FR3047905A1 - DEVICE FOR ENSURING AND ASCENSION ALONG A VERTICAL CABLE - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for ascending along a main cable (2), comprising a stirrup (3), the ascension device further comprising a holding element (16) configured to be integral, in one first end (17) of the stirrup and intended to be secured at a second end (19), a first self-locking (27) adapted to be arranged on the main cable, the holding element comprising a rod ( 18) adapted to withstand a compressive force exerted between the first end and the second end so as to slide the first self-locking along the main cable.

Description

DEVICE FOR ASSURING AND ASCENSION ALONG A CABLE

VERTICAL

The invention relates to the field of belaying and climbing along a vertical cable, and more specifically to devices related to the lower limbs of an individual allowing this individual to climb along the cable .

[0002] An individual wishing to climb along a vertically positioned cable generally uses at least two self-locking devices. Self-locking devices are devices able to slide along one or more cables, surrounded by the self-locking, in one direction, and able to lock on the cable or cables in a second direction.

The cables are generally made of plant fibers, synthetic or metal son. Conventionally, the self-locking is achieved by a simple cord surrounding the cable, a part comprising teeth adapted to anchor in the cable or a device comprising a set of rollers and springs.

Thus, to climb along a cable, the individual slides, along the cable, upwards, a first self-locking connected to a first part of his body, for example the torso, while s' pressing a second interlocking connected to a second part of his body, for example the feet. The individual then rest his weight on the first self-locking, and slide along the cable, upwards, the second self-locking.

It is known in order to adopt a more natural and less tiring climbing position for the individual (that is to say a vertical position, the feet directed downwards and the force of the legs pushing the mass of the individual upwards to go up the first then the second self-blocking), to secure the first self-blocking to a first foot of the individual, by means of a rope, and the second self-blocking to a second foot of the individual.

[0006] Document US 2015/0251057 (Frankhauser) describes an ascension system along a vertical cable, comprising a first self-locking secured to a first foot of a first leg of an individual by means of a climbing device, and a second self-blocking directly secured to a second foot of the individual. The ascension device comprises a sheath capable of working in tension defining, at a first end, a stirrup in which the individual inserts his first foot. The sheath is provided, at a second end, opposite the first end, of a fastening system to the first self-locking. The ascension device also comprises an elastic cord, present inside the sheath, and secured to the first end of the sheath and a pulley sliding on the cable, connected to the torso of the individual.

In this device of the state of the art, when the first leg of the individual is stretched, its weight rests on its first foot. The weight of the individual is supported by the first self-locking through the sheath, the first self-blocking preventing slippage of the first foot along the cable. The first self-locking and the pulley are then in a position remote from each other, which tends the elastic cord. When the individual wants to slide the first self-locking on the cable, upwards, he transfers his mass on his second foot, the second self-blocking preventing a sliding of the second foot along the cable, the individual then raises his first foot in bending the knee. The elastic cord relaxes, bringing the first self-locking to the pulley. The pulley, attached to the torso of the individual, remains substantially fixed with respect to the cable, and the first self-locking slips up the cable.

Such an ascension device actually allows to climb along a vertical cable by the sole force of the legs of the individual, the latter remaining in a vertical position, the feet directed downwards while releasing the hands of the individual.

However, such a device compels the individual to use an additional pulley, increasing the weight of his equipment.

In addition, when the individual tends his first leg, the first self-locking remaining substantially fixed with respect to the cable and the pulley sliding upwardly along the cable, the elastic cord tending, the force generated by the individual must allow, in addition to lifting its own weight, to stretch the elastic cord. The elastic cord is constantly subjected to variable stresses, risking to modify its mechanical properties, by fatigue.

A first objective is to provide a device for ascending along a vertical cable adopting, the individual, a vertical position, feet directed downwards.

A second objective is to provide a climbing device along a vertical cable requiring only the strength of the legs of the individual.

A third objective is to provide a climbing device along a vertical cable requiring only one point of attachment to the cable.

A fourth objective is to provide a lightweight ascent device.

For this purpose, it is proposed, in the first place, a climbing device along a main cable, comprising a stirrup, the ascension device comprising, in addition, a holding element configured to be secured. , at a first end, the stirrup and intended to be secured, at a second end, a first self-locking device capable of being arranged on the main cable, the holding element comprising a rod capable of withstanding a force of compression exerted between the first end and the second end, so as to slide the first self-locking along the main cable.

The holding member thus allows an individual to mount the first self-locking along the main cable using only a first foot inserted into the caliper.

The holding member also allows an individual to ride along the main cable without using its upper limbs.

Various additional features may be provided, alone or in combination: the device comprises a traction cable configured to be secured, in a first end, of the stirrup and intended to be secured in a second end, the first self-locking the pulling cable being able to withstand a pulling force exerted between the first end and the second end, so as to prevent slippage of the ascending device along the main cable; the rod of the holding member extends from the first end to the second end of the holding member; the rod of the holding member comprises a plurality of independent segments; the rod of the holding member comprises sleeves configured to assemble the segments together; the stem has a general shape of circular section tube; the holding member comprises an elastic cable, configured to be integral with the first end and the second end of the holding member, the elastic cable being disposed within the rod; the rod of the holding element extends from the first end to the second end of the holding element, the rod being able to withstand a traction force exerted between the first end and the second end, so as to prevent slippage of the climbing device along the main cable.

It is proposed, secondly, a climbing system along a main cable comprising a climbing device as presented above, the climbing system comprising a first self-locking configured to be attached to the second end of the holding member.

The system comprises a footrest, configured to be secured to a second self-locking able to be arranged on the main cable.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. schematic view of a climbing device along a main cable, according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic view of the first embodiment of the disassembled ascending device; Figure 3 is a schematic view of the ascending device along the main cable, according to a second embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a first climbing phase of an individual climbing along the main cable, using the second embodiment of the climbing device; FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a second climbing phase of an individual climbing along the main cable, using the second embodiment of the ascent device.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 is shown a device 1 ascent along a main cable 2.

According to the embodiments described, the cables are made of plant fibers, synthetic or metal son.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the main cable 2 is positioned substantially vertically, and fixed at its upper end.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the device 1 of ascension comprises a stirrup 3 having a closed contour section, defining an opening 4 delimited by a lower side 5 and an upper side 6 opposite, and lateral sides 7 which connect the lower side to the upper side.

The stirrup 3 comprises, preferably, a means 8 for clamping. The clamping means 8 comprises, according to the embodiments described, a female fastener 9 and a male fastener 10, each connected to one of the lateral sides.

The female fastener 9 comprises for example a closure 11 with ratchets and the male fastener 10 comprises a notched strap 12 adapted to coincide with the closure 11 with ratchets.

The upper side 6 of the stirrup 3 comprises a support 13 fixing defining, according to the embodiments shown, a first fixing point 14 and a second point 15 of attachment.

The ascension device 1 also comprises a holding element 16 configured to be integral, at a first end 17, with the first attachment point 14 of the stirrup 3.

The holding member 16 comprises a rod 18. According to the embodiments shown, the rod 18 extends from the first end 17 to a second end 19 of the holding member 16. The rod 18 preferably has the general shape of a circular section tube.

The rod 18 comprises several segments 20 which, assembled end to end, define the general shape of the rod 18. The rod 18 is, according to the embodiments shown, divided into five segments.

The rod 18 also comprises sleeves 21 adapted to be arranged between each segment 20 and configured to assemble the segments 20 to each other. The sleeves 21 are adapted, according to one embodiment, to center the segments 20 relative to each other. According to a different embodiment, the sleeves 21 are able to fix the segments 20 between them. Alternatively, the sleeves 21 and the segments 20 of the rod 18 form a monobloc element.

The holding member 16 comprises a resilient cable 22 configured to be integral with the first end 17 and the second end 19 of the holding member 16. The elastic cable 22 is disposed inside the segments 20 of the rod 18.

The elastic cable 22 thus allows disassembly of the segments 20, as shown in Figure 3 for a second embodiment of the device 1 of ascension, without mislaying a segment 20 and an assembly of segments 20 fast.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the device 1 of ascension comprises a cable 23 of traction configured to be secured, in a first end 24, the second point 15 of fixing the caliper 3 .

An individual 25 desiring to climb upwards along the main cable 2, using a device 1 as described above, fixes the second end 19 of the holding member 16 and a second end 26 of the cable 23 of traction to a first self-locking 27. The first self-blocking 27 is disposed on the main cable 2.

The segments 20 of the device 1 of ascension is previously assembled. Such a configuration is shown, for the second embodiment of the device 1 ascent, in Figures 4 and 5.

The first self-locking 27 is a device adapted to slide along the main cable 2, surrounded by the first self-locking 27, in one direction and adapted to lock on the main cable 2 in a second direction. Conventionally, the first self-locking 27 is achieved by a simple cord surrounding the cable, a part comprising teeth adapted to be anchored in the main cable 2 or a device comprising a set of rollers and springs.

The individual 25 inserts a first foot 28 of a first leg 29 in the opening 4 of the stirrup 3. The first foot 28 rests on the lower side of the stirrup 3 which, depending on the modes of illustrated embodiments, has a flat surface larger than the size of a surface of the upper side 6 and side 7 sides. The individual 25 thus has a large and stable support.

The stirrup 3 is preferably made of a sufficiently rigid material not to deform under the weight of the individual 25 and its equipment. The first foot 28 of the individual 25 is thus not compressed by the deformation of the stirrup 3.

The individual 25 then closes the clamping means 8 of the stirrup 3 against its first foot 28, to secure its first foot 28 to the stirrup 3.

The individual 25 inserts a second foot 30 of a second leg 31 into a footrest 32.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the footrest 32 comprises a stirrup 3 identical to the stirrup 3 of the device 1 of ascension.

The footrest 32 is secured to a second self-locking 33 disposed on the main cable 2.

The individual 25 rested his weight and that of his equipment on his first foot 28. The weight of the individual 25 and its equipment is then supported by the first self-locking 27, through the device 1 of ascent, the first self-locking 27 preventing a sliding of the first foot 28 along the main cable 2.

The ascension device 1 transmits the force exerted on the caliper 3, downwards, the first self-locking 27 through, according to the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the holding element 16 and the traction cable 23, according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5.

The holding element 16, for the first embodiment, or the traction cable 23, for the second embodiment, is thus able to withstand a tensile force, respectively exerted between the first end 17 and the second end 19 or the first end 24 and the second end 26, so as to block the first self-locking 27 and prevent slippage of the device 1 of ascension along the main cable 2.

The individual 25 then folds his second leg 31, sliding the second self-locking 33, upward, along the main cable 2 and mount his second foot 30 and the footrest 32, secured to his second foot 30 along the main cable 2, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The individual 25 then rest his weight and that of his equipment on his second foot 30. The weight of the individual 25 and its equipment is then supported by the second self-locking 33, through the footrest 32, the second self-locking 33 preventing a sliding of the second foot 30 along the main cable 2.

The individual 25 then folds his first leg 29, sliding the first self-locking 27, upwards, along the main cable 2 and mount his first foot 28 and the device 1 of ascension, secured to his first foot 28, along the main cable 2, as shown in FIG. 5.

The ascension device 1 transmits the force exerted on the stirrup 3, upwards, to the first self-locking 27, through the rod 18 of the holding element 16, secured to the first end 17 and of the second end 19. The rod 18 is thus able to withstand a compressive force exerted between the first end 17 and the second end 19 so as to slide the first self-locking 27 along the main cable 2.

According to different modes of use, a third self-locking is arranged around the main cable 2 or around a belay cable, to prevent a fall of the individual 25 if the first self-locking 27, the second self-locking 33 or both self-locking 27, 33 no longer provide their function of blocking the main cable 2.

The holding member 16 thus allows an individual to climb along a main cable 2 disposed substantially vertically, the individual 25 being in a substantially vertical position, the feet 28, 30 directed downwards. .

The holding member 16 allows an individual 25 to mount the first self-locking 27 along the main cable 2 using only its first foot 28 inserted into the stirrup 3.

The holding element 16 also allows an individual 25 to ride along the main cable 2 by the sole force of his legs 29, 31, without using his upper limbs.

The device finds advantageous applications in the work of cordists, or building climbers, cordiste-nacellists, and more generally people performing work at height, for industry, building, public works, events. eg during construction, repair, restoration, cleaning, control or expertise, brushing or cutting trees, installing systems safety or scaffolding, the installation of advertising tarpaulins, or even the work of fumiture, the laying of nets.

The device also finds applications in sports activities, for example climbing, caving, or in shooting activities during sports events, or shooting in environments with difficult access, for example cliff.

Claims (9)

1. Device (1) for ascending along a main cable (2), comprising a stirrup (3), the device (1) for ascension being characterized in that it further comprises an element ( 16) configured to be integral, at a first end (17), the stirrup (3) and intended to be secured, at a second end (19), a first self-locking (27) adapted to be arranged on the main cable (2), the holding element (16) comprising a rod (18), able to withstand a compressive force exerted between the first end (17) and the second end (19), so as to slide the first self-locking (27) along the main cable (2). 2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a cable (23) of traction configured to be secured in a first end (24) of the stirrup (3) and intended to be secured in a second end (26) of the first self-locking device (27), the traction cable (23) being able to withstand a traction force exerted between the first end (24) and the second end (26), so that to prevent slipping of the ascending device (1) along the main cable (2). 3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (18) of the element (16) for holding extends from the first end (17) to the second end (19) the holding member (16). 4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (18) of the element (16) for holding comprises a plurality of segments (20) independent. 5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rod (18) of the holding member (16) comprises sleeves (21) configured to assemble the segments (20) to each other. 6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (18) has a general shape of circular section tube. 7. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the element (16) for holding comprises a cable (22) elastic, configured to be secured to the first end (17) and the second end (19) of the holding element (16), the elastic cable (22) being arranged inside the rod (18). 8. Climbing system along a cable (2) main comprising a device (1) of ascension according to any one of the preceding claims, the ascension system being characterized in that it comprises the first self-blocking (27) configured to be secured to the second end (19) of the holding member (16). 9. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a footrest (32) configured to be secured to a second self-locking (33) adapted to be arranged on the cable (2) main.