Posted to News on 23rd Sep 2013, 00:00
New challenge for Paralympic champion
When it comes to a challenge there's not a lot that gets in the way of Sean Rose. Despite breaking his back in a freak skiing accident 13 years ago, Sean's thrill for speed was just too much to give up and since then he has continued to enjoy a life that would daunt even the most able-bodied. If World Champion Water Skier, World Cup Gold Downhill Skier, Winter XGames medalist, Double Paralympian, adventurer, guest speaker and all round speed freak wasn't enough, he has now set his sites on developing purpose built equipment for wheelchair bound athletes.
>His latest project, in conjunction with specialist designers HOC and manufacturers Draft Wheelchairs is in the development of a wind powered land kite. The Mark 3 SnowKite Rig is the culmination of over two years R&D and has been specifically designed to withstand the potential rigours of a 300km journey across the largest glacier in Europe - yet another challenge on Sean's 'must-do' list.
>The design was a challenge. In order to retain the stainless steel pivot pins in place on the legs of the SnowKite, TFC's Spirolox retaining rings were specified. Unlike conventional circlips, Spirolox rings are manufactured by coiling round-edged flat wire and subsequently offer significant advantages. There is no gap - instead there is a full 360° retaining surface.
>And there are no protruding lugs to interfere with mating components - Spirolox has a uniform cross section. Economically produced and immediately available in stainless steel, the retaining rings enable easy installation and removal with no special tools required.
>Spirolox retaining rings are available from TFC in a wide range of exotic materials and finishes, and there are no tooling charges on custom designs.
