Patent Publication Number: US-2021178202-A1

Title: Force damping system including a force damper, a tear-away lanyard, and a force absorbing harness

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/784,939, filed Feb. 7, 2020, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/113,618, filed Aug. 27, 2018, which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/610,786, filed Dec. 27, 2017, each of which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The instant disclosure broadly relates to a force damping system including a force damper, a tear-away lanyard, and a force absorbing harness, and more specifically to a force damping system configured to serve as a fall mitigation device for an object, and even more specifically to a force damping system wherein one or more components of the system includes one or more sacrificial elements that can serve to prevent the reuse of the one or more components after being subject to a sufficient force as may occur, for example, due to a falling object or person. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fall prevention devices are known. For example, one such device includes a stretchable shock absorbing lanyard, e.g., Model No. 1340101 PRO™ Stretch Shock Absorbing Lanyard manufactured by Protecta®. In such device, an inner core of the device is configured to extend from about four and a half feet to about six feet while absorbing energy of a falling object. Although this device may be suitable in some situations, it cannot ensure safety in situations where the falling height is similar to the height of the object falling, e.g., a worker that is six feet falling off an elevated level of seven feet. Additionally, such type of device may be reused over and over again. 
     However, regulations and/or a desire to ensure worker safety has created a need for fall arrest devices that cannot be used more than a single time as the integrity of a previously used force damping system is suspect. For example, a force damping device including a resilient compression spring member used to slow the fall of a three hundred pound object a first time may not perform as effectively to slow the fall of the three hundred pound object a second time. Likewise, a force damping device including, for example, a resilient lanyard used to slow the fall of an object a first time may also not be as effective a second time. Thus, there is a long-felt need for a force damping device and/or systems including one or more components that are easy to operate, inexpensive to build, safe for their intended uses, and which can preclude the subsequent reuse of such one or more components after having been subject to a sufficient force, e.g., a force resulting from a falling object or person. 
     SUMMARY 
     At the outset it should be understood that while the following disclosure, figures, and/or claims, etc. describe subject matter including one or more aspects described as either alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, the subject matter of the instant disclosure is not intended to be so limited. That is, the instant disclosure, figures, and claims are intended to encompass the various aspects described herein, either alone or in one or more combinations with one another. For example, while the instant disclosure may describe and illustrate a first aspect, a second aspect, and a third aspect in a manner such that the first aspect is only specifically described and illustrated relative to the second aspect, or the second aspect is only described and illustrated relative to the third aspect, the instant disclosure and illustrations are not intended to be so limiting and may encompass the first aspect alone, the second aspect alone, the third aspect alone, or one or more combinations of the first, second, and/or third aspects, e.g., the first aspect and the second aspect, the first aspect and the third aspect, the second and third aspect, or the first, second and third aspects. 
     The present disclosure is related to a force damping system arranged to progressively arrest a first force imparted by an object moving in a first direction, the force damping system can include at least a force damper member, a tear-away lanyard, and a force absorbing harness, wherein one or more of the force damper member, the tear-away lanyard, and the force absorbing harness can include one or more sacrificial elements that, for example, can prevent reuse of the one or more of the force damper member, the tear-away lanyard, and/or the force absorbing harness after exposure to a sufficient force, e.g., a falling object or person. 
     In some aspects, a force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a force damper member having a compression member and a sacrificially elongatable member, the compression member being elastically deformable and compressible when a first force is imparted and the sacrificially elongatable member being plastically deformable and elongatable when a first force is imparted. 
     In some aspects, a force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a tear-away lanyard having a first terminal end and a second terminal end and at least a pair of sacrificial tear-away regions disposed between the first terminal end and the second terminal. 
     In some aspects, a force damping system in accordance with the instant disclosure can include a force absorbing harness having a harness connection member capable of connecting at least one of the first terminal end or the second terminal end of the tear-away lanyard, and in some aspects the harness connection member can include a sacrificial member that is plastically deformable when a first force is imparted. In some aspects, the sacrificial member of the harness connection member can comprise an elongatable portion. In some aspects, the elongatable portion of the harness connection member can comprise one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, a helical portion, a cross member, a spring member, or a wire member. In some aspects, the sacrificial member of the harness connection member can comprise a compressible member. 
     In some aspects, the force damper comprises a drawbar-type spring including a compression member and a pair of oppositely disposed loop members, each of the loop members having a closed loop end portion and at least one leg end portion, each of the at least one leg end portions pass through the compression member, each of the at least one leg end portions have an end configured to engage with opposite ends of the compression member such that when sufficient forces are applied upon the closed loop end portions of each of the oppositely disposed loop members, the compression member is compressible. In some aspects, the compression member can comprise a compression spring. In some aspects, at least one leg end portion of at least one of the oppositely disposed loop members can include a weakened region that is capable of increased plastic deformation relative to the closed loop end portion thereof. In some aspects, the weakened region can comprise one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion. In some aspects, each of the oppositely disposed loop members can comprise a pair of leg end portions, and each leg of the pair of leg end portions of at least one of the loop members can include the sacrificially elongatable member and weakened region. In some aspects the weakened regions can include one or more of a zig-zag portion, a sinusoidal portion, or a helical portion. 
     In some aspects, the tear-away lanyard can have a length from 1-7 feet and can include one or more sacrificial tear-away regions. In some aspects comprising a plurality of sacrificial tear-away regions, each of the sacrificial tear-away regions can include a looped safety portion in conjunction with a sacrificial tear-way portion. In some aspects, a length of a leg of the looped safety portion can be from 0.75-1 feet. In some aspects, a length of a leg of each sacrificial tear-away region can be from 0.5-1 feet. 
     In some aspects, at least one of the force absorbing harness and the tear-away lanyard can further comprise an elastically deformable member. 
     In some aspects, at least one of the force absorbing harness and the tear-away lanyard further can comprise a looped safety portion in conjunction with an elastically deformable member that extends between ends of the looped safety portion. 
     In some aspects, the force absorbing harness can include a plurality of looped safety portions each in conjunction with a corresponding elastically deformable member, the plurality of looped safety portions disposed along webbed strapping of the force absorbing harness and at one or more of chest, back, and thigh portions thereof. 
     In some aspects, the compression spring can be formed from spring steel having a 3/16 to ¼ inch cross-sectional diameter, a spring rate of 100-350 lbs/inch, and a length in a non-compressed state that is from 1-6 inches. In some aspects, the compression spring can be formed to comprise a progressive-type spring and be from spring steel wire having a 3/16 to ¼ inch cross-sectional diameter, a spring rate of 100-350 lbs/inch, and a length in a non-compressed state that is from 1-6 inches. 
     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciable from the following description in view the accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front and rearward views, respectively, of a force absorbing harness; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including a zig-zag configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the D-ring assembly; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including a compression spring member configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause sliding movement of portions of the D-ring assembly; 
         FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 C- 3 C of  FIG. 3B  showing a type of spring member configuration; 
         FIGS. 3D-3G  are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including an expansion spring member configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause elongation thereof; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including a bent bar/weakened bar configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the D-ring assembly; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a D-ring mount and D-ring assembly including wire loop configuration, subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the D-ring assembly; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are closeup before and after views, respectively, of a force damper member subject to a sufficient force so as to cause deformation of the force damper; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are schematic before and after views, respectively, of a tear-away lanyard subject to a sufficient force so as to cause separation of sacrificial portions of the tear-away lanyard; and, 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are schematic before and after view, respectively, of a force dampening system including a force absorbing harness, a tear-away lanyard, and a force damper, which system has been subject to sufficient force so as to cause one or more of deformation of the D-ring assembly, deformation of the force damper, cause separation of sacrificial portions of the tear-away lanyard, and elongation of the elastically deformable member/resilient portions of the force absorbing harness and tear-away lanyard. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the specifically disclosed and illustrated aspects. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodologies, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice the example aspects. 
     It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of” and “comprising at least one of” in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. 
     It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” and “generally” are synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value. 
     By “non-rotatably connected” elements, it is meant that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required. Additionally, “plastic deformation” is intended to mean instances when a sufficient load is applied to a material that causes a permanent change in shape to that material. 
     Adverting now to the figures, it should be appreciated that the figures depict various aspects. An elevated work surface, e.g., roof, a falling object, e.g., a worker, a tool, a container filled with materials, etc., are not shown in the figures. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate the type, form and arrangement of each of the foregoing structures and therefore depiction in the figures is unnecessary. For the purpose of clarity in the detailed description, these structures are not included in the figures; however, the structures are discussed herebelow. 
     Force Damping System 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8B , force damping system  10  according to one or more aspects described and illustrated herein is shown as generally including force absorbing harness  20 , tear-away lanyard  90 , and force damper  60 . As may be appreciated from the figures, force absorbing harness  20  is connectable to a first end loop of tear-away lanyard  90  via, for example, a connector  44 , e.g., a carabiner, a second end loop of the tear-away lanyard is connectable to a first U-shaped loop  62  of force damper  60  by means of, for example, a connector, e.g., a not shown carabiner, and second U-shaped loop  70  of force damper  60  is connectable, e.g., via a connector such as a carabiner, to a fixed object (not shown). It should be appreciated that while  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the components of the force damping system as being ordered in a harness-lanyard-force damper configuration, other orders of the components are contemplated and encompassed by the instant disclosure. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that while  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate a force damping system as including each of force absorbing harness  20 , a tear-away lanyard  90 , and a force damper  60  as will be described later, force damping system  10  can be configured to include fewer than all of the above-described system components or additional components. For example, in various non-limiting aspects, the system can include a non-force absorbing harness along with one or more other components, a force absorbing harness along with a tear-away lanyard but no force damper, or one or more of each component, e.g., a force absorbing harness along with a pair of lanyards or a pair of force dampers that may be, for example, parallelly connected, etc. 
     Force Absorbing Harness 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-5B , force absorbing harness  20  is provided so as to be worn by a user and is shown as including outer backstrap portions  22 , inner backstrap portions  22 A, outer shoulder/chest strap portions  24 , inner shoulder/chest strap portions  24 A, belt portion  26 , and outer thigh strap portions  28 , inner thigh strap portions, D-ring mount assembly  34 , and D-ring assembly  36 . Much like most known body harnesses, the various straps, belts, and connectors that form force absorbing harness  20  can be fabricated from materials such as nylon webbing, leather, various metals, plastics, and the like of sufficient strength for securing a wearer, and in accordance with ANSI or OSHA requirements, and/or in accordance with requirements that may be set, for example, by other non-governmental organization or trade associations. In aspects, the harness can be fabricated from nylon webbing that is 1-2 inches in width. As may be appreciated from the figures, force absorbing harness  20  is configured to comprise one or more force absorbing features. For example, force absorbing harness  20  can be configured to comprise an outer harness portion and an inner harness portion connected to one another, as by for example, sacrificial stitching, that is configured to allow the outer harness portion to partially separate away from the inner harness portion when a sufficient force is applied upon the harness. In aspects, force absorbing harness  20  can include harness outer backstrap portions  22 , outer shoulder/chest strap portions  24 , and outer thigh strap portions  28  connected to respective inner backstrap portions  22 A, inner shoulder/chest strap portions  24 A, and inner thigh strap portions  28 A as by, for example, sacrificial stitching (not shown). As may be appreciated from the figures, safety/retaining stitching  29  in accordance with ANSI or 
     OSHA requirements can be provided to prevent complete separation of the outer harness from the inner harness to thereby allow the inner harness to remain snugly fit upon the user. As may be appreciated from a comparison of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , when a wearer suffers a fall, for example, and a sufficient force is applied upon the harness, the not shown sacrificial stitching securing the outer harness portion to the inner harness portion can be sacrificially torn, thereby allowing the outer harness portion to separate and extend away from the inner harness portion and absorb some of the force resulting from a fall, yet simultaneously allowing the inner harness portion to maintain a snug fit close to the wearer&#39;s body and secure the wearer. 
     In addition to the above, in some aspects force absorbing harness  20  can also be configured to comprise one or more elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30 , e.g., elastic or rubber material, in conjunction with looped safety portions  32 . Elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30  and looped safety portions  32  are generally disposed along those areas/regions of force absorbing body harness  20  that tend to produce injury to a wearer of the harness, for example, in the event of a fall. As may be appreciated from a comparison of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , when a wearer suffers a fall, for example, the elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30  and looped safety portions  32  are configured to extend and elongate so as to reduce the forces that are applied upon the wearer&#39;s body at such locations. As compared to conventional-type harnesses not including such elongatable or elastically deformable components, force absorbing harness  20  including elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30  and looped safety portions  32  can reduce the incidence of injury to the wearer. In aspects, elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30  can have a force absorbing ability in a range of 40-80 lbs/inch of stretch, an overall length of from 3-5 inches, and a length between looped safety portions  32  (in a non-extended state) can be in the range of from 1-3 inches. Additionally, it should be appreciated that while elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30  and looped safety portions  32  are illustrated as comprising solid plastics or rubber in association with webbed strap-type members, such components can be in the manner of one or more elastic members covered in an accordion-like sheath of nylon webbed material, i.e., an accordion-like sheath having an extended length greater than that of the one or more inner elastic members in a non-elongated state. Additionally, while  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a single elastically deformable member/resilient portion  30  and looped safety portion  32  as corresponding to each of respective back, shoulder/chest, and thigh straps, the number of elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30  and looped safety portions  32  corresponding to each strap could be configured to be more or less, or otherwise disposed. In addition to the above, while it is not shown in the figures, looped safety portions  32  can be utilized in association with one or more tear-away members, e.g., tear-tape having a 200-1200 lbs. ANSI rating, and in some aspects tear-tape having a 900-1200 lbs. ANSI rating currently commercially available from Oppermann Webbing, Inc. of Piedmont, S.C. Also, while the aforementioned describes and illustrates one or more various components in association with inner and/or outer harness portions, the one or more various components, e.g., the elastically deformable member/resilient portions  30  and looped safety portions  32 , accordion-like sheath, and/or tear-away members, etc., can be associated with a harness that does not include both inner and outer harness portions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , force absorbing harness  20  can include D-ring assembly mount  34  that can include one or more slots so as to receive and secure backstrap portions  22  therethrough in a cross-wise manner such that the D-ring assembly mount  34  may be slidably disposed proximate an upper central portion of a wearer&#39;s back. In addition to securing backstrap portions  22 , D-ring assembly mount  34  is also configured to work in conjunction with backstrap portions  22  so as to secure D-ring assembly  36 . D-ring assembly mount  34  can be fabricated from various strong, lightweight materials such as plastics capable of withstanding the forces resulting from a falling object, lightweight metals such as aluminum, and/or metals such as steel, as well as various alloys. 
     D-Ring Assembly 
     As shown more clearly in  FIGS. 2A-5B , D-ring assembly  36  can generally include D-ring loop  38 , D-ring strap connector  40 , and sacrificially elongatable/weakened member  42 . D-ring loop is generally provided for securing a tether thereto such as tear-away lanyard  90  via a connector  44 , e.g., a carabiner. D-ring strap connector  40  generally comprises a slot or aperture for slidably receiving one or more backstraps  22  therethrough such that the D-ring assembly  36  is secured to the force absorbing harness  20  between straps  22  and D-ring assembly mount  34 . D-ring assembly  36  can be formed from lightweight metals such as aluminum, and/or metals such as steel, as well as various alloys or combinations thereof. However, as compared to conventional D-rings, D-ring assembly  36  includes sacrificially elongatable/weakened member  42 , which can be a component or region of the D-ring assembly that is weakened, extendable, or elongatable relative to other D-ring assembly components when exposed to a sufficient force, e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , D-ring assembly  36  can include sacrificially elongatable/weakened member  42  in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures  43  that are configured to undergo plastic deformation when exposed to a sufficient force in the direction shown by the arrow, e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object. It should be appreciated that while  FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict sacrificially elongatable/weakened member  42  in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures  43 , sacrificially elongatable/weakened member  42  can be configured other than an accordion-like triangular zig-zag structures and can include round or square sinusoidal structures, or helical structures, or combinations thereof, for example. In some aspects, D-ring assembly  36  can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assembly  36  can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, round or flat stock, cast material having a spring rate of 100-350 lbs./inch, annealed steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, 1018 cold rolled steel, and/or tempered steel. In some aspects, D-ring assembly is from 3/16-¼ inch in thickness. In some aspects D-ring assembly can be fabricated from steel plate that is ⅛-¼ inch in thickness and ½ inch in width. In some aspects, one or more portions of D-ring assembly  36  may be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., zig-zag structures could be processed so to be more likely to undergo plastic deformation as compared to other portions of the D-ring assembly and/or processed to be progressively plastically deformable. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , D-ring assembly  36  can include elongatable/weakened/extendable member  42  in the form of a compression spring member configuration  45 . In such configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3C , D-ring assembly  36  can be configured to include one or more channels  37  that allow one or more D-ring endposts  48  to be slidably received therein. Within the one or more channels  37 , one or more compression members  46 , e.g., a compression spring, can be disposed between the one or more endposts  48  and one or more stops/abutments  50  of the one or more channels  37 . Hence, as shown in a comparison of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , upon application of a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow, that portion of the D-ring assembly corresponding to the D-ring loop can be caused to move in the direction of the arrow thereby causing compression member  46  to be compressed and attenuate the forces applied upon the D-ring assembly and the wearer of the harness. It should be appreciated that while compression member  46  is illustrated as being in the form of a compression spring, one or more other compressible structures can be utilized, e.g., rubber, plastics, or materials having a compressible/collapsible/frangible cellular matrix can be utilized. While D-ring assembly  45  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  has been described and illustrated as including a compression member  46 , it should be understood that a similar configuration utilizing one or more expansion/elongating members, e.g., one or more expansion springs, is contemplated. In aspects including one or more compression springs, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs are formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16-¼ inches, have an uncompressed length of from 1-7 inches, and more preferably, 1-3 inches, an overall diameter of 2 inches, and a spring rate from 100-350 lbs/inch, and preferably, from 150-200 lbs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more compression springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In some aspects the one or more compression springs can comprise progressive-type springs having unequal distances between each coil over the length of the spring. Additionally, in the case of a D-ring assembly utilizing channels and compression or later discussed expansion springs disposed within the channels, fall or force indicators may also be provided in order to show that the D-ring assembly has been previously subject to a force such that it should not be reused. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3D-3E , D-ring assembly  36 , which is similar D-ring assembly  45  of  FIGS. 3A-3C , and similarly includes one or more channels  37  and stops/abutments  50  (not shown) that allow one or more D-ring endposts  48  (not shown) to be slidably received therein, can be configured to comprise an expansion member, such as one or more expansion springs  37 , which can be disposed within channel  37  (not shown), or disposed on the outside of channel  37  (shown). In aspects including one or more expansion springs, the one or more expansion springs can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel. In some aspects, the one or more compression springs are formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16-¼ inch, have an unextended length of from 1-3 inches, and more preferably, 2.5 inches, an overall diameter of 0.75 inches, and a spring rate from 100-350 lbs/inch, and preferably, about 178 lbs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more expansion springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more expansion springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In some aspects the one or more expansion springs can comprise progressive-types springs having unequal distances between each coil over the length of the spring. As poreviosuly mentioned, in the case of a D-ring assembly utilizing channels and compression or expansion springs disposed within the channels, fall or force indicators may be provided in order to show that the D-ring assembly has been previously subject to a sufficient force such that it should not be reused. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3F-3G , in aspects D-ring assembly  36  can be configured to comprise one or more expansion springs  54  secured to crossmember  56 . In aspects including one or more expansion springs  54 , the one or more expansion springs  54  can be formed from round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16-¼ inch, have an unextended length of from 1-3 inches, and more preferably, 1-1.5 inches, an overall diameter of 0.75 inches, and a spring rate from 100-350 lbs/inch, and preferably, about 178 lbs/inch. In some aspects, one or more portions of the one or more expansion springs can be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. In some aspects, the one or more expansion springs can be selected to be purposefully overstressed, i.e., subject to forces beyond their spring rating and/or selected so as to experience plastic deformation, without experiencing complete failure (breakage). In accordance therewith, as expansion spring  54  is selected to be overstressed and undergo plastic deformation, the distance between crossmember  56  and D-Ring loop  38  ranges from 3-6 inches so as to accommodate the expansion of the spring therein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , D-ring assembly  36  can include sacrificially elongatable member  42  in the form of bent bar/weakened bar member  53  wherein a portion of the D-ring assembly configured to receive, for example, connector  44 , can be pre-shaped or structurally weakened relative to the remaining portions of the D-ring assembly  36 . In such cases, as shown in  FIG. 4B , upon application of a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow, sacrificially elongatable/weakened member  42 ,  53  may be elongated and bent in the direction of the arrow such that the forces applied upon a user may be absorbed or attenuated. As may be appreciated from the figures, the bent bar/weakened bar member  53  is disposed within the inner diameter of the D-ring loop  38  and the connector  44  is connectable to the D-ring assembly  36  such that it is capable of engaging both the D-ring loop  38  and the bent bar/weakened bar member  53 —this provides an important safety mechanism in the event that the forces applied to the bent bar/weakened bar member  53  exceed the carrying capacity thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assembly  36  including bent bar/weakened bar member  53  can be fabricated from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, D-ring assembly  36  including bent bar/weakened bar member  53  can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, round or flat stock, cast material annealed steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, 1018 cold rolled steel, and/or tempered steel having a spring rate of 150-350 lbs/inch, and in some cases, a spring rate of 150-200 lbs./inch. In some aspects, D-ring assembly is from 3/16-¼ inch in thickness. In some aspects D-ring assembly including bent bar/weakened bar member  53  can be fabricated from steel plate that is ⅛-¼ inch in thickness and ½ inch in width. In some aspects, one or more portions of D-ring assembly  36  including bent bar/weakened bar member  53  may be processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing, drawing, etc., and/or bent bar  53  can be processed so to be more likely to undergo plastic deformation as compared to other portions of the D-ring assembly. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , D-ring assembly  36  can include sacrificially elongatable member  42  in the form of wire loop member  55  capable of connecting, for example, connector  44 . In accordance with such configuration, a plastically deformable spring wire in the form of a loop can be secured to the D-ring loop  38  such that when a sufficient force is applied thereto in the direction of the arrow, the sacrificially elongatable wire loop member  55  undergoes plastic deformation to absorb and attenuate the forces applied upon a user. As may be appreciated from the figures, the wire loop member  55  is disposed within the inner diameter of the D-ring loop  38  and the connector  44  is connectable to the D-ring assembly  36  such that it is capable of engaging both the D-ring loop  38  and the wire loop member  55 —this provides an important safety mechanism in the event that the forces applied to the wire loop member  55  exceed the capacity thereof. In aspect, wire loop member  55  can be formed from round spring wire that is from ⅛ to ¼ inches thick and have a spring rating of 100-350 lbs/inch. In some aspects, wire loop member  55  can be formed from flat spring steel that is 3/16-¼ inches thick, and which has a width of from ¼ to ½ inches. In some aspects, wire loop member  55  can processed according to one or more known metallurgical processes so as to strengthen or weaken portions thereof, e.g., annealing. 
     Tear-Away Lanyard 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , which illustrate tear-away lanyard  90 . As may be appreciated from the figures, tear-away lanyard  90  is generally provided to connect a harness, e.g., force absorbing harness  20  worn by a user, to an anchor point such as a wall or a tie-off safety cart used in the roofing field for purposes of preventing injury as may occur as a result of a fall from a height. In accordance therewith, tear-away lanyard  90  can be formed from an appropriate strapping material such as nylon webbing typically used in the fall prevention field and can comprise a pair of terminal ends each including strap connecting portion  92 , which as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  each form a loop capable of receiving, for example connector  44  such as a carbiner, for connecting to a harness and an anchor point. Disposed between each strap connecting portion  92  is intermediate strap portion  94 , as well as a plurality of tear-away portions  96 . Each tear-away portion  96  is formed of a looped safety portion  100  and a sacrificial tear-away portion  102 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  also show that tear-away lanyard  90  can further comprise one or more resilient portions  98 , which can be disposed between each of the strap connecting portions  92  and each of the tear-away portions  96 . Resilient portion  98  comprises looped safety portion  104  and elastically deformable member/resilient portion  106 , e.g., an elastic or a rubber material capable of deformation. In some aspects, elastically deformable member/resilient portion  106  has an overall length Y from 3-5 inches, a length X from 1-3 inches, and comprises an elastic material having a rating of 40-80 lbs per inch of stretch. In some aspects, elastically deformable member/resilient portion  106  has an overall length Y of about 5 inches, a length X of about 3 inches, and comprises an elastic material having a rating of about 40 lbs per inch of stretch. Elastically deformable member/resilient portion  106  and looped safety portion  104  are generally disposed at a position between the each of the strap connecting portions  92  and are configured to extend and elongate so as to reduce the forces that may be applied upon a user in the event of a fall. 
     In some aspects, the width of the various components of the tear-away lanyard, e.g., strap connecting portions  92 , intermediate strap portion  94 , tear-away portions  96 , resilient portion  98 , can be between 1-2 inches. Additionally, in some aspects, tear-away lanyard  90  can have an overall length of between 2-5 ft. in an unused state as measured from the terminal ends of each strap connecting portion  92 . In some aspects, in a used and torn state, e.g., as may result in the event of a fall, the tear-away lanyard can have a length between 1-7 ft, and preferably, from 1-6 ft. 
     With regard to strap connecting portions  92 , intermediate strap portion  94 , and looped safety portions  100 ,  104 , such components can comprise a fabric webbing, such as nylon webbing known in the field of fall prevention. With regard to sacrificial tear-away portions  102 , as may be appreciated from the figures, sacrificial tear-away portions  102  can be formed by joining intermediate portions  103  of each a pair of strap members together by, for example, stitching, adhesives, hook and loop members, or combinations thereof, and then joining the remaining free ends  105  thereof to a respective intermediate strap portion  94  and a respective strap connecting portion  92 . In some aspects, joined intermediate portions  103  have a length Z between 0.5-1 feet, and in some aspects is approximately  10  inches in an unused and untorn state. In some aspects, a length of looped safety portions  100  is between 0.75-1 feet. In some aspects, sacrificial tear away portions  102  comprise tear-tape having a 200-1440 lbs ANSI rating, and preferably a tear-tape having a 200-900 lbs. ANSI rating. For example, in some aspects, tear-tape having a 900-1200 lbs. ANSI rating currently commercially available from Oppermann Webbing, Inc. of Piedmont, S.C. can be utilized. In some aspects, sacrificial tear away portions  102  can include one or more holes or punch-holes (not shown) disposed on center and along a portion of the length of one or more of the tear away portions  102 . In some aspects, remaining free ends  105  secured to the looped safety portions  100  and intermediate portions  94  have a length of between 1-3 inches, and preferably from 2-3 inches and are secured according to ANSI and/or OSHA requirements. 
     It should be appreciated that while  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a single elastically deformable member/resilient portion  106  and looped safety portion  104 , the number of elastically deformable member/resilient portions  106  and looped safety portions  104  could be more or otherwise disposed. Additionally, while tear-away lanyard  90  is shown as comprising a planar fabric webbing and other generally planar components, it should be appreciated that tear away lanyard  90  could be formed to include a protective outer sheath and internal tear-away portions  96  and/or one or more internal elastically deformable member/resilient portions  106 . In such cases, the tear-away portions  96  and/or the elastically deformable member/resilient portion  106  could be covered by an accordion-like outer sheath of webbed material, i.e., the accordion-like sheath having an extended length greater than that of the internal components of the tear-away lanyard. In some sheathed aspects, the internal components could comprise an elongatable braid or elastic braid. In some aspects, one or more lengths of intermediate portions  94  can be secured upon itself so, as by for example, the use of stitching, adhesives, hook and loop, etc. so as to comprise one or more not shown accordion-like pleated structures capable of being sacrificially elongated upon application of a sufficient force. In some aspects, the not shown accordion-like pleated structures could form pleats having a pleat length of from 1-2 inches and be capable of extending between 3-6 inches. 
     Force Damper Member 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , force damper member  60  can generally be in the form of a drawbar-type spring and includes first U-shaped loop  62 , second U-shaped loop  70 , and compression member  80 . First U-shaped loop  62  comprises closed loop end portion  64 , leg portion  66 , and open end U-portion  66 . Second U-shaped loop  70  comprises closed loop end portion  78 , leg portion  74 , and open end U-portion  72 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , second U-shaped loop  70  is shown as further including sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region  76  disposed between closed loop end portion  78  and open end U-portion  72 . While not apparent from the figures, which have been provided for illustrative purposes only and their shown proportions not necessarily be relied upon, each of first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped loop  70  can be formed from suitable metals and alloys thereof. In some aspects, the first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped can be fabricated from chrome silicon steel, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, flat stock having a thickness between 3/16-¼ inches and a width between 3/16-½ inches, or round wire having a wire diameter from 3/16-¼ inches, and have a length of from 3- 10  inches. In some aspects, the first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped loop  70  is preferably formed from chrome silicon steel, 1048/1050 annealed steel, or 1018 cold rolled/hot rolled steel. Additionally, while not shown, force damper member first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped can include a lightweight flexible sheath or covering formed from, for example, a durable fabric such as oiled canvas, Kevlar, etc., which can serve to protect the force damper member from environmental factors and/or serve as an indicator that the force damper has been previously subjected to a force rendering it inoperable for further use. For example, such covering could be configured to be torn in a predetermined manner or one or more force damper components could extend from the sheath or covering to indicate prior use. 
     Compression member  80  can be in the form of a compression spring having a length and inner and outer diameters. In the case where compression member  80  is formed from a compression spring, the compression spring may be formed from a suitably strong material such as cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steel, spring steel, chrome silicon steel, etc. having a wire diameter of between 3/16-¼ inches, a length of between 5-7 inches, an overall outer diameter of 1.5-2 inches, and an overall spring rate of approximately 100-350 lbs./inch. As may be appreciated, compression member  80  can comprise structures other than a compression spring and may be formed from materials such as resilient plastics, rubbers, and the like. 
     In some aspects, compression member  80  can comprise a progressive-type compression spring formed from spring wire having a diameter of between 3/16 and ¼ inches. In some aspects, compression member comprising a progressive-type compression spring can have an overall inner diameter of about 1 ¾ inches, an overall outer diameter of about 2 inches, an overall uncompressed length of approximately 6 inches, and a spring rate between 500-1400 lbs/inch at full deflection. In some aspects, a progressive-type compression spring transitions from a first end portion that is approximately 2 inches in length that has a spring rate of about 630 lbs/inch at full deflection, to an intermediate portion that is approximately 2 inches in length that has a spring rate of about 600 lbs/inch at full deflection, and to a second end portion that is approximately 2 inches in length that has a spring rate of about 750 lbs/inch at full deflection. In some aspects including a progressive-type compression spring, the pitch angle of coils of the first end portion is approximately 10-11 degrees, and preferable about 10.8 degrees, the pitch angle of coils of the intermediate portion is between 11-12 degrees, and preferably 11.8 degrees, and the pitch angle of coils of the second end portion is between 12-13 degrees, and preferably 12.8 degrees. 
     Each of first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped loop  70  have leg portions  66  and  74  that have a length longer than compression member  80  and a width smaller than the inner diameter of compression member  80  such that the leg portions may be received therein and passed through compression member  80  such that closed loop end portions may extend beyond the terminal ends of compression member  80  and serve as points of connection for connecting a tether, for example, and/or for anchoring the force damper member. Additionally, despite the fact that  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show that closed loop end portion  78  has a width greater than the inner diameter of compression member  80 , it should be appreciated that each of first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped loop  70  can have closed loop end portions  64  and  78  that have a width that is smaller than the inner diameter of compression member  80 . Each of first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped loop  70  also have open end U-portions  68  and  72  that have a width greater than the outer diameter of the compression member  80  such that the open end U-portions  68  and  72  engage opposite terminal ends of compression member  80 . As previously mentioned, closed loop end portions  64  and  78  are provided for serving as connection points for securing a tether or lanyard on a respective one end, and being secured to an anchor point, for example, on the opposite end. Hence, when sufficient force oppositely directed forces are applied to respective closed loop end portions  64  and  78 , the first U-shaped loop  62  and second U-shaped loop  70  are disposed in opposite directions to thereby cause the compression of compression member  80  and elongation and plastic deformation of sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region  76 , thereby absorbing and attenuating the forces applied thereto. 
     As previously indicated, sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region  76  is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  as being disposed between closed loop end portion  78  and open end U-portion  72  of second U-shaped loop  70  and is provided for purposes of, in addition to compression member  80 , further absorbing and attenuating forces that may be applied to force damper member  60 . In accordance therewith, sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region  76  is shown as comprising a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures that cause the sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region  76  to be weaker than the remaining portions of the U-shaped loop  70 . Hence, when U-shaped loop  70  is subject to a sufficient force in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 6B , e.g., those forces associated with a falling person or object, sacrificial/elongatable/weakened region  76  is elongated and undergoes plastic deformation, which serves a dual purpose of absorbing and attenuating the applied forces, as well as a serving as an indicator that the force damper member  30  has been subject to a sufficient force and cannot be reused. It should be further appreciated that while  FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict sacrificially elongatable/weakened region  76  in the form of a plurality of accordion-like zig-zag structures, sacrificially elongatable/weakened region  76  can be configured to comprise other than accordion-like zig-zag structures and can include, for example, round or square sinusoidal or helical-type structures. Additionally, while  FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict a single sacrificially elongatable/weakened region associated with a single U-shaped loop, one or more such sacrificial regions  76  may be provided on a single U-shaped loop, or on more than one U-shaped loop. 
     Experimental Data 
     Drop tests using one or more various of the various system components were conducted and results of the various tests showed marked and unexpected improvements as compared to existing drop data related to known components and systems. For example, in drop tests performed using a 220 lbs mannequin and a known non-shock absorbing lanyard, which was dropped at a height of 6 ft, it was shown that the mannequin was subjected to approximately 4961 lbs. of force (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0r1r1WnvYI). In other known tests utilizing known shock absorbing lanyards and similar weights, generated forces are typically in the range of from 800-900 lbs of force. Such experimental results are typical and known in the field of fall prevention and safety. 
     By contrast, drop tests performed using one or more system components described above were performed and are set forth in the charts below. 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Test 1: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Other 
               
               
                   
                 Object 
                 Drop 
                 Force 
                 Perfor- 
               
               
                 System Components 
                 Weight 
                 Height 
                 Observed 
                 mance 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A.) Drawbar-type Force 
                 265 lbs. 
                 6 ft. 
                 603 lbs. 
                 14 total 
               
               
                 Damper (30): 
                   
                   
                   
                 inches 
               
               
                 1.) Compression Spring (80): 
                   
                   
                   
                 of tear 
               
               
                  3/16 inch round Chrome 
                   
                   
                   
                 tape 
               
               
                 Silicon Spring Steel 
                   
                   
                   
                 torn 
               
               
                 Spring Rate 200 lbs/inch 
               
               
                 2.) First Loop (62) 
               
               
                 round spring wire ⅛ inch 
               
               
                 diameter wire 
               
               
                 3.) Second Loop w/Sacrificial/ 
               
               
                 Weakened Portion (76): 
               
               
                 Flat steel ⅛ thick × ½ 
               
               
                 width, 7-7½ inches 
               
               
                 before extension 
               
               
                 3 total square sinusoidal zig- 
               
               
                 zags (each 1 inch length, ½ 
               
               
                 inch width), 2 on first leg, 1 
               
               
                 on second leg 
               
               
                 B. 6 ft. Tearway Lanyard (90) 
               
               
                 Nylon webbing including 2, 
               
               
                 10 inch sections of 900 lbs. 
               
               
                 tear tape (103). 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Test 2: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Other 
               
               
                   
                 Object 
                 Drop 
                 Force 
                 Perfor- 
               
               
                 System Components 
                 Weight 
                 Height 
                 Observed 
                 mance 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A. Drawbar-type Force 
                 265 lbs. 
                 6 ft. 
                 628 lbs. 
                 16 total 
               
               
                 Damper (30): 
                   
                   
                   
                 inches 
               
               
                 1.) Compression Spring (80) 
                   
                   
                   
                 of tear 
               
               
                  3/16 Round Chrome 
                   
                   
                   
                 tape 
               
               
                 Silicon Spring Steel 
                   
                   
                   
                 torn 
               
               
                 Spring Rate 200 lbs/inch 
               
               
                 2.) First Loop (62) 
               
               
                 round spring wire ⅛ inch 
               
               
                 diameter wire 
               
               
                 3.) Second Loop w/Sacrificial/ 
               
               
                 Weakened Portion (76) 
               
               
                 Flat steel ⅛ thick × ½ 
               
               
                 width, 7-7½ inches 
               
               
                 before extension 
               
               
                 3 total square sinusoidal zig- 
               
               
                 zags (each 1 inch length, ½ 
               
               
                 inch width), 2 on first leg, 1 
               
               
                 on second leg 
               
               
                 B.) 6 ft. Tearway Lanyard (90) 
               
               
                 Nylon webbing including 2, 
               
               
                 10 inch sections of 900 lbs. 
               
               
                 tear tape (103). 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Test 3: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Other 
               
               
                   
                 Object 
                 Drop 
                 Force 
                 Perfor- 
               
               
                 System Components 
                 Weight 
                 Height 
                 Observed 
                 mance 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A.) Drawbar-type Force 
                 265 lbs. 
                 6 ft. 
                 642 lbs. 
                 18 
               
               
                 Damper (30) 
                   
                   
                   
                 inches 
               
               
                 1.) Compression Spring (80) 
                   
                   
                   
                 of tear 
               
               
                  3/16 round Chrome 
                   
                   
                   
                 tape 
               
               
                 Silicon Spring Steel 
                   
                   
                   
                 torn 
               
               
                 Spring Rate 200 lbs/inch 
               
               
                 2.) First Loop (62) 
               
               
                 round spring wire ⅛ inch 
               
               
                 diameter wire 
               
               
                 3.) Second Loop w/Sacrificial/ 
               
               
                 Weakened Portion (76) 
               
               
                 Flat steel ⅛ thick × ½ 
               
               
                 width, 7-7½ length inches 
               
               
                 before extension 
               
               
                 2 total square sinusoidal zig- 
               
               
                 zags (each 1 inch length, ½ 
               
               
                 inch width), 1 at upper 
               
               
                 portion of first loop leg and 
               
               
                 1 at lower portion of second 
               
               
                 loop leg. 
               
               
                 B.) 6 ft. Tearway Lanyard (90) 
               
               
                 Nylon webbing including 2, 
               
               
                 10 inch sections of 900 lbs. 
               
               
                 tear tape (103) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
                            Test 4:                                                 Other           Object   Drop   Force   Perfor-       System Components   Weight   Height   Observed   mance               A.) Drawbar-type Force   265 lbs.   6 ft.   570 lbs.   26       Damper (30):               inches       1.) Compression Spring (80)               of tear        3/16 round Chrome               tape       Silicon Spring Steel               torn       Spring Rate 200 lbs/inch       2.) First Loop (62)       round spring wire ⅛ inch       diameter wire       3.) Second Loop w/Sacrificial/       Weakened Portion (76)       Flat steel ⅛ thick × ½       width, 7-7½ length inches       before extension       2 total square sinusoidal zig-       zags (each 1 inch length, ½       inch width), 1 at upper       portion of first loop leg and       1 at lower portion of second       loop leg.       B.) 6 ft. Tearway Lanyard (90)       Nylon webbing including 3       sections of 900 lbs.       tear tape (103):       1. First 6 inch section: 4 total       ¼ inch punch holes punched       on center every 1 inch.       2. Second 10 inch section: No       punched holes       3. Third 10 inch section: No       punched holes                    
As can be appreciated from the test data above, which are exemplary only, upon the use of one or more of the system components set forth in the instant application, it is seen that vast reductions in the amount of force applied upon a falling object or person can be observed, which reductions are wholly unexpected and comprise a marked improvement as compared to existing and known components and systems. It is believed that the various system components act in conjunction with one another so as to produce a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of the system components themselves.
 
     Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     PARTS LIST 
     
         
           10  Force Damping System 
           20  Force Absorbing Harness 
           22  Back Strap Portion (Outer) 
           22 A Back Strap Portion (Inner) 
           24  Chest/Shoulder Strap Portion (Outer) 
           24 A Chest/Shoulder Strap Portion (Inner) 
           26  Belt Portion 
           28  Thigh Strap Portion (Outer) 
           28 A Thigh Strap Portion (Inner) 
           29  Retaining/Safety Stitching 
           30  Elastically Deformable Member/Resilient Portion 
           32  Looped Safety Portion 
           34  D-Ring Mount 
           36  D-Ring Assembly Mount 
           37  Extension Spring Member 
           38  D-Ring Loop 
           40  D-Ring Strap Connector 
           42  Sacrificially Elongatable Member 
           43  Zig-Zag Configuration 
           44  Connector (Carabiner) 
           45  Spring Member Configuration 
           46  Compression Spring Member 
           47  Channel 
           48  Endpost 
           50  Stop 
           53  Bent Bar/Weakened Bar Configuration 
           54  Extension Spring Member 
           55  Wire Loop Configuration 
           56  Crossmember 
           60  Force Damper Member 
           62  First U-Shaped Loop 
           64  Closed Loop End Portion 
           66  Leg Portion 
           68  Open End U-Portion 
           70  Second U-Shaped Loop 
           72  Open End U-Portion 
           74  Leg Portion 
           76  Sacrificial/Weakened Region 
           78  Closed Loop End Portion 
           80  Compression Member 
           90  Tear-Away Lanyard 
           92  Strap Connecting Portion 
           94  Intermediate Strap Portion 
           96  Tear-Away Portion 
           98  Resilient Portion 
           100  Looped Safety Portion 
           102  Sacrificial Tear-Away Portion 
           103  Intermediate Portion 
           104  Looped Safety Portion 
           105  Free End 
           106  Elastically Deformable Member/Resilient Portions