Shock absorbing device and method

摘要

A shock absorber has been provided for absorbing the kinetic energy of a falling body wherein a series of variable length shock absorbing straps made of undrawn nylon are attached to a longer back-up strap made of non-stretchable material and are folded back and forth upon themselves and contained within an abrasive resistant package. The energy absorbing straps can be treated with ethylene glycol to prevent freezing and can be covered with petroleum jelly to prevent both the escape and entry of moisture and to prevent the evaporation of the ethylene glycol. In addition, a plastic liner can be placed around the assembly and the covering for the assembly can be provided with a waterproof coating to further minimize the evaporation of moisture and ethylene glycol within the strap assembly and to prevent entry of additional moisture. The cover is arranged to tear away when a force is applied by a falling body to the shock absorber greater than a minimum predetermined value so that the energy absorbing straps can be serially stretched to absorb the kinetic energy of the falling body.