WO2014154648A1

WO2014154648A1 - Part, device and method for locking a rope

Info

Publication number: WO2014154648A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/055884
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Durand
Original assignee: Michel Durand
Priority date: 2013-03-25
Filing date: 2014-03-24
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Also published as: EP2978504B1; EP2978504A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a part (Ω) for a device for locking a rope (R) for climbing, water sports, mountaineering, caving or life-saving, said rope comprising a first ("standing") strand (R7) and a second ("working") strand (R1, R2, R3), said part (Ω) comprising - at least one hole (A) designed to receive the rope (R), - at least one slot (1, 2) designed to cooperate with an oval-shaped ring or a carabiner (G), - an ejection mechanism (P) for ejecting the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner (G), said ejection finger (P1) being configured to move in a first direction when the first ("standing") strand (R7) is tensioned, thereby locking the second ("working") strand (R1, R2, R3), and to move in a second direction opposite to the first when the first ("standing") strand (R7) is released, thereby unlocking the second ("working") strand (R1, R2, R3). The present invention also relates to a device for locking a rope, comprising such a part, and to a method for locking a rope.

Description

Part, device and method for locking a rope

Technical area

The present invention relates to a piece for a device for blocking a rope for climbing, boating, mountaineering,

speleology, rescue or for any other activity using ropes, and a locking device comprising this piece. The present invention also relates to a method of blocking such a rope.

State of the art

Currently, in general, mountain climbers or

speleologists set up heavy two-tone ropes of more than 80 m for 40 m recalls. It is therefore necessary to use a rope having a length which is double compared to that of the rappels.

In this context, mountaineers or speleologists do with the knot nodes called "Dufour", which allow to descend on one strand and recall the rope with the other strand remained free and thus perform a succession of short reminders without having to undo the knot node. More sporadically, another solution is a hook-shaped material that retrieves the rope by interacting on said hook with a cord of length equivalent to the reminder performed. This technique is only used by seasoned specialists, as it meets strict rules for setting up and handling ropes.

In extreme situations, some experienced users resign themselves to setting up a knot system known as a "kamikaze knot" or "cut dog leg knot". These rope loop techniques are rarely used because the tightness of the loops on themselves is very random and can at any time, depending on the type of rope used or weather conditions, to discard.

Another solution is to fix the rope in "simple" and to go down all along its length. This method does not allow reuse of its hardware for a new reminder. Abandonment of equipment on one side causes, in addition to a significant financial cost, a visual pollution of the sites and more dangerous (unreliable reliability of the fixed rope).

Brief summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for locking a rope which makes it possible to fix and lock the rope in an infallible and reliable manner.

Another object of the invention is that of proposing a device for blocking a rope which makes it possible to carry out the "rope-pulling" rope maneuver more effectively with respect to known solutions. Another object of the invention is that of proposing a device for blocking a rope which makes it possible to reuse the equipment used for a new booster.

Another aim is to propose a device that lightening the necessary gearing by half. According to the invention, these objects are attained in particular by means of a piece for a device for blocking a rope for climbing, boating, mountaineering, speleology or rescue, said rope

comprising at least a first strand and a second strand, said part comprising

at least one hole arranged to receive the rope, at least one slot arranged to cooperate with a ring or carabiner,

an ejection mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the ring is of substantially oval shape.

In a preferred embodiment, the first strand of the rope comprises the "dormant", that is to say the strand of the rope which remains fixed and allows the descent or the rise of a user.

In a preferred embodiment, the second strand of the rope comprises the "current", that is to say the free strand of a rope to be woven or knot, and a tie-down loop.

Advantageously, this ejection mechanism is configured to move in a first direction, for example downwards, when the first strand is energized, thus blocking the second strand. Advantageously, this ejection mechanism is also configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first, so for example upwards, when the first strand is released, thus unlocking the second strand.

Therefore, the device according to the invention blocks the rope when it is turned on, and releases it when released. It is both a device for locking the rope, and a device for unlocking this rope. Its user therefore benefits from a strong belay point that can be neutralized remotely. Thus, the lengths of reminders are doubled for a weight in equivalent material, or the weight is halved for the same length of recall. As the ratio of rope length available on rope length used becomes close to one, the efficiency of the rope material is improved, also to avoid the risky techniques of recovery rope recovery.

The part according to the invention thus allows the blocking (and unblocking) of a cord at a distance by release of a finger or ejection pushbutton actuated by a mechanical control. The use of accurate and defined rope tensioning as a switching system makes the mechanism reliable and reliable in this type of activity even under extreme operating conditions.

Since the part according to the invention is recoverable, it is no longer necessary to leave expensive equipment on the wall and

visually polluting.

In a variant, the ejection mechanism comprises a movable ejector finger, and an elastic element, for example a spring.

In another variant the movable ejector finger is arranged to slide through a hole opening on the upper surface of the workpiece.

In another variant, the part comprises an upper slot and a lateral slot.

In a variant, the upper slot is defined by the upper surface and the portion of the part comprising the hole.

In a variant, the upper surface comprises teeth or peaks.

In another variant, the upper surface has an inclination with respect to a horizontal line of an angle of between 15 ° and 25 °, for example 20 °. In another variant, the part comprises a means, for example another hole, arranged to make a locking point of the rope.

In another variant, the part comprises a remote electronic control module of the ejection mechanism. The present invention also relates to a device for blocking a rope for climbing, boating, mountaineering, speleology and rescue, comprising

the part according to the invention,

- a ring or carabiner. Advantageously, the ring, which in a preferred embodiment has an oval shape, or the carabiner is arranged to slide in the upper slot and / or in the side slot of the piece.

Advantageously, the ring or the carabiner is configured to slide in the lateral slot in the first direction, for example downwards, when the rope is energized, so as to move the ejection mechanism in the first direction and lock the mooring loop formed by the rope.

Advantageously, the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner is configured to slide in the lateral slot in the second direction, for example upwards, when the rope is released, so as to move the ejection mechanism in the second direction in the second direction.

thus unlocking the mooring loop formed by the rope.

The present invention also relates to a method of locking a rope for climbing, boating, mountaineering, speleology or rescue, the rope comprising a first strand and a second strand, the method comprising the following steps:

- Make a knot blocking the rope on a carabiner or on the ring. For example, the blocking node may be a lark node. During this step, the second strand of the rope, including the current, must be sufficient for mooring.

- Make a locking point of the rope on a piece, creating a loose loop between the locking knot of the rope and the locking point of the rope. This blocking point may for example be a node and can block an end of the second strand.

- Insert the carabiner or the ring into at least one slot in the said room.

- Pass the second strand into an anchor point, creating a tie-down loop.

- Pass the second strand through a hole in the room.

- When a tension of the rope on the first strand by a user, moving the ring or carabiner in at least one slot of the room in a first direction.

- Moving a coin ejection mechanism in the first direction.

- Blocking the second strand between the ring or carabiner and an upper surface of the room. Advantageously, the method may comprise the following steps:

- When the user no longer exerts tension on the first strand, moving the ejection mechanism in a second direction opposite to the first.

- Moving the ring or carabiner in the second direction.

- Release of the second strand.

Advantageously, the method may comprise the step of remote control of the ejection mechanism.

The material used can therefore be recovered. The present invention also relates to a dynamic rope locking device for single rope, especially for mountaineering, caving or any other activity using ropes used to double the length of the recalls while allowing the

recovery of the rope and the locking device, characterized by a main body [Ω] of metal or hard plastic, a system of movable integral elements constituted by a movable ring or a carabiner of suitable size [G] and a finger ejection [P] mobilized mechanically or electronically. In a variant, the device is characterized by a fixed main body [Ω] through which the rope [R] circulates in the orifices [A] and [B].

In a variant, the device is characterized in that during the mobilization of the movable ring or a carabiner of suitable size, it interacts directly on the rope in [R1, R2], causing the partial closure of the light [ AT].

In a variant, the device is characterized in that the closing of the light in [A] blocks the chord [R] in [R1, R4].

In a variant, the device is characterized by the arming of an ejection finger [P1], controlled remotely by the loosening of the rope or any other remotely controlled electronic method.

In a variant, the device is characterized by the formation of a solid loop [D] of adaptable dimension between the orifices [A] and [B] of the main body [Ω] allowing the stowage of the assembly [n, G , R, P] at a fixed point in [E]. In a variant, the device is characterized in that the main body [Ω] supporting downstream on a blocking node [R4] or any another blocking element and upstream on the blocking of the rope in [A], creates a solid loop [D] of variable size.

In a variant, the device is characterized in that a tight knot [R6] on a movable ring or a carabiner of adapted size [G] in a zone [C] bears on said fixing point [E] and allow the securing of the rope [R] on which the user can freely descend or climb on the rope [R7].

In a variant, the device is characterized in that at the moment of relaxation of the rope strand [R7], a mechanical or electronic communication is transmitted and picked up by the ejection mechanism [P] so that it resumes its position. high rest by the relaxation of the spring [P2] or any other mechanism allowing a similar result.

In a variant, the device is characterized in that the return to the high position of the ejection mechanism [P] also allows the return to the high position of the movable ring or carabiner of adapted size [G].

In a variant, the device is characterized in that the return to the high position of the movable ring or carabiner of adapted size [G], opens the light [A]. The compression in [3] of the rope in [R1, R2] is no longer ensured by the movable ring or a carabiner of suitable size [G], the return rope [R] is then released from the orifice [ A] of the device [Ω].

In a variant, the device is characterized in that the release of the rope at [A] releases the loop [D] at its stowage point [E]. Brief description of the figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

FIGS. 1A to 1D respectively illustrate a right, front, left and respectively top view of an embodiment of a workpiece for a locking device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a rope locking device according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a part according to the invention and a carabiner. Part of the piece is displayed in an exploded way, to show its inner part.

3 illustrates a front view of the rope locking device according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a part according to the invention and a carabiner, including its interaction with a rope.

Example (s) of Embodiment (s) of the Invention FIG. 2 illustrates a device for blocking a rope for climbing, boating, mountaineering, caving, or for any other activity using ropes. according to one embodiment of the invention.

This device comprises:

- a part or main body Ω;

- a ring or carabiner G.

In a preferred embodiment the ring has an oval shape. The part Ω, illustrated in detail in FIGS. 1A to 1D, comprises at least one slot or groove for cooperating with the oval-shaped ring or carabiner G. In the examples illustrated, the part Ω comprises two grooves, a groove upper 1, visible in Figure 1 A, and a lateral groove 2, visible in Figure 1 C.

The grooves 1, 2 are arranged to receive at least a portion of the oval-shaped ring or carabiner G, and in particular they have an arranged shape so that the ring or carabiner G can slide in these grooves. Advantageously, the part Ω comprises a movable finger or ejection mechanism P, seen in detail in FIG. 2. In the example illustrated, this ejection mechanism P comprises an ejection pusher P1, a spring P2, and a P3 cap.

The piece Ω comprises in correspondence of its upper groove 1 a hole T, visible in Figure 1 A, configured to allow the passage of the ejection pusher P1. In the example of FIG. 1A, the ejection pusher P1 opens into the upper groove 1 of the part Ω.

Although Fig. 2 illustrates a spring P2, the present invention is not limited to the presence of a spring, but any other elastic device or elastic mechanism may be used in its place. For example the spring may be replaced by a paste or elastic jelly, or by a piston compressing a certain amount of fluid, for example air, or any other equivalent means.

In a variant, the plug P3 is a disc which has a thickness of less than 5 mm, for example equal to 3 mm. This plug P3 has the sole function of acting as a support for the spring P2 or any other elastic means equivalent to the piece Ω. The plug P3 can be glued to the piece Ω, or screwed to this piece or be locked in place by a rivet or any other appropriate means. As the oval-shaped ring or carabiner G can slide relative to the piece Ω, it can also be named as moving member. In the example shown, the ring or carabiner G has a substantially oval shape. The piece Ω can be made of metal, plastic or composite. It can consist of a single piece (monobloc), or be made by assembling different parts.

As visible in the figures, the piece Ω comprises

a first hole A;

- a second hole B

a third and a fourth hole D.

The hole A is generally of a size that is compatible with the diameter of the rope R used. In the example shown, the hole A is substantially circular, and has a diameter slightly greater than that of the rope R used. In a variant, the ratio between the diameter of the hole and that of the rope is between 1.2 and 2, preferably between 1.4 and 1.8, for example 1 .6.

The function of hole B is to block the rope in at least one point. In other words, the hole B makes it possible to make a locking point of the rope. Alternatively, hole B may be replaced by a self-tightening notch, hook, or other device that will lock the rope at one point.

Although in the illustrated examples holes A and B are aligned, this alignment is not necessary for the operation of the device. On the other hand, the distance between the two holes A and B must be sufficient to prevent the part of the rope R3 visible in FIG. 3 from compressing the part of the rope R2, still visible in FIG. 3, when the power is turned on. of the rope, as we will see later. For example, the distance between two holes A and B is in a variant greater than 20 mm, for example greater than 40 mm.

In a variant, the holes A and / or B are chamfered externally. The presence of the holes D is not necessary for the operation of the locking device. These holes can be absent.

As illustrated in Figure 1 D, in correspondence of the upper groove 1 of the workpiece Ω, the workpiece Ω comprises a substantially horizontal surface 3 which is not smooth because it comprises teeth. In the context of this invention, the adjective "horizontal (e)" indicates that the surface is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity during use of the locking device.

In another variant, the surface 3 is not toothed, but it can also be crenellated or include peaks. If the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G comprises, at least in correspondence of its portion which cooperates with the surface 3 of the part Ω, a non-smooth surface, then the surface 3 may be devoid of teeth.

In another variant, not shown, the surface 3 is not horizontal, but it has an inclination with respect to a horizontal line of an angle in the range 1 5 ° -25 °, for example 20 °. In this case, the surface of the oval-shaped ring or carabiner G may be smooth. In this variant the piece Ω will be easier to manufacture, and also lighter. The operation of the locking device will be described with respect to FIG.

The different parts of the rope R are indicated in FIG. 3 with the references R1 to R7. However, it should be understood that in a preferred embodiment the rope is made of a single piece, not several pieces assembled together. In particular :

- the reference R7 indicates the frame, or the belay rope,

the reference R6 indicates the part of the rope used to make a mooring knot on the carabiner or the oval-shaped ring,

- the reference R5 indicates the part of the rope that forms a loose loop

the reference R4 indicates the part of the rope used to make a blocking or stopping point,

the references R3 and R2 indicate the parts of the rope used to make a lashing loop

the reference R1 indicates the free current.

First, the rope R enters the locking device through the hole B and out through the hole A, forming a loop D, shown in Figure 3, of variable size. The loop D thus formed allows belaying at a fixed anchoring point E. As anticipated, the distance between the two holes A and B must be sufficient to prevent the portion of the rope R3 of the loop D comes to compress the part of the rope R2 of the loop D when powering up the rope.

A knot or other locking mechanism

hole B correspondence prevents any sliding in R3. The rope strand R5 is tension-freely connected to the oval-shaped ring or carabiner G by means of a tight knot R6, for example a double mooring knot as shown in FIG. 3, or any other type tight knot, for example "double capstan knot" or "knot node". The function of the node R6 is that of fixing the rope R to the oval ring or carabiner G, and especially to allow that even under tension the rope in R5 remains perfectly relaxed.

At an ideal tension of the rope portion R7 by the user illustrated in FIG. 3, the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G slides in the grooves 1 and / or 2 of the workpiece Ω. In this way the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G transmits on the one hand directly the tension force in an area corresponding to the intersection between the hole A and the groove 1, and on the other hand it comes to arm in position lower the ejector system P of Figure 2 by compression of the spring P2.

The oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G then turns into a clamping instrument, sufficiently closing the hole A (for example at least 80% of the hole is closed) and causing compression and pinching of parts of the rope R1, R2 and R3 a blocking of the D loop between points A and B.

In other words, following the sliding of the carabiner G, the rope portion between R1 and R2 is strongly pinched between the carabiner and the surface 3 of the piece Ω.

The rope R is therefore strongly compressed, without being severed or damaged, between the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G and the upper surface 3 of the part Ω visible in FIG. 1 D. The ejector finger P1 is then placed under pressure until tending to fade into the body of the device through the hole T.

The locking of the rope thus allows the user to descend or climb freely on the strand R7 rope "dormant".

When the user no longer exerts tension on the rope part R7 and the residual tension on the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G is only substantially equal to the weight of the rope R, the ejection mechanism P returns to the high rest position by

compensating for the weight of the rope R. Consequently, the oval-shaped ring or carabiner G releases the hole A causing the opening of the loop D by the strands (the current) of rope R1, R2. The assembly formed by the carabiner G, the body Ω and the rope R can be brought back to perform a new rope maneuver called "simple rope recall".

The return to the "high" position of the ejection mechanism P also allows the upward sliding of the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G. This return to the high position of the ring or carabiner G opens the hole A. In other words, the relaxation of the tension assisted in addition by the release of the ejector finger P1 brings the oval-shaped ring or the carabiner G to their initial rest position allowing the release of the rope. The compression in correspondence of the surface 3 of the rope is no longer provided by the ring or carabiner G, the return rope R is then released from the hole A of the workpiece Ω.

The release of the rope at A releases the loop D at its stowage point E. The ring or the carabiner G thus constitutes both the fastening member and the adjustable clamping member cooperating with the upper surface 3 of the piece Ω.

The device, thus produced, provides optimal security in extreme climatic conditions, both in terms of the rope lock, than during the recovery of the set with rope.

In a variant not shown, the device according to the invention also comprises a receiver arranged to receive a signal sent by a device carried by the user, for example a remote control, the received signal to activate the realization of the locking of the rope. For example, the device according to the invention may comprise a microprocessor and an actuator connected to the ejection mechanism P, the microprocessor being arranged to elaborate the received signal and to activate the actuator so that it can move the ejection pusher P1. ejection mechanism P.

In other words, the pusher P1 can be controlled remotely by loosening and / or powering the rope R and also by a remotely controlled electronic method. For example, at the moment of relaxation of the strand of the rope R7, a communication is transmitted and picked up by the ejection mechanism P so that it resumes its "high" rest position by the relaxation of the spring P2 or any other mechanism allowing a similar result.

Claims

claims

1. Part (Ω) for a device for blocking a rope (R) for climbing, boating, mountaineering, speleology or rescue, said rope (R) comprising a first strand (R7) and a second strand (R1, R2, R3), said piece (Ω) comprising

at least one hole (A) arranged to receive the rope (R),

at least one slot (1, 2) arranged to cooperate with a ring or carabiner (G),

an ejection mechanism (P) of the rope (R),

said ejection mechanism (P) being configured to move in a first direction when the first strand (R7) is energized, thus blocking the second strand (R1, R2, R3), and moving in a second direction opposite to the first, when the first strand (R7) is released, thereby unlocking the second strand (R1, R2, R3).

2. Part according to claim 1, the first strand (R7) comprising a frame, the second strand (R1, R2, R3) comprising a stream (R1) and a lashing loop (R2, R3).

3. Part according to one of claims 1 or 2, said ejection mechanism comprising a movable ejector finger (P1), an elastic element (P2), for example a spring, and a support (P3) for said elastic element ( P2).

4. Part according to claim 3, said movable ejector finger (P1) being arranged to slide through a hole (T) opening from an upper surface (3) of said piece (Ω).

5. Part according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an upper slot (1) and a side slot (2).

6. Part according to claim 5, the upper slot (1) being defined by the upper surface (3) and the part of the piece (Ω) comprising the hole (A).

7. Part according to one of claims 4 to 6, said upper surface (3) comprising teeth or peaks.

8. Part according to one of claims 4 to 6, said upper surface (3) having an inclination relative to a horizontal line of an angle between 15 ° and 25 °.

9. Part according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising means (B) arranged to make a locking point of the rope (R4).

10. Part according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an electronic remote control module of said ejection mechanism (P).

1 1. Rope blocking device (R) for climbing, boating, mountaineering, caving or rescue, comprising

the piece (Ω) according to one of the preceding claims,

- a ring or carabiner (G).

12. Device according to claim 1 1, said ring being an oval ring.

13. The device according to one of claims 1 1 or 12, said ring or said carabiner (G) being arranged to slide in said upper slot (1) and / or in said side slot (2) of the piece (Ω) .

14. The device according to one of claims 1 1 to 13, said ring or said carabiner being configured to slide in said upper slot (1) and / or in said lateral slot (2) in the first direction when the first strand ( R7) is energized so as to move said ejection mechanism (P) in the first direction and slide in said upper slot (1) and / or said lateral slot (2) in the second direction when the first strand (R7) is released, so as to move in the second direction said ejection mechanism (P) thereby unlocking the second strand (R1, R2, R3).

A method of blocking a rope (R) for climbing, boating, mountaineering, speleology or rescue, said rope (R) comprising a first strand (R7) and a second strand (R1, R2, R3), said method

comprising the following steps:

- make a locking knot (R6) of the rope on a carabiner or on the ring (G),

- Making a blocking point (B, R4) of the chord on a piece (Ω), creating a loop (R5) between said chord locking node (R6) and said blocking point (B, R4) of the rope,

- insert the carabiner or the ring (G) in at least one slot (1, 2) of said part (Ω),

- passing the second strand (R1, R2, R3) in an anchor point (E), creating a tie-down loop (R2, R3),

- passing said second strand (R1) in a hole (A) of said piece (Ω)

during a tension of the rope on the first strand (R7) by a user, movement of the ring or of a carabiner (G) in at least one slot (1, 2) of the piece (Ω) in a first direction,

moving a coin ejection mechanism (P) in said first direction,

- blocking the second strand (R1, R2, R3) between the ring or karabiner and an upper surface (3) of the piece (Ω).

16. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following steps:

- when the user no longer exerts tension on the first strand (R7), moving the ejection mechanism (P) in a second direction opposite to the first,

- moving the ring or carabiner (G) in said second direction,

- Unblocking of the second strand (R1, R2, R3).

17. The method according to one of claims 1 5 or 16, comprising remote electronic control of said ejection mechanism (P).