Device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope

Abstract

The present invention concerns a device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord, to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope which comprises a body (11) in turn comprising at least one first portion (12) which defines at least one bend substantially shaped like at least one C-portion, wherein the C-portion shaped bend defines an opening having a first orientation, and a second portion (13) which defines a through seat (14) shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness (102), wherein the first portion (12) and the second portion (13) define at least one first releasable constraint seat for a cord end (106) of a positioning cord (101) configured to constrain by shape and / or force coupling the cord end (106) of the positioning cord (101) and is characterized in that, in the use configuration, the first orientation is directed downwards.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR HOOKING, SUSPENDING AND MANAGING A CORD END OF A POSITIONING CORD TO BE ATTACHED TO A HARNESS FOR ACTIVITIES AT HEIGHT ON A ROPE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally concerns a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord, to be attached to a harness, for activities carried out at height on a rope, in particular for use with a harness for arborism.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In the field of work at height on a rope, in particular in arborism, it is common for an operator to perform manoeuvres for own safety or for self-securing by means of a positioning cord 101, shown in Figure 1, attached to the harness 102 and which can be attached to a fixed anchoring point 103, for example a nail, a trunk or a branch of a tree, or any structural element.

[0006] Usually the positioning cord is provided with a first connector 104 or carabiner placed at a first end of the cord, which is fixed to a first attachment point of a harness, for example a ring of the harness. The cord typically also comprises a lock 105 or lockable runner that selectively let the cord slide-lock therein and that is connected to a second attachment point of the harness, thereby determining the length of the section of the cord used for anchoring. Downstream of where the lock or lockable runner is fixed to the second attachment point, the cord has a surplus length that remains free, called cord end 106. Usually, the free end of said cord end 106 ends with a terminal end 107 to which a further connector 108 can be fixed, which also serves to hook said end to the harness.

[0007] The cord end can have a length of even a few metres, as the cord is made with a considerable abundance of length to allow the positioning to be defined at a desired distance from the anchoring point. This leads, however, to the considerable drawback that the cord end 106 tends to dangle and hinder the manoeuvres that an operator must perform.

[0008] This abundance of length requires careful management during activities at height, as the cord end can get caught in twigs or other obstacles and can potentially be a source of distraction and incorrect manoeuvres, resulting in serious risks to the safety of the operator. By way of a mere example, think of an arborist hanging a few meters high and secured by the cord while he / she is manoeuvring or making cuts with sharp tools or a chainsaw. It is evident how the limit switch or its hanging terminal can be a hindrance to such an operator hanging in a precarious position, or even get caught in the chainsaw in action.

[0009] To overcome these problems, specific accessories are known from the state of the art which are used to create bends in the cord end and keep them suspended at a hooking point connected to the harness. In this way, the hanging portion has an overall shorter length, reducing the risk of getting caught.

[0010] The known accessories are, however, complicated, bulky and poorly wieldy. In fact, they require to be mounted on the cord itself, must be mechanically fixed to the harness and are made of a plurality of parts that must cooperate with each other to hold the cord in place, in addition to requiring to be handled with both hands. These devices are therefore unwieldy, bulky, heavy and with a high risk of getting jammed that can introduce additional difficulties in the already complex operations carried out at height on a rope.

[0011] OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The problem underlying the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art. In particular, in the context of this problem, an object is to devise a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness during activities at height on a rope that effectively manages the abundance of the cord end in a simple, safe and manageable manner.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to make a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope that has a structure that can be made in a simple and cost-effective way.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to study a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope that does not require to be mounted in advance on the positioning cord, avoiding complex preventive operations.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to design a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope that is applicable or removable from the harness in a simple, safe and fast manner.

[0016] Not least object of the present invention is to devise a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope that allows to engage and release the cord end quickly as well as allowing to easily adapt the hanging length.

[0017] In accordance with a first aspect thereof, the invention therefore concerns a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord, which can be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope which comprises a body in turn comprising at least one first portion which defines at least one bend substantially shaped like at least one C-portion, wherein the C-portion shaped bend defines an opening having a first orientation, and a second portion which defines a through seat shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness.

[0018] In particular, the first portion and the second portion define at least one first releasable constraint seat for a cord end of a positioning cord configured to constrain by shape and / or force coupling the cord end of the positioning cord.

[0019] According to the present invention, in the use configuration, the first orientation of the opening of the C-portion bend is directed downwards.

[0020] Within the scope of the present description and in the appended claims, with “orientation of an opening defined by a C-portion or a saddle portion” it is intended to indicate the direction out of the opening passing through the centre of the oscillating circle of the C- portion or the saddle-portion.

[0021] Within the scope of the present description and in the appended claims, with “use configuration” it is intended to indicate a configuration in which the hooking device is connected to the harness, preferably to the harness belt, to constrain a cord end of a positioning cord.

[0022] The Applicant has identified that thanks to the use of a hooking, suspension and management device configured to establish a fixed constraint to the harness and a releasable constraint to the cord end of a positioning cord, it is possible to constrain and / or release the cord end to the harness in a simple and fast way, whenever the operator needs it.

[0023] In particular, the releasable constraint seat defined in part by the bend of the first portion substantially shaped like at least one C-portion oriented downwards allows the cord end to be constrained to the constraint seat and released from it with much more intuitive and ergonomic movements in the context of activities that are carried out at height. Although it can be considered that the downward orientation of the opening of the C-portion bend penalizes the retaining reliability of the cord, this apparently counterintuitive shaping of the hooking device is actually configured as highly functional. In this way, the device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end is extremely practical and easy to use.

[0024] In addition, thanks to the particular shape of the hooking, suspension and management device designed by the Applicant, it is also possible to make it in a single piece, therefore being able to adopt simple and economical production techniques.

[0025] Last but not least, the presence of a releasable constraint seat for the cord end allows the hooking device to be used without the need to mount it on the positioning cord in advance.

[0026] Furthermore, the provision of a through seat, possibly openable, shaped to accommodate a portion of the harness allows the hooking device to be applied and removed from the harness in a simple, safe and fast manner.

[0027] Further characteristics of the preferred embodiments of the device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope according to the present invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof made with reference to the appended drawings.

[0030] The different characteristics in the individual configurations can be combined with each other at will according to the following description, if the advantages resulting specifically from a particular combination should be used.

[0031] In such drawings,

[0032] - figure l is a schematic representation of an operator wearing a harness for activities at height on a rope, secured by means of a positioning cord with free cord end according to the state of the art;

[0033] - figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope according to the present invention;

[0034] - figures 3 and 3 a are respectively a side elevation view of the device of figure 2 in closed configuration and a sectional view thereof in plane A-A;

[0035] - figures 4 and 4a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, in open configuration;

[0036] - figures 5 and 5a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] - figures 6 and 6a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] - figures 7 and 7a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] - figures 8 and 8a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] - figures 9 and 9a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] - figures 10 and 10a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] - figure 11 is a schematic representation of the device of figure 10 in use configuration with a positioning cord hooked thereto;

[0043] - figure 12 is a schematic representation of an operator wearing a harness for activities at height on a rope, secured by means of a positioning cord with free cord end hooked to a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to the embodiment of figure 10;

[0044] - figures 13 and 13a are respectively a perspective view and a side elevation view of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention; - figure 14 is a perspective view of the device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of figure 13 during production; and

[0045] - figures 15 and 15a are respectively a side elevation view and a sectional view in plane B - B of the device of figure 13 provided with an adapter to reduce the size of the harness hooking housing.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] For the illustration of the drawings, use is made in the following description of identical numerals or symbols to indicate construction elements with the same function. Moreover, for clarity of illustration, certain references may not be repeated in all drawings.

[0048] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described hereinbelow in detail. It must in any case be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, the invention intends covering all the modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0049] The use of “for example”, “etc.”, “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise indicated. The use of “comprises” and “includes” means “comprises or includes, but not limited to”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0050] With reference to figures 2-3 a, a first preferred embodiment of a device for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope according to the present invention is illustrated, overall indicated with 10, hereinafter also for brevity only ‘hooking device’.

[0051] The hooking device 10 comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a bend substantially shaped like C or a C-portion and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 for accommodating and being constrained to a part of a harness 102, for example a strap or a belt of the harness 102. The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106 in which the cord end can be inserted and is retained by shape and / or force coupling. For example, the first constraint seat comprises dimensions substantially complementary to the dimensions of the section of the cord end 106 allowing an insertion to size. In addition or alternatively, the first 12 and the second 13 portion are made of at least partially elastic material, so that the first constraint seat is able to accommodate the cord end 106 following a minimum elastic deformation of the first 12 and / or of the second 13 portion and to retain it by force coupling.

[0052] In particular, the first portion 12 defines a bend with at least one C-portion with an opening of the C oriented according to a first orientation directed downwards when in use.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment of figures 2 -3a, the second portion 13 further comprises at least one projection 15 which extends towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space delimited by the first releasable constraint seat. Such a projection 15 is optional and may not be present in alternative embodiments.

[0054] In the embodiment of figures 2-3 a, the through seat 14 for connection to a portion of the harness 102 is made up of several elements 13a, 13b which can be joined together in a fixed manner using special fixing means, such as screws (not illustrated). To this end, special seats 19 for the fixing means are provided on the elements 13a, 13b.

[0055] In this variant, the first portion 12 is made in one piece with a first 13a of the elements that make up the second portion 13. The first element 13a is for example shaped in such a way as to define a turned C- or U-shaped curved section, while the second element 13b has a flat extension with a substantially linear section, to which the stems of the first element 13a come to rest to create a constraint between the two elements 13a, 13b.

[0056] At least one portion 12,13 that defines the first releasable constraint seat is preferably made of plastic material, for example of polyethylene or polyamide, or of elasticharmonic metal in order to guarantee a sufficient elasticity of said portion 12,13. Preferably, the body 11 of the hooking device 10 is entirely made of plastic material or of elastic-harmonic metal.

[0057] In accordance with a second preferred embodiment shown in figures 4 and 4a, the hooking device 10 comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a substantially C-shaped bend or a C-portion with an opening of the C having a first orientation, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness 102. The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106. A projection 15 is also provided which develops from the second portion 13 towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space delimited by the first releasable constraint seat.

[0058] In the embodiment of figures 4-4a, the through seat 14 for connection to a portion of the harness 102 is made as an openable ring. To this end, the second portion 13 comprises a first section 13a, generally more rigid, for example shaped in such a way as to define a curved C- or U-shaped section, and a second section 13b, generally more flexible, with a flat shape and a substantially linear section. The first 13a and the second 13b section each have an end 16a, 16b configured to create an optionally releasable mutual constraint, for example a shape and / or force coupling constraint such as an optionally reversible snap constraint.

[0059] In particular, in the embodiment of figures 5-5a the ends 16a, 16b are made at a section of the second portion 13 facing downwards when the hooking device 10 is in the use configuration.

[0060] A third preferred embodiment of the hooking device 10 is shown with reference to figures 5 and 5a. The hooking device 10 in accordance with the second embodiment comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a substantially C-shaped bend or a C-portion, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness 102.

[0061] The third embodiment substantially coincides with the second embodiment of figures 4 and 4a, where however the first portion 12 additionally has a protuberance 12a which extends from the first portion 12 to define a support substantially shaped like a saddle or saddle portion. Preferably, the saddle portion has an opening oriented in a direction substantially opposite to the bend defined by the first portion 12. By “oriented in a direction substantially opposite” is meant to include orientations included in angular ranges of + / - 40° around the direction opposite to the first orientation.

[0062] A fourth preferred embodiment of the hooking device 10 is shown with reference to figures 6 and 6a. The hooking device 10 in accordance with the fourth embodiment comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a substantially C-shaped bend or a C-portion with an opening of the C having a first orientation, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness 102.

[0063] In this exemplary case, the through seat 14 is made as a closed non-openable ring. To this end, the second portion 13 is made in a single piece and integral with the first portion 12. The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106.

[0064] In this case, in order to connect the hooking device 10 to the harness it is necessary to pass the harness belt or strap 102 through the through seat 14 defined by the second portion 13.

[0065] Alternatively, the through seat 14 can be made as an openable ring, making it unnecessary to pass the belt or strap of the harness 102 through the through seat 14 to connect the hooking device 10 to the harness.

[0066] A projection 15 is also provided which develops from the second portion 13 towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space defined within the first releasable constraint seat. In particular, in the embodiment of figures 5 and 5a, the projection defines a curved portion configured to outline an extension of the C-shaped bend.

[0067] In the embodiment of figures 6 and 6a, the body 11 also comprises a third eyelet-shaped portion 17 made below the second portion 13 with respect to the use configuration of the hooking device 10. This eyelet-shaped portion 17 is for example useful for hooking the terminal end portion 107 of the cord end 106 by means of a connector 108.

[0068] In accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment shown in figures 7 and 7a, the hooking device 10 comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a substantially C-shaped bend or a C-portion with an opening of the C having a first orientation, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness 102. In this exemplary case, the through seat 14 is made as a closed non-openable ring, but alternatively it could also be made as an openable ring.

[0069] The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106. The body 11 further comprises a third eyelet-shaped portion 17 made below the second portion 13 with respect to the use configuration of the hooking device 10.

[0070] In the embodiment of figures 7 and 7a, a projection 15 is also provided which develops from the second portion 13 towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space defined within the first releasable constraint seat. In particular, the projection 15 is made as an elastic tab to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the cord end 106 from the first releasable constraint seat.

[0071] A sixth preferred embodiment of the hooking device 10 is shown with reference to figures 8 and 8a. The hooking device 10 in accordance with the sixth embodiment comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a substantially C-shaped bend or a C-portion with an opening of the C having a first orientation, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness In this exemplary case, the through seat 14 is made as an openable closed ring. To this end, the second portion 13 comprises a first section 13a, generally more rigid, for example shaped in such a way as to define a curved C- or U-shaped section, and a second section 13b, generally more flexible, with a flat shape and a substantially linear section. The first 13a and the second 13b section each have an end 16a, 16b configured to create a releasable mutual constraint, for example an optionally reversible snap constraint. In particular, in the embodiment of figures 8-8a the ends 16a, 16b are created at a section of the second portion 13 facing downwards when the hooking device 10 is in the use configuration.

[0072] The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106. A projection 15 is also provided which develops from the second portion 13 towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space delimited by the first releasable constraint seat. In particular, in the embodiment of figures 8 and 8a, the projection 15 is made as an elastic tab to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the cord end 106 from the first releasable constraint seat.

[0073] In the embodiment of figures 8 and 8a, the body 11 also comprises a third eyelet-shaped portion 17 made below the second portion 13 with respect to the use configuration of the hooking device 10. This eyelet-shaped portion 17 is for example useful for hooking the connector 108 provided at the free end 107 of the cord end 106.

[0074] A seventh preferred embodiment of the hooking device 10 is shown with reference to figures 9 and 9a. The hooking device 10 in accordance with the seventh embodiment comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a first substantially C-shaped bend or a C-portion with an opening of the C having a first orientation, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness 102.

[0075] In this exemplary case, the through seat 14 is made as a closed non-openable ring in line with what is described with reference to the sixth embodiment. However, unlike the embodiment of figures 8-8a, the ends 16a, 16b are created at a section of the second portion 13 facing upwards when the hooking device 10 is in the use configuration.

[0076] The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106.

[0077] The body 11 additionally comprises a third eyelet-shaped portion 17’ made below the second portion 13 with respect to the use configuration of the hooking device 10. In this embodiment, the third portion of the body 11 is made as an open eyelet 17’. In this way, the insertion and extraction of the terminal end portion 107 of the end cord 106 by means of a connector 108 is facilitated.

[0078] A projection 15 is also provided which develops from the second portion 13 towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space delimited by the first releasable constraint seat. In particular, the projection 15 is made as an elastic tab to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the cord end 106 from the first releasable constraint seat.

[0079] In the embodiment of figures 9 and 9a, the body 11 also comprises a fourth portion 18 which defines a second substantially C-shaped bend with an opening of the C oriented similarly to the first bend. In this case both bends are oriented downwards when in use. “Similarly oriented” is understood to include orientations included in angular ranges of + / - 40° around the first orientation.

[0080] The fourth portion 18 is preferably created at the third eyelet-shaped portion 17’ in such a way as to define with it a second releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106.

[0081] The choice of the material with which to make the body 11 of the hooking device 10 is made in order to guarantee a sufficient elasticity of at least one portion 17,18 which defines the second releasable constraint seat.

[0082] In accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment shown in figures 10 and 10a, the hooking device 10 comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a first substantially C-shaped bend or a C-portion with an opening of the C having a first orientation when in use, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness 102. In this exemplary case, the through seat 14 is made as a closed non-openable ring in line with what is described with reference to the sixth embodiment of figures 8-8a.

[0083] The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106.

[0084] The body 11 additionally comprises a third eyelet-shaped portion 17 made below the second portion 13 with respect to the use configuration of the hooking device 10. A projection 15 is also provided which develops from the second portion 13 towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space delimited by the first releasable constraint seat. In particular, the projection 15 is made as an elastic tab to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the cord end 106 from the first releasable constraint seat. In the embodiment of figures 10 and 10a, the body 11 also comprises a fourth portion 18 which defines a second substantially C-shaped bend with an opening of the C oriented similarly to the first bend, in the particular case, thus oriented downwards when in use. The fourth portion 18 is preferably created at the third eyelet-shaped portion 17 in such a way as to define with it a second releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106.

[0085] As schematically illustrated in figures 11 and 12, the second constraint seat allows the cord end 106 to be constrained at several points to the hooking device 10, thus offering the possibility of minimising the hanging length thereof.

[0086] A ninth preferred embodiment of the hooking device 10 is shown with reference to figures 13 and 13a. The hooking device 10 in accordance with the ninth embodiment comprises a body 11 comprising at least one first portion 12 which defines a first substantially C- shaped bend or a C-portion with an opening of the C having a first orientation, and a second portion 13 which defines a through seat 14 shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness 102.

[0087] In this exemplary case, the through seat 14 is made as a closed non-openable ring in line with what is described with reference to the seventh embodiment of figures 9-9a.

[0088] The first portion 12 is preferably made as an extension protruding from the second portion 13 to define with it a first releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106.

[0089] The body 11 additionally comprises a third eyelet-shaped portion 17 made below the second portion 13 with respect to the use configuration of the hooking device 10. A projection 15 is also provided which develops from the second portion 13 towards the first portion 12 in order to reduce the space delimited by the first releasable constraint seat. In particular, the projection 15 is made as an elastic tab to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the cord end 106 from the first releasable constraint seat.

[0090] In the embodiment of figures 13 and 13a, the body 11 also comprises a fourth portion 18 which defines a second substantially C-shaped bend with an opening of the C oriented similarly to the first bend. In this case both bends are oriented downwards when in use. The fourth portion 18 is preferably created at the third eyelet-shaped portion 17’ in such a way as to define with it a second releasable constraint seat for the cord end 106.

[0091] Figure 14 illustrates a hooking device 10 according to the present invention downstream of its production. For a better adaptability of the through seat 14 to different configurations of harness belts, for example for straps of different heights, the hooking device 10 is produced together with at least one adaptation accessory 20, for example a series of shims, obtainable integral with the body 11. The at least one adaptation accessory 20 is connected to the body 11 by means of at least one connection portion 21 presenting a weakening (not illustrated) to facilitate detachment of the at least one adaptation accessory 20 from the body 11, for example to allow manual detachment.

[0092] In this way, as shown in figures 15 and 15a, the operator can decide, during the constraint of the hooking device 10 on his / her harness 102, which and how many accessories 20 to use to better meet the correct installation based on the height of the belt.

[0093] The operation of the device for hooking, suspending and managing 10 a cord end of a positioning cord to be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope according to the present invention is as follows.

[0094] Once the hooking device 10 is firmly positioned on the belt of a harness 102, the first releasable constraint seat defined between the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 can receive a portion of the cord end 106 and retain it therein.

[0095] Therefore, before, during or after having appropriately adjusted the length of the positioning cord 101, the operator proceeds with threading at least one first section of the end of the cord 106 of the extension cord 101 forcing it into the first releasable constraint seat. This operation requires a moderate input and / or output force relative to the cord as the first releasable constraint seat is defined by at least one elastic portion 12,13.

[0096] The operator can then proceed with further adjusting his / her position, moving closer to or away from the anchoring point 103, by extracting the cord end section 106 from the hooking device 10 at the entrance or exit, the cord being retained with friction within the first releasable constraint seat.

[0097] In the case of several releasable constraint seats provided in the hooking device 10, the operator can proceed with adding or eliminating the passages of the cord end 106 inside these seats, forcing the insertion or disengagement of the cord end 106 and forming a number of loops as desired, based on the length of the cord end 106 to be managed.

[0098] Still, the operator can preferably place the connector 108 provided at the free end 107 of the cord end 106 by connecting it to the third eyelet-shaped portion 17, closed or not, made below the second portion 13.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end of a positioning cord, which can be attached to a harness for activities at height on a rope comprising a body (11) in turn comprising- at least one first portion (12) which defines at least one bend substantially shaped like at least one C-portion, wherein the C-portion shaped bend defines an opening having a first orientation, and- a second portion (13) which defines a through seat (14) shaped to accommodate a portion of a harness (102), wherein the first portion (12) and the second portion (13) define at least one first releasable constraint seat for a cord end (106) of a positioning cord (101) configured to constrain by shape and / or force coupling the cord end (106) of the positioning cord (101) characterized in that, in the configuration of use, the first orientation is facing downwards.

2. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to claim 1, wherein the first portion (12) is made as an extension protruding from the second portion (13).

3. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the at least one first portion (12) and the second portion (13) which defines the at least one first releasable constraint seat is made of elastic-flexible material, preferably of plastic material, such as polyethylene or polyamide, and / or of elastic-harmonic metal.

4. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second portion (13) comprises at least one projection (15) which extends towards the first portion (12) in order to reduce the space delimited by the first releasable constraint seat.

5. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to claim 4, wherein the projection (15) is shaped in such a way as to define a curved portion configured to outline an extension of the bend substantially shaped like at least one C- portion.

6. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the projection (15) is made as an elastic tab to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the cord end (106) from the first releasable constraint seat.

7. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through seat (14) is made as a closed ring, wherein preferably the second portion (13) of the body (11) is made of several elements (13a, 13b) which can be joined together in a fixed manner using fixing means; or, where preferably the second portion (13) is made in a single piece and integral with the first portion (12).

8. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the through seat (14) is made of an openable ring, wherein preferably the second portion (13) comprises a first (13a) and a second (13b) section each provided with an end (16a, 16b) configured to create an optionally releasable constraint between them, for example a shape and / or force coupling constraint such as an optionally reversible snap constraint.

9. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (11) comprises a third portion (17,17’) shaped like an eyelet, created below the second portion (13) with reference to a use configuration, wherein the third portion (17,17’) shaped like an eyelet is made like an open eyelet (17’) or like a closed eyelet (17).

10. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (11) comprises a fourth portion (18) which defines at least one second bend substantially shaped like at least one C-portion, wherein the second C-portion shaped bend defines an opening having an orientation similar to or substantially coinciding with the first orientation of the opening defined by the first portion (12), the fourth portion (18) preferably being made at a third eyeletshaped portion (17) in such a way as to define with it a second releasable constraint seat for the cord end (106).

11. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (12) comprises a protuberance (12a) which extends from the first portion (12) to define a support substantially shaped like a saddle or saddle portion which defines an opening having an orientation in a direction substantially opposite to the first orientation of the opening defined by the first portion (12).

12. Device (10) for hooking, suspending and managing a cord end according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one adaptation accessory (20), preferably a series of shims, connected to the body (11) by means of at least oneconnection portion (21), preferably presenting a weakening configured to allow a manual detachment of the at least one accessory (20) from the body (11).

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