Structural arrangement applied to a locking knot release device

Abstract

The present invention pertains to the field of equipment and accessories for working at height in tree climbing, and more specifically relates to an adapter that facilitates the release of a locking knot in a rope-based tree climbing descent system, which can be used during ascent and descent, facilitating vertical movements. Problem to be solved: when the user drops the weight of their body onto the locking knot system, at some moments during descent these knots can tighten significantly, due to the combined effects of gravity and the weight of the user, so that the user must apply considerable force to release the knot or even climb upwards again in order to loosen it for release; there is therefore a need for a low-cost device or accessory to facilitate the release of the knot. Solution to the problem: the invention aims to overcome these limitations by providing a low-cost device or accessory comprising a longitudinal opening that, in conjunction with an internal cavity, receives a rope and is fitted immediately above the locking knot, improving the user's grip for releasing the knot and continuing with the descent.

Description

“CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN LOCKING NODE UNLOCKING DEVICE” FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention application belongs to the segment of equipment / accessories for working at height, more specifically, tree climbing, the object of the invention refers to an adapter that facilitates the unlocking of a locking knot in a tree climbing descent system using ropes, and can be used in an ascent or descent, facilitating vertical movements. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Basic equipment for climbing, mountaineering, rescue, tree climbing, and general work at height may vary slightly depending on the specific circumstances and local safety regulations, but generally includes the following items: a) helmets, which protect the head from falling rocks, ice, or other objects and are essential for safety during general work at height; b) ropes, which are dynamic and static, used in different situations. Dynamic ropes absorb energy in the event of a fall, while static ropes are used for anchoring and rescue; c) carabiners, which are metal rings with lockable gates used to attach equipment such as ropes and slings; d) brakes and descent devices, which are like brakes or descenders used to control the descent during climbing or rescue; e) slings and cords used for anchoring, equalizing, and other belaying; andf) blocking knots, which are safety tools and self-belay systems, used to climb or secure a rope.;

[0003] Blocking knots are specific types of knots used in activities such as tree climbing, mountaineering, rescue, and working at height. These knots are designed to create a secure hold that can support loads while also being easily adjusted or undone when needed. Two common examples of blocking knots are the Valdotain knot and the Prusik knot.

[0004] The Valdotain knot is a blocking knot used primarily in dynamic ropes. It is designed to block when a load is applied and slide smoothly when there is no load. This makes it useful in situations where It is necessary to adjust the rope while it is under tension. The Valdotain knot consists of a loop formed in the rope, where a portion of the rope is wrapped around itself several times. This wrapping creates a locking mechanism that tightens when the load is applied.

[0005] The Prusik knot is widely used in climbing, rescue, and mountaineering. It's known for its ability to slide smoothly when unloaded but lock tightly when load is applied. It consists of a thinner cord wrapped multiple times around a thicker rope. When load is applied, the knot tightens, providing a solid hold on the main rope.

[0006] Both knots are valuable in situations where a secure, adjustable anchor point is needed on a rope. However, it's crucial to understand and properly practice the tying technique for these knots to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Specific applications may vary depending on the activity and conditions, so it's always important to gain practical knowledge and experience when working with blocking knots.

[0007] In tree climbing, which is a specific type of work at height, ropes and slings are used, among other equipment, for ascents and descents. Additionally, blocking knots such as the Valdotain and Prusik knots are used in ascent and descent systems.

[0008] The function of these nodes, as described previously, is to block the system during the user's descent. For example, when a user needs to stop at a certain point during the ascent, they use one of the blocking nodes, allowing the user to remain blocked at the point where they wished to stop.

[0009] The biggest problem identified by users of these locking knots is that when the user releases their own body weight on the locking knot system, at times during descents, these knots, due to the action of gravity plus the user's weight, become very tight, so much so that the user needs to exert a lot of force to unlock the knot or even have to climb back up to release the knot. In addition to the knots becoming very tight in some points, as they are made of thin ropes, they become difficult to pull, having to be pulled practically with the fingers.

[0010] Therefore, the equipment / accessory disclosed by the present invention presents means of solving the problems identified by users working at height, namely, an adapter that can be attached or detached at any height, with measurements that can vary without losing its functionality, depending on the type of equipment and the size of the user's hand, but which, preferably, measures approximately 5 cm in length by 3.8 cm in width. The equipment / accessory comprises a longitudinal opening that allows the user to connect and disconnect the rope at any height, located just above the locking knot, allowing the user to have a better grip to unlock the knot and continue the descent, without excessive effort, caused by the accumulation of energy during the paralysis of the user's body in conjunction with the force of gravity. STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0011] Some solutions related to facilitating descent after a stopping point in work at height have already been presented in the prior art, such as document US2010051381 A1, which discloses a fall protection device that allows a user to perform a controlled descent after a fall has been arrested. The device includes a rigging line for securing above a protected position; a cinch line having a knot section and a fastening section, the knot section frictionally engaging the rigging line so that tension applied to the fastening section increases the frictional engagement of the knot section and the rigging line; and a sliding line attached to the cinch line in which tension applied to the sliding line decreases the frictional engagement of the cinch line with the rigging line, so that a person suspended from the cinch line descends the rigging line when sufficient tension is applied to the sliding line.

[0012] However, it is noted that the document in question, despite revealing a device with the objective of providing a means of self-controlled descent for an individual after a fall, with safety as the main function, fails to reveal equipment that is easy to fit and unfit, so that these can be carried out at any height.

[0013] Document EP2399651 B1 discloses an invention whose objective is to produce a self-locking ascending device, easy to operate during ascent and descent, and which can be unlocked under load with moderate effort, regardless of the degree of moisture in the rope. The locking device according to the invention is characterized by comprising a chain of metal links consisting of a succession of friction elements articulated with each other by connecting rods to form a series of gaps for the zigzag passage of the rope; friction elements of the chain of links comprise diabolos parallel to each other and extending perpendicular to the body, the successive diabolos being thus positioned on both sides of the rope; the upper part of the chain of links cooperates with means for initiating the locking of the locking device subject to the weight of the user, and unlocking can be effected under load by maintaining a pressure action on the upper link.

[0014] The locking action begins at the top link and is then transmitted downward, creating a series of friction forces that are amplified all the way to the bottom link, which is hinged to the body. The user remains immobilized on the rope thanks to the device's self-locking effect. Unlocking can occur under load, thanks to manual action on the top link. If the pressure on the top link is released, the locking device automatically reactivates under the user's weight.

[0015] However, the aforementioned document fails to reveal that the adapter can be fitted and unfastened at any height. Furthermore, the document fails to describe equipment that improves the user's grip for ergonomically unlocking the locking knot.

[0016] Document S4667772A reveals a device designed for more specific situations, such as climbers in inhospitable environments climbing glaciers who may fall into crevasses. Therefore, it is necessary to gain height with the help of what is called a Prusik line. The Prusik line is attached at one end to the safety rope with a Prusik knot, while the other end forms a loop into which the climber can insert their foot. There are many disadvantages to the Prusik, most notably its ineffectiveness when the safety rope and Prusik line become frozen and covered in ice. need for a device that would serve as an improved replacement for the Prusik, which the climber could easily attach to the safety rope in crevasse rescue situations.

[0017] It should be noted that the state of the art document does not aim to provide better adaptability for the user, in addition to being very old, it does not reveal means of facilitating the unlocking of knots during the climber's descent stage.

[0018] Document US2019314650A1 discloses a rope access system, as used by arborists or others working at height to gain access by climbing a rope. In particular, it relates to an apparatus that is a component of the rope access system. The primary objective of this invention is to provide an improved pulley for use in a rope access system.In a first aspect, the subject matter of the document in question provides a set of pulleys comprising a first and a second spaced apart plate and a sheave carried for rotation about an axis normal to the plates, there being at least one opening formed through each plate in a direction parallel to the axis of the sheave, the plates having a closed condition in which the openings of the plates are coaxial with each other and the plates are in contact in the vicinity of the opening to form a cable passage extending between the plates adjacent to the sheave, wherein the cable passage has an upper portion that is smaller in size than the portions of the cable passage below that upper portion.

[0019] This arrangement inhibits the tendency of a knot formed in a rope passing through the rope passage to enter the top of the rope passage, without limiting the size of the bottom of the rope passage.

[0020] However, the prior art document found differs from the subject matter of the invention in several respects. The subject matter of the document in question does not reveal a single-piece device, nor does it present a device that is easy to use at any time and can be attached and detached as needed. Furthermore, it cannot be transported in an improved manner.

[0021] As can be seen, none of the above-mentioned documents, among others, less relevant, that were identified in the search for prior art, were able to reveal a low-cost equipment / accessory manufacturing process that provides ease of handling at any height when necessary so that the user can improve their grip when unlocking the locking knot.

[0022] Therefore, the present invention seeks to solve the technical problem of the lack of equipment / accessory that facilitates the unlocking of knots during ascents and descents of work at height. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The main objective of the present invention is to reveal a low-cost equipment / accessory that increases the user's footprint, significantly reducing the force used to unlock blocking knots during the descent stage in rope and cord systems for ascents and descents.

[0024] To achieve the main objective, the present invention reveals a small equipment / accessory, preferably 5 cm long and preferably 3.8 cm wide. Easy and light to transport.

[0025] Another objective of the present invention is to present an equipment / accessory that comprises an increased footprint, therefore, the claimed object comprises rounded corners to improve ergonomics during unlocking.

[0026] Yet, another objective of the invented equipment / accessory is to provide a perfect internal cavity for commonly used ropes, said cavity preferably comprising a diameter of 12 mm, which covers a range of most common rope thicknesses for climbing.

[0027] The present invention is also easy to manufacture and can be made from a variety of low-cost materials, such as PVC, plastic, wood, and aluminum. In its preferred embodiment, the equipment / accessory is made from nylon.

[0028] Furthermore, the object of the present invention may comprise various application formats, such as rectangular, prismatic, triangular, among others. However, in its preferred embodiment, the equipment / accessory has a cylindrical shape to provide better handling for its main purpose.

[0029] Finally, the revealed equipment / accessory comprises a longitudinal opening of preferably 1 cm, which provides ease in fitting and unfitting the widest variety of ropes used in work at height. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Constructive arrangement applied to a lock knot releaser comprising: a longitudinal opening along its body, an internal cavity, rounded (beveled) corners, the opening having at least a width to allow the fitting / unfitting of a rope, in which the rope is housed perfectly in the internal cavity of the releaser.

[0031] The knot releaser preferably comprises a cylindrical shape. However, it can have various three-dimensional shapes, such as rectangular, prismatic, among others.

[0032] The knot release device disclosed by the present invention is preferably manufactured from nylon. However, it is not limited to being manufactured from other materials, such as aluminum, plastic, PVC, wood, among others. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the knot unlocker (10).

[0034] Figure 2 shows a front view of the knot unlocker (10).

[0035] Figure 3 shows a rear view of the knot unlocker (10).

[0036] Figure 4 shows a top view of the knot unlocker (10).

[0037] Figure 5 shows a realization (20) of the knot unlocker (10) in two different constructions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the equipment that is the object of the present invention, the locking knot releaser (10), comprising a body (11) with a preferred length of 5 cm, a preferred width of 3.8 cm and a longitudinal opening (12) with a width of at least 1 cm.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a front view of the equipment (10), where it is possible to see, in addition to the longitudinal opening (12), the rounded (beveled) corners (14) at the upper and lower ends of the body (11), said corners (14) provide adaptability so that the user can undo the knot when descending. The longitudinal opening (12) is only made in part of the body (11), preferably measuring 1 cm, only for fitting / unfitting a rope.

[0040] Therefore, the longitudinal opening (12) varies according to the diameter of the rope used, preferably comprising 1 cm, as it is suitable for most rope thicknesses used for work at height.

[0041] Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the knot unlocking equipment (10), where it is possible to verify that the body (11) does not have any opening and / or groove on its rear face.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a top view of the node unlocker (10), where it is possible to view all the characteristic elements of the equipment, that is, in addition to the longitudinal opening (12) and the rounded corners (14), the internal cavity (13) in a circular shape is also visible, whose diameter (D) is preferably 12 mm, slightly larger than the width of the longitudinal opening (12), allowing the rope to fit under pressure. Therefore, after a common climbing rope fits through the opening (12), it is perfectly housed in the internal cavity (13).

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates the embodiment (20) of using the knot-unblocking equipment (10) most widely among the other embodiments presented. Embodiment (20) demonstrates the possibility, where a more basic construction of a climbing set for ascents and descents is illustrated, comprising a carabiner (23), a first rope (22) and a second rope to which a blocking knot (21) is tied, and said knot (21) can be a Valdotain or Prusik knot. The equipment (10) in the first construction is fitted just above the blocking knot (21). Therefore, as the user makes a climb and reaches the point necessary to perform the services, he uses the blocking knot (21) to stop at that point. After the service is performed, lasting a few hours, the blocking knot (21) usually becomes very tight, due to the weight of the user plus gravity, this phenomenon makes it difficult for the user to descend, as it is impossible to unlock the node without suitable equipment.

[0044] The knot breaker (10) can be inserted directly into the rope (22) before climbing or can be fitted at the stopping point by the user, as it is preferably 5 cm long and can be easily stored in the pocket of a common garment. Therefore, with the knot breaker (10) inserted into the rope (22) above the blocking knot (21), the rounded corners (14) provide a better grip for the user to exert less force when unlocking and, thus, be able to perform the descent.

[0045] Another construction illustrated in embodiment (20) uses a tension breaker (23), in addition to the first rope (22) and the second rope on which the blocking knot (21) is made. In said construction, the knot breaker (10) is also fitted just above the blocking knot (21). Therefore, upon reaching the stopping point, the user does not need to perform a new anchorage higher up to relieve the tightening force concentrated on the blocking knot (21). The use of the knot breaker (21) is done in the same way as in the previous construction.

[0046] Finally, this application is not limited to the embodiments described above. Although several examples of the described embodiments have been presented, this application is not limited to them. Furthermore, various modifications may be made to this application within the scope of the claims, and embodiments resulting from the appropriate combination of the technical means presented in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this application.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN LOCKING NODE RELEASE (10) characterized by comprising: - a longitudinal opening (12) along its body (11); - Wherein said opening (12) has at least one width measurement to allow for the fitting / unfitting of a rope (22); - an internal cavity with a diameter (D) greater than the width of the opening (13); - rounded corners (chamfers) (14); In which a rope (22) fits perfectly into the internal cavity (13). 2- CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising three-dimensional formats, such as cylindrical, rectangular, prismatic, among others. 3- CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION, according to claim 1, characterized by being made of nylon, wood, aluminum, PVC, plastic, among others.

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