Safety apparatus

Abstract

A safety apparatus (4) comprising an attachment portion (8), configured to be fixed to a climbing harness or to a clothing item of a climber, at least one coupling element (12), such as a climbing carabiner, configured to be coupled to a fixing element of a via ferrata, such as a steel cable or rope, a hook, a loop, and the like, wherein said coupling element (12) is connected to the attachment portion (8) by means of a flexible connection means (16), e.g., such as a fixing strap or the like, wherein the flexible connection means (16) is provided with at least one winding device (20) having at least one drum (24) rotating about a pin (28) on which the flexible connection means (16) is at least partially wound, and wherein the winding device (20) comprises an elastic means biasing the rotating drum (24) to wind up and shorten the flexible connection means (16), so as to approach the coupling element (12) to the attachment portion (8). The flexible connection means (16) comprises a strap or rope which is folded into two parts (40,44) at an intermediate point (36), wherein the ends (48,52) of the flexible connection means (16), opposite to said intermediate point (36), protrude at an arc of a circle of the drum (24) of less than 120°.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety apparatus, such as a via ferrata set or lanyard, which must be carried, for example, by a sports mountaineer in order to secure him to the safety elements of an alpine via ferrata, or to anchor himself in a stop, or which may be used by an operator who must anchor himself to anchorages, such as on building structures.PRIOR ART

[0002] In general, the safety apparatus, e.g., the via ferrata set, comprises a body attachment portion, configured to be fixed or which may be fixed to a safety harness, e.g., climbing harness, or to a clothing item of an operator or climber, and a pair of coupling elements, such as climbing carabiners, configured to be coupled to a fixing element of a via ferrata or a structure or for a stop, such as a steel cable or rope, a hook, a loop, and the like.

[0003] The coupling elements are connected to the attachment portion on the body by flexible connection means, such as a fixing strap or the like.

[0004] When using an alpine via ferrata, sports climbers typically wear a harness, such as a sit harness or a full harness, to which the safety apparatus is attached.

[0005] The known type of via ferrata set also has, as seen, a pair of coupling elements, usually climbing carabiners, with which the sports climber may engage a safety element of the via ferrata, e.g., a steel cable attached to the rock. A safety cable runs between the portion attached to the body and the coupling element, which allows a distance to be maintained between the sports climber and the safety element of the via ferrata to ensure the climber has the necessary freedom of movement.

[0006] Most known via ferrata sets have two coupling elements, each of which is connected to the harness by means of a separate and independent connection cable: in this way, the sports climber always has at least one coupling element coupled to a safety element of the via ferrata, even when releasing a coupling element to pass from one safety element to the next safety element along the via ferrata. In this way, the climber always remains coupled to at least one coupling element of the via ferrata.

[0007] To give the sports climber freedom of movement along the via ferrata, the connection cables between the harness and the coupling elements must be of sufficient length.

[0008] To facilitate the handling of the long connection cables during climbing, said connection cables are known to wind with an elastic sheath or to incorporate an elastic element into the connection cable, so that said cable is gathered in the unloaded state and is therefore easier to handle, with sports climbers being able to stretch it again with little effort to couple the corresponding coupling element to the subsequent safety element of the via ferrata.

[0009] However, the known means for gathering the connection cable allow only a limited shortening of the total length of said rope to the extent of the elasticity of the elastic sheath or the elastic cord. Therefore, the known type of connection cable, even if in the gathered configuration, still has a considerable length, which during athletic movement in a via ferrata may cause discomfort to the user who risks becoming entangled.

[0010] In order to solve this technical problem, the use is known of a winding device for the connection cables which is provided with elastic means capable of recovering the excess portion of the connection cables.

[0011] However, this solution is also not without limitations.

[0012] In fact, the recovery or winding system tends to continuously recover the excess length of the connection cables without the possibility of being able to carry out an intermediate adjustment which may be very useful to a climber.

[0013] Furthermore, the known recovery systems do not allow the overall length of the apparatus to be made much shorter: in this way, the apparatus is cumbersome and the cables could interfere with or get stuck in the rocks or even the clothing of the climber. Solutions according to prior art are disclosed by US 2005 / 217937 A, US 2005 / 14535 A1 and DE 10 2015109444 A1.

[0014] Moreover, the need is felt for a climber to be able to hang on one or more hooks in order to rest during climbing (so-called "rest" function); this possibility is in fact precluded by the known systems.

[0015] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide a safety apparatus, for example for use in a via ferrata of the type mentioned above, which is capable of improving the freedom of movement of the sports climber and which is at the same time versatile and manageable.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] There is therefore a need to resolve the drawbacks and limitations mentioned with reference to the prior art.

[0017] This need is satisfied by a safety apparatus according to claim 1.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a safety apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a safety apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4-5 are perspective views of a safety apparatus according to the present invention in the released / open and locked / closed configurations, respectively; Fig. 6-7 are views of Fig. 4-5 in partial section; Fig. 8-9 are views of Fig. 4-5 in partial section; Fig. 10-11 are perspective views, in separate parts, of a winding device of the safety apparatus according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Elements or parts of elements common to the embodiments described hereinafter will be indicated with the same numerical references.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] With reference to the aforesaid figures, the reference numeral 4 globally denotes an overall view of a safety apparatus, for example a via ferrata set or lanyard, for a rope or cable (not shown), according to the present invention.

[0021] In the remainder of the description, reference will always be made to a safety apparatus, meaning both a via ferrata set or lanyard and any harness apparatus, for example for operators in the field of construction or similar fields.

[0022] The safety apparatus 4 comprises an attachment portion 8, configured to be fixed to a climbing harness or a clothing item of a user. The attachment portion 8 may be of various types and configurations, in a known manner.

[0023] Typically, the attachment portion 8 also comprises an energy dissipator, not shown, which is activated in the event of a severe jerk, for example following the fall of the climber. The energy sink, known in the art, may also be of various types.

[0024] The safety apparatus 4 further comprises at least one coupling element 12, such as a climbing carabiner, configured to be coupled to a fixing element of a via ferrata, of a stop or a structure, such as a steel cable or rope, a hook, a loop fixed in the rock or on a wall / structure, and the like.

[0025] Said coupling element 12 is connected to the attachment portion 8 by means of a flexible connection means 16, such as a fixing strap, a cable, a rope, or the like.

[0026] Advantageously, the flexible connection means 16 is provided with at least one winding device 20 having at least one drum 24 rotating about a pin 28 on which the flexible connection means 16 is wound. According to a possible embodiment, the pin 28 is integral with the drum 24.

[0027] The winding device 20 comprises an elastic means (not shown) biasing the rotating drum 24 to wind up and shorten the flexible connection means 16, so as to approach the coupling element 12 to the attachment portion 8. In other words, the elastic means acts as a return for the flexible connection means 16, which is shortened and pulled back towards the attachment portion, so as to approach the coupling element to the climber or operator.

[0028] Preferably, the winding device 20 is provided with a winding end stroke, given that the flexible connection means 16 has a thickened portion 18 that acts as an undercut with respect to a window 56 for the passage of said flexible connection means 16 within the winding device 20. On the other hand, the unwinding end stroke is given by the total or complete straightening of said flexible connection means 16. In other words, at the end of total unwinding, the flexible connection means 16 straightens out completely, protruding from the winding device 20. In this way, in the event of a fall, the flexible connection means 16 integrally absorbs the tensile impact and in no way stresses the winding device 20 or its pin 28; therefore, the winding device 20 may be made in such a way as to have a simple and lightweight architecture, which at the same time is strong and secure.

[0029] Advantageously, the flexible connection means 16 comprises a strap or rope which, at an intermediate point 36, is folded into two mutually overlapping parts 40,44 and wound up on said drum 24. In other words, the strap or rope is first folded into two parts 40,44 at the intermediate point 36, and then the two folded and overlapping parts or portions 40,44 are wound onto the drum 24, taking care to start by winding the portion of the connection means 16 comprising the intermediate point 36 onto the drum.

[0030] Preferably, the intermediate point 36 is fixed to the drum 24 by a fixing means 38 such as a clip or webbing 39. It should be noted that, by virtue of the clip, the intermediate point is fixed directly onto the pin 28, or preferably the interposition of the webbing 39 may be envisaged.

[0031] Therefore, the intermediate point will be brought to abut against the drum 24, and then the rotation of said drum and the winding of the flexible connection means 16 will proceed.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment, the ends 48,52 of the flexible connection means 16, opposite to said intermediate point 36, are connected to said at least one coupling element 12 and to the attachment portion 8, respectively. In this embodiment, the winding device 20 is used to wind up and manage a single coupling element 12.

[0033] According to a possible embodiment, the apparatus 4 comprises two coupling elements 12, each provided with a flexible connection means 16 that connects the corresponding coupling element 12 to the attachment portion 8 by means of a respective winding device 20.

[0034] According to a further possible embodiment, the safety apparatus 4 comprises a single winding device 20 and a single flexible connection means 16, wherein the ends 48,52 of the flexible connection means 16, opposite to said intermediate point 36, are connected to a first coupling element 12' and a second coupling element 12", respectively. In other words, it is possible to connect two coupling elements 12',12'' to the same winding device 20.

[0035] The ends 48, 52 of the flexible connection means 16, opposite to said intermediate point 36, protrude at an arc of a circle of the drum 24 of less than 120°. In other words, the ends 48,52 of the flexible connection means 16, opposite to said intermediate point 36, protrude in positions that are not diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the pin 28, but rather closer together so as to form an angle of less than 120°. Even more preferably, the ends 48,52 of the flexible connection means 16, opposite to said intermediate point 36, protrude in such a way as to be superimposed and parallel therebetween.

[0036] Preferably, the ends 48,52 of the flexible connection means 16, opposite to said intermediate point 36, protrude through the same window 56 formed on the winding device 20. This arrangement makes it possible to limit the length and overall bulk of the safety apparatus 4 and therefore also reduces the risk of it becoming entangled with the clothing of the climber or operator.

[0037] According to a possible embodiment, the winding device 20 is provided with a clutch and / or retaining device 60 configured to brake and / or lock the ends 48,52 of the flexible connection means 16.

[0038] For example, the clutch and / or retaining device 60 comprises at least one cam 64 displaceable from a clutch and / or retaining position, in which it at least partially abuts against said at least one connection means 16 so as to counteract at least partially the elastic pullback action of the elastic means, to a releasing position, in which it does not affect said at least one connection means 16.

[0039] According to a possible embodiment, the clutch and / or retaining device 60 comprises an abutment plate 68, and wherein both ends 48,52 of the flexible connection means 16 are interposed between said cam 64 and said abutment plate 68. In this way a single clutch and / or retaining device 60 is obtained which acts on both ends 48,52 simultaneously.

[0040] According to a possible embodiment, the clutch and / or retaining device 60 comprises an outer slider 72, operatively connected to said cam 64.

[0041] For example, said outer slider 72 is configured to travel in an arc of a circle.

[0042] According to a possible embodiment, the outer slider 72 is coupled to a plate 76 that supports the drum 24 of the winding device 20.

[0043] For example, the outer slider 72 is operatively connected to a spring 78 fixed to the winding device so as to lock the outer slider 72, and the respective cam 64, at a release stroke end and a locking stroke end.

[0044] According to a possible embodiment, the rotating drum 24 comprises two lobes 80 that define a pair of radial shoulders.

[0045] Said lobes 80 are used to ensure the drawing of the flexible connection means 16 and therefore the winding thereof about the rotating drum 24.

[0046] According to a possible embodiment, said lobes 80 define a gap 88 in which the flexible connection means 16 and / or, if provided, the fixing means 38, such as the clip or webbing 39, are preferably engaged and fixed.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment, the winding device 20 is provided with at least one ring 84 in which at least one of said ends 48,52 passes out of the window 56. In this way, the winding device 20 is prevented from overly misaligning with respect to the flexible connection means, thus avoiding the risk that the safety apparatus 4 may become entangled with the climber's clothing.

[0048] For example, said ring 84 is fixed to the plate 76 that supports the drum 24 of the winding device 20.

[0049] As may be appreciated from that which has been described, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0050] In particular, the winding device may automatically wind up the flexible connection means. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the connection means essentially always remains stretched between the attachment portion and the coupling element and does not lower even when the sports climber or operator approaches the rock wall or in general the structure on which he is operating.

[0051] The risk of being trapped or wound up by the connection means is thus further reduced. Furthermore, a connection means that is temporarily not in use may be wound up automatically and then brought into a space-saving state without any special manual operation.

[0052] Furthermore, the solution is very compact and lightweight, as well as cost-effective to implement.

[0053] The particular folding of the flexible connection means about the drum makes it possible to create a particularly compact, lightweight and economical structure.

[0054] A person skilled in the art, for the purpose of satisfying contingent and specific needs, may make numerous modifications and variations to the solutions described above.

[0055] The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the following claims.Reference elements

[0056] 4:safety apparatus 8:attachment portion 12:coupling element 16:flexible connection means 18:thickened portion 20:winding device 24:drum 28:pin 36:intermediate point 38:fixing means 39:clip or webbing 40:part of the flexible connection means 16 44:part of the flexible connection means 16 48:end of the flexible connection means 52:end of the flexible connection means 56:window 60:clutch and / or retaining device 64:cam 68:abutment plate 72:outer slider 76:plate 78:spring 80:lobes 84:ring

Claims

1. A safety apparatus (4) comprising: - an attachment portion (8), configured to be fixed to a climbing harness or to a clothing item of a climber, - at least one coupling element (12), such as a climbing carabiner, configured to be coupled to a fixing element of a via ferrata, such as a steel cable or rope, a hook, a loop, and the like, - wherein said coupling element (12) is connected to the attachment portion (8) by means of flexible connection means (16), e.g., such as a fixing strap or the like, - wherein the flexible connection means (16) is provided with at least one winding device (20) having at least one drum (24) rotating about a pin (28) on which the flexible connection means (16) is at least partially wound, and wherein the winding device (20) comprises an elastic means biasing the rotating drum (24) to wind up and shorten the flexible connection means (16), so as to approach the coupling element (12) to the attachment portion (8), - wherein the flexible connection means (16) comprises a strap or rope which is folded into two parts (40,44) at an intermediate point (36), characterised in that the ends (48,52) of the flexible connection means (16), opposite to said intermediate point (36), protrude at an arc of a circle of the drum (24) of less than 120°, and that the ends (48,52) of the flexible connection means (16) protrude through the same window (56) obtained on the winding device (20).

2. A safety apparatus (4) according to claim 1, wherein the winding device (20) is provided with a clutch and / or retaining device (60) configured to brake and / or lock the ends (48,52) of the flexible connection means (16) in a predefined position, wherein the clutch and / or retaining device (60) comprises at least one cam (64) and an abutment plate (68), wherein both ends of the flexible connection means (16) are interposed between said cam (64) and said abutment plate (68).

3. A safety apparatus (4) according to claim 2, wherein the clutch and / or retaining device (60) comprises an outer slider (72) operatively connected to said cam (64) and coupled to a plate (76) supporting the drum (24) of the winding device (20).

4. A safety apparatus (4) according to claim 3, wherein the outer slider (72) is operatively connected to a spring (78) fixed to the winding device (20) so as to lock the outer slider (72), and the respective cam (64), at a release stroke end and a locking stroke end.

5. A safety apparatus (4) according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the cam (64) is displaceable from a clutch and / or retaining position, in which it at least partially abuts against said at least one flexible connection means (16) so as to counteract at least partially the elastic pullback action of the elastic means, to a releasing position, in which it does not bias said at least one flexible connection means (16).

6. A safety apparatus (4) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said two parts (40,44) are first overlapped with each other and wound onto said drum (24).

7. A safety apparatus (4) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein ends (48,52) of the flexible connection means (16) opposite to said intermediate point (36) are connected to said at least one coupling element (12) and to the attachment portion (8), respectively.

8. A safety apparatus (4) according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus (4) comprises two coupling elements (12',12''), each equipped with a flexible connection means (16) connecting the corresponding coupling element (12',12'') to the attachment portion (8), by means of a corresponding winding device (20).

9. A safety apparatus (4) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus (4) comprises a single winding device (20) and a single flexible connection means (16), in which ends (48,52) of the flexible connection means (16) opposite to said intermediate point (36) are connected to a first coupling element (12') and a second coupling element (12''), respectively.

10. A safety apparatus (4) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the winding device (20) is provided with at least one ring (84) in which at least one end (48,52) of the flexible connection means (16) opposite to said intermediate point (36) passes.

11. A safety apparatus (4) according to claim 10, wherein said ring (84) is fixed to a plate (76) which supports the drum (24) of the winding device (20).

12. A safety apparatus (4) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rotating drum (24) comprises two lobes (80) which define a pair of radial shoulders.

13. A safety apparatus (4) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the intermediate point (36) is fixed to the drum (24) by a fixing means (38), such as a clip or webbing (39).

14. A safety apparatus (4) according to claim 12 in combination with claim 13, wherein said lobes (80) define a gap (88) in which the flexible connection means (16) and / or the fixing means (38) are engaged and fixed.

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