, and the support line can be
readily withdrawn from the harness body. The first end of the
support line may be pulled away from the harness to extend the
support line therefrom. The second end of the support line is
releasably secured to the harness.
[0006] Although attempts have been made to provide devices and
systems for escape from a height for use by firefighters and
others, it remains desirable to provide improved devices, systems
and methods to facilitate escape from a height.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Generally, the present invention provides a personal
emergency escape or descent system including an article to be worn
by a user comprising: a shock absorbing descender attached to the
article, a support line passing through the shock absorbing
descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the
support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and
an assembly for holding the support line. The assembly for holding
the support line can take any number of forms including those shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,725, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0008] In one embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of
holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are
retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate loops. The
assembly can, for example, include a first group of holders and a
second group of holders, wherein each group of holders includes at
least two holders. A first intermediate loop of the support line
can be passed through a first holder of the first group of holders.
The support line is then looped in an extended, generally u-shaped
loop. A second intermediate loop is formed in the support line and
is passed through a first holder of the second group of holders.
The support line is then looped back in an extended, generally
u-shaped loop. A third intermediate loop of the support line is
formed and is passed through a second holder of the first group of
holders. The support line is then looped in an extended u-shaped
loop, and a fourth intermediate loop formed in the support line is
passed through a second holder of the second group of holders. This
packing or holding pattern can be repeated until the desired length
of the support line is held in the assembly.
[0009] The assembly can further include a first retainer and a
second retainer. The first retainer includes a first length of
material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded
through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the
first group of holders. The second retainer includes a second
length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be
threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders
of the second group of holders. The support line can be in
operative connection with each of the first retainer and the second
retainer so that application of force to the first end of the
support line causes the first retainer to be withdrawn from the
intermediate loops passing through the first group of holders and
the second retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops
passing through the second group of holders. Further application of
force to the first end of the support line, after the first
retainer and the second retainer are withdrawn from the
intermediate loops, causes the intermediate loops to be withdrawn
from the holders of the first group of holders and the second group
of holders.
[0010] The second end of the support line is not attached tro the
assembly for holding the support line. Preferably, the support line
can have formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination
knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line
through the shock absorbing descender. The termination knot can,
for example, be one-time releasable so that the support line can
pass through the shock absorbing descender and the support line can
be operatively disengaged from the shock absorbing descender. Such
one-time release can, for example, be accomplished under load. In
one embodiment, a cover is formed over at least a portion of the
knotted section of the termination knot of the support line so that
the cover must be removed before the termination knot is released.
The cover can include a shrink wrap. Once the termination knot is
released, the support line may not be reattached to the shock
absorbing descender.
[0011] The shock absorbing descender comprises a shock absorbing
element and a descender device. In one embodiment, the descender
device is a plate that is attached to an article worn by a user by
a shock-absorbing element that includes an extending section of
material which absorbs energy, for example, upon initial descent.
Preferably, the extending section of material is threaded through a
pair of rings and then doubled over on itself and stitched together
with rip stitching. The rip stitching can be adapted to rip under a
certain force to absorb energy while the rings are adapted to
deform under a certain force to absorb energy. Various descender
devices can be used including a plate with holes, tubes and
friction disks.
[0012] The support line is made from a flame and heat-resistant
material. In one embodiment, the support line is fabricated from
KEVLAR material. The support line can, for example, be formed in
the flattened shape of a ribbon.
[0013] In another embodiment, at least one indicator is placed in
operative connection with the support line, wherein deployment of
the support line requires a readily viewable alteration of the
indicator. The indicator can, for example, be a tag that is wrapped
around a portion of the support line.
[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a rescue
garment to be worn by a user, including: a shock absorbing
descender attached to the rescue garment, a support line passing
through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection
attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the
shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support
line. The second end of the support line is not attached to the
assembly, and the support line has formed in the vicinity of the
second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second
end of the support line through the descender device. As described
above, the termination knot can be released one time so that the
support line can pass through the descender and thereby be
operatively disengaged from descender device.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a
self-contained breathing apparatus carrier, including: a waist
belt, a shock absorbing descender in operative connection with the
waist belt, a support line passing through the shock absorbing
descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the
support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and
an assembly for holding the support line. The shock absorbing
descender includes a shock absorbing element and a descender
device. In one embodiment, as described above, the assembly
includes a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the
support line are retained near the terminus of each of the looped
ends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1A through 1F illustrate an embodiment of an emergency
decent system of the present invention designed to be incorporated
into or attached to an SCBA carrier.
[0017] FIGS. 2A through 2H illustrate the packing of a support line
into the support line pad assembly of the system of FIGS. 1A
through 1F.
[0018] FIGS. 3A through 3F illustrate the attachment of the system
of FIGS. 1A through 1F to an SCBA carrier.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates the emergency descent system of the
present invention as worn with an SCBA carrier.
[0020] FIGS. 5A through 5G illustrate another embodiment of an
emergency decent system of the present invention designed to be
incorporated into or attached to an SCBA carrier.
[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a preferred embodiment of a shock
absorbing descender used in the systems and devices of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In general, the present invention provides a personal
emergency escape or descent system which, can for example, be
integrated into a firefighter's existing gear. In one embodiment,
the emergency descent system of the present invention is integrated
into an SCBA carrier such as the AIRFRAME.TM. SCBA carrier or the
VULCAN.TM. SCBA carrier, both available from Mine Safety Appliances
Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The emergency descent systems
of the present invention provide the user with a means of escape
from an elevated position. Typically, the systems of the present
invention are used as emergency devices when all other escape
options have been exhausted. Although representative embodiments of
the descent systems of the present invention are discussed for
incorporation into an SCBA carrier as a lumbar pad, one skilled in
the art appreciates that the systems of the present invention are
readily incorporated into other equipment or garments.
[0023] FIGS. 1A through 1F illustrate the components of one
embodiment of a descent system 10 (see, for example, FIG. 2H for
assembled system 10) of the present invention that can be
incorporated into an SCBA carrier as a lumbar pad. Descent system
10 includes a waist belt 100 (see FIG. 1A), a support line storage/
lumbar pad assembly 200 (see FIG. 1B) and a cover 300 (see FIG.
1C). Waist belt 100 includes a descender device or belay 110 in
operative connection therewith, through which a support or descent
line 120 passes. Descender device 110 is attached to waist belt 100
via a shock absorbing element 112, which can, for example, include
a pair of rings and loops of material that are closed by stitching.
Support line 120 is preferably of sufficient length to allow
descent from a substantial height (for example, 50 to 75 feet in
length). In general, a flattened ribbon shape or webbing shape for
support line 120 is preferable to provide strength while minimizing
packing size and overall weight. Support line 120 must also have a
relatively high temperature resistance. A suitable fabric for
support line 120 is, for example, KEVLAR.RTM. available from E. I.
du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware. KEVLAR is a
polymer material that comprises long molecular chains produced from
polyparaphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented
with strong interchain bonding which result in a unique combination
of properties. A suitable ribbon-shaped or web-shaped KEVLAR fabric
is readily commercially available.
[0024] Support line 120 includes a first end 122 which is attached
to a carabiner 130 via a knot 124. After passing through descender
device 110, support line 120 preferably terminates in a second,
free or unattached end 126. In that regard, second end 126 is not
attached to waist belt 100 or other component of system 10. A
termination knot 128 (for example, a slip knot) is formed near
second end 126 which prevents second end 126 from passing through
descender device 110.
[0025] Waist belt 100 further includes a mechanism to secure waist
belt 100 around the user. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1F,
the securing mechanism includes a locking hook 140 that cooperates
with a D-ring 150 that is preferably adjustably attached to waist
belt 100.
[0026] Waist belt 100 passes through a passage 205 formed in
support line pad assembly 200. Support line pad assembly 200 is
designed to hold support line 120 as described below in connection
with FIGS. 2A through 2H. Once support line 120 is packed within
support line pad assembly 200 as described below, support line pad
assembly 200, support line 120 held thereby and waist belt 100 are
removably placed inside a generally tubular cover 300. Waist belt
100 and support line pad assembly 200 are slid within cover 300
from the right side (in the orientation of FIG. 1C). The end of
waist belt 100, including D-ring 150, is passed through an opening
on the left side of cover 300. This opening is large enough to
enable passing of that end of waist belt 100 therethrough, but is
not large enough to allow support line pad assembly 200 to pass
therethrough. Support line pad assembly 200 is secured within cover
300 by, for example, a releasable closing mechanism such snaps
310.
[0027] To pack support line 120 in support line pad assembly 200,
support line pad assembly 200 is preferably first placed upon a
generally flat surface. Support line 120 is first passed through
descender device 110 until descender device 110 is within
approximately six inches of carabiner 130. In several embodiments
of the present invention, support line pad assembly 200 is designed
to accommodate either a 50-foot line or a 75-foot line (see, for
example, FIGS. 7A and 7B, as described below). For a 50-foot line,
a fourth holding position or holder 210 (counting from the center
in the top row or group of holders--see, for example, FIG. 2B) is
first located. Each holder 210 is formed generally as a loop or arc
created by spaced stitching along a length of webbing material
connecting the webbing material to support line pad assembly 200.
Support line 120 is laid on support line pad assembly 200 and an
intermediate loop is formed at fourth holder 210 in a first group
of holders. The looped support line 120 is passed through first
position straps 220 (see FIG. 2A) and then through a second,
generally central, position strap 222 (see FIG. 2B). The
intermediate loop of support line 120 is passed through fourth
holder 210 so that end of the intermediate loop protrudes
approximately one-half inch through holder 210 (see, for example,
FIG. 2B). For a 75-five foot support line, the intermediate loop of
support line 120 is passed through the first holding position or
holder 210 (see, for example, FIG. 7B). Support line 120 is then
threaded through positioning strap 224 and positioning strap 226 on
the opposite side of support line pad assembly 200 as illustrated
in FIG. 2C, forming a u-shaped loop in support line 120. An
intermediate loop is then formed in support line 120 at the end of
the u-shaped loop, and the intermediate loop is passed through
holder 210 of a second group of holders, positioned, for example,
adjacent the first group of holder (see FIG. 2C). Once again, the
intermediate loop protrudes at least half an inch through holder
210. Support line 120 is then threaded through positioning straps
220 and 222 and an intermediate loop formed in support line 120 is
passed through the next holder 210 of the first group of holders
(that is, the fifth holder 210 for a 50-foot line). Support line
120 is then threaded back through the positioning straps 224 and
226 and an intermediate loop passed through the fifth holder 210 of
the second group of holders (for a 50-line). One continues
threading support line 120 as described above until all holding
positions or holders 210 are occupied with intermediate loops (see
FIG. 2D). After a final loop 120a (see FIG. 2E) is made in support
line 120, holding straps or webs 230 are passed through it. Holding
webs 230 are then passed through each of the half-inch loops formed
as described above (see FIGS. 2F and 2G). Holding webs 230 are then
passed through the holding web holding positions or holders 240.
Holding webs 230 assist in preventing support line 120 from coming
out of holders 210 during normal (that is, use other than use in
emergency descent) use of system 10. When force is applied to
carabiner 130 to deploy support line 120, holding webs 230 are
pulled from within the intermediate loops. The intermediate loops
are then pulled from holders 210 generally sequentially to extend
support line 120 without tangling of support line 120.
[0028] A tamper-evident tag 250 (see, for example, FIGS. 1E, 1F and
4) can be placed around support line 120. Descender device 110 is
then secured, for example with a hook and loop fastener or snaps.
At this point, support line pad assembly 200, support line 120 held
thereby and waist belt 100 are inserted into cover 300. Carabiner
130 can, for example, be positioned within cover 300, and cover 300
closed via, for example, snaps 310. Support line 120 of the present
invention can be packed as described above quickly and without the
use of tools.
[0029] FIGS. 3A through 3H illustrate the attachment of system 10
to an SCBA carrier/harness 500 (see FIG. 5E). To retrofit/attach
system 10 to act as a swiveling lumbar pad (see FIGS. 3A through
3F) in an existing SCBA carrier such as the AIRFRAME carrier
available from Mine Safety Appliances Company of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, one first disassembles the pull straps of the
existing lumbar support pad from the left and right shoulder straps
of the carrier by weaving the pull straps through the friction
buckles of the carrier. The pull straps are then disassembled from
the carrier by removing the tribar slides thereof from the
backplate assembly. There is no need to reuse the removed waist
belt and pull straps as a waist belt and pull straps are provided
with system 10. System 10 is then oriented so that loops 320 and
tribar slides 330 on the outer portion of cover 300 are facing
swiveling lumbar pad 510. One end of swiveling lumbar pad 510 is
passed through loop 320 of the outer portion of cover 300. (see
FIG. 3A) Loop 320 of outer cover 300 is moved toward the center of
swiveling lumbar pad 510 until second loop 320 can be secured (see
FIG. 3B) Tribar slides 330 are then passed through respective slots
520 in swiveling lumbar pad 510 by turning them at an angle as
known in the art. (see FIG. 3C) Tribar slides 330 should be
confirmed to be fully seated against swiveling lumbar pad 510. (see
FIG. 3D) Integrated pull straps 340 are then installed onto the
shoulder straps of the carrier by weaving them through friction
buckles 530. System 10 can be attached to a standard or
non-swiveling lumbar pad in a similar manner. After attachment of
system 10 to SCBA carrier 500, the SCBA carrier can be donned and
doffed generally in accordance with the relevant user's manual as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0030] FIGS. 5A through 5G illustrate another embodiment of a
system 10' of the present invention which is similar, in many
respects, to system 10. Components of system 10' are numbered
similarly to corresponding components of system 10 with the
addition of the designation "'". Although KEVLAR webs or ribbons
exhibit excellent tensile strength and ultimate tensile load,
KEVLAR can act as a brittle material and break under a large,
quickly applied force or shock force. System 10' of the present
invention thus includes a shock absorbing descender that limits the
shock force applied to support line 120 (for example, the force
experienced at the beginning of a descent). In the embodiment of
FIGS. 5A through 5G, the shock absorbing descender includes
descender device 110' which preferably is a plate with a plurality
of holes therein through which the support line 120' is threaded,
and shock absorbing element 112' which preferably includes a pair
of rings 116 and a section of "rip" stitching 114' that rips or
tears upon application of a shock force. Rip stitching section 114'
and rings 116 act to absorb some of the shock force and prevents
damage to the KEVLAR material of support line 120'.
[0031] As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 6A and 6B, shock
absorbing element 112' preferably includes a section of webbing
which is doubled back over itself through rings 116. Rip stitching
section 114' sews the two layers of extending member 112' together
in this section. Rip stitching 114' begins to rip or tear so that
the two layers of extending member 112' begin to separate and the
apparent length of extending member 112' increases when a quick
load or shock force is applied to descender device 110' as, for
example, in the case of a fall. Once the rip stitching 114' is
completely torn, rings 116 act to further absorb energy by
deforming because one ring is forced into the other. It is
desirable that rip stitching 114' stay intact during normal use of
system 10', but begin to rip or tear under a shock force associated
with a fall to absorb some of the shock force, thereby protecting
the KEVLAR support line 120 from breakage. Rip stitching 114' can,
for example, begin to rip or tear under a shock force in the range
of 500 to 1000 pounds. Of course, other shock absorbing elements
such as partially oriented yarn or tear tape can be used as the
shock absorbing element in the shock absorbing descender of the
present invention.
[0032] As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a cover
such as a shrink wrap covering 128a' can be formed over at least a
potion of termination knot 128' of support line 120'. FIG. 5A
illustrates support line pad assembly 200' holding a 50-foot
support line 120', while FIG. 5B illustrates support line pad
assembly 200' holding a 75-foot support line 120''. Second or
terminal end 126' of support line 120' can also be folded over on
itself and shrink wrap 126a' formed as a cover thereover. A "double
action" or dual action is thereby required to allow passage of
second end 126' of support line 120' through descender device 110'
to operatively disengage support line 120' from descender device
110'. The user first grasps second end 126' and applies force to
open shrink wrap covering 128a'. The user can then remove
termination knot 128'. The requirement of a double action assists
in ensuring that termination knot 128' is not inadvertently untied
or removed.
[0033] As discussed above in connection with system 10, a
tamper-evident tag 250' can be place around support line 120' of
system 10'. A tamper-evident tag 252 can also be place upon
termination knot 128'. Tamper-evident tags 250' and 252' provide
confirmation upon very quick inspection as to whether support line
120' has ever been deployed. In that regard, tamper-evident tags
250' and 252' (which can, for example, be formed from a length of
self-adhesive material that is wrapped around portions of support
line 120') must be torn or ripped to deploy support line 120'. If
support line 120' has been previous deployed, it is preferably
replaced. In that regard, waist belt 100, including shock absorbing
element 112' and descender device 110', as well as support line
120' can be replaced after a single deployment thereof.
[0034] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set
forth preferred embodiments of the invention at the present time.
Various modifications, additions and alternative designs will, of
course, become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the
foregoing teachings without departing from the scope of the
invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following
claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes and
variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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