IES20140212A2 - A rope gripping device - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a rope gripping device for use in tying down a load. The rope gripping device comprises an elongate body having a through hole formed therein dimensioned to allow through passage of a rope. The rope gripping device further comprises an anchoring means 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 for gripping a rope passed through the through hole and a rope guide adjacent to the cleat for tailing the rope passing through the cleat. The device is mounted on the trailer by the anchoring means before a rope is tied to the other side of the trailer, led over the load and inserted into the through hhole 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

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. -2One 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 aboveidentified 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 -3other 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 for tailing 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 will 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. -4In 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 -5the 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; -6Figure 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; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the rope gripping device according to the invention in use securing a load; Figure 7 is a rear view of a fourth embodiment of rope gripping device 10 according to the invention; Figure 8 is a side view of the rope gripping device shown in Figure 7; Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are perspective views from in front and behind 15 respectively of the rope gripping device shown in Figure 7 being put to use; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of rope gripping device according to the invention; Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the rope gripping device shown in Figure 10; and Figures 12 (a) and 12(b) are perspective views from in front and behind respectively of the rope gripping device shown in Figure 10 being put to use.

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 throughhoie 5 formed therein intermediate its ends extending from a front 30 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 eiongate body 3. The cleat 15 is suitable for gripping a rope (not shown) passed through the 35 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 -7means 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 shown, 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 -8provide 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 -9allowed move 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 83 of the trailer 81. 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 81. 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.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a fourth embodiment of rope gripping device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 111, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The rope gripping device 111 is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown in Figure 4 with the exception that there is no hook provided as an anchoring member. Instead, the rope gripping device 110 comprises a flexible strap or rigid bracket 113 having an aperture (not shown) therein for reception of a securing bolt 115. The securing bolt is allowed to pass partially through the aperture and is secured relative to a trailer or the like by screwing the bolt into a bolt-receiving hole (not shown) on the trailer of the like. This secures the rope gripping device in place on the trailer.

Referring to Figures 9(a) and 9(b), there are shown views of the rope gripping device in operation. The free end 50 of a length of rope 51 is inserted through the throughhole 5 of the rope gripping device 111 and is led back on itself, through the - 10cleat 15 and through the rope guide 19. The rope is tightened by pulling on the free end until the cargo is securely fastened to the trailer (not shown).

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a plurality of views of a fifth embodiment of rope gripping device according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 121, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The rope gripping device 121 differs from previous embodiments shown in that the rope gripping device comprises a substantially cross-shaped body 123 having a similarly-shaped internal aperture 125 located centrally in the body 123 and four limbs 127, 129, 131 and 133 extending outwardly from the internal aperture 125. Each of the limbs 127, 129, 131 and 133 has a cleat 15, 21, 135, 137 respectively and a rope guide 19, 23, 139, 141 respectively.

Referring to Figures 12(a) and 12(b), there is shown perspective views of the rope gripping device in operation. One end of a length of rope 51 is tied to a trailer or other structure and the free end 50 of a length of rope 51 is led through the aperture 125 in the direction from the front of the rope gripping device to the rear of the rope gripping device. The rope 51 is led through one of the cleats 21 and through the rope guide 23 before the free end 50 of the rope 51 is pulled to position the rope gripping device in the correct location. Three more lengths of rope (not shown) will be provided, one for each cleat on each of the three remaining limbs. The additional lengths of rope will also be secured at one end to the trailer or other carrier and their free ends will be led through the aperture 125 one by one and secured using one of the cleats and one of the rope guides. In this way, it can be seen that the rope gripping device can provide a four-way or four point connection which may be useful in many applications.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 12(b) inclusive, the rope gripping device is arranged for a four-way connection. However, it will be readily understood that more or less connection points may be provided if desired. For example, it is envisaged that a three-way connection rope gripping device (essentially a triangular shaped configuration) with three limbs extending outwardly from a substantially central aperture, each limb having a cleat and a rope guide, could be provided. Alternatively, a five-way connection rope gripping device with five limbs, five cleats and five rope guides could be provided or a six-way connection rope gripping device with six limbs, six cleats and six rope guides could be provided. Even more -11 connection points could be provided around the substantially centrally-located aperture if desired.

Furthermore, instead of having a cleat and a rope guide, one of the limbs may comprise an anchoring means such as a hook and/or a flexible tether and/or rigid bracket so that the rope gripping device can be anchored to a trailer or the like about this limb. For example, a three-way rope gripping device could be provided with one anchoring means comprising a hook and two cleats and two corresponding rope guides for securing a pair of ropes. Similarly, a four-way rope gripping device similar to the one described above with reference to Figures 10 to 12(b) above could be provided with one of the cleats and one of the rope guides replaced by a flexible tether and/or a hook and/or rigid bracket arrangement instead.

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. The elongate body is substantially planar however it is envisaged that the body may be arcuate and substantially concave with the inner surface of the concave shape being the rear surface of the rope gripping device body. In addition to the foregoing, rubber coatings could be provided to all or part of the front and sides of the rope gripping device to enhance grip of the device. The rubber coatings may have upstanding bosses formed thereon to further enhance grip of the device.

Throughout the specification, reference is made to a rope gripping device. However, it will be understood that the invention may also be used to grip elastic cord, or so called bungee cord, to equally good effect and the invention is also intended for use with elastic cord.

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. -12ln 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.

Claims (5)

1. Claims: (1) 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 for tailing the rope passing through the cleat
2. 2. (2) A rope gripping device as claimed in claim 1 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.
3. 3. (3) A rope gripping device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 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.
4. 4. (4) A rope gripping device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the cleat is mounted in a recess on the rear face of the body.
5. 5. (5) A rope gripping device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings