US20030024458A1 - Swivel/quick release device for tow rope - Google Patents

Swivel/quick release device for tow rope Download PDF

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Publication number
US20030024458A1
US20030024458A1 US10/211,447 US21144702A US2003024458A1 US 20030024458 A1 US20030024458 A1 US 20030024458A1 US 21144702 A US21144702 A US 21144702A US 2003024458 A1 US2003024458 A1 US 2003024458A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
attachment
load
rope
release
tow rope
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/211,447
Inventor
Michael Murphy
Donald Erb
Charles Peterson
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/211,447 priority Critical patent/US20030024458A1/en
Publication of US20030024458A1 publication Critical patent/US20030024458A1/en
Priority to US10/401,933 priority patent/US6776116B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
    • F16G15/00—Chain couplings, Shackles; Chain joints; Chain links; Chain bushes
    • F16G15/08—Swivels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/56—Towing or pushing equipment
    • B63B21/58—Adaptations of hooks for towing; Towing-hook mountings
    • B63B21/60—Quick releases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
    • B63B34/60—Arrangements for towing, e.g. for use with water-skis or wakeboards
    • B63B34/67—Connection means on the towing watercraft, e.g. pylons, side poles or winches
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
    • F16G11/00—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45461—Interlocking portion actuated or released responsive to preselected condition [e.g., heat, pressure]

Definitions

  • a swivel/quick release which can be connected directly to the power boat or can be incorporated at some point along the length of the tow rope.
  • the device enables the skier to be freed from the pulling force exerted on the tow rope by the power boat in the event of a spill.
  • the present invention comprehends a swivel/quick release device comprising:
  • a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end and operably associated with a bearing means at its other end;
  • a release and attachment means disposed in said housing around said bearing means releasably retaining an attachment for a tow rope;
  • spring means within said housing and engaging said shaft such that as a load is increasingly applied to one end of the shaft, said spring means is compressed within said housing until said load attachment for a tow rope is released.
  • the swivel/quick release can be mounted stationary to the tow point of the boat by a bracket with a metal type fastener that may also feature a swivel on the end of the boat attachment to allow the rope to travel left to right freely zero to 360 degrees. It may also be a non-stationary rope swivel attachment of this invention allows the rope attached to it to twist 360 degrees while the skier is using the rope and handle, eliminating twist in the rope and allowing the rope to spin twist free.
  • This swivel mechanism eliminates the problems associated with retrieving and using traditional rope attachments that twist and knot when the rider performs 360 degree/180 degree tricks and maneuvers. The swivel prevents knots/kinks when in use and extends the life of the rope by reducing wear and tear.
  • the release mechanism of this invention serves as a safety devise that releases manually or can be set to release automatically should the skier fall or be caught in the rope or handle.
  • the release feature of this invention allows the rider to set a degree of pressure that will release the rider in the event of an accident.
  • Incorporated in this devise is a load recorder.
  • the purpose of the load recorder is to measure the amount/degree of tension or load applied by the rope during tricks and maneuvers. Based on the tension/load by adjusting the release load adjuster.
  • the release roller would then open and release the ski rope attachment reducing pressure or stress to these elements.
  • the rider can predetermine and set the desired tension/load limit point at which The safety release would engage and release The riders rope.
  • Factors that would determine tension/load are The riders weight, difficulty and height of trick or maneuver.
  • the device of this invention can be made out of but not limited to metal or a composite type petroleum Based product such as polypropylene.
  • FIG. A is a perspective view of the swivel/quick release of this invention, shown fully assembled.
  • FIG. B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with rope attachment released by rope overload.
  • FIG. C is a longitudinal section through the device of FIG. 1, with no load applied.
  • FIG. D is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1, but with the rope under tension but at less than release load.
  • FIG. E is similar to FIG. 4 with the device shown at release load.
  • FIG. F is similar to FIG. 5, but where the release occurs manually rather than by loading.
  • FIG. G is similar to FIG. 3 with the device adjusted to release at a lighter load.
  • FIG. H is a partial section perspective view of the device in the state shown in FIG. C.
  • FIG. I is a partial section perspective view of the device in the state shown in FIG. D.
  • FIG. J is a partial section perspective view of the device of FIG. E, but prior to release of the rope attachment.
  • FIG. K is a partial section perspective view of the device of FIG. J, but just after the release load is exceeded with the rope attachment beginning to separate.
  • FIG. L is a partial section perspective view with the rope attachment completely separated.
  • FIG. M is a partial section perspective view during installation or re-installation of the rope attachment.
  • FIG. N is a partial section perspective view showing the operation of the device during manual emergency release of the rope attachment.
  • FIG. O is a partial section perspective view of the device in the loaded position, but with no rope attachment in place.
  • FIG. P is a partial section perspective view of the device as it appears during manual re-cocking in preparation for the installation or re-installation of the rope attachment.
  • the device as shown as four release rollers. However, three rollers can be used when using larger rollers, and more than four release rollers can be used, employing smaller rollers.
  • the load memory is a length of rigid nylon which slides along a retaining groove in the spring housing when the main spring seat of the main shaft keeps the load memory from following the spring housing displacement as load is applied.
  • the scale beneath the load memory, FIG. A, is etched into place. Once the load has been recorded, it is intended to be re-set by manually returning the nylon to the original position.
  • the release shaft within the main shaft has its own bearing return spring.
  • the bias of this spring must be overcome manually to release the attachment for a tow rope for re-cocking.
  • the device may be attached directly to the rear of a power boat by the boat attachment, FIG. A.
  • the boat attachment may be connected to a tow rope, the other end of which is attached to the seat of a power boat.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

A swivel/quick release device having a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end operated associated with a bearing means at its other end; a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted.
A release and attachment means is disposed in the housing around the bearing means releasably retaining an attachment for a tow rope.
Spring means is present within the housing and engaging the shaft such that as a load is increasingly applied to one end of the shaft, the spring means is compressed within the housing until the attachment for a tow rope is released.

Description

  • This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/309,302, filed Aug. 2, 2001.[0001]
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Water skies are towed behind power boats. Typically, the skier grabs a handle attached to a tow rope. The other end of the tow rope is affixed to the rear of the power boat. At speed, the skier may perform jumps, and other tricks and maneuvers. These activities can cause the tow rope to become twisted. In the event of a spill, the skier can become entangled in the tow rope or dragged along behind the power boat for a considerable distance. The skier may also become caught up by the handle carried at the end of the tow rope. [0002]
  • To reduce these problems, we have developed a swivel/quick release which can be connected directly to the power boat or can be incorporated at some point along the length of the tow rope. The device enables the skier to be freed from the pulling force exerted on the tow rope by the power boat in the event of a spill. [0003]
    • SUMMARY OF INVENTION
  • Briefly, the present invention comprehends a swivel/quick release device comprising: [0004]
  • a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end and operably associated with a bearing means at its other end; [0005]
  • a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted; [0006]
  • a release and attachment means disposed in said housing around said bearing means releasably retaining an attachment for a tow rope; [0007]
  • spring means within said housing and engaging said shaft such that as a load is increasingly applied to one end of the shaft, said spring means is compressed within said housing until said load attachment for a tow rope is released. [0008]
  • The swivel/quick release can be mounted stationary to the tow point of the boat by a bracket with a metal type fastener that may also feature a swivel on the end of the boat attachment to allow the rope to travel left to right freely zero to 360 degrees. It may also be a non-stationary rope swivel attachment of this invention allows the rope attached to it to twist 360 degrees while the skier is using the rope and handle, eliminating twist in the rope and allowing the rope to spin twist free. This swivel mechanism eliminates the problems associated with retrieving and using traditional rope attachments that twist and knot when the rider performs 360 degree/180 degree tricks and maneuvers. The swivel prevents knots/kinks when in use and extends the life of the rope by reducing wear and tear. [0009]
  • The release mechanism of this invention serves as a safety devise that releases manually or can be set to release automatically should the skier fall or be caught in the rope or handle. The release feature of this invention allows the rider to set a degree of pressure that will release the rider in the event of an accident. [0010]
  • Incorporated in this devise is a load recorder. The purpose of the load recorder is to measure the amount/degree of tension or load applied by the rope during tricks and maneuvers. Based on the tension/load by adjusting the release load adjuster. In the event of an accident (excessive amount of tension/load due to a hazardous situation such as i.e., a rider's limbs or a piece of the rider's's equipment is caught in the rope or handle) the release roller would then open and release the ski rope attachment reducing pressure or stress to these elements. By measuring the amount/degree of tension/load the rider can predetermine and set the desired tension/load limit point at which The safety release would engage and release The riders rope. Factors that would determine tension/load are The riders weight, difficulty and height of trick or maneuver. [0011]
  • The device of this invention can be made out of but not limited to metal or a composite type petroleum Based product such as polypropylene.[0012]
    • DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • In the drawings: [0013]
  • FIG. A is a perspective view of the swivel/quick release of this invention, shown fully assembled. [0014]
  • FIG. B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with rope attachment released by rope overload. [0015]
  • FIG. C is a longitudinal section through the device of FIG. 1, with no load applied. [0016]
  • FIG. D is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1, but with the rope under tension but at less than release load. [0017]
  • FIG. E is similar to FIG. 4 with the device shown at release load. [0018]
  • FIG. F is similar to FIG. 5, but where the release occurs manually rather than by loading. [0019]
  • FIG. G is similar to FIG. 3 with the device adjusted to release at a lighter load. [0020]
  • FIG. H is a partial section perspective view of the device in the state shown in FIG. C. [0021]
  • FIG. I is a partial section perspective view of the device in the state shown in FIG. D. [0022]
  • FIG. J is a partial section perspective view of the device of FIG. E, but prior to release of the rope attachment. [0023]
  • FIG. K is a partial section perspective view of the device of FIG. J, but just after the release load is exceeded with the rope attachment beginning to separate. [0024]
  • FIG. L is a partial section perspective view with the rope attachment completely separated. [0025]
  • FIG. M is a partial section perspective view during installation or re-installation of the rope attachment. [0026]
  • FIG. N is a partial section perspective view showing the operation of the device during manual emergency release of the rope attachment. [0027]
  • FIG. O is a partial section perspective view of the device in the loaded position, but with no rope attachment in place. [0028]
  • FIG. P is a partial section perspective view of the device as it appears during manual re-cocking in preparation for the installation or re-installation of the rope attachment.[0029]
  • The device as shown as four release rollers. However, three rollers can be used when using larger rollers, and more than four release rollers can be used, employing smaller rollers. [0030]
  • The load memory is a length of rigid nylon which slides along a retaining groove in the spring housing when the main spring seat of the main shaft keeps the load memory from following the spring housing displacement as load is applied. The scale beneath the load memory, FIG. A, is etched into place. Once the load has been recorded, it is intended to be re-set by manually returning the nylon to the original position. [0031]
  • The release shaft within the main shaft has its own bearing return spring. The bias of this spring must be overcome manually to release the attachment for a tow rope for re-cocking. [0032]
  • In use, the device may be attached directly to the rear of a power boat by the boat attachment, FIG. A. Alternatively, the boat attachment may be connected to a tow rope, the other end of which is attached to the seat of a power boat. [0033]

Claims (5)

We claim:
1. A swivel/quick release device comprising:
a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end and operably associate with a bearing means at its other end;
a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted;
a release and attachment means disposed in said housing around said bearing means releasably retaining an attachment for a tow rope;
spring means within said housing and engaging said shaft such that as a load is increasingly applied to one end of the shaft, said spring means is compressed within said housing until said attachment for a tow rope is released.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said attachment for a tow rope is freely rotatably around said device while being retained by said device.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising means for manually releasing said attachment for a tow rope.
4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a load memory for recording the maximum load applied to the device.
5. The device of claim 1 further provided with a load release adjuster.
US10/211,447 2001-08-02 2002-08-02 Swivel/quick release device for tow rope Abandoned US20030024458A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/211,447 US20030024458A1 (en) 2001-08-02 2002-08-02 Swivel/quick release device for tow rope
US10/401,933 US6776116B2 (en) 2001-08-02 2003-03-28 Swivel/quick release device for tow rope

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30930201P 2001-08-02 2001-08-02
US10/211,447 US20030024458A1 (en) 2001-08-02 2002-08-02 Swivel/quick release device for tow rope

Related Child Applications (1)

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US10/401,933 Continuation US6776116B2 (en) 2001-08-02 2003-03-28 Swivel/quick release device for tow rope

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US10/401,933 Expired - Fee Related US6776116B2 (en) 2001-08-02 2003-03-28 Swivel/quick release device for tow rope

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2244153A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-27 Feldmann Beteiligungs GmbH Separating device integrated into a pulling device
CN102840277A (en) * 2012-08-29 2012-12-26 厦门博意达科技有限公司 Suspension rotor connector
US10100901B1 (en) * 2017-11-13 2018-10-16 Nhon Hoa Nguyen Swivel shackle sets
US10512821B2 (en) * 2016-02-29 2019-12-24 Zedel Belaying lanyard equipped with improved swivel connection

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060185571A1 (en) * 2005-02-24 2006-08-24 Eric Leseberg Tension load tow rope booster device for water sports
US20060185572A1 (en) * 2005-02-24 2006-08-24 Eric Leseberg Tension Load Tow Rope Booster Device for Water Sports
US20060261112A1 (en) * 2005-04-20 2006-11-23 Gates George D ATV mounting bracket and associated methods
US7350755B1 (en) * 2005-08-09 2008-04-01 Harrison Robert W Watercraft accessory tower mount
US7874533B1 (en) 2006-10-31 2011-01-25 All Rite Products, Inc. ATV mounting bracket and associated tool storage systems
PL2670069T3 (en) * 2012-06-01 2016-01-29 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M Data transmission control
US9233585B1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2016-01-12 Tommy B. Haynes Towing tie assembly
US20230028932A1 (en) * 2019-12-09 2023-01-26 S6 Innovations Inc. Detachable cab for an amphibious vehicle

Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3125790A (en) * 1964-03-24 Releasable coupling

Family Cites Families (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3413692A (en) * 1967-04-03 1968-12-03 Norco Inc Fastener having predetermined load release
US5430914A (en) * 1993-05-28 1995-07-11 Turtle Snaps, Inc. Self releasing snap

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3125790A (en) * 1964-03-24 Releasable coupling

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2244153A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-27 Feldmann Beteiligungs GmbH Separating device integrated into a pulling device
CN102840277A (en) * 2012-08-29 2012-12-26 厦门博意达科技有限公司 Suspension rotor connector
US10512821B2 (en) * 2016-02-29 2019-12-24 Zedel Belaying lanyard equipped with improved swivel connection
US11097160B2 (en) * 2016-02-29 2021-08-24 Zedel Belaying lanyard equipped with improved swivel connection
US10100901B1 (en) * 2017-11-13 2018-10-16 Nhon Hoa Nguyen Swivel shackle sets

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US20040020418A1 (en) 2004-02-05
US6776116B2 (en) 2004-08-17

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