System for belaying a person in an aerial course

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for belaying a person in an aerial course, the system comprising a support member (5) having a first recess (6) and a second recess (7) for receiving a first anchoring member (2a) and a second anchoring member (2b), respectively, the first recess being provided with a first locking means (8) that can be actuated between an unlocking position and a locking position, while being provided with a first deactivation means (9), the first deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by inserting the second anchoring member into the second recess, the second recess being provided with a second locking means (10) that can be actuated between an unlocking position and a locking position, while being provided with a second deactivation means (11), the second deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by inserting the first anchoring member into the first recess, the support member being attached to a harness such that it cannot be detached without the use of a suitable tool.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: System for securing a person in a high-altitude course

[0003] The invention relates to a system for securing a person in a high-altitude course and a securing assembly for such a system.

[0004] It is known, in particular from document EP-2 637 747, to produce a system for securing a person in a high-altitude course, said system comprising:

[0005] • a plurality of anchoring members intended to be mounted in said path,

[0006] • a harness intended to equip said person,

[0007] • two lashing carabiners to said members, said carabiners being fixed by means of straps to said harness in a non-detachable manner without the use of a suitable tool, said carabiners being interconnected so that the opening of one of said carabiners lashed to one of said members can only be done once the other of said carabiners is lashed to another of said members.

[0008] With such an arrangement, the person fitted with the harness is on the one hand secured to the carabiners in a non-detachable manner, and on the other hand necessarily secured by at least one of said carabiners to at least one anchoring member, which guarantees their safety.

[0009] The person to be insured is then equipped with a belaying set comprising the harness and the carabiners attached to the harness by the straps.

[0010] However, when the route is provided with passages such as climbing walls, such a belaying assembly may prove difficult to use, due to the presence of straps which may become tangled in the person's limbs, and also due to the significant weight and bulk of said assembly. The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0011] It should be noted that there is also known, in particular from document US20220341445-A1, an anchoring block comprising a support having a first and a second housing for receiving respectively a first and a second anchoring member, the removal of one of said members from its housing only being able to be done when the other of said members has been introduced into its housing, so that one of said members is always fixed to said block.

[0012] In this embodiment, the anchoring block is mounted in the path at a height, one of the anchoring members being secured to a harness equipping the person moving in said path and the other of said members being mounted in said path to block said block in the low position allowing said person to anchor themselves to said block.

[0013] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a system for securing a person in a high-altitude course, said system comprising:

[0014] • a plurality of anchoring members intended to be mounted in said path,

[0015] • a harness intended to equip said person, said system further comprising an anchoring block, said block comprising a support having a first and a second housing for receiving respectively a first and a second anchoring member, knowing that:

[0016] • said first housing is provided with a first means for locking said first member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position to which it is returned by a first spring means, said locking means being provided with a first deactivation means for bringing it into the unlocking position, said first deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by inserting said second anchoring member into said second housing, • said second housing is provided with a second means for locking said second member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position to which it is returned by a second spring means, said locking means being provided with a second deactivation means for bringing it into the unlocking position,said second deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by insertion of said first anchoring member into said first housing, said block being fixed by said support to said harness in a non-detachable manner without the use of a suitable tool.,

[0017] With such an arrangement, the person fitted with the harness is on the one hand secured to the anchoring block in a non-detachable manner, and on the other hand necessarily secured by said block to at least one anchoring member, which guarantees their safety.

[0018] Furthermore, the belaying assembly equipping the person is provided only with the harness and an anchor block which is much more compact than the assembly with straps and carabiners known from the prior art.

[0019] This results in simplified use of this assembly, the absence of straps providing better ergonomics. In addition, the assembly according to the invention has minimized bulk and weight.

[0020] And the fact that the block is fixed to the harness in a non-detachable manner guarantees the safety of the person to be secured.

[0021] It should also be noted that the embodiment described in document US20220341445-A1 cannot overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, since the anchoring block is not fixed to the harness but mounted in the course at height.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a belaying assembly for such a system. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description, given with reference to the attached figures, in which: [Fig.1] is a general schematic representation of a system according to one embodiment,

[0023] [Fig.2] is a partial schematic perspective view of an anchor block according to a first embodiment,

[0024] [Fig.3] is a partial schematic front view of the anchoring block shown in Figure 2, said figure showing said block in the following successive situations: a first anchoring member is being inserted into the first housing (A), then inserted at the bottom of the first housing (B), then a second anchoring member is inserted at the bottom of the second housing (C), then the first anchoring member is being removed from the first housing after deactivation of an additional locking means (D),

[0025] [Fig.4] is a partial schematic front view of an anchoring block according to a second embodiment, said figure showing said block in the following successive situations: a first anchoring member is being inserted into the first housing (A), then inserted at the bottom of the first housing (B), then a second anchoring member is inserted at the bottom of the second housing (C), then the first anchoring member is being removed from the first housing after deactivation of an additional locking means (D).

[0026] With reference to the figures, a system 1 is described for securing a person in a high-altitude course, said system comprising:

[0027] • a plurality of anchoring members 2a, 2b - here in the form of rings, said rings being suspended from straps - intended to be mounted in said path,

[0028] • a harness 3 intended to equip said person, said system further comprising an anchoring block 4, said block comprising a support 5 having a first 6 and a second 7 housing for receiving respectively a first 2a and a second 2b anchoring member knowing that:

[0029] • said first housing is provided with a first means 8 for locking said first member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a first spring means, not shown, said locking means being provided with a first deactivation means 9 for bringing it into the unlocking position, said first deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by insertion of said second anchoring member into said second housing,

[0030] • said second housing is provided with a second means 10 for locking said second member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a second spring means, not shown, said locking means being provided with a second deactivation means 11 to bring it into the unlocking position, said second deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by insertion of said first anchoring member into said first housing, said block being fixed by said support to said harness in a non-detachable manner without the use of a suitable tool - such as a key, a screwdriver, or even a cutting tool.

[0031] According to the embodiment shown in figure 1, the support 5 has an orifice 12 receiving a ring 22, said ring not being able to be opened without using a tool, said ring also passing through a loop 23 coming from said harness.

[0032] According to the embodiments shown, a housing 6,7 is in the form of a slot, one end 13 of which opens outwards and the other end of which forms a bottom 14 of said housing.

[0033] According to the embodiments shown, a locking means 8, 10 is mounted in rotation on the support 5, said locking means having:

[0034] • a receiving ramp 15 for a sliding member 2a, 2b, said ramp being intended to form a cam surface allowing, by interaction with said member, an actuation of said locking means towards its unlocking position to allow passage of said member towards the bottom 14 of the corresponding housing 6, 7, a release 16 intended to ensure the locking of said member once arranged towards said bottom.

[0035] According to the embodiments shown, the second 11 - respectively first 9 - deactivation means is located at a distance from the hook 16 of the first 8 - respectively second 10 - locking means, said distance being defined so that the abutment of a first 2a - respectively second 2b - member against said hook deactivates said deactivation means and releases the return of said second 10 - respectively first 8 - locking means to the locking position, so as to prevent simultaneous withdrawal of the two members 2a, 2b from their respective housings 6, 7.

[0036] According to the embodiments shown, the system 1 further comprises, for each of the housings 6, 7, an additional locking means 17 for an anchoring member 2a, 2b in said housing, said means comprising a bearing face 18, said means being arranged so as to be deactivated by manual pressure exerted on said face, to allow removal of said member from said housing.

[0037] The implementation of such an additional blocking means 17 makes it possible to optimize the safety of the person.

[0038] According to the embodiments shown, the additional locking means 17 is provided with a first 19 and a second 20 branch, said locking means being rotatably mounted between said branches on the support 5, said locking means being actuated by an additional spring means, not shown, towards a locking position where said first branch obstructs the housing 6, 7 so as to hold the anchoring member 2a, 2b there, said second branch being provided with the bearing face 18, manual pressure exerted on said face rotating said locking means towards an unlocking position where said first branch unobstructs said housing so as to allow removal of said member.

[0039] According to the embodiment shown in figures 2 and 3: • the first deactivation means 9 is formed by a sliding face provided on the first locking means 8, said face being intended to form a cam surface receiving in support a second member 2b introduced towards the bottom 14 of the second housing 7 in order to actuate in rotation said locking means towards its unlocking position,

[0040] • the second deactivation means 11 is formed by a sliding face provided on the second locking means 10, said face being intended to form a cam surface receiving in support a first member 2a introduced towards the bottom 14 of the first housing 6 in order to actuate in rotation said locking means towards its unlocking position.

[0041] According to the embodiment shown in figure 4:

[0042] • the first deactivation means 9 is formed by a magnet fixed to the first blocking means 8, said magnet being intended to be attracted by a second metal member 2b attractable by a magnet arranged towards the bottom 14 of the second housing 7, in order to actuate said first blocking means in the unlocked position,

[0043] • the second deactivation means 11 is formed by a magnet fixed to the second blocking means 10, said magnet being intended to be attracted by a first member 2a made of metal which can be attracted by a magnet arranged towards the bottom 14 of the first housing 6, in order to actuate said second blocking means in the unlocked position.

[0044] According to the embodiments shown, the anchoring block has, in front view, in the absence of anchoring members 2a, 2b, housings 6, 7, locking means 8, 10 and additional locking means 17 symmetrical with respect to an axis 21.

[0045] It is thus possible to provide a high route equipped with similar anchoring members 2a, 2b so that they can be introduced indifferently into one or other of the housings 6, 7. Finally, a belaying assembly for such a system 1 is described, said assembly comprising a harness 3 intended to equip a person and an anchoring block 4, said block comprising a support 5 having a first 6 and a second 7 housing for receiving respectively a first 2a and a second 2b anchoring member, knowing that:

[0046] • said first housing is provided with a first means 8 for locking said first member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a first spring means, said locking means being provided with a first deactivation means 9 for bringing it into the unlocking position, said first deactivation means being intended to be activated by inserting said second anchoring member into said second housing,

[0047] • said second housing is provided with a second means 10 for locking said second member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a second spring means, said locking means being provided with a second deactivation means 11 to bring it into the unlocking position, said second deactivation means being intended to be activated by inserting said first anchoring member into said first housing, said block being fixed by said support to said harness in a non-detachable manner without the use of a suitable tool.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. System (1) for securing a person in a high-altitude course, said system comprising: • a plurality of anchoring members (2a, 2b) intended to be mounted in said path, • a harness (3) intended to equip said person, said system being characterized in that it further comprises an anchoring block (4), said block comprising a support (5) having a first (6) and a second (7) housing for receiving respectively a first (2a) and a second (2b) anchoring member, knowing that: • said first housing is provided with a first means (8) for locking said first member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a first spring means, said locking means being provided with a first deactivation means (9) for bringing it into the unlocking position, said first deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by inserting said second anchoring member into said second housing, • said second housing is provided with a second means (10) for locking said second member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a second spring means, said locking means being provided with a second deactivation means (11) for bringing it into the unlocking position, said second deactivation means being arranged so as to be activated by inserting said first anchoring member into said first housing, and in that said support is fixed to said harness in a non-detachable manner without the use of a suitable tool.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that a housing (6,7) is in the form of a slot, one end (13) of which opens outwards and the other end of which forms a bottom (14) of said housing.

3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that a locking means (8, 10) is rotatably mounted on the support (5), said locking means having • a reception ramp (15) for a sliding member (2a, 2b), said ramp being intended to form a cam surface allowing, by interaction with said member, an actuation of said locking means towards its unlocking position to allow passage of said member towards the bottom (14) of the corresponding housing (6, 7), • a release (16) intended to ensure the blocking of said member once placed towards said bottom.

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the second (11) - respectively first (9) - deactivation means is located at a distance from the hook (16) of the first (8) - respectively second (10) - locking means, said distance being defined so that the abutment of a first (2a) - respectively second (2b) - member against said hook deactivates said deactivation means and releases the return of said second - respectively first - locking means to the locking position, so as to prevent simultaneous withdrawal of the two members (2a, 2b) from their respective housings.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises, for each of the housings (6, 7), an additional locking means (17) of an anchoring member (2a, 2b) in said housing, said means comprising a bearing face (18), said means being arranged so as to be deactivated by manual pressure exerted on said face, to authorize removal of said member from said housing.

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the additional locking means (17) is provided with a first (19) and a second (20) branch, said locking means being rotatably mounted between said branches on the support (5), said locking means being actuated by an additional spring means towards a locking position where said first branch obstructs the housing (6,7) of so as to hold the anchoring member (2a, 2b) there, said second branch being provided with the bearing face (18), manual pressure exerted on said face actuating said locking means in rotation towards an unlocking position where said first branch unblocks said housing so as to allow removal of said member.

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: • the first deactivation means (9) is formed by a sliding face provided on the first locking means (8), said face being intended to form a cam surface receiving in support a second member (2b) introduced towards the bottom (14) of the second housing (7) in order to actuate in rotation said locking means towards its unlocking position, • the second deactivation means (11) is formed by a sliding face provided on the second locking means (10), said face being intended to form a cam surface receiving in support a first member (2a) introduced towards the bottom (14) of the first housing (6) in order to actuate in rotation said locking means towards its unlocking position, 8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: • the first deactivation means (9) is formed by a magnet fixed to the first blocking means (8), said magnet being intended to be attracted by a second member (2b) made of metal which can be attracted by a magnet arranged towards the bottom (14) of the second housing (7), in order to actuate said first blocking means in the unlocked position, • the second deactivation means (11) is formed by a magnet fixed to the second blocking means (10), said magnet being intended to be attracted by a first member (2a) made of metal which can be attracted by a magnet arranged towards the bottom (14) of the first housing (6), in order to actuate said second blocking means in the unlocked position.

9. Belaying assembly for a system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a harness (3) intended to equip a person and an anchoring block (4), said block comprising a support (5) having a first (6) and a second (7) housing for receiving respectively a first (2a) and a second (2b) anchoring member, knowing that: • said first housing is provided with a first means (8) for locking said first member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a first spring means, said locking means being provided with a first deactivation means (9) for bringing it into the unlocking position, said first deactivation means being intended to be activated by inserting said second anchoring member into said second housing, • said second housing is provided with a second means (10) for locking said second member in said housing, said locking means being operable between an unlocking position and a locking position towards which it is returned by a second spring means, said locking means being provided with a second deactivation means (11) to bring it into the unlocking position, said second deactivation means being intended to be activated by inserting said first anchoring member into said first housing, and in that said support is fixed to said harness in a non-detachable manner without the use of a suitable tool.

Images