Inspectable Synthetic Tensile Member Assembly

Abstract

A protected synthetic tensile member assembly including one or more fixed terminations used to transmit a tensile load from the tensile member to an external component. The tensile member includes access for inspection of its constituent fibers in at least one selected inspection region. The region is selected on the basis of the area of interest to the tensile member's use—such as the area of greatest stress concentration or the area of greatest abrasion. A removable cover is provided for the inspection region. A user may selectively remove this cover in order to gain access to the inspection region.

1 . A method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly including synthetic fibers as a tension-carrying element, comprising:
 (a) providing a tensile member, including,
 (i) a plurality of strands, with each of said strands having an anchor attached, 
 (ii) a collector, 
 (iii) each of said anchors being attached to said collector, 
 (iv) a jacket surrounding said plurality of strands, said jacket stopping short of said collector, thereby creating an inspection region between said jacket and said collector; 
   (b) providing a cover configured to cover said inspection region;   (c) opening said cover in order to permit inspection of said inspection region; and   (d) following said inspection of said inspection region, closing said cover.   
     
     
         2 . The method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recited in  claim 1  wherein said cover includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. 
     
     
         3 . The method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said first cover portion is pivotally connected to said second cover portion. 
     
     
         4 . The method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising providing interlocking features between said cover and said jacket. 
     
     
         5 . The method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said first cover portion is pivotally connected to said second cover portion. 
     
     
         6 . The method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said interlocking features include a ring interlocking with an annular recess. 
     
     
         7 . The method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said cover further comprises a shroud connected to said collector.