Abstract
An apparatus for securely joining ropes for rope suspension or payload tie down. The apparatus includes a two substantially identical channel assemblies configured having a first bend to form a rope groove on one end and a second bend to form a cam channel on the other end, the cam channel having a rivet hole and a pin therethrough to enable a cam to rotate therein, and an attachment mechanism to secure the channel assemblies back-to-back thereto. By opening the cam of either assembly, a rope may be threaded through the rope grove, then again on the opposite assembly. The rope can be pulled from its end away from the assemblies to tighten prior to closing the cam(s) upon the ropes. The rope can further be secured by continuing to pull after the cam has been closed, or by using an optional tightening mechanism and method. A method of tying down cargo or rope suspension using the apparatus of the disclosure for uses such as general-purpose camping, hiking, and other general-purpose tie-down and/or suspension uses of ropes. A method of tightening one or more ropes using the tie-down apparatus disclosed.
Claims
1. A tie-down apparatus for securely joining a first rope end to a second rope end, the tie-down apparatus comprising: a first and second channel assembly having: a first bend to form a rope groove; a second bend to form a cam channel opposite said first bend; said cam channel having a rivet hole; and a spring-loaded pin therethrough said rivet hole; a first cam rotatably installed thereon said spring-loaded pin of said first channel assembly; a second cam rotatably installed thereon said spring-loaded pin of said second channel assembly; and an attachment mechanism to secure said first channel assembly back-to-back thereto said second channel assembly; wherein said first cam and said second cam feature a portion having a high-friction surface area proximate an area which is in contact with the first and second rope ends when the tie-down apparatus is in a closed position.
2. The tie-down apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cam length for said first cam and said second cam is greater than a distance between said first bend and said second bend.
3. The tie-down apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first cam and said second cam provide oppositional pinching and frictional forces upon the first rope end and the second rope end.
4. The tie-down apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an at least one tightening accessory loop capable of operable combination with an accessory, said at least one tightening accessory loop is perpendicular the rope groove.
5. The tie-down apparatus of claim 4, wherein said accessory is an eye-bolt.
6. The tie-down apparatus of claim 5, wherein said eye-bolt is configured to receive an at least one of the first rope end and the second rope end.
7. The tie-down apparatus of claim 6, wherein said eye-bolt is further configured to receive a rod, which may be spun to tighten an at least one of the first rope end and the second rope end through the apparatus.
8. The tie-down apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first cam lever and a second cam lever, wherein said first and said second cam levers comprise a perpendicular ridge for rotating the first cam and the second cam.
9. The tie-down apparatus of claim 6, wherein an at least one of said first cam lever and said second cam lever is spring loaded and capable of rotating opposite said rotation of the first cam lever and said second cam to lock said at least one of the first cam lever and said second cam lever above the cam channel to lock the apparatus in an open position
10. The tie-down apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an at least one aperture of one or more of a group of parts, the group of parts comprising the first and second channel assembly, the first cam, and the second cam.
11. The tie-down apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least one aperture is capable of receiving an at least one accessory, said at least one accessory from a group of accessories, the group of accessories comprising a carabiner, a hook, a web, a net, a mesh, a bungie, a rope, an anchor, a pin, a bolt, and a strap.
12. A method of securing a first rope end to a second rope end, the method comprising: providing a tie-down apparatus having: a first and second channel assembly each having a first bend to form a rope groove, a second bend to form a cam channel opposite said first bend, said cam channel having a rivet hole, and a spring-loaded pin therethrough said rivet hole; a first cam rotatably installed thereon said spring-loaded pin of said first channel assembly; a second cam rotatably installed thereon said spring-loaded pin of said second channel assembly; and an attachment mechanism to secure said first channel assembly back-to-back thereto said second channel assembly; raising said first and said second cam into an open position; threading the first rope end through said rope groove of said first channel assembly in a direction of which each of said first cam is pointed; threading the second rope end through said rope groove of said second channel assembly in an opposing direction; and closing said first and said second cams upon said first rope end and said second rope end; pulling each of said first and said second rope ends in a direction away from the tie-down apparatus.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said first cam and said second cam comprise a rope-contact side which has frictional characteristics against a rope.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the apparatus further comprises a first cam lever and a second cam lever.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first cam lever and second cam lever form a perpendicular ridge perpendicular a rotational movement of the first cam and the second cam.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first cam lever and second cam lever rotate via a spring-loaded pin to rest above the cam channel and lock the apparatus in an open position.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tie-down apparatus further comprises an at least one tightening accessory loop capable of operable combination with an accessory, the at least one tightening accessory loop is perpendicular the rope groove
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said accessory is an eye-bolt configured to receive an at least one of the first rope end and the second rope end, said eye-bolt is further configured to receive a rod.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a step of spinning the eye-bolt to tighten an at least one of the first rope end and the second rope end through the tie-down apparatus.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein the tie-down apparatus further comprises an at least one aperture, said at least one aperture is capable of receiving an at least one accessory, said at least one accessory from a group of accessories, the group of accessories comprising a carabiner, a hook, a web, a net, a mesh, a bungie, a rope, an anchor, a pin, a bolt, and a strap, further comprising a method step of attaching said at least one accessory to the tie-down apparatus.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the universal tie-down apparatus, the apparatus in the open position ready to receive a rope;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the universal tie-down apparatus, the apparatus in the open position ready to receive a rope;
[0023] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the universal tie-down apparatus, the apparatus in the open position and having a rope installed in each position thereon;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the universal tie-down apparatus, the apparatus in the closed position for securing a rope thereon; and
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the steps of an exemplary method of use of the universal tie-down apparatus.
[0026] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0028] The present disclosure solves the aforementioned limitations of the currently available devices and methods of securely joining ropes by providing an apparatus capable of securely joining a first rope to a second rope through the apparatus. Once joined in a convenient location, each end of each rope may be pulled through in order to secure the apparatus to the rope. In the closed position, the cams of the universal tie down apparatus “bite” upon the rope under incredible force and only allow movement in a single direction. As movement in the other direction being prevented, the rope may be secured to a structure, such as a tree or building, or a conveyance for transport. As may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the universal tie-down apparatus may be thought of as a type of “Chinese finger trap”, which only allows outward movement from the device once a grasping or other frictional pressure is relieved.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1 specifically, therein illustrated is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of universal tie-down apparatus 100, universal tie-down apparatus 100 in the open position ready to receive a rope. Universal tie-down apparatus 100, or simply apparatus 100, is illustrated as having channel assembly, or channel portion 130. Chanel portion 130 may include or may be configured having rope receiving bend 139, having rope entrance 132 and rope exit 131, which is opposite cam-pin bend at cam channel 137. In combination, channel portion 130 may be thought of as an entire channel assembly having rope receiving bend 139 and cam channel 137, along with their various sub-components and areas of interest as herein illustrated and described. Hence, it may be formed as a unified single part, or as multiple sub-parts and components thereof. Cam 111 may include or may be configured having a connection to channel portion 130 via cam spring pin 119. Cam 111 further comprises a frictional component, such as teeth 112 which extend into rope receiving bend 139 when apparatus 100 is in the closed or securing position to removably lock rope R therein. Lever 127 operably engages biasing element 123 (illustrated therein as a spring) to open and close cam 111 upon a rope during use. As illustrated herein FIG. 1, lever 125, 127 may have formed thereon a perpendicular ridge in order to provide grip and facilitate force provided in the direction opposite of spring-loaded pin 119. As shown, apparatus 100 features substantially identical components on the side opposite of what is illustrated and is connected using pins in a non-chiral back-to-back arrangement such that rope may be fed through opposing sides and tension upon rope is generated in opposing directions when fully engaged. Swing force 51 is achieved using cam spring pin 119 in order to open and close cam 111 of apparatus 100 and swing force S2 may be achieved using levers 127, 125 to relieve downward tension for disengagement of apparatus 100. As may be understood by those having skill in the art, channel portion 130 may feature an at least one aperture or several apertures, or simply holes thereon. These may offer the triple-benefit of lowering the overall weight of apparatus 100, lowering the cost to manufacture apparatus 100, and the ability to attach accessories, such as e.g., carabiners, netting, or other tie-down apparatuses, such as ratcheting straps or hooks.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2 specifically, therein illustrated is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of universal tie-down apparatus 100, universal tie-down apparatus 100 in the open position ready to receive a rope. The alternate embodiment illustrated therein FIG. 2 may include all features of exemplary embodiment of universal tie-down apparatus 100. Those include channel portion 130 having rope receiving bend 139 opposite cam-pin bend 137, cam 111 attached thereto using cam spring pin 119, cam 111 having teeth 112, lever 125, lever 127, and biasing element 123. The alternate embodiment of apparatus 100 further includes first eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye bolt receiving loop 142. First eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye-bolt receiving loop 142 may each receive an eye-bolt for the further tightening and securing of a rope using the universal tie-down apparatus 100. By first threading the rope through rope receiving bend 139 and the second rope receiving bend opposite rope receiving bend 139 (not pictured) and securing cam 111 upon the rope using, e.g., teeth 112, to hold the rope in place proximate a rope into the aperture formed atop said eye-bolt after first threading said rope through rope receiving bend 139 and closing cam 111 upon the rope. The eye-bolt may be passed upwardly (with the eye atop the loop) or downwardly (with the eye beneath the loop according to the viewer perspective) through either (or both) of first eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye-bolt receiving loop. The rope may be then threaded through the eye, and the bolt may be spun to increase tension upon the system formed using apparatus 100 and rope end R1 and rope end R2. Additional mechanisms, such as another eye-bolt, a rod, a crank, a drill attachment, the like and/or combinations thereof, may be additionally threaded through the eye of the eye-bolt, thereby increasing the force possible to spin the bolt. Such a mechanism may be critical to relieving tension upon a system of the disclosure, especially in cases where a payload has expanded during transit/storage, or when initial tension was similarly highly-secured. By pulling the rope, tension through the device is relieved, which may relieve the pinching pressure upon ropes R1, R2 and enable the cams to be opened and the rope R1, R2 may be easily removed.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3 specifically, therein illustrated is another perspective view of the alternate embodiment of universal tie-down apparatus 100, universal tie-down apparatus 100 in the open position and having first rope end R1 and second rope end R2 installed in each corresponding position thereon. As was the case with the alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the same embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 may include all features of exemplary embodiment of universal tie-down apparatus 100, plus additional features not illustrated therein FIG. 1. Those include channel portion 130 having rope receiving bend 139 opposite cam-pin bend 137, cam 111 attached thereto using cam spring pin 119, cam 111 having teeth 112, lever 125, lever 127, and biasing element 123. The alternate embodiment of apparatus 100 further includes first eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye bolt receiving loop 142. First eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye-bolt receiving loop 142 may each receive an eye-bolt for the further tightening and securing of a rope using the universal tie-down apparatus 100. By first threading the rope through rope receiving bend 139 and the second rope receiving bend opposite rope receiving bend 139 (not pictured) and securing cam 111 upon the rope using, e.g., teeth 112, to hold the rope in place proximate a rope into the aperture formed atop said eye-bolt after first threading said rope through rope receiving bend 139 and closing cam 111 upon the rope. The eye-bolt may be passed upwardly (with the eye atop the loop) through either (or both) of first eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye-bolt receiving loop. The rope may be then threaded through the eye, and the bolt may be spun to increase tension upon the system formed using apparatus 100 and rope end R1 and rope end R2. Additional mechanisms, such as another eye-bolt, a rod, a crank, a drill attachment, the like and/or combinations thereof, may be additionally threaded through the eye of the eye-bolt, thereby increasing the force possible to spin the bolt. Such a mechanism may be critical to relieving tension upon a system of the disclosure, especially in cases where a payload has expanded during transit/storage, or when initial tension was similarly highly-secured. By pulling the rope, tension through the device is relieved, which may relieve the pinching pressure upon ropes R1, R2 and enable the cams to be opened and the rope R1, R2 may be easily removed. As illustrated therein FIG. 3, rope end R1 may extend through rope receiving bend 139 in the direction of cam 111 when in the open position. As can be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, teeth 112 of cam 111 may preferably be oriented to provide maximal frictional force toward the end of rope end R1, such that pulling the end of rope end R1 away from apparatus 100 may slightly open cam 111, but bind the system once pulling has stopped. A repeating of this process for rope end R2 will complete the system of the disclosure, which includes apparatus 100, rope end R1, and rope end R2.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4 specifically, is an elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the universal tie-down apparatus, the apparatus in the closed position for securing a rope thereon. As was the case with the alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the same embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 may include all features of exemplary embodiment of universal tie-down apparatus 100, plus additional features not illustrated therein FIG. 1. Those include channel portion 130 having rope receiving bend 139 opposite cam-pin bend 137, cam 111 attached thereto using cam spring pin 119, cam 111 having teeth 112, lever 125, lever 127, and biasing element 123. The alternate embodiment of apparatus 100 further includes first eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye bolt receiving loop 142. First eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye-bolt receiving loop 142 may each receive an eye-bolt for the further tightening and securing of a rope using the universal tie-down apparatus 100. By first threading the rope through rope receiving bend 139 and the second rope receiving bend opposite rope receiving bend 139 (not pictured) and securing cam 111 upon the rope using, e.g., teeth 112, to hold the rope in place proximate a rope into the aperture formed atop said eye-bolt after first threading said rope through rope receiving bend 139 and closing cam 111 upon the rope. The eye-bolt may be passed upwardly (with the eye atop the loop) through either (or both) of first eye-bolt receiving loop 141 and second eye-bolt receiving loop 142. The rope may be then threaded through the eye, and the bolt may be spun to increase tension upon the system formed using apparatus 100 and rope end R1 and rope end R2. Additional mechanisms, such as another eye-bolt, a rod, a crank, a drill attachment, the like and/or combinations thereof, may be additionally threaded through the eye of the eye-bolt, thereby increasing the force possible to spin the bolt. Such a mechanism may be critical to relieving tension upon a system of the disclosure, especially in cases where a payload has expanded during transit/storage, or when initial tension was similarly highly-secured. By pulling the rope, tension through the device is relieved, which may relieve the pinching pressure upon ropes R1, R2 and enable the cams to be opened and the rope R1, R2 may be easily removed. As illustrated therein FIG. 3, rope end R1 may extend through rope receiving bend 139 in the direction of cam 111 when in the open position. As can be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, teeth 112 of cam 111 may preferably oriented to provide maximal frictional force toward the end of rope end R1, such that pulling the end of rope end R1 away from apparatus 100 may slightly open cam 111, but bind the system once pulling has stopped. A repeating of this process for rope end R2 will complete the system of the disclosure, which includes apparatus 100, rope end R1, and rope end R2. As viewed in the closed position, various features of the apparatus 100 of the disclosure are further illustrated. In a fully closed position, cam 111 may rest upon rope receiving bend 139. Depending on whether cam 111 is flat or grooved, some length of rope may be fed through rope receiving bend 139 without opening, or without fully-opening cam 111. Similarly, opening may be required to initially place rope ends R1, R2 through rope-receiving bend 139, and upon closure, rope ends R1, R2, they may be pinched between cam 111 and rope receiving bend 139 to achieve the result of securing the rope in place. When so secured, cam spring pin 119 and cam 111 in conjunction provide the required downward force for such security and pinching force upon rope ends R1, R2, such that they may be held in place until such time a user desires to open apparatus 100 using, for instance, levers 125, 127 or optional accessory attachments to relieve pressure by increasing tension, as described above.
[0033] It is contemplated herein that a wide variety of materials may be utilized to form apparatus 100 of the disclosure. These may preferably include various durable, high-strength to weight materials, such as stainless steel and/or aluminum. Other materials may include other metals, plastics, rubbers, composite materials (e.g., fiberglass and/or carbon fiber), wood, synthetic materials, natural materials, the like and/or combinations thereof. Frictional forces may be achieved using various combinations of these to offer safety or other utilitarian benefits. For example, cam 111 may be coated with a rubberized material to increase its frictional force and reduce the capacity for injury if digits or other anatomical features are placed into rope receiving bend 139 during closure. Those skilled in the art may understand the various tradeoffs and benefits possible by exchanging materials of apparatus 100 of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not so limited to one material or the materials as they may be described herein. Importantly, friction plays an important role in the capabilities of apparatus 100 as herein described and illustrated. Though the inventor has contemplated and disclosed a preferable means to achieve maximal frictional force, the disclosure is not so limited to teeth 112 and may include ridging, grit, scoring, rubberization, the like and/or combinations thereof to achieve the intended goal of supplying adequate grip and friction within apparatus 100 to secure rope R1, R2.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is a flow chart of the steps of an exemplary method of use of the universal tie-down apparatus 100. Beginning at first method step 501, apparatus 100 of the disclosure is provided and opened to expose rope receiving bend 139. In a potentially preferred embodiment of the disclosed apparatus 100, the open position may be locked by raising levers 125, 127 over and around cam channel 137. Next, at second method step 502, rope is placed into each end of rope receiving bend 139 (132-131) in the direction the open cam 111 is pointed, or with an end pointing in the direction of the open cam 111. Third method step 503 may then require each cam 111 to be closed upon the rope. Then, at fourth method step 504, each of rope end R1 and rope end R2 may be pulled away from apparatus 100. Finally, in order to relieve pressure upon the system, cam 111 and/or the opposing cam 111 may be opened at fifth method step 505. It should be noted that all pressure upon a system formed according to this method may be relieved upon the opening of a single cam 111, but that storage may require opening of the opposing cam 111. Additionally, those features, combinations, and accessories disclosed above may be incorporated into various methods of the disclosure in order to tighten or relieve pressure upon the system formed therein, according to the features and potential options herein described.
[0035] In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.
[0036] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.
