In-Line Safety Shackle

Agency:

Forest Service

This invention is an in-line safety device, primarily for a linear cable system, designed to protect a cable from breaking due to overload stress. The device utilizes a shear pin which is precisely manufactured to fail at a predictable stress load. When the shear pin fails, a backup system consisting of safety cables attached to the connecting members is in effect. The safety cable is designed to withstand the maximum expected dynamic load. Therefore, the shear pin is a safety shackle designed to fail first, and the safety cable is designed to take up the slack, giving the operator time to correct the overload prior to personal injury and/or property damage.

Reference:

Please refer to Patent Number 5,466,082, which issued November 14, 1995.

James P. Sherar
USDA/Forest Service
P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802
(704) 257-4244