U.S. patent application number 13/553641 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for hoisting and lowering device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Grid Training Corporation dba Northwest Lineman College. The applicant listed for this patent is Mark Groves. Invention is credited to Mark Groves.
Application Number | 20130022439 13/553641 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47555870 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130022439 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Groves; Mark |
January 24, 2013 |
HOISTING AND LOWERING DEVICE
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a device, system and method for
hoisting and lowering a load, comprising a device having a front
plate that may be displaced to reveal a sheave, and a friction
accessory. The friction accessory is arranged to create friction
between a rope and the device when a load is suspended from the
device using the rope and where the device is secured to a support
structure. The system may be prepared by an operator, having
ascended to an elevated location, and further allows the operator
to lower the load from the elevated location prior to
descending.
Inventors: |
Groves; Mark; (Meridian,
ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Groves; Mark |
Meridian |
ID |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Grid Training Corporation dba
Northwest Lineman College
|
Family ID: |
47555870 |
Appl. No.: |
13/553641 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61572608 |
Jul 19, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/800 ;
254/391 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66D 3/04 20130101; B66D
3/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/800 ;
254/391 |
International
Class: |
B66D 3/04 20060101
B66D003/04 |
Claims
1. A device for hoisting or lowering a load, comprising: a main
body; a front plate configured to move between a closed position
and an open position relative to the main body, the open position
revealing a chamber between the main body and the front plate; a
bolt connecting the main body to the front plate; a sheave located
between the main body and the front plate and configured to rotate
about the bolt; and a friction accessory protruding from a bottom
of the main body and comprising an elongated member having at least
one turn therein, wherein the friction accessory and the main body
form a unitary piece.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein main body has a thickness that is
substantially greater than a thickness of the front plate.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a releasable clasp for
holding the front plate in a closed position.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the front plate moves between the
closed position and the open position by rotating about the
bolt.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a recess
having a shape that corresponds to a shape of the front plate.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener connected
to a top of the main body.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastener is selected from one
of a group consisting of an eye, a hook, a gated hook, and an eye
with a carabiner.
8. A device for hoisting or lowering a load, comprising: a pulley
having a sheave arranged between a front plate and a body, wherein
the sheave is configured to rotate about a bolt connecting the
front plate and the body, the body having a top portion that forms
a connection point between the front plate and the body, and
wherein the front plate is configured to move between a closed
position and an open position relative to the main body; a fastener
extending from the top portion of the body; and a friction
accessory extending from the bottom of the pulley, comprising an
elongated member having at least one turn therein; and at least one
gate rotatably attached to the pulley and enclosing an area between
the friction accessory and the pulley.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the friction accessory is
connected to a bottom portion of the body.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the friction accessory and the
body are formed as a unitary piece.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein the front plate moves between
the closed position and the open position by rotating about the
bolt.
12. A method for rescuing a victim, comprising: securing a device
to a support structure, the device comprising a pulley having a
main body, a sheave, and a front plate, wherein the front plate
moves to reveal a chamber therein; a friction accessory located at
a bottom of the pulley; and a fastener located at a top of the
pulley; inserting a cord into the device; attaching a first end of
the cord to the victim; and using the cord to hoist or lower the
victim to safety.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of inserting the cord
into the device further comprises: opening the front plate to
reveal the chamber; loading a cord through onto the sheave; and
closing the front plate.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of inserting the cord
into the device further comprises placing the cord into the
friction accessory.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the device further comprises at
least one gate, wherein the at least one gate is arranged between
the main body and the friction accessory.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of arranging the cord
comprises passing a portion of the cord through the at least one
gate.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the victim is an injured
person.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 61/572,608, filed Jul. 19, 2011.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to device and method for
hoisting or lowering a load. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to a life-saving rescue device that may be used
to lower an injured person from an elevated location.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Pulleys are often used to hoist and/or lower loads in
connection with a rope or cable, as generally known in the art. A
pulley typically comprises a wheel or sheave that turns on an axis.
When used in connection with a rope, a pulley can be used to change
the direction of a tension force placed on the rope.
[0004] Pulleys are used in several configurations and for various
purposes. One example is a block and tackle arrangement in which
two pulleys work in unison, one pulley being fixed and another free
to move with the load. This simple device may be used to create a
mechanical advantage, wherein the tension force required to lift a
load is decreased by a factor of two or more, in exchange for a
decrease in the speed at which the load ascends. Some sophisticated
examples of modern block and tackle arrangements use pulleys in
combination with braking and/or clutch devices.
[0005] In general, block and tackle systems often require a
significant amount of time to prepare for use. The time and effort
spent in arranging the elements of a block and tackle system are
problematic where the location of the load is remote or where the
need to move a load becomes urgent. One example in which a block
and tackle arrangement is often impractical is a rescue situation.
For example, it is not practical to arrange a block and tackle
system where a person has been injured while working in an elevated
space, such as where a person has lost consciousness while working
on a power line and remains suspended from the power pole.
[0006] As an example of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,315
discloses a pulley having an auxiliary braking system, enabling the
operator (e.g., rescue personnel) to quickly assemble the device
and lower the injured person in a short amount of time. The
auxiliary braking system of the prior art comprises a spindle in a
chamber, the path of the rope through the chamber comprises a loop
of greater than 180.degree.. The load bearing portion of the rope
is suspended directly from the sheave, while the operator controls
the rope entering the chamber of the auxiliary braking system. The
spindle is arranged such that the axis of the spindle may move
laterally within the chamber, enabling the operator to control the
braking function, in part, by manipulating the angle of the rope
entering the chamber.
[0007] Disadvantages of this and other existing solutions include
that the braking system of currently available devices must
frequently be operated from below the device. Further, the amount
of complexity involved in arranging the rope in an auxiliary
braking system remains high for an operator in view of the expected
stress of a rescue effort.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure provides a device, system and method
for hoisting and lowering a load that provides significant
advantages over the prior art. For example, the aspects of the
present disclosure may be used to significantly reduce the amount
of preparation time required, while also providing the operator
(i.e., user) with enough resistance to have a substantial control
when lowering a heavy load, even where circumstances place the
operator in a precarious position, such as where the operator is at
an elevated position and is working within a limited space or
surface area, thereby decreasing the amount of leverage available.
The system of the present disclosure may be prepared by an operator
at an elevated location and allows the operator to lower the load
from the elevated location prior to descending. Thus, the system of
the present disclosure provides significant advantages in time and
simplicity in comparison with the prior art, without sacrificing
the security of the load.
[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for
hoisting or lowering a load, comprising a friction accessory
attached to a pulley, the pulley comprising a main body, a sheave,
and a front plate. The front plate is configured to have a closed
position and an open position, the open position exposing a chamber
between the sheave and the main body. The friction accessory may be
a hook-shaped appendage extending from the bottom of the pulley,
and formed integral therewith.
[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the device
described herein is used as a component of a system, wherein a cord
may be connected to the device and attached to a load, and the
device may be attached to a support structure. The device is
oriented such that the weight of the load creates friction between
the cord and the device. In some embodiments the load may be a
victim, such as an injured person.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a
method for rescuing a victim using the device and system described
herein. The device is secured to a support structure. The rope is
placed in the device, for example, by moving the front plate to an
open position, loading the rope into the chamber, and replacing the
front plate to the closed position. The rope is then placed through
the friction accessory and attached to the victim. Finally, the
victim is hoisted or lowered as necessary to complete the
rescue.
[0012] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. The features, functions and advantages that have been
discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments of
the present invention or may be combined in yet other embodiments
further details of which can be seen with reference to the
following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a device for hoisting and
lowering a load according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations depicting a perspective
view a device for hoisting and lowering a load in accordance with
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wherein the front plate and gate
thereof are shown in closed and open positions in FIGS. 2A and 2B,
respectively;
[0016] FIGS. 3A-C are perspective drawings depicting, respectively,
a front view, a side view, and a rear view of a device for hoisting
and lowering a load in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an illustration depicting the main body of a
device for hoisting and lowering a load in accordance with the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an illustration depicting a device for hoisting
and lowering a load in accordance with another embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting a device for hoisting
and lowering a load in accordance with another embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective drawings depicting,
respectively, a front view and a side view of a device for hoisting
or lowering a load in accordance with another embodiment the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic depicting a system for hoisting or
lowering a load in accordance with one embodiment the present
disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method for hoisting or
lowering a load in accordance with one embodiment the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown, by way of illustration, various embodiments of the present
disclosure. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized
and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a device 100 for
hoisting or lowering a load, comprising a pulley having a main body
105, a sheave 130, and a front plate 140. The pulley is held
together by a bolt 125, which goes through an axial hole 141 in the
front plate and through a center 131 of the sheave 130 and anchors
in the main body 105. Both the front plate 140 and the sheave 131
are configured to rotate about the bolt 125. As shown in FIG. 1,
device 100 further comprises spacers 126, 127 and 132, which allow
the sheave 130 and the front plate 140 to turn. A friction
accessory 115 extends from the bottom of the main body 105. A gate
120 connects a distal end 117 of the friction accessory 115 to the
main body 105. The gate is anchored by a pin 122 in the main body
105 and, when closed, forms an enclosed space 121 between the
friction accessory 115 and the main body 105. Referring to FIG. 4,
the main body 105 of the pulley comprises a depression 108 and a
hub 109 for accommodating the sheave 130 when assembled. The main
body 105 further comprises a top hole 111, which accommodates a
fastener 110 (See FIGS. 5-7). A front face 107 of the main body is
visible on the front of the device 100 when assembled and a recess
106 of the main body is set back from the front of the device 100
and the front face 107 to accommodate the front plate 140. The
front plate 140 is held in a closed position by releasable clasp
145, located in front face 107. The front face also comprises an
opening 146 which intersects the releasable clasp 145. The device
100 further comprises a space between the sheave 130, the main body
105, the front plate 140 (when closed), forming a chamber 160 (see
FIG. 3B).
[0025] The device 100 is designed to withstand significant stresses
placed upon it as a load is hoisted or lowered. In particular, the
main body 105 is be configured to withstand the greatest portion of
the stresses caused by the weight of the load. As seen in FIG. 3B,
where the device 100 is viewed from the left side, the main body
105 extends along a back side of the device 100, opposite front
plate 140. In this example, the thickness of the main body 105 is
notably thicker than the front plate 140 because the main body 105
is designed to carry a significant majority of the load. The main
body 105 may be formed of steel or another structurally appropriate
material, as known in the art. Further, the main body 105 may be
manufactured by machining the chosen material or may be formed in a
cast. Other appropriate manufacturing methods known in the art may
also be used.
[0026] The friction accessory 115 is designed to create a
significant amount of friction between a cord (e.g., a rope or
cable) and the device 100, without causing damage to the cord. The
friction accessory is attached to the main body 105 and comprises
an elongated appendage which may have one or more turns or twists
therein, such as the hook shape shown in FIGS. 1-5. The friction
accessory may be formed as a trunk and one or more appendages, such
as shown in FIGS. 6-7.
[0027] In some embodiments, the friction accessory 115 is also
connected to the main body 105 by one or more gates 120 which
extend from the main body 105 and contact an end 118 of a
corresponding arm 117 when in a closed position. For example, FIGS.
2A and 2B show a gate 120 connected to the main body 105 with a pin
122. The gate 120 is free to rotate about the pin, wherein the gate
120 is biased towards a closed position. The biasing feature of the
gate 120 may result, for example, from using a spring pin as the
pin 122.
[0028] The present disclosure further contemplates various
alternative designs of a friction accessory 115, wherein the
friction accessory 115 may have a more constricting enclosed area
121, or where the friction accessory 115. Other configurations of a
friction accessory 115 may comprise an enclosed area 121 with an
adjustable width, (e.g., a pinching device), such that the amount
of friction resulting from the friction accessory 115 may be
adjusted for a particular application.
[0029] In some embodiments, the friction accessory 115 may be
assembled without a gate, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
7A and 7B. In this instance, the friction accessory 115 comprises a
trunk and two appendages, wherein the distal ends 117 of the
appendages are turned upwards to prevent a cord from falling out of
the friction accessory 115.
[0030] The sheave 130 of the device 100 may comprise a
substantially cylindrical structure, wherein the bolt 125 passes
approximately through the axis thereof. In some examples, the
sheave 130 is configured to rotate about the bolt 125, facilitating
the movement of a cord in hoisting or lowering a load. The sheave
130 may be formed having a concave profile along the periphery of
the cylinder, to accommodate a cord. The material of the sheave
130, the structural strength, and other features may be chosen
according to general specifications for sheaves and pulleys, as
known in the art.
[0031] The front plate 140 is located at a distal end of the bolt
125 (i.e., at the end of the bolt 125 furthest from the main body
105). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the front plate 140
may be configured to rotate as a whole around the bolt 125.
Alternatively, the front plate 140 may be comprised of two
portions, wherein one is fixed and the other is able to be opened.
The front plate 140, or a portion thereof, moves to provide access
to a chamber 160 located between the sheave 130 and the main body
105. This allows the operator to place a bight (a middle portion)
of cord into the device 100 without having to thread one end of the
cord into the chamber 160 from the side of the device 100.
[0032] In each of the illustrated examples, the front plate 140 is
configured to rotate about the bolt 125. The front plate 140 may
alternatively be configured to reveal a side the chamber 160 by
rotating about a hinge or folding upon itself. The chamber 160 is
open at each end thereof between the front plate 140 and the main
body 105. In some embodiments, where the front plate 140 rotates
about the bolt 125, the main body 105 is formed having a front
comprising a recess 106 and a front face. The recess 106 is set
back from the front face 107, and is formed to have a shape
corresponding to the shape of the front plate 140. In this
configuration, the recess 106 allows the front plate 140 to reach a
closed position abutting a portion of the front face 107 and the
main body 105. This arrangement constrains the rotation of the
front plate 140 such that the rotation will occur in only one
direction from the closed position. Limiting the movement of the
front plate 140 to one direction provides a predictable movement
for the operator, and therefore aids the operator in quickly
preparing the device 100 to operate as part of a system for
hoisting and lowering a load. Such a feature is an important
consideration, where, for example, one of the embodiments discussed
herein contemplates the use of the device in a rescue situation by
an operator that may be wearing heavy, electrically-insulated
gloves.
[0033] To hold the front plate 140 in the closed position, some
embodiments comprise a releasable clasp 145. The releasable clasp
145 holds the front plate 140 in the closed position and allows the
operator to control the opening of the front plate 140, thereby
controlling access to the chamber 160. The releasable clasp 145 may
be located between the main body 105 and the front plate 140 at any
point where the two are adjacent when in the closed position. For
example, the releasable clasp 145 may be located within the area of
the recess 106 (as shown in FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B). The releasable
clasp 145 may be placed in the area of the front face 107 (as shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2B). Alternatively, the clasp 145 may be placed at
or near the bolt 125, preventing the rotation of the front plate
145 from the closed position until disengaged by the operator.
[0034] In some embodiments, the releasable clasp 145 is configured
attach the front plate 140 to the main body 105 by latching onto a
physical feature of the front plate. For example, in FIG. 2B the
front plate 140 comprises an opening 146 in the form of a gap,
which has a shape that corresponds to the interface between the
front face 107 and the recess 106. Alternatively, the opening 146
may comprise a hole, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6
and 7
[0035] The releasable clasp 145 may comprise any suitable clasp or
brake that performs the function described above, as may be known
in the art. For example, the releasable clasp 145 may comprise a
release button. In some examples, such as the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the releasable clasp may comprise a
release button that is arranged to have an outer surface that is
flush with an outer surface of the front plate. This configuration
provides an advantage where the releasable button may otherwise be
disengaged unintentionally. In some examples, the release button is
biased towards a position where the outer surface is flush with the
outer surface of the front plate by a spring. Other features of the
front plate 140 and the releasable clasp 145 may be added without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as will be
apparent to one with skill in the art.
[0036] In some embodiments, the device 100 further comprises a
fastener 110 that can be used to secure the device to a support
structure (see FIGS. 5-7). The fastener 110 may be formed as a
unitary piece with the main body 105. One example is provided in
FIGS. 1-4, wherein the main body 105 comprises a top hole 111,
which allows the fastener to be attached to the main body 105 of
the pulley. The fastener 110 may comprise, for example, an eye
(FIG. 6), a hook, a gated hook (FIGS. 7A-7B), an eye and a
carabiner in combination (FIG. 5), or any other suitable
fastener.
[0037] Another aspect of the present disclosure, an embodiment of
which is illustrated in FIG. 4, provides a system 400 for hoisting
or lowering a load. The system 400 comprises the device 100,
attached to a support structure 450, arranged with a cord 440
having a load bearing portion 440a and a restraining portion 440b.
The load bearing portion 440a of the cord 440 runs from the
friction assembly 115 of the device 100 to a load 430, located
directly below the device 100. The restraining portion 440b of the
cord 440 runs from the sheave 130 of the device 100 to an operator
420.
[0038] The system 400 of the present disclosure is intended to
allow an operator 420 to hoist or lower a load 430 with minimal
effort. In particular, the system 400 of the present disclosure may
be used to significantly reduce the amount of preparation time,
while also providing the operator (i.e., user) with enough
resistance to have a substantial control when lowering a heavy
load, even where circumstances place the operator 420 in a
precarious position, such as where the operator 420 is at an
elevated position and is working within a limited space or surface
area, thereby decreasing the amount of leverage available.
[0039] Referring to the description of the device above, the cord
440 is arranged relative to the device 100 such that the load
bearing portion 440a descends from a friction accessory 115 of the
device. Accordingly, the restraining portion 440b of the cord 440
is in contact with the sheave 130 at a point within chamber 160.
This arrangement is simple to complete, even for an operator 420
located at an elevated location, equal to or higher than the device
100. In comparison to the prior art, the system may be prepared by
an operator 420, having ascended to an elevated location for
example where an injured person is suspended, and further allows
the operator to lower the load from the elevated location.
[0040] The operator 420 may be in any orientation relative to the
device 410. In situations where the system 400 is used to hoist a
load 430 and where the operator 420 is located directly above the
device 100, such that the restraining portion 440b is substantially
vertical, the device 100 could potentially turn to one side or the
other and place the cord 440 in a position relative to the device
100 that very little friction is created between the device 100 and
the cord 440. Referring to the description of the device above, one
example of a solution is to provide the device 100 with a second
fastener, such as on the back of the main body 105 or connected to
the friction device, thereby connecting the device 410 of system
400 to the support structure 450 in at least two places, thereby
fixing the orientation of the device 410. Alternatively, the main
body of the device may be constructed to have a narrow top portion
above the sheave, thereby allowing the rope to come in contact with
the sheave from a variety of angles without causing undue stress on
the main body.
[0041] The manner in which the cord is engaged with the friction
accessory may have a large impact on the amount of friction, and
can be adjusted accordingly to manage the weight of the load. In
some examples, the cord is wrapped around a vertical portion of the
friction accessory, as shown in FIG. 400. It is estimated that one
360.degree. wrap of the cord around the friction accessory will
reduce the amount of force required to stabilize the load by a
factor of 10. Two wraps)(720.degree.) will reduce the amount of
force required by an approximate factor of 50.
[0042] The operator 420 may be a person, as depicted in FIG. 4, or
may be a machine. Some examples of machines that may perform or aid
in the performance of the function of the operator 420 include:
cranking mechanisms, (e.g., winch, spinning reels, ratcheting
devices, jacks, etc.); industrial machinery, (e.g., forklifts,
vehicles, cranes); and other machines, (e.g., levers, etc.). This
list is not meant to be exhaustive and should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0043] The load 430 that is hoisted or lowered by the system 400
may be any item that requires hoisting or lowering. The system 400
is particularly useful in connection with lowering a heavy load
where the situation provides very little time or resources for
preparing a lowering mechanism. In an alternative example, the
device 100 is used to lower a load 430, where the load 430
comprises an injured person, from an elevated location. Some other
examples of a load 430, where expediency may be required, include
hazardous materials, heavy equipment, or another item having an
impact on safety. Further, various embodiments of the system 400 of
the present disclosure may be employed to avoid the negative impact
of an externality, such as a thunderstorm or other natural or
man-made emergency.
[0044] The system 400 is described above as comprising a cord 440,
but the rope may be a cable or wire rope. The cord (e.g., a rope or
cable) of the system may be manufactured from any suitable material
for the application. Durability and strength are key factors in
determining what cord to use in any particular application. Such
choices are within the scope of those knowledgeable in the art.
[0045] The system 400 is useful to hoist or lower a load 430 where
the device 410 is attached to a support structure 450. The support
structure 450 may comprise a building, a wall, a fence, a vehicle,
a scaffold, a power pole, or any other structure capable of support
the weight of the load 430. The support structure 450 may further
comprise a device for connecting the device 410 to the support
structure 450, such as a hook or a cable connected to the support
structure 450.
[0046] Other embodiments of the system may be arranged to create a
mechanical advantage. One example of a system with a mechanical
advantage similar to a set-of-fours is constructed with the device,
secured to a support structure, and a cord. The cord is loaded into
the chamber, the cord comprising an end with a loop or an eye. The
loop or eye is then placed over an end of the friction accessory. A
bight of the cord, between the device and the loop or eye, is then
passed through an eye or other opening of a fastener attached to
the load. The bight of cord is then placed over an end of the
friction accessory, similar to the loop or eye in the end of the
cord. The result is an arrangement whereby the operator can use the
restraining portion of the cord to hoist the load using a
mechanical advantage of 2 to 1, ignoring friction.
[0047] In operation, the device and system of the present
disclosure may be employed as part of a method for hoisting and/or
lowering a load. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a method
according to the present disclosure. The order of the various steps
described below may be changed without departing from the scope of
the invention.
[0048] The hoisting device is first secured to a structure. (STEP
610). The device may be any example of a device in accordance with
the present disclosure. The structure may be any structure capable
of supporting the load that is being lifted, and may comprise a
person. The structure may further comprise a device or feature that
enables the attachment of the device to the structure, such as a
hook or a harness.
[0049] The device is prepared for use by moving the front plate to
an open position. (STEP 620). In some embodiments, this step is
performed by disengaging the releasable clasp and swiveling the
front plate from the closed position to an open position, thereby
opening the chamber and gaining general access to the sheave. Once
the front plate is placed in an open position, a bight of cord may
be loaded into the sheave. (STEP 630). Once the cord is in position
against the sheave, the front plate may be returned to the closed
position and the releasable clasp engaged. (STEP 640).
[0050] The method of the present disclosure further provides a step
of passing the cord through the friction accessory. (STEP 650A).
The rope is placed in the friction accessory in a manner that will
roughly create the desired amount of friction. In some instances,
the operator may choose to wrap the cord around a portion of the
friction accessory more than once, so long as the cord is still
capable of moving against the friction accessory in hoisting or
lowering the load.
[0051] Another step comprises attaching the cord to the load. (STEP
650B). The step of attaching the cord to the load may include tying
a knot around the load, attaching an end of the cord to a fastener,
or any other method known in the art. While the steps of the method
described in the present disclosure are not strictly limited by a
particular order, many of the steps have a relative order that aids
in the performance of the method. The respective steps of placing
the rope in the friction accessory and attaching the cord to the
load, are particularly interchangeable, depending on the
circumstances. Where the load is partially suspended prior to using
this method, the method is best employed by engaging the cord with
the friction accessory prior to attaching the rope to the load.
[0052] With the rope and device in place, the operator may then
perform the step of hoisting or lowering the load. (STEP 660). As
explained above, the method of the present disclosure provides
particular advantages when lowering a load because the friction
created will tend to reduce the amount of force required to keep
the load suspended from the device. Still, the method of the
present disclosure does provide some advantages in hoisting a
device as well. In particular, while the friction works against the
operator when lifting, the friction provides the operator with some
security against dropping the load and allows the operator to pause
while hoisting the load without losing progress, so long as some
tension is continuously placed on the cord.
[0053] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present apparatus and process are merely possible examples
of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding
of the principles of the disclosure. Many different embodiments of
the disclosure described herein may be designed and/or fabricated
without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All
these and other such modifications and variations are intended to
be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and
protected by the following claims. Therefore the scope of the
disclosure is not intended to be limited except as indicated in the
appended claims.
* * * * *