CA1266760A - Line clamp for climbing aid - Google Patents
Line clamp for climbing aidInfo
- Publication number
- CA1266760A CA1266760A CA000546481A CA546481A CA1266760A CA 1266760 A CA1266760 A CA 1266760A CA 000546481 A CA000546481 A CA 000546481A CA 546481 A CA546481 A CA 546481A CA 1266760 A CA1266760 A CA 1266760A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- line
- clamp
- clamp member
- housing
- operative positions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
- A62B35/0043—Lifelines, lanyards, and anchors therefore
- A62B35/0068—Anchors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B27/00—Apparatus for climbing poles, trees, or the like
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A bidirectional line clamp for a pole climbing aid to be used by linemen has a rigid housing providing means of attachment to an external anchoring means, the housing having opposed front and rear walls and a peri-peheral side wall defining therewith an elongated opening.
The side wall provides a pair of opposed gripping sur-face portions terminating at the opening. A clamp member is pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the front and rear walls between first and second operative positions, the clamp member defining with the peripheral side wall an opening for a line to be clamped. The clamp member has an edge portion providing a second gripping surface co-operable with one or the other of the first gripping surface portions for clamping the line against it to prevent movement of the line in one direction only. The clamp member is pivotally movable between the first and second operative positions in response to traction exerted on the line, for clamping the line in a required position.
The side wall provides a pair of opposed gripping sur-face portions terminating at the opening. A clamp member is pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the front and rear walls between first and second operative positions, the clamp member defining with the peripheral side wall an opening for a line to be clamped. The clamp member has an edge portion providing a second gripping surface co-operable with one or the other of the first gripping surface portions for clamping the line against it to prevent movement of the line in one direction only. The clamp member is pivotally movable between the first and second operative positions in response to traction exerted on the line, for clamping the line in a required position.
Description
~Z61~60 This application is a divisional of my co-pending appli-cation Serial No. 420,632 filed on January 31, 1983 entitled A PO~E CLIMBING AID.
It is common when climbing utility poles or the like to employ a safety belt which includes a body belt worn about the climber's waist, and a safety line which extends about the pole to be climbed. Such a safety belt is often used in conjunction with climbing spurs.
In the course of climbing a pole it may become necessary to adjust the length of the safety line exte~ding there-about, as for example when overcoming a crossmember or obstruction. It may, also at times become necessary to detach completely an end of the safety line to avoid such obstacles, and at such times the safety belt is non-1S operational. Should the climber accidentally contact apower line, or be ~ubjected ko Qther ha~ards which may ~a~ him ~o lo~q c~n~io~n~3 or l~en his ~ on ~h~
pole whll~ m~king adju~tmen~ to the ~aeety line, ~ eall could result. The above-identified application relates to an improved pole climbing aid which would reduce or eliminate the possibility of a fall. The present inven-tion relates to a bidirectional line clamp which may be used with such a pole climbing aid.
According to the present invention, there is provided a bidirectional line clamp comprising a rigid housing providing means of attachment to an external anchoring means, the housing having opposed front and rear walls and a peripheral side wall defining therewith an elon-gated opening; the side wall providing a first, pair of opposed gripping surfaces terminating at said opening; a clamp member pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the front and rear walls between first and second operative positions, ~6~760 the clamp member defining with said peripheral side wall an opening for a line to be clamped, the clamp member having an edge portion providing a second gripping surface co-operable with a respective one of said first gripping surfaces for clamping the line thereagainst to prevent movement of the line in one clirection only. The clamp member is pivotally movable about said axis between said first and second operative positions in response to traction exerted on the line, for clamping the line in a required position.
Further features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims with reference by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a general view of a pole climbin~ aid accord-lng ~o the invention, in u~e;
Fi~3ure lA ~how~ a det~il oE a modlEication thereoE;
Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the line clamp shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 showing the line clamp in an operative condition;
Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 in Figure 2~
Figure 5 is a fragmentary view showing a detail of the line clamp of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 2 showing an alternative line clamp according to the inven-tion;
Figure 7 is a sectional view correspon~iny to Figure 2 showing a further alternative; and ~Z6Ç;76~
.
Figure 8 is a section on line A-A of Figure 7.
Referring to the drawings in detail, in Figure 1 is shown a pole climbing aid as it is intended to be used in combination with a conventional body belt 10, worn about the waist of a climber 12. The belt 10 as shown is of the type provided with attachment means such as D-rings 14 and 16, at the sides of the belt. Basically, the pole climbing aid in combination, comprises a safety line clamp 18 attached to one D-ring 14, a first, elongated sa~ety line meMber 20, of flexible material, preferably a nylon braided rope, and a second, elongated safety line member 30, of relatively stiff but flexible material, such as, for example a nylon rope having a coating of plastic material formed thereon.
The eirst sa~ety line member 20 is clamped in ~he clamp 1~ and end portlons 22 and 26 o~ the lin~ member 2 extend outwards therefrom. The end portion~ a~e provi~e~
with snap-hooks 24 and 28, respectively, and one end portion 22 is attached to the D-ring 16 on the opposite side of the belt 10 by means of the snap-hook 24 thereby forming a closed bight 29 extending in front of the body belt 10 at the climber's waist. The other end portion 26 is attached to the bight 29 by means of the snap-hook 28.
The second safety line member 30 is provided with snap-hooks 32, ~ at its ends, by means of which this second line member 30 can be attached to the bight 29 formed by the first line member 20. The second line member 30 may be of any suitable material, and of any length required to enable it to be extended about the pole two or more times, but preferably this line is a heavy nylon rope which has an outer covering of a plastic material formed thereon to give the line the necessary stiffness and torsional strength so as to permit the line to be formed ~266~
into a double helical coil 31, hereinafter referred to as a "Kellam's Grip" to extend about the pole to be climbed, as will hereafter be described. Alternatively, this line member may be a wire rope, or a hollow, flexible plastic tube or of some other suitable material.
The line clamp 18 is a bidirectional line clamp, several forms of which are illustrated in Figures 2 to 8 of the drawings. Such a clamp is shown in its most basic form in Figure 6, and in order to explain more clearly the features of the clamp, corresponding parts of the several embodiments have been designated by like numerals wherever appropriate.
The bidirectional line clamp 18 comprises a rigid housing 34 having an attaching ring 36 for attaching the clamp to 1S the D-ring 14 Oe the safety belt lO, A snap-hook (not shown) may be employed for khis purpose, The housing 34 has oppo~ed eront and rear walls 3~, 40 ~Flgur~ 4), respectively, paralle;l ~o each other, and('à perlpheral semi-circular side wall 42 'which extends onl-y-pa'r'tiall'y around the housing to defi ~ an elongated opening~'''~'4 at th-e'~side of the housing opposite the attaching ring 36.
The interior surfaces of' the side wall prov'ide a pair of opposed gripping surfaces 46, 48, respectively at the opening 44.
An eccentric disk-shaped clamp member 50 is mounted in the housing for pivotal movement on a pin 52 extending ''' between the front and rear walls 38, 40. The axis 54 of the pin 52 is offset from the center of the housing ~ in the direction of the opening 44. The clamp member 50 defines with the peripheral side wall 42 a curved opening 56 between the clamp member and the side wall 3~,4 thus enabling the clamp member to pivot to one side or the other about the pin 52 into clamping positions against the gripping surfaces 46, 48.
261~76~
The diameter of the clamp member 50 in relation to the side wall 42 is such that when the clamp member 50 is in a neutral position, that is midway between the gripping surfaces 46 and 48, a suitable safety line 58 can be passed easily through the opening 44. This will permit the line 58 to be adjusted.
The edge of the clamp member 50 provides a second grip-ping surface 55 cooperable with a respective o~e of the first gripping surfaces 46 and 48, for clamping the line 58 thereagainst to prevent the line from moving in one direction only. The clamp member is pivoted about its axis 54 in response to traction exerted on the line 58, namely by pulling the respective end portion of the line, causing the clamp member to pivot in the direction of traction, for clamping the line in a required position.
SpeciEically, when an end por~ion 60 of the line 58 is pulled, the clamp member is pivoted in the clir~ctlon oE
~raction ~ain~ ~he ~rip~in~ surE~c~ 4a, th~r~by restricting Eurther movement of the line ln that direc-tion. Likewise, traction on the other end portlon 62will restrict movement of the line in the opposite direction.
The second gripping surface 55, namely the edge of the clamp member, is preferably knurled, or otherwise roughened, to ensure a positive grip on the line passing thereabout.
In Figures 2 and 3, are shown two alternative embodiments of a bidirectional line clamp 88 in which the edge por-tion of the clamp member 92, is formed with first and second opposed sets of ratchet teeth, 62 and 64, respec-tively, each set to correspond with a respective one of the corresponding opposed grippin~ surfaces. Each set of ratchet teeth is preferably formed in a direction against ~Z~76~
the direction of pull on the corresponding end of the line, in order to increase traction upon the line in the direction of pull, while decreasing traction in the opposite direction.
However, as shown in Figure 6 the interior side wall of the housing and (including gripping surfaces 46 and 48), is preferably smooth to permit the line 58 to be easily pushed inwardly into the housing and through the opening. As a consequence of the need to push the line 58 inwardly when adjusting its length, it is desirable that the line have a certain degree of stiffness to resist buckling while being pushed into the housing. A
heavy nylon braided rope to be used as the line 58 has been found to be satisfactory for this purpose.
In ~he event that ~uch a rope or any other line gen~r~lly ~ircula~ cro~s-~ection is to b~ u~cl, ~h~ ~dge portion o~ thq ~lamp member 50', l.e. the secon~ gripp~n~
surface, is formed with a rounded, concave circumferen-tial groove, 57 (Figure 8) to conform generally to the cross-sectional contour of the line 58'.
In Figures 7 and 8 the interior side wall of the housing 34' (and including the first gripping surfaces 46' and 48') may be provided with a corresponding circumferential groove (not shown). Small peripheral rollers 66, 68 are provided in the housing 34' to increase ease of movement of the line 58'. These rollers may iE n~cessary be formed with a circumferential groove 70 contoured as needed to conform to the cross-sectional configuration of the line 58' to be used.
It is highly desirable that the clamp member 50 should be restrained in a neutral position to permit the line to be eased through the opening with as little interference as possible from the knurled or otherwise roughened edge of ~66766~
the clamp member. Such restraining means may suitably be a detent 72, shown in detail in Figure 5 and comprising a spring-pressed ball and corresponding groove provided in adjacent walls of the housing and clamp member, respec-tively. The degree of restraining force can be made tosuit particular requirements, by altering the spring force, for example, to allow the clamp member to be retained, yet to be pivoted from the neutral position when required, without undue force. There may also be 1~ provided a spring or other suitable means for biasing the clamp member.
In Figures 2, 3 and 4, manually operable means for pivot-ing the clamp member 92 between the first and second clamping positions are provided comprising an eccentric actuator member 96 pivoted on a crank pln 98 jour~nalled in the hou~lng walls 3a, 40~ about a ~econd axi~ ~ whlch ls oee~e~ erom ~he clamp memher axis and parallel th~re-to. ~'he clamp memb~r ~2 i provided with a corre~poncling bore ~ having an internal wall 82 which i9 adapted to be engaged by the eccentric actuator member for pivoting the clamp member from side to side between the first and second clamping positions. The crank pin 98 extends outwardly through one wall of the housing, and an exter-nal manually operable lever 84 is firmly attached to the crankpin, for pivoting the actuator member.
If desired, the first safety line can be 1 3/4 inches wide resin treated latex nylon safety strapping material having a thickness of 5/32 inch, as shown Eor example in Figure 4. The edge 86 of the clamp member 92 is formed to conform with the cross-sectional configuration of the strapping material. In this case, gripping surface 86 (Figure 4) has a rectilinear edge, as viewed in cross-section.
7~0 To operate the pole climbing aid, it is of course neces-sary initially to insert the first safety line member into the clamp. Normally this would be done during manufacture. The climber will attach the asse~bled clamp to a first D-riny 14 on the body belt 10 worn about the waist, extend one end portion 22 of the first safety line held in the clamp across his waist, and attach it to the second D-ring 16 by means of the snap-hook 2~, thus forming a bight 29 extending between the first and second D-rings. By pushing inwardly toward the housing on the appropriate end of the first safety line, the length o~
the bight can be adjusted as needed. The line is then clamped to prevent its further movement, either by manually shifting the clamp member into the clamping position using the lever 84, if available, or by pulling on the ~lrst end portio~ ~2 oE the llne ~0, to pivot the clamp lnto the ~perative positt~n The cllmber can ~a3ily release th~ clamp manually in order to readjust the bight 29, simply by releasing any tension on the line 20 and then pushing inwardly the appropriate end portion of the line to urge the clamp member into the neutral position. Further inward pushing on the same end portion of the line will permit the line to be moved through the opening, and the clamp can subsequently be re-locked once the line has been suitably adjusted.
This self-locking action of the clamp member in response to traction on the line is an important safety feature of the invention. So long as traction on the bight con-tinues, the clamp member cannot be easily released. If,however, the clamp member is placed in the neutral position and traction is exerted on the bight, i.e. by pulling it, the clamp member is caused to move into the clamping position, restraining further movement on the line.
~6~6~3 The climber will snap one end of the second safety line member 30 onto the bight 29, and extend the free end of the second line member 30 several times about the pole to be climbed, preferably in the form of a "Kellam's Grip"
31 as is illustrated in Figure 1. This may be done by coiling the line helically about the pole, at first upwardly several times and then downwardly several times, the downward circuits overlapping the upward circuits in two positions as shown. The free end of the second safety line is then attached to the bight 29 formed by the first safety line An alternative means of attaching the "Kellam's Grip" to the bight 29 is shown in Figure 1A. In this a line grip-ping device 72 comprises first and second slip collars 74 and 76 at lts ends and an elongated resilient link 78 ~oining ~he slip collars. 'rhe link 7a i9 nO~mAlly r~ctilinea~ but is resllien~ly Elexlble ~o p~rmit th~
line ~0 to b~ th~c1cd ~hrough the sllp aollars. One end of the line 30 is attached to the bight 29 by means of one snap-hook 32, while the other end of the line is threaded through the attaching ring 80 of the snap-hook 32 and through the slip collars 74 and 76, the slip collars being positioned on opposite sides of the ring 80. It will be understood that the other snap-hook 34 will need to be removed prior to threading the line 30 into the slip collars and attaching ring. The slip collars are adapted to be pivoted to engage the line 30 on opposite sldes o~ the ring 80. One of the slip collars is adapted to abut against the ring ln response to tension in the line to bias the other slip collar into tighter engagement with the line. The use of the line gripping device 72 or another suitable line gripping device enables the "Kellam's Grip" to be self-supportedly positioned on the pole, and to retain its grip on the pole even when tension on the line 30 is lessened or released.
- g _
It is common when climbing utility poles or the like to employ a safety belt which includes a body belt worn about the climber's waist, and a safety line which extends about the pole to be climbed. Such a safety belt is often used in conjunction with climbing spurs.
In the course of climbing a pole it may become necessary to adjust the length of the safety line exte~ding there-about, as for example when overcoming a crossmember or obstruction. It may, also at times become necessary to detach completely an end of the safety line to avoid such obstacles, and at such times the safety belt is non-1S operational. Should the climber accidentally contact apower line, or be ~ubjected ko Qther ha~ards which may ~a~ him ~o lo~q c~n~io~n~3 or l~en his ~ on ~h~
pole whll~ m~king adju~tmen~ to the ~aeety line, ~ eall could result. The above-identified application relates to an improved pole climbing aid which would reduce or eliminate the possibility of a fall. The present inven-tion relates to a bidirectional line clamp which may be used with such a pole climbing aid.
According to the present invention, there is provided a bidirectional line clamp comprising a rigid housing providing means of attachment to an external anchoring means, the housing having opposed front and rear walls and a peripheral side wall defining therewith an elon-gated opening; the side wall providing a first, pair of opposed gripping surfaces terminating at said opening; a clamp member pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the front and rear walls between first and second operative positions, ~6~760 the clamp member defining with said peripheral side wall an opening for a line to be clamped, the clamp member having an edge portion providing a second gripping surface co-operable with a respective one of said first gripping surfaces for clamping the line thereagainst to prevent movement of the line in one clirection only. The clamp member is pivotally movable about said axis between said first and second operative positions in response to traction exerted on the line, for clamping the line in a required position.
Further features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims with reference by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a general view of a pole climbin~ aid accord-lng ~o the invention, in u~e;
Fi~3ure lA ~how~ a det~il oE a modlEication thereoE;
Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the line clamp shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 showing the line clamp in an operative condition;
Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 in Figure 2~
Figure 5 is a fragmentary view showing a detail of the line clamp of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 2 showing an alternative line clamp according to the inven-tion;
Figure 7 is a sectional view correspon~iny to Figure 2 showing a further alternative; and ~Z6Ç;76~
.
Figure 8 is a section on line A-A of Figure 7.
Referring to the drawings in detail, in Figure 1 is shown a pole climbing aid as it is intended to be used in combination with a conventional body belt 10, worn about the waist of a climber 12. The belt 10 as shown is of the type provided with attachment means such as D-rings 14 and 16, at the sides of the belt. Basically, the pole climbing aid in combination, comprises a safety line clamp 18 attached to one D-ring 14, a first, elongated sa~ety line meMber 20, of flexible material, preferably a nylon braided rope, and a second, elongated safety line member 30, of relatively stiff but flexible material, such as, for example a nylon rope having a coating of plastic material formed thereon.
The eirst sa~ety line member 20 is clamped in ~he clamp 1~ and end portlons 22 and 26 o~ the lin~ member 2 extend outwards therefrom. The end portion~ a~e provi~e~
with snap-hooks 24 and 28, respectively, and one end portion 22 is attached to the D-ring 16 on the opposite side of the belt 10 by means of the snap-hook 24 thereby forming a closed bight 29 extending in front of the body belt 10 at the climber's waist. The other end portion 26 is attached to the bight 29 by means of the snap-hook 28.
The second safety line member 30 is provided with snap-hooks 32, ~ at its ends, by means of which this second line member 30 can be attached to the bight 29 formed by the first line member 20. The second line member 30 may be of any suitable material, and of any length required to enable it to be extended about the pole two or more times, but preferably this line is a heavy nylon rope which has an outer covering of a plastic material formed thereon to give the line the necessary stiffness and torsional strength so as to permit the line to be formed ~266~
into a double helical coil 31, hereinafter referred to as a "Kellam's Grip" to extend about the pole to be climbed, as will hereafter be described. Alternatively, this line member may be a wire rope, or a hollow, flexible plastic tube or of some other suitable material.
The line clamp 18 is a bidirectional line clamp, several forms of which are illustrated in Figures 2 to 8 of the drawings. Such a clamp is shown in its most basic form in Figure 6, and in order to explain more clearly the features of the clamp, corresponding parts of the several embodiments have been designated by like numerals wherever appropriate.
The bidirectional line clamp 18 comprises a rigid housing 34 having an attaching ring 36 for attaching the clamp to 1S the D-ring 14 Oe the safety belt lO, A snap-hook (not shown) may be employed for khis purpose, The housing 34 has oppo~ed eront and rear walls 3~, 40 ~Flgur~ 4), respectively, paralle;l ~o each other, and('à perlpheral semi-circular side wall 42 'which extends onl-y-pa'r'tiall'y around the housing to defi ~ an elongated opening~'''~'4 at th-e'~side of the housing opposite the attaching ring 36.
The interior surfaces of' the side wall prov'ide a pair of opposed gripping surfaces 46, 48, respectively at the opening 44.
An eccentric disk-shaped clamp member 50 is mounted in the housing for pivotal movement on a pin 52 extending ''' between the front and rear walls 38, 40. The axis 54 of the pin 52 is offset from the center of the housing ~ in the direction of the opening 44. The clamp member 50 defines with the peripheral side wall 42 a curved opening 56 between the clamp member and the side wall 3~,4 thus enabling the clamp member to pivot to one side or the other about the pin 52 into clamping positions against the gripping surfaces 46, 48.
261~76~
The diameter of the clamp member 50 in relation to the side wall 42 is such that when the clamp member 50 is in a neutral position, that is midway between the gripping surfaces 46 and 48, a suitable safety line 58 can be passed easily through the opening 44. This will permit the line 58 to be adjusted.
The edge of the clamp member 50 provides a second grip-ping surface 55 cooperable with a respective o~e of the first gripping surfaces 46 and 48, for clamping the line 58 thereagainst to prevent the line from moving in one direction only. The clamp member is pivoted about its axis 54 in response to traction exerted on the line 58, namely by pulling the respective end portion of the line, causing the clamp member to pivot in the direction of traction, for clamping the line in a required position.
SpeciEically, when an end por~ion 60 of the line 58 is pulled, the clamp member is pivoted in the clir~ctlon oE
~raction ~ain~ ~he ~rip~in~ surE~c~ 4a, th~r~by restricting Eurther movement of the line ln that direc-tion. Likewise, traction on the other end portlon 62will restrict movement of the line in the opposite direction.
The second gripping surface 55, namely the edge of the clamp member, is preferably knurled, or otherwise roughened, to ensure a positive grip on the line passing thereabout.
In Figures 2 and 3, are shown two alternative embodiments of a bidirectional line clamp 88 in which the edge por-tion of the clamp member 92, is formed with first and second opposed sets of ratchet teeth, 62 and 64, respec-tively, each set to correspond with a respective one of the corresponding opposed grippin~ surfaces. Each set of ratchet teeth is preferably formed in a direction against ~Z~76~
the direction of pull on the corresponding end of the line, in order to increase traction upon the line in the direction of pull, while decreasing traction in the opposite direction.
However, as shown in Figure 6 the interior side wall of the housing and (including gripping surfaces 46 and 48), is preferably smooth to permit the line 58 to be easily pushed inwardly into the housing and through the opening. As a consequence of the need to push the line 58 inwardly when adjusting its length, it is desirable that the line have a certain degree of stiffness to resist buckling while being pushed into the housing. A
heavy nylon braided rope to be used as the line 58 has been found to be satisfactory for this purpose.
In ~he event that ~uch a rope or any other line gen~r~lly ~ircula~ cro~s-~ection is to b~ u~cl, ~h~ ~dge portion o~ thq ~lamp member 50', l.e. the secon~ gripp~n~
surface, is formed with a rounded, concave circumferen-tial groove, 57 (Figure 8) to conform generally to the cross-sectional contour of the line 58'.
In Figures 7 and 8 the interior side wall of the housing 34' (and including the first gripping surfaces 46' and 48') may be provided with a corresponding circumferential groove (not shown). Small peripheral rollers 66, 68 are provided in the housing 34' to increase ease of movement of the line 58'. These rollers may iE n~cessary be formed with a circumferential groove 70 contoured as needed to conform to the cross-sectional configuration of the line 58' to be used.
It is highly desirable that the clamp member 50 should be restrained in a neutral position to permit the line to be eased through the opening with as little interference as possible from the knurled or otherwise roughened edge of ~66766~
the clamp member. Such restraining means may suitably be a detent 72, shown in detail in Figure 5 and comprising a spring-pressed ball and corresponding groove provided in adjacent walls of the housing and clamp member, respec-tively. The degree of restraining force can be made tosuit particular requirements, by altering the spring force, for example, to allow the clamp member to be retained, yet to be pivoted from the neutral position when required, without undue force. There may also be 1~ provided a spring or other suitable means for biasing the clamp member.
In Figures 2, 3 and 4, manually operable means for pivot-ing the clamp member 92 between the first and second clamping positions are provided comprising an eccentric actuator member 96 pivoted on a crank pln 98 jour~nalled in the hou~lng walls 3a, 40~ about a ~econd axi~ ~ whlch ls oee~e~ erom ~he clamp memher axis and parallel th~re-to. ~'he clamp memb~r ~2 i provided with a corre~poncling bore ~ having an internal wall 82 which i9 adapted to be engaged by the eccentric actuator member for pivoting the clamp member from side to side between the first and second clamping positions. The crank pin 98 extends outwardly through one wall of the housing, and an exter-nal manually operable lever 84 is firmly attached to the crankpin, for pivoting the actuator member.
If desired, the first safety line can be 1 3/4 inches wide resin treated latex nylon safety strapping material having a thickness of 5/32 inch, as shown Eor example in Figure 4. The edge 86 of the clamp member 92 is formed to conform with the cross-sectional configuration of the strapping material. In this case, gripping surface 86 (Figure 4) has a rectilinear edge, as viewed in cross-section.
7~0 To operate the pole climbing aid, it is of course neces-sary initially to insert the first safety line member into the clamp. Normally this would be done during manufacture. The climber will attach the asse~bled clamp to a first D-riny 14 on the body belt 10 worn about the waist, extend one end portion 22 of the first safety line held in the clamp across his waist, and attach it to the second D-ring 16 by means of the snap-hook 2~, thus forming a bight 29 extending between the first and second D-rings. By pushing inwardly toward the housing on the appropriate end of the first safety line, the length o~
the bight can be adjusted as needed. The line is then clamped to prevent its further movement, either by manually shifting the clamp member into the clamping position using the lever 84, if available, or by pulling on the ~lrst end portio~ ~2 oE the llne ~0, to pivot the clamp lnto the ~perative positt~n The cllmber can ~a3ily release th~ clamp manually in order to readjust the bight 29, simply by releasing any tension on the line 20 and then pushing inwardly the appropriate end portion of the line to urge the clamp member into the neutral position. Further inward pushing on the same end portion of the line will permit the line to be moved through the opening, and the clamp can subsequently be re-locked once the line has been suitably adjusted.
This self-locking action of the clamp member in response to traction on the line is an important safety feature of the invention. So long as traction on the bight con-tinues, the clamp member cannot be easily released. If,however, the clamp member is placed in the neutral position and traction is exerted on the bight, i.e. by pulling it, the clamp member is caused to move into the clamping position, restraining further movement on the line.
~6~6~3 The climber will snap one end of the second safety line member 30 onto the bight 29, and extend the free end of the second line member 30 several times about the pole to be climbed, preferably in the form of a "Kellam's Grip"
31 as is illustrated in Figure 1. This may be done by coiling the line helically about the pole, at first upwardly several times and then downwardly several times, the downward circuits overlapping the upward circuits in two positions as shown. The free end of the second safety line is then attached to the bight 29 formed by the first safety line An alternative means of attaching the "Kellam's Grip" to the bight 29 is shown in Figure 1A. In this a line grip-ping device 72 comprises first and second slip collars 74 and 76 at lts ends and an elongated resilient link 78 ~oining ~he slip collars. 'rhe link 7a i9 nO~mAlly r~ctilinea~ but is resllien~ly Elexlble ~o p~rmit th~
line ~0 to b~ th~c1cd ~hrough the sllp aollars. One end of the line 30 is attached to the bight 29 by means of one snap-hook 32, while the other end of the line is threaded through the attaching ring 80 of the snap-hook 32 and through the slip collars 74 and 76, the slip collars being positioned on opposite sides of the ring 80. It will be understood that the other snap-hook 34 will need to be removed prior to threading the line 30 into the slip collars and attaching ring. The slip collars are adapted to be pivoted to engage the line 30 on opposite sldes o~ the ring 80. One of the slip collars is adapted to abut against the ring ln response to tension in the line to bias the other slip collar into tighter engagement with the line. The use of the line gripping device 72 or another suitable line gripping device enables the "Kellam's Grip" to be self-supportedly positioned on the pole, and to retain its grip on the pole even when tension on the line 30 is lessened or released.
- g _
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A bidirectional line clamp comprising:
a rigid housing providing means of attachment to an external anchoring means, the housing having opposed front and rear walls and a peripheral side wall defining therewith an elong-ted opening;
the side wall providing a first pair of opposed gripping surface portions terminating at said opening;
a clamp member pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the front and rear walls between first and second operative positions, the clamp member defining with said peripheral side wall an opening for a line to be clamped, the clamp member having an edge portion providing a second gripping surface co-operable with one or the other of said first gripping surface portions for clamping the line thereagainst to prevent movement of the line in one direction only;
the clamp member being pivotally moveable about said axis between said first and second operative positions in response to traction exerted on the line, for clamping the line in a required position.
a rigid housing providing means of attachment to an external anchoring means, the housing having opposed front and rear walls and a peripheral side wall defining therewith an elong-ted opening;
the side wall providing a first pair of opposed gripping surface portions terminating at said opening;
a clamp member pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the front and rear walls between first and second operative positions, the clamp member defining with said peripheral side wall an opening for a line to be clamped, the clamp member having an edge portion providing a second gripping surface co-operable with one or the other of said first gripping surface portions for clamping the line thereagainst to prevent movement of the line in one direction only;
the clamp member being pivotally moveable about said axis between said first and second operative positions in response to traction exerted on the line, for clamping the line in a required position.
2. A bidirectional line clamp as in Claim 1, in which the edge portion of the clamp member is knurled to provide said second gripping surface.
3. A bidirectional line clamp as in Claim 2, in which the edge portion of the clamp member is formed with a circumferential groove conforming to the cross-sectional contour of the line.
4. A bidirectional line clamp as in Claim 1, in which said edge portion of the clamp member is formed with two opposed sets of ratchet teeth defining said second gripping surface, each set of ratchet teeth co-operating with one of said first pair of opposed gripping surface portions.
5. A bidirectional line clamp as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising manually operable means connected to the clamp member for selectively pivoting the clamp member about said axis between said first and second operative positions.
6. A bidirectional line clamp as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said manually operable means comprises an actuator member pivoted in the housing about a second axis which is offset from the clamp member axis and parallel thereto, the clamp member providing a bore having an internal wall providing a pair of opposed surface portions for abutting engagement with said actuator member, and a manually operable lever operatively connected to said actuator member.
7. A bidirectional line clamp as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the clamp member is a disk, said axis being offset from the center of said disk in the direction of said opening, to permit said clamp member to be pivoted between said first and second operative positions in response to traction exerted on the line.
8. A bidirectional line clamp as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising means for restraining the clamp member in the first and second operative positions, comprising a detent comprising a spring pressed wall in the front wall of the housing and a corresponding recess in the clamp member.
9. A bidirectional line clamp as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising means biasing the clamp member towards a neutral position between said first and second operative positions.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000546481A CA1266760A (en) | 1983-01-31 | 1987-09-09 | Line clamp for climbing aid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000420632A CA1253908A (en) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-01-31 | Pole climbing aid |
| CA000546481A CA1266760A (en) | 1983-01-31 | 1987-09-09 | Line clamp for climbing aid |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000420632A Division CA1253908A (en) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-01-31 | Pole climbing aid |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1266760A true CA1266760A (en) | 1990-03-20 |
Family
ID=25669923
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000546481A Expired CA1266760A (en) | 1983-01-31 | 1987-09-09 | Line clamp for climbing aid |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1266760A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1997043016A1 (en) * | 1996-05-09 | 1997-11-20 | Kilcioglu, Mehmet, Ali | Aid for climbing trees, poles and the like |
-
1987
- 1987-09-09 CA CA000546481A patent/CA1266760A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1997043016A1 (en) * | 1996-05-09 | 1997-11-20 | Kilcioglu, Mehmet, Ali | Aid for climbing trees, poles and the like |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |