Rope protector

Abstract

Rope protector for a rope system configured to receive two or more ropes, the rope protector comprising: an outer jacket comprising: a first portion configured to receive a first rope of the two or more ropes; and a second portion configured to receive a second rope of the two or more ropes; wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, when the first rope is received within the first portion and the second rope is received within the second portion, the first rope and the second rope are not in contact; and wherein the outer jacket is configured to enclose the first portion and the second portion. First portion may be fixedly attached to the jacket. First portion may comprise fastening means Securing first portion around first rope. Fastening means may be hook-and-loop fastener comprising hooks portion and loop portion, hook portion arranged on the first side and the loop portion arranged on the second side such that when the second side overlaps the first side the portions engage to secure the first and second sides. Also claimed is a method of securing a rope protector to a rope system comprising two or more ropes.

Description

Rope access is a set of techniques where ropes and specialised equipment are used to provide access and support to worker. Rope access methods thus advantageously allow technicians to easily and speedily gain access to difficult locations (e.g. at height) to carry out their work. Generally, a two-rope system is employed. The first rope, or working rope, supports the technician, and the second rope, or safety rope, provides back-up fall protection. Each of the ropes are rigged to different anchor points to ensure that, if one rope is compromised, the other offers a sturdy reserve. To maintain the integrity of the ropes, each rope is often covered in a protective sheath to protect the rope from abrasion. These protectors may, for example, be located at an edge (e.g. an edge of a building) to protect the rope from frictional forces that may weaken the integrity of the ropes when in use. As there may be a plurality of edges associated with a side of a building, for example, the technician may be required to attach a number of rope protectors to the ropes as they descend down a building. However, the fiddley nature of attaching the protective sheaths to the ropes at height often results in rope access technicians taking short cuts. For example, the technician may insert both ropes within the same protective sheath (even though each rope is intended to have a protective sheath). This can be very dangerous as coupling the two ropes within the same sheath results in the ropes exerting friction on each other and thus potentially compromising both ropes, ultimately leading to an increase in rope access technician death. Alternatively, for some rope protectors, the difficulty and time required to install the rope protector whilst the technician is suspended at high altitudes means that many technicians take the decision to not install a rope protector at all with a view to minimising the duration over which they are suspended from the rope system. This is dangerous, however, and presents a risk to the technicians safety. The present invention aims to provide an improved rope protector for two-rope systems which can be easily and quickly assembled at height and maintains the integrity of both ropes in the rope-system. Summary In a first aspect of the present invention, a rope protector for a rope system is provided. The rope protector is configured to receive two or more ropes, the rope protector comprises: an outer jacket comprising: a first portion configured to receive (e.g. wrap around a length of) a first rope of the two or more ropes; and a second portion configured to receive (e.g. wrap around a length of) a second rope of the two or more ropes; wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, when (e.g. a length of) the first rope is received within the first portion and (e.g. a length of) the second rope is received within the second portion, the (e.g. length of) first rope and the (e.g. length of) second rope are not in contact (e.g. within the rope protector); and wherein the outer jacket is configured to enclose the first portion and the second portion. The first aspect of the present invention thus provides a rope system that includes at least two defined portions to receive two or more ropes of a rope system, such as a high access rope system. The two portions are configured such that, when the ropes are received within the rope protector, the ropes are held apart and thus do not frictionally engage. The outer jacket then further protects the ropes from frictionally engaging sharp edges and / or portions of the environment (such as parts of a building to which the rope system is installed). This maintains the integrity of each rope and improves the safety of the technician using the rope system. Importantly, the first aspect of the invention provides a rope protector that may quickly and easily be installed around a plurality of ropes of a (e.g. high access) rope system in situ (e.g. when the technician is suspended at a high altitude). As such, the rope protector of the first aspect can improve the safety of the technician, not only in its function in protecting the ropes, but also in that the barrier to installing the rope protector is reduced such that technicians are more likely to install the rope protector in the first place. The first portion is configured to receive a first rope of the rope system. For example, a first rope is received in the rope protector (at the first portion) such that the rope extends through the rope protector and a portion or length of the first rope is positioned within the first portion. Similarly, the second portion is configured to receive a second rope of the rope system. For example, the second rope extends through the rope protector (at the second portion) such that a length or portion of the second rope is positioned within the second portion. As such, the ropes of the rope system extend through the rope protector and should not be interpreted as being entirely enclosed by the rope protector. Instead, it is intended that only a portion (or length) of the rope system is located within the rope protector. In some embodiments, the rope protector may be arranged to receive more than two ropes of a rope system. In such embodiments, each rope of the rope system is received within a different portion of the rope protector. For example, the outer jacket may comprise a plurality of portions, wherein each portion is configured to receive (e.g. a length or portion of) one of the plurality of ropes in the rope system such that the plurality of ropes do not contact each other when they are within the rope protector. The outer jacket, in such examples, is then configured to enclose (e.g. wrap around) the plurality of portions. Optionally, the first portion is configured to wrap around (e.g. a portion of, e.g. a length of) the first rope. Optionally, the second portion is configured to wrap around (e.g. a portion of, e.g. a length of) the second rope. Optionally, each portion of a plurality of portions is configured to wrap around (e.g. a portion of, e.g. a length of) one of a plurality of ropes in a rope system. As such, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) portion(s) optionally acts to physically protect (e.g. the portion of, e.g. the length of) the rope received therein such that the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) portion(s) provides a physical barrier between the ropes of the rope system, for example, the first rope and the second rope. The (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) portion may therefore be provided by any suitable and / or desirable means that can be wrapped around the rope received therein. For example, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) portion may be provided by one or more strips of material that are configured to be wrapped (and / or tied) around the rope to secure the rope within the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) portion. Optionally, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) portion is a jacket (e.g. the first jacket, e.g. the second jacket, e.g. a plurality of jackets). In other words, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) portion(s) may comprise a sheet of material that is configured to be wrapped around (e.g. the length or portion of) the rope(s) to provide a jacket or cover around the rope(s). Optionally, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) jacket is substantially rectangular in shape, having a width dimension and a length dimension. Optionally, the length dimension is arranged to be substantially parallel with the axis of extension of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) rope(s) extending through the rope protector. Optionally, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) jacket(s) may be provided by a single sheet such that the first jacket extends around the entire length of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each rope) received within the rope protector. This provides the advantage that the first jacket may be easily wrapped around the first rope and the time to install the rope protector is reduced. However, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) jacket(s) may alternatively comprise (e.g. be formed from) a plurality of discrete strips or sheets (e.g. vertically) offset (e.g. along the length axis of the jacket) with respect to each other such that the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each of the plurality of) jacket(s) is / are discontinuous (e.g. not all of the rope is covered by the jacket) along the length of the rope received therein. This might be preferable in rope systems where flexibility and / or mobility of the rope protector is desired. For example, it will be appreciated that a single or continuous jacket extending along (e.g. wrapped around) the length of the first rope may have a greater degree of rigidity on the system. Contrastingly, a discontinuous jacket (e.g. provided by a plurality of sheets) may allow a greater degree of flexibility and / or degrees of freedom. Optionally, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) jacket comprises (e.g. is made from) any suitable and / or desirable material, including but not limited to a high performance polyethylene HPPE (e.g. HMWPE or UHMWPE) canvas material or a Kevlar material. Preferably, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) jacket is durable and tough, thus helping to provide protection to the ropes received therein from both the external environment (such as corners and roughness on the building) as well as friction from the ropes themselves. The (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) jacket separates and protects the ropes of the rope system, particularly from each other, and thus helps to improve the safety of the technician. Optionally, the first portion and the second portion (e.g. each portion of the plurality of portions) have the same construction. For example, the first portion and the second portion are both provided as jackets (e.g. a first jacket and a second jacket) arranged within the outer jacket. Alternatively, the different portions of the rope protector may have a different construction or design. For example, a first portion may be provided as a jacket (e.g. the first jacket), whilst the second portion is provided as a portion within the outer jacket that is arranged next to the first jacket such that the first and second ropes are separated by the first jacket. Optionally, the first portion (e.g. first jacket) is fixedly attached to the outer jacket. Optionally, the second portion (e.g. second jacket) is fixedly attached to the outer jacket. Optionally, the each portion (e.g. each jacket) of a plurality of portions (e.g. jackets) is fixedly attached to the outer jacket. This provides the advantage that the outer jacket and the portion(s) cannot be moved with respect to each other such that the rope protector maintains its protective configuration when stress, strain or friction is exerted thereon. The attachment may be achieved by any suitable and / or desirable means. For example, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion may be sewn, stapled or glued to the outer jacket. The (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. first jacket, e.g. second jacket, e.g. each jacket) may be fixedly attached along substantially the whole length of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket). Alternatively, the first portion may be fixedly attached at discrete points distributed along the length of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket). For example, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion may (e.g. only) be fixedly attached to the outer jacket at positions at either end of the first portion (e.g. jacket). Optionally, the attachment (e.g. line of stitching, e.g. a plurality of lines of stitching, e.g. glue) between the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket) and the outer jacket extends parallel to the axis of extension of the rope received therein and extending through the rope protector. In other words, the attachment means used to attach the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion to the outer jacket preferably lies in a single axis running in parallel to the axis of extension of the rope received within the portion. Optionally, the outer jacket has an external surface and an internal surface. The external surface is defined as the surface of the outer jacket that faces outwards (e.g. away) from the ropes when the ropes of the rope system are received within the rope protector. The internal surface is thus defines as the surface of the outer jacket that faces inwards (e.g. towards) the ropes when the ropes of the rope system are received within the rope protector. As such, optionally, (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket) is fixedly attached to the internal surface of the outer jacket. Optionally, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket) is attached to the outer jacket by one or more (e.g. two) lines of stitching running in an axis parallel the length dimension of the portion (e.g. the length dimension of the jacket). Optionally, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket) is attached to the outer jacket to provide a first side of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket) and a second side of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket), wherein the first side and the second side are located either side of the attachment means (e.g. line(s) of stitching, e.g. glue) to the outer layer. In other words, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion(s) (e.g. jacket(s)) are attached to the outer jacket to provide a first and second side wherein the first side wraps (e.g. clockwise) at least part way around the rope received within the portion and the second side wraps (e.g. anti-clockwise) at least part way around the rope received within the portion such that the first side and second side engage to enclose the rope. Preferably, when the first side and the second side are wrapped around the rope, the first side at least partially overlaps the second side (or vice versa). As such, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portions(s) are attached to the outer jacket such that the first and second sides may be considered to be flaps of material either side of the attachment means (e.g. line(s) of stitching, e.g. glue). This arrangement allows the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion(s) (e.g. jacket(s)) to be wrapped around the rope received therein whilst being fixed to the outer jacket. Optionally, the first portion (e.g. first jacket) comprises a fastening means configured to secure the first portion around the first rope. Optionally, the second portion (e.g. second jacket) comprises a fastening means configured to secure the second portion around the second rope. Optionally, each portion (e.g. each jacket) comprises a fastening means configured to secure the portion around the rope received therein. Optionally, the fastening means extends substantially along the entire length of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket). This may help to improve the integrity of the attachment around the rope and prevent the fastening means from being easily undone. Any suitable and / or desirable fastening means may be used. For example, the fastening means may be selected to be one of a zip or zips, ties, toggles and loops, press studs or snap fastenings or buttons and button holes. Optionally, a first part of the fastening means (e.g. half of a zip, a plurality of button, the male part of a plurality of press studs, a plurality of toggles or a ties) is included on the first side of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion, and a complementary part of the fastening means (e.g. the other half of the zip, the plurality of button holes, the female part of the plurality of press studs, a plurality of toggle loops or a plurality of second ties) is included on the second side of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion. As such, when the first side and the second side are wrapped around the rope and configured to engage, the two parts of the fastening means are bought into contact and can be used to secure the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. the jacket) around the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) rope. Optionally, the first part of the fastening means and the complementary part of the fastening means are arranged along opposite edges of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) jacket. For example, the jacket may be considered to comprise two long edges (in parallel to the length dimension), wherein the first part of the fastening is arranged proximate to one of the long edges and the complementary part of the fastening means is arranged proximate to the other one of the long edges. Optionally, the fastening means is a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a hook portion and a loop portion. Optionally, the hook portion is arranged on the first side of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket) and the loop portion is arranged on the second side of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket). As such, when the second side overlaps the first side (or the first side overlaps the second side), the hook portion and the loop portion are arranged to engage to secure the first side and the second side together. Optionally, the hook-and-loop fastener is arranged at the site of overlap between the first side and the second side. The use of a hook-and-loop fastening provides the advantage that the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion may be installed around the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) rope quickly, efficiently and reversibly, thus improving the ease of installation, especially in situ. This in turn improves the uptake of installing the device and thus the safety of high access rope technicians. Optionally, the first portion and the second portion (e.g. the first jacket and the second jacket) are horizontally offset (e.g. in the axis perpendicular to the axis of extension of the ropes) with respect to each other. Optionally, each portion of the plurality of portions (e.g. each jacket of a plurality of jackets) are horizontally offset with respect to each other. Optionally, the (e.g. first and second, e.g. plurality of) portions are configured to be parallel to each other within the outer jacket. As such, the plurality of ropes (e.g. the first rope and the second rope) are configured to be substantially parallel to each other when received within and extending through the rope protector. Optionally, the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket) and the outer jacket are elongate (e.g. having a length dimension and a width dimension). Optionally, the outer jacket has a length dimension which is greater than, or equal to, the length dimension of the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion (e.g. jacket). As such, the outer jacket entirely covers the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion when it encloses the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portion. Optionally, the outer jacket has a first side (e.g. half) comprising (e.g. attached to) the first portion and a second side (e.g. half) comprising (e.g. attached to) the second portion. Optionally, the first side and the second side wrap around the first and second portions to engage and enclose the portions therewithin. Preferably, when the first side and the second side are wrapped around the (e.g. plurality of) portion(s), the first side at least partially overlaps the second side (or vice versa). Optionally, the outer jacket has a first side comprising at least one of the plurality of portions and a second side comprising at least one of the plurality of portions, wherein the first side and the second side are configured to wrap around the plurality of portions to enclose the portions therewithin. Optionally, the outer jacket comprises a fastening means configured to secure the outer layer in a wrapped configuration around the first portion and the second portion. Optionally, the fastening means extends substantially along the entire length of outer jacket. This may help to improve the integrity of the attachment around the rope and prevent the rope protector from being easily undone. Any suitable and / or desirable fastening means may be used. For example, the fastening means may be selected to be one of a zip or zips, ties, toggles and loops, press studs or snap fastenings or buttons and button holes. Optionally, a first part of the fastening means (e.g. half of a zip, a plurality of button, the male part of a plurality of press studs, a plurality of toggles or a ties) is included on the first side of the outer jacket, and a complementary part of the fastening means (e.g. the other half of the zip, the plurality of button holes, the female part of the plurality of press studs, a plurality of toggle loops or a plurality of second ties) is included on the second side of the outer jacket. As such, when the first side and the second side are wrapped around the (e.g. first and second, e.g. plurality of) portions and configured to engage, the two parts of the fastening means are bought into contact and can be used to secure the outer jacket around the portions (and thus the ropes received therein). Optionally, the first part of the fastening means and the complementary part of the fastening means are arranged along opposite edges of the outer jacket. For example, the outer jacket may be considered to comprise two long edges (in parallel to the length dimension), wherein the first part of the fastening is arranged proximate to one of the long edges and the complementary part of the fastening means is arranged proximate to the other one of the long edges. Optionally, the fastening means is a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a hook portion and a loop portion. Optionally, the hook portion is arranged on the first side of outer jacket and the loop portion is arranged on the second side of the outer jacket. As such, when the second side overlaps the first side (or the first side overlaps the second side), the hook portion and the loop portion are arranged to engage to secure the first side and the second side together. Optionally, the hook-and-loop fastener is arranged at the site of overlap between the first side and the second side. The use of a hook-and-loop fastening provides the advantage that the outer jacket may be installed around the (e.g. first, e.g. second, e.g. each) portions (and the ropes received therein) quickly, efficiently and reversibly, thus improving the ease of installation, especially in situ. This in turn improves the uptake of installing the device and thus the safety of high access rope technicians. Optionally, the outer jacket is a sheet having a length dimension and a width dimension, wherein the length dimension is parallel to the length dimension of the first portion (e.g. first jacket) and the second portion (e.g. second jacket). Optionally, the rope protector (e.g. the outer jacket) comprises an attachment means configured to attach the rope protector (e.g. the outer jacket) to the rope system (e.g. one or more of the ropes in the rope system) at a position above the portions of ropes (e.g. the first rope, e.g. the second rope, e.g. each rope) that are to be received (e.g. inserted) within the rope protector (e.g. within the portions). The attachment means may be any suitable and / or desirable means. Optionally, the attachment means comprises an eyelet or aperture configured to receive attaching component (e.g. a cord or elastic band). As such, the attaching component (e.g. cord, e.g. elastic band) may be inserted through the eyelet or aperture and then wrapped, looped or tied around a rope of the rope system such that the rope protector (e.g. outer jacket) is attached to the rope system via the attaching component. Optionally, wherein the outer jacket comprises (e.g. is made from) a canvas material or a Kevlar material. Optionally, the outer surface of the outer jacket comprises (e.g. is made from) canvas material or a Kevlar material. As such, the outer jacket is durable and tough, thus helping to provide protection to the ropes received therein from the external environment, such as corners and / or roughness on buildings. Without the outer jacket, corners / roughness on the buildings could rub against and wear down the ropes, reducing the integrity and increasing the risk for the rope technician suspended from the ropes. In a second aspect of the invention, a method of securing a rope protector to a rope system comprising two or more ropes is provided. The method comprises: inserting a first rope into a first portion of the rope protector; inserting a second rope into a second portion of the rope protector; wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, when (e.g. a length or portion of) the first rope is received within the first portion and (e.g. a length or portion of) the second rope is received within the second portion, the (e.g. length of the) first rope and the (e.g. length of the) second rope are not in contact; and enclosing the first portion and the second portion within an outer jacket. The second aspect of the invention thus provides a method of installing the rope protector of the first aspect of the invention. As such, the features outlined above with regards to the first aspect of the invention equally apply (and can be combined with) the second aspect of the invention. Optionally, the first portion is a first jacket and the step of inserting the first rope into the first portion comprises wrapping the first jacket around the first rope. Optionally, the method comprises securing the first jacket around the first rope using a fastening means on the first jacket. Optionally, the second portion is a second jacket and the step of inserting the second rope into the second portion comprises wrapping the second jacket around the second rope. Optionally, the method comprises securing the second jacket around the second rope using a fastening means on the second jacket. Optionally, each of the plurality of portions is a jacket and the method comprises inserting each rope of a plurality of ropes in the ropy system into one of the plurality of portions. Optionally, inserting each rope comprises wrapping the jacket around the rope. Optionally, the method comprises securing each of the jackets around a rope using a fastening means on the jackets. Optionally, the method comprises wrapping the outer jacket around the first jacket (e.g. wrapped around the first rope) and the second jacket (e.g. wrapped around the second rope). Optionally, the method comprises wrapping the outer jacket around the plurality of jackets (e.g. wrapped around a plurality of ropes). Optionally, the method comprises securing the outer jacket around the plurality of jackets using a fastening means on the outer jacket. Optionally, the method further comprises attaching the rope protector to a rope (e.g. the first rope) before inserting the first rope into the first portion and / or inserting the second rope into the second portion. Optionally, the rope protector is attached to the rope at a position above the portion of the first rope that is inserted within the first portion. Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a topside view of an open rope protector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a backside view of the open rope protector shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the rope protector shown in Figure 1 with two ropes of a rope system received therein; Figure 4 shows the rope protector of Figure 1 partially installed around a rope system in situ; Figure 5 shows the rope protector of Figure 1 fully installed around a rope system in situ; Figure 5 shows a method of installing a rope protector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a method of installing a rope protector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description The following description presents particular examples and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the disclosure. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the examples, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and areas deemed to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, alternative terms for structural features may be provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. The description herein refers to examples with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. With reference to figures 1-3, a rope protector 100 is shown. The rope protector 100 includes a first portion 120 formed by a first jacket 122 and a second portion 130 formed by a second jacket 132. The outer jacket 110 has an internal surface 105a and an external surface 105b. The first jacket 122 and the second jacket 132 are attached (e.g. sewn) to the internal surface 105a of the outer jacket 110 at a first attachment site 128 and a second attachment site 138 respectively. The first jacket 122 is thus attached to a first side 112 of the outer jacket and the second jacket 132 is thus attached to a second side 114 of the outer jacket. The first 122 and second 132 jacket each receive and warp around a length or portion of a rope 101, 102 of the rope system. Both the first 122 and the second 132 jackets thus have fastening means in the form of a hook-and-loop fastener to secure the ropes 101, 102 within the jackets 122, 132. wherein the hook portion 125a, 135a is arranged on a first side of the jackets 122, 132 and the loop portion 125b, 13b is arranged on a second (opposite) side of the jackets 122, 132. As such, when the jackets 122, 132 are wrapped around a (length of a) rope, the first and second sides overlap such that the hook portions 125a, 135a and loop portions 125b, 135b engage to secure the jackets 122, 132. Preferably, the jackets 122, 132 are wrapped around the ropes 101, 102 in such a way that the rope protector can be slid up and down the ropes 101, 102 upon the application of a pulling or pushing force. However, preferably, when no force is applied (e.g. under gravity) the jackets 122, 132 are wrapped sufficiently tightly such that they do not freely or easily slide down the ropes 101, 102. One the ropes 101, 102 of the rope system have been inserted into the first 122 and second 132 jacket, the outer jacket is wrapped around the ropes 101, 102 and the jackets 122, 132 to enclose the ropes 101, 102 and the jackets 122, 132 therein. The outer jacket 110 thus includes a hook-and-loop fastening means to secure the outer jacket 110 around the ropes 101, 102 and the jackets 122, 132. A hook portion 115a is included on the internal surface 105a of the second side 114. A loop portion 115b is included on the external surface 105b of the first side 112. As such, when the two sides 112, 114 of the outer jacket 110 are wrapped around the ropes 101, 102 and the jackets 122, 132, the two sides 112, 114 overlap and the hook portion 115a and the loop portion 115b engage to secure the two sides 122, 114 together. The outer jacket 110 further includes an eyelet 140 configured to allow the rope protector 100 to be attached to a rope 101, 102 of the rope system at a position above where the ropes 101, 102 are inserted into the rope protector. Figures 4 and 5 show different stages of the installation of rope protector 100 around a rope system in situ at the edge of a building 160. First the outer jacket 110 is been attached to a rope 101 by a cord 150 received within the eyelet 140. Once the rope protector 100 has been attached to the rope (which ensures that the technician does not drop the rope protector from height during the installation), the rope protector 100 is placed underneath the ropes such that the first rope 101 is inserted within the first jacket 122 and the second rope 102 is inserted within the second jacket. The first 122 and second 132 jackets are then wrapped around the ropes 101, 102 and fixed in place by the hook and look fastening means. Once the first 122 and second 132 jackets have been secured around the ropes 101, 102. The outer jacket 110 may be wrapped around the first 122 and second 132 jacket to enclose the jackets 122, 132 and the ropes 101, 102 received therein. The hook-and-loop fastening means (formed by the hook portion 115a and the loop portion 115b) then secure the outer jacket in the wrapped configuration (as shown in Figure 5). In this form (as shown in Figure 5), the rope protector 100 this protects the ropes from contacting the edges 165 of the building 160 which can rub against the ropes 101, 102 and thus wear them down, reducing their integrity and risking the life of the technicians suspended therefrom. In some examples, the rope protector may be easily attached and then slid down the ropes to a desired position or place (e.g. where there is a particularly rough or sharp part of a building). Figure 6 shows a method 200 of securing a rope protector (such as that shown in Figures 1-5) to a rope system. The method includes inserting 210 a first rope into a first portion of the rope protector and inserting 220 a second rope into a second portion of the rope protector. As discussed previously, the first and second portions are configured such that, when the ropes are inserted therein, the ropes do not contact each other. The method then includes enclosing 230 the first and second portions within an outer jacket. Figure 7 shows method 300 of securing a rope protector (such as that shown in Figures 1-5) to a rope system. As, as an initial step 305, the rope protector is attached to the rope system via an attachment means. As discussed above, the attachment means may be a cord which extends through an eyelet in the outer jacket and is tied to a rope of the rope system to connect the rope and outer jacket together (as shown in Figures 4 and 5). Then, after inserting 310 the first rope into the first jacket, the first jacket is wrapped 315 around the first rope. The second rope may then be inserted 320 into the second jacket before the second jacket is wrapped 325 around the second rope. It should be noted that steps 310-325 may be performed in any suitable and desirable order. For example, both the first rope and the second rope may be inserted into the jackets before either jacket is wrapped (and secured) therearound. Alternatively, the steps may be performed in the sequence shown. Finally, after the first and second jackets have been wrapped around the first and second ropes, the outer jacket is wrapped 330 around the two jackets to enclose the first and second ropes within the outer jacket. Importantly, the present invention is easily assembled as the technician is suspended over the edge of a building. The ease of assembly helps to ensure that the technician does install the rope protector and the separation of the ropes within the rope protector helps to protect the ropes from rubbing against each other within the rope protector. As such, the rope protector of the present invention improves the safety of high access rope technician. It should be appreciated that the above description is exemplary only and thus not intended to be limiting on the disclosure. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rope protector for a rope system, wherein the rope protector is configured to receive two or more ropes, the rope protector comprising:an outer jacket comprising:a first portion configured to receive a first rope of the two or more ropes; anda second portion configured to receive a second rope of the two or more ropes;wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, when the first rope is received within the first portion and the second rope is received within the second portion, the first rope and the second rope are not in contact; andwherein the outer jacket is configured to enclose the first portion and the second portion.

2. The rope protector of claim 1, wherein the first portion is fixedly attached to the outer jacket.

3. The rope protector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises a fastening means configured to secure the first portion around the first rope.

4. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion is attached to the outer layer to provide a first side and a second side, wherein the first side wraps at least part way around the first rope and the second side wraps at least part way around the first rope such that the first side and second side engage.

5. The rope protector of claim 4, wherein the fastening means is a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a hook portion and a loop portion, wherein the hook portion is arranged on the first side and the loop portion is arranged on the second side such that, when the second side overlaps the first side, the hook portion and the loop portion engage to secure the first side and the second side together.

6. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion is a first jacket that is configured to wrap around the first rope.

7. The rope protector of claim 7, wherein the first jacket is substantially rectangular in shape with a length dimension parallel to the extension of the first rope.

8. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion is fixedly attached to the outer jacket.

9. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion comprises a fastening means configured to secure the second portion around the second rope.

10. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion is attached to the outer layer to provide a first side and a second side, wherein the first side wraps at least partway around the second rope and the second side wraps at least part way around the second rope such that the first side and second side engage.

11. The rope protector of claim 10, wherein the fastening means is a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a hook portion and a loop portion, wherein the hook portion is arranged on the first side and the loop portion is arranged on the second side such that, when the second side overlaps the first side, the hook portion and the loop portion engage to secure the first side and the second side together.

12. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion is a second jacket that is configured to wrap around the second rope.

13. The rope protector of claim 12, wherein the second jacket is substantially rectangular in shape with a length dimension parallel to the extension of the second rope.

14. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion and the second portion are horizontally offset with respect to each other.

15. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the outer jacket has a first side comprising the first portion and a second side comprising the second portion.

16. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the first side and the second side wrap around the first and second portions to engage and enclose the portions therewithin.

17. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the outer jacket comprises a fastening means configured to secure the outer layer in a wrapped configuration around the first portion and the second portion.

18. The rope protector of claim 17, wherein the fastening means is a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a hook portion and a loop portion.

19. The rope protector of claim 18, wherein the hook portion is arranged on a first side of the outer jacket and the loop portion is arranged on the second side of the outer jacket, such that when the second side overlaps the first side, the hook portion and the loop portion engage to secure the first side and the second side together.

20. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the outer jacket comprises an attachment means configured to attach the outer jacket to either the first or second rope at a position above a portion of the first or second rope that is received within the rope protector.

21. The rope protector of claim 20, wherein the attachment means is an eyelet configured to receive an attaching component, wherein the attaching component is received through the eyelet and arranged to attach the outer jacket to either the first or second rope.

22. The rope protector of any preceding claim, wherein the outer jacket comprises a high performance polyethylene, a canvas material or a Kevlar material.

23. The rope protector of claim 22, wherein the outer surface of the outer jacket comprises a canvas material or a Kevlar material.

24. A method of securing a rope protector to a rope system comprising two or more ropes, the method comprising:inserting a first rope into a first portion of the rope protector;inserting a second rope into a second portion of the rope protector;wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, when the first rope is received within the first portion and the second rope is received within the second portion, the first rope and the second rope are not in contact; andenclosing the first portion and the second portion within an outer jacket.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first portion is a first jacket and the step of inserting the first rope into the first portion comprises wrapping the first jacket around the first rope;wherein the second portion is a second jacket and the step of inserting the second rope into the second portion comprises wrapping the second jacket around the second rope; andwherein the method comprises wrapping the outer jacket around the first jacket wrapped around the first rope and the second jacket wrapped around the second rope.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the method further comprises:attaching the rope protector to the first rope before inserting the first rope into the first portion and inserting the second rope into the second portion;wherein the rope protector is attached to the first rope at a position above a length of the first rope that is inserted within the first portion.

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