Self-tightening cable gripper

Abstract

A clamp (10) for use with a cable or safety line includes a containment member (18) and a catch member (16) configured to move relative to the containment member. In use, an end of the safety line is looped around the catch member. The clamp further can include an actuator (11) adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between an unlocked state, in which the safety line is able to move through the clamp, and a locked state, in which the catch member is urged into the containment member. The safety line is thus clamped between the catch member and at least a portion of the containment member. The actuator can be a handle (11) and the position of the handle can be manually adjustable. The clamp can include at least one indicator (31) to provide a visual indication of the clamp state.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to UK application No. 2008930.6, filed on 12 June 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a clamp or gripping device for use with a safety rope (e.g., a cable or rope). In particular, this disclosure provides an improved clamp for one end of a safety rope, the clamp being configured to tighten in response to a load applied to the rope. Background Technology

[0004] In many applications, it is necessary to connect cables or safety ropes between two anchor points. For example, on elevated construction sites such as rooftops, horizontal safety rope systems are often used to minimize the consequences of falls from height. Cutting cables to the exact length required for a given project and connecting each end of the cable to a connector (such as a lock) is not always feasible or cost-effective, especially when it is necessary to adjust or maintain cable tension.

[0005] A known solution to this problem is to use a clamp to attach one end of the cable or safety rope to the anchor point. One end of the safety rope is accommodated in the clamp, pulled to the desired length, and clamped under tension. A common type of clamp used is a wedge clamp or wedge socket, in which one end of the cable is wrapped around a wedge and the wedge is driven into a socket or clamping member to hold the cable therein. Typically, a tool is needed to drive the wedge into the clamping position, such as with a hammer or wrench to tighten a bolt.

[0006] Technicians or installers typically clamp the cable as tightly as possible by pressing the wedge into the sleeve or clamping member. This is to ensure that the cable does not come loose from the clamp during use, which could lead to a serious accident. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, this disclosure provides an improved clamp for cables or safety ropes that improves safety and reduces maintenance and repair costs. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the object of this disclosure is to provide an improved clamp for cables or safety ropes that is easier and more efficient to install or remove. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the object of this disclosure is to provide an improved clamp for cables or safety ropes that is self-locking under load.

[0008] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, this disclosure provides a clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp including a receiving member and a locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member. In use, one end of the safety rope may be wrapped around the locking member. The clamp may further include a handle, wherein the position of the handle is manually adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, wherein the safety rope is movable through the clamp; and a locked state, wherein the locking member is pushed into the receiving member such that the safety rope can be clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locked state can be equivalently referred to as the first locked state. The gripper can be adapted for use with cables or ropes. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle can be manually adjustable to reconfigure the gripper between the unlocked and locked states. In this way, tools (such as hammers, wrenches, or torque wrenches) are not required to engage or disengage the gripper. Therefore, the gripper is more convenient and effective to use, especially when the gripper is used at height or in inconvenient locations.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may be configured for manual adjustment (e.g., by hand without tools) to reduce the risk of the user over-tightening the clamp. If the safety rope is clamped too tightly between the locking member and the receiving member (applying excessive clamping force), this increases wear and may damage the safety rope and / or the clamp. Therefore, the clamp reduces maintenance and / or repair costs and improves the safety or reliability of the clamp. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the safety rope can be inserted into or removed from the clamp in the unlocked state. The safety rope can be pulled or pushed through the clamp to adjust its length or tension. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, moving the handle in a first direction moves the locking member toward the locked state, while moving the handle in a second direction opposite to the first direction moves the locking member toward the unlocked state.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle can be twisted or rotated to reconfigure the gripper between an unlocked and locked state, and vice versa. For example, rotating the handle clockwise moves the gripper toward the locked state, while rotating the handle counterclockwise moves the gripper toward the unlocked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle can be mounted, or threaded, onto a shaft. The handle can be rotated relative to the shaft to reconfigure the gripper between an unlocked and locked state.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the clamp may further include at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the clamp's status. This is advantageous because providing a visual indication of when the clamp is in an unlocked and / or locked state confirms that the clamp is safe to use without requiring the user to check the bolt torque or physically inspect the clamp in any way.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper may further include a chassis connected to the locking member. The chassis may be disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the handle. When moved toward the locked state (e.g., when the handle moves in a first direction), the first portion of the handle may engage the chassis, thereby applying a force that pushes the chassis and the locking member toward the receiving member. When moved toward the unlocked state (e.g., when the handle moves in a second direction), the second portion of the handle may engage the chassis, thereby applying a force that moves the chassis and the locking member away from the receiving member.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second portion of the handle may be spaced apart from the chassis in the locked state. In other words, in the locked state, a gap may exist between the chassis and the second portion of the handle, or the chassis and the second portion of the handle may be disengaged. This is advantageous because if a force is applied when the safety rope is locked, it can allow the locking member connected to the chassis to move further into the receiving member.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may include an actuator, and a second portion of the handle may be part of the actuator. The actuator may include a cap nut. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member may include a hole, and the chassis may be mounted to the locking member by a fastener inserted through the hole. A shim member (or insert) may be received in the hole in the locking member, wherein the chassis is mounted to the locking member by a fastener member inserted through the shim member. The shim member may be a cam shim. The hole and optional shim member may allow the locking member to move or slide relative to the receiving member and / or shaft.

[0016] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may include a housing. The handle may include a nut mounted within the housing, the nut having a body and a protruding edge. This may be referred to as a cap nut. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chassis may include a hole configured to receive the body of the nut through which it passes, wherein the protruding edge of the nut cannot pass through the hole. Thus, the chassis may be mounted between a portion of the housing and the protruding edge of the nut. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when moving toward the unlocked state, the body of the nut may be received through the hole in the chassis, and the protruding edge of the nut may abut or engage the chassis, thereby moving the chassis and the locking member away from the receiving member.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the protruding edge of the nut may contact the mating surface of the chassis. A hole in the chassis (through which the body of the nut passes) may be provided in the mating surface of the chassis. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the clamp may include a threaded shaft configured to extend through the hole in the chassis, wherein the housing and the nut are mounted on the threaded shaft. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the clamp may include at least one indicator configured to provide visual indication of the clamp: when the clamp is in a locked or unlocked state.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper may include an indicator configured to provide a visual indication of when the gripper is configured to self-lock in response to a load applied to the safety rope. This may be referred to as a first indicator. The first indicator may be invisible or may be visible only in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper may include a chassis housing attached to a chassis. A portion of the chassis housing may form the first indicator. In the locked state, the handle housing may be arranged to shield or cover the first indicator. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chassis housing may be made of plastic. The first indicator (or the indicator portion of the chassis housing) may be a different color from the body of the chassis housing.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper may include a second indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the gripper is in a locked state. The second indicator may be invisible in the locked state. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second indicator may be visible only in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second indicator may include a portion of a locking member aligned with a hole in the receiving member. The second indicator may include a portion of an insert or gasket that is mounted to the locking member aligned with a hole in the receiving member.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in response to a force applied to the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member can be further pushed into the receiving member to enter a second locked state. Therefore, the gripper can be configured to self-lock in response to a load applied to the safety rope in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one indicator can be provided to visually indicate that the gripper is in the second locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first indicator can be visible in both the unlocked and second locked states, but is not visible in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second indicator can be visible only in the unlocked state. When the gripper is in the locked and second locked states, the second indicator can be covered or hidden.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a third indicator may be provided. The third indicator may be visible only in the second locked state. The third indicator may include a portion of the locking member that extends or protrudes beyond the receiving member in the second locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member may be slidably mounted to the receiving member. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the receiving member may include a pair of clamping surfaces arranged to engage the safety rope in the locked state. The locking member and the receiving member may provide a large clamping area to reduce damage to the safety rope.

[0022] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member may have a conical or wedge-shaped shape. In some embodiments or aspects, the locking member may be referred to as a wedge. The wedge may be conical such that when tension is applied to the safety rope in the locked position, the wedge is pulled toward the receiving member. The receiving member may be a sleeve shaped to receive the locking member or the wedge. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, this disclosure provides a clamp for use with a safety rope. The clamp may include a receiving member and a locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member. In use, one end of the safety rope may be wrapped around the locking member. The clamp may further include a chassis and an actuator connected to the locking member. The position of the actuator may be adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, in which the safety rope is movable through the clamp; and a locked state, in which the locking member is pushed into the receiving member such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member. To drive the gripper in the locked state, a first portion of the actuator may engage the chassis, and to drive the gripper in the unlocked state, a second portion of the actuator may engage the chassis. In the locked state, the second portion of the actuator may be spaced apart from the chassis; and / or in a configuration between the unlocked and locked states, both the first and second portions of the actuator may be disengaged from the chassis. The first portion of the actuator may be arranged to engage the chassis along a first travel direction, and the second portion of the actuator may be arranged to engage the chassis along a second (reverse) travel direction.

[0023] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, an improved clamp is provided for securing one end of a safety rope between a locking member and a receiving member, wherein movement of the locking member can be controlled by an actuator engaging a chassis. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, this arrangement of the chassis and actuator allows the locking member connected to the chassis to move further into the receiving member if a force is applied while the safety rope is locked. Therefore, the clamp can be self-locking. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the position of the actuator can be manually adjustable. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the clamp may further include at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the clamp's status. At least one indicator may be as described herein.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the actuator may include a handle. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the actuator may include a nut having a body and a protruding edge. A second portion of the actuator may be the protruding edge of the nut. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member may include a hole, and the chassis is mounted to the locking member by a fastener inserted through the hole. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a shim member may be received in a hole in the locking member, wherein the chassis may be mounted to the locking member by a fastener member inserted through the shim member. The shim member may be a cam shim.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when moving toward the unlocked state, the body of the nut can be received through a hole in the chassis, and the protruding edge of the nut can abut or engage the chassis, thereby moving the chassis and locking member away from the receiving member. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the actuator can be mounted on a shaft or threaded shaft. The shaft can extend through a hole in the chassis.

[0026] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, this disclosure provides a gripper for use with a safety rope, the gripper including a receiving member and a locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member. In use, one end of the safety rope may be wrapped around the locking member. The gripper may further include an actuator, wherein the position of the actuator may be adjustable to reconfigure the gripper between: an unlocked state, wherein the safety rope is movable through the gripper; and a locked state, wherein the locking member is pushed into the receiving member such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; and at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the gripper's state.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper may include at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of when the gripper is in a locked or unlocked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one indicator may include an indicator that is invisible or visible only when the gripper is in an unlocked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one indicator may include an indicator that is invisible or visible only when the gripper is in a locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the indicator may be covered or shielded when the gripper is in an unlocked or locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper may include an indicator configured to provide a visual indication of when the gripper is configured to self-tighten in response to a load applied to the safety rope. This may be referred to as a first indicator. Self-tightening means that the locking member can move toward the receiving member in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

[0028] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper may include a chassis connected to the locking member. A chassis housing may be attached to the chassis. Optionally, a portion of the chassis housing may form a first indicator. In the locked state, a portion of the actuator may be arranged to shield or cover the first indicator. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chassis housing may be made of plastic. The first indicator (or the indicator portion of the chassis housing) may be a different color from the main body of the chassis housing.

[0029] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the clamp may include a second indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is in a locked state. The second indicator may be referred to as a locking indicator because it provides a visual indication that the clamp has been adequately secured to hold the safety rope in the clamp. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second indicator may be invisible in the locked state. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second indicator may be visible only in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second indicator may include a portion of a locking member aligned with a hole in the receiving member. The second indicator may include a portion of an insert or gasket mounted to the locking member aligned with a hole in the receiving member.

[0030] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in response to a force applied to the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member can be further pushed into the receiving member to enter a second locked state. Therefore, the gripper can be configured to self-lock in response to a load applied to the safety rope in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one indicator can be provided to visually indicate that the gripper is in the second locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first indicator can be visible in both the unlocked and second locked states, but is not visible in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second indicator can be visible only in the unlocked state. When the gripper is in the locked and second locked states, the second indicator can be covered or hidden.

[0031] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a third indicator may be provided. The third indicator may be visible only in the second locked state. The third indicator may include a portion that extends or protrudes beyond the locking member of the receiving member in the second locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one indicator may include a symbol or other optical mark. For example, at least one indicator may include a label. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, this disclosure provides a horizontal safety rope system that may include a clamp as defined herein, and a safety rope that may include a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be connected to an anchor point, and the second end being clamped in the clamp such that the safety rope is held under tension during use.

[0032] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the safety rope can be a rope or cable. The safety rope can be a wire rope or a metal cable. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second end of the safety rope may include a stop member. The stop member can be configured to prevent the second end of the safety rope from being removed from the clamp during use. For example, the stop member can be sized such that it cannot be accommodated in a receiving member. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system may further include one or more slip rings configured to be attached to the safety rope. Users can connect their personal safety ropes to one or more slip rings to allow them to move safely along the horizontal safety rope.

[0033] Other non-restrictive implementations or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0034] Clause 1: A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: a receiving member; a locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member, wherein, in use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; and a handle, wherein the position of the handle is manually adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, wherein in the unlocked state, the safety rope is movable through the clamp; and a locked state, wherein in the locked state, the locking member is pushed into the receiving member such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member.

[0035] Clause 2: The gripper according to Clause 1, wherein moving the handle in a first direction moves the locking member toward the locked state, and moving the handle in a second direction opposite to the first direction moves the locking member toward the unlocked state.

[0036] Clause 3: The gripper according to Clause 1 or 2 further includes at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the status of the gripper.

[0037] Clause 4: The clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-3 further comprises a chassis connected to the locking member.

[0038] Clause 5: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the chassis is disposed between a first portion of the handle and a second portion of the handle.

[0039] Clause 6: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein, when moved toward the locked state, the first portion of the handle engages the chassis, thereby applying a force that pushes the chassis and the locking member toward the receiving member.

[0040] Clause 7: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein, when moved toward the unlocked state, the second portion of the handle engages the chassis, thereby applying a force that moves the chassis and the locking member away from the receiving member.

[0041] Clause 8: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein in the locked state, the second portion of the handle is spaced apart from the chassis.

[0042] Clause 9: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the handle includes an actuator and the second portion of the handle is part of the actuator.

[0043] Clause 10: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein the locking member comprises a hole, and the chassis is mounted to the locking member by a fastener inserted through the hole.

[0044] Clause 11: The clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-10 further comprises a gasket member received in the hole in the locking member, wherein the chassis is mounted to the locking member by a fastener member inserted through the gasket member.

[0045] Clause 12: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein the handle comprises: a housing; and a nut mounted within the housing, the nut having a body and a protruding edge.

[0046] Clause 13: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-12, wherein the chassis includes a hole configured to receive the body of the nut through which it passes, wherein the protruding edge of the nut cannot pass through the hole.

[0047] Clause 14: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-13, wherein when moved toward the unlocked state, the body of the nut is received through the hole in the chassis, and the protruding edge of the nut abuts the chassis, thereby moving the chassis and the locking member away from the receiving member.

[0048] Clause 15: The clamp according to any one of Clauses 1-14 further comprises a threaded shaft configured to extend through the hole in the chassis, wherein the housing and nut are mounted on the shaft.

[0049] Clause 16: The gripper according to any one of Clauses 1-15 further comprises a chassis housing, wherein a portion of the chassis housing forms a first indicator, wherein in the locked state, the handle housing is arranged to shield or cover the first indicator.

[0050] Clause 17: A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: a receiving member; a locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member, wherein, in use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; a chassis connected to the locking member; and an actuator, wherein the position of the actuator is adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, wherein in the unlocked state the safety rope is movable through the clamp; and a locked state, wherein in the locked state the locking member is pushed into the receiving member such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member. In a configuration between the locked and unlocked states, a first portion of the actuator engages the chassis to drive the gripper toward the locked state, and a second portion of the actuator engages the chassis to drive the gripper toward the unlocked state; wherein: in the locked state, the second portion of the actuator is spaced apart from the chassis; and / or in a configuration between the unlocked and locked states, both the first and second portions of the actuator are disengaged from the chassis; and / or the first portion of the actuator is arranged to engage the chassis along a first travel direction, and the second portion of the actuator is arranged to engage the chassis along a second (reverse) travel direction.

[0051] Clause 18: The gripper as described in Clause 17, wherein the actuator includes a handle.

[0052] Clause 19: A clamp as described in Clause 17 or Clause 18, wherein the actuator comprises a nut having a body and a protruding edge.

[0053] Clause 20: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 17-19, wherein, in response to a force applied to the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter a second locked state.

[0054] Clause 21: The gripper according to any one of Clauses 17-20 further includes at least one indicator configured to visually indicate that the gripper is in the second locked state.

[0055] Clause 22: A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: a receiving member; a locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member, wherein, in use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; an actuator, wherein the position of the actuator is adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, wherein in the unlocked state the safety rope is movable through the clamp; and a locked state, wherein in the locked state the locking member is pushed into the receiving member such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; and at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the state of the clamp.

[0056] Clause 23: The clamp as described in Clause 22, wherein the at least one indicator includes a first indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is capable of self-tightening in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

[0057] Clause 24: A gripper as described in Clause 22 or Clause 23, wherein the first indicator is not visible or is visible only when the gripper is in the locked state.

[0058] Clause 25: A clamping device according to any one of Clauses 22-24, wherein the clamping device comprises a chassis and a chassis housing connected to the locking member, wherein the first indicator comprises a portion of the chassis housing.

[0059] Clause 26: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 22-25, wherein the at least one indicator includes a second indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the gripper is in the locked state, wherein the second indicator is invisible or visible only in the locked state.

[0060] Clause 27: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 22-26, wherein in response to a force applied to the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter a second locked state.

[0061] Clause 28: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 22-27, wherein the at least one indicator includes a third indicator visible only when the clamp is in the second locked state, wherein the third indicator includes a portion of the locking member protruding from the receiving member in the second locked state.

[0062] Clause 29: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 22-28, wherein the actuator includes a handle, wherein the position of the handle is manually adjustable to reconfigure the gripper between the unlocked state and the locked state.

[0063] Clause 30: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 22-29, wherein the locking member is slidably mounted to the receiving member.

[0064] Clause 31: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 22-30, wherein the receiving member comprises a pair of clamping surfaces, wherein the clamping surfaces are arranged to engage the safety rope in the locked state.

[0065] Clause 32: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 22-31, wherein the locking member has a conical or wedge-shaped shape.

[0066] Clause 33: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 22-32, wherein the receiving member is a sleeve shaped to receive the locking member.

[0067] Clause 34: A horizontal safety rope system comprising: a clamp according to any one of Clauses 22-33; and a safety rope comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be connected to an anchor point, and the second end being clamped in the clamp such that the safety rope is held under tension in use.

[0068] Clause 35: A horizontal safety rope system as described in Clause 34, wherein the safety rope is a wire rope or wire cable.

[0069] Clause 36: A horizontal safety rope system according to Clause 34 or 35, wherein the second end of the safety rope includes a stop member arranged to prevent the safety rope from being removed from the clamp during use.

[0070] Clause 37: A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: a receiving member; a locking member movably mounted relative to the receiving member, wherein, in use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; an actuator configured to move the locking member relative to the receiving member, wherein the actuator is movable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, wherein the safety rope is movable between the receiving member and the locking member; and a locked state, wherein the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; and at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the unlocked state or the locked state of the clamp.

[0071] Clause 38: The clamp as described in Clause 37, wherein the at least one indicator includes a first indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is capable of self-tightening in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

[0072] Clause 39: A gripper as described in Clause 37 or 38, wherein the first indicator is visible or hidden when the gripper is in the locked state.

[0073] Clause 40: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 37-39, wherein the at least one indicator includes a colored portion that is a different color compared to the rest of the gripper.

[0074] Clause 41: A clamping device according to any one of Clauses 37-40, wherein the clamping device comprises a chassis and a chassis housing connected to the locking member, wherein the first indicator is formed on a portion of the chassis housing.

[0075] Clause 42: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 37-41, wherein the at least one indicator includes a second indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the gripper is in the locked state, wherein the second indicator is visible or hidden in the locked state.

[0076] Clause 43: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 37-42, wherein, in response to a force applied to the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter a second locked state.

[0077] Clause 44: A gripper according to any one of Clauses 37-43, wherein the actuator includes a handle, and wherein the handle is rotatable to reconfigure the gripper between the unlocked state and the locked state.

[0078] Clause 45: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 37-44, wherein rotational movement of the handle causes sliding movement of the locking member relative to the receiving member.

[0079] Clause 46: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 37-45, wherein the locking member is slidably mounted to the receiving member.

[0080] Clause 47: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 37-46, wherein the receiving member comprises a pair of clamping surfaces, wherein the clamping surfaces are arranged to engage the safety rope in the locked state.

[0081] Clause 48: A clamping device according to any one of Clauses 37-47, wherein the locking member has a conical or wedge-shaped shape.

[0082] Clause 49: A clamp according to any one of Clauses 37-48, wherein the locking member has a notched or toothed surface on both sides of the conical or wedge shape.

[0083] Clause 50: A horizontal safety rope system comprising: a clamp including: a receiving member; a locking member movably mounted relative to the receiving member, wherein, in use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; an actuator configured to move the locking member relative to the receiving member, wherein the actuator is movable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, wherein the safety rope is movable between the receiving member and the locking member; and a locked state, wherein the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; and a safety rope including a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be connected to an anchor point, the second end being clamped between the receiving member and the locking member, wherein the clamp is configured in the locked state to self-tighten the safety rope in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

[0084] Clause 51: A horizontal safety rope system as described in Clause 50, wherein the safety rope is a wire rope or wire cable.

[0085] Clause 52: A horizontal safety rope system according to Clause 50 or 51, wherein the second end of the safety rope includes a stop member arranged to prevent the safety rope from being removed from the clamp during use.

[0086] Clause 53: A horizontal safety rope system according to any one of Clauses 50-52 further includes one or more slip rings arranged on the safety rope, each of the one or more slip rings being configured to connect to a personal safety rope connected to a user.

[0087] Clause 54: A horizontal safety rope system according to any one of Clauses 50-53 further includes at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the unlocked or locked state of the clamp.

[0088] Clause 55: A horizontal safety rope system according to any one of Clauses 50-54, wherein the at least one indicator comprises a first indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is capable of self-tightening in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

[0089] Clause 56: A horizontal safety rope system according to any one of Clauses 50-55, wherein the first indicator is visible or hidden when the clamp is in the locked state. Attached Figure Description

[0090] The illustrative embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0091] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of a clamp according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure;

[0092] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the gripper in the assembled and unlocked state;

[0093] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An internal cross-sectional view of the gripper in the unlocked state (including the safety rope);

[0094] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side view of the gripper moving from the unlocked state to the locked state;

[0095] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An internal cross-sectional view of the gripper in a configuration between an unlocked and a locked state;

[0096] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The gripper in the assembled and locked side view;

[0097] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An internal cross-sectional view of the clamp in the locked state;

[0098] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Side view of the gripper in the second locked state;

[0099] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Internal cross-sectional view of the clamp in the second locked state; and

[0100] Figure 10 It includes Figure 1-9 A schematic diagram of the horizontal safety rope system of the clamp shown.

[0101] It should be understood that Figure 1-10 It is a schematic diagram and the features are not necessarily drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0102] As used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Spatial or directional terms such as “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “above,” and “below” are relevant to the embodiments or aspects illustrated in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered limiting, as embodiments or aspects may employ various alternative orientations. All figures used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all cases by the terms “about” or “approximately.” “About” or “approximately” means within plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value. However, this should not be construed as limiting any analysis of the values ​​under the doctrine of equivalence.

[0103] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein should be understood to encompass the starting and ending values, as well as any and all subranges or subratios included therein. For example, the specified range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 (and the end values ​​are included); that is, all subranges or subratios begin at the minimum value of 1 or greater and end at the maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent averages within the specified ranges and / or ratios.

[0104] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., are not intended to refer to any particular order or sequence, but rather to different conditions, attributes, or elements. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to.”

[0105] As used herein, "at least one of..." is synonymous with "one or more of...". For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes only A; or only B; or only C; or includes A and B; or includes A and C; or includes B and C; or includes all of A, B, and C. The words "comprising" and "including" do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the entire specification. In this specification, "comprising" means "including" and "including" means "comprising".

[0106] As used herein, the terms “parallel” or “substantially parallel” mean (if extended to the theoretical intersection) the relative angle between two objects (e.g., elongated objects), including the reference line, i.e., 0° to 5°, or 0° to 3°, or 0° to 2°, or 0° to 1°, or 0° to 0.5°, or 0° to 0.25°, or 0° to 0.1°, including the values ​​mentioned. As used herein, the terms “perpendicular,” “crossing,” “substantially perpendicular,” or “substantially crossing” mean the relative angle between two objects at their actual or theoretical intersection, which is 85° to 90°, or 87° to 90°, or 88° to 90°, or 89° to 90°, or 89.5° to 90°, or 89.75° to 90°, or 89.9° to 90°, including the values ​​mentioned.

[0107] The discussion of various embodiments or aspects may describe certain features as “particularly” or “preferred” within certain limitations (e.g., “preferred,” “more preferred,” or “even more preferred” within certain limitations). It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these specific or preferred limitations, but covers the entire range of various embodiments and aspects described herein. This disclosure comprises, consists of, or is substantially composed of any combination of the following embodiments or aspects. Various embodiments or aspects of this disclosure are shown in separate accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is merely for ease of illustration and discussion. In practice, one or more embodiments or aspects shown in one drawing may be combined with one or more embodiments or aspects shown in one or more other drawings.

[0108] Figure 1 An exploded view of the clamp 10 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0109] The clamp 10 includes a locking member 16. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member 16 is a wedge-shaped member with a tapered shape. It should be understood that locking members 16 with other shapes may be used.

[0110] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member 16 has notched or toothed surfaces 17 on both sides of the wedge. The locking member 16 is configured to insert into the receiving member 18. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the receiving member 18 is formed by two sections 18a, 18b. The receiving member 18 includes a clamping block or clamping surface 19. In use, one end of a safety rope is wrapped around the locking member 16, and the safety rope is clamped between the toothed surface 17 and the clamping surface 19 of the receiving member 18. This type of clamp is sometimes referred to as a wedge sleeve.

[0111] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper 10 includes a handle 11 having a housing 12. The housing 12 may have a textured outer surface to improve grip. It should be understood that in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle 11 may be replaced by a different actuator mechanism.

[0112] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cap nut 40 is mounted to the housing 12 by a pair of pins 13. The housing 12 and the cap nut 40 are threaded onto the shaft 15. The cap nut 40 includes a body 41 and a protruding edge 42. The body 41 of the cap nut 40 is received through a hole 14a in the top or mating surface 14' of the chassis or frame 14.

[0113] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the use of the cap nut 40. Other actuators may be used instead of the cap nut 40.

[0114] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member 16 further includes an opening into which the gasket member 20 is inserted. Each segment 18a, 18b of the receiving member 18 includes an opening 21 configured to align with the gasket member 20. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chassis 14 is connected to the locking member 16 by fasteners (e.g., bolts) 22. The fasteners 22 are inserted through holes 14b, openings 21, and holes 20a in the gasket member 20. Therefore, movement of the chassis 14 causes movement of the locking member 16 relative to the receiving member 18.

[0115] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member 16 further includes an additional slot 23. A fastener (e.g., a bolt) 25 is inserted through the slot 23 and through a through hole 24 in the receiving members 18a, 18b. Thus, the locking member 16 is slidably mounted to the receiving member 18.

[0116] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the nut 28 is mounted on the threaded shaft 15. The nut 28 is preferably not a cap nut. The nut 28 is received in a square hole 26 in the receiving members 18a, 18b. In this way, the nut 28 prevents the threaded shaft 15 from rotating and sliding relative to the receiving member 18. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the nut 28 can be secured in place on the threaded shaft 15 by a pin or similar fastener (not shown).

[0117] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chassis housing 30 is arranged to surround or house the chassis 14. The chassis housing 30 includes an indicator portion 31. As detailed below, the indicator portion 31 of the chassis housing is not visible when the gripper 10 is in a locked state. The indicator portion 31 may be referred to as a first indicator. The indicator portion 31 may be a different color from the rest of the chassis housing 30. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chassis housing 30 may be made of plastic to reduce the weight of the gripper 10.

[0118] In use, the handle 11 is twisted or rotated relative to the shaft 15 to reconfigure the clamp 10 between an unlocked state and a locked state, in which a cable or safety rope can be inserted into or removed from the clamp, and in which the cable or safety rope is held between the locking member 16 and the receiving member 18.

[0119] Figure 2 The gripper 10 is shown in the unlocked state. A first indicator 31 is visible when it extends beyond the handle housing 12. In this non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the first indicator 31 is visible only in the unlocked state and the second locked state (visible to an external user when the gripper 10 is assembled). If the first indicator 31 is visible, it means that the gripper 10 cannot self-lock when a load is applied to the safety rope (e.g., the locking member 16 cannot move further toward the receiving member 18). If the first indicator 31 is not visible, it means that the gripper 10 is capable of self-locking when a load is applied to the safety rope. Therefore, the first indicator 31 can be referred to as a self-locking indicator.

[0120] In addition, Figure 2 In the unlocked state shown, a portion of the slot 21 in the receiving member 18 is also visible near the chassis housing 30. The slot 21 reveals a portion of the pad member 20 passing through it. The slot 21 and the pad member 20 form a second indicator. In this embodiment, the second indicators 21, 20 are only visible in the unlocked state. Therefore, the second indicators 21, 20 provide a visual indication that the clamp needs to be tightened to hold the safety rope in the clamp.

[0121] Since the first indicator 31 and the second indicators 20 and 21 are both visible, this provides visible confirmation that the clamp 10 is in the unlocked state.

[0122] Figure 3 Showing when used with safety rope 50 Figure 2The cross-section of the clamp 10 is shown to allow visualization of the internal component configuration. A safety rope 50 is wrapped around the locking member 16 such that it contacts the toothed surface 17 and extends around the periphery of the locking member 16. In the unlocked state, as shown, the safety rope 50 is not compressed between the locking member 16 and the clamping surface 19 of the receiving member. Therefore, the safety rope 50 can be pulled through the clamp 10 in the unlocked state to adjust its length or tension.

[0123] Figure 4-9 The safety rope 50 is omitted to allow for a clearer view of the relative positions of the locking member 16 and the receiving member 18.

[0124] In the unlocked state, the handle 11, including the housing 12 and the top cap nut 40, is rotated to move along the threaded shaft 15 in the direction indicated by arrow A. A gap exists between the handle housing 12 and the top (or mating surface) 14' of the base 14. The edge 42 of the top cap nut 40 does not pass through the hole 14a in the base 14 for assembly. Therefore, when the edge 42 of the top cap nut 40 abuts the base 14, further movement of the handle 11 pulls the base 14 in the direction indicated by arrow A, thereby causing the locking member 16 to slide away from the receiving member 18.

[0125] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the movement of the chassis 14 and the locking member 16 relative to the receiving member 18 is limited by the length of the slot 23. When the fastener 25 contacts the end of the slot 23 (e.g. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, this prevents further movement of the chassis 14 and the locking member 16 in the direction indicated by arrow A. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in order to secure the safety rope 50 in the gripper 10, the handle 11 must be rotated in the opposite direction to move the gripper and reconfigure it into the locked state, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4 and 7 As shown. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the rotation of handle 11 can be done manually without the use of any tools. This makes assembly and setup easier and faster.

[0126] Figure 4-5 Showing from Figure 2 The gripper 10 transitions from the unlocked state to the locked state. In other words, Figure 4-5 The clamp 10 is shown in a configuration between a fully unlocked state and a locked state. The handle 11, including the housing 12 and the top cap nut 40, has been moved along the threaded shaft 15 in the direction indicated by arrow B. The handle 11 has been rotated until the housing 12 covers or conceals the first indicator 31 (see...). Figure 4 However, the second indicators 21 and 20 are still visible. This is because the chassis 14 and the locking member 16 have not disengaged. Figure 2 and 3Move to the indicated position. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, between the locked and unlocked states (or...) Figure 3 and 5 There exists a configuration in which neither the edge 42 of the handle housing 12 nor the edge 42 of the top cap nut engages with the chassis 14.

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown, there is no longer a gap between the handle housing 12 and the top 14' of the chassis. The handle housing 12 has moved along the axis 15 until it abuts or engages the top 14' of the chassis 14. The body 41 of the cap nut 40 has moved along the axis 15 through the hole 14a in the chassis. There is a gap or space between the edge 42 of the cap nut and the top 14' of the chassis. There is also a gap or space between the edge 42 of the cap nut and the end 27 of the receiving member 18 adjacent to the nut 28.

[0128] In this configuration, the first indicator 31 is not visible, but the second indicators 20 and 21 are visible. This confirms to the user that if a load is applied to the safety rope 50, the chassis 14 can move, but the safety rope will not be held in the clamp 10. Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the handle 11 needs to be rotated further to secure the clamp 10 and reconfigure it into the locked state. Figure 6 and 7 The clamp 10 is shown in a locked state, with the safety rope (not shown) securely clamped between the toothed surface 17 of the locking member 16 and the clamping surface 19 of the receiving member 18.

[0129] according to Figure 4 and 5 In the configuration shown, the handle 11 has been further rotated to move the handle housing 12 and the top cap nut 40 along axis 15 in the direction indicated by arrow B. As the housing 12 contacts the top 14' of the chassis 14, this further movement of the handle housing 12 begins to push the chassis in the direction indicated by arrow B. The movement of the chassis 14 causes the slot 23 of the locking member 16 to slide relative to the receiving member 18, bringing the toothed surface 17 of the locking member 16 closer to the clamping surface 19, thereby securely clamping the safety rope therebetween (not shown). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the large clamping area reduces damage to the safety rope when locked.

[0130] Furthermore, the movement of chassis 14 causes chassis housing 30 to move in direction B. The user rotates handle 11 until chassis housing 30 covers or conceals the second indicators 21, 20. Therefore, in the locked state, both the first indicator 31 and the second indicators 21, 20 should be invisible. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, indicators 31, 21, 20 provide the following visual indication: the clamp 10 is safe to use without requiring the user to check the torque of the bolts or physically inspect the clamp 10 in any way.

[0131] If, despite correct installation, the gripper 10 fails to reach the locked state (according to the visual indicator), this will be an indication to the user that the gripper 10 should be serviced. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the gripper 10 is designed to be reused multiple times throughout its service life without maintenance.

[0132] like Figure 7 As shown, in the locked state, the fastener 25 does not abut the end of the slot 23. Therefore, in the locked state, the movement of the locking member 16 is not restricted by the slot 23. Instead, in the locked state, the protruding edge 42 of the cap nut 40 engages the end 27 of the receiving member, which is adjacent to the nut 28 received in the square hole 26 in the receiving member. This contact prevents further movement of the handle 11 along the shaft 15. Therefore, the end 27 of the receiving member 18 acts as a stop to limit the movement of the handle 11 and limit the clamping force applied to the safety rope.

[0133] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in the locked state, there is a gap or interval between the top 14' (or mating surface) of the chassis 14 and the edge 42 of the cap nut 40. This gap allows the chassis 14 to move together with the locking member 16 to a second locked state. Figure 6 and 7 middle).

[0134] In some non-restrictive implementations or aspects, the lockout state (e.g.) Figure 6 and 7 (As shown) is the normal operating state of the gripper 10. As described above, the configuration of the handle housing 12, the top cap nut 40, and the base 14 prevents the gripper 10 from becoming overtightened in the locked state, thereby reducing damage or wear to the gripper and / or the safety rope. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when a force is applied to the safety rope 50 secured in the gripper 10 in the locked state (e.g., in a fall abort event), this causes the gripper 10 to self-tighten to a second locked state (see...). Figure 8 and 9In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the force or load applied to the safety rope 50 surrounding the locking member 16 pulls the locking member 16 relative to the receiving member 18 in the direction indicated by arrow B, thereby pulling the chassis 14 connected thereto. This causes the locking member 16 to move closer to the clamping surface 19, thereby increasing the clamping force applied to the safety rope 50.

[0135] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle 11 is between a locked state and a second locked state (e.g., in...). Figure 6 and Figure 8 There is no movement between them. Therefore, the chassis 14 and chassis housing 30 move in direction B relative to the handle 11 (including housing 12 and top cap nut 40). In the second locked state, there is no gap between the top 14' of the chassis and the edge 42 of the top cap nut. This movement of the chassis 14 and chassis housing 30 causes the first indicator 31 to protrude at least partially beyond the handle housing 12 in the second locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, another indicator of the clamp 10 being in the second locked state is an additional portion 16b of the locking member 16 protruding from the end of the receiving member 18. This portion 16b may be referred to as a third indicator.

[0136] exist Figure 1-9 In this embodiment, the locking member 16 is a wedge-shaped piece having a vertex 16b opposite to the curved end. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chassis 14 and handle 11 are positioned adjacent to the curved end of the wedge. However, it should be understood that the gripper structure can be reversed, such that the chassis 14 and handle 11 are positioned on the other side of the wedge adjacent to the vertex 16b. In this non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the chassis 14 pushes the wedge 16 into the unlocked state (along direction A) and pulls the wedge 16 into the locked state (along direction B). Thus, the aforementioned pushing force can be converted into a pulling force. Both of these non-limiting embodiments or aspects are contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0137] In this alternative, non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the second indicators 20, 21 may be visible in the locked state, but not in the unlocked state or the second locked state. Similarly, it could be that if the first indicator 31 is visible, this means that the clamp 10 is capable of self-locking when a load is applied to the safety rope. Therefore, the first indicator 31 may only be visible in the locked state. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, Figure 1-9 The clamp 10 shown can be used in a horizontal safety rope system 100, such as Figure 10 As illustrated in the diagram. It should be understood that... Figure 10Shown not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the horizontal safety rope system 100 includes a safety rope 50, preferably a metal cable. A first end 50a of the safety rope 50 may be attached to an anchor point 101 via a connector (such as a buckle). A second end 50b of the safety rope 50 is received in a clamp 10.

[0138] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, after the safety rope 50 is inserted into the clamp 10, a stop member 52 is attached to the second end 50b of the safety rope. The stop member 52 is configured to prevent the safety rope 50 from being removed from the clamp 10, as the stop member 52 cannot pass through. Therefore, the stop member is a safety feature that prevents the safety rope 50 from accidentally disengaging from the clamp 10. (Continue to reference) Figure 10 The clamp 10 is in the locked position. The shaft 15 of the clamp 10 can be connected to the second anchor point 102 via a buckle or other connector. Therefore, the safety rope 50 is held under tension without needing to cut the safety rope 50 to the desired length between anchor points 101, 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, multiple slip rings 103 are attached to the safety rope 50. A user can attach their personal safety rope to one of the slip rings 103 to move safely along the safety rope 50. If one of the users falls, the force applied to the slip ring 103 will move the clamp 10 to the second locked position, thereby ensuring that the safety rope 50 is held under tension.

[0139] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to use in horizontal safety rope systems.

[0140] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure have been described in detail herein. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and substitutions may be made to the embodiments or aspects without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the language of the claims, such modifications shall be deemed to be included in the following claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments or aspects described in detail above are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure, which will give full scope to the appended claims and any and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: Retaining components; A locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member, wherein, In use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; and A handle, wherein the position of the handle is manually adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between the following states: In the unlocked state, the safety rope is movable through the clamp; as well as In a locked state, wherein the locking member is pushed into the receiving member, such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member. The clamp further includes a chassis connected to the locking member, wherein when moved toward the locked state, a force applied to the handle is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member toward the receiving member, and when moved toward the unlocked state, a force applied to the handle is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member away from the receiving member. The clamp further includes at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the state of the clamp.

2. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein, Moving the handle along a first direction moves the locking member toward the locked state, while moving the handle along a second direction opposite to the first direction moves the locking member toward the unlocked state.

3. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the chassis is disposed between the first portion of the handle and the second portion of the handle.

4. The clamp according to claim 3, wherein, When moving toward the locked state, the first portion of the handle engages the chassis, thereby transmitting the force applied to the handle through the chassis.

5. The clamp according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, When moving toward the unlocked state, the second portion of the handle engages the chassis, thereby transmitting the force applied to the handle through the chassis.

6. The gripper according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein in the locked state, the second portion of the handle is spaced apart from the chassis.

7. The gripper according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the handle includes an actuator and the second portion of the handle is part of the actuator.

8. The clamp according to any one of claims 1, 3-7, wherein the locking member includes a hole, and the chassis is mounted to the locking member by a fastener inserted through the hole.

9. The clamp of claim 8, further comprising a gasket member received in the hole in the locking member, wherein the chassis is mounted to the locking member by a fastener member inserted through the gasket member.

10. The clamp according to any one of claims 1, 3-9, wherein the handle comprises: a housing; and A nut installed within the housing, the nut having a body and a protruding edge.

11. The clamp of claim 10, wherein the chassis includes a hole configured to receive the body of the nut through which it passes. The protruding edge of the nut must not pass through the hole in the chassis.

12. The clamp of claim 11, wherein when moving toward the unlocked state, the body of the nut is received through the hole in the chassis, and the protruding edge of the nut abuts the chassis, thereby moving the chassis and the locking member away from the receiving member.

13. The clamp according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a threaded shaft configured to extend through the hole in the chassis, wherein the housing and nut are mounted on the shaft.

14. The gripper according to any one of claims 10-13, further comprising a chassis housing, wherein a portion of the chassis housing forms a first indicator, wherein in the locked state, the housing of the handle is arranged to shield or cover the first indicator.

15. A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: Retaining components; A locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member, wherein, In use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; A chassis connected to the locking member; as well as An actuator, wherein the position of the actuator is adjustable to reconfigure the gripper between the following states: In the unlocked state, the safety rope is movable through the clamp; as well as In a locked state, wherein the locking member is pushed into the receiving member, such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; In order to drive the gripper toward the locked state, a first portion of the actuator engages the chassis, and in order to drive the gripper toward the unlocked state, a second portion of the actuator engages the chassis. in: i) In the locked state, the second portion of the actuator is spaced apart from the chassis; and / or ii) In the configuration between the unlocked state and the locked state, both the first and second portions of the actuator are disengaged from the chassis; and / or iii) The first portion of the actuator is arranged to engage the chassis along a first travel direction, and the second portion of the actuator is arranged to engage the chassis along a second (reverse) travel direction. When moving towards the locked state, the force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis, causing the locking member to move towards the receiving member; and when moving towards the unlocked state, the force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis, causing the locking member to move away from the receiving member. The clamp further includes at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the state of the clamp.

16. The gripper of claim 15, wherein the actuator comprises a handle.

17. The clamping device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the actuator comprises a nut having a body and a protruding edge.

18. The clamp according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein, In response to the application of force on the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter the second locked state.

19. The clamp according to claim 18, wherein, The at least one indicator includes an indicator configured to visually indicate that the clamp is in the second locked state.

20. A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: Retaining components; A locking member configured to move relative to the receiving member, wherein, In use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; An actuator, wherein the position of the actuator is adjustable to reconfigure the gripper between the following states: In the unlocked state, the safety rope is movable through the clamp; as well as In a locked state, wherein the locking member is pushed into the receiving member, such that the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; as well as At least one indicator is configured to provide a visual indication of the state of the gripper. The clamp further includes a chassis connected to the locking member, wherein when moving toward the locked state, a force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member toward the receiving member, and when moving toward the unlocked state, a force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member away from the receiving member.

21. The clamp of claim 20, wherein the at least one indicator comprises a first indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is capable of self-tightening in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

22. The gripper of claim 21, wherein the first indicator is invisible or visible only when the gripper is in the locked state.

23. The gripper of claim 22, wherein the gripper comprises a chassis housing, and wherein the first indicator comprises a portion of the chassis housing.

24. The gripper according to any one of claims 20-23, wherein the at least one indicator includes a second indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the gripper is in the locked state, wherein the second indicator is invisible or visible only in the locked state.

25. The clamp according to any one of claims 20-24, wherein, In response to the application of force on the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter the second locked state.

26. The clamp according to claim 25, wherein, The at least one indicator includes a third indicator that is visible only when the clamp is in the second locked state, wherein the third indicator is included in a portion of the locking member that protrudes from the receiving member in the second locked state.

27. The gripper according to any one of claims 20-26, wherein the actuator includes a handle, wherein the position of the handle is manually adjustable to reconfigure the gripper between the unlocked state and the locked state.

28. The clamping device according to any one of claims 20-27, wherein the locking member is slidably mounted to the receiving member.

29. The clamp according to any one of claims 20-28, wherein the receiving member comprises a pair of clamping surfaces, wherein the clamping surfaces are arranged to engage the safety rope in the locked state.

30. The clamping device according to any one of claims 20-29, wherein the locking member has a conical or wedge-shaped shape.

31. The clamping device according to any one of claims 20-30, wherein the receiving member is a sleeve shaped to receive the locking member.

32. A horizontal safety rope system comprising: The clamp according to any one of claims 20-31; and A safety rope comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be connected to an anchor point, and the second end being clamped in the clamp such that the safety rope is held under tension during use.

33. The horizontal safety rope system of claim 32, wherein the safety rope is a wire rope or wire cable.

34. The horizontal safety rope system of claim 32 or 33, wherein the second end of the safety rope includes a stop member arranged to prevent the safety rope from being removed from the clamp during use.

35. A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: Retaining components; axis; A locking member is movably mounted relative to the receiving member, wherein, In use, the safety rope is positioned between the locking member and the receiving member; An actuator connected to the locking member causes movement of at least a portion of the actuator along the axis to drive movement of the locking member in a first or second direction: The first direction is toward the locked state, in which the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; and The second direction is toward the unlocked state, in which the safety rope can move between the receiving member and the locking member; as well as A first indicator is configured to provide a visual indication of the unlocked or locked state of the gripper; and The chassis, which includes mating surfaces, The engagement surface is configured to be separated from the actuator by a gap when in the locked state, and the gap is closed when the locking member moves into the second locked state.

36. The clamp of claim 35, wherein the safety rope surrounds the locking member such that the clamp is self-locking in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

37. The gripper of claim 36, wherein the first indicator is visible or hidden when the gripper is in the locked state.

38. The gripper of claim 35, wherein the first indicator includes a colored portion that is a different color compared to the rest of the gripper.

39. The clamping device of claim 35, wherein the actuator is connected to the locking member via the chassis.

40. The gripper of claim 35, further comprising a second indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the gripper is in the locked state, wherein the second indicator is visible or hidden in the locked state.

41. The clamp according to claim 35, wherein, In response to the application of force on the safety rope while in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter the second locked state, causing the first indicator to become visible or hidden.

42. The gripper of claim 35, wherein the actuator includes a handle, and wherein the handle is rotatable to reconfigure the gripper between the unlocked state and the locked state.

43. The clamp of claim 42, wherein rotational movement of the handle causes sliding movement of the locking member relative to the receiving member.

44. The clamp of claim 35, wherein the locking member is slidably mounted to the receiving member via at least one slot.

45. The clamp of claim 35, wherein the receiving member comprises a pair of clamping surfaces, wherein the clamping surfaces are arranged to engage the safety rope in the locked state.

46. ​​The clamping device according to claim 35, wherein the locking member has a conical or wedge-shaped shape.

47. The clamping device of claim 35, wherein the locking member, the receiving member, or a combination thereof has a recessed or toothed surface.

48. The gripper of claim 42, wherein the actuator comprises at least a portion of the handle.

49. A clamp for use with a safety rope, the clamp comprising: Retaining components; A locking member is movably mounted relative to the receiving member, wherein, In use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; An actuator configured to move the locking member relative to the receiving member, wherein the actuator is movable to reconfigure the clamp between the following states: In the unlocked state, the safety rope is movable between the receiving member and the locking member; as well as In the locked state, the safety rope is held between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; as well as At least one indicator is configured to provide a visual indication of the unlocked or locked state of the gripper. The clamp further includes a chassis connected to the locking member, wherein when moving toward the locked state, a force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member toward the receiving member, and when moving toward the unlocked state, a force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member away from the receiving member.

50. The clamp of claim 49, wherein the at least one indicator comprises a first indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is capable of self-tightening in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

51. The gripper of claim 50, wherein the first indicator is visible or hidden when the gripper is in the locked state.

52. The gripper according to any one of claims 49-51, wherein the at least one indicator includes a colored portion that is a different color compared to the rest of the gripper.

53. The clamp according to claim 50 or 51, wherein the clamp comprises a chassis housing, wherein the first indicator is formed on a portion of the chassis housing.

54. The gripper according to any one of claims 49-53, wherein the at least one indicator includes a second indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the gripper is in the locked state, wherein the second indicator is visible or hidden in the locked state.

55. The clamp according to any one of claims 49-54, wherein, In response to the force applied to the safety rope while in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter the second locked state.

56. The gripper according to any one of claims 49-55, wherein the actuator includes a handle, and wherein the handle is rotatable to reconfigure the gripper between the unlocked state and the locked state.

57. The clamp of claim 56, wherein rotational movement of the handle causes sliding movement of the locking member relative to the receiving member.

58. The clamping device according to any one of claims 49-57, wherein the locking member is slidably mounted to the receiving member.

59. The clamp according to any one of claims 49-58, wherein the receiving member comprises a pair of clamping surfaces, wherein the clamping surfaces are arranged to engage the safety rope in the locked state.

60. The clamping device according to any one of claims 49-59, wherein the locking member has a conical or wedge-shaped shape.

61. The clamping device according to claim 60, wherein the locking member has recessed or toothed surfaces on both sides of the conical or wedge-shaped shape.

62. A horizontal safety rope system comprising: A safety rope, the safety rope comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be connected to an anchor point; A gripper, the gripper comprising: - Retaining components; - Axis; - A locking member movably mounted relative to the receiving member, wherein, In use, the second end of the safety rope is positioned between the locking member and the receiving member; - An actuator connected to the locking member such that movement of at least a portion of the actuator along the axis drives movement of the locking member in a first direction and a second direction: -- The first direction is toward the locked state, in which the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member; and -- The second direction faces the unlocked state, in which the safety rope can move between the receiving member and the locking member. The actuator is connected to the locking member via a chassis. In the locked state, there is a gap between the mating surface of the chassis and the actuator, and When the locking member moves into the second locking state, the gap between the engagement surface of the chassis and the actuator is closed.

63. The horizontal safety rope system according to claim 62, wherein the safety rope is a wire rope or wire cable.

64. The horizontal safety rope system according to any one of claims 62-63, wherein the second end of the safety rope includes a stop member arranged to prevent the safety rope from being removed from the clamp during use.

65. The horizontal safety rope system according to any one of claims 62-64, further comprising one or more slip rings disposed on the safety rope, each of the one or more slip rings being configured to connect to a personal safety rope connected to a user.

66. The horizontal safety rope system according to any one of claims 62-65, further comprising at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the unlocked state or the locked state of the gripper.

67. The horizontal safety rope system of claim 66, wherein the at least one indicator comprises a first indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is capable of self-tightening in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

68. The horizontal safety rope system of claim 67, wherein the first indicator is visible or hidden when the clamp is in the locked state.

69. A horizontal safety rope system comprising: A gripper, the gripper comprising: - Retaining components; - A locking member movably mounted relative to the receiving member, wherein, In use, one end of the safety rope is wrapped around the locking member; - An actuator configured to move the locking member relative to the receiving member, wherein the actuator is movable to reconfigure the clamp between the following states: -- Unlocked state, wherein the safety rope is movable between the receiving member and the locking member; as well as -- Locked state, wherein the safety rope is clamped between at least a portion of the locking member and the receiving member. - A chassis connected to the locking member, wherein when moving toward the locked state, a force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member toward the receiving member, and when moving toward the unlocked state, a force applied to the actuator is transmitted through the chassis to move the locking member away from the receiving member; as well as A safety rope comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to connect to an anchor point, and the second end being clamped between the receiving member and the locking member. The clamp, in the locked state, is configured to self-tighten the safety rope in response to a load applied to it. In the locked state, at least a portion of the actuator is adjacent to the actuator and there is a gap between the actuator and the mating surface of the chassis, and the actuator. In response to the application of force to the safety rope when in the locked state, the locking member is further pushed into the receiving member to enter a second locked state, thereby closing the gap.

70. The horizontal safety rope system of claim 69, wherein the safety rope is a wire rope or wire cable.

71. The horizontal safety rope system according to any one of claims 69-70, wherein the second end of the safety rope includes a stop member arranged to prevent the safety rope from being removed from the clamp during use.

72. The horizontal safety rope system according to any one of claims 69-71, further comprising one or more slip rings disposed on the safety rope, each of the one or more slip rings being configured to connect to a personal safety rope connected to a user.

73. The horizontal safety rope system according to any one of claims 69-72, further comprising at least one indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the unlocked state or the locked state of the gripper.

74. The horizontal safety rope system of claim 73, wherein the at least one indicator comprises a first indicator configured to provide a visual indication that the clamp is capable of self-tightening in response to a load applied to the safety rope.

75. The horizontal safety rope system of claim 74, wherein the first indicator is visible or hidden when the clamp is in the locked state.

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