APPARATUS AND SYSTEM OF RELEASEABLE NETWORKS.

Abstract

A releaseable netting system is provided that utilizes a releaseable netting fastening mechanism. The releaseable netting system includes two or more vertical structures, with lateral support structures extending between them, and at least one net configured with the lateral support structures to form a net wall. The net or nets are attached to the lateral support structures using one or more releaseable fastening mechanisms that are adapted to break at a predetermined load. In this way, the releaseable fastening mechanisms can release the net from the support structures under environmental load conditions (high winds, snow, freezing rain) before the support structures collapse. The system can be used with outdoor netting systems, such as those used to contain stray balls on golf driving ranges.

Description

APPARATUS AND NETWORK SYSTEMS RELEASE THEM COPYRIGHT DECLARATION This patent document contains material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of this patent document or any related material in the files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, although all copyrights are reserved. FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to network systems that include releaseable network systems. BACKGROUND Outdoor netting systems (e.g., net walls) are used for protection worldwide in various environments. A well-known example is the use of netting systems at outdoor golf driving ranges to protect adjacent areas from stray golf balls. These implementations can be called stray golf ball containment structures. Similar types of containment structures are used at baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields, areas frequented by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, drones) for dust and debris containment, or to visually conceal sites and other types of structures. Containment structures typically include nets connected by ropes attached to steel cables that span tall steel poles. The poles can be embedded in concrete foundations and extend upwards to heights of 170 feet above the finished level. In this way, the structures can be robust and tall enough to capture or block stray objects (e.g., golf balls) that enter adjacent areas. However, many of these outdoor structures can be deployed in areas with potentially severe weather conditions that can negatively impact them. For example, during winter storms, snow and ice can freeze onto the nets, increasing the weight borne by the cables and steel poles. Furthermore, as the nets become laden with ice and snow, their porosity can be significantly reduced, resulting in increased wind resistance. The strong winds associated with freezing rain, combined with ice accumulation on the nets, can significantly increase the horizontal loads applied to the structure and, in extreme conditions, can cause the poles to overload and collapse. Once they collapse, the poles must be replaced and the structure must be rebuilt, resulting in a loss of income and a high repair cost. PPfrfr Ln / Zznz / E / YIAI Consequently, there is a need for a releaseable netting system that can detach the nets in the event of a potential overload on the support poles before catastrophic pole collapse. This allows the nets to be released in severe weather conditions while the poles remain in place. The cost and effort required to reattach the nets to the fixed poles can be significantly less than replacing the poles, thus saving both time and money. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be fully appreciated as it becomes better understood when considered together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference characters designate equal or similar parts in the different views, and where: Figure 1 shows aspects of a network system according to exemplary realizations of it; Figures 2-4 represent enlarged views of aspects of the network system in Figure 1; Figures 5A-5B show aspects of a clamping mechanism according to exemplary embodiments thereof; Figure 6 shows aspects of a releasable clamping mechanism according to exemplary embodiments thereof; Figures 7A-7B show aspects of a weakening element according to exemplary realizations of it; Figure 8 shows aspects of a releasable clamping mechanism according to exemplary embodiments thereof; Figure 9 shows aspects of a weakening element according to exemplary realizations of it; Figures 10A-10B show aspects of a releasable clamping mechanism according to exemplary embodiments thereof; Figures 11A-11B show aspects of a weakening element according to exemplary realizations thereof; and Figure 12 represents an enlarged view of aspects of the network system of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENTS In general, the system and associated apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments thereof, provide releaseable net systems. In some embodiments, the releaseable net systems are adapted for use as outdoor containment structures (e.g., stray ball containment screens for golf driving ranges, sports fields, etc.). PPfrfr Ln / Zznz / E / YIAI baseball, soccer fields, American football fields, etc.) or for other purposes. In some embodiments, the system includes two or more ground-based support structures (e.g., columns or anchored posts, etc.) adapted to vertically support nets between them in order to form a net wall. In some embodiments, the nets may be peripherally attached by ropes for support, and the ropes may be configured to (securely attach to) horizontal support cables spanning between the vertical support structures. In this way, the nets may be stretched between the vertical support structures to form net walls. In an exemplary embodiment thereof, as shown in Figure 1, the system 10 includes a support assembly 100, a net assembly 200, and a clamping assembly 300. In general, the support assembly 100 can provide support to the net assembly 200, with the net assembly 200 secured to the support assembly 100 by means of the clamping assembly 300. The clamping assembly 300 can be adapted to release the net assembly 200 under predetermined environmental load conditions while generally leaving the support assembly 100 intact. The system 10 may also include other elements and components as required to perform its desired functions, as described herein or otherwise. SUPPORT SET 100 In an exemplary embodiment of this, as shown in Figure 2, the support assembly 100 includes two or more vertical support structures 102 and one or more lateral supports 104 extending between them. In some embodiments, the vertical support structures 102 may include poles, lattice towers, truss towers, and / or other types of columns. In some embodiments, the support structures 102 may be anchored in earth foundations (e.g., concrete) and / or guyed with cables to increase stability. The structures 102 may comprise steel, wood, composite materials (e.g., carbon composites), other types of materials, and any combination thereof. In some implementations, the structures 102 may extend upward distances of up to 90 feet, 130 feet, 170 feet, and more. The diameter(s) of the structures 102 may be fixed and / or tapered and may be chosen to provide sufficient support to system 10. The structures 102 may be generally vertical and / or may include parts or sections forming other angles (e.g., diagonal crossbars). In some embodiments, the lateral supports 104 may include cables, chains, cords, ropes, and / or other types of supports that can be extended between the vertical structures 102. For example, in one implementation, the lateral supports 104 may include CQhb Ln / Zznz / E / YIAI steel cables. As shown in Figure 2, the lateral supports 104 may generally include a first end attached to a first vertical support structure 102-1 and a second end attached to an adjacent second vertical structure 102-2. The first and / or second end of the lateral supports 104 may be attached to the vertical structures 102 in various positions, depending on the design of the structure (e.g., at the top, in intermediate positions, near the bottom, etc.). It is understood that the lateral structures 104 may extend continuously between a plurality of adjacent vertical structures 102 and that the ends of the lateral structures 104 may or may not terminate on any particular vertical structure 102, depending on the design of the overall system 10. As will be described in other sections and as shown in Figure 2, the net assembly 200 can be attached to the lateral supports 104 and thus supported between the vertical structures 102. Consequently, it is preferable that the lateral support structures 104 comprise materials of adequate strength to support the net assembly 300. For example, in some embodiments, the lateral structures 104 may comprise 5 / 16” extra high strength (EHS) galvanized steel wires or other comparable structures. In some embodiments, the support assembly 100 may include a side support 104, generally spanning between the tops of adjacent vertical support structures 102, and one or more side supports 104 spanning between the vertical structures 102 at intermediate locations between the ground and the tops of the structures 102. Although Figure 2 depicts a top side support 104-1 and an intermediate side support 104-2, it is understood that the system 10 may include any number of side supports 104, spanning between any number of vertical supports 102, and that the scope of the system 10 is in no way limited by the number and / or location of the side supports 104 and / or the vertical supports 102. NETWORK SET 200 In an exemplary embodiment thereof, the net assembly 200 includes one or more nets 202 attached to the support assembly 100 to form a net wall. In some embodiments, the nets 202 include polymer nets 202 comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, Kevlar, nylon, textiles, plastic, rubber, steel (e.g., chain link), other materials, and any combination thereof. The nets 202 may include a cord diameter, mesh size, and strength profile according to design requirements so that the nets 202 can perform their intended functions. It may also be preferable for the nets 202 to include UV protection treatments. CQhb ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ The nets 202 can be attached to the support members 204 to provide strength and support to the nets 202. For example, Figure 3 shows the top edge of a net 202 attached to a top-edge rope 204, and Figure 4 shows a middle portion of a net 202 attached to an intermediate rope 204. In some embodiments, the edges of the rope 204 may comprise a 3 / 8” braided rope with a No. 224 braided nylon cord sewn to the nets 202 with a half-loop hitch at 7” intervals. Other materials and / or methods may also be used to attach the nets 202 to the edge of the rope 204. It may be preferable for the support members 204 to extend the length of each net 202 between the vertical support structures 102 to provide continuous support across each net 202 between the structures 102. In some embodiments, a single net 202 can be extended between two or more adjacent vertical support structures 102, while in other embodiments a plurality of nets 202 can be combined so that they extend between adjacent vertical structures 102. 300 FASTENING SET In an exemplary embodiment thereof, the fastening assembly 300 is used to fasten the net assembly 200 to the support assembly 100. In some embodiments, the fastening assembly 300 includes one or more fastening mechanisms 302, which may include one or more clamps, fasteners, carabiners, shackles, rings, hoops, loops, eyelets, other types of fastening members, and any combination thereof. The shape of the fastening mechanism 302 may generally be circular, oval, square, rectangular, teardrop-shaped, any other shape, and any combination thereof. For example, the fastening mechanism 302 may include a generally oval or teardrop-shaped hoop. In one example, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the fastening mechanism 302 resembles a carabiner or other type of ring-shaped fastener with an upper portion 304, a lower portion 306, a spring-loaded hinged trigger 308, and a closed side arm 310. Figure 5A depicts the mechanism 302 with the trigger 308 closed, and Figure 5B depicts the mechanism with the trigger 308 open. In some embodiments, the trigger 308 may include a non-locking catch 308 so that the upper portion 304 of the fastening mechanism 302 cannot be locked within the trigger 308 but can instead simply be held and supported. In this way, as will be described in other sections, the upper portion 304 can be free to rotate upward and out of the trigger 308 as required. In some embodiments, the 302 clamping mechanism may comprise a high-durability 5 / 16” carbon steel with smooth, rounded edges that cannot CQhb ίη / 77Ω7 / Β / YΙΛΙ negatively wear down the edges of the rope 204 and / or the nets 202 to which the clamping mechanism 302 can be attached. In some embodiments, each clamping mechanism 302 can clamp a particular part of a net 202 in a corresponding position along a side support structure 104. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a first clamping mechanism 302-1 can be used to clamp a part of a net 202 to a side support structure 104-1 in position (1), a second clamping mechanism 302-2 can be used to clamp a part of the net 202 to a side support structure 104-1 in position (2), a third clamping mechanism 302-3 can be used to clamp a part of the net 202 to a side support structure 104-2 in position (3), and a fourth clamping mechanism 302-4 can be used to clamp a part of the net 202 to a side support structure 104-2 in position (4).In some embodiments, the fastening between each net 202 and each lateral support structure 104 may include attaching the support member 204 configured with the net 202 to the lateral support structure 104 at the desired fastening location. In other embodiments, the fastening between each net 202 and each lateral support structure 104 may include attaching the net 302 (e.g., the mesh) directly to the lateral support structure 104 at the desired fastening location. As shown, positions (1) and (2) can be along the top edge of net 202 and can attach the top edge of net 202 (e.g., an upper support member 204 configured with the top edge of net 202) to the upper side support 104-1, and positions (3) and (4) can be along an intermediate (middle) portion of net 202 (e.g., an intermediate support member 204 configured with an intermediate portion of net 202) and can attach the middle portion of net 202 to an intermediate (middle) support structure 104-2.A person skilled in the art understands that these configurations of the net 202 with the side supports 104-1, 104-2 in positions (1), (2), (3) and (4) are for illustrative purposes, that the net 202 can be attached to other subsequent supports 104 in other positions and that the scope of system 10 is not limited in any way by the number and / or location of the attachments between the net 202 and the side supports 104. Figure 3 shows an enlarged schematic of a net 202 with a top edge attached to a support member 204 (e.g., attached to a rope at points B) and the support member 204 attached to a side support 104 using a clamping mechanism 302. As environmental forces (wind, freezing rain, snow, etc.) pull the net 202 and its associated support member 204 away from the side support 104, these forces can be represented as a force vector F as shown. PPfrfr Ln / Zznz / E / YIAI Figure 4 shows an enlarged scheme of a net 202 with a middle part attached to a support member 204 (e.g., attached by a rope at points B) and the support member 204 attached to a side support 104 using a clamping mechanism 302. In an exemplary embodiment thereof, as shown in Figure 6, the joining mechanism 302 may include a release clamping mechanism 312. In some embodiments, the release clamping mechanism 312 may include a clamping mechanism 302 adapted to open, release, or otherwise disengage under particular predetermined conditions. For example, the release clamping mechanism 312 may be designed to open when a specific force magnitude F is applied to the mechanism 312. In this way, the release clamping mechanism 312 may be referred to as a break-away clamping mechanism 312. For example, an upward force F1 may be applied to the upper portion 304 of the mechanism 312 and / or a downward force F2 may be applied to the lower portion 306 of the mechanism 312, and the mechanism 312 may be designed to open when the forces F1 and / or F2 exceed a predetermined force threshold. In an exemplary embodiment thereof, the releasable clamping mechanism 312 includes at least one weakening element 314. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the weakening element 314 may include a slot 316 that passes through at least a portion of the side arm of the mechanism 310, thereby weakening the arm 310 in the general area of ​​the slot 316. Using the orientation of the releasable clamping mechanism 312 as shown in Figure 6, the slot 316 may pass from the outside of the mechanism 312 on the right and through the side arm 310 to the left (into the midplane of the mechanism). Figure 7A shows an enlarged schematic of groove 316 within side arm 310 of mechanism 312 in Figure 6. Groove 316 may include a height of H1 and a width of W1. Because groove 316 cannot pass entirely through side arm 310, a remaining portion of material 318 (also known as bridge 318) may include a width of W2. In general, width W1 plus width W2 equals the diameter W3 of side arm 310. Figure 7B shows the cross-section of slot 316 and bridge 318 when viewed from the perspective of the BB cut lines in Figure 7A. In an exemplary embodiment thereof, as shown in Figure 8, the upward (and downward) force Ft (i.e., a tensile force representing all forces applied to the mechanism 312) of sufficient magnitude applied to the upper portion 304 of the release clamping mechanism 312 causes a predictable breakage of the clamping mechanism 312 in the area of ​​the weakening element 314. Consequently, the release clamping mechanism 312 can be designed to break (and thus release) at a specific breaking force Fb. That is, knowing the breaking force Fb at which it is desired to PPfrfr ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ break the free-locking mechanism 312, the dimensions and position of the groove 316 can be designed to facilitate such breaking. As shown in Figure 8, the upward force Ft applied to the top 304 can be modeled as a torque T applied to the top 304 about an axis of rotation A centered on the bridge 318. With the slot 316 positioned at a vertical distance D1 from the point of force, the torque T can generally be given by: T = r Ft sin© Where: T is the applied pair; res the distance from the axis of rotation to the point of force; Fes the applied force; and Θ is the angle between Fry r The lever arm LA1 is also shown as the perpendicular distance from the rotation axis A to the line of action of the upward force Ft. As the upward force Ft is applied, the torque T causes the upper portion 304 of the release clamping mechanism 312 to begin rotating in a generally clockwise direction, as represented by R, about the rotation axis A (centered on the bridge 318). Because the trigger 308 is not locking, the upper portion 304 can be free to rotate upward and away from the trigger 308 without obstruction. This, in turn, can cause the slot 316 to collapse, as shown in Figure 9, causing the rotation axis A to lock. As the torque T continues, and with the rotation axis A locked, the lever arm moves into the slot 316 and the bridge portion 318 (represented as LA2), and a pulling force Fts is applied to the bridge 318, as shown. This force Fts can cause an associated tensile stress σ within the material in bridge 318. As is known in the art, a stress σ, which is a force applied over a unit area of ​​a material (e.g., over the area of ​​bridge 318), produces a stretching of the area (e.g., of bridge 318) which is called a strain e. The strain is represented by the ratio between the change in length AL caused by the stress σ and the original length Lo along the direction of the stress σ, i.e., ε = AL / Lo. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, as the rotation R continues, the stress σ increases, causing an increase in strain ε, and the bridge 318 undergoes plastic deformation until it breaks. As previously stated, by selecting the appropriate dimensions (H1, W1) and positioning (D1) of the groove 316 and the corresponding dimensions of the bridge 318 (W2), the release clamping mechanism 312 can be designed to break open predictably upon the application of a known breaking force Fb. For example, in some embodiments, for a side arm 310 with a PPfrfr ίη / ZZOZ / E / YILI diameter W3 of 0.305” - 0.309” (and preferably approximately 0.306”) and a breaking strength Fb of 350 lb - 430 lb (and preferably approximately 388 lb), the height H1 of the 316 groove can be chosen to be equal to 0.012” + / - 0.002” and the width W1 of the 316 groove can be chosen to be equal to 0.247” + / - 0.008”. This can result in a bridge width W2 equal to approximately 0.057” + / - 0.004”. Looking at this from another point of view, the height H1 of the 316 groove can be approximately 4% of the diameter W3 of the 310 arm, and the width W1 of the 316 groove It can be approximately 81% of the W3 diameter of the 310 arm. This can result in the W2 width of the bridge being approximately 19% of the W3 diameter of the 310 arm. In another example, the 316 slot can be positioned at a vertical distance D1 below the point of force approximately 0.620”. It is understood that these examples of slot dimensions and / or slot positions are for illustrative purposes only and that other dimensions and / or slot positions 316 may also be chosen, and that the scope of the release clamping mechanism 312 and that of system 10 are in no way limited by the chosen dimensions and / or positioning of the slot 316. In some embodiments, the slot dimensions and / or slot positions may result in different breaking strengths Fb, which depend on the material(s) used to form the mechanism 312 (e.g., the arm 310 with which the weakening element 314 may be configured). For example, for an arm 310 comprising stainless steel, the slot dimensions and / or slot positions shown above may result in a breaking strength Fb of approximately 388 lb. A person skilled in the art understands that the above descriptions referring to the forces F1, F2, Ft and / or Fb applied to the leading clamping mechanism 312 and the resulting torque T, force Fts, stress σ, strain ε and eventual breakage of the leading clamping mechanism 312 are for illustrative purposes and that other forces may be applied to the mechanism 312 that may result in other eventual breakages of the mechanism 312, as required by the mechanism 312 to fulfill its breaking functionalities within system 10. It is also understood that the analysis and modeling of the mechanism 312, the expanding element 314 and / or other elements of the mechanism 312 and the forces described as shown above are intended to provide an understanding of the mechanism 312 and its functionalities, and that other analysis and / or modeling of the mechanism 312 may also be used. In some embodiments, the outline and shape of the 314 expansion joint may include other architectures that can result in the same or similar outcomes. For example, the 314 expansion joint may include two or more closely spaced 316 slots in the PPfrfr ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ arm 310 or separated at a certain distance along arm 310. The two or more slots 316 may be located on the same side of arm 310 (e.g., on the outside, as shown in other embodiments) or on different sides (e.g., directly opposite each other on opposite sides and / or vertically offset on opposite sides). In another example, the weakening element 314 may include one or more slots 316 on the lateral sides of arm 310 (e.g., perpendicular or forming other angles with respect to slot 316 in Figure 7B). In other examples, the angle of slot 316 with respect to arm 310 may include a non-perpendicular angle (e.g., diagonal). In another example, slot 316 may not include a constant height H1, but instead may include a height that tapers from a higher height at the opening of slot 316 to a lower height at bridge 318 (e.g., wedge-shaped).In another example, the weakening element 314 may include one or more holes that pass through at least a portion of arm 310. In this example, the hole(s) may result in the formation of one or more corresponding bridge portions associated with each hole. In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 11A, the slot 316 may include a circumferential slot 316 extending inwards from about the circumference of the arm 310 with a resulting bridge 318 generally located at the center of the arm's cross-section, as shown in Figure 11B. Other slot architectures may also be used. It is understood that the weakening element 314 may include any type of element(s) and / or structure(s) that may generally weaken the arm of the mechanism 310, such that the arm 310 may break under a defined load. It is also understood that the scope of the release clamping mechanism 312 and system 10 is not limited in any way by the type(s), contour(s), shape(s), location(s), and / or any other characteristic of the weakening element 314 that the release clamping mechanism 312 may employ. In an exemplary embodiment thereof, as shown in Figure 12, each of the fastening mechanisms of Figure 2 may include release fastening mechanisms 316. For example, the first fastening mechanism 302-1 may include a release fastening mechanism 316-1, the second fastening mechanism 302-2 may include a release fastening mechanism 316-2, the third fastening mechanism 302-3 may include a third release fastening mechanism 316-3, and the fourth fastening mechanism 302-4 may include a fourth release fastening mechanism 316-4. It is understood that the number and location of the release fastening mechanisms 316 shown in Figure 12 are for illustrative purposes and that the system 10 may include any number of release fastening mechanisms 316 as required. PPfrfr Ln / Zznz / E / YIAI In an exemplary embodiment of this, by designing the releaseable clamping mechanism 312 to release (e.g., break) under predictable loading conditions with a known breaking force Fb, the system 10 can be designed to include a specific number of releaseable clamping mechanisms 312 positioned at specific locations within the system 10, such that the releaseable clamping mechanisms 312 can release a network 202 under specific environmental loading conditions. It is noteworthy that the number and / or placement of the clamping mechanisms 312 can be site-specific, as each location of the system 10 may involve different potential environmental loading conditions under which the system 10 may preferentially operate. For example, in some implementations, the release clamping mechanisms 312 can be used to connect the networks 202 to the upper side support 104 and / or the intermediate side support at intervals of approximately 36”. The release clamping mechanisms 312 can also be used to connect the networks 202 to the vertical support structures 102 (or to the vertical support cables configured with the vertical support structures 102) at intervals of approximately 36”. In other implementations, the release clamping mechanisms 312 can be positioned with non-symmetrical spacing.It is understood that other placement positions and / or placement intervals may also be used depending on the design of the release clamping mechanism 312, the application of system 10 and / or the environment in which system 10 can be installed, and that the scope of system 10 is not limited in any way by the positioning and / or placement intervals in which the release clamping mechanisms 312 can be configured. It is understood that any aspect and / or element of any of the embodiments described herein, or conversely, any of them, can be combined in any way to form new embodiments readily understandable by a person skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand, after reading this description, that the embodiments herein may provide different and / or additional advantages, and that not all embodiments or implementations need to have all the advantages. When a process is described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the process can be carried out without any user intervention. In other embodiments, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by, or with the help of, a human). As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "at least some" means one or more, and includes the case of a single individual. Therefore, e.g., the phrase "at least some ABC" means "one or more ABC" and includes the case of a single ABC. ppfri? Ln / zznz / E / YiAi As used herein, including in the claims, the expression "at least one" should be understood to mean one or more and thus includes both embodiments comprising one component and multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims describing features with "at least one" have the same meaning whether the feature is referred to as "the" or "the." As used in this description, the term "part" means either something or the whole. So, for example, a part of X might include some of X or all of X. In the context of a conversation, the term "part" means some of or the whole of the conversation. As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "use" means "use at least" and not exclusively. Thus, e.g., the phrase "use X" means "use at least X". Unless specifically indicated by the use of the word "only", the phrase "use X" does not mean "use only X". As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "based on" means based in part on or based at least in part on and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase "based on factor X" means "based in part on factor X" or "based at least in part on factor X". Unless specifically indicated by the use of the word "only", the phrase "based on X" does not mean based solely on X. In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless the word is specifically used only in a sentence, it should not be read in that sentence. As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "distinct" means at least partially distinct. Unless specifically stated, "distinct" does not mean entirely distinct. Thus, e.g., the phrase "X is distinct from Y" means that X is at least partially distinct from Y and does not mean that X is entirely distinct from Y. Therefore, as used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "X is distinct from Y" means that X differs from Y in at least some way. It should be noted that the words “first,” “second,” etc., in the description and claims, are used to distinguish or identify, and not to show, a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, letter labels (e.g., “(A),” “(B),” “(C),” etc., or “(a),” “(b),” etc.) and / or numbers (e.g., “(i),” “(ii),” etc.) are used to aid readability and to help distinguish and / or identify, and are not intended to limit, impose, or imply any numerical or serial limitations or classifications. Likewise, words such as particular, specific, certain, and given in the description and claims, if used, are for distinguishing or identifying purposes and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, including in the claims, the terms multiple and plurality mean two or more and include the case of two. Therefore, e.g., the The phrase "multiple ABCs" means two or more ABCs and includes two ABCs. Similarly, e.g., the phrase "multiple PQRs" means two or more PQRs and includes two PQRs. The present invention also encompasses the exact terms, characteristics, values, and ranges, etc., in the event that these terms, characteristics, values, and ranges, etc., are used in conjunction with terms such as approximately, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least, etc. (i.e., approximately 3 or approximately 3 shall also encompass exactly 3 or substantially constant shall also encompass exactly constant). As used herein, including in the claims, the singular forms of the terms should be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Therefore, it should be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the include the plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout the description and claims, the terms comprise, include, have, and contain and their variations should be understood to include, but not be limited to, other components unless specifically stated otherwise. It will be appreciated that variations can be made to embodiments of the invention while remaining within the scope of the invention. Alternative features serving an identical, equivalent, or similar purpose may replace the features disclosed in the specification, unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, each disclosed feature represents an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The present invention also encompasses the exact terms, characteristics, values, and ranges, etc., in the event that these terms, characteristics, values, and ranges, etc., are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least, etc. (i.e., approximately 3 will also encompass exactly 3 or substantially constant will also encompass exactly constant). The use of exemplary language, such as for example, such as, for instance (e.g.,"), and the like, is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless specifically claimed as such. Although the invention has been described with regard to what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but rather is intended to cover the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the nature and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A separable fastening mechanism characterized in that it comprises: a body member including a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis, the body member including a loop including a first part, extending from the first end to the second end, and a second part, opposite the first part, and extending between the first end and the second end, the first part including a first side of the first part and a second side of the first part, opposite the first side of the first part, which define the width of a first part;a groove on the first side of the first part defined by a first groove surface and a second groove surface, opposite the first groove surface, the first groove surface and the second groove surface extending from the first side of the first part and terminating at a rear side of the groove, at a first location between the first side of the first part and the second side of the first part, the first groove surface being parallel and mirror-image with respect to the second groove surface from the first side of the first part to the first location; wherein the body member will break at the groove when a force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the first end and / or the second end.

2. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the first groove surface and the second groove surface are orthogonally separated by a groove height and the groove height is 0.012” + / - 0.002”.

3. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the height of the slot is approximately 4% of the width of the first part.

4. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that a distance along the first surface of the groove from the first side of the first part to the first location is 0.2”-0.3”.

5. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that a distance along the first surface of the groove from the first side of the first part to the first location is 0.247” ± 0.008”. PPfrfr Ln / Zznz / E / YIAI 6. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that a distance along the first surface of the groove from the first side of the first part to the first location is approximately 81% of the width of the first part.

7. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined magnitude force is equal to, or greater than, 350 pounds.

8. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined magnitude force is equal to, or greater than, 388 pounds.

9. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the slot is located approximately 0.6” from the first end.

10. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear side of the slot and the second side of the first part, opposite the rear side of the slot, define a slot bridge, and wherein the slot bridge breaks when a force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the first end and / or the second end.

11. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that the bridge width of the slot is 0.057” + / - 0.004”.

12. The separable clamping mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that the width of the slot bridge is approximately 19% of the width of the first part.

13. A separable fastening mechanism characterized in that it comprises: a body member including a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis, the body member including a loop including a first part, extending from the first end to the second end, and a second part, opposite the first part, and extending between the first end and the second end, the first part including a first side of the first part and a second side of the first part, opposite the first side of the first part, which define the width of a first part;a collapsed groove on the first side of the first part defined by a first groove surface and a second groove surface, opposite the first groove surface, the first groove surface and the second groove surface extending from the first side of the first part and terminating on a rear side of the groove, at a first location between the first side of the first part and the second side of the first part, the first groove surface being oriented at an angle from the rear side of the groove to the first side of the first part, so that the first groove surface is in physical contact with the second groove surface on the first side of the first part;a bridge including a bridge portion of the first part between the back side of the groove and the second side of the first part, the bridge portion having a height equal to an orthogonal distance between the first groove surface and the second groove surface on the back side of the groove; wherein the bridge will break when a force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the first end of the body member and / or the second end of the body member.

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