GB2469306A - Braking device for use in rope climbing - Google Patents

Braking device for use in rope climbing Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2469306A
GB2469306A GB0906098A GB0906098A GB2469306A GB 2469306 A GB2469306 A GB 2469306A GB 0906098 A GB0906098 A GB 0906098A GB 0906098 A GB0906098 A GB 0906098A GB 2469306 A GB2469306 A GB 2469306A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
release
brake
braking device
rope
release member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0906098A
Other versions
GB0906098D0 (en
Inventor
Andrew Liddle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0906098A priority Critical patent/GB2469306A/en
Publication of GB0906098D0 publication Critical patent/GB0906098D0/en
Publication of GB2469306A publication Critical patent/GB2469306A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • A62B1/06—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices
    • A62B1/14—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices with brakes sliding on the rope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B29/00—Apparatus for mountaineering
    • A63B29/02—Mountain guy-ropes or accessories, e.g. avalanche ropes; Means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Braking Arrangements (AREA)

Abstract

A braking device40for use on a primary rope100comprises a brake adapted to be applied during a normal operating condition and a brake release device including a release member50for releasing the brake during the normal operating condition, wherein the brake release device is adapted such that partial operation of the release member50causes release of the brake and full operation of the release member50causes application of the brake during the normal operating condition. A secondary rope26may be connected to the brake such that in normal operating condition of descent, tension on the secondary rope26causes application of the brake. The braking device may have first20and second grip52members which may be mounted on first22and second levers. The release member50may be a push button which may act as the second lever. Full operation of the release member causes pivoting of the second grip52member towards the primary rope100to prevent or inhibit further movement of the braking device40relative to the rope. The device may be used as a belay or may be used in rappelling or abseiling.

Description

Brakini Device The present invention relates to braking devices. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to safety devices adapted to arrest or slow the descent of a climber.
Safety legislation is becoming increasingly more stringent regarding working at heights. Indeed, in the UK, when the work is to be carried out more that I m from the ground, scaffolding, rope access or other working at height equipment must be used.
To reduce the hazard associated with rope access, it is typical to employ two ropes: a primary rope and a secondary rope for catching the climber in the event that the primary rope should fail. Typically, the secondary rope has one end attached to the climber and the other end is attached to a brake operatively connected to the primary rope such that, when the secondary rope is pulled (and this could be by taking the weight of the climber) the brake is applied. The brake is released by operating a release member, such as a third rope, to allow the climber to descend.
A device commonly used for rope access and using the above principle of :::: operation is known as the Shunt TM Although not designed or intended for this *, purpose, it is still the most common choice of equipment, mainly because known alternatives are costly, complex to operate, and often utilise teeth to stop a fall which can damage the rope. However, because the Shunt TM was not designed s,.. for rope access, it has a major drawback concerning the potential behaviour of a climber in a panic situation.
When descending, the climber will be operating the release member. If a fall situation occurs, the climber must act against an instinctive urge to hold on tight to the release member, rather the climber should let go of the release member to arrest the fall. When the release member is a rope, it is a natural reaction to pull on the rope in a panic situation. Even if the release member is a button or lever handle or the like, it is a natural reaction to grip harder.
According to the present invention there is provided a braking device comprising: a brake adapted to be applied during a normal operating condition; and a brake release device including a release member for releasing the brake during the normal operating condition, wherein the brake release device is adapted such that partial operation of the release member causes release of the brake and full operation of the release member causes application of the brake during the normal operating condition.
The braking device may be adapted for a rope system for climbers. The braking device may be connectable to a primary rope and adapted to apply the brake to the rope during the normal operating condition of descent of the rope by a climber.
The braking device may be adapted such that the normal operating condition of descent of the primary rope by the climber causes tension on a secondary rope connected to the brake which in turn causes application of the brake.
The brake may comprise a first grip member mounted on a first lever such that ** the normal operating condition of descent of the primary rope by the climber S...
causes pivoting of the first grip member towards the primary rope to grip the rope S...
: 25 and prevent or inhibit further movement of the braking device relative to the rope. S... * 0 S00
The brake release device may be operatively connected to the first grip member or the first lever such that partial operation of the release member causes 0..
pivoting of the first grip member away from the primary rope to release the brake.
The brake may further comprise a second grip member mounted on a second lever. The brake release device may be operatively connected to the second grip member or the second lever such that full operation of the release member causes pivoting of the second grip member towards the primary rope to prevent or inhibit further movement of the braking device relative to the rope.
The release member may comprise a compressive member such as push button.
Partial operation of the release member may comprise a first compressive force applied to the release member. Full operation of the release member may comprise a second greater compressive force applied to the release member.
Alternatively, the release member may comprise a tension member such as a third rope. Partial operation of the release member may comprise a first tensile force applied to the release member. Full operation of the release member may comprise a second greater tensile force applied to the release member.
Alternatively, the release member may comprise a pivoting member such as a lever. Partial operation of the release member may comprise a first pivoting force applied to the release member. Full operation of the release member may comprise a second greater pivoting force applied to the release member.
The brake release device may include biasing means for biasing the release *.... member to the position prior to operation of the release member. S...
: 25 The brake release device may include a catch member for maintaining the application of the brake following full operation of the release member. The catch member may be adapted to maintain the release member at its fully operated : position.
S
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a prior art braking device; Figure 2 is a side view of a braking device according to the invention; Figure 3 is a front view of the braking device of Figure 2 with a gate member closed; Figure 4 is a front view of the braking device of Figure 2 with the gate member open; and Figure 5 is a side view of a braking device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1 shows a braking device 10 according to the prior art. A primary rope may be inserted within the device 10. The device 10 includes a brake comprising a first grip member 20 mounted on a first lever 22 and pivotable about a pivot point 24 towards the primary rope 100. This is achieved when a pulling force 102 is applied to a secondary rope 26 which is connected via a lever arm 28 to the first grip member 20. Therefore, during the normal operating condition of descent of the primary rope 100 by a climber, the weight of the climber exerts the pulling force 102 on the secondary rope 26. This causes pivoting of the first grip member 20 towards the primary rope 100 to grip the rope and prevent further S...
movement of the braking device 10 relative to the rope 100. S...
S *..S
* To allow gradual descent of the primary rope 100, a release member in the form of a third rope 30 is connected to the first lever 22. A pulling force 102 exerted :::.: on the third rope 30 by the climber causes pivoting of the first grip member 20 away from the primary rope 10 so that the braking device 10 can move freely relative to the rope 100.
Figures 2 to 4 shows a braking device 40 according to a first embodiment of the invention. There are a number of similar features to the prior art device 10 and like features are given like reference numerals.
As before, a brake comprises a first grip member 20 mounted on a first lever 22 and pivotable about a pivot point 24 towards the primary rope 100. A pulling force 102 applied to a secondary rope 26 causes pivoting of the first grip member towards the primary rope 100 to grip the rope 100.
In this embodiment, the third rope has been replaced by a push button 50 which is connected to the first lever 22 and pivotable about the pivot point 24.
However, it is to be noted that a third rope could be used. Biasing means (not shown) maintains the push button 50 at the position shown in Figure 2. When a pushing force 104 is exerted on the push button 50 by the climber against the biasing means, this causes pivoting of the first grip member 20 away from the primary rope 10.
The greater the pushing force 104 applied, the greater the rotation of the first grip member 20. When the push button 50 is partially operated using a medium pushing force 104, the braking device 10 will be freely movable relative to the rope 100. S.. * S S
*: The push button 50 includes a second grip member 52 provided at a leading I...
portion of the push button 50 remote from the pivot point 24. The push button 50 : 25 therefore also provides a second lever. When the push button 50 is fully * operated using a greater pushing force 104, the second grip member 52 is pivoted towards the primary rope sufficiently to grip the rope 100 to prevent further movement of the braking device 40 relative to the rope 100. 5'.
S S *.S.
Therefore, the push button 50 is adapted such that partial operation of the button causes release of the brake and full operation of the button causes application of the brake during the normal operating condition of descent of the rope 100.
To assist insertion of the rope 100 within the device 40, the device 40 includes a rotatable gate 60. This is best seen in Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the invention, and like features are given like reference numerals.
The device 40 includes a catch for maintaining the application of the brake following full operation of the push button 50. The catch comprises a spring mounted pin 70 which engages with a slot 72 provided at the push button 50 when the push button 50 has been fully depressed. The catch therefore maintains the push button 50 at its fully operated position.
In use, a descending climber can partially operate the push button 50 to release the first grip member 20 from gripping the rope 100 allowing the device 40 to be moved down the rope 100. To reapply the brake, the climber may either release the push button 50 or fully operate the push button 50. In a panic situation, tight gripping or pushing of the push button 50 is more likely. However, unlike the prior art device, this will cause the brake to be applied. S...
Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described *.5 above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments * may still fall within the scope of the present invention. * . . * . * .

Claims (16)

  1. Claims 1. A braking device comprising: a brake adapted to be applied during a normal operating condition; and a brake release device including a release member for releasing the brake during the normal operating condition, -wherein the brake release device is adapted such that partial operation of the release member causes release of the brake and full operation of the release member causes application of the brake during the normal operating condition.
  2. 2. A braking device as claimed in claim 1, adapted for a rope system for climbers.
  3. 3. A braking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the braking device is connectable to a primary rope and adapted to apply the brake to the rope during the normal operating condition of descent of the rope by a climber.
  4. 4. A braking device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the braking device is adapted such that the normal operating condition of descent of the primary rope by the climber causes tension on a secondary rope connected to the brake which in turn causes application of the brake. **. * * S
  5. 5. A braking device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the brake comprises a first grip member mounted on a first lever such that the normal operating *.:r2'5 condition of descent of the primary rope by the climber causes pivoting of the first grip member towards the primary rope to grip the rope and prevent or inhibit further movement of the braking device relative to the rope. S... * * .S **S.
  6. 6. A braking device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the brake release device is operatively connected to the first grip member or the first lever such that partial operation of the release member causes pivoting of the first grip member away from the primary rope to release the brake.
  7. 7. A braking device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a second grip member mounted on a second lever, and wherein the brake release device is operatively connected to the second grip member or the second lever such that full operation of the release member causes pivoting of the second grip member towards the primary rope to prevent or inhibit further movement of the braking device relative to the rope.
  8. 8. A braking device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the release member comprises a compressive member.
  9. 9. A braking device as claimed in claim 8, wherein partial operation of the release member comprises a first compressive force applied to the release member and full operation of the release member comprises a second greater compressive force applied to the release member.
  10. 10. A braking device as claimed in any of claims I to 7, wherein the release member comprises a tension member.*::::
  11. 11. A braking device as claimed in claim 10, wherein partial operation of the release member comprises a first tensile force applied to the release member I...and full operation of the release member comprises a second greater tensile S...: 25 force applied to the release member.
    S S *5*5
  12. 12. A braking device as claimed in any of claims I to 7, wherein the release member comprises a pivoting member.S
  13. 13. A braking device as claimed in claim 12, wherein partial operation of the release member comprises a first pivoting force applied to the release member and full operation of the release member comprises a second greater pivoting force applied to the release member.
  14. 14. A braking device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake release device includes biasing means for biasing the release member to the position prior to operation of the release member.
  15. 15. A braking device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brake release device includes a catch member for maintaining the application of the brake following full operation of the release member.
  16. 16. A braking device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the catch member is adapted to maintain the release member at its fully operated position. S... * * . S. * * * . S... *.*. *. * . S... * * . S. * *5SSS S...
GB0906098A 2009-04-08 2009-04-08 Braking device for use in rope climbing Withdrawn GB2469306A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0906098A GB2469306A (en) 2009-04-08 2009-04-08 Braking device for use in rope climbing

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0906098A GB2469306A (en) 2009-04-08 2009-04-08 Braking device for use in rope climbing

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0906098D0 GB0906098D0 (en) 2009-05-20
GB2469306A true GB2469306A (en) 2010-10-13

Family

ID=40750320

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0906098A Withdrawn GB2469306A (en) 2009-04-08 2009-04-08 Braking device for use in rope climbing

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2469306A (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2044414A (en) * 1979-03-23 1980-10-15 Petzl P Self-locking descender
US5054577A (en) * 1989-03-16 1991-10-08 Petzl S.A. Self-jamming descender for a rope with two jamming positions
GB2290852A (en) * 1994-06-28 1996-01-10 Gemini Plastics Machinery Ltd Manually operable braking device for a line
US5577576A (en) * 1994-06-23 1996-11-26 Zedel Disengageable descender with self-locking of the rope
DE19815194A1 (en) * 1998-04-04 1999-10-07 Brand & Schluttig Gmbh Abseil device with panic lock used for climbing and high-mast working
WO2001043830A1 (en) * 1999-12-15 2001-06-21 Boris Rogelja Descender with two-way locking lever
US20050061588A1 (en) * 2003-09-18 2005-03-24 Klingler Gregory Lee Safe auto-locking belay override mechanism
GB2438018A (en) * 2006-05-08 2007-11-14 Heightec Group Ltd Descender for controlling the passage of a rope

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2044414A (en) * 1979-03-23 1980-10-15 Petzl P Self-locking descender
US5054577A (en) * 1989-03-16 1991-10-08 Petzl S.A. Self-jamming descender for a rope with two jamming positions
US5577576A (en) * 1994-06-23 1996-11-26 Zedel Disengageable descender with self-locking of the rope
GB2290852A (en) * 1994-06-28 1996-01-10 Gemini Plastics Machinery Ltd Manually operable braking device for a line
DE19815194A1 (en) * 1998-04-04 1999-10-07 Brand & Schluttig Gmbh Abseil device with panic lock used for climbing and high-mast working
WO2001043830A1 (en) * 1999-12-15 2001-06-21 Boris Rogelja Descender with two-way locking lever
US20050061588A1 (en) * 2003-09-18 2005-03-24 Klingler Gregory Lee Safe auto-locking belay override mechanism
GB2438018A (en) * 2006-05-08 2007-11-14 Heightec Group Ltd Descender for controlling the passage of a rope

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0906098D0 (en) 2009-05-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3013436B1 (en) Fall arrester
US9427607B2 (en) Personal height rescue apparatus
US9874034B2 (en) Anti-panic cable grab
US8925687B2 (en) Self-retracting lifeline with disconnectable lifeline
US7500290B2 (en) Simple climber's multi-tool
AU2016222270B2 (en) Improved descender
EP1753515B1 (en) Personal height rescue apparatus
WO2011028605A2 (en) Descender with fall arrest and controlled rate of descent
EP3074093A1 (en) Rope grab
WO2013053685A2 (en) Fall arrest device
WO2017155076A1 (en) Ascender
GB2469306A (en) Braking device for use in rope climbing
US20080011543A1 (en) Simple Climber's Multi-Tool
EP2641635A2 (en) Back-up apparatus for use in rope access
US9119978B1 (en) Safety lowering device
CN111870829B (en) One-hand operation automatic protection descending device
KR102672742B1 (en) A drag downment
ITUB20154778A1 (en) FALL ARREST DEVICE.
WO2022007598A1 (en) Single-handed automatic-protection descender
RU2342176C2 (en) Safety device for descent of people
CN111821605A (en) High-altitude anti-falling device with multiple hazard sources
GB2496682A (en) Safety-line attachment apparatus
GB2556865A (en) Descender for a rope

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)