FR2974305A1 - Retaining device i.e. dynamic belay rope, for stopping falling person during e.g. activity, has status indicator including relative sliding segment with end partially decoupled under tension of cord by sliding of end relative to cord - Google Patents

Abstract

The device i.e. shock absorbing cord (101) or dynamic belay rope, has a status indicator that includes a lengthened relative sliding segment (111) extending mainly longitudinally relative to the cord so as to provider a set of opposite ends offset from one another along the cord. One of the ends is partially decoupled under tension of the cord by sliding of the end relative to the cord when an elongation of the cord is beyond a predetermined threshold.

Description

1

Fall arrest device Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of securing people at risk of falling into a vacuum. More specifically, it relates to a restraint device in the event of a fall, of the type comprising an elongated shock absorption link and a status indicator.

State of the art

Ropes, lanyards and harnesses are examples of various safety devices, complementary or not, commonly used in activities, either professional or sports, where there is a risk of falling (including work at height, on wall or in the void, some rescues, climbing, mountaineering, speleology or progression along safe routes such as via ferrata). These safety devices have the primary function of stopping a possible fall. Generally, they are designed to also dampen the shock resulting from stopping such a fall, because such a shock can all the more cause injuries or even be fatal, the fall is high.

In fall restraints, the damping of a stop is usually accompanied by elongation, which may be elastic and / or plastic. The energy absorbed by the damping can be dissipated by friction. It can also be by tearing, fracture, plastic deformation, in which case there is irreversibility of the process. Depending on the amount of energy involved during the shutdown, the damping capacities of the device can therefore be affected or not in such a way that they are 2

then too degraded to still achieve the required protection and, as a result, the restraint must be considered out-of-use and replaced.

If a restraint system is out of use due to a significant depletion of its damping capacity, its use instead of scrapping is likely to be very dangerous, even fatal, to its user, without the user always be aware of it. Indeed, if this user makes a fall, it will not be properly protected against the effects of its sudden stop, which can be all the more disastrous that the fall is important.

Therefore, it is important to limit the risk of a continued use of a restraint system having lost too much of its damping capacity to still be able to provide the desired protection. An immediate measure against this risk is to make visible a crippling loss of the damping capacity of a restraint. Solutions having this as a goal have been proposed. An example is found in the European patent published under number EP-0 034 458.

In this patent EP-0 034 458, there is described a status indicator which is provided with a shock absorber of a lanyard and in the operation of which an initially folded flag is released in case of damping of a major stop, as a warning of a crippling loss of the initial shock absorbing capacities of the shock absorber. The shock absorber has the general shape of a flattened strap, so that a simple seam can easily hold the flag in the folded state. On the other hand, it is hardly appropriate, if not impossible in practice, to use such a breakable seam for attachment to a rope, whereas some ropes are designed to fulfill the damping function to be monitored.

On the other hand, the breakable seam in the state control of patent EP-0 034 458 can break because it is in a shock absorber which functions by extending considerably with respect to its initial length, that is, that is to say involving a high degree of elongation, able to lead to high traction on the breakable seam. In other cases, however, such as in the case of rope damping, the absorption of stopping energy takes place at a low rate of elongation, i.e. elongation per unit length of the element undergoing this elongation. Again, getting the alert function using a breakable seam exposes you to serious if not insurmountable difficulties in a real product to market.

In addition, even folded, a flag is bulky on a product of small width. This flag also forms gripping zones that may interfere during handling, cause injury and also facilitate its deterioration or that of the status indicator of which it is part.

From the foregoing, it appears that the status indicator of EP-0 034 458 is not adapted at least in certain cases and / or certain uses and that there is a need for an alternative.

Object of the invention

The invention is at least intended to provide an alternative to previous solutions intended to alert on a significant depletion of the damping capacities provided in a restraint device in case of impact.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a retaining device of the aforementioned type, in which the status indicator comprises an elongated slip segment. The latter extends mainly longitudinally with respect to the link, so as to have first and second ends

opposed to each other along the link, and it is associated with this link so as to slide longitudinally along its entire length, except at its first end, relative to the link. The first end is held longitudinally with respect to the link. The second end is arranged to be at least partially decoupled in traction of the link by means of a sliding of this second end relative to the link, in case of an extension of the link beyond a predetermined threshold.

Advantageously, the status indicator comprises a status indicator which is integral with the relative sliding segment, at a distance from the first end, so that it can be driven by this relative sliding segment, and which is visible from the outside. for direct observation of the status of the status indicator. This state indicator is dimensioned longitudinally to retract out of sight in case of extension of the link beyond a predefined value as critical, at least equal to said predetermined threshold.

Advantageously, the status indicator comprises a fixed graduation longitudinally with respect to the link and a status indicator in the form of a cursor which is integral with the relative sliding segment, at a distance from the first end, so that it can be moved along the graduation by this relative slip segment.

Advantageously, over at least part of its length, the relative sliding segment runs inside the link. Advantageously, at a distance from the first end, a state indicator is integral with the relative slip segment, which emerges out of the link so that the status indicator is visible from the outside.

Advantageously, the retaining device comprises a sleeve threaded on the link. The link and this sleeve are integral and hold between them at least a portion of the relative sliding segment.

Advantageously, the relative slip segment emerges out of the link at the sleeve.

Advantageously, the status indicator comprises a status indicator which is integral with the relative sliding segment, at a distance from the first end, so that it can be driven by this relative sliding segment, and which is visible through the sleeve. , from the outside, for direct observation of the status of the status indicator.

Advantageously, the retaining device comprises friction means against a return of the second end in the opposite direction of said sliding, to an initial position prior to any extension of the link beyond said predetermined threshold.

Advantageously, the retaining device comprises friction means against a longitudinal sliding between the relative sliding segment and the link, in case of extension of the link below said predetermined threshold.

Advantageously, the relative sliding segment is elastically stretchable so as to follow in elongation the link without sliding relative to this link, in case of extension of the link below said predetermined threshold.

Advantageously, the friction means comprise a gripping of the relative sliding segment by the link. 6

Advantageously, the status indicator comprises a status indicator which is integral with the relative sliding segment, at a distance from the first end, so that it can be driven by this relative sliding segment, and which is visible from the outside. for direct observation of the status of the status indicator. Advantageously, the link and at least the status indicator have distinctive appearances.

Advantageously, the sliding segment comprises at least two strands which run along mutually, which an external loop connects to one another opposite to said first end and which are two sections of the same filiform element comprising this loop. Such a loop has the advantage of not risking little or no fray.

Advantageously, the link is a rope.

Advantageously, the status indicator comprises reset means allowing traction of the relative sliding segment in the direction opposite to the first end, to an initial position prior to any extension of the link beyond said predetermined threshold, these means of reset being rendered inoperative in case of extension of the link beyond a predefined value as critical, greater than said predetermined threshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of nonlimiting example and represented in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. a scheme of a dynamic insurance string including a status indicator, according to a first embodiment of the invention; 7

Figure 2 is a schematic view in perspective and in cross section along the line II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagram similar to Figure 1 and shows the same rope at rest as it, more simplified way; FIG. 4 is a diagram similar to FIG. 3 and illustrates the operation of the state indicator of the rope of FIGS. 1 and 2 when, reacting to a critical traction such as traction accompanying the stopping of a large fall, this rope is being lengthened; Figure 5 is also a diagram similar to Figure 3 and shows how the reaction of the chord of Figures 1 and 2 to a critical pull continues after the instant at which this chord is shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a diagram similar to Figure 3 and shows the new state of the control once the string of Figures 1 and 2 is again at rest, after the end of the critical traction; Figure 7 is still a diagram similar to Figure 3 and illustrates the different behavior that the rope of Figures 1 and 2 known when subjected to a substantially lower traction than in the case shown in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 8 is a diagram similar to Figure 3 and shows a rope incorporating a status indicator, according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a diagram similar to FIG. 8 and illustrates the behavior of the rope of this FIG. 8, as well as the operation of its status indicator during a substantial but non-critical traction; Figure 10 is also a diagram similar to Figure 8 and shows the new state of the control once the rope of Figure 8 is again at rest, after the end of the traction considered in Figure 9; FIG. 11 is again a diagram similar to FIG. 8 and represents a final state of the control, once the cord of this FIG.

again at rest after the end of a critical pull, of greater intensity than that considered in Figure 9; FIG. 12 is a diagram similar to FIG. 3 and illustrates the behavior of a rope according to a third embodiment of the invention during a critical pull, as well as the operation of a witness that this rope possesses; Figure 13 is a diagram similar to Figure 12 and shows the final state of the control, once the rope of Figure 12 is again at rest, after the end of a critical pull; Figure 14 is a diagram similar to Figure 1 and shows a string incorporating a status indicator, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 15 is a diagram similar to FIG. 1 and represents a cord incorporating a status indicator, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

In Figures 1 to 15 presented above, the proportions are not respected, for the sake of clarity. Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

In Figure 1 is shown a rope 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In the example shown, it is more precisely a dynamic rope belay, intended to stop the fall of a mountain climber or operator working at height.

In the present description and in the appended claims, the term "longitudinal" and the like terms refer to the principal direction or longitudinal direction XX 'of the link which incorporates a status indicator and which is more specifically the string 1 in the Figure 1.20 9 As can be seen in Figure 2, chord 1 has the classical structure of a dynamic belay rope, while being distinguished by the presence of a control rod. state 2. In known manner, it comprises an inner core 3, around which is braided an outer protective sheath 4.

The inner core 3 has the function of taking over tensile forces, that is to say those exerted in the longitudinal direction XX 'of the rope 1. It comprises a bundle of flexible and longitudinal filaments 5, that the sheath 4 clamps together in a moderate and calibrated manner to give some flexibility to the rope 1. In known manner, the filaments 5 and the fibers of the sheath 4 are made of synthetic material, for example polyamide.

The status indicator 2 comprises a flexible wire 10 of which a longitudinal segment 11, hereinafter referred to as sliding segment, runs inside the rope 1, under its sheath 4, so as to be held with a slight tightening between this sheath 4 and the core 3.

At its end referenced 12 in Figure 1, the sliding segment 11 is fixed by a seam 13 so as not to be able to slide or slide longitudinally relative to the core 3 and the sheath 4. Preferably, the end 12 and the seam 13 are located, along the rope 1, at or in the immediate vicinity of a point of attachment of this rope 1 to a fixed device.

At a distance from its end 12, the sliding segment 11 has another end 14, where the wire 10 passes through the sheath 4 and emerges on the outside. Beyond its end 14, the sliding segment 11 is extended by a free end 15 formed by an end section of the wire 10. The end 14 of the segment 11 is therefore not held longitudinally by

relative to the core 3 and the sheath 4 which, once overcome by the opposing frictional forces, can slide along the sliding segment 11, over the entire length thereof, except at the end 12.

Located outside the sheath 4, the free end 15 is directly visible and can be visually inspected as a status indicator of the rope 1.

The wire 10 is made of any suitable material. For example, it may be a polyamide yarn. The status indicator 2 has a particularly simple structure and is inexpensive, which is advantageous.

No traction is exerted on it, the rope 1 is at rest in Figure 3, which serves as a reference for a comparison in the following.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the rope 1 is subjected to a critical tension T1, which corresponds to the stopping force of a fall, such as the fall in the vacuum of an operator retained by the rope 1. made of the traction T1, the core 3 and the sheath 4 elongate together, which is illustrated by the arrow A in FIG. 4. When their elongation rate exceeds a predetermined threshold, they begin to slide along the sliding segment 11, except at the end 12 thereof. It follows that the free end 15 is driven through the sheath 4 towards the inside of the rope 1, which occurs in FIG. 4 where the extension of this rope 1 is referenced AL.

In other words, the relative sliding between the segment 11, on the one hand, and the entire core 3-sheath 4, on the other hand, ensures a decoupling that makes the 11

segment 11 is partially subtracted from the elongation of the core 3 and the sheath 4.

Being critical, the traction T1 is such that the elongation of the core 3 and the sheath 4 continues until reaching the critical elongation referenced AL1 in FIG. 5, where the whole of the free end 15 has been driven. inside the rope 1. When stretching to the value AL1, the rope 1 dampens the stop of the fall, absorbing a large part of the energy of this stop.

The core 3 and the sheath 4 are elastically elongated. When the traction T1 is interrupted, they retract together by themselves, under the effect of an elastic return. During this, this core 3 and this sheath 4 together with them, towards the sewn end 12, the sliding segment 11 and the end 15, they hold and clamp together, which produces a friction coupling. As a result, the end 15 remains retracted behind the sheath 4 during the suppression of the traction T1. It is still there in FIG. 6, which shows the state of the rope 1 and its control 2 after the deletion of the traction T1. In this Figure 6, the core 3 and the sheath 4 are shown as if they had found their original length for the sake of clarity. In reality, there may remain a residual elongation, because the elongation caused by the critical traction T1 is partly plastic.

The traction T1 caused an elongation AL1 such that this elongation could not be fully elastic and that, as a result, the rope 1 has lost most of its damping capacity. This rope 1 should therefore no longer be used except to be dangerous, as indicated by the disappearance of the end 15 under the sheath 4. In other words, the end 15 fulfills its function of status indicator by not being visible outside only as long as rope 1 is operational. To facilitate a visual inspection of the state of the rope 1, the tip 15 and the outside of the sheath 4 advantageously have distinctive appearances, for example significantly different colors. In the above-described operation of the control 2, a single traction T has led to an unacceptable deterioration of the damping capacity of the rope 1. However, such a fatal deterioration may not be the consequence of a single traction, but result from the accumulation of several successive deteriorations. When this is the case, these successive deteriorations also lead to a critical elongation so that, in principle, the control 2 then has the same operation as that presented above, except that the critical elongation is reached in several times.

During its use, the rope 1 still operational can be subjected to weak tractions, such as that referenced T2 in FIG. 7. Each of these tractions is not critical in itself and leads to a low elongation OL2, which does not is not accompanied by a significant deterioration of the damping capacity of the rope 1. During elongation ML2, there is no relative sliding between the wire 10 and the entire core 3 - sheath 4. Indeed, the core 3 and the sheath 4 hold the sliding segment 11 by clamping them together. They therefore form friction means acting against the relative sliding, so that the segment 11 extends with the core 3 and the sheath 4, like them, as long as the elongation rate remains low. There is then no retraction of the free end 15 under the sheath 4 and the rope 1 returns to its state of Figure 3 after the removal of the traction T2. Of course, the friction forces acting against the relative sliding are overcome when the elongation rate of the core 3 and the sheath 4 is greater, as has been explained above.

A frangible connection such as an adhesive point may be provided, for example at the end 14, to participate in the coupling of the sliding segment 11 to the core 3 and the sheath 4 in case of extension of these below the predetermined threshold. In case of lengthening beyond this threshold, the 13

Frangible link breaks to allow the aforementioned relative sliding and operation illustrated by Figures 4 and 5.

It can also be expected that, in the case of a low traction of the type of traction T2, there is a relative slip which is sufficiently small to lead to a retraction equally weak and therefore very partial of the free end 15.

In Figure 8 is shown a rope 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In what follows, only what is distinguished from the string 1 is described. In addition, a reference used to designate a part of this string 101 similar or equivalent to a referenced part of the string 1 will be constructed by increasing 100 the reference identifying this part on the string 1.

The rope 101 is provided with an outer sleeve 120, which surrounds it being integral with the sheath 104. This sleeve 120 is made of a transparent synthetic material. It carries a longitudinal graduation 121 consisting of the increasing succession of numbers 1 to 5 in the example shown.

The wire 110 emerges from the sheath 104 at the sleeve 120, under this sleeve 120. Over part of its length, it extends between the sheath 104 and the sleeve 120, before ending with a free end 115 protruding at outside.

The wire 110 is provided with a slider, which is constituted by a colored stopping node 122 in the example shown and which is visible through the transparent sleeve 120, at the number "1" of the graduation 121 when the rope 101 is new. 25 30 14

In FIG. 9, the rope 101 is subjected to a traction T3 causing an elongation AL3 which is greater than a predetermined threshold, while not being critical. As in the operation illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, there is a relative sliding between the sliding segment 111 and the sheath 104, which the sleeve 120 follows. As a result, the node 122 is moved along the scale 121 In FIG. 9, it stops before the digit "5" of this graduation since, although greater than the predetermined threshold, the elongation AL3 remains below the critical value, that beyond which it is considered that the deterioration of the damping qualities of the rope 101 is prohibitive. When removing the traction T3, the rope 101 retracts, after which it is as illustrated in FIG.

In this figure 10, the free end 115 still exceeds the outside. It can therefore be pulled to drive it in the opposite direction to the seam 113 and perform a reset by placing the node 122 in front of the number "1" of the graduation 121, that is to say in its original position .

In FIG. 11, the rope 101 has undergone an elongation greater than the critical value, which shows the position of the stop node 122 in front of the digit "5" of the graduation 121. This stop node 122 has come to a stop against the sheath 104, which blocked it by preventing its retraction. Still in FIG. 11, the wire 110 no longer protrudes outside, so that a reset is now impossible.

In Figure 12 is shown a rope 201 according to a third embodiment of the invention. It is distinguished from the cord 101 in that the wire 210 equivalent to the wire 110 is devoid of stop node. In addition, the wire 210 is shorter than the wire 110, so that its sliding end forms a slider 222. Advantageously colored or otherwise marked, this end 222 resumes one of the functions of the stop node 122, being intended to be moved along a scale 221. No reset 15

the status indicator is possible throughout the life of the rope 201, since the end 222 is never manually accessible.

Still in FIG. 12, the rope 201 is subjected to a large traction T4, which makes it undergo an elongation AL4 greater than the critical value beyond which the rope 201 loses most of its damping capacity and must be put in scum. Due to this elongation AL4, the end 222 or slider was driven under the sheath of the rope, in the absence of a stop node. It remains there after the removal of the voltage T4, as can be seen in Figure 13. The retraction of the end 222 out of sight means that the rope 201 has lost too much of its damping capacity to be able to be still used.

In Figure 14 is shown a rope 301 according to a third embodiment of the invention. This rope 301 is distinguished from the rope 1 in that the seam 13 is replaced by a stop node 313 made on the wire 310 equivalent to the wire 10.

In Figure 15 is shown a rope 401 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. It is distinguished from the rope 1 in that the function of the seam 13 is filled by a seam 413, which also ensures the assembly function of the two strands of an attachment loop 430 formed by the rope 401. -even. The rope 401 is also distinguished from the rope 1 in that the wire 10 is replaced by a wire 410 curved on itself so as to be doubled. This wire 410 thus forms a free loop 431 opposite which its endings are fixed by the seam 413 and which plays the same role as the free end 15 protruding outside.

The two strands of the loop 431 can cross the sheath of the rope 401 $ o at the same place, in which case it is possible to provide a complete retraction of the wire 410 in case of elongation beyond the critical value. 16

Also, the two strands of the loop 431 can cross separately the sheath of the rope 401. In this case, this loop 431 can form a stop intended to abut against the sheath, between the two points of penetration of the wire 410 in the sheath, so that it can not be retracted entirely.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, the status indicator can be associated with a link other than a rope. For example, it may be to a strap or shock absorber, to allow to control the state, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In addition, in the case where the status indicator is associated with a rope, this rope may have a different structure from that proposed above only as a non-limiting example. For example, his soul may have a structure such as a braided structure, other than that in rope 1.

Still in the case where the status indicator is associated with a string, this string can be a static string and not a dynamic string.

In addition, the wire 10, 110, 210, 310 or 410 can pass under the sheath 4 or 104 of the rope or under another opaque element, away from the sliding segment 11 or 111, so as to present two connected masked sections. by a visible section. In this case, the masked section located opposite the seam 13 or 113 is intended to be moved to the unmasked area during the alteration of damping capacities of the rope. It may be provided with a warning message or an alert code such as a significant color, which becomes visible at the level of the unmasked area from the moment the rope is to be discarded.

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. Fall arrest device, comprising an elongated shock-damping link (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) and a status indicator (2), characterized in that this status indicator (2) comprises an elongated relative sliding segment (11; 111) which extends mainly longitudinally with respect to the link (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) so as to have opposed first and second ends (12,14); ) offset from each other along the link (1; 101; 201; 301; 401), and which is associated with this link so as to be able to slide longitudinally along its entire length, except at its first end (12), with respect to the link (1; 101; 201; 301; 401), said first end (12) being held longitudinally with respect to the link (1; 101; 201; 301; 401), the second end (14; ) being arranged to be at least partially decoupled in tension from the link (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) by means of a glis second end (14) relative to the link (1; 101 of an elongation (M1; AL3; OL4) of the link (1; 101 of a predetermined threshold. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said status indicator comprises a state indicator (15; 222) which is integral with the relative sliding segment (11), at a distance from the first end (12), so that it can be driven by this relative sliding segment (11), and which is visible from the outside for direct observation of the status of the status indicator, this status indicator being dimensioned longitudinally to retract out of view in case of extension (AL1; OL4) of the link (1; 201; 301) beyond a predefined critical value, at least equal to said predetermined threshold. 17; 201; 301; 401), in case; 201; 301; 401) beyond 18 3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said status indicator comprises a graduation (121; 221) fixed longitudinally with respect to the link (101; 201) and a status indicator in the form of a slider (122; 222) which is secured to the relative slip segment (111) away from the first end so as to be movable along the graduation (121; 221) by this relative slip segment (111); ). 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, over at least a part of its length, the relative sliding segment (11; 111) runs inside the link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401). 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that, at a distance from the first end (12), a state indicator (15; 122; 222; 431) is integral with the relative sliding segment (11; 111), which emerges out of the link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401) so that the status indicator (15; 122; 222; 431) is visible from the outside. 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sleeve (120) threaded on the link (101; 201), the link (101; 201) and this sleeve (120) being integral and holding between them at least a portion of the relative sliding segment (111). 7. Device according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the relative sliding segment (111) emerges out of the link (101; 201) at the sleeve (120). 8. Device according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that said state indicator comprises a state indicator (122) which is integral with the relative sliding segment (111), at a distance from the first 19, which is visible through the sleeve (120) from the outside, for direct observation of the state of the status indicator. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (3, 4; 104, 120) of friction against a return of the second end (14) in the direction inverse of said sliding, to an initial position prior to any extension of the link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401) beyond said predetermined threshold. 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (3, 4; 104, 120) of friction against a longitudinal sliding between the relative sliding segment (11; 111) and the link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401) in case of extension (L \ L2) of the link (1,101; 201; 301; 401) below said predetermined threshold. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the relative sliding segment (11; 111) is elastically stretchable so as to be able to follow in elongation the link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401) without sliding relative to this link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401) in case of extension (OL2) of the link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401) below said predetermined threshold. 12. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 11 and according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the friction means comprise a gripping of the relative sliding segment (11; 111) by the link ( 1, 101; 201; 301; 401). 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said status indicator comprises a status indicator (15; 122; 222; 431) which is integral with the relative sliding segment (11; 111), 20 away from the first end (12) so as to be driven by this relative sliding segment (11; 111), and which is visible from the outside for direct observation of the status of the status indicator the link (1, 101; 201; 301; 401) and at least the status indicator (15; 122; 222; 431) having distinctive appearances. 14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding segment comprises at least two strands which run along mutually, an outer loop (431) connects to one another to the opposite said first end and which are two sections of the same filiform element (410) comprising this loop (431). 15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the link is a rope (1, 101; 201; 301; 401).