Rope connector

Abstract

A device 1 for attaching two pieces of rope together; comprising a connector portion 2 with two ends 2a,2b, each end having one or more hooks 3; and a method for using the device to connect both ropes

Description

26 02 25 The present invention relates to a device and method for connecting pieces of rope, in particular to a device and method for connecting two sailing ropes. 5 BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Sailing boats and ships are propelled by harnessing the power of wind via sails mounted on one or more masts. The position and orientation of the sails is adjusted using moveable ropes 10 that are collectively known as running rigging, including halyards (ropes that run up the mast to pull up the mainsail), and sheets and braces (ropes used to control the orientation of the sails to the wind). The path of running rigging is typically tortuous, and ropes tend to be run around bends using 15 turning blocks to facilitate a smooth change in direction of the rope. Turning blocks are also known as pulleys, and incorporate a wheel and an axle or bearing, which allows the wheel to rotate. The wheel has an open groove, in which the rope sits. The rope sits snugly in the groove, and as the wheel is rotated the rope is guided around the bend. The grooved wheel can also be referred to as a drum or a sheave. Running rigging is most often exposed, but 20 may be contained e.g. a halyard can be run inside a mast. The replacement of ropes such as halyards which run through or within areas that are difficult to access is not straightforward, and is conventionally carried out by a professional third party with specialist knowledge and equipment. This can lead to the replacement of ropes being left 25 to a point where the rope in question becomes worn and unsafe, potentially compromising the safety of the user. When replacing an existing rope, the old rope is usually connected to the new rope at one end and is pulled through the path of rigging, thereby positioning the new rope in place of the old 30 rope. The new rope can be secured to the old rope directly or via a sacrificial or mousing line. In both cases, the connection between the new and old rope must be secure enough to withstand the weight of the new rope in order to avoid the ropes detaching mid-replacement. This is especially important where the rope runs through an enclosed space such as the mast. Not only must the connection between the two ropes be strong, but it must also be smooth to 35 allow passage of the connected ropes through turning blocks and any enclosed spaces without snagging. 26 02 25 A new rope and the old rope (or sacrificial line) can be joined by splicing, where each end of the rope is partly untwisted and then the strands interwoven to form a joint between the two ropes. Splicing is preferable to simply knotting the two ropes, which can significantly reduce the strength of the rope and in any case would not form a smooth connection between the two 5 ropes. However, splicing usually results in a connecting section which is thicker than the two ropes, and which can be too thick to allow smooth passage of the rope during the replacement process. Therefore, in practice, new ropes and old ropes tend to be positioned end to end and hand 10 sewn or whipped together. However, the strength of such a connection is limited by the strength of the sewing thread, and it may also be necessary to apply a layer of tape over the join to smooth the connection and avoid snagging edges. This process is fiddly and time consuming, and can ultimately be for nothing and cause additional problems if the connection fails during the replacement and both lines disengage completely from their required position. 15 Another method of rope replacement is to ascend the mast and lower the replacement rope down through the mast. This is costly and, if not carried out by trained personnel, dangerous. It also requires forward planning thus preventing ropes from being replaced if immediately required. 20 FI23732A describes a pneumatic coupling, which is formed from two pulling members, for example with a chain, connected to each other by a jaw, both of which are made, from two joints connected to each other from an angle arm-shaped half-arm equipped with spikes that stick to the sides of a boom. 25 US4062520A describes an apparatus adapted to function as convertible wire rope load binders, container lashings or pullers. CN106438845B describes a belt-type quick-release mooring sling comprising a bearing 30 frame, a coarse adjustment mechanism, a fine adjustment component, a quick-release component, a bearing belt and a hook auxiliary component. CA2109745C describes a strap locking device including a strap locker having a plate body with a plurality of projecting-outward ends spaced apart in different directions. 35 Dog &Coast training leads have two o-rings attached along the length of the lead and are 6ft long. 26 02 25 There is therefore a need for a device and method for connecting pieces of rope, in particular for connecting two pieces of rope end to end, to allow safe and reliable replacement of the ropes, for example sailing ropes. 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector device for connecting two pieces of rope, said device comprising: a connector portion comprising a first end and a second end; 10 wherein the first end of the connector portion comprises one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments; and wherein the second end of the connection portion comprises one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments; wherein each rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment (3) comprises a free 15 end (5) and an attached end (6); wherein each hook attachment is configured to independently rotate in at least two rotational degrees of freedom; and wherein the free end (5) of at least one of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) comprises a barb. 20 According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for connecting two pieces of rope, comprising: i. connecting a first piece of rope to a connector device as described herein; and then ii. connecting the second piece of rope to the connector device which has been attached 25 to the first piece of rope. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a connector device as described herein, for connecting two pieces of rope. Suitably, the two pieces of rope are sailing ropes. 30 Embodiments and preferences described above with respect to the connector device of the invention apply equally to the method and use of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 35 The above and other aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, of which: 26 02 25 Figures 1A and 1B are side views of a connector device according to one embodiment of the disclosure; Figures 2A and 2B are side views of a connector device according to a further embodiment of 5 the disclosure; Figure 3A is a side view of a rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment, illustrating the angle of the bend when the hook attachment is substantially L-shaped; Figure 3B is a side view of two free ends of a rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment; Figure 3C is a side view of a plurality of barbs on a rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment; 10 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, illustrating the connecting axis and perpendicular plane, and the two pieces of rope to be connected (adjoining ropes); Figure 5A is a perspective view of one end of the connector device shown in Figure 4, illustrating the range of motion of a rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment; 15 Figure 5B illustrates possible rotational degrees of freedom of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment; Figures 6A and 6B are perspective and side views, respectively, of a securing portion, which in Figure 6A is secured to the connector portion; Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the method of the invention according to one embodiment; 20 Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show side views of a connector device according to four different embodiments of the invention traversing a partially enclosed turning block; Figures 9(1)-(1 V) and 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D show various connector devices according to the present invention. Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which two connector devices as shown in Figures 10A-25 10D are connected via a short piece of rope, to form a connector device according to a further embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 30 The connector device according to the present invention is suitable for connecting two pieces of rope (referred to herein as the adjoining ropes) and comprises a connector portion comprising a first end and a second end; wherein both the first and second ends of the connector portion comprise one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments. As will be explained in further detail below, when in use the connector device is positioned between 35 the ends of the two adjoining ropes, before being quickly and easily attached to each adjoining rope using the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments. The resulting connection is secure 26 02 25 and has a smooth profile such that the connected ropes can easily pass through turning blocks and any enclosed spaces without snagging. With reference to the figures, two exemplary embodiments of the connector device of the 5 invention (1) are shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 10A and 11 each comprising a connector portion (2), comprising a first end (2a) and a second end (2b). The connector portion can be any suitable shape. In one embodiment, it has its longest dimension between its first and second end. Various connector portions are illustrated in 10 Figures 9(I)-(IV) and Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. In one embodiment, the connector portion is elongate. The connector portion is a suitable shape / arrangement such that the connector device can be threaded through a non-linear path. For example, the connector device can pass smoothly 15 through a turning block and / or through an enclosed space such as through the interior of a pole (e.g. a mast on a sailing boat or a flagpole). In order to pass through a turning block the connector device must be able to bend around a groove in the wheel. The exact angle of the bend will depend on the size of the wheel in the turning block, but a suitable bend can be achieved by using a connector portion which is flexible along at least a part of its length, or is 20 jointed along at least a part of its length, as shown in Figures 8A-8C. Thus, in one embodiment the connector portion is flexible. In another embodiment, the connector portion is jointed. In another embodiment, the connector portion is flexible and jointed. If the length of the connector portion is of a relatively small size compared to the size of the wheel in the turning block, the connector portion can be rigid along its length, but can still pass through the turning block, as 25 shown in Figure 8D. Such a device is shown in Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. Thus, in one embodiment, the connector portion is rigid. Put another way, the connector portion comprises a rigid body. A connector portion that is flexible along its length is typically straight when not in use, but can 30 easily bend under pressure e.g. as shown in Figure 1B. A section of rope or plastic can provide suitable flexibility. In Figure 11, two connector devices as shown in Figures 10A-10D are connected via a short piece of rope, to form a connector device according to a further embodiment of the invention, having a connector portion comprising rope. Thus, in one embodiment, the connector portion comprises rope, and suitably is formed from rope. An 35 example of a connector portion comprising rope is shown in Figure 11. In the context of the present invention, “rope” is defined as being a length of cord made up of individual strands or fibres that are twisted or braided into a larger and stronger form. A rope can also be known as 26 02 25 a cord, twine or a line, and can be constructed of natural or synthetic fibres. In one embodiment, the rope comprises or is formed from a natural fibre such as manila hemp, hemp, linen, cotton, coir, jute, straw or sisal. In another embodiment, the rope comprises or is formed from a synthetic fibre such as polypropylene, nylon, a polyester (e.g. PET (polyethylene 5 therphthalate), or an LCP (liquid-crystal polymer) such as Vectran), polyethylene (e.g. ultra- high-molecular-weight polyethylene such as Dyneema or Spectra), and Aramid (e.g. Twaron, Technora or Kevlar) or an acrylic (e.g. Dralon). In another embodiment, the connector portion comprises plastic, or is formed from plastic (e.g. 10 reinforced plastic or a resin-based plastic). In a still further embodiment, the connector portion comprises or is formed from metal, a metal alloy or a metallic material e.g. stainless steel, tool steel, aluminium, titanium, a titanium alloy, Inconel or alumide. 15 Suitably flexibility can also be achieved by the connector portion being jointed. Suitable joints include a chain link (e.g. as shown in Figures 2A and 2B), a ball and socket joint (as shown in Figures 10A-10Dand Figure 11), a swivel joint or a combination thereof. 20 In all cases, the connector portion preferably has high tensile strength, in particular along its connecting axis. The connecting axis (8) is defined herein as the axis between the first end (2a) and second end (2b) of the connector portion (2), as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. This is typically along the longitudinal axis of the connector portion (i.e. the axis along its longest dimension). The plane which is perpendicular to the connecting axis is defined herein as the 25 perpendicular plane (9). When the connector portion comprises, or is a short length of rope, the connecting axis suitably runs along the centre of its length. Rope is particularly suitable for the connector portion because it has high tensile strength while also being flexible enough to bend around e.g. a turning block. 30 In certain embodiments the first and second ends of the connector portion may be adjacent each other, in which case the connecting axis is defined by reference to the longitudinal axis of the connector device as a whole, when in a taut position. In embodiments where the connector portion is flexible around its connecting axis, preferably, 35 it is inflexible (i.e. non-stretchy) along its connecting axis. For example, when the connecting portion is a length of rope, the rope can be bent but has minimal flexibility along its length i.e. it will not significantly stretch or significantly lengthen when under pressure. “Significantly” in this sense refers to the amount of stretch that is tolerated in an adjoining rope (such as a sailing rope) e.g. the nature of a sailing rope is such that a small amount of stretch will occur, but not so much that the function of the rope is impaired in use i.e. it will not lose significant tension over time. Thus, in one embodiment the connector portion is flexible around its connecting axis, and is preferably non-flexible along its connecting axis. The connector portion does not need to be wholly jointed along its length to achieve the required flexibility. For example, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and Figure 9 (devices (II) and (III)), the connector portion can be formed from two cylindrical or frustoconical portions (which may be inflexible) which are connected by a jointed, or swivel link. Referring to Figure 4, the connector portion (2) suitably has a maximum (cross sectional) width (10) along the perpendicular plane (9) which is equal to or less than the diameter (11) of two adjoining ropes (12). If the connector portion comprises, or is a section of rope, the maximum (cross sectional width) corresponds to the maximum diameter of the rope. This is to ensure that the connector device has a smooth profile which allows passage of the connected ropes through turning blocks and any enclosed spaces without snagging. If the two adjoining ropes are of different diameter, then the maximum cross sectional width of connector portion must not be greater than the diameter of thickest adjoining rope. Suitably, the maximum width of the connector portion is between about 7 mm and about 25 mm, e.g. between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. Suitably, the maximum width of the connector device is between about 7 mm and about 25 mm, e.g. between about 10 mm and about 20 mm (where the maximum width is the maximum dimension of the device in the perpendicular plane). The required length of the connector portion is dependent on the size of the turning block that it will have to navigate. In one embodiment, the length of the connector portion (along its connecting axis) is between about 50 mm and about 200 mm, such as between about 80 mm and about 180 mm. In one embodiment, the connector device is the same size as, or shorter than, the section of turning block in which it will traverse in use (see for example Figures 8A, 8B and 8D. In another embodiment, the connector device is longer that the section of turning block in which it will traverse when in use i.e. only one end of the connector device will be on the turning block at any one time when in use (see for example Figure 8C). Preferably the connector device is longer than the section of turning block in which it will traverse when in use. In one embodiment, the length of the connector portion (along its connecting axis) is between about 10 mm and about 3 mm, such as between about 8 mm and about 4 mm, e.g. about 6 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the connector portion (along its connecting axis) is between about 100 mm and about 300 mm, such as between about 100 mm and about 26 02 25 200 mm, e.g. between about 125 mm and about 175 mm, or between about 150 mm about 180 mm. The first and second ends (2a, 2b) of the connector portion (2) comprise one or more rotatable 5 and / or pivotable hook attachments (3), as shown in Figures 1A and 2A. A hook attachment (3) is secured at one end to the connector portion (2), while the other end is a “free end” (5) which can freely rotate and / or pivot about the attached end (6), as shown in Figures 3A and Figures 5A and 5B. Thus, each rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment (3) comprises a free end (5) and an attached end (6), wherein suitably the hook attachment is rotatable and / or 10 pivotable about its attached end (6). The function of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments is to secure the connector portion (and hence the connector device as a whole) to each end of the ropes being connected, via the free end of each hook being securely embedded into an adjoining rope. 15 In one embodiment, at least one rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment (3) is substantially L-shaped, as shown in Figure 3A. Suitably, all of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments are substantially L-shaped. The section or leg of the “L” closest to the free end (5) is the section which engages with (i.e. is pressed into) the adjoining rope being connected. The other section or leg of the “L” which is closest to the point of attachment (6) to the 20 connector portion will lie along the outer section of the adjoining rope being connected, to provide a smooth link between the connector device and the rope being connected when in use, as shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, the hook attachment (3) is “substantially” L-shaped in the sense that the 25 bend to form the L shape can be exactly 90 degrees, but bends of less than and greater than 90 degrees are also encompassed. The bend (4) is shown in Figure 3A and in one embodiment is in the range of 80 to 125 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the L-shape has a bend of 90 degrees or more such that the free end of the hook attachment is a right angle or is bent back towards connected end of the hook attachment, as illustrated for the particular 30 embodiment in Figure 3A. Thus, in one embodiment the bend (4) is in the range of 90 to 125 degrees, such as in the range of 92 to 125 degrees, 95 to 125 degrees, 100 to 125 degrees, 90 to 120 degrees, 92 to 120 degrees, 95 to 120 degrees, 100 to 120 degrees, 90 to 115 degrees, 92 to 115 degrees, 95 to 115 degrees, 100 to 115 degrees, 90 to 110 degrees, 92 to 110 degrees, 95 to 110 degrees, 100 to 110 degrees, 90 to 105 degrees, 92 to 105 degrees, 35 95 to 105 degrees, 100 to 105 degrees, 90 to 100 degrees, 92 to 100 degrees, or 95 to 100 degrees. 26 02 25 When the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment is substantially L-shaped, in one embodiment the two legs of the L shape are equal in length. In another embodiment, the leg of the L shape closest to the free end (5) is longer than the other leg of the L shape closest to the attached end (6). In another embodiment, the leg of the L shape closest to the free end 5 (5) is shorter than the other leg of the L shape closest to the attached end (6). In one embodiment, the hook attachment (in particular the leg of the L shape closest to the attached end (6)) is slightly bent e.g. by up to about 35 degrees, or between about 2 degrees and about 35 degrees, such as between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees, e.g. 10 between about 21 degrees and about 25 degrees. A hook attachment with such as bend is shown in Figures 10A-10D and Figure 11. Having this slight bend in the leg of the L shape closest to the attached end allows the main part of the hook attachment to run parallel with the rope before the free end of the hook attachment enters the rope. 15 In one embodiment, the length of the hook attachment (specifically the leg of the L shape closest to the attached end) is between about 30 mm and about 3 mm, such as between about 25 mm and about 15 mm e.g. between about 20 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 10 mm and about 3 mm, such as between about 8 mm and about 4 mm, e.g. about 6 mm. If the length of the hook attachment includes a bend of up to about 35 degrees, the length is the 20 total length (although still excluding the leg of the L shape closest to the free end). In another embodiment, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment is curved e.g. question mark-shaped, e.g. as shown in Figure 9, device (IV). 25 As mentioned above, the free ends (5) of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) are configured to penetrate a rope. Suitably this is achieved by the free ends (5) having a tapered point. The tapered point may also include a hook or barb to facilitate a stronger attachment, as shown in Figure 3B, Figures 10A-10D and Figure 11. In the connector device of the present invention, the free end (5) of at least one of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook 30 attachments (3) comprises a barb. The attachment of the connector device to the adjoining ropes can be enhanced by the addition of one or more barbs (7) along the length of the hook attachment which will penetrate the rope. An exemplary embodiment using an L-shaped hook attachment is shown in Figure 35 3C. The term “barb” is defined herein as a protrusion which is configured to more securely embed the hook attachment within an adjoining rope. Suitably, as shown in Figure 3C each barb (7) is angled away from the free end of the of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment, in order to resist detachment of the connector device from the adjoining rope. In one embodiment, the barb (7) is angled away from the free end (5) of the hook attachment at an angle of between 90 and 179 degrees, e.g. at an angle of between 95 and 160 degrees. In one embodiment, at least one of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) is substantially L-shaped and comprises one or more barbs (7) along its length which is closest to its free end (5). Suitably a hook attachment (or all of the hook attachments) has a one barb (7) or a plurality of barbs e.g. two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or twelve barbs. The barbs are preferably located on opposing sides of the hook, to maximise their securing effect. It should be noted that although Figures 3A-3C illustrate a hook attachment which is L-shaped, the tapered point and barb features are not limited to L-shaped hook attachments. Suitably the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments comprise, or are formed from, metal or plastic. In one embodiment, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments are metal rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments. Suitably the thickness of the hook (which is equivalent to the cross sectional diameter if the hook has a circular cross section) is less than 2 mm, e.g. is about 1 mm. In one embodiment, the first end of the connector portion (2a) comprises a plurality e.g. two, three, four, five or six rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3). In other words, the first end of the connector portion (2a) has a first set of hooks. In one embodiment, the second end of the connector portion (2b) comprises a plurality e.g. two, three, four, five or six hook rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3). In other words, the second end of the connector portion (2b) has a second set of hooks. In one embodiment, the first end of the connector portion (2a) has two or three rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3), and the second end of the connector portion (2b) has two or three rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3). In one embodiment, the first end of the connector portion (2a) has two rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3), and the second end of the connector portion (2b) has two rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3). Preferably, the first end of the connector portion has two rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments, and the second end of the connector portion has two rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments. Suitably the first and second ends of the connector portion have the same number of rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments. As long as the first and second sets of hook attachments can grip respective ropes at the opposite ends of the connecting device, the first and second sets of hooks can be said to be at the first and second ends of the device, respectively. The rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments are positioned at the first and second ends (2a, 2b) of the connector portion (2). The exact positioning will depend on the shape of the connector portion and the size of the hook attachment, with the hook attachments being positioned such that they are securely attached to the connector portion and are free to rotate / pivot such that when the connector device and adjoining ropes are aligned end to end, the free end of a hook attachment can penetrate the end of the adjoining rope to form a secure and smooth attachment. A suitable arrangement is shown in Figure 7. The positioning of the hook attachments relative to each other can be varied, but ideally if a plurality of hook attachments is present they will be evenly spaced around all sides of the connector portion, to ensure that the force applied when the connector device is in use is evenly distributed through the connector device. For example, if a first (or second) end of the connector portion has four hook attachments, the hook attachments are evenly spaced to oppose each other at 90 degrees. Suitably, the hook attachments are arranged in a linear fashion around each end of the connector device e.g. if the connector portion is a section of rope then the hook attachments are distributed evening around the circumference of a single point at each end of the rope. In one embodiment, the first end of the connector portion has two hook attachments which are arranged to oppose each other, and the second end of the connector portion also has two hook attachments which are arranged to oppose each other. In this embodiment, suitably the hook attachments at the first end of the connector portion are arranged in a plane at approximately 90 degrees to the plane in which the hook attachments at the second end of the connector portion are arranged. Such an arrangement of hook attachments in shown in the device of Figures 10A and 10B. The hook attachments are secured to the connector portion in such a way that the hook attachment is rotatable and / or pivotable e.g. via a ball and socket joint, via a swivel joint or via a chain link. The range of motion of the hook attachment will depend on how it is connected to the connector portion, but it will be to some degree at least rotatable and / or pivotable in at least two rotational degrees of freedom, as shown in Figure 5A. The hook attachment must be rotatable and / or pivotable towards the adjoining rope to a minimum degree such that it can be aligned parallel to the connecting axis. This is to ensure that the free end of the hook attachment can sufficiently penetrate the adjoining rope to form a secure attachment. Also, it is preferable that the hook attachment can lie along the outer section of the adjoining rope being connected, to provide a smooth link between the connector device and the rope being connected when in use. The hook attachment is also suitably rotatable and / or pivotable in the 26 02 25 perpendicular plane. Thus, in one embodiment, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) are freely rotatable and / or pivotable between the connecting axis (8) and the perpendicular plane (9). 5 Each hook attachment is configured to independently rotate in at least two rotational degrees of freedom. By rotational degrees of freedom is meant at least two of pitch, yaw and roll, about respective at least one of Z, Y and Z axes. For example, a ball and socket joint or a swivel joint can be used to effect rotation about at least two of the X, Y and Z axes. In one embodiment, each hook attachment is configured to independently rotate in three rotational 10 degrees of freedom. In Figure 5B, movement about the connecting axis is shown as movement along the XZ plane, movement about the perpendicular plane is shown as movement along the YZ plane, and the final degree of rotation freedom is the rotation of the hook attachment along its length, i.e. around the Z axis. In the context of the present application reference to the hook attachments being independently free to rotate means that each hook attachment 15 can rotate freely independently of all of the other hook attachments, in particular hook attachment(s) at the same end (first or second) of the connector portion. In one embodiment, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments are connected to the first and second ends of the connector portion via ball and socket joints or swivel joints. In one 20 embodiment, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments are connected to the first and second ends of the connector portion via ball and socket joints e.g. as shown in Figures 10A-10D and Figure 11. In another embodiment, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments are connected to the first and second ends of the connector portion via swivel joints. 25 Suitably all of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments on the connector device are identical. The rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments can be attached directly to the first and second ends of the connector portion e.g. as shown in Figure 9, device (I). Alternatively, the 30 rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments can be attached to a securing portion (16), which is then tightly secured to an end of the connector portion. For example, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments can be attached to a metal ring, which can be secured around the circumference of the connector portion (see for example Figures 6A and 6B, and Figure 9, device (III). 35 Thus, in one embodiment, the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) are attached to the first and second ends (2a), (2b) of the connector portion (2) via first and second securing 26 02 25 portions (16), wherein the first and second securing portions (16) are connected to the first and second ends (2a), (2b) of the connector portion (2), respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second securing portions (16) are bands which are connected around the diameter of the first and second ends of the connector portion (2). Suitably the first and second securing 5 portions (16) are circular bands. The connector device of the invention is suitably used as illustrated in Figure 7. One end of the connector device is brought close to an end of one of the adjoining ropes (12a), and then the free ends of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments at that end are pressed firmly 10 into the adjoining rope. The connector device and the adjoining rope can be placed end to end so that they are touching, or a small gap can be left. The size of the gap tolerated will depend on the size of the hook attachment. The process is then repeated for the other end of the connector device, and the second adjoining rope (12b). 15 Thus, in one aspect of the invention is provided a method for connecting two pieces of rope (12a, 12b), comprising: i. connecting a first piece of rope (12a) to a connector device (1) as described hereinabove; and then ii. connecting the second piece of rope (12b) to the connector device (1) which has been 20 attached to the first piece of rope (12a). Suitably, step i. comprises the steps of: a. aligning an end section of a first piece of rope (12a) with a first end of the connector portion (2a) of the connector device (1); 25 b. inserting the free end(s) of the one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment(s) (3) of the first end of the connector portion (2a) into the end section of the first piece of rope (12a), in order to securely attach the connector device (1) to the first piece of rope (12a); and step ii comprises the steps of: 30 c. aligning an end section of a second piece of rope (12b) with the second end of the connector portion (2b) of the connector device (1); and d. inserting the free end(s) of the one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment(s) (3) of the second end of the connector portion (2b) into the end section of the second piece of rope (12b), in order to securely attach the connector device (1) to the second 35 piece of rope (12b). 26 02 25 In one embodiment, the adjoining rope (12a) (the first piece of rope) is the old rope, to be replaced, and the second adjoining rope (12b) (the second piece of rope) is the new rope, which will replace the old rope. In another embodiment, the adjoining rope (12a) (the first piece of rope) is the new rope, which will replace the old rope, and the second adjoining rope (12b) 5 (the second piece of rope) is the old rope, to be replaced. Once the old rope and the new rope are connected, the old rope can be removed from its position, and as it is removed the new rope follows in its path. Once the old rope has been entirely removed and replaced by the new rope, the connector device can be removed. Thus, 10 in one embodiment, the connection between the connector device and the two pieces of rope is reversible. Alternatively, the end of the new rope can be cut, thereby detaching the connector device which is still connected to the old rope. In one embodiment, the connection between the connector device and the two pieces of rope is irreversible. 15 The connector device of the invention should be able to bear the weight of the rope that it is replacing. In one embodiment, the connector device can bear a weight of 10-20 kg, e.g. IQ-15 kg or about 10 kg. The features of the connector device of the invention make it particularly suitable for use in 20 connecting two sailing ropes. However, the device is of use for any application where an old rope is replaced by a new rope, e.g. replacing the rope in a flagpole. It should be noted that in the context of the present application, when referring to a range of between about “AA” and about “BB”, the point values of AA and BB are intended to be included 25 as possible values in the range. The word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” as used herein should be understood to mean the inclusion of the stated integer, step, group of integers or group of steps, but not to the exclusion of any other integer, step, groups of integers or group 30 of steps. The invention embraces all combinations of indicated integers, steps, groups of integers or groups of steps recited above. All patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 35

Claims

26 02 251. A connector device (1) for connecting two pieces of rope, said device comprising: a connector portion (2) comprising a first end (2a) and a second end (2b);5 wherein the first end of the connector portion (2a) comprises one or more rotatableand / or pivotable hook attachments (3); andwherein the second end of the connection portion (2b) comprises one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3);wherein each rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment (3) comprises a free 10 end (5) and an attached end (6);wherein each hook attachment is configured to independently rotate in at least two rotational degrees of freedom; andwherein the free end (5) of at least one of the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) comprises a barb.

152. The connector device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion (2) is flexible.

3. The connector device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connector portion 20 (2) comprises rope.

4. The connector device (1) according to claim 1, where the connector portion (2) is rigid.

5. The connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each hook25 attachment is configured to independently rotate in three rotational degrees of freedom.

6. The connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least onerotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment (3) is substantially L-shaped.30 7. The connector device (1) according to claim 6, wherein all of the rotatable and / orpivotable hook attachments (3) are substantially L-shaped.

8. The connector device (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the substantially L-shaped rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment (3) comprises a bend (4) in the range of 35 80 to 125 degrees e.g. in the range of 90 to 125 degrees or 95 to 125 degrees.26 02 259. The connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment (3) is rotatable and / or pivotable about its attached end (6).

10. The connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first end 5 of the connector portion (2a) has two or three rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3), and the second end of the connector portion (2b) has two or three rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3).

11. The connector device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first end of the connector 10 portion (2a) has two rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3), and the second end of the connector portion (2b) has two rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3).

12. The connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connector portion (2) has a connecting axis (8) between its first end (2a) and its second end (2b), and a 15 plane (9) which is perpendicular to the connecting axis (8).

13. The connector device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the connector portion (2) has a maximum width (10) along the perpendicular plane (9) which is equal to or less than the diameter (11) of two pieces of rope (12) to be connected.2014. The connector device (1) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) are freely rotatable and / or pivotable between the connecting axis (8) and the perpendicular plane (9).25 15. The connector device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the rotatable and / or pivotablehook attachments (3) are independently freely rotatable and / or pivotable between the connecting axis (8) and the perpendicular plane (9).

16. The connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the rotatable 30 and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) are connected to the first and second ends (2a), (2b) of the connector portion (2) via ball and socket joints or swivel joints, in particular by ball and socket joints.

17. The connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the rotatable 35 and / or pivotable hook attachments (3) are attached to the first and second ends (2a), (2b) of the connector portion (2) via first and second securing portions (16), wherein the first and26 02 25second securing portions (16) are connected to the first and second ends (2a), (2b) of the connector portion (2), respectively.

18. The connector device (1) according to claim 17, wherein the first and second securing 5 portions (16) are bands which are connected around the diameter of the first and second ends of the connector portion (2).

19. A method for connecting two pieces of rope (12a, 12b), comprising:i. connecting a first piece of rope (12a) to a connector device (1) according to any one 10 of claims 1 to 18; and thenii. connecting the second piece of rope (12b) to the connector device (1) which has been attached to the first piece of rope (12a).

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein step i. comprises the steps of:15 a. aligning an end section of a first piece of rope (12a) with a first end of the connectorportion (2a) of the connector device (1);b. inserting the free end(s) of the one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook attachment(s) (3) of the first end of the connector portion (2a) into the end section of the first piece of rope (12a), in order to securely attach the connector device (1) to the first piece of 20 rope (12a);and step ii comprises the steps of:c. aligning an end section of a second piece of rope (12b) with the second end of the connector portion (2b) of the connector device (1); andd. inserting the free end(s) of the one or more rotatable and / or pivotable hook 25 attachment(s) (3) of the second end of the connector portion (2b) into the end section of the second piece of rope (12b), in order to securely attach the connector device (1) to the second piece of rope (12b).

21. Use of a connector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, for connecting 30 two pieces of rope.

22. A connector device, method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the two ropes to be connected are sailing ropes.35

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