Unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending

Abstract

The present invention relates to a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending comprising a unidirectional locking assembly (30) comprising a body (31) shaped in such a way as to define a housing seat (31a) of a rope (100) within which the rope (100) is guided to slide along a sliding axis (A), the unidirectional locking assembly (30) comprising selective locking means (32) of the sliding of the rope (100) configured to block the sliding of the rope (100) inside the seat (31a) along a first direction of the sliding axis (A) and to allow the sliding of the rope (100) inside the seat (31a) along a second direction of the sliding axis (A) opposite to the first; a retrieving cord (44) directly or indirectly restrained to the unidirectional locking assembly (30) and configured to be connected to a chest harness (80) and / or a harness (90) of an operator; and suspension means (21) directly or indirectly constrained to the unidirectional locking assembly (30) and configured to be connected to a lower bracket (20), and characterised in that at least one of the retrieving cord (44) and the suspension means (21) are constrained to at least a first portion (50a, 50b) of a removable attachment assembly (50) of the quick-fit type.

Description

[0001] UNIDIRECTIONAL ADVANCING FLOATING DEVICE FOR ROPE ASCENDING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates in general to a unidirectional advancing device for rope ascending, such as those used in rope ascending activities such as arborism, and in particular to a unidirectional advancing device for rope ascending of the floating type.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In the field of rope suspension activities, and particularly in arborism, it is common to perform rope ascending manoeuvres, which require the use of dedicated unidirectional advancing devices, called ascenders. These devices have the specific function of running freely along a rope in one direction, particularly in the upward direction when the rope is hanging, such as from a tree, while being blocked in the opposite direction.

[0006] The unidirectional sliding function is crucial when ascending along a rope, as it allows the device to be pulled freely upwards, while being blocked when sliding in the opposite direction. The unidirectional advancing device thus proves capable of supporting the weight of the operator, offering a point of support constrained to the rope that allows the operator to push himself upwards and ascend along the rope.

[0007] In particular, rope ascending manoeuvres require the use of both unidirectional advancing devices of the type attachable to the harness supporting the operator, also known as primary ascenders, and unidirectional advancing devices of the type connectable to the operator's lower limbs, also known as secondary ascenders.

[0008] A particular type of secondary ascender, known as “floating”', involves a unidirectional locking assembly, usually made of a unidirectional cam - hereinafter also referred to as a “locking assembly” for the sake of brevity - that can be connected either below a foot area or above a sternal area.

[0009] For connection to the foot area, the unidirectional advancing floating device generally comprises a lower bracket, made of a rigid or flexible material, such as webbing, suspended from the locking assembly at a distance that is usually adjustable according to the height of the operator.

[0010] For connection to the sternal area, an elastic retrieving cord or band, which can be constrained, e.g. by means of a carabiner, to a harness attachment point located near the sternum, chest or in any case the upper part of the operator's body, is usually provided. The elastic retrieving cord is for facilitating the recovery of the locking assembly ascending along the rope during the manoeuvre whereby the limb is lifted and, consequently, the locking assembly is relieved of the body weight. On the contrary, by exerting a downward pushing force on the lower bracket with the limb, the operator is able to rise along the rope, being able to discharge this force on the locking assembly, which is prevented from moving downwards along the rope. By cyclically repeating this sequence of limb elevation and downward pushing actions, one is able to ascend the rope, thanks to the repeated and alternating engagement of the primary ascenders, connected to the harness, and the secondary ascenders, connected to the lower limbs.

[0011] In known unidirectional advancing floating devices, the elastic retrieving cord is subject to sudden wear due to the continuous stresses it undergoes, and can easily deteriorate and / or lose elasticity. This results in a reduction in its ability to have the locking assembly returned while ascending, consequently, in a lower ascending stroke on the following pushing cycle, with a significant waste of energy by the operator and an action that is less efficient and slower.

[0012] In addition, the elastic retrieving cord, by its very nature, generates a return force that is minimum or null at rest and gradually and proportionally maximum as a function of elongation. This is undesirable, as the force by which the locking assembly is returned tends to cancel out when the limb is lifted, in turn nullifying the sensory feedback provided to the operator.

[0013] In order to overcome these problems, it is known, in the state of the art, to use particularly long elastic bands that have to perform an extra stroke, e.g. by passing the elastic cord behind the back or inside the upper part of the harness, also by using pulleys, or by wrapping it around the lower part of the locking assembly. However, the solutions currently adopted are not free from drawbacks; on the contrary, they remarkably worsen the operator's manoeuvring ability as well as increase the risk of entanglement.

[0014] Furthermore, in known unidirectional advancing floating devices, the elastic retrieving cord exerts a return force on the locking assembly at a position and along a direction not strictly consistent with the exit point and direction of the rope from the locking assembly, resulting in an increase in the friction involved, and in a consequent increase in strain and wear.

[0015] Last but not least, the connection of the elastic retrieving cord requires a connection point to the locking assembly, typically an eyelet into which the cord can be directly connected and knotted, or a carabiner or rigid guide into which the cord can slide and be adjusted in length. Such solutions, however, involve undesired bulk and weight.

[0016] In addition, in known unidirectional advancing floating devices, the lower bracket is connected to the locking assembly by means of a lower attachment point, usually made in the form of a hole or slot into which the webbing is fixed. In order to minimise the interference between the bracket attached to the hole or slot and the rope to which the locking assembly is constrained, a solution adopted nowadays in known devices is to shape the body of the locking assembly, e.g. by deep- drawing, thus making the production of the advancing device globally more expensive.

[0017] Furthermore, the connection of the known unidirectional advancing floating devices to the chest harness located near the sternum and / or to a harness and / or to the lower bracket is particularly awkward and complicated, making it difficult to carry out this operation, particularly when suspended.

[0018] In view of the above, known unidirectional advancing floating devices for rope ascending have lower and upper connection solutions, as well as elastic recovery systems, which make them overall heavy, bulky, impractical and ergonomically disadvantageous in use.

[0019] OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The problem underlying the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, within the framework of this problem, one object is to devise a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending in which the return performance of the locking assembly during ascent offered by the elastic retrieving cord or band is validly preserved for much longer than in the prior art.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to make a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending that is capable of providing the operator with adequate sensory feedback, without, however, affecting the operator's manoeuvring ability and the risk of entanglement.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to devise a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending wherein the elastic retrieving cord or band is capable of exerting a return force on the locking assembly without causing an increase in the friction involved between the rope and the locking assembly.

[0023] Another object of the present invention to devise a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending that is wearable and / or attachable to the chest harness and / or harness and / or lower bracket in a simple, fast and reliable manner.

[0024] Still another object of the present invention is to design a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending that does not involve undesired bulk or weight.

[0025] Not the least object of the present invention is to devise a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending that can be made simply and cost-effectively.

[0026] The invention, according to a first aspect thereof, thus relates to a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending comprising a support plate provided with at least one hole to accommodate suspension means configured to connect a lower bracket to the plate. According to the present invention, the following are connected to the support plate: a unidirectional locking assembly fixed to a first flat face of the support plate; and a self-retracting winding assembly of a retrieving cord or band constrained to a second flat face of the support plate.

[0027] In detail, the unidirectional locking assembly comprises a body shaped in such a way as to define a housing seat for a rope within which the rope is guided to slide along a sliding axis. The unidirectional locking assembly further comprises selective rope sliding locking means configured to block the sliding of the rope inside the seat along a first direction of the sliding axis and to allow the sliding of the rope inside the seat along a second direction of the sliding axis opposite to the first.

[0028] The Applicant has found that the use of a dedicated support plate makes it possible to replace the elastic cord of prior art devices with a self-retracting winding assembly, while preserving the compact and lightweight dimensions of the unidirectional advancing device.

[0029] The self-retracting winding assembly offers an upward elastic return of the locking device which is always effective, regardless of the distance from the attachment point to which the cord of the winding assembly is fixed.

[0030] In fact, in the self-retracting winding assembly, it is possible to carry out the most appropriate calibration of the preloaded torsion spring that draws the cord, e.g. by making it of harmonic steel. In addition, the torsion spring present in the winding assembly, which is appropriately loaded and calibrated, allows a wide range of action, ranging from complete extraction to complete rewinding of the cord, wherein the return force remains essentially constant.

[0031] In addition, by using a support plate, it is possible to connect the lower bracket directly to it, offering a wide freedom of movement, but minimal risk of interference with the rope coming out of the unidirectional locking assembly. This increases the universality of use and the manoeuvring ergonomics regardless of the type of harness worn by the user.

[0032] Last but not least, the use of a dedicated support plate offers great design versatility during the design step, allowing for optimisation of the arrangement and mutual inclination between the rope sliding seat and the cord exit direction of the self-retracting winding assembly, thus achieving the best functionality and significant reductions in friction.

[0033] Furthermore, the extreme compactness as well as the low weight of the unidirectional advancing device according to the invention allows it to be easily stored by hanging it from the materialholder rings provided with the harness when it is no longer needed, such as at the end of the ascending operation, when work at height such as pruning, topping or sectioning of branches or trunk has to be carried out later. The invention, in accordance with a second aspect thereof, relates to a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending comprising a unidirectional locking assembly comprising a body shaped in such a way as to define a housing seat for a rope within which the rope is guided to slide along a sliding axis. The unidirectional locking assembly comprises selective rope sliding locking means configured to stop the sliding of the rope inside the seat along a first direction of the sliding axis and to allow the sliding of the rope inside the seat along a second direction of the sliding axis opposite to the first.

[0034] The unidirectional advancing device also comprises a retrieving cord that is directly or indirectly constrained to the unidirectional locking assembly and configured to be connected to an operator’s chest harness and / or harness. Furthermore, the unidirectional advancing device comprises suspension means directly or indirectly constrained to the unidirectional locking assembly and configured to be connected to a lower bracket.

[0035] According to the present invention, at least one of the retrieving cord and the suspension means are constrained to at least a first portion of a removable attachment assembly of the quick-fit type.

[0036] The Applicant has found that the use of at least one removable quick-fit attachment assembly makes it particularly easy to put on the unidirectional advancing device and / or connect it to the chest harness located near the sternum, the harness or the lower bracket. In fact, the removable quick-fit attachment assemblies allow the unidirectional advancing device to be connected and separated from the individual parts used in association with it extremely easily and quickly, while still ensuring high support reliability.

[0037] Further features of preferred embodiments of the unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending according to the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the appended drawings.

[0040] The different features in the individual configurations can be combined with each other as desired according to the following description, if the advantages resulting specifically from a particular combination are to be availed of.

[0041] In such drawings,

[0042] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending according to the present invention; - Figures 2a and 2b are respectively a perspective view from the front and from the rear of the device in Figure 1 in the use configuration with a rope inserted into the unidirectional locking assembly;

[0043] - Figure 3 is an exploded view of a self-retracting winding assembly used in the device of Figure 2a;

[0044] - Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the device of Figure 2a;

[0045] - Figure 5 is a plan view of the device of Figure 2a;

[0046] - Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are front elevation views of the device in Figure 2a with the unidirectional locking assembly in three different configurations respectively; and

[0047] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending according to the present invention;

[0048] - Figures 7a-7e are respectively a perspective view of a preferred variant of a removable attachment assembly that can be used in the unidirectional advancing device of Figure 7 and a series of sectional views of such a removable attachment assembly in a plurality of relative positions when detaching / attaching the two portions comprising it;

[0049] - Figures 8-12 are perspective views of further preferred embodiments of a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending according to the present invention.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] For the illustration of the drawings, use is made in the following description of identical numerals or symbols to indicate construction elements with the same function. Moreover, for clarity of illustration, certain references may not be repeated in all drawings.

[0052] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described hereinbelow in detail. It must in any case be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, the invention intends covering all the modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0053] The use of “for example”, “etc.”, “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise indicated. The use of “comprises” and “includes” means “comprises or includes, but not limited to”, unless otherwise indicated. With reference to Figures l-6c, a first preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending according to the present invention is shown, globally referred to as 10.

[0054] The advancing device 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a support plate 11 provided with a first flat face 1 la at which a unidirectional locking assembly 30 is fixed. The support plate 11 also comprises a second, flat face 1 lb, preferably parallel and opposite to the first, at which a self-retracting winding assembly 40 of a retrieving cord 44, shown in detail in Figure 2b, is constrained. The attachment of the locking assembly 30 and the restraint of the winding assembly 40 to the plate 11 is, for example, achieved by means of screws, rivets, riveted nails, gluing or similar elements.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the plate 11 is provided with at least one hole 12 to accommodate suspension means 21 configured to connect a lower bracket 20 to the plate 11. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the holes configured to accommodate the suspension means 21 of the bracket 20 can alternatively be formed on the locking assembly 30 and / or the self-retracting winding assembly 40.

[0056] The lower bracket 20 is made of a rigid or flexible material, such as webbing, and is preferably connected to the plate at a variable distance by, for example, using length-adjustable suspension means 21. The bracket 20 is configured to accommodate the end part of an operator's lower limb or a shoe worn by the operator.

[0057] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the lower bracket 20 and the suspension means 21 are made in a single piece, e.g. from the same webbing. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the lower bracket 20 and the suspension means 21 can be made as independent elements joined together in a removable or fixed manner by means of removable or fixed attachment elements of a known type.

[0058] In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), the suspension means 21 are configured to connect a generic element for engaging a foot or footwear, or to connect a suspension element integrated into a footwear, such as a lacing of the footwear or one or more rings integrated therein. In this case, the suspension means 21 may comprise an attachment element such as a carabiner.

[0059] The locking assembly 30 comprises a body 31 shaped in such a way as to define a housing seat 3 la of a rope 100 within which the rope 100 is guided to slide along a sliding axis A.

[0060] The locking assembly 30 also comprises selective locking means 32 of the rope 100 sliding inside the seat 31a, shown in detail in Figure 2a. In particular, the selective locking means 32 are configured to block the sliding of the rope inside the seat 31a along a first direction of the sliding axis A and to allow the sliding of the rope inside the seat 31a along a second direction of the sliding axis A opposite to the first. In the embodiment shown, the selective locking means are made in the shape of a cam 32 movable between a configuration disengaged from the seat 31a of the housing seat 31 and a configuration of maximum insertion in the seat 31a. Specifically, the cam 32 is forced into the insertion configuration in the seat 3 la by the action of a spring element (not shown).

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the cam 32 is provided with teeth (not shown) configured and arranged in such a way as to ensure maximum tightening and clamping of the rope 100 inside the seat 31a when the cam 32 is in the maximum insertion configuration.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, the self-retracting winding assembly 40 comprises a casing 41 inside which a rotating drum 42 loaded by a torsion-type spring 43 is housed. The cord 44, which may or may not be elastic, is wound around the drum 42.

[0063] The cord 44 may be extracted from the casing 41 by sliding through an exit orifice 45 made in the casing 41. In particular, the cord 44 can be extracted, sliding against the action of the torsion spring 43.

[0064] An attachment element 46, which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, is made in the shape of a connector or carabiner, is preferably fixed at a free end of the cord 44 arranged outside the casing 41. The connector 46 facilitates the connection of the cord 44 to the harness supporting the operator or to another attachment point located at or above the operator's upper body area, such as the sternal area.

[0065] In particular, the exit orifice 45 is preferably arranged in a sliding plane B, shown in Figure 4, which comprises the sliding axis A and is substantially orthogonal to the first flat face 1 la. It is thus advantageously ensured that the exit orifice 45 is arranged substantially side by side with an upper termination of the housing 3 la, so that the rope 100 housed in the housing 31a and the cord 44 removable through the exit orifice 45 emerge from their respective housings in positions as close as possible and according to non-discordant inclinations.

[0066] Thus, the return force exerted by the torsion spring 43 on the extracted cord 44 is transferred to the locking assembly 30, which is constrained to the self-retracting winding assembly 40 via the support plate 11, essentially without involving an increase in the friction between the rope 100 and the locking assembly 30.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the exit orifice 45 defines an exit direction C of the cord 44 comprised in the sliding plane B which, with reference to said sliding plane B, is inclined with respect to the sliding axis A. In particular, the exit direction C and the sliding axis A define in the sliding plane B a smaller angle of inclination a between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, more preferably between 15° and 20°. The inclination between the exit direction C of the cord 44 and the sliding axis A as indicated above makes it possible to compensate for the angle that is created during the ascending movement by the user, wherein the leg exerts a downward force on the support plate 11 , substantially parallel to the rope 100, and the cord 44, fixed to the upper part of the user, is drawn by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 43 along a direction inclined with respect to the rope 100. This provides greater ergonomics in use, minimising, in this case also, the friction involved.

[0068] In the embodiment shown, the locking assembly 30 also comprises a stop element 33, which can be rotated between two operating positions about an axis of rotation D substantially perpendicular to the first flat face I la.

[0069] In a first operating position, shown in Figure 6a, the stop element 33 is rotated in such a way as not to interfere with the selective locking means 32, allowing them to reach the disengaged configuration from the seat 31a. When the stop element 33 is in its first position, the selective locking means 32 are free to open to their full angular extension, for example to facilitate the insertion or extraction of the rope 100 from the seat 31a.

[0070] In a second operating position, shown in Figures 6b and 6c, the stop element 33 limits the stroke of the selective locking means 32, preventing them from reaching the disengaged configuration. This avoids the risk of the rope 100 accidentally slipping out of the seat 31a.

[0071] When the stop element 33 is in the second operating position, the selective locking means 32 are movable between the configuration of maximum insertion into the seat 31a (shown in Figure 6c) which is achieved when the leg exerts a downward force on the support plate 11, clamping the rope 100 inside the seat 31a, and a configuration of smaller insertion into the seat 31a (shown in Figure 6b) to allow the sliding of the rope 100 inside the seat 31a under the upward return action exerted by the self-retracting winding assembly 40.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the stop element 33 of the locking assembly 30 is conveniently rotatably fixed to the support plate 11, in particular the stop element 33 is positioned on the first flat face I la. Advantageously, this solution allows the stop element 33 to be placed in a position easily accessible to the operator, who can thus act on the element 33 directly, without interfering with the rope 100.

[0073] This specific positioning of the stop element 33 on the support plate 11 therefore allows for greater ergonomics, immediacy and effectiveness of use, improving the general safety conditions offered by the device 10.

[0074] Figure 7 shows a second preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device for rope ascending according to the present invention, which substantially incorporates all the features described with reference to the first embodiment, to which reference is made in full for a detailed description thereof.

[0075] In general terms, the advancing device 10 of the second embodiment comprises a support plate 11 provided with a first flat face I la at which a unidirectional locking assembly 30 is fixed and a second flat face 1 lb at which a self-retracting winding assembly 40 of a retrieving cord 44 is constrained. In this case as well, the plate 11 is provided with at least one hole 12 to accommodate suspension means 21 configured to connect a lower bracket 20 to the plate 11.

[0076] In the embodiment of Figure 7, the lower bracket 20 and the suspension means 21 are made as independent elements joined together in a removable manner, by means of a first removable attachment assembly 50. Similarly, a second removable attachment assembly 50 is preferably fixed at a free end of the cord 44 protruding from the self-retracting winding assembly 40. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the second removable attachment assembly 50 allows the cord 44 to be connected to a chest harness 80 worn by the operator and providing an attachment point 81 located at or at the height of the operator's upper body area, such as the sternal area.

[0077] The removable attachment assemblies 50 are of the quick-fit type, such as a snap buckle, comprising a first female portion connected to the suspension means 21, or respectively to the cord 44, and a second male portion connected to the lower bracket 20, or respectively to the chest harness 80, or vice versa.

[0078] Even more preferably, at least one of the removable quick-fit attachment assemblies 50 is of the magnetic coupling type and comprises a first portion 50a connected to the suspension means 21, or respectively to the cord 44, and a second portion 50b connected to the lower bracket 20, or respectively to the chest harness 80.

[0079] The first 50a and the second 50b portions of the removable attachment assembly 50 can be coupled to each other in a locked configuration shown in Figures 7a and 7b. The locked configuration is maintained by the action of at least one pair of magnetic elements 51a, 51b cooperating in a magnetically attractive manner to each other.

[0080] The first portion 50a comprises a first base 52a on which a first magnetic element 51a of the pair of magnetic elements 51a, 51b is mounted. The second portion 50b in turn comprises a second base 52b on which a second magnetic element 51b of the pair of magnetic elements 51a, 51b is mounted. Both bases 52a, 52b comprise a respective restraint seat 54a, 54b for connection respectively to the suspension means 21, to the lower bracket 20, to the cord 44 and / or to the chest harness 80, possibly by means of a webbing and / or an elastic cord, and so on.

[0081] The first base 52a is shaped in such a way as to define a hook protrusion 53a having axial extension, wherein it engages, in a manner free to rotate about an axis parallel to a development of the hook protrusion 53a, an end 53b of the second base 52b shaped in a way that is substantially complementary to the hook protrusion 53 a.

[0082] As visible from the sequence in Figures 7c-7e, when the first 50a and the second 50b portions are coupled to achieve the locked configuration, the end 53b of the second base 52b rotates around the hook portion 53a guided by the magnetic attraction force generated between the pair of magnetic elements 51a, 51b. It is therefore sufficient to bring the first 50a and the second 50b portions of the removable attachment assembly 50 closer together for it to reach the locked configuration essentially spontaneously.

[0083] Once the locked configuration shown in Figs. 7a and 7b has been reached, the magnetic elements 51a, 51b are turned towards each other and magnetically attract each other, so that the bases 52a, 52b of the first 50a and the second 50b portions are kept in contact with each other.

[0084] Finally, on the second base 52b there is an actuating tab 55 by means of which the user can manually open the removable attachment assembly 50 by taking it from the locked configuration shown in Figures 7a and 7b to the open configuration shown in Figure 7e, i.e. by moving the second portion 50b away from the first portion 50a.

[0085] Figure 8 shows a third preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device 10 for rope ascending according to the present invention substantially analogous to the advancing device of the second embodiment of Figure 7, wherein, however, the first removable attachment assembly 50 joining together the lower bracket 20 and the suspension means 21 in a removable manner is replaced by an attachment element 46 of the carabiner type.

[0086] Figure 9 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device 10 for rope ascending according to the present invention substantially analogous to the advancing device of the second embodiment of Figure 7, wherein, however, the second removable attachment assembly 50 which removably joins together the cord 44 protruding from the self-retracting winding assembly 40 to a chest harness 80 worn by the operator is replaced by an attachment element 46 of the carabiner type.

[0087] Figure 10 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device 10 for rope ascending according to the present invention substantially analogous to the advancing device of the second embodiment of Figure 7, wherein, however, the second removable attachment assembly 50 removably joins together the cord 44 protruding from the self-retracting winding assembly 40 to a harness 90 for supporting the operator.

[0088] Figures 11 and 12 show, respectively, a sixth and a seventh preferred embodiment of a unidirectional advancing floating device 10 for rope ascending according to the present invention both comprising a unidirectional locking assembly 30 to which a second removable locking assembly 50 is connected for removably joining together the unidirectional locking assembly 30 and an elastic cord 44. The unidirectional locking assembly 30 has at least one hole 12 to accommodate suspension means 21 configured to connect it to a lower bracket 20. The second removable attachment assembly 50 is of the quick-fit type such as a snap buckle, comprising a first female portion connected to the unidirectional locking assembly 30 and a second male portion connected to the elastic cord 44, or vice versa. Preferably, the second removable attachment assembly 50 is of the magnetic coupling type in line with what is described above with reference to the embodiment in Figure 7.

[0089] In the sixth embodiment of Figure 11, the advancing device 10 also comprises a first removable attachment assembly 50 that removably joins the lower bracket 20 and the suspension means 21. Also in this case, the first removable attachment assembly 50 is of the quick-fit type such as a snap buckle, comprising a first female portion connected to the suspension means 21 and a second male portion connected to the lower bracket 20, or vice versa. Preferably, the first removable attachment assembly 50 is of the magnetic coupling type in line with what is described above with reference to the embodiment in Figure 7. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment in Figure 12, the lower bracket 20 and the suspension means 21 are removably connected by means of an attachment element 46 of the carabiner type.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Unidirectional advancing floating device (10) for rope ascending comprising a unidirectional locking assembly (30) comprising a body (31) shaped in such a way as to define a housing seat (31a) of a rope (100) within which the rope (100) is guided to slide along a sliding axis (A), the unidirectional locking assembly (30) comprising selective sliding locking means (32) of the rope (100) configured to block the sliding of the rope (100) inside the seat (31a) along a first direction of the sliding axis (A) and to allow the sliding of the rope (100) inside the seat (31a) along a second direction of the sliding axis (A) opposite to the first; a retrieving cord (44) directly or indirectly constrained to the unidirectional locking assembly (30) and configured to be connected to a chest harness (80) and / or a harness (90) of an operator; and suspension means (21) directly or indirectly constrained to the unidirectional locking assembly (30) and configured to be connected to a lower bracket (20), characterised in that at least one of the retrieving cord (44) and the suspension means (21) are constrained to at least one first portion (50a, 50b) of a removable attachment assembly (50) of the quick-fit attachment type.

2. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the removable attachment assembly (50) of the quick-fit attachment type is a snap buckle, and the at least one first portion is a male or female portion of the removable quick-fit attachment assembly.

3. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the removable attachment assembly (50) of the quick-fit attachment type is magnetically coupled and the at least one first portion (50a, 50b) comprises a first base (52a, 52b) on which a first magnetic element (51a, 51b) is mounted and is configured to cooperate in a magnetically attractive manner with a second portion (50b, 50a) comprising a second base (52b, 52a) on which a second magnetic element (51b, 51a) is mounted.

4. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one first base of the first and second bases (52a, 52b) is shaped in such a way as to define a hook protrusion (53 a) having an axial extension, wherein it engages, in a manner free to rotate about an axis parallel to a development of the hook protrusion (53a), an end (53b) of a second base of the first and second bases (52a, 52b).

5. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the end (53b) is shaped in a way that is substantially complementary to the hook protrusion (53a).

6. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the end (53b)is shaped to rotate around the hook portion (53 a) guided by a magnetic attraction force generated between the first and second magnetic elements (51a, 51b).

7. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first portion (50a, 50b) comprises a constraint seat (54a, 54b) for connection to the suspension means (21) and / or the retrieving cord (44), respectively.

8. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support plate (11) and a self-retracting winding assembly (40) around which the retrieving cord (44) is wound, wherein the unidirectional locking assembly (30) is fixed to a first flat face (1 la) of the support plate (11) and the self-retracting winding assembly (40) constrained to a second flat face (1 lb) of the support plate (11).

9. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the self-retracting winding assembly (40) comprises a casing (41) within which the cord (44) is wound according to a preloaded elastic configuration.

10. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the support plate (11) is provided with at least one hole (12) to accommodate the suspension means (21).

11. Unidirectional advancing floating device (10) for rope ascending characterised in that it comprises a support plate (11) having a first flat face (I la) and a second flat face (11b) opposite the first (1 la); a unidirectional locking assembly (30) fixed to the first flat face (1 la) of the support plate (11), wherein the unidirectional locking assembly (30) comprises a body (31) shaped in such a way as to define a housing seat (31a) of a rope (100) within which the rope (100) is guided to slide along a sliding axis (A), the unidirectional locking assembly (30) comprising selective locking means (32) of the sliding of the rope (100) configured to block the sliding of the rope (100) inside the seat (31a) along a first direction of the sliding axis (A) and to allow the sliding of the rope (100) inside the seat (31a) along a second direction of the sliding axis (A) opposite to the first; and- a self-retracting winding assembly (40) of a retrieving cord (44) constrained to the second flat face (1 lb) of the support plate (11).

12. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the selfretracting winding assembly (40) comprises a casing (41) within which the cord (44) is wound according to a preloaded elastic configuration.

13. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the cord (44) isconfigured to be extracted from the casing (41) by sliding through an exit orifice (45) obtained in the casing (41), preferably the cord (44) is configured to be extracted from the casing (41) by sliding against the elastic preload action.

14. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 13, wherein the exit orifice (45) is arranged in a sliding plane (B) which comprises the sliding axis (A) and is substantially orthogonal to the first flat face (I la).

15. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the exit orifice (45) defines an exit direction (C) of the cord (44) comprised in a sliding plane (B) which comprises the sliding axis (A) and is substantially orthogonal to the first flat face (I la), wherein, with reference to the sliding plane (B), the exit direction (C) is inclined with respect to the sliding axis (A); wherein, optionally, the exit direction (C) and the sliding axis (A) define in the sliding plane (B) a smaller angle of inclination (a) between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, more preferably between 15° and 20°.

16. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the support plate (11) is provided with at least one hole (12) for accommodating suspension means (21) configured to connect a lower bracket (20) to the plate (11).

17. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the selective locking means (32) are movable between a configuration disengaged from the seat (31a) of the housing body (31) and a configuration of maximum insertion into the seat (31a), and wherein the locking assembly (30) comprises a stop element (33) movable between two operating positions, wherein in a first operating position, the stop element (33) does not interfere with the selective locking means (32), allowing them to reach the configuration disengaged from the seat (31a), and wherein in a second operating position the stop element (33) limits the stroke of the selective locking means (32), preventing them from reaching the disengaged configuration.

18. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to claim 17, wherein the stop element (33) is constrained to the support plate (11), preferably at the first flat face (I la) and / or in a rotatable manner about an axis of rotation (D) substantially orthogonal to the first flat face (1 la).

19. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein- the selective locking means (32) are made in the shape of a cam (32), preferably equipped with teeth configured and arranged in such a way as to engage with a rope (100) inserted into the seat (31a) of the housing body (31), and / or- the selective locking means (32) are forced into the configuration engaged with the seat (31a) through the action of an elastic element.

20. Unidirectional advancing device (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein- inside the casing (41), a rotating drum (42) loaded by a torsion-type spring (43) is housed, wherein the cord (44) is wound around the drum (42); and / or- at a free end of the cord (44) arranged externally to the casing (41) an attachment element (46) is fixed, preferably made in the shape of a carabiner.

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