Abstract:
A system with a shock absorbing device shaped to fit onto straps of any size, introducing low amplitude shock absorption into the strap fixation system without compromising the fixation. The present device essentially takes up a small amount of slack in the strap and stores it within a serpentine course through a body made of a deformable material. In the event that increased and potentially damaging loads are experienced, the Strap Shock-Absorber deforms, but the fixation never exceeds the length of the strap itself. With potential applications ranging from chin straps to industrial straps, working in one or two dimensions, this device can reduce damaging force transmission to protect valuable but vulnerable structures. The deformation of the device may be either elastic or plastic, or may be a combination of both.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/428958, filed on Dec. 31, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure pertains to sports, transportation, or any other commercial or industrial activity in which inelastic straps of various widths are tightened to sustain fixed loads, that predictably increase during the activity, causing brief intermittent periods of increased and potentially damaging force to be transmitted to that which the straps affix. The straps necessarily must continue to connect the two ends to which they are attached after the force has normalized, although in many applications, if the strap were to lengthen slightly during the period of maximal force, then return to its previous length, the purpose would not be compromised. 
     This disclosure was first conceived to provide a shock-absorbing function for the chin straps of American football players, to minimize the concussive forces transmitted through the helmet to the player&#39;s brain. Improvements to the conventional approaches to provide secure fastening helmets while allowing attenuation of shock transmitted through the helmets are desirable. 
     The concept extends, however, to any strap that affixes damageable entities or property to solid structures (e.g. property carried on car tops or trailers) that, because of vibration or variable force, could damage those entities unless protected by a strap that has limited amount of elasticity without compromising fixation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure may be embodied in a ladder-shaped rubber, plastic, or other elastic material device through which a strap is inserted that, by virtue of the strap&#39;s serpentine path through the elastic device, provides shock-absorption without loss of secure fixation. The design concept remains constant, but the width, length, depth, and contour of the ladder-shaped device can be modified to adapt for the width and thickness of the strap based upon the desired amount of shock attenuation and maximum tolerable strap lengthening for the particular application. 
     For some applications, such as helmet chin straps, the device would be free in space, constrained and its position determined only by the path of the strap. For other applications, the device&#39;s surfaces may be designed to lay directly adjacent to the cargo that the strap is holding, which would lessen the chance that the strap would slip or otherwise damage the surface of the cargo, in addition to the function of shock absorption. Finally, if the device was made of moldable material, this ladder-shaped device could be pre-molded into 90 degree angles or curves for specific applications, such as moving furniture or refrigerators with a hand dolly. 
     Other potential construction or industrial applications of this device include using it to suspend pipes or ceiling-suspended machinery in earthquake- or severe weather-prone regions, and it could even be adapted for use with metal suspension/fixation straps. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the figures is as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an end cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 1  with a strap extending through openings in the device. 
         FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device and strap of  FIG. 4  with little or no tension being exerted on the strap. 
         FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device and strap of  FIG. 5  with more tension being exerted on the strap. 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device and strap of  FIG. 6  with more tension being exerted on the strap. 
         FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device and strap of  FIG. 7  with the tension on the strap released and the shock absorbing device returning to its original shape. 
         FIG. 9  is a first photographic oblique side view of an American football helmet including a chin strap which has been extended through a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a second photographic oblique side view of the American football helmet of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a third photographic oblique side view of the American football helmet including of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a photographic oblique front view of the American football helmet including of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view an alternative embodiment of shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure included as part of a load securing strap for holding cargo or similar materials. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure included as part of a load securing strap for holding cargo or similar materials. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure included as part of a load securing strap for holding rounded cargo or similar materials. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 16 , with a strap extending through openings in the device. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 19  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 18 , with a strap extending through openings in the device. 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 21  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 20 , with a strap extending through openings in the device. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure, with the device having a curved upper surface. 
         FIG. 23  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of a fifth alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure, with the device having a curved upper surface. 
         FIG. 25  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a sixth alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure included as part of a load securing strap for holding cargo or similar materials. 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 27 , with a strap extending openings in the device. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure configured for use with a strap supporting a suspended pipe. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment of a plurality of shock absorbing devices according to the present disclosure configured for use with a plurality of straps supporting a suspended pipe. 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 32  is a side cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 31  with a strap extending through openings in device and exiting the device through openings in opposing ends of the device. 
         FIG. 33  is an end view of the shock absorbing device of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a side cross-sectional view of a ninth alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference now to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , a shock absorbing device  100  according to the present discloser may include a body  102  with a plurality of openings  104  separated by ribs  106  and a pair of end ribs  108 . body  102  may be molded from an appropriate material as described below or maybe machined or otherwise formed from a larger continuous piece. Body  102  of device  100  also has a thickness  112 . Each rib may have opposing outer surfaces  114  and  116 . Body  102  has a first lateral side  122  and a second lateral side  124 . First lateral side  122  has a first central axis  132 , and second lateral side  124  has a second central axis  133 . A first outer surface is defined by a first plane  136  that generally intersects a top surface  125  of first lateral side  122  and a top surface  127  of second lateral side  124 . A second outer surface is defined by a second plane  134  that generally intersects a bottom surface  126  of first lateral side  122  and a bottom surface  128  of second lateral side  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a strap  110  extends through openings  104  and weaves about ribs  106  and end ribs  108 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , no significant tension is being exerted on strap  110  and device  100  is in a relaxed or non-deformed state. In this state, the outer surfaces  114  and  116  of adjacent ribs are generally aligned with each other. Additionally in this state, outer surfaces  116  are generally coplanar wit body  100 &#39;s first outer surface defined by first plane  136 , and outer surfaces  114  are generally coplanar with body  100 &#39;s second outer surface defined by second plane  134 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an initial load or tension is being exerted on strap  110 , an indicated by the arrows at either end of the strap. In response to this load, the outer surfaces of ribs about which the strap extends are being drawn toward to the opposing surface of the adjacent ribs. This opposing displacement of the outer surfaces of adjacent ribs  104 , combined with the thickness  112  of device  100 , permits an elongation of strap  110  in response to the tension. The characteristics of the material from which body  102  of device  100  is made may be selected to provide a degree of resistance to this deformation or displacement of ribs  104  in response to a particular load to which the strap may be subjected. This degree of resistance will in turn provide some attenuation of any sudden loading of the strap. The arrows superimposed on body  102  indicate the direction that each rib may be displaced based on the load on strap  110 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates device  100  subjected to a greater load than  FIG. 6 , with a greater deflection or displacement of ribs shown. At this point, the maximum load that device  100  may be able to assist in the attenuation of has nearly been reached. This is a nearly a fully tensioned or deflected state for device  100 . Very little additional deflection of ribs  104  is possible and strap  110  makes nearly a straight path through device  100 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates device  100  with the load on strap  110  relaxed. For some applications of device  100 , it is desirable to have the device able to resist multiple consecutive loadings. If the selection of materials for device  100  has been appropriately made, device  100  will preferably have been operating in an elastic deformation load range even in the fully deflected state shown in  FIG. 7  and will be able to return to the fully relaxed state shown in 
       FIGS. 5 and 8 . For other applications, it may be desirable that device  100  only be useful in resisting one loading and then remain in the fully deflected state after the loading. For these applications, selection of the material for body  102  of device  100  should be such that the device will preferably be operating in the plastic deformation range for the material. It is also anticipated that some embodiments of a device according to the present disclosure may be able to resist smaller loads with the body deflecting in the elastic range and returning to the relaxed state but when subjected to greater loads, the body may be forced into plastic deformation and will remain in a fully or partially deflected state after the load is removed. The post load condition may serve to a quick visual indicator of the degree of load to which the strap was exposed. 
     Device  200  as shown in photographic  FIGS. 9 to 12  is configured for use in a strap  110  used on an American football helmet  220  and extending between a point of attachment  222  and a chin cup  224 , and is made of a suitable material for the amount of shock absorption or attenuation desired for this application. The number of openings  104  and corresponding number of ribs  106 , along with the nature of the material and the thickness  112  of the material of body  102 , may be specified based on the expected load applied to the strap. The selection of different materials based on the nature of deformation as discussed above may also apply for this particular application. Ordinary contact and forces may result in no lasting deformation of the device but a significant blow may result in a visible permanent deformation and provide a quick indication to a coach or trainer. 
     The present disclosure may be embodied in a device that may consist of a molded body, for many purposes rectangular in shape and molded from material such as but not limited to rubber, into which may be cut or molded a series of parallel slots. The slots are preferably sized to accommodate different strap widths and thicknesses, with the overall size of the slots and the device itself increasing in size to accommodate larger straps. Alternatively, in some applications where the device may be desirably moved between different straps or repositioned along the length of a strap of varying dimensions, the slots may be sized to receive the largest anticipated strap size or portion thereof. The material, shape, length, and width of the body and number of slots would determine its shock absorptive characteristics, with larger, thicker, and more rounded structures requiring more imposed load prior to elastic deformation. 
     For other applications, a molded body according to the present disclosure would be curved or angled in shape, with parallel slots cut or molded into the device to serve the purposes above. In some applications, the surface of the device may be molded to include raised ridges or other adaptations that would protect surfaces and corners of the cargo that is secured by the strap and device assembly. It is anticipated that the device may be adapted to conform to the shape of the object to be protected, such as a corner, edge or surface break to secure the strap and the device in place. 
     Devices configured according to the present disclosure may be assembled with the straps either during the manufacturing process of the strap, especially if the strap contained fixed hooks or other structures at the end, or post-market, applied by the end user to adapt existing straps for improved use. 
     It is anticipated that the present disclosure may be adapted for use in industrial settings for use where a pipe or other device may be desirably held in a specific place but also allowed some range of movement in response to outside forces. For example, in a factory, a conduit may be suspended the ceiling at a specific location to provide a path for the movement of material within the facility. It is preferable that the conduit remain in a fixed location with respect to other equipment within the facility. However, if the building is subjected to a large shock, such as but not limited to, an earthquake, it may be desirable that the conduit be able to move in response to the shock loading and then return to its intended location. 
     Devices according to the present disclosure may be added into the suspension framework supporting the conduit and configured with a yield load above the highest normal operating loading. When the conduit is subjected to a larger loading in an unexpected event, the device would yield, allowing the conduit a greater range of movement to attenuate the shock and avoid excessive damage to the conduit. When the shock load dissipates, the device, being made preferably of a resilient deformable material, should return to its original shape and thus return the conduit to its desired fixed location. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 to 15 , it is anticipated that shock absorbing devices according to the present disclosure may be used as part of load or cargo securement systems. Such securement systems may allow loads to be securely attached to a transport of some sort while permitting shock loads occurring during transport to be attenuated without being transmitted to the load through the straps and possibly damaging the load. Such alternative embodiments as described below may be configured generally as described above to be included along a load securing strap. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a load securing strap  310  including a shock absorbing device  300  that it configured to fit about and secure a sharply angled corner of a load  320 . Device  300  may thus absorb forces transmitted to either end of strap  310  and protect the corner of load  320 .  FIGS. 18 and 19  further illustrate device  300  which may include a Vee shaped or similar recess  324  in one side of a central portion of a body  302  of the device to more closely match the shape of the corner of load  320  to be protected. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a load securing strap  410  with a shock absorbing device  400  positioned between a load  420  and an anchor  421  of a transport  422 .  FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate device  400  as being similarly configured to the device shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , above, with strap  410  extending through openings in the device. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a load securing strap  510  with a shock absorbing device  500  positioned along a top of a rounded load  520  to secure the load to transport  522 .  FIGS. 20 and 2   i  illustrate device  500  with a curved inner surface  524  to more closely conform to the rounded shape of load  520 . 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate a further embodiment of a shock absorbing device  600  according to the present disclosure. Device  600  includes an upper curved surface  630  opposite a lower generally planar surface  614 . Openings  104  extend between the upper and lower surfaces through device  600  generally perpendicular to planar surface  614  to upper curved surface  630 . 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate a similar alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device  650  according to the present disclosure. Like device  600 , device  650  includes upper curved surface  630  and opposite lower generally planar surface  614 . However, in device  650 , openings  104  extend between the upper and lower surfaces through device  650  generally perpendicular to upper curved surface  630 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 26 , a further alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing device  700  as part of a load securing system  701  is shown. A strap  710  extends through device  700  and may terminate a hook  724  or other element for engaging a corresponding post  722  or element of a transport to which a load may need to be secured.  FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate device  700  which may be configured with a protective flange  730  to prevent the strap from engaging an underlying surface. This may prevent the strap from being damaged by some objects beneath the flange or may prevent the strap from damaging something lying beneath the flange. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 29 , a further embodiment of a shock absorbing device  800  according to the present disclosure has a strap extending through it to support a pipe  820 . Referring now also to  FIG. 30 , a plurality of shock absorbing devices  900  are included with a plurality of straps  910  that are used to support a suspended platform  920  on which an element of industrial machinery  923  may be positioned. It may be desirable to have suspended elements within a facility be provided with some degree of shock load attenuation. This would prevent loads affecting the structure or the facility from being transmitted directly to the suspended elements. his more flexible suspension may be beneficial in ensuring that suspended elements are not disconnected from other associated equipment when the structure is subjected to some movement or loading. 
       FIGS. 31 to 33  illustrate the shock absorbing device  800  of  FIG. 29  as including a pair of opposing ends  834  and  836  on which may be formed openings  832  through which strap  810  may extend. This permits the exit of strap  810  from device  800  to be more centrally located in the ends. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates a further embodiment of a sock absorbing device  980  according to the present disclosure, with a satrap  990  extending through openings in the device. The number of openings is configured so that a first end  992  of strap  990  extends from the device adjacent a first side  114  of device  980  while a second end  994  of strap  990  exits adjacent opposite  116  of device  980 . 
     These last two embodiments illustrate possible alternative configurations for devices according to the present disclosure that will permit the strap extending through a shock absorbing device to exit from the device as needed for a particular use. It is anticipated that other configurations and options may be available within the scope for the present disclosure. 
     While the device has been shown in the attached photos as being mounted to straps made of fiber or woven materials, devices according to the present disclosure may also be used to provide shock absorption in straps made of alternative materials such as steel or other metallic compounds. Having a shock attenuation capability through use of devices according to the present disclosure may permit straps to be made of lower stretch or stronger materials. Since the device will provide the shock attenuation, the strap does not need to fulfill the dual role of supporting an object and yielding or flexing when subjected to excess force. The strap can be designed and configured to precisely hold or support the object in the desired location and the device can be configured to provide the desired amount of movement and/or shock attenuation. 
     The degree of strength required of the strap can be more carefully selected and the degree of movement or attenuation may be separately provided. 
     A device according to the present disclosure may be made of any suitable material that may have the strap interwoven through the device. It is not intended to limit the material from which the device may be made, as long as the deformation of the device provides the desired degree of movement or attenuation. Any suitable material may be used to form the device according to the present disclosure, as long as it is compatible with the material used in the strap and the environment in which the device is to be employed. For example, on a football helmet, where the device will be placed on a chin strap, the device needs to be shaped and made of a material that will not damage or reduce the effectiveness of the chin strap to secure the helmet to a player&#39;s head. The device will also preferably be made of a material that will not cut or injure the player wearing the helmet or any other players coming into contact with the wearer. 
     In other applications, such as industrial support applications, the device may be made of a harder material without concern for damage to adjacent equipment. 
     The embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein have been discussed for the purpose of familiarizing the reader with novel aspects of the present invention. Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having skill in the art without unnecessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Having described preferred aspects and embodiments of the present invention, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.