U.S. patent application number 11/709099 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for reflective rope, hangers, cables, lifelines and methods for making the same.
Invention is credited to Tim Calloway, Mark W. Jacobs, William J.B. Jacobs.
Application Number | 20070202286 11/709099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38444345 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070202286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacobs; Mark W. ; et
al. |
August 30, 2007 |
Reflective rope, hangers, cables, lifelines and methods for making
the same
Abstract
The present invention discloses reflective ropes, hangers,
cables, and lifelines and methods for making them.
Inventors: |
Jacobs; Mark W.; (Sylvester,
WV) ; Calloway; Tim; (Mount Airy, NC) ;
Jacobs; William J.B.; (Sylvester, WV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEYER UNKOVIC & SCOTT LLP
1300 OLIVER BUILDING
PITTSBURGH
PA
15222
US
|
Family ID: |
38444345 |
Appl. No.: |
11/709099 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60775423 |
Feb 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/36.3 ;
87/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D07B 2201/2094 20130101;
D07B 1/148 20130101; D07B 1/141 20130101; Y10T 428/1369
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/036.3 ;
087/001 |
International
Class: |
D07B 1/02 20060101
D07B001/02 |
Claims
1. A reflective rope, used in the mining industry, comprising the
combination of at least one carrier of rope material and at least
one reflective tape.
2. The reflective rope of claim 1, wherein said at least one
carrier of rope material and said at least one reflective tape are
combined into a form selected from the group consisting of a hollow
braided rope, a solid braided rope, a twisted braided rope, and a
plaited rope.
3. The reflective rope of claim 1, wherein said reflective tape is
between about 0.38 mm and about 1 mm in width.
4. The reflective rope of claim 2, wherein said hollow braided rope
comprises eight carriers of monofilament flame retardant
polypropylene.
5. The reflective rope of claim 2, wherein said rope is treated
with a flame retardant.
6. The reflective rope of claim 4, wherein said reflective tape is
blended into two of said carriers of said polypropylene.
7. The reflective rope of claim 2, wherein at least two of said
carriers are marker carriers and wherein said reflective tape is
blended into said marker carriers.
8. The reflective rope of claim 2, wherein said rope is non
conductive and flame retardant.
9. The reflective rope of claim 2, further comprising, a hollow
braid of eight carriers of monofilament flame retardant
polypropylene, wherein said rope has at least two pies per inch of
length; two of said eight carriers are marker carriers; and a
reflective tape is blended into said two marker carriers.
10. The reflective rope of claim 9, wherein said reflective tape is
between about 0.38 mm and about 1 mm in width.
11. The reflective rope of claim 2, also comprising a plurality of
directional indicators spaced evenly along said rope and positioned
such that said indicators are pointing along the central axis of
said rope.
12. A method of making a reflective rope, used in the mining
industry, comprising braiding together at least two carriers of
rope material, wherein at least one carrier comprises a reflective
tape between about 0.38 mm and 1 mm in width.
13. A method of making a reflective rope, used in the mining
industry, comprising combining at least one carrier of rope
material and at least one reflective tape.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said combination is of at least
one carrier of rope material and at least one reflective tape into
a form selected from the group consisting of a hollow braided rope,
a solid braided rope, a twisted braided rope, and a plaited
rope.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said reflective tape is between
about 0.38 mm and about 1 mm in width.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said hollow braided rope
comprises eight carriers of monofilament flame retardant
polypropylene.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein said rope is treated with a
flame retardant.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein said reflective tape is blended
into two of said carriers of said polypropylene.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein at least two of said carriers
are marker carriers and wherein said reflective tape is blended
into said marker carriers.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein said rope is non-conductive and
flame retardant.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a nonprovisional application, which
claims the benefit of the provisional patent application of the
same title and same inventors, which was filed on Feb. 21, 2006,
and assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/775,423. The
application is also related to provisional application Ser. No.
60/710,359, filed on Aug. 23, 2005 and to nonprovisional
application Ser. No. 11/287,747 filed on Nov. 28, 2005. Provisional
Patent Application Nos. 60/775,423 and 60/710,359 and Non
Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/287,747 are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mining is inherently dangerous. Miners are under constant
threat of a collapse or an accident within the mines. Often the
lighting in the mines is low or nonexistent, making quick escapes
from the mines very difficult. Additionally, within a mine there
may be numerous tunnels and pathways, only a few of which lead
directly to the outside. Mining tunnels tend to be very dark and,
in the event of a fire, smoke can also make visibility difficult.
In an emergency situation, even experienced miners may lose their
directional and become lost. Getting lost in a mine in an emergency
situation can result in serious injury and/or death.
[0003] The mining industry constantly is searching for equipment to
make mining safer. One such goal has been to incorporate reflective
materials into mine-related equipment to aid miners in finding
their way through the tunnels, particularly but not exclusively, in
emergency situations. The present invention addresses this need and
others by disclosing a reflective rope for use in mines.
[0004] One type of mine equipment that has been developed to
increase mine safety is a safety directional line (or lifeline) for
underground mining. One example of such a line is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,988,101 to Jacobs, et al. These lines come in a variety
of sizes, shapes, embodiments, etc. and are followed by miners to
lead them to various places in the mine, outside of the mine,
and/or to safety. Often these lines are made of a rope or cable
with indicators along the line at given distances to comply with
local requirements and regulations. Historically, it has been
difficult to design reflective lifelines that also satisfy the
other mining requirements, such as strength, nonflammability,
nonconductivity, etc.
[0005] Additionally, many industries, including but not limited to
the mining industry, require some means of temporarily supporting
or suspending various articles for various purposes, and often have
need of a simple yet durable and reflective strap or loop which may
be used as a hanger for various parts and components. Often it is
advantageous to have such a reflective hanger, strap, or loop
(collectively referred to herein as a "hanger") so that it can be
seen easily in low light conditions. Some examples of various
hangers and loops are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,970,697 and
5,871,193, both issued to Jacobs, et al. Until the invention of
present reflective rope, no reflective rope products of the types
described herein were available to the mining community. The
present invention addresses this need for reflective ropes and
hangers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One embodiment of the present invention discloses a
reflective rope for use in the mining industry comprising the
combination of at least one carrier of rope material and at least
one reflective material and/or reflective tape.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a
reflective rope for use in the mining industry comprising at least
one carrier of rope material and at least one reflective material
and/or reflective tape, which are combined into one of the
following forms: a hollow braided rope (a braided rope with a
hollow center), a solid braided rope, a twisted braided rope, or a
plaited rope.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention encompasses a
method of making a reflective rope comprising braiding together at
least two carriers of material, wherein at least one carrier
comprises a reflective yarn comprising 0.5 mm glass beads bonded to
polyester filament, in such a manner as to have at least two pics
per inch of length. A reflective tape can also be used and is
within the scope of the present invention.
[0009] One embodiment of the present invention encompasses a method
of making a reflective rope for use in the mining industry
comprising combining at least one carrier of rope material and at
least one reflective material, which is optionally a reflective
tape.
[0010] One embodiment of the present invention encompasses a method
of making a reflective rope for use in the mining industry
comprising braiding into the form of a hollow braid eight carriers
of monofilament flame retardant polypropylene, so as to have at
least two pics per inch of length, wherein two of the eight
carriers are marker carriers, and blending a reflective material
and/or reflective tape into these two marker carriers.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a
safety directional line comprising a reflective rope made from the
combination of at least one carrier of rope material and at least
one reflective material and/or reflective tape. A plurality of
directional indicators are spaced evenly along the rope and
positioned such that the indicators are pointing along the axis of
the line.
[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an
improved safety directional line for underground mining comprising
a reflective rope, a pair of fasteners for attaching the rope to a
wall, and a plurality of directional indicators, each of which
comprises two identical cone-forming sections. Each cone-forming
section has a first end and a second end, a first side wall
extending outwardly from the first end to the second end defining a
half-conically shaped surface, a second side wall having a flat
surface opposite the conically shaped surface, wherein the cone
forming section is semicircular in cross section; and wherein the
second side wall is provided with a channel therein extending along
the length of the cone-forming section from the first end to the
second end, a semicircular end plate having a circular edge and a
flat edge integrally formed with the second side wall and having a
section removed from the flat edge which is concentric with the
channel in the second side wall of the cone-forming section, a
plurality of receptor holes along the first side, wall and
corresponding holes along the channel in the flat surface, a
plurality of retaining pins for insertion into the receptor holes,
a coupler for joining the cone-forming sections of each indicator,
whereby, upon joining the cone-forming sections of each indicator
such that the second side walls, and the first ends and the second
ends are adjacent, the coupler is engaged and the cone-forming
sections of each of the indicators form a continuous side wall
which extends outwardly from the first end to the second end
defining a conical outer configuration and an inner wall which
defines a circular channel extending through the center of the
indicator. The rope is inserted into the circular channel of each
indicator and the retaining pins are inserted in the receptor holes
and the holes along the channel and engage the rope.
[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an
improved line with double spliced loops formed therein for
suspending articles therefrom, comprising a length of reflective
rope having a plurality of first diagonal directional carriers
interwoven with a plurality of second diagonal directional
carriers, a first end portion, and an opposite second end portion.
Each end portion has a first connecting portion and a second
connecting portion mating with the first connecting portion for
forming a closed loop. Each first connecting portion passes
diametrically through the corresponding second connecting portion
at a first point thereon to form the closed loop and thereby define
an intersecting portion, and thence each first connecting portion
is inserted into the corresponding second connecting portion at a
second point thereon and diametrically passed through the first
connecting portion at the intersecting portion to form a knot, such
that each first connecting portion passes concentrically through
the corresponding second connecting portion to be captured therein.
Each second point is separated from the corresponding first point
by at least one of the first directional carriers and at least one
of the second directional carriers immediately adjacent to at least
one of the first directional carriers, with at least one of the
first directional stands crossing over at least one of the second
directional carriers. Each closed loop is connected to one another
by an intermediate portion.
[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an
improved hanger for temporarily suspending articles therefrom,
comprising a length of reflective rope having a plurality of first
diagonal directional carriers interwoven with a plurality of second
diagonal directional carriers, and a first connecting portion with
a first end and an opposite second connecting portion with a second
end. The first connecting portion is positioned diametrically
through the second connecting portion at a first point thereon and
thence into the second connecting portion at a second point
thereon, provided with a locking interweave of carriers about which
a first connecting portion knot is formed, then inserted
diametrically through an intersecting portion of the first
connecting portion within the hollow core of the second connecting
portion and concentrically through the second connecting portion to
be captured therein. The second point being separated from the
first point by at least one of the first directional carriers and
at least one of the second directional carriers immediately
adjacent to at least one of the first directional carriers, with at
least one of the first directional carriers crossing over to at
least one of the second directional carriers. The second connecting
portion passes into the first connecting portion at a second
connecting portion entrance point thereon providing with a locking
interweave of carriers about which a first connecting portion knot
is formed, then inserting diametrically through an intersecting
portion of the first connecting portion within the hollow core of
the second connecting portion and being captured concentrically
within the first connecting portion to form a closed loop of
increasing strength with increasing tensile force upon the closed
loop. The rope comprises at least one carrier of rope material and
at least one reflective material, optionally a reflective tape,
which are combined into one of the following forms: a hollow
braided rope, a solid braided rope, a twisted braided rope, or a
plaited rope.
[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention is a hanger
comprising a rope made of at least two carriers of rope material,
which are braided together, and wherein at least one carrier
comprises a reflective yarn made of about 0.5 mm glass beads bonded
to polyester filament. A reflective tape can also optionally be
used in place of the reflective yarn.
[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention is a hanger for
use in the mining industry comprising the combination of at least
one carrier of rope material and at least one reflective material
and/or reflective tape.
[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
method of making a safety directional line comprising braiding
together at least one carrier of rope material and a reflective
yarn comprising about 0.5 mm glass beads bonded to polyester
filament, in such a manner as to have at least two pics per inch of
length. Additionally, a plurality of directional indicators are
attached at even spaces along the rope and positioned such that the
indicators are pointing along the axis of the line.
[0018] Another method of making a safety directional line for use
in the mining industry according to the present invention comprises
combining at least one carrier of rope material and at least one
reflective material and/or reflective tape and attaching a
plurality of directional indicators spaced evenly along the rope
and positioned such that the indicators point along the axis of the
line.
[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of
making an improved line with double spliced loops formed therein
for suspending articles therefrom, which comprises the following
steps: (i) weaving a length of reflective hollow braided rope
having a plurality of first diagonal directional carriers with a
plurality of second diagonal directional carriers, a first end
portion, and an opposite second end portion; (ii) mating each of
the end portions having a first connecting portion and a second
connecting portion mating with said first connecting portion for
forming a closed loop; (iii) each said first connecting portion
passing diametrically through the corresponding said second
connecting portion at a first point thereon to form said closed
loop and thereby define an intersecting portion, and (iv) thence
each said first connecting portion being inserted into said
corresponding second connecting portion at a second point thereon
and diametrically passed through said first connecting portion at
said intersecting portion to form a knot, such that each said first
connecting portion passes concentrically through said corresponding
second connecting portion to be captured therein. Each second point
is separated from the corresponding said first point by at least
one of the first directional carriers and at least one of the
second directional carriers immediately adjacent the at least one
of the first directional carriers, with the at least one of the
first directional carriers crossing over the at least one of the
second directional carriers, and each closed loop being connected
to one another by an intermediate portion.
[0020] The present invention also includes a method of making an
improved hanger for temporarily suspending articles therefrom,
comprising the steps of: (i) weaving a length of hollow braided
reflective rope having a plurality of first diagonal directional
carriers with a plurality of second diagonal directional carriers,
and a first connecting portion with a first end and an opposite
second connecting portion with a second end; (ii) positioning the
first connecting portion through the second connecting portion at a
first point thereon and thence into the second connecting portion
at a second point thereon, provided with a locking interweave of
carriers about which a first connecting portion knot is formed,
then inserting diametrically through an intersecting portion of the
first connecting portion within the hollow core of the second
connecting portion and concentrically through the second connecting
portion to be captured therein; (iii) separating the second point
from the first point by at least one of the first directional
carriers and at least one of the second directional carriers
immediately adjacent the at least one of the first directional
carriers, with the at least one of the first directional carriers
crossing over the at least one of the second directional carriers;
and (iv) passing the second connecting portion into the first
connecting portion at a second connecting portion entrance point
thereon providing with a locking interweave of carriers about which
a first connecting portion knot is formed, then inserting
diametrically through an intersecting portion of the first
connecting portion within the hollow core of the second connecting
portion and being captured concentrically within the first
connecting portion to form a closed loop of increasing strength
with increasing tensile force upon the closed loop, wherein the
rope comprises at least two carriers of rope material and at least
one reflective material and/or reflective tape, which are combined
into a form selected from the group consisting of a hollow braided
rope, a solid braided rope, a twisted braided rope, and a plaited
rope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] For the present invention to be easily understood and
readily practiced, the invention will now be described, for the
purposes of illustration and not limitation, in conjunction with
the following figures, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates two embodiments of a reflective rope
according to the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate various reflective hangers made
according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a lifeline that can be
made from rope according to the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a line that can be made
from rope according to the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a hanger that can be
made from rope according to the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a hanger that can
be made from rope according to the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate other preferred embodiments of
a hanger that incorporate reflective tape as the reflective
material.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Various embodiments of the present invention comprise
reflective ropes, the methods of making and manufacturing these
ropes, and various methods of making and devices for using the
reflective ropes, including but not limited to, in lifelines,
lines, hangers, cables, etc. as described more fully herein.
[0030] One embodiment of the present invention is a reflective rope
(10) comprising a braid as shown in FIG. 1. The rope (10) comprises
a rope material and a reflective material and/or a reflective tape
in one of the following forms, or any other equivalent form: a
hollow braided rope (a braid with a hollow center), a solid braided
rope, a twisted braided rope, or a plaited rope.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the reflective rope (10) is a
hollow braid consisting of eight carriers or bundles of
monofilament flame retardant polypropylene, or an equivalent
material. It will be known to those in the art, that carriers are
comprised of one or more strands of a material. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the number of strands in a
carrier is between twenty and sixty strands. Any number of strands
and any number of carriers, which create a rope to satisfy its
intended use, may be used to make the present invention reflective
rope, and all such variations are included within the scope of this
invention. The suggested number of strands and carriers help to
define the preferred embodiment of the present invention rope, but
are not intended to limit the rope to those numbers. For ease of
discussion, the term "carriers" is used herein to mean any number
of strands of a material or a bundle of strands, as described
previously.
[0032] One preferred embodiment uses a reflective yarn,
specifically about 0.5 mm glass beads bonded to polyester filament,
as the reflective material. Also in a preferred embodiment, a flame
retardant is added to the rope (10) to make it flame resistant. The
rope (10) may consist of any number of carriers, but eight carriers
have been found to work best. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the reflective material is blended into two
carriers (preferably two marker carriers) with the polypropylene to
maintain the flame retardant nature as well as strength of the
carrier for braiding. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the reflective rope (10) is non-conductive and flame
retardant.
[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the reflective material is
a flexible reflective tape and/or flexible reflective strip.
Kingtek Electronics Technology Corp., Metlon Corporation and 3M
sell and/or make reflective tapes or strips that are compatible
with the present invention. The flexible reflective tape or strip
can optionally have small glass beads and/or reflective particles
attached thereto using some type of adhesive. These beads and/or
particles provide for increased reflectiveness.
[0034] Strips of the flexible reflective tape are braided with,
twisted with, incorporated into and/or otherwise attached to the
rope (10) in a manner known to one skilled in the art. The
reflective tape strips generally have a width preferably between
about 0.01 mm and about 6 mm, more preferably between about 0.1 mm
and about 3 mm, and most preferably between about 0.38 mm and about
1 mm. However, any other width of reflective tape is also within
the scope of the present invention. The number of reflective tape
strips used in a particular embodiment can vary depending on the
width of the each strip. If narrow strips are used, more strips
will preferably be required than if wider strips are used in the
same application. Embodiments of the present invention, using
reflective tape as the reflective material, can be seen in FIGS. 8,
9 and 10.
[0035] The method of making the present invention also includes
using the reflective tape and/or reflective strip as a type of
reflective material. In that regard, the method of making the rope
(10) with the reflective tape is the same as if another reflective
material is used.
[0036] The rope (10) and the reflective material and/or reflective
tape are nonconductive and nonflammable as required by the mining
industry's safety requirements. A conductive rope and/or flammable
material would not be usable in an underground mining environment
because of safety regulations. Further, the rope (10) and
reflective material and/or reflective tape both do not require any
type of charging from any external source to remain reflective or
"glow." The rope (10) is also waterproof which significantly
reduces deterioration.
[0037] One preferred embodiment of the present invention is a
reflective rope (10) for use in the mining industry comprising a
hollow braid of eight carriers of monofilament flame retardant
polypropylene. The rope (10) is assembled to have at least two pics
per inch of length. In the preferred embodiments, the rope (10)
will have two, three, or four pics per inch of length. Two of the
eight carriers are marker carriers and a reflective material is
blended into those two marker carriers. The preferred reflective
material for this embodiment of a reflective rope (10) comprises a
reflective yarn made of about 0.5 mm glass beads bonded to
polyester filament, but it will be apparent to those in the art
that other reflective materials may work as well. As described more
fully below, any of the above-described embodiments of this rope
(10) can be made into lifelines, hangers, cables, lines, etc. for
use in the mining industry.
[0038] The present invention also comprises a method of making a
reflective rope (10). In the preferred embodiment of this method,
the combination is of at least one carrier of rope material and at
least one reflective material and/or reflective tape into a form
selected from the group consisting of a hollow braided rope, a
solid braided rope, a twisted braided rope and a plaited rope. The
preferred embodiment of this method comprises assembling the
materials in such a manner as to have at least two, but preferably
two, three, or four, pics per inch of length, so that the material
may be spliced easily. Other embodiments for assembling the rope
(10) are possible, will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
and are contemplated and encompassed by this invention. Again, in
the preferred embodiment of the method, the reflective material
and/or reflective tape is blended into two carriers (preferably two
marker carriers) with the polypropylene to maintain the flame
retardant nature as well as strength of the carrier for braiding. A
preferred reflective material presently can be purchased from King
Tech International Corp. of San Diego, California (item number
803304). This preferred reflective material is a reflective yarn,
0.5 mm glass beads bonded to polyester filament. It will be obvious
to those skilled in the art that other reflective materials will
satisfy the criteria described herein, may be used, and are
encompassed by the present invention.
[0039] The method according to the present invention can be used to
make any of the above-described variations of reflective rope (10)
including, but not limited to, polypropylene rope (10), flame
retardant rope (10), nonconductive rope (10), rope (10) with
reflective material blended into the marker carriers, etc.
[0040] The rope (10) construction is preferably braided, but
includes any method of combining carriers, such as braiding,
twisting, or plaiting, in such a manner so as to incorporate a
reflective material into the rope (10). Within the mining industry,
the rope (10) may be used in, among other things, lifelines,
cables, or hangers, but it will be apparent to those in the art
that the rope may be used in a variety of industries and a variety
of products that call for reflective rope material. FIGS. 2 and 3
show some lines, cables and/or hangers made of reflective rope of
the present invention.
[0041] One embodiment of the present invention also comprises a
safety directional line (20) for underground mining operations that
is made from any of the above-described reflective ropes and/or by
any of the above-described methods. One embodiment of a safety
directional line (also known as a lifeline) (20) according to the
present invention comprises a reflective rope made of at least one
carrier of rope material and at least one reflective material
and/or reflective tape, which are combined in one of the following
forms, or an equivalent form: a hollow braided rope, a solid
braided rope, a twisted braided rope, or a plaited rope. A
plurality of directional indicators (21) are spaced along the rope
(10) and positioned such that the directional indicators (21) are
pointing along the axis of the line (20).
[0042] Another embodiment of the present invention is an improved
safety directional line (20) for mining operations. This safety
directional line (20) has a first end and a second end and
comprises a reflective rope and a plurality of directional
indicators (21). The reflective rope (10) can be made according to
any of the above-identified variations, embodiments, and
methods.
[0043] For one embodiment of an improved safety directional line
(20) the directional indicators (21) have a first end and a second
end and comprises two identical cone forming sections, which have a
conically shaped side wall on one side and an opposite flat side
wall, forming half cone-shaped cavity therein. The flat side wall
is provided with a semicircular channel therein which extends from
the first end to the second end. There is a semicircular end plate
integrally formed with the cone forming section on the second end.
There is a semicircular section defined on the end plate, which is
concentric with the channel on the flat side wall. There are a
series of receptor holes along the conical side wall and
corresponding holes along the channel in the flat side wall for
receiving retaining pins. The two cone-forming sections are
removably coupled, whereby the directional indicator (21) has a
continuous side wall which extends outwardly from the first end to
the second end defining a conical outer configuration and an inner
tube which defines a circular channel extending through the center
of the directional indicator (21) along its horizontal axis from
the first end to the second end. The circular channel is adapted
for receiving the rope (10).
[0044] Also, for one embodiment of an improved safety directional
line (20), the directional indicator (21) is further provided with
retaining pins that hold the directional indicator (21) in place
along the rope (10). The pins are placed through receptor holes in
the side wall and the holes in the channel of the directional
indicator (21) and into the rope (10), thereby securing the
directional indicator (21) in place.
[0045] For one embodiment of an improved safety directional line
(20), the two cone-forming sections of the directional indicator
(21) are coupled by engaging snap together clips. The clips have a
male side and a female side and are known to those skilled in the
art. The directional indicator (21) can be easily adjusted along
the rope (10) by removing the retaining pins and unsnapping and
disengaging the cone-forming sections. This adjustability allows
the improved directional safety line (20) to be adapted for
compliance with any local code.
[0046] The directional indicators (21) of one embodiment of an
improved safety directional line (20) are placed on the reflective
rope (10) with the first end of the directional indicator (21)
facing the first end of the directional line (20) such that when
someone is exiting the mine his hand slides along the slope of the
directional indicator (21) and meets little resistance due to the
gradual slope of the indicator (21) side wall. In the event that
the person is traveling the wrong direction, his hand will meet the
flat end cap of the indicator (21) and come to an abrupt stop,
indicating that he is traveling in the wrong direction.
[0047] For one embodiment of an improved safety directional line
(20), there is a bronze swivel hook or a fixed, hook attached to
the second end of the safety line (20) to attach it to the wall of
the mine. The first end of the safety line (20) is provided with a
bronze ring to attach the safety line (20) to the opposite end of
the mine near the entrance. The swivel hook prevents the rope (10)
from being tangled. The bronze ring and hook are non-sparking and
non-corrosive. The ring and hook need not be placed on the line
(20) in this manner, but can alternatively be affixed to either
end.
[0048] For one embodiment of an improved safety directional line
(20), there is fluorescent tape on the directional indicators (21)
to make them more visible to one trying to exit the mine. The tape
is formed in an "X" on the end plate of the directional indicator
(21) indicating that it is the wrong direction of travel to exit
the mine. Additionally, the tape is placed parallel to the axis of
the directional indicator (21) along the side wall indicating the
correct direction of travel.
[0049] There are many varieties of lifelines (20) on the market
today. FIG. 4 illustrates just one type of lifeline (20). The
present invention encompasses the use of any of the above-described
embodiments of reflective rope (10) with any lifeline (20), not
just the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. Lifelines (20), in
general, are rope-type lines with some device attached to the rope
to allow a user to determine whether he/she is heading in the
correct direction by feeling his/her way along the lifeline (20).
The present invention encompasses any and all lifelines (20) that
incorporate a reflective rope (10) according to the present
invention.
[0050] The reflective rope (10) of the present invention can be
used as three cone reflective spur line indicators in conjunction
with hangers to designate cut-throughs, intersections, crib rooms,
rescue equipment, first aid areas, and safety directional lines and
all other forms of lifelines used in the mining industry to enhance
the visibility for escape routes. The reflective rope (10), and
devices made therefrom, will be used for rope droppers in engaging
or retrieving where the safety directional lines or lifeline system
is attached/tied to the roof for vehicle transport purposes. The
dropper is attached to the lifeline at regular intervals, allowing
the lifeline to be broken away from the roof when required by
pulling down the rope dropper.
[0051] It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the
various embodiments of reflective rope (10) and methods of making
the same according to the present invention can be used with any
type of lifeline, hanger, and/or cable that is currently on the
market or developed in the future, not just the preferred
embodiments described and shown herein. All of those embodiments
are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.
[0052] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
reflective rope (10) according to any of the above-identified
embodiments of reflective ropes (10) and/or methods of making the
same, forming an improved line having integral first and second
closed loops spliced therein at each end thereof, with an
intermediate length extending there between, for use in tying off
or suspending various articles. An example of the present line is
shown in FIG. 5. This line is well suited for use in the
underground mining industry for tying off cables from continuous
miner machinery, or for supporting or suspending articles such as
electrical cables, hydraulic and pneumatic lines, ventilation
ducts, etc. from the roof or along the wall of a mine drift to keep
such articles clear of the drift floor. The lines may be suspended
by S-hooks or other suitable article attachment means, or looped
about another article and secured, e.g. by means of a girth hitch
as shown around the cables.
[0053] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
reflective rope hanger for use in temporarily suspending various
articles, with examples of two embodiments of the present hangers
and their function being shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In general, a
mining hanger consists of some sort of hook connected to a rope or
loop to suspend or hang items within a mine. The hangers are well
suited for use in the underground mining industry for supporting
articles such as electrical cables, hydraulic and pneumatic lines,
ventilation ducts, etc. from the roof or along the wall of a mine
drift to keep such articles clear of the drift floor. The hangers
may be suspended by S-hooks or other suitable article attachments,
with the S-hooks or other means in turn being removably secured to
a conventional spike imbedded in a mine timber, or hooked to the
corner of a conventional roof plate or otherwise suspended.
[0054] In the preferred embodiment of the hanger, each of the
reflective hanger loops is formed to have a diameter on the order
of six inches or so when laid out in a circular configuration, in
order to position any articles suspended therefrom well away from
the opposite side of the loops which may be connected to a metal
object. This precludes any arcing of electrical energy between the
article suspended within the loops, such as the cable, and a
grounded potential. The present hanger loops may be formed of
virtually any diameter material, in virtually any size desired, and
by a variety of methods, all of which are encompassed by this
invention.
[0055] It will be seen that the use of an essentially pure,
non-metallic fiber such as polypropylene, also provides an
electrically non-conductive rope, lifeline, cable, line and/or
hanger due to the electrically insulating properties of such
materials, particularly synthetic plastic materials. This provides
important safety benefits when the present hangers are used for the
support of electrical equipment, such as electrical cables, etc. in
various environments. Accordingly, the various types of snap hooks,
D rings, etc. which may be installed upon the present hanger loops
during or after their construction, are preferably formed of
materials which are not prone to producing sparks when struck by
another object, e.g., non metallic or bronze materials.
[0056] While the present rope hangers are well suited for use in
providing temporary support for innumerable different articles in a
vast variety of environments, they are particularly well suited for
use in the underground mining industry, due to their flame
retardant and electrically non-conductive properties. In a
preferred embodiment, the present invention hangers, lifelines,
cables, etc. may be formed using rope having a relatively bright
color or colors in addition to the reflective material, in order to
provide optimum visibility in the normally relatively dark
conditions found in underground mines.
[0057] One embodiment of the present flame resistant, electrically
non-conductive hanger provides a useful means of temporarily
suspending a variety of different articles in many different
industries, such as underground mines, automobile assembly plants,
shipyards, etc. The present hangers may be formed using virtually
any suitable diameter of rope, depending upon the strength required
for the completed hanger. The use of electrically non-conductive
and flame resistant materials, as well as reflective material and
bright and contrasting colors in different carriers of the hanger
rope, provides hangers that are safe and durable in virtually any
environment of use.
[0058] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an
improved line with double spliced loops formed therein for
suspending articles therefrom, comprising a length of reflective
rope having a plurality of first diagonal directional carriers
interwoven with a plurality of second diagonal directional
carriers, a first end portion, and an opposite second end portion.
Each end portion has a first connecting portion and a second
connecting portion mating with the first connecting portion for
forming a closed loop. Each first connecting portion passes
diametrically through the corresponding second connecting portion
at a first point thereon to form the closed loop and thereby define
an intersecting portion, and thence each first connecting portion
is inserted into the corresponding second connecting portion at a
second point thereon and diametrically passed through the first
connecting portion at the intersecting portion to form a knot, such
that each first connecting portion passes concentrically through
the corresponding second connecting portion to be captured therein.
Each second point is separated from the corresponding first point
by at least one of the first directional carriers and at least one
of the second directional carriers immediately adjacent to at least
one of the first directional carriers, with at least one of the
first directional stands crossing over at least one of the second
directional carriers. Each closed loop is connected to one another
by an intermediate portion. This improved line may be made from any
of the above-identified embodiments of rope.
[0059] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an
improved hanger for temporarily suspending articles therefrom,
comprising a length of reflective rope having a plurality of first
diagonal directional carriers interwoven with a plurality of second
diagonal directional carriers, and a first connecting portion with
a first end and an opposite second connecting portion with a second
end. The first connecting portion is positioned diametrically
through the second connecting portion at a first point thereon and
thence into the second connecting portion at a second point
thereon, provided with a locking interweave of carriers about which
a first connecting portion knot is formed, then inserted
diametrically through an intersecting portion of the first
connecting portion within the hollow core of the second connecting
portion and concentrically through the second connecting portion to
be captured therein. The second point being separated from the
first point by at least one of the first directional carriers and
at least one of the second directional carriers immediately
adjacent to at least one of the first directional carriers, with at
least one of the first directional carriers crossing over to at
least one of the second directional carriers. The second connecting
portion passes into the first connecting portion at a second
connecting portion entrance point thereon providing with a locking
interweave of carriers about which a first connecting portion knot
is formed, then inserting diametrically through an intersecting
portion of the first connecting portion within the hollow core of
the second connecting portion and being captured concentrically
within the first connecting portion to form a closed loop of
increasing strength with increasing tensile force upon the closed
loop. The rope comprises at least one carrier of rope material and
at least one reflective material, which are combined into one of
the following forms: a hollow braided rope, a solid braided rope, a
twisted braided rope, or a plaited rope. This improved hanger may
be made from any of the above-identified embodiments of rope.
[0060] Another embodiment of the present invention is a hanger
comprising a rope made of at least two carriers of rope material,
which are braided together, and wherein at least one carrier
comprises a reflective yarn made of about 0.5 mm glass beads bonded
to polyester filament.
[0061] Another embodiment of the present invention is a hanger for
use in the mining industry comprising the combination of at least
one carrier of rope material and at least one reflective material
and/or reflective tape. This hanger may be made from any of the
above-identified embodiments of rope.
[0062] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
method of making a safety directional line comprising braiding
together at least one carrier of rope material and a reflective
yarn comprising about 0.5 mm glass beads bonded to polyester
filament, in such a manner as to have at least two pics per inch of
length. A reflective tape can also optionally be used instead of
the reflective yarn. Additionally, a plurality of directional
indicators are attached at even spaces along the rope and
positioned such that the indicators are pointing along the axis of
the line. This method may be used in conjunction with any of the
above-identified embodiments of rope.
[0063] Another method of making a safety directional line for use
in the mining industry according to the present invention comprises
combining at least one carrier of rope material and at least one
reflective material and attaching a plurality of directional
indicators spaced evenly along the rope and positioned such that
the indicators point along the axis of the line. This method may be
used in conjunction with any of the above-identified embodiments of
rope.
[0064] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of
making an improved line with double spliced loops formed therein
for suspending articles therefrom, which comprises the following
steps: (i) weaving a length of reflective hollow braided rope
having a plurality of first diagonal directional carriers with a
plurality of second diagonal directional carriers, a first end
portion, and an opposite second end portion; (ii) mating each of
the end portions having a first connecting portion and a second
connecting portion mating with said first connecting portion for
forming a closed loop; (iii) each said first connecting portion
passing diametrically through the corresponding said second
connecting portion at a first point thereon to form said closed
loop and thereby define an intersecting portion, and (iv) thence
each said first connecting portion being inserted into said
corresponding second connecting portion at a second point thereon
and diametrically passed through said first connecting portion at
said intersecting portion to form a knot, such that each said first
connecting portion passes concentrically through said corresponding
second connecting portion to be captured therein. Each second point
is separated from the corresponding said first point by at least
one of the first directional carriers and at least one of the
second directional carriers immediately adjacent the at least one
of the first directional carriers, with the at least one of the
first directional carriers crossing over the at least one of the
second directional carriers, and each closed loop being connected
to one another by an intermediate portion. This method may be used
in conjunction with any of the above-identified embodiments of
rope.
[0065] The present invention also includes a method of making an
improved hanger for temporarily suspending articles therefrom,
comprising the steps of: (i) weaving a length of hollow braided
reflective rope having a plurality of first diagonal directional
carriers with a plurality of second diagonal directional carriers,
and a first connecting portion with a first end and an opposite
second connecting portion with a second end; (ii) positioning the
first connecting portion through the second connecting portion at a
first point thereon and thence into the second connecting portion
at a second point thereon, provided with a locking interweave of
carriers about which a first connecting portion knot is formed,
then inserting diametrically through an intersecting portion of the
first connecting portion within the hollow core of the second
connecting portion and concentrically through the second connecting
portion to be captured therein; (iii) separating the second point
from the first point by at least one of the first directional
carriers and at least one of the second directional carriers
immediately adjacent the at least one of the first directional
carriers, with the at least one of the first directional carriers
crossing over the at least one of the second directional carriers;
and (iv) passing the second connecting portion into the first
connecting portion at a second connecting portion entrance point
thereon providing with a locking interweave of carriers about which
a first connecting portion knot is formed, then inserting
diametrically through an intersecting portion of the first
connecting portion within the hollow core of the second connecting
portion and being captured concentrically within the first
connecting portion to form a closed loop of increasing strength
with increasing tensile force upon the closed loop, wherein the
rope comprises at least two carriers of rope material and at least
one reflective material and/or reflective tape, which are combined
into a form selected from the group consisting of a hollow braided
rope, a solid braided rope, a twisted braided rope, and a plaited
rope. This method may be used in conjunction with any of the above
identified embodiments of rope.
[0066] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the description and following
claims. The reflective rope, hangers, cables, and lifelines
disclosed herein are ideal for use in high visibility areas, areas
with machine trialing, pump areas, electric motor areas, cable
suspension, water line suspension, and high restriction areas.
* * * * *