Device for tensioning and locking ropes

Abstract

The rope tensioning and locking device comprises a housing (1) with a channel and at least one gear mechanism (2) arranged within the channel, wherein the gear mechanism (2) comprises a differential system that prevents rotation in one direction.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Cable tensioning and locking device

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is a device for tensioning and locking ropes during docking operations. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the sector of diverse industrial techniques and transport in lifting, hoisting and towing, especially in mechanisms for winding ropes, cables or chains and winches, as well as in guiding or other procedures to ensure regular winding of ropes, cables or chains.

[0007] Similarly, it falls under the section of ships or other floating vessels and their equipment in the classification of ships or other floating vessels and vessel equipment, specifically in maneuvering apparatus, displacement apparatus, towing or pushing apparatus and anchoring.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] The present invention arises from observing that women and the elderly experience significant difficulties when performing the mooring maneuver in docking operations.

[0010] This problem not only limits the efficiency of task execution, but also considerably increases the risk of accidents, especially when significant physical effort or the use of complex tools such as winches is required.

[0011] The lack of devices adapted to their specific needs contributes to making these tasks dangerous, affecting both the safety of the operators and that of people around them. Consequently, this invention presents a rope tensioning and locking device for docking operations designed to optimize the docking maneuver, providing a system that guarantees control of the ropes and minimizes the risks associated with their handling.

[0012] Currently, there is no known existence of any tensioning and locking device for mooring lines that has structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal to or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The object of the present invention is the creation of a device for tensioning and locking ropes in docking operations that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characteristic details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present description.

[0015] The invention describes a device for tensioning and locking mooring lines during berthing operations. It includes a housing with a channel and at least one gear arranged (wholly or partially) within the channel. The gear comprises a differential system that prevents rotation in one direction. Thus, the mooring line can only move through the channel in one direction, allowing for tension management and ensuring the locking of the mooring lines during berthing maneuvers. The differential systems are preferably deactivatable to allow free rotation.

[0016] This device is not limited to use with ropes; it is also applicable to chains, although the description always refers to "rope" for simplicity and brevity. This expands its versatility, allowing its implementation in a variety of contexts where it is necessary to control the tension and locking of lashing elements of different types.

[0017] This invention addresses the difficulties users, especially women and the elderly, experience when performing mooring maneuvers, offering a device that simplifies the control and locking of mooring lines during docking operations. This optimizes both the efficiency and safety of the process, eliminating the need for excessive effort or complex movements. In this way, a more precise and less demanding execution of the maneuver is ensured, significantly reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. The practical benefits of this innovation are evident in its ability to optimize the time and effort required.

[0018] The housing is positioned between the fairlead and the winch, and has a compact shape that can be rectangular or cylindrical. This housing features entry and exit points for the rope at its ends, allowing for continuous rope flow. It also has sufficient internal space to house the gear system, the activation system, and the adjustable pressure system.

[0019] On the other hand, the preferred gear system consists of two or more gears in aligned and opposing pairs, through which the rope passes, each with permitted rotation in the opposite direction. These gears have the function of winding the rope in and, simultaneously, preventing it from rewinding, thus ensuring a secure mooring.

[0020] Preferably, the gears are mounted on carriages that move transversely to the channel, with their rest position close to the channel. This allows, among other advantages, adjustment to the diameter or thickness of the rope, thus offering a versatile solution that adapts to ropes of different sizes, ensuring its functionality in various situations. It can be complemented with ejectors coordinated with the movement of the carriages. Thus, when the carriages open or separate from the channel, the ejectors are activated.

[0021] In one embodiment, the gears are motorized to perform the function of the winch.

[0022] The mechanical system typically uses a winch as additional support for mooring. The invention allows the gear system to maintain rope tension even when the winch is not in use.

[0023] To use the device, the user must position it between the fairlead and the winch, ensuring that the rope passes through the gears.

[0024] Then, depending on the activation system, you must activate the electric motor using the push button or use the winch as a support.

[0025] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following have been represented.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a top view of the rope tensioning and locking device in docking operations.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the gear system.

[0028] Figure 3 shows another perspective of the gear system.

[0029] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0030] The mooring line tensioning and locking device comprises a housing (1) with a channel, generally open at the top, and containing at least one unidirectional gear (2), usually several and preferably in aligned and facing pairs. The gears (2) are arranged to reduce the channel's pitch or cross-section. The gears (2) on one side of the channel rotate in one direction, while the gears (2) on the other side rotate in the opposite direction.

[0031] Each of the gears (2) has a differential system that allows rotation in one direction but prevents it in the other. The differential system can be deactivated by the user, for example by pressing a button, a pedal, a remote control... the deactivation must be temporary, for example by pressing springs, so that the resting position is with rotation blocked in one direction.

[0032] The gears (2) are preferably arranged on carriages that move transversely to the channel. These carriages allow the channel passage to be opened or closed. This makes it easier for the user to remove the gears (2) when they want to insert a new rope into the channel. These carriages also have a rest position in which they are closest to the channel and are retracted by pressing their own button, remote control, or foot pedal (among other options). Rope ejectors (3) can be installed to lift the rope when the carriages are moved away. This releases the rope completely. The ejectors (3) can be located at the ends of the channel or between pairs of gears (2). Thus, the user can place the rope in the channel, temporarily withdrawing the gears (2), and they will move closer together when the button is released, and so on. The gears (2) will then lock onto the rope.This system allows the device to be adapted to different rope thicknesses or gauges. It's important to consider that the return force of the trolleys must be limited to avoid damaging the rope. Therefore, if it's spring-loaded, the return force will be relatively weak.

[0033] Once the gears (2) are engaged, the device allows the user to pull the rope in one direction but prevents it from moving in the opposite direction until the differential lock is disengaged. This allows the user to apply the appropriate force, either manually or with a winch, without requiring excessive tension. This reduces the risk of accidents, as the user is not working with a rope under high tension. To release the rope, the user disengages the differential lock and pulls it out. Depending on the specific implementation, the user can also move the trolleys and extract the rope directly, using ejectors (3) if applicable.

[0034] In this way, the device allows the tension to be controlled and the mooring lines to be locked during a docking maneuver, ensuring efficient and safe operation.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the housing (1) is located between the fairlead and the winch, and has a compact shape, being either a rectangular or cylindrical prism.

[0036] The gears (2) may be motorized to automatically rewind the rope by rotating in the permitted direction. This may require a third push button, pedal, or control.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the set of pushbuttons, pedals, etc., is located on the deck of the vessel, facilitating convenient and safe activation, for example, by foot. This design ensures the user's safety and comfort during maneuvers.

[0038] Generally, the mechanical system uses a winch as additional support for mooring maneuvers. This system allows the gears (2) to maintain rope tension even when the winch is not in use, improving the device's stability and functionality. The gear system (2) is generally applicable to both ropes and chains, adapting its operation to control tension and locking. The type of gear material (2) and the shape of the teeth will depend on the rope or chain material. If it is to hold a chain, the tooth will be flatter and have a non-slip surface. If it is a rope, the tooth will be sharper, but not cutting.

[0039] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Cable tensioning and locking device, characterized by comprising a housing (1) with a channel and at least one gear (2) disposed in the channel, wherein the gear (2) comprises a differential system that prevents rotation in one direction.

2. Rope tensioning and locking device, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two or more gears (2) arranged in aligned and facing pairs and with opposite rotation.

3. Cable tensioning and locking device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the gears (2) are on carriages movable transversely to the channel, whose rest position is close to the channel.

4. Rope tensioning and locking device, according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises ejectors (3) coordinated with the movement of the trolleys.

5. Cable tensioning and locking device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the differential systems are deactivatable.

6. Cable tensioning and locking device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the gears (2) are motorized.

7. Cable tensioning and locking device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the gears (2) have an anti-slip material on their surface.

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