Energy absorber and rock wall exploration lanyard

Abstract

An energy absorber has a fabric element (1) comprising two substrates (2) connected to each other by a break link (3) and a resistant link (4), the fabric element (1) being wound. The container (5) receives the fabric element (1). The container (5) defines a first opening (5a) for a first end (1a) of the fabric element (1) and a second opening (5b) for a second end (1b) of the fabric element (1). The resistant link (4) connects portions of the two substrates (2) and maintains the connection in response to a first stress applied between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b). The break link (3) breaks and absorbs energy in response to a first stress between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b) of the fabric element (1). The container (5) is non-openable and defines an access aperture (5c) facing the central opening of the fabric element (1) in the wound state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an energy absorber. Background Art

[0002] In the field of working at heights and acrobatic recreation, it is known to connect the user to an anchoring point via an energy absorber. In the event of a fall, at least a portion of the fall energy is absorbed by the energy absorber, thereby limiting the stress on the anchoring and / or on the harness supporting the user.

[0003] In the field of via ferrata, it is known to have a lanyard, one end of which is formed by a loop designed to be attached to the user's harness, and the other end of which receives two carabiners designed to be connected to a lifeline. The energy absorber is formed by two webbing strands sewn together and connected to the first and second ends, respectively. In the event of a fall, the two ends move in different directions, and the sewn seam is subjected to the stresses representative of a fall.

[0004] The seams consist of breaking points so that a fall results in a succession of ruptures of the different stitches joining the two webbing strands. Each rupture of a stitch absorbs a portion of the energy.

[0005] Therefore, it is advantageous to have the longest possible seam length, thereby staggering the breaks in the seams. The staggering of the seams ensures that the stress felt by the user is limited to a threshold value. However, the use of long seams results in having to handle large absorbers.

[0006] Edelrid sells a via ferrata strap that includes an energy-absorbing lanyard formed from two woven straps sewn together. The lanyard is wound around itself in a spiral before being installed in a container with a hinged lid. Once the lanyard is installed in the container, the lid closes the container to retain the lanyard in its wound configuration. The container defines a first opening designed for exiting a first end of the energy-absorbing lanyard and a second opening designed for exiting a second end of the energy-absorbing lanyard.

[0007] Obviously, this configuration is disadvantageous because the container has a large volume to allow the energy absorbing lanyard to be installed. Therefore, this may cause an obstruction to the user.

[0008] Also known from document EP2409733 is an energy absorber in which a belt is wound around a drum that automatically winds the belt with the aid of a spring. The belt is threaded through a slot in a spring-driven spindle, allowing the belt to be wound without any external stress. The energy absorber has a first end, formed by the belt and designed to be attached to the user, and a second end, designed to be attached to a safety device for rock climbing expeditions. Utility Model Content

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an energy absorber that is more compact than prior art arrangements.

[0010] This result tends to be achieved by an energy absorber comprising:

[0011] a textile element comprising at least two substrates connected to one another by breaking links and resisting links, the textile element being wound;

[0012] A container for receiving the textile element in a wound state, the container defining a first opening for a first end of the textile element and a second opening for a second end of the textile element.

[0013] At least one resistant link connects a portion of at least two substrates and is configured to maintain the connection in response to a first stress applied between the first end and the second end.

[0014] The break link is designed to break and absorb energy in response to a first stress applied between the first end and the second end of the textile element.

[0015] The energy absorber is notable in that the container is non-openable and defines at least one through-access opening which opens towards the centre of the textile element in the wrapped state.

[0016] Advantageously, the textile element has a ring which is arranged facing the at least one through-access opening.

[0017] In a particular configuration, the energy absorber comprises a rotation axis fixed to the textile element, the rotation axis terminating in a notch facing the at least one through-going access hole.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a via ferrata lanyard that is more compact than prior art arrangements.

[0019] This result is achieved by a rock climbing lanyard in which one of a first end of a fabric element and a second end of the fabric element is designed to be attached to a harness. One or more carabiners are attached to the other of the first end of the fabric element and the second end of the fabric element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments and modes of implementation of the invention, given solely for non-limiting illustrative purposes and represented in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] - Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view showing a first step in manufacturing an energy absorber;

[0022] - Figure 2 a schematic perspective view showing a second step in manufacturing an energy absorber;

[0023] - Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second step in manufacturing an energy absorber;

[0024] - Figure 4 a schematic perspective view showing a third step in manufacturing an energy absorber;

[0025] - Figure 5 a schematic perspective view showing a fourth step in manufacturing an energy absorber;

[0026] - Figure 6 a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fourth step in manufacturing an energy absorber;

[0027] - Figure 7 A schematic perspective view showing a second step of manufacturing an energy absorber according to another embodiment;

[0028] - Figure 8 A schematic perspective view showing a third step of manufacturing an energy absorber according to another embodiment;

[0029] - Figure 9 A schematic perspective view showing a fourth step of manufacturing an energy absorber according to another embodiment;

[0030] - Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of an energy absorber, the textile element of which is provided with recesses designed to co-operate with a winding shaft;

[0031] - Figure 11 shows another schematic perspective view of an energy absorber, the fabric element of which is provided with recesses designed to co-operate with a winding shaft;

[0032] - Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy absorber, the fabric element of which is provided with recesses designed to co-operate with a winding shaft;

[0033] - Figure 13 A schematic perspective view of a lanyard including an energy absorber is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figures 1A to 13 An energy absorber for working at height and acrobatic activities is shown. The energy absorber is preferably used for recreational activities, such as for rock climbing.

[0035] The energy absorber comprises a textile element 1 comprising at least two substrates 2 joined to one another by a breaking link 3 and at least one resisting link 4, preferably several resisting links 4. The two substrates 2 can be of any nature, for example, two woven tapes, two fiber fabrics, or a woven tape and a fiber fabric. The textile element 1 has a first end 1a and a second end 1b distinct from the first end 1a. The position of the first end 1a relative to the second end 1b is irrelevant. One of the first end 1a and the second end 1b is designed to be attached to a user, while the other of the first end 1a and the second end 1b is designed to be attached to an anchor point, for example, by means of a hook and loop.

[0036] The two substrates 2 are mechanically fixed to each other by a first set of breaking links 3 and a second set of resisting links 4. The breaking links 3 are links designed to break and absorb energy in response to a first stress applied between the first end 1a and the second end 1b. In the event of a fall, the first end 1a and the second end 1b attempt to move relative to each other. They exert stress on at least a portion of the breaking links 3. Once the first stress value is reached, the breaking links 3 deform and subsequently break. Plastic deformation of the breaking links 3 before breaking is advantageous. The deformation of the breaking links 3 enables the energy of the fall to be dissipated. The stress value (above which the breaking links 3 yield) defines the stress value felt by the user when falling.

[0037] In contrast, the resistant link 4 is configured to withstand a first stress, and preferably a stress much higher than the first stress. The resistant link 4 enables the mechanical connection between the two substrates 2 to be preserved. The resistant link 4 is arranged to withstand a stress after the breaking link 3 has broken.

[0038] The embodiments of these breaking links 3 and resistant links 4 are known per se. The breaking links 3 may be seams or binding threads originating from the weaving operation. The resistant links 4 may be seams, binding threads or other threads, or even rivets, welds, adhesives or any other means of performing a mechanical connection between the two substrates 2.

[0039] In one embodiment, the two substrates 2 can be two plies woven simultaneously and connected by a tying thread that forms a breaking link. For example, the resistance link 4 is formed by a seam on the two plies and / or by a different weaving pattern of the tying thread and / or by a modification of the diameter, chemical composition or any other parameter of the tying thread that can change its mechanical behavior. In another embodiment, the two substrates 2 are two parts of a folded woven element. The two parts are fixed to each other by a breaking link, preferably by sewing. The resistance link 4 can be formed, for example, by sewing, or using a thread that forms the braid as a resistance link that performs a mechanical connection between the first end and the second end after the breaking link 3 has been broken.

[0040] The energy absorber comprises a container 5 for receiving a textile element 1 including a breakable link 3. To achieve compactness, the textile element 1 resides in its wound state within the container 5. Preferably, the container 5 has a circular or nearly circular shape and a volume substantially equal to that of the textile element 1. For the same volume of textile element 1, the assembly formed by the textile element 1 and the container 5 is more compact than prior art arrangements, thereby enabling a more compact general arrangement for the same energy absorption value with little or no modification to the textile element 1.

[0041] Container 5 is a non-openable container, i.e., it prevents the insertion of an already wound textile element 1 into container 5. Container 5 defines a first opening 5a and a second opening 5b, which allow access to the interior of container 5. First opening 5a forms a first outlet for first end 1a of textile element 1, and second opening 5b forms a second outlet for second end 1b of textile element 1. First end 1a may be the end designed to be connected to a user or an anchor point. First opening 5a and second opening 5b do not present a cross-section that would allow the insertion of a wound textile element 1.

[0042] In addition to the two openings, container 5 defines at least one access hole 5c. Access hole 5c opens toward the center of the winding of textile element 1 disposed within container 5. Because container 5 has a substantially circular or round shape, access hole 5c is located at the center of the circular or substantially circular shape. A purely circular shape may be avoided to facilitate the removal of the ends of the textile element for easier work. Access hole 5c may be implemented in any manner. Figure 1B An access aperture 5c is shown, in the form of one or more cutouts or a wider aperture that can be inserted into the container.

[0043] The method for manufacturing an energy absorber may comprise the following steps.

[0044] like Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, in a first step, a textile element 1 is provided, which includes at least two substrates 2 connected to each other by breaking links 3 and resisting links 4, and a container 5 is provided, which defines a first opening 5a, a second opening 5b and an access hole 5c that opens outwardly in the container 5.

[0045] Then, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the central portion 1c of the textile element 1 is inserted into the container 5 via the first opening 5a, and the central portion 1c is placed facing the entry hole 5c. In one embodiment, the central portion 1c is directly inserted via the first opening 5a to face the entry hole 5c. Figure 7 and Figure 12 In another embodiment shown, a central portion 1c is inserted through one or the other of the openings. The first end 1a of the textile element 1 exits the container 5 via the first opening 5a, and the second end 1b exits the container via the second opening 5b. The opposite configuration is possible. The central portion 1c is the portion disposed between the first end 1a and the second end 1b when the seam forming the breakable link 3 has yielded. The central portion 1c is preferably located equidistant from the first end 1a and the second end 1b.

[0046] A winding shaft 6 is then connected to the central portion 1c. The winding shaft 6 passes through the access hole 5c. The fabric element 1 is wound around the container 5 via the winding shaft 6. The winding shaft 6 defines a rotation axis that passes through the wall of the container 5. The winding shaft 6 rotates within the access hole 5c, resulting in the fabric element 1 being wound around the rotation axis defined by the winding shaft 6.

[0047] As winding shaft 6 rotates, fabric element 1 is gradually wound in a spiral until the entire fabric element 1, except for first end 1a and second end 1b, is arranged in a wound form within container 5. As fabric element 1 is wound within container 5, a more compact winding can be achieved by adjusting winding parameters, particularly adjusting the tension in fabric element 1 as the winding is performed. Since fabric element 1 does not move in its wound configuration to be inserted into container 1, the compactness of the winding is maintained.

[0048] When the winding operation is finished, both ends of the textile element 1 pass through the same opening, for example the first opening 5a , advantageously moving one of the ends so that the latter passes through the container 5 via an opening dedicated to it, for example the second opening 5b .

[0049] Preferably, the container 5 is a soft container. Since the latter is designed to come into contact with the user, it is preferred that the container is soft to limit the risk of injury. Advantageously, the container 5 is made of a fabric material such as a soft polymer material.

[0050] It is particularly advantageous if the textile element 1 is in the form of a strip, i.e. has a length greater than its width, which itself is greater than its thickness. For example, the textile element has a rectangular cross-section. More preferably, the width of the container is less than twice the width of the textile element. Even more preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the width of the textile element is less than 1.5 or even 1.2. Such an embodiment is Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 Shown in.

[0051] In an advantageous manner, the dimensions of the access opening 5c ​​are smaller than the width of the textile element 1. The width of the textile element 1 is preferably a dimension parallel to the axis of rotation of the wound textile element 1 .

[0052] In order to facilitate the clamping of the winding shaft 6 on the central part 1c, the central part 1c of the textile element 1 can be provided with a ring closed by a resistance link 4 or a breaking link 3. The winding shaft 6 preferably has a groove. A portion of the ring is wedged in the groove, ensuring proper installation of the winding shaft 6 and the central part 1c. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the alternative embodiment shown, the central portion 1c of the textile element 1 is equipped with a rotation axis provided with a notch 7 designed to cooperate with a complementary notch of the winding axis 6. In the embodiment shown, the notch 7 has a triangular shape, but another shape is also possible. Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the notch 7 cannot be removed from the textile element 1. Before forming the resistance link and / or the breaking link, the notch 7 is fixed to the textile element 1. Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the recess 7 is not removable relative to the textile element 1 before the textile element 1 has been mounted in the container 5 .

[0053] Preferably, the shape of the notch 7 is chosen to allow winding only in a single direction, to prevent incorrect assembly of the textile element 1 in the container 5. This precaution is advantageous when the first opening 5a and the second opening 5b are not identical and the first end 1a and the second end 1b have different properties for better interaction with the user and the anchoring point.

[0054] Depending on the configuration, container 5 may include a single access hole 5c or two access holes arranged on opposite sides of container 5 to define a through-access hole. Using a through-access hole may be advantageous for winding shaft 6 to pass through container 5. This allows better winding of fabric element 1. Winding shaft 6 passes through container 5 along the winding axis of fabric element 1, which is the rotation axis of the wound fabric element 1 in the event of a fall.

[0055] like Figure 12As shown, both ends of the textile element 1 are arranged to exit through specific openings before winding is performed or before winding around the axis of rotation is completed.

[0056] This energy absorber is used in Figure 13 The illustrated rock climbing harness is particularly advantageous. One of the first end 1a of the fabric element 1 and the second end 1b of the fabric element 1 is designed to be secured to a harness. One or more carabiners are attached to the other of the first end 1a of the fabric element 1 and the second end 1b of the fabric element 1.

[0057] In the event of a fall, the breaking link 3 breaks and the length of the textile element 1 exiting from the container 5 increases, making it possible to detect the at least partial breaking of the breaking link 3 .

Claims

1. An energy absorber comprising: a textile element (1) comprising at least two substrates (2) connected to one another by breaking links (3) and at least one resisting link (4), said textile element (1) being wound; a container (5) for receiving the textile element (1) in a wound state, the container (5) defining a first opening (5a) for a first end (1a) of the textile element (1) and a second opening (5b) for a second end (1b) of the textile element (1); wherein the at least one resistive link (4) connects a portion of the at least two substrates (2) and is configured to maintain the connection in response to a first stress applied between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b); and wherein the breaking link (3) is designed to break and absorb energy in response to a first stress applied between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b) of the fabric element (1); Characterized in that the container (5) is non-openable and defines at least one access hole (5c) facing the center of the textile element (1) arranged in a wound state in the container (5).

2. The energy absorber according to claim 1, characterized in that The textile element (1) has a loop arranged facing the at least one entry opening (5c).

3. The energy absorber according to claim 1, characterized in that The energy absorber comprises a rotation axis fixed to the textile element (1), the rotation axis being terminated by a notch (7) facing the at least one entry hole (5c).

4. A rock wall exploration lanyard comprising the energy absorber according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the first end (1a) of the fabric element (1) and the second end (1b) of the fabric element (1) is designed to be attached to a rope harness, and wherein one or more hooks and loops are attached to the other of the first end (1a) of the fabric element (1) and the second end (1b) of the fabric element (1).

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