EP3978091B1 - Double emergency pulley - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a double pulley.

Prior art

In many activities, it is important to have emergency equipment adapted to the multiple problems encountered. There is a need for suitable equipment when it is necessary to rescue a victim at the bottom of a ravine. It is then more practical to install a zip line connecting the two sides of the ravine and to lift the victim in a substantially vertical manner to evacuate them along the zip line rather than seeking evacuation along a rugged wall and/or wooded.

So that rescuers can intervene safely, it is necessary to install several pulleys connected to each other. However, in many operations, it is essential to be able to intervene quickly, which requires having the appropriate equipment(s) and knowing how to best mount the different equipment to optimally comply with the constraints of the rescue configuration.

Many double pulleys are known but appear unsuitable or impractical for rescue operations. It is possible to cite the double pulley marketed under the name Tandem Speed of the applicant or the Trac and Trac Plus pulleys which are not intended for rescue operations.

The document EP 3502037 discloses a system and apparatus for moving objects, particularly wood, or for rescuing an incapacitated person. The system comprises two spaced apart plates and at least two fixed sheaves arranged to rotate about respective parallel axes between the first and second plates. The two plates are U-shaped to accommodate a removable pulley which traps the rope between the two fixed sheaves and the sheave of the removable pulley. The system can also include two other pulleys which slide on another rope and which attach to fixing pins.

Object of the invention

An object of the invention consists of a double pulley which is easier to use in rescue operations and which improves safety.

• un flasque de support,
• des premier et deuxième arbres de rotation fixés au flasque de support et s'étendant selon une première direction depuis le flasque de support,
• des premier et deuxième galets montés rotatifs respectivement autour des premier et deuxième arbres de rotation, les premier et deuxième galets définissant un axe de circulation le long d'un câble perpendiculaire à la première direction,
• des premier et deuxième flasques montés rotatifs respectivement autour des premier et deuxième arbres de rotation, les premier et deuxième flasques étant séparés du flasque de support par respectivement les premier et deuxième galets, chacun des premier et deuxième flasques étant monté rotatif entre une première position et une deuxième position indépendamment de l'autre flasque, la première position autorisant l'insertion du câble sur le premier ou le deuxième galet, la deuxième position empêchant l'extraction du câble,
• un premier système de blocage configuré pour présenter une première position bloquant le premier flasque dans la première position, et pour présenter une deuxième position autorisant le déplacement du premier flasque entre la première position et la deuxième position,
• un deuxième système de blocage configuré pour présenter une première position bloquant le deuxième flasque dans la première position, et pour présenter une deuxième position autorisant le déplacement du deuxième flasque entre la première position et la deuxième position, le premier système de blocage et le deuxième système de blocage ayant chacun un fonctionnement indépendant de l'autre système de blocage,
• un trou de support destiné à recevoir un connecteur relié à une personne à secourir.

We tend to achieve this result by means of a double pulley which includes:

• a support flange,
• first and second rotation shafts fixed to the support flange and extending in a first direction from the support flange,
• first and second rollers rotatably mounted respectively around the first and second rotation shafts, the first and second rollers defining an axis of circulation along a cable perpendicular to the first direction,
• first and second flanges rotatably mounted respectively around the first and second rotation shafts, the first and second flanges being separated from the support flange by respectively the first and second rollers, each of the first and second flanges being rotatably mounted between a first position and a second position independently of the other flange, the first position allowing the insertion of the cable on the first or the second roller, the second position preventing the cable from being extracted,
• a first locking system configured to present a first position blocking the first flange in the first position, and to present a second position authorizing the movement of the first flange between the first position and the second position,
• a second blocking system configured to present a first position blocking the second flange in the first position, and to present a second position authorizing the movement of the second flange between the first position and the second position, the first blocking system and the second blocking system each having an operation independent of the other blocking system,
• a support hole intended to receive a connector connected to a person to be rescued.

In one development, the support flange has a first portion on which the first and second rollers are fixed and a second portion defining the support hole disposed in an inter-roller space under the circulation axis. The first and second rotation shafts extend in the same direction from one face of the support flange. The support flange defines an offset in the first direction from the first portion towards the second portion, in the same direction as the first and second rotation shafts.

Advantageously, the support flange has a first portion on which the first and second rollers are fixed. The first portion defines a connection hole disposed between the first and second rollers, the support flange extending in the first direction to form a lip above the circulation axis.

In a particular configuration, the support flange has a first portion with first and second wings on which the first and second rollers are fixed and a second portion defining the support hole arranged in an inter-roller space under the circulation axis . The first and second rotation shafts extend respectively in first and second opposite directions from respectively first and second opposite faces of the first and second wings. The first portion defines a through groove in the first direction and extending between the first and second rollers up to the circulation axis to allow the insertion of the cable between the first and second rollers and the rotation of the support flange for align the longitudinal axis of the cable with the circulation axis.

In one development, the first wing defines a first connection hole separated from the second portion by the first roller and possibly in that the second wing defines a second connection hole separated from the second portion by the second roller.

Preferably, the first blocking system and the second blocking system are each provided with an elastic element configured to bias the first blocking system and the second blocking system towards the first position.

The invention also relates to a rescue device which is easier to use than the configurations of the prior art and for example in an intervention to recover a person to be rescued at the bottom of a ravine.

The invention is remarkable in that it comprises a double pulley according to previous configurations and in that it is also advantageous to provide that a first connector is connected to a first wire element. The first connector is fixed to a first hole defined in the second portion of the support flange. The second portion defines a second hole, the first hole and the second hole being through in the first direction and separated by a central space delimited by two planes passing through the respective axes of rotation of the first and second rollers and perpendicular to the axis of traffic. A second connector is preferably fixed in the second hole and fixed to a second wire element.

Preferably, a third connector is connected to a third wire element via a pulley. The third connector is attached to a third hole, the third wire element having one end connected to a person to be rescued possibly via a pulley. The first portion defines a fourth hole, the third and fourth holes being through in the first direction and arranged in the central space, the third hole extending partially under the first roller and the fourth hole extending partially under the second roller . The lower part of the third and fourth holes define a support axis parallel to the circulation axis. The rescue device optionally comprises a fourth connector mounted in the fourth hole and connected to a second pulley crossed by a second wire element, one end of which is connected to the person to be rescued.

In another configuration, the support hole is defined in the second portion and passes through the support flange in the first direction. The support hole is formed between the third and fourth holes equidistant from the first and second rotation shafts. The bottom of the support hole is tangent to the support axis or above the support axis.

In a particular embodiment, a suspension pulley is fixed to a suspension connector mounted in the suspension hole, the suspension pulley being mounted to rest on an additional cable intended to be placed above said cable

• fournir un dispositif de secours selon la configuration précédente et un câble,
• connecter la personne à secourir au trou de support,
• connecter la personne à secourir au troisième trou par l'intermédiaire d'un élément filaire passant à travers une poulie fixée au troisième connecteur,
• connecter un élément filaire de déplacement au premier trou ou au deuxième trou.

The invention also relates to a method of using an emergency device which is easier to install on a rope or a cable than the methods of the prior art and in particular in rescue operations. The invention is remarkable in that it comprises the following steps:

• provide a backup device according to the previous configuration and a cable,
• connect the person to be rescued to the support hole,
• connect the person to be rescued to the third hole via a wire element passing through a pulley fixed to the third connector,
• connect a moving wire element to the first hole or the second hole.

Summary description of the drawings

• la figure 1 illustre, de manière schématique, en vue de face une poulie double selon l'invention montée dans un dispositif de secours ;
• la figure 2 illustre, de manière schématique, une vue de face d'une poulie double selon l'invention avec les flasques mobiles en position fermée ;
• la figure 3 illustre, de manière schématique, une vue de face d'une poulie double selon l'invention avec les flasques mobiles en position ouverte ;
• la figure 4 illustre, de manière schématique, une vue de face d'une poulie double selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention avec les flasques mobiles en position fermée ;
• la figure 5 illustre, de manière schématique, une vue de face d'une poulie double selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention avec les flasques mobiles en position ouverte ;
• la figure 6 illustre, de manière schématique, une vue en perspective d'une poulie double montée sur un câble de support ;
• la figure 7 illustre, de manière schématique, une vue en perspective d'une autre configuration de poulie double montée sur un câble de support ;
• la figure 8 illustre, de manière schématique, une vue en perspective d'une autre configuration de poulie double montée sur un câble de support avec les flasques mobiles en position ouverte.

Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations. of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

• there figure 1 illustrates, schematically, in front view a double pulley according to the invention mounted in an emergency device;
• there figure 2 illustrates, schematically, a front view of a double pulley according to the invention with the movable flanges in the closed position;
• there Figure 3 illustrates, schematically, a front view of a double pulley according to the invention with the movable flanges in the open position;
• there figure 4 illustrates, schematically, a front view of a double pulley according to another embodiment of the invention with the movable flanges in the closed position;
• there Figure 5 illustrates, schematically, a front view of a double pulley according to another embodiment of the invention with the movable flanges in the open position;
• there Figure 6 illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of a double pulley mounted on a support cable;
• there Figure 7 illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of another double pulley configuration mounted on a support cable;
• there figure 8 illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of another double pulley configuration mounted on a support cable with the movable flanges in the open position.

Description of embodiments

There figure 1 illustrates a rescue device that uses a double pulley to perform a rescue operation. The double pulley, illustrated in figures 1 to 6 , has a support flange 1 which is preferably made of metallic material, for example steel or aluminum alloy. The support flange 1 ensures the mechanical strength of the double pulley. The emergency device comprises the double pulley associated with one or more connectors and one or more cables or ropes.

The double pulley comprises first and second rotation shafts 2 fixed to the support flange 1. The first and second rotation shafts 2 extend in a first direction A from one of the faces of the support flange 1. The first and second shafts rotation 2 can be fixedly mounted to the support flange 1 or in autorotation. In one embodiment, the two rotation shafts 2 extend in the same direction from the support flange 1 in the first direction A, preferably from the same face. In another embodiment illustrated in figures 7 and 8 , the two rotation shafts 2 extend in two opposite directions.

The double pulley comprises first and second rollers 3 rotatably mounted respectively around the first and second rotation shafts 2. The first and second rollers 3 are intended to roll along a cable 4 called support cable. They define a circulation axis B along a cable perpendicular to the first direction A. The circulation axis B corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the cable 4 once the double pulley is installed. Preferably, the rollers 3 each define a groove intended to receive the cable 4.

The double pulley comprises first and second flanges 5 rotatably mounted respectively around the first and second rotation shafts 2. The first and second flanges 5 are separated from the support flange 1 by the first and second rollers 3 respectively. Each of the first and second flanges 5 are rotatably mounted between a first position and a second position. Each flange is independently rotatably mounted between a first position and a second position. The first position allows the insertion or extraction of the cable in the cavity intended to receive the cable so that the first roller 3 or the second roller 3 rolls on the cable 4. The second position prohibits insertion and extraction outside of the cavity. The first and second flanges act as doors opening or closing the cavity intended to receive the cable. In the configurations of the prior art, the two rollers 3 are mounted on a stirrup formed by a sheet metal deformed in the shape of a U or by several parts assembled in the form of a U. The stirrup is non-dismountable and it defines a common slot introducing the cable 4 so that the latter comes into contact with the two rollers 3.

Each of the first and second flanges 5 intervenes in the device for holding the cable 4 inside the double pulley. The two flanges 5 are movable, independently of each other, between their first position and their second position.

The double pulley comprises a first locking system 6 which cooperates with the first flange 5 and a second blocking system 6 which cooperates with the second flange 5.

Once installed in the double pulley, the cable 4 is held in position inside a first retention ring and a second retention ring. The first retention ring is defined totally or in part by the support flange 1, the first roller 3, the first flange 5 and possibly the first locking system 6. The same is true for the second retention ring.

The first locking system 6 is configured to present a first position blocking the first flange 5 in the first position, and to present a second position authorizing the rotation of the first flange 5 between the first position and the second position. When the first locking system 6 is in its first position and the first flange 5 is in its first position, the first flange 5 cannot leave the first position. When the first locking system 6 is in its first position and the first flange 5 is in its second position, the first flange 5 can move until it reaches the first position and it is then blocked in the first position. When the first locking system 6 is in its second position, the first flange 5 can move freely between the first position and the second position.

The second blocking system 6 is configured to have a first position blocking the second flange 5 in the first position, and to present a second position allowing the rotation of the second flange 5 between the first position and the second position. When the second blocking system 6 is in its first position and the second flange 5 is in its first position, the second flange 5 cannot leave the first position. When the second blocking system 6 is in its first position and the second flange 5 is in its second position, the second flange 5 can move until it reaches the first position and it is then blocked in the first position. When the second locking system 6 is in its second position, the second flange 5 can move freely between the first position and the second position. The operation of the second blocking system 6 is independent of the operation of the first blocking system 6 and vice versa.

When the first flange 5 is in the first position, the first retention ring is closed which prevents a cable 4 from being introduced into the first ring or prevents the cable 4 from being taken out. When the first flange 5 is in the second position, the first retention ring is open which allows the insertion of a cable 4 or the extraction of the cable. 4 When the second flange 5 is in the first position, the second retention ring is closed which prevents a cable 4 from being introduced into the second retention ring or prevents the cable 4 from being taken out. When the second flange 5 is in the second position, the second retention ring is open which allows the insertion of a cable 4 or the extraction of the cable 4.

The double pulley uses two rollers 3 intended to circulate along the cable 4 in order to provide maximum stability during the rescue operation. It has two retention rings operating independently which increases security. Maintaining the two retention rings in the closed state is ensured by two independent locking systems 6. The two locking systems 6 are configured to maintain the two rings in the closed state regardless of the presence or absence of the multiple connectors and the state of the multiple connectors fixed to the support flange 1. Preferably, both locking systems are fixedly mounted on the support flange.

It is advantageous for at least one blocking system 6 and preferably the two blocking systems 6 to be provided with an elastic element configured to bias the blocking system in its first position. The elastic element is configured to move the locking system into the first position in the absence of stress on the locking system 6. In this way, the user must request the locking system 6 to move the locking system from the first position into the second position. Once the blocking system is in the second position, the first flange 5 is moved from the blocking position to the position authorizing the insertion or extraction of the cable. The first blocking system is requested to reach the position allowing the rotation of the first flange then the first flange is requested to open the cavity and extract or insert the cable. Once the cable has been inserted or extracted, the second locking system is requested to reach the position allowing the rotation of the first flange then the second flange is requested to open the cavity and extract or insert the cable. To insert or extract the cable, it is necessary to successively engage the first locking system and the first flange then the second locking system and the second flange. Unintentional extraction of the cable is more difficult. The elastic element can be formed by a spring in torsion, extension, compression, by a rod, a blade or any other elastically deformable element.

In the most common double pulleys, the inverted U-shaped stirrup defines two flanges which face each other and which each have a through hole located below the level of the cable between the two rollers. The two flanges extend continuously between the two rotation shafts. Once the cable is installed, it is locked in the pulley using the carabiner passing through the two through holes. The carabiner is connected to the user. In this scenario, removing the carabiner to intervene on the person to be rescued results in the removal of the device holding the pulley on the cable. It is essentially the same for double pulleys which have an integrated carabiner because opening the carabiner to rescue the person results in access to the cable which can escape from the pulley. The configuration of such a pulley is not intended for rescue operations and does not on its own ensure a sufficient level of security.

In order to be able to intervene in the multiple situations linked to a rescue operation, it is advantageous not to use connectors such as carabiners, shackles or quick links to secure the cable 4 in the double pulley.

In order to facilitate the use of the double pulley, it is particularly advantageous to provide that the center of gravity of the double pulley is located under the circulation axis B defined by the two rollers mounted in line. By "is located under", we mean that the center of gravity of the double pulley is located in the half-space defined by the plane tangent to the first roller 3 and the second roller 3, comprising the axis of circulation B and not comprising not the rotation shafts 2. In this way, when mounting the double pulley on the cable 4 or when removing it, the double pulley does not tilt and it is not necessary to hold it in place with a front hand to close the retention rings. Once installed, the double pulley automatically places itself in the position best suited to its use. Such a configuration is illustrated in figures 1 to 8 .

In an advantageous embodiment, illustrated on the figures 1 to 8 , the support flange 1 has a first portion 1a on which the first and second rollers 3 are fixed and a second portion 1b defining a first through hole 7 disposed in a central space, preferably in an inter-roller space under the axis of circulation B. The central space is delimited by two planes perpendicular to the circulation axis B and passing respectively through the two axes of rotation of the two rollers 3. The two planes are noted under the reference D and are represented in dotted lines on the figure 2 . The inter-roller space is located between the two rollers 3 and is delimited by two planes tangent respectively to the first roller 3 and to the second roller 3 and perpendicular to the circulation axis B.

In a particular embodiment, the support flange 1 defines an offset of the second portion 1b relative to the first portion 1a in the first direction A in the same direction as the first and second rotation shafts 2. The offset is visible on the Figure 6 . In other words, the support flange 1 is not flat. It is advantageous for the plane defined by the second portion 1b to be offset from the plane defined by the first portion 1a so as to approach or contain the circulation axis B. The plane defined by the second portion 1b corresponds to the median plane of the second portion 1b perpendicular to the first direction A.

It is particularly advantageous that the median plane of the second portion 1b is the plane which contains the circulation axis B. The mass of the second portion 1b is in a position which encourages the double pulley to maintain the rotation shafts 2 at the above the cable. It places the holes of the second portion 1b lower than the rollers 3, in the absence of stress, which facilitates its use.

It is also preferable that the first and second locking systems 6 are mounted projecting from the first face of the support flange 1 in the extension of the unhook in the first direction A. In this way, the mass linked to the first and second systems blocking 6 partially or completely compensates for the mass of the first portion 1a of the support flange 1 on the other side of the plane passing through the circulation axis B and perpendicular to the first direction A. This configuration makes it possible to have a double pulley which has a center of gravity contained in the plane passing through the circulation axis B and perpendicular to the first direction A or closer to this plane.

The second portion 1b defines a plurality of holes which pass through in the first direction 1 and in particular a support hole 7 which passes through in the first direction A. The support hole 7 is arranged between the first and second rollers 3, in the central space. The support hole 7 is arranged under the axis of circulation, that is to say under the cable 4. The support hole 7 is intended to support the person to be rescued, for example by means of a connector 16 associated with a wire element 26. A connector 16 is advantageously chosen from a carabiner, a quick link and a shackle.

It is particularly interesting to provide that the second portion 1b defines first and second holes 8 which are through holes in the first direction A. The first hole 8 and the second hole 8 are defined in the support flange 1 and are separated by the central space or central zone. The application of a weight in the first or second hole 8 has the effect of tilting the double pulley which unloads one of the two rollers 3. It is therefore particularly advantageous to provide an emergency device in which a first connector 9 and/or a second connector 9 are fixed respectively to the first hole 8 and/or to the second hole 8. The connectors 9 are preferably chosen from carabiners, shackles or quick links. The first and second connectors 9 are fixed respectively to first and second wire elements 10 which connect the double pulley to rescuers arranged for example at one end of the support cable 4 or at each end of the support cable 4. The force of traction on the first wire element 10 or on the second wire element 10 is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support cable 4 which avoids tilting the double pulley around one of the rollers 3. In a particular case , in a rescue operation, a single connector 9 and a single wire element 10 are used to pull on the double pulley in a single direction.

It is also advantageous to provide that the second portion 1b of the support flange 1 defines third and fourth holes 11. The third and fourth holes 11 are through holes in the first direction. The third and fourth holes 11 are formed between the first and second holes 8 and advantageously in the central zone. The third hole 11 extends partially or completely under the first roller 3 and the fourth hole 11 extends partially or completely under the second roller 3 along an axis perpendicular to the first direction and to the circulation axis B. The part lower of the third and fourth holes 11 defines a support axis C which is parallel to the circulation axis B. It is possible to provide a support axis not parallel to the circulation axis B but the configuration is less advantageous.

This feature makes it possible to form an emergency device with a third connector 12 mounted in the third hole 11 and/or a fourth connector 12 mounted in the fourth hole 11. Preferably, a simple pulley 13 is mounted in the third connector 12 or in the fourth connector 12 or a simple pulley is mounted in each connector 12. A third wire element 14 passes through the pulley 13 to connect the person to be rescued and rescuers arranged for example at the end of the support cable 4. The person to be rescued can be attached to a pulley not shown and the third wire element 14 passes through this pulley. The person to be rescued is lifted by a force exerted on the third wire element fixed to the support flange 4 by means of the third connector 12 and the pulley 13. The force to lift the person to be rescued is offset to one end of the cable. support 4.

Part of the weight of the person to be rescued is applied to the third hole 11 and/or the fourth hole 11. The weight applied by the person to be rescued is in the central zone, which encourages the two rollers 3 to be applied. It is advantageous that the simple pulley 13 has a rotating head 15 rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller of the simple pulley 13.

It is particularly advantageous that the support hole 7 is located between the third hole 11 and the fourth hole 11, preferably equidistant from the first and second rotation shafts 2 and the two rollers 3. It is also advantageous that the lower part of the hole support axis 7 is tangent to the support axis C defined by the third and fourth holes 11 or above the support axis C.

It is interesting that the emergency device has a fifth connector 16 which is preferably chosen from a carabiner, a quick link and a shackle. The fifth connector 16 is associated with a fifth wire element 26 which is attached to the person to be rescued. Part of the person's weight to be rescued is taken up by the support hole 7 which is located in the central zone which tends to stress the two rollers 3. When moving the double pulley during a rescue operation, the weight of the person to be rescued is taken up with connection points located in the central area so that the double pulley circulates resting on its two rollers 3.

It is also advantageous to provide that the first portion 1a defines a hole called connection hole 17 which is arranged between the two rollers 3. The support flange 1 extends in the first direction A to form a lip above the circulation axis B all around the connection hole 17. The lip protects the cable 4 from a suspension connector 18 fixed in the connection hole.

During a rescue operation, preferably, a suspension pulley 19 is fixed to the suspension connector 18 mounted in the suspension hole 17 located between the two rollers in the first portion 1a. The suspension pulley 19 is mounted to rest on an additional cable 20 intended to be placed above the support cable 4. The suspension pulley 19 preferably has a single roller and a rotating head. The suspension pulley may be identical to pulley 13 discussed previously. The rotating head is mounted to rotate around an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller.

It is advantageous that the suspension pulley 19 and/or the first pulley 13 are lockable without the use of a connector.

As indicated above, it is particularly interesting that the two flanges 5 are mounted lockable, independently of each other and without the use of a connector which intervenes to attach to the person to be rescued or to another element. This configuration increases the practicality and safety of the double pulley. The configuration of the blocking system 6 can be any. It is possible to use a flange 5 which defines a through hole 21 in the first direction A with the locking system 6 which has a finger movable 22 in the first direction and associated with a spring which is intended to urge the movable finger to insert into the through hole 21 and to block the flange 5 in the position preventing the extraction of the cable 4. This embodiment is illustrated in figures 1, 2 And 3 . It is also advantageous for the two flanges 5 to pivot in two opposite directions to open the first retention ring and the second retention ring differently.

Another configuration is illustrated in figures 4 , 5 and 6 . It is possible that the two flanges 5 define a hook which cooperates with a movable rod 23. When the rod 23 is mounted in the hook, the flange 5 is stuck in the position closing the retention ring. When the rod 23 has been moved to leave the hook, it is possible to rotate the flange 5. The rod 23 is preferably associated with a spring which biases the rod 23 into the position ensuring the locking of the hook. It is even more advantageous to provide that the flange includes a movable cover 24, for example a movable cover 24 mounted to move in rotation around a rotation shaft 25 fixed on the flange 5.

A spring (not illustrated) biases the movable cover 24 towards a position covering the rod 23 when the rod 23 is in its position blocking the flange 5 and the flange 5 is in the position closing the retention ring. In this way, the unwanted stress on the rod 23 is reduced. To provide even more security, the movable cover 24 moves in a first direction to reveal the rod 23 and the rod 23 must be moved in a second direction opposite the first direction to come out of the hook and allow the rotation of the flange 5 It is advantageous for the locking system or the support flange to define a slide 27 and for a pin mounted projecting from the associated flange 5 to be inserted into the slide 27. This configuration favors the recovery of part of the forces on the rotation shaft 2.

It is also possible to provide for the movable cover 24 to be installed on the flange 5 of the figures 1 to 3 in order to be able to access the movable finger 21 to push.

Generally speaking, it is particularly advantageous for each locking system to provide a mechanical connection between the associated flange and the support flange to prevent bending of the rotation shaft. In the embodiment of figures 1, 2 And 3 , the movable finger is configured to prevent the flange 5 from deforming towards the second portion 1b by bending of the rotation shaft. The mobile finger takes up part of the forces applied to the finger. In the embodiment of figures 4 , 5 and 6 , it is advantageously the same by means of the slide 27 which cooperates with the pin. It is even more advantageous that the opening of at least one flange or each flange is impossible when the double pulley is under load, for example when it supports a person weighing at least 40 kilograms.

During a rescue operation with a person stuck on cable 4 or in a ravine, it is first necessary to move a rescuer to the immediate vicinity of the person to be rescued or to their vertical. The rescuer moves along cable 4 or on an additional cable 20 with its pulley. Once close to the person to be rescued or vertical to them, it is necessary to be able to install the double emergency pulley in the best conditions. A conventional double pulley is not very practical because the cable insertion and extraction slot 4 is only locked after installation of the carabiner and the carabiner is only installed after it is attached to the person to whom it is attached. help to avoid straining it with your open finger.

It is therefore advantageous to have a double pulley which has two lockable flanges 5 regardless of the presence or absence of connectors mounted on the double pulley. Once arrived at the destination, the rescuer installs the double pulley, locks the two flanges 5 so as to have a double pulley ready to be connected to the person to be rescued and securely supported on the support cable 4.

Once the double pulley is installed, the rescuer can connect the support hole 7 to the person to be rescued in order to be able to move them along the cable 4. A first wire element 10 connected to the rescuer on the one hand and to at least one other rescuer on the other hand is moved to be connected to the first hole 8. In this way, the rescuer(s) arranged at the end of the support cable 4 are able to pull on the double pulley to facilitate movement of the person to be rescued in comparison to the rescuer mounted on the support cable 4.

It is also interesting to connect the person to be rescued to the rescuer or to the group of rescuers arranged at the end of the support cable 4 by means of a single pulley 13 fixed in the third hole 11. The double pulley can also be used in other backup configurations.

THE figures 7 and 8 illustrate yet another double pulley configuration where the first roller 3 is associated with a first additional flange 5 and its first locking system 6. The second roller 3 is associated with a second additional flange 5 and its second locking system 6 .

The two rotation shafts 2 extend in two opposite directions from respectively the first and second opposite faces of the first and second wings of the support flange 1. In this configuration, the support flange 1 is not planar. The support flange 1 has first and second wings in the first portion 1a which are separated by the circulation axis B. The first and second rollers (3) are fixed respectively to the first and second wings. The two wings are separated by an empty zone so as to allow the insertion of the cable 4 between the two rollers 3 with a cable whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the first direction A. The empty zone is in the form of a through groove in the first direction A. The groove extends to the circulation axis B which allows the cable 4 to be inserted into the groove between the two rollers 3 then to rotate the support flange 1 to align the longitudinal axis of the cable with the circulation axis B. Once the cable is introduced between the two wings under the axis connecting the two rollers, the double pulley is turned so that each roller rests on the cable 4. The configuration is particularly advantageous because the double pulley is symmetrical with an axis of symmetry which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the support flange to align the longitudinal axis of the cable and the circulation axis. The axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first direction A and to the axis of circulation B. Axial symmetry may or may not be present for the two fixing means.

Preferably, at least one of the wings defines a connection hole 17 which passes through in the first direction A. The connection hole is separated from the second portion (1b) by the associated roller. Even more preferably, each wing defines a connection hole 17 which passes through in the first direction A. Each connection hole 17 is separated from the second portion 1b by the associated roller. Advantageously, the connection hole(s) 17 are formed in rings which belong to the same plane as the circulation axis and as the rings defining the holes 7, 8 and 11. In this way, the forces are in the same plane

It is particularly advantageous for the two flanges 5 to leave their closed position towards their open position by rotating in two opposite directions and preferably to move away from the groove present between the two wings.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 7 and 8 , the locking member is identical to that illustrated in figures 4 , 5 and 6 , but it is possible that the locking member is that illustrated in figures 1 to 3 .

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 7 and 8 , the plane defined by the first wing of the support flange 1 is coplanar with the plane defined by the second flange 5 while the plane defined by the second wing of the support flange 1 is coplanar with the plane defined by the first flange 5.

• fournir un dispositif de secours selon l'une des configurations précédentes et un câble 4,
• monter le premier galet 3 et éventuellement le deuxième galet 3 sur le câble 4, c'est-à-dire simultanément ou non,
• connecter la personne à secourir au trou de support 7,
• connecter la personne à secourir au troisième trou 11 par l'intermédiaire d'un élément filaire 14 passant à travers une poulie 13 fixée au troisième connecteur 12,
• connecter un élément filaire 10 de déplacement au premier trou 8 ou au deuxième trou 8.

The emergency device described above allows easier use and in particular with the following steps:

• provide an emergency device according to one of the previous configurations and a cable 4,
• mount the first roller 3 and possibly the second roller 3 on the cable 4, that is to say simultaneously or not,
• connect the person to be rescued to the support hole 7,
• connect the person to be rescued to the third hole 11 via a wire element 14 passing through a pulley 13 fixed to the third connector 12,
• connect a wired displacement element 10 to the first hole 8 or to the second hole 8.

Claims (11)

1. Double pulley comprising:

   - a support flange (1);

   - first and second rotation shafts (2) mounted fixedly to the support flange (1) and extending in a first direction (A) from at least a face of the support flange (1);

   - first and second sheaves (3) mounted rotatable respectively around the first and second rotation shafts (2), the first and second sheaves (3) defining a running line (B) along a cable (4), the running line (B) being perpendicular to the first direction (A);

   - a support hole (7) defined in the support flange and designed to receive a connector (16) connected to a person to be rescued;

   characterized in that the double pulley comprises:

   - first and second flanges (5) mounted rotatable with respect to the support flange (1) respectively around the first and second rotation shafts (2), the first and second flanges (5) being separated from the support flange (1) respectively by the first and second sheaves (3), each of the first and second flanges (5) being mounted rotatable between a first position and a second position independently from the other flange (5), the first flange (5) defining a first retaining ring at least with the first sheave (3) and the support flange (1) and the second flange (5) defining a second retaining ring at least with the second sheave (3) and the support flange (1), the first position of the first flange (5) or the second flange (5) allowing the cable (4) to be inserted respectively in the first retaining ring or the second retaining ring on the first sheave (3) or the second sheave (3), the second position preventing the cable (4) from being extracted;

   - a first blocking system (6) configured to present a first position blocking the first flange (5) in the first position to keep the first retaining ring closed and to present a second position allowing movement of the first flange (5) between the first position and the second position;

   - a second blocking system (6) configured to present a first position blocking the second flange (5) in the first position to keep the second retaining ring closed and to present a second position allowing movement of the second flange (5) between the first position and the second position, the first blocking system (6) and second blocking system (6) each having an operation independent from the other blocking system.
2. Double pulley according to claim 1 characterised in that the support flange (1) has a first portion (1a) on which the first and second sheaves (3) are fixed and a second portion (1b) defining the support hole (7) located in a space between the sheaves underneath the running line (B), in that the first and second rotation shafts (2) extend in the same direction from one surface of the support flange (4) and in that the support flange (1) defines a deviation in the first direction (A) from the first portion (1a) to the second portion (1b), in the same direction as the first and second rotation shafts (2).
3. Double pulley according to claim 2 characterised in that the support flange (1) has a first portion (1a) on which the first and second sheaves (3) are fixed and in that the first portion (1a) defines a connection hole (17) arranged between the first and second sheaves (3), the support flange (1) extending in the first direction (A) to form a lip above the running line (B).
4. Double pulley according to claim 1 characterised in that the support flange (1) has a first portion (1a) with first and second wings on which the first and second sheaves (3) are fixed, and a second portion (1b) defining the support hole (7) arranged in a space between the sheaves under the running line (B), in that the first and second rotation shafts (2) respectively extend in the opposite first and second directions respectively from first and second opposite surfaces of the first and second wings and in that the first portion (1a) defines a through groove in the first direction (1) extending between the first and second sheaves (3) up to the running line to allow the cable to be inserted between the first and second sheaves (3) and to allow rotation of the support flange to align the longitudinal axis of the cable with the running line (B).
5. Double pulley according to claim 4 characterised in that the first wing defines a first connection hole (17) separated from the second portion (1b) by the first sheave (3) and possibly in that the second wing defines a second connection hole (17) separated from the second portion (1b) by the second sheave (3).
6. Double pulley according to one of the preceding claims wherein the first blocking system (6) and the second blocking system (6) are both provided with a flexible member configured to bias the first blocking system (6) and the second blocking system (6) to the first position.
7. Rescue device comprising a double pulley according to one of the preceding claim wherein a first connector (9) is connected to a first wire member (10), the first connector (9) being fixed to a first hole (8) defined in the second portion (1b) of the support flange (1) and wherein the second portion (1b) defines a second hole, the first hole (8) and second hole (8) being through holes in the first direction (A) and being separated by a central space demarcated by two planes passing through the respective axes of rotation of the first and second sheaves (3) and perpendicular to the running line (B), a second connector (9) being preferentially fixed in the second hole (8) and fixed to a second wire member (10).
8. Rescue device according to the preceding claim wherein a third connector (12) is connected to a third wire member (14) by means of a pulley (13), the third connector being fixed to a third hole (11), the third wire member (14) having one end connected to a person to be rescued possibly via a pulley,

   wherein the first portion (1b) defines a fourth hole (11), the third and fourth holes being through holes in the first direction (A) and being arranged in the central space, the third hole (11) extending partially under the first sheave (3) and the fourth hole (11) extending partially under the second sheave (4),

   wherein the bottom part of the third and fourth holes (11) defines a support axis (C) parallel to the running line (B),

   and possibly comprising a fourth connector (12) mounted in the fourth hole (11) and connected to a second pulley (13) through which a second wire member (14) passes, one end of which is connected to the person to be rescued.
9. Rescue device according to the preceding claim wherein the support hole (7) is defined in the second portion (1b) and passes through the support flange (1) in the first direction (A), the support hole (7) being formed between the third and fourth holes (11) at equal distance from the first and second rotation shafts (2), and wherein the bottom part of the support hole (7) is tangent to the support axis (C) or above the support axis (C).
10. Rescue device according to one of claim 6 to 8 comprising a double pulley according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the suspension pulley (19) is fixed to a suspension connector (18) fitted in the suspension hole (17), the suspension pulley (19) being fitted pressing on an additional cable (20) designed to be placed above said cable (4).
11. Method for using a rescue device comprising the following steps:

    - providing a rescue device according to claim 9 and a cable (4),

    - mounting the first sheave (3) and possibly the second sheave (3) on the cable (4),

    - connecting the person to be rescued to the support hole (7),

    - connecting the person to be rescued to the third hole (11) by means of a wire member (14) passing through a pulley (13) fixed to the third connector (12),

    - connecting a movement wire member (10) to the first hole (8) or to the second hole (8).

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