Patent ID: 7775093
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: G01M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for indicating loading in a structure having exceeded a predetermined threshold, said apparatus comprising: a body member defining an internal space providing an internal at least partially cylindrical surface, said body member being formed at least partially from a deformable material and arranged externally to conform to one or more load bearing elements of a structure, said body member being arranged to deform from a non-deformed state to a permanently deformed state in response to loading in said load bearing elements exceeding a predetermined loading threshold; and a gauge member rotatably mounted within said internal space of said body member and arranged for rotation within said internal space relative to said body member, wherein when said body member is in said non-deformed state said gauge member has a rotational resistance of up to a first threshold and when said body member is in said permanently deformed state said gauge member has a rotational resistance exceeding a second threshold , wherein said rotational resistance second threshold is higher than said rotational resistance first threshold as a result of increased mechanical interference between said gauge member and said at least partially cylindrical surface of said body member in said permanently deformed state relative to the interference between said gauge member and said at least partially cylindrical surface of said body member in said non-deformed state.