GB2523734A

GB2523734A - A Rope Gripping device

Info

Publication number: GB2523734A
Application number: GB1402475.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Quinn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-12
Filing date: 2014-02-12
Publication date: 2015-09-09
Also published as: GB201402475D0

Abstract

A rope gripping device comprises an elongate body 1 having a throughhole 5 formed to allow throughpassage of a rope 50. The rope gripping device further comprises an anchoring means 11 adjacent one end of the elongate body for securing the elongate body in position relative to a fixed object, such as a trailer, a cleat, preferably a cam 25, 27, 29, 31 or clam cleat (73, 75 fig 5), for gripping a rope 50 passed through the throughhole 5 and a rope guide 19 adjacent to the cleat for tailing the rope passing through the cleat. The device is mounted on a trailer (fig 6) by the anchoring means before a rope is tied to the other side of the trailer, led over the load and inserted into the throughhole of the device before being secured in place by the cleat of the device. By having such a rope gripping device, the rope can be tensioned with ease.

Description

"A rope gripping device"

Introduction

This invention relates to a rope gripping device. The invention is deemed particularly suitable for use in securing a load to a vehicle or a trailer although it is not limited to such use.

Various types of goods are commonly transported on trailers, roof racks, flatbed trucks and the like. For simplicity, reference will hereinafter only be made to trailers. These goods include, but are not limited to, bales of hay or straw, timber, palletized goods, boats, bicycles and even other vehicles. Such loads of goods may be bulky or irregular in shape or weight and are often stacked one on top of the other on the trailer. In order to transport the goods safely, it is necessary to secure the load to the trailer so that any movement of the load which could affect the stability of the trailer is prevented and so that the goods will not become dislodged or damaged during transit.

Usually, one or more ropes are used to tie the load down to the trailer. First, the rope is tied at one end to a fixed point on the trailer. The rope is then led over the load and the free end of the rope is then tied to another fixed point on the trailer, thereby securing the load in position on the trailer. Rope is often used as it is readily available and inexpensive to provide. However, there are several problems with using rope to tie down goods on a trailer. First of all, in order to effectively tie the goods to the trailer, the person doing so must be relatively proficient at tying knots. If not, there is a possibility that the knot will loosen or become undone and the goods will depart from the trailer during transit or will be able to move about causing damage to the goods and instability to the trailer. Secondly, when using rope to tie down goods, it is not uncommon for knots to form in the rope over time due to the forces on the rope. These knots are often difficult to undo and often require the rope to be cut in order to free the load. Thirdly, it is relatively difficult for the unskilled to sufficiently tension the rope enough to secure the load in place. In particular, it is difficult for many people to maintain tension on the rope while the knot securing the rope is tied. This results in a load that is not properly secured in place and may represent a hazard to other road users.

One alternative to using rope is to use a strap and ratchet to secure the load in place on the trailer. When using a strap and ratchet, the ratchet is secured in position to a fixed point on the trailer and the strap is also secured in position to another fixed point on the opposite side of the trailer. The strap is then led over the goods and inserted into the ratchet and the ratchet is used to tension the strap. As the strap tightens, it will secure the load to the trailer. Although the strap and ratchet approach overcomes many of the difficulties with using ropes, there are numerous problems with using a strap and ratchet to secure a load. First of all, the ratchets are not necessarily simple to use. It is not uncommon for a strap to become twisted when being wound onto a ratchet and this can jam the ratchet making further tightening or loosening of the ratchet very difficult.

Secondly, the ratchets are relatively expensive when compared to rope and are not as readily available as rope. Thirdly, if the ratchets become dirty or rusty, they can be difficult if not impossible to operate and accordingly, the ratchets must be regularly checked and maintained.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rope gripping device for use in tying down a load that overcomes the problems associated with using rope but without experiencing all the difficulties associated with using a strap and ratchet arrangement. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rope gripping device for use in tying down a load which overcomes at least some of the above-identified problems and offers a useful choice to the consumer.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a rope gripping device for use in tying down a load, the rope gripping device comprising: an elongate body having a throughhole formed therein intermediate its ends extending from a front face of the body to the rear face of the body to permit passage of a rope therethrough; an anchoring means adjacent one end of the elongate body for securing the elongate body in position relative to a fixed object; a cleat for gripping a rope passed through the throughhole in the direction from the front face of the elongate body to the rear face of the elongate body, the cleat being mounted on the rear face of the elongate body towards the other end of the elongate body remote from the anchoring means and on the opposite side of the throughhole relative to the anchoring means; and a rope guide adjacent to the cleat fortailing the rope passing through the cleat.

By having such an arrangement, the rope gripping device can be used to secure a rope being used for tying down a load quickly and easily. It Mll not be necessary for the person using the rope gripping device to be proficient at tying knots or to be particularly strong in order to sufficiently tension the rope. The cleat of the rope gripping device will automatically seize the rope and prevent further rope from being paid out until it is desired to release the load once more in which case the rope can be released from the cleat in a simple and straightforward manner. Furthermore, as the present invention is used with a rope rather than a strap, the present invention will not suffer from the problems associated with operation of strap and ratchet arrangements. In addition to the above, the rope gripping device according to the invention will have less moving parts than a ratchet resulting in a rope gripping device that is less expensive to produce and that requires less maintenance.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the anchoring means comprises a second cleat for gripping a second rope passed through the throughhole in the direction from the front face of the elongate body to the rear face of the elongate body and a second rope guide adjacent to the second cleat for tailing the second rope passing through the second cleat. This is seen as a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention and will allow either of the ropes used to secure the load to be tightened by the user. If, in the unlikely event that one of the cleats is damaged, the device can still be used if a rope is tied directly to that end of the elongate body.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the anchoring means comprises a hook. A hook is seen as a useful alternative and simple way of connecting the elongate body to a fixed object.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the hook is secured to the elongate body by way of a flexible tether.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which one of the cleats is a cam cleat. By providing a cam cleat, the rope can be gripped in a relatively straightforward manner by the cleat allowing simple operation and adjustment.

Furthermore, it will be relatively simple for an operator to release the rope from the cam cleat when they choose to do so.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which one of the cleats is a clam cleat. A clam cleat is seen as a useful alternative to a spring loaded cam cleat as it is of simple construction and therefore relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. As it has no moving parts it is less susceptible to breakage or jamming. Furthermore, it may be molded as part of the elongate body and will be inexpensive to manufacture.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the rope guide comprises a rope guide throughhole adjacent an end of the elongate body, the rope guide throughhole extending from a front face of the body to the rear face of the body to permit passage of a rope therethrough in the direction from the rear face of the elongate body to the front face of the elongate body. By having such a rope guide, the rope will not have a tendency to slip out of the cleat and will be held securely in place until such time that it is desired to release the tension from the rope.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the rope guide further comprises a slot extending outwardly substantially laterally from the rope guide throughhole to an open mouth along one side of the elongate body to allow placement of a rope in the rope guide throughhole by passing the rope through the open mouth and along the slot. This is seen as useful as it will allow the rope to be positioned in the rope guide throughhole quickly and easily.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the slot is inclined towards the end of the elongate body from the rope guide throughhole.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the rope guide throughhole further comprises a channel formed in the upper face of the body and extending substantially longitudinally from the rope guide throughhole to the end of the elongate body adjacent thereto. By having a longitudinal channel, the rope can sit in the channel and will be less likely to be inadvertently released from the rope guide which could cause the rope to be released from the cleat. Accordingly, the channel provides for a more secure engagement of the rope by the rope gripping device.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the cleat is mounted in a recess on the rear face of the body. By having the cleat mounted in the recess on the rear face of the body, this will lead to a more compact device.

Furthermore, a degree of protection will be afforded to the cleat.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the rope guide is provided with a plurality of teeth on the surface thereof. By providing teeth on the surface of the slots a more secure grip for the rope is provided.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the elongate body is constructed from a plastic material. This is seen as particularly preferred as the device can be moulded and manufactured in a lightweight plastics material that is inexpensive to produce and ship.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a rope gripping device in which the elongate body is elliptical in shape. By having an elliptical shape, the elongate body will not have any sharp edges that are likely to cause damage to the goods being transported.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rope gripping device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of a rope gripping device according to the invention; Figures 3(a) to 3(d) are perspective views of the rope gripping device being put to use; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a rope gripping device; Figure 5 is a rear view of a third embodiment of a rope gripping device; and Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the rope gripping device according to the invention in use securing a load.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there are shown various views of a rope gripping device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, comprising an elongate body 3 having a throughhole 5 formed therein intermediate its ends extending from a front face 7 of the body to the rear face 9 of the body to permit passage of a rope therethrough. The rope gripping device further comprises an anchoring means 11 adjacent one end 13 of the elongate body for securing the elongate body in position relative to a fixed object and a cleat 15 adjacent the opposite end 17 of the elongate body 3. The cleat 15 is suitable for gripping a rope (not shown) passed through the throughhole 5 in the direction from the front face 7 of the elongate body to the rear face 9 of the elongate body. The cleat 15 is mounted on the rear face of the elongate body towards the other end 17 of the elongate body remote from the anchoring means 11 and on the opposite side of the throughhole 5 relative to the anchoring means 11. A rope guide 19 is provided adjacent to the cleat 15 for tailing a rope that passes through the cleat 15.

In the embodiment sho'Ml, the anchoring means 11 comprises a second cleat 21 and a second rope guide 23 located adjacent to the second cleat 21. The cleats 15, 21 comprise spring loaded cam cleats. Each spring loaded cam cleat 15, 21 comprises a pair of jaws 25, 27, 29, 31 which rotate around shafts 33, 35, 37, 39 respectively. Each of the jaws 25, 27, 29, 31 has a plurality of teeth 41 for gripping a rope. The configuration of cam cleats allows a rope (not shown) to easily pass between the jaws 25, 27, 29, 31 in one direction only, in this case in the direction from the throughhole 5 to rope guide 19, 23 nearest each set of the jaws. If the rope is pulled in the opposite direction, namely from the nearest rope guide 19, 23 towards the throughhole 5, the teeth 41 will engage the rope and prevent the rope from moving in that direction.

The rope guides 19, 23 each further comprise a rope guide throughbore 43 and a slot 45 extending from the rope guide throughbore laterally outwardly to an open mouth at the side of the elongate body, thereby providing a passageway for a rope to be inserted into the rope guide 19, 23. The rope guides 19, 23 additionally comprise a longitudinal channel 47 formed in the front face 7 of the body 3 and extending from the rope guide throughbore 43 to the end 13, 17 of the elongate body closest thereto. The channel 47 is dimensioned to receive a rope (not shown) therein.

Referring to Figures 3(a) to 3(d) inclusive, there are shown various views of a rope gripping device 1 in operation. Referring first of all to Figure 3(a), a free end 50 of a rope 51 is passed through the throughbore 5 in the direction from the front face 7 of the elongate body 3 to the rear face 9 of the elongate body, as illustrated by arrow A, and the free end 50 of the rope 51 is then pulled towards the end 13 of the elongate body 3 in the direction of arrow B. The other end of the rope (not shown) has been secured to a fixed object on the trailer (not shown).

Referring specifically to Figure 3(b), as the rope 51 is pulled towards the end 13 of the elongate body 3 it is fed between the jaws 29, 31 of the cleat 21. As the rope 51 passes between jaws 29, 31, the jaws rotate around their shafts 37, 39 towards the end 13 of the elongate body 3 allowing the rope 51 to be pulled through the cleat 21 in the direction towards the end 13 of the elongate body. The gripping teeth 41 provide a secure engagement with the rope 51 and the teeth 41 of the jaws 29, 31 prevent movement of the rope in the opposite direction. The rope 51 is then fed into the rope guide 23 by passing the rope 51 through the slot 45 and into the rope guide throughbore 43. Once in position, the rope 51 may be pulled to the required tension as illustrated in Figure 3(c). When the rope 51 is pulled in this manner, the rope will locate in the channel 47 that extends from the rope guide throughbore 43 to the end 13 of the elongate body 3 and will not be inclined to slip from the cleat 21.

Referring to Figure 3(d), once the rope gripping device 1 is in the desired position relative to the load and the trailer, a second rope 53 is tied at one end to a fixed object on the trailer and the other free end 55 of the rope 53 is led over the load (not shown) before being passed through the throughbore 5 in the direction from the front face 7 of the elongate body 3 to the rear face 9 of the elongate body 3. The second rope 53 is then led through the cleat 15 and through the rope guide 19. Once in this configuration, as shown in Figure 3(d), either of the ropes 51, 53 free ends 50, 55 respectively can be pulled thereby tightening the rope across the load.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a second embodiment of a rope gripping device according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 61, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The rope gripping device 61 shown in Figure 4 differs from the rope gripping device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 in that the anchoring means 11 comprises a hook 63 mounted on a flexible strap 65 that is connected to the end 13 of the elongate body 3. The hook 63 may be used to engage a fixed point on the trailer or indeed could be led around a structural member on the trailer and back on itself so that it can engage the strap 65. Once the rope gripping device 61 has been secured in place, a rope (not shown) can be secured at one of its ends to the trailer and its other free end can be passed through the throughhole 5 and led through the cleat 15 and rope guide 19 before being tightened.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a rear view of a third embodiment of rope gripping device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 71, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. In the embodiment shown, the rope gripping device 71 comprises a pair of clam cleats 73, 75 instead of the cam cleats. The clam cleats 73, 75 comprise a channel which is V-shaped in cross section and as the rope is passed through this channel it is gripped by ridges on the inner surface of the channel. The clam cleats operate in a similar fashion in that a rope is allowed more freely through the clam cleat in the direction from the throughbore 5 towards the end 13, 17 nearest the cam cleat 75, 73 respectively. However, movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the rope being gripped by ridges or teeth 77 in the clam cleats 73, 75. An advantage of this embodiment is that the clam cleats do not have any moving parts and can be moulded as part of the rope gripping device.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a load, indicated by the reference numeral 100, mounted on trailer 81. The load 100 is laid on the trailer bed 63 of the trailer 61. A rope 51 is tied at one end to a fixed point 85 on the trailer 81 and the free end 50 of the rope 51 is passed through the throughhole 5 of the rope gripping device 1. The free end 50 of the rope 51 is led back on itself, through the cleat 21 and through the rope guide 23. The end 50 of the rope is then adjusted to fix the rope gripping device in the desired location relative to the load 100 and the trailer 61. A second rope 53 is then tied to another fixed point 87 on the opposite side of the trailer.

The free end 55 of the rope 53 is then drawn over the load 100 and inserted through the throughhole 5 of the rope gripping device. The free end 55 of the rope 53 is led back on itself, through the cleat 15 and through the rope guide 19. The end 55 of the rope is then adjusted to secure the load 100 in place on the trailer bed 83. It can be seen that it is not necessary to tie complex knots and the load can be secured quickly and with ease.

It will be understood that various modifications could be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the embodiments shown, either cam cleats or clam cleats have been used to good effect. However, a combination of one cam cleat and one clam cleat could be used if desired. Furthermore, the invention could also incorporate different cleats including, but not limited to, jam cleats. The elongate body is constructed from plastic material however it is envisaged that other materials including, but not limited to, metal could be used in the manufacture of the device.

Although throughout this specification, reference has been made to tying down a load on a trailer, it will be understood that the rope gripping device is not limited solely to tying down loads on trailers and could be used in a range of disparate areas.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims. -10-