WO2020136548A1 - Dispositif de freinage et/ou de blocage d'une corde - Google Patents

Dispositif de freinage et/ou de blocage d'une corde Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020136548A1
WO2020136548A1 PCT/IB2019/061275 IB2019061275W WO2020136548A1 WO 2020136548 A1 WO2020136548 A1 WO 2020136548A1 IB 2019061275 W IB2019061275 W IB 2019061275W WO 2020136548 A1 WO2020136548 A1 WO 2020136548A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rope
cam
seat
branch
anchoring portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2019/061275
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Carlo Paglioli
Mattia BONAITI
Davide Galletti
Original Assignee
Aludesign S.P.A.
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 Aludesign S.P.A. filed Critical Aludesign S.P.A.
Publication of WO2020136548A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020136548A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • A62B1/06—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices
    • A62B1/16—Life-saving ropes or belts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for braking and/or locking a rope, which is inserted and which slides inside the device.
  • the present invention can, for example, be used to belay a load (an object or a person) during the ascent or descent along a wall.
  • the present invention is mainly used in the field of sport climbing equipment, but also for professional use in works at height.
  • Devices are known for braking and/or locking a rope, for example for belaying a load (an object or a person) during the ascent or descent (also known as rappel) along a wall, by means of a safety rope.
  • Such devices can be used both in outdoor and indoor climbing, for example in training gyms, and allow, in case of emergency, to guarantee the safety of one or more climbers by locking the safety rope or ropes to which they are belayed, thus avoiding the fall.
  • descenders i.e. to descend a wall that has previously been climbed.
  • the climber that carries the device constrained to himself takes advantage of the ability of the belay device to brake/lock the rope that runs therein and then adjust, possibly through appropriate means with which the device is equipped, or simply manually, the descent speed by changing the friction the device exerts on the rope.
  • Such devices can also be used when working on a rope, and therefore also to perform ascent manoeuvres in which during the ascent, the rope is free to slide in the device, whereas interrupting the ascent, the weight of the user and the tensioning of the loaded rope branch constrained to a fixed anchorage point determines the locking of the rope, thus allowing to stop along the rope.
  • the belay devices known in the art adjust the sliding of the rope and brake/lock it by exerting a braking action, typically by generating friction on the safety rope or by throttling it. This way, it is possible to adjust the sliding, to slow down (and therefore brake) or to lock the sliding of the rope, thus avoiding the fall of the climber that it is desired to belay. In fact, it is also known to use such devices as“belay device”.
  • Such devices are normally used to belay a climber (leader or lead climber), intent on climbing a wall, to a partner on the ground, named in jargon“belayer”, who by means of the belay device avoids the free fall of the climber who is being belayed, in the event that during the ascent an error is made with the consequent loss of a safe grip on the holds.
  • Such technique is known as“belaying of the lead climber", wherein the first climber who is preparing to climb is assisted and belayed to a partner on the ground, the belayer precisely, through the belay device, which in case of emergency allows to brake and/or lock the safety rope constrained to the climber, which the latter constrains to one or more loops (quickdraws or stop points) present on the wall as he ascends.
  • belay devices which take advantage of the possibility of locking/braking the safety rope in case of an emergency
  • belayer can also perform his function when he is on the wall.
  • the devices can also be used to belay one or more partners who must ascend, this technique is known as“belaying of the second(s) on the rope”.
  • this technique is known as“belaying of the second(s) on the rope”.
  • it is a first climber on the wall to be climbed who acts as a belayer and, through the belay device, controls the safety rope to which a second climber, who is climbing the wall below him, is belayed.
  • the belay device constrained to the highest climber, or secured to an anchorage point on the wall, allows to brake/lock the safety rope and therefore prevents the partner from falling.
  • These devices are provided with a movable cam around which the rope is passed. Tensioning the loaded rope branch (i.e. the portion of the rope comprised between the device and the load to be belayed) causes a displacement (typically a rotation) of the cam towards a pressing wall of the device, thus causing the rope to be pressed and consequently locked.
  • the cam is arranged between the pressing wall and the anchorage point of the device.
  • the pressing wall is arranged in an area diametrically opposite the anchorage point with respect to the rotation axis of the cam.
  • the loosening of the locking occurs by rotating the cam onto which the rope is partially wound, in the direction opposite the locking drive torque, for example by means of a handle connected to the cam.
  • the winding path also makes it difficult to insert the rope into the device, making the set up step complicated, not very effective and above all at risk of error, with the potential impairment of functionality.
  • a further drawback of use of most of the devices known in the art is also their functional dependence on the friction generated between the rope and parts of the device. This implies that the braking power will be highly dependent on the degree of roughness of the parts, and therefore highly variable in relation to the conditions of wear and respective polishing by rubbing the parts subject to wear during the normal life cycle of the device.
  • the braking power will be highly dependent on the degree of roughness of the parts, and therefore highly variable in relation to the conditions of wear and respective polishing by rubbing the parts subject to wear during the normal life cycle of the device.
  • foreign bodies can slip into the known devices that typically have entries for the rope, such as to constitute an easy entry of the same foreign bodies, with the risk of impairing the functionality of the device.
  • Object of the present invention is to solve the drawbacks mentioned above and to provide a device for braking and/or locking a rope that works safely and reliably in the belaying mode both while ascending and descending/rappelling.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a device for braking and/or locking the rope in a more functional and ergonomic way with respect to devices belonging to the known prior art.
  • the device for braking and/or locking a rope comprises a body provided with an anchoring portion and a path that is shaped for the passage of the rope between a first seat, which is adapted to accommodate a loaded rope branch and a second seat, which is adapted to accommodate a free rope branch.
  • “Loaded rope branch” means the portion of the rope that is subject to tensioning due to the weight of the load or due to a sudden fall of the load.
  • the loaded rope branch will be considered the portion of the rope comprised between the device and an outer anchorage (e.g. a fixed anchorage point) in case the load is constrained to the anchoring portion of the device.
  • the loaded rope branch will be considered the portion of the rope comprised between the device and the load (e.g. a person to be rappelled) if the anchoring portion of the device is constrained to an outer anchorage (e.g. a fixed anchorage point).
  • the device further comprises a countering element and a cam that is rotatable around a rotation axis, which are arranged along the aforesaid path in such a way that the rope is pressed between a pressing portion of the cam and the countering element as a consequence of the rotation of the cam from at least one non-operative (or free) position, in which the rope can slide along the path, towards at least an operative (or locking) position, in which the rope is locked due to the pressing between the cam and the countering element and cannot slide along the path.
  • the countering element is arranged between the cam and the anchoring portion.
  • an element will be considered arranged between two points in the space, if this element is contained within the space defined between two parallel planes passing through the two aforesaid points and orthogonal to the segment linking the two points. Thanks to the interposition of the countering element between the cam and the anchoring portion, it is possible to create a more functional path for the rope in such a way that, when the cam is in at least one non-operative position, the rope can slide through the device with reduced friction and no unwanted braking.
  • the countering element is arranged between at least one point of the cam and at least one anchorage point of the anchoring portion.
  • the countering element is arranged between at least one point of intersection of the rotation axis with the cam and at least one anchorage point of the anchoring portion.
  • the countering element is arranged in such a way that it is contained within the space defined between two planes parallel to each other and passing respectively through a point of the cam and at least one anchorage point of the anchoring portion, in which the planes are perpendicular to a segment linking the point of the cam and the at least one anchorage point of the anchoring portion.
  • the body of the device comprises two plates parallel to each other to define between them a space for the insertion of the rope through at least one side opening, in which the first seat, which is adapted to accommodate a loaded rope branch, and the second seat, which is adapted to accommodate a free rope branch, are arranged at the at least one side opening.
  • first seat and the second seat are arranged on the same side with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first plate and to the second plate, preferably such plane is passing through the at least one straight line along which the anchoring portion, the countering element and the cam are substantially aligned.
  • An advantage of such aspect is that the rope can be controlled more effectively and allows, for example, that the two ends of the rope can be easily managed by being on the same side of the device.
  • the path of the rope which provides for the entry and exit from the same side, not only allows to quickly set up the device for use, but also allows to be able to exert additional friction on the rope in case of emergency, to effectively increase the locking.
  • Some embodiments may involve that the plates are rotatably constrained to each other around a rotation axis perpendicular to the two plates.
  • the anchoring portion is arranged in such a way that at least one segment linking the anchoring portion and the pressing portion of the cam intersects the part of the path comprised between the pressing portion and the second seat.
  • the cam comprises an actuating portion, which is adapted to interact with the loaded rope branch in such a way as to cause a rotation of the cam as a consequence of the tensioning of the loaded rope branch.
  • the anchoring portion is preferably arranged in such a way that at least one segment linking the anchoring portion and the cam actuating portion intersects the part of the path comprised between the pressing portion and the first seat.
  • the path comprises a curved portion that surrounds the countering element at least partially.
  • the countering element has a substantially circular shape.
  • the path of the rope inside the device is straight.
  • the countering element can be rotated around a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the cam.
  • Some embodiments may involve that the anchoring portion comprises a slot and that at least one anchorage point is arranged inside the slot.
  • a further object of the present invention is a releasing mechanism for the controlled release of a rope in a device for braking and/or locking a rope.
  • the releasing mechanism can be used with the device object of the present invention, or it can be used in other devices for locking/braking a rope.
  • the releasing mechanism can be used in devices equipped with at least one countering element and a cam that is rotatable around a rotation axis in such a way that a rope inserted in the device is pressed between a pressing portion of the cam and the countering element as a consequence of the rotation of the cam from at least one non-operative (or free) position, in which the rope can slide in the device towards at least one operative (or locking) position, in which the rope is locked due to the pressing between the cam and the countering element and its sliding is thus inhibited.
  • the releasing mechanism comprises a handle configured to interact directly or indirectly with a connecting rod (or actuating element of the releasing mechanism) arranged to rotate the cam of a device for braking and/or locking a rope from an operative position, in which the rope is locked and cannot slide through the device, towards at least one releasing position, in which the rope can slide through the device.
  • the device object of the present invention comprises the aforesaid releasing mechanism for the controlled release of the rope.
  • the cam is configured to interact directly or indirectly with a connecting rod (or actuating element) arranged to rotate the cam from at least one operative position towards at least one non-operative position by means of a handle.
  • the connecting rod comprises a first end rotatably constrained to the body of the device and a second end, which is adapted to interact directly or indirectly with the handle.
  • the cam comprises an actuating pin, which is configured to interact with an intermediate portion, or with a seat, of the connecting rod comprised between the first end and the second end.
  • the releasing mechanism comprises a pusher constrained to said handle to interact with the connecting rod.
  • the pusher can be rotatably constrained to the handle to interact directly or indirectly with the second end of the connecting rod, or alternatively, the pusher can be rotatably constrained to the handle to interact directly or indirectly with the second end of the connecting rod.
  • the pusher comprises a circular surface or circumference, preferably such actuating surface is the circular surface of a bearing.
  • the presence of a circular surface, preferably of a bearing allows to reduce the frictions generated by the contact of the pusher with the connecting rod, or actuating element, of the releasing mechanism.
  • such circular surface preferably the circular surface of a bearing, is arranged eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis of the handle.
  • the circular surface has its own axis A’ arranged in a way that does not coincide with the axis A-A around which the handle is rotated.
  • such configuration allows to selectively determine (i.e. dependent on the rotation of the handle and therefore of the pusher equipped with circular surface) the actuation of the connecting rod (actuating element) and consequently of the cam.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of use of the device according to the present invention described and/or claimed herein.
  • the method of use of the device for braking and/or locking a rope comprises the step of inserting the rope with the loaded rope branch in said first seat and with the free rope branch in said second seat, the device comprising a countering element and a cam that is rotatable around an rotation axis, which are arranged along said path in such a way that said rope is pressed between a pressing portion of said cam and said countering element as a consequence of the rotation of said cam from at least one non- operative position towards at least one operative position locking the rope, characterised in that said countering element is arranged between said cam and said anchoring portion.
  • the method further comprises the step of constraining the device through its own anchoring portion to a user (e.g. to the harness of a user) or to a fixed point (outer anchorage).
  • the constraint can occur according to known means, for example through the use of a karabiner, a loop, or similar connecting elements known in the art.
  • the method further comprises the step of constraining the loaded rope branch to a fixed point (outer anchorage), in the event that the device is constrained to a user through its own anchoring portion, or the step of constraining the loaded rope branch to a load (e.g. a person to be rappelled), in case the device is constrained to a fixed point (outer anchorage).
  • Figure 1 is a plan view schematically showing a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
  • Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views, which schematically show a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention in two different configurations;
  • Figures 4-7 are plan views, which schematically show a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention in some possible operating modes;
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view, which schematically shows a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
  • Figures 9-14 are plan views, which schematically show a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention in the main operating steps of the releasing mechanism;
  • Figures 15A and 15B show two possible modes of use of a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the first in which the device is constrained to a user through the anchoring portion, the second in which the device is constrained to a fixed point (or outer anchorage) through the anchoring portion and a load or a person can be rappelled;
  • Figure 16 shows that according to a possible embodiment, the incorrect insertion of the rope in the device is prevented
  • Figure 17 is a further plan view according to Figure 6, which also shows the P4 and P5 planes of side delimitation of the space inside which the cam, the countering element and the anchoring portion are arranged;
  • Figures 18, 18a, 18b, 18c are respectively three perspective views and a sectional view (according to a plane passing through the rotation axis of the handle) of a further possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
  • Figure 19 is an exploded view, which schematically shows the further possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention of Figure 18;
  • Figures 20 and 21 show a plan view of the possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention of Figure 18 in two possible modes for operating and passaging the rope therein;
  • Figures 22 and 23 are simplified plan views, which schematically show an embodiment of the device according to the present invention of Figure 18 in two operating steps of the releasing mechanism.
  • the device 1 comprises a body 2 provided with an anchoring portion 3 preferably comprising a slot 3a, which is adapted to accommodate an anchoring device (e.g. a karabiner, a quick link, a loop or similar anchoring devices) to constrain the device 1 to a load (e.g. a user or an object) or to an outer anchorage (e.g. fastened to a wall) or to a user (e.g. the belayer) to which the device is constrained.
  • an anchoring device e.g. a karabiner, a quick link, a loop or similar anchoring devices
  • the body 2 comprises a path 4 that is shaped for the passage of a rope 10 (shown in Figures 4-7 and in Figures 20, 21) between two seats 4a, 4b of the path 4.
  • a rope 10 shown in Figures 4-7 and in Figures 20, 21
  • the first seat 4a is adapted to accommodate a loaded rope branch 10a, i.e. the portion of the rope 10 that is subject to tensioning due to the weight of a load 15 (symbolically denoted by the symbol of a harness) or due to a sudden fall of the load 15.
  • a loaded rope branch 10a i.e. the portion of the rope 10 that is subject to tensioning due to the weight of a load 15 (symbolically denoted by the symbol of a harness) or due to a sudden fall of the load 15.
  • Figures 15A and 15B show the device 1 used as a descender or in general for carrying out manoeuvres on the rope.
  • the loaded rope branch 10a will be the portion of the rope 10 comprised between the device 1 and an outer anchorage 17 (symbolically denoted by the symbol of a loop) in case the load 15 is constrained to the anchoring portion 3 of the device 1.
  • the loaded rope branch 10a is the portion of the rope 10 comprised between the device 1 and the load 15 if the anchoring portion 3 of the device 1 is constrained to an outer anchorage 17.
  • the second seat 4b is adapted to accommodate a free rope branch 10b, i.e. the portion of the rope 10 comprised between the device 1 and the free end 18 (symbolically denoted by the symbol of a hand) of the rope 10, which typically is preceded by a safety knot (not shown) to prevent the free end of the rope 10 from passing through the device 1 and being able to slip off.
  • a free rope branch 10b i.e. the portion of the rope 10 comprised between the device 1 and the free end 18 (symbolically denoted by the symbol of a hand) of the rope 10, which typically is preceded by a safety knot (not shown) to prevent the free end of the rope 10 from passing through the device 1 and being able to slip off.
  • the device 1 comprises a cam 6 that is rotatable around a rotation axis R-R and a countering element 5, which are arranged in such a way that the path 4 passes between the cam 6 and the countering element 5.
  • the countering element 5 and the cam 6 are arranged along the path 4 in such a way that the rope 10 can be pressed between the countering element 5 and a pressing portion 6a of the cam 6 as a consequence of the rotation of the cam 6 from at least one non-operative position (in which the rope can slide along the path 4) towards at least one operative position (in which the rope is locked due to the pressing between the cam 6 and the countering element 5 and cannot slide along the path 4).
  • the countering element 5, the cam 6 and the anchoring portion 3 are arranged in such a way that a portion of the rope 10, which is inserted in the device in the first seat 4a, is arranged between the countering element 5 and the cam 6, and that a portion of the rope 10, which is inserted in the device in the second seat 4b, is arranged between the countering element 5 and the anchorage point 3.
  • the countering element 5 is arranged between the cam 6 and the anchoring portion 3.
  • This arrangement allows the rope to be housed along a path 4, which does not necessarily have to surround the cam 6.
  • the interposition of the countering element 5 between the cam 6 and the anchoring portion 3 makes it possible to create a more functional path 4 when the cam 6 is in at least one non-operative position and the rope 10 can slide through the device 1, for example during the descending/rappelling mode or in the ascending mode (shown in Figure 6) or in the belaying mode (shown in Figure 7).
  • the countering element 5 is arranged between at least one point of intersection C of the rotation axis R-R with the cam 6 and at least one anchorage point B of the anchoring portion 3.
  • an element will be considered arranged between two points in the space, if such element is contained within the space defined between two parallel planes passing through the two aforesaid points and orthogonal to the segment linking the two points.
  • the countering element 5 is therefore arranged in such a way that it is contained within the space defined between the two planes PI, P2 parallel to each other and passing through the points C and B, wherein the point C is any point of the rotation axis R-R belonging to the cam 6, whereas point B is any point of the anchoring portion 3 (preferably a point inside the slot 3a of the anchoring portion 3).
  • the two planes PI and P2 are perpendicular to the segment S linking the points C and B.
  • the path 4 comprises a curved portion, which surrounds at least partially the countering element 5 (as for the example shown more clearly in Figures 4-7 and in Figures 20 and 21).
  • the rope 10, which is inserted in the device follows a path having at least one curved portion, or substantially U-shaped portion, which at least partially surrounds the countering element 5.
  • the countering element 5 has a substantially circular shape and can advantageously be rotatable around a rotation axis A-A substantially parallel to the rotation axis R-R of the cam 6 (further embodiments may involve that the rotation axis A-A and the rotation axis R-R form an angle of inclination less than 30°, preferably less than 20°).
  • the circular shape and, possibly, the ability to rotate of the countering element 5 facilitate more the sliding of the rope 10 during some of the main operating steps of the device (during the descending/rappelling mode or in the ascending mode or in the belaying mode).
  • the body 2 of the device 1 comprises two plates 2a, 2b parallel to each other to define between them a space for the insertion of the rope 10 through at least one side opening, in which the first seat 4a and the second seat 4b are arranged at the aforesaid side opening.
  • the body 2 of the device 1 comprises two plates 2a, 2b arranged one on the other to define a space for housing the countering element 5 and the cam 6.
  • at least one guiding element (or a carter) 7 which is shaped to define at least one part of the path 4, is arranged inside the space between the two plates 2a, 2b.
  • the guiding element (or a carter) 7 can be made in one piece with the body 2 of the device (e.g. a plate 2a), or it can be an element constrained to the body through known fastening means.
  • the guiding element 7 can comprise a curved portion 7 a to guide the rope 10 around the abutment element 5.
  • Some embodiments may involve that the device 1 is provided with a tab 7b arranged at the seat 4a adapted to accommodate the loaded rope branch 10a.
  • the tab 7b is arranged between the two seats 4a, 4b and jutting towards the first seat 4a to prevent the incorrect insertion of the loaded rope branch 10a in the seat 4b of the device 1.
  • Figure 16 it is schematically shown how an incorrect attempt to insert the loaded rope branch 10a in the second seat 4b is prevented.
  • the presence of the tab 7b does not allow the free rope branch 10b to engage the seat 4a correctly, thus preventing the user from completing the (incorrect) set-up of the device 1.
  • the tab is made in one piece with the guiding element 7, but further embodiments may involve that the guiding element 7 and the tab 7b are two distinct (separate) elements while remaining within the scope of protection of the present invention.
  • the device is not equipped with the tab 7b and in its place there is an element 7’, preferably made of plastic or metal material, arranged between the two seats 4a, 4b and preferably comprising a tapered surface, or having a groove, in correspondence of the first seat 4a for guiding the loaded rope branch 10a into the seat 4a.
  • element 7 preferably made of plastic or metal material
  • the element 7’ can also perform the function of preventing the incorrect insertion of the loaded rope branch 10a in the seat 4b of the device 1. In fact, an incorrect attempt to insert the loaded rope branch 10a in the second seat 4b can be prevented, since the presence of the element 7’ does not allow the free rope branch 10b to engage the seat 4a correctly preventing the user from completing the (incorrect) set-up of the device 1.
  • the device 1 preferably comprises one or more guide pins 7c, 7d, which are preferably rotatably constrained to the plate 2a and arranged to guide the rope 10 in the end parts of the path 4, at the seats 4a, 4b.
  • the second pin 7d can be replaced by a braking element or brake 7d’ .
  • the first and second pins 7c and 7d are arranged, preferably at the perimeter of the plate 2a of the device, to delimit the second seat 4b, which is adapted to accommodate a free rope branch 10b; and the first seat 4a, which is adapted to accommodate the loaded rope branch 10a, is delimited by the first pin 7c and by a portion of the cam 6, preferably an actuating portion 6c of the cam 6.
  • the first seat 4a is substantially delimited by the actuating portion 6c of the cam 6 and a first pin 7c, while the second seat 4b is substantially delimited by the first pin 7c and the second pin 7d.
  • At least one pin 7c or other separating element such as for example the separating element 7’ (with which, for example, the device in the embodiment of Figures 18-23 is equipped), preferably extending in the space between the first and second plates 2a, 2b of the device, separates the first seat 4a, which is adapted to accommodate the loaded rope branch 10a, from the second seat 4b, which is adapted to accommodate a free rope branch 10b.
  • the device can comprise a braking element 7d’, hereinafter also denoted by the term brake.
  • the brake 7d’ can for example comprise an element equipped with a groove having a tapered section with decreasing passage size towards its bottom portion (e.g. at least in part having size smaller than the diameter of the rope), or equipped with other surface work, in such a way as to generate friction on the rope passing in said groove or which is in contact with the surface of said brake 7d’.
  • a possible embodiment of the brake 7d’ is for example visible in the embodiment of Figures 18-23.
  • the brake 7d’ is preferably arranged in the lower part of the seat 4b, i.e. between the countering element 5 and the anchorage 3, and preferably delimits at the bottom (i.e. in the part furthest from the cam 6 and the closest one to the anchorage 3) the seat 4b, which is adapted to accommodate the free branch 10b of the rope 10.
  • the separating element 7’ and the brake 7d’ are substantially arranged to delimit the second seat 4b, which is adapted to accommodate a free rope branch 10b; and the first seat 4a, which is adapted to accommodate the loaded rope branch 10a, is delimited by the element 7’ and by a portion of the cam 6, preferably an actuating portion 6c of the cam 6.
  • the first seat 4a is substantially delimited by the actuating portion 6c of the cam 6 and by the element 7’, while the second seat 4b is substantially delimited by the element 7’ and by the brake 7d’.
  • the device can also be equipped with a movable braking lever 7d” intended to cooperate preferably with the free rope branch 10b.
  • the movable braking lever 7d” is preferably arranged substantially at the anchorage 3, for example below the brake 7d’.
  • the movable braking lever 7d comprises a contact portion 7d”’ intended to come into contact with the rope to exert friction thereon.
  • the surface of the braking lever and/or its contact portion 7d”’ is equipped with a surface work or a groove having decreasing dimensions towards its bottom portion to generate friction on the rope.
  • the braking lever 7d’’ forms a substantially“S”-shaped path of the rope exiting the brake 7d’, as for example visible in Figure 21, in which the rope 10 and in particular its free branch 10b is passed between a contact portion 7d”’ of the braking lever 7d” and the brake 7d’.
  • the braking lever 7d is preferably rotatable around the rotation axis 7f, for example at a pin or similar constraining means, which is constrained or made in one piece with a plate 2a of the body 2 of the device 1.
  • the contact portion 7d’’’ is preferably arranged in a substantially opposite position (e.g. at a substantially opposite end) with respect to the position of the rotation axis 7f around which the braking lever 7d’’ is rotatable.
  • the braking lever 7d can comprise a return spring 7e (or similar elastic means) configured to return the braking lever, and in particular its contact portion 7d”’ , to a non operative position in which it does not jut from the body of the device and is substantially arranged at the brake 7d’ (see for example Figure 20).
  • the braking lever 7d is brought into the operative position (e.g. shown in Figure 21) in which the rope passes between the brake 7d’ and the contact portion 7d’’’ of the braking lever 7d’’ .
  • the plates 2a, 2b are rotatably constrained to each other around a rotation axis perpendicular to the two plates 2a, 2b.
  • the first plate 2a can for example be a supporting plate to which the countering element 5, the cam 6 (rotatably), and the guiding element 7 (if present) are constrained.
  • the second plate 2b is preferably rotatably constrained to the first plate 2a, for example through a pin. The same pin can be advantageously used both to constrain the first plate 2a and the second plate 2b to each other, and to rotatably constrain the cam 6 to the first plate 2a.
  • the second plate 2b can be rotated between an open configuration (e.g. shown in Figure 2 and Figures 20, 21) in which the housing space between the two plates 2a, 2b is easily accessible for inserting the rope 10 into the device 1, and a closed configuration (e.g. shown in Figure 3) in which the rope 10 cannot be removed from the housing and can only slide along the path 4 between the first seat 4a and the second seat 4b (in both directions) as long as the cam 6 is in a non-operative position.
  • an open configuration e.g. shown in Figure 2 and Figures 20, 21
  • a closed configuration e.g. shown in Figure 3
  • the device can comprise reversible-type locking means 50, 51 to lock the plates 2a, 2b in the closed configuration, i.e. in the position in which the two plates 2a, 2b are substantially overlapped on each other and the rope 10 can be effectively held inside the device.
  • such locking means comprise a movable element 50, for example a movable pin or a button, intended to cooperate with a corresponding seat 51.
  • the movable element 50 is constrained on a plate 2a, while the seat 51 is arranged on the other plate 2b, or vice versa.
  • the movable element 50 is intended to be at least partially inserted in the corresponding seat 51 when the device is in the closed position and the plate 2b is arranged superposed on the other plate 2a.
  • the movable element 50 is equipped with a spring 53, or similar elastic means, to keep the movable element 50 in an extended operative position.
  • the movable element 50 is temporarily moved to its retracted non-operative position, temporarily compressing the spring 53 in such a way that it can temporarily disengage the seat 51.
  • the plate 2b can also be equipped with an inclined portion 2c and in general at least one portion 2c jutting externally from the plane of the plate 2b in such a way that when the plate 2b is rotated from the open position towards the closed position, the perimeter portion, which in the movement towards the closed position first encounters the movable element 50, can cause the temporary displacement of the movable element towards the retracted position (as a consequence of the compression of the spring 53). This way, the displacement of the plate 2b can continue towards the closed position of the device in which the plate 2b is superposed on the plate 2a. In such position, the seat 51 is at the movable element 50, which can thus advantageously reach its operative position in which it is inserted at least partially inside the seat 51 and therefore is in an engaging position with it (see for example Figures 18b and 18c).
  • the seat 51 preferably has a shape substantially complementary to the section of the movable element 50.
  • means 55 are also present to prevent the plates 2a and 2b from moving away once the closed position has been reached (intended as means countering the forces that tend to separate the plates away from each other, i.e. means countering the forces that tend to increase the distance between the plates).
  • Such means can for example comprise an element 55 constrained to a plate and arranged in such a way as to jut above the other plate, i.e. in such a way that the element 55 is placed outside the second plate, thus forming a portion, or plane, which counters any forces that tend to separate the two plates.
  • an element 55 which is placed on a plane parallel to the plate 2b but placed outside it and therefore extending outwardly above the plate 2b, can for example be integrated or constrained to the other plate 2a, for example at the brake 7d’, which in turn is constrained to the plate 2a.
  • the second plate 2b preferably comprises a slot 3a, which is arranged in such a way as to match and be aligned with the slot 3a of the first plate 2a when the second plate 2b is brought into the closed configuration.
  • at least one of the plates 2a, 2b of the device can comprise at least one further through hole, or slot, to be used for example for the connection of an anchoring device (e.g. a karabiner, a quick link, a loop or similar anchoring devices) under certain conditions of use, for example to form the quickdraw of a hoist.
  • the further through hole, or slot (not shown in the appended Figures) can be arranged for example in the upper part of a plate, for example the plate 2b, and therefore in the opposite position with respect to which slot 3 a of the anchorage 3 is arranged.
  • the further hole, or slot can be arranged at the upper part of the plate, i.e. above (which is away) from the position in which the rotation axis R-R of the cam 6 is arranged. Going back to the slot 3a of the second plate 2b, it has a contour formed by a portion 3c of the second hook-shaped plate 2b and by a movable portion 3b constrained to the second plate 2b and arranged to close the hook-shaped part 3c. It should be noted that according to possible embodiments, as for example shown in Figures 18-23, the movable portion 3b may not be present. Such solution allows the insertion of the rope 10, while keeping the anchoring portion 3 of the device 1 constrained and connected to a user or an outer anchorage.
  • Figure 4 shows a possible embodiment of the device 1 in which the second plate 2b is in the open configuration and in which a rope 10 has been inserted inside the path 4 between the seat 4a adapted to accommodate the loaded rope branch, and the seat 4b adapted to accommodate the free rope branch.
  • the anchoring portion 3 is shown with a karabiner inserted inside the slot 3 a of the first plate 2a.
  • the movable portion 3b (where present) will be moved (by rotating around a rotation axis perpendicular to the second plate 2b) towards the inside of the slot 3a thus allowing the insertion of the karabiner inside the slot 3a of both plates 2a, 2b.
  • the movable portion 3b comprises a return spring (or similar elastic means) configured to return the movable portion 3b to a closed position to prevent the karabiner from coming out of the slot 3a.
  • the cam 6 comprises an actuating portion 6c, which is adapted to interact with the loaded rope branch 10a in such a way as to cause a rotation of the cam 6 as a consequence of the tensioning of the loaded rope branch 10a.
  • This actuating portion 6c can be obtained in one piece with the cam 6 or be an additional element thereto, for example replaceable in case of wear, also in round shape, preferably rotatable on itself (such as for example a wheel), with the aim of reducing unwanted frictions in the ascent manoeuvres (as in the case of use shown in Figure 6).
  • the pressing portion 6a and the actuating portion 6c of the cam 6 are substantially arranged in an opposed position with respect to the rotation axis R-R of the cam 6.
  • the rotation axis R-R of the cam is arranged between the pressing portion 6a and the actuating portion 6c.
  • the cam 6 will be subjected to a force that causes the rotation of the cam 6 towards at least one locking operative position (shown for example in Figure 5 and in Figures 20, 21).
  • the anchoring portion 3, the countering element 5 and the cam 6 are substantially aligned. According to an aspect, the anchoring portion 3, the countering element 5 and the cam 6 are“substantially aligned” if there is at least one straight line that intersects them.
  • the anchoring portion 3, the countering element 5 and the cam 6 are substantially aligned if, taking two planes P4 and P5 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the planes PI and P2 and to the plates 2a, 2b of the device, the anchoring portion 3, the countering element 5 and the cam 6 are contained within the two planes P4 and P5, the parallel planes P4 and P5 being spaced from each other (measured through a segment perpendicular to the planes P4 and P5) such as to intersect the ends of the cam 6 and, therefore, such as to contain the cam 6.
  • the anchoring portion 3, the countering element 5 and the cam 6 are substantially aligned if, taking two planes P4 and P5 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the planes PI and P2 and to the device plates, an anchorage point B of the anchoring portion 3, the rotation axis A- A of the countering element 5 are contained within the two planes P4 and P5, the parallel planes P4 and P5 being at a distance from each other such as to intersect the ends of the cam 6 and, therefore, such as to contain the cam 6.
  • the two seats 4a, 4b are arranged on the same side of the device 1.
  • the seat 4a which is adapted to accommodate the loaded rope branch 10a
  • the seat 4b which is adapted to accommodate the free rope branch 10b
  • the seat 4a are arranged on the same side with respect to a plane P3 perpendicular to both plates 2a, 2b and preferably passing through the at least one straight line along which the anchoring portion 3, the countering element 5 and the cam 6 are substantially aligned.
  • the anchoring portion 3 is arranged in such a way that at least one segment T linking the anchoring portion 3 and the pressing portion 6a of the cam 6 intersects the part of said path 4 comprised between the pressing portion 6a and the second seat 4b.
  • the part of path 4 downstream of the pressing point is arranged between the anchoring portion 3 and the abutment element 5.
  • the anchoring portion 3 is arranged in such a way that at least one segment X linking the anchoring portion 3 and the actuating portion 6c of the cam 6 intersects the part of the path 4 that is comprised between the pressing portion 6a of the cam 6 and the first seat 4a.
  • the part of the path 4 upstream of the pressing point is arranged between the actuating portion 6c of the cam 6 and the abutment element 5.
  • the device 1 allows to obtain a more ergonomic, functional and effortless rope recovery, for example, while ascending, by lifting the free rope branch 10b.
  • Figure 7 shows the device 1 in the mode of effortless release of the rope, for example a loosening mode in both directions, which is obtained by directing the device orthogonally to the rope branches 10a, 10b at the seats 4a, 4b, respectively.
  • the device allows the user to supply and recover the rope 10 without undesired braking of the rope and with reduced frictions.
  • Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as mentioned, Figure 19 shows an exploded view of a further possible embodiment.
  • the device 1 preferably comprises a releasing mechanism 11 for the controlled release of the rope 10.
  • the releasing mechanism 11 comprises a handle 8 configured to be coupled to a connecting rod 9 (or actuating element) arranged to rotate the cam 6 from an operative position (in which the rope is locked and cannot slide along the path 4 due to the pressing of the rope between the cam 6 and the abutment element 5) towards at least one releasing position in which the pressure exerted between the cam and the abutment element is gradually reduced to allow the rope to slide along the path 4.
  • the releasing mechanism 11 is preferably coupled to the outer surface of plate 2a.
  • the connecting rod 9, or actuating element comprises a first end 9a rotatably constrained to the first plate 2a and a second end adapted to interact directly or indirectly with the handle 8.
  • the first end 9a acts as a fulcrum and is preferably constrained rotatably around the same rotation axis R-R of the cam 6.
  • the plate 2a is provided with an opening 13 to allow the passage of an actuating pin 6b of the cam 6.
  • the actuating pin 6b interacts with the connecting rod 9 at an intermediate portion 9c of the connecting rod 9 comprised between the first end 9a and the second end 9b.
  • the pin 6b of the cam 6 is at least partially housed in a seat 9c’ of the connecting rod 9 (or actuating element). According to this embodiment, the pin 6b of the cam 6 interacts with the seat 9c’ of the connecting rod 9, or actuating element 9 in which it is housed.
  • the handle 8 comprises a pusher 14 constrained to the handle 8.
  • Some embodiments may involve that the pusher is rotatably constrained to the handle (e.g. fastened to the handle by means of screws or similar fastening means). Some embodiments may involve that the pusher 14 is rotatably constrained to the handle, preferably the pusher can be rotatably constrained to a supporting element rotatably constrained to the handle (e.g. by means of a pair of screws or similar fastening elements).
  • the handle 8 is rotatably constrained to the first plate 2a around a rotation axis, which preferably coincides with the rotation axis A- A of the abutment element 5.
  • the handle preferably comprises a return spring 8a (shown in the exploded view of Figure
  • the handle can be rotated from its rest position in the direction denoted schematically by the arrow F to bring the pusher 14 into contact with the second end 9b of the connecting rod
  • the force applied by the pusher 14 therefore causes a reduction in pressure between the pressing portion 6a of the cam 6 and the countering element 5, thus allowing the sliding of the rope 10 in a gradual, fluent and controlled way.
  • the pusher 14 comprises a circular surface 114 or circumference, preferably such actuating surface is the circular surface of a bearing 114a or is constrained to a bearing (e.g. with rollers or balls).
  • the circular surface 114 of the pusher 14 has its own axis A’ arranged in a way not coinciding with the axis A-A around which the handle 8 is rotated.
  • such configuration allows to selectively determine (i.e. dependent on the rotation of the handle 8 and therefore of the pusher 14 provided with a circular surface 114) the actuation of the connecting rod 9 (actuating element) and, consequently, of the cam 6 through the pin 6b, which is housed in the seat 9c’.
  • the circular surface 114 of the pusher 14 is not in contact with the connecting rod 9 and in particular with its end 9b.
  • the circular surface 114 reaches the contact with the connecting rod 9 and in particular with its end 9b, as for example visible in the plan view of Figure 23.
  • the seat 9c’ of the connecting rod pushing against the actuating pin 6b of the cam 6, transmits a force to the cam 6, which counters the force applied by the loaded rope branch 10a on the cam 6 as a consequence of the tensioning of the rope 10.
  • the force applied by the pusher 14 and, in particular, by its circular surface 114 therefore causes a reduction in pressure between the pressing portion 6a of the cam 6 and the countering element 5.
  • the circular surface 114 being mounted on, or integrated with, a bearing 114a, the contact with the connecting rod 9 can advantageously be added with very reduced frictions and the movement of the handle 8 will therefore be fluent and easily operated by the user.
  • the pusher 14 is provided with a first thrust surface 14a having a certain form that is shaped to remain in contact with the second end 9b of the actuating connecting rod until a certain limit position (shown in Figure 12). The further rotation of the handle 8 will cause a release between the first thrust surface 14a and the second end 9b of the connecting rod 9 (as shown in Figure 13).
  • the pusher is preferably provided with a second thrust surface 14b opposite the first thrust surface 14a.
  • the pusher 14 is pushed by a return spring 16.
  • the second thrust surface 14b goes into contact with the second end 9b of the connecting rod 9 in such a way as to cause the rotation of the pusher 14 with respect to the initial position, thus countering the elastic force of the return spring 16.
  • the second thmst surface 14b has a certain profile that is shaped to remain in contact with the second end 9b of the actuating connecting rod up to a certain limit position beyond which the further rotation of the handle 8 will cause the disengagement of the pusher 14 from the end 9b of the connecting rod.
  • the elastic force of the return spring 16 will cause the pusher 14 to move and return to the configuration shown in Figure 11 to allow the user to operate the releasing mechanism again.
  • the pusher 14 is not equipped with a first and a second thrust surface, but as mentioned, it comprises a circular surface 114.
  • the releasing mechanism 11 (in the various embodiments described), it is an independent object of the present invention and can be used in further embodiments of devices for braking and/or locking a rope, regardless of the characteristics of the device object of the present invention, and therefore independently of the arrangement of the abutment element 5 with respect to the cam 6 and to the anchoring portion 3 as described in the present application.
  • the present invention further provides an embodiment wherein the device 1 comprises a body 2 provided with an anchoring portion 3 and a path 4 that is shaped for the passage of the rope 10 between a first seat 4a adapted to accommodate a loaded rope branch 10a and a second seat 4b adapted to accommodate a free rope branch 10b, wherein the device 1 further comprises a countering element 5 and a cam 6 that is rotatable around a rotation axis R-R, which are arranged along the path 4 in such a way that the rope 10 is pressed between a pressing portion 6a of the cam 6 and the countering element 5 as a consequence of the rotation of the cam 6 from at least one free non operative position towards at least one locking operative position.
  • Such embodiment further comprises a mechanism for the controlled release of the rope, comprising a handle combined with a connecting rod (or actuating element) configured to rotate the cam 6 from at least one locking operative position towards at least one free non-operative position.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (1) de freinage et/ou de blocage d'une corde (10), comprenant un corps (2) pourvu d'une partie d'ancrage (3) et d'un trajet (4) formé pour permettre le passage de ladite corde (10) entre un premier siège (4a), qui est conçu pour recevoir une branche de corde chargée (10a) et un second siège (4b) conçu pour recevoir une branche de corde libre (10b), ledit dispositif (1) comprenant un élément antagoniste (5) et une came (6) qui peut tourner autour d'un axe de rotation (R-R), qui sont disposés le long dudit trajet (4) de telle sorte que ladite corde (10) est pressée entre une partie de pression (6a) de ladite came (6) et ledit élément antagoniste (5), suite à la rotation de ladite came (6) d'au moins une position de non-fonctionnement vers au moins une position de fonctionnement, est caractérisé en ce que ledit élément antagoniste (5) est disposé entre ladite came (6) et ladite partie d'ancrage (3).
PCT/IB2019/061275 2018-12-28 2019-12-23 Dispositif de freinage et/ou de blocage d'une corde WO2020136548A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102018000021406 2018-12-28
IT102018000021406A IT201800021406A1 (it) 2018-12-28 2018-12-28 Dispositivo per frenare e/o bloccare una corda

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020136548A1 true WO2020136548A1 (fr) 2020-07-02

Family

ID=66049590

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2019/061275 WO2020136548A1 (fr) 2018-12-28 2019-12-23 Dispositif de freinage et/ou de blocage d'une corde

Country Status (2)

Country Link
IT (1) IT201800021406A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020136548A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115257315A (zh) * 2021-04-29 2022-11-01 宝适汽车部件(太仓)有限公司 用于机动车的车窗开口的保护装置

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58173564A (ja) * 1982-04-01 1983-10-12 石岡　繁雄 ロ−プ制動装置
WO2013053685A2 (fr) * 2011-10-13 2013-04-18 The Heightec Group Limited Dispositif anti-chute
EP2796172A2 (fr) * 2013-04-23 2014-10-29 The Heightec Group Ltd Dispositif antichute

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58173564A (ja) * 1982-04-01 1983-10-12 石岡　繁雄 ロ−プ制動装置
WO2013053685A2 (fr) * 2011-10-13 2013-04-18 The Heightec Group Limited Dispositif anti-chute
EP2796172A2 (fr) * 2013-04-23 2014-10-29 The Heightec Group Ltd Dispositif antichute

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115257315A (zh) * 2021-04-29 2022-11-01 宝适汽车部件(太仓)有限公司 用于机动车的车窗开口的保护装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT201800021406A1 (it) 2020-06-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8245817B2 (en) Self-rescue safety device
AU2010258092B2 (en) Descender with self- acting brake
JP5916811B2 (ja) 安全装置
US6561313B2 (en) Belay/rappel device for use in climbing activities and the like
EP2554219B1 (fr) Dispositif de verrouillage de sécurité assisté équipé d'un dispositif anti-panique
ITMI20110023A1 (it) Dispositivo assicuratore e discensore
EP0888151A1 (fr) Frein mecanique pour rappel
US20080189915A1 (en) Simple Belay Device
US7055651B2 (en) Belay device
WO2003025586A2 (fr) Dispositif de controle de descente
EP0694317A2 (fr) Dispositif de freinage de voie à commande manuelle
WO2020136548A1 (fr) Dispositif de freinage et/ou de blocage d'une corde
KR20140023937A (ko) 패닉 기능을 갖는 자체-제동 디센더
EP2641635A2 (fr) Dispositif de sauvegarde pour l'usage avec des lignes d'access
EP3743165A1 (fr) Dispositif d'assurage
US11779780B1 (en) Controlled ascender/descender device
US20230414978A1 (en) Controlled descender and/or ascender device
EP4045153A1 (fr) Descendeurs de câble
RU2342176C2 (ru) Спасательное устройство для спуска людей
WO2024118200A1 (fr) Dispositif de descente et/ou de montée commandé

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19839676

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19839676

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1