Mounting device for anchor points and method of using the mounting device

Abstract

To provide an anchor point which is easy to collect.SOLUTION: An attachment device 1 to an anchor point includes: a wire-like element 2 provided with two ends 2a, 2b. A first end 2a of the two ends 2a, 2b has a first ring 3. A clamp has two ends 4a, 4b, and a first end 4a of the two ends 4a, 4b is insertable into the first ring 3. The second clamp end 4b presents a second cross-section larger than a first cross-section. The first clamp end 4a defines a through hole 5 that receives a rope supporting a user. The second end 2b of the wire-like element is fixed to the clamp via a first attachment point 7 between the through hole 5 and the second clamp end 4b. A cord 8 has: a first end 8a fixed to the clamp via a second attachment point 9; and a second end 8b provided with a second ring 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment device to an anchor point and a method of using the attachment device.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of tree care, it is known to use a friction saver that defines a temporary anchoring system. The friction saver is formed by a strap that forms a ring around a tree branch or trunk, preferably clamping its anchor point. The friction saver has a strap with opposing first and second ends and a central ring. The central ring cooperates with the first end such that the first end passes through the ring of the strap to form a sliding loop that surrounds the tree branch or trunk. The first end functions as an anchor point for the climber. The climber applies force to the first end that tightly clamps the tree branch by closing the sliding loop. The first end of the strap cooperates with a first metal ring, and the second end cooperates with a second metal ring having an inner dimension smaller than the inner dimension of the first metal.

[0003] The climber attaches a working rope to the first and second metal rings attached to the tree branch and forming an anchor point.

[0004] When the tree care work is completed, the strap forming the friction saver must be retrieved.

[0005] To retrieve the friction saver, a retrieval ball is fixed to the working rope, and the working rope is pulled to remove the retrieval ball from the two metal rings. The retrieval ball passes through the first metal ring and remains caught on the second metal ring, and the pulling force applied to the rope pulls the second end of the strap to open the sliding loop.

[0006] When the strap loop opens, the retrieval ball pulls the work rope attached to the strap, allowing the strap to be dropped from the tree.

[0007] Since friction savers often get stuck, especially on trees, this solution is clearly unsatisfactory in use. This is due to all the frictional forces present, particularly between the tree, the strap, and the work rope. There is a need to reduce the risk of friction savers getting stuck on trees and to facilitate the retrieval of the device that forms the friction saver. [Overview of the project]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to improve these drawbacks, and in particular to propose an anchor point mounting device that is easier to use than the configuration of the prior art. For this purpose, the anchor point mounting device is A linear body comprising a first linear body end and a second linear body end on the opposite side, wherein the first linear body end has a first ring having a first through cross section, A clamp having a first clamp end and a second clamp end opposite the first clamp end, wherein the first clamp end has a first cross-section smaller than the through cross-section so that the first clamp end can be inserted into the first ring, the second clamp end has a second cross-section larger than the first cross-section, the first clamp end defines a through hole for receiving a rope capable of supporting a user, the through hole has a second through cross-section, and the second end of the linear body is fixed to the clamp via a first mounting point positioned between the through hole and the second clamp end, A cord having a first cord end fixed to the clamp via a second mounting point and a second cord end having a second ring, wherein the second ring defines a third cross-section smaller than the second cross-section.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the clamp has a rotatably mounted roller, the roller forming one end of the through hole.

[0010] Advantageously, the second clamp end defines a longitudinally extending groove connecting the first clamp end and the second clamp end.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second mounting point separates the first mounting point from the second clamp end.

[0012] Preferably, the second through cross section of the second clamp end is larger than the first through cross section of the ring, defining the stopping surface of the linear body along the clamp.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the stopping surface is separated from the first mounting point by a distance greater than the width of the linear body.

[0014] Advantageously, the stopping surface is separated from the second mounting point by a distance greater than the width of the linear body.

[0015] In preference, the clamp is curved and defines an angle of curvature equal to at least 60 degrees or at least 90 degrees.

[0016] In an advantageous configuration, the first mounting point and the second mounting point are positioned on the outer surface of the clamp corresponding to the surface furthest from the center of curvature.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the cord has a length that allows it to pass through the through-hole of the clamp.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous to provide an attachment device comprising a rope passing through the through hole of the clamp and the second ring of the cord, wherein the rope is terminated by a retrieval ball having a cross-section smaller than the second passing cross-section and larger than the third passing cross-section.

[0019] Compared with conventional methods, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of using a mounting device that makes it easier to remove a mounted product. A method of using a mounting device of any of the above-described configurations is to provide the mounting device, the linear body is wound around an anchor point, a loop formed by the linear body around the anchor point is closed by the clamp, and the rope is attached to the second ring and the through hole, pulling the rope such that an end of the rope terminated by a recovery ball passes through the through hole and is blocked against the second ring, and pulling the rope so that the ring slides along the clamp until the ring exits the clamp.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 schematically shows a view of a mounting device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a clamp. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 schematically shows another perspective view of a clamp. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 schematically shows a side view of a clamp. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 schematically shows a front view of a clamp. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 schematically shows a mounting device attached around a tree trunk or branch. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 schematically shows the first stage of removing the mounting device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 schematically shows the second stage of removing the mounting device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 schematically shows the third stage of removing the mounting device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 schematically shows the fourth stage of removing the mounting device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The mounting device 1 for the anchor point is designed to form a mounting device at the anchor point, which is preferably the trunk A or branch B of a tree.

[0022] The mounting device 1 for the anchor point includes a linear body 2 having a first linear body end 2a and an opposite second linear body end 2b. The first linear body end 2a defines a first ring 3. The first ring 3 defines a first passage opening having a first passage cross-section. The linear body 2 is preferably a strap or a rope. The linear body 2 is sized to support the weight of the user or the load to be lifted.

[0023] The mounting device 1 for the anchor point includes a clamp 4 having a first clamp end 4a and a second clamp end 4b opposite the first clamp end 4a. The first clamp end 4a has a first cross-section smaller than the passage cross-section so that the first clamp end 4a can be inserted into the passage opening 3. The second clamp end 4b presents a second cross-section larger than the first cross-section. The first clamp end 4a defines a through-hole 5 designed to receive a rope 6 designed to support the user. The second passage opening 5 has a second passage cross-section. The second strap end 2b is fixed to the clamp 4 via a first mounting point 7 disposed between the through-hole 5 and the second clamp end 4b. The clamp 4 can be made of plastic, metal or a combination of the latter. The clamp 4 is sized to support the weight of the load to be lifted.

[0024] The anchor point mounting device 1 comprises a cord 8 having a first cord end 8a fixed to a clamp 4 via a second mounting point 9, and a second cord end 8b having a second ring 10. The second ring 10 defines a second through opening 11 having a third through cross section smaller than the second through cross section. The second ring 10 may be formed by a carabiner or snap hook, quick link or other open / close connector. Since the cord 8 is not designed to support the weight of the load being lifted, the cord 8 may exhibit lower mechanical performance than the linear body 2. In the shown embodiment, the cord 8 is different from the linear body 2, but the cord 8 and the linear body 2 could also form both ends of the same component, such as the same strap. The component passes through the hole in the clamp 4. In this particular case, the first mounting point 7 coincides with the second mounting point 9.

[0025] Clamp 4 is a component that is more rigid than strap 2, or is a rigid component. Preferably, clamp 4 is a component that does not change shape even when mechanically pressure is applied until clamp 4 mechanically breaks. When the user is suspended by rope 6 pushing against clamp 4, clamp 4 maintains its shape. The sliding of ring 3 along clamp 4 is performed by a component whose shape is known.

[0026] The first end 4a of clamp 4 can be inserted into the ring 3 of the first end 2a of strap 2. Strap 2 and clamp 4 form a loop surrounding the anchor point. The first end 4a receives the rope 6 designed to support the user. The first end 4a is mechanically pressured by the rope 6. The second end 4b is wider than the first end 4a and makes it difficult or prevents the ring 3 of the linear body 2 from advancing along the entire length of clamp 4. The through hole 5 receives the rope 6. The ring 3 slides along the first end 4a for a distance that ensures the through hole 5 is not covered by the ring 3. The user's weight applied to the rope 6 applies pressure to clamp 4, keeping loop C closed.

[0027] The cord 8 applies pressure to the second end 4b of the clamp 4. By pulling the second end 8b of the cord 8, the cord applies pressure to the second end 4b. When loop C is closed, the two ends 4a and 4b of the clamp 4 are separated by the ring 3. Applying force to one or the other end of the clamp moves the latter to a position that is more likely to be in the open position, or to a position that keeps the latter in the closed position.

[0028] By pulling the cord 8, the clamp 4 rotates around the contact point between the ring 3 and the clamp 4, causing the ring 3 to slide toward the first end 4a of the clamp 4 until the loop C is released. When the user is suspended by the rope 6 attached to the through hole 5, the user's weight prevents the clamp 4 from swinging or blocks the ring 3 relative to the clamp 4.

[0029] Clamp 4 closes loop C surrounding the anchor point, and the position of clamp 4 allows or prevents loop C from opening. The position of clamp 4 is defined by the forces applied to the two ends of clamp 4. Clamp 4 rotates relative to ring 3.

[0030] Preferably, the clamp 4 has a rotatably mounted roller 12, which forms one end of the first passage opening 5. The roller 12 is rotatably mounted so that a pulley is provided at the first clamp end 4a. The installation of the pulley also has the effect of facilitating the movement of the rope 6 by reducing friction and reducing its wear. It is particularly advantageous to form a pulley incorporated in a rigid manner into the clamp 4 in order to facilitate the movement of the rope without increasing the risk of rope jamming. The roller 12 is rotatably mounted around a tree 12'. When the user pulls the rope 6, the latter moves and pushes the roller 12.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the second clamp end 4b defines a longitudinally extending groove 13 connecting the first clamp end 4a and the second clamp end 4b. The groove 13 is configured to receive the cord 8 and facilitate the attachment of the cord 8 to the volume of the clamp 4. The cord 8 extends from the second attachment point 9 toward the second end 4b. When the cord 8 is pulled, the latter is inserted into the groove 13 and pushes the second clamp end 4b, which tends to rotate the clamp 4, moving the ring 3 toward the first end 4a.

[0032] Advantageously, the second mounting point 9 separates the first mounting point 7 from the second clamp end 4. This configuration simplifies the design of the clamp 4. By pulling the second end 8b, the position of the second mounting point 9 facilitates the swinging of the clamp 4. This configuration is even more advantageous because the clamp 4 exhibits a groove 13 that facilitates the rotation of the clamp 4. It is advantageous that the first mounting point 7 is located within the groove 13. It is also possible to have the first mounting point 7 and the second mounting point 9 formed by the same elements. For example, it is advantageous to have the linear body 2 and the cord 8 terminated together by a loop, or at least by a loop, through which a rod fixed to the clamp passes to form two mounting points, and to provide the same rod for passing through the loop. It is also possible that the linear body 2 is fixed to the clamp 4, and the cord 8 is fixed to the linear body 2 near the first mounting point to form a second mounting point. Alternatively, the cord 8 is fixed to the clamp 4, and the linear body 2 is fixed to the cord 8 near the second mounting point 9, which forms the first mounting point 7. However, these deformations are inefficient for retrieving the clamp 4.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the second cross-section of the second clamp end 4b is larger than the first through-section of the ring 3, defining a stopping surface for the linear body 2 along the clamp 4. That is, the second end 4b is wider than the hole formed by the ring 3. The clamp 4 is inserted into the ring and cannot pass through the latter over its entire length. It is particularly advantageous to have a second end 4b that is wide enough to prevent the ring 3 from coming off the clamp 4. In this way, the loop formed by the strap 2 is closed by the clamp 4. The force applied by the rope 6 to the first end 4a blocks the ring 3 against the second end 4b. The second end 4b forms a stopping surface against which the ring 3 abuts.

[0034] The clamp 4 exhibits a lower coefficient of friction with respect to the strap 2 than the coefficient of friction between the strap 2 and the rope 6 or cord 8.

[0035] If the cord 8 extends from the second mounting point 9 to the second end 4b, when the cord 8 is pulled, it passes through the ring 3, which facilitates the swinging of the clamp 4. Preferably, the clamp 4 is smooth, which enhances the sliding of the ring 3.

[0036] Preferably, the stopping surface is separated from the first attachment point 9 by a distance greater than the width of the linear body 2. In this way, when stretched by the rope 6, the first end 2a of the linear body 2 positions itself in a position that clearly resists the swinging of the clamp 4. This configuration enhances safety in the event that an undesirable force is applied to the cord 8.

[0037] Advantageously, the stopping surface is separated from the second mounting point by a distance greater than the width of the linear body 2. In this case, safety is also enhanced by requiring the clamp to move over a relatively large distance before the clamp swings and the loop is released.

[0038] In a particularly advantageous embodiment shown in the figure, the clamp is curved between the first end 4a and the second end 4b. Having a curved clamp is advantageous to better distinguish between the position in which the clamp holds the loop closed and the clamp position in which the loop can be opened. The use of a curved clamp helps to improve miniaturization and reduces the risk of being blocked by tree branches when tree care operations are performed. To clearly distinguish between the two positions, it is advantageous to have a clamp that defines a curvature angle equal to at least 60 degrees, preferably at least 90 degrees. The use of this curved clamp also makes it easier to open the loop when on the ground.

[0039] The curvature angle is represented by the angle formed by planes tangent to the two ends of the sliding surface of the ring on the clamp 4. One tangent plane corresponds to the ring being blocked relative to the clamp, and preferably to the stopping surface. The other tangent plane corresponds to the ring just before it leaves the clamp to release the loop.

[0040] To achieve miniaturization, it is advantageous for the clamp to exhibit a smaller mean radius of curvature at the second end than at the first end. The first end 4a and the second end 4b may be defined by the first mounting point 7. It is also advantageous for the second end to have a greater curvature than the first end, for example, an angle of curvature at the second end that is twice the angle of curvature at the first end.

[0041] Prioritizing the placement of the first and second mounting points, the clamp 4 is positioned on the outer surface of the clamp corresponding to the surface furthest from the center of the clamp's curvature.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous that the cord 8 is long enough to pass through the through-hole 5 of the clamp 4. When the rope 6 is taut, the cord 8 hangs down at a lower height than the first clamp end 4, thus minimizing the risk of applying pressure to the cord 8. Such an embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0043] To facilitate the retrieval of the clamp, it is advantageous to use a rope 6 that passes through the through-hole 5 of the clamp 4 and the second passage opening of the cord 8. The rope 6 is terminated by a retrieval ball 14 having a cross-section smaller than the second passage section and larger than the third passage section. Alternatively, one rope may be fixed to the other rope, with the retrieval ball attached to the other rope.

[0044] To form a suspension point for the user attached to the rope 6, the linear body 2 wraps around the anchor point. In Figures 6 and 7, the linear body 2 wraps around the tree trunk A and presses against the branch B. The loop C formed by the linear body 2 around the trunk A is closed by the clamp 4. In the embodiment shown in particular, the second end 2b of the linear body 2 passes through the ring 3. The second end 4b of the clamp 4 presses against the ring 3. When the user is suspended by the rope 6, the second end 4b applies force to the ring 3 through the stopping surface. The loop C is pulled tight. The rope 6 is attached to the second ring 10 and the through hole 5. In the embodiment shown in particular in Figure 7, an intermediate clamp 15 is attached between the two ends of the linear body 2. This intermediate clamp allows the length of the loop C to be defined.

[0045] To remove the attachment after use and retrieve the latter, it is sufficient to pull the rope 6 so that the end of the rope 6, terminated by the retrieval ball 14, passes through the through hole 5 and is blocked against the second ring 10. This step is shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0046] When the retrieval ball 12 comes into contact with the second ring 10, the tensile force applied to the rope becomes the tensile force of the cord 8, causing the ring 3 to slide along the clamp 4 until the clamp comes out of the ring 3 and loop C opens. Once loop C is open, the linear body 2 can slide against the trunk by pulling the rope 6. It is advantageous that the ring 3 is formed by the folding of the linear body 2. There is little risk of the linear body 2 or the ring 3 getting caught around the trunk. The clamp 4 and the linear body 2 are connected to the rope 6, which in turn makes it easier to retrieve the clamp 4 and the linear body 2.

Claims

1. An attachment device (1) for attaching a rope (6) to support a user to a part of a tree that can serve as an anchor point, A linear body (2) having a first ring (3) at the end (2a) of the first linear body, A cord (8) having a second ring (10) at the second cord end (8b), A clamp (4) having a first mounting point (7) to which the second end (2b) of the linear body (2) is attached, and a second mounting point (9) to which the first end (8a) of the cord (8) is attached, and having higher rigidity than the linear body (2), Equipped with, The clamp (4) is a member that curves in side view, and when both ends are designated as a first clamp end (4a) and a second clamp end (4b), The first clamp end (4a) has a through hole (5) that is open when viewed from the front. The first clamp end (4a) has a first cross-sectional shape, and the second clamp end (4b) has a second cross-sectional shape that is larger than the first cross-sectional shape. On the outer surface of the clamp (4), a groove (13) is formed on the side away from the center of the curve, extending from the second clamp end (4b) to the central part. The first mounting point (7) and the second mounting point (9) are located within the groove (13) and arranged along the longitudinal direction, on the central side in the longitudinal direction of the groove (13). When using the rope (6), the linear body (2) is wrapped around the anchor point, the clamp (4) is passed through the first clamp end (4a) to the first ring (3), the second clamp end (4b) is hooked onto the first ring (3) to form a loop (C), and then the retrieval ball (14) at the end of the rope (6) is passed through the second ring (10) and the through hole (5) to attach the rope (6) to the anchor point. To remove the rope (6) from the anchor point, the rope (6) is pulled to pull the retrieval ball (14) out of the through hole (5), and the retrieval ball (14) is pulled further to hook onto the second ring (10). While the retrieval ball (14) is still hooked onto the second ring (10), the rope (6) is pulled to pull the clamp (4) out of the first ring (3) and release the loop (C). A mounting device (1) characterized by the following:

2. The clamp (4) has a rotatably mounted roller (12), The mounting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the roller (12) is located at the end of the clamp (4) and forms a part of the outer circumference of the through hole (5).

3. The mounting device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second mounting point (9) is located between the first mounting point (7) and the second clamp end (4b).

4. The mounting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second cross-sectional shape of the second clamp end (4b) is larger than that of the first ring (3), so that the first ring (3) of the linear body (2) does not come off the clamp (4).

5. The mounting device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second clamp end (4b) is separated from the first mounting point (7), and the distance between them is greater than the width of the linear body (2).

6. The mounting device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second clamp end (4b) is separated from the second mounting point (9), and the distance between them is greater than the width of the linear body (2).

7. The mounting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the clamp (4) is curved and forms an angle of curvature equal to at least 60 degrees.

8. The mounting device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the angle of curvature is equal to at least 90 degrees.

9. The mounting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cord (8) has a length that allows the cord (8) to pass through the through hole (5) of the clamp (4).

10. The mounting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a rope (6) passing through the through hole (5) of the clamp (4) and the second ring (10) of the cord (8), wherein the rope (6) is terminated by a recovery ball (14) having a cross-section smaller than the second passing cross-section of the through hole (5) and larger than the third passing cross-section of the second ring (10).

11. A method of using the mounting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The mounting device (1) is provided, wherein the linear body (2) is wrapped around the anchor point (A), the loop (C) formed by the linear body (2) around the anchor point (A) is closed by the clamp (4), and the rope (6) is attached to the second ring (10) and the through hole (5), The rope (6) is pulled such that the end of the rope (6), terminated by the retrieval ball (14), passes through the through hole (5) and is blocked from the second ring (10). A method comprising: pulling the rope (6) so that the first ring (3) slides along the clamp (4) until the first ring (3) exits the clamp (4).

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